News

News

B2Gold Reports Q3 2022 Results; Full-Year 2022 Total Consolidated Gold Production and Cost Guidance Remains Unchanged; Year-to-Date Operating Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs In Line with Budget despite Lower than Expected Gold Production

VANCOUVER, BC, November 1, 2022 /CNW/ - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") announces its operational and financial results for the third quarter of 2022. The Company previously released its gold production and gold revenue results for the third quarter of 2022. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.

2022 Third Quarter and Year-to-Date Summary
  • Total gold production of 227,016 ounces in Q3 2022, expected to increase significantly in Q4 2022: Lower than expected production at the Fekola and Otjikoto mines in the third quarter of 2022 due to temporary mining sequence changes (see "Operations" discussion). Strong production anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2022 at both operations. At Fekola, ore production from Fekola open-pit Phase 6 has commenced and is forecast to average between 3.4 to 3.5 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold. Over the full fourth quarter of 2022, gold grade mined is anticipated to average over 3.0 g/t gold at Fekola. At Otjikoto, gold production is anticipated to benefit as mining has reached a higher-grade zone in the Otjikoto pit and with stope ore production from the Wolfshag Underground mine.

  • Total consolidated cash operating costs of $824 per gold ounce sold in Q3 2022, expected to be significantly lower in Q4 2022: Total consolidated cash operating costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures") (including estimated attributable results for Calibre Mining Corp. ("Calibre"), which accounts for approximately 5% of B2Gold's total gold production in 2022) of $824 per gold ounce sold and consolidated cash operating costs from the Company's three operating mines of $810 per gold ounce sold. Year-to-date total consolidated cash operating costs of $760 per gold ounce sold in line with expectations after a strong first half of 2022.

  • Total consolidated all-in sustaining costs of $1,169 per gold ounce sold in Q3 2022, expected to be significantly lower in Q4 2022: Total consolidated all-in sustaining costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures") (including estimated attributable results for Calibre) of $1,169 per gold ounce sold and consolidated all-in sustaining costs from the Company's three operating mines of $1,154 per gold ounce sold. Year-to-date total consolidated all-in sustaining costs of $1,108 per gold ounce sold is slightly better than expected after a strong first half of 2022. Total consolidated all-in sustaining costs are anticipated to benefit in Q4 2022 from higher grade ore being processed at Fekola and Otjikoto.

  • Maintain full-year 2022 total gold production and total consolidated cost guidance: Based on the year-to-date cost performance and strong anticipated gold production in Q4 2022, the Company re-affirms full year 2022 total gold production and total consolidated cost guidance. Total gold production is expected to be between 990,000 and 1,050,000 ounces (including 40,000 and 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre). Total consolidated cash operating costs are expected to be at the upper end of the Company's original guidance range of between $620 and $660 per gold ounce and total consolidated all-in sustaining costs are expected to within the Company's original guidance range of between $1,010 and $1,050 per gold ounce.

  • Attributable net loss of $(0.02) per share; adjusted attributable net income of $0.03 per share in Q3 2022: Net loss attributable to the shareholders of the Company of $(23) million ($(0.02) per share); adjusted net income (see "Non-IFRS Measures") attributable to the shareholders of the Company of $32 million ($0.03 per share).

  • Operating cash flow before working capital adjustments of $0.13 per share in Q3 2022: Cash flow provided by operating activities before working capital adjustments was $139 million ($0.13 per share) in the third quarter of 2022.

  • Robust financial position: At September 30, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $549 million and working capital (defined as current assets less assets classified as held for sale and current liabilities) of $725 million.

  • Q3 2022 dividend of $0.04 per share declared: The Company remains in a strong net positive cash position and paid a third quarter dividend of $0.04 per common share (annualized rate of $0.16 per common share), representing a 5.0% yield as of September 30, 2022.

  • Completed acquisition of Oklo Resources Limited ("Oklo"): The Company completed the acquisition of Oklo on September 20, 2022, providing B2Gold with an additional landholding of 1,405 km2 covering highly prospective greenstone belts in Mali, including Oklo's flagship Dandoko project (550 km2), located approximately 25 kilometres from each of the Fekola Mine and the Anaconda area.

