The Kamoa-Kakula copper mining complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to receive a significant energy boost, with an additional 50 MW of power from the Inga II hydropower plant scheduled to come online in November. As announced by Ivanhoe Mines, this development is a critical step in enhancing the energy supply for one of Africa’s largest copper mining operations. This power increase will not only support ongoing production and future expansions but also reduce the complex’s reliance on diesel generators, lowering both operational costs and carbon emissions.
Boosting Production and Expansion at Kamoa-Kakula with Inga II
The additional hydroelectric power will enable Kamoa-Kakula to ramp up production from its three existing concentrators and accelerate ongoing construction projects for ambitious future expansions. Key projects that will benefit from this stable power supply include the development of the Kamoa 1.2 Mtpa smelter, the new 5 Mtpa Kamoa 1 concentrator, and the 2 Mtpa concentrator at Kamoa South.
For some time, the complex has been operating at a reduced capacity of approximately 350,000 tonnes of copper per year due to an insufficient power supply. With this new injection of clean energy, Kamoa-Kakula is poised to return to its full nameplate capacity of 450,000 tonnes of copper annually, reinforcing its role as a major contributor to the global copper market.
Improving Stability and Efficiency with Kamoa-Kakula Inga II
Beyond restoring full production capacity, the increased power supply is crucial for enhancing the stability and efficiency of the complex’s operations. The additional 50 MW will also help stabilize the broader power grid in the Katanga region, demonstrating how industrial investment can support regional infrastructure development. This grid stability is vital for the construction of Kamoa 1, which is expected to begin producing copper in late 2024.
Initially, Kamoa 1 is anticipated to operate at a reduced capacity of 3 Mtpa. Full operational capacity will be unlocked once further power becomes available in the second half of 2025, when an additional 150 MW is expected to be delivered from the complete refurbishment of the remaining units at Inga II.
Long-term Plans for Kamoa-Kakula Inga II
Kamoa-Kakula’s vision extends far beyond current operations. The complex is planning to expand its processing capacity to an impressive 19 Mtpa by the second half of 2026, backed by a capital investment of $1.8 billion. This growth is contingent on the additional power resources becoming available in 2025 and 2026.
As part of a long-term power agreement signed in 2021, Kamoa-Kakula will ultimately receive 240 MW of renewable hydropower for its operations. This agreement is fundamental to the complex’s plans to expand its production capacity to 650,000 tonnes of copper per year by 2028. However, the energy strategy is not limited to hydropower. To further bolster its commitment to sustainable mining, the company is also developing the Kamoa-Kakula solar project to supply 30MW by 2026, diversifying its energy mix with another clean source. Integrating solar power requires a deep understanding of the solar panel manufacturing process and the specific solar panel raw materials needed. You can find more updates on similar initiatives in our DRC solar news archives.
The Kamoa-Kakula copper complex is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The complex’s access to a growing supply of renewable energy is a key factor in its ongoing expansion and its ability to meet future production goals sustainably, solidifying its position as a leading sustainable copper producer.
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