Barrick Strengthens Environmental Monitoring and Local Economic Benefits in DRC
Barrick Highlights Environmental Management and $1.1 Billion Economic Contribution from DRC Operations
Barrick Mining Corporation is placing environmental monitoring and local economic participation at the centre of its mining activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a focus on managing operational impacts while increasing benefits for host communities.
The company monitors a range of environmental indicators across its operations, including water availability and quality, energy consumption, climate-related risks and biodiversity.
Its environmental management also covers land affected by mining activities, water generated through drilling operations and waste management.
Mine closure and rehabilitation are incorporated into planning to support the responsible restoration of sites at the end of their operating lives.
Barrick’s approach is based on understanding the specific environmental and social conditions of each operation.
Site-level practices are supported by group-wide standards designed to identify potential risks early and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
Water management remains an important part of the company’s environmental strategy.
Barrick uses site-specific water management plans that consider local water availability, climatic conditions and the requirements of communities and ecosystems. At its Kibali mine in northeastern DRC, for example, water management includes measures to deal with significant rainfall and runoff.
Beyond environmental management, Barrick highlights the economic contribution generated by its operations and supply chains.
In 2025, the company spent $7.1 billion with suppliers in its host countries, representing 75% of its total procurement expenditure.
Barrick also reported that 96% of its global workforce was drawn from the countries where it operates.
In the DRC, the Kibali gold mine remains a major economic contributor to the country’s northeast.
Barrick reported that the operation generated $1.1 billion in economic value in 2025 through taxes, royalties, dividends, salaries and local procurement.
The company also focuses on strengthening local businesses and creating employment opportunities around its mining operations.
Through local procurement, workforce development and community investment, Barrick seeks to increase the economic benefits generated beyond the mine site.
The company’s approach also extends to artisanal and small-scale mining, which remains an important economic activity in several areas where Barrick operates, including the DRC.
Barrick supports efforts to promote responsible formalisation of artisanal mining where appropriate, while maintaining boundaries around its legally permitted mining areas.
Through the combination of environmental risk management, local employment, procurement and community engagement, Barrick aims to support sustainable economic activity in the regions where it operates.