  • Fekola Complex study underway to deliver low capital intensity production growth: Commencing a feasibility level engineering study of stand-alone mill and oxide processing facilities at the Anaconda area. The study will be based on processing at least 4 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") of saprolite and transitional (oxide) resources, with an option to add fresh rock (sulphide) capabilities in the future. Results of this study are expected in the second quarter of 2023. Conceptual analysis indicates that the combined Fekola and Anaconda processing facilities could have the potential to produce more than 800,000 ounces of gold per year commencing as early as 2026.

  • Continued investment in near-mine exploration in Mali: The Company is drilling to infill and extend the saprolite resource area and to follow up on the sulphide mineralization at the Anaconda area, including the Mamba and Adder zones, and several other targets below the saprolite mineralization. The good grade and width combinations at the Anaconda area continue to provide a strong indication of the potential for Fekola-style south plunging bodies of sulphide mineralization, which remains open down plunge. Seven drill rigs are currently drilling in the Anaconda area and one drill rig is currently operating on Bakolobi. On the Mamba zone, drill results are particularly significant as they confirm the continuity of high grade sulphide mineralization 110 metres below the limit of the updated Mineral Resource pit boundaries. In the main Anaconda area Mineral Resource pit, drill results demonstrate the potential to add sulphide Mineral Resources beneath the currently defined saprolite resources, where the mineralization remains open at depth.

  • B2Gold and joint venture partner AngloGold Ashanti Limited ("AngloGold") intend to initiate a joint sales process for Gramalote: B2Gold and partner AngloGold have completed a comprehensive review of the alternatives relating to the Gramalote project and consider that the interests of all stakeholders would be best served by finding a buyer for the project. The partners intend to commence a joint sales process for the Gramalote project in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Third Quarter and Year-to-Date 2022 Results


Three months ended

Nine months ended


September 30,

September 30,


2022

2021

2022

2021






Gold revenue ($ in thousands)

392,554

510,859

1,140,122

1,236,151

Net (loss) income ($ in thousands)

(21,234)

134,871

110,255

307,685

(Loss) earnings per share – basic(1) ($/ share)

(0.02)

0.12

0.09

0.27

(Loss) earnings per share – diluted(1) ($/ share)

(0.02)

0.12

0.09

0.27

Cash provided by operating activities ($ thousands)

93,118

320,283

325,307

457,821

Average realized gold price ($/ ounce)

1,711

1,782

1,810

1,794

Adjusted net income(1)(2) ($ in thousands)

31,996

122,750

142,340

272,646

Adjusted earnings per share(1)(2) – basic ($)

0.03

0.12

0.13

0.26

Excluding equity investment in Calibre:





Gold sold (ounces)

229,400

286,650

629,800

689,051

Gold produced (ounces)

214,903

295,723

620,234

698,746

Cash operating costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)

810

456

741

544

Cash operating costs(2) ($/ gold ounce produced)

798

418

749

532

Total cash costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)

926

572

862

666

All-in sustaining costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)

1,154

777

1,100

887

Including equity investment in Calibre:





Gold sold (ounces)

241,558

301,153

669,776

732,986

Gold produced (ounces)

227,016

310,261

660,004

742,517

Cash operating costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)

824

482

760

568

Cash operating costs(2) ($/ gold ounce produced)

815

445

767

556

Total cash costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)

939

596

878

687

All-in sustaining costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)

1,169

795

1,108

900


(1) Attributable to the shareholders of the Company.

(2) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Company's financial statements, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures".

Operations

Fekola Mine - Mali


Three months ended

Nine months ended


September 30,

September 30,


2022

2021

2022

2021






Gold revenue ($ in thousands)

230,023

288,306

652,361

712,302

Gold sold (ounces)

135,150

161,550

361,800

396,750

Average realized gold price ($/ ounce)

1,702

1,785

1,803

1,795

Tonnes of ore milled

2,285,423

2,361,042

6,906,172

6,730,332

Grade (grams/ tonne)

1.90

2.30

1.72

1.98

Recovery (%)

93.1

94.8

92.9

94.2

Gold production (ounces)

129,933

165,557

354,647

404,256

Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

694

424

667

494

Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce produced)

728

363

667

478

Total cash costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

829

563

809

640

All-in sustaining costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

978

716

971

772

Capital expenditures ($ in thousands)

20,353

27,961

68,779

54,078

Exploration ($ in thousands)

3,392

2,096

13,848

9,323


(1) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Company's financial statements, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures".

