B2Gold Reports Strong Q4 2020 Total Gold Production of 270,469 Oz, Record Annual Total Gold Production of 1,040,737 Oz and 2021 Total Gold Production Guidance of 970,000 - 1,030,000 Oz
B2Gold Corp. announced its 2020 gold production and revenue results, achieving a record total production of 1,040,737 ounces and consolidated revenues of $1.79 billion, up 55% from 2019. Fourth-quarter production totaled 270,469 ounces, contributing to $480 million in quarterly revenues, a 53% increase year-over-year. Looking ahead, the company forecasts 2021 production between 970,000 and 1,030,000 ounces with expected cash operating costs between $500 and $540 per ounce.
- Record total gold production of 1,040,737 ounces for 2020, marking a 17% increase over 2019.
- Fourth-quarter consolidated gold revenues of $480 million, a 53% increase from Q4 2019.
- Successful commissioning of Fekola mill expansion to 7.5 Mtpa ahead of schedule.
- Increased quarterly dividend rate by 100% to $0.04 per share, one of the highest in the sector.
- 2021 production guidance reflects a decrease, with estimated production between 970,000-1,030,000 ounces compared to 1,040,737 ounces in 2020.
- Forecast total consolidated cash operating costs for 2021 are expected to be higher, between $500-$540 per ounce.
VANCOUVER, January 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its consolidated gold production and gold revenues for the fourth quarter and full-year 2020, in addition to its production and budget guidance for 2021. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
2020 Gold Production and Revenue Highlights
- Fourth quarter total gold production of 270,469 ounces (including 14,150 ounces of attributable production from Calibre Mining Corp. ("Calibre")) and consolidated gold production of 256,319 ounces from the Company's three operating mines
- Fourth quarter consolidated gold revenues of
$480 million , a significant increase of$166 million (53% ) over the fourth quarter of 2019 (excluding revenues from discontinued operations) - Record annual total gold production of 1,040,737 ounces (including 45,479 ounces of attributable production from Calibre)
- Record annual consolidated gold production from the Company's three operating mines of 995,258 ounces, at the upper end of the guidance range (of between 955,000 – 1,005,000 ounces), and significantly higher by
17% (144,142 ounces) over 2019 (excluding discontinued operations), marking the twelfth consecutive year of record annual consolidated gold production - Record annual consolidated gold revenues of
$1.79 billion , a significant increase of$0.63 billion (55% ) over 2019 (excluding revenues from discontinued operations) - The Company expects to be at the low end of its guidance range for total consolidated cash operating costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures") of between
$415 -$455 per ounce and at the low end of its guidance range for total consolidated all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") (see "Non-IFRS Measures") of between$780 -$820 per ounce - 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) on September 10, 2020, several weeks ahead of the scheduled completion date of September 30, 2020; the Fekola mill has the potential to run above the expanded annualized throughput rate of 7.5 Mtpa and analysis is currently underway to determine the optimum throughput rate (for 2021 budgeting purposes the Company has assumed a throughput rate of 7.75 Mtpa)
- Selected as the recipient of two prestigious mining industry awards in 2020 for B2Gold's commitment to sustainable mining and development: the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada's "2021 Sustainability Award" and the Mining Journal's "2020 Most Sustainable Miner Award"
- In December 2020, the Gramalote Project in Colombia received the "Seal of Antioquia Award" from the Government of Antioquia through the Ministry of Mines for large scale operations, recognizing its commitment to community support
- B2Gold's quarterly dividend rate was increased in the third quarter of 2020 by
100% to$0.04 per common share (or an annualized rate of$0.16 per common share), one of the highest dividend yields in the gold sector
2021 Budget Highlights
- For 2021, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance with total production guidance of between 970,000 - 1,030,000 ounces of gold (including attributable ounces projected from Calibre of between 50,000 - 60,000 ounces) with total consolidated forecast cash operating costs of between
