Kibali Gold Project scoops top prize at DRC Mining Industry Awards

The awards were organised in collaboration with the DRC Chamber of Mines and was attended by the DRC's Minister of Mines, Martin Kabwelulu Labilo, who presented the Life Time Achievement Award and concluded the evening.

"We launched the DRC Mining Industry Awards to celebrate the success and the loyalty of our event participants during the past 10 years, recognising excellence within the mining sector and rewarding companies and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the industry," said iPAD DRC event director Nicole Smith. She added: "I want to congratulate the industry for taking part so enthusiastically in the nomination process. We all enjoyed a beautiful, sold-out gala dinner this evening, honouring the leading lights in mining."

Lifetime Achievement Award

The MD of Tenke Fungurume Mining, Claude Polet, won the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to an individual for achievements that have made an outstanding contribution to, and impact on, the DRC's mining industry, whether from a public or private company or institution. Polet has nearly 50 years of experience in the mining sector in DRC and Zambia. He was appointed MD of Tenke Fungurume in 2006.

Mining Company of the Year

Kibali Gold Project was named the Mining Company of the Year. This award celebrates the mining company that, overall, has achieved top results in terms of output, cost savings, employee satisfaction, innovation and contributed to the overall development and growth of the sector in the DRC.

Best Performer in Environmental Management

The judges said that Tenke Fungurume Mining stands out in its efforts and is to be considered an example in its compliance with environmental regulations as part of its mining operations at a time when many businesses are damaging the environment during the implementation of mining projects.

Best Performer in Innovation

Energold Group won this award, which honoured the company that has rolled out the most impressive state-of-the-art mining technology and innovation creating production efficiency and streamlined processes. A veteran of the industry for more than 15 years, the judges praised Energold Group for having "an innovative approach to drilling". They use small modular platforms that generate as much energy as the large ones thanks to hydraulics. This means that the group can operate earlier and without cutting trees.

Best Performer in Occupational Health and Safety

Tenke Fungurume Mining won this award thanks to its "approach to continually improve performance through the implementation of strong management systems and providing industry leading training and incentive programmes in compliance with security and health policies. The company's philosophy of safe production is demonstrated by the integration of safety practices in all aspects of their operations."

Best Performer in Engineering

Group 5 works in all the technical aspects of mining: pipes, mechanics, cables, electricity, structures etc. Its challenge was to build a copper factory to produce 60,000 tons a year of Category A copper. This factory is situated in a very remote, rainy zone, with high malaria, which makes very difficult conditions, but they have worked more than six years in the DRC, so are in a good position to achieve all this.

Best Performer in Social Investment

According to the judges, Tenke did very well in corporate responsibility as they have invested $3 billion. Right now they employ 3500 people permanently and 4200 temporarily; 98 % of TFM staff is from the Congo, 91 % of permanent employees are from the Congo. TFM continuously supports public health installations and also agricultural initiatives for better yields. A lot of local schools were renovated thanks to TFM's social investment.