B2Gold Corp. Reports Second Quarter 2017 Results; Achieves Both Higher Gold Production and Lower Costs than Budget; Fekola Project Mine Construction Remains on Target for an
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News Release
B2Gold Corp. Reports Second Quarter 2017 Results;
Achieves Both Higher Gold Production and Lower Costs than Budget;
Fekola Project Mine Construction Remains on Target for an October 1, 2017 Production Start
Vancouver, August 9, 2017 – B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE MKT: BTG, NSX: B2G) (“B2Gold” or
the “Company”) is pleased to announce its operational a nd financial results for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2017. The Company previously re leased its gold production and revenue for the second
quarter of 2017 ( see news release dated 07/31/17 ). All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless
otherwise indicated.
2017 Second Quarter Highlights
• Consolidated gold production of 121,448 ounces, 1% (or 1,611 ounces) above budget
• Consolidated gold revenue of $164.3 million on sales of 131,737 ounces at an average price of $1,247
per ounce
• Consolidated cash operating costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) of $631 per ounce, $81 per ounce (or
11%) below budget
• Consolidated all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) of $974 per ounce, $185
per ounce (or 16%) below budget
• Cash flow from operating activities (after non-cash working capital changes) of $48.0 million ($0.05
per share)
• Strong cash position of $88.2 million at quarter-end
• Fekola Project mine construction remains 3 mont hs ahead of schedule and on budget for an
anticipated October 1, 2017 production start
• Open-pit mining (hard-rock drilling and blasting) at Fekola commenced in May 2017; as at July 31,
2017, the Fekola Project had stockpiled approximately 1,100,000 tonnes of ore (mining continues)
• For full-year 2017, the Company has revised its consolidated production guidance range slightly
lower (4%) to between 530,000 and 570,000 ou nces of gold (previously between 545,000 and
595,000 ounces); overall, consolidated cost guidance remains unchanged
• 2018 outlook provides for dramatic production growth of approximately 65%, with the planned first
full-year of production from the Fekola Project, consolidated annual gold production is expected to
increase significantly to between 900,000 and 950,0 00 ounces with cash operating costs and AISC
expected to approximate the Company’s 2016 revised cost guidance ranges (of $500 to $535 per
ounce for cash operating costs and $780 to $810 per ounce for AISC)
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2017 First-Half Highlights
• Consolidated first-half gold production of 254,184 ounces, 4% (or 9,566 ounces) above budget
• Consolidated first-half gold revenue of $310.6 million on sales of 251,674 ounces at an average price
of $1,234 per ounce
• Consolidated cash operating costs of $596 per ounce, $81 per ounce (or 12%) below budget
• Consolidated AISC of $929 per ounce, $226 per ounce (or 20%) below budget
• Cash flow from operating activities of $87.6 million ($0.09 per share)
• Subsequent to June 30, 2017, the Company secure d a $500 million upsized corporate revolving credit
facility, representing a $75 million increase from the existing facility
2017 Second Quarter and First-Half Operational Results
Consolidated gold production in the second quarter of 2017 was 121,448 ounces, 1% (or 1,611 ounces)
above budget. The above budgeted gold production was attributable to th e continued strong operational
performances of both the Masbate Mine in the Philippi nes and Otjikoto Mine in Namibia which together
more than offset production shortages from La Libert ad and El Limon in Nicar agua (see “Operations”
section below). Gold production at El Limon is expected to return to more normal levels by the fourth
quarter of 2017, as a result of the successful rehabilita tion of a key dewatering well at Santa Pancha 1.
Compared to the prior-year quarter, consolidated gold production was lower by 10% (or 13,794 ounces),
reflecting the operational issues at La Libertad and El Limon. In addition, the prior-year quarter had
benefitted from near record levels of gold production from Masbate as a result of the higher grade ore
from Main Vein Stage 1 Pit which is no longer active.
In the second quarter of 2017, consolidated cash operating costs were $631 per ounce, $81 per ounce (or
11%) below budget. This was mainly the result of higher than expected production and lower than
expected operating costs at Masbate and Otjikoto. Co mpared to the prior-year quarter, consolidated cash
operating costs were $137 per ounce higher, mainly attri butable to lower production, higher fuel prices,
and a stronger Namibian dollar/US dollar foreign excha nge rate. Consolidated AISC in the quarter were
$974 per ounce, $185 per ounce (or 16%) below budget. This favourable variance reflects the lower than
budgeted cash operating costs per ounce and lower than expected capital expenditures (mainly due to the
timing of mobile equipment purchases). Compared to the prior-year quarter, consolidated AISC were
$243 per ounce higher mainly due to the higher cash operating costs per ounce and capital expenditures
(reflecting Masbate’s planned 2017 mine fleet and expansion costs and capitalized pre-stripping costs).
