B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) (“B2Gold” or
the “Company”) is pleased to announce its gold production and
revenue results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, as well
as its 2025 total gold production guidance and 2025 cost guidance
for its current operating mines. All dollar figures are in United
States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Q4 and Full Year 2024
Highlights
- Total gold production of
186,001 ounces in Q4 2024: Total gold production in the
fourth quarter of 2024 was 186,001 ounces. At the Fekola Mine,
production was lower than expected due to the continued delays in
accessing higher-grade ore from Fekola Phase 7, a result of lower
realized mine production from the Fekola Phase 7 and Cardinal pits
during the period. Mining and processing of these higher-grade
tonnes is now expected in 2025 as equipment availability had
returned to full capacity and mining rates were at expected levels
at the end of 2024. The Fekola Mine and mill are operating
without limitations and gold production is being exported for
refining as per its regular planned schedule. Masbate and Otjikoto
both continued to outperform expectations in the fourth quarter of
2024, which partially offset a portion of the lower than expected
production levels at Fekola during the fourth quarter.
- Total annual consolidated
gold production of 804,778 ounces: Total consolidated gold
production for 2024 was 804,778 ounces (including 19,644 ounces of
attributable production from Calibre Mining Corp. (“Calibre”)), at
the low end of the Company’s revised 2024 guidance range.
- Strong quarterly gold
revenue to finish 2024: Consolidated gold revenue in the
fourth quarter of 2024 was $500 million on sales of 187,793 ounces
at an average realized gold price of $2,661 per gold ounce. For the
full year 2024, consolidated gold revenue was $1.90 billion on
sales of 801,524 ounces at an average realized gold price of $2,373
per gold ounce.
- Re-affirm full year 2024
total consolidated cost guidance: Total consolidated cash
operating costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for the year (including
attributable results for Calibre) are still expected to be at the
upper end of the guidance range of between $835 and $895 per ounce
and total consolidated all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) (see
“Non-IFRS Measures”) for the year (including attributable results
for Calibre) are still forecast to be at the upper end of the
revised guidance range of between $1,420 and $1,480 per ounce.
- Achieved significant safety
milestone of 6 years without a Lost Time Injury at
Masbate: On November 17, 2024, the Masbate Mine, located
in the Philippines, achieved a major safety milestone, six years
without a Lost Time Injury (“LTI”). Further, Masbate has only seen
one LTI in approximately the last ten years. B2Gold has a
longstanding commitment to continuous safety improvement at all of
its sites, and its goal of sending everyone home safe at each of
its operations and projects.
- Renewed revolving credit
facility in December 2024, increasing the total borrowing capacity
to $800 million: On December 17, 2024, B2Gold completed
the renewal of its revolving credit facility, increasing the total
available amount from $700 million to $800 million, plus a $200
million accordion feature. The new revolving credit facility has a
term until December 17, 2028. The revolving credit facility was
completed with a syndicate of banks: Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce, ING Bank N.V., The Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal,
National Bank of Canada, HSBC Bank USA, National Association and
Citibank N.A., Canadian Branch.
2025 Guidance Highlights
- Total gold production is
anticipated to be between 970,000 and 1,075,000 ounces:
Total gold production for 2025 is expected to be between 970,000
and 1,075,000 ounces. The expected increase in gold production
relative to 2024 is predominantly due to the scheduled mining and
processing of higher-grade ore from the Fekola Phase 7 and Cardinal
pits made accessible by the meaningful deferred stripping campaign
that was undertaken throughout 2024, the expected contribution from
Fekola Regional starting in mid-2025, the commencement of mining of
higher-grade ore at Fekola underground, and the commencement of
gold production at the Goose Project by the end of the second
quarter of 2025, partially offset by the scheduled conclusion of
open pit mining activities at the Otjikoto Mine in the third
quarter of 2025.
- Total consolidated cash
operating costs and all-in sustaining costs remain stable:
Total consolidated cash operating cost guidance (see “Non-IFRS
Measures”) for the Fekola Complex, Masbate Mine, and Otjikoto Mine
for 2025 of between $835 and $895 per gold ounce. Total all-in
sustaining cost guidance (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for the Fekola
Complex, Masbate Mine, and Otjikoto Mine for 2025 of between $1,460
and $1,520 per gold ounce. Operating cost guidance for the Goose
Project will be released in the second quarter of 2025 (prior to
the commencement of initial production), after publication in the
first quarter of 2025 of B2Gold’s initial Goose Project life of
mine plan based on updated Mineral Reserves.
- B2Gold’s initial Goose
Project life of mine plan to be released at the end of the first
quarter of 2025 based on updated Mineral Reserves: The
Company continues to estimate that gold production in calendar year
2025 will be between 120,000 and 150,000 ounces and that average
annual gold production for the six year period from 2026 to 2031
inclusive will be approximately 310,000 ounces per year, with the
latest published Mineral Reserves supporting a long mine life
beyond 2031.
