Mopani Copper Mines

UNEARTHING ZAMBIAN PROSPERITY

Mopani Copper Mines is a proudly Zambian mining company engaged in the full spectrum of copper production, from ore extraction to the beneficiation of finished copper cathodes ready for export across the globe. We dig deep with Charles Sakanya, CEO, and hear how the company has become a stalwart of the industry

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Josh Whiteside

The history of mining spans millennia, beginning with the prehistoric extraction of flint for tools, evolving through ancient civilisations using copper, gold, and silver, and accelerating with the Roman use of waterpower and

gunpowder for deeper extraction.

Since prehistoric times, copper –a reddish-brown, highly conductive, and malleable transition metal – has been essential in the development and evolution of humankind.

This fascinatingly diverse

DO YOU FIND A SENSE OF FULFILMENT IN THE WORK THAT MOPANI IS DOING AT PRESENT AND ARE YOU PROUD OF THE COMPANY’S RECENT SUCCESS?

Charles Sakanya, CEO: “The mining industry as a whole is a very exciting place to be operating in right now.

“We produce a metal that the whole world is looking for – a few years ago, in 2022, there was a forecast that predicted a 10 million t shortfall of the red metal by 2040.

“Parallel to this, I’m so happy and proud to be part of a team that is executing a product that is now used worldwide across so many different industries. Because of this, I find both my current position and the work that Mopani does incredibly fulfilling.

“The fact we set plans and execute them, as well as witnessing the process of seeing something through to fruition from start to finish, is extremely gratifying.

“Similarly, it’s really exciting to strategise and carry out a project and witness it move through the stages of being developed, commissioned, and ultimately opened as a fully operational facility.

“When you can actually see something take shape in front of you, realising it’s not a pipe dream, it really does provide a unique sense of fulfilment.

“We are currently in the process of rebuilding Mopani with the help of IRH and support of their equity partners. This includes executing our plans for expansion and gathering all the funding required in order to restore the company to its glory days and even exceed those previous periods of success.

“It’s quite exciting to be embarking on a journey such as Mopani’s current trajectory, and we’re hoping that we will see the maximum output in the next few years in terms of producing and increasing value for our shareholders.”

resource has played a monumental role throughout history, making monumental contributions from the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans all the way to modern-day cultures around the world.

Notably, one of the major ages of collective evolution is named after the copper alloy, bronze.

Copper was the foundational metal of the Bronze Age, enabling the transition from stone tools through the development of metallurgy.

Although it has been in use for at least 10,000 years, more than 95 percent of all copper ever mined and smelted has been extracted since 1900.

This unique and remarkable metal, which was first hammered into crude tools by ancient hands, has remained ever-present behind the scenes of humanity’s growth and development, silently orchestrating a miraculous technological symphony for over five millennia.

The limitless and versatile potential of this extraordinary metal has leveraged its use as an essential element of everyday life today, serving as a proven plumbing and construction metal found throughout homes, public transport, office spaces, and even hospitals.

Meanwhile, its role as a crucial component of the renewable energy sector, standing as a vital ingredient for solar technology and wind turbines, continues to grow in

UNIQUE GEOGRAPHY

Situated in the heart of the continent, Zambia is a completely landlinked country in Southern Africa bordered by Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

“FROM MY INITIAL EXPOSURE TO THE VAST MINING INDUSTRY, I CAN TRULY SAY THAT I HAVE HAD A VERY ILLUSTRIOUS, CHALLENGING CAREER, BUT ONE THAT HAS ALWAYS REMAINED EXCITING”

– CHARLES SAKANYA, CEO, MOPANI COPPER MINES

Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

It is a fertile and verdant land, with green hills, tropical forests, and a lovely climate. Diverse and beautiful landscapes captivate visitors at every turn as a large number of tourists from all over the world visit Zambia annually to witness the magnificent beauty of the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest, most spectacular waterfalls.

Zambia also appeals to those who love their wildlife and exploring truly untouched areas of awe-inspiring

natural beauty.

The nation takes its name from the majestic Zambezi River, which rises in the north-west corner of the country and forms its southern boundary.

As such, the incredible rivers of Zambia contribute hugely to the country’s vast biodiversity and complex ecosystems – the Upper Zambezi, running serenely from north to south, has a low gradient, and the area through which it passes is marked by floodplains and swamps.

This great river flows over Victoria Falls and through the Middle Zambezi Valley, much of it occupied by the

great man-made, artificial Lake Kariba.

Zambia is one of the continent’s largest countries with a total area of around 752,000 square kilometres (sqkm), which is about the size of France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland combined.

For the most part, it consists of a high plateau, with an average height of between 1,060 and 1,363 metres (m) above sea level.

Isolated mountain ridges rise to almost 2,000 m, with peaks such as the Nyika Plateau in Northern Zambia standing even higher.

About 150 million years ago, during the Jurassic era of the dinosaurs, Africa was still part of Gondwana – a supercontinent which included South America, India, Australasia, and Antarctica.

Since then, Zambia’s highlands have been eroded down from an original altitude of over 1,800 m to their current lower levels.

Providing Peace of Mind by Securing Your Future Today

With over 57 years of trusted technical expertise, ZSIC Life Plc stands as Zambia’s preferred provider of quality insurance and pension solutions, dedicated to securing your future every step of the way, because you deserve lasting peace of mind

As one of Zambia’s leading providers of life assurance, financial protection, and wealth management in the nation, ZSIC Life also prides itself on maintaining a flexible pension fund administration and fund management business portfolio to meet the ever-changing needs of its esteemed clients.

The organisation boasts 57 years of securing its customers all the way. During these decades of experience, ZSIC Life has become a household name, having participated competitively in the market and remained committed to offering a diverse range of products that meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses.

With its vast expertise, the organisation offers technical excellence in tailoring a wide array of products to suit a variety of customer needs. Additionally, ZSIC Life has acquired experience in the management of various risk profiles, which is further backed by a solid asset base and sound reinsurance treaties.

ZSIC Life boasts a wide branch network with presence in all 10 provinces of Zambia.

COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

ZSIC Life’s product portfolio spans both retail and corporate life assurance solutions, including but not limited to education plans, investmentlinked plans, travel insurance, life plans and group life, medical and pension plans all tailored to provide financial security at every stage of life. What distinguishes ZSIC Life is our deep understanding of the local market and commitment to making insurance accessible to every Zambian. Whether serving salaried employees, small business owners, or workers in the informal sector, ZSIC Life designs products that speak to real needs and real challenges.

One of our flagship offerings, the Z-Sure Medical Scheme, has become a preferred corporate healthcare solution enabling organisations to safeguard employee well-being and boost productivity through reliable medical cover.

DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Recognising that today’s customers value convenience and efficiency, ZSIC Life has embraced digital innovation as a core part of our growth strategy.

The company is modernising its systems and introducing online and mobile-friendly platforms that allow clients to access information, manage policies, and make payments with ease.

This transformation is not only enhancing customer experience but also positioning ZSIC Life as a forwardlooking insurer ready to compete in a digital-first financial landscape.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES

As a wholly Zambian-owned institution, the company remains deeply invested in national development. Through financial literacy campaigns, partnerships, and social investment initiatives, ZSIC Life continues to promote a culture of savings, responsibility, and resilience. By championing insurance as a tool for long-term financial planning, the company empowers individuals and organisations to navigate life’s uncertainties and invest confidently in their futures.

