KOLWEZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN; OTCQX: IVPAF) Executive Co-Chair Robert Friedland and President Marna Cloete are pleased to announce that the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced 93,603 tonnes of copper in concentrate during the first quarter of 2023.
The Phase 1 and 2 concentrators are now regularly operating at the increased processing rate of 9.2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), following the completion of the debottlenecking program. The $50-million Phase 1 and 2 concentrator debottlenecking program was completed on-budget and ahead of schedule in late February, increasing production capacity up to 450,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate per annum.
Following the completion of the debottlenecking, Kamoa-Kakula’s Phase 1 and 2 concentrators had a record-breaking March. A production record of 34,915 tonnes of copper in concentrate was achieved during the month, in addition to a weekly production record of 9,016 tonnes in mid-March, and a daily production record of 1,563 tonnes on March 25. These records were achieved following two scheduled plant shutdowns during the first quarter to tie in the new debottlenecking equipment.
Kamoa-Kakula's Phase 1 and 2 concentrators milled approximately 1.93 million tonnes of ore during the first quarter at an average feed grade of 5.4% copper. This included approximately 255,000 tonnes of ore from the surface stockpiles.
The Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators also substantially outperformed design specifications in terms of copper recovery during the month, with copper recoveries averaging 88.3% and periodically achieving 90%, significantly above Kamoa-Kakula’s nameplate 86% recovery rate.
The record monthly production in March was also achieved despite previously reported instability within the DRC’s southern power grid. Ivanhoe Mines maintains its 2023 annual production guidance for Kamoa-Kakula at between 390,000 to 430,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate.
Ivanhoe Mines’ Founder and Executive Co-Chairman, Robert Friedland commented:
“The operating performance at Kamoa-Kakula continues to impress as the team focuses on optimizing the concentrator plant following the successful completion of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 debottlenecking program, once again ahead of schedule and on budget, during the first quarter. We're particularly excited about the improving trends in copper recovery, which saw the concentrator plants operating at recoveries as high as 90% in March ... driving record production numbers into the end of the month.
“With the Phase 3 expansion well on track for 2024, Kamoa-Kakula represents a truly rare, high-margin growth story across the copper industry. Kamoa-Kakula is one of the world's largest, highest-grade copper complexes, and a major economic engine that generates leading returns on capital and exceptional free cash flow. As the rainy season in the Democratic Republic of Congo ends our geological team will also be ramping up exploration activities on Ivanhoe’s 90-100%-owned Western Foreland Exploration Project next door, where we expect to drill around 75,000 metres this year. We’re looking forward to the many successes to come with our partners and shareholders in 2023 and beyond.”
All figures are on a 100% project basis and metal reported in concentrate is before refining losses or deductions associated with smelter terms.
Kamoa-Kakula produced 93,603 tonnes of copper during the first quarter of 2023, compared to 92,761 tonnes of copper in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Ivanhoe Mines announced the ahead-of-schedule and on-budget completion of Kamoa-Kakula's Phase 1 and Phase 2 debottlenecking program on February 27, 2023. The debottlenecking program increased the nameplate ore processing capacity by 22% from 7.6 to 9.2 million tonnes of ore per annum, increasing production capacity up to approximately 450,000 tonnes per annum of copper in concentrate.
Following the subsequent ramp-up, several operational records were achieved during March, including a record daily milling rate of 29,003 dry metric tonnes on March 18; a record daily production rate of 1,563 tonnes of copper on March 25; a weekly production record of 9,016 tonnes of copper between March 24 and 30; and a monthly production record of 34,915 tonnes of copper in concentrate.
Two scheduled plant shutdowns were completed during the first quarter to tie in the new debottlenecking equipment. The shutdown of the Phase 1 concentrator took place in late January 2023, and the shutdown of the Phase 2 concentrator plant was completed in late February 2023. The new debottlenecking equipment consists of new hydrocyclones, new scavenger-cleaner flotation cells, a new concentrate thickener and a new Larox filter press, as well as upsized piping and pumping capacity.
