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Konkola Copper Mines

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is a premier mining entity in Zambia, maintaining significant operations in the towns of Chililabombwe and Chingola. Its flagship operation, the Konkola Deep Mine, is globally renowned for being one of the wettest mines in existence, requiring massive, continuous pumping operations to manage groundwater. KCM is a fully integrated producer, featuring advanced facilities such as the Nchanga smelter in Chingola and a dedicated refinery. The company controls some of the highest-grade copper deposits in Africa, making it a critical asset for Zambia's national economy. Over the decades, KCM has experienced various ownership structures, with Vedanta Resources serving as the majority shareholder for a substantial period. Due to its scale, the mine is a major contributor to Zambia's GDP and is a primary employer for thousands in the Copperbelt province. The engineering feats required to mine at depth under such extreme hydrological conditions make Konkola a global case study for technical innovation. Besides copper, it is also a source of cobalt. Lately, KCM has been at the center of complex legal and administrative processes aimed at securing long-term investment. The company also sponsors various community health and sports initiatives.

Location: Zambia
Top sights: Chililabombwe · Konkola Stadium
Nearby: Chingola (17 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	21	21	20	18	17	17	20	24	26	24	22
Rain mm	284	209	168	42	3	1	0	2	2	21	131	271

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Konkola Copper Mines are a major producer of copper and cobalt in Zambia's Copperbelt region. As one of the largest employers in the area, they significantly shape the local economy and infrastructure.

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Visiting

The mine facilities are not open to the public, but surrounding hills and roads provide views of the headframes and waste dumps. Visitors can observe the industrial landscape from the edge of the mining area.

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Where to view it

Good viewpoints include the hilltops along the road to Chililabombwe, offering a panoramic view of the entire mine. The road to Konkola also provides several spots with unobstructed views of the facilities.

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Local products

At the mine itself, copper and cobalt concentrates are extracted, but travelers can find copper crafts and local textiles in nearby settlements. Seasonal agricultural products from the region complement the offerings.

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Active season

Mining occurs year-round, with production often highest during the dry months (May to October). During the rainy season, flooding may affect transport and extraction.

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Nearby

A visit to the Konkola mines can be combined with a tour of the Copperbelt cities Ndola and Kitwe. The nearby Chililabombwe market has insight into local life and crafts.

Geography

Coordinates

-12.36830, 27.81830

Facts

Konkola pumps approximately 400,000 cubic meters of water daily to keep shafts dry.
KCM's Nchanga smelter is one of the largest and most advanced in southern Africa.
The Konkola ore body has a high copper grade, averaging nearly 4%.
Vedanta Resources has historically been the principal investor in the KCM assets.
The Konkola Deep Mining Project targets reserves at depths exceeding 1,500 meters.
The mine was officially commissioned in the 1950s and was originally named Bancroft.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Chililabombwe1 km · NEExplore →

Lubambe Copper Mine7 km · EExplore →

Kasumbalesa12 km · EExplore →

Nchanga Stadium16 km · WExplore →

Chingola17 km · NWExplore →

Khenifiss National Park26 km · NEExplore →

Chambishi37 km · NWExplore →

Tarfaya Wind Farm39 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Konkola Copper Mines (2)

Chililabombwe📍 landmark

Chililabombwe is a mining town in Zambia's Copperbelt Province, near the border with the DR Congo.

Konkola Stadium📍 landmark

Konkola Stadium is a football stadium in Chililabombwe, home to the Konkola Blades club.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Konkola copper mine?

It is one of the largest and deepest copper mines in Zambia, located in Chililabombwe.

Can you go there as a tourist?

No, it is a strictly controlled industrial site.

What is the region known for?

The entire region is the heart of the Zambian mining industry and is very busy.

When is the best time to visit?

The dry season from May to September is the most pleasant for traveling in the region.

What does the mine produce?

Mainly high-grade copper, which is intended for export.

Konkola Copper Mines: where is it located?

Konkola Copper Mines is located in Zambia.

Konkola Copper Mines: what is there to see?

Highlights include Chililabombwe, Konkola Stadium.

Konkola Copper Mines: when is the best time to visit?