Canadian mining firm B2Gold Corp. has affirmed its investment plans in the Philippines in a courtesy visit to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque.
Philippine Trade and Investment (PTIC) Toronto Trade Commissioner Mario Tani said in a Viber message Thursday that B2Gold will open its exploration office in the Philippines next year.
“The mine site is about to reach its end of life. So in mining, for you to determine if you can continue mining and expand or look for additional sites to mine you need to have extensive research and analysis,” Tani said.
“Usually it entails a lot of hiring of local geologists and spending to study,” he added.
B2Gold operates the Masbate Gold Project in Aroroy, Masbate, which is expected to produce 175,000 to 195,000 ounces of gold this year.
B2Gold is part of the over 200 Canadian companies that visited Manila last week for a trade mission.
“B2Gold’s decision to expand its operations here reflects the confidence that global investors have in the robust policies, strategic reforms, and highly skilled workforce championed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Roque said.
B2Gold vice president Neil Reeder, B2Gold senior vice president engineering and project evaluations Dennis Stansbury, Australia-Asia exploration manager Tony Field, and its local partner, Filminera Resources Corp. president Cris Acosta met the DTI chief last week to discuss the company’s expansion plan in the country.
The executives were accompanied by Tani and the Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria. (PNA)
