By Rody Kapinga
Ivanhoe Mines is executing a high-stakes recovery at its Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the DRC, deploying four 4.2 MW submersible pumps each capable of evacuating 650 litres per second to dewater flooded western zones and restore access to ultra-high-grade copper ore exceeding 5% Cu. Stage Two dewatering is now underway, with full access expected by November 2025.
The company anticipates resuming selective mining in Q1 2026, while updated production guidance for 2026–2027 is slated for release in September. Concurrently, the refurbished 178 MW Turbine #5 at the Inga II hydroelectric station is nearing commissioning, securing long-term power stability for the operation.
“This is a pivotal moment for Kamoa-Kakula,” said Ivanhoe Mines Executive Co-Chair Robert Friedland. “The rapid deployment of high-capacity pumps and the restoration of clean hydroelectric power underscore our commitment to resilience and sustainability in one of the world’s richest copper districts.”
Industry analysts note that the timing of Kakula’s rebound is critical. With global copper inventories hovering near decade lows and demand surging from EVs, grid upgrades, and renewable infrastructure, any disruption in high-grade supply from Africa’s Copperbelt reverberates across pricing and procurement strategies.
The mine’s ability to restore output could ease pressure on smelters and traders navigating volatile spot markets.
Fairly, while Ivanhoe’s technical response has been swift, the full impact on production volumes and ore quality will hinge on the pace of underground water drawdown and the integrity of affected zones. The September guidance will be closely watched by global markets, particularly as copper futures remain sensitive to supply-side shocks.
Kamoa-Kakula’s recovery is more than a regional milestone it’s a bellwether for global copper stability in a decade defined by electrification and constrained resources.
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