FORGING COPPER’S FUTURE AT SCALE: THE KAMOA COPPER STORY
FORGING COPPER’S FUTURE AT SCALE: THE KAMOA COPPER STORY
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most strategically important mining operations in the world is entering a defining phase. Kamoa Copper is no longer viewed simply as a high grade copper mine or a flagship African project. It has become a critical pillar in the global copper supply chain at a time when electrification, energy transition and infrastructure investment are driving unprecedented demand for the metal.
As governments and industries race to decarbonise, copper has moved from being a cyclical industrial commodity to a structural necessity. Electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, data centres and power grids all depend on secure, long term copper supply. Against this backdrop, the scale, quality and integration of the Kamoa Kakula Mining Complex position it among the most important copper assets developed in recent decades.
Operated by Kamoa Copper SA and majority owned by Ivanhoe Mines, the Kamoa Kakula complex has been built with a clear long term vision. From the outset, the project has prioritised scale, grade, operational resilience and value retention within the host country. This strategy is now most clearly reflected in the commissioning of the direct to blister copper smelter, a major milestone that elevates the operation beyond concentrated production and into integrated copper processing.
The smelter, designed with a capacity of approximately 500,000 tonnes per annum, fundamentally reshapes how copper from Kamoa Kakula reaches the global market. By producing blister copper on site, Kamoa Copper reduces dependence on third party smelting facilities and long distance concentrate transport. This not only strengthens supply chain security but also captures greater economic value locally, reinforcing the project’s industrial significance within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The heat up of the smelter represents the culmination of years of planning, construction and coordination across engineering, operations and logistics teams. It also signals a shift in how large scale mining projects in Africa are increasingly designed. Rather than exporting raw or semi processed materials, integrated operations are emerging as a model for long term competitiveness, particularly for critical minerals such as copper.
Underlying this progress is the exceptional quality of the Kamoa Kakula orebody. The deposits rank among the highest grade copper discoveries globally, providing a strong foundation for long life production and robust margins. This geological advantage allows the operation to withstand market volatility while continuing to invest in expansion, infrastructure and workforce development.
Ivanhoe Mines’ recent production guidance for 2026 and 2027 reflects growing confidence in the recovery plan and operational trajectory of the complex. The guidance underscores not only anticipated output growth but also the maturity of systems and processes now embedded across mining, processing and smelting activities. For Ivanhoe, Kamoa Kakula is a cornerstone asset within a broader portfolio focused on tier one deposits and responsible development.
The emphasis on long term value creation has shaped every aspect of the project. Significant capital investment has been
TAKY CORP – Delivering Performance, Safety and Reliability in Mining Logistics
TAKY CORP is a Congolese mining services and logistics company specializing in ore transport, civil works, and operational support for large-scale mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Built on strong operational discipline and a deep understanding of the mining environment, TAKY CORP has established itself as a trusted local partner for international mining operators.
The year 2025 marked a major milestone for TAKY CORP through a highly successful collaboration with Kamoa Copper. Over the course of the year, the company safely transported approximately 360,000 tonnes of ore per month, representing more than 4.3 million tonnes moved in total, while maintaining full operational continuity. This performance was delivered with a 100% safety record, with no lost-time injuries or major incidents recorded
throughout the year—an achievement that reflects TAKY CORP’s strong safety culture, rigorous training, and strict compliance with site procedures.
Beyond operational excellence, TAKY CORP is strongly committed to local value creation. In 2025 alone, the company created over 120 direct jobs, contributing meaningfully to local employment in mining regions. Notably, TAKY CORP actively promotes inclusion, with women successfully operating heavy mining equipment within its fleet—demonstrating that performance and diversity can go hand in hand in the mining sector.
Driven by reliability, safety, and sustainable growth, TAKY CORP continues to expand its capabilities and partnerships, positioning itself as a key Congolese player in mining logistics and infrastructure development across the region.
Taky Corp
Taky Corp is a transportation and excavation services company in the mining industry based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, since 2023.
Our goal is to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Congolese populations, while providing our professionalism to support you in achieving your goals.
EXCAVATION
Open Pit, underground, and Mechanical
Excavation and drilling
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Design, construction, and Maintenance of mining infrastructures.
TRANSPORT OF MINERALS
Moving minerals and aggregates within the mines and from the mines to various processing points, storage facilities, etc.
AGRI TECH
Processing, packaging, and distribution of agricultural products.
KAMOA COPPER S.A.
Genesis Engineering & Construction
Genesis Engineering & Construction, a leading engineering firm registered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is built on the expertise of highly qualified professionals from across Africa. Formerly operating under FMI Projects, our team played a pivotal role in major projects such as the Second Acid Plant and the Electrowinning (EW) facility at Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM). With a commitment to flexibility, efficiency, and safety, we ensure timely, costeffective project delivery without compromising quality.
At Genesis, we strive for global recognition in the Construction and Engineering industry by maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision. Our mission is to work in close collaboration with clients, ensuring seamless communication and adherence to budgets and timelines. We uphold strong values, appreciating every opportunity to showcase our capabilities and establish our reputation as a trusted industry leader.
Our competitive edge lies in our vast experience and proactive approach to problem-solving. We understand the importance of efficiency in resource management and are adept at handling unforeseen challenges with swift site amendments. Safety and economic viability remain at the core of our operations, ensuring a sustainable and results-driven approach.