The Fekola Mine in Mali (owned 80% by the Company and 20% by the State of Mali) produced 129,933 ounces in the third quarter of 2022, lower than expected due to a challenging rainy season in West Mali which temporarily delayed access to higher grade ore from Fekola open-pit Phase 6. In early October 2022, mining commenced from the higher grade Fekola open-pit Phase 6 as the region exited its rainy season (which typically runs from June to September). Ore production from Fekola open-pit Phase 6 is forecast to average between 3.4 to 3.5 g/t gold. Over the full fourth quarter of 2022, gold grade mined is anticipated to average over 3.0 g/t gold.

The Fekola Mine's cash operating costs (refer to "Non-IFRS Measures") for the third quarter of 2022 were $728 per gold ounce produced ($694 per gold ounce sold). Operating costs were higher than expected in the third quarter of 2022 largely due to fuel and explosive prices and increases in mining equipment maintenance costs.

All-in sustaining costs (refer to "Non-IFRS Measures") for the third quarter of 2022 for the Fekola Mine were $978 per gold ounce sold. All-in sustaining costs for the third quarter of 2022 were higher than expected as a result of higher cash operating costs described above and lower gold ounces sold partially offset by realized gains on the settlement of fuel derivatives.

Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2022 totalled $20 million primarily consisting of $11 million for mobile equipment purchases and rebuilds, $6 million for tailings storage facility expansion and equipment, $2 million for process plant and other site maintenance and $1 million for the development of the Cardinal zone.

On July 3, 2022, ECOWAS removed the economic, financial and diplomatic sanctions imposed on Mali in January 2022. The sanctions were removed by ECOWAS after the interim Malian Government announced a two-year transition to presidential elections and promulgated a new electoral law. Mali's borders with its neighbouring countries are now open to normal commercial traffic and ordinary supply routes are available. Throughout the period of the sanctions, the Fekola Mine continued to operate normally and meet its production targets while maintaining a good working relationship with the interim Government.

Based on an expected strong fourth quarter of 2022 performance, as the region exits its rainy season and with higher grade production forecast from Fekola open-pit Phase 6, the Company re-affirms the Fekola Mine's annual production guidance range of between 570,000 to 600,000 ounces of gold. Cash operating costs for the year are expected to be within Fekola's guidance range of between $510 and $550 per gold ounce produced and all-in sustaining costs are also expected to be within Fekola's guidance range of between $840 and $880 per gold ounce. 

Masbate Mine – The Philippines


Three months ended

Nine months ended


September 30,

September 30,


2022

2021

2022

2021






Gold revenue ($ in thousands)

107,936

117,795

290,704

325,627

Gold sold (ounces)

62,600

66,300

160,150

181,641

Average realized gold price ($/ ounce)

1,724

1,777

1,815

1,793

Tonnes of ore milled

1,888,722

1,840,379

5,885,163

5,652,091

Grade (grams/ tonne)

1.10

1.24

1.12

1.17

Recovery (%)

74.7

81.6

77.1

82.5

Gold production (ounces)

49,902

61,207

164,041

175,598

Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

879

546

815

597

Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce produced)

867

609

801

611

Total cash costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

977

643

922

698

All-in sustaining costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

1,110

751

1,076

820

Capital expenditures ($ in thousands)

10,158

7,023

29,908

20,365

Exploration ($ in thousands)

696

1,446

3,111

3,871


(1) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Company's financial statements, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures".

The Masbate Mine in the Philippines produced 49,902 ounces in the third quarter of 2022. Gold production was 4% less than expected as the ratio of sulphide and transitional ore to oxide ore was higher than forecasted in the third quarter of 2022, which contributed to the lower throughput and gold recovery and higher gold mill feed grade.

The Masbate Mine's cash operating costs (refer to "Non-IFRS Measures") for the third quarter of 2022 were $867 per gold ounce produced ($879 per gold ounce sold). Cash operating costs per ounce produced for the third quarter of 2022 were higher than expected as a result of slightly lower gold production and higher mining and processing costs resulting from higher than expected diesel and heavy fuel oil cost.