$500 -$540 per ounce and total consolidated AISC of between$870 -$910 per ounce; consolidated cash operating costs and AISC per ounce are forecast to be higher than 2020, mainly due to the planned lower production and higher planned stripping activities at Fekola, higher forecast fuel and labour costs in Mali, and the drawdown of ore stockpiles at Otjikoto - Due to open pit mine sequencing, consolidated gold production is expected to be significantly weighted to the second half of 2021; for the first half of 2021, consolidated gold production is forecasted to be between 365,000 – 385,000 ounces, which is expected to increase significantly to between 555,000 – 585,000 ounces during the second half of 2021
- Based on current operating plans, over a five-year outlook from 2020 to 2024, annual consolidated gold production is forecast to average 950,000 ounces with AISC averaging
$825 per ounce - The results of the Gramalote Feasibility Study are expected to be announced in April 2021, with a construction decision expected to be made shortly thereafter
- The Company is re-evaluating the Kiaka Project in Burkina Faso, and expects to have an updated economic assessment of the project for internal review completed by the end of the first quarter of 2021, followed by an updated feasibility study by mid-year 2021
- Following a very successful year for exploration in 2020, B2Gold is planning a year of aggressive exploration in 2021 with a budget of approximately
$66 million (excluding Gramalote), including a record$25 million allocated to the Company's ongoing grassroots exploration programs - An updated mineral resource estimate for the Anaconda area (located 20 kilometres north of Fekola), based on the completed 2020 drill program, is expected in the first quarter of 2021 and the Company has allocated
$8 million for drilling to expand the mineral resource estimate in 2021; in addition an initial mineral resource estimate is expected to be completed for the Cardinal zone (located within 500 metres of the current Fekola resource pit) in the first quarter of 2021 - Based on current assumptions, including a gold price of
$1,800 per ounce, the Company expects to generate cashflows from operating activities of approximately$630 million in 2021
Despite some of the challenges that the current COVID-19 pandemic has created worldwide and in each of the locations where the Company operates or is head-quartered, the Company continues to operate virtually unimpeded. The B2Gold executive team is very proud of the Company's employees' dedication and resilience in these challenging times and believe it is in part due to the executive team's and mine employees' years of experience in all aspects of international mining, and the Company's culture of treating all its stakeholders with fairness, respect and transparency. This successful approach is reflected again in the Company's record performance 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 its highest priority and continues to encourage input from all its stakeholders as the COVID-19 situation evolves. The Company continues to implement measures and 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 plans 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 Gold Production and Development
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, B2Gold had another remarkable year of strong growth in 2020, with the achievement of B2Gold's twelfth consecutive year of record annual gold production. The Company's total gold production for 2020 was an annual record of 1,040,737 ounces (including 45,479 ounces of attributable production from Calibre), at the upper end of the guidance range (of between 1,000,000 – 1,055,000 ounces). Consolidated gold production from the Company's three operating mines was an annual record of 995,258 ounces of gold, at the upper end of the guidance range (of between 955,000 – 1,005,000 ounces), and significantly higher by
The Company is currently compiling its final cash operating costs and AISC results for 2020 and will release its fourth quarter and full-year 2020 financial results after the North American markets close on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. The Company expects to be at 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 throughout 2020:
- At Fekola, 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), occurred on September 10, 2020, several weeks 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 (for 2021 budgeting purposes the Company has assumed a throughput rate of 7.75 Mtpa). 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.
- At Otjikoto, development of the Wolfshag underground mine continues to progress well and 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 fourth quarter of 2020, an updated resource model for Gramalote was completed, providing the information necessary to advance pit design and mining engineering studies. Feasibility stage metallurgical studies and process plant design were completed by year-end and infrastructure design work continues. The results of the Gramalote Feasibility Study are expected to be announced in April 2021, with a construction decision expected to be made shortly thereafter.
