B2Gold Reports Strong Q3 2020 Results; Quarterly and Year-to-date Records for Gold Revenues and Operating Cash Flows; Cash Operating Costs and AISC Lower than Budget
VANCOUVER, BC, November 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce strong operational and financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020. The Company previously released its gold production and gold revenue results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
2020 Third Quarter Highlights
- Consolidated gold production of 248,733 ounces from the Company's three operating mines, above budget by
1% (2,929 ounces) and a significant increase of17% (35,455 ounces) over the third quarter of 2019 (excluding discontinued operations of El Limon and La Libertad) - Total gold production of 263,813 ounces (including 15,080 ounces of attributable production from Calibre Mining Corp. ("Calibre"))
- Record quarterly consolidated gold revenue of
$487 million , a significant increase of$176 million (57% ) over the third quarter of 2019 (excluding discontinued operations) - Record quarterly consolidated cash flow provided by operating activities from the Company's three operating mines of
$301 million , a significant increase of$133 million (79% ) over the third quarter of 2019 - Consolidated cash operating costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures") of
$411 per ounce produced, below budget by$17 per ounce (4% ), and consolidated all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") (see "Non-IFRS Measures") of$766 per ounce sold, below budget by$31 per ounce (4% ) (excluding estimated attributable results for Calibre) - Net income of
$277 million (including a net impairment reversal for the Masbate Mine of$122 million ); net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company of$263 million ($0.25 per share); adjusted net income (see "Non-IFRS Measures") attributable to the shareholders of the Company of$161 million ($0.15 per share) - The Fekola Mine continues to operate unimpeded and no operational days have been lost due to the recent political developments and demonstrations in Mali
- No Lost-Time-Injury ("LTI") incidents at the Company's operating mines, extending the number of days without an LTI to 255 days for Fekola, 684 days for Masbate and 918 days for Otjikoto as at September 30, 2020
- On August 5, 2020, the Company announced a
100% increase of its quarterly dividend to$0.04 per share (or an expected$0.16 per share on an annualized basis), which was reflected in the third quarter dividend paid on September 30, 2020 - On September 10, 2020, the Company announced the successful commissioning of the Fekola mill expansion to 7.5 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") (an increase of 1.5 Mtpa from an assumed base rate of 6 Mtpa), ahead of the scheduled completion date of September 30, 2020; the Fekola mill has the potential to run above the annualized throughput rate of 7.5 Mtpa and analysis is currently underway to determine the optimum throughput rate
- B2Gold maintains a strong financial position and liquidity; during the third quarter of 2020, the Company fully repaid the outstanding Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") balance of
$425 million with the full amount of the$600 million RCF now undrawn and available
2020 First Nine Months Highlights
- Record year-to-date consolidated gold production from the Company's three operating mines of 738,939 ounces, well above budget by
4% (26,412 ounces) and a significant increase of19% (116,229 ounces) over the first nine months of 2019 (excluding discontinued operations) - Total gold production of 770,268 ounces (including 31,329 ounces of attributable production from Calibre)
- Record year-to-date consolidated gold revenue of
$1.3 billion , a significant increase of$467 million (56% ) over the first nine months of 2019 (excluding discontinued operations) - Record year-to-date consolidated cash flow provided by operating activities of
$755 million , a significant increase of$408 million (118% ) over the first nine months of 2019 - Consolidated cash operating costs of
$388 per ounce produced, well below budget by$33 per ounce (8% ), and consolidated AISC of$726 per ounce sold, well below budget by$77 per ounce (10% ) (excluding estimated attributable results for Calibre) - Net income of
$498 million (including a net impairment reversal for the Masbate Mine of$122 million ); net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company of$460 million ($0.44 per share); adjusted net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company of$368 million ($0.35 per share) - For full-year 2020, the Company forecasts total consolidated gold production to come in towards the midpoint of its guidance range of between 1,000,000 and 1,055,000 ounces, with total consolidated cash operating costs expected to be at or below the low end of its guidance range of between
$415 and$455 per ounce and total consolidated AISC to be at the lower end of its guidance range of between$780 and$820 per ounce - Based on current assumptions, including a gold price of
$1,900 per ounce for the balance of 2020, the Company expects to generate cashflows from operating activities of more than$900 million in 2020
The Company continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize its potential impact at B2Gold's operations. B2Gold places the safety and well-being of its workforce and all stakeholders as the highest priority and continues to encourage input from all its stakeholders as the situation evolves. The Company has implemented several measures and introduced additional precautionary steps to manage and respond to the risks associated with COVID-19 to ensure the safety of B2Gold's employees, contractors, suppliers and surrounding communities where the Company works while continuing to operate. The Company is continually updating these plan and response measures based on the safety and well-being of its workforce, the severity of the pandemic in areas where it operates, global response measures, government restrictions and extensive community consultation. The Company is working closely with national and local authorities and continues to closely monitor each site's situation, including public and employee sentiment to ensure that stakeholders are in alignment with continued safe operation of its mines.
