What's Happening?
Ivanhoe Mines has announced the commencement of anode production at its Kamoa-Kakula copper smelter, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This facility is now the largest copper smelter in Africa,
with a capacity to produce 500,000 tonnes of copper per annum. The first copper anodes were produced on December 29, 2025, following the smelter's heat-up and initial feed of concentrate. The smelter is expected to significantly increase copper production, with 2026 sales projected to exceed production due to the smelting of 20,000 tonnes of stockpiled copper concentrate. The smelter's ramp-up is anticipated to continue throughout 2026, aiming for a steady-state production rate by year-end.
Why It's Important?
The launch of the Kamoa-Kakula smelter is a significant development for the global copper market, particularly as demand for copper continues to rise due to its essential role in renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. By increasing the supply of high-quality copper anodes, Ivanhoe Mines is poised to capitalize on near-record-high copper prices, potentially enhancing its profitability. The smelter's operation is also expected to reduce logistics costs and increase efficiency by processing copper on-site rather than exporting it in concentrate form. This development could strengthen the Democratic Republic of the Congo's position as a key player in the global copper industry.
What's Next?
As the smelter ramps up to full capacity, Ivanhoe Mines plans to prioritize processing concentrates from its Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators. The company also aims to reduce its on-site inventory of unsold copper concentrate, which is expected to boost sales in 2026. Additionally, the completion of a 60 MW solar power facility is anticipated by Q2 2026, providing a sustainable energy source for the smelter. The ongoing expansion and optimization of the Kamoa-Kakula operations are likely to continue attracting attention from investors and stakeholders in the mining sector.
