Barrick said Kibali, Africa’s largest gold mine, is on track to replace its reserves beyond the ounces depleted by mining in the prior year, while new growth opportunities will support its 10-year-plus mine plan.
Mark Bristow, Barrick president and chief executive, said Kibali’s orebody was continuing to deliver additional value with current drilling focused on converting resources into reserves and exploring the lodes, which are still open down plunge. In addition, the Mengu Hill, Ikanva and Gorumbwa targets are showing the potential for joining Kibali’s underground portfolio.
“Kibali is a highly cost-efficient operation with its three world-class hydropower stations supplying much of its energy requirements. They will be supplemented by a new 17-MW solar plant which, when completed in 2025, will raise the renewable component of the mine’s energy mix from 81% to 93%,” Bristow said.
Kibali’s green credentials also include its continuing reduction in the use of fresh water from the Kibali River and a reforestation program which to date has planted more than 10,000 trees.
The Kibali gold mine is located in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mine is owned by Kibali Goldmines SA, a joint venture between Barrick (45%) and AngloGold Ashanti (45%) and Société Miniére de Kilo-Moto (10%). The mine is operated by Barrick.
Source: Barrick Gold