Ivanhoe brings DR Congo mine on stream

Democratic Republic of the Congo

LUBUM, July 3, 2024 – Ivanhoe Mines has brought the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kipushi mine – set to rank as the world’s fourth-largest zinc mine – back on line after 31 years of inactivity, Mining.com reported on Tuesday.

The mine produces zinc, copper, lead and germanium.

The 100-year-old mine will produce up to 140,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate in 2024 and is slated to average 278,000 tonnes per year over its first five years of production.

Zinc concentrate offtake deals have been inked with CITIC Metal Group and Trafigura, who each contributed to the project’s USD 170 million in financing, the report said.

Ivanhoe is developing the mine as a joint venture alongside Congolese state mining player Gécamines.

Photo courtesy of Ivanhoe Mines.