Shiny first quarter for Otjikoto

B2Gold’s Otjikoto mine in the North produced 23 042 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2021, 11% or 2 351 ounces above budget. Processed tonnes, grade and recoveries were all slightly better than budget, B2Gold said. As expected, compared to the first quarter of 2020, gold production was significantly lower by 45%, as processed ore is primarily being sourced from existing stockpiles while significant waste stripping operations continue at both the Wolfshag and Otjikoto pits. For full-year 2021, Otjikoto is expected to produce between 190 000 and 200 000 ounces of gold. B2Gold, which is also listed on the Overall Index of the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), owns 90% of Otjikoto through its subsidiary, B2Gold Namibia (Pty) Ltd. The local empowerment company, EVI Mining, owns the rest. Photo Nampa/Reuters