Our Operations

Unlocking the Maniema Gold Belt: The Punia Gold Project

The Punia Gold Project is a significant, multi-phase mining development located in the heart of one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most prolific gold regions. Our concession, PEPM 13492, represents a major opportunity for responsible resource development, building on a history of mineral endowment and positioning SPILL CONGO SARL for long-term growth.

Location & Infrastructure

The Punia concession comprises 246 squares, totaling 20,899 hectares (209 km²), in the Maniema Province of the DRC. The property is strategically situated approximately 60 km south of the main gold trading center of Punia village, deep within the renowned Maniema Gold Belt. The site benefits from good road access, facilitating the transport of equipment and personnel. Its proximity to the town of Punia ensures a reliable supply chain for logistics and operational support.

Geological Setting

The project is located within the Kivu-Maniema geological region, characterized by ancient rocks of the Ruzizian series—sediments that were folded during the Ruzizian orogeny and intersected by granitic intrusions. This geological environment is highly prospective for gold mineralization.

 

Mineralization at Punia appears in stockworks of hematitic semi-massive areas, quartz veins, and intensely altered sericite metasediments. Two primary types of gold mineralization are observed: gold-quartz veins within elastic meta-sediments and gold-rich ferrous zones limited to basic metavolcanic rocks. The property is also known for secondary (alluvial) gold deposits in its river systems, which have been exploited historically.

Resource Potential

Extensive field work, including stream sediment sampling and analysis of artisanal mining pits, has confirmed significant gold potential. Laboratory analysis by ALS Lab in South Africa returned highly encouraging results, with samples such as SP-SS013 assaying at 16 g/t Au and SP-SS008 at 6.79 g/t Au.

 

Based on initial feasibility studies, a targeted 20 km² section of the concession is estimated to contain over 8.2 million ounces of gold reserves. It is important to note that this is an internal estimate; a JORC/NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate is a key objective of the forthcoming drilling program outlined in our industrial plan. The remaining 160 km² of the concession is yet to be fully explored, indicating substantial upside potential.

Visual & Data Elements

Suggested Visual 1: Regional Location Map

Suggested Visual 2: Geological Map of PEPM13492

Suggested Visual 3: Site Photography

On the Ground: Latest Discoveries from Punia

This section is the dynamic hub for our technical progress. Here, we share regular updates on our exploration activities, drill results, and key findings as we advance the Punia Gold Project. Check back often for the latest news from the field, or contact us to subscribe to our direct updates.

Recent Updates

Stay Informed

For detailed technical reports and assay results, please contact our Investor Relations team.

Strategic Development for Long-Term Value

Our operational strategy is defined by a clear, low-risk phased approach. We are initially deploying modest capital into near-term production from artisanal and alluvial sources, generating early cash flow to fund the systematic development of our large-scale industrial hard-rock mining operation.

Ore Processing Workflow

The journey from raw ore to gold bar in our planned industrial plant (Phases 3-5) will follow this path:

Phase 1: Artisanal & Small-Scale Terrestrial Mining:

Organized, mechanized teams using pistol dredges and crushers to exploit surface and near-surface eluvial and weathered deposits.

Phase 2: Semi-Industrial Alluvial Mining:

A 100 TPH river dredge will target high-grade alluvial gold in the riverbeds, processing an estimated 50 tons per hour of gold-bearing gravel.

Phases 3-5: Industrial Hard-Rock Mining:

The primary focus will be on open-pit excavation for bulk, lower-grade ore, given the extensive near-surface resource. We will also evaluate high-grade zones for potential underground mining using the "Cut and Fill" method, which is well-suited to the narrow vein structures identified and requires lower initial capital.

Ore Processing Workflow

The journey from raw ore to gold bar in our planned industrial plant (Phases 3-5) will follow this path:

 

  1. Ore Crushing: Run-of-mine ore is reduced in size by a primary jaw crusher.
  2. Grinding: The crushed ore is fed into a milling circuit to liberate gold particles from the host rock.
  3. Concentration (Flotation & Leaching): The ground ore undergoes flotation to produce a concentrate. This concentrate is then leached in a cyanide solution, which dissolves the gold. [Specific reagent consumption rates to be inserted from latest feasibility study].
  4. Tailings Management: The leftover material (tailings) is managed in a dedicated, engineered facility to ensure environmental safety and stability.
  5. Gold Recovery & Smelting: Gold is precipitated out of the solution and smelted in a high-temperature furnace from ITALIMPIANTI ORAFI to produce 99.99% pure gold bars.

Production Targets & Timeline

Our phased timeline is designed to build production and value systematically:

 

  • Phase 1 (Artisanal): Production within 4 weeks. Target: 14 kg of gold per month.
  • Phase 2 (Alluvial): Production within 4 weeks of deployment. Target: 31 kg of gold per month.
  • Phases 3-5 (Industrial):
    • Months 1-2: Site preparation and administration.
    • Months 3-6: Office establishment, drilling program, and procurement of the 50 TPH processing plant.
    • Months 7-8: Site installation and plant commissioning.
    • Month 9: Commence production. Target: 109 kg of gold per month.

Visual & Data Elements

Suggested Visual: Simplified 50 TPH Processing Flowchart

Responsible by Design: Our Foundation for Sustainable Mining

At SPILL CONGO SARL, we believe that transparent, ethical, and responsible operations are not just a regulatory requirement but the fundamental cornerstone of our long-term success and social license to operate. We are committed to creating positive, lasting value for all our stakeholders—investors, employees, and the communities in which we operate.

Environmental Stewardship

We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. Our policies will focus on protecting the local ecosystem, which includes dense evergreen forest and riverine environments. Key commitments include: implementing stringent water management and recycling protocols, especially for our alluvial and processing operations; developing a comprehensive tailings management plan for the industrial phase to ensure long-term stability; and a biodiversity action plan to mitigate impacts on local flora and fauna. Our future decarbonization strategy will explore the integration of renewable energy sources to power our operations.

Social Responsibility & Community Relations

Our approach is to be a trusted partner and employer in the Maniema and South-Kivu Provinces. We will prioritize the hiring and training of local personnel, beginning with the formalization and equipping of current artisanal miners. Our commitments include establishing fair employment terms, procuring goods and services locally where possible, and engaging in transparent dialogue with community leaders and residents. We will develop community investment programs focused on local priorities such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring that our presence brings tangible benefits to the region.

Health & Safety

The well-being of our team is our highest priority. We adhere to a “Zero Harm” philosophy, striving for an incident-free workplace. This will be achieved through the implementation of a robust safety management system, including comprehensive training, provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and clear procedures for all tasks. We are committed to complying with all DRC state and local laws, as well as international standards like OHADA, to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for everyone on site.

Governance & Ethics

Strong governance is the backbone of our company. We operate with a commitment to the highest levels of transparency, integrity, and accountability. Our policies expressly prohibit any form of corruption or bribery. The board maintains oversight of our ESG performance and risks. We are committed to ongoing, meaningful stakeholder engagement, ensuring our operations are conducted ethically and in line with the DRC’s mining code and international best practices.

Our Commitment to Dialogue

We welcome open dialogue on our ESG policies and performance. Please contact us to learn more or to share your feedback.