First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (FQM) and Anzana Electric Group have announced a collaboration to develop hydropower generation projects in northern Zambia, with the aim of supplying up to 50MW of baseload capacity by 2030.
The companies said the projects are intended to support FQM’s mining operations in Zambia’s North-Western Province while contributing to grid reliability and job creation. Power generated by the planned facilities would be transmitted through a wheeling arrangement with the national utility, ZESCO Limited, reflecting ongoing changes in Zambia’s electricity market that allow greater private participation in generation.
FQM operates within Zambia’s segment of the Lobito Corridor, a regional trade and minerals transport route backed by international partners including the United States and other G7 countries. Separately, Anzana recently entered into a binding term sheet with ZESCO toward forming a joint venture to expand grid access, with the goal of connecting about two million people along the corridor to electricity by 2030.
According to the companies, the proposed hydropower sites will be located in northern parts of the country where hydrological conditions are considered less vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations, enabling more consistent output. Construction activity is expected to create roughly 300 jobs over three years, followed by more than 30 permanent operational roles. The developers said the projects are also intended to improve grid stability, reduce losses, and enable additional variable renewable energy projects to be added nearby once the plants are operational.
Anthony Mukutuma, FQM’s Zambia Country Director, said: “Secure access to reliable baseload power is essential for mining operations in Zambia. Accessing new hydropower through the national grid, in coordination with ZESCO, supports our long-term energy requirements while also strengthening the electricity system and Zambia’s broader development agenda.”
“This collaboration supports Zambia’s energy sector reforms and aligns mining-led growth along the Lobito Corridor with new investment that will strengthen Zambia’s electricity system overall,” added Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana Electric Group. “By adding dependable baseload power in strategic locations and delivering it through the national grid where it can enable critical industrial development, these projects will benefit FQM, ZESCO, and electricity users across the country.”
