(Ecofin Agency) - Russian mining company Nordgold is carrying activities to extend the lifetime of its Bissa-Bouly gold mine in Burkina Faso.

The managing Director Howard Golden said that this should secure not only the future of these high-quality assets but also the jobs of over 1,200 local workers. These activities include exploration, operations, and continuous improvement projects.

In a statement issued yesterday May 15, the company indicates that it’s 2018 exploration campaign at Bissa-Bouly is growing rapidly and that it should achieve increasing resource target. The program covers an 86 km drilling and aims at the progressive entry into production of certain reserves (Samtenga, Ronguen, Zinigma, and Yimiougou), as of 2019.

“Bissa and Bouly's combined annual gold production is expected to exceed 300,000 ounces per year in the mid-term, making it one of the largest companies in Burkina Faso, a feat Nordgold is very proud of”  the MD said.

In 2017, Nordgold drilled a total of 61 km, increasing mineral resources by almost 1.147 million ounces and adding 70,000 ounces to ore reserves.

Louis-Nino Kansoun