Barrick Tightens Ebola Safety Measures at Kibali Gold Mine Amid Deadly Congo Outbreak
Barrick Increases Ebola Screening at Kibali Mine as Congo Outbreak Death Toll Reaches 131
Barrick Mining has intensified Ebola prevention measures at its Kibali Gold Mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a deadly outbreak in a neighbouring province.
The company confirmed that no Ebola cases have been detected among workers at the mine.
However, Barrick has introduced enhanced screening and monitoring procedures as a precautionary response to the outbreak, which has already claimed 131 lives, according to health officials.
Ebola, a highly infectious virus transmitted through bodily fluids, was first detected in Ituri province earlier this month, although authorities believe the outbreak began in late April.
Health officials have warned that the actual death toll could rise further as investigations continue.
Barrick said it has implemented several preventive measures for employees and contractors at Kibali, including daily temperature screening, travel declarations and awareness campaigns aimed at educating workers about Ebola symptoms and transmission risks.
The company employs and contracts about 7,600 people at Kibali, with some workers reportedly originating from the affected Ituri province.
Public health experts have warned that the high level of movement across eastern Congo’s mining and trading regions could complicate containment efforts.
Kibali, one of Africa’s largest gold mines, is jointly owned by Barrick and AngloGold Ashanti, which each hold a 45% stake, while Congolese state-owned miner SOKIMO owns the remaining 10%. Barrick operates the mine.
The outbreak has raised concerns across the region, particularly given the economic disruption caused by previous Ebola epidemics in Central and West Africa, which affected trade, mining operations and cross-border movement.
Kibali produced about 673,000 ounces of gold in 2025, with production for 2026 expected to range between 600,000 oz and 688,000 oz.
