CENTRAL AFRICA | DRC Kinsevere processing plant Kinsevere shows its true colours International base metals company MMG made a grand entrance into the African mining sector when it acquired the world-class Katanga, DRC-based Kinsevere copper mine in February 2012. Having invested significantly in the operation since then, the project has exceeded its nameplate production capacity (in 2013) and is set to produce even greater volumes in 2014, writes Laura Cornish. records and exceeded nameplate capacity,” says MMG CEO Andrew Michelmore. IN SHORT Kinsevere’s true potential is starting to show – in the space of just two years since it was acquired by MMG. M MG’s commitment to Kinsevere, and in turn the DRC, has been evident ever since it acquired the project from Anvil Mining. Shortly after taking full control, the company focused intently on ramping up the mine’s 60 000 tpm (ROM) nameplate capacity by increasing mining rates (by 225%), mill throughput (by 72%), improving asset utilisation and stabilising power supply. In 2013, Kinsevere not only achieved its design capacity, but exceeded 20 MINING REVIEW AFRICA ISSUE 9 2014 it substantially, producing 62 076 t of copper cathode, two thirds more than 2012, thereby contributing to a significant rise in the company’s total copper production for the year. MMG owns operational mines and development projects in Australia and Asia. “The particularly strong and consistent performance at Sepon [in Asia] and Kinsevere during the year contributed to 23% higher total copper production compared to 2012. Both of these operations achieved annual production Having recognised the operation’s full capabilities, the company has subsequently updated its 2014 production guidance to even higher numbers – between 63 and 68 000 t of copper cathode. While organic growth at Kinsevere is clearly still on the agenda, MMG is also open about its intention to use the operation as a platform for growth within the larger, highly prospective African Copperbelt region. The company is in fact already underway with a targeted exploration programme in areas around Kinsevere, with the aim of identifying deposits that can