- Total Goose Project
construction and mine development cash expenditure estimate before
first production remains at C$1,540 million: As of
September 30, 2024, C$1,176 million of construction and mine
development cash expenditures (or 76% of the total estimated cash
expenditures) had been incurred. Based on its unaudited November
2024 cost report, the Company estimates that approximately 83% of
the total estimated cash expenditures to first gold had been
incurred as of November 30, 2024. Reconciled total cash
expenditures as of December 31, 2024, will be published with the
Company’s year-end financial statements to be released in February
2025. Based on the construction and mine development cash
expenditures incurred to date, combined with the estimated
expenditures to be incurred through to the first gold pour in the
second quarter of 2025, the Company reiterates the total Goose
Project construction and mine development cash expenditure estimate
of C$1,540 million.
- Goose Project construction
and development remains on schedule for first gold pour in the
second quarter of 2025: All planned construction
activities for 2024 were completed and project construction and
development continue to progress on track to achieve first gold
pour at the Goose Project in the second quarter of 2025. Following
the successful completion of the 2024 sea lift, the construction of
the 163 kilometer (“km”) Winter Ice Road (“WIR”) is well underway
and expected to be completed on schedule and fully operational
before March 2025, allowing for the transportation of all materials
from the Marine Laydown Area (“MLA”) to the Goose Project site by
the end of May 2025.
- Mining and trucking
operations anticipated to commence at Fekola Regional in 2025, with
first gold production expected in mid-2025; initial gold production
at Fekola underground also expected in mid-2025: Following
the expected receipt of the exploitation license for Fekola
Regional in the first quarter of 2025, mining and trucking
operations will commence, with gold production expected in
mid-2025. The contribution of higher-grade open pit ore from Fekola
Regional, to be trucked to the Fekola mill, is anticipated to
contribute between 20,000 and 25,000 ounces in 2025 with average
contribution of approximately 180,000 ounces of additional annual
gold production in its first four full years of production from
2026 through 2029. The approval of the exploitation phase to mine
the higher-grade ore at Fekola underground is expected to be
received in the second quarter of 2025 with initial gold production
from Fekola underground expected in mid-2025. Significant
exploration potential remains across the Fekola Complex to further
extend mine life.
- Preliminary economic
assessment (“PEA”) on the Antelope deposit at Otjikoto expected
early in the first quarter of 2025: Following the
successful completion in 2024 of an initial Inferred Mineral
Resource Estimate for the Springbok Zone, which is the southernmost
shoot of the recently discovered Antelope deposit located
approximately three km south of the Otjikoto Phase 5 open pit at
the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia, the Company commenced a PEA which is
expected to be completed early in the first quarter of 2025.
Subject to receipt of a positive PEA and necessary permits and
approvals, mining of the Springbok Zone could begin to contribute
to gold production at Otjikoto as early as 2028. An initial budget
of up to $10 million has been approved to de-risk the Antelope
deposit development schedule by advancing early work planning,
project permits and long lead orders. Exploration of the greater
Antelope deposit has the potential to supplement the processing of
low-grade stockpiles at Otjikoto, with an initial goal of adding
between 80,000 and 90,000 ounces of additional gold production
per year from 2029 through 2032, with potential to extend mine life
further through additional drilling at the Springbok and Oryx Zones
at the Antelope deposit.
- Feasibility Study on the
Gramalote Project in Colombia targeted for completion in
mid-2025: The positive PEA results on the Company’s 100%
owned Gramalote Project, completed in the second quarter of 2024,
outlined a significant production profile with average annual gold
production of 234,000 ounces per year for the first five years of
production, and strong project economics over a 12.5 year project
life. As a result, B2Gold commenced work on a feasibility study
with the goal of completion in mid-2025. Feasibility work including
geotechnical investigation, processing design and site
infrastructure design is underway and the study remains on
schedule.
- Continued focus on
exploration investment across B2Gold’s prospective land
packages: $61 million is budgeted for exploration in 2025
to support organic growth by advancing the Company’s pipeline of
development, brownfield and greenfield exploration projects, with a
considerable portion allocated to continue the significant
exploration campaign at the Back River Gold District.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Gold
Production
Mine-by-mine production in the fourth quarter
and full year 2024 was as follows:
|
Gold Production (ounces) |
Mine |
Q4 2024 |
FY 2024 |
FY 2024 Revised Guidance |
Fekola |
84,015 |
392,946 |
420,000 - 450,000 |
Masbate |
49,534 |
194,046 |
175,000 - 195,000 |
Otjikoto |
52,452 |
198,142 |
185,000 - 205,000 |
Equity interest in Calibre (1) |
- |
19,644 |
20,000 |
Total |
186,001 |
804,778 |
800,000 – 870,000 |
(1) Subsequent to June 20, 2024, B2Gold no longer recorded
attributable production for Calibre.
