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At 9:18 a.m. local time on May 12, following the instruction of Mao Fulong, Assistant to the President of Sinomine Resource Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Sinomine”) and General Manager of Sinomine Kitumba Minerals Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Kitumba Mining”), the first assembled shell section of the ball mill was lifted into position.
Weighing approximately 50 tonnes, the shell was raised under the precise control of a 220-tonne crane and carefully placed onto the curved foundation supports. The successful lift marked the official start of large-scale equipment installation at the project and represented a solid step toward the production target.
As core equipment for the integrated mining, processing, and smelting project, the semi-autogenous grinding mill and ball mill are regarded as the “heart” of the mineral processing system. The semi-autogenous mill measures 8.53 metres in diameter and 4.88 metres in length, with a maximum assembled lifting weight of 70 tonnes. The ball mill measures 6.1 metres in diameter and 10 metres in length, with a maximum assembled lifting weight of 68 tonnes.
These two major pieces of equipment will perform the critical tasks of crushing and grinding ore. Their installation progress will directly affect the connection and commissioning of the subsequent mineral processing and smelting operations.To ensure the first lift was completed safely and accurately, the Kitumba project team developed a dedicated lifting plan and repeatedly reviewed key parameters, including lifting-point selection, hoisting angles, and foundation positioning accuracy. Through careful preparation and close coordination, the shell was successfully lifted and installed as planned.
From undeveloped land to a busy construction site, and from engineering drawings to physical facilities, a modern green mine is rapidly taking shape. Construction across the Kitumba Copper Project is progressing at full pace, with all sections of the integrated mining, processing, and smelting works advancing in parallel and each stage closely coordinated.
Chinese and local employees are working side by side, turning plans into progress through dedication and skilled workmanship. Despite the dust and intense sunlight, the teams continue to demonstrate the responsibility and commitment of modern project builders.
A representative of the construction contractor said the project team would continue to maintain strict safety and quality standards, organize construction in a well-planned manner, and work toward achieving production as scheduled. The shared goal is to build the Kitumba project into a benchmark for China–Africa cooperation.
On March 14, 2024, Sinomine Chairman Wang Pingwei attended the signing ceremony for the acquisition of the Kitumba Copper Project. On April 15, 2025, Wang Zhiwei, Vice President of Sinomine and Chairman of Kitumba Mining, presided over the commencement ceremony for mining and stripping operations.
With installation of the main ball mill equipment now underway, the project has reached another key milestone toward production. Advancing at “Sinomine speed,” the Kitumba Copper Project is writing a new chapter of China–Africa cooperation on the African continent.
