(Copperbelt Katangamining)-Non-Ferrous China Africa (NFCA), a subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metals Corporation (CNMC), has reported an annual increase in copper and gold production at its Chambishi-based mine in the Kalulushi district of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.
Copper production rose by more than 5,000 tons from 62,300 tons in 2021 to 67,600 tons in 2022, generating approximately $608 million at an average copper price of $9,000 per ton. This marks the mine’s second consecutive year of increased production, with copper production up by 18,675 tons compared to 48,900 tons in 2020.
According to a consolidated report compiled by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, gold production at the mine also increased by about 3kgs from 51kgs in 2021 to 54kgs in 2022.
If local authorities can negotiate proper deals, the increased production rate of the Chinese-owned mine is expected to bring linkage industry success to the town of Kalulushi.
Non Ferrous Company Africa Mining (NFCA) was established in 1998 as the holding company of Chambishi Copper Mine, as part of the privatization of Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited (ZCCM). It is majority-owned by China Non-ferrous Metals Company Limited (CNMC) with an 85% shareholding stake, while ZCCM-Investments Holdings holds a 15% shareholding stake.
