FQM’s $1.25 billion Kansanshi expansion project on track for launch in second half of 2025 —Official

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) says its US$1.25 billion Kansanshi Mine expansion, known as the S3 Project, is progressing on schedule and is expected to be officially commissioned in the second half of 2025.

Announced in May 2022, the massive expansion is aimed at extending the life of the Kansanshi Mine by an additional 20 years, boosting copper production and transforming the mine into a bulk mining operation.

During a media tour of the site on Thursday, Kansanshi Mining Plc’s S3 Operations Superintendent, Patricia Mankubwa, confirmed that construction and commissioning activities are advancing as planned.

“From the beginning, we pledged to deliver this project on time and within budget. At this stage, we’re energizing and commissioning major units such as crushers, SAG mills, and flotation cells. We’re confident that we’ll commission the plant in the second half of this year,” she said.

Mankubwa explained that the new S3 processing plant will handle approximately 25 million tonnes of ore annually. Combined with existing infrastructure, the mine’s total processing capacity will rise from 28 million tonnes to 53 million tonnes per year.

“This development not only transitions Kansanshi into a bulk mining operation but also extends the mine’s lifespan to around 2045–2046 — a milestone with major significance for the local economy and our workforce,” she added.

S3 Project Manager Andrew Nugent revealed that about 2,500 temporary jobs have been created during the construction phase, while approximately 900 full-time positions will be sustained once operations begin.

“These 900 roles will span mining, smelting, and the new S3 operations. We’ve also prioritized skills development and local hiring, with over 350 direct hires — most of them from Solwezi — to support this expansion,” Nugent said.

FQM Country Manager Godwin Beene emphasized the long-term regional benefits, stating that the S3 installation secures Kansanshi’s future for decades to come.

“The S3 project guarantees Kansanshi’s viability for at least another 20 years. This is not only crucial for our employees, but also supports business opportunities for contractors, service providers, and the broader North-Western Province,” Beene said.

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