Kipushi Delivers Record Zinc-in-Concentrate Output in Q1 2026

Published: Apr 14, 2026 09:29

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On April 14, Kipushi concentrator from Ivanhoe reported record zinc-in-concentrate production of 65,044 tonnes in Q1 2026, up 6% quarter-on-quarter from 61,444 tonnes in Q4 2025. January output alone reached a record 22,968 tonnes. The quarterly improvement was supported by strong concentrator performance, with ore milled at 196,774 tonnes, feed grade at 36.96% zinc, and zinc recovery at 90.63%. Despite the record result, operations were still affected by electrical grid instability. After increasing on-site back-up generator capacity by 20% to 20MW in Q4 2025, Kipushi has now also completed and commissioned upgrades to its 120kV intake substation, which are expected to improve operational stability and better protect key infrastructure including the concentrator and shaft.

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