Mingomba Mine Groundbreaking Sparks Zambia Mining Revival

The groundbreaking ceremony of the Mingomba Mine in Chililabombwe is more than just a symbolic shovel in the ground. It marks a defining moment in Zambia’s push to reclaim its dominance as a global copper powerhouse.

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The Mingomba project is widely regarded as one of the largest undeveloped high grade copper deposits in the world, with the potential to transform Zambia’s mining output and economic trajectory.

Backed by KoBold Metals in partnership with ZCCM Investment Holdings, the mine represents a powerful blend of international investment and local participation, with an 80 percent and 20 percent stake respectively.

Even more striking is the scale. Investment estimated between 2.3 billion and 2.5 billion dollars, potential production of around 300,000 metric tonnes of copper annually and targeted output beginning in the early 2030s.

This positions Mingomba as a cornerstone in Zambia’s ambition to reach 3 million tonnes of copper production per year by 2031. Mingomba stands out because of its use of artificial intelligence in mineral discovery, a cutting edge approach aimed at unlocking deeper and richer deposits.

President Hakainde Hichilema officiated the event as part of a high profile working visit to the Copperbelt, signalling strong government backing and national importance attached to the project. President Hichilema expressed how elated he was with the technological aspect of the Mingomba project and how this project should be used as a technological model for other mining companies. President Hichilema also said “economic spillovers are inevitable from Job creation to supplier participation and development for Zambians.”

Kurt House, Chief Executive Officer of KoBold Metals Global, described this milestone as “one of the most important new copper mines being developed anywhere in the world.” He stressed that Mingomba is “not just a great mine, but a transformative project” that will contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s economy and the global supply of critical minerals. Meanwhile, Mfikeyi Makayi, Chief Executive Officer of KoBold Metals Africa, highlighted the company’s commitment to local development, noting that the project reflects “a long-term partnership with Zambia” and is designed to deliver “modern, technology-driven mining that creates jobs, builds skills, and supports sustainable growth in the Copperbelt.”

Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Paul Kabuswe highlighted that Mingomba represents revival of the Copperbelt economy, a boost to Zambia’s global mining competitiveness and a strategic role in supplying metals critical for electric vehicles and clean energy.

The ceremonial turning of soil marks the transition from exploration into full development. While symbolic, it signals that serious capital and construction phases are imminent. Earlier phases have already created hundreds of jobs, with expectations of thousands more as construction ramps up.

The Mingomba Mine groundbreaking ceremony is where ambition meets action. It is a moment packed with symbolism but backed by serious numbers, global investors, and long term national impact.