Phase 3 concentrator project at Kamoa-Kakula in DRC completed
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.
Throughout the construction of the Phase 3 concentrator, Ivanhoe Mines reported no lost-time injuries, highlighting their commitment to safety. The company is also finalizing the basic engineering for “Project 95,” aimed at enhancing the copper recovery rate of the Phase 1 and 2 concentrators to nearly 95%.
An updated life-of-mine plan, incorporating the Phase 3 expansion, the smelter, Project 95, and additional optimizations, is expected by the end of this year. Ivanhoe Mines’ founder and executive co-chairman Robert Friedland praised the operations team for their industry-leading execution and timely, budget-compliant delivery of the Phase 3 concentrator and underground mining operations.
Additionally, improvements in power stability have led to higher head grades and improved production, reinforcing confidence in meeting annual production guidance. The Phase 3 concentrator’s design capacity is 30% larger than the previous concentrators, increasing the total processing capacity of the complex to 14.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
