Kansanshi S3 Launch Set for August as FQM Nears Completion of the $1.25 Billion Expansion
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reached a significant milestone in the development of its US$1.25 billion Kansanshi S3 Expansion Project in Solwezi, North-Western Province.
Now 92% complete, the massive upgrade is on track for commissioning by August this year—marking a major milestone for one of Zambia’s most significant copper operations.
August 2025 will mark three years since FQM announced its bold commitment to expand the Kansanshi Mining operations—already among Zambia’s largest copper producers.
At the same time, the company pledged an additional US$100 million toward bringing the Enterprise Nickel Project in Kalumbila into full production, underlining its confidence in Zambia as a long-term investment destination.
Ryan Ellis, Corporate Affairs Superintendent at Kansanshi Mining PLC, described the S3 Expansion as a transformative project designed to significantly enhance the mine’s production capacity through the integration of cutting-edge mining and processing technologies.
“This upgrade remains on schedule and is expected to be fully commissioned by August this year,” said Ellis. “Once operational, it will represent a major leap forward in strengthening Zambia’s position as a global copper powerhouse.”
Kelvin Chitambo, Optimisation Manager at Kansanshi Mining PLC, highlighted that the expansion incorporates some of the most advanced technologies available in the mining industry, both regionally and globally.
“These innovations are focused on boosting operational efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Kansanshi operations,” Chitambo explained.
“It’s a forward-looking project that sets a new benchmark not only for Zambia but for the entire region.”
The Kansanshi S3 Expansion is poised to deliver wide-ranging benefits, including increased copper output, local employment opportunities, enhanced infrastructure, and greater government revenue.
It also reaffirms FQM’s commitment to Zambia’s economic development and its strategic importance in the global energy transition, where copper remains a vital resource.
As FQM moves closer to full commissioning of the S3 Expansion, the project stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and partnership—positioning Zambia to play an even more prominent role in meeting the world’s growing demand for copper in a sustainable way.
