Construction of the USD 2 billion Super Pit Expansion Project at Barrick Gold Corporation’s Lumwana copper mine in Zambia is underway as of July 10, 2025, aiming to double annual copper production.
The expansion will increase output to 240,000 tonnes of copper per year and includes the development of a 50 million tonne per annum processing plant.
Site construction has started, long-lead equipment has been ordered, and infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, including a new power transmission system developed in partnership with Zambian national power utility ZESCO to support both the mine and the wider region.
Barrick President and CEO Mark Bristow said the expansion builds on a turnaround that transformed Lumwana from a high-cost, underperforming asset in 2019 into a key part of Barrick’s copper portfolio and Zambia’s development agenda.
“Lumwana is on course to join the world’s list of large and strategically important copper mines, and a powerful driver of growth for both Zambia and Barrick,” Bristow said.
He added that the mine is becoming a model for sustainable copper mining, combining industrial development with environmental protection.
“Lumwana is becoming a flagship for sustainable copper mining. We’re not just expanding a mine, we’re strengthening a partnership, laying the foundation for lasting economic and social development,” he noted.
The Lumwana copper mine is located about 100 kilometers west of Solwezi in Zambia’s Copperbelt—one of the most prospective copper regions in the world. Lumwana ore, which is predominantly sulfide, is treated through a conventional sulfide flotation plant, producing copper concentrate.
Since 2019, Lumwana has contributed over USD 4 billion to the Zambian economy through taxes, royalties, procurement, and wages.
USD 3.4 billion, or 79% of total procurement, has been spent with Zambian suppliers, including USD 177 million or 81% in Q1 2025 alone, which was awarded to local contractors.
Currently, 98% of Lumwana’s workforce are Zambian nationals, with nearly half drawn from nearby communities.
Barrick explains that the expansion aligns with Zambia’s Mining and Minerals 2031 policy and supports the development of the Manyama township and industrial supplier park, a regional airstrip expected to be completed by year-end, and a TEVETA-accredited training centre to expand the country’s mining skills base.
Barrick and the Government of Zambia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore further copperbelt growth opportunities.
