Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) CEO Mutale Mukuka has underscored the company’s efforts in stabilizing Zambia’s energy supply to sustain the mining sector, a key driver of the country’s economy. Speaking at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in South Africa, Mr. Mukuka highlighted CEC’s swift response to the national energy deficit, ensuring uninterrupted power for mining operations.
Mukuka noted that through the integration of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), CEC activated its agreements with regional utilities, importing power to meet approximately 37% of its Copperbelt mining customers’ needs in 2024. This approach, he said, not only supported energy reliability but also positioned Zambia as a critical player in the regional energy sector.
CEC has also invested heavily in renewable energy, commissioning a 60MW solar plant in 2024. Power generated from this and other CEC facilities was directed towards addressing Zambia’s energy shortfall, further cementing the company’s role in enhancing energy security. Mukuka emphasized the need for greater regional interconnectivity in power transmission to ensure long-term energy stability.
Meanwhile, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) reiterated its commitment to Zambia’s mining sector at the same event. FQM Director of Corporate Affairs John Gladston expressed support for the government’s vision of achieving an annual copper production target of 3 million tonnes. Speaking on a panel alongside Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe and other industry leaders, Gladston highlighted FQM’s initiatives, including its $1.25 billion S3 expansion project at Kansanshi Mine. Once operational later this year, the project is expected to boost ore processing capacity by 25 million tonnes annually and extend the mine’s lifespan by over two decades.
Reliable energy supply remains critical to achieving Zambia’s ambitious copper production goals. Gladston revealed plans for energy infrastructure upgrades in partnership with ZESCO, including a 500MW renewable energy project with TotalEnergies. These initiatives complement FQM’s broader strategy of transitioning to fully electric mining operations using innovations like electric trucks and its patented Quantum Electra-Haul technology.
FQM has also bolstered exploration efforts, providing the government with a high-resolution airborne survey covering 80,000km of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. This data aims to prioritize high-potential areas for exploration and support the discovery of Zambia’s next major copper deposits.
“First Quantum Minerals is committed to being a long-term growth partner for Zambia. We urge the government to maintain regulatory stability to encourage more large-scale investments that will contribute to the 3 million tonnes target,” said Gladston.
The discussions at the Mining Indaba showcased Zambia’s growing influence in the mining and energy sectors, with investments from CEC and FQM demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable growth and economic development.