Ivanhoe Mines has announced a renewed production forecast for its Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a major flooding incident earlier this year.
The Canadian miner now expects to produce between 380,000 and 420,000 tonnes of copper in 2026, increasing to between 500,000 and 540,000 tonnes in 2027, as recovery operations advance.
The company had suspended its guidance in May after seismic events triggered flooding at the Kakula mine, but now reports significant progress in dewatering and rehabilitation.
The complex maintains its medium-term goal of achieving approximately 550,000 tonnes of copper production annually.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire team at Kamoa-Kakula for their unwavering dedication throughout the dewatering and rehabilitation of the Kakula mine,” said Ivanhoe president and chief executive Marna Cloete.
“They have worked under pressure, and done so with discipline, resilience and an unshakable commitment to doing things the right way. Most importantly, they have carried out this demanding work with an outstanding focus on safety.”
Co-chairperson Robert Friedland highlighted the project's resilience and future potential, noting that the complex is expected to produce approximately 400,000 tonnes of copper during its recovery years in 2025 and 2026.
“As we move through this transition and into the next phase of growth in the coming years, Kamoa-Kakula and the Western Forelands will become one of the largest, if not the largest, copper complexes in the world,” he said.
Friedland said that the company is nearing a transformational shift as it transitions from producing copper concentrate to producing copper anodes at its own smelter complex for global consumers.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
