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The Third Zambia Mining and Investment Conference opened on October 19, 2026, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. Held under the theme “Reshaping Africa's Mining Landscape: Building Regional Value Chains, Promoting Shared Prosperity and Empowering Local Communities,” the conference brought together representatives from the Zambian government, diplomatic missions, Chinese and international mining companies, and related industries to discuss mining investment, regional value chain development, local community empowerment, and sustainable mining.
Sinomine Kitumba Minerals Co., Ltd. (“Kitumba Minerals”) was invited to exhibit, showcasing its project progress, process technologies, and corporate profile. During the conference, Han Jing, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, and Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, visited the company's booth in turn to learn about the project's progress and commend the pace of construction and development achievements.
Ambassador Commends Innovative Processing Technology
Ambassador Han Jing visited the booth to learn about the project's progress. The processing plant has already produced its first products, while the smelter is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027. Construction and production preparations are progressing steadily in line with the project schedule.
The Kitumba copper project is Zambia's first integrated mining, processing, and smelting project. It combines roasting and acid production with hydrometallurgical processes, featuring advanced equipment and a high degree of automation. The project reflects Sinomine Resource Group's commitment to developing smart mines.
Ambassador Han commended the project's approach, noting that the integrated process could improve comprehensive resource utilization, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen the project's long-term operational sustainability. He also recognized the technological innovation and practical capabilities demonstrated by Chinese mining companies operating in Zambia.
President Praises “China Speed”
President Hakainde Hichilema visited the Kitumba Minerals booth and received a detailed briefing on the project. Upon learning that the processing plant had commenced operations, he expressed satisfaction and asked about key construction milestones.
Company representatives explained that since the project's groundbreaking in August 2024, it had achieved several major milestones, including camp construction, the commencement of mining and stripping operations, and the construction of the processing plant. The plant entered production in September 2026, while the smelter is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027.
Despite multiple challenges, the project has continued to advance steadily in line with its schedule, supported by improvements in systematic project management and operational efficiency, as well as strong support from the Zambian government.
After hearing the briefing, President Hichilema praised the progress, saying, “This is China Speed.” He also emphasized that the Zambian government attached great importance to the project and had high expectations for its development.
The President's visit underscored the Zambian government's close attention to the Kitumba project and highlighted the positive contributions of Chinese mining companies to local investment, project delivery, and industrial collaboration.
Deepening Local Partnerships to Support Mining Development
Kitumba Minerals' participation in the conference showcased its project development capabilities and strengthened Sinomine Resource Group's presence in Zambia's mining sector. The conference theme closely aligned with the company's commitment to localization and deeper cooperation between China and Zambia in the mining industry.
As part of its green operations strategy, the company is developing a 50 MW solar power plant to support lower-carbon operations through clean energy.
Going forward, Kitumba Minerals will continue to ramp up the processing plant toward full production capacity and advance smelter construction. It will also strengthen safety and environmental management, optimize production organization, and develop local talent. By fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities and deepening cooperation with the Zambian government, local communities, and industry partners, the company aims to contribute to the development of Zambia's mining sector and the high-quality growth of Sinomine's overseas operations.
