The third phase construction of concentrator at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been finished.

Ivanhoe Mines made the announcement and said the development occurred ahead of schedule and within budget, with the initial ore introduced to the new concentrator, and the first concentrate production expected next month. The ramp-up to commercial production is targeted for the third quarter of this year.

The Phase 3 concentrator is designed to process ore from Kamoa 1, Kamoa 2, and the Kansoko underground mines. Once fully operational, it will position Kamoa-Kakula as the world’s fourth-largest copper mining complex and the largest in Africa. By April 30, 2024, Ivanhoe Mines had accumulated 2.25 million tonnes (mt) of ore with a copper grade of 3.1% in surface stockpiles.

Scope of work

Commissioning of the Phase 3 concentrator began with dry commissioning last month, followed by wet commissioning on May 26. The new concentrator’s output, characterized by higher sulphuric content, will reduce the external energy needed for the smelter. About 70,000 tonnes (t) of this concentrate will be stockpiled in preparation for the smelter’s start-up. The completion of the Phase 3 concentrator is expected to increase the complex’s annual copper production to over 600,000 tonnes by the third quarter of 2024.