Mining Intelligence and News
Zambia

Mufulira Mine

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Overview

Mine TypeUnderground
StatusActive
Commodities
  • Copper
Mining Method
  • Sub-level open stoping (SLOS)
  • Longitudinal stoping
  • Sub-level Retreat
Production Start... Lock
SnapshotMufulira Mine comprises underground mine operations as well as concentrators, a smelter, an acid plant and a copper refinery.

Mufulira Henderson Shaft is one of the deepest shafts ever sunk in Zambia at 1,547 metres. Shaft development completed in March 2019. The project has added at least 25 years to the economic life of the Mufulira Mine.

The Mopani has planned for a ramped-up production profile as project are expected to be commissioned to full capacity by 2027.

Owners

SourceSource
CompanyInterestOwnership
ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc. 49 % Indirect
International Resources Holding RSC Ltd. 51 % Indirect
Mopani Copper Mines plc. (operator) 100 % Direct
The Mufulira mine is owned by International Resources Holding RSC Ltd and ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc through the subsidiary Mopani Copper Mines Plc.

On March 20, 2024, International Resources Holding RSC Ltd, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Delta Mining Limited, acquired a 51% interest in Mopani Copper Mines plc and formation of a strategic partnership with ZCCMIH. ZCCM-IH will retain 49% shares in Mopani Copper Mines plc.

Contractors

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Deposit type

  • Sediment-hosted

Summary:

The rocks of the Mufulira Basin are asymmetrically folded, moderately dipping on the south western flank and sub vertical on the north eastern limb, outcropping at Mokambo on the DRC border. The Roan sediments in the Mufulira syncline in the vicinity of the mine dip at approximately 45º to the north east. Small folds and minor faults are present within the mine area. The Lower Roan arenaceous quartzites and greywackes are the host rocks to the copper mineralisation.

In the Mufulira mining area, the Basement Complex topography appears to have exerted a significant structural control during deformation. The distribution of ore minerals in all three orebodies is stratigraphically controlled, occurring dominantly as disseminations, blebs and irregular masses. The principal copper minerals are chalcopyrite (60%), bornite (40%), and minor/trace chalcocite. Oxide minerals are confined to near surface occurrences, and supergene enrichment zones. Generally the deposit is structurally simple being characterised by three main folds that are in part overturned with a plunge and dip approximately 10º to the northeast. The basin is open and untested at depth.

Reserves

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Mining Methods

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Comminution

Crushers and Mills

Milling equipment has not been reported.

Processing

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Production

Combined production numbers are reported under Mopani Operation

Production Costs

Commodity production costs have not been reported.

Heavy Mobile Equipment

Fleet data has not been reported.

Personnel

Mine Management

Job TitleNameProfileRef. Date
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jul 9, 2024
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jul 11, 2024
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jul 9, 2024
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jul 9, 2024

Aerial view:

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