FQM Backs Zambia’s Energy Drive to Power 3 Million Tonnes of Copper Output
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in Zambia’s energy infrastructure as the country works towards achieving an ambitious annual copper production target of three million tonnes.
Speaking at the 2025 Energy Forum for Africa, FQM’s Infrastructure Lead for Zambia, Jed Goldstein, underlined the mining giant’s dual strategy: securing reliable energy for its own operations while contributing to nationwide grid modernisation.
“We are actively addressing the power deficit by sourcing about 65 percent of our energy needs from the region at emergency rates. At the same time, we are advancing off-take agreements with new Independent Power Producer projects, including a 430-megawatt solar and wind facility with TotalEnergies,” Mr Goldstein said.
He noted that grid upgrades were particularly critical in North-Western Province, where FQM’s mines are located. Long-distance transmission from generation sites over 600 kilometres away has historically caused operational instability.
“Working with ZESCO and Barrick, we are installing advanced STATCOM equipment at key substations to stabilise power flows and enable greater integration of renewable energy,” he explained.
Mr Goldstein stressed that mining companies have a wider role in national development, adding: “Strengthening the grid and bringing more renewable generation online not only enables mine expansion but also improves reliability for households and businesses already connected.”
At the same event, Dr Pius Kasolo, Head of Strategy at Africa GreenCo, highlighted the importance of accelerating renewable projects to meet Zambia’s copper production goals.
“Renewable energy projects can be deployed rapidly and de-risked through mechanisms such as credit guarantees. For example, the 100-megawatt solar project developed with ZESCO secured nearly $100 million in funding,” Dr Kasolo said.
He cautioned, however, that meeting Zambia’s three million-tonne target would require energy generation to more than triple. “Over 1.5 gigawatts of renewable projects are already in the pipeline, but accelerating delivery is critical,” he added.
FQM emphasised that collaboration between mining firms, energy producers, and government is vital to building a resilient and sustainable energy system capable of powering both copper production and broader economic growth.
