B2Gold has marked a major operational milestone at its Otjikoto Mine in Namibia after successfully completing the first blast at the Antelope Underground Project, signalling the start of underground mining activities at the operation.
The first blast, conducted on Friday, 27 February 2026, represents the transition of the Antelope project from the planning and approval phase into active execution, achieved ahead of schedule.
The company said the development reflects progress in extending the life of the Otjikoto Mine through underground operations following years of exploration and project preparation.
“This moment signals more than just the start of underground mining activities; it marks the successful transition from planning, design, and approvals into execution – ahead of schedule,” the company said, adding that the achievement underscores the collective effort of teams involved in the project.
The Antelope deposit is located approximately three kilometres south of Phase 5 of the Otjikoto open pit and forms a key component of B2Gold’s strategy to sustain production at the Namibian operation. The deposit comprises the Springbok Zone, the Oryx Zone and a potential third structure, known as Impala, which remains subject to confirmatory drilling.
The discovery was made in 2022 following deep drilling conducted by B2Gold exploration teams using three-dimensional modelling of airborne magnetic survey data.
Exploration investment at Otjikoto has intensified in recent years as the company advances underground development. In 2025, B2Gold budgeted US$7 million for exploration, primarily focused on drilling the Antelope deposit, with approximately 39,000 metres planned. During the year ended 31 December 2025, the company spent US$8 million on exploration activities, completing 35,924 metres of combined diamond and reverse circulation drilling across the Otjikoto mine area.
For 2026, B2Gold has allocated a further US$6 million towards exploration at Otjikoto. The programme will focus on expanding and refining the Antelope deposit, with approximately 44,000 metres of drilling planned.
The launch of underground mining at Antelope is expected to play a critical role in supporting future gold production at Otjikoto, one of Namibia’s key gold mining operations and a significant contributor to the country’s mining sector.
![Map of a mine site with pits, process plant, waste rock dumps (west and central), magazine, and mining lease boundary.]](https://content.miningandenergy.com.na/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/16123846/WIA-GOLD4-350x250.jpeg "WIA GOLD4 | Mining and Energy Namibia | Namibia’s Leading Mining & Energy News")
