Publication: Mining Review Africa
Issue: Issue 4 2025

The company prides itself on establishing long-lasting relationships with clients, based on the quality of work it produces.

In a country defined by its rich mineral wealth and dynamic infrastructure needs, Knight Piésold Zambia epitomises engineering excellence, skills development and sustainability. Patrick Kampengele, managing director, explains to Bruce Montiea how the company, not only delivers world-class projects, but also empowers Zambians to shape their own future, one project at a time.

Kampengele, a seasoned professional with more than 35 years of industry experience, says since Knight Piésold’s inception in 1921, it has had a presence in Zambia dating back to 1923, through involvement in the Mulungushi/ Lunsemfwa hydropower schemes in Kabwe. He adds that, as part of the global Knight Piésold Group, which spans over 15 countries across Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia, KP Zambia benefits from both global resources and a strong Southern Africa regional backbone, particularly through collaboration with Knight Piésold Southern Africa.

“With a long-standing history in the region and a bold vision for the future, today the Zambian entity provides specialist services in the mining, power, water resources, infrastructure and environmental sectors, with capabilities spanning the entire project lifecycle from feasibility studies and site investigations to detailed design, construction supervision and closure planning,” says Kampengele. He says a key differentiator for KP Zambia is its commitment to developing local talent and creating opportunities for Zambians to lead. “The company believes that growth and prosperity must be shared, not hoarded. This philosophy is evident in our mentorship programmes, skills transfer initiatives, international training workshops and on-site development, which ensure that local engineers, scientists, and project managers are continuously upskilled.”

Commitment to African excellence

Kampengele says, through its commitment to African excellence, KP Zambia has taken on several largescale, high-impact projects, both independently and in collaboration with the broader Knight Piésold group. Some of the notable projects include:

• Muntimpa 5 tailings storage facility capacity increase, Chingola, Zambia
• Lusiwasi Upper 15 MW hydropower, Serenje, Zambia
• Zambeef new flour milling plant at Mpongwe farm, Mpongwe, Zambia
• TD10 rehabilitation and closure, Mufulira, Zambia
• TD11 tailings storage facility buttress design, Mufulira, Zambia

“These projects demonstrate our wide-ranging capabilities, from tailings management and mine closure to hydropower, civil infrastructure, and environmental assessment, often aligned with international standards such as the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management,” says Kampengele. Behind this dedicated work is a team which includes relevant technical skills in engineering, with representation in major global, regional and local institutions such as The International Federation of Consulting Engineers, Africa and the International Commission on Large Dams Committee on Tailings Dams and Waste Lagoons. The team is expertly overseen by Kampengele, who is a past president of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Zambia and also past chairman of the Engineering Registration Board of Zambia, underlining KP Zambia’s thought leadership in environmental stewardship and responsible mining.

His leadership not only guides KP Zambia’s technical direction but also reinforces its mission to empower local professionals and collaborate meaningfully with communities. “We invest in local capacity through mentorship, on-site training and international collaboration with workshops and conferences. And every senior staff member mentors young engineers and scientists. “This is complemented by community upliftment programmes which include sponsoring local soccer teams, youth rugby initiatives and marathons, as well as local schools in the community,” he adds.

The company prides itself on establishing long-lasting relationships with clients, based on the quality of work it produces. “We are still working with Konkola Copper Mines, an involvement which dates back to around 1970 when we designed and supervised the construction of the Lubengele Tailings Dam. In the case of Mopani Copper Mines at Nkana Mine we were involved in the design and construction supervision of the Mindola Dam around 1942. In the hydropower sector we were involved in the design and construction supervision as far back as the 1950s of Lusiwasi, Lunzua, Musonda and Chishimba Falls hydropower schemes.” KP Zambia’s plans for the future include prioritising sustainability, tailings management, infrastructure, hydropower and youth development, all while continuing to grow its engineering footprint across Southern Africa with the support of the Knight Piésold Africa network.

Youth development is particularly important for the company, points out Kampengele. “To the next generation of Zambian engineers, take every opportunity to learn, get involved in multidisciplinary projects and understand that your success contributes to your community. Excellence is not just a goal; it’s a shared responsibility.” Kampengele says KP Zambia exemplifies the future of African engineering. “A future rooted in technical excellence, sustainable development and community upliftment. As the country faces growing challenges and opportunities in mining, power and infrastructure, KP Zambia continues to rise to the occasion, delivering not just solutions, but impact. Our journey is not just about engineering. It’s about shaping Zambia’s future, one project, one professional and one community at a time. We believe we are going further together.”

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