Ivanhoe Mines Q2 Delivers 64,328 Tonnes Copper and Record Acid Output
Kamoa-Kakula produced 64,328 tonnes of copper in Q2 2026 and the smelter set a quarterly sulphuric acid record at 112,307 tonnes. A planned 30% mining rate increase to 8.5 Mtpa and Phase 3 recovery enhancements aim to boost copper output further in H2 2026.
1. Q2 Production Results
Kamoa-Kakula operations delivered 64,328 tonnes of copper concentrate in Q2 2026, with combined Phase 1–3 plants achieving an 87.4% recovery rate on 2.968 Mt of ore. The adjacent smelter produced 112,307 tonnes of high-strength sulphuric acid, setting a quarterly record.
2. Second-Half Ramp-Up
Management plans to increase Kamoa-Kakula’s mining rate by 30% to 8.5 Mtpa in H2 2026, supported by Phase 3 recovery enhancements and destocking of inventories. Commissioning of the 60 MW solar facility with battery backup is underway, targeting full capacity by end-Q3.
3. Performance at Kipushi and Platreef
At Kipushi, zinc in concentrate reached a record 70,177 tonnes, an 8% rise quarter-over-quarter, while Platreef’s new Shaft #3 ramp-up is complete and Phase 2 expansion remains on track for Q4 2027.
4. Upcoming Financial Update and Resource Outlook
Ivanhoe will issue Q2 2026 financial results after market close on July 29 and host an investor call on July 30. A Western Forelands resource update is scheduled for mid-July, providing further project visibility.
