B2Gold Reports Continued Strong Second Quarter and First-Half 2017 Gold Production; Fekola Project Mine Construction Remains on Target for an
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News Release
B2Gold Reports Continued Strong Second Quarter and First-Half 2017 Gold Production;
Fekola Project Mine Construction Remains on Target for an October 1, 2017 Production Start
Vancouver, July 31, 2017 – B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE MKT: BTG, NSX: B2G) (“B2Gold” or
the “Company”) is pleased to announce its gold prod uction and gold revenue for the second quarter and
first-half of 2017. 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
• Fekola Project mine construction remains 3 months ahead of schedule and on budget for an
anticipated October 1, 2017 production start
• Subsequent to June 30, 2017, the Company secured a $500 million upsized corporate revolving credit
facility, representing a $75 million increase from the existing facility
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
• For full-year 2017, the Company has revised its consolidated production guidance range moderately
lower to between 530,000 and 570,000 ounces of gold (previously between 545,000 and 595,000
ounces). Annual guidance for consolidated cash operating costs (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) and
consolidated all-in-sustaining costs (“AISC”) (see “Non-IFRS Measures”) for 2017 remains
unchanged
• 2018 outlook provides for very strong production growth, 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 950,000 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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Gold Production
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.
Consolidated gold production in the first-half of 2017 was 254,184 ounces (first- half of 2016 – 263,086
ounces), 4% (or 9,566 ounces) above budge t. 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.
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 has begun. For the fourth quarter of 2017, pre-
commercial production from Fekola is now estimated to be between 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 moderately lower to between 530,00 0 and 570,000 ounces of
gold (previously between 545,000 a nd 595,000 ounces), including estim ated pre-commercial production
from Fekola. Although La Libertad’s and El Limon’ s production guidance were revised lower in the
quarter, the Company expects continued strong perform ances from Masbate and Otjikoto, combined with
Fekola’s early October 1, 2017 production start, to larg ely offset any expected deficits from La Libertad
and El Limon. The Company’s 2017 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.
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 signifi cantly and to be between 900,000 and 950,000 ounces.
The Fekola Project is expected to be a large lo w-cost producer and should enable the Company to
significantly reduce its forecast longer term cash operating costs per ounce and AISC per ounce. The
Company’s forecast consolidated cash operating costs per ounce and AISC per ounce are expected to
decrease in 2018 (compared to 2017) and be comparab le 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).
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Gold Revenue
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.
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 Sales transactions entered into in March 2016. Proceeds
from the Prepaid Sales transactions were originally received in March 2016 and are being recognized in
revenue as the underlying Prepaid Sales ounces are deliv ered into. During the three and six months ended
June 30, 2017, 12,908 ounces and 25,816 ounces, respectively, were delivered under these contracts.
Operations
Mine-by-mine gold production in the second quarter and first-half of 2017 was as follows:
Mine
Q2 2017
Gold
Production
(ounces)
First-Half
2017 Gold
Production
(ounces)
2017
Revised
Annual Production
Guidance
(ounces)
2017
Original
Annual
Production
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
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
mainly due to better than expected throughput and recoveries mainly driven by higher than budgeted
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oxide ore from the Colorado Pit. As mining advances in the Colorado Pit, the trend of more oxide ore
than modelled has continued. Oxide feed material ac counted for 67% of the total milled tonnes compared
to budget of 22%. As expected, compared to the prior-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 majority of the replacement and expansi on 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.
For the first-half of 2017, the Masbate Mine produced 102,492 ounces (first- half of 2016 – 109,915
ounces) of gold, above budget by 9% (or 8,244 ounces).
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 (original guidance range was 175,000 to
185,000 ounces). Cash cost guidance remains unchange d with cash operating costs of between $690 and
$730 per ounce and AISC of betw een $1,020 and $1,050 per ounce. Masbate’s forecast 2017 annual
AISC includes the planned mine fleet replacement and expansion costs. Masbate’s mine equipment
purchases are planned to significantly decrease in 2018.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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 (ori ginal guidance range was
165,000 to 175,000 ounces). Cash cost guidance remain s unchanged with cash operating costs of between
$510 and $550 per ounce and AISC of between $855 and $885 per oun ce. Forecast gold production at
Otjikoto is weighted towards the second-half of th e year as the Wolfshag Phase 1 and Otjikoto Phase 2
pits reach higher grade and lower strip ratio benches.
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
4,314 ounces below budget and 8,192 ounces lower th an the second quarter of 2016. The decrease was
mainly attributable to grade and ore tonnage unde rperformance from the lower portion of the Jabali
Central Pit (as the pit nears completion) 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, pr ocessing 554,536 tonnes (Q2 2016
– 579,756 tonnes) in the quarter with recoveries av eraging 93.3% (Q2 2016 – 94.8%). The Jabali Central
Pit remains the primary source of ore for La Libert ad, while Mojon Underground ramps up and the Jabali
Antenna, San Juan and San Diego open pits are in 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
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focused on developing and permitting the San Juan a nd San Diego open pits and bringing them into
production 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 production from San Ju an and San Diego are expected to mostly offset
any deferral in Jabali Antenna Pit production. Th e Company has also made significant progress in
resettlement and permitting activities at the high gr ade Jabali Antenna Pit. The Company is now
projecting to receive a mining permit in time to start production from this pit in early 2018.
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.