Fekola Mine – Mali
|
Q4 2024 |
Tonnes of ore milled |
2,442,390 |
Grade (grams/tonne) |
1.17 |
Recovery (%) |
91.9 |
Gold production (ounces) |
84,015 |
Gold sold (ounces) |
86,453 |
The Fekola Mine in Mali (owned 80% by the
Company and 20% by the State of Mali) produced 84,015 ounces in the
fourth quarter, lower than anticipated largely due to delays
experienced in accessing higher-grade ore in Fekola Phase 7, a
result of lower realized mine production from the Fekola Phase 7
and Cardinal pits during the period. Damage to an excavator and the
subsequent need for replacement equipment impacted equipment
availability for the first nine months of 2024, reducing tonnes
mined, which continued to affect the availability of higher-grade
ore of Fekola Phase 7 during the fourth quarter of 2024 resulting
in less higher-grade ore processed. Mining and processing of these
higher-grade tonnes is now expected in 2025 as equipment
availability had returned to full capacity and mining rates were at
expected levels at the end of 2024. Despite short term variations,
overall mined ore volumes and grades continue to reconcile
relatively well with modelled values. The Fekola processing
facilities continued to perform as expected with 2.4 million tonnes
processed during the fourth quarter of 2024.
For the full year 2024, the Fekola Mine produced
392,946 ounces of gold, below the low-end of its revised annual
guidance range of between 420,000 and 450,000 ounces due to the
significant delays in accessing the higher-grade ore from Fekola
Phase 7. At the end of 2024, equipment availability was at full
capacity and mining rates were as expected, positioning Fekola for
strong operational performance in 2025. The Fekola Mine and
mill are operating without limitations and gold production is being
exported for refining as per its regular planned schedule.
Masbate Mine – The Philippines
|
Q4 2024 |
Tonnes of ore milled |
2,190,610 |
Grade (grams/tonne) |
0.95 |
Recovery (%) |
74.1 |
Gold production (ounces) |
49,534 |
Gold sold (ounces) |
51,010 |
The Masbate Mine in the Philippines continued
its strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, producing
49,534 ounces of gold, ahead of expectations, as a result of higher
than anticipated mill throughput and slightly higher ore grade than
budgeted, partially offset by slightly lower than expected gold
recovery.
For the full year 2024, the Masbate Mine
produced 194,046 ounces of gold, at the upper end of its revised
guidance range of between 175,000 and 195,000 ounces.
Otjikoto Mine – Namibia
|
Q4 2024 |
Tonnes of ore milled |
788,536 |
Grade (grams/tonne) |
2.10 |
Recovery (%) |
98.6 |
Gold production (ounces) |
52,452 |
Gold sold (ounces) |
50,330 |
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia, in which the
Company holds a 90% interest, also had a strong performance,
producing 52,452 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter of 2024, with
production from the Wolfshag underground mine remaining consistent
through the quarter.
For the full year 2024, the Otjikoto Mine
produced 198,142 ounces of gold, near the mid-point of its revised
guidance range of between 185,000 and 205,000 ounces.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Gold
Revenue / Year-End 2024 Cash and Revolving Credit Facility
Balance
For the fourth quarter of 2024, consolidated
gold revenue was $500 million on sales of 187,793 ounces at an
average realized gold price of $2,661 per ounce. For the full year
2024, consolidated gold revenue was $1.90 billion on sales of
801,524 ounces at an average realized gold price of $2,373 per
ounce.
As of December 31, 2024, unaudited cash and cash
equivalents totaled approximately $340 million and $400 million had
been drawn on the Company’s revolving credit facility, leaving $400
million available for future drawdowns, plus a $200 million
accordion feature.
2025 Production and Cost
Guidance
Guidance (100% Basis) (1) |
FekolaComplex(2) |
Masbate |
Otjikoto |
Existing Operations Total |
Goose |
Other |
Operations & Projects Total |
Period |
Full Year |
Full Year |
Full Year |
Full Year |
H1 |
H2 (3) |
Full Year |
Full Year |
Gold Production (koz) |
515 – 550 |
170 - 190 |
165 – 185 |
850 - 925 |
- |
120 - 150 |
- |
970 – 1,075 |
Cash Operating Costs ($/oz
produced) |
845 - 905 |
955 – 1,015 |
695 – 755 |
835 – 895
(4) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Sustaining Capital Expenditures ($M) |
77 |
22 |
13 |
112 |
8 |
- |
- |
120 |
Deferred Stripping / Underground Development ($M) |
120 |
8 |
16 |
144 |
- |
- |
- |
144 |
Sustaining Mine Exploration Expenditures ($M) |
4 |
- |
- |
4 |
- |
10 |
- |
14 |
General & Administrative (incl. Stock Based Compensation)
($M) |
15 |
7 |
6 |
28 |
- |
- |
66 |
94 |
All-In Sustaining Costs ($/oz sold) |
1,550 – 1,610 |
1,310 – 1,370 |
980 –1,040 |
1,460 –1,520 (4) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Growth / Construction Capital Expenditures ($M) |
16 |
17 |
- |
33 |
101 |
- |
28 |
162 |
Deferred Stripping / Underground Development ($M) |
21 |
- |
10 |
31 |
69 |
- |
- |
100 |
Growth Exploration Expenditures ($M) |
5 |
3 |
7 |
15 |
15 |
7 |
11 |
48 |
Total Growth / Non-Sustaining Capital Expenditures
($M) |
42 |
20 |
17 |
79 |
185 |
7 |
39 |
310 |
(1) Totals may not add due to rounding.
