In August, gold producer B2Gold reported that the Malian State granted the miner’s Malian subsidiary the Menankoto exploitation permit which, together with the Dandoko Exploitation permit, make up the Fekola Regional.

Fekola Regional is a key near-term production growth driver for B2Gold.With issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit, mine pre-stripping activities and finalisation of a tolling agreement will start.

Fekola Regional is expected to ramp up operations through the end of 2027, and produce in excess of 150 000 oz/y from 2028 through the mid-2030s.Fekola Regional is located about 20 km from the Fekola mine.

The issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit follows productive dialogue between B2Gold and the State of Mali that started in late July 2025 and has continued until present.

The discussions culminated in the receipt of both the approval to start underground mining operations at the Fekola mine in July 2025, and now the issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit on August 7.

B2Gold president and CEO Mike Cinnamond says the issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit is a significant milestone for both B2Gold and Mali, as the Fekola Complex is currently the biggest producing gold mine in Mali.

“The issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit secures the future of the operation well into the late 2030s. B2Gold is committed to working in a transparent manner to ensure the continuation of the positive and mutually beneficial partnership between the company and the State of Mali, for the benefit of the Malian people and all stakeholders,” he adds.

B2Gold notes that it and the State remain committed to the agreement entered into in September 2024 related to the ongoing operation and governance of the Fekola mine and Fekola Regional which, together are known as the Fekola Complex.

The Fekola Complex comprises the Fekola mine – the Medinandi permit hosting the Fekola and Cardinal openpits and Fekola underground – which is owned 80% by B2Gold and 20% by the State, and Fekola Regional – Menankoto exploitation permit and Dandoko permit – which will be owned 65% by B2Gold and 35% by the State.

B2Gold’s total investment in Mali since 2014 has reached over $2-billion, and B2Gold is a significant employer with more than 3 300 workers of which about 98% are Malian nationals.

Through B2Gold’s investments, Cinnamond says the company has provided major economic benefits including job creation, training, capacity building and community investments, and “looks forward to continuing to build on these benefits for many years to come”.

The Fekola Complex is an important component of B2Gold’s operating portfolio, with a robust yearly production base and life-of-mine that extends well into the 2030s.