The Phase 1 concentrator started operating at its new, sustained nameplate capacity of 580 dry tonnes per hour on January 25, 2023. On February 25, 2023, within 12 hours of restarting, the Phase 2 concentrator also ramped up to its new, sustained nameplate capacity of 580 dry tonnes per hour. Thereby, achieving the targeted combined throughput of 9.2 million tonnes per annum. Subsequently, both concentrators have been able to deliver, over limited periods, in excess of 600 dry tonnes per hour.
Kamoa-Kakula milled approximately 1.93 million tonnes of ore during the first quarter at an average feed grade of 5.4% copper.
While the ongoing expansion of underground infrastructure at the Kakula Mine takes place, ore continues to be drawn as required from surface stockpile to maximize copper production.
Kamoa-Kakula’s high- and medium-grade ore surface stockpiles totaled approximately 4.2 million tonnes at an estimated grade of 3.9% copper as of the end of March 2023. The operation mined 2.0 million tonnes of ore grading 5.2% copper in Q1 2023, which was comprised of 1.8 million tonnes grading 5.6% copper from the Kakula mine, including 0.8 million tonnes grading 6.7% copper from the mine’s high-grade centre.
(L-R) Rachelle Museka, Mill Operator; Linda Malumda, Senior Larox Filter Operator and Fancy Katuma, Sand Filter Operator standing in front the debottlenecked Phase 2 concentrator. The additional Larox filter capacity, as part of the debottlenecking program, increases Kamoa-Kakula’s production capacity up to 450,000 tonnes per annum.
Copper recoveries from the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators also improved during the quarter. The average recovery rate for the quarter was approximately 87%; however, concentrator recoveries in late March averaged 88.3% and periodically reached 90%, well above Kamoa-Kakula’s 86% design rate. The Kamoa Copper process engineering team, together with several internationally-recognized external metallurgy specialists, continue to investigate the feasibility of new technologies to further increase overall processing recoveries.
The recently commissioned concentrate thickener that was constructed as part of the debottlenecking program, was completed ahead-of-schedule and on-budget in late February. Kamoa-Kakula’s Phase 1 and 2 concentrators set a monthly production record of 34,915 tonnes of copper in concentrate during March 2023.
Kamoa-Kakula is working closely with the DRC’s state-owned power utility, La Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL) in identifying potential improvements to the regional grid infrastructure. Kamoa-Kakula is also assisting with the delivery of these improvements.
In addition, Kamoa Copper is independently installing sufficient redundancy to isolate Kamoa-Kakula’s Phases 1, 2 and 3 operations from any potential future power intermittencies. In the near term, a phased increase of on-site, installed backup generation capacity is planned, from 32 megawatts (MW) to 132 MW. An additional 11 MW is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter, with a further 73 MW to be installed towards the end of 2023. Concurrently, discussions are advancing to secure additional power via the Zambian interconnector. Longer term, the total power redundancy capacity is expected to be up to 200MW.
Surface earthworks for Phase 3 concentrator plant and associated infrastructure well advanced, with first flotation cells delivered in March
Kamoa-Kakula's Phase 3 expansion will consist of two new underground mines known as Kamoa 1 and Kamoa 2, located approximately 10 kilometres north of the existing Kakula underground mine, and the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators. A new, 5-million-tonne-per-annum concentrator is under construction adjacent to the new Kamoa mines, which are also under development.
The concrete foundations under construction for the Phase 3 concentrator flotation cells. Construction of Phase 3 concentrator is advancing on schedule.
First production from the Phase 3 concentrator is scheduled and expected by the fourth quarter of 2024. Overall work on the Phase 3 concentrator was approximately 24% complete as at the end of March.
In late March, Kamoa Copper took onsite delivery of the first of its Phase 3 flotation cells, manufactured by Metso Outotec of Espoo, Finland. Initial steel deliveries have arrived in South Africa and are en route to the project site. In addition, the cyclones and electrical motors have been shipped from their respective manufacturers, while the first of the two ball mills, manufactured by CITIC Heavy Industries, is now ready for shipment from China.
The concrete foundations of the direct-to-blister furnace building, as part of the 500,000 tonnes per annum direct-to-blister flash copper smelter. The construction of the smelter is advancing on schedule.
