Key Points
- B2Gold secures approval for underground mining.
- The Fekola project in Mali now set to expand.
- New mining phase expected to boost production.
The Malian government has given B2Gold permission to start underground mining at its Fekola gold mine. After months of waiting, the Canadian miner was finally able to extend its operations in one of the most productive gold districts in West Africa. With the underground phase anticipated to further prolong the mine’s life, the project will represent a major milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion aspirations.
According to a report by Mining review, one of the main drivers of B2Gold’s expansion has been the Fekola mine, which started producing in 2017. The company’s goal with this new development is to boost its gold production and solidify its place in the world mining market. By removing more gold from deeper sources, the underground operation is anticipated to augment the current open-pit operation and increase total production capacity.
Growth is expected to boost the production of gold
High-grade ore beneath the existing open-pit area will be the focus of the future underground mining phase. It is anticipated that the permission will result in a significant increase in gold production. The underground mine might extend the Fekola project’s lifespan by many years once it is operating, giving B2Gold further chances to profit on Mali’s abundant gold reserves.
The Mali government’s approval comes at a crucial moment for the mining industry, which has had erratic investment levels. Mali hopes to solidify its position as one of Africa’s major gold producers by endorsing B2Gold’s plans for underground mining.Â
B2Gold is still hopeful about future expansion
It is anticipated that the project will boost infrastructure development, provide more local jobs, and make a major economic contribution to the country. The management of B2Gold expressed optimism that the underground extension will prolong the Fekola mine’s lifespan and improve the company’s production capacity. In West Africa, where mining is still a major economic activity, the miner has been progressively expanding its footprint. The licensing of underground mining is an essential step in keeping the company’s worldwide growth strategy moving forward.
