About AllKansanshi Mining Zambia

The history of Kansanshi Mining can be traced back to the fourth century when various parties mined intermittently at the site. However, it wasn’t until 1969 that the development of an open-pit mine was approved by the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM). Mining activities were conducted at the site, but due to economic conditions, the processing project was halted, and only mining was carried out until April 1986, when it ceased, again due to economic conditions.

In 1988, mining activities resumed for a brief period before operations were formally ceased. ZCCM initiated closure and reclamation activities at the mine. Later, in 1995, the ZCCM Privatisation Trust Fund was created to oversee the sale of ZCCM assets, including the Kansanshi mine.

Cyprus Amax Minerals Corporation acquired the mine from ZCCM and the government of Zambia. In 2001, First Quantum Minerals acquired an 80% interest in the Kansanshi mine from Cyprus Amax. With the acquisition, First Quantum Minerals embarked on a plan to develop the mine in two phases, which was proposed in 2002. Commercial production began in April 2005.

Over the years, the Kansanshi mine has undergone several expansions, increasing its production capacity and extending its mine life. In 2010, a major expansion was completed, which increased the mine’s processing capacity to 25 million tonnes per annum. In 2013, a further expansion was completed.

Location

The Kansanshi mine is located in the North-Western Province of Zambia, approximately 10 kilometers north of the town of Solwezi. The region is known for its rich mineral resources and has several other mines in operation, including Lumwana, Kalumbila, and Sentinel.

Mining Process

The Kansanshi is primarily a vein deposit that contains three distinct types of ore. These types are primary sulfide, mixed supergene, and oxide,

To Their Copper And Gold Mineralization

At the Kansanshi mine in Zambia, mining operations are carried out in two large open pits, namely the Main and Northwest pits, utilizing conventional open-pit mining techniques. Hydraulic excavators and a fleet of haul trucks, some of which are equipped with electric trolley assist, are used to transport ore and waste materials to the surface.

The ore extracted from the mine is processed in a flexible manner that allows for variation in the type of ore being extracted.

The processing methods include an oxide leach circuit, a sulfide flotation circuit, and a transitional ore “mixed float” circuit.

The choice of processing method is dependent on the type of ore being extracted and its composition. The flexibility in ore processing methods ensures that the maximum value is extracted from the extracted ore, which contributes to the overall success of the Kansanshi mine.

One great thing is that the processing methods for the different types of ore extracted from the mine are specifically designed to extract maximum value. The sulfide ore is processed through a circuit that involves crushing, milling, and flotation to produce a copper concentrate. Similarly, mixed ore is treated through a similar circuit with the option of further processing the flotation concentrate via a high-pressure leach circuit.

Oxide ore, on the other hand, requires a more complex processing method that involves crushing, milling, flotation, leaching, and the SX/EW process to produce both sulphidic and gold-bearing flotation concentrates, as well as electro-won cathode copper.

To recover gold from all ore types, six gravity concentrators are used, and the gravity concentrates are treated using Gemini tables to produce a highgrade concentrate for direct smelting to gold bullion. The combination of these processing methods allows the Kansanshi mine to produce a range of valuable products from the different types of ore extracted from the mine.

Moreover, a portion of the copper con - centrate produced from the sulfide and mixed ore circuits is processed through a High-Pressure Leach (HPL) facility. The HPL process involves the recovery of copper by oxidation and leaching in autoclaves, which leads to the production of a copper-rich solution. In addition, gold is recovered from the HPL residues through the use of an acid-resistant gravity concentrator. This processing method ensures that the maximum value is extracted from the ore extracted from the mine.

Smelter

The Kansanshi copper smelter has proven to be a valuable asset for First Quantum, allowing the company to extract maximum value from the copper it produces in Zambia. The smelter’s impressive nominal capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum of concentrate, combined with its efficient trapping of 100% of sulfur dioxide by-product, has resulted in the production of over 300,000 tonnes of blister copper per year.

Additionally, the smelter’s recycling process has led to the creation of over 1 million tonnes per an - num of sulphuric acid, reducing the need for imported acid in the treatment of oxide copper ores. By neutralizing acid produced by the smelter in the leaching circuit, First Quantum has further optimized the efficiency and sustainability of its copper production processes. Finally, the smelter’s success has resulted in the creation of 700 specialist jobs, further boosting the local economy and creating more opportunities for skilled workers in the region.

CSR Efforts

Kansanshi Mining

Plc is making signifi - cant efforts to support the local community and environment in Zambia. The company has partnered with various organizations, including the Zambia National Parks and Wildlife Authority, the Zambia Road Transport Safety Agency, NGOs and CSOs, and the North-western Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to provide support in areas such as wildlife conservation, road safety, gender equality, and small business training. Additionally, Kansanshi engages with traditional leadership to maintain a social license to operate and support local values. The company’s CSR efforts help to foster a better mining industry in Zambia and improve the lives of those in the surrounding communities.

Final Thoughts

Kansanshi Mining is heading towards a promising future with its focus on sustainable and responsible mining practices. As the demand for copper continues to grow, the company’s investment in modernizing its operations and increasing production capacity will undoubtedly pay off in the long run. Furthermore, Kansanshi Mining’s commitment to community development and environmental sustainability will help ensure that its operations have a positive impact on the local community and the environment. Overall, Kansanshi Mining is a company that is worth watching as it continues to grow and thrive in the mining industry.