3D rendering of the furnace and off-gas handling building (RHS), and acid production facility (LHS). All smelter off-gas streams, including the acid plant tail gas, will be treated through the de-sulphurisation plant. The plant will produce 650,000 to 800,000 tonnes of high-strength sulphuric acid per annum, which will be sold domestically within the DRC Copperbelt.
Construction activities on the direct-to-blister flash copper smelter are advancing on schedule and are approximately 36% complete. Earthworks are 100% complete and civil works now well underway. The direct-to-blister and electric slag-cleaning furnaces foundation construction is complete, with structural steel installation having commenced in March. Foundation construction for the smelting building, as well as the anode-refining furnace building are also principally complete.
The smelter site is adjacent to Kamoa-Kakula’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrator plants and will be fed by a mix of copper concentrate produced from Phase 1, 2 and 3 concentrators.
3D rendering of the 100-hectare smelter project site. The smelter will be constructed to meet the highest environmental and safety standards, as set by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards and the World Bank Group Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines.
Qualified Persons
Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature at the Kamoa-Kakula Mining Complex in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Steve Amos, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional association, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Amos is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is Ivanhoe Mines’ Executive Vice President, Projects. Mr. Amos has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.
Other disclosures of a scientific or technical nature regarding the stockpiles in this news release have been reviewed and approved by George Gilchrist, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional association, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Gilchrist is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is the Vice President, Resources of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Gilchrist has verified the other technical data regarding the surface stockpiles disclosed in this news release.
Ivanhoe has prepared an independent, NI 43-101-compliant technical report for the Kamoa-Kakula Project, which is available on the company’s website and under the company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com:
- Kamoa-Kakula 2023 IDP Technical Report dated March 6, 2023, prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd.; China Nerin Engineering Co. Ltd.; DRA Global; Epoch Resources; Golder Associates Africa; Metso Outotec Oyj; Paterson and Cooke; SRK Consulting Ltd.; and, The MSA Group.
The technical report includes relevant information regarding the assumptions, parameters and methods of the mineral resource estimates on the Kamoa-Kakula Mining Complex cited in this news release, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release.
About Ivanhoe Mines
Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa; the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC, the construction of the tier-one Platreef palladium-rhodium-platinum-nickel-copper-gold project in South Africa; and the restart of the historic ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC.
Ivanhoe Mines also is exploring for new copper discoveries across its circa 2,400km2 of 90-100% owned exploration licences in the Western Foreland, located adjacent to, or in close proximity to, the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC.
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Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this release constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “predict” and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company’s current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.
Such statements include without limitation: (i) statements regarding ramping up exploration activities on Western Foreland Exploration Project, with 75,000 metres of exploration drilling this year; (ii) statements regarding Kamoa-Kakula’s copper production guidance for 2023, which currently is estimated at between 390,000 to 430,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate; (iii) statements regarding first copper production from Phase 3 expected in the end of 2024; (iv) statements regarding the installation of addition onsite power generation capacity and improvements in DRC power infrastructure, including longer term target to increase total power redundancy capacity up to 200MW; (v) statements regarding expected average copper grades at Kamoa-Kakula; (vi) statements regarding the establishment of a new 5-Mtpa concentrator plant adjacent to the two new mines at Kamoa; (vii) statements regarding ore being periodically drawn from Kamoa-Kakula's surface stockpiles; (viii) statements regarding the expected manufacturing and delivery schedule of Phase 3 equipment, including for the 500,000-tpa smelter facility; and, (xv) statements regarding Kamoa-Kakula’s smelter de-sulphurisation plant that will capture between 650,000 and 800,000 tonnes of high-strength sulphuric acid per annum, which will be sold domestically within the DRC Copperbelt.
All of the results of the 2023 Pre-Feasibility Study and 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment constitute forward-looking statements or information and include future estimates of internal rates of return, net present value, future production, estimates of cash cost, proposed mining plans and methods, mine life estimates, cash flow forecasts, metal recoveries, estimates of capital and operating costs and the size and timing of phased development of the projects.
