Zambian miner Lubambe Copper Mine has completed an advanced concept study, revealing a new world-class copper resource and outlining the development of a new mine.
To progress the project, Lubambe says it “has been actively engaged” with all key levels of the Zambian government, noting that there are a number of approvals required for the project.
CEO Nick Bowen said on October 2 that, following completion of a recent drilling programme, the extension resource now stands at 135-million tonnes of copper/cobalt ore at an average grade of 3.65% copper and 0.05% cobalt at a cut-off grade of 2%.
The project also has “further opportunity for growth”.
The updated resource statement contains an estimated 8.5-million tonnes of copper.
The extension project will involve, besides other elements, the sinking of new shafts and conveyor declines, as well as developing a new underground mine with initial production of 90 000 t/y of copper in concentrate, and then expanding to 160 000 t/y.
Bowen noted that another two years of detailed studies, design and approval processes would be needed to get the project ready for construction.
Current plans are to start construction in 2023 and to bring the mine into production around 2028.
The next steps are to progress the prefeasibility study of the new Lubambe extension project and obtain necessary technical and environmental approvals from government and other key stakeholders.