Assets
Mopani Copper Mines
In 2024, IRH announced the acquisition of a 51% interest in Zambia's Mopani Copper Mines
In 2024, IRH announced the acquisition of a 51% interest in Zambia's Mopani Copper Mines with the Government of Zambia owning a 49% stake. This transaction has seen IRH become the operator and has established a new and unique partnership structure for the global mining sector.
Mopani Copper Mines PLC is a Zambian-registered mining company engaged in the full spectrum of copper production, from ore extraction to the beneficiation of finished copper cathodes ready for export. The Company owns two operational mining complexes, Nkana and Mufulira, both positioned at the epicentre of Zambia’s world-famous Copperbelt.
Mopani is a stalwart of the Zambian copper mining industry. Originating out of the privatisation of Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited (ZCCM) in 2000, it operates two of the largest and longest-established mines in the country.
As one of Zambia's largest mining employers, Mopani is integral to the local economy, providing significant job opportunities and contributing to the region's development.
International Resources Holding (IRH) completed its acquisition of a 51% stake in Mopani in March 2024. The state-owned ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) owns the remaining 49% in the Company.
New era of growth under IRH
IRH's investment is being used to revitalise and modernise Mopani’s assets and put the Company firmly on a path of new growth. The ultimate objective is to achieve a production rate of 200,000 tonnes of copper cathodes within the next three years.
Technology is at the heart of IRH’s turnaround strategy for Mopani. The introduction and implementation of Information of Things (IoT) devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and an improved telecommunication network will facilitate improved productivity, efficiencies, and safety across Mopani’s operational footprint. Moreover, the improved analytics and accuracy of data collection enabled through this advanced technology will lead to more informed decision-making and optimised operations.
Our modernisation of Mopani will be completed in such a way that ensures job security for the many thousands of full-time employees while creating enhanced value benefitting all local stakeholders.
Mufulira is an underground copper operation, with a complete processing complex, situated in the Mufulira district of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The operation produces copper cathodes as its main product.
It is one of the most historically significant mines in Zambia, with mining and processing dating back to the early 1920s.
The asset consists of:
- Underground Mufulira Mine
- Henderson Shaft
- Mufulira Concentrator
- Smelter and refinery
- Acid plants
Nkana, is Mopani’s largest copper mining asset located near Kitwe in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.
The facility encompasses:
- Underground Mines: Four active underground mines accessed by various shafts including Synclinorium, Mindola Deeps, South ore Body, and Mindola Sub-vertical shafts
- Open Pits: Various small open pits.
- Concentrators: Two units including the Nkana Concentrator and New Synclinorium Concentrator
Mufulira
Mufulira is an underground copper operation, with a complete processing complex, situated in the Mufulira district of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.
The operation produces copper cathodes as its main product. It is one of the most historically significant mines in Zambia, with mining and processing dating back to the early 1920s.
The asset consists of:
- Underground Mufulira Mine
- Henderson Shaft
- Mufulira Concentrator
- Smelter and refinery
- Acid plants
Nkana
Nkana, is Mopani’s largest copper mining asset located near Kitwe in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.
The facility encompasses:
- Underground Mines: Four active underground mines accessed by various shafts including Synclinorium, Mindola Deeps, South ore Body, and Mindola Sub-vertical shafts
- Open Pits: Various small open pits.
- Concentrators: Two units including the Nkana Concentrator and New Synclinorium Concentrator