Ivanhoe Mines Targets Higher Copper Production at Kamoa-Kakula in Second Half of 2026
Ivanhoe Mines Expects Higher 2026 Copper Output as Kamoa-Kakula Ramps Up Production in DR Congo
Ivanhoe Mines expects copper production at its flagship Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to increase significantly during the second half of 2026 as mining operations accelerate and existing inventories are processed.
The Canadian mining company said higher mining rates at the Kakula mine, combined with the planned drawdown of copper inventories, will support stronger production in the coming months, reinforcing Kamoa-Kakula’s position as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing copper operations.
Kamoa-Kakula produced 64,328 metric tons of copper in anode, blister and saleable concentrate during the second quarter of 2026, bringing total production for the first half of the year to 135,745 metric tons.
Despite operational challenges earlier this year, Ivanhoe has maintained its full-year production guidance of 290,000 to 330,000 metric tons of copper.
Achieving this target will require a substantial increase in output during the second half of the year as operations continue to recover.
The company previously revised its 2026 and 2027 production forecasts following seismic activity that temporarily disrupted mining operations at the Kakula underground mine.
Since then, recovery efforts have progressed, with mining rates expected to increase by approximately 30% during the second half of 2026.
In addition to higher mining volumes, Ivanhoe plans to process up to 10,000 metric tons of accumulated copper inventory, further supporting production growth through the remainder of the year.
Beyond copper production, the company reported exceptionally strong market conditions for sulphuric acid, a key by-product of its smelting operations.
July sales contracts were priced at approximately $840 per metric ton, representing record market levels. During the second quarter, Kamoa-Kakula’s on-site smelter produced 112,307 metric tons of sulphuric acid.
Ivanhoe also reported strong operational performance at its Kipushi Zinc Mine, also located in the DRC.
The operation produced a record 70,177 metric tons of zinc in concentrate during the second quarter, representing an 8% increase compared with the previous quarter.
The production gains at both Kamoa-Kakula and Kipushi highlight Ivanhoe Mines’ continued expansion in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reinforcing the country’s growing role as a leading global supplier of critical minerals essential for the energy transition and industrial manufacturing.
