(Ecofin Agency) - Kibali gold mine in DRC is expected to reach full production this year, Randgold Resources, the mine owner announced on Monday. The company successfully commissioned the automated ore handling and hoisting system, part of the underground mine startup process.

“What remains to be done is to ramp up underground production at Kibali gold mine and complete the construction of the mine’s third hydropower station Azambi, which is scheduled to be plugged by mid-year,” said Mark Bristow, the company’s CEO.

He added that the mine should produce 700,000 oz of gold in 2018, what would make it one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Randgold Resources said it has paid, over the last 8 years, a total of $2.25 billion to Congolese state and population as taxes, permits, infrastructures, salaries and payments to local suppliers.

Louis-Nino Kansoun