AMN - DRC: Kibali underground sets new records

The underground operation at Barrick Gold Corporation's Kibali Gold Mine in the DRC set new mining and shaft production records in the third quarter. This keeps the Tier-1 gold mine on track to meet or beat its guidance of 750,000 ounces for the year.

Throughput and recovery for the quarter were at or above the nameplate level.

Briefing local media, Barrick's president and chief executive Mark Bristow said Kibali – already a world leader in automation – was taking this to the next level with the commissioning of a Newtrax system.

He said this would provide real-time data collection, enhance predictive maintenance, track and manage the fleet, and implement a digital safety system with personnel tracking.

The mine is also working towards a proof of concept of a highly advanced system which will allow manned and unmanned operations in the same area.

“In line with our policy of local employment and advancement, we continue to transfer the specialised skills required for automated mining to our Congolese workforce," Bristow said.

"The success of this policy is evident in Kibali’s consistently excellent performance and shows what can be achieved with a world-class asset in a remote and under-developed region of Africa,” he said.

Positive drill results over the last few years from Ikmava-Kalimva as well as KCD underground are expected to result in reserve growth net of annual depletion. Ongoing exploration has positioned Kibali for continued reserve replacement for years to come, with further potential open pit extensions in Gorumbwa, Sessenge and the potential KCD super pit, in addition to the definition of the new KCD underground 11000 Lode.

Bristow noted that Kibali was maintaining its solid health, safety and environmental record despite the size and complexity of the operation.

“Following the transition of political power in the DRC, which happened peacefully in the face of many challenges, we plan to engage the new administration in a review of the 2018 mining code.

"We believe it is still possible to arrive at a dispensation which is more equitable to the industry,” he added.

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