African Critical Minerals: Distributor for China's mining giant Zijin Mining and Canada's mining giant Ivanhoe (Ivanhoe) confirmed that the Kamoa-Kakula copper smelter in the Democratic Republic of Congo will start production in September. Ivanhoe's Kamoa-Kakula smelter is expected to begin operations in September and commence production in October. The plant processes 500,000 tons of concentrate annually, with 80% of the output sold in advance. Despite the decline in copper production forecasts for 2025, power supply has been secured prior to launch. Ivanhoe Mining plans to have its new copper smelter at the Kamoa-Kakula complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo operational before September 2025. The Canadian company announced on June 11 that the first anode is expected to be produced in October. With a processing capacity of 500,000 tons of copper concentrate since 2021, it will become the largest of its kind in Africa. It will produce blister copper with a purity of approximately 99%, which is a key intermediate for anode production. Initial operations will begin at 50% capacity, processing about 250,000 tons annually. This project allows Ivanhoe Mining to further penetrate the copper value chain and generate more added value from the production of Kamoa-Kakula. The company has already signed agreements to sell 80% of the smelter's output to Zijin Mining and Apple Metals over three years. To prepare for the launch, Ivanhoe has secured additional power for the site. Earlier this year, it arranged to increase hydroelectric power supply to 100 megawatts. Combined with 50 megawatts from the national grid, the site now has 150 megawatts of power. This figure is expected to rise further to 328 megawatts in October with the commissioning of Turbine No. 5 at the Inga II Dam. The smelter's launch coincides with Kamoa-Kakula's copper production falling short of expectations. Following a recent earthquake at the Kakula underground mine, Ivanhoe has revised its 2025 copper production forecast down from 370,000 to 420,000 tons to between 520,000 and 580,000 tons. Editor's Note: The Kamoa-Kakula copper mine project is jointly owned by operator Ivanhoe Mining (39.6%), Zijin Mining (39.6%), the Democratic Republic of Congo government (20%), and Crystal River Global (0.8%). Source: ecofinagency Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834833720069130/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the views of the author.