The Kibali gold mine’s investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo now exceeds $4-billion and it has created a thriving regional economy in a remote part of the country by partnering with and mentoring local entrepreneurs, uplifting host communities and upgrading essential infrastructure, says gold and copper producer Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow.

He comments that Kibali is not only Africa’s largest gold mine, it is also a global leader in automation, sustainability initiatives, clean energy and skills training.

“Thanks to Barrick’s policy of local employment and advancement, 94% of Kibali’s workforce, including its management, are Congolese nationals.

“It is now also driving the employment of women in the traditionally male-dominated mining industry through targeted recruitment campaigns and development programmes designed to equip them for rewarding careers at all levels of the organisation,” he says.

Bristow highlights that Kibali is on track to meet its full-year production guidance and has again posted an injury-free quarter. Its three “world-class” hydropower stations are mitigating the impact of higher fuel prices and significantly reducing the mine’s carbon footprint.

He adds that the stations were built well before climate change became a priority issue, demonstrating Barrick’s long-standing commitment to sustainability in all its activities.

Kibali’s gold reserves have grown net of depletion for three successive years, and ongoing conversion drilling is expected to continue this trend, despite producing in excess of 5.7-million ounces of gold to date.

He mentions that ongoing exploration is delivering new growth opportunities with the potential to grow the mineral resource base beyond the original feasibility study.

Further, local sustainability projects include the construction of a “world-class” aquaponics farm and the erection of a vocational and technical training centre to promote capacity building in the community.

Consequently, implementation of the cahier des charges mechanism has started, following its approval by government. This will add to the current commitment of investing 0.3% of revenue in community projects identified in consultation with the mine’s community development committees.