B2Gold Reports Strong Q4 2021 Total Gold Production of 304,897 Oz, Record Annual Total Gold Production of 1,047,414 Oz and 2022 Total Gold Production Guidance of 990,000 - 1,050,000 Oz
B2Gold Corp. (BTG) announced robust 2021 gold production results, achieving a record of 1,047,414 ounces for the year and consolidated revenues of $1.76 billion. The fourth quarter saw production of 304,897 ounces with revenues of $526 million. For 2022, the company forecasts gold production between 990,000 - 1,050,000 ounces, with increased cash operating costs due to inflationary pressures. The Fekola Mine is expected to contribute significantly to output, especially in the second half of the year.
- Record total gold production of 1,047,414 ounces in 2021.
- Consolidated revenues of $1.76 billion, despite a slight revenue decrease of 1%.
- Fourth quarter production of 304,897 ounces, marking strong operational performance.
- Successful completion of exploration in 2021, with a $65 million budget for 2022.
- Ongoing strong operational performance with a focus on high-grade ore production.
- Increased cash operating costs forecasted to be between $620 - $660 per ounce, up from $500 - $540 in 2021.
- Total AISC forecasted to rise to $1,010 - $1,050 per ounce versus $870 - $910 in 2021, mainly due to inflation.
- Gold production heavily weighted to the second half of 2022, with a forecast of 390,000 - 410,000 ounces in the first half.
- Sanctions impacting Mali may affect operations.
VANCOUVER, BC, January 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its total gold production and consolidated gold revenues for the fourth quarter and full-year 2021, in addition to its production and budget guidance for 2022. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
2021 Gold Production and Revenue Highlights
- Fourth quarter total gold production of 304,897 ounces (including 16,048 ounces of attributable production from Calibre Mining Corp. ("Calibre")) and consolidated gold production of 288,849 ounces from the Company's three operating mines
- Fourth quarter consolidated gold revenues of
$526 million on sales of 292,350 ounces at an average realized gold price of$1,800 per ounce - Record quarterly gold production achieved by the Otjikoto Mine of 78,681 ounces in the fourth quarter
- Record annual total gold production of 1,047,414 ounces (including 59,819 ounces of attributable production from Calibre), marking the thirteenth consecutive year of record annual total gold production
- Consolidated 2021 gold production from the Company's three operating mines of 987,595 ounces, near the top end of its revised guidance range (of between 965,000 – 995,000 ounces) and exceeding the upper end of its original guidance range (of between 920,000 – 970,000 ounces)
- Annual consolidated gold revenues of
$1.76 billion on sales of 981,401 ounces at an average realized gold price of$1,796 per ounce - Record annual gold production achieved by both the Masbate Mine of 222,227 ounces and Otjikoto Mine of 197,573 ounces
- The Company's expects total consolidated cash operating costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures") to be within its guidance range of between
$500 and$540 per ounce and total consolidated all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") (see "Non-IFRS Measures") to be at the upper end of its guidance range of between$870 and$910 per ounce
2022 Budget Highlights
- For 2022, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance with total gold production guidance of between 990,000 - 1,050,000 ounces (including 40,000 - 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre) with total consolidated forecast cash operating costs of between
$620 -$660 per ounce and total consolidated AISC of between$1,010 -$1,050 per ounce; consolidated cash operating costs per ounce and AISC per ounce are forecast to be higher than 2021 mainly due to higher budgeted prices for fuel, labour and other key consumables (attributable to the current inflationary environment), and a stronger budgeted Namibian dollar while the increase in AISC per ounce is also impacted by moderately higher planned sustaining capital expenditures - Due to the timing of high-grade ore mining, consolidated gold production from the Company's three operating mines is expected to be significantly weighted to the second half of 2022; for the first half of 2022, consolidated gold production is forecast to be between 390,000 – 410,000 ounces, which is expected to increase significantly to between 560,000 – 590,000 ounces during the second half of 2022
- Following a very successful year for exploration in 2021, B2Gold is planning a year of aggressive exploration in 2022 with a budget of approximately
$65 million (excluding Gramalote), including a record$29 million allocated to the Company's ongoing grassroots exploration programs - An updated 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 2022
- Based on current assumptions, including a gold price of
