Ivanhoe Mines has resumed underground mining operations on the western side of its Kakula Mine, part of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, following a temporary suspension in May 2025 due to seismic activity and water ingress. Mining crews and equipment returned underground on June 7, 2025, after additional pumping capacity was installed and underground water levels stabilised. Dewatering of the eastern side of the mine is scheduled to commence in August 2025, with completion targeted for the fourth quarter.
The restart comes after preliminary geotechnical investigations by leading experts, whose recommendations have been incorporated into the updated short-term mine plan. The company is also reviewing medium- and long-term plans with technical consultants. Mining activities on the eastern side of Kakula are expected to begin imminently, focusing on developing access drives to a new high-grade area, which will be isolated from dewatering operations.
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Mining continues to be suspended at Kakula in wake of seismic activity
The Phase 1 and 2 concentrators at Kamoa-Kakula continue to operate at approximately 50% of their combined capacity, processing ore from surface stockpiles. Throughput is expected to ramp up throughout the remainder of 2025 as mining on the western side increases, supplemented by feed from ore stockpiles. The adjacent Phase 3 concentrator and Kamoa underground mine continue to outperform expectations.
Ivanhoe has revised its 2025 copper production guidance to between 370,000 and 420,000 tonnes, reflecting a 28% reduction from previous forecasts due to the recent disruptions. The on-site copper smelter is anticipated to start up in September 2025, with the first anode expected in October 2025.
“We are thankful and deeply appreciate our team’s swift response to stabilise underground water levels in the Kakula Mine and resume mining on the western side. The team has quickly secured the critical equipment needed to safely dewater the entirety of the mine, while preparing to access a new high-grade mining area in the east,” said Robert Friedland, Executive Co-Chairman of Ivanhoe Mines.
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Ivanhoe in the process of restarting operations at Kakula Mine
President & CEO Marna Cloete added: “We are working tirelessly to safely and systematically restore full operations at the Kakula Mine. Safety has always been, and will always remain, our highest priority. We want to extend our sincere thanks to the mining crews, the engineering teams, and our long-term contractors for their extraordinary efforts in restoring pumping capacity and restarting operations, all without any lost time injuries.”
The company also mentioned that they will host a conference call for investors before market open on June 12, 2025, to provide further updates on operational recovery and outlook. The company remains focused on restoring full operations and maintaining its position as one of the world’s leading copper producers, with a strong outlook for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex and its future growth.