Ivanhoe Mines disputed claims made by its partner, Zijin Mining, regarding issues at their co-owned Kakula copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo following seismic activity, stating there is no evidence of collapsing stopes or structural pillars at the site. Ivanhoe Mines will provide a detailed update on Kamoa-Kakula operations by Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Ivanhoe Mines regarded a statement by Zijin Mining as inaccurate because it misrepresented the situation surrounding the temporary suspension of operations at the Kakula underground mine. On Friday, Ivanhoe responded to the claims made earlier that day, clarifying that the suspension, announced on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, was due to minor seismic-related scaling and not structural failures, as suggested by Zijin.

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Seismic activity halts Ivanhoe’s Kakula underground operations

Zijin Mining’s release stated that there had been “multiple roof-falling and rib-spalling in the eastern section of the [Kakula] mine.” Ivanhoe Mines responded directly, saying, “Ivanhoe Mines does not agree with this statement.” The company explained that its ongoing inspection, led by senior management and geotechnical specialists, has found “no evidence of collapsing stopes or structural pillars” in the affected area.

Preliminary findings indicate that seismic activity experienced last week, which has since subsided, led to a redistribution of forces underground and caused “scaling,” or rock falls, from the sidewalls of certain mining areas. Ivanhoe emphasised that these events did not amount to the kind of structural failures described by Zijin.

Currently, operational teams are focused on safely repairing damage to cables and pipework supporting the underground pumping infrastructure. Once repairs are complete, the company plans to resume normal mining operations, starting with the western side of the Kakula Mine.

The company also said that after the underground investigation concludes, Ivanhoe Mines plans to evaluate whether the suspension will influence the annual production forecast for the Kamoa-Kakula Mining Complex.

Ivanhoe Mines noted that it will assess whether the temporary suspension of underground operations will impact the annual production guidance for the Kamoa-Kakula Mining Complex once the investigation is complete. The company has committed to providing a more detailed update by Tuesday, May 27, 2025.