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Kamoa-Kakula Mine

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Industrial site
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Kamoa-Kakula Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)

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Kamoa-Kakula is one of the most significant recent discoveries in the global mining sector, recognized as the world's fastest-growing and highest-grade major copper mine. The project is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, the Zijin Mining Group, and the government of the DR Congo. Production officially commenced in May 2021, and with planned expansions, it is projected to become the world's second-largest copper mining complex. A defining feature of the operation is its strong commitment to environmental sustainability, utilizing renewable hydropower for nearly all its energy requirements. The discovery of the high-grade Kakula deposit fundamentally altered the geological understanding of the Central African Copperbelt. Kamoa-Kakula stands as a premier example of modern, high-efficiency, and socially responsible mining infrastructure in Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202121201917182124252221
Rain mm2381721725940081357167266

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Kamoa-Kakula mine in Lualaba Province is a major copper producer, set to become one of the world's largest copper mines. It plays a key role in the Congolese mining industry and global copper supply.
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Visiting
The mine is an active industrial site and not open to the public. From the nearby road, the impressive extraction facilities and infrastructure can be clearly seen.
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Where to view it
The best view of the Kamoa-Kakula mine is from the hill to the west of the site. From there you have a wide perspective over the open pits and processing plants.
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Local products
Copper concentrates are mined in the area and processed in Lubumbashi. Local markets offer copper handicrafts and jewelry as typical souvenirs.
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Active season
The mine operates year-round, with production continuously ramping up. The dry season from May to October facilitates extraction and ore transport.
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Nearby
A visit to the Kamoa-Kakula mine can be combined with a trip to Lubumbashi and the Kolwezi Botanical Garden. Upemba National Park is also located in the region.

Geography

Coordinates
-10.90000, 25.31670

Facts

  • Joint venture involving Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining, and the DRC.
  • Commercial copper production began in May 2021.
  • Average copper grade of the Kakula deposit exceeds 3.8%.
  • Projected to become the world's second-largest copper mine.
  • Powered by nearly 100% renewable electricity from hydropower.
  • Located in the Lualaba Province, west of the city of Kolwezi.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kamoto Copper MineKamoto Copper Mine23 km · NEExplore →
KolweziKolwezi25 km · NEExplore →
SICOMINES MineSICOMINES Mine26 km · NEExplore →
Kolwezi Children's ParkKolwezi Children's Park29 km · NEExplore →
Manika PlateauManika Plateau45 km · NEExplore →
Mutanda MineMutanda Mine51 km · NExplore →
Katanga Plateau ExtensionKatanga Plateau Extension77 km · NExplore →
MutshatshaMutshatsha100 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Kamoa-Kakula?
It is considered the highest-grade undeveloped copper deposit in the world, now in production.
Where is the Kamoa-Kakula Mine located?
West of Kolwezi in the Lualaba province.
Which company operates Kamoa-Kakula?
A joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining, and the Congolese government.
When did production start at Kamoa-Kakula?
Copper concentrate production started in May 2021.
What is the goal of the mine?
The mine aims to become one of the largest and greenest copper mines in the world.
Kamoa-Kakula Mine: where is it located?
Kamoa-Kakula Mine is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Kamoa-Kakula Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul, Aug.
Kamoa-Kakula Mine: why is it worth visiting?
Kamoa-Kakula is one of the most significant recent discoveries in the global mining sector, recognized as the world's fastest-growing and highest-grade major copper mine.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Kolwezi — Kamoa-Kakula Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kolwezi
Kolwezi is the capital of Lualaba Province and a global center for the extraction of cobalt and copper minerals.
Fungurume — Kamoa-Kakula Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Fungurume
Fungurume is a mining town in Lualaba Province, central to the Tenke Fungurume mining operations, one of the world's largest.
Mutshatsha — Kamoa-Kakula Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Mutshatsha
Mutshatsha is a town in Lualaba Province, serving as an important administrative and railway station on the Benguela railway.

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Kolwezi (1978 Battle) — Kamoa-Kakula Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
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SICOMINES Mine — Kamoa-Kakula Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
SICOMINES Mine
SICOMINES is a massive joint venture in Kolwezi, ranking among the largest copper and cobalt producers in the country.
Manika Plateau — Kamoa-Kakula Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Manika Plateau
A prominent plateau in the Lualaba province, near the city of Kolwezi.
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Mutanda Mine
One of the most productive cobalt mines in the world, operated in the Lualaba region.
Tenke Fungurume Mine — Kamoa-Kakula Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
Tenke Fungurume Mine
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