ZSIC Life Plc – at a glance

Vision – To provide peace of mind by securing your future today.

Mission – To be the preferred provider of exceptional insurance and pension services.

MOPANI HISTORY A TIMELINE

1929 – The Mufulira mine is formed.

1932 – Copper is produced at the Nkana for the first time.

1933 – Mining at the Mindola shaft begins.

1964 – Zambia gains independence and Kenneth Kaunda becomes the nation’s first President.

1969 – Zambia nationalises its mines.

1982 – ZMMC Limited is formed.

1991 – Zambia reintroduces multiparty democracy – Frederick Chiluba becomes Zambia’s second President, and his liberal economic policy leads to the privatisation of the mines.

2000 – Mopani is formed, with Tom Dale appointed as CEO.

2002 – Levy Mwanawasa becomes Zambia’s third President, with Tim Henderson appointed as CEO.

2008 – Rupiah Banda becomes Zambia’s fourth President, with Emmanuel Mutati appointed as CEO.

2011 – Michael Sata becomes Zambia’s fifth President, with Danny Callow appointed as CEO.

2013 – Mopani launches ‘The Mopani Way’, a 10-year plan.

2015 – Edgar Lungu becomes Zambia’s sixth President, with Johan Jansen appointed as CEO, and the Synclinorium shaft is commissioned.

2017 – Chris Vermeulen is appointed CEO.

2019 – The Henderson shaft is commissioned and Nathan Bullock is appointed as CEO.

2020 – Sakanya is appointed as CEO.

2021 – Hichilema becomes Zambia’s seventh President, and ZCCM-IH acquires 100 percent shareholding in Mopani.

2022 – The new Nkana Synclinorium concentrator is commissioned.

2024 – IRH acquires 51 percent majority shareholding in Mopani –ZCCM-IH retains 49 percent.

Across most of the country, the surface of the ground tends to be flat, broken by small hills, the result of countless ages of undisturbed erosion of the underlying crystalline rocks.

These rocks contain the bulk of the country’s wealth, found in the form of vast mineral deposits.

In the Northern Province, Zambia is endowed with copper and many critical minerals such as lithium, tin, graphite, nickel, cobalt, manganese, uranium, and other rare earth elements, which are becoming an essential component of the global energy transition.

THE COPPERBELT REGION

The Copperbelt is a natural region in Central Africa which sits on the border between Northern Zambia and Southeast DRC.

This unique natural phenomenon, which is estimated to be more than 500 million years old, forms Zambia’s industrial base, a prosperous area of land around Ndola, Kitwe, and Chingola which has become dotted with mining sites.

As such, the region’s production of copper and cobalt are of vital global importance, with the Copperbelt existing as the second-largest global reserve of copper, about a third of the size of the Chilean reserves in South America.

The Copperbelt region also makes up a portion of the Lufilian Arc, which was formed when two large pieces of continental crust, the Kalahari and Congo cratons, collided.

This collision was one of the many spectacular natural occurrences that happened between 700 and 500 million years ago to form the Gondwana supercontinent.

A seismic collision, this natural phenomenon is thought to have remobilised base metals, already largely present in the sediments that had accumulated in the basin between the two giant cratons.

The brines then concentrated the base metals either along stratigraphic boundaries or along fractures, faults, or within structurally controlled traps. Today, population density in this region is extremely high, and the environmental impact of so many people is clear to see – as is the intricate relationship between mining, cultural identity, and the local people’s hope for a better future.

Whilst a significant portion of the world simply regards minerals as materials for industrial use, the communities situated within the Copperbelt are natural treasures that represent the region’s history, legacy, and hope for a more prosperous future.

DISCOVERY AND FORTUNE

Early European prospectors were surprised upon discovering the extent of tribal diggings found in the Copperbelt and Congo Pedicle.

Even before the Lunda and Mwata Kazembe Empires of the 1800s and early 1900s, copper has been

“EVERYBODY AT THE COMPANY UNDERSTANDS WHAT RESILIENCE IS. IT’S A WORD THAT RESONATES ACROSS THE ENTIRE BUSINESS AND PERFECTLY ILLUSTRATES HOW WHEN A GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE DETERMINED TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING DESPITE THE CHALLENGES, THEY CAN DO IT”

– CHARLES SAKANYA, CEO, MOPANI COPPER MINES

identified as being in circulation around this time period, mainly in the form of ingots or crosses as well as being used as currency in Central African trade.

It is thought by many experts that Zambia’s rich copper deposits have been exploited since around the 6th or 7th century AD.

There is agreeable evidence that the early Iron Age inhabitants of Zambia mined, smelted, and even traded copper with their neighbours – bracelets and bangles have been discovered at

numerous sites across the nation.

Notable European discoveries by prospectors such as William Collier in 1902 had to wait for economic viability before an attempt at a serious mining operation was undertaken.

It was not until the 1920s that a technical breakthrough was realised, resulting in the mining of what was then Northern Rhodesia’s ‘red gold’ becoming highly profitable as a business – from this moment on, the fortunes of Zambia were irrevocably changed for good.

MOPANI VALUES

Mopani was founded on a strong foundation of common values that unite all employees, suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders to a common goal.

BUSINESS

• Strive for continuous improvement.

• Keep each other informed on how everyone is doing.

• Appreciate effort and recognise employees for jobs well done.

• Be open and honest in everything that is said and done.

• Meet and beat all targets.

• Stay involved in planning and problem-solving.

ENABLEMENT AND EMPOWERMENT

• Remain empowered and enabled through capacity building and training and development.

• Act with a sense of urgency.

• Take full ownership for the wellbeing of the mine.

• Behave in a responsible way at all times and accept accountability.

• Take ownership of an overarching development plan with leadership support.

HSE

• Unconditionally care for each other’s safety and well-being.

• Work with zero harm to people, equipment, the environment, and the business.

• Never tolerate ignorance.

• Produce ‘blood-free copper’.

• Fully comply with all rules, regulations, laws, and acts.

TOGETHERNESS THROUGH TEAMWORK

• Celebrate the company’s diversity and wholeheartedly welcome everybody.

• Play the ball, not the man.

• Do what is promised, always.

• Be accountable for safe, quality daily production.

• Be directed by the shared vision and values of TukaChimfya Pamo.

• Be one united community that shares and cares for each other.

After World War I, demand for copper continued to increase, fuelled by expansion in the global electrical and automotive industries; large-scale mining therefore became a more feasible option.

However, the initial boom in the copper mining industry was then affected by the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Despite this setback, with nations worldwide gearing up for the hostilities that resulted in World War II, another huge rush was created and copper trade surged once more, lasting until the early 1970s.

With an impact that is almost unquantifiable, it was copper that created the social realities that instigated trade unions and the birth of Zambian nationalism.

Additionally, Zambia has historically based political and socioeconomic policies and strategies on the fortunes of copper and is still the biggest producer of the mineral in Africa today.

PRIDE OF THE NATION

Situated at the vanguard of the nation’s mining sector, Mopani Copper Mines (Mopani) is a proudly Zambian mining company with operations spanning Kitwe and Mufulira in the Copperbelt Province, which are located 60 kilometres (km) apart.

