Kibali Gold Mine Achieves Record Performance and Strengthens Sustainability Efforts
Barrick Gold Corp, headquartered in Canada, reports that its joint venture Kibali Gold Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo achieved improved performance during the last quarter of 2024, culminating in its highest annual throughput since the mine’s commissioning.
This milestone highlights the mine’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and its ability to deliver strong results, according to the company.
Sebastiaan Bock, Barrick Africa and Middle East COO, noted, “Despite facing challenges in 2024, including leadership changes and a necessary reset, Kibali has proven itself to be a reliable, low-cost producer. The mine is well-positioned to leverage this foundation for continued success in 2025 and beyond.”
The management team at Kibali has been strengthened, with a focused effort on exploring highly prospective areas within the Kibali permit.
These areas have significant potential for new gold discoveries close to the processing plant, enhancing the mine’s reserve pipeline.
Additionally, Barrick is advancing the construction of a 16 MW solar plant at Kibali to reduce its CO2 emissions from 45,000 t/y to 24,000 t/y.
“Kibali is not only Africa’s largest gold mine and a leader in automation, but it is also fast becoming a model for renewable energy integration in African mining,” said Bock.
While Kibali already sources much of its electricity from three hydropower stations, the new solar plant and battery energy storage system, which is expected to be completed by June 2025, will help reduce the mine’s fuel consumption by 53%.
This project will increase the share of renewable energy in Kibali’s energy mix from 81% to 85%, and will allow the mine to operate with 100% renewable power during the region’s dry season for six months each year.
In addition, the mine has reduced freshwater extraction from the Kibali River from 15% to 11% in 2024, following modifications to the water reticulation system. Four 50-ton electric trucks have also been delivered to the site for a trial operation.
