Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine
The world's fastest-growing major copper mine, reshaping the DRC's mining landscape.
Kamoa-Kakula is a tier-one copper mining complex discovered in 2006 and brought into production in 2021. It is jointly owned by Ivanhoe Mines (39.6%), Zijin Mining (39.6%), Crystal River Global (0.8%), and the DRC government (20%). In 2023, the mine produced approximately 394,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, making it one of the largest copper producers globally. Phase 3 expansion with a 500 ktpa smelter is underway to produce blister copper domestically.
- 01Achieve annualized copper production exceeding 600,000 tonnes per year by 2026
- 02Commission the on-site direct-to-blister flash smelter to process concentrate domestically
- 03Develop the Kamoa-Kakula underground mining complex across multiple phases
- 04Generate sustainable economic benefits and employment for the Lualaba Province
- 05Establish industry-leading environmental and safety standards for underground mining
- 06Contribute to global copper supply for the clean energy transition
2006 · completed
Discovery
Robert Friedland and Ivanhoe Mines discovered the Kamoa copper deposit in Lualaba Province.
2015 · completed
Kakula Discovery
The ultra-high-grade Kakula deposit was discovered adjacent to Kamoa, significantly expanding the resource.
2021 · completed
Phase 1 Production
First copper concentrate production began in May 2021, seven months ahead of schedule.
2022 · completed
Phase 2 Commissioning
Phase 2 concentrator plant was commissioned, doubling processing capacity to 7.6 Mtpa.
2024 · completed
Phase 3 Smelter Construction
Construction of the 500,000-tonne-per-year direct-to-blister flash smelter advanced significantly.
2025 · in progress
Smelter Commissioning
The on-site smelter is expected to begin commissioning, enabling domestic copper processing.
Mineral Resource
Copper Ore Reserve
The Kamoa-Kakula complex hosts an indicated mineral resource of approximately 1.04 billion tonnes grading 2.69% copper.
Processing Plant
Phase 1 & 2 Concentrators
Combined processing capacity of 7.6 million tonnes per annum of ore through two flotation concentrator plants.
Processing Facility
Direct-to-Blister Smelter
A 500,000 tpa flash smelter designed to produce over 99% pure blister copper on-site.
Mining Infrastructure
Underground Mine Infrastructure
Multiple underground mine access declines and ventilation shafts serving the Kansoko, Kakula, and Kamoa North mining areas.
Energy Infrastructure
Turbine Power Supply
Dedicated 220 kV power line from the Inga and Mwadingusha hydroelectric stations providing clean energy to the mine.
- Underground drift-and-fill mining method
- Direct-to-blister flash copper smelter
- Controlled convergence room-and-pillar mining
- Dense media separation pre-concentration
- Flotation circuit for copper sulphide concentration
- Paste tailings backfill system
What it means for the community
Kamoa-Kakula has created over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in one of the DRC's least-developed provinces. The mine contributed over $500 million in taxes, royalties, and fees to the DRC government in 2023 alone. It has transformed the town of Kolwezi into a major mining hub and is positioning the DRC as the world's second-largest copper producer.
- Ivanhoe Mines (39.6%)
- Zijin Mining (39.6%)
- Crystal River Global (0.8%)
- DRC Government (20%)
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