Ivanhoe Mines pledges net-zero greenhouse gas emissions at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine
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May 5, 2021
Ivanhoe Mines pledges net-zero greenhouse gas emissions at the
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine
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Kamoa-Kakula aims to become the first net-zero carbon emitter
among the top-tier copper mines by electrifying its mining fleet
LONDON, ENGLAND – Robert Friedland, Ivanhoe Mines’ Executive Co-Chair,
announced today that Ivanhoe Mines has pledged to achieve net-zero operational
greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) at the industry-leading Kamoa-Kakula
Copper Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mr. Friedland made the announcement in advance of his participation in a virtual
fireside discussion at the 2021 Goldman Sachs Copper Day later today.
In support of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and in the spirit of the
commitments at the recent virtual global climate conference by the Chinese and
American governments to sharply cut emissions, Ivanhoe Mines has committed to work
with its joint-venture partners and leading underground mining equipment
manufacturers to ensure that Kamoa-Kakula becomes the first net-zero operational
carbon emitter among the world’s top-tier copper producers.
Since the Kamoa-Kakula mine and concentrator plant already are powered by clean,
renewable hydro-generated electricity, the focus of the company’s net-zero commitment
will be on electrifying the project’s mining fleet with new, state-of-the-art equipment
powered by electric batteries or hydrogen fuel cells.
“Emissions from all gasoline and diesel vehicles not only harm our planet, they harm
our health. Electric and fuel-cell vehicles now include cars, transit buses, trucks of all
sizes, and even big-rig tractor trailers,” said Mr. Friedland.
“Industrial-scale electric and fuel-cell mechanized underground mining equipment
currently is being tested around the world, and it is only a matter of time until they
become available for commercial use in the size that we require for our large-scale, bulk
mining operations. We plan to be among the first of the early adopters of the
technology.”
Kamoa-Kakula is expected to soon begin producing its first copper concentrates.
Kakula is projected to be the world's highest-grade major copper mine, with an initial
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mining rate (Phase 1) of 3.8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) at an estimated early
average feed grade of more than 6.0% copper, ramping up to 7.6 Mtpa (Phase 2) in Q3
2022. Phases 1 and 2 combined are forecast to produce approximately 400,000 tonnes
of copper per year. Based on independent benchmarking, the project’s phased
expansion scenario to 19 Mtpa would position Kamoa-Kakula as the world’s second-
largest copper mining complex, with peak annual copper production of more than
800,000 tonnes.
“Kamoa-Kakula already is powered by one of the greenest electricity grids in the world,
so we have a considerable head start in achieving our net-zero goal,” said Mr.
Friedland.
“Once we achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions, we will turn our focus on
achieving a net-zero total emissions project, which will include Scope 3 emissions. We
have the opportunity to be an industry leader in the fight against climate change, and
we look forward to spearheading the drive for a future free of fossil fuels, initially at
Kamoa-Kakula, but eventually at all of our mines — for a better tomorrow for our
children and grandchildren. Through collaboration and creativity, we can be a positive
force in addressing our industry’s most pressing challenges, working together to find
the right path forward.
“The carbon footprint of production will eventually be priced into finished copper,
enabling buyers to better evaluate how much the metal contributes to the environmental
impact of their products. This will become increasingly important to purchasers of
copper-intensive products, such as electric vehicles.
Mark Farren, Kamoa Copper’s CEO, remarked: “Given the extraordinarily high copper
grades and access to abundant clean, renewable hydropower, Kamoa Copper is
uniquely positioned to achieve the net-zero operational target much sooner than other
major copper producers. We are working closely with our mining equipment suppliers
to decrease the use of fossil fuels in our mining fleet, and evaluate the viability, safety
and performance of new electric, hydrogen and hybrid technologies. We plan to
introduce them into our mining fleet as soon as they become commercially available.
“Unlike diesel equipment, electric underground mining equipment produces zero
emissions, thus making for more sustainable operations while also increasing the
health and safety of those working in the mine. Ventilation costs also would be
significantly reduced with electric equipment.”
A 2020 independent audit of Kamoa-Kakula's greenhouse gas intensity metrics
performed by Hatch Ltd. of Mississauga, Canada, confirmed that the project will be
among the world's lowest greenhouse gas emitters per unit of copper produced.
For more information about Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, view the Greenhouse Gas
Protocol Corporate Standard here: https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standard.
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The dam at the Mwadingusha hydropower complex, one of two public-private
partnerships that Kamoa Copper has with the DRC state-owned power company
to provide Kamoa-Kakula with 240 megawatts of long-term, permanent renewable
electricity.
The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines
(39.6%), Zijin Mining Group (39.6%), Crystal River Global Limited (0.8%) and the
Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (20%).
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Last month, Kamoa-Kakula joint-venture’s energy company signed an agreement
with the DRC’s state-owned power company to upgrade Turbine 5 at the Inga II
hydropower complex on the Congo River. Aerial view of the Inga I (rear) and Inga
II (front) hydropower plants, with the penstock funneling water to turbine 5 at
Inga II circled in red.
Kamoa-Kakula’s new 220-kilovolt substation that is energized with hydropower
from the national grid.