2020 Third Quarter and First Nine Months Operational Results and Development
Consolidated gold production from the Company's three operating mines in the third quarter of 2020 was 248,733 ounces, above budget by
For the third quarter of 2020, consolidated cash operating costs were
For the third quarter of 2020, consolidated AISC were
Consolidated gold production for the first nine months of 2020 was a year-to-date record 738,939 ounces,
For the first nine months of 2020, consolidated cash operating costs were
For the first nine months of 2020, consolidated AISC were
B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance in 2020. For full-year 2020, the Company forecasts total consolidated gold production (including attributable ounces from Calibre) to come in towards the midpoint of its production guidance range of between 1,000,000 and 1,055,000 ounces. Consolidated cash costs are expected to remain low in 2020, and the Company expects to be at or below the low end of its guidance range for total consolidated cash operating costs of between
The Company's expansion and development projects also progressed well through the third quarter of 2020:
- At Fekola, on September 10, 2020, the Company announced the successful commissioning of the Fekola mill expansion to 7.5 Mtpa (an increase of 1.5 Mtpa from an assumed base rate of 6 Mtpa), approximately one month ahead of the scheduled completion date of September 30, 2020. The Fekola mill has the potential to run above the annualized throughput rate of 7.5 Mtpa and analysis is currently underway to determine the optimum throughput rate. Remobilization of the Fekola solar plant construction group began in mid-September 2020 (following a temporary suspension of construction activities in April 2020 due to COVID-19) and will continue to ramp up as camp space becomes available. The target date for completion of the solar plant is the end of the first quarter of 2021 but has the potential to be delayed by several months as COVID restrictions are limiting the available workforce and site support.
- At Otjikoto, development of the Wolfshag underground mine continues to progress on schedule. In the third quarter of 2020, the mining contractor was mobilized, and development of the portal and primary underground ramp has now commenced. Stope ore production is expected to commence in early 2022, in-line with original estimates.
- At the Gramalote Project, feasibility work continued as planned from the recommencement of drilling on May 11, 2020, with infill resource drilling completed on August 21, 2020. During the third quarter of 2020, work continued to advance for infrastructure design, process plant design, pit design and social initiatives. Resource modelling is anticipated to be completed in November 2020 at which time the final phase of the Gramalote Feasibility Study work will proceed based upon updated resources. The Gramalote Feasibility Study is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.
