At a Glance
- Ivanhoe produces first copper anodes at Kamoa-Kakula, marking a major operational milestone in the DRC.
- A new 500,000-ton smelter ramps up quickly, reinforcing Kamoa-Kakula as a global copper supply hub.
- Milestone strengthens Ivanhoe’s role in supplying critical metals for the global energy transition.
Ivanhoe Mines, a Canadian mining company, has reached a major operational milestone in the Democratic Republic of Congo, producing its first copper anodes at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex.
The breakthrough follows the successful commissioning of the project’s 500,000-ton-per-year, direct-to-blister copper smelter—one of the most advanced facilities of its kind globally.
The first anode output comes just weeks after the smelter’s heat-up phase began and days after initial concentrate feed, underscoring rapid execution at one of the world’s fastest-growing copper operations.
For Ivanhoe, the achievement strengthens Kamoa-Kakula’s role as a cornerstone asset in the global energy transition supply chain.
A defining moment for Congolese copper
Ivanhoe Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland described the milestone as transformational, highlighting the scale and discipline behind the project.
The smelter represents 18 million man-hours of construction work and reflects a strong safety record, positioning the operation as a global benchmark for efficiency, scale, and sustainability in copper production.
The facility is designed to deliver high-purity copper anodes directly to international markets, reinforcing the DRC’s growing importance as a strategic supplier amid strong global demand for electrification metals.
Production ramp-up and sales outlook
Ivanhoe expects the smelter ramp-up to continue through the year, with full operational completion targeted by year-end. Copper output from Kamoa-Kakula is forecast between 380,000 and 420,000 tons this year, with the midpoint of 400,000 tons representing roughly 80% utilization of smelter capacity.
Management plans to prioritize concentrates from Kamoa-Kakula’s Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators for on-site processing. Any surplus material will be toll-treated at the nearby Lualaba Copper Smelter, optimizing logistics and cash flow.
As inventories are gradually reduced, copper sales in 2026 are expected to exceed production by approximately 20,000 tons, allowing Ivanhoe to benefit from near-record copper prices.
Power security and renewable expansion
Operational resilience is supported by a newly installed 60-megawatt uninterruptible power supply, providing up to two hours of instant backup power to shield the smelter from grid instability.
In parallel, construction is advancing on a 60-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility with battery storage, expected to be the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
The solar plant is scheduled to come online in the second quarter, complementing existing diesel backup capacity and reinforcing Ivanhoe’s low-carbon operating strategy.
Positioning for the energy transition
Ivanhoe Mines continues to build a diversified portfolio of tier-one assets supplying copper and other critical minerals essential to clean energy technologies.
The Kamoa-Kakula milestone cements the company’s position at the center of the global shift toward electrification, sustainability, and long-term resource security.
