First Quantum Minerals reported solid copper production growth at its Kansanshi mine in Zambia for 2025, alongside the successful completion of a major expansion and plans for substantial future capital spending.
According to First Quantum Minerals, Kansanshi produced 181,000 tonnes of copper in 2025, up nearly 6 per cent from 171,000 tonnes in 2024 and the highest annual output since 2021. The increase stemmed from the new S3 circuit, which contributed 25,000 tonnes after its official launch by President Hakainde Hichilema in August 2025. The circuit achieved milling rates and operating times exceeding 80 per cent of design capacity, with average recovery above 80 per cent, leading to commercial production status from 1 December 2025.
Gold output at Kansanshi rose more than 10 per cent to 116,000 ounces, the highest since 2021, supported by selective mining of higher-grade veins early in the year and improved throughput and recoveries later.
At Sentinel mine in Kalumbila, copper production reached 189,000 tonnes, down 42,000 tonnes from 2024 due to lower ore grades from mining different areas and increased maintenance, though partially offset by higher throughput.
Enterprise mine delivered 23,000 tonnes of nickel, up 21 per cent year-on-year, reflecting a successful first full year of operations and effective ramp-up.
The company outlined Zambian capital expenditure of approximately US$275 million over the next three years. This includes US$90 million for additional pre-stripping at South East Dome, US$45 million for a second primary in-pit crusher at Kansanshi, US$30 million for in-pit crusher relocations, US$25 million for an additional tailings pipeline at Trident, and US$20 million for STATCOM installations at Kansanshi and Sentinel to enhance grid stability.
Sustainability investments focus on replacing the Kansanshi ex-pit mining fleet with more efficient, trolley-compatible trucks and expanding Quantum Electra-Haul™ trolley-assist infrastructure to cut diesel use and greenhouse gas emissions, with scope for future battery-powered integration.
For 2026, guidance projects Kansanshi copper production at 175,000-205,000 tonnes, Sentinel at 190,000-220,000 tonnes, and Enterprise nickel at 30,000-40,000 tonnes, with Kansanshi gold at 110,000-120,000 ounces.
These results position First Quantum for sustained organic growth in Zambia, amid supportive copper market conditions. As reported by Reuters, analysts forecast average copper prices around US$10,500 per tonne in 2026, driven by persistent supply disruptions and expected deficits. Mining.com notes forecasts vary, with some institutions projecting prices constrained to US$10,000-11,000 per tonne in 2026 due to potential surpluses, while others anticipate higher levels from mine disruptions and demand resilience. The investments underscore efforts to boost efficiency, local benefits, and environmental performance in a key copper-producing region.