By: Ecofin Agency

Kamoa-Kakula produced 64,328 tonnes of copper in the form of anodes and blister copper during the second quarter of 2026, according to an operational update published on Wednesday, July 8, by Canadian operator Ivanhoe Mines. The quarterly output declined slightly from the previous quarter. However, first-half production reached 135,745 tonnes, representing about 46% of the company's minimum annual production target of 290,000 tonnes.

These first-half results mark the first time the company has reported production in the form of anodes and blister copper. The change reflects the commissioning of Kamoa-Kakula's integrated smelter in December 2025.

The smelter, which has an annual capacity of 500,000 tonnes and is presented as Africa's largest of its kind, now allows the mine to process copper concentrate on site instead of exporting it for treatment. However, the company continues to refine part of its production at the Lualaba smelter, where Ivanhoe also processes a portion of its copper concentrate. During the first quarter, the two facilities produced a combined 71,417 tonnes of copper in the form of anodes and blister copper.

Ivanhoe Mines maintained its 2026 production guidance of between 290,000 and 330,000 tonnes of copper. The company expects production to accelerate during the second half of the year. It expects higher mining rates across parts of the complex, improved ore availability and the gradual processing of copper concentrate stockpiles accumulated on site to support higher output.

The expected production increase still depends on operational performance as Kamoa-Kakula continues its recovery from a difficult 2025.

A major incident last year forced the company to revise its mine plan and lower its production targets. Ivanhoe Mines plans to publish its second-quarter financial results at the end of July, which should provide further details on the commercial performance of the mining complex.

Ivanhoe Mines owns a 39.6% stake in Kamoa-Kakula, matching the interest held by Chinese group Zijin Mining, while the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo holds the remaining 20%.