Kibali Gold Unveils Ambitious Plan for 100% Renewable Energy in DRC
Kibali Gold, one of Africa’s largest gold mines, has announced an ambitious plan to transition to 100% renewable energy, supporting the energy transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, by Jean Paul Ilunga, an electrical engineer with Barrick Gold Corporation, during the inaugural day of the DRC Mining Week.
During a forum focused on investment in the energy sector, Kibali Gold presented a series of innovative projects aimed at transforming its energy profile for a more sustainable future. Discussions centered on solutions to combat the energy deficit in the mining sector.
“The Kibali gold mine began operations with a thermal power plant composed of diesel generators with a total capacity of 43 megawatts,” revealed Jean Paul Ilunga.
He noted that since 2015, the mine has been transitioning to green energy to reduce dependence on diesel generators, lower energy production costs, and decrease carbon emissions.
According to Ilunga, Kibali Gold plans to invest in hydrogen production to improve the efficiency of its generators and reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 12%.
The company, led by Country Director Cyrille Mutombo, also aims to rehabilitate the Nzoro 1 hydroelectric plant, increasing its capacity from 600 kilowatts to 4 megawatts. Additionally, Kibali Gold will identify and prepare sites for new hydroelectric plants to meet growing energy demands.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Kibali as a leader in sustainability in Africa. The company believes that renewable energy is not only environmentally responsible but also a viable economic opportunity.
Kibali Gold also emphasized the economic benefits of investing in the energy sector for growth in the DRC. For example, its solar power plant project with a battery storage system is expected to save the country about $11 million annually.
Scheduled for completion in 2025, this solar plant project is forecasted to provide a return on investment within six years and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 21%.
By spearheading these projects, Kibali Gold aims to set a benchmark for sustainable mining practices in Africa, showcasing renewable energy as both an ecological necessity and an economic asset.
