First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reported a rise in copper production at its Kansanshi and Sentinel mines in North-Western Province, following the commissioning of the new S3 processing plant at Kansanshi.
The Kansanshi mine in Solwezi produced 47,000 tonnes of copper in the third quarter of 2025, up nearly 7,000 tonnes from the previous quarter, driven by higher mill throughput from the S3 expansion, which was launched by President Hakainde Hichilema in August.
FQM Chief Operating Officer Rudi Badenhorst says the ramp-up of S3 surpassed expectations, contributing about 6,000 tonnes of copper during the quarter.
The new plant, designed to process 25 million tonnes of ore annually, is among the most advanced in Africa.
At the Sentinel mine in Kalumbila, copper production increased to 51,000 tonnes, up over 8,000 tonnes from the previous quarter, with further improvements expected.
Company Chief Executive Officer Tristan Pascall says FQM remains on track with its 2025 production guidance of 175,000–185,000 tonnes for Kansanshi and 190,000–200,000 tonnes for Sentinel, highlighting the company’s growing role as a leading global copper producer.
Meanwhile, the company’s Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila produced 5,767 tonnes of nickel in the third quarter, a 44 percent increase over the previous quarter, driven by higher throughput and supported by a 19 percent improvement in recoveries quarter-over-quarter.
Mr. Pascall also says Copper and gold output in the fourth quarter is anticipated to surpass third-quarter levels, owing to a faster-than-expected ramp-up of the Kansanshi S3 Expansion throughput and recoveries.
By Prudence Chota
