First Quantum's expanded Zambia copper mine on track to exceed processing target

LUSAKA, Oct 21 (Reuters) - First Quantum Minerals' FM.TO expanded Kansanshi copper mine in Zambia is on track to process about 27 million metric tons of ore in 2026, exceeding its design capacity by 8% and supporting a stronger production outlook, the company said on Wednesday.

Here are some details:

• Kansanshi Mining's $1.2 billion S3 expansion project was commissioned in August 2025 and is expected to double the mine's copper output to about 277,000 metric tons annually

• A new 25-million-ton-a-year sulphide processing line is at the centre of the expansion, more than doubling Kansanshi's processing capacity

• The company said strong availability, utilisation and milling performance helped the plant exceed its throughput target

• The increased capacity has enabled Kansanshi to process substantial quantities of lower-grade sulphide ore, the company added

• Zambia has become First Quantum's main copper-producing jurisdiction, contributing about 93% of group output in 2025 after the suspension of Cobre Panama in 2023

• The Kansanshi expansion is a key part of Africa's No. 2 copper producer Zambia's target to lift annual output to 3 million tons by 2031 from 890,346 tons last year

• Demand for copper is being driven by the global transition to cleaner energy