All-in sustaining costs (refer to "Non-IFRS Measures") for the third quarter of 2022 were $1,110 per gold ounce sold. All-in sustaining costs for the third quarter of 2022 were in line with expectations as a result of offsetting factors. Slightly higher cash operating costs as described above and slightly higher capital expenditures due to timing differences were offset by realized gains on the settlement of fuel derivatives and higher gold ounces sold.

Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2022 totalled $10 million, primarily consisting of $5 million for mobile equipment purchases and rebuilds, $2 million for an additional powerhouse generator and $1 million for tailings storage facility construction.

For the full year 2022 the Masbate Mine is expected to produce towards the lower end of increased guidance of between 215,000 and 225,000 ounces of gold (original guidance range was between 205,000 and 215,000 ounces of gold). For full-year 2022, with the increases being experienced in fuel prices, Masbate's cash operating costs are now expected to be at the lower end of Masbate's previously revised 2022 guidance range of between $820 and $860 per gold ounce (original guidance range was between $740 and $780 per gold ounce). The all-in sustaining cost guidance range remains unchanged and are expected to be at the upper end of Masbate's guidance range of between $1,070 and $1,110 per gold ounce. 

Otjikoto Mine - Namibia


Three months ended

Nine months ended


September 30,

September 30,


2022

2021

2022

2021






Gold revenue ($ in thousands)

54,595

104,758

197,057

198,222

Gold sold (ounces)

31,650

58,800

107,850

110,660

Average realized gold price ($/ ounce)

1,725

1,782

1,827

1,791

Tonnes of ore milled

877,249

901,216

2,573,360

2,656,367

Grade (grams/ tonne)

1.27

2.41

1.25

1.42

Recovery (%)

98.0

98.7

98.3

98.3

Gold production (ounces)

35,068

68,959

101,546

118,892

Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

1,165

443

881

635

Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce produced)

958

382

948

597

Total cash costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

1,234

515

954

707

All-in sustaining costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)

1,625

781

1,247

1,137

Capital expenditures ($ in thousands)

20,292

19,371

59,575

59,337

Exploration ($ in thousands)

896

1,257

2,275

2,846


(1) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Company's financial statements, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures".

The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia, in which the Company holds a 90% interest, produced 35,068 ounces in the third quarter of 2022, lower than expected due to delays in bringing the Wolfshag Underground mine into production. Project delays were due to issues achieving development rates in prior periods, which have been addressed through the appointment of a new underground development contractor in April 2022. Development rates in the Wolfshag Underground mine have improved and are in line with budget, with access to initial development ore achieved in the third quarter of 2022 and stope ore production having commenced in the fourth quarter of 2022. Mined ore tonnage and grade continue to reconcile well with Otjikoto's resource model, with production anticipated to significantly increase in the fourth quarter of 2022 when mining reaches a higher-grade zone in the Otjikoto pit and with stope ore production from the Wolfshag Underground mine.

Cash operating costs (refer to "Non-IFRS Measures") for the third quarter of 2022 were $958 per gold ounce produced ($1,165 per gold ounce sold). Cash operating costs per ounce produced for the third quarter of 2022 were higher than expected as a result of lower production due to delays in accessing Wolfshag Underground production (which has commenced in the fourth quarter of 2022) and higher fuel costs partially offset by a weaker than expected Namibian dollar.

All-in sustaining costs (refer to "Non-IFRS Measures") for the third quarter of 2022 were $1,625 per gold ounce sold. All-in sustaining costs for the third quarter of 2022 were higher than expected as a result of the higher cash operating costs described above and lower gold ounces sold, partially offset by lower sustaining capital expenditures and realized gains on the settlement of fuel derivatives. The lower sustaining capital expenditures are mainly a result of delays in underground development resulting in underground development costs being classified as non-sustaining instead of sustaining as budgeted.

Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2022 totalled $20 million, primarily consisting of $8 million for Wolfshag underground mine development, $7 million for prestripping in the Otjikoto pit, $3 million for mobile equipment purchases and rebuilds and $1 million to complete the national power grid connection line.

The Otjikoto Mine is expected to produce towards the lower end of its previously revised guidance range of between 165,000 and 175,000 ounces of gold in 2022 (original guidance range of 175,000 to 185,000 ounces). Overall and after factoring in the operating results for the first nine months of 2022, Otjikoto's costs guidance ranges for full-year 2022 remain unchanged. For full-year 2022, cash operating costs are expected to be within the Company's guidance range of between $740 and $780 per gold ounce and all-in sustaining costs are expected to be within its guidance range of between $1,120 and $1,160 per gold ounce.

