B2Gold Corp has temporarily suspended mining activities at its Masbate Mine in the Philippines due to a momentary shortage of fuel caused by government measures to deter the spread of COVID-19. However, the mill is continuing to operate and process material from stockpiles.

“The temporary fuel shortage is due to new regulations imposed by the Philippine Government related to the COVID-19 virus to ensure that all materials, including fuel, arriving on Masbate Island via transport are not contaminated with COVID-19,” the senior gold producer explained in a statement. “A key component of the new regulations relate to the screening and certification of the crews transporting the materials, in order to ensure that delivery of fuel and other essential supplies to Masbate Island can be appropriately certified for delivery.”

The company’s intention is to recommence mining once fuel supplies have been restored.

B2Gold said it expects the Masbate Mine to meet its budgeted gold production estimate for the first quarter of 2020.

*Article published in the April-June 2020 issue of The Asia Miner