After nearly two decades of dormancy, the historic Chingola “B” Mine has roared back into operation, marking one of Zambia’s most notable mining revivals and reinforcing the country’s drive toward producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually by 2031.
On Thursday, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) officially relaunched the mine with its first orebody blast in 18 years during a ceremony led by KCM Group Chief Executive Officer, Deshene Naidoo.
The reopening represents more than a symbolic return. KCM projects the mine will deliver over 200,000 tonnes of ore per month, revitalizing an operation that historically averaged 60,000 tonnes monthly at a copper grade of 2.5 percent between 1980 and 2003.
For KCM, the restart reflects a major operational recovery and positions the company as a key contributor to Zambia’s long-term copper production ambitions.
Speaking during the event, Naidoo described the development as a defining moment for the company.
“This is more than just a milestone. It reflects the continued growth and transformation of KCM and reaffirms our commitment to Zambia’s mining future,” he said.
KCM’s majority shareholder, Vedanta Resources, which controls 79.4 percent of the business, has committed to contributing 300,000 tonnes of copper annually toward the country’s production target.
According to Acting KCM Chief Operating Officer, Praveen Sharma, Chingola “B” Mine is expected to play a crucial role in achieving that target. He noted that operations are now being conducted using safer and more advanced mining methods in partnership with Teincomin.
While the reopening was met with optimism, KCM leadership emphasized that safety remains non-negotiable.
“As we celebrate this achievement, safety remains our highest priority. No tonne of copper should be produced unless safety standards are fully assured,” Naidoo stressed.
Nchanga Operations Director, Cross Silwamba, echoed the message, emphasizing that every worker must return home safely to their families each day.
In addition to reviving Chingola “B,” KCM is investing in infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to its Tailings Leach Plant and the construction of a six-kilometre pipeline designed to boost efficiency as part of the company’s broader modernization agenda.
KCM Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, John Kunda, described the reopening as evidence that strategic investment and strong partnerships can restore dormant assets into major contributors to economic growth.
“The reopening of Chingola ‘B’ demonstrates that with the right investment, discipline, and partnerships, previously idle assets can once again become drivers of national development,” Kunda said.
With more than US$1 billion committed by Vedanta to projects such as the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), KCM says the revival of Chingola “B” signals the beginning of a new phase of expansion built around operational excellence and sustainable mining.
For Zambia’s mining sector, the first blast at Chingola “B” may represent more than the reopening of a mine — it could mark the resurgence of one of the country’s copper giants.