Consolidated gold production in the first-half of 2017 was 254,184 ounces (YTD 2016 - 263,086 ounces),
4% (or 9,566 ounces) above budget. Gold production is anticipated to be weighted towards the second-
half of the year due to the anticipated start-up of Fekola combined with lower expected average strip
ratios at Masbate and Otjikoto in the second-half of the year.
For the first-half of 2017, consolidated cash operating costs were $596 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $497 per
ounce), $81 per ounce (or 12%) below budget, and conso lidated AISC were $929 per ounce (YTD 2016 -
$801 per ounce), $226 per ounce (or 20%) below budget.
Mine construction at the Fekola Project in Mali rema ins 3 months ahead of schedule for an anticipated
October 1, 2017 production start and remains on budget. At the end of the quarter, the construction phase
was more than 90% complete, and commissioning had begun. Open-pit mining (hard-rock drilling and
blasting) commenced at Fekola in May 2017. As at July 31, 2017, the Fekola Project had stockpiled
approximately 1,100,000 tonnes of ore with average gold grades in-line with the geological model. For
the fourth quarter of 2017, pre-commercial producti on from Fekola is now esti mated to be between
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50,000 to 55,000 ounces of gold (compared to initial estimates of between 45, 000 to 55,000 ounces of
gold).
B2Gold is projecting another year of solid grow th. For full-year 2017, the Company has revised its
consolidated production guidance range slightly lo wer (4%) to between 530, 000 and 570,000 ounces of
gold (previously between 545,000 a nd 595,000 ounces), including estim ated pre-commercial production
from Fekola. The Company expects continued strong performances from Masbate and Otjikoto, combined
with Fekola’s early October 1, 2017 production start, to largely offset any expected deficits from La
Libertad and El Limon. Overall, the Company’s 201 7 guidance for consolidated cash operating costs of
between $610 and $650 per ounce and consolidated AISC of between $940 and $970 per ounce remains
unchanged. Please see “Operations” section below for individual mine site guidance updates.
Looking forward to 2018, with the planned first full- year of production from the Fekola Project (based on
current assumptions and updates to the Company’s long- term mine plans), the Company is projecting its
consolidated gold production to increase significan tly by approximately 65% (from 2016) and to be
between 900,000 and 950,000 ounces. The Fekola Project is expected to be a large low-cost producer and
should enable the Company to significantly reduce it s forecast longer term cash operating costs per ounce
and AISC per ounce. The Company’s forecast consolid ated cash operating costs per ounce and AISC per
ounce are expected to decrease in 2018 (compared to 2017) and be comparable to the Company’s 2016
revised cost guidance ranges (of $500 to $535 per ounce for cash operating costs and $780 to $810 per
ounce for AISC).
2017 Second Quarter and First-Half Financial Results
Consolidated gold revenue in the second quarter of 2017 was $164.3 million on sales of 131,737 ounces
at an average price of $1,247 per ounce compared to $164.8 million on sales of 130,829 ounces at an
average price of $1,260 per ounce in the second quarter of 2016.
In the second quarter of 2017, the Company’s cash flow from operating activities (after non-cash working
capital changes) was $48.0 million ($0.05 per share) compared with $67.6 million ($0.07 per share) in the
second quarter of 2016. Operating cash flows in the pr ior-year quarter were higher mainly due to positive
non-cash working capital adjustments and lower operati ng costs. In 2018, cash flows from operations are
forecast to increase significantly with the first full-year of production from Fekola.
The Company generated net income of $19.3 million ($0. 02 per share) in the quarter compared to a net
loss of $11.8 million (negative $0.01 per share) in the same quarter last year. Adjusted net income (refer
to “Non-IFRS Measures”) was $12.9 million ($0.01 per share) in the second quarter of 2017 compared to
$29.0 million ($0.03 per share) in the prior-year quarter.
For the first-half of 2017, consolidated gold re venue was $310.6 million on sales of 251,674 ounces at an
average price of $1,234 per ounce compared to $309.1 million on sales of 251,728 ounces at an average
price of $1,228 per ounce in the first-half of 2016.
