
(TheNewswire)
V ANCOUVER, BC T heNewswire May 7, 2025 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) ("Element79", or the "Company") provides the following updates on multiple corporate initiatives underway:
Element 79 Gold Corp. (CSE:ELEM) (OTC:ELMGF ) (FSE: 7YS) (" Element 79 Gold ", the " Company ") announces that, further to its November 17, 2022 release, the Company has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the " Agreement ") for the sale of two properties from its Battle Mountain Portfolio located in the gold mining district of northeastern Nevada, US to a subsidiary of Centra Mining Ltd. (" Centra ").
Under the terms of the Agreement, Centra has agreed to purchase all of Element79 Gold's interests and obligations in relation to the Long Peak Project ("Long Peak ") and the Stargo Project ("Stargo ") in exchange for a total consideration of CAD 1,000,000 payable by the issuance of an aggregate of 2,500,000 common shares of Centra at a deemed price of CAD 0.40 per share (the “Payment Shares ”). The transaction is expected to close on or before June 30, 2023, and is subject to regulatory approval.
"The sale of Long Peak and Stargo to Centra marks another milestone in Element79's journey for the strategic development of its high-grade gold assets," commented James Tworek, CEO of Element79. "Centra realizes that these projects have great exploration potential along with the rest of their portfolio and it will be exciting to see what their near-term development plans are. We are excited to maintain our exposure to the very promising development potential of these properties through our equity participation in Centra."
Tworek added, “We have been working at the sale of the non-core assets in the Battle Mountain for over a year now, and it feels great to confirm that we have one package of properties now signed up and pending their closing date. This achievement further helps to highlight the currently-unrealized value of the individual properties in the Battle Mountain portfolio, helping to re-envision a benchmark for corporate valuation and enabling us to unlock additional value from our extensive portfolio of prospective properties while increasing Element79 Gold’s focus, energy and capital flows on developing its flagship Maverick Springs and both defining a resource at and bringing production online at Lucero in 2024.”
Element79 Gold’s Battle Mountain Portfolio
The Battle Mountain Portfolio was originally comprised of 15 separate projects totaling over 44,478 acres across 2,203 unpatented claims in five counties: Elko County, Eureka County, Humboldt County, Lander County, and Nye County. Most of the Battle Mountain Portfolio is located within the Battle Mountain Trend, with several projects close to globally reputable gold deposits including Nevada Gold's Cortez Mine.
The Battle Mountain Portfolio is comprised primarily of early-stage projects. While drilling has been completed at some projects, such as Elder Creek (155 holes) and Clover (104 holes), many have only surface sampling and geophysical surveys completed. Of particular note are the Long Peak, Elephant, Elder Creek, North Mill Creek, Clipper, Pipeline South, West Cortez, and Walti Projects, which are interpreted to lie along the northwest trending fault that hosts the high-grade Pipeline deposit, which is included in Nevada Gold's Cortez Mine.
Figure 1 . Map of Nevada showing location of Battle Mountain Projects, and select major gold mines.
The Long Peak Project
Long Peak is comprised of 34 unpatented claims located near Copper Basin and the Copper Canyon Mine in Lander County, Nevada. Long Peak hosts significant historic prospects, warranting further exploration at Long Peak.
The Stargo Project
Stargo is comprised of 337 unpatented claims located south of the Battle Mountain Trend in Nye County, Nevada. The large claim block contains attractive host rocks, tertiary age intrusives, and appropriate aged structural preparation to represent an attractive area for exploration target development.
About Element79 Gold
Element79 Gold is a mining company focused on gold, silver and associated metals and committed to maximizing shareholder value through responsible mining practices and sustainable development of its projects. Element79 Gold's main focus is on two core properties: developing its previously-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to bring it back into production in the near term; and its flagship Maverick Springs Project located in the famous gold mining district of northeastern Nevada, USA, between the Elko and White Pine Counties. Maverick Springs hosts a 43-101-compliant, pit-constrained mineral resource estimate reflecting an inferred resource of 3.71 million ounces of gold equivalent "AuEq" at a grade of 0.92 g/t AuEq (0.34 g/t Au and 43.4 g/t Ag) with an effective date of October 19, 2022. The acquisition of the Maverick Springs Project also included a portfolio of 15 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, which are non-core to its primary business focus. In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent and funded a drilling program to acquire a private company that holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James. The Company also has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, Canada in the Timmins Mining Division, Dale Township. The Company is analyzing the non-core Nevada projects, The Dale Property and Snowbird Property for further merit of exploration, sale or spin-out.
For more information about the Company, please visit www.element79.gold
Contact Information
For corporate matters, please contact:
James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer E-mail: jt@element79gold.com
For investor relations inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations Department
Phone: +1 (613) 879-9387
E-mail: hello@element79gold.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press contains "forward‐looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward‐looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; ultimate sale and timing of closing, if any, of the above mentioned properties; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward‐looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward‐looking statements".
Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the duration and effects of the coronavirus and COVID-19; risks related to the integration of acquisitions; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity prices; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; actual performance of plant, equipment or processes relative to specifications and expectations; accidents; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; changes in applicable legislation or application thereof; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; exchange rate fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation; environmental risks; reclamation expenses; outcomes of pending litigation; limitations on insurance coverage as well as those factors discussed in the Company's other public disclosure documents, available on www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward‐looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward‐looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
With focused and strategic exploration plans for both its Lucero and Clover projects and the successful sale of its Maverick Springs asset, Element79 has demonstrated a commitment to increasing shareholder value and a compelling case for investors.
