Ivanhoe Mines gives DRC power projects update

Canadian mining group Ivanhoe Mines has provided an update on its various power projects at its mine sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Construction of Kamoa-Kakula’s on-site solar (PV) facility, with battery storage, is advancing “on schedule”, it reported in its Q1 statement, delivering a total baseload of 60 MW to the copper complex from early Q3 2026.

The solar facility is already the largest solar project with battery storage on the African continent, the mining group added.

Kamoa-Kakula is planning to increase total on-site solar power generation capacity, with battery storage, to 120 MW by the end of 2027.

A tender was awarded, and a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in late April for an initial 30 MW expansion of the existing on-site solar facilities.

“A further 30-MW facility is currently being tendered and is expected to be awarded in the next month,” the Q1 report noted.

However, energy supply at the mining complex is also underpinned by thermal power plant.

This has resulted in efforts to secure fuel supplies in a volatile market amid tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz.

“Preparations have been made across the group to secure on-site consumables in the event of continued global supply chain disruptions,” the company noted.

“This includes Kamoa-Kakula securing five months’ worth of diesel supply.”

However, the company added that the use of backup diesel generators could be be curtailed to rationalise diesel consumption.

Ivanhoe’s founder and co-chairman Robert Friedland said he remained bullish despite these challenges.

“Ivanhoe has a portfolio of tier-one mines powered by hydroelectric and solar power…built to withstand disruption,” he said.

“Our company is ideally positioned in this volatile environment, with exploding global demand for the copper, zinc, nickel and precious metals that we produce.”

At its Kipushi mine, the company is also currently tendering for a dedicated solar project with up to 200 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery energy storage.

This facility would provide 10 MW of baseload power, reducing reliance on the backup diesel generators that are used intermittently.

Located on a 70-hectare site near the mine, it is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.

Read more:

Hybrid power: energy security for mines in Africa

Mauritania on-site power for Into Africa Procurement

John Deere Power Systems underlines commitment to diesel technology