Mwabashike Nkulukusa (Centre) with Frank Wang (on his left) and Central Provincial Assistant Director planning Justin Kapenda (on his right)
By Evans Zyuulu
Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa has expressed satisfaction with the progress made at the Sinomine Kitumba Project in Mumbwa District.
Mr Nkulukusa said a lot of progress has been made at the mine site within months, making the government of Zambia confident that the mining company will achieve its targeted contribution to the country’s copper output.
Speaking after conducting an on-site inspection of the SKM mine site on November 18, 2025, the minister expressed confidence that the company is on course with its mining, processing, and power generation projections and will contribute to the development of Zambia.
Mr Nkulukusa said in addition to SKM’s contribution through employment opportunities and social development projects, the company will greatly contribute to government revenue through taxes.
He said that with such progress, the government is confident that SKM will meet its targeted output of 50,000 metric tons of copper cathode per annum and contribute to Zambia’s target of three million metric tons per annum.
The minister also thanked SKM for its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR projects ahead of its production phase.
Frank Wang (on the right) leading the tour of the solar plant, in the middle is Mwabashike Nkulukusa and Mumbwa Council Chairman Charlie Masumo (on the left)
Mr Nkulukusa said the company is spending over two million dollars on road works from Mumbwa to the mine site, adding that it has also constructed a market shelter for the community before realizing any revenue from the investment at Kitumba Mine.
He called on investors to emulate the trend set by SKM, which has shown that it will do more for the community once it becomes fully operational.
Mr Nkulukusa urged Mumbwa Council to collaborate with other stakeholders and ensure that hygiene is prioritized at the newly constructed market to prevent possible disease outbreaks at the trading area.
He said that the council and other relevant authorities should develop a proper settlement plan before the growing community becomes unmanageable.
The minister assured SKM of government support through collaboration among ministries to address challenges the mining firm is facing in furthering its investment in Zambia.
Frank Wang giving details in the solar plant control room
Speaking after the same tour, SKM Chief Executive Officer Frank Wang appreciated the Zambian government’s support towards SKM’s investment.
Mr Wang said SKM has received overwhelming support from the government for its US$600 million investment in Zambia.
He said that the company is ready to continue collaborating with government departments to ensure a win-win situation for involved parties.
SKM targets an initial investment of US$600 million at its integrated copper mining, processing and refinery in Chief Kaindu’s area in Mumbwa District of Central Province.
The provincial minister’s progress inspection included the open pit, processing plant construction site, workers’ residential construction site, smelter construction site and the 50 mega-watt solar plant.
Mumbwa District Commissioner Namukulo Hayumbu and Mumbwa Town Council Chairman Charlie Masumo were among other heads of government departments that inspected SKM’s mine site.