FQM begins nickel concentrate production, set to become Africa’s largest producer

Production of nickel concentrate has begun at First Quantum Minerals’ new Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila District of North-Western Province.

FQM Project Manager, Axel Kottgen, said once in full production, the mine would be the largest producer of the strategic metal in Africa.

Kottgen said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday that Nickel, like lithium, cobalt, and copper was an essential component in the batteries required for the new era of ‘green’ vehicles.

He said development of the mine and plant resumed last year after FQM earmarked an additional US$100 million investment to finalise the project in the light of improved market conditions.

“As the mining operation develops, the pit is deepening and the ore quality is increasing. The plant is now operating continuously and we expect to generate nickel concentrate in a continuous stream. Moreover, the operation is expected to steadily increase production volumes over the next two years,” Kottgen explained .

He said it was designed to process four million tonnes of ore and produce around 32,000 tonnes of nickel per year.

Kottgen said the enterprise would provide an estimated 700 permanent jobs and diversify the nation’s minerals and metals output.

He added that this would make Zambia the largest Nickel producer on the continent and the 10th largest producer in the world of the highly sought-after mineral.

“In addition, the operation generates indirect employment through sub-contractors and suppliers. Studies have shown that in Zambia one worker supports 10 dependents, generating a significant economic impact,” he said.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, is expected to formally commission the mine’s new concentrator in early August.

The first off-take comes a year after President Hakainde Hichilema commissioned the mine, launching Zambia’s journey to becoming a key player in the new global electric vehicle ecosystem.

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