Hichilema Commissions Expansion of Zambia’s Largest Copper Mine at Kansanshi
On 19 August 2025, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has officially inaugurated the Kansanshi Mine S3 expansion project. First Quantum Minerals (FQM; TSX: FM) approved the investment worth USD 1.25 billion in 2022 with the objective to increase production to 250,000 tonnes per year by 2030.
The Kansanshi copper mine has an estimated reserves of more than 700 million tonnes of ore graded at 0.86%. The Kansanshi mine also produces gold as a by-product. FQM is the controlling shareholder with an 80% stake, while the Zambian government holds 20% via the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH).
Even at the higher production rate, the lifespan of the mine is expected to last at least another 25 years. Back in 2022, FQM approved at the same time a USD 100 million investment into a nickel mine located 12 kilometers northwest of the Sentinel copper mine. Geological survey in 2020 revealed that the Nickel mine has an estimated reserves of 35 million tonnes of nickel sulphide ore at 0.99% grade.
“First Quantum has been working constructively with the Government of Zambia’s New Dawn administration as part of their efforts to reform the mining sector, attract investment and increase Zambia’s copper production. The approval of the projects reflects First Quantum’s increased confidence in the investment climate in Zambia. The S3 Expansion and the Enterprise nickel project are a key part of our brownfield growth strategy. The Kansanshi mine has been a cornerstone asset for First Quantum for 15 years and the S3 Expansion will expand production and extend the mine life for another two decades. The low-cost, high-grade Enterprise nickel project is well placed to supply the rapidly growing electric vehicle battery sector. The approval of these two projects is an important milestone for the Company’s path towards responsible production growth of the metals needed for the global green energy transition.”
FQM CEO Tristan Pascall
During the expansion, #FQM created 15,000 jobs, including 7,100 direct hires and 7,800 contractors. The mine expansion has provided a significant boost to the local economy and has contributed to enhance the infrastructure in the Solwezi District.
President Hichilema underscored that the huge investment is a show of confidence by investors in ‘Zambia’s economic management and governance reforms.’ On his part, the Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe responded to criticisms by highlighting that FQM is the largest taxpayer in Zambia and is committed to promote more local value addition (#LVA) to bring more socio-economic benefits to Zambians.
British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon underlined that Zambia is well-positioned to supply #CriticalMinerals to power the global #EnergyTransition. She reaffirmed UK’s support to mining and energy sectors of Zambia and the predictable climate and favorable environment were key factors for the large-scale investment.