CESA Aon 2019

BEST INTERNATIONAL PROJECT: AZAMBI HYDROPOWER

WINNER

PROJECT TEAM Client

Kibali Gold Mine a subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation

Consultants

Knight Piésold Consulting

L ocated in the remote north-east province of Democrat- ic Republic of Congo, the 11MW Azambi Hydropower Project was developed to support the increasing power demands of Kibali Gold Mine, one of the largest gold mining operations in Africa. Producing approximately 64 GWh of renewable, reliable electricity each year the project has reduced the mine’s overall energy cost by approximately 75% and its reliance on diesel fuel, a saving equivalent to USD19,2-million per year. In addition to facilitating skills transfer and local procurement, a portion of the mine’s power grid capacity is provided to local communities free of charge. This reduces their reliance on de- forestation for energy supply and will become a legacy asset for the communities once the mine reaches its end of life. Knight Piésold worked closely with Kibali Gold Mine to devel- op the purpose-built, low-impact, and cost-effective run-of-river hydroelectric project. With the commissioning of the project, the mine now has three run-of-river hydroelectric projects, providing the majority of the mine’s energy requirements. It has drastically reduced its reliance on diesel power supply, plus it has been able to reduce its energy costs from about USD400/MWh to close to USD100/MWh. The project development and construction strategies placed emphasis on uplifting the region through skills transfer by employing local workers and contractors as well as material procurement by purchasing goods and services from local and national suppliers. Local communities were consulted for the design of infrastruc- ture affecting their communities to ensure a positive legacy, fostering trust and confidence, as well as promoting community safety. z

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CESA AON ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2019