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Case study · Mining

Kamoa Copper Mine

Check surveying and survey team support during construction and expansion at Kamoa Copper in the DRC.

Place
Kamoa Copper Mine, Democratic Republic of Congo
Client
Ivanhoe Mines / Kamoa Copper SA
Our role
Check surveyors and survey team support
A precast concrete wall being assembled with a mobile crane on red soil

Overview

Kamoa Copper is a major copper deposit in the DRC and a fast-moving operation: infrastructure builds, plant expansions and underground development all run at once. Geovantage was engaged as check surveyors to oversee accuracy, verify construction works and manage the survey deliverables that feed the mine's planning systems.

Quick factGeovantage supports Africa's largest copper smelter, which is also one of the world's lowest in CO₂.

Scope of work

  • Planning Surveys: mapping for future expansions and updating mine layout records
  • GPR Scanning: pre-excavation utility detection to safeguard workers and assets
  • Survey Team Oversight: ensuring all crews adhered to accuracy and QA standards
  • Control Network Expansion: integrating new control into the existing mine framework
  • Anchor Bolt & Concrete Verification: ensuring structural alignment before pours and mechanical installation
  • Volume Surveys: for earthworks, stockpiles, and material movement tracking
  • As-Built Surveys: for concrete foundations, steel structures, conveyors, and other fixed plant components

Challenges

  • Ongoing mine expansion requiring new control networks to be integrated with existing survey data
  • Need for precise as-built documentation to support engineering close-out and commissioning
  • Multiple contractors working under tight timelines
  • Remote location with complex logistical and environmental conditions

Our approach

We deployed a multi-skilled survey team to work in parallel with the mine's construction and engineering departments. Our role was both reactive, verifying works as they were completed, and proactive, establishing control, expanding survey coverage, and providing data for future planning. As with Lumwana, as-built surveys were carried out immediately after works to ensure there was an accurate, signed-off record before handover.

Technology and deliverables

Instrumentation

  • GPR Units: subsurface utility mapping
  • UAV / Drone Systems: large-area mapping and photogrammetry
  • Digital Levels: height control for structures

Deliverables

  • Full as-built documentation (DWG/PDF)
  • Deviation reports
  • Updated mine plans
  • Volume calculations
  • GPR reports
  • Revised control network data
  • A total station set up among concrete plinths
  • A crane lifting precast wall blocks into place
  • Workers at the foot of an interlocking precast wall
  • A low-bed truck delivering precast blocks to the wall
  • A total station overlooking an excavation with a crane and the precast wall
  • A total station set up among concrete plinths under a blue sky
  • A surveyor beside the precast wall with a crane lifting overhead
  • A total station in front of the interlocking precast wall

Outcome

Independent oversight meant problems were found early, before they were built over. Survey data went straight into the mine's planning systems, rework risk came down and safety protocols were met. The client was left with a reliable as-built record of every stage of construction, which matters for operations and for legal purposes.

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