About Us
About KICO
Kipushi Corporation SA, known as KICO, is the operator of the Kipushi Mine, one of the richest high-grade zinc mineral deposits in the Central African Copperbelt.
KICO is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s state-owned mining company, Gécamines. The partnership combines international mining expertise with national participation to responsibly develop one of the region’s most significant mineral resources.
The mine is located in the municipality of Kipushi, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Lubumbashi and close to the border with Zambia, within one of the world’s most important mining regions.
KICO operates one of the world’s highest-grade major zinc mines, aiming for approximately 278,000 tonnes of zinc annually over the first five years of production. Output is focused on the high-grade “Big Zinc” zone and powered by clean hydroelectricity.
History
Mining at Kipushi began in 1924, when Union Minière du Haut-Katanga (UMHK) first developed the deposit. Over the following decades, the operation became one of Central Africa’s most important mining operations, producing zinc, copper, lead, germanium and other metals that supported industrial development around the world.
The mine was placed on care and maintenance in 1993, marking the end of a significant chapter in its history.
A new phase of development began in 2011, when Ivanhoe Mines and Gécamines partnered to redevelop the asset by creating KICO. The redevelopment programme modernised underground infrastructure, rehabilitated historic workings, and constructed surface infrastructure, including the new concentrator.
Following several years of engineering and construction, the mine returned to production in 2024, marking the revival of one of Africa’s most historic mining operations
Responsible Mining
Today, the mine represents the transformation of a historic asset into a modern underground operation built for the future.
Key features include:
- A large, high-grade zinc deposit supporting long-term production
- An 800,000-tonne-per-year concentrator using dense media separation, milling and flotation
- Target zinc recovery rates of approximately 96% with concentrate grades of around 55% zinc
- A strategically located operation within the Central
Responsible Mining
To mine zinc with excellence and transform lives in Kipushi and surrounding areas through collaborative development and shared value.
Our Values
EXCELLENCE
We pursue excellence in our operation, setting industry benchmarks in quality, safety, and sustainability.
COLLABORATION
We foster a culture of collaboration, partnering with our employees, stakeholders, and the community to achieve shared goals and create lasting positive change.
RESPECT
Respect is our guiding principle. We treat each other, our stakeholders, and the environment with respect embracing diversity, cultural heritage, and environmental preservation in all our actions.
Our vision
Leading the global zinc market through mining the world's richest zinc-coppergermanium deposit and sharing value with the people of Kipushi and DRC.
Our purpose
To unlock the potential of Kipushi's mining resources, driving sustainable economic growth, while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.