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Qualified Persons and NI 43-101-compliant technical reports
Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature regarding development scenarios at the Kamoa-
Kakula Project in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Steve Amos, who is
considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional association, a Qualified
Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Amos is not considered independent under NI 43-
101 as he is the Head of the Kamoa Project. Mr. Amos has verified the technical data
disclosed in this news release.
Ivanhoe has prepared an independent, NI 43-101-compliant technical report for the Kamoa-
Kakula Project, which is available on the company’s website and under the company’s SEDAR
profile at www.sedar.com:
Kamoa-Kakula Integrated Development Plan 2020 dated October 13, 2020, prepared by
OreWin Pty Ltd., China Nerin Engineering Co., Ltd., DRA Global, Epoch Resources,
Golder Associates Africa, KGHM Cuprum R&D Centre Ltd., Outotec Oyj, Paterson and
Cooke, Stantec Consulting International LLC, SRK Consulting Inc., and Wood plc.
The technical report includes relevant information regarding the assumptions, parameters and
methods of the mineral resource estimates on the Kamoa-Kakula Project cited in this news
release, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures and other
matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release.
About Ivanhoe Mines
Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal
joint-venture projects in Southern Africa: the development of major new, mechanized,
underground mines at the Kamoa-Kakula copper discoveries in the DRC and at the
Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold discovery in South Africa; and
the extensive redevelopment and upgrading of the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-
germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC.
Kamoa-Kakula is expected to begin producing copper in late May or early June 2021
and, through phased expansions, is positioned to become one of the world's largest
copper producers. Kamoa-Kakula and Kipushi will be powered by clean, renewable
hydro-generated electricity and will be among the world’s lowest greenhouse gas
emitters per unit of metal produced. Ivanhoe also is exploring for new copper
discoveries on its wholly-owned Western Foreland exploration licences in the DRC,
near the Kamoa-Kakula Project.
Information contacts
Investors: Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834 / Media: Matthew Keevil +1.604.558.1034
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Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this release constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking
information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”,
“would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “scheduled”,
“forecast”, “predict” and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”,
“could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the
company’s current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of
the date of this release.
Such statements include without limitation, the timing and results of: (i) statements regarding Ivanhoe
Mines’ pledge to achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) at the
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine; (ii) statements regarding Kamoa-Kakula aims to become the first net-zero
carbon emitter among the top-tier copper mines by electrifying its mining fleet; (iii) statements regarding
Kamoa-Kakula plans to be among the first of the early adopters of the electric technology in industrial-
scale, underground mining equipment; (iv) statements regarding Kamoa-Kakula is expected to soon
begin producing its first copper concentrates. Kakula is projected to be the world's highest-grade major
copper mine, with an initial mining rate (Phase 1) of 3.8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) at an
estimated early average feed grade of more than 6.0% copper, ramping up to 7.6 Mtpa (Phase 2) in Q3
2022; (v) statements regarding Kamoa-Kakula’s Phases 1 and 2 combined are forecast to produce
approximately 400,000 tonnes of copper per year; (vi) statements regarding based on independent
benchmarking, the project’s phased expansion scenario to 19 Mtpa would position Kamoa-Kakula as
the world’s second-largest copper mining complex, with peak annual copper production of more than
800,000 tonnes; and (vii) statements regarding once Kamoa-Kakula achieves net-zero Scope 1 and 2
emissions, the Kamoa-Kakula will focus on achieving a net-zero total emissions project, which will
include Scope 3 emissions.
As well, all of the results of the Kakula definitive feasibility study, the Kakula-Kansoko pre-feasibility
study and the Kamoa-Kakula preliminary economic assessment, constitute forward-looking statements
or information, and include future estimates of internal rates of return, net present value, future
production, estimates of cash cost, proposed mining plans and methods, mine life estimates, cash flow
forecasts, metal recoveries, estimates of capital and operating costs and the size and timing of phased
development of the projects. Furthermore, with respect to this specific forward-looking information
concerning the development of the Kamoa-Kakula Project, the company has based its assumptions
and analysis on certain factors that are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties include: (i) the adequacy of
infrastructure; (ii) geological characteristics; (iii) metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization; (iv)
the ability to develop adequate processing capacity; (v) the price of copper; (vi) the availability of
equipment and facilities necessary to complete development; (vii) the cost of consumables and mining
and processing equipment; (viii) unforeseen technological and engineering problems; (ix) accidents or
acts of sabotage or terrorism; (x) currency fluctuations; (xi) changes in regulations; (xii) the compliance
by joint venture partners with terms of agreements; (xiii) the availability and productivity of skilled
labour; (xiv) the regulation of the mining industry by various governmental agencies; (xv) the ability to
raise sufficient capital to develop such projects; (xvi) changes in project scope or design; and (xvii)
political factors.
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Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be
read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of
whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not
limited to, the factors discussed below and under “Risk Factors”, and elsewhere in this release, as well
as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the
failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes
in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or
results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this release are based upon what management of
the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual
results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are
made as of the date of this release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary
statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to
update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances
occurring after the date of this release.
The company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of the factors set forth below in the “Risk Factors” section in the company’s Q3
2020 MD&A and its current annual information form.