With over 20 years experience in process control instrumentation, we have introduced on the market:

i. Automatic desludging of settlers underground, which has reduced downtime from 3 months to just 5 minutes, thereby reducing production costs by over 70 percent.

ii. With this automation, you will never deposit slurry into the padox which results in the costly manual desludging from the padox.

iii. Complete removal of human errors in mining operations, thereby bringing over 90 percent efficiency and uninterrupted production.

A miner is getting into the padox to check the slurry levels deposited. With our automation, slurry will never be dumped into the padox.

We hold the intellectual property right for the most economical yet most durable automation of the following:

• Auto-desludging of slurry lines to present slurry line chocks

• Automation of slurry drain and suction valves

Automate your mines with us to end manual desludging and bring about production optimisation. instrumentation.

• We have completed successful plant trials with almost all the mines in Zambia.

The company’s operations encompass the entire spectrum of the copper production chain – from extracting ore underground to concentrating, smelting, refining, and packaging the finished cathode and making it ready to be exported across the globe.

At present, Mopani is 51 percent owned by Delta Mining Limited, a subsidiary of International Resources Holding (IRH) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The remaining 49 percent of Mopani is owned by ZCCM Investment Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH), a diversified mining investments and operations holding company based in Zambia.

IRH acquired their portion of the shareholding in 2024 from ZCCM-IH, which had wholly owned Mopani from 2021 after buying off the previous majority stake in the mine from Carlisa Investments – a joint venture (JV) between Swiss commodity trader Glencore and Canadian-based First Quantum Minerals.

“PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH IS INTEGRAL TO OUR SUCCESS AND A CRUCIAL STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE FOR THE BUSINESS – MOPANI EMPLOYEES ARE OUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET”

– CHARLES SAKANYA, CEO, MOPANI COPPER MINES

With a rich history in mining and processing dating back to the 1930s, Mopani’s assets in Kitwe and Mufulira include underground mines, concentrators, a smelter, and a refinery.

Determined to keep improving and set the highest possible standards within the African mining landscape, the company has continued upgrading its infrastructure by investing in new technologies to increase production and improve efficiencies across the board.

The newest infrastructure includes three deep shafts – Synclinorium, Mindola, and Henderson – which were sunk and equipped between

2014 and 2021 to extend the life of the mine by over 25 years, safeguard existing jobs at both mine sites, and ensure Mopani’s continuous contribution to Zambia’s burgeoning economic development. Mindola is earmarked for completion by 2028.

As one of the nation’s largest mining employers, Mopani has become beyond integral to the local economy, providing significant job opportunities and contributing to the region’s prosperity and evolution, as well as offering worldclass community outreach and support in the form of education, job prospects, and other transformational opportunities.

TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS

Transpor tation of Staff & Workers

Transpor tation of Goods and Supplies

Hire of Various Types of Vehicles

Mining Equipment Hire

NKANA AND MUFULIRA MINES

The Nkana mine is Mopani’s largest copper mining asset, located near Kitwe in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The facility encompasses:

• Underground mines

• Open pits

• Concentrators

The Mufulira mine is an underground copper operation situated in the Mufulira district of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.

The operation produces copper cathodes as its main product. It is one of the most historically significant mines in Zambia, with mining and processing dating back to the early 1920s. The asset consists of:

• The underground Mufulira mine

• The Henderson shaft

• The Mufulira concentrator

• A smelter and refinery

• Acid plants

AN ACCOMPLISHED CAREER

Proudly leading Mopani forward into a bold and exciting future, Charles Sakanya, CEO, is an accomplished mechanical engineer with more than 40 years of valuable mining engineering experience accrued across Zambia as well as Canada, South Africa (SA), Australia, and Kazakhstan.

As former President of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ), Sakanya possesses the vast and varied knowledge and experience required to steer the company to greater heights, having worked at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company (HBMSC), and the Nkana, Chibuluma, and Chambishi mines in Zambia.

After completing his primary and secondary education in the country, Sakanya then earnt a Higher National Diploma in mechanical engineering before travelling to the UK where he attended the University of Liverpool, graduating with honours in mechanical engineering and management.

For Sakanya, the determined and dedicated pursuit of a career in mining has been a lifelong interest and passion.

“I have always been interested in mining and was seeking to build a career in the industry from inception,” he recalls fondly.

“From my initial exposure to the vast mining industry, I can truly say that I have had a very illustrious, challenging career, but one that has always remained exciting.”

Indeed, this rich and fascinating career path has taken Sakanya across various continents, with myriad different roles and time spent working in SA and North America, as well as vast exposure to Eastern Europe.

In the Zambian context, he has equipped himself with numerous experiences at the country’s most renowned mining sites, which are dotted throughout the famous Copperbelt Province.

“My comprehensive career in mining has taken me to Kalulushi, Chambishi, Kitwe, Mufulira, Chingola, and Chililabombwe,” he lists.

MINING

ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS YOU CAN TRUST

OEM-Backed Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for the Mining, Cement, Energy, Sugar and Manufacturing Industries

JJ Mining & Construction (Z) Ltd is a leading Zambian engineering firm supplying mechanical and electrical equipment, genuine OEM spares, and industrial solutions across the Mining, Agriculture, Cement, Energy, Sugar and Manufacturing sectors.

We deliver premium engineering solutions that are cost-effective, reliable and environmentally responsible. Backed by strong technical and analytical expertise, we proactively support our clients in improving productivity, reliability and operational efficiency.

FLENDER (Germany)

• Industrial gearboxes

• Conveyor and mill drives

• Heavy-duty gear units

• Couplings and gearbox spares

NCP AFRICA (South Africa) –

• New and refurbished grinding mills

• Mill liners, trunnions

• Girth gears and pinions

• Mill lubrication systems and spares

ROC IMPACT (France)

• Jaw, cone and impact crushers

• Screens and feeders

• Crusher wear parts

• Conveyor belts and accessories

TEMPERATURE CONTROL (SA) – Non-Exclusive

• Thermocouples

• RTDs

• Temperature sensors

• Thermowells and transmitters

As exclusive local agents for world-class OEMs, we provide fast local support, genuine parts, and technical excellence tailored to Zambia’s industrial demands.

WHY JJ MINING AND CONSTRUCTION?

• Exclusive OEM representation

• Genuine spares and fast delivery

• Local technical support

• Cost-effective solutions

• Trusted by Zambia’s leading industries

ATLAS EQUIPMENT SA

• Slurry pumps

• Impellers, casings and liners

• Pump spares and rebuild kits

FLEXTRA

• Rubber expansion joints

• Fabric and metallic expansion joints

• Custom design and installation

JJ Mining & Construction (Z) Ltd, Plot 2993, Freetown Road, Light Industrial Area, Kitwe, Copperbelt, Zambia +260 966 656 517 | emmanuel@jjmining-con.com |

INNOMOTICS (Germany)

• Electric motors (LV & HV)

• Variable speed drives (VSDs)

• Geared motors

• Drive systems and spares

THE ROAD TO MOPANI

Sakanya first worked at ZCCM Limited, rising through the ranks over the years until April 2000.

“At this point, Mopani purchased assets from ZCCM Limited comprising underground mines, a concentrator, smelter, and refinery at the Mufulira mine, and underground mines, open pits, and a concentrator and cobalt plant at the Nkana mine in Kitwe,” he reflects.

Following this, Glencore completed the overall purchase of shareholding of Mopani in 2000, a move which sent Sakanya to Canada the following year, where he worked at HBMSC in Northeast Manitoba for almost two years.