Fekola Complex Regional Development and Exploration

Development

Based on the updated Anaconda area Mineral Resource estimate and B2Gold's preliminary planning, the Company has demonstrated that the Anaconda area (Bantako and Menankoto license areas) could provide selective higher grade saprolite material (average grade of 2.2 g/t gold) to be trucked approximately 20 kilometers and fed into the Fekola mill at a rate of up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum. Trucking of selective higher grade saprolite material to the Fekola mill will increase the ore processed and annual gold production from the Fekola mill, with the potential to add an average of approximately 80,000 to 100,000 ounces of gold per year to the Fekola mill's annual production (Fekola Complex optimization Phase I).

In 2022, the Company budgeted $33 million for the development of saprolite mining at the Anaconda area including road construction, mine infrastructure, and mining equipment. The construction mobile equipment fleet is arriving, and the Company expects to break ground on roads and mining infrastructure construction in the fourth quarter of 2022. Engineering and procurement of the mine workshop and mobile equipment is on schedule for saprolite production from the Bantako license area as early as the second quarter of 2023 and from the Dandoko license area as early as the fourth quarter of 2023. Production from Bantako and Dandoko is contingent upon receipt of all necessary permits as well as optimizing long-term project value from the various oxide and sulphide material sources now available including Fekola Pit, Fekola Underground, Cardinal, Bantako, Menankoto, Dandoko, and Bakolobi.

Preliminary results of a Fekola Complex optimization study, coupled with 2022 exploration drilling results, indicate that there is a significant opportunity to increase gold production and resource utilization with the addition of oxide processing capacity. The Company has therefore commenced a feasibility level engineering study of stand-alone mill and oxide processing facilities at the Anaconda area (Fekola Complex optimization Phase II). The study will be based on processing at least 4 Mtpa of saprolite and transitional (oxide) resources, with an option to add fresh rock (sulphide) capabilities in the future. Results of this study are expected in the second quarter of 2023. Conceptual analysis indicates that the combined Fekola and Anaconda processing facilities could have the potential to produce more than 800,000 ounces of gold per year commencing as early as 2026, subject to completion of final feasibility studies, and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and permits. Further expansion of the Mamba and Cobra sulphide zones (see September 15, 2022 press release) could sustain a production profile averaging over 800,000 ounces of gold per year over a 10-year period. Drilling is currently ongoing at the Mamba and Cobra sulphide zones.

Exploration

In 2022, B2Gold is conducting an approximately 161,000 m drill program on the Fekola Complex with a budget of approximately $35 million, including drill programs on the Fekola North deposit to further test the underground mineralization potential, and on the Anaconda area, including the Mamba, Adder, Anaconda, Cascabel, Viper, and Cobra zones.

At the Mamba Main Zone in the Anaconda area, positive exploration drilling results were received, including hole BND_108 with 5.89 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold over 28.70 meters ("m") from 455.45 m, hole BND_101 with 3.76 g/t gold over 32.08 m from 299.00 m, and hole BND_104 with 3.33 g/t gold over 14.30 m from 362.70 m, which collectively confirm and extend the continuity of the high grade sulphide mineralization of the sulphide shoot to over 700 m down plunge, providing a strong indication of the potential for Fekola-style bodies of sulphide mineralization, which remain open at depth.

At the Cobra Zone in the Anaconda area, strong initial drilling results were received, including hole MSD_227 with 2.02 g/t gold over 25.30 m from 201.70 m, and 6.75 g/t gold over 13.80 m from 244.40 m, confirming the potential for economic grade and width combinations in the sulphide mineralization. The Company believes that the Cobra Zone may extend onto the Bakolobi permit and are currently drilling this extension target.

