Kansanshi mine
Photo by: First Quantum Minerals
Name of the Project
Kansanshi mine – S3 expansion project.
Location
Zambia.
Project Owner/s
First Quantum Minerals (FQM).
Project Description
The project has total proven and probable reserves of 842.7-million tonnes grading 0.63% total copper. Total measured and indicated reserves are estimated at 939.6-million tonnes grading 0.67% total copper for a mine life of 24 years.
The S3 expansion is expected to transition the current selective high-grade, medium-scale operation to a medium-grade, larger-scale mining operation that will be more appropriate for the higher proportion of primary, lower-grade sulphide ores at depth.
When completed, the S3 expansion will comprise a standalone 25-million-tonne-a-year processing plant with a new and larger mining fleet, which will increase Kansanshi’s total yearly throughput to 53-million tonnes.
The S3 processing train will include a 28 MW semiautogenous grinding mill and a 22 MW ball mill. The openpit mine will be expanded to increase the supply of sulphide ore from the main pit and extend into the south-east dome deposit.
The expanded mining fleet will use high-end equipment and will include new electric loading and drilling equipment, along with the extension of the current electric trolley assist infrastructure.
In parallel with the expansion of the mine and processing facilities, First Quantum plans to increase the throughput capacity of the Kansanshi smelter from 1.38-million tonnes a year to 1.65-million tonnes a year of concentrate. This will enable the smelter to produce more than 400 000 t/y of copper anode.
Once the expansion is completed, copper production from Kansanshi is expected to average about 250 000 t/y for the remaining life-of-mine to 2044.
Potential Job Creation
The project will add about 800 permanent jobs and a further 1 800 during the construction phase.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
The total capital expenditure associated with the S3 expansion is expected to be $1.25-billion, which includes $900-million on the S3 plant and mine fleet, and $350-million for prestripping of the south-east dome pit.
Planned Start/End Date
First production from the S3 expansion is expected in 2025.
Latest Developments
FQM has reiterated its commitment to delivering the S3 project.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
First Quantum Minerals, email info@fqml.com.