New Mkushi copper mine On The Cards!

A new Mkushi Copper Mine is to be opened in Mkushi district and is to be named as Mkushi Copper Joint Venture Limited.

This has become possible as a result of the planned investment of US$60.9 million by CGA Mining Limited and African Eagle Resources plc (AFE) in the development of an open-pit mine.

The Environmental Impact assessment (EIS) submitted to the Environmental Council of Zambia indicates that the mine’s expected life span of six years will be extended to at least 8 years as a result of the ongoing exploration activity and resource development studies.

The EIS stated that the resource drilling model used for the study last year (2007) suggested a resource of some 10.7 million tones and the resource translated into a potential mineable reserve of 9.13 million tones at a copper grade of 1.08 percent of copper.

According to The CGA website, CGA acquired a 51 percent interest while AFE through its wholly owned subsidiary Katanga Resources Limited retained a 49 percent interest in the project.

And, according to the ECZ website, the Environmental Impact Assessment report is available for scrutiny by the members of the public and the deadline for submission of comments is 20th July 2008.

The production of copper concentrate is scheduled to start in mid 2010 and the eventual planned production target is estimated at 59,000 tonnes per annum.

Return From Mkushi Copper Mine To The Economy Of Zambia