B2Gold is continuing with operations at its Fekola Mine in Mali despite a seven-day strike that began on November 29.
It said during the seven-day strike period, the company will continue to operate critical infrastructure and the mill on a reduced roster, maintaining the expected gold production profile during the period.
B2Gold expects output to be toward the lower end of its annual production guidance of between 420,000 and 450,000 ounces of gold in 2024.
Under Malian legislation, employees are authorised to provide minimum service, and participation in strikes is not compulsory for employees who elect to continue to work.
B2Gold said it remains ready and willing to participate in meetings with the Fekola workers’ union to resolve this.
The company believes that the labour action is mainly in response to the action it took against a small number of Fekola employees that previously engaged in illegal activities detrimental to productivity at the mine, including “go slow” actions by the mining employees and an illegal sit in at the Fekola management office in August this year.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
