As previously highlighted, the development of the Kibali project is currently focused on optimising the feasibility study, progressing site preparations and infrastructure and developing the relocation action plan (RAP) in respect of the surrounding villages. The strategy is focused on four cornerstones which are addressed below:

Development of the road between Doko and Aru: The objective for the first 12 month period is to open the road up and make it consistently passable for a 20 foot container during wet and dry season. A new contractor has been appointed to build the road and much progress has already been made to the extent where the first container was delivered to the Doko site by road via Uganda without any need for a truck to be recovered. The new contractor is fully commissioned with new machines and is busy working at an advanced pace to complete the road to the standard set for the first 12 months.

Security in the region: Kibali has established a constructive working relationship with the key stakeholders aimed at ensuring a stable operating environment in the region.

Hydro power:  A new Hydro power strategy has been established to ensure the project as currently being contemplated has adequate power.

Movement of people: The movement of the people is critical for the development of the project. The following areas have been addressed in the period under review: 

• a draft social plan has been generated which is aimed at alleviating the economic pressure that will be caused through the closures of the various illegal artisanal pits in the exclusion zone;
  
• the first closure of an Okimo mining area took place during March 2010. Notice for the closure of the remaining Okimo pits has also been served;  and
  
• a draft RAP programme has been compiled and is being reviewed as part of the Public Participation Process.