Ivanhoe Mines, operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has embarked on a new logistical endeavor by exporting its Kamoa-Kakula copper mine’s concentrate through Angola’s Lobito port. This marks a significant logistical shift for the Canadian mining company, which traditionally relied on far-flung African ports for its exports.
The first shipment, comprising 1,100 tons of copper concentrate, journeyed from the DRC to Angola via the Lobito corridor, significantly reducing the export route by two-thirds. This strategic move is set to streamline Ivanhoe’s logistics and cut costs effectively.
Until now, Ivanhoe Mines has been transporting copper concentrates to several African ports, including Durban in South Africa, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Beira in Mozambique, and Walvis Bay in Namibia. The average journey to these ports takes about 40-50 days, making the process both time-consuming and costly.
Robert Friedland, founder and co-chairman of Ivanhoe Mines, highlighted the significance of this new venture, stating that this first export marks a crucial milestone in establishing a new supply chain. He emphasized the potential benefits this could bring to the Central African region, particularly to the DRC, Angola, and Zambia.
The Lobito Atlantic corridor is expected to offer more than just logistical convenience. By operationalizing this route, Ivanhoe Mines anticipates a reduction in logistical costs and a significant decrease in carbon emissions associated with the export of Kamoa-Kakula copper. 
