The project is located in Mumbwa district in the Central Province of Zambia, approximately 200km west of the capital, Lusaka.

SNC-Lavalin’s contract includes investigating various mining, processing, economic and project execution options, including plant layout and delivery of flow sheets with throughput optimisation for the mine and processing plant. As part of the mandate, SNC-Lavalin will assist in evaluating the most economically viable operating philosophy and mine design to advance the project.

The study will be executed through SNC-Lavalin’s Australian and South African offices, which the company stated will combine its extensive experience in the central African copper belt region, with substantial crushing, grinding, floating and pressure oxidation expertise.

Marius van Tonder, senior vice-president, mining & metallurgy, Asia Pacific and Africa at SNC-Lavalin, said: “The outlook for copper appears to be improving with supply deficits forecasted for the longer term. This is positive for the industry, as miners are now investing in option and feasibility studies so as to plan for the future. We are proud to be working with Intrepid Mines, providing our extensive copper experience and support to the Kitumba project.”