$1,800 per ounce, the Company expects to generate cashflows from operating activities of approximately$625 million in 2022, expected to be significantly weighted to the second half of 2022
Gold Production
Despite the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, B2Gold had another remarkable year of strong operational performance in 2021, with the achievement of B2Gold's thirteenth consecutive year of record annual total gold production. The Company's total gold production for 2021 was an annual record of 1,047,414 ounces (including 59,819 ounces of attributable production from Calibre) (2020 – 1,040,737 ounces), near the top end of its revised guidance range (of between 1,015,000 – 1,055,000 ounces) and exceeding the upper end of its original guidance range (of between 970,000 – 1,030,000 ounces). Consolidated gold production from the Company's three operating mines was 987,595 ounces (2020 - 995,258 ounces), near the top end of the revised guidance range (of between 965,000 – 995,000 ounces) and exceeding the upper end of the original guidance range (of between 920,000 – 970,000 ounces), with solid performances from the Company's three mines (see "Operations" section below), including both the Masbate and Otjikoto mines achieving record annual gold production in 2021. In addition, the Fekola Mine achieved another strong year in 2021, producing 567,795 ounces of gold, near the top end of its revised guidance range (of between 560,000 and 570,000 ounces) and exceeding the upper end of its original guidance range (of between 530,000 and 560,000 ounces).
The Company is currently compiling its final cash operating costs and AISC results for 2021 and will release its fourth quarter and full-year 2021 financial results after the North American markets close on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. For full-year 2021, the Company's total consolidated cash operating costs are expected to be within its guidance range of between
For 2022, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance. The Company's total gold production is forecast to be between 990,000 - 1,050,000 ounces (including 40,000 - 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre) in 2022, with total consolidated cash operating costs forecast to be between
The Company is monitoring the impact of sanctions on Mali announced by the Economic Community of West African States ("ECOWAS") on January 9, 2022, including closure of borders with Mali. These sanctions were in response to Mali's interim authorities' proposal of delaying elections to December 2025 instead of the previously agreed timeline of February 2022. Currently, the Fekola Mine continues to operate unimpeded and the Company expects to meet its 2022 production guidance for Fekola. The Fekola Mine appears well-positioned for any potential supply disruptions that might be caused by the border closures. The Company is in the search of alternative routings to bring in some critical supplies, if necessary. Fuel supplies are not affected by the sanctions and continue passing through the border with Senegal. Gold sales from the Fekola Mine are expected to continue on an ordinary course basis.
_____________________________ |
1 Subject to the receipt of the new Menankoto Permit which the Company expects to be issued by the Mali Ministry of Mines and Petroleum in the near future. |
Sustainability
Safety
The Company's excellent safety performance reflects the Company's longstanding commitment to continuous safety improvement and goal of sending everyone HOME-SAFE after every shift/work rotation. The Company's LTIFR and Severity rates (lost time and restricted work) are in-line with best in class (top
For a sixth consecutive year, the Company maintained a fatality free workplace and once again either reduced or maintained its low injury frequency rates as follows:
- Lost time injury ("LTIFR"): 0.05 (
16% reduction from 2020) - Total recordable injury frequency rate ("TRIFR"): 0.27 (
0% neutral from 2020) - Severity: 3.46 (
2% reduction from 2020)
Other notable safety performance highlights from 2021 include:
- Masbate operations surpassing 3 years and +20 million LTI free hours worked
- Otjikoto operations reducing TRIFR by
25% - Exploration/Projects reducing LTIFR by
52% , TRIFR by85% and Severity by88% - Continued successful management of COVID-19 through screening/testing and vaccination
- Zero occupational hygiene claims (illness/diseases) for a third consecutive year
- No fines or orders for non-compliance/violations of health and safety regulations for a fifth consecutive year
- Third-party OHS Performance Standards Audits conducted at both Fekola and Otjikoto operations, with improvements reported
In 2022, the Company will continue to focus attention on key prevention initiatives to further reduce injury to align with its goal of sending every B2Gold employee or contractor HOME-SAFE after each and every shift/work rotation.
