VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) (“B2Gold” or the “Company”) announces its operational and financial results for the third quarter of 2024. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
2024 Third Quarter Highlights
Total gold production of 180,553 ounces: Total gold production in the third quarter of 2024 was 180,553 ounces. At the Fekola Mine, production was lower than expected due to the delayed timing of mining high-grade ore and by lower than anticipated equipment productivity and inclement weather throughout the quarter that reduced the mined volumes of high-grade ore. Damage to an excavator and the subsequent need for replacement equipment impacted equipment availability at Fekola, reducing tonnes mined in the first and second quarters of 2024, which affected the availability of higher-grade ore for the third quarter of 2024. Masbate and Otjikoto both continued to outperform expectations in the third quarter.
Total consolidated cash operating costs of $1,061 per gold ounce produced: Total consolidated cash operating costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) were $1,061 per gold ounce produced during the third quarter of 2024. Total consolidated cash operating costs of $865 per gold ounce produced for the first nine months of 2024 are at the mid-point of the Company’s annual guidance range.
Total consolidated all-in sustaining costs of $1,650 per gold ounce sold: Total consolidated all-in sustaining costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) were $1,650 per gold ounce sold for the third quarter of 2024. Total consolidated all-in sustaining costs of $1,405 per gold ounce sold for the first nine months of 2024 are below the Company’s revised annual guidance range.
Attributable net loss of $0.48 per share; adjusted attributable net income of $0.02 per share: Net loss attributable to the shareholders of the Company in the third quarter of 2024 of $634 million ($0.48 per share), predominantly due to a non-cash impairment charge on the Goose Project as a result of the previously announced construction capital increases (see “Goose Project Development”). Adjusted net income (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) attributable to the shareholders of the Company was $29 million ($0.02 per share). Adjusted net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company in the third quarter was negatively impacted by one-time tax audit accruals of $30 million related to the agreement between the Company and the State of Mali in connection with the ongoing operation and governance of the Fekola Complex.
Operating cash flow before working capital adjustments of $118 million: Cash flow provided by operating activities before working capital adjustments was $118 million in the third quarter of 2024.
Strong financial position and liquidity: At September 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $431 million and working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) of $419 million.
Q4 2024 dividend of $0.04 per share declared: On November 6, 2024, B2Gold’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend for the fourth quarter of 2024 of $0.04 per common share (or upon payment $0.16 per share on an annualized basis), payable on December 12, 2024, to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2024.
Goose Project construction and development remains on schedule for first gold pour in Q2 2025: All planned construction year to date in 2024 has been completed and project construction and development continues to progress on track for first gold pour at the Goose Project in the second quarter of 2025 followed by a ramp up to commercial production in the third quarter of 2025. The 2024 sealift was completed successfully on September 30, 2024, with ten ships and one barge having unloaded 123,000 cubic meters (“m3”) of dry cargo, more than 84 million liters of arctic grade diesel fuel and 58 additional trucks for the 2025 Winter Ice Road (“WIR”) campaign to the Marine Laydown Area (“MLA”) from global locations.
Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Mali relating to the Fekola Complex: On September 11, 2024, the Company announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU Agreement”) with the State of Mali (the “State”) in connection with the ongoing operation and governance of the Fekola Complex, including the development of both the underground project at the Fekola Mine (owned 80% by B2Gold and 20% by the State of Mali) and Fekola Regional. Under the MOU Agreement, the State agreed to expedite the issuance of exploitation permits for Fekola Regional and the approval of the exploitation phase for Fekola underground. Upon issuance of the exploitation permit for Fekola Regional, mining operations will begin with initial gold production expected to commence in early 2025, with the potential to generate approximately 80,000 to 100,000 ounces of additional gold production per year from Fekola Regional sources through the trucking of open pit ore to the Fekola mill. Initial gold production from Fekola underground is expected to commence in mid-2025.