2020 Third Quarter and First Nine Months Financial Results
Consolidated gold revenue in the third quarter of 2020 was a quarterly record of
For the third quarter of 2020, cash flow provided by operating activities was a quarterly record of
For the third quarter of 2020, net income was
Consolidated gold revenue for the first nine months of 2020 was a year-to-date record of
For the first nine months of 2020, cash flow provided by operating activities was a year-to-date record of
For the first nine months of 2020, net income was
Liquidity and Capital Resources
B2Gold maintains a strong financial position and liquidity. During the third quarter of 2020, the Company fully repaid the outstanding RCF balance of
Due to the Company's strong net positive cash position, strong operating results and the current higher gold price environment, B2Gold's quarterly dividend rate was increased in the third quarter of 2020 by
Based on current assumptions, including an average gold price of
Operations
Mine-by-mine gold production in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 (including the Company's approximate
Mine | Q3 2020 | First Nine Months 2020 | 2020 |
Fekola | 152,535 | 463,970 | 590,000 - 620,000 |
Masbate | 53,607 | 147,133 | 200,000 - 210,000 |
Otjikoto | 42,591 | 127,836 | 165,000 - 175,000 |
B2Gold Consolidated (1) | 248,733 | 738,939 | 955,000 – 1,005,000 |
Equity interest in Calibre (2) | 15,080 | 31,329 | 45,000 - 50,000 (3) |
Total | 263,813 | 770,268 | 1,000,000 – 1,055,000 (3) |
(1) | "B2Gold Consolidated" - gold production is presented on a |
(2) | "Equity interest in Calibre" - represents the Company's approximate |
(3) | On June 24, 2020, Calibre provided its revised 2020 production guidance following the temporary suspension of its Nicaraguan operations due to COVID-19. The Company's attributable gold production from Calibre is now estimated to be between 37,000 and 42,000 ounces for 2020 (or 8,000 ounces lower than the original estimate of between 45,000 and 50,000 ounces of gold). |
Mine-by-mine cash operating costs per ounce (on a per ounce of gold produced basis) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were as follows (presented on a
Mine | Q3 2020 | First Nine Months 2020 | 2020 |
Fekola | |||
Masbate | |||
Otjikoto | |||
B2Gold Consolidated | |||
Equity interest in Calibre | |||
Total |
Mine-by-mine cash operating costs per ounce (on a per ounce of gold sold basis) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were as follows (presented on a
Mine | Q3 2020 | First Nine Months 2020 | 2020 |
Fekola | |||
Masbate | |||
Otjikoto | |||
B2Gold Consolidated | |||
Equity interest in Calibre | |||
Total |
Mine-by-mine AISC (on a per ounce of gold sold basis) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were as follows (presented on a
Mine | Q3 2020 | First Nine Months | 2020 |
Fekola | |||
Masbate | |||
Otjikoto | |||
B2Gold Consolidated | |||
Equity interest in Calibre | |||
Total |
Fekola Gold Mine - Mali
The Fekola Mine in Mali continued its very strong operational performance in the third quarter of 2020 with gold production of 152,535 ounces, above budget by
For the third quarter of 2020, mill feed grade was 3.22 grams per tonne ("g/t") compared to budget of 2.93 g/t and 2.16 g/t in the third quarter of 2019; mill throughput was 1.56 million tonnes compared to budget of 1.70 million tonnes and 1.70 million tonnes in the third quarter of 2019; and gold recovery averaged
For the third quarter of 2020, Fekola's cash operating costs were
For the first nine months of 2020, the Fekola Mine produced 463,970 ounces of gold, well above budget by
For the first nine months of 2020, Fekola's cash operating costs were
Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2020 totaled
The Fekola Mine continues to operate unimpeded and no operational days were lost due to the recent political developments in Mali. With the establishment of a new interim government in September 2020, expected to lead Mali through to new presidential and legislative elections within 18 months, the Economic Community of West African States has now lifted its sanctions on Mali, including air, border and financial restrictions. B2Gold will continue to work with regional and national governments to ensure that its mining operations continue normally, providing important economic benefits to all stakeholders, including our employees, governments and the communities around the mine.
