Largest nickel mine in Africa launched in Zambia

Africa’s largest nickel mine has been launched in Zambia. President Hakainde Hichilema who officiated the ground breaking ceremony said the project will focus on mining and processing nickel which will contribute towards the raw materials that will be used in the electric vehicles.

The mine located in Kalumbila district in the North western province, is set to create over 700 new jobs. It is an open-pit nickel owned and operated by Kalumbila Minerals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canadian metals and mining company First Quantum Minerals.

The Enterprise nickel mine forms part of the larger Trident project that was originally undertaken by Kiwara. First Quantum Minerals became the owner of the Sentinel copper mine as well as the Enterprise nickel project after acquiring Kiwara in a £208m ($260m) cash and share deal in January 2010.

Top ten 10 global nickel mine

Once operational, the enterprise will be on the top ten 10 global nickel mine producing 30, 000 tons of nickel in concentrate annually, which will make Zambia Africa’s pre-eminent nickel producer.  The Head of State said the significance of the Nickel Mine goes beyond job creation, but helps the continent by providing material for renewable energy.

“This project will play a key role in the nation’s continued development. The enterprise Nickel Project is expected deliver quit a lot as it will contribute too many value aspect and value components,” said President Hichilema.

FQM Chief Executive Officer Tristan Pascal said the company decided to mine Nickel as they have noticed that the metal has increased in demand over the past years.