By Thuita Gatero
In a significant step toward sustainable mining, the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to double its hydroelectric power imports from Mozambique, reinforcing its commitment to clean energy.
This development, coupled with plans to procure three new solar-storage baseload commercial and industrial (C&I) plants, positions Kamoa-Kakula as a leader in environmentally responsible copper production.
However, the project faces a setback with the delayed commissioning of a rehabilitated turbine at the Inga II hydropower plant, highlighting the challenges of balancing rapid expansion with reliable energy infrastructure.
Operated by Kamoa Copper SA, a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines (39.6%), Zijin Mining Group (39.6%), Crystal River Global (0.8%), and the DRC government (20%), Kamoa-Kakula is one of the world’s largest and highest-grade copper mines. Located in the Lualaba province, the complex produced 133,120 tonnes of copper in the first quarter of 2025, with projections for 440,000 to 490,000 tonnes annually.
As global demand for copper surges—driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and infrastructure—the mine’s energy strategy is critical to meeting production targets while minimizing its environmental footprint.
The decision to double hydroelectric imports from Mozambique builds on an existing agreement facilitated through the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP), a regional energy network enabling cross-border electricity trade.
In March 2025, Kamoa-Kakula increased its imported hydropower from 50 MW to 70 MW, with plans to reach 100 MW soon. Doubling this capacity will provide approximately 200 MW, covering a significant portion of the mine’s operational needs, which currently range between 130 MW and 140 MW.
Mozambique’s hydropower primarily comes from the Cahora Bassa dam, one of Africa’s largest, with a capacity of 2,075 MW. This reliable, renewable energy source offers Kamoa-Kakula a stable alternative to the DRC’s often inconsistent grid, which has been plagued by underinvestment and seasonal disruptions.
For instance, heavy rainfall in early 2024 caused debris blockages at the Inga dam intakes, reducing power reliability. By diversifying its energy mix with Mozambican hydropower, Kamoa-Kakula mitigates these risks, ensuring steady production.
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This move also aligns with broader regional trends. The SAPP has enabled countries like Mozambique, with surplus hydropower, to supply power-deficient neighbors like the DRC.
In 2024, Mozambique exported approximately 1,200 GWh annually to the region, and increased exports to Kamoa-Kakula could boost this figure, strengthening economic ties.
For the DRC, this reduces reliance on diesel generators, which currently provide up to 160 MW of backup power at the mine, cutting both costs and emissions.
Complementing the hydropower expansion, Kamoa Copper has confirmed plans to procure three solar-storage baseload C&I plants. A recent agreement with CrossBoundary Energy will deliver 30 MW of solar power, with the additional plants expected to contribute further capacity.
These facilities integrate solar panels with battery storage to provide consistent power, addressing the intermittency of solar energy and ensuring round-the-clock availability.
Solar power is increasingly viable in the DRC, where solar irradiance averages 5.5 kWh/m²/day, among the highest in Africa. The new plants will reduce Kamoa-Kakula’s carbon footprint, building on its existing use of 78 MW from the Mwadingusha hydropower plant and planned allocations from Inga II.
Globally, mining companies are under pressure to decarbonize, with copper mines consuming an estimated 2.5% of the world’s electricity. Kamoa-Kakula’s shift to renewables could set a precedent, especially as the International Energy Agency projects a 50% rise in copper demand by 2040.
Despite these advancements, the postponed commissioning of Turbine 5 at the Inga II hydropower plant poses a challenge. Initially scheduled for completion in Q4 2024, the 178 MW turbine’s wet commissioning is now expected in Q3 2025.
Kamoa-Kakula is slated to receive an initial 50 MW, with potential for more as grid upgrades progress through 2026. The delay stems from technical complexities and logistical hurdles, including the need for preventative measures to avoid future debris blockages.
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Inga II, part of the DRC’s vast Congo River hydropower system, has a total capacity of 1,424 MW but operates below potential due to aging infrastructure. The turbine upgrade, a public-private partnership between Ivanhoe Mines Energy DRC and the state-owned Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL), is financed through a $250 million loan agreement.
While the delay is a setback, the project’s long-term benefits—162 MW of clean energy and improved grid access for local communities—remain significant.
Kamoa-Kakula’s energy strategy reflects a broader push for sustainability in African|^2⁁ mining. The DRC’s vast hydroelectric potential, estimated at 100,000 MW, is a key asset, yet only 2,500 MW is currently harnessed.
Projects like Inga II and partnerships with Mozambique highlight efforts to tap this resource, but challenges like funding and infrastructure maintenance persist.
Globally, copper is a cornerstone of the energy transition, with prices reaching $9,500 per tonne in 2025. Kamoa-Kakula’s focus on renewables not only ensures operational resilience but also enhances its appeal to investors prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
The mine’s initiatives could inspire other African mining operations, where diesel dependency remains high, to adopt similar models.
