Ongoing installation of the two ball mills for the Phase 2 concentrator
Zijin News - Phase 1 concentrator plant of Kamoa-Kakula of Zijin Mining is now operating at steady-state design. Optimization work is underway to further enhance operating performance.
Cranes lifting sections of the Phase 2 ore conveyors into place
A total of 323,368 tonnes of ore was milled in October at an average feed grade of 5.89% copper, exceeding the monthly design run rate of 316,667 tonnes. The average floated concentrate copper grade in October was 51.5% and the average recovery rate was 85.1%. Production during the last 10 days of October averaged 611 tonnes of copper in concentrate per day. On October 25, a new daily production record of 729 tonnes of copper in concentrate was achieved. A total of 62,974 tonnes of copper in concentrate had been produced year-to-date as of October 20, 2021, for delivery to either the Lualaba Copper Smelter near Kolwezi, or to international markets. The second filter press was commissioned and is operating at full capacity to further increase processing capacity and produce copper concentrate above design parameters.
Mining crews delivered 395,000 tonnes of ore grading 5.73% copper in October. Surface ore stockpiles now hold 3.73 million tonnes grading 4.72% copper and will continue to grow before Phase 2 starts production in Q2 2022.
Construction of the second 3.8-Mtpa concentrator plant (Phase 2) is progressing well, with the overall project approximately 60% complete; engineering and procurement activities are effectively complete, with fabrication over 92% complete. The main construction focus remains on the erection of structural steel and the installation of platework and equipment. Initial scope of Phase 3 expansion project near completion and study work is expected to complete by 2022. The project has recently completed a tender process for EPCM contract for its smelter.
Initiate talent development plan
Kamoa Copper has recently initiated an innovative development plan to develop Congolese talents to become the next generation of industry leaders to help shape the future of mining in the DRC. Selected candidates will be put through a rigorous development process with personalized development plans and mentoring to enhance their leadership and technical strengths.