……. multibillion greenfield project breathes new life in the mining sector….
The Editor Zambia
The commencement of shaft sinking at the Mingomba Mine in Chililabombwe, officially commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema, in Chililabombwe, marks a pivotal moment in country’s mining sector. 
The Mingomba investment is positioned to significantly boost the economic prospects and copper production capabilities, resulting in increased economic activities and job creation.
During his 2021 election campaign, President Hakainde Hichilema pledged to overhaul the mining sector, aiming to transition from a policy of state-heavy involvement to one of private sector-led growth.
President Hichilema’s Key pillar in the mining sector is anchored on creating a stable, investor-friendly environment to boost production, particularly in copper.
For a long time, Zambia has not had a massive greenfield project on the Copperbelt and any other provinces.
This greenfield project, developed by KoBold Metals and ZCCM-Investments Holdings, is regarded as one of the richest high-grade copper/cobalt projects in the world.
The revitalization of the mining sector, specifically through projects like Mingomba, is described as the “new oil and gas” for Zambia’s economy, driving foreign investment and economic growth.
KoBold Metals utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology to explore and develop the mine, contributing to modern, efficient, and sustainable mining practices in Zambia.
Mingomba Mine is expected to play a critical role in Zambia’s goal of reaching 3 million metric tonnes of annual copper production by 2031.
The Mingomba investment signals strong trust of President Hichilema leadership from international partners specifically from the United States.
KoBold Metals being backed by major stakeholders including Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures confirming that Zambia is a preferred destination for mining investment.
The project is part of a 10-year, $3 billion investment plan by KoBold Metals, with the mine expected to produce 300,000 to 500,000 tonnes of copper annually once fully operational.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, with over 600 people already employed during the exploration and early development phases.
The Mingomba project development is happening alongside other major investments, $1.25 billion Kansanshi Mine S3 expansion, 2 billion Lumwana Mine Super Pit Expansion, $600 million Kitumba Mine in Mumbwa, $100 million Mimbula Mine Expansion among others.
Mr. Hichilema’s Mining agenda include the resuscitation of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines, forming a broader revitalization of the Copperbelt province.
President Hichilema administration has also implemented a 4-pillar approach: ✅ Legal Mining, ✅ Safe Mining, ✅ Formal Trading, and ✅ Security, aiming to make mining a “rising tide that lifts all boats”
The government is strongly encouraging the implementation of its local content policy to prioritize Zambian contractors and suppliers.
