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In late 2023, Ivanhoe Mines announced a significant, high-grade copper discover in the Western Foreland, adjacent to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The discover, coined Kitoko, means “beautiful” or “gift” in several local languages spoken throughout the DRC.

This exciting discovery confirms the presence of a significant high-grade copper mineralizing system between 1,000 meters and 1,140 metres below the surface.

Kitoko is a fine-grained copper mineralization hosted in flat-lying siltstone in the lower Grand Conglomerate, like Kamoa, Kakula, Makoko, and Kiala deposits, with the highest copper grades at the base of the mineralized zone.

The Kitoko discovery, located twenty-five kilometres west of Kakula Mine and a mere five kilometres south and southeast of Makoko Deposit, is part of a package of newly acquired joint venture licences, increasing Ivanhoe’s Western Foreland land position by 10%.

Under the terms of the joint venture that covers the 247 square kilometres of newly acquired licences, Ivanhoe has an initial interest of 10% with an earn-in right to increase its ownership by funding ongoing exploration activities. Ivanhoe expects to make further exploration spending commitments in 2024, to increase Ivanhoe’s interest to 60%.

Kitoko discovery further advances Ivanhoe’s proprietary exploration model

Ivanhoe geologists have developed proprietary geological models based on increased knowledge of the architecture of this emerging copper district and the formation of high-grade mineralization, including grade distribution. This knowledge has been increased substantially during the mining of the high-grade Kakula deposit, demonstrating the advantage of an operating mine adjacent to active exploration.

The discovery was solely targeted using knowledge of shelf architecture. The intersection of high-grade mineralization, at over 1,000 meters depth in the Western Foreland, confirms the criteria used for targeting blind mineralization across the 2,654-square-kilometre license package.

The accomplishments of our drilling initiatives affirm the capability of our geological experts to identify significant new copper discoveries throughout the Western Foreland. With the DRC government fully supporting exploration activities, Ivanhoe is proud to lead the way with our talented team and history of success.

Learn more: Western Foreland Copper Exploration – Ivanhoe Mines