By: Creamer media

The gold miner said milling and mining activities at the Fekola mine, which were located about 450 km from Bamako, were running at full capacity and reiterated its 2025 production guidance for the complex of 515 000 oz to 550 000 oz of gold.

B2Gold also said its exploration and exploitation permits had not been affected by the recent permit revocations, which it noted were largely linked to inactivity and noncompliance with the 2023 Mali Mining Code.

“Issuance of the Fekola regional exploitation permit is in the final stages of approval and is anticipated to be received shortly,” the company said.

B2Gold added that it remained focused on maintaining safe and reliable production while continuing to deliver economic benefits to surrounding communities and the Malian state.

Last week, Mali revoked more than 90 mining exploration permits, including those held by subsidiaries of international companies such as Harmony Gold, Iamgold, Cora Gold, Birimian Gold and Resolute Mining, according to a decree seen by newswire Reuters.

The government said the decision followed verification of compliance with the country’s new mining code, adding that many permit holders had failed to submit required documentation under the new legal framework.

B2Gold's update also comes amid mounting security concerns in Bamako, where a jihadist group affiliated with al Qaeda has reportedly intensified attacks and cut key supply routes leading to the capital. The group’s advances have triggered fuel shortages in the city and prompted the US, UK and Germany to urge their nationals to leave the country.