B2Gold (TSX: BTO; NYSE-A: BTG) won a key permit Friday for its Fekola Regional gold expansion project in Mali, removing a growth hurdle a day after it cut its 2026 production outlook. The Menankoto exploitation permit, together with the Dandoko exploration permit, allows B2Gold to start work ahead of regional mining. Despite the permit, any Fekola Regional output this year is unlikely to materially change production, BMO analyst Brian Quast said. Permit termsB2Gold will own 65% of Fekola Regional and Mali 35% under the country’s 2023 mining code. The approval follows a September 2024 agreement between B2Gold and Mali governing Fekola and its regional deposits.