The world rebuilt with copper
Over the next 25 years, global copper demand is expected to exceed the total volume produced throughout all of human history. As the world accelerates toward a more connected, electrified, and low-carbon economy, copper demand is poised for long-term growth.
Copper is the backbone of modern civilization. Its unmatched electrical and thermal conductivity, durability, and recyclability make it indispensable. These qualities enable electrification, connectivity, and industrial development at a global scale, reinforcing copper’s strategic importance to long-term global growth.
Demand drivers shaping the copper industry
AI & data center
infrastructure
The AI revolution is driving rapid data center expansion, increasing copper demand across high-speed transmission networks, and advanced infrastructure supporting high-performance computing workloads.
Grid modernization &
electrification programs
Rising electrification and grid modernization programs are expanding copper demand across transmission networks, supporting renewable integration and long-term energy system resilience.
Energy transition &
renewable deployment
The global transition toward battery electric vehicles and renewable energy systems has become a primary growth engine, increasing copper demand across the electrified transport and clean energy industry.
Industrial, infrastructure &
defense demand
Traditional end-use sectors continue to anchor global copper consumption, driven by infrastructure development and rising defense spending, which remains the largest contributors to the global copper demand.
The advantage of integrated, high-grade copper systems
Konkola Plc’s Aggregated Operational Sites are fully operational and benefit from approximately $3 billion of capital investment deployed since 2004, funded through cash from operations and shareholder contributions. This established infrastructure, combined with existing permits and proven operating practices, enables a highly efficient restart-and-ramp plan. Compared to first-time greenfield developments, which typically require decades to reach full production in tier-1 jurisdictions, our platform can achieve peak output within approximately 5–6 years.
The combination of operational continuity, substantial capital already in place, and proven processes positions the platform for accelerated production, capital efficiency and sustained value creation.
Konkola Plc operates in Zambia, one of the world’s most established copper mining jurisdictions. As of 2026, Zambia ranked as the 7th largest global copper producer and the second largest in Africa, with copper exports representing 15% of GDP and over 70% of total exports as of late 2025. The Fraser Institute ranked Zambia 25th globally on the Investment Attractiveness Index and third among African jurisdictions, reflecting strong geological potential and supportive government policies.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia aims to triple national copper production to 3 Mt annually by 2031 and enhance enabling infrastructure. The development of the Aggregated Operational Sites aligns with these goals, while our long-standing community relationships focus on safety and environmental performance, and skilled local workforce reinforce a sustainable license to operate and long-term production continuity.
Konkola Plc continues to extend the life of its Aggregated Operational Sites through active exploration in a highly productive copper zone. Ongoing campaigns target the Konkola Deep Mine Project, Tailings Dam 05 near Nchanga, and the Lubengele tailings dam, aiming to enhance long-term mine planning and value creation. Exploration programs combine traditional drilling with AI-driven geological surveys to identify additional resources and improve classifications.
Our economics are underpinned by the combined strength of grade, scale, and vertical integration. Konkola Plc's Mineral Reserves and Resources have an average copper grade of 2.9%, supporting strong production performance and capital productivity.
Operating at scale allows fixed costs to be efficiently distributed across higher tonnage. Vertical integration across mining, concentrators, on-site smelting and tailings processing streamlines operations, reduces logistics requirements, limits exposure to treatment and refining cost volatility, stabilizes realized pricing and shortens the cash conversion cycle.
