Kibali Gold Project Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa

Location
150km W Arua, Ghana

Nearest Town
Arua, Northern Region, Uganda/Democratic Republic of Congo border

Client
Kibali Gold Mines (Joint Venture between Randgold and AngloGold Ashanti)

Commodity
Gold

Contract Duration
2012 - 2018

Scope
Mechanised Development and Production Activities including Fleet Maintenance and Workforce Training

Kibali is in the north-east of DRC, approximately 150km west of the town of Arua, on the border with Uganda. The project was a joint venture between Randgold (45%), AngloGold Ashanti (45%), and Sokimo (10%). Kibali was anticipated to be one of the largest gold mines in Africa, consisting of open pit and underground operations.

Byrnecut commenced the excavation of twin portals and parallel declines in 2012, with the full scope of works to include decline, vertical, lateral and off-shaft development, production drilling, blasting, and haulage. We also managed all fleet maintenance.

Using large-scale longhole open stoping methods with paste fill, the project aimed to extract 2 million tonnes of ore per year with a combination of trackless and shaft haulage.

Our previous contract experience in the DRC, coupled with our familiarity with working in French-speaking African countries, distinguished us from our competitors.

As part of Byrnecut’s commitment to the project and the local community, extensive training facilities were set up to not only assist with the employment of the local workforce but also to develop their skills, minimising reliance on expatriate operators.