Ivanhoe Mines has temporarily suspended underground operations at its Kakula Mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following continued seismic activity, the company announced in an operational update on May 27. The update was provided by Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland and President and CEO Marna Cloete.

Underground work at the Kakula mine was initially halted on May 20. However, after intermittent seismic events persisted, operations were suspended again on May 25. All workers were safely evacuated, and mobile equipment was removed from the site. No injuries have been reported, and employee safety remains the company’s top priority.

A team of senior management and global geotechnical experts is conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause and implications of the seismic disturbances. Preliminary assessments suggest the seismic activity may continue for several weeks, potentially delaying a restart of underground operations.

The seismic events have disrupted underground pumping and electrical systems, leading to rising water inflow levels. In response, Kamoa Copper—supported by joint-venture partners Ivanhoe and Zijin Mining—is executing an aggressive dewatering strategy. This includes sourcing additional high-capacity pumping equipment to boost surface dewatering capabilities. Ivanhoe acknowledged the vital assistance of Zijin and CITIC Metal in expediting equipment procurement.

“We are prioritizing the restoration of pumping and water management systems while we investigate the seismic activity,” said Cloete. “Our workforce has shown tremendous resilience. We are also exploring options to maintain concentrator operations using surface stockpiles and may temporarily redeploy resources to the adjacent Kamoa Mine, which remains fully operational.”

Friedland emphasized the learning opportunity presented by the recent events.

“These experiences deepen our understanding of managing complex, high-grade copper systems,” he said. “Just as SpaceX gained strength from early setbacks, we too will apply these insights to improve safety and efficiency across our operations at Kakula, Kamoa, and the Western Forelands.”

Remediation continues in the western, shallower portions of the Kakula Mine, with current dewatering at about 1,000 liters per second. The goal is to raise capacity beyond 3,000 L/s to stabilize conditions. Plans are also underway to install permanent, surface-based pumping systems at all Kamoa-Kakula mines.

Surface infrastructure, including the Phase 1 and 2 concentrators and the direct-to-blister smelter, remains unaffected and continues to process ore from surface stockpiles. The nearby Kamoa underground mine and Phase 3 concentrator are operating normally.

Ivanhoe has withdrawn its 2025 production and cost guidance pending further review and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The company reaffirmed its commitment to a safe and efficient restart of underground operations in collaboration with its joint-venture partner, Zijin.