We produce copper and cobalt hydroxide from our two open pit mines KOV and Mashamba East and from our KTO underground mine. We have implemented targeted strategies to achieve safe, consistent, cost-effective production now and throughout the life of the mines.
Copper and cobalt
As the world shifts away from fossil-based fuels to other sources of energy, the demand for refined metals such as copper and cobalt – which are used in energy storage, electric vehicles and other decarbonisation technologies – is expected to grow.
Copper is a major industrial metal due to its high ductility, malleability, thermal and electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. It is used in:
- renewable energy technologies (including solar cells and electric vehicles)
- construction (including buildings and bridges)
- telecommunications equipment
- electrical and electronic products (including TVs, computers and games consoles)
- transportation (including cars and airplanes)
- general everyday products (including cookware and coins)
- housing
KCC is the world's single largest cobalt mine – a metal that is in rising demand due to its use in batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics.
The DRC has more than 60% of the world’s reserves of cobalt which is used in:
- most rechargeable batteries
- many alloys and super alloys used in aircraft engines, gas turbines, high-speed steels, corrosion resistant alloys, and cemented carbides
- magnets and magnetic recording media
- petroleum and chemical industries.
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Open pit mines
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Undergound mines
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Concentrator
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Refinery & whole ore leach