Kibali Gold Mine’s Q3 Output Surges 21% to 191,000 Ounces

Kibali Gold Mine, the largest gold operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has reported an impressive 21% year-on-year surge in gold output for the third quarter of 2025. According to Barrick Gold’s latest report, production reached 191,000 ounces, up from 159,000 ounces in the same period last year. This performance marks a significant rebound for the mine and positions it strongly within Africa’s competitive gold mining landscape.

The production growth was primarily driven by enhanced open-pit mining operations, which recorded a remarkable 133% increase in ore output. This substantial improvement successfully offset the reduced output from underground mining activities, demonstrating the mine’s operational flexibility and efficiency. Despite the strong quarterly performance, year-to-date production stands at 498,000 ounces, slightly trailing 2024’s 509,000 ounces. However, with a full-year target set between 688,000 and 755,000 ounces, Kibali remains well within range to meet or exceed expectations.

If these production levels are sustained through the final quarter, Kibali could potentially reclaim its title as Africa’s largest gold producer, a position it has historically held. The mine faces strong competition from Ghana’s Ahafo operation, managed by Newmont Corporation, which is forecast to produce approximately 670,000 ounces in 2025. The rivalry between these two major sites underscores the dynamism of Africa’s gold mining sector, as both companies continue to invest in optimizing operations and improving yield efficiency.

Kibali’s robust performance not only reflects Barrick Gold’s successful strategy in managing large-scale African operations but also signals renewed confidence in the DRC’s mining environment. A consistent rise in production could enhance the country’s export earnings, stimulate local employment, and attract further foreign investment into its mining sector. Moreover, continued growth in Kibali’s output would strengthen Africa’s standing in global gold production and potentially shift regional market balances in favor of Central Africa’s mining hub.

Mini-Glossary

• Open-pit mining: A surface mining technique where rock or minerals are extracted from an open pit or borrow, often used for large, low-grade ore deposits.
• Ore output: The quantity of mined material that contains valuable minerals ready for processing.
• Year-on-year (YoY): A method of comparing statistics for one period with the same period in the previous year to measure growth or decline.
• Production target: The projected quantity of output a company aims to achieve within a specific period.