Several years later, in 2004, after a period working as the Appointed Engineering Manager for KCM at SmelterCo in Kitwe, Sakanya was initially headhunted to join the Mopani team by former CEO, Tim Henderson.

He accepted the role and subsequently joined the business,

“TO DATE, THOUSANDS OF MOPANI EMPLOYEES HAVE ALREADY BENEFITTED FROM THE TRAINING COURSES OFFERED AT THE MCTC. WITH THIS EXPERIENCE, AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS GAINED, THE CENTRE HAS GROWN AND NOW OFFERS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED COURSES TO OTHER INDUSTRIES”

– CHARLES SAKANYA, CEO, MOPANI COPPER MINES

holding the position of Chief Engineer prior to his eventual appointment as Mopani’s new CEO, leading the business ever since.

“In April 2020, when Glencore announced they were placing Mopani under care and maintenance (C&M), I was appointed as Acting CEO and then confirmed in my new role in early May 2021,” he recalls.

C&M refers to the process of keeping assets such as machinery, mines, and buildings in good working order whilst they are temporarily out of use. It ensures facilities remain safe

and functional, allowing for a quick restart when operations eventually resume. The Zambian government, through ZCCM-IH, negotiated with Glencore and acquired 100 percent shareholding of Mopani.

Utilising an intimate and thorough understanding of the industry and leveraging his in-depth experience of the mine’s operations has led Sakanya strategically to his position today, taking the helm at Mopani to guide its re-emergence from intended C&M back to the forefront of the global market.

Through his effective, tried, and tested management strategies, Mopani will undoubtedly not only survive but continue to thrive under his guidance.

ZAMBIA NATIONAL MINING TARGETS

His Excellence, Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, has set an ambitious target for the nation to increase its annual copper production to three million tonnes (t) by 2031.

This will be supported by USD$12 billion in overall sector investments, aiming to drive economic growth and job creation.

The key elements of this nationwide strategy include reviving dormant mines, expanding infrastructure, and enhancing investor confidence through stable policies.

“Regarding these ambitious targets, production is increasing in an overall sense, and Zambia is looking to cross the phycological one million cathode production mark in 2026,” notes Sakanya.

As an investor policy moving forward, Zambia’s presidency has

THE PROCESS OF COPPER MINING

From its original home deep within the Earth’s crust, copper passes through several crucial stages to reach its eventual destination in essential everyday products like electronics, appliances, electrical grids, vehicles, and renewable energy technologies.

As a 100 percent recyclable material, copper can be reused repeatedly with no loss to its physical properties.

The material that is produced from ores and concentrates is referred to as primary copper production. Secondary copper can also be produced by recycling scrap, as well as finished products, and has the same performance properties as the primary material.

The process of primary copper production starts with the extraction of copper-bearing ores. There are two basic ways of copper mining – surface and underground. Due to copper being spread in relatively low concentrations over large areas, the former is the predominant method.

After mining, copper is produced by one of two process routes –pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical.

Smelting is the process of heating and melting ore to extract a metal like copper. Refining, meanwhile, is the process that increases the grade or purity of the metal – after completing the refining processes, copper cathode is generally 99.9 percent pure.

During semi-fabrication, copper, along with clean scrap, is then converted into wire/rod, tubes, sheets, and strips ready for use further down the value chain before being transformed into finished products.

Based in Zambia, Mbukulu Bakery was officially established in March 1982 and has grown into a respected name in the baking industry through dedication, hard work, and a strong commitment to quality. What began as a small local bakery has developed into a trusted supplier of fresh baked goods, serving communities with consistency and pride for over four decades.

From its early days, Mbukulu Bakery focused on producing simple, nutritious, and affordable products for families.

Over the years, it expanded its product range to include a wide variety of breads, buns, and confectionery items, all prepared under strict hygiene standards and careful quality control to ensure each bite is fresh, soft, and full of flavour. Every product reflects the bakery’s promise to deliver freshness, taste, and value to its customers.

Mbukulu Bakery exemplifies dedication, as seen through its focus on freshness and warm atmosphere that brings customers back time and time again, making the bakery a lively hub for celebrating good food, conversation, and company.

The bakery has continually adapted to changing market demands whilst maintaining traditional baking values that customers have come to appreciate. Investment in improved production methods and staff training has helped ensure efficiency, food safety, and reliability. The company believes that skilled people are its greatest asset, and it places strong emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and personal development.

Mbukulu Bakery has also built a dependable distribution system to ensure that products reach shops and customers on time. Timely delivery and consistent supply have helped

the company build long-term relationships with retailers, wholesalers, and consumers. These partnerships are based on trust, honesty, and mutual respect, which remain core principles of the business.

Community involvement has always been an important part of Mbukulu Bakery’s journey. The company takes pride in creating employment opportunities and supporting local suppliers. By contributing to local economic growth, the bakery strengthens the communities it serves and reinforces its role as a responsible corporate citizen.

Despite changes in technology and industry standards, Mbukulu Bakery remains grounded in the values on which it was founded: quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

The company continues to look for ways to improve its products and services whilst maintaining the traditional taste that customers have relied on for many years.

The bakery’s reputation continues to grow, bringing in both locals and visitors through its emphasis on traditional baking methods, peak flavours, friendly service, and customer satisfaction. It proudly exists as a cherished part of the local community, offering the very best of local baking.

Today, Mbukulu Bakery stands as a symbol of consistency and trust, built on decades of experience and dedication. With a strong foundation laid since 1982, the bakery remains committed to excellence, innovation, and growth. Its mission is to continue serving customers with fresh, delicious, and affordable baked goods whilst upholding the values that have guided the business from the very beginning. Buying Mbukulu Bakery bread, pastries, and cakes is about more than just delicious food; it’s about health, energy, and supporting the local community.

rejected all proposals for a mandatory 15-40 percent free-carried state interest in mines in order to maintain an investor-friendly and stable environment for growth.

Similarly, Hichilema continues to emphasise that whilst enabling mining expansion, operations must not cause environmental degradation or water pollution.

Meanwhile, other key initiatives that have been highlighted for Zambia’s national growth include aerial geological mapping to unlock new mineral potential.

A NEW ERA OF GROWTH

In 2024, when IRH acquired a 51 percent stake in Mopani, it set out to establish a new and unique partnership structure for the global mining sector – a feat which it has since achieved.

“IRH’s investment is being used to revitalise and modernise Mopani’s assets and put our company firmly on a path of new growth in line with national targets” Sakanya tells us.

“THROUGH OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS, WE CAN BUILD A THRIVING AND RESILIENT MINING SECTOR WHERE HSE IS THE NORM AND VISION ZERO IS A REALITY”

– CHARLES SAKANYA, CEO, MOPANI COPPER MINES

The ultimate objective for both Mopani and IRH is to achieve a production rate of 200,000 t of copper cathodes within the next three to four years.

Additionally, new investment efforts and plans for expansion form part of the broader Zambian government initiative to increase national copper production to 3 million t per annum (tpa) by 2031.

Alongside this, the transformational power and immense potential of new technology is positioned at the heart of IRH’s turnaround strategy for Mopani.

“The introduction and implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial

intelligence (AI), and an improved telecommunication network will facilitate improved productivity, efficiencies, and safety across Mopani’s entire operational footprint.