Looking forward to 2021, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance. The Company's total gold production is forecast to be between 970,000 - 1,030,000 ounces (including 50,000 - 60,000 ounces attributable ounces projected from Calibre) in 2021, with total consolidated cash operating costs forecast to be between
The Company's consolidated gold production from its three operating mines is forecast to be between 920,000 – 970,000 ounces in 2021, with consolidated cash operating costs forecast to be between
Based on current operating plans, over a five-year outlook from 2020 to 2024, annual consolidated gold production is forecast to average 950,000 ounces with AISC averaging
2020 Gold Revenue
For full-year 2020, consolidated gold revenue was a record
For the fourth quarter of 2020, consolidated gold revenue was
2020 Operations
Mine-by-mine gold production in the fourth quarter and full-year 2020 (including the Company's approximate
Mine | Q4 2020 | Full-Year 2020 | 2020 |
Fekola | 158,548 | 622,518 | 590,000 - 620,000 |
Masbate | 57,566 | 204,699 | 200,000 - 210,000 |
Otjikoto | 40,205 | 168,041 | 165,000 - 175,000 |
B2Gold Consolidated (1) | 256,319 | 995,258 | 955,000 – 1,005,000 |
Equity interest in Calibre (2) | 14,150 | 45,479 | 45,000 - 50,000 |
Total | 270,469 | 1,040,737 | 1,000,000 – 1,055,000 |
(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 record year in 2020, producing an annual record of 622,518 ounces of gold, exceeding the upper end of its guidance range (of between 590,000 - 620,000 ounces), as processed grade, tonnes and recoveries all exceeded budget. Gold production for the year also increased significantly by
In September 2020, the commissioning of the Fekola mill expansion to 7.5 Mtpa (an increase of 1.5 Mtpa from an assumed base rate of 6 Mtpa) was successfully completed several weeks ahead of schedule. The Fekola mill has the potential to run above the expanded annualized throughput rate of 7.5 Mtpa and analysis is currently underway to determine the optimum throughput rate (for 2021 budgeting purposes the Company has assumed a throughput rate of 7.75 Mtpa). 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.
For full-year 2020, mill feed grade was 2.99 grams per tonne ("g/t") compared to budget of 2.91 g/t and 2.16 g/t in 2019; mill throughput was 6.87 million tonnes compared to budget of 6.84 million tonnes and 6.98 million tonnes in 2019; and gold recovery averaged
For full-year 2020, Fekola's cash operating costs are expected to be at the upper end of its guidance range of between
Fekola Solar Plant
Following the temporary suspension of solar plant construction activities in April 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, construction recommenced on October 2, 2020. At December 31, 2020, overall construction progress was approximately
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 to sustain the higher process plant production rate but is expected to reduce Fekola's operating costs and emissions by decreasing power plant fuel consumption and maintenance costs. When the plant is fully commissioned, it will reduce HFO consumptions by over 13 million litres per year and lower carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 39,000 tonnes per year.
Masbate Gold Mine – the Philippines
The Masbate Mine in the Philippines achieved another strong year in 2020, producing 204,699 ounces of gold, at the midpoint of its guidance range (of between 200,000 - 210,000 ounces). Masbate's strong operational performance was achieved despite a five day temporary suspension of mining activities in the first quarter of 2020 due to fuel shortages relating to COVID-19 restrictions, and a magnitude 6.6 earthquake approximately 90 kilometres from the mine site on August 18, 2020, suspending mining and processing operations for five and six days, respectively, as inspections were conducted to confirm there was no damage to the mine from the earthquake. In addition, Masbate operations continued to run normally following a super typhoon (Typhoon Goni), which first made landfall in the Philippines on November 1, 2020. Compared to 2019, gold production in 2020, as planned, was lower by
For full-year 2020, mill feed grade was 1.00 g/t compared to budget of 1.01 g/t and 1.16 g/t in 2019; mill throughput was 7.76 million tonnes compared to budget of 8.2 million tonnes and 8.0 million tonnes in 2019; and gold recovery averaged
For full-year 2020, Masbate's cash operating costs are expected to be below the low end of its guidance range of between
Otjikoto Gold Mine - Namibia
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia also had another solid year in 2020, producing 168,041 ounces of gold, near the midpoint of its guidance range (of between 165,000 - 175,000 ounces). Compared to 2019, gold production, as planned, was lower by
For full-year 2020, mill feed grade was 1.52 g/t compared to budget of 1.55 g/t and 1.64 g/t in 2019; mill throughput was 3.51 million tonnes compared to budget of 3.41 million tonnes and 3.42 million tonnes in 2019; and gold recovery averaged
For full-year 2020, Otjikoto's cash operating costs are expected to be below the low end of its guidance range of between
2020 Development
Gramalote Project (B2Gold –
B2Gold has a
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.
