The Kamoa-Kakula deposit is one the world's largest high grade, copper-only deposits, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kamoa Copper, a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, will develop the new copper mine which will yield an estimated 6Mt/y in its first phase alone. The Kakula deposit has been independently ranked as the world's largest, undeveloped, high-yield, high-grade copper discovery. The Kakula resource is estimated at 174Mt at a grade of 5.62% copper.

DRA's project delivery relationship with Ivanhoe Mines started on the high-grade platinum-group metals, nickel and copper Platreef project in South Africa. It was on this project that DRA demonstrated its experienced capability in project delivery which proved to be a key differentiator for the organisation on Kakula. 

DRA was contracted to complete the pre-feasibility study (PFS) for Kamoa Copper in 2017. In October 2018, DRA was further awarded the contract to deliver a complete basic engineering package. The contract scope includes the basic engineering and design associated with all underground mining infrastructure, the concentrator plant and all supporting surface infrastructure. Work began in October 2018 and is estimated to conclude by mid-2019.

In addition to the basic engineering, DRA offers continued support on the early works, which includes equipping the main declines with dewatering and conveyor systems, ventilation shafts and associated surface infrastructure.

Alistair Hodgkinson, executive vice president, projects at DRA Global, has credited winning the entire basic engineering contract to the teams' hard work, commitment, flexible solutions, and client relationships.

He commented: "The team working on this project has gone above and beyond to meet deadlines and exceed client expectations ultimately to ensure that this signature project starts producing as soon as possible. The DRA team overcome all challenges head-on and worked in collaboration to find flexible solutions that add value to the project."