Environmental, Social and Governance Commitment
B2Gold is committed to delivering positive impacts in environmental, social and governance ("ESG") with its many stakeholders. In 2021, as a result of the Company's culture of health and safety and support for the communities where it operates, B2Gold was able to successfully respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19, contributing to community resilience and sustained positive economic impacts in the countries where it operates. As vaccines became available, B2Gold worked with authorities to implement vaccination clinics all operations. Vaccinations, combined with ongoing workforce monitoring and testing measures, and continued modified work protocols including revised workplace schedules and arrangements, social distancing, and mask and hygiene policies, ensured the ongoing health and safety of our workforce and communities.
In addition to community investment and development initiatives that B2Gold supports across its global operations, the Company also supports social initiatives at home, in Canada. This is managed through the B2Gold Canadian CSR Fund established in 2019. This fund supports registered charities in the Metro Vancouver area that address social issues related to health, children, and vulnerable populations. In 2021, the Company donated CAD
In 2021, B2Gold joined the World Gold Council ("WGC"), the global authority on the gold market comprised of the world's leading gold mining companies. B2Gold is in the first year of implementation of the WGC's 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 on the Company's website and in its annual responsible mining report, "Raising the Bar".
Gold Revenue
For full-year 2021, consolidated gold revenue was
For the fourth quarter of 2021, consolidated gold revenue was
Operations
Mine-by-mine gold production in the fourth quarter and full-year 2021 (including the Company's estimated
Mine | Q4 2021 | Full-Year 2021 | Revised | Original |
Fekola | 163,539 | 567,795 | 560,000 - 570,000 | 530,000 - 560,000 |
Masbate | 46,629 | 222,227 | 215,000 - 225,000 | 200,000 - 210,000 |
Otjikoto | 78,681 | 197,573 | 190,000 - 200,000 | 190,000 - 200,000 |
B2Gold Consolidated (1) | 288,849 | 987,595 | 965,000 - 995,000 | 920,000 - 970,000 |
Equity interest in Calibre (2) | 16,048 | 59,819 | 50,000 - 60,000 | 50,000 - 60,000 |
Total | 304,897 | 1,047,414 | 1,015,000 - 1,055,000 | 970,000 - 1,030,000 |
(1) | "B2Gold Consolidated" - gold production is presented on a |
(2) | "Equity interest in Calibre" – For 2021, represents the Company's approximate |
Fekola Gold Mine – Mali
The Fekola Mine in Mali achieved another strong year in 2021, producing 567,795 ounces of gold, near the top end of its revised guidance range (of between 560,000 and 570,000 ounces) and exceeding the upper end of its original guidance range (of between 530,000 and 560,000 ounces), due to significantly higher than budgeted mill throughput, partially offset by lower processed grade, as Fekola's low-grade stockpiles were used to supplement the additional unbudgeted mill feed required as a result of the significantly higher than budgeted processed tonnes. As expected, compared to the previous year of 2020, gold production was lower by
For full-year 2021, mill feed grade was 2.05 grams per tonne ("g/t") compared to budget of 2.32 g/t and 2.99 g/t in 2020; mill throughput was 9.14 million tonnes compared to budget of 7.75 million tonnes and 6.87 million tonnes in 2020; and gold recovery averaged
With the Fekola solar plant now
After review of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment by the Malian authorities, the existing Medinandi (Fekola) permit has been updated to include the Cardinal zone, located within 500 metres of the current Fekola resource pit (the initial Inferred Mineral Resource estimate for Cardinal is 640,000 ounces of gold in 13.0 million tonnes of ore at 1.54 g/t gold). Exploration drilling at Cardinal is ongoing and recent drill results have returned good gold grades over significant widths below the current resource which remains open at depth and along strike. Initial mining operations at Cardinal have commenced and will continue to ramp up. To December 31, 2021, 164,340 tonnes at an average grade of 1.66 g/t have been mined at Cardinal. The Company is in the process of updating the Fekola Mine Plan to include production from Cardinal which has the potential to add an average of approximately 60,000 ounces per year over the next 6 to 8 years (based on Cardinal's inferred resource only) to Fekola's annual gold production. Approximately 50,000 ounces is budgeted to be produced from the Cardinal zone in 2022 (these ounces are in the indicated mineral resource category and have been included in Fekola's 2022 annual production guidance). An updated mineral resource estimate is expected to be completed for the Cardinal zone in the first quarter of 2022.
