Equinox Minerals Lumwana Copper Mine, Zambia

Australian/Canadian mining company Equinox Minerals Ltd is close to producing the first copper from its Lumwana open-cut copper mine project in Zambia. Located in the North West province of Zambia, 220km west of the Copperbelt and 65km west of the town of Solwezi, it is reported to be Africa's largest copper mine and is scheduled for commissioning in mid-2008.
Equinox's mining licence covers 1,355km² and includes two major copper deposits, Malundwe and Chimiwungo, as well as 25 exploration prospects. The licence is valid for 25 years (from January 2004) and is renewable for a further 25 years.


Equinox completed a uranium feasibility study in 2008 which showed output of 2Mlb per year of uranium oxide and 15,000t of copper could be mined simultaneously from the discrete uranium-enriched zones in the Lumwana copper pits. Uranium plant commissioning is now targeted for 2010 and copper production is due to start in July 2008.
In May 2008 Equinox Minerals was also able to secure a long-term (99 years) land title to 35,000ha for its township and mine operation areas.
Although Lumwana was discovered in 1961, no serious work was carried out there until Equinox became involved in 1999. At the time, the property was controlled by Phelps Dodge Corp. Equinox formed a joint venture with Phelps in which Equinox could earn 51% of Lumwana by investing $10m and completing a feasibility study. Later, Equinox bought Phelps out for $5m, giving Equinox 100% ownership of Lumwana.