FEATURE
FEATURE
FQM Diversifies Zambia ’ s Mineral Portfolio producer on the continent and the 10th largest producer in the world . The mine will also create an estimated 700 permanent jobs and generate significant economic benefits for the country .
Speaking during a briefing before the same event FQM Trident General Manager Junior Keyser said the Enterprise nickel mine was a major for Zambia , and was testament to the country ’ s commitment to sustainable development .
“ Zambia is poised to become a major player in the global electric vehicle industry , thanks to its abundant reserves of nickel . This investment will help to ensure that Zambia is at the forefront of this new and growing market .
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon . Paul Kabuswe ( front left ), accompanied by Minister of Commerce , Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga ( front right ) at the commissioning of the Enterprise nickel concentrator in Kalumbila .
The commissioning of the nickel concentrator at First Quantum Minerals ’ Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila , North-Western Province this week , has marked a new dawn for Zambia ’ s mining industry , as it diversifies its mining portfolio , according to Mines and Minerals Development Minister Hon . Paul Kabuswe . The nickel processing plant , completed in 2016 and approved for environmental operation , has been on care and maintenance since then , awaiting favourable market conditions .
However , with the global push for a green energy transition , rising demand for nickel , a key metal in this shift , and a new favourable mining regime , the timing is right to fire up the nickel operation .
“ First Quantum Minerals ’ decision to fire up the concentrator is a welcome sign that the company is committed to its partnership with Zambia and the mining sector . This is a positive development for the country ’ s investment climate and shows that Zambia is open for business ,” said Mine Mr Kabuswe .
Speaking during the launch of the concentrator , the minister said that investing in nickel was not only a way to diversify Zambia ’ s mineral portfolio , but it was also an investment in the future . He said that Zambia ’ s economy had long been dependent on copper exports , making it vulnerable to fluctuations in the global copper market , and that these fluctuations can have a significant impact on the country ’ s economic growth .
“ As Africa ’ s largest producer of nickel , Zambia will become a strategic supplier of an essential material for electric batteries and other clean energy solutions . This will help to position Zambia as a leader in the global transition to a clean energy economy .
“ The New Dawn Government is excited that the Enterprise nickel mine has begun processing this important mineral . We expect that the national coffers will benefit significantly from this operation , and that these funds will be used to support social services ,” he continued .
He added that Government believed that the sustainability of communities is a direct result of well-managed investments , and adding that this leads to social and economic development , not only in Kalumbila , but also in Zambia as a whole . The mine is expected to produce 32,000 tonnes of nickel per year , making Zambia the largest nickel
“ Nickel is a metal with a bright future . Experts have long predicted that demand for the base metal will increase significantly as the world transitions to cleaner energy and technology . This is because nickel is a key component in many of the technologies that are driving the energy transition , such as electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy infrastructure ,” he continued .
Mr Keyser further said that by working together , the government and the private sector can ensure that Zambia ’ s mining sector continues to be a major driver of employment and economic growth .
“ Zambia ’ s mining industry has a long and successful history . It has come a long way and is still making great progress . The recent move to diversify the country ’ s mineral basket will further cement Zambia ’ s role as a key producer of the metals of the future . This will also stimulate future investment in the mining sector , which will benefit the entire country ,” he said .
Once in full production , the Enterprise mine will be the largest producer of the strategic metal in Africa . Nickel , like lithium , cobalt , and copper , is an essential component in the batteries required for the new era of ‘ green ’ vehicles .
Development of the mine and plant resumed last year after FQM earmarked an additional US $ 100 million investment to finalise the project in the light of improved market condition .
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