Molefe Expansion Shows Zambia’s Copper Model in Action

**Molefe Expansion Signals New Era for Zambian Copper Production** LUSAKA – Zambia's ambitious quest to reclaim its position as a global copper powerhouse is gaining tangible momentum, exemplified by Jubilee Metals' significant expansion of its Molefe copper project. The London-listed metals processing company has embarked on a strategic ramp-up at Molefe, aiming to quadruple mining rates from 15,000 to an impressive 60,000 tons per quarter. This aggressive expansion, which includes a four-month stripping program to merge two existing pits into a larger, more efficient open-pit operation, is designed to access a broader copper reef package boasting an encouraging 1.4% total copper grade. The move underscores a critical shift in Zambia's mining paradigm, prioritising rapid development and seamless integration from extraction to processing, a strategy vital for achieving the nation's ambitious production targets. This intensified activity at Molefe is not merely an isolated corporate venture; it serves as a powerful illustration of the Zambian government's revamped approach to mineral resource development. For too long, the nation's vast copper potential has been hindered by bureaucratic delays and underinvestment in mid-tier projects. The current administration, however, is actively fostering an environment conducive to faster project execution, with a clear emphasis on efficient resource utilisation. Jubilee's model, where premium ore from Molefe directly feeds its Sable Refinery for processing, epitomises this desired synergy. This integrated approach minimises logistical bottlenecks and maximises value addition within the country, a stark contrast to historical practices that often saw raw materials shipped abroad for processing, thereby diminishing local economic benefits. Furthermore, the Molefe expansion, with construction and first production anticipated within a tight 12-month timeframe, directly contributes to Zambia's overarching goal of increasing annua