Sinomine Resource Group has announced plans to begin copper production at the Kitumba Copper Mine in Zambia’s Mumbwa district by September 2026, marking a major milestone for both the company and the country’s mining sector. The project, valued at $600 million, recently entered the stripping phase—removing surface soil and rock to access the ore body—a critical step in preparing the site for full-scale operations.
Kitumba is expected to be a significant contributor to Zambia’s ambitious goal of reaching 3 million tonnes of annual copper production by 2031, a target set by the government to solidify the country’s position as a leading global copper producer. The mine is projected to process 4.5 million tonnes of copper ore per year, yielding about 50,000 tonnes of finished copper annually, according to Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
The investment is also expected to create around 2,500 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, providing a substantial boost to the local economy and supporting infrastructure, education, and health initiatives in the region. In addition to mining operations, Sinomine will integrate a 50-megawatt solar power plant at the site, which will support the mine’s energy needs and contribute to Zambia’s national grid, advancing the country’s renewable energy goals.
Sinomine’s Chairman, Wang Pingwei, emphasized that the Kitumba project stands as one of the largest mining investments under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration and is a key milestone in the partnership between Zambia and China. The project’s development aligns with Zambia’s broader strategy to expand copper output through both brownfield expansions and new greenfield projects, as the country works toward its 2031 production target.