Estimates are based on a $2,250 gold price assumption for 2025.(2)
The Fekola Complex comprises of the Fekola Mine (Medinandi permit
hosting the Fekola and Cardinal pits and the Fekola underground)
and Fekola Regional (Anaconda Area (Bantako, Menankoto and Bakolobi
permits) and the Dandoko permit).(3) Goose Mine operating cash
costs, all-in sustaining costs, and capital expenditures estimates
for the second half of 2025 will be released in Q2 2025 after the
release of B2Gold’s initial Goose life of mine plan.(4) Total cash
operating costs and all-in sustaining costs do not include
estimates for the Goose Mine, which will be updated in Q2 2025
prior to commencement of initial gold production at the Goose
Mine.
In 2025, B2Gold expects total gold production to
be between 970,000 and 1,075,000 ounces, a significant increase
from 2024 production levels primarily due to the scheduled mining
and processing of higher-grade ore from the Fekola and Cardinal
pits made accessible by the meaningful stripping campaign that was
undertaken throughout 2024, the expected contribution from Fekola
Regional, the commencement of mining of higher-grade ore at Fekola
underground, and the commencement of gold production at the Goose
Project by the end of the second quarter of 2025.
The Company’s full year total cash operating
costs for the Fekola Complex, Masbate, and Otjikoto are forecast to
be between $835 and $895 per ounce and total AISC are forecast to
be between $1,460 and $1,520 per ounce. Operating cost guidance for
the Goose Project will be released in the second quarter of 2025
(prior to the commencement of initial production), after
publication in the first quarter of 2025 of B2Gold’s initial Goose
Project life of mine plan based on updated Mineral Reserves.
The Company’s total gold production is expected
to be significantly higher in the second half of 2025, with the
commencement of gold production from Fekola Regional and Fekola
underground in mid-2025, and the commencement of gold production at
the Goose Project expected by the end of the second quarter of
2025.
Fekola Complex – Mali
The Fekola Complex comprises of the Fekola Mine
(Medinandi permit hosting the Fekola and Cardinal pits and Fekola
underground) and Fekola Regional (Anaconda Area (Bantako,
Menankoto, and Bakolobi permits) and the Dandoko permit). The
Fekola Complex’s total 2025 gold production is anticipated to
increase significantly relative to 2024, predominantly due to the
contribution of higher-grade ore from Fekola Regional and
Fekola underground in mid-2025. Fekola Regional is anticipated
to contribute between 20,000 and 25,000 ounces of additional gold
production in 2025 through the trucking of open pit ore to the
Fekola mill, and between 25,000 and 35,000 ounces of gold
production is expected from the mining of higher-grade ore at
Fekola underground, with production expected to commence in
mid-2025.
The development of Fekola Regional will enhance
the overall Fekola Complex life of mine production profile and is
expected to extend the mine life of the Fekola Complex. Fekola
Regional is anticipated to contribute approximately 180,000 ounces
of additional annual gold production in its first four full years
of production from 2026 through 2029. Significant exploration
potential remains across the Fekola Complex to further extend mine
life.
At the Fekola Mine, ore will continue to be
mined from the Fekola and Cardinal pits with production of
higher-grade ore at Fekola underground expected to commence in
mid-2025. Mining and trucking operations at Fekola Regional will
commence following the expected receipt of the exploitation license
in the first quarter of 2025, with initial gold production expected
in mid-2025.
The Fekola Complex is projected to process 9.56
million tonnes of ore during 2025 at an average grade of 1.84 grams
per tonne (“g/t”) gold with a process gold recovery of 93.4%. Gold
production is expected to be weighted approximately 40% to the
first half of 2025 and 60% to the second half of 2025.
Capital expenditures in 2025 at Fekola are
expected to total approximately $234 million, nearly a $75 million
reduction from total estimated capital expenditures in 2024.
Approximately $197 million would be classified as sustaining
capital expenditures and $37 million would be classified as growth
capital expenditures. Sustaining capital expenditures are expected
to include approximately:
- $106 million for deferred
stripping;
- $44 million for new and replacement
Fekola mining equipment;
- $15 million for tailings storage
facility construction;
- $14 million for underground
development;
- $7 million for other mining
costs;
- $5 million for general site
expenses;
- $4 million for powerhouse; and
- $2 million for process plant.
Growth capital expenditures are expected to
include approximately:
- $21 million for underground
development;
- $14 million for regional
development; and
- $2 million for mining
equipment.
Masbate Mine – The Philippines
Gold production at Masbate is expected to be
relatively consistent throughout 2025. Masbate is projected to
process 8.0 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.88 g/t
gold with a process gold recovery of 79.9%. Mill feed will be a
blend of mined fresh ore from the Main Vein pit and low-grade ore
stockpiles.
