Kipushi Training Centre
The Kipushi Training Centre is a specialized workforce development facility established by Ivanhoe Mines to support the restart and operation of the high-grade Kipushi Zinc- Copper Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is designed to upskill local employees and ensure a qualified, future-ready workforce for the mine’s operations.
The center provides technical and soft skills training, including operator training, Microsoft proficiency, and industrial skills.
As of mid-2025, 120 employees completed certified training programs during the second quarter alone. Training programs impacted over 2 000 employees for 2025. The facility utilizes a Learning Management System (LMS) to track training data and enhance management efficiency. It also includes “Train the Trainer” programs, which allow staff to sharpen teaching and leadership skills.
The training center is part of a broader commitment to local employment, with over 95% of the 1,480+ staff at the Kipushi project being Congolese.
The center emphasizes safety and technical excellence, preparing workers to operate high-tech mining equipment such as the Simba production drill rig and working in the 1,290-metre-level underground station.
Upskilling Success Stories
Concentrator Team - 100% Congolese
A defining achievement for KICO is that the concentrator is operated by a 100% Congolese team. Around 80% of the plant workforce was redeployed from underground roles and completed a two-month training programme at the Kamoa-Kakula operation prior to plant commissioning. This approach has built a deep base of local technical expertise, strengthened long-term career pathways for Congolese employees and demonstrated the ability of a national workforce to operate a world-class processing facility. KICO continues to invest in technical training, supervisory development and knowledge transfer to sustain operating performance and support future expansions.
More stories to follow....