First Quantum Plans Operations Expansion At Kansanshi Mine

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. has announced that it plans to expand its operations at the Kansanshi mine in Solwezi, boosting processing capacity by over 25 million tonnes per annum. 

The Canadian company says it will spend nearly $650 million on the expansion over a period of two years, starting in the second half of 2023.

Currently these plans are still in the development stage and will need further refinement before project approval is sought. 

First Quantum had previously sought to extend operations at Kansanshi in 2013, but delayed due to poor market conditions and a challenging fiscal environment.

Earthworks, foundations, steelworks and filtration facilities were all completed prior to the delay. 

“Once internal approvals are granted, construction could potentially re-commence in 2023 with completion by late 2024. An estimated $408M of capital would be required for this construction, inclusive of $25M for upgrades and enhancements to existing processing facilities. The current scenario has the majority of spending occurring between the second half of 2023 and early 2025. The timing of the S3 Expansion could be advanced or delayed depending on capital availability, commodity prices and the Zambian fiscal regime,” a spokesperson said.

First Quantum also expects to spend a further $80m on expanding its smelter and an additional $15m on concentrate cleaning and HPL plant modifications.