(Agence Ecofin) – In Mali, gold is by far the main source of foreign currency. The sector generated more than $900 million in 2021 and the Fekola gold mine, owned by Canadian B2Gold, contributed to this with production of more than 500,000 ounces.
In Mali, B2Gold awarded Capital a new drilling contract at the Fekola gold mine. This was announced by the British mining services company, stating that this agreement extends until the end of 2024.
In addition to the drilling work intended to increase the resource estimate and which is part of the contract obtained by Capital last June, B2Gold has also entrusted the company with the drilling work to control the ore grade.
To carry out these various activities, Capital will be able to count on the 10 new drilling rigs it recently acquired from Afrikans Mining Services (AMS), the subsidiary active on the continent of the Australian mining services provider Perenti.
« We have been opportunistic in purchasing drilling rigs from AMS which allows us to start operations sooner and as a result we are increasing our 2022 investment forecast to $60-65 millioncommented Amie Boyton, Executive Chairman of Capital.
As a reminder, Fekola is one of the largest gold mines in Mali. B2Gold expects to produce 570,000 to 600,000 ounces there this year.
Emiliano Tossou