Zambia expects potential in new copper projects output to hit 1 million tonne

DJ reported that Zambia, Africa's largest copper producer, expects new copper projects being developed in the Copperbelt and North Western provinces to boost the country's annual copper output by more than 30% to at least 1 million tonnes within 3 years.
Mr Maxwell Mwale mines and minerals development minister of Zambia said that the Konkola North project, a JV between Vale SA and South Africa based African Rainbow Minerals Limited, Vedanta Resources PLC's Nchanga Copper Refractory project, First Quantum Minerals Limited's Trident Kalumbila Mine and the Mkushi mine are the main projects that are expected to contribute to the country's copper output growth in coming years.
Mr Mwale said that the mining sector is now going through various stages of mining development supported by good government policies and high commodity prices. Konkola North project is expected to start output by the end of 2013, ramping up annual copper production to 45,000 tonnes by 2015.
He said that the Nchanga project has ore reserves of at least 150 million tonnes at 0.68% grade which would yield a total of 1 million tonnes of recoverable copper. The Trident mine has ore reserves of 700 million tons, with mine development expected to start next year while Mkushi's copper ore reserves are estimated at 2.4 million tonnes.
Mr Mwale said that spurred by a global copper price rally, companies that are already operating in Zambia are investing heavily in exploration to extend mine lifespans and boost production. Record copper output of 713,000 tonnes last year was due to increased production at existing mines.

(Source: http://www.steelguru.com/metals_news/Zambia_expects_potential_in_new_copper_projects_output_to_hit_1_million_tonne/198625.html)