Panelist during World Gold Day organized by the Chamber of Mines and the Federation of Congolese Companies (FEC), Cyril Mutombo returned to the contribution of the Kibali mining company over its fourteen (14) years of existence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a context where the gold industry in Africa only represents 45% of global production, the DRC has gold potential which should benefit its population thanks to the economic impact generated by mining companies in the sector. This is what Cyril Mutombo, Managing Director of Barrick RDC, underlines during his intervention at the panel.
Kibali, a model gold mine in the DRC, has succeeded in transforming the Doko region into a truly economically developed city. In fact, over the past 14 years, the company has contributed to the construction of 30 schools, two higher education establishments and three libraries. It has also awarded more than 100 scholarships, covered state examination fees for more than 10,000 students, established capacity building programs and carried out projects in agriculture and financial literacy.
In addition to these educational initiatives, Kibali has also invested in health infrastructure by building 28 clinics and providing medical equipment. The company’s development initiatives also include the construction of main and secondary roads, stadiums and sports complexes, as well as carrying out awareness programs on diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Cyril Mutombo emphasizes that Kibali has created lasting value by developing an economic hub in the North-East of the DRC. However, it also highlights the challenges to building a real gold industry in the DRC. It emphasizes the responsibility of the actors, the pilot role of the State, the legal framework, the incentive factors and the distinction between artisanal and industrial exploitation.
Cyril Mutombo’s participation during World Gold Day highlights the importance of the mining industry in the DRC and its impact on the socio-economic development of the country. Kibali is a concrete example of how a mining company can significantly contribute to improving the living conditions of local populations. It is now a matter of capitalizing on these successes to promote the growth of the gold industry in the DRC and guarantee that the Congolese population can truly benefit from this natural wealth.
Sources:
– “Panelist on World Gold Day: Kibali, the story of what mines can do in the DRC”, Nadine FULA, Fatshimetrie, October 26, 2023, https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/ 10/26/panelist-during-world-kibali-day-the-story-of-what-mines-can-do-in-drc/