KOLWEZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 11 OCTOBER 2021 – The ramp-up of Kamoa Copper’s Phase 1, 3.8 million-tonne-per-annum (Mtpa) concentrator plant continues to advance ahead of schedule, with approximately 320 000 tonnes of ore milled in September.
More than 16,000 tonnes of copper concentrate were produced and a total of 16,503 tonnes floated in the reporting month ended 20th September, which is Kamoa Copper’s fourth full month of production, setting a new monthly record.
Commenting on Kamoa’s operational performance, Mark Farren, Kamoa Copper’s CEO, said, “The team at Kamoa has worked tirelessly to bring the Phase 1 concentrator to steady-state performance. We are very pleased with September’s results, which exceeded steady-state design parameters for ore throughput and were close to achieving steady-state design copper recovery and monthly copper production.”
The average floated concentrate copper grade in September improved to 55.7%, up from approximately 48% in August. Over 46,700 tonnes of copper in concentrate have been produced year-to-date as of 20th September 2021, to supply either the Lualaba Copper Smelter near Kolwezi, or international markets.
“There are a number of additional adjustments being incorporated into the Phase 1 processing circuit, which will enable the concentrator to achieve better results in the next quarter. These adjustments, which also will be incorporated into the Phase 2 processing circuit, should position us to achieve 2021 copper production in the upper end of our previous guidance of 80,000 to 95,000 tonnes,” adds Farren.
Performance guarantee tests were successfully completed on the Phase 1 concentrator plant during the first three days of September. The performance tests involved a 72-hour continuous run at steady-state design, or above, ore throughput and grind.
Farren further adds, “Mining production was steady at 384,000 tonnes produced from the Kakula and Kansoko mines. The mining teams now are well established and able to consistently outperform our internal target. We have established a skilled and motivated local workforce, who no doubt will carry us through the ramp-up of Phase 2 and subsequent expansions of our mining footprint. It also is encouraging to note that the Phase 2 concentrator construction remains solidly ahead of schedule and on budget.
Overall construction of the second 3.8-Mtpa concentrator plant (Phase 2) is progressing well, with the project approximately 49% complete. Engineering and procurement activities are effectively complete with fabrication at 86% complete.
Study work for the Phase 3 mine and concentrator expansion is underway, which includes optimisation work to determine mining production capacity and costs at the various mining areas on the Kamoa mining complex. This would include expanded facilities at the Kansoko Mine, Kamoa North (including the Bonanza Zone) and Kakula West.
Watch a new video highlighting the ramp-up of copper production at Kamoa, as well as the production of blister copper at the nearby Lualaba Copper Smelter: Click Here
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