Luanshya’s Shaft 28 Roars Back to Life After 23 Years
Tremendous progress is being made at CNMC Shaft 28 in Luanshya, marking a remarkable turnaround for a mine that lay dormant for over two decades. The project, a symbol of Zambia’s mining revival under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, is on track to complete dewatering by December 2025, paving the way for copper production to resume in August 2026.
Copperbelt Province Minister, Honourable Elisha Matambo, who toured the facility, expressed deep appreciation for the government’s commitment to revitalising the mining sector. He lauded the management of CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines PLC for executing works efficiently and ahead of schedule.
“So far, 83% of the water has been dewatered, with only 17% remaining,” Hon. Matambo announced. “Once operational, Shaft 28 will employ more than 3,000 people and produce 55,000 tonnes of copper annually, rising to 100,000 tonnes by 2030—directly contributing to the national target of 3 million tonnes of copper in the coming years.”
The mine, which had been closed for 23 years, has undergone a massive transformation from flooded tunnels to a fully reconstructed underground operation. During the site visit, conducted 180 metres below ground, Hon. Matambo described the progress as “truly inspiring” and a testament to the renewed energy driving Zambia’s mining industry.
He reaffirmed the government’s stance on prioritising local participation, underscoring that employment and business opportunities must first benefit Zambians. “The ‘Local, Local, Local’ policy introduced by President Hakainde Hichilema must be upheld. Both local and foreign contractors should operate on equal footing,” he said.
To complement mining operations, the government is simultaneously upgrading 32 kilometres of road infrastructure in Luanshya District, ensuring improved access and connectivity for businesses and residents alike.
Hon. Matambo further dismissed scepticism from political opponents, asserting that the revitalisation of Shaft 28 is a tangible reality. “This is not rhetoric—it’s happening. We salute our Republican President for making this vision come true,” he emphasised.
CNMC has so far invested USD 100 million in the dewatering process, with a total capital injection of USD 710 million expected once the mine is fully operational.
The reopening of Shaft 28 is being hailed as a milestone in Zambia’s broader effort to rejuvenate the Copperbelt and restore its position as a global hub of copper production.