“We’re employing AI in the mining industry to help us improve productivity and ensure safety. Mining is carried out in very difficult underground conditions, so we are utilising technology to help create safer operational environments,” he observes.

Moreover, improved analytics and accuracy of data collection enabled through this advanced technology will undoubtedly lead to more informed decision-making and optimised operations.

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“The ongoing modernisation of Mopani will be completed in such a way that ensures job security for the many thousands of fulltime employees whilst creating enhanced value benefitting all local stakeholders,” Sakanya excites.

One particularly crucial and exciting element of IRH’s investment is a USD$400 million injection to complete three new deep shafts – Synclinorium, Mindola, and Henderson – replacing the older infrastructure at both the Nkana and Mufulira mines, which date back to the 1930s.

In addition to this, Mopani has also built a brand-new concentrator at the Nkana mine site.

“The addition of impressive new infrastructure is expected to extend the life of the mine by over 25 years, improve production efficiencies, and safeguard existing jobs whilst guaranteeing Mopani’s continued contribution to growing the Zambian economy,” Sakanya explains to us.

“We are working tirelessly to complete all our current slate of expansion projects. The target is that

by mid-2029, we will have reached completion, allowing us to then embark on the next steps of our expansion journey.”

AI TO BOOST COPPER DEMAND

Simultaneous to the integration of AI into Mopani’s own mining operations, notable growth in the AI and defence sectors will boost global copper demand by 50 percent by 2040.

AI is a major growth area for copper, with more than 100 new global data centre projects unveiled last year, valued at just under USD$61 billion.

“Copper has long been used widely across the construction, transportation, technology, and electronics industries as it is one of the best conducting, corrosion-resistant, and malleable metals,” Sakanya explains.

Meanwhile, as the electric vehicle (EV) industry has lifted copper demand over the past decade, areas of industry such as defence and robotics will require even more of the metal during the next 14 years.

This is alongside the more traditional consumer appetite for

air conditioners and other copperhungry appliances.

“Now that we understand global copper demand will reach 42 million tpa by the 2040 mark, up from 28 million in 2025, nearly a quarter of that demand is likely to be unmet without new sources of supply,” he warns.

The underlying demand factor at play is the electrification of the world, and copper is the metal that fuels it.

Nearly every electronic device contains copper, and whilst Chile and Peru are the largest copper miners, and China is the largest copper smelter, the US – which has imposed a tariff on some types of copper – imports half of its needs each year, meaning producers such as Zambia now have the opportunity to capitalise on the sustained upswing in worldwide demand.

EXPANSION PROJECTS AND TARGETS

The future of Mopani lies in the expansion projects that the company has been undertaking since 2013 with a view to extending the lifespan of the mine by over 25 years.

YOUR LIFETIME PARTNER IN MINING

We help our partners improve safety, reliability, and productivity across the entire project life cycle through robust, proven mining technologies, comprehensive services, and longterm technical support.

We provide solutions for:

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“As a proudly Zambian mining company, our desire is to continue investing in infrastructure development to ensure we make Mopani a world-class mining operation,” Sakanya emphasises firmly.

IRH and Mopani are partnering to oversee a major USD$1.9 billion expansion, driven by the new USD$400 million investment that will fund this exciting next chapter.

The overarching goal is to boost cathode production from 226,000 tpa to 300,000 tpa by 2031, with a long-term target to achieve over 500,000 tpa within a decade.

Key initiatives that have been highlighted for this upcoming slate of expansion include replacing old infrastructure with new, environmentally efficient technology, such as a new primary furnace, smelting furnace upgrades, a matte settling furnace, an oxygen plant, and a sulphuric acid plant, which will significantly increase production.

The impact of these new

“TO US AT MOPANI, VISION ZERO IS NOT JUST A GOAL – IT’S A COMMITMENT THAT DEFINES HOW WE WORK, HOW WE MAKE DECISIONS, AND HOW WE ENGAGE WITH OUR STAKEHOLDERS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE”

– CHARLES SAKANYA, CEO, MOPANI COPPER MINES

additions and upgrades is significant as they are expected to extend the mine’s lifespan by over a quarter of a century, securing the immediate future of Mopani at the forefront of the global mining industry.

A SECTOR ON THE RISE

The mining industry is currently experiencing a swathe of growth and renewed prosperity.

“At present, we are seeing gold prices soar with silver following, whilst the price of copper continues to break records,” Sakanya sets out.

“With the sustained growth of the power industry and rise

of EVs, there has been talk of new substitute metals in order to deal with the high demand, but so far nothing has beaten the famous red metal yet, which remains essential across numerous sectors,” he continues.

As such, copper is critical to the construction of solar panels, acting as the primary metal for high-efficiency electrical conductivity in wiring, busbars, and connectors within the panels.

It ensures minimal energy loss, handles high heat, and enables durable, long-term operation – the metal is used extensively in both photovoltaic (PV) cells and solar thermal systems.

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With an exemplary record in underground mining, PHI-MUG Zambia Limited commands respect and recognition. Our team of highly skilled professionals employs state-of-the-art technology and advanced methodologies to address the intricate challenges of subterranean environments. From exploration and tunneling to dewatering, ventilation, and comprehensive mine rehabilitation, we uphold the highest safety standards and environmental responsibility at every stage. Our meticulous approach guarantees projects that not only meet but surpass expectations.

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“When we talk about EVs and the use of solar power, both of these fields require copper to manufacture components used in the instrumentation and digital industries.”

Due to surging requirements, many studies have predicted a seismic shortfall in copper production over the next decade by over 10 million t.

In the last few years, barely any new mines have opened in order to close that gap, hence the significant rise in price and global demand for this precious metal.

In a proactive step towards meeting this shortfall, Zambia has conducted a series of remote sensing operations using state-of-the-art technology mounted in aircraft for aerial electromagnetic surveys which are currently taking place.

“It takes a lot of time to start up a new mine that can eventually produce copper cathodes. From the very beginning, one starts with feasibility studies, exploration, and planning, before presenting a bankable document, so you are already looking at a process that takes several years to complete,” Sakanya outlines.

A complete mine cycle from exploration to operation can sometimes take 10 to 12 years, meaning that responding to demand can be a slow and gradual process.

“As long as we continue to embrace EV technology, digital infrastructure, and solar power, the precious red metal is certainly here to stay,” he confirms.

STRIVING FOR ZERO HARM

As an integral pillar of the company’s beliefs and part of its ongoing strategic goals, Sakanya has recently reaffirmed Mopani’s unwavering commitment to ‘Vision Zero’, achieving zero harm across its mining operations.

He adamantly believes this goal will be made possible through a combination of innovation, technology, and a strong culture of teamwork.

COPPERBELT ECONOMIC IMPACT

The economic importance of Mopani’s copper mining operations in the Copperbelt Province and across the nation remains profound.

In 2025-26, the company stands proudly as a linchpin for Zambia’s GDP and its renewed stability in foreign exchange earnings.

EXPORTS – Copper is the Copperbelt’s core mineral that is extracted and exported, driven by high global demand for use in electrical wiring, renewable energy technologies, EVs, and construction.

EMPLOYMENT – Thousands of direct jobs are provided by Mopani for the local region. Indirect jobs are also created via ancillary sectors, spanning transportation, equipment maintenance, and a plethora of other local services.

