Vancouver-based gold miner demonstrates its commitment to balancing success with positive environmental and social impacts.

Vancouver-based B2Gold Corp. has completed the phase-two expansion of its Fekola Solar Plant in Mali, significantly increasing its renewable energy capacity. Now fully operational, the expanded facility is set to provide 52 megawatts of solar power, reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 63,000 metric tons annually, and cut heavy fuel oil consumption by 20 million liters, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and emission reduction.

Established in 2007, B2Gold is an international gold mining company with operation in Mali, Namibia, and the Philippines, with the Goose mine project under construction in northern Canada and several development and exploration projects in various countries, including Mali, Colombia, and Finland.

B2Gold anticipates a total consolidated gold production ranging from 970,000 to 1.08 million ounces in 2025.

In preparation for this productivity, the company has publicly established a comprehensive sustainability strategy, focusing on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance. The company views the solar generation expansion at Fekola as a critical step toward exacting goals of achieving a 30% reduction of its overall Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, using 2021 as the baseline year.

This target underscores the company's dedication to mitigating climate change impacts associated with its operations in alignment with its broader sustainability strategy.

In line with its emissions reduction, environmental stewardship, and local economic and community-building goals, B2Gold has invested in renewable energy projects like Fekola.

Sustainability and community

The solar expansion of Fekola began in June 2023 with land clearing and infrastructure development, progressing to equipment installation by February 2024. The project was completed in the fourth quarter and became operational in January, adding 46,200 solar panels to the facility, bringing the total to an impressive 142,912.

During peak construction, the expansion generated over 120 local jobs, including long-term maintenance hiring and training, and engaged in local company partnerships supporting additional employment opportunities for the local community.

Supplying around 30% of the site's total electricity demand, the Fekola Solar Plant is one of the largest off-grid solar/heavy fuel oil hybrid power plants worldwide. At full capacity, the expanded plant now delivers an additional 22 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity, bringing the total to 52 MW, along with an increase in battery storage to 27.7 megawatt-hours (MWh).

The expansion is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 63,000 tons annually and decrease heavy fuel oil consumption by 20 million liters.

"The expansion of the Fekola Solar Plant is a significant initiative in support of B2Gold's emission reduction target," said Ken Jones, Director of Sustainability for B2Gold. "The expanded facility will allow the Fekola site team to turn off the HFO plant for a portion of the day during times of sufficient solar radiation, a tremendous achievement for B2Gold and a testament to our commitment to implementing renewable energy solutions."

The company publishes annual responsible mining and climate strategy reports to provide stakeholders with insights into its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. These reports are aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Standard, ensuring transparency and accountability in B2Gold's sustainability efforts.

Through these initiatives, B2Gold demonstrates its commitment to sustainable mining practices, aiming to balance operational success with positive environmental and social impacts.