For full-year 2020, the Fekola Mine is expected to produce at the upper end of its guidance range of between 590,000 and 620,000 ounces of gold. Fekola's cash operating costs are expected to be between
Fekola Mine Expansion
On September 10, 2020, the Company announced the successful commissioning of the Fekola mill expansion to 7.5 Mtpa (an increase of 1.5 Mtpa from an assumed base rate of 6 Mtpa), ahead of the scheduled completion date of September 30, 2020. The Fekola mill has the potential to run above the annualized throughput rate of 7.5 Mtpa and analysis is currently underway to determine the optimum throughput rate (using ore blends comparable to those planned for 2021 and future production). Commissioning included completion of all major construction activities associated with the Fekola mill expansion, as well as successful execution of a process performance test to compare with design expectations. Four days after start-up, a 5-day mill performance test was conducted from August 26 to August 30, 2020. The results of the performance test exceeded design in throughput, gold recovery, grind and availability over the 5-day day period. In addition, substantially all of the Fekola mine fleet expansion equipment planned for 2020 (including excavators, trucks, and drill rigs) have now arrived on site and are operational, with the overall mine expansion now materially complete. The final non-sustaining costs incurred for the plant expansion were approximately
Fekola Solar Plant
Remobilization of the solar plant construction group began in mid-September 2020 (following a temporary suspension of construction activities in April 2020 due to COVID-19) and will continue to ramp up as camp space becomes available. The target date for completion of the solar plant is the end of the first quarter of 2021 but has the potential to be delayed by several months as COVID restrictions are limiting the available workforce and site support. The existing HFO and diesel power plant have an installed capacity of 64 megawatts while Fekola's expanded mill facilities require only approximately 40 megawatts for continuous operations. The solar plant is therefore not a necessary component of the mill expansion but is expected to reduce Fekola's operating costs and emissions by decreasing power plant fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
B2Gold's Strong Investment and Partnership in Mali
B2Gold is one of the largest Canadian and foreign investors in Mali, with total investment to date of approximately
In addition to the priority dividends payable annually to the State of Mali, the second
The Fekola Convention, as amended, was established under the 2012 Mining Code and governs the legal, administrative, tax, economic, mining, social and environmental conditions under which B2Gold operates the Fekola Mine and is enforceable between the parties for the term of the Fekola Mine mining permit, an initial 30 year period, renewable for successive periods of 10 years. A new mining code was adopted in Mali in September 2019 (the "2019 Mining Code"), which outlines certain tax and customs stabilization of existing mining conventions and the enforceability of the existing conventions, including the Fekola Convention. The 2019 Mining Code expressly states that mining titles that are valid at the time of the entry into force of the 2019 Mining Code remain valid for their term and for the substance for which they have been issued. In addition, the mining conventions in force at the date of the 2019 Mining Code, including the Fekola Convention, remain valid for their term and benefit from the stabilization of their tax and customs regime as provided under such mining convention.
Masbate Gold Mine – the Philippines
The Masbate Mine in the Philippines also continued to perform well through the third quarter of 2020, producing 53,607 ounces of gold, substantially in-line with budget (of 54,198 ounces), and
For the third quarter of 2020, mill feed grade was 1.05 g/t compared to budget of 1.05 g/t and 1.09 g/t in the third quarter of 2019; mill throughput was 1.97 million tonnes compared to budget of 2.1 million tonnes and 2.0 million tonnes in the third quarter of 2019; and gold recovery averaged
Masbate's third quarter of 2020 cash operating costs were
For the first nine months of 2020, the Masbate Mine produced 147,133 ounces of gold, in-line with budget (of 147,381 ounces) and
For the first nine months of 2020, Masbate's cash operating costs were
Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2020 totaled
For full-year 2020, the Masbate Mine is expected to produce between 200,000 and 210,000 ounces of gold, from the Main Vein and Montana Pits. Masbate's cash operating costs are expected to be at or below the low end of its guidance range of between
Otjikoto Gold Mine - Namibia
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia also had a solid third quarter of 2020, producing 42,591 ounces of gold,
For the third quarter of 2020, mill feed grade was 1.53 g/t compared to budget of 1.54 g/t and 1.84 g/t in the third quarter of 2019; mill throughput was 0.88 million tonnes compared to budget of 0.86 million tonnes and 0.84 million tonnes in the third quarter of 2019; and gold recovery averaged
For the third quarter of 2020, Otjikoto's cash operating costs were
For the first nine months of 2020, the Otjikoto Mine produced 127,836 ounces of gold, above budget by
For the first nine months of 2020, Otjikoto's cash operating costs were
Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2020 totaled
Development of the Wolfshag underground mine (the initial underground Mineral Reserve estimate for the down-plunge extension of the Wolfshag orebody included 210,000 ounces of gold in 1.2 million tonnes of ore at 5.57 g/t gold) continues to progress on schedule. Engineering of the underground mine continued and an underground mining contractor was appointed for the development of the underground workings up to the production stopes. In the third quarter of 2020, the mining contractor was mobilized, and development of the portal and primary underground ramp has now commenced. Stope ore production is expected to commence in early 2022, in-line with original estimates.
