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China Non-Ferrous Metals Corporation (CNMC) has reportedly invested US$100 million in the ongoing dewatering of Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mines on the Copperbelt, as part of a larger US$710 million investment plan for full mining operations.
Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo, who toured the site on Wednesday, said the dewatering exercise had reached 83 percent completion, adding that the project was progressing ahead of schedule.
“CNMC management has spent US$100 million on the dewatering process of Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mines PLC, with a total financial injection of US$710 million once the mine is fully operational,” Matambo told journalists after the tour.
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He expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for reviving mining activities on the Copperbelt and applauded CNMC for its commitment and efficiency.
“On behalf of the great people of the Copperbelt Province, we express our gratitude to our President, Hakainde Hichilema, for bringing the mining sector on the Copperbelt back to life,” Matambo said.
“The CNMC management has worked hard and ahead of schedule; the progress is impressive and real.”
Matambo noted that only 17 percent of the dewatering remained, with completion expected by December 2025.
The first tonne of copper is anticipated to be extracted by August 1, 2026.
He further disclosed that 270 people had already been employed, with over 3,000 jobs expected once the mine becomes fully operational.
Production from Shaft 28 is projected at 55,000 tonnes of copper per year initially, increasing to 100,000 tonnes annually by 2030, contributing to Zambia’s national target of producing three million tonnes of copper per year.
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