Capital expenditures for 2025 at Masbate are
expected to total $47 million, similar to total estimated capital
expenditures in 2024. Approximately $30 million would be classified
as sustaining capital expenditures and $17 million would be
classified as growth capital expenditures. Sustaining capital
expenditures are expected to include approximately:
- $8 million for deferred
stripping;
- $7 million for mining equipment
rebuilds and replacements;
- $6 million for construction of a
new solar plant;
- $5 million for tailings storage
facility construction;
- $3 million for processing; and
- $1 million for general site
expenses.
Growth capital expenditures are expected to
include approximately $13 million for Pajo pit land acquisition and
$4 million for Pajo development.
Otjikoto Mine – Namibia
Gold production at Otjikoto will be weighted
towards the first half of 2025 due to the conclusion of open pit
mining activities in the third quarter of 2025. For the full year
2025, Otjikoto is projected to process a total of 3.4 million
tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.63 g/t gold with a process
gold recovery of 98.0%. Processed ore will be sourced from the
Otjikoto pit and the Wolfshag underground mine, supplemented by
existing ore stockpiles. Open pit mining operations are scheduled
to conclude in the third quarter of 2025, while underground mining
operations at Wolfshag are expected to continue into 2027.
Exploration results received to date indicate the potential to
extend underground production at Wolfshag past 2027, supplementing
the processing operations into 2032 when economically viable
stockpiles are forecast to be exhausted.
Following the 2024 release of an initial
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for the Springbok Zone, the
southernmost shoot of the recently discovered Antelope deposit,
located approximately three km south of the Otjikoto Phase 5 open
pit at the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia, the Company commenced a PEA
which is expected to be completed early in the first quarter of
2025. Subject to receipt of a positive PEA and necessary permits
and approvals, mining of the Springbok Zone could begin to
contribute to gold production at Otjikoto as early as 2028. An
initial budget of up to $10 million has been approved to de-risk
the Antelope deposit development schedule by advancing early work
planning, project permits and long lead orders. Exploration of the
greater Antelope deposit has the potential to supplement the
processing of ore stockpiles at the Otjikoto Mine, with an initial
goal of adding between 80,000 and 90,000 ounces of additional
gold production per year from 2029 through 2032, with potential to
extend mine life further through additional drilling at the
Springbok and Oryx Zones at the Antelope deposit.
Capital expenditures in 2025 at Otjikoto are
expected to total $39 million, a small increase from total
estimated capital expenditures in 2024. Approximately $29 million
would be classified as sustaining capital expenditures and $10
million would be classified as growth capital expenditures.
Sustaining capital expenditures are expected to include
approximately:
- $16 million for underground
development;
- $7 million for tailings storage
facility construction; and
- $6 million for mining equipment
replacement and rebuilds.
Growth capital expenditures are expected to
include approximately $10 million to initiate Antelope deposit
development.
Goose Project – Canada
The Back River Gold District consists of eight
mineral claims blocks along an 80 km belt. Construction is underway
at the most advanced project in the district, the Goose Project,
and has been de-risked with significant infrastructure currently in
place.
B2Gold recognizes that respect and collaboration
with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (“KIA”) is central to the
license to operate in the Back River Gold District and will
continue to prioritize developing the project in a manner that
recognizes Inuit priorities, addresses concerns, and brings
long-term socio-economic benefits to the Kitikmeot Region. B2Gold
looks forward to continuing to build on its strong collaboration
with the KIA and Kitikmeot Communities.
All planned construction activities in 2024 were
completed and project construction and development continue to
progress on track for first gold pour at the Goose Project in the
second quarter of 2025 followed by ramp up to commercial production
in the third quarter of 2025. The Company continues to estimate
that gold production in calendar year 2025 will be between 120,000
and 150,000 ounces and that average annual gold production for the
six year period from 2026 to 2031 inclusive will be approximately
310,000 ounces per year, with the latest published Mineral Reserves
supporting a long mine life beyond 2031. The Company remains on
track to complete B2Gold’s initial Goose Project life of mine plan
based on updated Mineral Reserves by the end of the first quarter
of 2025.
Following the successful completion of the 2024
sea lift, the construction of the WIR is well underway and expected
to be completed on schedule and fully operational before March
2025, allowing for the transportation of all materials from the MLA
to the Goose Project site by the end of May 2025.
Development of the open pit and underground
remain the Company’s primary focus to ensure that adequate material
is available for mill startup and that the Echo pit is available
for tailings placement. Mining of the Echo pit continues to meet
production targets and is anticipated to be ready to receive
tailings when the mill starts. The Umwelt underground development
remains on schedule for commencement of production by the end of
the second quarter of 2025.
As of September 30, 2024, C$1,176 million of
construction and mine development cash expenditures (or 76% of the
total estimated cash expenditures) had been incurred. Based on its
unaudited November 2024 cost report, the Company estimates that
approximately 83% of the total estimated cash expenditures to first
gold had been incurred as of November 30, 2024. Reconciled total
cash expenditures as of December 31, 2024, will be published with
the Company’s year-end financial statements to be released in
February 2025. Based on the construction and mine development cash
expenditures incurred to date, combined with the estimated
expenditures to be incurred through to the first gold pour in the
second quarter of 2025, the Company reiterates the total Goose
Project construction and mine development cash expenditure estimate
of C$1,540 million, as announced on September 12, 2024.
