DRC: Ivanhoe Expands Battery Storage at Kamoa-Kakula to Boost Renewable Energy Use

Lualaba Province, DRC – Ivanhoe Mines has announced the installation of significant new backup battery energy storage capacity at its flagship Kamoa-Kakula copper complex, further strengthening the mine’s reliance on renewable energy.

The Kamoa-Kakula joint venture, operated in partnership with Zijin Mining, Crystal River, and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is already recognized as the world’s lowest carbon-emitting major copper mine. The addition of large-scale battery storage is designed to stabilize power supply, reduce reliance on fossil-fuel backup systems, and ensure continuous operations even during grid interruptions.

Ivanhoe said the new system will allow the mine to maximize the use of hydropower and other renewable sources in the region, while also improving energy efficiency and resilience. The company has consistently highlighted its ambition to set new benchmarks for sustainable mining in Africa, positioning Kamoa-Kakula as a model for low-carbon copper production at a time when global demand for the metal is surging.

The development comes as copper markets face mounting supply pressures, with analysts warning of looming deficits amid rising demand from the global energy transition. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, Ivanhoe is not only securing operational stability but also reinforcing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials in a competitive global market.

Would you like me to expand this into a feature-length piece that situates Kamoa-Kakula’s renewable energy push within the broader African copper belt context—including Zambia’s and DRC’s strategies to attract green investment? That would give your readers a more regional perspective.