Overview
Carved deep into the northern reaches of Zambia’s Copperbelt, the Konkola Complex is one of the region’s longest-operating underground copper mines and is recognized as one of the world’s highest-grade copper assets. In production since the late 1950s, the asset has been developed progressively over decades, evolving from early underground workings into a deep, shaft-accessed mining system supported by purpose-built processing infrastructure.
As of 2026, the complex comprises a deep underground mine, an on-site concentrator, and dedicated tailings storage facilities, operating as a focused mining and processing system within Konkola Plc’s portfolio. Mining is conducted through vertical shaft access into a vertically extensive orebody, with active workings established at approximately 1,000 meters below surface and mineralization continuing beyond 2,000 meters.
With substantial high-grade mineralization remaining below current mining horizons and critical infrastructure already established, the Konkola Complex continues to transition from a legacy producer into a long-life underground asset positioned for future development.
Konkola at a glance
Location
Chililabombwe, ~5 km south of the Zambia–DRC border
Operating since
1957
Reserves & Resources
9.8 Mt Cu.
Mine Depth
Active mining ~1,000 m; potential depth >2,000 m
S-K 1300
Certified
6 Mtpa
Concentrator processing capacity
~350,000 m³
Dewatered daily
Operations at Konkola Complex
End-to-end copper processing capability
Mining at the Konkola Complex is a deep underground operation, developed over decades to access a vertically extensive orebody beneath Chililabombwe. The mine is accessed through a network of vertical shafts, allowing extraction to advance progressively to greater depths.
Ore from the underground workings is transported to the adjacent Konkola concentrator, which has a nameplate capacity of 6 Mtpa. Here, conventional milling and flotation transform the ore into high-quality copper concentrate, ready for downstream smelting at Nchanga.
Beyond active mining, the broader Konkola footprint includes tailings storage facilities such as Lubengele, where material from earlier operations is securely managed. Ongoing drilling and test work continue to assess the potential for future recovery from these legacy deposits, reinforcing the long-term optionality and resilience of the mining system.
Key Capabilities
- Deep underground mining with vertical shaft access
- High-grade orebody with sustained production potential
- Robust resource base supporting long-term mine life
- Strategic planning to optimize operational efficiency and safety
Processing at the Konkola Complex is anchored by an on-site concentrator positioned adjacent to the underground mine, forming the primary interface between extraction and downstream treatment.
Concentrate output is integrated into the wider Konkola Plc processing network and transported to the Nchanga smelter, where it is converted into blister copper before entering the refining circuit for the production of LME Grade A cathode.
Tailings generated during concentration are routed to nearby storage infrastructure, supporting both operational continuity and long-term material management.
Together, the concentrator, smelting integration and tailings systems form a connected processing chain designed to support deep underground mining today while enabling future throughout expansion and secondary recovery opportunities.
Key Capabilities
- 6 Mtpa flotation concentrator operation
- Integrated smelter feed transfer system
- Tailings reprocessing recovery capability
- LME Grade A cathode copper production
Konkola Deeps Mine
Future production growth at the Konkola Complex is driven by the implementation of a redesigned mine plan under the Konkola Deeps Mine, which is engineered to unlock deeper zones of mineralization within the orebody. The project scope includes large-scale dewatering systems and the extension of critical underground access and haulage infrastructure to enable safe, continuous mining at increased depths.
Unlocking deeper mineralization
The redesigned Konkola Deeps Mine is centered on dewatering and extending underground infrastructure to safely access deeper, higher-value mineralization within the orebody.
Sustaining a high-grade, long-life orebody
Konkola is characterized by a high-grade copper endowment, with an average mineral reserve and resource grade of 2.9%. Konkola Deeps Mine is critical to sustaining long-term access to this orebody as mining advances to greater depths.
Long-term capital investment
Execution of the redesigned mine plan requires an estimated $1.2 billion in capital investment over the next five years, representing a substantial portion of the $2.7 billion planned investment into the Konkola Complex and supporting the long-term production profile of the asset.
