Ivanhoe Expands Massive Makoko-Kitoko Copper Discovery in DRC
Ivanhoe Mines Expands DRC Copper Discovery by 30% as Western Forelands Resource Potential Grows
Ivanhoe Mines has expanded the scale of its major Makoko-Kitoko copper discovery in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with additional drilling increasing the contained copper estimate by 30%.
The latest results further strengthen the potential of Ivanhoe’s Western Forelands exploration project, located near the company’s Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the DRC’s Copperbelt.
The company said approximately 64,000 metres of diamond drilling have contributed to the latest update, significantly improving its understanding of the mineralised system.
The Makoko-Kitoko discovery comprises multiple mineralised zones within Ivanhoe’s Western Forelands exploration licences.
The Makoko District has previously been described by Ivanhoe as one of the most significant new copper discoveries globally, with the company ranking it among the largest and highest-grade copper discoveries of the past decade.
Mineralisation remains open, providing further scope for expansion through continued exploration.
The company has steadily expanded the mineralised footprint through drilling since the discovery was first announced.
The Makoko District’s strike length has previously grown to more than 13 km, highlighting the scale of the broader mineralised system.
The discovery is particularly significant because of its proximity to Kamoa-Kakula, one of Africa’s major copper-producing operations.
Ivanhoe owns a 39.6% interest in Kamoa-Kakula, while the company also operates the Kipushi zinc-copper mine elsewhere in the DRC.
Its growing exploration portfolio in the Western Forelands gives Ivanhoe an opportunity to identify additional copper resources within one of the world’s most prospective copper regions.
The company’s exploration strategy is focused on identifying large-scale, high-grade copper deposits capable of supporting future mine development.
Ivanhoe is continuing exploration across the Western Forelands as it works to define the full extent and geological characteristics of the Makoko-Kitoko system.
The latest 30% increase in contained copper reinforces the potential for the discovery to become an important future source of copper, although further exploration, resource definition and technical studies will be required before its development potential can be fully assessed.
With copper demand expected to remain strong as electrification, renewable energy and infrastructure investment accelerate, large, high-grade discoveries such as Makoko-Kitoko are becoming increasingly important to future supply.
For the DRC, the expanding discovery adds to the country’s already substantial copper endowment and reinforces its position as a major destination for global copper exploration and investment.