Consolidated gold revenue in the three and six mont hs ended June 30, 2017 included $15 million and $30
million, respectively, related to the delivery of gold into the Company’s Prepaid Sales contracts (deferred
revenue) associated with the Company’s Prepaid Sal es transactions entered into in March 2016. During
the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, 12,908 ounces and 25,816 ounces, respectively, were
delivered under these contracts.
Year-to-date, cash flow from operating activities (a fter non-cash working capital changes) was $87.6
million ($0.09 per share) compared with $239.2 million ($0.26 per share) in the first-half of 2016. This
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decrease was mainly due to the Company’s Prepaid Sales transactions in March 2016 of $120 million and
to non-cash working capital adjustments. Non-cash working capital changes in the first-half of 2017 were
negative $25.3 million compared with negative $3.7 million in the first-half of 2016.
For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Comp any generated net income of $14.7 million ($0.02 per
share) compared to a net loss of $5.2 million (negative $0.00 per share) in the comparable period of 2016.
Adjusted net income for the first-half of 2017 w as $32.2 million ($0.03 per share) compared to $47.8
million ($0.05 per share) in the first-half of 2016.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At June 30, 2017, the Company remained in a solid financial position with working capital of $46.1
million including unrestricted cash and cash equivalent s of $88.2 million. In addition, the Company had
$175 million of undrawn capacity on its $425 million existing re volving credit facility (“RCF”).
Subsequent to June 30, 2017, on July 7, 2017, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit
agreement with a syndicate of international banks fo r an amended RCF of an aggregate amount of $500
million, representing a $75 million increase from the pr incipal amount of $425 million under its existing
RCF. The amended RCF also allows for an accordion f eature whereby upon receipt of additional binding
commitments, the facility may be increased to $600 million any time prior to the maturity date.
With the announcement of the r ecently upsized RCF to $500 million, the Company has given itself
increased financial flexibility. Proceeds from the new upsized RCF will be used for general corporate
purposes and may be used to prepay or repay the Co mpany's existing convertible notes and for financing
acquisitions.
At June 30, 2017, the Company also had Euro 36 .4 million of undrawn capacity on its Fekola equipment
loan facility, $17.8 million of undrawn capacity on its Masbate equipment loan facility and $6.5 million
of undrawn capacity on its Otjikoto equipment loan facility.
Operations
Mine-by-mine gold production in the second quarter and first-half of 2017 were as follows:
Mine
Q2 2017
Gold
Production
(ounces)
First-Half 2017
Gold
Production
(ounces)
Revised
Annual
Guidance
(ounces)
Original
Annual
Guidance
(ounces)
Masbate 49,930 102,492 180,000 – 185,000 175,000 – 185,000
Otjikoto 41,163 83,937 170,000 – 180,000 165,000 – 175,000
La Libertad 22,615 51,154 90,000 – 100,000 110,000 – 120,000
El Limon 7,740 16,601 40,000 – 50,000 50,000 – 60,000
Subtotal 121,448 254,184 480,000 – 515,000 500,000 – 540,000
Fekola (pre-
commercial) - - 50,000 – 55,000 45,000 – 55,000
B2Gold
Consolidated
121,448 254,184 530,000 – 570,000 545,000 – 595,000
Masbate Gold Mine – Philippines
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The Masbate Mine in the Philippines continued to exceed expectations, producing 49,930 ounces of gold
in the second quarter of 2017, 13% (or 5,675 ounces) above budget . Gold production exceeded budget
due to better than expected throughput and recoveri es mainly driven by higher than budgeted oxide ore
from the Colorado Pit. As mining advances in the Co lorado Pit, the trend of more oxide ore than
modelled has continued. Oxide feed material accounted for 67% of th e total milled tonnes compared to
budget of 22%. As expected, compared to the pr ior-year quarter, gold production was 13% (or 7,258
ounces) lower as the prior-year quarter had benefitte d from the higher grade ore sourced from the Main
Vein Stage 1 Pit which is no longer active (and had resulted in the second highest quarterly production
ever for the mine). The Masbate Mine continued its strong safety performance, extending the number of
days without a “Lost-Time-Injury” to 626 days at the end of the second quarter of 2017.
