(Kitco News) - B2Gold reported today that two B2Gold employees have passed away as a result of injuries sustained in an off-site robbery incident in Mali earlier today.
“All reports have identified this tragic event as the result of a robbery incident and not related to any terrorist activity,” the company said in a statement.
B2Gold added that a local bus contractor, traveling under gendarme escort, transporting B2Gold employees from the Fekola mine to Bamako was involved in an incident when it encountered an ongoing armed robbery approximately 75 kilometers west of Bamako.
According to a press release, security forces accompanying the bus transport supported the safety of B2Gold personnel, but unfortunately the incident resulted in the death of two employees.
Initial reports indicate all other employees on the bus have been safely accounted for and are being transported to Bamako for assistance, the company said.
“B2Gold wants to first and foremost express its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased employees. Our immediate concerns are for the safety and well-being of the B2Gold employees and the public and to minimize the impact on the surrounding area,” the company added.
B2Gold also said that mining and processing activities at the Fekola mine remain unaffected.
