KAMOA COPPER SA UNVEILS ITS NEW CORPORATE IDENTITY (NEW BRAND & NEW LEADERSHIP)
Kamoa Copper SA announces its new corporate identity and new leadership ahead of its scheduled copper production commencement in July 2021 with the underground mine development well ahead of schedule.
KOLWEZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 24, 2021- Kamoa Copper SA is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the objective of producing high grade copper in the Kolwezi region, which is located in Lualaba province, DRC. With copper production starting, as planned, in July 2021, Kamoa Copper is proud to present its new corporate identity and to announce the appointment of two local nationals to the Board of Directors, taking one more step ahead of the eagerly awaited production start date.
With the specific aim of forging an entrepreneurial spirit through culture, personality and unity, this new Kamoa visual identity communicates who we are and what we do. The new logo is inspired by three key concepts: the mining industry as Kamoa’s Core Activity; Heritage shared with the DRC, Canada and China; and the Aspiration of a future where everyone will have their place.
Integrated into the base of the logo is a mine stock. The end of the letter K represents the Chinese character which means ‘humanity’. Red evokes the color palette in Ivanhoe’s title as well as the red flags of the DRC, Canada and China. In its entirety, the logo epitomizes Kamoa’s aspiration to bring people together to build a prosperous future where everyone has their place.
Kamoa Copper SA Brand Launch Video
In an effort to optimize growth and positive development, Kamoa Copper recently announced two appointments: Ben Munanga as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Olivier Binyingo as Vice President of Public Affairs of the DRC.
Mr. Munanga has held the position of General Manager of Ivanhoe Mines Energy DRC (IVEN) since August 2015. Before joining IVEN, Mr. Munanga was in charge of the so-called “Power, Infrastructure & Bulk “at Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) since 2009. A graduate of the University of Mons in Belgium, he holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Currently, he is Chairman of the Energy Commission of the Mining Chamber. Mr. Munanga replaces Louis Watum as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kamoa Copper.
In addition, Olivier Binyingo, appointed Vice-President for Public Affairs of the DRC by Ivanhoe Mines, was also appointed a member of Kamoa Copper’s Board of Directors to further facilitate collaboration between Kamoa Copper, government partners and local communities.
“We are delighted to have Ben and Olivier on the Kamoa Copper Board of Directors as part of our goal of building a sustainable, responsible and multinational mining company. Ben and Olivier are both strong advocates of the DRC mining industry, and who we believe can provide interesting insights as Kamoa Copper continues on its journey to become the most eco-friendly and responsible world’s major copper producers.” said Mr. Friedland, the Founder and Co-Chairman of Ivanhoe Mines.
Kamoa Copper’s new identity, as well as recent executive appointments, build on an already excellent track record in mine development and operation that demonstrates the success of this business. According to the latest progress report issued by Ivanhoe Mines in April 2021, Kamoa Copper broke all old records, mining 400,000 tonnes of 5.36% grade copper ore, including 100,000 tonnes of copper ore from 8.7% quality sourced from the Kakula mine center. (https://www.ivanhoemines.com/site/assets/files/5183/kamoa-kakula_progress_update_march_1-_2021.pdf). During the first phase of Kamoa-Kakula, the progress of the 3.8-Mtpa mining and milling project is 92% complete and the commissioning of the concentrator is being started.
Kamoa also set a monthly underground development record, progressing over 3,100 meters, bringing the total underground development distance to approximately 38.6 kilometers. Clearly, Kamoa Copper is well on its way to becoming a leading global leader in responsible copper production. In addition, the company is expected to reach even higher heights now that the new Kamoa brand has been announced.
Commenting on the launch, Kamoa Managing Director Mark Farren explains, “The exceptional mining rate in March is explained by an improvement in team efficiency as well as a higher percentage of ore thanks to felling operations, tunneling and backfilling. It is extremely encouraging to see how high the performance has been so far. On the other hand, it’s a real honor to be part of a whole new brand image with our new leaders.
The presentation of Kamoa’s visual identity, as well as the renewal of its leadership, marks the beginning of a new stage in our journey as an organization.”
Kamoa Copper is proud of its initiatives to improve livelihoods. They have been strategically developed to achieve many of the Sustainable Development Goals designated by the UN. Particularly with regard to gender equality, economic growth and the eradication of hunger. Initiatives aimed at creating livelihoods must help small producers to become leading farmers, thus establishing a model for future generations, with the idea of increasing the number of entrepreneurs and that the testimony of their experiences will be part of Kamoa’s legacy. Although Kamoa adheres to international standards, the organization also offers programs that meet the needs of host communities, with a view to ensuring that Kamoa remains a valued partner in the eyes of the DRC and its citizens. Kamoa also offers training centers, thus providing opportunities for Congolese employees to acquire skills. Thus, the surrounding communities will benefit from employment prospects.
“We are immensely proud of Kamoa Copper’s exceptional commitment to social and environmental responsibility, as well as the significant investments in policy and program development regarding workplace safety, diversity, community development and education. We expect Kamoa to continue to assert its commitment under Ben’s leadership.” said Mr. Friedland.
