FQM Kansanshi’s $1.2bn expansion project exceeds design throughput in first year

“At the centre of the expansion is a new 25-million-tonne-per-annum sulphide processing line, substantially increasing Kansanshi’s total processing capacity and supporting the mine’s transition towards larger-scale mining.”

“Metallurgical performance continues to improve as the operation optimises the plant and gains further experience with different ore blends. Copper concentrate produced by S3 has also been successfully integrated with Kansanshi’s main concentrate stream and meets the required smelter quality specifications.”

He added that the combination of high throughput and the ability to economically process lower-grade ore is strategically important for Kansanshi.

“It allows the mine to access a broader range of sulphide resources and supports the development of future mining areas, including the South East Dome. Publicly shared life-of-mine plans indicate that the expanded operation is expected to support Kansanshi into the 2040s and beyond.”

Ellis added that in Zambia’s national context, S3’s successful ramp-up comes at a time when the country is seeking to substantially increase national copper production. “By adding processing capacity and enabling more of Kansanshi’s mineral resource to be economically recovered, S3 increases the productive capacity of Zambia’s mining industry and demonstrates First Quantum Minerals’ continued long-term investment in the country.”

He said the project has also created significant economic opportunities for Zambians.

Meanwhile, Ellis noted that during construction, the S3 workforce peaked at approximately 2,500 people. Following commissioning, around 750 additional operational positions were created to support expanded mining and processing activities.

“Zambian suppliers, contractors and service providers have also benefited from increased demand for goods and services associated with the expanded operation, while higher levels of mining activity contribute to government revenues and wider economic activity in North-Western Province and across Zambia.”

“S3 forms part of a wider modernisation of Kansanshi, including investment in the smelter, tailings infrastructure, mining fleet, processing equipment and integrated operating systems.”

He said the first year of operation has also provided valuable experience in optimising the plant for a wider range of ore types. Processing long-term stockpiled material presents different metallurgical characteristics from fresh ore, requiring close coordination between mining, maintenance, processing and metallurgy teams.

He concluded by adding that continuous optimisation of operating practices has helped the plant progressively improve performance, while sustained throughput above design capacity during 2026 demonstrates the progress achieved during ramp-up.