Ivanhoe Mines Reports 64,328 Tonnes of Copper from Kamoa-Kakula in Q2 2026

Ivanhoe Mines reported Q2 2026 copper production of 64,328 tonnes from its Kamoa-Kakula operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the company targeting a 30% increase in mining rates to 8.5 million tonnes per annum in the second half of the year. This output places Kamoa-Kakula among the world's top copper-producing mines, as the operation continues to ramp up following its phased expansion.

The production update comes as the copper market closely watches supply growth from major African operations, given copper's critical role in electrification and renewable energy infrastructure. Kamoa-Kakula, Africa's largest copper smelter, also produced 112,307 tonnes of high-strength sulphuric acid in the quarter, a byproduct used in mineral processing and industrial applications. The company noted that July copper contracts are priced at approximately $840 per tonne, reflecting current market conditions influenced by global demand and inventory levels. For traders tracking real-time commodities prices, NowPrice provides up-to-date copper quotes to monitor these developments and make informed decisions.

Looking ahead, Ivanhoe Mines expects copper production rates to increase in H2 2026, driven by the mining rate ramp-up and improved concentrator recovery rates from Q3 2026. The company is also commissioning a 60-MW solar facility with battery backup at Kamoa-Kakula, expected to reach full capacity by end of Q3 2026, which will reduce the operation's carbon footprint and energy costs. Additionally, Kipushi produced a record 70,177 tonnes of zinc in concentrate in Q2 2026, up 8% quarter-over-quarter, while Platreef's Shaft #3 ramp-up is complete with Phase 2 expansion on track for Q4 2027, positioning Ivanhoe for multi-commodity growth in the coming years.