DRC, Barrick Commission 16MW Solar Plant

Key Figures & Findings: Barrick Gold Corporation, in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti and the Congolese state miner SOKIMO, has completed the commissioning of a 16MW solar plant with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Kibali gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This milestone project one of the largest of its kind in African mining, aims to optimize operations through renewable integration and underscores Barrick’s long-term sustainability commitment in the region.

Statistics & Insights: The solar plant, paired with BESS, boosts renewable energy use to 85%, allowing Kibali to run on 100% renewable power for six months annually. Barrick has invested over $6.3 billion in the DRC, with $3.1 billion paid to local contractors and partners.

Future Implications: If scaled across Barrick’s operations, the hybrid model could drive major cost efficiency gains. Its biodiversity efforts may also reinforce investor confidence in ESG-aligned mining strategies across Central Africa.

Source: Green Building Africa