Ivanhoe sees Congo copper output rising in second half 2026, statement shows

Alphamin Resources

08/07/2026 13:55

    DAKAR, July 8 (Reuters) - Ivanhoe Mines IVN.TO said on Wednesday copper production at its flagship Kamoa-Kakula complex in Democratic Republic of Congo is set to rise in the second half of 2026 as mining rates increase and inventories are drawn down, offering a boost to supply from one of the world's largest copper operations.
• Vancouver-based Ivanhoe's Congo unit is one of the mining industry's key sources of copper supply growth, as analysts forecast a tighter global market in 2026.
• The company in April cut its 2026 and 2027 copper output forecasts following seismic disruptions at the Kakula mine. 
• Kamoa-Kakula produced 64,328 metric tons of copper in anode, blister and saleable concentrate in the second quarter, according to the statement, bringing first-half output to 135,745 tons.
• Ivanhoe maintained its 2026 production guidance of 290,000–330,000 tons, implying a roughly 28% step-up in the second half based on the midpoint, according to Reuters calculations.
• Ivanhoe said mining rates at Kakula would increase 30% in the second half as production ramps up, while a planned destocking of up to 10,000 tons of inventory will also take place in H2 2026.
• The miner also said sulphuric acid prices remained exceptionally strong, with July sales contracts priced at about $840 per ton, a record level. Its on-site smelter produced 112,307 tons of acid during the quarter.
• Elsewhere, Ivanhoe's Kipushi mine in Congo delivered a record 70,177 tons of zinc in concentrate, up 8% from the previous quarter.

 (Reporting by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
 ((Maxwell.Adombila@thomsonreuters.com; +233205362647;))