FQM Records Strong Q3 Copper Output After Kansanshi Upgrade
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has posted a strong uplift in copper production at its Kansanshi and Sentinel mines in North-Western Province, driven largely by the commissioning of the new S3 processing plant at Kansanshi.
The Kansanshi operation in Solwezi recorded 47,000 tonnes of copper in the third quarter of 2025 – an increase of almost 7,000 tonnes from the previous quarter. According to FQM Chief Operating Officer Rudi Badenhorst, the rise was propelled by higher mill throughput following the launch of the S3 expansion project, which was officially commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema in August.
“The ramp-up of S3 has surpassed expectations, achieving first production in August and contributing approximately 6,000 tonnes of copper during the quarter,” Mr Badenhorst told investors as the company released its quarterly financial and operational results.
Designed to process 25 million tonnes of ore annually, the S3 plant incorporates advanced technology and automation, positioning Kansanshi among Africa’s most modern copper operations. Chief Executive Officer Tristan Pascall highlighted the local development impact of the expansion, noting that over 2,500 Zambians and 535 local companies were engaged during construction.
“Kansanshi’s production guidance for 2025 has been refined to 175,000–185,000 tonnes of copper, while gold production guidance has been increased to 110,000–115,000 ounces. We expect fourth-quarter output to exceed Q3 levels due to the faster-than-anticipated ramp-up of S3,” Mr Pascall said.
He added that the S3 project marked FQM’s ninth major self-built operation in two decades, strengthening the company’s role as a leading global copper producer.
Copper production at Sentinel Mine in Kalumbila also improved, reaching 51,000 tonnes in the third quarter, more than 8,000 tonnes higher than Q2. Output is expected to continue rising in the coming quarter as higher-grade ore becomes available.
Production guidance for Sentinel in 2025 has been revised to 190,000–200,000 tonnes of copper, reflecting strong year-to-date performance.
Meanwhile, the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila reported 5,767 tonnes of nickel in Q3, marking a 44 percent increase compared with the previous quarter. The improvement was attributed to higher throughput and a 19 percent rise in recoveries.
On the S3 progress, Mr Pascall confirmed that the expansion has moved from commissioning to early operation, with first ore introduced in July and first concentrate produced in August.
The project remains on schedule and is expected to be completed below its original budget. The new plant is now operating around the clock, supported by commissioning teams and technical specialists, and delivered 6,136 tonnes of copper in Q3.
