KCM Applauds Presidential Support for KDMP, Targets 300,000 Tonnes of Copper by 2031
Konkola Copper Mines Sets Sights on 300,000-Tonne Annual Output by 2031 with KDMP Boost
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has welcomed the directive from His Excellency, Republican President Hakainde Hichilema, to maintain and accelerate progress on the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), with the ambitious goal of achieving an annual copper production capacity of 300,000 tonnes by 2031.
President Hichilema made these remarks during his visit to the KCM exhibition stand at the 2025 Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, held from July 30 to August 4, 2025. He commended KCM’s efforts in reviving key mining operations and expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deliver on its production targets.
The President specifically urged KCM’s management to strengthen collaboration with industry partners to adopt innovative dewatering solutions for KDMP—widely regarded as Zambia’s wettest mine.
“Well done! For your dewatering projects, you can work with the team that is already doing it so you can share notes on how to pump out large volumes of water. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” President Hichilema advised.
So far, in partnership with its key business allies, KCM has completed significant mine development milestones, including raise boring and the installation of high-speed rail tramming systems. The company is on track to execute its first production blast in the third quarter of 2025 as part of a long-term growth and capital investment program.
To date, KCM has injected nearly US$400 million into its operations, reinforcing its commitment to boosting copper output and driving Zambia’s economic growth.
The President’s visit to KCM was among several high-profile engagements at the show. Other notable dignitaries at the KCM stand included:
His Excellency Advocate Duma Boko, President of Botswana and Guest of Honour
Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance
Hon. Mike Mposha, Minister of Green Economy
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism
Ms. Chilando Chitangala, Mayor of Lusaka
KCM remains committed to unlocking the full potential of KDMP and contributing to national development through sustainable mining practices.
