By: Energy capital & power

Mining company Ivanhoe Mines has announced plans to reopen the Kakula underground copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a temporary suspension of operations. Ivanhoe Mines and geotechnical specialists are finalizing assessments of the project, with full restart plans for both sections expected next week.

Operations were suspended on May 18 following seismic events in the eastern section of the broader Kamoa-Kakula copper project. Kamoa Copper, the mine operator, has completed stage one of a two-phase dewatering plan. The first stage includes installing temporary underground pumping infrastructure that raises capacity to 4,400 liters per second. This allows stabilization of water levels in preparation for restarting mining in the dry western side later this month.

Meanwhile, stage two involves installing permanent surface-mounted pumps. Four high-capacity pumps, each rated at 650 liters per second have been ordered, with delivery expected in three months.

Despite the suspension, the mines Phase 1 and 2 concentrators continue operating at 50% capacity using surface stockpiles. Ore from the western section will supplement production once operations resume.