TAX REVENUES – Mopani supplies a considerable portion of Zambia’s government revenues through taxes and royalties, which help fund social programmes and boost public infrastructure.

By contributing over 20 percent of Zambia’s copper output in recent years, Mopani now powerfully influences both local prosperity and the wider national economy.

In a speech delivered on his behalf at the 9th Zambia Chamber of Mines Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) National Conference, held in July 2025 at the Protea Hotel in Ndola, Sakanya said the company was working round the clock to attain a benchmark of

zero harm across all its assets going forward.

“To us at Mopani, Vision Zero is not just a goal – it’s a commitment that defines how we work, how we make decisions, and how we engage with our stakeholders and the community at large,” he says.

“We believe workplace incidents, occupational illnesses, and environmental harm are all preventable, and this philosophy has driven our company’s safety initiatives and transformation programmes so far.”

Amongst the key initiatives highlighted was Mopani’s flagship Safemining Campaign, anchored on strict adherence to fatal hazard protocols – a common cause of mine accidents – and their associated lifesaving behaviours.

As such, employees are continuously empowered to refuse unsafe work, guided by the company’s powerful safety motto – ‘If it’s not safe, don’t do it. Make it safe, then do it’.

At the event, Sakanya also proudly reported steady improvement in Mopani’s safety performance, revealing that the company’s 12-month lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) stood at 0.74 as of the end of Q3 2025.

Highlighting Mopani’s drive for innovation, the company is also investing heavily in digital

“THROUGH TUKACHIMFYA PAMO, WE AIM TO FOSTER A STRONG CULTURE OF TOGETHERNESS WHERE EVERY EMPLOYEE FEELS EMPOWERED TO ACT WITH URGENCY, A SENSE OF OWNERSHIP, AND A COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT”

– CHARLES SAKANYA, CEO, MOPANI COPPER MINES

technologies to enhance safety and productivity.

“We have already deployed fibre optic Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless radio communication, and AI-based systems at our South Ore Body (SOB) underground mine, connecting our underground operations to the outside world in real time,” Sakanya reveals.

A strong advocate for the progression of both Mopani and the entire mining landscape, Sakanya promotes a message of optimism and unity for the entire industry.

“Through our collective efforts, we can build a thriving and resilient

mining sector where HSE is the norm and Vision Zero is a reality,” he affirms.

TUKACHIMFYA PAMO

At the same event last year, Sakanya also highlighted the company’s new corporate culture transformation programme, ‘TukaChimfya Pamo’ – a Bemba phrase meaning ‘together, we shall conquer’, which has become somewhat of a company mantra. The exciting new initiative aims to strengthen teamwork, ownership, and continuous improvement across all levels of the company and throughout its workforce.

“Through TukaChimfya Pamo, we aim to foster a strong culture of togetherness where every employee feels empowered to act with urgency, a sense of ownership, and a commitment to continuous improvement,” he explains.

Rolled out as part of Mopani’s broader strategy for promoting behavioural change, the initiative focuses on embedding newly co-created shared values and behaviours across both the organisation and in the surrounding community.

These values, amongst other things, emphasise a culture of business wise, enablement and empowerment, HSE, and togetherness through teamwork in day-to-day operations.

Alongside this, the bold new campaign aims to promote a healthy culture of continuous learning and innovation which will incite positive influence across every facet of the business.

TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS AND INNOVATION AT MOPANI

Mopani’s focus on technological innovation is evident in its:

• AUTOMATION – Mopani’s mines leverage modern, state-of-the-art machinery and digital sensors for underground navigation, ore extraction, and resource mapping. Real-time data analytics have improved efficiency and safety, especially as the company mines deeper ore bodies.

• DIGITISATION – Inventory, logistics, and resource flows are now all managed via software, streamlining operations and reducing operational bottlenecks for the company.

• ENERGY-EFFICIENT SMELTING – Mopani has made several smart investments in energy-efficient smelting technologies which have reduced its carbon emissions whilst simultaneously boosting output.

• SATELLITE MONITORING – The mining industry now increasingly relies on satellite data to monitor mining activity and factors such as soil stability and environmental impact, laying the foundation for sustainable mine management and enhanced analytics.

These strategic uses of technology have empowered Mopani to respond swiftly to evolving technical and environmental challenges.

After being unveiled in 2024, Mopani rolled out a series of roadshows at the workplace and in the community to raise awareness around key messages of the TukaChimfya Pamo culture transformation.

A team of local artists, operating as the Kolonganeni Industrial Theatre Group, then conducted industrial plays to highlight various aspects of the initiative both at Mopani workplaces and at strategic locations in the communities of Kitwe and Mufulira.

Before performing, the theatre group completed a five-day formal training programme at Mopani’s People Growth Centre, located at the Mindola Dam in Kitwe, to acquaint themselves with the key messages, pillars, vision, and values of TukaChimfya Pamo.

CONQUERING TOGETHER

When expanding its team and recruiting new members of staff, finding the right people who will slot seamlessly into the business is an essential priority for Mopani and Sakanya.

New team members must fit culturally within the company and align with its core beliefs and set of values if they are to be trusted to uphold the proud Mopani name and standards.

“We look for people of integrity, a quality which is really important to us,” Sakanya affirms.

“A successful candidate must share our vision as well as being honest, hard-working, and skilled.”

For school leavers, Mopani takes people at a lower level and trains them internally, shaping them into the very fabric of the business and instilling the values of TukaChimfya Pamo.

“When we recruit externally, candidates must first be correctly qualified and knowledgeable, but honesty and integrity remain paramount,” he enthuses.

“People development and growth is integral to our success and a crucial strategic imperative for the business – Mopani employees are our most valuable asset.”

TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION

When it comes to preparing new recruits, the Mufulira Central Training Centre (MCTC) is a state-of-the-art, world-class training facility and one of the best mining-orientated training facilities in Zambia and beyond.

The impressive facility offers both long and short-term courses in engineering, metallurgy, and mining.

Opened in 2013, the MCTC is located in the historic mining town of Mufulira in Northern Zambia.

This game-changing training facility is one of the best miningorientated centres in the world and the first of its kind in Central Africa,

“FURTHERMORE, BY EMBRACING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, BOOSTING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT, AND INVESTING CONTINUALLY IN A RANGE OF SMART, DATADRIVEN SOLUTIONS, MOPANI EXEMPLIFIES A TRULY RESILIENT COPPER MINING SECTOR”

– CHARLES SAKANYA, CEO, MOPANI COPPER MINES

accommodating up to 800 students (300 boarders and 500 day scholars) at any one time.

“Our training centre has both full-scale underground and surface simulations so that all theoretical courses are also seen and experienced in practice on-site,” Sakanya shares.

The MCTC has continued churning out mining industry-orientated graduates, thereby attracting students from across the sub-region and as far as Liberia, DRC, and Botswana.

It is fully accredited by the Zambian government’s Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) - a

leading institution in technical and vocational training for developing Zambia and the world at large.

“To date, thousands of Mopani employees have already benefitted from the training courses offered at the MCTC. With this experience, and the achievements gained, the centre has grown and now offers internationally recognised courses to other industries,” he details.

The site adheres to a bold mission statement – to deliver excellence through the competency-based production and application of contemporary skill-based knowledge – and an ethos that inspires industry both today and tomorrow.

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EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

Alongside the goal of conquering together with its people, Mopani wants to maintain its enviable position as a proud Zambian employer of choice.

