Zambian Copper: Africa's Treasure and Future

【Sentinel Copper Mine】Sentinel Copper Mine is a large copper mine located in the Northwestern Province

 of Zambia with an annual production of up to 59.5 million metric tonnes. The mine is owned by Kalumbila 

Minerals, a subsidiary of FirstQuantum Minerals, and has ore reserves of approximately 811 million 

tonnes at 0.5% copper. Being an open pit mine, its ore is processed at a nearby plant. The mine is well-equipped 

with infrastructure, including 34 kilometres of sealed roads, power lines and a water supply from the Chisola Dam.

Sentinel Copper Mines is expected to operate until 2035 and will have a significant impact on the

 Zambian copper industry.

[Kansansi Copper Mine] Kansansi Copper Mine, located in the North West Province of Zambia, is an open pit mine,

 jointly owned by First Quantum Minerals and ZCCM Investments. The mine is widely regarded as one of the most 

productive copper mines in Africa, with an estimated 845 million tonnes of copper deposits grading 0.66%.In May 2022, 

First Quantum Minerals approved an expansion plan aimed at boosting production to 53 million tonnes through the 

construction of a 25 million tonnes per annum processing plant.

[Lumwana Copper Mine] The Lumwana Copper Mine, located in the same province and owned by Barrick Gold, 

is also open pit. Mining at the mine is expected to continue until 2049. Due to its strategic location and efficient

 operations, it is critical to Zambia's copper production. As the third largest mine in the region, Lumwana produces 

approximately 30.5 million tonnes per annum.

Detailed information is not yet available for the Muriasi project.

[Muriasi Project] The Muriasi Project, located in the Copperbelt, is an open pit copper mine, operated by a joint 

venture between CNMC and ZCCMInvestment. As the fourth largest mine, it has an annual production capacity of 4.3 million

 tonnes and is expected to operate until 2026. The Konkola mine, located 26 kilometres north of Chingola, is Zambia's

 major copper project with inferred copper reserves of 265.6 million tonnes grading 3.36%. The mine is owned by Vedanta 

Resources and ZCCM Investments and covers underground and open pit mines and metallurgical plants. Since its acquisition in 2004,

 more than $3 billion has been invested in upgrading equipment and expanding capacity, extending the life of the 

mine by more than 50 years.

Lubambe Mine, located in the Copperbelt Province, is owned by EMR Capital Group and ZCCM Investments. Operating since 2012,

 it is located approximately 468 kilometres from Lusaka. It covers an area of 228 square kilometres, including the East and South mining

 areas, and has an annual ore processing capacity of 2.4 million tonnes. The room-and-pillar mining method is used, which means that 

pillars are retained to support the top while mining. The Mopani mine is owned by ZCCM Investment and combines open pit and 

underground mining techniques. Copper production is expected to increase to 200,000 tonnes within three years. In December last year,

 Abu Dhabi International Resources Holdings announced a $1.1bn capital injection for a 51% stake, part of which will be used to expand 

production and provide working capital. (Opinions are for reference only and do not provide guidance on trading ccmn.cn)