By John Chola

Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, has issued a direct appeal to global investors, declaring the country a top-tier mining destination as he revealed that over $9 billion has flowed into the sector since President Hakainde Hichilema took office four years ago.

The minister’s call was made at the official commissioning of the $1.25 billion S3 expansion project at First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi Mine, a landmark investment that underscores the renewed confidence in Africa’s second-largest copper producer.

“Those of you that are on the fence, come on board,” Minister Kabuswe stated. “There is no perfect destination in this world, but there is one that is favorable like Zambia is today. And that is why we are over $9 billion in terms of the investments that have come in the mining sector.”

The minister credited the influx of capital, which includes the Kansanshi expansion and new projects at Lubambe and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), to the government’s focus on creating a stable and attractive investment climate. He contrasted this with the previous era of legal disputes and economic stagnation, which saw the economy shrink by 2.8% and nearly drove key players like First Quantum to exit the country.

“You brought about, Mr. President, the right investment climate, and First Quantum did a 360. They turned around and they said, we are coming back to Zambia,” Kabuswe said, addressing President Hichilema, who was present at the event.

The S3 expansion is a critical development for the aging Kansanshi operation. The state-of-the-art processing plant is designed to process lower-grade ore more efficiently, extending the mine’s life by approximately 25 years. Kansanshi Mining Plc General Manager, Meiring Burger, emphasized the project’s significance.

“S3 is a message that we don’t give in to tough conditions. We adapt, we reinvest in our infrastructure, we reinvest in our people, and we overcome,” Burger said. “As old as Kansanshi Mine might be, I firmly believe, like Zambia, the best years are still waiting for us.”

Burger highlighted that the project secures thousands of direct and indirect jobs and will ensure the mine continues to be a major contributor to both the local and national economy for decades. He also praised the strong partnership between the company, the government, and local communities.

Minister Kabuswe pushed back against critics who question the tangible benefits of Zambia’s projected 6% economic growth this year, comparing economic development to growing a fruit tree.

“The economy must grow and that is why the President has been saying the economy must grow. When it grows, it will now start bearing fruits and those fruits are what Zambians will benefit from,” he said, listing the direct jobs from the S3 project as the “first fruit.”

The minister also pointed to the recent conclusion of Zambia’s protracted debt restructuring process as a key milestone that has “opened fiscal space” for further investment and development across all sectors of the economy.

With the S3 expansion now operational, the government and industry leaders are positioning Zambia as a prime destination for capital, signaling that the country’s mining revival is just beginning.