Gramalote Project – Colombia
On June 18, 2024, the Company announced the
results of a positive PEA on its 100% owned Gramalote Project
located in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia. The PEA outlines
a significant production profile of 234,000 ounces of annual gold
production for the first five years, with average annual gold
production of 185,000 ounces over a 12.5 year project life with a
low-cost structure and favorable metallurgical characteristics.
Additionally, the PEA outlines strong project economics with an
after-tax NPV 5% of $778 million and an after-tax
internal rate of return of 20.6%, with a project payback on
pre-production capital of 3.1 years at a long-term gold price of
$2,000 per ounce.
The pre-production capital cost for the project
was estimated to be $807 million (including approximately $93
million for mining equipment and $63 million for contingency). A
robust amount of historical drilling and engineering studies have
been completed on the Gramalote Project, which significantly
de-risks future project development. Based on the positive results
from the PEA, B2Gold believes that the Gramalote Project has the
potential to become a medium-scale, low-cost open pit gold
mine.
B2Gold has commenced feasibility work with the
goal of completing a feasibility study in mid-2025. Due to the work
completed for previous studies, the work remaining to finalize a
feasibility study for the updated medium-scale project is not
expected to be extensive. The main work programs for the
feasibility study include geotechnical and environmental site
investigations for the processing plant and waste dump footprints,
as well as capital and operating cost estimates. Those work
programs, as well as processing engineering and site infrastructure
design, are underway and the study is on schedule.
The Gramalote Project will continue to advance
resettlement programs, establish coexistence programs for small
miners, work on health, safety and environmental projects and
continue to work with the government and local communities on
social programs.
Due to the desired modifications to the
processing plant and infrastructure locations, a Modified
Environment Impact Study is required. B2Gold has commenced work on
the modifications to the Environment Impact Study and expect it to
be completed and submitted shortly following the completion of the
feasibility study. If the final economics of the feasibility study
are positive and B2Gold makes the decision to develop the Gramalote
Project as an open pit gold mine, B2Gold would utilize its proven
internal mine construction team to build the mine and mill
facilities.
Capital expenditures in 2025 at Gramalote are
expected to be relatively stable throughout the year, totaling $28
million related primarily to feasibility study costs and ongoing
care and maintenance.
Exploration
B2Gold is planning another year of extensive
exploration in 2025 with a budget of approximately $61 million. A
significant focus will be on exploration at the Back River Gold
District, with the goal of enhancing and growing the significant
resource base at the Goose Project and surrounding regional
targets. In Namibia, the exploration program at the Otjikoto Mine
will be focused on enhancing and increasing the resources at the
Antelope deposit. In Mali, an ongoing focus will be on discovery of
additional high-grade, sulphide mineralization across the Fekola
Complex. In the Philippines, the exploration program at Masbate
will continue to focus on new targets located south of the Masbate
Mine infrastructure. Early stage exploration programs will continue
in the Philippines, Cote d’Ivoire and Kazakhstan in 2025. Finally,
the search for new joint ventures and strategic investment
opportunities will continue, building on existing equity
investments in Snowline Gold Corp., Founders Metals Inc., AuMEGA
Metals Ltd., and Prospector Metals Corp.
Canada Exploration
A total of $32 million is budgeted for
exploration at the Back River Gold District in 2025, of which $21
million is planned for the more advanced Goose Project. A total of
12,000 meters (“m”) of drilling will target extensions of the Llama
and Umwelt deposits, the largest and highest-grade resources at the
Goose Project. In addition, follow up drilling of significant
results returned at the Nuvuyak, Mammoth and Hook targets are
planned.
Regional exploration including geophysics,
mapping, prospecting and till sampling will be undertaken on the
George, Boot, Boulder, Del, Beech and Needle projects. This
regional work will also include an estimated 13,000 m of diamond
drilling to follow up drill ready targets defined during the 2024
summer regional exploration program. A significantly increased
budget of $11 million is being allocated for the regional
projects.
Mali Exploration
A total of $9 million is budgeted for
exploration in Mali in 2025 with an ongoing focus on discovery of
additional high-grade, sulphide mineralization across the Fekola
Complex to supplement feed to the Fekola mill. A total of 16,000 m
of diamond and reverse circulation drilling is planned for Mali in
2025.
Namibia Exploration
A total of $7 million is budgeted for
exploration at Otjikoto in 2025. The focus of the exploration
program will be drilling to expand and refine the recently
discovered Antelope deposit, located approximately 3 km south of
Phase 5 of the Otjikoto open pit, with a total of 44,000 m of
drilling planned.
The Philippines Exploration
The total budget for the Philippines in 2025 is
approximately $5 million, of which the Masbate exploration budget
is $3 million, including approximately 4,200 m of drilling. The
2025 exploration program will continue to focus on exploration of
new regional targets located south of the main mine infrastructure
at Masbate.
