B2Gold, a Canadian-held gold mining company, has announced the successful completion of the Phase 2 expansion of the Fekola Solar Plant in Mali. The expansion aims to increase the plant’s capacity to power its Fekola gold mine and other nearby mining operations.
The Fekola Solar Plant, located in the Kéniéba region of Mali, is a 30-megawatt solar power plant that was originally commissioned in 2018. The plant was initially designed to provide power to the Fekola gold mine, which is one of the largest gold mines in Mali, owned by B2Gold.
The Phase 1 expansion, completed in 2020, increased the plant’s capacity to 15 megawatts. The current Phase 2 expansion, which has just been completed, has further increased the plant’s capacity to 45 megawatts, making it one of the largest solar power plants in Mali.
The solar plant is powered by a combination of solar panels and batteries, providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy to meet the increasing power demands of the Fekola mine and other nearby mining operations. The plant also helps to reduce the company’s reliance on fossil fuels and carbon emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy solution.
In addition, the Fekola Solar Plant is also expected to support the growth of other nearby gold mines and other industrial activities in the region, as well as contributing to the country’s goal of increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources.
The success of the Fekola Solar Plant also demonstrates B2Gold’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices in its operations, which aligns with its “My B2Gold” sustainability plan, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and supporting local communities where it operates. With the successful completion of the Phase 2 expansion, B2Gold is now poised to further increase its use of renewable energy and reduce its environmental impact.