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 range was 110,000 to
120,000 ounces). Based on current assumptions, the Co mpany anticipates increases in production at the
La Libertad Mine in 2018 and 2019.
El Limon Gold Mine – Nicaragua
El Limon Mine in Nicaragua produced 7,740 ounces of gold in the second quarter of 2017, which was
5,023 ounces below budget and 3,33 5 ounces lower than the second qua rter of 2016. The primary cause
of the shortfall was lower processed grade 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 conti nued 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 underground water was achieve d 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 93.2% co mpared to budget of 93.5% and 94.5% in the second
quarter of 2016.
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.
Although production from Santa Pancha 1 is expected to return to more normal levels by the fourth
quarter of 2017, the shortfall to date is not expected to be fully recovered in the second-half of the year.
As a result, El Limon’s production guidance has been revised lower and for the full-year 2017, the El
Limon Mine is now forecast to produce between 40 ,000 to 50,000 ounces of gold (original guidance
range was 50,000 to 60,000 ounces).
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Development
Fekola Development Project – Mali
The Fekola Project mine construction in Mali remain s approximately 3 months ahead of schedule and on
target for an October 1, 2017 production start. The Fekola Project remains on budget and is expected to be
a large low-cost producer and should enable the Comp any to significantly reduce its longer term cash
operating costs per ounce and AISC per ounce.
Based on the updated production plans, the Fekola Proj ect is projected to produce an average of 375,000
to 400,000 ounces of gold per year for the first five years of production (2018 to 2022) and 365,000 to
390,000 ounces per year over the first seven years of production (2018 to 2024). The mining schedule has
been adjusted to ensure su fficient feed for the October 1, 2017 start date. Mining rates will not materially
change to supply the 5 Mtpa plant, as the additional material will be diverted from planned stockpiles.
Under the 5 Mtpa updated production plan, the initial mi ne life for the Fekola Project is expected to be
approximately ten years. B2Gold is currently updati ng the life-of-mine plan for the Fekola Project to
include updated mineral reserves, updated mining production schedule, 5 Mtpa process throughput,
current costs, and reconciliation to actual construction and pre-stripping progress. The updated cost model
is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2017.
In the second quarter of 2017, the B2Gold constructi on team continued to fast track development at
Fekola. At the end of the second quarter, the project was estimated to be more than 90% complete.
Installation of the ball and SAG mill at the Process Pl ant continues to progress with the shells, trunnions
and gears installed. Rubber lining and inner liner installation of both mills has commenced. Concrete
progress and structural steel erection at the mill is approximately 99.7% and 99% complete, respectively.
Concrete work, plate work and structural steel erection at the primary crusher and stockpile feed conveyor
have been completed while mechan ical work at the crusher remain s ongoing. Installation of pipework,
mechanical equipment and electrical work conti nues site wide with overall completion rates of
approximately 84%, 42% and 75%, respectively. In stallation of the underground utilities is largely
complete and drainage work around the plant site has commenced. Erection of the various buildings
around the site continued to progress with a completion rate of approximately 70% at the end of June
2017.
Construction of the Phase 1 Tailings Storage Facility (“TSF”), including all associated infrastructure, is
now 100% complete. The two remaining decant stru ctures within the basin of the TSF have been
completed and a submersible pump has been installed in decant tower No. 1. As the tailings level rises
and the first decant tower is decommissioned, the s ubmersible pump will be pulle d and re-installed in the
second decant tower. Construction of the Phase 1 emergency spillway as well as excavation of the tailings
line and return water line trench is also complete . All the site ponds, including the storm-water pond,
reclaim and event pond and the dump pond have been lined with HDPE geomembrane and QAQC tested.
Development of the open pit continued ahead of schedul e, with a total of 4.2 million tonnes of waste and
500,000 tonnes of ore mined during the quarter with waste stripping and ore stockpiles well ahead of
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schedule. Surface haul roads have been prepared fo r the rainy season, and the ROM pad is complete. The
second phase of RC grade control drilling is in progress. Pre-stripping has been completed in phases 1
and 2.
About B2Gold
Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, B2Gold Corp . is one of the fastest-growing intermediate gold
producers in the world. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has four operating mines, one mine under
construction and numerous e xploration projects in various countries, including Finland, Nicaragua, the
Philippines, Namibia, Mali and Burkina Faso. Construc tion of B2Gold’s Fekola Mine in southwest Mali
is approximately 3 months ahead of schedule and on budget, and is projected to commence production on
October 1, 2017. As a result, B2Gold is well positione d to maintain its low-cost structure and growth
profile.
Qualified Person
Peter D. Montano, P.E., the Project Director of B2Gold, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has
approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.
Second Quarter and First-Half 2017 Financial Results – Conference Call Details
B2Gold Corp. will release its second quarter and firs t-half 2017 financial results before the North
American markets open on Thursday, August 10, 2017.
B2Gold executives will host a confer ence call to discuss the results on Thursday, August 10, 2017 , at
10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT . You may access the call by dialing the operator at +1 (647) 788-4919
(local or international) or toll free at +1 (877) 291-4570 prior to the scheduled start time or you may listen
to the call via webcast by clicking http://www.investorcalendar.com/event/18241. A playback version of
the call will be available for one week after the call at +1 416-621-4642 (local or international) or toll free
at +1 800-585-8367 (passcode 54297176).
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.