Third Quarter 2024 Results
Three months endedNine months ended September 30,September 30, 2024202320242023 Gold revenue ($ in thousands)448,229477,8881,402,2421,422,298Net (loss) income ($ in thousands)(631,032)(34,770)(617,328)158,984(Loss) earnings per share – basic(1) ($/ share)(0.48)(0.03)(0.47)0.10(Loss) earnings per share – diluted(1) ($/ share)(0.48)(0.03)(0.47)0.10Cash (used) provided by operating activities ($ thousands)(16,099)110,204757,060509,010Average realized gold price ($/ ounce)2,4831,9202,2851,929Adjusted net income(1)(2) ($ in thousands)29,15764,840189,109256,506Adjusted earnings per share(1)(2) – basic ($)0.020.050.140.21Consolidated operations results: Gold sold (ounces)180,525248,889613,731737,139Gold produced (ounces)180,553225,052599,133721,732Production costs ($ in thousands)192,408171,425500,452451,791Cash operating costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,066689815613Cash operating costs(2) ($/ gold ounce produced)1,061741852638Total cash costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,248827972752All-in sustaining costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,6501,2731,4001,177Operations results including equity investment in Calibre: Gold sold (ounces)180,525266,616633,375787,805Gold produced (ounces)180,553242,838618,777772,395Production costs ($ in thousands)192,408188,216525,578502,162Cash operating costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,066706830637Cash operating costs(2) ($/ gold ounce produced)1,061755865661Total cash costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,248840984772All-in sustaining costs(2) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,6501,2721,4051,182 (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”.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
B2Gold continues to maintain a strong financial position and liquidity. At September 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $431 million (December 31, 2023 – $307 million) and working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) of $419 million (December 31, 2023 – $397 million). During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company drew down $200 million on the Company’s $700 million revolving credit facility, leaving $500 million remaining available for future draw downs.
Fourth Quarter 2024 Dividend
On November 6, 2024, B2Gold’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend for the fourth quarter of 2024 (the “Q4 2024 Dividend”) of $0.04 per common share (or upon payment $0.16 per share on an annualized basis), payable on December 12, 2024, to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2024.
In 2023, the Company implemented a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”). For the purposes of the Q4 2024 Dividend, the Company is pleased to announce that a discount of 3% will be applied to calculate the Average Market Price (as defined in the DRIP) of its common shares issued from treasury. However, the Company may, from time to time, in its discretion, change or eliminate any applicable discount, which would be publicly announced, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of the DRIP. Participation in the DRIP is optional. In order to participate in the DRIP in time for the Q4 2024 Dividend, registered shareholders must deliver a properly completed enrollment form to Computershare Trust Company of Canada by no later than 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on December 5, 2024. Beneficial shareholders who wish to participate in the DRIP should contact their financial advisor, broker, investment dealer, bank, financial institution, or other intermediary through which they hold common shares well in advance of the above date for instructions on how to enroll in the DRIP.
This dividend is designated as an “eligible dividend” for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Dividends paid by B2Gold to shareholders outside Canada (non-resident investors) will be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding taxes.
The declaration and payment of future dividends and the amount of any such dividends will be subject to the determination of the Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, taking into account, among other things, economic conditions, business performance, financial condition, growth plans, expected capital requirements, compliance with B2Gold’s constating documents, all applicable laws, including the rules and policies of any applicable stock exchange, as well as any contractual restrictions on such dividends, including any agreements entered into with lenders to the Company, and any other factors that the Board deems appropriate at the relevant time. There can be no assurance that any dividends will be paid at the intended rate or at all in the future.
For more information regarding the DRIP and enrollment in the DRIP, please refer to the Company’s website at https://www.b2gold.com/investors/stock_info/.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction nor will there be any sale of these securities in any province, state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, state or jurisdiction.
The Company has filed a registration statement relating to the DRIP with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that may be obtained under the Company’s profile on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov/EDGAR or by contacting the Company using the contact information at the end of this news release.
Operations
Fekola Complex – Mali
Three months endedNine months ended September 30,September 30, 2024202320242023 Gold revenue ($ in thousands)194,988292,375721,898888,272Gold sold (ounces)78,889152,239318,005460,139Average realized gold price ($/ ounce)2,4721,9212,2701,930Tonnes of ore milled2,466,0872,392,8297,449,3276,988,763Grade (grams/ tonne)1.071.821.402.17Recovery (%)92.792.192.791.9Gold production (ounces)78,207128,942308,931447,233Production costs ($ in thousands)109,85793,388276,443250,294Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,393613869544Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce produced)1,434688935561Total cash costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,6537731,066706All-in sustaining costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)2,2871,2611,5831,125Capital expenditures ($ in thousands)64,46483,166198,205211,112Exploration ($ in thousands)996-3,1361,706 (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 78,207 ounces of gold in the third quarter of 2024, below expectations due to the delayed timing of mining of high-grade ore resulting in less high-grade ore processed during the quarter. For the third quarter of 2024, mill feed grade was 1.07 grams per tonne (“g/t”), mill throughput was 2.47 million tonnes, and gold recovery averaged 92.7%. Lower than anticipated equipment productivity and inclement weather throughout the quarter impacted the mined volumes of high-grade ore during the third quarter of 2024. Damage to an excavator and the subsequent need for replacement equipment impacted equipment availability for the first nine months of 2024, reducing tonnes mined during the first and second quarters of 2024, which affected the availability of higher-grade ore of Phase 7 of the Fekola pit resulting in less high-grade ore processed during the third quarter of 2024. The damaged machine has been replaced and the new unit operated for the full third quarter of 2024. The reduction in mining rates experienced in the first nine months of 2024 is expected to continue to impact the availability of higher-grade ore from Phase 7 of the Fekola pit during the fourth quarter of 2024 resulting in an expected decrease in Fekola production as compared to initial production estimates. Mining and processing of these ounces is now expected in the first quarter of 2025. Despite short term variations, overall, ore volumes and grades continue to reconcile relatively well with modelled values.
