A view of open-pit operations at Fekola. Credit: B2Gold.
B2Gold (TSX: BTO; NYSE-A: BTG) said it began underground production at its flagship Fekola mine in Mali immediately after receiving approval from the government. The stock rose.
The approval, which took effect Wednesday, follows a week of negotiations in Mali’s capital, Bamako, between B2Gold executives and key Malian officials including Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga. B2Gold and Mali both remain committed to an agreement signed in September related to the ongoing operation and governance of the Fekola complex, according to a statement issued late Wednesday.
Underground development work at the mine – including the installation of all required infrastructure – started more than a year ago in anticipation of the government approval. Stope ore production at Fekola underground began as soon as the green light was given, B2Gold…
