By John Chola
SOLWEZI – IN A significant milestone for Zambia’s mining sector, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has officially commissioned the US$1.25 billion S3 expansion project at its Kansanshi Mine, a development set to extend the operation’s life by over 25 years and significantly advance the nation’s goal of producing 3 million tonnes of copper by 2032. 
The event, attended by senior government officials and traditional leaders, featured addresses from British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon and Kansanshi General Manager Meiring Burger, both highlighting the project as a testament to strong international partnership and long-term investment in Zambia.
High Commissioner Terzeon congratulated FQM, a British-Canadian multinational, on achieving the “important milestone,” noting the project’s alignment with the Zambian government’s strategic vision.
“The completion of the S3 project… will extend the mine’s life by over 20 years, bringing jobs, national wealth and long-term economic growth,” Terzeon stated.
She emphasized that FQM’s production from Kansanshi would contribute over 200,000 metric tonnes of copper to the government’s ambitious target.
Terzeon positioned the investment within a broader framework of UK-Zambia cooperation, referencing a 2023 bilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) to increase critical minerals production and the 2021 Green Growth Compact, which aims to attract £2.6 billion of UK investment to Zambia.
“The S3 expansion represents a milestone for both of those commitments,” she said, while also underscoring the importance of responsible mining. “Kansanshi and all UK-owned operations embody responsible mining practices that prioritise community benefit, strong governance practices and environmental protection.”
Looking ahead, the High Commissioner called for a “stable policy environment and a transparent, predictable governance” as vital for attracting and retaining investment, encouraging continued engagement through platforms like the Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF).
Echoing the theme of partnership, Kansanshi GM Meiring Burger welcomed guests to the launch of the “state-of-the-art processing plant,” which utilizes the latest technology to process more ore as the mine’s grades naturally decrease.
“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.
He detailed the project’s direct impact, stating it secures thousands of jobs and ensures Kansanshi will “continue to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s copper production and both the local and national economies for decades to come.”
Burger extended gratitude to local chiefs, provincial administration, and the Solwezi Municipal Council, calling the collaboration “proof that when we work together, government, communities and industry, we can achieve outcomes that benefit everybody.”
In a poignant moment, he recognized the 150 project team members in the audience, whose “hard work and dedication brought S3 to life.”
Concluding the event, Burger framed the S3 expansion as more than just infrastructure: “It is a symbol of our confidence in Zambia’s future. It’s an investment in people, skills, partnership, and the shared prosperity of this nation.”
The commissioning solidifies Kansanshi’s pivotal role in Zambia’s copper-driven economic strategy and signals strong international investor confidence in the country’s mining future.
