Konkola Copper Mines
Zambia's deepest and most significant copper mining operation in the heart of the Copperbelt.
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is one of Zambia's largest integrated copper mining and smelting operations, comprising the Konkola underground mine, Nchanga open-pit and underground mines, and the Nkana smelter and refinery. Following years of operational challenges under Vedanta Resources' ownership, the Zambian government placed KCM under provisional liquidation in 2019. In 2023, International Resources Holding (IRH) of Abu Dhabi acquired a 51% stake, with the Zambian government retaining a significant interest. KCM has historically produced over 100,000 tonnes of copper annually.
- 01Restore copper production to over 200,000 tonnes per year through new investment
- 02Complete the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) to access ore below 1,500 metres
- 03Modernize the Nchanga concentrator and smelter infrastructure
- 04Invest $1 billion in rehabilitation and expansion of mining operations
- 05Rebuild KCM as a world-class, efficiently operated copper producer
- 06Generate sustainable employment and economic benefits for the Copperbelt
2004 · completed
Vedanta Acquisition
Vedanta Resources acquired a controlling stake in KCM from Anglo American.
2014 · completed
KDMP Shaft Completion
The Konkola Deep Mining Project shaft was completed to access deeper ore bodies.
2019 · completed
Provisional Liquidation
The Zambian government placed KCM under provisional liquidation citing operational underperformance.
2023 · completed
IRH Acquisition
International Resources Holding of Abu Dhabi acquired a 51% controlling stake in KCM.
2024 · in progress
Rehabilitation Program
Major rehabilitation and investment program launched to restore production capacity.
2026 · planned
Production Target
Target to significantly increase copper production through mine rehabilitation and new investment.
Mineral Resource
Copper Ore Reserves
Combined mineral resources across Konkola and Nchanga exceeding 700 million tonnes of copper ore.
Mining Infrastructure
Konkola Underground Mine
One of the deepest copper mines in Africa, with the KDMP shaft reaching below 1,500 metres.
Mining Infrastructure
Nchanga Mining Complex
Comprises both open-pit and underground operations with an integrated concentrator plant.
Processing Facility
Nkana Smelter and Refinery
An integrated copper smelter and electrolytic refinery producing LME-grade copper cathodes.
- Deep-level underground cut-and-fill mining
- Open-pit conventional mining at Nchanga
- Flotation and leach-solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) processing
- Isasmelt copper smelting technology
- Electrolytic copper refining
- Acid plant for sulphur dioxide capture
What it means for the community
KCM is the largest employer in Chililabombwe and Chingola, providing direct employment to over 12,000 workers and supporting an estimated 100,000 dependents. The mines have been the economic backbone of Zambia's Copperbelt for decades. The new investment by IRH is expected to inject $1 billion into rehabilitating the operations, revitalizing the local economy, and restoring Zambia's copper production growth trajectory.
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- International Resources Holding (51%)
- ZCCM-IH/Government of Zambia (49%)
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