Sustainability
Sustainability
Environment
Community Impact
Responsible mining in partnership with the community
At KICO, sustainability is integrated into how the operation runs every day. As part of Ivanhoe Mines’ portfolio of principal mining projects, KICO aligns with the broader commitment to responsible mineral production, environmental stewardship, and constructive engagement with host communities.
KICO’s approach focuses on operating responsibly, maintaining open relationships with stakeholders and supporting practical initiatives that improve quality of life in the communities around the mine.
Partnership with Communities
KICO operates alongside an established town and surrounding communities. Maintaining constructive and transparent relationships with local stakeholders is central to how the mine operates.
The company engages closely with municipal authorities, traditional leadership and community development committees to ensure regular dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
Structured stakeholder engagement processes guide this work, helping KICO understand community priorities, address concerns and identify opportunities for cooperation. These processes also support the mine’s grievance mechanism, ensuring that stakeholders have clear channels to raise questions or concerns.
Community Development Partnerships
Community investment at KICO is guided by the Cahier des Charges, a development plan established in partnership with local authorities and community representatives in accordance with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Mining Code.
This framework provides a structured way for the mine and the community to identify shared priorities and to implement initiatives that support infrastructure, education, livelihoods and social services.
By working through established community development structures, the programme ensures that initiatives respond to locally identified needs and are implemented in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Investing in People
Education and skills development are central to KICO’s community engagement. KICO supports programmes that create opportunities for students and young people to pursue education and training in fields such as engineering, technical trades, health sciences and agriculture. Through partnerships with schools and training institutions,
these initiatives strengthen local skills and support opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Water and Essential Services
Access to clean water is a key priority for communities in the Kipushi area. KICO supports water infrastructure in collaboration with local authorities and health institutions, including maintaining key water systems that serve the town and working with communities to expand access to potable water. These initiatives form part of the broader commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and to supporting essential community services.
Supporting Local Enterprise
KICO contributes to local economic participation by working with Congolese suppliers, contractors and community-based enterprises.
Alongside direct procurement opportunities linked to the mine, the company supports small businesses and cooperatives that provide goods and services to the community and the operation. These initiatives strengthen local livelihoods while encouraging
entrepreneurship and skills development.
Examples include community enterprises focused on garment production, agriculture and food supply, each providing practical opportunities for income generation and local employment.
Community Sewing Enterprises
Local sewing cooperatives supply garments and textile products for KICO and the surrounding community.
These initiatives create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artisans while building practical skills in garment production, tailoring, and small-business management. By linking community enterprises to supply opportunities, KICO supports locally owned businesses that can grow alongside the mining operation.
Agricultural Initiatives
Agriculture plays an important role in livelihoods in the Kipushi area, and KICO supports initiatives that strengthen local food production and small-scale farming.
Community-based agricultural activities include poultry farming, fish farming and crop production, which contribute to the local food supply while creating opportunities for income generation and skills development. These initiatives are designed to support local entrepreneurs and cooperatives and to encourage sustainable livelihood
activities.
Responsible Environmental Management
Environmental stewardship is integrated into the design and operation of the mine. KICO’s environmental monitoring programmes track key indicators such as water quality, air quality and biodiversity to ensure that impacts are managed responsibly and in line with regulatory requirements. These programmes form part of Ivanhoe Mines’
broader commitment to responsible environmental management and continuous improvement across the operation.
A Responsible Approach to the Life of the Mine
KICO is part of a historic mining region with a long relationship between mining and the surrounding community.
Throughout the life of the mine, KICO aims to operate responsibly, maintain constructive relationships with stakeholders and support initiatives that contribute positively to the communities around the operation.
By working in partnership with local stakeholders, KICO seeks to ensure that mining activities are conducted in a way that respects the environment, supports local priorities and contributes to shared value throughout the life of the mine.
Building capability from the ground up
Cooperatives play a vital role in advancing the Solidarity Economy. They enable communities to pool resources, share risk, and build ownership structures that keep value within local economies.
UBU's bespoke cooperative governance programme provides the knowledge, systems, and mentorship needed to ensure cooperatives are well-governed, resilient, and impactful over the long term.