MANILA: Canadian mining firm B2Gold Corp. has announced plans to extend its presence in the Philippines by opening an exploration office in 2025, following a recent meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque. The decision comes amid the approaching end of life for the company's current mining operations in the country, necessitating further exploration and research efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Trade and Investment (PTIC) Toronto Trade Commissioner Mario Tani confirmed B2Gold's forthcoming plans in a Viber message. The exploration office is intended to facilitate research and analysis to determine the feasibility of continuing mining operations, potentially leading to the discovery of additional mining sites. Tani highlighted that this will involve hiring local geologists and increased spending on studies. B2Gold currently operates the Masbate Gold Project in Aroroy, Masbate, which is projected to yield between 175,000 and 195,000 ounces of gold this year. The company's commitment to expanding its operations in the Philippines is seen as a testament to the confidence international investors have in the nation's policies and reforms under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., according to DTI Secretary Roque. Senior executives from B2Gold, including Vice President Neil Reeder, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Project Evaluations Dennis Stansbury, and Australia-Asia Exploration Manager Tony Field, met with Roque to discuss the expansion plans. They were joined by Filminera Resources Corp. President Cris Acosta, Trade Commissioner Tani, and Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria. B2Gold was among over 200 Canadian companies that participated in a trade mission to Manila last week, underscoring the growing economic ties between Canada and the Philippines.