Nkana copper and cobalt mine, Zambia

Construction of a new mining shaft at the Nkana mine located in the Mindola ore body in Kitwe, 330km north of Lusaka, Zambia. The new shaft will provide Mopani with access to some 115 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 1.9 percent copper and 0.09 percent cobalt. The Synclinorium Shaft project involves construction of a 7m diameter main shaft and a 6m diameter ventilation shaft to depths of 1277 metres and 1167 metres respectively. The open pit will cover an area of about six hectares within the company's mining licence area. The waste dump, an area of 15 ha and a small area of approximately one-hectare will be required for offices, workshop and transfer of ore stockpile. Estimated project value:$320 million.