Exploration at Otjikoto continues to focus on drilling down plunge on the Wolfshag and Otjikoto deposits which remain open at depth as well as testing stratigraphy east of Wolfshag for new mineralized horizons.
For full-year 2020, the Otjikoto Mine is forecast to produce between 165,000 and 175,000 ounces of gold, from the Otjikoto and Wolfshag Pits. Otjikoto's cash operating costs are expected to be at or below the low end of its guidance range of between
Development
Gramalote Project (B2Gold –
Feasibility work at the Gramalote Project continued as planned from the recommencement of drilling on May 11, 2020, with infill resource drilling completed on August 21, 2020. During the third quarter of 2020, work continued to advance for infrastructure design, process plant design, pit design and social initiatives. Resource modelling is anticipated to be completed in November 2020 at which time the final phase of the Gramalote Feasibility Study work will proceed based upon updated resources. The Gramalote Feasibility Study is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.
Through the third quarter of 2020, COVID-19 management on-site was successful in allowing the project to continue with advancements in drilling and social initiatives including ongoing work with resettlement and small miner initiatives. COVID-19 control work included pretests, operational protocols, aggressive contact tracing and close work with local health authorities. While COVID-19 caseloads remain relatively high in Colombia, in Antioquia commercial activity and personal movement have substantially normalized.
Based on the positive results from Gramalote's Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (released on January 21, 2020), B2Gold believes that the Gramalote Project has the potential to become a large, low-cost open-pit gold mine, subject to the results of a final feasibility study (expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021).
Summary and Outlook
Based on the Company's strong performance to date and current assumptions for the last quarter of 2020, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance. In the third quarter of 2020, the Company reached several milestones including fully repaying the outstanding RCF balance of
For full-year 2020, the Company forecasts total consolidated gold production (including attributable ounces from Calibre) to come in towards the midpoint of its production guidance range of between 1,000,000 and 1,055,000 ounces; consolidated cash costs are expected to remain low in 2020, and the Company expects to be at or below the low end of its guidance range for total consolidated cash operating costs of between
Due to the Company's strong net positive cash position, strong operating results and the current higher gold price environment, the quarterly dividend rate was increased in the third quarter of 2020 by
Despite some of the challenges that the current COVID-19 pandemic has created in each of the locations where the Company operates or is head-quartered, the Company continues to operate virtually unimpeded. The Company is very of proud of its employees' dedication and resilience in these challenging times and believes it is in part due to the executive team's and mine employees' years of experience in all aspects of international mining, and B2Gold's culture of fairness, respect and transparency. That resilience is reflected in the Company's results from the first nine months of 2020.
