Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Pic has launched a major high-speed rail rehabilitation project at its Konkola underground mine in Chililabombwe. The initiative aims to significantly increase copper ore tramming capacity, supporting the company’s long-term production goals.
Leading rail infrastructure specialists Flint Rail Projects have been engaged to execute the upgrades, which will span a total of 5,934 meters underground. The project was officially launched by Vedanta Group CEO Deshnee Naidoo during her visit to the mine on 2nd July 2025.
KCM Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Mewett said the project will be carried out in three phases, beginning at the 875m level at No. 4 Shaft, with completion targeted for April 2026.
“Konkola Mine hosts one of the richest copper orebodies in the world,” said Mr. Mewett. “Once developed, this ore must be transported underground by rail to the main shafts where it is hoisted through the shafts and taken to the concentrator by conveyor belts where it is processed and the concentrate is sent to the smelter. However, the deteriorated state of existing tracks has created tramming bottlenecks, prompting this strategic partnership with Flint Rail Projects to modernize the system.”
The upgrades will enable higher train speeds, reduce cycle times, and significantly cut down on derailments and operational blockages ultimately increasing tramming capacity from the current 850,000 tonnes per annum (ktpa) to approximately 1.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and eventually 4 million tons per annum.
And KCM Director Mining Praveen Sharma said investing in new rail infrastructure is a major milestone in KCM’s ambitious investment plans to modernize operations, positioning Konkola mine to be a significant contributor to Zambia’s copper production, and securing its long-term future.
Mr. Sharma emphasized that this is the first major rail upgrade at the mine in over a decade, calling it a “historic milestone” that comes at a critical juncture for the business.
The improved rail infrastructure is expected to play a key role in helping KCM meet its target of producing 300,000 tonnes of copper annually by 2031, aligning with Zambia’s national goal of 3 million tonnes of copper production by 2030
ZAMBIA: KONKOLA COPPER MINES (KCM) PIC EMBARKS ON HIGH-SPEED RAIL UPGRADE AT KONKOLA UNDERGROUND MINE
