Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) is expecting to re-issue production guidance for their Kamoa-Kakula complex in September, after guidance was initially pulled following a seismic event which had a major impact on underground operations.
The revised guidance is expected to be issued for 2026 and 2027, which follows continued dewatering efforts at the mine. A three stage program has been implemented to get the mine back to full-scale operations, with stage one now complete and stage two set to begin “imminently”.
The second stage of operation is to include the installation of a total of four submersible pumps with an operating capacity of 650 litres per second alongside new surface infrastructure to support the dewatering of the eastern portion of the Kakula Mine. Pumps are being installed in pairs in two adjacent 400-metre shafts that access a deep section of the mine, and will be powered be a separate 20 MW generator.
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Pumps are in currently in the process of being lowered into place and installed, and are expected to be fully submerged until the end of November, when most dewatering is expected to be complete and water levels reach the bottom of the dewater shafts.
RELATED: Ivanhoe Suspends Guidance For Kamoa-Kakula Complex As Underground Ops Again Halted At Kakula
Rehabilitation meanwhile is now complete on currently accessible areas of the Kakula Mine, with access fully restored to all areas of the mine up to current water levels. Stage One dewatering equipment is expected to be remobilized for Stage Two once the Stage Two pumps are installed.
Dewatering of the western portion of the mine is expected to be fully completed within eight weeks, with access to high grade areas of this portion of the mine expected to be quick. Mining grades from Kakula as a result are expected to improve by year end. Selective mining within the eastern portion of the mine is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
Stage Three of the dewatering plan meanwhile is expected to commence late this year, using existing horizontal pumping infrastructure to dewater the remaining deep areas of the eastern portion of the mine.
A revised life of mine plan is slated to be released in Q1 2026.
Ivanhoe Mines last traded at $11.71 on the TSX.
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