For full-year 2021, Fekola's cash operating costs are expected to be at the upper end of the guidance range of between
Menankoto Permit
B2Gold has reached an agreement in principle with the State of Mali in connection with the issuance of the Menankoto exploration permit (the "Menankoto Permit"). The Government of Mali has recently announced that it will grant a new exploration permit covering the same perimeter as the Menankoto Permit to a new Malian subsidiary of B2Gold. On December 28, 2021, the Government of Mali entered into a new mining convention with B2Gold's Malian subsidiary in respect of a new exploration permit covering the same perimeter as the Menankoto Permit. In addition, B2Gold has initiated the withdrawal of the arbitration proceedings that its Malian subsidiary, Menankoto SARL ("Menankoto"), commenced in June 2021 against the Republic of Mali under the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes Between States and Nationals of Other States.
B2Gold expects that the new Menankoto Permit will be issued to its new Malian subsidiary shortly in compliance with the procedures and requirements set out under the Malian 2019 Mining Code (previous permit had been issued under the Malian 2012 Mining Code), which provides for an initial term of three years and renewable for 2 additional three year periods. The Company and the State of Mali are both pleased with this outcome and the process to reach this agreement, which was conducted in a fair and transparent manner and restores the Company's interest in the Menankoto Permit that it believes Menankoto was entitled to under its original extension application. Upon issuance of the new Menankoto Permit, the Company intends to resume its aggressive exploration drilling program on the Menankoto Permit area.
Masbate Gold Mine – the Philippines
The Masbate Mine in the Philippines had a record year in 2021, producing an annual record of 222,227 ounces of gold, near the top end of its revised guidance range (of between 215,000 and 225,000 ounces) and exceeding the upper end of its original guidance range (of between 200,000 and 210,000 ounces), due to higher than budgeted mill recoveries (
For full-year 2021, mill feed grade was 1.11 g/t compared to budget of 1.10 g/t and 1.00 g/t in 2020; mill throughput was 7.60 million tonnes compared to budget of 8.00 million tonnes and 7.76 million tonnes in 2020; and gold recovery averaged
For full-year 2021, Masbate's cash operating costs are expected to be within the guidance range of between
Otjikoto Gold Mine – Namibia
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia had a strong second half in 2021 and finish to the year, resulting in new quarterly and annual gold production records. For full-year 2021, the Otjikoto Mine produced an annual record of 197,573 ounces of gold, near the top end of its guidance range (of between 190,000 and 200,000 ounces), and
For full-year 2021, mill feed grade was 1.76 g/t compared to budget of 1.77 g/t and 1.52 g/t in 2020; mill throughput was 3.54 million tonnes compared to budget of 3.40 million tonnes and 3.51 million tonnes in 2020; and gold recovery averaged
Development of the Wolfshag underground mine continues to progress with ore production expected to begin in the first half of 2022. The initial underground Mineral Reserve estimate for the down-plunge extension of the Wolfshag deposit includes 210,000 ounces of gold in 1.2 million tonnes of ore at 5.57 g/t gold.
