A leach project of refractory ore heap worth 80 million U.S. dollars will be started this month in Zambia, The Post reported on Friday.

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), the biggest copper mine corporation in the country, has started the plan to build the plants in Chingola in Copperbelt province, the local newspaper said.

The project, to be located within the existing Nchanga mining license area where the KCM has underground and open pit mining operations, is expected to extend the life of the mine by at least 13 years.

The construction of the project will enable the KCM to process refractory ore that has been stockpiled for 40 years. The ultimate production will be 12 million tons per year.

Source: Xinhua