Kansanshi Mine to create 1,800 jobs in North-Western Province

Kansanshi mine, located in the North-Western province, plans to create 1,800 jobs this year as part of its mine expansion.

The expansion is made possible by a significant $1.3 billion investment approved by First Quantum Minerals (FQM). The mine, co-owned by FQM and the government-owned Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment, is the most prolific copper and gold producer in the country.

The expansion aims to develop the current medium-sized mine, which focuses on high-grade ores, into a larger operation focused on extracting primary, lower-grade sulphide ores at greater depths. Upon completion, the mine projects an increase in annual copper production from 150,000 metric tonnes to 280,000 tonnes.

After a decade-long hiatus, the financial push has allowed the project to resume. FQM stated that it aims to enhance productivity, efficiency, and environmental friendliness by using hybrid mining equipment and implementing design and engineering improvements into the S3 process plant.

Anthony Mukutuma, the Company's General Manager, expects jobs to materialise by June, coinciding with the peak of the S3 expansion project. Upon the completion of S3 construction, Mukutuma anticipates filling 800 direct employment positions.

The expansion project is set to be completed by May 2025, with the plant scheduled to start operations in June of the same year, marking a significant milestone for Zambia’s mining sector.