In conjunction with this success, we are also very mindful of the communities where we operate and continue to assist local and national governments in their efforts to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The Company has donated a total of
In addition, to managing its operations through these current challenging times, B2Gold will also look forward through the balance of 2020 and beyond and remain committed to continuing to execute on its strategic objectives. The Company's ongoing strategy is to continue to maximize profitable production from its mines, further advance its pipeline of development and other exploration projects, evaluate opportunities and continue to pay a dividend. The Company continues to focus a significant portion of its overall exploration activities to drilling at the Cardinal and Anaconda area deposits in Mali. In conjunction with this and based on drill results to date, the Company is currently undertaking a high-level engineering review to provide preliminary indications as to how future production from both Cardinal and the Anaconda area could be factored into the overall Fekola production schedule. In connection with advancing its pipeline of development projects, the Company expects to have a feasibility study for the Gramalote Project completed by the end of the first quarter of 2021. The Company is evaluating the best course of action to advance the Kiaka Project, due to improved economics resulting from lower fuel prices, alternative power options and a higher gold price. The Company is currently updating its model and is considering its options to advance the project.
In addition to exploration activities at its operating mine and development project sites, the Company is also pursuing other greenfield exploration opportunities globally. For 2020, the Company has a total greenfield exploration budget of
Qualified Persons
Bill Lytle, Senior Vice President of Operations, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.
Third Quarter and First Nine Months of 2020 Financial Results - Conference Call Details
B2Gold will release its third quarter and first nine months of 2020 financial results after the North American markets close on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the results on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at 10:00 am PST/1:00 pm EST. You may access the call by dialing the operator at +1 (778)-371-9827 / +1 (647)-427-7450 (Vancouver/Toronto) or toll free at +1 (888)-231-8191 prior to the scheduled start time or you may listen to the call via webcast by clicking https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1493/38218. A playback version will be available for two weeks after the call at +1 (416)-849-0833 (local or international) or toll free at +1 (855)-859-2056 (passcode 5691847).
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:
Ian MacLean | Katie Bromley |
Vice President, Investor Relations | Manager, Investor Relations & 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 more than
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, Colombia and Burkina Faso 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 Note to United States Investors
The disclosure in this news release was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), which differs significantly from the current requirements of the SEC set out in Industry Guide 7. Accordingly, such disclosure may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report in accordance with Industry Guide 7. In particular, this news release may refer to "mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources". While these categories of mineralization are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, they are not recognized by Industry Guide 7 and have not historically been permitted to be disclosed in SEC filings by U.S. companies subject to Industry Guide 7. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of a "mineral resource," "indicated mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be converted into a "reserve." In addition, this news release uses the terms "reserves" and "mineral reserves" which are reported by the Company under Canadian standards and may not qualify as reserves under Industry Guide 7. Under Industry Guide 7, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the mineralization can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the "reserve" determination is made. Accordingly, information contained or referenced in this news release containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be compatible to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of Industry Guide 7. