Ivanhoe Mines Achieves First Ore Feed at Kamoa-Kakula Phase 3 Concentrator
Ivanhoe Mines has announced the successful feed of first ore into the Phase 3 concentrator at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on May 26, 2024. This marks the completion of construction for the Phase 3 concentrator, achieved months ahead of schedule and on budget. The first concentrate from Phase 3 is expected in early June, with ramp-up to commercial production targeted for early in the third quarter.
The Phase 3 concentrator significantly increases Kamoa-Kakula's copper production capacity to more than 600,000 tonnes per annum, positioning it as the fourth-largest copper mining complex globally. Additional growth initiatives, including Project 95, de-bottlenecking of Phase 3, and potential acceleration of Phase 4 expansion, are in progress.
Remarkably, the construction of the Phase 3 concentrator recorded zero lost-time injuries. Since the beginning of April, the Phase 1 and 2 concentrators have produced over 63,000 tonnes of copper, benefiting from improved power stability.
Ivanhoe Mines' Founder and Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland praised the team's execution, noting the early and on-budget delivery of the Phase 3 concentrator and improved power stability leading to higher head grades and production. Friedland emphasized the potential to boost copper production to 800,000 tonnes per annum, positioning Kamoa-Kakula as one of the largest copper producers globally.
The company is also focused on advancing its aggressive 70,000-meter drill program at its adjoining Western Foreland licenses, with 10 drill rigs currently active. The Western Foreland resources total nearly 5 million tonnes of contained copper, and Ivanhoe Mines aims to advance the Makoko, Kiala, and Kitoko discoveries towards early production.
Kamoa-Kakula's 2024 production guidance remains at 440,000 to 490,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate. The first ore feed into the Phase 3 concentrator represents a major milestone for Ivanhoe Mines and sets the stage for significant future growth.