“Whilst the company’s success will naturally create more jobs, in order to truly attract and retain talent, a focus is needed on how Mopani models itself as an employer,” Sakanya tells us.

“We want to make our business the best possible choice for employees – a company that is safe, stable, and profitable,” he adds.

For Sakanya, this begins with forging a deep trust within his teams by fostering interpersonal relationships amongst staff members, building a family feel within the culture, and staying true to the mantra of TukaChimfya Pamo.

“All Mopani employees are made to feel seen and empowered through rewards for performance and regular recognition of their achievements.

“We show them how they contribute to the broader supply

chain and ensure they are deeply involved in making the decisions that affect their own work,” Sakanya adds.

In this way, employee suggestions are analysed and implemented to contribute to safety, asset management, and increased production across the organisation.

STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY

High on the agenda for Mopani is to remain a good corporate citizen, striving to be a pillar of the local community and set the highest possible standards regarding its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The company remains committed to supporting the socioeconomic development of its host communities through robust CSR programmes.

“Mopani supports the development of sports, local enterprises, education, health, and basic infrastructure, as well as water and sanitation, in the communities of Kitwe and Mufulira,” Sakanya affirms.

“Our commitment to promoting the well-being of the surrounding community is also witnessed through our emergency response and environmental management programmes.”

The company is passionate when it comes to promoting local content, creating foundations that are strong enough for the life of mine, and sharing success collectively for all Zambians.

“Ultimately, we want to take the communities with us on our upwards trajectory and growth path,” he states.

Mopani also supports a range of smallholder projects encompassing farming and education and is actively involved in local economic development that impacts smallscale operators in the Copperbelt region.

Zambian smallholders face risks from climate shocks such as droughts, which have reduced agricultural growth, and are now being supported through initiatives to improve resilience.

EDUCATION FOR THE COMMUNITY

As one of its key priorities and major passions, Mopani continues to provide high-quality education.

The company runs a total of four schools – two primary and two secondary – in Kitwe and Mufulira.

Since 2008, they have recorded a 100 percent pass rate in all national examinations for Grades 7, 9, and 12, making them some of the most highly sought-after schools in the two areas.

“Running these schools is key to our dedication to community service and remains vital for equipping the next generation with the necessary skills to thrive,” he emphasises.

At its academy, Mopani trains a multitude of important trades, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, brickmaking, instrumentation, boiler making, machining, and heavy duty repairs.

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SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES AT MOPANI

Environmental and social sustainability now exist as core tenets of Mopani’s operational strategy.

As such, with expanded production comes the great responsibility to reduce negative impacts and long-term damage on the local environment and surrounding communities.

Mopani employs numerous environmental protection strategies:

• ADVANCED WASTE MANAGEMENT – New tailings management systems ensure toxic byproducts are isolated and treated, keeping local water supplies and soils safer.

• SULPHUR DIOXIDE CAPTURE – Mopani’s upgraded smelter systems reduce sulphur dioxide and other harmful emissions, supporting cleaner air standards for the local community and placing the company’s team at reduced risk.

• WATER RECYCLING – Processing plants recycle and reuse water, which remains crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and minimising environmental impact in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.

• COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE – Social initiatives support local health centres, teacher training, and rural roads. This forms a vital step toward a diversified local economy beyond mining.

“A total of USD$20 million was spent in 2013 to set up the MCTC. The progress has been incredible to witness. A contractor academy is housed at the same facility,” he expands.

Furthermore, the Zambian government is empowering Mopani to train more people through the Constituency Development Fund, a government initiative for decentralised local development that supports projects like schools, clinics, and infrastructure.

Everyone benefits from this circular process as Mopani develops its teams whilst also laying the educational foundations for future generations in the region.

THE POWER OF SPORT

As well as its work in the realm of education, Mopani recognises that sport possesses a unique ability to bring people together and unite communities from all walks of life – a powerful tool that the company has utilised within its CSR work.

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Currently, we have three outlets in Mufulira and we deliver all around Mufulira town as well as Kitwe, Kalulushi, Chingola and Mukambo.

We are so proud to not only provide breakfast to our hard-working and dedicated miners, but to also support our communities and orphanages - projects that are so important to us as a business and we endeavour to continue.

The business currently supports over 10 different sports clubs in Kitwe and Mufulira across a multitude of disciplines, such as football, golf, tennis, swimming, squash, and rugby.

Of the clubs supported by Mopani, Nkana Football Club, Nkana Golf Club, and Mufulira Tennis Club have, in recent years, set up junior academies to tap into and nurture tender-age talent from the communities in both Mufulira and Kitwe.

“We are big supporters of all things sport – Nkana Golf Club is one of the best courses in Zambia and is currently the proud host of the Mopani Zambia Open Golf Tournament,” Sakanya acclaims.

The club has a proud reputation of providing members and visitors with friendly hospitality and a truly Zambian experience, welcoming visitors with open arms to sample the scenic exquisiteness created by nature.

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Situated in the midst of the iconic Copperbelt region, the facility features breathtaking vegetation and water features, making it a respectable championship golf course and a challenge for both professional and amateur golfers.

Elsewhere, Mopani also remains the primary sponsor and proud owner of the Zambian Super League sides, Nkana and Mufulira Wanderers Football Clubs.

Despite facing financial constraints in 2020 that led to a reduction in funding, the company has remained committed to supporting the clubs, with senior officials frequently addressing the team to ensure stability and performance.

“In particular, we are challenging our supporters to help us grow the fanbase. Our target is to recruit at least 300,000 committed new supporters by March 2026, with whom we aim to drive the clubs to greater heights,” Sakanya passionately informs us.

BACK FROM THE BRINK

When asked what makes him most proud in relation to the company, Sakanya points to the qualities of resilience and togetherness that define Mopani to this day.

“I’ve seen the business on its knees in 2020 when the previous shareholder left and I was tasked with overseeing the closure.

“We sat as a management team and knew that it didn’t make sense to be given a mandate to close. Why can’t we find a way to keep going until an investor and equity partner comes through?” he asks.

At that time, it was envisaged that this process would potentially take a year, but after this time, the company had only managed to transfer the ownership from one shareholder to another.

“We then thought it would take another six to 12 months to conclude – however, it eventually took a total of four years.

“In those four years, we didn’t have any funding. We had to sit patiently and come up with initiatives to increase value and production and lower costs – we somehow managed to survive with help from ZCCM-IH,” he continues. Under normal circumstances, the mine should have been shut down. Along the way, the company utilised a USD$100 million loan from ZCCM-IH to support operations.

“We look back now and ask ourselves; how did we do it? I think the answer to that is teamwork. Everybody was pulling together in the same direction, and we had one vision – to not shut down until an equity partner was found for this place.”

By remaining true to a collective shared vision, the company came back from the brink, stronger than ever before, and can draw valuable lessons from this period of adversity.

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A Trusted Partner in Mining and Industrial Solutionss

SIANAH LIMITED is a 100% Zambian owned company that provides marketleading goods and services to the mining and local industry with support from its global partners. Our main focus is to provide the mining industry with the highest quality goods and services to enhance productivity whilst improving safety standards in the working environment.

