Tschudi Copper Mine Targets Early-2027 Mining Restart in Namibia

Selkirk Copper Mines has outlined a potential restart of the past-producing Minto copper-gold-silver mine in Yukon, Canada, following the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) that supports first concentrate production in the second half of 2028.​ The PEA outlines a 13-year mine life based on combined open-pit and underground mining, with operations designed around an average mining and milling rate of 4,100 mt/day. At peak production, the project is expected to produce approximately 27,200 mt/year of copper-equivalent contained in concentrate, equivalent to around 48,700 mt/year of high-grade copper-gold-silver concentrate.​ Initial capital required to re-establish production is estimated at C$186 million. Using the study's planning prices of US$5.00/lb copper, US$3,600/oz gold and US$50/oz silver, the PEA estimates an after-tax NPV at a 7% discount rate of C$494 million, an after-tax IRR of 47.8% and a payback period of approximately 1.9 years from first production.​ Minto benefits from substantial existing infrastructure from its previous operations, including a 4,100 mt/day processing plant as well as existing open-pit and underground infrastructure. Selkirk Copper said assessments of the site's existing infrastructure and equipment found that the majority remains in good working order and requires only minor attention and refurbishment.​ The company is targeting first concentrate production in H2 2028, followed by full ramp-up of mining, milling and concentrate production by H1 2029. A feasibility study is scheduled to begin in Q4 2026, while amended permit applications are also expected to be submitted during the fourth quarter. Selkirk Copper said a restart decision is targeted following completion of the feasibility study and receipt of permit amendments in H2 2027.​ The Minto PEA outlines a potential pathway for a previously producing copper operation to return to the market by 2028, supported by existing processing and mining infrastructure that could reduce the capital and construction requirements compared with a greenfield project. However, the 27,200 mt/year peak production figure represents copper-equivalent contained in concentrate rather than contained copper alone. The restart also remains subject to further feasibility work, permitting and project execution, making progress toward a restart decision in H2 2027 an important milestone to watch.

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has restarted operations at its Nchanga Smelter in Zambia following the completion of a US$40 million rehabilitation programme, marking the facility's first major refurbishment in more than eight years.​ The smelter, which has an annual production capacity of 311,000 mt, was shut down for 106 days to allow comprehensive rehabilitation works to be carried out. The shutdown was initially planned to last 60 days but was extended after inspections identified additional critical works that needed to be completed.​ KCM Deputy Chief Executive Officer Satish Kumar said the rehabilitation forms part of efforts to rebuild the company and secure the long-term future of its operations following Vedanta Resources' return to KCM.​ According to KCM Smelter and Refinery Director Yoram Kapai, more than 1,500 people from KCM and its business partners participated in the rehabilitation programme. The company said the works were completed without any major injuries.​ The restart restores operations at a key processing facility within KCM's integrated copper operations in Zambia. Attention will now turn to the smelter's operational performance following the extended maintenance period and KCM's broader efforts to rebuild production across its mining and processing assets.​ The restart of the Nchanga Smelter removes a temporary processing constraint at KCM following the 106-day shutdown. With annual capacity of 311,000 mt, the facility is an important part of KCM's copper processing chain. The US$40 million rehabilitation could support improved operational reliability following years of limited major refurbishment, while the pace at which KCM increases mine supply and utilisation of its processing assets will remain important in determining the impact on Zambia's overall copper production.

Zambia's Mopani Copper Mines, now majority-owned by ZCCM-IH with IRH as partner, is rebuilding output: in June 2026 it processed 289,000 tonnes of ore and produced 5,140 tonnes of cathode against a 5,104-tonne target, running on own feed. The company secured a US$20 million Epiroc equipment order in April 2026. Zambia aims to lift national copper production to 3 million tonnes by 2031, and Mopani plans to scale from about 65,000 tonnes currently toward 110,000 and then 180,000 tonnes. Its ramp-up is a key gauge of supply growth across the African Copperbelt.