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Ivanhoe Mines is deeply committed to developing our dedicated employees who tirelessly contribute to the advancement of our company’s mission. We also acknowledge the importance of training and education for both our internal team and external stakeholders, and therefore, we give high priority to these invaluable opportunities.
In early September 2023, the Kamoa Centre of Excellence (KCE) official opened its door to its inaugural class of Congolese students. The higher education facility was constructed specifically to educate, train, prepare and equip the next generation of leaders for a rewarding career in the DRC mining industry. The Kamoa Centre of Excellence facility’s first phase has been recently completed. With the capacity to house up to 150 students, the facility is expected to expand over time. It comprises a reception building, a café, an administration office, two lecture rooms, a multi-purpose hall, and associated amenities. These buildings have been thoughtfully designed in collaboration with leading architects to create a learning environment in harmony with the surrounding landscape of Lualaba province.
The curriculum, developed in partnership with the Enterprises University of Pretoria, offers students a comprehensive one-year program. It includes modules on English language, computational thinking, creative problem solving, basic financial literacy, workplace ethics, introduction to mining, project management, and entrepreneurship development. The KCE will also be expanded to allow students to access various degrees, diplomas, and short courses, in collaboration with internationally accredited academic institutions. Our ultimate objective is to develop a self-sustaining, globally recognized educational establishment that seamlessly integrates with the mining industry in the DRC, where the trainees of today become the trainers of tomorrow. Furthermore, we are actively considering plans for the addition of new academic departments, as well as state-of-the-art sports and accommodation facilities.
On October 5th, 2023, we had the honour of welcoming His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the DRC, to officially open the Kamoa Center of Excellence and to address the workforce at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex. Accompanied by the First Lady, Her Excellency Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, His Excellency Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, and the Governor of the Province of Lualaba, Ms. Fifi Masuka, the delegation was greeted by a crowd of eager KCE students and over 5,500 members of the Kamoa-Kakula workforce.
The presidential delegation made their first stop at the Kamoa Centre of Excellence, where they were welcomed by senior management from Ivanhoe Mines and Kamoa Copper for the official opening ceremony. Following the ceremony, the delegation embarked on a comprehensive tour of the Centre of Excellence and received a detailed presentation from the Ivanhoe team. In addition, the President delivered a captivating address to the inaugural class of students.
Afterward, the presidential delegation was granted an exclusive tour of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, encompassing the Phase 1 and 2 concentrators, along with the site of the 500,000 tonne-per-annum direct-to-blister copper smelter, which is currently under construction. Inside the concentrate storage and load-out facility, the President addressed an audience of enthusiastic Congolese workers.
“We just visited [the Kamoa Centre of Excellence]. It will train generations of Congolese to work in the mining sector, enabling them to become themselves great leaders of the industry and to lead this country in the most beautiful way for the happiness of the Congolese people.
I see the investments that Kamoa Copper are making in the development of the value chain of copper production in our country. It will add value to our [economic] output, increasing wealth and create employment opportunities for the Congolese.”
The presence of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex has had a significant and transformative impact on the immediate area, province, and country as a whole. Our commitment extends far beyond simply creating value within our host communities; we are unwavering in our dedication to fostering sustainable prosperity for its people. As we continue our endeavor to mine with a greater purpose, we remain steadfast in our commitment to upskilling and developing the talented local workforce, thereby ensuring a brighter future for all.