An additional $2 million will be allocated to
targeting new regional projects in highly prospective areas in the
Philippines, leveraging off B2Gold’s presence and operational
experience in the country. A total of 2,000 m is allocated to
testing new projects.
Grassroots Exploration
B2Gold has allocated approximately $9 million to
other grassroots exploration projects in 2025. This includes $2
million (7,200 m) in Kazakhstan, $2 million in Finland, and $1
million (1,000 m) in Cote d’Ivoire. In addition to the defined
programs noted above, the Company has allocated approximately $4
million for the generation and evaluation of new greenfield
targets.
About B2Gold
B2Gold is a low-cost international senior gold
producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007,
today, B2Gold has operating gold mines in Mali, Namibia and the
Philippines, the Goose Project under construction in northern
Canada and numerous development and exploration projects in various
countries including Mali, Colombia and Finland. B2Gold forecasts
total consolidated gold production of between 970,000 and 1,075,000
ounces in 2025.
Qualified Persons
Bill Lytle, Senior Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved
the scientific and technical information related to operations
matters contained in this news release.
Andrew Brown, P. Geo., Vice President,
Exploration, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the
scientific and technical information related to exploration and
mineral resource matters contained in this news release.
ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP.
“Clive T.
Johnson”President and Chief Executive
Officer
Source: B2Gold Corp.
The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American LLC
neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this
news release.
Production results and production guidance
presented in this news release reflect total production at the
mines B2Gold operates on a 100% project basis. Please see our
Annual Information Form dated March 14, 2024 for a discussion of
our ownership interest in the mines B2Gold operates.
This news release includes certain
"forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements"
(collectively forward-looking statements") within the meaning of
applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation,
including: projections; outlook; guidance; forecasts; estimates;
and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and
operational performance, gold production and sales, revenues and
cash flows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining) and
operating costs, including projected cash operating costs and AISC,
and budgets on a consolidated and mine by mine basis; future or
estimated mine life, metal price assumptions, ore grades or
sources, gold recovery rates, stripping ratios, throughput, ore
processing; statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling,
development, construction, permitting and other activities or
achievements of B2Gold; and including, without limitation:
remaining well positioned for continued strong operational and
financial performance in 2025; projected gold production, cash
operating costs and all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) on a
consolidated and mine by mine basis in 2025 for the Fekola Complex,
the Otjikoto Mine, the Masbate Gold Project and the Goose Project;
total consolidated cash operating costs of between $835 and $895
per ounce and AISC of between $1,420 and $1,480 per ounce in 2024;
total consolidated gold production of between 970,000 and 1,075,000
ounces in 2025, with cash operating costs of between $835 and $895
per ounce and AISC of between $1,460 and $1,520 per ounce; B2Gold's
continued prioritization of developing the Goose Project in a
manner that recognizes Indigenous input and concerns and brings
long-term socio-economic benefits to the area; the Goose Project
capital cost being approximately C$1,190 million and the net cost
of open pit and underground development, deferred stripping, and
sustaining capital expenditures to be incurred prior to first gold
production being approximately C$350 million and the cost for
reagents and other working capital items being C$330 million; the
Goose Project producing approximately 310,000 ounces of gold per
year for the first six years; the potential for first gold
production in the second quarter of 2025 from the Goose Project and
the estimates of such production; trucking of selective
higher-grade saprolite material from the Anaconda Area to the
Fekola mill having the potential to generate approximately 80,000
to 100,000 ounces of additional gold production per year from
Fekola Regional sources; the receipt of the exploitation permit for
Fekola Regional and Fekola Regional production expected to commence
in the second quarter of 2025; the receipt of a permit for Fekola
underground and Fekola underground commencing operation in
mid-2025; the potential for the Antelope deposit to be developed as
an underground operation and contribute gold during the low-grade
stockpile processing in 2029 through 2032; the results and
estimates in the Gramalote PEA, including the project life, average
annual gold production, processing rate, capital cost, net present
value, after-tax net cash flow, after-tax internal rate of return
and payback; the timing and results of a feasibility study on the
Gramalote Project; the potential to develop the Gramalote Project
as an open pit gold mine; and planned 2025 exploration budgets for
Canada, Mali, Namibia, The Philippines, Finland, Cote D’Ivoire and
other grassroots projects. All statements in this news release that
address events or developments that we expect to occur in the
future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
are statements that are not historical facts and are generally,
although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan",
"anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule",
"forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar
expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or
conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might"
occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the
opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements
are made.
