Mark Bristow: “Kibali’s investment in the DRC has reached 4 billion USD”
Since its installation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), more precisely in Haut-Uélé, Kibali has invested four (4) billion US dollars.
At least that is what Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick Gold announced during the 45th press conference held on Thursday March 24, 2022.
In front of an audience made up not only of media professionals but also of elected officials from this corner of the country, business leaders, members of civil society and students, the CEO of Kibali engaged in a real exercise in accountability. A practice established by this mining giant for more transparency in its actions.
Of this investment of four (4) billion US dollars, approximately one billion dollars was used to pay taxes, levies, and other various payments to state structures in royalties, explained Cyril Mutombo, Resident Director-DRC of Barrick.
In twelve years of existence and activities in the DRC, Kibali has in its account several achievements whether on the side of the infrastructures and subcontractors that have been created.
“ It’s something we’re proud of. And the focus is to look at how the dividends of what we generate are redistributed so that all the surrounding layers can benefit and take advantage of what is done by Kibali” , said the President and CEO of Barrick Gold.
Apart from this brilliant turnover, he also returned to the evolution of the factory. It has been very stable for more than four years since it was installed. It should be noted that this mine is the most automated in Africa.
Women, although not numerous, occupy a place of choice, insisted the boss of Barrick.
Still regarding the mine, it is important to know that 7,783 kt was processed in 2021. There has been a steady increase in recovery in the mills since 2019 and an 89.8% recovery reached in 2021.
On the environmental front, Barrick is sponsoring the launch of the feasibility study for the reintroduction of the white rhineceros in the Garamba National Park.
According to the envisaged plan, it will be a question of relocating approximately 50 rhinos which constitute an essential element of the long-term plan for the protection of this species.
Ultimately, Kibali was able to sign its specifications with the community.
“This process was not easy for us, it took us three years of negotiation with the communities. To date, we are very happy to have concluded these negotiations. Kibali has finally signed its specifications and we will continue with the various partnerships with the German Cooperation (GIZ), USAID. “, noted Cyril Mutombo.
“ We are building a long-term business with stable future growth ,” concluded Mark Bristow.
The vision of this mining giant is indeed to be the most valuable gold company in the world by finding, developing and exploiting the best assets with the best people.
