TSX-listed Ivanhoe Mines announced that, on May 26, first ore was fed into the Phase 3 concentrator at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

First ore marks the completion of construction of the Phase 3 concentrator, which has been achieved months ahead of schedule and within budget.

First concentrate is expected in early June, while ramp-up to commercial production is expected in the third quarter.

The Phase 3 concentrator increases Kamoa-Kakula copper production capacity to over 600 000 t/y, making Kamoa-Kakula the fourth-largest copper mining complex globally.

Further Kamoa-Kakula growth initiatives are in progress, including Project 95, debottlenecking of Phase 3 and potential acceleration of Phase 4 expansion.

The Phase 1 and 2 concentrators produced more than 63 000 t of copper since the start of April, which the company says is a significant improvement resulting from improved power stability.

Kamoa-Kakula’s 2024 production guidance has been maintained at 440 000 t to 490 000 t of copper in concentrate.

“The Kamoa-Kakula operations team continues its industry-leading execution with the early and on-budget delivery of the Phase 3 concentrator and underground mining operations . . . a rare feat in an industry plagued by cost overruns and delays when it comes to complex, world-scale projects,” says Ivanhoe founder and executive co-chairperson Robert Friedland.

“Meanwhile, we have experienced much-improved power stability over the second quarter following our team’s proactive response to grid instability experienced in the southern DRC grid.

“As a result, we’ve seen materially higher head grades and improved production over the past two months. We expect a stronger second quarter from Kamoa-Kakula’s operations, reinforcing our confidence that production will align with annual guidance,” he adds.