Our Stories

On November 21, 2025, the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex turned a page in its history. At the heart of Lualaba Province, tradition and progress came together as Ivanhoe Mines lit the fire for its new 500,000-tonne-per-annum direct-to-blister copper smelter.  Once ramped up, the smelter will be the largest copper smelter in Africa.

The day began with a traditional ceremony. At a copper furnace called a lwanzo lwa mikuba, Chief Musokantanda Sabuni Kafweku blessed the flame and smelted Katanga Crosses, honoring the deep roots of copper in Congolese culture. That same flame was carried to the modern smelter, where Ivanhoe Mines’ Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland used it to ignite a ceremonial torch, symbolizing the connection between heritage and innovation.

Friedland captured the moment:
“We now harness a fire blessed by tradition to power a facility that will set a new global standard for copper smelting.”

Managing Director Annebel Oosthuizen echoed the pride of the team:
“This is our collective success. The fire we lit today is the light that will change the future, not just for Kamoa Copper, but for our community, our country, and the African continent.”

Congratulations to everyone who made this day happen. The smelter is lit and the future is bright.