Ivanhoe Mines expects copper production at its flagship Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to increase significantly during the second half of 2026 as mining rates accelerate and previously accumulated inventories are processed.
The Canadian mining company said improved mining performance at the Kakula underground mine, together with the planned drawdown of copper inventories, will drive higher output and support Kamoa-Kakula’s continued growth as one of the world’s largest and fastest-expanding copper mining operations.
During the second quarter of 2026, Kamoa-Kakula produced 64,328 tonnes of copper in anode, blister and saleable concentrate. Total production for the first half of the year reached 135,745 tonnes.
Despite operational disruptions earlier in the year, Ivanhoe has maintained its full-year production guidance of between 290,000 and 330,000 tonnes of copper. Achieving this target will require a strong increase in production during the second half of 2026 as mining operations continue to recover.
Earlier this year, the company revised its 2026 and 2027 production outlook after seismic activity temporarily disrupted underground operations at the Kakula mine. Recovery efforts have since advanced steadily, with mining rates expected to increase by approximately 30% over the remainder of the year.
To further support production growth, Ivanhoe plans to process up to 10,000 tonnes of accumulated copper inventory during the second half of 2026, helping to maximise output while underground mining activities continue to ramp up.
In addition to stronger copper production, the company reported exceptionally favourable market conditions for sulphuric acid, a valuable by-product of its on-site smelting operations. July sales contracts reached approximately US$840 per tonne, representing record market prices. During the second quarter, Kamoa-Kakula’s smelter produced 112,307 tonnes of sulphuric acid.
Ivanhoe also announced record quarterly performance at its Kipushi Zinc Mine in the DRC. The operation produced 70,177 tonnes of zinc in concentrate during the second quarter, an increase of 8% compared with the previous quarter.
The improved performance at both Kamoa-Kakula and Kipushi underscores Ivanhoe Mines’ continued expansion in the DRC while highlighting the country’s growing importance as a global supplier of copper, zinc and other critical minerals that support the energy transition, infrastructure development and industrial manufacturing worldwide.
