Kibali is the largest gold mine in Africa (Image: Getty)
Africa’s largest gold mine has become one of the greenest on the continent.
Kibali, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has set new standards in eco-friendly practices, with much of its electricity being supplied by three hydropower stations.
It is expected the mine’s overall renewable electricty supply will increase from 81 % to 85 % when its new 16 megawatt solar plant and additional battery energy storage is completed.
President and chief executive of Barrick, a sector-leading gold and copper producer, Mark Bristow said for six months of the year the mine’s electrictiy demand will be met entirely by renewable energy.
Mr Bristow said: “Bearing in mind that Kibali is also a leader in automation, the mine is a real role model for mining in Africa.
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It is one of the greenest mines in Africa (Image: Getty)
“As a long-standing partner of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we built Kibali in the remote north-east of the country, opening up a new mining frontier and, in the process, also promoted the development of a flourishing local economy,” Bristow said.
“This partnership has been particularly beneficial for the DRC. Our total in-country investment to date in the form of royalties, taxes, dividends and payments to local suppliers amounts to $4.7 billion.
“The implementation of community development projects supported by Kibali’s community development fund, which contributes 0.3 % of revenue to such projects, continues with 44 new projects launched in 2023.
“The mine’s new Cahier des Charges scheme, funded by Kibali to the tune of $8.9 million over five years, has also launched 11 projects, with seven nearing completion. We’re also continuing our support for biodiversity with plans underway to introduce additional white rhinos to the Garamba National Park.”
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Kibali achieved its production guidance for 2023 (Image: Getty)
Operationally, Kibali achieved its production guidance for 2023, and set a new annual throughput record in the process.
Kibali is a standout example of what can be achieved through our commitment to partnering with our host countries and local communities, and we stand ready to work with the Government to grow our investments and development projects in the DRC.
Bristow noted that Kibali was a frontier mine which over 15 years had catalysed and promoted the growth of a thriving regional economy in the country’s remote North East region.
This continues to be driven by its multi-stakeholder model of partnering with local businesses and communities. To date, it has spent $2.87 billion with local contractors and suppliers.
The mine’s commitment to biodiversity preservation is set for its next stage as it fine-tunes plans to add 64 white rhinos to the 16 successfully relocated to Garamba National Park last year.