Modern Mining September 2021

COPPER

Having reached commercial production on July 1, both recoveries and copper production at Kamoa Copper’s Phase 1, 3,8-million tonnes per annum concentrator plant are approaching steady-state design parameters, CEO Mark Farren tells Munesu Shoko . Towards steady-state design performance

S ince the project’s inception, the Kamoa Copper team has consistently delivered on time and within budget, even during the challenging times. Kamoa Copper’s Phase 1, 3,8-million- tonne-per-annum (Mtpa) concentrator plant reached commercial production on July 1 after achieving a milling rate in excess of 80% of design capacity and recoveries close to 70% for a continuous seven-day period. Towards the end of August, copper produc- tion exceeded 500 t per day, nearing the Phase 1 steady-state design capacity of an estimated 550 t per day, equivalent to 200 000 t per year. During the month of August, 14 815 t of copper was produced, bringing the year-to-date production to more than 36 700 t. The plant achieved an aver- age milling rate of more than 9 000 t per day at an average feed grade of more than 6% copper during the same period. Copper recoveries improved to an average of 83%, with recoveries exceeding 86% on several occasions. “Good planning and stringent project controls set

this team on a success trajectory, but the teamwork and the spirit of Ubuntu propelled us to get going during the global pandemic and supply chain dis- ruptions. Kamoa is testimony to strength in diversity, where each role player adds their unique contribu- tion to the mine’s success,” says Farren. Since commercial production, the team has moved on steadily with hot commissioning and ramp- up of the concentrator plant, which was expected to take approximately four months, with incremental improvements in production, recoveries and con- centrate expected as the plant is fully ramped up to design capacity. Hot commissioning and ramp-up In an operational update issued on September 10, Steve Amos, Kamoa’s head of projects, announced that the hot commissioning and ramp-up of the Phase 1 concentrator plant “is approaching steady- state-design performance”, and that the installation of an additional concentrate filter, expected by the

Mark Farren, CEO of Kamoa Copper S.A.

Top: Construction of Phase 2 processing plant is forging ahead.

14  MODERN MINING  September 2021