Zinc Mining
One of the DRC’s largest (and only) zinc – copper mines is the Kipushi mine that operated profitably from 1925 until 1993 when it was placed on care and maintenance for reason of insufficient foreign exchange to maintain operations. Kipushi is located 30km southwest of Lubumbashi, adjacent to the Zambian border. Since then, Gecamines has been responsible for the upkeep and maintenance. Kipushi has a total resource base of 26 Mt grading 19% zinc and 2% copper. There is considerable potential for extended mineralisation both along strike and down dip. America Mineral Fields (AMF) and South African Zincor (subsidiary of Kumba Resources) are to carry out a due diligence study into the possible redevelopment of the mine. The partners have decided to carry out an initial Phase 1 feasibility study that could support production of between 30 000 – 50 000 t zinc concentrate per year.
Facilities (7)
Dikulushi, Kakanda, Kamfundwa, Kipushi, Kolwezi, Lonshi, Tenke Fungurume
