Core Viewpoint - The rapid increase in mining capacity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to significant energy demands that the local power grid cannot meet, resulting in challenges for mining operations [1][4][5]. Group 1: Mining Capacity and Energy Demand - Since 2021, local mining companies in DRC have increased production capacity from 1 million tons to over 3 million tons, but the energy supply remains inadequate [1][4]. - The copper and cobalt mining processes are highly energy-intensive, with electricity consumption accounting for 60%-70% of the production process [4]. - The DRC's hydropower capacity increased from 2,700 MW to approximately 3,200 MW between 2021 and 2023, with annual generation rising from about 12 TWh to between 14 TWh and 16 TWh [4]. Group 2: Challenges in Power Supply - Mining companies face significant challenges due to limited access to hydropower, leading to reliance on expensive diesel generators and solar storage systems [6][8]. - The average annual diesel procurement cost for mining companies is around $2 million, with power supply interruptions occurring more than once a day [8][9]. - The cost of electricity for mineral development accounts for 20%-30% of total operating costs, with metal mining (copper, aluminum, lead) electricity costs comprising 15%-25% [9]. Group 3: Equipment and Operational Adjustments - KFM has implemented a strategy to procure diesel generators and optimize equipment selection to mitigate the impact of power outages [13][14]. - The company has purchased 13 diesel generators to ensure production continuity during power interruptions, despite the cost being 2-3 times higher than normal electricity [13]. - KFM has also modified equipment to improve operational efficiency, such as enhancing the cooling systems of diesel generators to achieve a 40% increase in performance [18]. Group 4: Future Power Solutions - To address long-term power supply issues, the company is constructing a 200 MW hydropower station, expected to begin operations in 2028 [21][22]. - The company is also exploring larger hydropower projects to meet future production demands of 800,000 to 1 million tons [22].