KIBALI Gold Mine, nestled in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is redefining mining on the African continent. As one of the largest gold mines in Africa, it is equally renowned for its world-class sustainability practices and advanced automation, raising the bar for responsible resource extraction.
A robust public-private venture driving transformation
Kibali is operated by Barrick and owned by a joint venture—Barrick Gold (45 percent), AngloGold Ashanti (45 percent) and state-owned Société Minière de Kilo-Moto (SOKIMO) (10 percent). It has grown into both a profitable mining operation and a catalyst for regional development in a formerly underprivileged region, delivering economic growth, infrastructure and jobs.
Industrial excellence backed by sustainability
During its Q2 2025 presentation, Barrick CEO Mark Bristow hailed the mine’s performance, saying ‘we saw solid performance across the portfolio,’ and spotlighted Kibali’s improvements in production and unit costs.
Kibali now claims its place among the world’s most automated and greenest gold mines. Mining Weekly reported that ‘the sun is further strengthening Kibali’s position as one of the greenest gold mines in the world and also as one of the most automated.’
Green energy: hydropower, solar and battery integration
Kibali’s power system is a model of renewable integration. Three hydropower stations already supply most of its electricity. A 16 MW solar plant coupled with battery energy storage was commissioned in 2025, raising the renewable share from about 81 percent to 85 percent. These additions allow the mine to run entirely on renewables for six months of the year.
The solar-plus-storage project also cuts fuel consumption by 53 percent, significantly lowering carbon emissions. Barrick describes this as transparent demonstration of how an energy transition should be executed in practice—not just for Africa but globally.
Automation: smarter, safer, and more efficient
Kibali is also a technological pioneer. It has introduced autonomous systems—from underground haulage and loaders to remote control centres—that reduce risks to workers and improve productivity. Coupling automation with machine learning (for power control) and reactive battery management further diminishes reliance on diesel backup. As Bristow stated: ‘Automation makes Kibali a real role model for mining in Africa.’
Economic powerhouse in the north-east DRC
Kibali is the single largest economic contributor in north-eastern DRC, spanning Haut-Uele and Ituri provinces. To date, in-country investments have exceeded $6.3bn, including $3.1bn paid to local contractors and partners.
Since its opening in 2013, the mine has consistently replaced every ounce of gold mined—and drilling in the ARK-KCD corridor shows promising reserve extensions both laterally and at depth. That ensures continued production within the existing footprint.
Sustainable community and biodiversity investments
Kibali’s environmental credentials extend beyond energy. It holds ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certifications, underscoring high standards in health, safety and environmental management. A suite of water-saving projects has reduced fresh-water extraction from 15 percent to 11 percent.
On the biodiversity front, the mine supports Garamba National Park. After reintroducing 16 white rhinos in 2023, Barrick plans to introduce a further 64 in 2025 under a partnership with African Parks and ICCN.
Local development is also funded through a 0.3 percent revenue-based community fund, and an $8.9 million Cahier des Charges initiative has launched several projects. Through ARSP collaboration and transparent tenders, more than 700 Congolese companies are engaged in local supply chains. The Barrick Academy provides training—with 170 employees completing development courses in Q2 2025.
Looking ahead: resource growth and technological investment
Kibali’s drilling success along the ARK-KCD corridor suggests a long life ahead, as reserves grow within the current footprint. Further automation, digitisation, and renewable integration are planned to boost efficiency, safety and sustainability.
Kibali as a blueprint for future mining
This operation demonstrates that profitability, productivity and sustainability can co-exist. Kibali stands as a template for mining across Africa and beyond—an operation where automation, community development and environmental stewardship are integral, not optional.
Credit: Africabrieifing