During 2020, Gramalote successfully completed an extensive infill drill program of 42,500 meters in August 2020. The purpose of the infill drilling was to confirm and upgrade the Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated status to provide the basis for Gramalote's Feasibility Study. During the fourth quarter of 2020, an updated resource model for Gramalote was completed, providing the information necessary to advance pit design and mining engineering studies. Feasibility stage metallurgical studies and process plant design were completed by year-end and infrastructure design work continues. The results of the Gramalote Feasibility Study are expected to be announced in April 2021, with a construction decision expected to be made shortly thereafter.
Key social initiatives, including resettlement work and artisanal miner formalization/relocation, continued to advance during the fourth quarter of 2020. Gramalote has also requested that the terms of its EIA be modified to allow the resettlement process to occur as construction proceeds, which will assist in accelerating the construction sequence.
2021 Production Outlook and Cost Guidance
The Company's total gold production is forecast to be between 970,000 - 1,030,000 ounces (including 50,000 - 60,000 ounces attributable ounces projected from Calibre) in 2021 (compared to total production of 1,040,737 ounces in 2020).
For 2021, the Company's consolidated gold production from its three operating mines is forecast to be between 920,000 – 970,000 ounces, lower than 2020 consolidated production of 995,258 ounces by approximately
For 2021, the Company's total consolidated cash operating costs (including forecast cash operating costs from B2Gold's attributable
The Company's consolidated cash operating costs from its three operating mines are forecast to be between
Mine-by-mine 2021 ranges (including the Company's approximate
The Company's consolidated gold production from its three operating mines is expected to be significantly weighted to the second half of 2021, due to the planned significant waste stripping at both the Fekola and Otjikoto Mines in the first half of 2021 (for Phase 5 and Phase 6 of the Fekola Pit, and Phase 3 of the Wolfshag and Otjikoto Pits). For the first half of 2021, consolidated gold production is expected to be between 365,000 – 385,000 ounces, which is expected to increase significantly to between 555,000 – 585,000 ounces during the second half of 2021 (when mining reaches the higher grade portion of Phase 5 of the Fekola Pit and Phase 3 of the Wolfshag Pit). Based mainly on the weighting of production and timing of stripping, consolidated cash operating costs are expected to be between
Mine | First-Half 2021 | Second-Half 2021 | Full-year 2021 |
Fekola | 220,000 - 230,000 | 310,000 - 330,000 | 530,000 - 560,000 |
Masbate | 100,000 - 105,000 | 100,000 - 105,000 | 200,000 - 210,000 |
Otjikoto | 45,000 - 50,000 | 145,000 - 150,000 | 190,000 - 200,000 |
B2Gold Consolidated (1) | 365,000 – 385,000 | 555,000 – 585,000 | 920,000 – 970,000 |
Equity interest in Calibre (2) | 25,000 - 30,000 | 25,000 - 30,000 | 50,000 - 60,000 |
Total | 390,000 – 415,000 | 580,000 – 615,000 | 970,000 – 1,030,000 |
(1) | "B2Gold consolidated" forecasts are all presented on a |
(2) | "Equity interest in Calibre" forecasts represent the Company's approximate |
Mine | First-Half 2021 | Second-Half 2021 | Full-year 2021 |
Fekola | |||
Masbate | |||
Otjikoto | |||
B2Gold Consolidated | |||
Equity interest in Calibre (1) | |||
Total |
(1) | Calibre's 2021 forecast cash operating costs are assumed to be consistent throughout 2021. |
Mine | First-Half 2021 | Second-Half 2021 | Full-year 2021 |
Fekola | |||
Masbate | |||
Otjikoto | |||
B2Gold Consolidated | |||
Equity interest in Calibre (1) | |||
Total |
(1) | Calibre's 2021 forecast AISC are assumed to be consistent throughout 2021. |
Fekola Gold Mine - Mali
The low-cost Fekola Mine in Mali is expected to produce between 530,000 - 560,000 ounces of gold in 2021 at cash operating costs of between
For 2021, the Fekola Mine is budgeted to process a total of 7.75 million tonnes of ore, at an average grade of 2.32 g/t and process gold recovery of
Sustaining capital costs in 2021 at the Fekola Mine are budgeted to total
Masbate Gold Mine - the Philippines