Furthermore, with respect to this specific forward-looking information concerning the development of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, the company has based its assumptions and analysis on certain factors that are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties include: (i) the adequacy of infrastructure; (ii) geological characteristics; (iii) metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization; (iv) the ability to develop adequate processing capacity; (v) the price of copper; (vi) the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development; (vii) the cost of consumables and mining and processing equipment; (viii) unforeseen technological and engineering problems; (ix) accidents or acts of sabotage or terrorism; (x) currency fluctuations; (xi) changes in regulations; (xii) the compliance by joint venture partners with terms of agreements; (xiii) the availability and productivity of skilled labour; (xiv) the regulation of the mining industry by various governmental agencies; (xv) the ability to raise sufficient capital to develop such projects; (xvi) changes in project scope or design; and (xvii) political factors.
Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed below and under “Risk Factors”, and elsewhere in this release, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release.
The company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of the factors set forth below in the “Risk Factors” section in the company’s MD&A for year-ended 2022 and its current annual information form.
刚果民主共和国科卢韦齐 — 艾芬豪矿业 (TSX: IVN; OTCQX: IVPAF) 执行联席董事长罗伯特·弗里兰德(Robert Friedland) 、联席董事长孙玉峰和总裁玛娜·克洛特 (Marna Cloete) 欣然宣布，位于刚果民主共和国(以下简称 “刚果 (金)”) 的卡莫阿-卡库拉 (Kamoa-Kakula) 铜矿于2023年第一季度生产精矿含铜9.4万吨。
I 期和 II 期选厂的扩产建设竣工后，项目综合稳态产能已提升至920万吨/年。I 期和 II 期选厂的扩产建设在预算5,000万美元内、比原计划提前于2个月底完成，将精矿含铜年化产能提高至45万吨/年。
