• FQM and Anzana plan up to 50 MW of hydropower in northern Zambia

• Power will supply FQM mines through a wheeling deal with Zesco

• Move comes as Zambia pushes solar to reduce reliance on dams

First Quantum Minerals (FQM), a mining company producing mainly copper, gold, and nickel, and hydropower developer Anzana Electric Group announced on February 12 a partnership to develop up to 50 MW of hydropower capacity in northern Zambia by 2030. The electricity will supply FQM’s mines in North-Western Province through a wheeling arrangement supported by state utility Zesco.

The mining group is seeking to secure baseload capacity to ensure continuous power supply for its operations. It said the project will be located in the north of the country, an area described as less exposed to seasonal hydrological variations.

The decision comes as Zambia and industrial operators work to reduce reliance on hydropower, which still dominates the country’s electricity mix and national grid output. Zambia remains largely dependent on dams, whose production is vulnerable to climate events such as the severe drought of 2024. Since then, authorities have accelerated solar projects to diversify the mix and limit system exposure.

In this context, by opting for new hydropower capacity in an area considered more stable, FQM is taking a targeted approach rather than shifting technology. The project could also support grid stability and ease the integration of new variable capacity in the region.

Abdoullah Diop