Lubambe Copper Mines targets 40,000 tonnes of concentrate by 2030, company official says

Lubambe Copper Mines has reportedly unveiled plans to raise its annual copper concentrate production to 40,000 tonnes by 2030, supported by major investments in power infrastructure to secure reliable energy for its operations.

The mine, located on the outskirts of Chililabombwe in Copperbelt Province, currently produces about 135,000 tonnes of copper ore per month, translating into 1,800 tonnes of concentrate.

The company said output was projected to climb to 24,000 tonnes in 2026, 34,000 tonnes between 2027 and 2028, before reaching 40,000 tonnes from 2029 onwards.

Lubambe’s manager for projects and energy, Bernard Alaunda, said the expansion aligned with Government’s vision of boosting Zambia’s copper production to three million tonnes annually.

“Our current maximum power demand is 28.5 megawatts. By 2033 this will rise to 40 megawatts, and by 2042 we expect it to reach 60 megawatts,” Alaunda said during the Energy Forum for Africa Conference in Lusaka recently.

He was speaking on a panel themed “Powering Production: Energy Solutions for Large-Scale Mining in Africa.”

To meet rising energy needs, the mine is undertaking several projects, including construction of a second 66 kV power line in partnership with Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), expected to be completed by mid-2026.

Alaunda highlighted that two new shafts were under development to support production growth. The auxiliary shaft has reached 250 metres of its planned 700-metre depth, while the main shaft has reached 180 metres on its way to 1,350 metres.

Both projects are scheduled for completion next year.

He noted that water management remained a key challenge as the mine deepens, with current pumping volumes of 47,000 cubic metres per day projected to rise to 80,000 cubic metres within five years.

“Power is like blood in our bodies. Without it, the industry is dead. With little power, we cannot function,” Alaunda said, warning that inadequate supply could result in flooding, equipment damage, and revenue losses.

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