For full-year 2021, Otjikoto's cash operating costs are expected to be within the guidance range of between
2022 Production Outlook and Cost Guidance
For 2022, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance with total gold production forecast to be between 990,000 - 1,050,000 ounces (including 40,000 - 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre) and consolidated gold production from the Company's three operating mines forecast to be between 950,000 - 1,000,000 ounces, both comparable to 2021 production results (of total gold production of 1,047,414 ounces and consolidated gold production of 987,595 ounces in 2021). Fekola's 2022 gold production forecast (of between 570,000 – 600,000 ounces) does not include the potential upside to increase Fekola's gold production by trucking material from the Anaconda area (comprised of the Menankoto Permit and the Bantako North Permit). In addition, the Company's projected attributable gold production from Calibre (of 40,000 – 50,000 ounces) in 2022 only includes the Company's share (
For 2022, the Company's total cash operating costs (including estimated attributable results for Calibre) are forecast to be between
As a result of the timing of high-grade ore mining at both the Fekola and Otjikoto mines, the Company's consolidated gold production is expected to be significantly weighted to the second half of 2022, when mining is scheduled to reach the higher grade portions of Phase 6 of the Fekola Pit and Phase 3 of the Otjikoto Pit. In addition, high-grade ore production is expected to ramp up at both the Cardinal zone at Fekola and Wolfshag underground mine at Otjikoto in the second half of 2022, following their development in the first half of 2022. For the first half of 2022, consolidated gold production is expected to be between 390,000 – 410,000 ounces, which is expected to increase significantly to between 560,000 – 590,000 ounces during the second half of 2022. Based mainly on the weighting of production and timing of stripping, consolidated cash operating costs are expected to be between
Mine-by-mine 2022 ranges (including the Company's approximate
Mine | First-Half 2022 | Second-Half 2022 | Full-year 2022 |
Fekola | 220,000 - 230,000 | 350,000 - 370,000 | 570,000 - 600,000 |
Masbate | 105,000 - 110,000 | 100,000 - 105,000 | 205,000 - 215,000 |
Otjikoto | 65,000 - 70,000 | 110,000 - 115,000 | 175,000 - 185,000 |
B2Gold Consolidated (1) | 390,000 – 410,000 | 560,000 – 590,000 | 950,000 – 1,000,000 |
Equity interest in Calibre (2) | 20,000 - 25,000 | 20,000 - 25,000 | 40,000 - 50,000 |
Total | 410,000 – 435,000 | 580,000 – 615,000 | 990,000 – 1,050,000 |
(1) | "B2Gold consolidated" forecasts are all presented on a |
(2) | "Equity interest in Calibre" – For 2022, represents the Company's approximate |
Mine | First-Half 2022 | Second-Half 2022 | Full-year 2022 |
Fekola | |||
Masbate | |||
Otjikoto | |||
B2Gold Consolidated | |||
Equity interest in Calibre (1) | |||
Total |
(1) | Calibre's 2022 forecast cash operating costs are assumed to be consistent throughout 2022. |
Mine | First-Half 2022 | Second-Half 2022 | Full-year 2022 |
Fekola | |||
Masbate | |||
Otjikoto | |||
B2Gold Consolidated | |||
Equity interest in Calibre (1) | |||
Total |
(1) | Calibre's 2022 forecast AISC are assumed to be consistent throughout 2022. |
Fekola Gold Mine - Mali
The low-cost Fekola Mine in Mali is expected to produce between 570,000 - 600,000 ounces of gold in 2022 at cash operating costs of between
The budgeted increase in Fekola's AISC for 2022 (compared to 2021 guidance of between
For 2022, the Fekola Mine is budgeted to process a total of 9.00 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 2.15 g/t with process gold recovery of
Sustaining capital costs in 2022 at the Fekola Mine are budgeted to total
Masbate Gold Mine - the Philippines
The Masbate Mine in the Philippines is expected to produce between 205,000 - 215,000 ounces of gold in 2022 at cash operating costs of between
Sustaining capital costs in 2022 at the Masbate Mine are budgeted to total
Otjikoto Gold Mine - Namibia
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia is expected to produce between 175,000 - 185,000 ounces of gold in 2022 at cash operating costs of between
For 2022, Otjikoto is budgeted to process a total of 3.40 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.68 g/t with process gold recovery of
Sustaining capital costs in 2022 at the Otjikoto Mine are budgeted to total
2022 Development Guidance
Gramalote Project (B2Gold –
Currently under review by B2Gold and its partner, AngloGold Ashanti Limited ("AGA"), is the 2022 budget for the Gramalote Project in Colombia which will fund the Gramalote Feasibility Study optimization, exploration, community support, continued advancement of key social initiatives and compliance with regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment requirements. A separate construction budget is expected to be developed subsequently upon a positive (optimized) Gramalote Feasibility Study and construction decision.
