Kibali, one of the largest gold mines in Africa, has become one of the greenest mines on the continent, according to owners Barrick
Mark Bristow, president and chief executive of Barrick, made the announcement at a media briefing and explained that this achievement was made through the use of green electricity at the site. Much of the electricity used on the project is supplied by its three hydropower stations but a new 16MW solar plant and accompanying energy storage infrastructure will ensure its overall renewable electricity supply will increase from 81% to 85% when commissioned. In addition, for six months of the year, electricity demand will be entirely net by renewable energy.
Bristow commented, “Bearing in mind that Kibali is also a leader in automation, the mine is a real role model for mining in Africa. As a long-standing partner of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 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.
"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 US$4.7bn. 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 US$8.9mn 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.”
