Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has invited President Hakainde Hichilema to officiate at the first mining blast under the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), marking a major milestone in the exploitation of one of the world’s richest copper ore bodies.
The planned blast at the 1,390-metre level is seen as a critical step toward unlocking deep ore reserves, with the deposit estimated to contain copper grades of about 3.3 percent.
According to a statement issued by KCM, the milestone signals progress in advancing Zambia’s long-term copper production ambitions. The invitation follows the President’s recent visit to the KCM exhibition stand during the Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference.
The KDMP is a major investment projected to exceed US$700 million and forms part of KCM’s broader strategy to revitalise and expand mining operations following the resumption of activities at the mine.
Key developments under the project include large-scale dewatering works being undertaken by global mining contractor Mancala, as well as the installation of a high-speed underground rail system by Flint to improve operational efficiency.
KCM has also introduced modern automated raise-boring machines, aimed at enhancing safety, precision and productivity in underground operations.
KCM Chief Corporate Affairs Officer John Kunda described the first blast as a defining moment for both the mine and the country, symbolising renewed investment confidence, technological advancement and the unlocking of Zambia’s mineral potential.
Hey stop inviting the president to banal domestic stuff so you can make some mileage off his name. Can’t you just go ahead and ask a shift boss to mark your exploitation?
We are being told Zambia is projected to produce over 1 million tonnes of copper in 2026.
The country’s copper output is mainly driven by expansions at Canadian-owned mines Kansanshi and Lumwana.
The proceeds are externalized. leaving you to dry on the line. Any wonder why they say 12 billion dollars has been invested in the mines, but people’s lives are not improving an inch. Even self-praising themselves that they are working, its tough out in the compounds bane, truth be told. He said sworn in at 10 and kwacha picking at 14, nothing happened like many other promises
Engage in economics to grasp its functioning. How can the kwacha recover when the economy was in critical condition, if not already deceased under the PF administration? Common sense should occasionally be applied. Investment and labor must precede consumption and people`s lives will change. The effects will soon be felt by the average citizen. This is the initial step for Zambia to restore her productive capacity. If you believe that reversing GDP from -1.8% to +6% is trivial, reconsider your stance. I hold the educational institutions in Zambia accountable. Majority of you are not critical thinkers just making noise on things you don’t understand