The Masbate Mine in the Philippines is expected to produce between 200,000 - 210,000 ounces of gold in 2021 at cash operating costs of between
Sustaining capital costs in 2021 at the Masbate Mine are budgeted to total
Otjikoto Gold Mine - Namibia
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia is expected to produce between 190,000 - 200,000 ounces of gold in 2021, a significant increase of approximately
For 2021, Otjikoto is budgeted to process a total of 3.4 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.77 g/t with process gold recovery of
The Wolfshag ore zone is narrow and high grade, with pit and phase strip ratios that result in a highly variable gold production profile. Approximately
Otjikoto's higher 2021 gold production level of between 190,000 – 200,000 ounces is expected to continue through to 2024, as production from Wolfshag underground is expected to commence in early 2022 and will supplement ore from the Otjikoto Pit as well as existing medium and low-grade stockpiles for approximately three years based on current estimates.
Sustaining capital costs in 2021 at the Otjikoto Mine are budgeted to total
Development of the Wolfshag underground mine continues to progress well and on schedule. This project is expected to bring forward production of high-grade ore from the Wolfshag deposit and reduce production costs. The mine development will also provide access for down-plunge and parallel exploration and has been designed to support future expansions. Project spending is currently estimated to total
2021 Gramalote Project Budget (B2Gold –
The initial 2021 budget for the Gramalote Project in Colombia is
Gramalote's 2021 budget includes project development up to the feasibility completion and construction decision point in the second quarter of 2021, and therefore does not include early works or construction costs, such as mobilization and pioneering. A separate construction budget is expected to be developed for the second half of 2021, based on a positive Gramalote Feasibility Study and construction decision.
Kiaka Project Budget - Burkina Faso
The Company is currently updating the existing feasibility study for the Kiaka Project in Burkina Faso, due to the potential for improved economics resulting from lower fuel prices, alternative power options and a higher gold price. An updated resource model was completed in December 2019, providing the basis for detailed mining and processing schedules. Initial evaluations have indicated an optimal processing rate of 12 Mtpa. Engineering of the plant, infrastructure, open pit, dumps, stockpiles, and the tailing storage facility are underway. The Company expects to have completed an updated economic assessment of the project for internal review completed by the end of the first quarter of 2021, followed by the updated feasibility study by mid-year 2021. The 2021 budget for the Kiaka Project is
2021 Exploration Guidance
Following a very successful year for exploration in 2020, B2Gold is planning another year of aggressive exploration in 2021 with a budget of approximately
West African Exploration
In 2021, approximately
The Company plans to continue focusing on upgrading and expanding the existing saprolite Mineral Resource estimate of 21.6 million tonnes at 1.11 g/t for 770,000 ounces in the Anaconda area. An updated saprolite Mineral Resource estimate based on the completed 2020 drill program is expected in the first quarter of 2021 and will feed into engineering studies currently underway. This estimate will also include an initial Mineral Resource estimate on the sulphide material below the saprolite. This sulphide mineralization will continue to be followed up in 2021. There are several other prospects in the Anaconda area where possible Fekola-style mineralization has been intersected in fresh rock which will be drilled in 2021.
Closer to Fekola, an initial Mineral Resource estimate for Cardinal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021. Grade control drilling is underway at a portion of this deposit to enable ore to be mined for processing at the Fekola plant in the second quarter of 2021, subject to obtaining all necessary permits. Ongoing exploration drilling will also focus on infilling the high-grade portions of Cardinal and extend these down plunge. Drilling at Fekola North will also continue to track the main Fekola structure north of the existing open pit.
