Ivanhoe Mines copper anode production begins at Kamoa-Kakula Congo smelter

Ivanhoe Mines copper anode production has officially begun at the Kamoa-Kakula smelter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Canadian miner confirmed first output on December 29, 2025, following a rapid commissioning schedule.
As a result, the project strengthens Africa’s role in global refined copper supply.

The direct-to-blister smelter started production one week after receiving its first concentrate feed.
Meanwhile, the heat-up process required only five weeks to reach initial output.
Once fully ramped up, the facility will produce 500,000 tonnes per year, making it Africa’s largest copper smelter.

Ivanhoe Mines copper anode production aligns with market expectations

Ivanhoe Mines copper anode production met guidance and analyst expectations, according to BMO Capital Markets.
The investment bank said the timeline matched prior forecasts for the Kamoa-Kakula complex.
Consequently, investors reacted positively, pushing Ivanhoe Mines shares up nearly five percent.

Robert Friedland, Ivanhoe’s founder and executive co-chairman, highlighted the project’s global significance.
He said the smelter will deliver high-quality Congolese copper anodes to international markets.
Moreover, he emphasized efficiency, scale, and sustainability as defining advantages.

Ramp-up strategy and 2026 copper outlook

Ivanhoe continues ramping up the smelter toward its full annualized capacity of 500,000 tonnes.
The company expects completion of the ramp-up process by the end of 2026.
During this period, Kamoa-Kakula will prioritize concentrates from its Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators.

Copper production in 2026 should range between 380,000 and 420,000 tonnes, according to Ivanhoe Mines.
This level represents roughly eighty percent of total smelter capacity.
Any excess concentrate will move to the Lualaba smelter near Kolwezi for toll treatment.

Inventory levels will also decline as production stabilizes.
Ivanhoe plans to reduce unsold copper concentrate from 37,000 tonnes to about 17,000 tonnes in 2026.
Therefore, copper sales should exceed production by nearly 20,000 tonnes during the year.

Kakula mine recovery supports copper anode production

Ivanhoe also completed Stage 2 dewatering at the Kakula mine after last year’s earthquake.
The event disrupted eastern mining operations and affected 2025 copper output.
However, selective mining resumed in late December, ahead of schedule.

Stage 3 dewatering will now focus on recommissioning underground pump stations.
These systems support steady-state mining operations at Kakula.
Importantly, Ivanhoe does not expect dewatering activities to delay long-term production plans.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Ivanhoe Mines copper anode production marks a strategic shift toward greater vertical integration in African copper.
By processing concentrates on-site, Ivanhoe reduces logistics risk and captures additional value.
As copper prices hover near record highs, Kamoa-Kakula positions itself as a cornerstone supplier for energy transition metals.