By Evans Zyuulu
The Zambian government has continued to shower praise on Sinomine Resource Group’s $600 million investment in the Kitumba Mine, describing it as a transformative milestone for Mumbwa District and a model for inclusive national development. President Hakainde Hichilema delivered this praise during the official opening of the Southern Province Investment and Trade Expo 2025, resonating with his earlier remarks at the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka 2025. President Hichilema emphasized the Sinomine Kitumba Project’s role in reshaping perceptions and realities in the region.
From Marginalization to Momentum
“Mumbwa was once frowned upon as a place of backward people,” President Hichilema stated. “Even at university those days, if you were from Mumbwa, people would call you Mumbwa Mumbwa.” A term he said had a connotation of backwardness. “But today, through strategic investment and visionary partnerships, it is becoming a beacon of economic transformation.” The President’s remarks reflect a broader shift in Zambia’s development narrative—one that prioritizes regional equity, infrastructure, and job creation.
The Sinomine Kitumba Mine is projected to produce 50,000 metric tonnes of copper annually, contributing to Zambia’s national goal of reaching 3 million metric tonnes by 2030. The project will also generate over 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, with a strong focus on local employment and skills development.
Infrastructure, Energy, and Community Impact
In addition to its mining operations, Sinomine is investing in a 50-megawatt solar power plant that will be connected to the national grid, supporting Zambia’s transition to renewable energy. Infrastructure upgrades—including roads, bridges, and digital connectivity—are also underway, positioning Mumbwa as a rising logistics and investment corridor.
President Hichilema emphasized that such investments are not just about resource extraction, but about building communities. “We are mining dignity, opportunity, and a better future for our people,” he said.
Strategic Alignment with Zambia’s Vision
The Sinomine Kitumba Mine aligns with the government’s broader economic strategy, which includes attracting foreign direct investment, modernizing the mining sector, and ensuring that development reaches every province. President Hichilema praised Sinomine Resource Group for its commitment to Zambia’s long-term goals and its respect for local communities.
“This is the kind of partnership we welcome—one that uplifts our people and contributes meaningfully to our national transformation,” he said.
Conclusion
The Sinomine Kitumba Mine is more than a mining project—it’s a symbol of Zambia’s evolving identity. From overlooked to empowered, Mumbwa now stands as a testament to what visionary investment and inclusive leadership can achieve. As President Hichilema put it, “We are not just changing the landscape—we are changing lives.”
Following Southern Province minister Credo Nanjuwa’s invitation to Sinomine Resource Group to participate in the South Expo when he visited the group’s headquarters in Beijing, China, recently, Sinomine actively participated in the five-day event, not only to showcase its projects but also to offer support to the government and its desire to attract investment in the country.
Sinomine Kitumba Team at the South Expo. (from left) PRO Evans Zyuulu. CEO Frank Wang, Commerce Manager Sophia Chen, and Head driver Sydney Mukelabai