GOLD
28
MODERN MINING
May 2014
K
ibali, which will rank as one of
the largest gold mines in Africa
when it is in full production, is
owned by Randgold Resources
and AngloGold Ashanti, each
with a 45 % stake, and the DRC state gold min-
ing company, Société Miniere de Kilo-Moto
(SOKIMO). Kibali is being operated and devel-
oped by Randgold, and represents an invest-
ment of more than US$2,5 billion by Randgold
Resources and AngloGold Ashanti. By the end
of this year it will employ over 5 000 people
(including contractors).
While still a work in progress (it is both
an operating mine and a development proj-
ect), Kibali produced 88 200 ounces of gold
and made a profit from mining, before inter-
est, tax and depreciation, of US$68,3 million
in the three months to 31 December, its first
production quarter. Current production is
from its open-pit mine and an oxide circuit.
Commissioning of the sulphide circuit started
during the past quarter and development of the
underground mine remains on track with the
Kibali –
the DRC’s new gold
mega-mine
officially opened
The 7,2 Mt/a metallurgical plant is a two-stream facility able to treat both oxide and sulphide ores.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony with (from left to right)
outgoing Randgold Chairman Philippe Liétard, Minister
Kabwelulu, Kibali GM Louis Watum, Provincial Governor
Jean Bamanisa Saidi and Randgold CEO Mark Bristow.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Mines,
Martin Kabwelulu, officially opened the Kibali gold mine on
behalf of the country’s President, Joseph Kabila Kabange,
in a ceremony held on 2 May at the mine site. The opening
was attended by Province Orientale Governor Jean
Bamanisa Saidi, DRC cabinet ministers, ambassadors of
various countries and local dignitaries.
vertical shaft reaching the halfway mark and
the first underground ore accessed. The first
of four hydropower stations is currently being
commissioned and, with a capacity of 22 MW,
it is the largest of its kind in the Province
Orientale.
In 2014, Kibali – which has proven and
probable reserves of 12 Moz of gold – is target-
ing a production of 550 000 ounces. Once in
full production, the mine is expected to pro-
duce an average of 600 000 ounces a year over