Following a review of Gramalote's feasibility study work to date, B2Gold believes that there is strong potential to improve the economics of the project (economic highlights were previously released on May 4, 2021 based on the feasibility study work to date), which could be developed by revisiting the original Gramalote Project design parameters included in the existing mining permit (as applied in the Gramalote Preliminary Economic Assessment in January 2020 and historical AGA studies) and further optimizing project design. Review of the updated Gramalote Ridge Mineral Resource also shows that further value can be created through additional drilling of the Inferred portions of the Mineral Resource area, both within and adjacent to the designed pit.
Fekola Regional Development
In 2022, a total of
2022 Exploration Guidance
B2Gold is planning another year of aggressive exploration in 2022 with a budget of approximately
Exploration will focus predominantly in Mali, other operating mine sites in Namibia and the Philippines, and continued focus on grassroots targets around the world. Many years of target generation and pursuing opportunities in prospective gold regions has culminated in the Company allocating a record
West African Exploration
In 2022, 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 for the Anaconda area (comprised of the Menankoto Permit and the Bantako North Permit). An updated Mineral Resource estimate based on the completed 2021 drill program is expected in the first quarter of 2022 and will feed into engineering studies currently underway. This new resource estimate will also include an initial Mineral Resource estimate for the sulphide material below the saprolite. The Company will continue to follow up on the sulphide mineralization at the Mamba, Adder and several other targets below the saprolite mineralization in 2022.
Closer to Fekola, an updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Cardinal zone is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022. This will enhance production of ore which is being mined and processed at the Fekola plant. Drilling down plunge of the high-grade portions of the Cardinal zone in 2021 has been successful and will be continued in 2022.
Deeper drilling beneath and down plunge of the Fekola open pit is planned to follow high grade shoots that could potentially be amenable to mining underground. The Company 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 2022 is approximately
Namibia Exploration
The total exploration budget for Namibia in 2022 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
Outlook
The Company is pleased with its fourth quarter and full-year 2021 gold production results and production and budget guidance for 2022 as outlined in this news release. Despite the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, B2Gold had another remarkable year of strong operational performance in 2021, with the achievement of B2Gold's thirteenth consecutive year of record annual total gold production. The Company's total gold production for 2021 was an annual record of 1,047,414 ounces (including 59,819 ounces of attributable production from Calibre) (2020 – 1,040,737 ounces), near the top end of its revised guidance range (of between 1,015,000 – 1,055,000 ounces) and exceeding the upper end of its original guidance range (of between 970,000 – 1,030,000 ounces). The Company is currently compiling its final cash operating costs and AISC results for 2021 and will release its fourth quarter and full-year 2021 financial results after the North American markets close on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. For full-year 2021, the Company's total consolidated cash operating costs are expected to be within its guidance range of between
Looking forward to 2022, B2Gold remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance. The Company's total gold production is forecast to be between 990,000 - 1,050,000 ounces (including 40,000 - 50,000 attributable ounces projected from Calibre) in 2022, with total consolidated cash operating costs forecast to be between
The Company's ongoing strategy is to continue to maximize continuing profitable production from its mines, further advance its pipeline of development and exploration projects, evaluate new exploration, development and production opportunities and continue to pay an industry leading dividend yield.
