Kansanshi Mining PLC, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM), has officially launched the $1.25 billion S3 Expansion Project at Kansanshi Mine, with President Hakainde Hichilema, naming it as one of the largest private sector investments in Zambia’s history. The project, which extends the mine’s operational life to 2040, is set to secure thousands of jobs, create new employment opportunities, and boost local procurement by engaging more Zambian suppliers and contractors.
Speaking during the official launch of the S3 project at Kansanshi mine in Solwezi, North Western Province, attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, President Hakainde Hichilema commended FQM for its confidence in Zambia’s economy and for fulfilling its commitment to expand Kansanshi.
The President described the S3 Expansion as a strategic driver of national growth, highlighting its potential to spur economic activity and its critical role in supporting government initiatives such as free education, which has returned two million children to school.
“I have heard from our competitors saying we have given away revenue to the mining companies; numbers don’t lie, FQM is the largest taxpayer in Zambia. What does that mean? it means that the free education that we have embarked on, which has brought two million children back to school, the revenue we use for free education, a good portion comes from FQM. It means the desks we are buying for our school children, a good portion of which comes from FQM, and the government is committed to remaining a partner.”
President Hichilema also recognized the company’s ongoing investment in education and community development. He emphasized the importance of partnership between government and the private sector, noting that FQM remains Zambia’s largest taxpayer, with its contributions directly supporting national priorities.
He emphasized that the expansion is a cornerstone of the nation’s growth agenda and its ambitious target to increase copper production to three million tons annually.
The President happily declared the S3 Expansion Project officially open, calling it a defining moment in Zambia’s development journey and an inspiration for continued investment and growth in the mining sector.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd, Chief Executive Officer, Tristan Pascal, Pascal highlighted that the project would increase copper production from FQM’s Zambian operations to between 450,000 tons and 500,000 tons, and that the new processing plant is designed to treat 25-million tonnes of ore yearly and incorporates “cutting-edge technology” and sustainability features.
Pascal noted that the S3 Expansion includes a new processing plant capable of treating 25 million tons of copper ore annually, featuring advanced technology and sustainability measures, and will increase Kansanshi’s copper processing capacity to over 53 million tons per annum.
First Quantum Minerals emphasized its commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible mining, and continued investment in community development, including education, health, and agriculture in the North-Western Province.
He revealed that, during the construction stage, over 535 local companies, with more than 400 of them Zambian-owned, were involved, highlighting the project’s significant local impact.
The company expressed gratitude to the Zambian government and local leaders for their partnership and support, crediting clear policies and collaboration for enabling such large-scale investments.
With the S3 Expansion, First Quantum CEO reaffirmed the firm’s long-term commitment to Zambia’s growth and prosperity.
Meanwhile, ZCCM Investments Holdings, which holds a 20% stake in the project, highlighted the significance of the newly launched S3 Kansanshi project, describing it as a testament to the government’s efforts in stabilizing Zambia’s mining sector.
Board Chairperson, Phesto Musonda, stated that between 2022 and 2024, the company earned K1.4 billion (US$54 million) in royalties from Kansanshi, averaging US$13 million per quarter, separate from mineral royalty taxes paid to the government. Musonda expressed appreciation for project partner FQM and underscored the anticipated positive impact of the S3 project on Zambia’s economy and ZCCM-IH’s future revenues.
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Chief Kapijimpanga of the Kaonde people in Solwezi district, who is also the hosting traditional leader, reflected on FQM Kansanshi mine’s 22-year presence in the community. He praised FQM as a responsible and empathetic investor, noting the company’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to local concerns.
The Chief highlighted a notable increase in local employment, emphasizing that the number of local hires is being carefully tracked and verified with assistance from partners.
