Shari Minerals Gold Project Advances Toward 2027 Production in DRC
DRC’s Shari Minerals Gold Project Targets September 2027 Production in Ituri
The Shari Minerals gold project in Ituri Province is advancing toward commercial production, with the project partners targeting the start of gold output in September 2027.
The latest progress was presented to DRC Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba in Kinshasa on September 4 by the Société Minière de Kilo-Moto (SOKIMO), which is developing the project in partnership with Shari Investment.
Led by SOKIMO Board Chairman François Kakese, the delegation briefed the minister on the project’s implementation, progress to date and the next stages of development.
Shari Minerals was established through a partnership between SOKIMO and Shari Investment, formalised through a collaboration and partnership agreement.
According to SOKIMO, project activities began in June 2026, with the partners now working through the initial development phase.
One of the project’s key components is the construction of a gold-processing plant in Ituri, which is expected to support the transition from project development to industrial gold production.
SOKIMO said implementation is progressing in line with the established schedule, with production currently planned for September 2027 approximately 15 months after the start of project activities.
Boosting industrial gold production
The project is expected to contribute to the expansion of industrial gold production in Ituri, a province with significant mineral potential but where much of the gold sector has historically been dominated by artisanal and small-scale mining.
The development of new industrial processing capacity could strengthen the formalisation of gold production while increasing the province’s contribution to the DRC’s mining economy.
For SOKIMO, the project also represents another step in efforts to unlock value from the company’s extensive mineral assets through partnerships with private-sector investors.
Focus shifts to execution
With initial activities already underway, the focus will now be on maintaining the project schedule, completing the planned processing infrastructure and preparing for commissioning.
If the September 2027 target is achieved, Shari Minerals would add new industrial gold production capacity to the DRC’s mining sector and further diversify the country’s mineral production beyond its dominant copper and cobalt industries.
The project’s progress will therefore be closely watched as the DRC seeks to attract investment, expand industrial mining and increase the value generated from its gold resources.
