Chamwe Kaira
B2Gold has rehabilitated 19% of the disturbed footprint at its Otjikoto Mine, covering 165 hectares. The company shared the update at the recent Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek.
It has planted 10 100 seedlings from 18 indigenous species and restored about 20 hectares with grass species and soil-enhancing material. B2Gold said its non-obligatory rehabilitation fund ensures that rehabilitation obligations will be met by the end of the mine’s life.
The mine has also reduced Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) consumption by more than three million litres a year.
From 2014 to 2018, the Otjikoto Power Plant ran entirely on HFO generators, consuming between 20 and 24 million litres annually.
This dropped after the addition of a 7 MW solar plant between 2018 and 2022, which supplied about 13% of power needs. Since 2022, the mine has been connected to the NamPower grid.
Earlier this year, B2Gold signed an eight-year power purchase agreement for an additional solar plant to be built 20 km from the mine. The facility will supply about 25% of the mine’s total power needs, increasing solar energy use at Otjikoto to between 35% and 40% of demand. The N$200 million investment can be extended beyond the initial term.
In 2024, the government received 57% of B2Gold Namibia’s profit before tax through direct taxes. Local procurement accounted for 57% of the mine’s total purchases.
B2Gold is planning for life after mining, with ventures in tourism, agriculture, and energy trading.
The Otjikoto Mine, Namibia’s largest gold mine, is located between Otavi and Otjiwarongo. It began commercial production in March 2015 after its first gold pour in December 2014.
On 20 June 2024, B2Gold announced an initial inferred mineral resource estimate for the Springbok Zone, part of the Antelope deposit, located 3 km south of the Otjikoto Phase 5 open pit.
In 2024, Otjikoto produced 198 142 ounces of gold, in line with its guidance of 185 000 to 205 000 ounces. Gold sales reached 203 796 ounces. Higher gold prices, peaking at US$2 911 per ounce, pushed revenue to N$8.9 billion, up from N$7.7 billion in 2023.
