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Lubambe Copper Mine

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Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)

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The Lubambe Copper Mine, formerly recognized as Konkola North, is situated at the northern edge of Zambia's Copperbelt near the town of Chililabombwe. This underground operation is strategically located along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mine is managed by EMR Capital, a global private equity firm specializing in natural resources. Lubambe is geographically favored by its position within the Konkola Basin, an area known for exceptionally high-grade copper mineralisation. The facility employs modern vertical shafts and a highly mechanized trackless underground mining system to optimize ore extraction. Since its official commissioning in 2012, Lubambe has undergone several ownership transitions involving major international players. Economically, it is a key component of the Chililabombwe district's industrial sector and serves as a major employer for the local community. Recent extensive exploration drilling has highlighted the massive potential of the 'Lubambe Extension' project, often cited as one of the world's most significant undeveloped high-grade copper resources. The operation adheres to stringent international safety and environmental protocols. Community engagement is a priority for Lubambe, with active investments in local sanitation, clean water access, and sustainable farming initiatives.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212121201817172024262422
Rain mm284209168423102221131271

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Lubambe Copper Mine is an underground mine known for extracting high-grade copper ore. It plays a key role in the Copperbelt region's copper production and secures local employment.
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Visiting
The mine is not accessible to visitors, but the outer facilities and the access road give a sense of the operation's scale. From surrounding heights, the headframes and buildings are visible.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the rise along the access road to the mine, offering a panorama of the entire site. The surrounding hills also provide unobstructed views of the underground extraction infrastructure.
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Local products
The mine produces high-grade copper ore, but travelers can purchase local handicrafts such as pottery and baskets in nearby villages. Seasonal fruits and vegetables round out the market offerings.
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Active season
Underground extraction occurs continuously throughout the year, interrupted only by scheduled maintenance periods. The highest production is typically achieved during the dry season when logistics run more smoothly.
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Nearby
A visit to the Lubambe mine can be combined with exploring the Copperbelt road and surrounding villages. The nearby town of Chililabombwe has accommodation and markets with regional products.

Geography

Coordinates
-12.30250, 27.79580

Facts

  • Lubambe was initially established as a joint venture between Vale and African Rainbow Minerals.
  • The mine was officially opened for production in 2012.
  • EMR Capital acquired an 80% controlling stake in the asset in 2017.
  • The high-grade Lubambe Extension deposit averages over 3.6% copper content.
  • The mine's location is just south of the critical Kasumbalesa border crossing.
  • The operation uses a modern on-site concentrator with a high recovery rate.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KasumbalesaKasumbalesa5 km · EExplore →
ChililabombweChililabombwe6 km · NWExplore →
Nchanga StadiumNchanga Stadium23 km · WExplore →
ChingolaChingola24 km · NWExplore →
Khenifiss National ParkKhenifiss National Park25 km · NEExplore →
ChambishiChambishi43 km · NWExplore →
Tarfaya Wind FarmTarfaya Wind Farm45 km · WExplore →
Mufulira Kids GardenMufulira Kids Garden54 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lubambe located?
The mine is located in the Copperbelt near Chililabombwe.
Can you visit the mine?
No, the site is closed to the public.
What is special about Lubambe?
It uses modern underground mining technologies for copper production.
What is there to see in the Copperbelt?
The Copperbelt is more industrial; touristically, museums in Ndola are interesting.
When should one travel to the region?
From May to September, when it is dry and not too hot.
Lubambe Copper Mine: where is it located?
Lubambe Copper Mine is located in Zambia.
Lubambe Copper Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Lubambe Copper Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Lubambe Copper Mine, formerly recognized as Konkola North, is situated at the northern edge of Zambia's Copperbelt near the town of Chililabombwe.
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Nearby cities

Kitwe — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Kitwe
Kitwe is one of the most developed commercial and industrial areas in the nation, alongside Ndola.
Ndola — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Ndola
Ndola is the third largest city in Zambia and the industrial and commercial center of the Copperbelt.
Chingola — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Chingola
Chingola is a city in Zambia's Copperbelt Province, known for having one of the largest open-cast mines in the world.
Luanshya — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Luanshya
Luanshya is a town in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, established in the early 20th century.
Mufulira — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Mufulira
Mufulira is a mining town in the Copperbelt Province, highly dependent on the Mufulira Mine.
Chililabombwe — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Chililabombwe
Chililabombwe is a copper mining town in the Copperbelt Province, located very close to the DRC border.
Kalulushi — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Kalulushi
Kalulushi is a town founded in 1953 as a residential area for mine workers in the Copperbelt.
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Chambishi
An industrial town in the Copperbelt province known for its large copper mining operations.
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Lufwanyama
A district town in the Copperbelt, recognized for its natural resources and mining potential.

History & landmarks

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Nchanga Stadium
A versatile stadium in Chingola, primarily used by the Nchanga Rangers as their home ground.
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Arthur Davies Stadium
Another significant sports stadium in Kitwe, named after a promoter of Zambian sports.
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Nkana Stadium
A traditional football stadium in Kitwe that is the home of Nkana FC.
Mukuba Mall — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Mukuba Mall
One of the largest and most modern shopping centers in Ndola and the entire Copperbelt Province.

More places

Konkola Copper Mines — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Konkola Copper Mines
A major copper and cobalt producer in the Zambian Copperbelt.
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Chambishi Metals Refinery
A major metallurgical center for the refining of cobalt and copper.
Mopani Copper Mines — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Mopani Copper Mines
One of the largest copper mines in Africa, located in Mufulira.
🗺️
Chibuluma Copper Mine
A historically significant mine in the Zambian Copperbelt.
Black Mountain Slag Dump — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Black Mountain Slag Dump
A large slag dump from old mining days, from which valuable metals are still extracted today.
Roan Antelope Discovery Site — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Roan Antelope Discovery Site
The location in Luanshya where William Collier famously discovered copper deposits in 1902.
Luanshya Copper Mines — Lubambe Copper Mine (Zambia)
Luanshya Copper Mines
A mining complex that contributed significantly to the development of the city of Luanshya.
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Dangote Cement Plant
A modern cement plant supplying the construction market in Zambia and neighboring countries.