Vedanta’s KCM signs $498 million deal to boost Zambia copper output

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), one of Africa’s largest integrated copper producers, has signed a $498 million agreement with China NERIN Engineering to build a copper recovery plant in Zambia, targeting an additional 70,000 metric tons of annual output from existing mine tailings.

The investment comes as Zambia seeks to expand copper production from 890,346 metric tons in 2025 to 3 million metric tons by 2031, according to the figures provided.

KCM targets more copper from mine waste

The facility will be built at KCM’s operations in Chingola, in Zambia’s Copperbelt, and use leaching technology to extract copper from mine waste. KCM said the project is expected to be the largest plant of its kind in Africa.

Under the agreement, China NERIN will provide engineering, procurement and construction services, as well as support for commissioning, performance testing and training.

The project forms part of KCM’s broader expansion plans and could increase metal recovery from material already generated by its mining operations.

Vedanta and China NERIN lead investment

KCM is owned approximately 80% by Vedanta Resources, a global natural resources and technology conglomerate with operations across India, South Africa, Liberia and Namibia. The Zambian government, through Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), holds the remaining 20%.

Vedanta has focused on expanding its natural resources portfolio in India and other markets, with operational standards benchmarked against global practices.

China NERIN Engineering Co., Ltd., based in Nanchang, China, specializes in engineering, design and consulting for the non-ferrous metals industry, including copper mining, beneficiation and smelting.

The company was originally established in 1957 as the Nanchang Engineering and Research Institute of Nonferrous Metals, one of the leading design institutes under China’s former Ministry of Metallurgical Industry.

Zambia bets on copper growth

Copper is used in power grids, renewable energy infrastructure, data centers and electric vehicles, supporting demand for the metal as countries invest in energy and industrial infrastructure.

Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer after the Democratic Republic of Congo. KCM’s planned recovery plant adds to the country’s efforts to increase output and strengthen its position in the global copper market.