Mill throughput in the quarter was 1,824,714 tonn es compared to budget of 1,717,168 tonnes and
1,699,705 tonnes in the second quarter of 2016. Mill throughput exceeded budget as a result of the softer
ore conditions (from the softer oxide blend) as well as improved plant availability. Mill recoveries
averaged 75.9% which was better than budget of 72.9 % and 75.0% in the second quarter of 2016. The
average grade processed was 1.12 g/t compared to budget of 1.10 g/t and 1.40 g/t in the second quarter of
2016. The first part of the replacement and expansio n load and haul fleet was commissioned and brought
into operation during the quarter. The new drill fleet is scheduled to arrive in the third quarter of 2017 and
the final nine haul trucks are scheduled to arrive in the second-half of the year.
Masbate’s second quarter cash operating costs were $516 per ounce, significantly below budget by $184
per ounce (or 26%). This favourable variance was main ly the result of higher than expected production
and lower than expected production costs (due to cost savings in most areas) a nd stockpile adjustments.
Compared to the prior-year quarter, cash operating costs were $120 per ounce higher due to near record
levels of gold production as well as lower fuel costs in the prior-year quarter. Masbate’s AISC in the
second quarter were $869 per ounce, below budget by $ 106 per ounce (or 11%). Compared to the prior-
year quarter, AISC were $313 per ounce higher mainly due to the planned 2017 mine fleet and expansion
costs and higher per ounce cash operating costs. M asbate’s mine equipment purchases are planned to
significantly decrease in 2018.
For the first-half of 2017, the Masbate Mine produced 102,492 ounces (YTD 2016 - 109,915 ounces) of
gold, above budget by 9% (or 8,244 ounces).
Masbate’s cash costs remained significantly below budget in the first-half of the year with cash operating
costs of $520 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $425 per ounce) , $145 per ounce (or 22%) below budget, and AISC
of $838 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $595 per ounce), $218 per ounce (or 21%) below budget.
Capital expenditures in the second quarter of 2017 totaled $15.4 million including mobile equipment
costs of $9.4 million, pre-stripping costs of $1.7 million, powerhouse upgrade costs of $1.3 million and
processing plant upgrades of $0.8 million. For the first-half of 2017, capital expenditures totaled $30.4
million mainly consisting of mobile equipment costs of $16.0 million, pre-stripping costs of $4.3 million,
processing plant upgrades of $3.0 million and powerhouse upgrade costs of $2.4 million.
Due to the continued strong year-to-date perform ance, the Company now expects full-year Masbate
production to be at the top end of its original production guidance range, and has revised its annual
guidance range to be between 180, 000 to 185,000 ounces of gold (o riginal guidance was 175,000 to
185,000 ounces). Masbate’s full-year cash operating cost s are now expected to be below its original
guidance range and be between $595 and $635 per o unce (original guidance was $690 to $730 per ounce)
and AISC are also expected to be lower at between $935 and $975 per ounce (original guidance was
$1,020 to $1,050 per ounce).
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As reported by the Company on February 2, 2017, th e Department of Natural Resources (the “DENR”)
announced further results of its mining audits of me tallic mines in the Philippines and the Masbate Mine
was not among the mines announced to be suspended or closed. To date the Company has not received
any updated formal written response from the DENR confir ming the final results of the audit in respect of
Masbate and as such, the final outcome of the audit has not been determined. The Company believes that
it continues to be in compliance with Philippine’s laws and regulations. Resolution of the audit will occur
when the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (t he “MICC” which is the oversight committee for
DENR) conducts a technical review of mines in the Philippines in order to address DENR audit
conclusions. No time frame has yet been provided for th is review, which is expected to bring finality to
this year-old review process.
The Masbate operations were recently presented with the DENR’s Saringaya Award for its contribution to
environmental protection, conserva tion, and management in the regions surrounding the Masbate Mine.
The Saringaya Award is considered the DENR’s most prestigious regional environmental award.
Otjikoto Gold Mine – Namibia
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia also continued its very strong operational performance into the second
quarter of 2017, produc ing 41,163 ounces of gold, 15% (or 5,273 ounces) above budget and 14% (or
4,991 ounces) higher than the second quarter of 2016 . The increase over budget was mainly the result of
better than expected grade and ore tonnage from the new Wolfshag Phase 1 Pit and higher than expected
mill throughput.
The average gold grade processed in the quarter was 1. 50 g/t compared to budget of 1.38 g/t and 1.29 g/t
in the second quarter of 2016. To date there has b een a positive reconciliation in terms of both grade and
ore tonnage from the oxide and transition portions of the Wolfshag Phase 1 Pit versus the resource model.