The Fekola Mine’s cash operating costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for the third quarter of 2024 were $1,434 per gold ounce produced ($1,393 per gold ounce sold). Cash operating costs per gold ounce produced for the third quarter of 2024 were higher than expected as a result of lower than anticipated gold production during the third quarter, partially offset by lower fuel costs, higher mill throughput, higher gold recovery and lower mining costs due to lower than expected mined tonnage.
All-in sustaining costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for the third quarter of 2024 were $2,287 per gold ounce sold. All-in sustaining costs were higher than expected as a result of higher than anticipated production costs per gold ounce sold, lower than expected gold ounces sold, higher than anticipated sustaining capital expenditures due to the timing of expenditures and higher gold royalties resulting from a higher than anticipated average realized gold price.
Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2024 totalled $64 million primarily consisting of $12 million for deferred stripping, $10 million for mobile equipment purchases and rebuilds, $7 million for the construction of a new tailings storage facility, $20 million for Fekola underground development and $11 million for solar plant expansion. All solar panels, inverters, transformers and the tracking system have been installed for the solar plant expansion and the solar field was energized on September 29, 2024. Commissioning has continued with final completion of the solar plant expansion expected by the end of November 2024.
As a result of the delay in accessing higher-grade ounces from Phase 7 of the Fekola pit, production from the Fekola Complex is expected to be towards the low end of Fekola’s revised guidance range of between 420,000 and 450,000 ounces of gold in 2024. Cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs are expected to be towards the upper ends of their respective revised guidance ranges of between $870 and $930 per ounce and $1,510 and $1,570 per ounce.
Fekola Regional Development
The Fekola Complex is comprised of the Fekola Mine (Medinandi permit hosting the Fekola and Cardinal pits and Fekola underground) and Fekola Regional (Anaconda Area (Bantako, Menankoto, and Bakolobi permits) and the Dandoko permit).
The development of Fekola Regional is expected to demonstrate positive economics through the enhancement of the overall production profile and the extension of mine life of the Fekola Complex. Based on B2Gold’s preliminary planning, Fekola Regional could provide selective higher-grade saprolite material (average annual grade of up to 2.2 g/t gold) to be trucked approximately 20 kilometers (“km”) and fed into the Fekola mill at a rate of up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum.
On September 11, 2024, the Company announced the MOU Agreement with the State in connection with the ongoing operation and governance of the Fekola Complex, including the development of both the underground project at the Fekola Mine and Fekola Regional. Under the MOU Agreement, the State agreed to expedite the issuance of exploitation permits for Fekola Regional and the approval of the exploitation phase of Fekola underground. Upon issuance of the exploitation permit for Fekola Regional, mining operations will begin with initial gold production expected to commence in early 2025, with the potential to generate approximately 80,000 to 100,000 ounces of additional gold production per year from Fekola Regional sources through the trucking of open pit ore to the Fekola mill. Initial gold production from Fekola underground is expected to commence in mid-2025.
Masbate Mine – The Philippines
Three months endedNine months ended September 30,September 30, 2024202320242023 Gold revenue ($ in thousands)120,11597,556328,165265,839Gold sold (ounces)47,96050,950142,260137,300Average realized gold price ($/ ounce)2,5041,9152,3071,936Tonnes of ore milled2,197,1122,155,1706,409,6316,224,572Grade (grams/ tonne)0.981.010.970.99Recovery (%)72.473.072.473.6Gold production (ounces)50,21551,170144,512147,012Production costs ($ in thousands)42,69744,056123,070117,219Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)890865865854Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce produced)811834839844Total cash costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,0399931,002979All-in sustaining costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)1,1671,1241,1741,152Capital expenditures ($ in thousands)5,1925,89620,22920,947Exploration ($ in thousands)1,2907743,0392,741 (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 continued its strong performance with third quarter of 2024 gold production of 50,215 ounces, above expectations due to higher mill throughput and higher than expected mill feed grade. For the third quarter of 2024, mill feed grade was 0.98 g/t, mill throughput was 2.20 million tonnes, and gold recovery averaged 72.4%, lower than expected. Lower gold recovery in the third quarter was a result of mining additional lower recovery high-grade sulphide ore during the third quarter. Actual gold recovery for the third quarter of 2024 remained in line with modeled recovery values for the ore mined.
