Built for the Site: Daqo's Low-Voltage Switchgear Solution for Kamoa-Kakula

More than 300 low-voltage switchgear units engineered to support reliable power distribution, long-term operation and efficient maintenance at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Smelter

For the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Smelter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zhenjiang Klockner-Moeller Electrical Systems Co., Ltd. (ZKM), a Daqo Group company, supplied more than 300 low-voltage switchgear units. The project-specific solution was engineered for high ambient temperatures, long-term operation and efficient maintenance, with commissioning of the supplied switchgear package completed 20 days ahead of schedule.

Project at a glance

• 300+ low-voltage switchgear units supplied

• 500,000 tonnes per year of copper-anode nameplate capacity

• Up to 700,000 tonnes per year of high-strength sulphuric acid expected at steady-state operation

• 20 days ahead of schedule for commissioning of the supplied switchgear package

The smelter forms part of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, operated by Kamoa Copper S.A. Its nameplate capacity is 500,000 tonnes of copper anodes per year, with expected annual production of up to 700,000 tonnes of high-strength sulphuric acid as a by-product at steady-state operation.

Kamoa-Kakula Copper Smelter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Power Distribution Built Around Continuous Production

Copper smelting is a continuous industrial process, making stable power distribution essential to maintaining production, protecting critical equipment and minimizing operational disruption.

At a facility of this scale, the low-voltage distribution system also had to perform under high ambient temperatures and support practical inspection, operation and maintenance over the long term.

ZKM developed a project-specific solution spanning switchgear engineering, thermal management, manufacturing, integrated testing and on-site commissioning support.

Daqo low-voltage switchgear installed at the project site

Thermal Management Tailored to the Site

To reduce thermal stress in high ambient temperatures, the switchgear incorporates active air intake and exhaust systems. The enhanced ventilation design improves heat dissipation and supports stable, reliable operation over the long term.

The engineering team also optimized the switchgear structure, component configuration, thermal layout and manufacturing processes around the operating characteristics of the smelting facility. Long-term maintenance requirements were considered throughout the design to support efficient inspection, operation and servicing at the project site.

Coordinated Execution from Engineering to Handover

Throughout project execution, ZKM worked closely with the project team across technical coordination, engineering, manufacturing, testing, packaging and delivery.

During on-site commissioning, Daqo's service engineers supported system verification, technical coordination and operational handover. Close coordination with the project team helped complete commissioning of the supplied low-voltage switchgear package 20 days ahead of schedule.

As part of the handover, the service team worked with site operations and maintenance personnel to review electrical drawings, system principles, operating procedures and maintenance requirements, supporting a smooth transition into operation.

More Than Equipment Supply

The Kamoa-Kakula project demonstrates Daqo's capability to support complex industrial projects through reliable power distribution, site-specific engineering and coordinated project execution.

By bringing together manufacturing, engineering and on-site service, Daqo works with customers and project partners to address the practical demands of large-scale industrial facilities across different markets and operating environments.

Daqo will continue to strengthen its global project capabilities, supporting the development of reliable and resilient electrical infrastructure for critical industries worldwide.