Gramalote Project

The Gramalote Feasibility Study has been completed for the Gramalote gold project in Colombia (the "Gramalote Project"), a joint venture between B2Gold and AngloGold, and both partners have determined that the project does not meet their investment thresholds for development of the project. The Gramalote Project continues to benefit from government support as well as continuing support from local communities. B2Gold and AngloGold have completed a comprehensive review of the alternatives relating to the Gramalote Project and consider that the interests of all stakeholders would be best served by finding a buyer for the Project. The partners intend to commence a joint sales process for the Gramalote Project in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Outlook

For the full-year 2022, total consolidated production and cost guidance remains unchanged. Lower than expected production at the Fekola and Otjikoto mines in the third quarter of 2022 were due to temporary mining sequence changes (see "Operations" discussion). Strong production is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2022 at both operations. As a result, the Company re-affirms its total gold production guidance for 2022 of between 990,000 and 1,050,000 ounces of gold (including 40,000 and 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre). Overall and after factoring in the operating results for the first nine months of 2022, the Company's costs guidance ranges for full-year 2022 remain unchanged. The Company's total consolidated cash operating costs are expected to be at the upper end of the original guidance range of between $620 and $660 per ounce and total consolidated all-in sustaining costs are expected to within the original guidance range of between $1,010 and $1,050 per ounce. 

The Company's operations continue to be impacted by global cost inflation with fuel costs reflecting the most significant increases. However, despite these ongoing cost pressures, draw downs of existing inventories, proactive management and the revised sequencing of certain mining and capital costs, and gains realized from the Company's fuel hedging program, the Company's consolidated cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs in the first nine months of 2022 were in line with budget. For full-year 2022, the Company expects to be at the upper end of its original total consolidated cash operating cost guidance range and within its original total consolidated all-in sustaining cost guidance range. The Company will continue to closely monitor the levels of cost inflation over the remainder of 2022. B2Gold's projects and operations continue to target long-term cash flow and value at industry leading costs per ounce of gold produced.

The Company's ongoing strategy is to continue to maximize profitable production from its mines, further advance its pipeline of remaining development and exploration projects, evaluate new exploration, development and production opportunities and continue to pay an industry leading dividend yield.

Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results - Conference Call Details

B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the results on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 10:00 am PST/1:00 pm EST. You may access the call by dialing the operator at +1 (778) 383-7413 / +1 (416) 764-8659 (Vancouver/Toronto) or toll free at +1 (888) 664-6392 prior to the scheduled start time or you may listen to the call via webcast by clicking here. A playback version will be available for two weeks after the call at +1 (416) 764-8677 (local or international) or toll free at +1 (888) 390-0541 (passcode 705653 #).

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.

Brian Scott, P. Geo., Vice President, Geology & Technical Services, 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.

About B2Gold

B2Gold is a Vancouver-based international gold mining company with three operating gold mines and numerous development and exploration projects in various countries including Mali, the Philippines, Namibia, Colombia, Finland and Uzbekistan. Since its founding in 2007, B2Gold has created significant shareholder value by identifying and acquiring companies with assets that benefit from B2Gold's best-in-class approach to exploration, mine building and operations. This includes the acquisition of Australian-based Papillon Resources that brought in what is now B2Gold's flagship Fekola Gold Project in Mali in 2014, Australian-based CGA Mining with its Masbate Gold Mine in the Philippines in 2013, and Canadian-based Auryx Gold with its Otjikoto Gold Project in Namibia in 2011. Fekola is now a tier-one gold mine expected to produce between 570,000 and 600,000 ounces of gold in 2022, Masbate is expected to produce between 215,000 and 225,000 ounces in 2022, and Otjikoto is expected to produce between 165,000 and 175,000 ounces in 2022.

ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP.

"Clive T. Johnson"
President and Chief Executive Officer                                 

For more information on B2Gold please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact:

Michael McDonald

Cherry De Geer

VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Development

Director, Corporate Communications

+1 604-681-8371

+1 604-681-8371

[email protected]

[email protected]

