:: ZEMA Approves U.S.$640 Million Kansanshi Smelter

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved the proposed construction of a US$640 million smelter at Kansanshi Mining in Solwezi.

Kansanshi, which is owned by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) of Canada, plans to construct the smelter which will have a capacity to process 300,000 tonnes of copper per year when fully-fledged.

Kansanshi applied for environmental approval for the smelter in July this year.

The operations of the smelter will involve melting copper concentrate to produce blister copper as a product and granulated slag as waste.The project has a projected lifespan of over 20 years and the developer anticipates engaging a workforce of 800 during operation stage.