Kibali, in a remote northeastern part of the country, could potentially rank among the largest gold mines in Africa. The concern is a joint venture of Randgold Resources, AngloGold Ashanti and Sokimo, a government-owned corporation. The mine is estimated to have reserves of 11 million ounces of gold.

“The Kibali contract represents the strong partnership between Randgold Resources and our company,” said Michael Napoletano, general manager of drilling services in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Boart Longyear. “It will form a core part of our already significant business in the DRC for several years.”

“We have had a long-standing association with Boart Longyear. We value their technical expertise and ability to drill in the most challenging conditions, and, with their help, we have discovered five other world-class gold deposits in Africa,” said Paul Harbidge, general manager of exploration for Randgold Resources Limited.

Boart Longyear is expected to deploy at least seven rigs at the site. Drilling techniques will include deep diamond coring, reverse circulation and, for dewatering, rotary.

 Boart Longyear, based in Salt Lake City, offers drilling services, equipment and tooling for mining and other drilling sectors worldwide. For more information, visit www.boartlongyear.com. The company’s Global Drilling Services division works in 40 countries on metals and minerals ranging from copper to uranium. For details on the that division, visit www.boartlongyear.com/drilling-services.