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 30, 2022 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; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B2Gold's operations, including any restrictions or suspensions with respect to our operations and the effect of any such restrictions or suspensions on our financial and operational results; the ability of the Company to successfully maintain our operations if they are temporarily suspended, and to restart or ramp-up these operations efficiently and economically, the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's workforce, suppliers and other essential resources and what effect those impacts, if they occur, would have on our business, our planned capital and exploration expenditures; 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: projected gold production, cash operating costs and AISC on a consolidated and mine by mine basis in 2022, including production being weighted heavily to the second half of 2022; total consolidated gold production of between 990,000 and 1,050,000 ounces in 2022 with cash operating costs of between $620 and $660 per ounce and AISC of between $1,010 and $1,050 per ounce; the potential upside to increase Fekola's gold production in 2023 by trucking material from the Anaconda area or the Dandoko project, including the potential to add approximately 80,000 to 100,000 per year to Fekola's annual production profile, and for the Anaconda area and the Dandoko project to provide saprolite material to feed the Fekola mill starting in the second quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively; the timing and results of a feasibility study for the Anaconda area to review the project economics of a stand-alone oxide mill; the potential for the Fekola complex to produce 800,000 ounces of gold per year over a 10-year period starting in 2026; stope ore production at the Wolfshag underground mine at Otjikoto commencing in the fourth quarter of 2022; the potential payment of future dividends, including the timing and amount of any such dividends, and the expectation that quarterly dividends will be maintained at the same level; and B2Gold's attributable share of Calibre's production. 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 duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of preventative measures and contingency plans put in place by the Company to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including, but not limited to, social distancing, a non-essential travel ban, business continuity plans, and efforts to mitigate supply chain disruptions; escalation of travel restrictions on people or products and reductions in the ability of the Company to transport and refine doré; 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, including in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; 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.sedar.com 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: the duration and effects of COVID-19 on our operations and workforce; 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 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 of 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 National Instrument 43-101, which differs significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and resource and reserve information contained or referenced in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by public companies subject to the technical disclosure requirements of the SEC. Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance.

B2GOLD CORP.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



For the three
months ended
Sept. 30, 2022


For the three
months ended
Sept. 30, 2021


For the nine
months ended
Sept. 30, 2022


For the nine
months ended
Sept. 30, 2021










Gold revenue


$            392,554


$            510,859


$         1,140,122


$         1,236,151










Cost of sales









Production costs


(185,704)


(130,770)


(466,967)


(374,695)

Depreciation and depletion


(94,207)


(111,768)


(253,344)


(256,304)

Royalties and production taxes


(26,644)


(33,154)


(76,235)


(84,351)

Total cost of sales


(306,555)


(275,692)


(796,546)


(715,350)










Gross profit


85,999


235,167


343,576


520,801










General and administrative


(10,384)


(10,410)


(33,761)


(31,026)

Share-based payments


(5,808)


(5,996)


(18,253)


(15,835)

Write-down of mineral property interests


(3,927)



(7,085)


(1,040)

Reversal of impairment of long-lived assets




909


Loss on sale of mineral property interests


(2,804)



(2,804)


Community relations


(873)


(855)


(1,945)


(2,169)

Foreign exchange losses


(7,982)


(2,718)


(16,439)


(3,758)

Share of net income of associate


2,080


3,851


8,991


13,198

Other expense


(1,776)


(563)


(2,746)


(3,972)

Operating income


54,525


218,476


270,443


476,199










Interest and financing expense


(2,709)


(3,112)


(7,983)


(9,057)

(Losses) gains on derivative instruments


(8,751)


5,484


18,297


23,024

Other income


3,621


43


14,309


1,199

Income from operations before taxes


46,686


220,891


295,066


491,365










Current income tax, withholding and other taxes


(32,520)


(83,024)


(140,315)


(174,620)

Deferred income tax expense


(35,400)


(2,996)


(44,496)


(9,060)

Net (loss) income for the period


$            (21,234)


$            134,871


$            110,255


$            307,685










Attributable to:









Shareholders of the Company


$            (23,410)


$            123,110


$             95,117


$            283,122

   Non-controlling interests


2,176


11,761


15,138


24,563

Net (loss) income for the period


$            (21,234)


$            134,871


$            110,255


$            307,685










(Loss) earnings per share

(attributable to shareholders of the Company)









Basic


$               (0.02)


$                 0.12


$                 0.09


$                 0.27

Diluted


$               (0.02)


$                 0.12


$                 0.09


$                 0.27










Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

(in thousands)









Basic


1,064,301


1,054,747


1,060,826


1,053,127

Diluted


1,064,301


1,060,687


1,067,753


1,061,756

B2GOLD CORP.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
(Unaudited)



For the three
months ended
Sept. 30, 2022


For the three
months ended
Sept. 30, 2021


For the nine
months ended
Sept. 30, 2022


For the nine

months ended
Sept. 30, 2021

Operating activities









Net (loss) income for the period


$            (21,234)


