Kamoa Copper SA Champions Sustainable Development and Community Support in the DRC

Kamoa Copper SA, a prominent copper operator in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been steadfast in its commitment to sustainable development, reducing its environmental footprint, and supporting local communities. The company operates the Kamoa-Kakula Project, one of the world's largest copper mines, and has implemented various initiatives to ensure responsible mining practices.

Why this matters: Kamoa Copper SA's commitment to sustainable development and community support has broader implications for the mining industry as a whole, setting a benchmark for responsible practices. If adopted widely, such initiatives could lead to significant environmental and social benefits, improving the lives of local communities and contributing to a more sustainable future.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamoa Copper SA has taken rigorous measures to protect the health and well-being of its employees, contractors, and local communities. The company has implemented strict quarantine and lockdown procedures across its projects, including Kamoa-Kakula, Platreef, and Kipushi. These measures have been essential in ensuring business continuity and protecting the workforce.

As of now, no COVID-19 cases have been detected at Ivanhoe Mines' projects, including Kamoa-Kakula. The minesite has been locked down, and key personnel remain on-site with sufficient supplies of food and critical equipment. Over 3,450 employees and contractors are based at the Kamoa-Kakula minesite, working under strict delivery protocols to minimize any impact on the development schedule.

Kamoa Copper SA's commitment to sustainable development is evident in its exploration activities. The company is actively exploring for new copper discoveries on its wholly-owned Western Foreland exploration licenses adjacent to the Kamoa-Kakula mining license. This exploration is part of the company's broader strategy to ensure a sustainable supply of copper while minimizing environmental impact.

Supporting local communities is a cornerstone of Kamoa Copper SA's operations. The company has implemented various initiatives aimed at economic empowerment and inclusive consultation. These efforts ensure that the benefits of copper production extend beyond the company and positively impact the surrounding communities.

In early April 2020, Ivanhoe Mines provided further details on its COVID-19 response initiatives. Dr. Nicolette Du Plessis, a specialist in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and a Professor at the University of Pretoria, leads the company's COVID-19 response planning task team. Her expertise has been instrumental in shaping the company's health and safety protocols during the pandemic.

Kamoa Copper SA's dedication to sustainable development and community support is further demonstrated by its financial commitments. The company has a current treasury of US $600 million and aims for company-wide cash savings of US $75 million. These financial strategies ensure the stability and growth of the company's projects while maintaining its commitment to environmental and community responsibilities.

Kamoa Copper SA's efforts in sustainable development, environmental footprint reduction, and community support set a benchmark in the mining industry. Through rigorous health and safety measures, responsible exploration, and economic initiatives, the company continues to make substantial progress in responsible mining practices.

Key Takeaways

• Kamoa Copper SA prioritizes sustainable development and community support.
• The company has implemented strict COVID-19 measures to protect employees and local communities.
• Kamoa-Kakula mine has no detected COVID-19 cases, with 3,450 employees and contractors on-site.
• The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through responsible exploration.
• Kamoa Copper SA has a treasury of $600 million, ensuring financial stability and growth.