Sinomine Green Copper Concentrate Plant Starts Production at Kitumba Mine
On 21 September 2026, Sinomine (SZSE: 2738) officially started production of copper concentrate at its #Kitumba Copper Mine in Zambia. In line with more local value addition (LVA), copper concentrate is but an intermediary step toward copper cathode. In the long term, Sinomine plans to process up to 3.5 million tonnes of ore annually, produce 55,000 tonnes of copper concentrate, and output 35,000 tonnes of copper cathode.
Sinomine plans to invest USD 600 million in the Kitumba Mine Project. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) called Sinomine Kitumba Minerals was created, whereby Sinomine holds a controlling 65% share through African Minerals, while Chifupu Resources retains the remaining 35%. The Board of Directors of Kitumba consists of 3 members from Sinomine and 2 from Chifupu.
As per the partnership agreement, the initial USD 300 million in investment will come mostly from Sinomine (95%), while Chifupu will contribute only 5%. After the threshold, further funding will be split along the 65/35 ratio of the shareholding structure. To ensure Chifupu meets its financial obligations, the contract stipulates that 30% of Chifupu’s equity will act as collateral.
In line with its Green Mining label, a 40-MW solar farm powers the plant, with excess energy fed to the national grid. To reach this stage, Sinomine invested in a 38-kilometer water pipeline from the Kafue River, which became operational in August 2026. Furthermore, the D181 road was rehabilitated to improve site access.
The Project is projected to create more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, with preference going to locals within the Mumbwa District of the Central Province. In addition, Sinomie has pledged to follow Sustainable Mining techniques and adhere to #ESG standards. Sinomine is committed to making the Kitumba project a model of China-Zambia cooperation in mining.
The smelter is still under construction, with trials expected by 4Q26 and full production of refined #copper in 1Q27. The Kitumba Copper Mine has an estimated reserve of 28 million tonnes of copper ore. Its operating life is 15 years, with total copper production reaching 570,200 tonnes over the life cycle.