Business
Ivanhoe Mines Begins New Era of Commercial Copper Production
Kamoa-Kakula discovery enters production after 24 years of dedicated exploration and developm...
About this update from Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. Class A
[{"type":"text","content":"Ivanhoe Mines Begins New Era of Commercial Copper ProductionKamoa-Kakula discovery enters production after 24 years of dedicated exploration and development effortsDemocratic Republic of Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi congratulates Ivanhoe for reaching the production milestone at the world-class discoveryPhase 2 concentrator expansion continues ahead of scheduleKolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo--(Newsfile Corp. - May 26, 2021) -  Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Co-Chairs Robert Friedland and Yufeng \"Miles\" Sun are pleased to announce the start of copper concentrate production at the Phase 1, 3.8 million-tonne-per-annum (Mtpa) Kamoa-Kakula Mine, on May 25th, several months ahead of schedule. His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, commented on the significance of the start of production at Kamoa-Kakula: \"The start of production of copper concentrate at the Kamoa-Kakula Mine indicates that the DRC is open for business and investment. We congratulate Ivanhoe Mines for having reached this milestone on this world-class discovery.\" First ore was introduced into the concentrator plant on May 20th to perform initial hot commissioning tests on the ball mills and other processing equipment. The initial mill feed grade reached approximately 4% copper shortly after start-up. As of May 25th, 5% to 6% copper ore is being conveyed directly from Kakula's underground mining operations to the run-of-mine stockpile and the concentrator. Based on extensive testwork, the concentrator is expected to produce a very high-grade, clean concentrate grading approximately 57% copper, with extremely low arsenic levels.\"This is a historic moment for Ivanhoe Mines and the Democratic Republic of Congo,\" said Mr. Friedland. \"Discovering and delivering a copper province of this scale, grade and outstanding ESG credentials, ahead of schedule and on budget, is a unicorn in the copper mining business. This accomplishment reflects the outstanding cooperation of thousands of individuals, and all of our joint-venture partners at Kamoa-Kakula.\"Although this exploration journey started well over two decades ago, it also is noteworthy that the Kakula deposit itself was discovered a little over five years ago, which is remarkable progress by the mining industry's glacial standards from first...