The majority shareholders of the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex have committed $200 million to modernize and stabilize the power grid in the southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to official documents reviewed by Bankable, the modernization project began in late 2024. 

The project focuses on boosting the transmission capacity between the Inga II hydroelectric power station and Kolwezi, Lualaba province’s mining hub. Key upgrades include installing a harmonic filter at the Inga converter station and a static compensator at Kolwezi’s substation. 

Additional measures involve replacing aging power cables, repairing direct current (DC) infrastructure, and establishing maintenance contracts with SNEL (Société Nationale d’Électricité), the DRC’s state-owned electricity operator. These efforts are being spearheaded by Ivanhoe Mines Energy DRC, under the financing of Kamoa Holding a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining.

Stable power is a critical performance factor for mining operations, particularly for Kamoa-Kakula, which is ramping up its Phase 3 operations. The project plans to commission a third smelter powered primarily by renewable energy, reducing production costs while increasing refined copper output. 

178 MW more incoming

However, these benefits depend on the commissioning of Inga II’s fifth turbine, which was installed in 2024 and is expected to add 178 MW of hydropower capacity. Starting in mid-2025, Kamoa-Kakula will receive an initial 70 MW of this capacity, gradually increasing to 178 MW by 2026. Until then, the mine will continue relying on imported electricity and diesel generators.

Kamoa-Kakula is not alone in addressing DRC’s energy challenges. Chinese mining giant CMOC, which operates the Tenke Fungurume and Kinsfu Mining projects, announced plans in 2024 to generate at least 600 MW of solar power to support its operations.

This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréoles Bamba

Edited by Ola Schad Akinocho