Zambia on way to be among top global Nickel producers
…with FQM’s US$100m investment at Enterprise Nickel Mine
ZAMBIA is set to be among the top Nickel producer countries in the world once the First Quantum Minerals’ (FQM) US$100 million investment at the Enterprise Nickel Mine is completed.
The mine is anticipated to produce approximately 30, 000 metric tonnes of nickel concentrate annually, according to the FQM Lead of Infrastructure Development, Jed Goldstein, at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Mr Goldstein indicated that the mine was expected to employ 700 full-time staff, making Zambia Africa’s top nickel producer.
“Additionally, Enterprise will produce ‘green’ nickel with a comparatively low carbon footprint, following the signing of a 100 percent renewable power supply agreement with Zesco in November 2023,” he said.
He also pledged its support for President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision for the future of mining in Zambia, in which he outlined plans to expand copper production and position the country as a major
player in the global mining industry.
Mr Goldstein reaffirmed FQM’s dedication to fostering sustainable development in Zambia through continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and people, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to the country’s broader economic landscape.
“Projects such as the S3 Expansion Project at FQM’s Kansanshi Mine and the Enterprise Nickel Mine in Kalumbila
underline our commitment to Zambia. We will play a crucial role in contributing to Zambia, through taxes, royalties and employment as well as community development initiatives.
“The S3 project at the Kansanshi Mine represents a major investment of US$1.25 billion and will extend the life of Kansanshi until 2040, ensuring the continued production of copper and other metals,” Mr Goldstein said.