With tailored solutions and local support, Integrated Pump Technology ensures continuous operation for mines across the continent. (Image source: Integrated Pump Technology)

Integrated Pump Technology has been instrumental in assisting mining operations with the ongoing challenge of groundwater ingress, both at surface and underground levels

Uncontrolled groundwater can significantly disrupt mining activities, especially during the rainy season, which varies across Africa’s diverse regions. With mining sites exposed to anything from heavy seasonal rainfall to localised geological conditions, effective dewatering strategies are essential for maintaining both productivity and safety.

Managing director Jordan Marsh emphasises the company’s role as the authorised distributor of Grindex electric submersible pumps and Godwin diesel-driven self-priming pumps, offering reliable dewatering solutions tailored to diverse mining applications.

“Both these pump ranges are well-known global brands that are designed to handle the often harsh and unpredictable conditions that mines face across the continent. Mining operations in many parts of Africa, where dewatering is mission-critical, have been quick to adopt dewatering solutions from us, knowing that our team understands the requirements and the support is in place to ensure reliable operation,” explained Marsh.

Expanding African dewatering

The company’s strong market growth reflects its strategic expansion efforts in key mining regions. Notably, demand has surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, where the rising global need for copper—driven by the transition to a lower-carbon economy—has fueled mining activity. Copper mines in the DRC, among the wettest in the world, present unique challenges in managing water ingress.

Marsh underscores the critical role of dewatering in these mines. “Our Grindex submersible pumps have long been the go-to solution for dewatering in these extremely wet mines, and with the addition last year of the diesel driven Godwin pump range to our portfolio we have seen increased demand for these units, whether skid or trailer mounted,” stated Marsh.

Recognising the importance of reliable service, Integrated Pump Technology is focused on strengthening its sales and support infrastructure through local distribution partnerships. This approach ensures that end-users receive consistent and effective assistance.

Marsh further highlights how the growing depth of Southern African copper mines is driving demand for powerful dewatering solutions. “Grindex pumps, known for their durability and effectiveness, are playing a pivotal role in keeping these deeper mining operations operational and safe. Significantly, the demand is for both smaller pumps (3.7 kW and 5.6 kW) and larger units (up to 90 kW),” noted Marsh.

Beyond the DRC and Zambia, the company continues to expand its footprint into East and West Africa. A key factor in its success has been the development of a strong distributor network, ensuring that mining operations in countries such as Angola, DRC, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda receive the necessary expertise and equipment to address their specific dewatering needs.

“Our business development drive into these African territories is yielding exciting progress,” concluded Marsh.

Also read: MMG places Kinsevere cobalt plant on ice

Kinsevere open pit mine DRC. (Image source: MMG)

Chinese mining group MMG has hit the brakes on a cobalt processing plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid slowing demand for the metal and lower prices

Cobalt, a key battery metal used in the production of electric vehicles (EVs), is one of the DRC’s major exports.

The move comes a mere 15 months after the opening of the processing plant at the Kinsevere mine site in the Haut-Katanga province, about 30 km from Lubumbashi in the south of the DRC.

MMG, which is majority-owned by China Minmetals Corporation, halted operations at the new plant in December last year, Bloomberg reported, citing “unfavourable cobalt market conditions.”

In February 2025, DRC officials also temporarily banned cobalt exports for a period of at least four months due to excess supply.

The price of cobalt has slumped to near historic lows in recent months as a result of the supply glut and as motorists turn their backs on EVs, undermining demand for the metal, which is also used in mobile phones.

The project at Kinsevere, intended to boost copper output from the mine as well as commence cobalt production, is estimated to have cost around US$600mn.

MMG began the commissioning of the the cobalt processing plant in September 2023, but the facility was placed in so-called ‘care and maintenance’ by the end of last year, the company said when reporting its 2024 annual results on 5 March, according to Bloomberg.

The firm said it had “implemented a flexible production strategy” in deciding when to resume cobalt operations that will be “based on prices,” an MMG spokesperson said in an email statement cited by Bloomberg.

The company sold 1,600 tons of cobalt in 2024, according to the statement.

Its production guidance for Kinsevere in 2025 is between 63,000 to 69,000 tonnes of copper cathode, MMG reported, the highest level form the mine in about a decade, reflecting the expansion programme at the site.

MMG’s chairman Xu Jiqing, said in his results presentation that the Kinsevere Expansion Project achieved mechanical completion on 15 September 2024 and that the current focus is on ramping up the concentrator and roasting systems to further increase copper cathode output.

The expansion will also extend Kinsevere's mine life to at least 2035, he noted.

Higher earnings from improved copper sales and prices, however, were partially offset by the costs associated with the newly added processing plant.

A US$53mn impairment was recognised in the depreciation and amortisation expenses, reflecting a weakened cobalt outlook, he added.

Read more: 

MMG acquires Khoemacau copper mine in Botswana

MMG announces investment plans in sub-Saharan Africa

Kamoa-Kakula’s senior management and projects team celebrating the completion of the on-site copper smelter and the first delivery of concentrate from Kamoa-Kakula to the concentrate blending facility. (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)

Ivanhoe Mines executive co-chairman Robert Friedland and president & CEO Marna Cloete have provided an update on year-to-date production at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex and the ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc mine, both located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

In January, Kamoa-Kakula achieved near-record copper production of 45,477 tonnes, followed by 40,849 tonnes in February, despite the shorter month. Daily copper production averaged 1,467 tonnes per day (tpd) in January and 1,459 tpd in February, just below the record 1,518 tpd set in December 2024.