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian reporting standards; however, Industry Guide 7 normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by Industry Guide 7 standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Further, while NI 43-101 permits companies to disclose economic projections contained in preliminary economic assessments and pre-feasibility studies, which are not based on "reserves", U.S. companies subject to Industry Guide 7 have not generally been permitted to disclose economic projections for a mineral property in their SEC filings prior to the establishment of "reserves." 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 | For the three | For the nine | For the nine | |||||||||||||
Gold revenue | $ | 487,166 | $ | 310,783 | $ | 1,309,403 | $ | 841,978 | ||||||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||||||
Production costs | (104,892) | (90,526) | (293,435) | (278,676) | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | (77,090) | (65,977) | (223,284) | (183,589) | ||||||||||||
Royalties and production taxes | (33,545) | (22,034) | (90,510) | (57,540) | ||||||||||||
Total cost of sales | (215,527) | (178,537) | (607,229) | (519,805) | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 271,639 | 132,246 | 702,174 | 322,173 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | (8,770) | (10,551) | (27,020) | (36,999) | ||||||||||||
Share-based payments | (4,313) | (3,414) | (15,400) | (13,450) | ||||||||||||
Reversal of impairment of long-lived assets | 174,309 | — | 174,309 | — | ||||||||||||
Write-down of mineral property interests | (11,451) | (972) | (11,451) | (2,324) | ||||||||||||
Community relations | (690) | (1,277) | (4,916) | (2,420) | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (losses) gains | (3,669) | 2,274 | (8,002) | 3,524 | ||||||||||||
Share of income of associate | 10,877 | — | 13,512 | — | ||||||||||||
Other | (1,000) | (2,680) | (5,428) | (2,163) | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 426,932 | 115,626 | 817,778 | 268,341 | ||||||||||||
Interest and financing expense | (3,389) | (7,123) | (12,957) | (21,640) | ||||||||||||
Losses on derivative instruments | (721) | (4,156) | (12,133) | (824) | ||||||||||||
Other | 1,058 | (61) | 1,987 | (564) | ||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before taxes | 423,880 | 104,286 | 794,675 | 245,313 | ||||||||||||
Current income tax, withholding and other taxes | (84,552) | (34,681) | (230,251) | (84,373) | ||||||||||||
Deferred income tax expense | (62,289) | (19,684) | (66,416) | (30,783) | ||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations | 277,039 | 49,921 | 498,008 | 130,157 | ||||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations attributable to shareholders of the Company | — | 15,662 | — | 3,271 | ||||||||||||
Net income for the period | $ | 277,039 | $ | 65,583 | $ | 498,008 | $ | 133,428 | ||||||||
Attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||
Shareholders of the Company | $ | 262,868 | $ | 55,769 | $ | 459,601 | $ | 115,968 | ||||||||
Non-controlling interests | 14,171 | 9,814 | 38,407 | 17,460 | ||||||||||||
Net income for the period | $ | 277,039 | $ | 65,583 | $ | 498,008 | $ | 133,428 | ||||||||
Earnings per share from continuing operations (attributable to shareholders of the Company) | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||
Earnings per share (attributable to shareholders of the Company) | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 1,046,973 | 1,019,307 | 1,040,911 | 1,009,753 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 1,063,818 | 1,031,301 | 1,055,609 | 1,018,606 |
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 |
For the three | For the nine |
For the nine | |||||||||||||
Operating activities | ||||||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations for the period | $ | 277,039 | $ | 49,921 | $ | 498,008 | $ | 130,157 | ||||||||
Mine restoration provisions settled | — | — | (208) | (124) | ||||||||||||
Non-cash charges, net | (28,988) | 101,229 | 150,432 | 220,519 | ||||||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | 52,575 | (14,033) | 112,876 | (44,772) | ||||||||||||
Changes in long-term value added tax receivables | 136 | 408 | (6,044) | 325 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | 300,762 | 137,525 | 755,064 | 306,105 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations | — | 30,309 | — | 40,963 | ||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities | 300,762 | 167,834 | 755,064 | 347,068 | ||||||||||||
Financing activities | ||||||||||||||||