卡莫阿-卡库拉 I 期和 II 期选厂完成扩产建设后，尽管在第一季度曾两度停工以配合扩产新设备的安装，仍能够于3月份创下多项纪录— 月内共生产精矿含铜3.5万吨，于3月中期取得一周生产9,016吨铜的纪录，并于3月25日创下1,563吨铜的单日生产纪录。
2023年第一季度，卡莫阿-卡库拉 I 期和 II 期选厂共处理矿石约193万吨，平均入选品位5.4%，其中包括来自地表矿堆约25.5万吨矿石。
3月份I 期和 II 期选厂的回收率远超设计指标，月度平均回收率高达88.3%，期间更一度达到90%，远高于卡莫阿-卡库拉86%的设计指标。
尽管刚果(金)南部电网出现稳定性问题，选厂3月份也能够创下月度生产纪录，因此艾芬豪矿业保持卡莫阿-卡库拉2023年的年度精矿产铜39万至43万吨的生产指导目标不变。
艾芬豪矿业创始人兼执行联席董事长罗伯特·弗里兰德评论道：“卡莫阿-卡库拉 I 期和 II 期选厂在预算内提前完成扩产建设后，运营团队重点实施优化工作，选厂于第一季度持续保持优异表现。我们对于铜回收率的上升趋势倍感振奋，3月份的回收率一度高达90%，推动选厂于3月底创下铜产量的全新纪录。”
“卡莫阿-卡库拉 III 期扩建将按计划于2024年实现投产，是举世罕见的高增长铜矿项目。卡莫阿-卡库拉是全球规模最大、品位最高的铜矿之一，也是产生巨额资本回报和自由现金流的主要经济引擎。随着刚果(金)的雨季结束，我们的勘查团队将会在毗邻的西部前沿 (Western Foreland) 探矿权內加快推进勘查活动，预计于年内完成约75,000米的钻探工程。我们期待继续与合作伙伴和股东们携手共筑美好未来。”
上述数字均以100%项目权益统计。报告的精矿含铜金属量未考虑冶炼协议中的损失或扣减。
卡莫阿-卡库拉2023年第一季度共生产9.4万吨铜
2023年2月27日，艾芬豪矿业公布卡莫阿-卡库拉 I期和 II 期选厂的扩产建设在预算内比原计划提前竣工。扩产建设将 I 期和 II 期选厂的综合设计产能从760万吨/年提升22%至920万吨/年，铜产能提高至约45万吨/年。
后续的产能爬坡助力选厂于3月份创下多项运营纪录，3月18日刷新单日处理矿石2.9万干吨的纪录、3月25日创造了单日生产1,563 吨铜的最新纪录，于3月24日至30日期间创下一周生产9,016吨铜的最新纪录，以及生产精矿含铜3.5万吨的月度纪录。
为了配合扩产，选厂曾于第一季度期间两度停工以安装新设备。I 期选厂于2023年1月底停工，而 II 期选厂在2023年2月底完成停机安装。扩产工程新安装的设备包括水力旋流器、扫选-精选设施、精矿浓密机、Larox压滤机以及替换较大型的管道和水泵。
自2023年1月25日起，I 期选厂的处理能力一直保持在580干吨/小时。2023年2月25日，经过12小时的重启，II 期选厂也实现产量爬坡至580干吨/小时的新设计产能，使 I 期和 II 期选厂的综合产能达到920万吨/年的目标产能。随后，两座选厂都能够在限定时间内实现各自600干吨/小时的处理能力。
2023年第一季度，卡莫阿-卡库拉共处理矿石约193万吨，平均入选品位5.4%。
卡库拉矿山正进行地下基础设施扩建，因此将从地表矿堆向选厂供矿以满足产量最大化。
截至2023年3月底，卡莫阿-卡库拉地表堆存约420万吨高品位和中品位矿石，平均铜品位约3.9%。2023年第一季度共采出200万吨矿石，铜品位5.2%；包括在卡库拉矿山采出的180万吨矿石，铜品位5.6% ，其中在矿床高品位中心采出的80万吨矿石，铜品位高达6.7%。
选厂操作员Rachelle Museka、Larox高级操作员Linda Malumda及滤砂操作员Fancy Katuma在扩产后的II 期选厂前。增设Larox 压滤机后，使卡莫阿-卡库拉的铜产能提高至45万吨/年。
本季度I 期和 II 期选厂的铜回收率改善明显，季度平均回收率87%。3月底的平均回收率为88.3%，并且一度达到90%，远高于卡莫阿-卡库拉86%的设计指标。卡莫阿铜业的选矿工程设计团队正与多个国际知名的选冶研究单位合作，继续探索研究新技术进一步提高总回收率。
扩产方案在预算内于2月底提前完工，增设的精矿浓缩机已顺利投产。卡莫阿-卡库拉 I 期和 II 期选厂于2023年3月份精矿产铜3.5万吨，创下月度生产纪录。
卡莫阿-卡库拉正与刚果(金)国有电力公司 SNEL合作，研究区域电网基础设施的升级改造，并协助实施有关方案。
