Kansanshi Mining Plc (KMP) had sales revenue of ZMW18.36 billion (US$1.64 billion) for the financial year ended 31 March 2019 [2018: (ZMW16.08 billion) (US$ 1.68 billion)]. This was
lower by 3% from 2018 reflecting lower copper sales volumes partially offset by higher realized metal prices. Net profit after tax of ZMW3.12 billion (US$278.87 million) was lower than the
ZMW3.93 billion (US$411.52 million) reported in 2018 reflecting lower sales revenues.
Copper production for the financial year ended 31st December 2018 was 251,522 tonnes, slightly higher than 2017 (250,801 tonnes) primarily due to higher throughput and grade on the
sulphide and mixed ore circuits, as well as higher recoveries on the oxide circuit due to higher acid availability from the smelter compared to 2017. No concentrate was processed through
the high-pressure leach due to the processing of tarnished sulphide material.
Gold production was 130,019 ounces, about 8% lower than in 2017 mainly due to lower gold feed grades. Gold plant improvements commenced during the fourth quarter and will continue during the first quarter of 2019.
Cash costs were reduced due to acid sales and there being no major smelter shutdown in 2018, partially offset by higher fuel costs. AISC (All-in Sustaining Cost) of $1.55 per lb. was $0.07 per lb. lower than 2017 reflecting lower C1 cash cost and deferred stripping, partially offset by higher sustaining capital expenditures and royalty costs.
The Kansanshi Smelter achieved record production and throughput in 2018, having treated 1,381,637 DMT (Dry Metric Tonnes) of concentrate, a 14% increase over 2017 exceeding design capacity of 1.2 million DMT. The overall copper recovery rate achieved was 97%. During the year, the smelter processed 11,682 DMT of concentrate purchased from third parties to ensure smelter maintains maximum feed rate and acid production levels during the wet season.
A dividend of ZMW223.8 million (US$ 20 million) was declared for year ended 31 March 2019 [(2018: ZMW745.68 million) (US$78 million)]