B2Gold: Notice of Philippines DENR (“Department of Environment and Na tural Resources”) Audit Results
News Release
B2Gold: Notice of Philippines DENR (“Department of Environment and Na tural Resources”) Audit
Results
Vancouver, February 2, 2017 – B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE MKT: BTG, NSX: B2G)
(“B2Gold” or the “Company”) reports that the DENR has announced the results of the
Philippines Mine Audit. Masbate Gold Project (“MGP”) is not among the mines to be suspended
or closed. MGP will continue to work closel y with the DENR to maintain compliance with
regulations and continue to promote improve d quality of life in the communities where we
operate. Operations remain as normal at the mine.
In 2016, the DENR conducted two mine audits at the Masbate Gold Projec t: the first in August
and the second in September. Those findings were then provided for comment to the two
companies that operate the Masbate Gold Project on October 11, 2016. Responses from
Filminera Resource Corporation and Philippine Gold Processing and Refining Corp. were
independently submitted back to the government on October 21, 2016 for review.
Since the initial release of the Mine Audit findings in Se ptember of 2016, MGP has worked
closely with the DENR to resolve the issues ra ised in the audit. Beyond the audit findings, MGP
and the DENR both recognize that community relationships and community development
continue to be priorities. MGP will maintain its leadership role to improve its ongoing programs
by working with local communities.
Masbate Gold Project operations are ISO 14001 compliant which demonstrates that our
environmental systems meet Philippine requirem ents. MGP remains committed to industry best
practices and to ensure that the Companies c ontinue to comply with the terms of the ECC
(“Environmental Compliance Certificate”) and ot her mine and environmental regulations, and
fulfill their obligations to the DENR. Masbate Gold Project will promote continued community
development while providing a modern, safe work environment for our wo rkforce. MGP has an
outstanding Safety Performance record that today st ands at more than 478 days of accident-free
operation.
MGP is the largest producing gold mine in the Philippines. The operation is the largest employer
on the island employing more than 1900 Filipino workers and contractors.
B2Gold will continue to provide updates of MGP’s progress with the DENR.
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 Manage r, Investor Relations & Public Relations
604-681-8371 604-681-8371
[email protected] [email protected]
The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.
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 statements with respect to future events or future performance; the expected resolution of the issues raised
in the DENR Audit Report and the final outcome of the DENR Audit; the Company's environmental management
systems meeting Philippine requi rements and our operations continuing unint errupted. All statements in this news
release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always,
identified by words such as “expect”, “plan”, “antici pate”, “project”, “target”, “potential”, “schedule”,
“forecast”, “budget”, “estimate”, “inten d” or “believe” and similar expression s or their negative connotations, or
that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could” , “should” or “might” occur. All such forward-looking
statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made.
Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptio ns, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond
B2Gold’s control, including the uncertainty whether the Company's response to the issues raised in the Audit Report
will be satisfactory to the DENR and whether the issues raised in the DENR Audit Report will be resolved in a
timely manner; the uncertainty of estimates regarding the costs of construction and the timing and amount of
production; risks associated with the volatility of metal prices and currencies; risks and dangers inherent in
exploration, development and mining activities; uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; financing risks; risks
related to hedging activities; the ability to obtain and main tain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations
required for mining activities; shortages or cost increase s in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory,
political and country risks; litigation risk; risks related to environmental regulations or hazards and compliance
with complex regulations associated with mining activities; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify
acquisition opportunities; unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; fluctuations in exchange rates;
availability of financing and financing risks; risks related to operations in foreign co untries and compliance with
foreign laws; risks related to remote operations and the availability adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price
and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; risk s related to reliance upon
contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; dependence on key
personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; changes in tax laws; community support for our operations
including risks related to strikes and th e halting of such operations from time to time; as well as other factors
identified and as described in more detail under the he ading “Risk Factors” in B2Gold’s most recent Annual
Information Form 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
list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company’s forward-looking statements. There can be no
assurance that such 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 fo rward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if
any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. The Company’s forward looking
statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the
date hereof and the Company 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. For the
reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.