Ivanhoe Mines’ Kipushi Mine Achieves Record Monthly Zinc Production in May
Ivanhoe Mines Reports Record Zinc Output at Kipushi Mine as Production Tracks Midpoint of 2026 Guidance
TSX-listed Ivanhoe Mines has reported a record month of zinc production at its Kipushi Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the operation’s strong performance as it ramps up production.
The mine produced 25,677 tonnes of zinc in concentrate during May, surpassing the previous monthly record of 22,968 tonnes set in January by 12%.
The achievement reflects continued operational improvements and strong plant performance at one of the world’s highest-grade zinc mines.
During the month, Kipushi’s concentrator processed a record 72,003 tonnes of ore, achieving an average zinc recovery rate of 93%.
The plant feed grade averaged 36.2% zinc, underlining the exceptional quality of the orebody and the efficiency of the processing operation.
The strong May performance has lifted year-to-date zinc production to approximately 110,000 tonnes.
On an annualized basis, this places Kipushi on track to achieve production near the midpoint of Ivanhoe Mines’ 2026 guidance range of 240,000 to 290,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate.
In addition to the production milestone, Ivanhoe Mines reported significant progress on the construction of the mine’s second tailings storage facility (TSF), which is now more than 90% complete.
The company expects the first tailings to be deposited in the new facility from October.
Construction works include the lining of the new TSF’s Paddock 2B extension, as well as upgrades to the existing tailings storage infrastructure.
Both facilities are being developed in accordance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The record production results and advancing infrastructure projects mark another important step in Kipushi’s development as Ivanhoe Mines continues to optimize operations and strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-grade zinc.
