Shaft Sinking Begins at Mingomba Mine as Zambia Accelerates Copper Expansion

Zambia’s flagship Mingomba copper project has entered a critical new phase, with shaft sinking officially underway as the country pushes to scale up production and strengthen its position in global copper markets.

The Mingomba project, located in the Copperbelt Province, is widely regarded as one of the most significant new mining developments in Africa. Backed by U.S.-based KoBold Metals in partnership with ZCCM-IH, the project is expected to play a central role in Zambia’s ambition to increase copper output to three million tonnes annually by 2031.

A major milestone in mine development

The start of shaft sinking marks the transition from exploration to full-scale mine construction. This phase involves the excavation of deep vertical shafts that will enable access to high-grade ore bodies located far below the surface—an essential step for large underground mining operations.

At Mingomba, development is particularly complex. The project is designed as a deep-shaft operation, with planned excavation extending to depths of around 1.7 kilometres, placing it among the more technically demanding mining projects in the region.

Industry analysts note that entering the shaft-sinking stage signals strong investor confidence and project viability, given the high capital intensity and engineering precision required.

A world-class copper deposit

Mingomba is considered one of the largest undeveloped high-grade copper deposits globally, situated within a mineral-rich corridor that stretches across Zambia and into the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Geological assessments indicate exceptionally high ore grades compared to global averages, positioning the project as a potential tier-one asset once operational.

The mine is expected to produce up to 300,000 tonnes of copper annually at full capacity, with first production targeted for the early 2030s.

Strategic importance for Zambia

The launch of shaft sinking comes as Zambia shifts from rehabilitating legacy mines to developing new, large-scale production capacity. Unlike brownfield projects, Mingomba represents a greenfield investment designed to add entirely new output into the country’s copper pipeline.

With global demand for copper rising—driven by electrification, renewable energy and electric vehicles—projects like Mingomba are critical to securing long-term supply.

The investment, estimated at between $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion, also reflects renewed confidence in Zambia’s mining policy environment and its ability to attract large-scale international capital.

Technology-driven development

KoBold Metals is applying advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to guide exploration and development at Mingomba. The use of AI in identifying high-grade deposits and optimising mine planning is expected to reduce geological uncertainty and improve operational efficiency.

This approach aligns with a broader trend across Africa, where digital technologies are increasingly being deployed to unlock complex mineral resources and de-risk investment.

Outlook

As shaft sinking progresses, Mingomba is emerging as a cornerstone project in Zambia’s long-term mining strategy. Beyond its production potential, the mine is expected to generate employment, stimulate local supply chains and enhance foreign exchange earnings.

More broadly, the project underscores Africa’s growing role in the global energy transition. With copper demand set to surge in the coming decades, the successful development of projects like Mingomba will be critical in positioning the continent as a key supplier of future-facing minerals.