Barrick Gold is pursuing new opportunities in gold and copper with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a senior company official.
Mining Weekly quoted president and chief executive Mark Bristow said the company's intentions are inspired by the achievements of Kibali, the largest gold mine in Africa.
Bristow highlighted the significance of Kibali's contribution to the transformation of the formerly impoverished northeastern region into a thriving commercial centre and a new economic frontier.
“Of our $5-billion investment in the DRC, more than half has been spent with local contractors and suppliers, many of whose growth into substantial businesses we have promoted by enhancing their commercial and technical skills and providing them with the opportunities to exercise these,” he said. “Kibali’s third hydropower station, for example, was built by an all-Congolese team.”
The scheduled commissioning of a 16MW solar plant and accompanying batteries in 2025 contributes to Kibali's progress towards renewable energy.
By utilising renewal power exclusively during the six-month rainy season, the facility will increase its reliance on renewable energy from 81% to 85%.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
