Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. Resumes Kakula Operations with Revised Copper Production Guidance
- Ivanhoe Mines will resume underground mining at Kakula on June 7, 2025, after stabilizing water levels.
- The company projects 2025 copper production between 370,000 and 420,000 tonnes, aiming for 300,000 tonnes monthly by late 2025.
- Ivanhoe Mines will begin on-site copper smelter operations in September 2025, with the first anode expected in October.
Ivanhoe Mines Advances Kakula Operations Amid Stabilizing Conditions
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. has announced a significant development regarding the Kakula Mine, revealing that underground mining operations on the western side will resume on June 7, 2025. This decision comes after the successful stabilization of underground water levels, allowing the company to initiate dewatering efforts in the third quarter of 2025. The newfound stability enables Ivanhoe to revise its 2025 copper production guidance, projecting an output between 370,000 and 420,000 tonnes. This operational update was disclosed by Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland and President Marna Cloete during a conference call on June 12, 2025.
The resumption of mining activities, particularly on the western side, is coupled with plans to commence operations on the eastern side shortly. These efforts focus on developing new access drives while ensuring they remain separated from ongoing dewatering operations. An additional pumping capacity of approximately 4,400 litres per second has been installed, successfully stabilizing water inflow rates. Ivanhoe Mines aims to achieve a production target of 300,000 tonnes per month by the latter half of 2025, marking a significant step forward for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex. The Phase 1 and 2 concentrators are currently processing ore from surface stockpiles at around 50% capacity, with plans to ramp up output in line with the resumption of mining.
Both Friedland and Cloete emphasized the commitment to safety, expressing gratitude to their teams for successfully restoring operations without any lost time injuries. The company’s operational strategies reflect a strong focus on addressing the challenges posed by recent seismic activity while maintaining a commitment to transparency and stakeholder communication. As Ivanhoe Mines continues to optimize its production capabilities, it positions itself favorably within a market increasingly demanding copper for various applications, including renewable energy and electric vehicles.
In addition to operational updates, Ivanhoe Mines has announced the withdrawal of its production guidance for 2026, specifically the target of approximately 600,000 tonnes of copper production. This strategic decision underscores the company's commitment to providing reliable forecasts and reflects the dynamic nature of the mining industry. The company indicates it will issue a revised production target when more information becomes available, emphasizing its proactive approach in assessing operational strategies in an evolving market landscape.
Furthermore, Ivanhoe Mines is set to begin its on-site copper smelter operations in September 2025, with the first anode expected in October. This development highlights the company’s ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology, ensuring that it remains a key player in the copper market while aligning with global sustainability goals. Stakeholders are closely monitoring these advancements, anticipating their impact on both the company’s production capabilities and the broader copper supply dynamics.
