Nickel, copper, zinc & gold detected in Luano District, Central Province

Recent mineral exploration in Luano District, Central […]

Recent mineral exploration in Luano District, Central Province, has revealed the presence of deposits of nickel, copper, zinc, with traces of gold and other base metals, among other valuable minerals in the district. Chitubula Investments Limited, is now proposing to develop a major open-cast mining project in Luano District, Central Province, in partnership with Golden Avenue Investment Zambia Ltd, where about 6 minerals have been detected.

According to the official report signed by Irenous Chisenga Ngulube – Director Chitubula Investments Limited, exploration activities have identified copper, manganese, dolomite (limestone), zinc, and nickel as the primary minerals of interest, with additional traces of gold and other base metals.

“These promising results have prompted the transition from exploration to mine development, reinforcing the project’s significant mineral potential.” “The planned mining method involves terraced open-pit mining with conventional drilling, blasting, and loading processes. Progressive benching will be employed to ensure pit stability. An on-site mineral processing plant will handle crushing and treatment of the ore through gravity separation and flotation circuits to recover copper, zinc, and other key metals.”

The capital investment is estimated at roughly USD $5 million, covering mine development, processing plant construction, and supporting infrastructure. Meanwhile, according to the official report the project’s production rate is initially estimated between 50,000 and 150,000 tonnes of ore processed per annum, scalable up to ~300,000 tonnes per annum as operations mature. The mine life is projected at about 15–20 years, depending on ore reserves and production rates, with potential for extension if additional resources are confirmed.

Speaking to the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Senior Chief Mboroma who is also believed to be one of the Company directors, expressed strong support for a proposed large-scale mining project in his Chiefdom.

He described the initiative as a welcome development, highlighting the enthusiasm of local residents who anticipate employment opportunities and community development as a result of the project. “The large-scale mine in my Chiefdom, Mboroma, is most welcome.

The people are happy because it will bring employment to locals and drive development through the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives,” Chief Mboroma stated. He further noted that the project is expected to attract more settlers to the district, stimulating growth and increasing the local population.

 The Chief called on the government, particularly the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, to expedite the issuance of the mining license so that operations can commence without delay. Regarding the ownership of the project, Chief Mboroma confirmed that the company and the mine are locally owned, with directors coming from local. “Am actually among the directors of the company,” he explained.

“We have already submitted all necessary documents to ZEMA, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been completed. We are now waiting for the final configuration and issuance of the mining license from the cadastre. All papers were submitted to the Ministry of Mines in January this year.”

 He also revealed that the University of Zambia’s School of Mines conducted the mineral exploration work. “Mining is capital intensive. Once the license is issued, we will consider joint ventures to secure the necessary equipment and investment to begin operations,” he said.

Chief Mboroma reiterated his appeal to government authorities to prioritize the issuance of the mining license, stressing that operational progress hinges on this critical approval. “The policy makes it difficult for us to proceed without the license. That is my appeal,” he concluded.

Article by Tyndale Muchiya