First Concentrate Rolls Out from Kamoa Kakula project in DRC
KAMOA COPPER S.A. BEGINS COPPER PRODUCTION After 24 years of focused exploration and development efforts, the start of copper production marks a monumental milestone for Kamoa Copper S.A ..
KOLWEZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MAY 26, 2021 – Kamoa Copper SA Board Chairman Ben Munanga and Board Member Olivier Binyingo are pleased to announce the start of copper concentrate production at the Concentration Plant in Phase 1, with a capacity of 3.8 million tonnes per year (Mtpa), as of May 25, 2021, several months ahead of the initial schedule. On May 20, the first quantity of ore was introduced into the concentration plant for the purpose of performing hot tests to test the proper functioning of the plant and other equipment. Shortly after the plant started up, the feed had reached a copper content of 4% to 6%.
His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, underlined the importance of this start of production at Kamoa-Kakula: “The start of production of copper concentrate at the Kamoa-Kakula mine is an indication that the DRC is favorable to business and investment. We congratulate Ivanhoe Mines for taking this step following this world-class discovery. ”
Predictions, after rigorous testing, are that the concentrator should generate clean, high quality concentrate with a copper content of around 57% with very low arsenic levels.
“This is an important moment for Kamoa Copper SA and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The discovery and development of a copper region of this size and quality while respecting ESG criteria, without going over budget and before the deadline , is, indeed, legendary in the copper mining industry. This historic achievement is due to the efforts of thousands of individuals, as well as to the joint initiatives of Kamoa. Kamoa will be well positioned to be considered the second largest copper mining operation in the world, possibly the largest in the future, ”commented President Munanga.
Mr. Binyingo, Board Member, added: “This is a historic day for Kamoa Copper S.A., as well as for its host country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our involved Congolese staff, and the surrounding communities. We are all delighted to be part of this immense success. The commitment and hard work that the company has shown for 24 years since the discovery are finally paying off. ”
“Given that this step was taken before the deadline, during an unprecedented global pandemic, presenting tough challenges, we would like to salute the team on site who worked hard under difficult circumstances, in order to achieve this feat. historical.” commented Mr. Binyingo.
With an initial extraction rate of 3.8 Mtpa and an increase to 7.6 Mtpa expected in the third quarter of 2022, Kamoa Copper S.A. is expected to become the largest mine, with the highest copper grade, in the world. The 1st phase is expected to generate 200,000 tonnes of copper per year, while the combination of the 1st and the 2nd phase is expected to generate 400,000 tonnes of copper per year. The second concentration plant, with a capacity of 3.8-Mtpa, is in good progress. Attention is currently focused on earthworks and civil engineering, which are ahead of the initial schedule.
The start of production of the 1st phase marks the beginnings of a copper mining operation which will benefit future generations of the DRC. Kamoa Copper aspires to prospects for growth and expansion.