Management Appointment
The Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Bill Lytle to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective December 10, 2021. Bill originally joined B2Gold in 2010 as Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety and Permitting, and has advanced through a number of strategic and operational leadership roles, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Operations. Bill has been a valued member of the senior executive team ensuring B2Gold delivers on its business strategy with regards to operations, as well as overseeing the Company's Sustainability, HSE, Supply Chain and Information Technology functions, which will continue to report to him, together with Mine Engineering, Metallurgy, Maintenance and Projects.
Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2021 Financial Results - Conference Call/Webcast Details
B2Gold will release its fourth quarter and year-end 2021 financial results after the North American markets close on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the results on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 10:00am PST/1:00pm EST. You may access the call by dialing the operator at +1 (778) 383-7413 (Vancouver), +1 (416) 764-8659 (Toronto) or +1 (888) 664-6392 (North American toll free) prior to the scheduled start time or you may listen to the call via webcast by clicking here. A playback version will be available for two weeks after the call at +1 (416) 764-8677 (local or international) or +1 (888) 390-0541 (North America toll free) (passcode 062821 #).
Qualified Persons
Bill Lytle, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to operations matters contained in this news release.
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 |
+1 604-681-8371 | +1 604-681-8371 |
The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release.
Production results and production guidance presented in this news release reflect total production at the mines B2Gold operates on a
This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including: projections; outlook; guidance; forecasts; estimates; and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and operational performance, gold production and sales, revenues and cash flows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining) and operating costs, including projected cash operating costs and AISC, and budgets on a consolidated and mine by mine basis; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B2Gold's operations, including any restrictions or suspensions with respect to our operations and the effect of any such restrictions or suspensions on our financial and operational results; the ability of the Company to successfully maintain our operations if they are temporarily suspended, and to restart or ramp-up these operations efficiently and economically, the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's workforce, suppliers and other essential resources and what effect those impacts, if they occur, would have on our business, our planned capital and exploration expenditures; future or estimated mine life, metal price assumptions, ore grades or sources, gold recovery rates, stripping ratios, throughput, ore processing; statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling, development, construction, permitting and other activities or achievements of B2Gold; and including, without limitation: B2Gold generating operating cashflows of approximately
Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with or related to: the duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of preventative measures and contingency plans put in place by the Company to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including, but not limited to, social distancing, a non-essential travel ban, business continuity plans, and efforts to mitigate supply chain disruptions; escalation of travel restrictions on people or products and reductions in the ability of the Company to transport and refine doré; the volatility of metal prices and B2Gold's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving production, cost or other estimates; actual production, development plans and costs differing materially from the estimates in B2Gold's feasibility and other studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; the unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities, including potential restrictions imposed on B2Gold's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Mali, Namibia, the Philippines and Colombia and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally, including in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; the lack of sole decision-making authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for B2Gold's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and B2Gold's reputation; risks affecting Calibre having an impact on the value of the Company's investment in Calibre, and potential dilution of our equity interest in Calibre; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, B2Gold's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect B2Gold's forward-looking statements.
B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to B2Gold's ability to carry on current and future operations, including: the duration and effects of COVID-19 on our operations and workforce; development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; B2Gold's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.
B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. B2Gold does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
Non-IFRS Measures
This news release includes certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), including "cash operating costs" and "all-in sustaining costs" (or "AISC"). Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with B2Gold's consolidated financial statements. Readers should refer to B2Gold's Management Discussion and Analysis, available on the Websites, under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures" for a more detailed discussion of how B2Gold calculates certain of such measures and a reconciliation of certain measures to IFRS terms.
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SOURCE B2Gold Corp.
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