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Kamoto Copper Mine

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Industrial site
—°1
Kamoto Copper Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)

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The Kamoto Copper Mine, situated near the city of Kolwezi, is a highly integrated mining complex featuring both underground and modern open-pit operations. It is operated by the Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), a significant joint venture between Katanga Mining and the state-owned enterprise Gécamines. In addition to vast copper reserves, the complex ranks among the world's top producers of cobalt, making it a cornerstone of the global high-tech and electric vehicle supply chains. While the mine's history stretches back many decades, it has undergone extensive modernization and capacity expansion through multi-billion dollar investments in recent years. The associated Luilu refinery processes the extracted ore into high-grade copper cathodes and cobalt hydroxide on-site. Kamoto serves as a primary driver of industrial activity and economic growth in the Lualaba Province.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202121201918182124242221
Rain mm2361561716140061466184253

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Kamoto copper mine in the Congolese copper belt is a large underground and open-pit mine. It is an important part of Congolese copper production and contributes significantly to the local economy.
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Visiting
The mine is an active industrial site and usually not open to the public. The exterior facilities and characteristic waste dumps can be viewed from public roads.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the hill north of the mine, from which the open pits and headframes are visible. The main road to Kolwezi also has an impressive view of the site.
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Local products
In the Kolwezi region, markets offer copper products and local minerals. Seasonal agricultural products like maize and cassava supplement the offerings.
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Active season
The Kamoto mine operates year-round, with increased activity during the dry season. In the rainy months, mining can be disrupted by flooding.
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Nearby
A visit to the Kamoto mine can be combined with a city tour of Kolwezi and a trip to the Lualaba River. The nearby ruins of Katanga also offer historical interest.

Geography

Coordinates
-10.71670, 25.43330

Facts

  • Operated by the joint venture Kamoto Copper Company (KCC).
  • Integrates the Kamoto underground mine and the T17 open pit.
  • Features the large-scale Luilu refinery for on-site processing.
  • Majority owner Katanga Mining is controlled by Glencore.
  • Ranks as a top-tier cobalt producer on the global stage.
  • Central to the industrial mining hub located near Kolwezi.

Explore nearby

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Kamoa-Kakula MineKamoa-Kakula Mine23 km · SWExplore →
Manika PlateauManika Plateau23 km · EExplore →
Mutanda MineMutanda Mine38 km · NExplore →
Katanga Plateau ExtensionKatanga Plateau Extension69 km · NWExplore →
Tenke Fungurume MineTenke Fungurume Mine85 km · NExplore →

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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Sights in the town Kamoto Copper Mine (1)

KOV mine📍 landmark

The KOV mine is a large open-pit copper mine in Lualaba Province, near the city of Kolwezi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Kamoto Copper Mine?
It is a large mining complex (KCC) near Kolwezi that extracts both copper and cobalt.
What mining methods are used at Kamoto?
Kamoto uses both underground and open-pit methods, along with complex processing facilities.
Who is the main operator of Kamoto?
Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) is controlled by Katanga Mining, a subsidiary of Glencore.
Is the mine historically significant?
Yes, it has been one of the mainstays of Congolese copper production for decades.
Can the site be visited as a tourist?
No, for security reasons and due to ongoing operations, access is strictly limited to employees.
Kamoto Copper Mine: where is it located?
Kamoto Copper Mine is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Kamoto Copper Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul, Aug.
Kamoto Copper Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Kamoto Copper Mine, situated near the city of Kolwezi, is a highly integrated mining complex featuring both underground and modern open-pit operations.
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Nearby cities

Kolwezi — Kamoto Copper Mine (Congo - Kinshasa)
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Mutshatsha is a town in Lualaba Province, serving as an important administrative and railway station on the Benguela railway.

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