Kamoa Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa

Location
25km W Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Nearest Town
Kolwezi, Lualaba Province

Client
Kamoa Holdings Ltd (Ivanhoe & Zijin Mining JV)

Commodity
Copper

Contract Duration
2016 - 2017

Scope
Mechanised Lateral Development Activities including Fleet Maintenance and Workforce Training

Kamoa was located in southern DRC, approximately 25km west of the township of Kolwezi and near the Zambia/DRC border. The project was a joint venture between Ivanhoe (44.5%), Zijin (49.5%) and Crystal River (1%), with the DRC government owning the remaining share (5%). Kamoa has been independently ranked as the world’s largest undeveloped, high-grade copper discovery.

Byrnecut commenced the support of the box-cut in early 2016, followed by excavation of twin parallel declines. The scope was to progress the declines to the orebody, allowing a bulk sample stope and the set-up of the primary ventilation. Byrnecut also provided all fleet maintenance.

Our previous contract experience in the DRC, coupled with proven advance rates and familiarity with working in French-speaking African countries, distinguished us from our competitors.

Byrnecut’s record of working with the local communities and providing extensive training opportunities continued with this project, enhancing the mine’s reputation. Mining activities were undertaken by a multinational workforce, which employed mainly Congolese and Australians. Our safety and training systems were tailored to meet the needs of this diverse group.

The Kansoko decline is currently on hold.