Copper’s Crown Jewel: Lumwana Stakes Zambia’s Global Claim

By Bradley Riviera, Editor – MiningFocus Africa

Barrick Gold’s Lumwana mine is no longer just a project—it’s the axis of Zambia’s copper renaissance. The $2 billion Super Pit Expansion officially broke ground in Q2 2025, and as of July 27, construction crews are reshaping the site for a new life-of-mine outlook exceeding 25 years.

With copper demand skyrocketing for EVs, grid upgrades, and semiconductors, Zambia aims to reclaim its status as Africa’s top copper exporter. Lumwana’s future output of 500,000 tonnes per year will surpass all domestic peers, establishing Zambia as a strategic supplier in the energy transition economy.

Beyond scale, Lumwana embodies a broader national push: localization. Barrick has signed $150 million in contracts with Zambian SMEs, and over 2,000 local workers will be engaged during peak construction. Mark Bristow, Barrick CEO, has insisted on inclusive growth, tying mine expansion to regional electrification projects and STEM scholarships for rural youth.

The expansion’s success could catalyze investments across Northern Province, attracting downstream manufacturers and positioning Zambia as not just a copper seller—but a technology enabler in a rewired world.