Zijin Mining's Top African Copper Mine Flooded, 2025 Output Target at Risk

Zijin Mining's Top African Copper Mine Flooded, 2025 Output Target at Risk

Africa's largest copper mine suddenly flooded

Last weekend, Zijin Mining disclosed the details of the flooding incident at the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine. Affected by this, the mine's 2025 mineral copper production plan was reduced from 520,000-580,000 tons to 370,000-420,000 tons, a decrease of 28%. As Zijin's largest copper mine (contributing 194,700 tons of equity production in 2024), this accident cast a shadow on the company's annual copper production target of 1.15 million tons.

Cause of the accident and current progress

Mine earthquake triggered a chain reaction: In late May, multiple mine earthquakes in the Kakula mine section caused roof collapse and slabs in the eastern area, and the groundwater level rose rapidly after the deep underground pumping facilities were damaged.

The western area gradually resumed production: the current groundwater level is controlled at an elevation of 1,110 meters, and mining has been restarted on the north/south sides of the western area due to the higher terrain.

Urgent upgrade of the drainage system: Kamoa Copper is purchasing high-power water pumps and is expected to start full drainage in August 2025.

Production cuts hit Zijin Mining's growth engine

Core contradiction: Kamoa was originally Zijin's main source of growth in 2025 (accounting for more than 75% of the planned growth). The production cuts have resulted in the growth of other mining areas being unable to make up for the gap.

Contingency Plan and Future Outlook

Zijin Mining launched three-phase response measures:

Resumption of production in the western area: Accelerate mining operations in the north/south of the western area;

Ore allocation: Use 3.8 million tons of surface stockpiled ore (average grade 3.2%) to supplement raw materials from the Kamoa mine section;

Development of high-grade blocks: Launch ultra-high copper grade projects to increase short-term output.

Key tips: Phase III concentrator and underground mining in the Kamoa mine section are not affected, and long-term goals are still expected to be achieved after full resumption of production.

Capital market impact

Zijin Mining holds a 44.44% stake in Kamoa-Kakula. This accident is expected to reduce the company's equity production by 44,000-93,000 tons in 2025. Although the emergency plan has been launched, the achievement rate of the annual 1.15 million tons of mineral copper target still faces severe tests.（Reference: (https://finance.sina.com.cn/)）

Contact Us

Annie Lu

Huatao Group

Email: annie.lu@huataogroup.com

Mobile: 0086 18032422676 (WhatsApp/WeChat)

Website: www.tufflexscreen.com

Mainly Products:

Polyurethane Fine Screen Panel Tufflex Screen Poly Ripple Screen Shale Shaker Screen Crusher Machinery