Core Insights - Ivanhoe Mines has commenced initial production of copper anodes at its Kamoa-Kakula smelter, which is the largest copper smelter in Africa with a capacity of 500,000 tonnes per annum [1] - The smelter is expected to ramp up production and reach steady-state production rates by the end of 2026, with sales anticipated to exceed production levels as the company processes stockpiled copper [2] - The first sale of copper anodes has been completed, marking a significant milestone for the company following a $1.1 billion investment [4] Production and Capacity - The Kamoa-Kakula smelter produced its first copper anodes approximately five weeks after the heat-up process began and one week after receiving its first concentrate feed [1] - The smelter plans to process 20,000 tonnes of stockpiled copper into 99.7% pure copper anodes to capitalize on near-record copper prices [2] - Annual production capacity for sulphuric acid is forecasted to reach up to 700,000 tonnes, which will help meet local demand following Zambia's export ban [3] Operational Developments - Mining operations at Kakula have completed stage two dewatering and have begun selective mining earlier than planned, allowing access to higher-grade ore areas [5] - Infrastructure improvements include a 60MW uninterruptible power supply system, with a solar power site expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026 [4] - Unsold stocks of copper in concentrate are projected to decrease from 37,000 tonnes to around 17,000 tonnes throughout 2026 [3]