Strategic role of Mimbula mine in Zambia’s copper expansion
As Zambia intensifies its efforts to become a global copper powerhouse, Mimbula Minerals is emerging as a pivotal player in the country’s mining renaissance. Located in Chingola, Zambia, the Mimbula mine is currently undergoing a $250 million expansion aimed at significantly boosting annual copper cathode output from approximately 13,000–15,000 tonnes in 2024 to a targeted 60,000 tonnes in the coming years. This strategic growth aligns with Zambia’s national target of reaching three million tonnes of copper production annually by 2030—a goal set to redefine the country’s role in the global commodities market.
Mimbula’s evolution has been rapid: after an initial investment and operations launch in 2019, with cumulative investment reaching $200 million by 2022, the company scaled monthly output from 900 to 1,200 tonnes within two years. By 2027, it expects to hit 5,000 tonnes per month, a fivefold increase over current levels. This development not only enhances Zambia’s export potential but also reinforces investor confidence in the country’s mining sector, despite challenges like drought-related power disruptions.
Operational advantages: SX/EW technology and heap leaching efficiency
A core driver of Mimbula’s competitive edge lies in its use of solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) processes, combined with heap leaching. These technologies enable cost-efficient, scalable production of high-purity copper cathode, while keeping production costs remarkably low—approximately $2,300–2,500 per tonne, among the most competitive in Zambia.
Heap leaching allows Mimbula to process lower-grade ores while maintaining economic viability, a crucial factor in the region’s geology. Meanwhile, the SX/EW setup enhances recovery rates and quality control, eliminating the need for traditional smelting. This environmentally friendly and modular setup also allows Mimbula to scale operations in phases, optimizing both capital and operational expenditure.
Moxico Resources and corporate vision behind Mimbula Minerals
Mimbula Minerals operates as part of Moxico Resources, a rapidly growing British mining group with several assets across Zambia. Moxico’s strategic portfolio includes the Mimbula and Kalengwa projects, positioning it as a key investor in Zambia’s copper and cobalt development.
Moxico’s approach focuses on leveraging underutilized assets through modern, cost-effective technologies and strong stakeholder engagement. The company’s vision for Mimbula reflects this ethos—reviving historic copper zones with fresh capital and a clear roadmap for long-term resource optimization. Corporate filings indicate a stable governance structure and an emphasis on reinvestment in local infrastructure, reinforcing its status as a committed long-term operator.
Social and environmental impact of the Mimbula investment
Beyond copper output, Mimbula’s expansion is bringing tangible benefits to Chingola and surrounding communities. The new plant is expected to create approximately 200 new local jobs, supporting inclusive economic development in one of Zambia’s mining heartlands. Furthermore, Mimbula is beginning to integrate cobalt recovery into its portfolio, aligning with global demand for critical minerals used in batteries and renewable energy technologies.
The SX/EW process and heap leaching contribute to a more sustainable environmental footprint, especially compared to conventional smelting. Mimbula’s low-emission model dovetails with emerging ESG standards in the mining sector, positioning the company as a responsible and progressive operator in southern Africa.
Zambia’s copper market outlook: Mimbula in the regional and global context
Zambia’s copper industry is at a turning point. Recent government data shows a 9% increase in national copper production—from 763,287 tonnes in 2023 to approximately 830,000 tonnes in 2024—despite infrastructure challenges. President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration continues to attract foreign capital into mining through policy reform and infrastructure investments.
Mimbula Minerals stands out not only for its cost-efficiency and rapid scaling but also for its alignment with global trends: rising copper demand, tightening supply chains, and investor focus on low-carbon production. As electrification and energy transition accelerate worldwide, Mimbula’s copper cathode output is set to gain strategic value, both for Zambia’s GDP and for global markets looking for secure, ethical sources of supply.
FAQ
How to apply for Mimbula minerals?
To apply for positions or opportunities at Mimbula Minerals, candidates typically need to go through Moxico Resources, the parent company. Job openings and tender opportunities are often listed on official corporate channels, including the Moxico website and relevant Zambian industry bulletins. For mining permits, Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development provides detailed guidelines on licensing and environmental compliance.
What minerals are in Katanga?
Katanga, a province in the Democratic Republic of Congo adjacent to Zambia, is rich in copper and cobalt. The region hosts some of the world’s largest and highest-grade ore bodies, making it a hub for base metals. Other minerals include uranium, zinc, and traces of gold, contributing to its global strategic importance.
What minerals are associated with goethite?
Goethite is an iron-bearing oxide mineral commonly associated with iron ores. It often coexists with hematite, magnetite, and limonite, and can also be found alongside manganese oxides and quartz. In mining contexts, goethite is a useful indicator in the weathering zones of ore deposits and can suggest the presence of economically viable iron or polymetallic resources.