Analysis of the Wolfshag model is ongoing to de termine whether this positive variance continues
throughout the Wolfshag orebody. Mill throughpu t for the quarter was 867,170 tonnes compared to
budget of 823,732 tonnes and 890,704 tonnes in the second quarter of 2016. Mill recoveries remained
high and averaged 98.6%, slightly above both budget and the prior-year quarter.
Otjikoto’s second quarter cash operating costs were $524 per ounce, significantly below budget by $200
per ounce (or 28%). This was mainly the result of higher than budgeted gold production combined with
lower than budgeted fuel prices and reagent consump tion. Compared to the prior-year quarter, cash
operating costs were $138 per ounce higher as the prior- year quarter had benefited from a significantly
weaker Namibian dollar/US dollar foreign exchange rate and lo wer fuel prices. AISC in the second
quarter were $668 per ounce (Q2 2016 - $570 per ounce), significantly below budget by $726 per ounce
(or 52%), mainly as a result of lower than budgeted m obile equipment purchases in the quarter (due to
timing differences) and lower than budgeted cash operating costs per ounce.
Year-to-date, gold production at the Otjikoto Mine was 83,937 ounces of gold, significantly above budget
by 17% (or 12,355 ounces) and 17% (or 12,062 ounces) higher than the first-half of 2016.
Otjikoto’s cash costs remained significantly below budget in the first-half of the year with cash operating
costs of $467 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $384 per ounce) , $162 per ounce (or 26%) below budget, and AISC
of $721 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $702 per ounce), $501 per ounce (or 41%) below budget.
Capital expenditures in the second quarter of 2017 totaled $2.7 million and included $1.7 million for
capital repairs. For the first-half of 2017, capital expenditures totaled $15.2 million consisting of $6.5
million for pre-stripping, $3.3 million for capital repairs and $2.9 million for mobile equipment
purchases.
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Due to the continued strong year-to-date perform ance, the Company now expects full-year Otjikoto
production to be at or above the top end of its or iginal production guidance range, and has revised its
annual guidance range to be between 170,000 to 180,000 ounces of gold (original guidance was 165,000
to 175,000 ounces). Forecast gold prod uction at Otjikoto is weighted towards the second-half of the year
as the Wolfshag Phase 1 and Otjikoto Phase 2 pits r each higher grade and lower strip ratio benches.
Otjikoto’s full-year cash operating costs are now expected to be lower at between $480 and $520 per
ounce (original guidance was $510 to $550 per ounce) and AISC are now expected to be below its
original guidance range and be between $725 and $765 per ounce (original guidance was $855 to $885
per ounce).
Life-of-mine production plans for the Otjikoto Mine , incorporating preliminary projections for the
Wolfshag open pit and potential underground mines, have been completed for various options and will be
further refined as the detailed geotechnical, hydr ogeological, and design studies for Wolfshag are
completed (expected at the end of the third quarter of 2017). Ongoing studies are leading the Company to
re-evaluate the open pit and underground interface in order to determine the optimal mine plan and
economics for the Wolfshag expansion.
La Libertad Gold Mine – Nicaragua
La Libertad Mine in Nicaragua produced 22,615 ounces of gold in th e second quarter of 2017, which was
16% (or 4,314 ounces) below budget and 27% (or 8,192 ounces) lower than the second quarter of 2016.
The decrease was mainly attributable to grade a nd ore tonnage underperformance from the lower portion
of the Jabali Central Pit (as the pit nears comple tion) and lower than planned production from Mojon
Underground. As a result, head grades were lower than anticipated (1.37 g/t compared to budget of 1.61
g/t and 1.75 g/t in the prior-year quarter). La Libertad’s mill continues to operate well, processing 554,536
tonnes (Q2 2016 – 579,756 tonnes) in the quarter with recoveries averaging 93.3% (Q2 2016 - 94.8%). In
the third quarter of 2017, the Jabali Central Pit and spent ore will remain the primary sources of ore for La
Libertad, while Mojon Underground ramps up and the Jabali Antenna, San Juan and San Diego open pits
are in the final stages of permitting and development.
As previously released in the first quarter of 2017, the Company has changed its planned sequencing for
bringing the Jabali Antenna Pit into the mine plan (originally forecast to enter the production stream in
the third quarter of 2017). With strong support from the Nicaraguan Government, the Company is now
focused on developing and permitting the San Juan a nd San Diego open pits and bringing them into
production later in the third quarter of 2017, ahead of the Jabali Antenna Pit. In the second-half of the
year, and subject to final permitting, gold producti on from San Juan and San Diego are expected to
mostly offset any deferral in Jabali Antenna Pit production. The Company has also made significant
progress in resettlement and permitting activities at the high grade Jabali Antenna Pit. The Company is
now projecting to receive a mining permit in time to start production from this pit in early 2018.
