Africa’s Largest Gold Mine Now Also One of Its Greenest
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Insights
From a market perspective, Barrick Gold Corporation's advancements in sustainability at its Kibali mine are significant. The shift towards a higher percentage of renewable energy usage is a forward-thinking move, likely to be well-received by environmentally conscious investors. The increase from 81% to 85% in renewable electricity supply and the ability to fully rely on renewable energy for half the year, positions Barrick as a leader in environmental responsibility within the mining sector. This could potentially lead to a competitive advantage as global trends favor companies with sustainable practices.
Moreover, the company's investment in local community development and biodiversity conservation initiatives may enhance its corporate social responsibility profile, possibly leading to improved relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo and local communities. Such initiatives can mitigate operational risks and enhance the company's license to operate, which can be a critical factor for long-term success in the mining industry.
Analyzing the financial implications, Barrick Gold Corporation's total in-country investment of $4.7 billion, including royalties, taxes, dividends and payments to local suppliers, underscores the company's substantial economic footprint in the DRC. The community development fund's contribution of 0.3% of revenue to local projects, along with the Cahier des Charges scheme, indicates a strategic approach to aligning business operations with community development, which may lead to sustainable operations and potentially reduce geopolitical risk.
Operationally, meeting the production guidance for 2023 and setting a new throughput record could be indicative of operational excellence and efficiency. The ability to replace reserves mined during the year is crucial for the company's sustainability and future production potential. These operational achievements may positively influence investor confidence and could be reflected in the company's stock performance.
From an environmental standpoint, Barrick Gold Corporation's commitment to increasing its renewable energy usage and supporting biodiversity through the introduction of additional white rhinos to the Garamba National Park are noteworthy. These efforts reflect a broader industry trend where mining companies are increasingly taking proactive steps to minimize their environmental footprint and contribute to conservation efforts. Such initiatives can be crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and for the company's reputation as a responsible steward of natural resources.
The implementation of a new solar plant and battery energy storage infrastructure to complement hydropower illustrates a strategic investment in renewable energy infrastructure that can provide long-term cost savings and energy security. The environmental impact of these initiatives could be substantial, reducing the carbon footprint of the mine's operations and potentially setting a benchmark for other mines in Africa and globally.
All amounts expressed in US dollars
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) (TSX:ABX) – Kibali, the largest gold mine in Africa, is now also one of the greenest mines on the African continent, Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow told media at a briefing here today.
Much of the electricity that drives Kibali is already supplied by its three hydropower stations. Once the mine’s new 16 megawatt solar plant and additional battery energy storage infrastructure, designed to back up the hydropower supply during the region’s dry season, are commissioned, it is expected the mine’s overall renewable electricity supply will increase from
“Bearing in mind that Kibali is also a leader in automation, the mine is a real role model for mining in Africa. As a long-standing partner of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we built Kibali in the remote north-east of the country, opening up a new mining frontier and, in the process, also promoted the development of a flourishing local economy,” Bristow said.
"This partnership has been particularly beneficial for the DRC. Our total in-country investment to date in the form of royalties, taxes, dividends and payments to local suppliers amounts to
Operationally, Kibali achieved its production guidance for 2023, and set a new annual throughput record in the process. It is also well on track to again successfully replace the reserves mined during the year. Kibali is a standout example of what can be achieved through our commitment to partnering with our host countries and local communities, and we stand ready to work with the Government to grow our investments and development projects in the DRC.
Enquiries:
DRC country manager
Cyrille Mutombo
+243 812 532 441
Investor and Media Relations
Kathy du Plessis
+44 20 7557 7738
Email: barrick@dpapr.com
Website: www.barrick.com
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “plan”, “on track”, “expect”, “progress”, “develop”, “promote”, “continue”, “grow”, “will”, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: Kibali’s potential to continue to replace reserves net of depletion; Kibali’s renewable power strategy and anticipated benefits from the completion of a new solar farm and battery energy storage system; Kibali’s status as one of the greenest mines in Africa; the anticipated benefits from Kibali’s local procurement initiatives and investment in local partnerships and communities; Barrick’s investment in community programs and projects including through the Cahiers des Charges program and its community development fund; Barrick’s sustainability strategy and investment in Africa’s biodiversity including through the reintroduction of white rhinos to the Garamba National Park; and Barrick’s commitment to the DRC and potential further growth opportunities.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management’s experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as silver, diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in the DRC and other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations; disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; uncertainty whether some or all of Barrick’s targeted investments and projects will meet the Company’s capital allocation objectives and internal hurdle rate; damage to the Company’s reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including negative publicity with respect to the Company’s handling of environmental matters or dealings with community groups, whether true or not; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics, including the effects and potential effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations to related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
FAQ
What is the renewable electricity supply expected to increase to at Kibali mine?
What is the total in-country investment to date in the form of royalties, taxes, dividends, and payments to local suppliers?
What is the contribution of Kibali's community development fund to community development projects?
What is the contact information for the DRC country manager and Investor and Media Relations?