Revolving credit facility, drawdowns net of transaction costs | — | — | 250,000 | (5,574) | ||||||||||||
Repayment of revolving credit facility | (425,000) | (75,000) | (450,000) | (100,000) | ||||||||||||
Equipment loan facilities, drawdowns net of transaction costs | — | — | — | 3,463 | ||||||||||||
Repayment of equipment loan facilities | (5,266) | (5,854) | (20,999) | (18,233) | ||||||||||||
Interest and commitment fees paid | (2,934) | (5,897) | (10,838) | (18,166) | ||||||||||||
Common shares issued for cash on exercise of stock options | 15,670 | 35,443 | 43,135 | 63,613 | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid | (62,852) | — | (73,220) | — | ||||||||||||
Principal payments on lease arrangements | (1,265) | (803) | (2,910) | (2,304) | ||||||||||||
Restricted cash movement | (9,744) | (270) | (7,466) | (1,524) | ||||||||||||
Cash used by financing activities of continuing operations | (491,391) | (52,381) | (272,298) | (78,725) | ||||||||||||
Cash used by financing activities of discontinued operations | — | (42) | — | (324) | ||||||||||||
Cash used by financing activities | (491,391) | (52,423) | (272,298) | (79,049) | ||||||||||||
Investing activities | ||||||||||||||||
Expenditures on mining interests: | ||||||||||||||||
Fekola Mine | (29,186) | (30,604) | (155,659) | (64,717) | ||||||||||||
Masbate Mine | (10,132) | (4,725) | (19,422) | (20,689) | ||||||||||||
Otjikoto Mine | (19,044) | (9,949) | (41,696) | (34,452) | ||||||||||||
Gramalote Project | (2,450) | (1,245) | (15,574) | (3,047) | ||||||||||||
Other exploration and development | (11,274) | (11,022) | (32,521) | (30,206) | ||||||||||||
Non-refundable deposit received on Toega Property | — | — | 9,000 | — | ||||||||||||
Other | (1,640) | (21) | (548) | 381 | ||||||||||||
Cash used by investing activities of continuing operations | (73,726) | (57,566) | (256,420) | (152,730) | ||||||||||||
Cash used by investing activities of discontinued operations | — | (15,599) | — | (52,290) | ||||||||||||
Cash used by investing activities | (73,726) | (73,165) | (256,420) | (205,020) | ||||||||||||
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (264,355) | 42,246 | 226,346 | 62,999 | ||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 2,146 | (848) | (1,482) | (587) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 627,669 | 123,766 | 140,596 | 102,752 | ||||||||||||
Less cash associated with discontinued operations, end of period | — | (18,751) | — | (18,751) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 365,460 | $ | 146,413 | $ | 365,460 | $ | 146,413 |
B2GOLD CORP.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
(Unaudited)
As at September 30, | As at December 31, | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 365,460 | $ | 140,596 | ||||
Accounts receivable, prepaids and other | 33,929 | 37,890 | ||||||
Value-added and other tax receivables | 9,251 | 11,070 | ||||||
Inventories | 242,202 | 217,923 | ||||||
Assets classified as held for sale | 11,855 | 22,021 | ||||||
662,697 | 429,500 | |||||||
Value-added tax receivables | 30,054 | 25,153 | ||||||
Mining interests | ||||||||
Owned by subsidiaries and joint operations | 2,340,407 | 2,046,731 | ||||||
Investments in joint ventures and associates | 67,536 | 130,736 | ||||||
Other assets | 66,904 | 49,615 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 14,836 | 1,336 | ||||||
$ | 3,182,434 | $ | 2,683,071 | |||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Current | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 80,478 | $ | 83,370 | ||||
Current income and other taxes payable | 184,231 | 53,396 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 23,091 | 26,030 | ||||||
Current portion of derivative instruments at fair value | 5,393 | 1,909 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 1,275 | 357 | ||||||
294,468 | 165,062 | |||||||
Long-term debt | 25,841 | 235,821 | ||||||
Mine restoration provisions | 88,479 | 75,419 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 225,506 | 145,590 | ||||||
Employee benefits obligation | 5,383 | 4,736 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 9,486 | 4,791 | ||||||
649,163 | 631,419 | |||||||
Equity | ||||||||
Shareholders' equity | ||||||||
Share capital | ||||||||
Issued: 1,049,967,824 common shares (Dec 31, 2019 – 1,030,399,987) | 2,403,487 | 2,339,874 | ||||||
Contributed surplus | 46,633 | 56,685 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (141,671) | (145,071) | ||||||
Retained earnings (deficit) | 127,340 | (261,245) | ||||||
2,435,789 | 1,990,243 | |||||||
Non-controlling interests | 97,482 | 61,409 | ||||||
2,533,271 | 2,051,652 | |||||||
$ | 3,182,434 | $ | 2,683,071 |
SOURCE B2Gold Corp.