The Kamoa copper project, a landmark joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is globally recognised as the largest undeveloped high-grade copper discovery. This distinction, confirmed by international mining consultancy Wood Mackenzie, underscores the strategic significance of the site in the global copper market.
AECI Mining Explosives DRC has been a key partner since the project's inception. The partnership began in 2014 with the blasting of the Kansoko Box Cut, marking the first phase of site development. Although operations briefly paused in 2015 due to the global downturn in copper prices, the collaboration resumed with renewed momentum in 2016.
AECI played a vital role in the initial ground-breaking blasts for the two main portals that launched underground development at Kamoa. Since then, the company has remained a supplier of blasting solutions at the site, providing high-performance explosives, initiation systems, and expert support tailored to the complex geology of the region.
This enduring partnership highlights AECI’s capability to deliver consistent value in challenging environments and its ongoing commitment to supporting the DRC’s emergence as a global copper powerhouse.
“AECI Mining Explosives has played a central role in the accelerated development of the Kamoa Mine,” says Kazadi Kaninda, Managing Director of AECI DRC. “One clear example is our deployment and support of what we believe to be the largest fleet of Mobile Charging Units (MCUs) in the region, currently 36 units, with plans to expand to 45 by the end of 2024. Without this scale and efficiency, key project milestones would not have been achievable.”
Kaninda emphasises that this accomplishment underscores AECI Mining Explosives’ exceptional engineering capabilities and its ability to deliver critical project support in complex, high-output mining environments.
Advanced MCU Technology for Harsh Mining Conditions
AECI’s Mobile Charging Units (MCUs) are engineered to deliver the full spectrum of the company’s bulk explosives products, from standard development ends to deep vertical production holes. Designed to perform reliably in the most demanding mining environments, these units ensure safe, efficient, and precise explosive delivery across a wide range of underground and surface mining applications.
Innovative Vertical Drop and Up-Hole Charging Solutions at Kamoa
A key technological advancement supporting the Kamoa copper project is AECI Mining Explosives’ emulsion vertical drop system. “AECI is a leader in vertical drop technology, and Kamoa has been able to maximise production through seamless emulsion delivery directly to underground blast faces,” says Kazadi Kaninda, Managing Director of AECI DRC.
The company also holds a unique market advantage in up-hole charging. “Our products consistently retain themselves in vertically drilled holes up to 90 degrees and in excess of 30 metres deep, with diameters ranging from 89 mm to 102 mm,” Kaninda explains. “This level of performance is unmatched by any other explosives supplier in the region.”
In response to increasing production demands at Kamoa, AECI Mining Explosives is finalising plans for an on-site emulsion manufacturing plant. “With copper output rising, securing a reliable, on-site supply of explosives has become critical,” Kaninda adds. “This initiative will strengthen the mine’s supply chain and support ongoing production stability.”