Our Core Services:
• Boilermaking & Fabrication
• Warehouse Erection & Sheeting
• Maintenance & Shutdown Services
• Geo-Membrane & HDPE Piping
Genesis Engineering & Construction – Building the Future with Expertise, Precision, and Integrity. Contact us today to discuss your project needs!
www.genesisengineeringrdc.com
GENESIS ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION
MANTRA
At Genesis, quality is our culture and our focus. Without excellence in our work, we waste time and resources while compromising our hard-earned reputation.
VISION
To be the global benchmark for excellence in engineering and construction, defining the future of the industry through precision, quality, and client-focused innovation.
MISSION STATEMENT
We deliver preeminent engineering and construction services by integrating innovation, integrity, and continuous quality improvement. Our expertise spans Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and specialized HDPE piping and membrane solutions.
HDPE pipe installation
directed towards power infrastructure, logistics corridors and processing capacity, reducing operational risk and enhancing flexibility. In a global copper market increasingly exposed to geopolitical disruption and logistical constraints, such resilience is a strategic advantage.
Leadership has also played a central role in shaping the direction of Kamoa Copper. The appointment of Annebel Oosthuizen as Managing Director has brought renewed focus on organisational culture, inclusive leadership and operational accountability. Her tenure, though still relatively recent, has coincided with a
period of rapid progress and heightened visibility for the operation.
Kamoa Copper’s approach to leadership reflects a broader evolution within the mining sector. Expectations now extend beyond production metrics to include workforce development, governance standards and meaningful engagement with host communities. At Kamoa Kakula, these priorities are treated as integral to operational performance rather than peripheral considerations.
The scale of the workforce and the complexity of the operation demand a
strong pipeline of local talent. Training programmes, skills development initiatives and leadership pathways for Congolese professionals are central to the project’s sustainability. By investing in people alongside infrastructure, Kamoa Copper is building institutional capacity that will endure beyond individual project phases.
Recent activity at the Kamoa Kakula site highlights this momentum. Operational milestones, site visits and community engagements demonstrate a business that is firmly in execution mode while remaining transparent about progress
and priorities. These moments reflect a project moving decisively through its growth phase, supported by systems capable of managing increasing scale.
The commissioning of the smelter also carries wider implications for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s industrial landscape. Domestic processing capacity creates opportunities for skills transfer, employment and downstream development. While mining alone cannot transform an economy, integrated projects of this scale can act as anchors for broader industrial ecosystems when aligned with national priorities.
Environmental performance is another critical dimension of Kamoa Copper’s strategy. The smelter has been designed to incorporate modern emissions controls and efficiency measures consistent with international best practice. As global scrutiny of mining and metals production intensifies, operations that can demonstrate responsible processing standards will increasingly differentiate themselves.
The integration of mining, processing and smelting within a single complex also improves overall efficiency. Reduced transport distances lower emissions and costs while enhancing operational control. For a metal as central to the energy transition as copper, such efficiencies carry both economic and environmental significance.
Ivanhoe Mines’ long term vision for the Kamoa Kakula Mining Complex is evident in the scale of ambition and the pace of delivery. The project has progressed from discovery to world class operation in a relatively short timeframe, without compromising on infrastructure or standards. This reflects a deliberate strategy to build assets capable of operating reliably for decades.
The global copper market context further amplifies the importance of Kamoa Copper. Forecasts consistently point to a widening gap between copper supply and demand as electrification accelerates. New discoveries are becoming rarer, permitting timelines longer and capital requirements higher. In this environment, existing tier one assets with expansion potential command increasing strategic value.
Kamoa Kakula stands out not only for its resource base but for its ability to scale production while integrating processing capacity. This combination positions the operation as a stabilising force in an increasingly constrained market. For manufacturers, utilities and governments dependent on secure copper supply, such assets are critical.
Beyond mining and metals, the Kamoa
KAMOA COPPER S.A.
Copper story offers broader lessons for large scale industrial development in emerging markets. It demonstrates what can be achieved when long term capital, technical expertise and local engagement are aligned behind a shared vision. It also highlights the importance of leadership that recognises the interconnected nature of operational performance, social licence and strategic relevance.
For Business Enquirer readers, Kamoa Copper represents more than a successful mining project. It is a case study in how critical infrastructure, resource development and leadership intersect at a time of global transformation. The decisions made at Kamoa Kakula today will influence copper markets, industrial strategies and development narratives for years to come.
As the operation moves into its next phase, the focus will increasingly turn to execution at scale. Expanding output, optimising smelting performance and maintaining safety and environmental standards will test systems and leadership alike. Yet the foundations laid over recent years suggest a project well equipped to meet these challenges.
In an industry often defined by compromise and short term cycles, Kamoa Copper has been built with a clear sense of direction. It reflects a belief that world class assets require world class thinking across geology, engineering, governance and people. As copper cements its role as a foundation metal of the modern economy, the story unfolding at Kamoa Kakula is one that will shape the future of the sector.
From underground development to blister copper production, Kamoa Copper is forging a new model for large scale mining in Africa. It is a model grounded in integration, resilience and long term value creation, and one that positions the operation at the centre of the global copper conversation as the world enters a new era of demand.
