Ivanhoe Mines Announces Stage Two Dewatering of Kakula Mine to Commence Imminently
Ivanhoe Mines’ Executive Co-Chair Robert Friedland and CEO Marna Cloete provided an update on dewatering and rehabilitation activities at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex following seismic activity at the Kakula Mine.
The mine team implemented a three-stage plan to dewater affected areas. Stage One, stabilizing and maintaining water levels, has been completed, restoring access to all currently reachable sections. Stage Two, which involves installing high-capacity submersible pumps and permanent surface infrastructure on the eastern side of the mine, is underway. Two of the pumps are operational, with the remaining two expected soon.
The pumps will operate on a dedicated power supply to minimize risk from the electrical grid. Once Stage Two is complete, temporary pumping systems from Stage One will support ongoing dewatering.
The western side of the Kakula Mine, which was not impacted by seismic activity, is expected to be fully dewatered soon, allowing access to high-grade ore areas without additional rehabilitation.
On the eastern side, rehabilitation and selective mining will begin as water levels subside. Stage Three, the final dewatering phase, will recommission major existing pump stations to drain remaining deep sections of the eastern mine.
Kamoa-Kakula’s engineering team plans to release 2026 and 2027 production guidance in September, followed by an updated life-of-mine plan early next year.
Separately, refurbishment of the Inga II hydroelectric facility is nearing completion, with mechanical and electrical installations finished and pre-commissioning activities underway.
Technical disclosures in this update have been reviewed and approved by qualified personnel at Ivanhoe Mines, ensuring the accuracy of engineering and scientific information provided.