Forward-looking statements necessarily involve
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond
B2Gold's control, including risks associated with or related to:
the volatility of metal prices and B2Gold's common shares; changes
in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and
mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource
estimates; not achieving production, cost or other estimates;
actual production, development plans and costs differing materially
from the estimates in B2Gold's feasibility and other studies; the
ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or
authorizations required for mining activities; environmental
regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations
associated with mining activities; climate change and climate
change regulations; the ability to replace mineral reserves and
identify acquisition opportunities; the unknown liabilities of
companies acquired by B2Gold; the ability to successfully integrate
new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability
of financing; financing and debt activities, including potential
restrictions imposed on B2Gold's operations as a result thereof and
the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; operations in
foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign
laws, including those associated with operations in Mali, Namibia,
the Philippines and Colombia and including risks related to changes
in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local
ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally;
remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure;
fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs
necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in
necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and
country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and
the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties
and joint venture partners; the lack of sole decision-making
authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns
the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; the
dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain
skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss;
adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk;
competition with other mining companies; community support for
B2Gold's operations, including risks related to strikes and the
halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small
scale miners; failures of information systems or information
security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal
controls over financial reporting as required by law, including
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; compliance with
anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures;
social media and B2Gold's reputation; risks affecting Calibre
having an impact on the value of the Company's investment in
Calibre, and potential dilution of our equity interest in Calibre;
as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail
under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual
Information Form, B2Gold's current Form 40-F Annual Report and
B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be
viewed at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively (the
"Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may
affect B2Gold's forward-looking statements.
B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on
the applicable assumptions and factors management considers
reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information
available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors
include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to
B2Gold's ability to carry on current and future operations,
including: development and exploration activities; the timing,
extent, duration and economic viability of such operations,
including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the
accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts,
studies and assessments; B2Gold's ability to meet or achieve
estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of
inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign
exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary
approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future
obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable
terms when required; the current and future social, economic and
political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally
associated with the mining industry.
B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on
the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current
expectations regarding future events and operating performance and
speak only as of the date hereof. B2Gold does not assume any
obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or
management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other
than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that
forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual
results, performance or achievements could differ materially from
those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking
statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events
anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or
occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold
will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue
reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
Non-IFRS Measures
This news release includes certain terms or
performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are
not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards
("IFRS"), including "cash operating costs" and "all-in sustaining
costs" (or "AISC"). Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized
meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be
comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The
projected range of AISC is anticipated to be adjusted to include
sustaining capital expenditures, corporate administrative expense,
mine-site exploration and evaluation costs and reclamation cost
accretion and amortization, and exclude the effects of expansionary
capital and non-sustaining expenditures. Projected GAAP total
production cash costs for the full year would require inclusion of
the projected impact of future included and excluded items,
including items that are not currently determinable, but may be
significant, such as sustaining capital expenditures, reclamation
cost accretion and amortization. Due to the uncertainty of the
likelihood, amount and timing of any such items, B2Gold does not
have information available to provide a quantitative reconciliation
of projected AISC to a total production cash costs projection.
B2Gold believes that this measure represents the total costs of
producing gold from current operations, and provides B2Gold and
other stakeholders of the Company with additional information of
B2Gold’s operational performance and ability to generate cash
flows. AISC, as a key performance measure, allows B2Gold to assess
its ability to support capital expenditures and to sustain future
production from the generation of operating cash flows. This
information provides management with the ability to more actively
manage capital programs and to make more prudent capital investment
decisions.
The data presented is intended to provide
additional information and should not be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance
with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with B2Gold's
consolidated financial statements. Readers should refer to B2Gold's
Management Discussion and Analysis, available on the Websites,
under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures" for a more detailed
discussion of how B2Gold calculates certain such measures and a
reconciliation of certain measures to IFRS terms.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Mineral Reserve
and Resource Estimates
The disclosure in this news release was prepared
in accordance with Canadian standards for the reporting of mineral
resource and mineral reserve estimates, which differ in some
material respects from the disclosure requirements of United States
securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral
reserve”, “probable mineral reserve”, “inferred mineral
resources,”, “indicated mineral resources,” “measured mineral
resources” and “mineral resources” used or referenced in this
prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents
incorporated by reference herein or therein are Canadian mineral
disclosure terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National
Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
(“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum (the “CIM”) - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral
Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as
amended (the “CIM Definition Standards”). The definitions of these
terms, and other mining terms and disclosures, differ from the
definitions of such terms, if any, for purposes of the SEC’s
disclosure rules the SEC for domestic United States Issuers (the
“SEC Rules”), (the “Exchange Act”). Accordingly, mineral reserve
and mineral resource information and other technical information
contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar
information disclosed by United States companies subject to the
SEC’s reporting and disclosure requirements for domestic United
States issuers.
Historical results or feasibility models
presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future
performance. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not
have demonstrated economic viability. Due to the uncertainty of
measured, indicated or inferred mineral resources, these mineral
resources may never be upgraded to proven and probable mineral
reserves. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of
mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into
reserves or recovered. In addition, United States investors are
cautioned not to assume that any part or all of B2Gold’s measured,
indicated or inferred mineral resources constitute or will be
converted into mineral reserves or are or will be economically or
legally mineable without additional work.
For more information on B2Gold please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact:
Michael McDonald
VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
+1 604-681-8371
investor@b2gold.com
Cherry De Geer
Director, Corporate Communications
+1 604-681-8371
investor@b2gold.com
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