Barrick’s $2B Lumwana Super Pit Construction Making Steady Progress

Barrick Gold Corporation has made steady progress on the $2-billion super pit expansion at its Lumwana mine in Zambia. The project marks a significant move toward transforming Lumwana into a world class, Tier 1 copper producer.

During a recent visit to Lusaka, Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow highlighted how the expansion builds on the company’s successful turnaround strategy. Since 2019, the team has transformed Lumwana from a high cost, underperforming asset into a key pillar of Barrick’s copper portfolio and a major contributor to Zambia’s long term development goals.

“When we assessed Lumwana in 2019, it was struggling,” Bristow said. “Today, it stands as a growing force in African copper mining. With this expansion gaining pace, Lumwana is on track to become one of the world’s major copper operations and a powerful engine of growth for both Zambia and Barrick.”

Delivering Economic Value to Zambia

Lumwana has injected over $4 billion into Zambia’s economy through taxes, royalties, wages, and local procurement since 2019. The company has directed 79% of its total procurement over $3.4 billion to Zambian suppliers. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, it allocated $177 million (81%) of procurement spending to local contractors. Today, Zambians make up 98% of the workforce, with nearly half coming from surrounding communities.

Driving Regional Development

The expansion directly supports Zambia’s Mining and Minerals Policy of 2031. It includes the development of the Manyama township and an industrial supplier park to foster local economic growth. Barrick plans to complete a regional airstrip by year end and will launch a TEVETA accredited training center to build mining skills and promote entrepreneurship among local residents.

Advancing Environmental Sustainability

Barrick is also implementing an ambitious sustainability agenda at Lumwana. In partnership with local chiefdoms and the Forestry Department, the company is developing a REDD+ forest conservation programme covering up to 300,000 hectares. The initiative aims to generate carbon credits while protecting biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

“Lumwana is becoming a model for sustainable copper mining,” Bristow noted. “It shows how a world class mine can support industrial growth, protect the environment, and uplift communities.”

Strong Operational Performance

Lumwana continues to meet its 2025 production targets. The mine achieved strong first quarter results through increased plant throughput and greater efficiency in open-pit mining. It maintained ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications, with no major environmental incidents reported.

Building a Lasting Partnership

Bristow emphasized that the project represents more than just an expansion. “We’re not simply growing a mine we’re deepening our partnership with Zambia. Our teams are actively exploring new opportunities across the Copperbelt, following our recent memorandum of understanding with the government. Together, we’re laying the foundation for lasting economic and social progress.”

Doubling Production Capacity

Once complete, the expansion will double Lumwana’s annual copper output to 240,000 tonnes. A new 50 million tonne per year processing plant will power this growth. Site construction is underway, long lead equipment has been ordered, and key infrastructure upgrades including a new power transmission system in partnership with ZESCO are advancing to support both the mine and surrounding region.