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Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex

The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex is a large-scale copper mining and processing operation located in Lualaba province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, approximately 25 km west of the mining town of Kolwezi. The complex is operated by Kamoa Copper, a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining and the DRC government. Kamoa-Kakula is one of the world's largest and highest-grade copper mining developments, with ore grades significantly above the global average for copper deposits. The project comprises multiple underground mines exploiting high-grade copper mineralisation within the Central African Copperbelt. Phase one and phase two concentrators were commissioned in 2021 and 2022 respectively, with further expansion phases planned to increase production capacity. The complex includes mining operations, concentrators, a smelter and associated infrastructure including hydropower supply. Kamoa-Kakula achieved commercial production in 2021 and has rapidly scaled up to become one of the world's largest copper producers. The operation employs modern mining methods and processing technology supplied by international engineering and equipment firms. The complex is strategically significant to global copper supply, particularly as demand for the metal grows driven by electrification and renewable energy applications.

Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex News


Toro trucks and loaders supplied to Kamoa Copper by Sandvik
Sandvik has won another order from Kamoa Copper
25th August 2026 By: Rebecca Campbell

Swedish multinational engineering group Sandvik has announced that it has received a significant new order from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) miner Kamoa Copper. Kamoa is a joint venture... 


Image of Kansoko boxcut
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Democratic Republic of Congo – update
7th August 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Ivanhoe Mines has tightened 2026 production guidance to between 290 000 t and 310 000 t of copper in anode, blister or saleable slag concentrate, from 290 000 t to 330 000 t. 


Looking north over the newly built Kansoko Sud boxcut, which is expected to start underground development in ore from the first quarter of 2027. The new boxcut will support the increase in production to between 380 000 t and 420 000 t of copper in 2027.
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Democratic Republic of Congo – update
17th July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Ivanhoe Mines has maintained 2026 production guidance at 290 000 t to 330 000 t of copper in anode or blister, and 2027 guidance at 380 000 t to 420 000 t. 


Kamoa-Kakula copper smelter
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Democratic Republic of Congo
12th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

An updated independent technical report supports a revised mine plan for the complex that is expected to ramp up production to more than 500 000 t/y of copper from 2028 onwards.  


The first batch of 99.7%-pure copper anodes from Kamoa-Kakula’s 500 000 t/y direct-to-blister copper smelter arrived at the Port of Lobito, following just a one-week journey using the Lobito Railway Corridor. The anodes are set to arrive in Europe for refining in May.
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Democratic Republic of Congo – update
17th April 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Recovery efforts are advancing following the updated March 31, 2026, technical report. 


The Kamoa-Kakula mine
Kamoa-Kakula output guidance for 2026, 2027 lowered; output to reach above 500 000 t from 2028
1st April 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

TSX-listed Ivanhoe Mines has announced the results of an updated independent technical report for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, incorporating changes to the mine design and extraction sequence,... 


Weir to supply ENDURON® HPGR for the Phase 2 expansion of Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef Mine
Weir to supply ENDURON® HPGR for the Phase 2 expansion of Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef Mine
6th March 2026

Weir has secured a contract to supply ENDURON® high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) to Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef Mine as part of its upcoming Phase 2 expansion. A HPGR circuit is planned to be... 


Trafigura and Kamoa Copper copper anode shipment
Trafigura, Kamoa Copper undertake maiden copper anode sale, Lobito Corridor slashes transport time
20th February 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Metals trader Trafigura and TSX-listed Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa Copper business in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has successfully completed its first sale of low-carbon copper anodes, which is... 


A view over the casting wheels during the first batch of anodes produced by the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Smelter on December 29, 2025
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Democratic Republic of Congo – update
9th January 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Ivanhoe Mines has produced the first copper anodes at its direct-to-blister copper smelter at the Kamoa-Kakula complex. 


Kamoa-Kakula direct-to-blister copper smelter
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Democratic Republic of Congo – update
5th December 2025 By: Sheila Barradas

The startup of Kamoa-Kakula’s 500 000 t/y direct-to-blister copper smelter started on November 21, 2025. 


Employees celebrating completion of Turbine 5 at Inga II
Ivanhoe completes initial ramp-up of Turbine 5 at Inga II hydropower plant
26th November 2025 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX-listed Ivanhoe Mines has successfully completed the ramp-up of Turbine 5 at the Inga II hydropower plant, with an initial 50 MW of hydropower being provided to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex,... 


Ivanhoe Mines co-chairperson Robert Friedland
Ivanhoe, Qatar Investment Authority enter into MoU
24th November 2025 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Canadian mining company Ivanhoe Mines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). The MoU sets out a framework for... 


Aerial view of the Platreef Mine site, with Phase 1 concentrator in the foreground and shafts #1, #2 and #3, and associated surface infrastructure in the background.
Ivanhoe's third-quarter profit falls on lower Kamoa-Kakula sales volumes; Platreef reaches a milestone
30th October 2025 By: Chanel de Bruyn

Base and precious metals miner Ivanhoe Mines recorded a profit of $31-million for the quarter ended September 30, compared with profit of $108-million reported for the third quarter of 2024, as a... 


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pqt: 0.077s - ct: 0.136s - 219pq - 2rq
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