On May 9, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema visited CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines Plc. (CLM), a holding subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNMC), in Luanshya, Zambia, to inspect the progress of Shaft 28, also known as the Luanshya New Mine Project, which is invested in and undertaken by CLM in Luanshya, Copperbelt Province of Zambia. 

During the visit, Hichilema received a detailed briefing on developments in the project and toured the new mine's control center as well as the Shaft 28 dewatering site.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema visits CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines Plc. (CLM), a holding subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNMC), in Luanshya, Zambia, May 9, 2025. (Photo/Luo Chunhui)

The Luanshya New Mine Project is designed with an estimated service life of 15 years and a total planned investment of $730 million.

Dewatering operations are progressing smoothly at the project, with 67 percent of the total volume already completed. The project aims to finish dewatering by the end of this year, officially commence construction in June 2025, and bring the shallow zone into production by August 2026 and the deep zone by 2028, in a bid to make positive contributions to Zambia's Vision 2030 development goals.

During his inspection tour, Hichilema expressed high praise for the progress made in the dewatering operations and construction preparations of the project.

He thanked CNMC, CLM, and the project team—comprising personnel from both China and Zambia—for their dedication.

"In September 2023, during my visit to China, I toured CNMC headquarters and was briefed on the plan to revive Shaft 28. At the time, few believed that a mine submerged and dormant for over 20 years could be brought back to life. But now, dewatering is in full swing, and the restoration project is progressing according to plan. I am very satisfied and inspired by the results," Hichilema said.

He encouraged CLM to continue pressing ahead with the construction of the new mine, inject fresh vitality into Luanshya, and further boost local employment and economic development.

The president also called on government departments at all levels to strengthen communication and coordination and continue supporting CLM in its development endeavors.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema visits the control center of the Luanshya New Mine Project undertaken by CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines Plc. (CLM), in Luanshya, Zambia, May 9, 2025. (Photo/Luo Chunhui)

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema inspects the Shaft 28 dewatering site in Luanshya, Zambia, May 9, 2025. (Photo/Luo Chunhui)

Joining Hichilema on the inspection tour were Zambia's Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Special Assistant to the President, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Minister of Copperbelt Province, Luanshya District Commissioner, Luanshya Police Commissioner, and senior executives from relevant enterprises.