Ivanhoe expects Congo copper output to ramp up in H2 2026
2026-07-09 10:55:29 [Print]
Ivanhoe Mines announced on Wednesday that copper production at its flagship Kamoa-Kakula complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to increase in the second half of 2026, supported by higher mining rates and inventory drawdowns. This would provide a significant supply boost from one of the world's largest copper operations.
The company had revised downward its 2026 and 2027 copper production forecasts in April following seismic disruptions at the Kakula mine.
Kamoa-Kakula produced 64,328 metric tons of copper in anode, blister, and saleable concentrate during the second quarter, bringing first-half output to 135,745 tons, according to the statement.
Ivanhoe maintained its full-year 2026 production guidance of 290,000–330,000 tons, which, based on Reuters calculations, implies a roughly 28% increase in the second half relative to the first-half run rate at the midpoint.
Meanwhile, Ivanhoe's Kipushi mine in Congo delivered a record 70,177 tons of zinc in concentrate, up 8% from the previous quarter.
The company had revised downward its 2026 and 2027 copper production forecasts in April following seismic disruptions at the Kakula mine.
Kamoa-Kakula produced 64,328 metric tons of copper in anode, blister, and saleable concentrate during the second quarter, bringing first-half output to 135,745 tons, according to the statement.
Ivanhoe maintained its full-year 2026 production guidance of 290,000–330,000 tons, which, based on Reuters calculations, implies a roughly 28% increase in the second half relative to the first-half run rate at the midpoint.
Meanwhile, Ivanhoe's Kipushi mine in Congo delivered a record 70,177 tons of zinc in concentrate, up 8% from the previous quarter.
Zinc Ingot 99.995%min IW Guangzhou
Unit:RMB/mt
China's refined zinc producers' output statistics by province by month
Unit: mt
