Northwire Canada EditionSaturday, August 1, 2026
Sign inSubscribe
Northwire
⌕
S 0.140 +0.0% BNKR 4.40 −2.2% QRO 0.045 +0.0% VCT 0.075 +36.4% PPP 1.15 +0.9% LMG 0.390 +0.0% GRDM 0.140 +0.0% ABRA 13.58 −4.1% WHY 0.295 +1.7% HHH 3.94 −0.2% COS 0.060 +0.0% NOB 0.065 −23.5% MEK 0.055 +0.0% TGOL 0.105 −4.5% FCI 0.400 −7.0% SGQ 0.350 +0.0% S 0.140 +0.0% BNKR 4.40 −2.2% QRO 0.045 +0.0% VCT 0.075 +36.4% PPP 1.15 +0.9% LMG 0.390 +0.0% GRDM 0.140 +0.0% ABRA 13.58 −4.1% WHY 0.295 +1.7% HHH 3.94 −0.2% COS 0.060 +0.0% NOB 0.065 −23.5% MEK 0.055 +0.0% TGOL 0.105 −4.5% FCI 0.400 −7.0% SGQ 0.350 +0.0%
Production / Operations

Ivanhoe Mines set to start stage 2 dewatering at Kakula

By The Northwire Desk — AI Analysis Aug 25, 2025 · 14:33 IVN · 11.71 Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
IVN · Price

Executive Summary

  • Stage 2 dewatering of the Kakula mine has begun, with four high‑capacity submersible pumps (650 L/s each) being installed and two already in place, targeting completion by end‑November 2025.
  • Completion of stage 2 will enable re‑access to western high‑grade zones within eight weeks and allow selective mining on the eastern side in Q1 2026, improving copper grades toward year‑end.
  • Ivanhoe Mines will release its 2026–2027 copper production guidance in September 2025 and a life‑of‑mine plan in late Q1 2026; refurbishment of Inga II turbine No. 5 is entering pre‑commissioning with expected completion early Q4 2025.

Key Details

  • Stage 2 Dewatering Scope: Installation of four 4.2 MW submersible pumps (650 L/s each) in two existing 400 m shafts on the eastern side of Kakula; powered by a dedicated 20 MW generator.
  • Pump Delivery & Installation: Four of five ordered pumps from Hefei Hengda Jianghai Pump Co. have been delivered; two installed as of Aug 15, with the remaining two expected operational mid‑September 2025.
  • Timeline: Pumps to remain fully submerged until end‑November 2025 when water levels are expected near the bottom of stage 2 shafts.
  • Western Side Dewatering: Expected completion within eight weeks; no seismic activity recorded, allowing rapid re‑access to high‑grade zones.
  • Rehabilitation Status: Underground rehabilitation up to current water levels is complete; stage 1 temporary pumping infrastructure will be redeployed to support stage 2.
  • Future Mining Plans: Selective mining on the eastern side anticipated in Q1 2026 once water recedes.
  • Stage 3 Dewatering: Planned for late 2025, involving rehabilitation and recommissioning of existing pump stations on the eastern side; will be the final dewatering stage using horizontal pumping infrastructure.
  • Production Guidance Release: 2026‑2027 copper production guidance slated for mid‑late September 2025; life‑of‑mine plan to follow in late Q1 2026.
  • Inga II Hydro Refurbishment: Mechanical and electrical installation of turbine No. 5 completed; pre‑commissioning underway with full commissioning expected early Q4 2025.
  • Technical Review: Technical disclosures approved by qualified persons Steve Amos (EVP, Projects) and Joshua Chitambala (Resource Manager) under NI 43‑101.

Notable Quotes

(No direct quotes provided in the release.)

Read the original news release →

More from Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.

Jul 29, 2026 · 16:03

Ivanhoe reports acid credit surges and record zinc prices while its Platreef output slips and copper guidance is trimmed.

Earnings Jul 15, 2026 · 11:03

Ivanhoe’s Kamoa-Kakula targets 2026 guidance as smelter ramp-up and Platreef progress offset Q1 tax headwinds.

Resource Estimate Jul 08, 2026 · 07:05

Ivanhoe reports a second-quarter copper output decline due to smelter downtime while maintaining full-year guidance amid strengthening acid and zinc market conditions.

Production / Operations Jun 04, 2026 · 07:45

Ivanhoe’s Kipushi mine hit record zinc output, yet the company’s valuation reflects near-term guidance without new catalysts.

Production / Operations May 06, 2026 · 17:17

Ivanhoe Mines Q1 2026 Earnings Show Operational Resilience Despite One-Off Tax Hit; Platreef Financing Secured

Earnings Apr 23, 2026 · 16:02

Ivanhoe Mines Confirms Platreef Milestones Amidst Price Correction and Execution Risks

Production / Operations