CMOC has completed river diversion works at the N’zilo II Hydropower Station Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking a key construction milestone and enabling the project to move into the main dam construction phase. Water is now being safely conveyed through the project's left-bank diversion tunnel, creating conditions for the next stage of development.

The diversion operation was carried out under challenging hydrological and geological conditions, with limited working space in the narrow river valley and complex logistics requirements. Project teams coordinated hydrological monitoring, geological assessments, equipment deployment and local stakeholder engagement throughout the process. Through continuous optimization of construction plans and real-time monitoring of river flows, the diversion was completed as scheduled.

With the river successfully diverted, the project will progress to major civil works, including foundation excavation, slope stabilization and roller-compacted concrete placement for the dam structure. Construction of the water conveyance system, metal structures, electromechanical installations and supporting operational facilities will also continue in parallel.

Located approximately 60 kilometres from Kolwezi in Lualaba Province, the N’zilo II project is situated on the middle reaches of the Lualaba River and forms the second stage of a four-tier hydropower cascade. The project is positioned between the N’zilo I Hydropower Station upstream and the N’seke Hydropower Station downstream, while the Busanga Hydropower Station serves as the final development on the river section.

Designed with an installed capacity of 200 MW, the hydropower station will comprise a roller-compacted concrete gravity dam, a dam-toe powerhouse, a right-bank spillway and bottom outlet structures. The reservoir will have seasonal regulation capability, with a normal operating water level of 1,162.5 metres and active storage capacity of approximately 202 million cubic metres. Prior to river diversion, the project completed construction of the diversion tunnel, river crossing bridge and access roads, while dam works commenced earlier this year.

Once commissioned, N’zilo II is expected to strengthen long-term power supply reliability for CMOC’s mining operations in the DRC and increase the share of renewable energy in the company’s energy mix. The project is also expected to support local economic development through improved electricity availability, job creation and associated infrastructure development.

Earlier this year, CMOC established its Power Business Division to further strengthen the management and development of energy infrastructure supporting its operations.