B2Gold says the Marie mine can withstand the impact of sanctions

Canadian mining company B2Gold continues to operate normally at its Fekola mine in Mali and is not affected by sanctions imposed on the country by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Chief Executive Clive Johnson said on Tuesday.

He said B2Gold expected Fekola to meet its 2022 production targets and that the mine seemed well positioned to withstand any supply disruptions that might result from ECOWAS border closures.

"however, if necessary, we are also looking for alternative routes to introduce some key materials," Johnson said, adding that alternative routes may be needed for mobility.

Air France cancelled its flight to the Malian capital Bamako on Monday, citing security risks. National airlines in C ô te d'Ivoire have also suspended flights and flights from Senegal have been interrupted.

Johnson stated that fuel supplies are expected to continue to pass through the border between Mali and Senegal because sanctions allow fuel to cross regional borders.

He noted that gold sales at Fekola are expected to continue as normal. B2Gold expects Fekola's gold production in 2021 to be between 560000 and 570000 ounces, slightly more than half of the company's total annual production.

Resolute Mining, an Australian gold miner, said operations at its Syama mine were business as usual and would not have a direct impact on production, supply or the safety and security of employees and contractors.

Barrick Gold, Mali's largest gold miner, said on Monday that its Loulo-Gounkoto mine had sufficient supplies to continue normal operations, but that it was closely watching the "very unstable" situation.