B2Gold targets drilling 39.000m at Antelope deposit

B2Gold says the Antelope deposit has the potential to develop into an underground mining operation, which could complement the expected processing of stockpiles at the Otjikoto mill from 2026 through 2031.
The Antelope deposit, about 3km south of the Otjikoto Gold Mine, was discovered in 2022 following deep drill testing on three-dimensional models of magnetic inversion data.

The deposit, which comprises the Springbok Zone, the Oryx Zone, and a possible third structure, Impala, is subject to further confirmatory drilling.
The current gold production estimates at Otjikoto are expected to be between 180,000 to 200,000 ounces in 2024 and 2025, just under 100,000 ounces in 2026, and stepping down to sub 50,000 ounces from 2026 through 2031 during the processing of low-grade stockpiles.

The open pit operations at Otjikoto are anticipated to conclude in 2025, while underground mining operations at Wolfshag will continue through 2026.