NKOMBO KACHEMBA
Lusaka
COPPER output at Kansanshi Mining Plc rose to 47,655 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2025, up by 774 tonnes from the previous quarter, driven by the successful ramp-up and commercial production of the S3 expansion project, boosting overall performance for parent company First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FQM).
This is according to FQM’s fourth quarter 2025 results posted last week.
The S3 expansion declared commercial production on December 1, 2025, after exceeding key performance indicators during commissioning.
The expansion project is expected to contribute more than 84,000 tonnes of copper in 2026, with total copper production at Kansanshi projected between 175,000 and 205,000 tonnes. Gold production guidance for 2026 stands at 110,000 to 120,000 ounces.
The improved performance at Kansanshi comes at a time when Zambia’s mining sector is navigating power supply constraints.
During the fourth quarter, the national power system remained under pressure following a force majeure declared by the state utility, ZESCO Limited, in early 2024.
To maintain operations, First Quantum continued with a diversified power-sourcing strategy under an emergency framework coordinated with Government and the mining industry. ZESCO has redirected domestically generated power to residential consumers, easing load-shedding in Lusaka and other parts of the country, while mining companies have relied more on trader-based power imports.
Despite higher power costs, Kansanshi’s copper C1 cash cost rose to US$1.63 per pound in the fourth quarter, reflecting increased electricity tariffs….https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
