Zambia doubles down on lime production

Zambia is set to become a regional lime hub with another major project in the pipeline.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions

New investments are flowing into lime production in Zambia as copper mines in the region ramps up.

Interesting news this week is that ZCCM Investment Holdings has partnered with Chinese-owned Wonderful Group of Companies to revive the historic Ndola Lime operation in the Copperbelt Province.

Restarting Ndola Lime

Ndola Lime is a 95-year-old facility that collapsed into insolvency in 2018. Through the new Ndola Lime Limited venture, the Wonderful Group will invest USD30-million to restart and expand operations.

The first phase includes a new lime plant capable of producing 600 tonnes per day. Future phases could add cement production or further lime expansion depending on demand from mining, construction and agriculture.

Firering continues upgrading

Meanwhile, AIM listed Firering Strategic Minerals continues upgrading its Limeco operation close to Lusaka.

WhyAfrica visited Firering’s operation in March as part of the 2026 WhyAfrica Business Trip to Zambia.

Firering recently commissioned Kiln 2 at the plant and is moving ahead with plans to bring Kilns 3 and 4 online.

Lime critical in copper processing

The company is also expanding its hydrated lime circuits as it targets rising demand from Copperbelt mines.

Lime is a critical ingredient in copper processing. In the mining industry it is used in flotation plants, acid neutralisation and metallurgical recovery systems.

Without a reliable supply of lime, mines cannot operate efficiently. For years, producers in Zambia and the DRC relied heavily on imports, especially from South Africa, creating high transport costs and supply risks.

The 2026 WhyAfrica Business Trip to Zambia was organised and operated by WhyAfrica’s sister company Endorphin Expeditions.

Image: In the picture below is Firering Strategic Minerals’ plant just west of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica. WhyAfrica visited Firering’s plant in March as part of the 2026 WhyAfrica Business Trip to Zambia.

Zambia doubles down on lime production