此外，卡莫阿铜业正计划在矿山安装独立的备用供电系统，确保卡莫阿-卡库拉 I 期、II 期和 III 期项目在电力中断的情况下也能够正常运行。短期计划将矿山范围内的备用供电能力从32兆瓦分阶段增加到132兆瓦，预计在第二季度增容11兆瓦以及在2023年底增容73兆瓦，同时正讨论引入赞比亚外部输电。长期计划将总备用供电能力增加到200兆瓦。
III 期选厂的土方工程和地表基础设施建设顺利，首批浮选机组已于3月份交付
卡莫阿-卡库拉 III 期扩建包括卡莫阿1区和卡莫阿2区的新采区，距离卡库拉地下矿山以北及 I 期和 II 期选厂约10公里处。卡莫阿新采区正在进行施工，毗邻的一座500万吨/年新选厂也在建设中。
III 期选厂浮选设施的地基建设。III 期选厂的建设工程正按计划顺利推进。
III 期选厂将按计划于2024年第四季度投产。截至3月底，III 期选厂的整体施工已完成约24%。
卡莫阿铜业于3月底已接收 III 期的首批浮选机组，该设备由芬兰的美卓奥图泰公司制造。首批钢结构已运抵南非，正在运往矿山的途中。旋风分离器和电动机也在运送途中。中信重工制造的第一台球磨机 (共两台) 已经完成，正准备发货。
50万吨/年的一步炼铜冶炼厂建设顺利，下图为闪速炉的地基建设。
炼铜炉和废气处理厂 (右) 及制酸厂 (左) 的三维示意图。所有冶炼厂的废气流，包括酸厂尾气，都将会通过脱硫厂进行处理，每年将生产 65万至80万吨的浓硫酸，预计在刚果(金) 境内铜矿带沿线销售。
一步炼铜冶炼厂的建设工程正如期推进，已完成约36%。冶炼厂的土方工程已竣工，土建工程进展顺利。闪速和电炉的地基已经建成，并于3月份开始进行钢结构的安装。熔炼厂和阳极精炼炉设施的地基建设都已完成。
冶炼厂毗邻卡莫阿-卡库拉 I 期和 II 期选厂，将处理来自 I 期、II 期和 III期选厂的铜精矿。
冶炼厂项目现场的三维示意图，占地100公顷，将按照国际金融公司《绩效标准》和世界银行集团《环境、健康与安全指南》的最高标准设计建造。
合资格人
本新闻稿中关于卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目的科学或技术性披露已经由史蒂夫·阿莫斯 (Steve Amos) 审查和批准，他凭借其教育、经验和专业协会会籍被认为是NI 43-101 标准下的合资格人。由于阿莫斯先生是艾芬豪矿业的项目执行副总裁，因此他并不符合NI 43-101 对独立人士的界定。阿莫斯先生已核实本新闻稿所披露的技术数据。
本新闻稿中关于矿堆的科学或技术性披露已经由乔治·吉尔克里斯特 (George Gilchrist) 审查和批准，他凭借其教育、经验和专业协会会籍被认为是NI 43-101 条款下的合资格人。由于吉尔克里斯特先生是芬豪矿业资源部副总裁，因此他并不符合NI 43-101 对独立人士的界定。吉尔克里斯特先生已核实本新闻稿所披露关于地表矿堆的技术数据。
艾芬豪已经为卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目编制了一份符合NI 43-101 标准的独立技术报告，报告可在艾芬豪网站以及SEDAR 网站上的艾芬豪页面获得，网址为www.sedar.com﹕
- 2023年3月6日发布的2023年卡莫阿-卡库拉综合开发方案技术报告，由OreWin Pty Ltd.、中国瑞林工程技术有限公司、DRA Global、Epoch Resources、Golder Associates Africa、Metso Outotec Oyj、Paterson and Cooke、SRK Consulting Ltd.以及The MSA Group编制。
技术报告包括本新闻稿中引用的卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目的矿产资源估算的假设、参数和方法等信息，以及本新闻稿中关于科学和技术性披露的数据验证、勘查程序和其他事项的信息。
关于艾芬豪矿业
艾芬豪矿业是一家加拿大的矿业公司，正在推进旗下位于南部非洲的三大主要项目：位于刚果(金)的卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目的扩建工程、位于南非的普拉特瑞夫(Platreef) 顶级钯-铑-铂-镍-铜-金矿的开拓工程；以及同样位于刚果(金)、久负盛名的基普什(Kipushi) 超高品位锌-铜-锗-银矿的重建工程。
