Name of the Project
Fekola solar project.

Location
Mali.

Project Owner/s
B2Gold Corp.

Project Description
B2Gold operates the Fekola gold mine. Electricity for the mining site is being generated exclusively using heavy fuel oil and diesel generators.

Following a study earlier this year evaluating the technical and economic viability of adding a solar battery plant to the mine site, B2Gold approved the project.

The photovoltaic-battery system will be integrated with the existing power plant to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the hybrid and allow for fuel savings of 13.1-million litres of heavy fuel oil a year.

The solar battery system will significantly reduce total energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions.

The addition of the 30 MW net capacity solar battery plant will enable the mine to shut off up to three heavy fuel oil engines during the day, with the 13.5 MWh battery storage providing the buffer for the irradiation fluctuations.

The Fekola solar project will be one of the world’s largest off-grid solar battery hybrid systems.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project is estimated at $38-million.

Planned Start/End Date
B2Gold approved the project in October 2019. Construction is expected to start at the end of 2019 and is scheduled for completion in August 2020.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Suntrace and BayWa r.e. (preliminary study, technical expertise and support during con-struction and commissioning until completion of the project).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
B2Gold Corp, tel +1604 681 8371 or email investor@b2gold.com.