Canadian firm Ivanhoe Mines has launched Africa’s largest and greenest copper smelter at its Kamoa-Kakula operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The event, blessed by local community leaders, highlights Kamoa-Kakula’s evolution into a high-grade, low-carbon copper powerhouse with integrated on-site processing, reducing reliance on external smelters. Since starting production in 2021, phased expansions at the mine have increased output, with 2024 production reaching 437,061 metric tons and 2025 guidance at 370,000–420,000 metric tons. With global demand surging for energy transition metals, this smelter elevates the DRC’s role in the international supply chain. It marks a historic step toward cleaner, more sustainable copper production, aiming to set a new global standard for the industry.
Business Insider Africa
