(Ecofin Agency) - Mali’s annual gold production soared by 5% to stand at 49.6 tons in 2017, more than what the fourth gold producer in Africa expected (45 tons).

“There was real progress in the industrial mines [...] a net improvement of performance,” commented Karim Berthe, deputy director of the minister of mine and geology, in a statement relayed by Reuters. This increase was spurred by the exploitation of Fekola and Yanfolila mines, held by B2Gold and Hummingbird Resources respectively.

According to State’s estimates, industrial mining currently accounts for only half of national output, 50 tons being produced yearly by artisanal miners.