AI, IoT safeguard future of Kibali gold mine
- October 19, 2021
- William Payne
Canadian gold miner Barrick, the world’s second largest gold mining company, is automating operations and implementing machine learning at its mine in Kibali, Democratic Republic of Congo. The implementation of automation and machine learning will help the mine grow its mineral reserves net of depletion and secure its future as a Tier One operation for at least another 10 years, Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow said during a visit to the mine with officials of the Government of DRC in October.
Speaking to a group of government, community and media representatives, Bristow said that continuing investment in technological innovation was keeping Kibali at the forefront of developments in automated mining.
Machine learning has been implemented at the mine’s three hydropower stations and reactive control of the enlarged battery installation will further reduce the need for back-up diesel generation, shrinking Kibali’s already relatively small carbon footprint. New automation software for the underground haulage loaders has been installed and the commissioning of a system for remote stope bogging now enables operators to control loaders from surface.
“Surface control is safer and more efficient, and it also creates employment opportunities for women in an industry where these are not abundant. It’s worth noting that all these operators are Congolese, as Kibali continues to employ and upskill locals in line with Barrick’s global policy of giving preference to host country nationals. Congolese citizens currently make up 94% of Kibali’s workforce including its leadership,” Bristow said.
Bristow said the growth of Kibali had catalysed and supported the emergence of a local economy in a region previously largely reliant on subsistence farming. In the year to date, the mine has spent $95 million with local contractors and suppliers, many of whom were nurtured by the mine through skills transfer and capacity building.