Ivanhoe Mines to Receive First 50 MW of Clean Power from Inga II Hydroelectric Dam This November
Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex to Tap 50 MW from Inga II Hydroelectric Dam — Key Step Toward Energy Independence by 2027
Ivanhoe Mines has announced that its flagship Kamoa-Kakula copper complex will begin receiving an initial 50 megawatts (MW) of renewable power from the Inga II hydroelectric dam this November. The update was shared in the company’s third-quarter 2025 financial report, released on October 29, 2025.
The new power supply will come from Turbine 5 at Inga II, which has a total capacity of 178 MW. The turbine has been undergoing a major modernization program since 2022, led by Ivanhoe Mines Energy, a subsidiary dedicated to strengthening the mine’s electrical infrastructure.
Power delivery will be phased as follows:
50 MW starting in November 2025
100 MW in the first quarter of 2026
150 MW by the first half of 2027, upon completion of transmission network upgrades
Major Milestone in Kamoa-Kakula’s Energy Program
Ivanhoe Mines confirmed that mechanical and electrical refurbishments of Turbine 5 were completed during the third quarter of 2025, marking a critical step in its long-term energy investment strategy.
The company is now reinforcing the regional power grid, with ongoing work at the Inga (SCI) and Kolwezi (SCK) substations. These upgrades include the installation of resistors, harmonic filters, and a static compensator, all aimed at stabilizing voltage and improving the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to Kamoa-Kakula.
The broader modernization and stabilization program for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s power network, launched in late 2024, is supported by $200 million in financing mobilized by Ivanhoe Mines and its majority shareholder, Zijin Mining Group.
Toward Full Energy Self-Sufficiency by 2027
By 2027, the Kamoa-Kakula complex is expected to achieve full energy independence, eliminating the need for imported electricity from Zambia and Mozambique.
This will be achieved by combining hydroelectric power from Inga II with renewable energy from two solar power plants currently under development.
These solar projects—developed by CrossBoundary Energy DRC and Green World Energie SARL—will each contribute 30 MW to the complex’s energy mix.
According to Ivanhoe Mines, both solar initiatives are progressing ahead of schedule, with execution rates of 42% and 46%, respectively. Commercial commissioning is now expected in the second quarter of 2026, earlier than the original target of late July.
The company also reported that initial shipments of long-lead equipment, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), inverters, and mounting structures, have already arrived on-site.
Through these investments, Ivanhoe Mines is positioning the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex as one of the most sustainable and energy-secure mining operations in Africa, underscoring its commitment to clean energy and responsible resource development.
