B2Gold Reports Strong Gold Production for Q1 2022 with Total Gold Production of 209,365 oz, 5% Above Budget; On Track to Meet Annual Guidance of 990,000 to 1,050,000 oz of Total Gold Production
B2Gold Corp. (BTG) reported strong first-quarter 2022 results, producing 209,365 ounces of gold, exceeding budget by 5%. Consolidated revenue was $366 million, with an average price of $1,874 per ounce. The company maintains its 2022 guidance of 990,000 to 1,050,000 ounces produced, with anticipated cash operating costs of $620 to $660 per ounce. The recently increased Mineral Resource estimate for the Anaconda area could add 80,000 to 100,000 ounces annually to Fekola’s production. The Fekola Mine continues operations despite sanctions on Mali, ensuring production targets remain achievable.
- Gold production of 209,365 ounces, 5% above budget.
- Consolidated revenue of $366 million, up 1% year-over-year.
- 2022 production guidance maintained at 990,000 to 1,050,000 ounces.
- Increased Mineral Resource estimate for Anaconda could add 80,000-100,000 ounces annually.
- Fekola Mine operations continue despite Mali sanctions.
- First quarter production down 5% compared to Q1 2021 due to planned stripping.
- Cash operating costs forecasted to be higher in the first half of 2022 ($760-$800 per ounce).
- Lower mined ore tonnage at Fekola affecting overall production.
VANCOUVER, BC, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its gold production and gold revenue for the first quarter of 2022. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
- Total gold production of 209,365 ounces (including 12,892 ounces of attributable production from Calibre Mining Corp. ("Calibre")),
5% (9,760 ounces) above budget, and consolidated gold production of 196,473 ounces from the Company's three operating mines,4% (8,431 ounces) above budget, with solid performances from all the Company's three mines, with each mine exceeding its budgeted production for the first quarter of 2022 - Consolidated gold revenue was
$366 million on sales of 195,100 ounces at an average realized price of$1,874 per ounce - For 2022, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance with total gold production guidance of between 990,000 - 1,050,000 ounces (including 40,000 - 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre) with total consolidated cash operating costs forecast to be between
$620 -$660 per ounce (see "Non-IFRS Measures") and total consolidated all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") (see "Non-IFRS Measures") forecast to be between$1,010 -$1,050 per ounce - The Company announced an updated and significantly increased Mineral Resource estimate for the Anaconda area, comprised of the Menankoto permit and the Bantako North permit, located approximately 20 kilometres from the Fekola Mine; preliminary planning by the Company has demonstrated that a pit situated on the Anaconda area could provide saprolite (weathered) material to be trucked to and fed into the Fekola mill commencing as early as late 2022, subject to obtaining all necessary permits and completion of a final mine plan, with the potential to add an average of approximately 80,000 to 100,000 ounces per year to the Fekola mill's annual gold production
- B2Gold's Namibian subsidiary was recognized by the Namibian Revenue Agency as the highest revenue contributor among "Overall Top Contributors" in calendar year 2021
Total gold production in the first quarter of 2022 was 209,365 ounces (including 12,892 ounces of attributable production from Calibre), above budget by
The Company is currently compiling its consolidated cash operating costs and consolidated AISC results for the first quarter of 2022, which will be released along with its first quarter of 2022 financial results after the North American markets close on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
For full-year 2022, the Company's total gold production is forecast to be between 990,000 - 1,050,000 ounces (including 40,000 - 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre) with total consolidated cash operating costs forecast to be between
For the first half of 2022, consolidated gold production is forecast to be between 390,000 - 410,000 ounces, which is expected to increase significantly to between 560,000 - 590,000 ounces during the second half of 2022. Based mainly on the weighting of production and timing of stripping activities, consolidated cash operating costs are expected to be between
For the first quarter of 2022, consolidated gold revenue was
Mine-by-mine gold production in the first quarter of 2022 (including the Company's estimated
Mine | Q1 2022 Gold Production (ounces) | First-Half 2022 Forecast Gold Production (ounces) | Second-Half 2022 Forecast Gold Production (ounces) | Full-year 2022 Forecast Gold Production (ounces) |
Fekola | 101,648 | 220,000 - 230,000 | 350,000 - 370,000 | 570,000 - 600,000 |
Masbate | 59,764 | 105,000 - 110,000 | 100,000 - 105,000 | 205,000 - 215,000 |
Otjikoto | 35,061 | 65,000 - 70,000 | 110,000 - 115,000 | 175,000 - 185,000 |
B2Gold Consolidated (1) | 196,473 | 390,000 –410,000 | 560,000 – 590,000 | 950,000 – 1,000,000 |
Equity interest in Calibre (2) | 12,892 | 20,000 - 25,000 | 20,000 - 25,000 | 40,000 - 50,000 |
Total | 209,365 | 410,000 – 435,000 | 580,000 – 615,000 | 990,000 – 1,050,000 |
(1) | "B2Gold Consolidated" - gold production is presented on a |
