Name and Location
Kibali gold mine, Orientale province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Client
The Kibali joint venture comprises Randgold Resources (45%), AngloGold Ashanti (45%) and DRC State-owned mining company Société des Mines d’Or de Kilo-Moto (10%). Randgold is the developer and operator of the mine.

Project Description
The Kibali operation will comprise an integrated underground and openpit mine; a twin-circuit sulphide and oxide plant, with a throughput of six-million tonnes a year; four self-constructed hydropower stations; and a standby high-speed thermal power generator for backup during the dry season.

The mine was constructed over two overlapping phases.

Phase 1 covered the metallurgical plant, the first phase of the tailings storage facility, the construction of a hydropower station, a backup thermal power plant, construction of the tailings storage facility, openpit mining, all shared infrastructure and the completion of the community resettlement programme.

Phase 2 involves the development of the underground mine, including a twin decline and single-shaft vertical system, and three hydropower stations.

The current life-of-mine plan envisages an average yearly output of about 600 000 oz for the first 12 years, with an average grade of 4.1 g/t and 12-million ounces in reserves.

Value
Kibali represents an initial investment of $1.77-billion by Randgold and AngloGold Ashanti.

Duration
Phase 1 ran from the first quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of 2014.

Phase 2 is expected to deliver first ore in 2014 and to complete the vertical shaft sinking in 2016.

Latest Developments
The Kibali mine was officially opened on May 2.

The mine is producing gold from its openpit mining operation and oxide circuit. 
Commissioning of the sulphide circuit started during the last quarter, while development of Kibali’s underground mining operation remains on track with the vertical shaft reaching the halfway mark and the first underground ore accessed.

The first of four hydropower stations is also being commissioned and, with a capacity of 22 MW, it is the largest of its kind in the Orientale province.

Speaking at the opening of the mine, Randgold CE Mark Bristow said the successful development of Kibali could herald the birth of a new DRC economic region to rival the Katanga province.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Byrnecut (underground development); Shaft Sinkers (vertical shaft development); DTP (openpit mining) and DRA (metallurgical facility design and engineering, procurement and construction management).

On Budget and on Time?
Kibali was successfully commissioned ahead of schedule and on budget on September 24, 2013, with gold sales starting the following month.

Contact Details for Project Information
Randgold Resources, tel +44 20 7557 7738 or email randgold@dpapr.com.