The Masbate Mine’s cash operating costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for the third quarter of 2024 were $811 per gold ounce produced ($890 per gold ounce sold). Cash operating costs per gold ounce produced for the third quarter of 2024 were significantly lower than expected as a result of higher gold production, lower than anticipated mining and processing costs, higher mill productivity and lower fuel costs.
All-in sustaining costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for the third quarter of 2024 were $1,167 per ounce sold. All-in sustaining costs for the third quarter of 2024 were significantly lower than expected as a result of lower than anticipated production costs per gold ounce sold, higher than expected gold ounces sold and lower than expected sustaining capital expenditures.
Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2024 totalled $5 million, primarily consisting of $2 million for mobile equipment purchases and rebuilds and $1 million for expansion of the existing tailings storage facility.
The Masbate Mine is expected to produce between 175,000 and 195,000 ounces of gold in 2024. Cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs are expected to be at or below the low end of their respective revised guidance ranges of between $910 and $970 per ounce and $1,260 and $1,320 per ounce.
Otjikoto Mine – Namibia
Three months endedNine months ended September 30,September 30, 2024202320242023 Gold revenue ($ in thousands)133,12687,957352,179268,187Gold sold (ounces)53,67645,700153,466139,700Average realized gold price ($/ ounce)2,4801,9252,2951,920Tonnes of ore milled872,722855,7402,549,8472,554,747Grade (grams/ tonne)1.881.661.801.57Recovery (%)98.898.498.698.6Gold production (ounces)52,13144,940145,690127,487Production costs ($ in thousands)39,85433,981100,93984,278Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)742744658603Cash operating costs(1) ($/ gold ounce produced)740785687671Total cash costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)841820749680All-in sustaining costs(1) ($/ gold ounce sold)8961,1789631,074Capital expenditures ($ in thousands)60913,29026,12846,266Exploration ($ in thousands)1,8889635,1912,453 (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, continued to outperform during the third quarter of 2024, producing 52,131 ounces of gold, above expectations as a result of higher than anticipated mill feed grade and higher than expected mill throughput. For the third quarter of 2024, mill feed grade was 1.88 g/t, mill throughput was 0.87 million tonnes, and gold recovery averaged 98.8%. Ore production from the Wolfshag underground mine for the third quarter of 2024 averaged over 1,800 tonnes per day at an average grade of 3.64 g/t gold.
The Otjikoto Mine’s cash operating costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for the third quarter of 2024 were $740 per gold ounce produced ($742 per ounce gold sold). Cash operating costs per gold ounce produced for the third quarter of 2024 were lower than anticipated due to higher than expected gold production in the third quarter of 2024.
All-in sustaining costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for the third quarter of 2024 were $896 per gold ounce sold. All-in sustaining costs for the third quarter of 2024 were lower than expected as a result of lower than expected cash operating costs and higher gold ounces sold, partially offset by higher gold royalties due to a higher than anticipated average realized gold price.
Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2024 totalled $1 million for Wolfshag underground mine development.
The Otjikoto Mine is expected to produce between 185,000 and 205,000 ounces of gold in 2024 at cash operating costs of between $685 and $745 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs at or below the lower end of its guidance range of between $960 and $1,020 per ounce.
Goose Project Development
The Back River Gold District consists of five 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.
As announced in May 2024, development of the open pit and underground was slightly behind schedule due to equipment availability (commissioning and availability of the open pit equipment), adverse weather conditions and the prioritization of critical path construction activities. An additional three months of mining was added to the schedule to ensure that the Umwelt open pit, underground development, and crown pillar activities align and that there is sufficient tailings storage capacity in the Echo open pit. With the schedule change, the mill is expected to start wet commissioning in the second quarter of 2025 with ramp up to full production in the third quarter of 2025. The Company continues to estimate that gold production in calendar year 2025 will be between 120,000 ounces and 150,000 ounces. The updated production profile has resulted in the Company now estimating that average annual gold production for the six year period from 2026 to 2031 will increase to be in excess of 310,000 ounces per year. The Company remains on track to complete an updated Goose Project life of mine plan by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
B2Gold successfully completed the 2024 WIR campaign in the second quarter of 2024 and delivered all necessary materials from the MLA to complete the construction of the Goose Project. All planned construction year to date in 2024 has been completed and project construction and development continues 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 2024 sealift was completed successfully on September 30, 2024, with ten ships and one barge having unloaded 123,000 m3 of dry cargo, more than 84 million liters of arctic grade diesel fuel and 58 additional t