La Libertad’s second quarter cash costs, on a per ounce basis, were impacted by the lower than planned
production with cash operating costs of $841 per ounce (Q2 2016 - $717 per ounce), $122 per ounce (or
17%) above budget, and AISC of $1,089 per ounce (Q2 2016 - $942 per ounce), $190 per ounce (or 21%)
above budget.
For the first-half of 2017, La Libertad produced 51,154 ounces of gold, which was 3,764 ounces below
budget and 8,851 ounces lower than the first six months of 2016.
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Year-to-date, La Libertad’s cash operating costs were $778 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $672 per ounce), $65
per ounce above budget (or 9%), and AISC were $ 965 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $991 per ounce), $39 per
ounce (or 4%) above budget.
Total capital expenditures in the second quarter of 2017 were $8.7 million, consisting primarily of
deferred development/infrastructure costs of $3.0 milli on, land acquisitions of $2.8 million and La
Esperanza Tailings Dam e xpansion of $2.3 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, capital
expenditures totaled $12.3 million, c onsisting primarily of La Esperan za Tailings Dam expansion of $4.5
million, deferred development/infrastructure costs of $4.0 million and land acquisitions of $3.0 million.
In light of the underperformance of both the Jabali Central Pit and Mojon Underground, La Libertad’s
production guidance has been revised lower and for th e full-year 2017, the La Libertad Mine is now
forecast to produce between 90,000 to 100,000 ounces of gold (original guidance was 110,000 to 120,000
ounces). However, based on current assumptions, the Company anticipates increases in production at the
La Libertad Mine in 2018 and 2019. La Libertad’s full-year cash operating costs and AISC are now both
expected to be higher than original guidance a nd be between $795 and $835 per ounce (original guidance
was $625 to $665 per ounce) and between $1,075 a nd $1,115 per ounce (original guidance was $785 to
$815 per ounce), respectively.
El Limon Gold Mine – Nicaragua
The smaller El Limon Mine in Nicaragua produced 7,740 ounces of gold in the second quarter of 2017,
which was 5,023 ounces below budget a nd 3,335 ounces lower than th e second quarter of 2016. The
primary cause of the shortfall was lower processed gr ade which was 2.43 g/t versus a budget of 3.45 g/t
and 3.65 g/t in the second quarter of 2016. El Limon’s production continued to be negatively affected by
water control issues which reduced high grade ore flow from Santa Pancha Underground. As a result, mill
feed was supplemented with smaller volumes of lower grade ore recovered from surface. At the end of the
quarter, improved control of undergr ound water was achieved with the successful rehabilitation of a key
dewatering well, now enabling the development of th e lower levels of Santa Pancha 1 to proceed.
Additional mining equipment was delivered in the quart er and the addition of a specialized rebuild crew
has resulted in an improvement of haul fleet availa bility by 11% since the first quarter. Tonnage milled
for the quarter was 106,428 tonnes compared to budget of 123,209 tonnes and 99,947 tonnes in the first
quarter of 2016. Mill recoveries averaged 93.1% co mpared to budget of 93.5% and 94.5% in the second
quarter of 2016.
El Limon’s second quarter cash costs, on a per ounce basis, were impacted by the lower than planned
production (and as a result were significantly above budget) with cash operating costs of $1,328 per
ounce (Q2 2016 - $733 per ounce) and AISC of $1,904 per ounce (Q2 2016 - $1,121 per ounce).
For the first-half of 2017, El Limon Mine produc ed 16,601 ounces of gold, which was 7,269 ounces
below budget and 4,690 ounces lower than the first six months of 2016.
Year-to-date, El Limon’s cash operating costs were $1,149 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $753 per ounce) and
AISC were $1,727 per ounce (YTD 2016 - $1,124 per ounce).
Capital expenditures in the second quarter of 201 7 totaled $3.1 million wh ich included underground
development for Santa Pancha of $1.8 million and mobile equipment of $0.4 million. Year-to-date capital
expenditures totaled $6.4 million wh ich included underground developm ent for Santa Pancha of $3.7
million and mobile equipment of $1.1 million.