Field notes: Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine

Kamoa-Kakula is a tier-one copper mining complex discovered in 2006 and brought into production in 2021. It is jointly owned by Ivanhoe Mines (39.6%), Zijin Mining (39.6%), Crystal River Global (0.8%), and the DRC government (20%). In 2023, the mine produced approximately 394,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, making it one of the largest copper producers globally. Phase 3 expansion with a 500 ktpa smelter is underway to produce blister copper domestically.

The world's fastest-growing major copper mine, reshaping the DRC's mining landscape.

What the project is trying to do

1. 1Achieve annualized copper production exceeding 600,000 tonnes per year by 2026
2. 2Commission the on-site direct-to-blister flash smelter to process concentrate domestically
3. 3Develop the Kamoa-Kakula underground mining complex across multiple phases
4. 4Generate sustainable economic benefits and employment for the Lualaba Province
5. 5Establish industry-leading environmental and safety standards for underground mining
6. 6Contribute to global copper supply for the clean energy transition

What it means for people nearby

Kamoa-Kakula has created over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in one of the DRC's least-developed provinces. The mine contributed over $500 million in taxes, royalties, and fees to the DRC government in 2023 alone. It has transformed the town of Kolwezi into a major mining hub and is positioning the DRC as the world's second-largest copper producer.

Where it stands

2025: Smelter Commissioning. The on-site smelter is expected to begin commissioning, enabling domestic copper processing. Current status: Ongoing.