Plot No.12 Kalungwishi, Nkana East ,Kitwe, Zambia +260769909045 sianahltd@yahoo.com www.sianahltd.com

We offer supply and installation services for critical mining systems and equipment:

• Fire Safety

• LHD Enhancements

• Electrical Safety

• Construction and Development

• Equipment Refurbishment

• Ventilation and Dust Control

• Fabrication and Scrap

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: BANTABURRY, PLOT NO. B94/95, MAZABUKA, ZAMBIA

W&H SOLAR VENTURES

Specialising in turnkey and customised solutions

• Turnkey solar solutions

• Assessment of site conditons and energy needs Our services:

• Renewable energy project development

• Ongoing operation and maintenance support

Contact: Weston, CEO 00260 979 632 366 weston@wandh.online Linkedin: W&H Solar Ventures

“To this day, that tricky stretch of time and how we stuck together is something we are really proud of as a team at Mopani.

“Everybody at the company understands what resilience is. It’s a word that resonates across the entire business and perfectly illustrates how when a group of people are determined to achieve something despite the challenges, they can do it,” he smiles.

Sakanya himself is keen to point out that despite securing a new equity partner and coming back from the brink, it still has a long way to go on its overall journey.

“I sometimes sense that people think they can relax now, thinking we’ve made it, when all we’ve done is survive. This is no time to be complacent – we now need to work hard to get to the finishing line.

“When we start producing 8.5 million tpa and meeting the targets of our new vision, then we can say we have arrived. But even then, there is

always room to improve and grow,” he implores.

REVIVAL AND PROGRESS

The ongoing revival of Mopani has also been integral for the nation’s prosperity and identified as a contributing factor in Zambia’s GDP growth over the last two years.

These impressive gains have been underpinned by the substantial investment from IRH since 2024, including USD$620 million in equity capital and USD$400 million funding to complete the expansion projects.

Further expansion is planned, with Mopani targeting greater copper output by the end of the decade.

Meanwhile, the company’s new airborne geophysical survey is underway to identify additional reserves that could extend the life of mine further.

This is a proud moment for IRH as it partners with ZCCM-IH in Mopani in a long-term investment in this mining project.

“Together, this partnership is creating jobs, building capacity, and supporting Zambia’s position in the global energy transition,” Sakanya highlights.

As global copper demand grows in line with the acceleration of the green energy transition, the new investment in Mopani means the mine will now secure its position at the forefront of enabling this change.

“This is the kind of impact we strive for as part of our international growth strategy.”

Sakanya describes the turnaround as evidence of a shared commitment to performance and partnership.

“The progress we have made over the past two years is the result of clear vision and close collaboration. With IRH’s support, we’ve modernised our operations, digitised our mines, and built momentum. The next phase will be even more exciting – for Mopani, our people, and Zambia,” he continues.

Watukunda Investment Ltd is a general trading company possessing the unique ability to source anything clients need, whether for private or commercial requirements. If it’s not yet in our comprehensive product portfolio, we can track it down, in any volume, and deliver wherever you need it. We are focused on being a trusted partner in the mining industry and aware that production never stops. Our commitment to service is paramount to our growth.

Plot No. 26332 Chimwemwe – Kitwe

Cell: +260 968 858873 | +260 760 253562

Email: watu.investments@gmail.com

Trinity Haulage Investments

Trinity Haulage Investments Limited is an active importer with shipment-level trade activity across international markets. Market Inside provides detailed insights into the company’s import volumes, sourcing countries, traded commodities, and logistics routes to support data-driven trade analysis.

Zeal Net Engineering Limited

Across all operations, it now employs over 13,000 people, having created more than 2,300 new roles since 2024.

The company’s vendor strategy has also prioritised local value, with 90 percent of procurement spend in 2025 so far awarded to Zambian businesses – an investment worth USD$436 million.

This is in addition to Mopani’s health and education initiatives, including a USD$14.8 million investment in hospital upgrades that are also underway.

Conclusively, Mopani’s digitisation programme has made it one of the most technologically advanced mines in the region, with real-time monitoring systems, AI-supported grade control, and predictive maintenance infrastructure – which has increased the mine’s operating efficiency and safety performance whilst also reducing costs.

“In addition, Mopani’s Wi-Fi infrastructure now reaches 2 km underground.”

Overall, the Mopani investment forms part of IRH’s broader strategy to develop long-term resource partnerships across Africa, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, localisation, and industrial development.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s growing investment footprint on the continent and reflects a strong commitment to responsible international growth.

PREPARING FOR ADVERSITY

As Mopani navigates into an exciting future, across 2026 and beyond, it faces a spectrum of challenges and new opportunities which will prove critical for the continued prosperity of both Zambia’s mining sector and the company’s own fortunes.

Firstly, there’s the issue of

price volatility, encompassing fluctuations in global copper prices and accounting for the changing of geopolitical landscapes – this demands a diversified business model and the preparation needed to be able to seamlessly react to such a fastchanging economic environment.

Meanwhile, the question of resource access remains paramount to Mopani’s future planning. Deeper and more complex ore bodies require advanced engineering, investment in new technologies, and robust training for its workers.

Regulatory pressures are an ever-present challenge to contend with as evolving global environmental standards are raising the bar for compliance, traceability, and emissions reduction – making it critical for Mopani to further invest in sustainability practices and environmentally friendly contingency planning across every facet of its operations.

Parallel to this is the question of energy supply – reliable energy remains a limiting aspect for many mining operations.

However, smart investments in green energy could insulate Mopani against future price spikes and outages, an avenue that must be explored in order to futureproof the prosperity of the company.

Lastly, the topic of digital transformation must be carefully planned for and addressed.

Wide-scale digitisation opens up new frontiers for mining efficiency, operational oversight, and boosting stakeholder confidence.

Opportunities abound in leveraging this range of trends and, with the correct planning and strategy, Mopani remains poised to lead Zambia into a sustainable, technologically advanced mining era through 2026 and beyond.

A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL

Looking back at the transformative investment led by IRH, it is clear to see that this ongoing partnership has helped deliver a strong revival at Mopani, securing its position as one of Africa’s most strategically important copper assets.

Less than two years after IRH became Mopani’s majority shareholder, production is increasing, countless jobs have been created, and long-term expansion plans are well underway.

“As such, positive operational updates, which are regularly presented to suppliers and community leaders in Kitwe and Mufulira, reveal increases in ore production, alongside a steady rise in copper grades and a boost in contained copper output,” Sakanya sets out.

As a pillar of Zambia’s Copperbelt, Mopani stands proudly amongst the

most significant players in the entire industry, substantially contributing to national economic growth, community development, and global copper supply.

Navigating complex challenges and innovating with technologies such as AI, blockchain, and satellite monitoring, Mopani is not only adapting to a more sustainable, digital future, but also supporting Zambia’s ambitions to become an industrially diversified country on the world stage.

Mopani’s comprehensive approach across every minute detail of its operations – from deep-level underground operations, vertical integration, and responsible export practices to its community-first programmes and sustainable initiatives, positions the company to remain at the forefront of mining innovation in Africa and globally through 2026 and into a bright future.

“Furthermore, by embracing environmental stewardship, boosting local employment, and investing continually in a range of smart, datadriven solutions, Mopani exemplifies a truly resilient copper mining sector,” Sakanya declares resolutely.

“We are powering a brighter, more inclusive Zambian economy for all,” he concludes with pride.

Tel: (260 212) 247344

public.relations@mopani.com.zm mopani.com.zm