Modern Mining January 2023

MINING News

Canadian miner, Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa-Kakula Mining Complex, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced 333 497 tonnes of copper in concentrate in 2022, achieving the upper-end of the original 2022 production guidance range of 290 000 to 340 000 tonnes. Kamoa-Kakula’s 2022 production achievement represents a year-over-year increase of 215%, the company said. The 2023 Kamoa Copper’s growth profile aligns with sustainability and social initiatives annual production guidance for Kamoa-Kakula is estimated at between 390 000 to 430 000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, following the anticipated completion of the debottlenecking pro gramme early in the second quarter of 2023.

Executive co-chair Robert Friedland commented: “Kamoa Kakula has firmly established a track record of excellence during the development of Phase 1 and Phase 2 operations, which has led to an industry-leading growth profile in terms of copper produc tion that will continue as we bring Phase 3 online. Kamoa-Kakula also stands out among its peers as one of the few mining opera tions worldwide to deliver strongly on its original 2022 production guidance, which is further testament to the team of engineers and contractors who commissioned the Phase 2 concentrator several months ahead of schedule. With the Phase 3 expansion well on track, including the integration of Africa’s largest single-line blister copper flash smelter, Kamoa-Kakula is poised to become one of the world’s leading producers of vital copper metal for global markets, a producer that will have one of the lowest, if not the lowest, carbon footprints in the industry.” 

Kamoa-Kakula’s 2022 production achievement represents a year-over-year increase of 215%.

Walkabout Resources appoints GM for Lindi Jumbo project

ASX-listed Walkabout Resources has appointed mining execu tive Charl van der Merwe as general manager of the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine in Tanzania. Van der Merwe joins the Lindi Jumbo team at a crucial time, as preparations for mine commissioning and operations gather pace while construction continues. The Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine is currently under construction and an estimated six months from the start of commissioning after further funding is finalised and remaining shipments commence. CEO of Walkabout Resources, Andrew Cunningham com mented: “This appointment significantly bolsters the company as it prepares for an exciting growth phase, with its high quality high-margin flake graphite mine earmarked to come on-line during a forecast period of severe global graphite supply shortfall”. 

Lindi Jumbo prepares for mine commissioning.

6  MODERN MINING  January 2023