(2) | "Equity interest in Calibre" - represents the Company's approximate |
Fekola Gold Mine - Mali
The Fekola Mine in Mali had a successful start to the year with first quarter of 2022 gold production of 101,648 ounces, slightly above budget by
For the first quarter of 2022, mill feed grade was 1.54 grams per tonne ("g/t") compared to budget of 1.45 g/t and 1.99 g/t in the first quarter of 2021; mill throughput was 2.20 million tonnes compared to budget of 2.31 million tonnes and 2.07 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2021; and gold recovery averaged
The Fekola Mine is expected to produce between 570,000 - 600,000 ounces of gold in 2022 at cash operating costs of between
Anaconda Area
On March 23, 2022, the Company announced an updated and significantly increased Mineral Resource estimate for the Anaconda area, comprised of the Menankoto permit and the Bantako North permit, located approximately 20 kilometres from the Fekola Mine. The updated and significantly increased Anaconda Mineral Resource estimate (as at January 11, 2022) constrained within a conceptual pit shell at a gold price of
In 2022, the Company has budgeted
Based on this updated Mineral Resource Estimate and the 2022 exploration drilling results, the Company has commenced a Phase II scoping study to review the project economics of constructing a stand-alone mill near the Anaconda area. Subject to receipt of a positive Phase II scoping study, the Company expects that the saprolite material would continue to be trucked to and fed into the Fekola mill during the construction period for the Anaconda area stand-alone mill.
In 2022, the Company will continue 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. Five drill rigs are currently drilling in the Anaconda area.
Masbate Gold Mine – The Philippines
The Masbate Mine in the Philippines had a strong start to the year with first quarter of 2022 gold production of 59,764 ounces, above budget by
For the first quarter of 2022, mill feed grade was 1.19 g/t compared to budget of 1.09 g/t and 1.10 g/t in the first quarter of 2021; mill throughput was 2.01 million tonnes compared to budget of 1.93 million tonnes and 1.95 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2021; and gold recovery averaged
The Masbate Mine is expected to produce between 205,000 - 215,000 ounces of gold in 2022 at cash operating costs of between
Otjikoto Gold Mine - Namibia
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia performed well during the first quarter of 2022, producing 35,061 ounces of gold,
For the first quarter of 2022, mill feed grade was 1.31 g/t compared to budget of 1.26 g/t and 0.82 g/t in the first quarter of 2021; mill throughput was 0.85 million tonnes compared to budget of 0.84 million tonnes and 0.89 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2021; and gold recovery averaged
Development of the Wolfshag underground mine continues to progress with ore production expected to commence in the first half of 2022. The initial underground Mineral Reserve estimate for the down-plunge extension of the Wolfshag deposit includes 210,000 ounces of gold in 1.2 million tonnes of ore at 5.57 g/t gold.
The Otjikoto Mine is expected to produce between 175,000 - 185,000 ounces of gold in 2022 at cash operating costs of between
The Company is pleased with its first quarter of 2022 production results as outlined in this news release, particularly given the challenges mining companies are facing around the world. Based on a strong first quarter, the Company is on track to meet its annual gold production guidance for 2022 of between 990,000 - 1,050,000 ounces (including 40,000 - 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre) with total consolidated cash operating costs of between
The Company's ongoing strategy is to continue to maximize profitable production from its mines, further advance the Anaconda and Gramalote development projects, advance the Company's numerous brownfield and greenfield exploration projects, evaluate new exploration, development and production opportunities and continue to pay an industry leading dividend yield.
B2Gold will release its first quarter of 2022 financial results after the North American markets close on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the results on Wednesday, May 4, 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 666652 #).
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.
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:
Randall Chatwin | Katie Bromley |
Senior Vice President, Legal & | Manager, Investor Relations & |
Corporate Communications | Public Relations |
604-681-8371 | 604-681-8371 |
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
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: B2Gold generating operating cashflows of approximately
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.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/b2gold-reports-strong-gold-production-for-q1-2022-with-total-gold-production-of-209-365-oz-5-above-budget-on-track-to-meet-annual-guidance-of-990-000-to-1-050-000-oz-of-total-gold-production-301525610.html
SOURCE B2Gold Corp.
FAQ
What were B2Gold's gold production numbers for the first quarter of 2022?
How much revenue did B2Gold generate in Q1 2022?
What is B2Gold's gold production guidance for 2022?
How does the Anaconda area impact B2Gold's production?
How are B2Gold's production costs expected to change in 2022?
