The Chambishi Copper Smelter in Zambia, owned by China Nonferrous Metal Mining Corp (CNMC), has reduced one-fifth of its production due to power shortages plaguing the country.
Zambia heavily relies on hydropower for electricity generation, but persistent droughts, the worst in decades, have significantly lowered water levels, impacting output.
Additionally, state-owned power utility Zesco has conducted major maintenance projects on electrical infrastructure, leading to planned power outages in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.
Sources revealed that Chambishi began scaling back capacity last week, ahead of Zesco’s announced rationing of electrical supply starting from March 11.
To address power security concerns during shortages, CNMC is reportedly considering installing diesel generators at the facility.
The Chambishi plant, a major processing facility in Zambia, typically produces around 250,000 tonnes of copper annually, contributing significantly to the country’s copper production.
However, Zambia’s copper output has been declining due to a lack of new investments, with last year’s production dropping to 698,000 tonnes from 763,000 tonnes in 2022.
The impact of power cuts extends beyond Chambishi, potentially affecting smaller producers in the country’s mining sector.
Zesco plans to engage with mining companies to discuss strategies to mitigate the power shortfall and its impact on copper supply.
