First Quantum Commissioned Zambia Copper Mine Expansion Project

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Canadian-based mining and metals company First Quantum Minerals has commissioned the much-awaited expansion of its Kansanshi copper mine in Zambia. The $1.25 billion expansion project is considered to be the largest copper investment in the country in almost a decade.

The initial proposal for the expansion project was made in 2012. The commissioning comes three years after securing board approval. The project comprises of a new processing plant, which is expected to double the mine’s ore-milling capacity. In addition, the expansion will open up a new pit for mining and expand smelter throughput by at least one-fourth.

The company's production will increase as a result of the anticipated expansion, particularly once the Cobre Panama mine closes in 2023. Following the closure, Kansanshi and its neighboring Sentinel mine in Zambia currently produce over 90% of First Quantum's output. More over half of the copper produced in the nation comes from these two mines combined.

It is projected that the Kansanshi copper mine will produce 250,000 tonnes of copper annually on average through 2044, which is a substantial increase from the 171,000 tonnes produced in 2024. By the early 2030s, the nation hopes to treble its overall copper production.

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