Kamoa-Kakula: 41,800 Tons of Copper in One Month

In October 2024, the Kamoa-Kakula mining complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching a record monthly production of 41,800 tons of copper concentrate and a record milling of 1.2 million tons of ore.

This achievement was announced by Robert Friedland, Executive Co-Chairman of Ivanhoe Mines, and Marna Cloete, the company’s president.

“Kamoa-Kakula production is accelerating into year-end,” Friedland stated, highlighting that the company is positioning itself among the world’s top copper producers. With a total production of 345,042 tons of copper for the year up to October 31, 2024, this performance underscores Ivanhoe’s commitment to sustainable and innovative mining practices.

This advancement is crucial for the global copper market and the Congolese economy. Copper, essential for many industries, is increasingly in demand, particularly in the context of the energy transition and green technologies.

The rise in production at Kamoa-Kakula not only represents a victory for Ivanhoe Mines but also an opportunity for the DRC to solidify its position in the global market.

The Congolese economy, often reliant on fluctuations in commodity prices, benefits from enhanced production capabilities, which can stimulate foreign investment and job creation.

Indeed, the phases 1, 2, and 3 of the complex have seen increased efficiency. On October 12, these phases processed a record volume of 50,253 tons of ore, generating 1,720 tons of copper.

This figure translates to an annualized milling rate of 16.9 million tons, establishing Kamoa-Kakula as a key player in the international market. “Our successful three-phase delivery… was consistently achieved ahead of schedule,” Friedland added, emphasizing the innovation and efficiency that characterize this project.

The recently upgraded phase 3 also demonstrated impressive results, with 448,478 tons of ore milled in October, reflecting a 30% month-over-month increase.

This boost in milling capacity is accompanied by a copper concentrate recovery rate that could rise to 86% as fresh run-of-mine ore becomes more prevalent.

This level of efficiency could potentially enhance profits and improve the project’s profitability, providing direct economic benefits to the DRC.

The construction of the direct-to-blister copper smelter is also on track, with over 94% of the project completed. This smelter, expected to be operational by year-end, will be capable of producing up to 700,000 tons of sulfuric acid annually as a by-product, which could be sold to other mining operations in the Congolese Copperbelt.

Transforming waste into resources represents a significant step toward more sustainable and beneficial mining practices for the local economy.

Ivanhoe Mines’ strategy for phase 4, currently in the finalization stage, promises to further increase production and strengthen exploration capabilities in the region’s licenses.

With 11 drill rigs active, the company is positioned for future copper discoveries, further solidifying the DRC’s place in the global copper market.

In summary, the recent successes of the Kamoa-Kakula complex testify to a positive evolution and a promising future for the mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These strategic advancements not only stimulate the local economy but also place the DRC at the heart of the global copper dynamics. This is a decisive moment that could mark the beginning of a new era of prosperity for the country.