$            134,871


$            110,255


$            307,685

Non-cash charges, net


160,355


122,258


331,700


265,304

Changes in non-cash working capital


(34,362)


57,871


(87,833)


(113,107)

Changes in long-term value added tax receivables


(11,641)


5,283


(28,815)


(2,061)

Cash provided by operating activities


93,118


320,283


325,307


457,821










Financing activities









Revolving credit facility transaction costs




(2,401)


Repayment of equipment loan facilities


(879)


(7,236)


(12,374)


(21,806)

Interest and commitment fees paid


(725)


(3,967)


(3,049)


(5,700)

Cash proceeds from stock option exercises


335


1,943


12,966


3,777

Dividends paid


(42,949)


(42,186)


(127,695)


(126,151)

Principal payments on lease arrangements


(1,732)


(1,196)


(5,399)


(2,624)

Distributions to non-controlling interests


(23,648)


(23,177)


(27,828)


(32,411)

Funding from non-controlling interests


1,656



2,386


Changes in restricted cash accounts


132


293


132


792

Cash used by financing activities


(67,810)


(75,526)


(163,262)


(184,123)










Investing activities









Expenditures on mining interests:









Fekola Mine


(20,353)


(27,961)


(68,779)


(54,078)

Masbate Mine


(10,158)


(7,023)


(29,908)


(20,365)

Otjikoto Mine


(20,292)


(19,371)


(59,575)


(59,337)

Gramalote Project


(4,273)


(9,200)


(12,810)


(16,669)

Anaconda Property, pre-development


(5,154)



(12,083)


Other exploration and development


(16,269)


(13,944)


(45,505)


(39,368)

Cash paid for acquisition of mineral property




(48,258)


Deferred consideration received


45,000



45,000


Cash paid for acquisition of Oklo Resources Limited


(21,130)



(21,130)


Cash acquired on acquisition of Oklo Resources Limited


1,415



1,415


Loan to associate


(5,000)



(5,000)


Cash paid on exercise of mineral property option




(7,737)


Funding of reclamation accounts


(954)


(1,071)


(5,052)


(4,570)

Purchase of common shares of associate





(5,945)

Other


1,626


2,071


1,268


(1,452)

Cash used by investing activities


(55,542)


(76,499)


(268,154)


(201,784)










(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents


(30,234)


168,258


(106,109)


71,914










Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents


(7,002)


(3,892)


(17,434)


(5,092)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period


586,692


382,141


672,999


479,685

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period


$            549,456


$            546,507


$            549,456


$            546,507










 



As at September 30,
2022


As at December 31,
2021

Assets





Current





Cash and cash equivalents


$                      549,456


$                      672,999

Accounts receivable, prepaids and other


38,464


32,112

Deferred consideration receivable


3,850


41,559

Value-added and other tax receivables


12,000


14,393

Inventories


293,793


272,354

Assets classified as held for sale



12,700



897,563


1,046,117






Long-term investments


24,496


32,118

Value-added tax receivables


91,924


63,165

Mining interests 





Owned by subsidiaries and joint operations


2,292,047


2,231,831

Investments in associates


118,685


104,236

Other assets


92,885


82,371

Deferred income taxes



1,455



$                   3,517,600


$                   3,561,293

Liabilities





Current





Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


$                      108,870


$                      111,716

Current income and other taxes payable


41,817


92,275

Current portion of long-term debt


19,796


25,408

Current portion of mine restoration provisions


734


734

Other current liabilities


1,041


1,056



172,258


231,189






Long-term debt 


42,732


49,726

Mine restoration provisions


85,352


116,547

Deferred income taxes


230,928


187,887

Employee benefits obligation


7,323


7,115

Other long-term liabilities


7,269


7,822



545,862


600,286

Equity





Shareholders' equity





Share capital


2,484,468


2,422,184

Contributed surplus


73,756


67,028

Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(150,876)


(136,299)

Retained earnings


476,721


507,381



2,884,069


2,860,294

Non-controlling interests 


87,669


100,713



2,971,738


2,961,007



$                   3,517,600


$                   3,561,293






B2Gold Corp. (CNW Group/B2Gold Corp.)

SOURCE B2Gold Corp.

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