Mopani targets 226, 000 tonnes annual copper output

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

MOPANI Copper Mines Plc has unveiled an ambitious plan to produce 226, 000 tonnes of copper concentrate annually within the next four years, marking a major milestone in its ongoing expansion and modernisation programme.
The initiative follows Mopani’s recapitalisation under its new strategic equity partner, International Resources Holding (IRH), which holds a 51 percent stake in the mining giant.
Speaking at the 2025 Zambia Mining and Investment Conference in Lusaka, Mopani Chief Executive Officer Charles Sakanya said the company’s expansion programme was already transforming operations, unlocking value, and contributing to the country’s target of achieving three million tonnes of refined copper output in the coming years.

“Once the expansion projects are completed, Mopani expects to produce 226, 000 tonnes of copper concentrate annually, translating to 7.5 percent of the national three-million-tonne target,” Mr Sakanya said.
He added that exploration within Mopani’s licence areas was underway, with the goal of increasing production to 300, 000 tonnes.
Mr Sakanya outlined the company’s long-term vision to double copper production to over 500, 000 tonnes within the next decade, while IRH aims to become a one-million-tonne copper producer in the country.
Since IRH’s onboarding 18 months ago, Mopani has recorded strong progress, including the creation of more than 2, 700 new jobs by the end of last month.
This brings the company’s total workforce to over 13, 600 employees – a 22 percent increase since March 2024.

As part of its local content development strategy, Mopani has awarded long-term mining contracts worth over US$73 million to three Zambian contractors – its first such move in history.
Additionally, all foreign contractors are now required to subcontract at least 20 percent of their contract value to local firms, benefitting five Zambian companies so far.
The mining firm is also driving digital transformation, with the rollout of optical fibre Wi-Fi connectivity and AI-based systems across its underground operations to improve safety, efficiency and real-time communication between surface and underground control centres.
“Our ongoing investments are laying a solid foundation for a resilient, productive, and inclusive mining future – not only in Kitwe and Mufulira but across Zambia,” Mr Sakanya said.
He added that key expansion projects, including the sinking of new shafts at Nkana, Mindola, and Mufulira and the construction of a new concentrator at Nkana, would protect existing jobs and create additional opportunities for Zambians in the years ahead.
Ends.