Barrick Mining Corporation has intensified Ebola prevention measures at its Kibali gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a deadly outbreak in a neighboring province that has reportedly killed at least 131 people.
The company said enhanced screening and monitoring systems are being implemented at the Kibali operation in Haut-Uele province after Ebola cases were confirmed in nearby Ituri province earlier this month. While no infections have been reported at the mine, Barrick stated that precautionary measures are being expanded to protect workers and surrounding communities.
According to company officials, the response includes daily temperature checks, travel declarations for employees and contractors, and awareness campaigns explaining Ebola symptoms and prevention protocols. Barrick said the measures apply to approximately 7,600 workers and contractors connected to the operation.
The World Health Organization recently declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern after confirming cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in both Congo and Uganda. Health officials warned that the affected mining and trading regions experience high levels of population movement, increasing the risk of cross-border transmission.
AngloGold Ashanti jointly owns the Kibali mine with Barrick, while Congo’s state mining company SOKIMO holds a minority stake. The operation is considered one of Africa’s largest gold mines and remains strategically important for regional gold production.
Industry analysts noted that previous Ebola outbreaks in Central and West Africa disrupted mining activity, trade, and investment flows across the region. Mining companies operating in eastern Congo are particularly vulnerable because of workforce mobility and the remote nature of mining hubs.
Barrick said the company is continuing normal operations at Kibali while closely coordinating with health authorities and monitoring developments in the outbreak zone. The mine produced roughly 673,000 ounces of gold in 2025 and is expected to remain a key contributor to the company’s African operations this year.