Construction of the $2-billion super pit expansion project at NYSE- and TSX-listed Barrick Mining Corp’s Lumwana mine, in Zambia, is well under way, accelerating its transformation into a Tier 1 copper mine.

During a visit to Lusaka this week, Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow said the Lumwana expansion built on a turnaround that has seen the operation evolve from a struggling asset into a key pillar of both Barrick’s global copper portfolio and Zambia’s long-term development agenda.

“When we reviewed the Lumwana mine in 2019, it was high-cost and underperforming. Today, it’s a growing force in African copper. With this expansion gaining momentum, Lumwana is on course to join the world’s list of large and strategically important copper mines, and a powerful driver of growth for both Zambia and Barrick,” he said.

The expansion will double copper production to 240 000 t/y, supported by a 50-million-tonne-a-year processing plant. Site construction is underway, long-lead equipment orders have been placed, and infrastructure upgrades, which include a new power transmission framework developed in partnership with State-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation, are progressing to support both the mine and the wider region.

Since 2019, the mine has contributed more than $4-billion to the Zambian economy through taxes, royalties, procurement and wages. More than $3.4-billion has been spent with Zambian suppliers, representing 79% of its total procurement.

In the first quarter of 2025, $177-million, or 81%, of procurement was placed with local contractors. Today, 98% of Lumwana’s workforce are Zambian nationals, with nearly half drawn from nearby communities.

As part of an integrated development plan aligned with Zambia’s Mining and Minerals 2031 policy, the Lumwana expansion will drive the development of the Manyama township and industrial supplier park.

A new regional airstrip is expected to be completed by the end of the year and a technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training authority-accredited training centre will be launched to expand Zambia’s mining skills base.

The mine is also advancing an ambitious environmental and carbon initiative, with the development of a REDD+ forest conservation programme in collaboration with local chiefdoms and the Forestry Department.

Covering up to 300 000 ha, the project is designed to generate future carbon credits while supporting sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity and land stewardship.

“Lumwana is becoming a flagship for sustainable copper mining. It demonstrates how a world-class mine can help build an industrial ecosystem while protecting the environment and expanding economic opportunity,” Bristow said.

Operationally, Lumwana is tracking well against its production guidance for this year. Performance in the first quarter was satisfactory, supported by increased plant throughput and continued improvements in openpit efficiency. The mine retained ISO 14001 and 45001 certifications and has recorded no Class 1 or Class 2 environmental incidents to date.

“We’re not just expanding a mine, we’re strengthening a partnership. Our teams are actively exploring further growth opportunities across the Zambian copperbelt, building on our recently signed memorandum of understanding with the government of Zambia.

“Together, we’re laying the foundation for lasting economic and social development that will endure long after mining ends,” Bristow said.