Ivanhoe Mines Announces First Anode Production from Kamoa-Kakula Copper Smelter

Kamoa-Kakula Produces First Copper Anodes as Africa’s Largest Smelter Enters Ramp-Up Phase

Ivanhoe Mines Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland and President and Chief Executive Officer Marna Cloete have announced the successful production of the first copper anodes at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The milestone was achieved on December 29, 2025, at the company’s on-site, state-of-the-art direct-to-blister copper smelter, following the start of furnace heat-up and the initial feeding of copper concentrate.

Commenting on the achievement, Ivanhoe Mines Founder and Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland described the first production of copper anodes as a defining moment for the Kamoa-Kakula project.

He said the accomplishment reflects years of disciplined execution, significant capital investment, and an outstanding health and safety record, underscoring the professionalism and commitment of the project teams and partners involved.

According to Friedland, the smelter will deliver high-quality Congolese copper anodes to international markets while setting new benchmarks for scale, efficiency, and sustainability in global copper production.

He expressed appreciation to the Kamoa Copper workforce, contractors, and international partners whose technical expertise and collaboration enabled the successful delivery of the facility.

The smelter has entered its ramp-up phase and is expected to reach steady-state operations during 2026, positioning it as the largest copper smelter on the African continent.

As production increases, Kamoa-Kakula plans to prioritize the on-site processing of concentrates produced by its Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 concentrators. Any surplus concentrate will continue to be toll-treated at the Lualaba Copper Smelter near Kolwezi.

Commissioning activities, including furnace heat-up, boiler systems, steam systems, the acid circuit, and the concentrate dryer, were completed in line with expectations. The furnace reached its operating temperature and maintained stable conditions ahead of the first concentrate feed.

As the smelter ramps up, the company expects a gradual reduction in unsold copper concentrate inventory held on site, supporting higher copper sales volumes during the year. Management intends to take advantage of strong copper market conditions as inventory levels normalize.

To ensure operational stability, an uninterruptible power supply facility was completed ahead of first concentrate feed, providing immediate backup power to protect the smelter from grid instability.

In parallel, construction of the on-site solar power facilities continues to advance, with the project expected to significantly enhance energy security and reduce operating costs once operational. These initiatives are expected to improve operating margins by lowering logistics expenses and supporting by-product revenue streams.

The ramp-up of the smelter is also expected to materially enhance margins by allowing copper to be exported as refined anodes rather than unprocessed concentrate. Additional cost efficiencies are anticipated from reduced transport requirements and revenues generated from the sale of by-product sulphuric acid.

In parallel with copper anode production, the smelter has produced its first batches of sulphuric acid, which will be sold to regional mining operations. Demand for sulphuric acid remains strong across the Central African Copperbelt, and initial deliveries have already been arranged.

The construction of the smelter was completed with an industry-leading health and safety record, reinforcing Kamoa-Kakula’s commitment to operational excellence. The project team also previously delivered the Phase 3 concentrator without any lost-time injuries.

Underground operations at the Kakula Mine continue to progress, with dewatering activities advancing and enabling access to higher-grade mining areas.

Mining has resumed on both the western and eastern sections of the mine, with improving head grades expected as operations normalize and expand.

Overall, the successful commissioning of the Kamoa-Kakula smelter represents a major milestone for Ivanhoe Mines and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, strengthening the country’s position as a global copper producer and advancing local beneficiation in line with national development objectives.