April 13th, 2026 | 07:10 CEST
Opportunities in West Africa: Barrick Mining and B2Gold Resume Investment – Desert Gold on the Verge of a Breakthrough
The gold industry in West Africa is largely characterized by consolidation along the Senegal-Mali Shear Zone (SMSZ), with securing economically viable reserves being the top priority for producers in an environment of high gold prices. According to forecasts by PwC consultants, this focus by the mining industry is making a decisive contribution to the economic stability of the entire region. While industry leaders such as Barrick Mining are ramping up production at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex following the resolution of regulatory disputes and forecasting production of up to 290,000 ounces for 2026, B2Gold is focusing on optimizing the massive Fekola complex. B2Gold plans total production of up to 970,000 ounces of gold for the current year and is investing heavily in regional exploration to extend the life of its core African assets. These investments demonstrate that the region is promising and that past country risks have receded into the background. In the immediate vicinity of well-known mines, Desert Gold is developing the SMSZ project, which, with resources of 1.3 million ounces of gold, represents one of the largest undeveloped land packages in the region. With the planned launch of a modular gravity plant this coming summer, the company is preparing for the transition to a junior producer. For this reason, Desert Gold offers a highly attractive prospect for investors: At a time when the major players are investing again, Desert could take off on its own or become a takeover target. Investors who position themselves in time are likely to benefit from this momentum.
time to read: 2 minutes | Author: Nico Popp
ISIN: DESERT GOLD VENTURES | CA25039N4084 | TSXV: DAU , OTCQB: DAUGF , BARRICK MINING CORPORATION | CA06849F1080 | NYSE:B , TSX: ABX , B2GOLD CORP. | CA11777Q2099
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Nico Popp
At home in Southern Germany, the passionate stock exchange expert has been accompanying the capital markets for about twenty years. With a soft spot for smaller companies, he is constantly on the lookout for exciting investment stories.
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Barrick Mining: A Fresh Start and Operational Strength
Following a challenging year of renegotiations with the Malian government, Barrick Mining has successfully reduced operational risk in the region. According to company reports, both sides reached a comprehensive settlement of the disputes as early as last November, which included, among other things, a payment of USD 430 million and, in return, secured the renewal of the Loulo license for another ten years through 2036. Thanks to this diplomatic breakthrough, the gold mining company was able to regain full operational control and promptly delivered a strong free cash flow of USD 1.62 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. Under the leadership of new CEO Mark Hill, Barrick Mining is focused on gradually bringing the facilities back to maximum capacity. Management expects production at Loulo-Gounkoto to range between 260,000 and 290,000 ounces of gold this year, underscoring the great importance of this world-class complex for the globally active group.
B2Gold: Optimization and Regional Expansion
B2Gold has established itself as one of the fastest-growing mid-sized gold producers and continues to consistently optimize its flagship project in Mali. The company reported record revenue of over USD 3 billion for the past year, with production of nearly 980,000 ounces of gold. To secure access to deeper and even higher-grade ore zones, management is currently investing heavily in the so-called Phase 8 of the Fekola open-pit mine, which will cause all-in sustaining costs to rise temporarily this year but promises long-term benefits. For 2026, B2Gold forecasts robust total production of 820,000 to 970,000 ounces. At the same time, the strategic focus is on the Fekola Regional project, which combines the Anaconda and Dandoko satellite deposits. According to its own statements, B2Gold expects to receive approval in the first months of 2026 to deliver the first ore to the mill starting in the second half of the year, thereby significantly extending the life of its core African assets.
Desert Gold Ventures: The Up-and-Coming Junior Producer
In the immediate vicinity of these giants of the gold mining industry, Desert Gold Ventures is transitioning from a pure-play explorer to a cash-flow-generating producer. The 440 km² SMSZ project boasts an enormous resource base of 1.3 million ounces of gold and benefits from the same geological structures that also feed the mines of Barrick Mining and B2Gold. Desert Gold's unique selling point is the innovative use of a modular gravity plant, which is scheduled to begin operations in the summer of 2026 and reduces initial capital costs to just around USD 20.4 million. The metallurgical recovery rate is estimated at an industry-leading 87%.
An updated economic feasibility study confirms that the project already has a net present value of USD 61 million at a base gold price of USD 2,850, which rises to a remarkable USD 124 million at the current spot price of over USD 4,000. Analysts at GBC Research recognize this potential and rate the stock with a clear "Buy" recommendation with a fair value of CAD 0.69. The stock is currently trading well below that at just around CAD 0.13. In an environment where industry heavyweights urgently need to replenish their reserves in the region, Desert Gold is positioning itself as either an ideal takeover candidate or a highly profitable producer—once the company successfully begins production, Desert Gold will attract further attention. Speculative investors can position themselves in advance. The market environment for gold from Mali has been brightening for months. Investors can take advantage of this.
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