Kansanshi Mining Plc’s US$1.2 billion S3 expansion is performing above design expectations, with the plant on track to process approximately 27 million tonnes of ore in 2026 against its designed annual capacity of 25 million tonnes.

Commissioned in August 2025, the S3 plant achieved commercial production on December 31, 2025, and has steadily increased throughput.

Processing remained above design capacity during the second quarter of 2026, with May recording the highest monthly tonnage since commissioning.

The expansion significantly increases Kansanshi’s sulphide processing capacity, enabling the mine to economically process lower-grade ore, including material held in long-term stockpiles.

The additional capacity also supports the development of future mining areas, including the South East Dome.

The milestone comes as Zambia pursues its national ambition of producing three million tonnes of copper annually by 2031.

President Hakainde Hichilema has repeatedly highlighted increased copper production as central to the country’s economic transformation.

Kansanshi said in a statement that metallurgical performance continues to improve as the operation optimises processing across different ore blends.

Copper concentrate produced by S3 has been successfully integrated into the mine’s main concentrate stream and meets required smelter-quality specifications.

The expansion has also generated significant employment and business opportunities.

The construction workforce peaked at approximately 2,500 people, while around 750 additional operational positions were created following commissioning.

Zambian suppliers, contractors and service providers have also benefited from increased demand for goods and services.

S3 forms part of a wider modernisation programme at Kansanshi, including investments in the smelter, tailings infrastructure, mining fleet and processing equipment.

The expanded operation is expected to support Kansanshi’s long-term future into the 2040s and beyond, strengthening the mine’s contribution to Zambia’s copper industry and economic development.