Kansanshi mineralisation is hosted by deformed metasediments of the Nguba (formerly Lower Kundulungu) Group within the Katanga Supergroup of the Zambian Copperbelt. The individual mineralised rock units of the stratigraphic sequence comprise dolomites, dolomitic marbles, and various schists and phyllites. Mineralisation is structurally modified across the Kansanshi deposits. The deposits are currently mined from Main and North West Pits.

Kansanshi copper mineralisation is believed to have originated as hydrothermally remobilised copper that has been lithologically and structurally controlled.

Copper mineralisation at Kansanshi occurs as three deposits (Main, North West and South East). The deposits are located within domal structures along the crest of a regional antiform. Deposit mineralisation is closely associated with these domes.

Three styles of primary sulphide mineralisation are associated with these deposits:
• disseminated stratabound mineralisation;
• sub-vertically dipping, quartz-carbonate-sulphide veins crosscutting the stratigraphy;
• localised breccia mineralisation.

Weathering influences mineralisation as follows:
• near surface weathering in the saprolitic zone;
• around vertical veins, with oxide copper mineralisation predominantly evident as malachite, tenorite and chrysocolla;
• mixed primary and secondary sulphide copper mineral assemblages in transitional zones between weath ........

Open pit mining at Kansanshi is based on conventional drill and blast, shovel and truck mining techniques. Mining has proceeded from initial excavations in two pits (Main and North West) through a sequence of cutbacks, which in the longer term will result in these pits merging. The South East Dome Pit will contribute to the longer term production profile, but is unlikely to merge with the Main Pit. The cutbacks generally comprise wide benches of 200 m to 300 m width, providing several mining horizons from which to satisfy the feed requirements for multiple processing routes.

In general, ore is currently hauled to a ROM (run of mine) pad located immediately south of the North West Pit, and to a number of ore stockpiles, whereas waste is hauled to various dump locations.

To accommodate the increased processing requirements for the S3 expansion, the existing mining fleet will be expanded. Cutbacks for the Main and North West Pits have been designed to accommodate trolley-assist haulage routes, in addition to proposed semi-mobile, in-pit crusher locations and associated conveyor routes.

Mining method and operations
Mining follows conventional drill and blast, shovel and truck mining practice. The sequence of mining activities is also conventional and is typically as follows:
• RC grade control drilling delineates the ore zones;
• a grade control model is developed from which blast limits and digging blocks are designed;
• ........

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