During the last week of February, copper production reached 11,122 tonnes, equating to an annualised rate exceeding 578,000 tonnes—positioning it at the upper end of the 2025 guidance range of 520,000 to 580,000 tonnes.

Power supply and backup generation

Kamoa-Kakula’s Phase 1, 2, and 3 operations have been powered by approximately 100MW of hydroelectric power, covering two-thirds of the required energy, with the remainder supplied by on-site diesel generators. Talks are in progress to increase imported hydroelectric power by an additional 20MW by the end of the month.

Water levels have improved at the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam in Mozambique, Kamoa-Kakula’s primary power source, as well as at Zambia’s Kariba dam.

According to the Club of Mozambique on March 4, 2025, "Current water levels in the Cahora Bassa reservoir guarantee the production of electricity until the last quarter of this year. This is the result of the water reserves accumulated during this rainy season, after levels fell to 19.18% in January, the lowest level in recent times." Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant Chairman Tomás Matola stated, "With the rainfall that fell in February, we were able to recover and our hydro-meteorological forecasts show that more rain is coming and storage will naturally increase."

Kamoa-Kakula has 190MW of installed diesel backup power, with up to 50MW currently in use. Of this, 36MW of capacity is undergoing repair, as previously reported in January. The total power requirement for full operation of Phases 1, 2, and 3, along with the smelter, is approximately 240MW. Efforts to secure additional grid-supplied power for the smelter heat-up are ongoing, with the process expected to begin in May or June 2025.

Project 95 advancing on schedule

Kamoa-Kakula’s "Project 95" is progressing as planned, now 20% complete and on track for Q1 2026 completion. This initiative aims to enhance concentrator recoveries from 87% to 95% with a US$180mn capital investment. It is expected to boost annual copper production by up to 30,000 tonnes, with a capital intensity of $6,000 per tonne of copper.

Kipushi Zinc production update

The Kipushi concentrator ramp-up continues, achieving record zinc production of 16,063 tonnes in January and 11,903 tonnes in February. Annualized production is approaching the 2025 guidance range of 180,000 to 240,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate.

Since early 2025, concentrator recoveries have averaged 88%, with a concentrate grade of approximately 53% contained zinc. The nameplate milling rate of 2,000 tonnes per day was reached in late February, with further production and recovery improvements expected in the coming months.

Kipushi aims to exceed 250,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate by 2026 following the completion of a debottlenecking program, which remains on schedule for late Q3 2025.

Also read: Africa’s gold rush accelerates growth

Major gold producers like Ghana, Guinea, and Mali drive Africa’s mining growth, with new projects set to boost production from 2025 onward. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa’s gold sector remains a key driver of foreign investment and revenue, with major producers like Ghana generating US$5bn from artisanal mining in 2024 alone

As the industry continues to contribute to sustainable development, African nations are strengthening global partnerships to launch new projects and unlock industrial opportunities.

African Mining Week (AMW), the continent’s leading mining industry event, will spotlight high-potential gold projects, investment opportunities, and emerging exploration basins. With new production facilities set to begin operations from 2025 onwards, AMW serves as a vital platform for global investors to connect with African stakeholders and explore the region’s expanding gold sector.

Africa's gold expansion

Ghana, the top gold producer in Africa, is reinforcing its leadership with the upcoming Cardinal Namdini Mine, operated by Cardinal Resources. Set for commercial production by mid-2025, the mine will yield 358,000 ounces annually, drawing from 5.1 million ounces in reserves over 15 years. Newmont is also targeting first production at its Ahafo South Mine in early 2025, with an expected annual output of 325,000 ounces. Additionally, Asante Gold Corporation has launched a US$525mn expansion to enhance production at its Bibiani and Chirano Mines, further strengthening Ghana’s prominence in gold mining.

In Guinea, Predictive Discovery is advancing the Bankan Gold Mine, a three-million-ounce project scheduled for production in early 2027, with an annual output of 269,000 ounces over 12 years. Meanwhile, Robex is preparing to begin gold production at the Kiniero Mine in 2025, adding 139,000 ounces to Guinea’s growing portfolio.

Mali, Africa’s third-largest gold producer, is set to expand its mining operations with Resolute Mining’s Syama Phase 2 Expansion Project. Once commissioned in the latter half of 2025, it will increase production to 400,000 ounces per year. In Burkina Faso, West African Resources is preparing to launch production at the Kiaka Gold Mine in Q3 2025, targeting an annual yield of 258,000 ounces over 19 years, while Orezone Gold’s Bomboré Gold Mine is expected to significantly boost the country’s mining sector.

As Africa ramps up gold production and strengthens its mining value chain, AMW will feature panel discussions, project showcases, and strategic investment forums, providing global investors with an exclusive opportunity to engage with key industry players and capitalize on the continent’s thriving gold sector.