Fatshimetrie
In the complex and fast-moving world of mining production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), challenges and obstacles seem to be commonplace for mining operators. Recently, the news was marked by the announcement of a 6% reduction in copper production by Ivanhoe Mines, one of the major players in the sector in the country.
The reason given for this decline is the impact of power outages at the Kamoa-Kakula complex in the DRC. This announcement highlights the difficulties faced by mining companies in a context where energy is a key link in the production chain.
Ivanhoe Mines officials have highlighted that the disruptions are mainly due to transmission capacity issues and the instability of the electricity grid managed by the Congolese state-owned National Electricity Company (SNEL). Delays in modernizing electrical infrastructure and grid limitations have hampered the reliability of electricity supply.
In response to this situation, Ivanhoe Mines management is actively working to address these issues and stabilize energy sources. Emergency measures such as installing 220 megawatts of backup diesel have been taken. The company is also considering introducing solar energy with battery storage to supplement hydropower supply.
Despite the disruptions, the company’s performance remains strong, with record copper production reaching 116,000 tonnes in the last three months. This performance allowed Ivanhoe Mines to achieve an adjusted profit of US$134 million, surpassing the previous year’s figures.
Investors and industry observers are eagerly awaiting the next steps Ivanhoe Mines will take to secure and strengthen its production in the long term. Modernizing energy infrastructure and integrating sustainable energy sources will be key to ensuring the sustainability of mining operations in a context as challenging as that of the DRC.
In conclusion, the announcement of the reduction in copper production by Ivanhoe Mines highlights the operational challenges faced by mining companies in the DRC. It also underlines the critical importance of stable energy supply to ensure the success and sustainable growth of the mining sector in the country.
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