同时，艾芬豪矿业正在刚果(金)境内、毗邻卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目的西部前沿探矿权内寻找新的铜矿资源。西部前沿探矿权占地2,400平方公里，由艾芬豪矿业全资拥有及持有90%权益。
联系方式
投资者
温哥华﹕马修·基维尔 (Matthew Keevil)，电话﹕+1.604.558.1034
伦敦﹕托米·霍顿 (Tommy Horton) ，电话﹕+44 7866 913 207
媒体
坦尼娅·托德 (Tanya Todd) ，电话﹕+1.604.331.9834
前瞻性陈述
本新闻稿载有的某些陈述可能构成适用证券法所订议的"前瞻性陈述"或"前瞻性信息"。这些陈述及信息涉及已知和未知的风险、不确定性和其他因素，可能导致本公司的实际业绩、表现或成就、其项目或行业的业绩，与前瞻性陈述或信息所表达或暗示的任何未来业绩、表现或成就产生重大差异。这些陈述可通过文中使用"可能"、"将会"、"会"、"将要"、"打算"、"预期"、"相信"、"计划"、"预计"、"估计"、 "安排" 、"预测"、"预言"及其他类似用语，或者声明"可能"、"会"、"将会"、"可能会"或"将要"采取、发生或实现某些行动、事件或结果进行识别。这些陈述仅反映本公司于本新闻稿发布当日对于未来事件、表现和业绩的当前预期。
该等陈述包括但不限于﹕(i) 关于在西部前沿探矿权内加快推进勘查活动，于年内进行75,000米钻探工程的陈述；(ii) 关于卡莫阿-卡库拉2023年生产指导目标为精矿产铜39万至43万吨的陈述；(iii) 关于预计 III 期将于2024年底投产的陈述；(iv) 关于在矿山增容电力和改进刚果(金)电力基础设施，包括长期目标将总备用电能增加到 200兆瓦的陈述；(v) 关于卡莫阿-卡库拉平均铜品位估算的陈述；(vi) 关于在卡莫阿两个新采区附近建设一座500万吨/年新选厂的陈述；(vii) 关于定期从卡莫阿-卡库拉地表矿堆向选厂供矿的陈述；(viii) 关于 III 期 (包括 50万吨/年冶炼厂) 设备的预期制造和交付时间点的陈述；以及 (ix) 关于卡莫阿-卡库拉冶炼厂的脱硫厂每年将生产 65万至80万吨的浓硫酸，将在刚果(金)铜矿带境内销售的陈述。
2023预可行性研究和2023初步经济评价的所有结果均构成了前瞻性陈述或信息，并包括内部收益率的未来估算、净现值，未来产量、现金成本估算、建议开采计划和方法、估计矿山服务年限、现金流预测、金属回收率、资本和运营成本估算，以及项目分期开发的规模和时间点。
另外，对于与卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目开发有关的特定前瞻性信息，公司是基于某些不确定因素而作出假设和分析。不确定因素包括：(i) 基础设施的充足性；(ii) 地质特征；(iii) 矿化的选冶特征；(iv) 发展充足选矿产能的能力；(v) 铜价格；(vi) 完成开发所需的设备和设施的可用性；(vii) 消耗品和采矿及选矿设备的费用；(viii) 不可预见的技术和工程问题；(ix) 事故或破坏或恐怖主义行为；(x) 货币波动； (xi) 法例修订；(xii) 合资企业伙伴对协议条款的遵守情况；(xiii) 熟练劳工的人手和生产率；(xiv) 各政府机构对矿业的监管；(xv) 筹集足够资金以发展该等项目的能力；(xvi) 项目范围或设计更变；以及 (xvii) 政治因素。
前瞻性陈述及信息涉及重大风险和不确定性，故不应被视为对未来表现或业绩的保证，并且不能准确地指示能否达到该等业绩。许多因素可能导致实际业绩与前瞻性陈述或信息所讨论的业绩有重大差异，包括但不限于“风险因素”以及本新闻稿其他部分所指的因素，以及有关部门实施的法律、法规或规章或其不可预见的变化；与公司签订合约的各方没有根据协议履行合约；社会或劳资纠纷；商品价格的变动；以及勘查计划或研究未能达到预期结果或未能产生足以证明和支持继续勘查、研究、开发或运营的结果。
虽然本新闻稿载有的前瞻性陈述是基于公司管理层认为合理的假设而作出，但公司不能向投资者保证实际业绩会与前瞻性陈述的预期一致。这些前瞻性陈述仅是截至本新闻稿发布当日作出，而且受本警示声明明确限制。根据相应的证券法，公司并无义务更新或修改任何前瞻性陈述以反映本新闻稿发布当日后所发生的事件或情况。
基于公司2022年度的《管理层讨论与分析》和当前年度信息表中 “风险因素” 部分所指的因素，公司的实际业绩可能与这些前瞻性陈述所预计的业绩产生重大差异。