A total of
Masbate Exploration
The Masbate exploration budget for 2021 is approximately
Namibia Exploration
The total exploration budget for Namibia in 2021 is approximately
Grassroots Exploration
B2Gold has allocated approximately
In Finland, the Company has allocated
In Uzbekistan, the Company has allocated
In addition, the Company has allocated approximately
Liquidity and Capital Resources
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
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
The Company has not yet finalized its 2020 financial results. However, for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company expects to have generated cashflows from operations of approximately
In 2021 and based on current assumptions including an average gold price of
Environmental, Social and Governance Commitment
B2Gold is committed to delivering positive impacts in environmental, social and governance ("ESG") with our many stakeholders. In 2020, in Mali, Namibia, the Philippines, Colombia and Canada, B2Gold provided approximately
B2Gold was selected as the recipient of two prestigious mining industry awards in 2020 for its commitment to sustainable mining and development: the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada's "2021 Sustainability Award" and the Mining Journal's "2020 Most Sustainable Miner Award". B2Gold is honoured and challenged by this recognition to work to continuously improve our performance and maintain our social license to operate.
B2Gold is pleased to announce that in 2021 it plans to apply for membership to the World Gold Council. The World Gold Council is the global authority on the gold market comprised of the world's leading gold mining companies. The World Gold Council is also a leader in responsible mining through its Responsible Gold Mining Principles, a comprehensive framework that addresses key environmental, social and governance issues for the gold mining sector.
More information on B2Gold's ESG management and performance, as well as its safety performance and economic contributions across its operations can be found in the Company's annual responsible mining report, "Raising the Bar".
Outlook
B2Gold had another remarkable year of strong growth in 2020, marking the twelfth consecutive year of record annual gold production. The Company's total gold production for 2020 was an annual record of 1,040,737 ounces, and consolidated gold production from the Company's three operating mines was an annual record of 995,258 ounces of gold. 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
Looking forward to 2021, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance with total gold production guidance of between 970,000 - 1,030,000 ounces in 2021, total consolidated cash operating costs forecast to be between
In connection with advancing the Company's pipeline of development projects, the Company expects to announce the results of the Feasibility Study for the Gramalote Project in Colombia in April 2021, with a construction decision expected to be made shortly thereafter. 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). The Company is currently updating the existing feasibility study for the Kiaka Project in Burkina Faso, due to the potential for improved economics resulting from lower fuel prices, alternative power options and a higher gold price. The Company expects to have completed an updated economic assessment of the Kiaka Project by the end of the first quarter of 2021 for internal review, followed by the updated feasibility study by mid-year 2021.
Following a very successful year for exploration in 2020, B2Gold is planning a year of aggressive exploration in 2021 with a budget of approximately
The Company is focused on upgrading and expanding the existing saprolite resources at the Anaconda area in Mali (located 20 kilometres north of Fekola), with an updated mineral resource estimate expected in the first quarter of 2021, which will feed into engineering studies currently underway. This resource estimate will also include the initial mineral resource estimate on the sulphide material below the saprolite. There are several other prospects in the Anaconda area where possible Fekola-style mineralization has been intersected in fresh rock which will be drilled in 2021.
An initial mineral resource estimate is expected to be completed for the Cardinal zone (located within 500 metres of the current Fekola resource pit) in the first quarter of 2021, and grade control drilling is already underway at a portion of this deposit to enable ore to be mined for processing at the Fekola plant in the second quarter of 2021. Ongoing exploration drilling will also focus on infilling the high-grade portions of the Cardinal zone and extend these down plunge. Drilling at Fekola North will also continue to track the main Fekola structure north of the existing open pit.
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.
About B2Gold Corp.
B2Gold is a low-cost international senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has operating gold mines in Mali, Namibia and the Philippines and numerous exploration and development projects in various countries including Mali, Colombia and Burkina Faso. B2Gold forecasts total consolidated gold production of between 970,000 and 1,030,000 ounces in 2021.
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.
Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2020 Financial Results - Conference Call Details
B2Gold will release its fourth quarter and year-end 2020 financial results after the North American markets close on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the results on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 10:00 am PDT/1:00 pm EDT. You may access the call by dialing the operator at +1 (647) 427-7450 (local or international) 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/1493/39662. 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 9676547).
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 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, 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.
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