Production sank 15% last year as the government battled a sprawling Islamist insurgency.

Neal Froneman said he had "moved on" from the idea he floated two years ago of merging Sibanye with its South African peers.

Miners in South Africa are under pressure to find alternatives from investors anxious to meet goals on reducing carbon emissions.

Upon completion, Elemental Altus would increase its global royalty land coverage by 20% (1,500 km2).

Burkina Faso did not award a mining permit to Nordgold because it is a Russian company, its mines minister said.

The mining permitting process in the province is known for its lengthy delays.

Gold has behaved strangely over this past year, largely ignoring the biggest inflation super-spike since the 1970s.

BMO Capital Markets noted the drill results increase the potential to expand the Filo del Sol project.