Luanshya Copper Mine Set to Restart Production After Two Decades of Rehabilitation
Zambia’s Luanshya Copper Mine to Resume Operations in August 2026 Following Major Dewatering and $710M Shaft Redevelopment
Luanshya Copper Mine is scheduled to resume production in August 2026 after more than two decades of inactivity, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to expand copper output and revitalize legacy mining assets.
The mine is majority owned by China Nonferrous Mining Corporation (CNMC), which acquired the operation in 2009 and holds an 80 percent stake.
Zambia’s state mining investment company, ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH), retains the remaining 20 percent share.
Before operations could restart, the mine underwent an extensive dewatering process after severe flooding damaged underground infrastructure and halted production for years.
Dewatering Milestone Clears Path for Mine Restart
According to the Ministry of Mines, approximately 87.9 million cubic metres of water had been pumped out of the mine as of March 27, enabling the start of infrastructure rehabilitation and construction activities required for production.
Operations are expected to resume first at the upper mine section in August 2026, while production from the deeper underground levels is planned for a later phase.
The lower mine is projected to begin operations in 2029 as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the 28 Shaft, a major capital project being undertaken by China Luanshya Mine.
Major Capital Investment Driving Long-Term Expansion
The redevelopment of the 28 Shaft represents a substantial investment estimated at approximately $710 million, covering the construction of new shaft systems, a modern concentrator plant, and associated infrastructure upgrades.
Project developers have already invested more than $75 million toward the redevelopment, with additional capital expenditures expected as construction progresses.
The operating company is also exploring potential collaboration with ZCCM-IH to develop new mining opportunities in recently acquired exploration areas within the Luanshya region.
Strategic Role in Zambia’s Copper Growth Targets
Once fully operational, the Luanshya mine is expected to produce approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of copper annually by 2030, contributing to Zambia’s national strategy to significantly expand copper output.
The country Africa’s second-largest copper producer is pursuing an ambitious target to more than triple annual copper production to 3 million tonnes by 2031, driven by renewed investment in existing mines, new project development, and infrastructure modernization.
The restart of Luanshya represents a key step in restoring dormant capacity within the Copperbelt and strengthening Zambia’s position in the global copper supply chain, particularly as demand for the metal rises in response to electrification and energy transition initiatives.
