The principal activity of the Company continued to be the mining of copper and exploration for other base and precious metals.  

As at 31st December 2023, CLM recorded revenue of ZMW8.5 billion (US$414.51 million) (2022: ZMW7.95 billion (US$467.47 million). The drop in year-on-year revenue was attributable to a reduction in copper production due to the loss of ore from Baluba underground mine which was decommissioned in December 2022. During the period under review, CLM produced a total of 48,904 tonnes of copper compared to copper output of 53,952 tonnes produced in 2022.  

Key developments:  

CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) is set to revitalize the old Luanshya Mine with a $500 million investment, aiming to create over 3,000 jobs and annually produce 40,000 tonnes of copper concentrate. This initiative comes after the mine was dormant for 22 years due to waterlogging issues. The feasibility study for reopening the mine is underway, with dewatering scheduled to start in April 2024 following the rainy season.  

For the year ended 31st December 2023, the Company recorded a profit of ZMW2.93 billion (US$142.71 million) (2022: ZMW1.68 billion (US$98.71 million). Despite a drop in copper production, strong copper price and cost reduction initiatives led to the increase in profitability in 2023.  

Due to this improved performance and positive equity position, the Company declared dividends of US$30 million with US$6 million paid to ZCCM-IH (2022: US$70 million was declared).