Element79 Gold (CSE:ELEM,OTCQB:ELMGF,FSE 7YS0) is an exploration and development mining company with several exciting opportunities for strategic growth. First, is the potential for near-term production through its Lucero project in Peru. The Lucero mine is one of the highest-grade underground mines in Peru’s history and is on the fast track for resource development and production. Additionally, Element79 owns the Clover project in Nevada, creating further opportunities for long-term resource development. Third, and the most exciting business opportunity for the company yet, is the immediate-term resource development and production of the Lucero tailings. This has been facilitated recently by Element79’s agreement, through a letter of intent, with S.M.R.L. PALAZA 16 to purchase and process approximately 1.3 million tons of tailings from previous mines within the current Lucero mine area.
A globally experienced management team with a proven track record of success in developing operational mines leads Element79 Gold toward fully executing these strategic business opportunities.
Lucero is a past-producing, high-grade gold mine ready to reach production quickly. The mine operated between 1989 to 2005. Historic reports between 1998 and 2004 indicate that the mine produced approximately 18,800 ounces of gold and 435,000 ounces of silver per year at a head grade of19 grams per ton (g/t) gold equivalent. An NI 43-101 report prepared by a third party indicates grades up to 116.8 g/t gold equivalent. In addition to the potential of generating cash flow in the near term, the 10,805-hectare Lucero project also has high upside potential for further greenfield exploration.
Peru is considered a relatively stable mining jurisdiction, especially for smaller-scale operations. As mining is an essential aspect of the country’s GDP, Peru has developed a favorable regulatory regime for its mining industry. Element79 Gold is poised to benefit from the pro- mining jurisdiction as it moves the Lucero asset toward production.
Element79 Gold has engaged a Peruvian technical mining service provider, Ore Discovery LLC, to work in conjunction with Element79’s operations team. The 2023 site work included above-ground and underground mapping, sampling, trenching, drill site targeting on both better-known and unexplored vein systems, for exploration and de-risked resource development on the path toward ore extraction and near-term cash flow generation.
Assays from the underground sampling include results of up to 98 g/t gold and 2,034 g/t silver. Moreover, assays from March 2023 yielded 21-ore grade and high yield up to 11.7 ounces per ton gold and 247 ounces per ton silver, further validating the potential for a significant high- grade future operation.
In June 2023, Element79 further strengthened its portfolio in Peru with the acquisition of the 1,200-hectare Lucero del Sur 28, located strategically just east of the high-grade Lucero gold- silver project. Lucero del Sur 28 is a coveted area covering the Roxana vein, a vein dominated by white to hyaline quartz and altered rock clasts, with lesser amounts of limonite patinas, hematite, pyrite and jarosite.
In September 2024, Element79 signed a letter of intent with S.M.R.L. PALAZA 16 to purchase and process approximately 1.3 million tons of tailings currently controlled by Palaza at the Lucero Mine. This agreement marks the launch of a tailings reprocessing venture for Element79 and represents a significant economic opportunity for the company.
Element79’s secondary asset, the 100 percent owned Clover project, is located in the historic Midas mining district and comprises 169 unpatented claims over 3,063 acres in Elko County, Nevada. A well-known gold and silver producer since the early 1900s, the Midas district has yielded more than 2 million ounces of gold between 1998 and 2013.
The company also previously held the Maverick Springs project in Nevada. Acquired by Element79 in December 2021 for an adjusted cost of C$3.34 million, the project was sold to Sun Silver Resources (ASX:SS1) in May 2024 for C$4.4 million cash and 3.5 million shares of SS1 priced at 0.20 AUD.
A powerhouse management team leads Element79 Gold with a track record of experience and success. Kim Kirkland, COO and former VP global exploration, has held executive and lead operations-focused engineering roles with some of the world's largest mining companies, including Barrick Gold, Rio Tinto Group, MMG, Amec Foster Wheeler PLC and McEwen Mining. Kirkland has served as project lead with extensive South American experience, who can proficiently lead exploration programs and mining operations through milling, extraction/concentration and optimization/beneficiation.
Antonio Maragakis, former COO and director, now advisor, has held director-level positions at miners with multi-billion dollar portfolios, including Barrick Gold Corporation and Koch Industries. He has also built a leading global mining engineering consultancy, Mine Plus Group, as well as a private mining fund focused on near-term production development projects, MFD Holdings SA.
Shane Williams, strategic advisor, brings a history of significant value creation in early-stage and operating companies and currently heads West Red Lake Gold (TSXV:WRLG) as president and CEO. Combined, Element79 Gold has the right experts to fully realize its assets' potential.
The 10,813-hectare project in southern Peru presents near-term cash flow potential as it moves toward production. Lucero operated as a high-grade gold mine between 1989 and 2005 and remains partially unexplored. As a result, the asset is in a unique position to start generating revenue while also providing future growth opportunities with additional exploration.
The Clover Property is located in the historic Midas mining district in Nevada, which has been producing gold and silver since the early 1900s, It is 16 kilometers west of Hecla Mining Company’s Midas Mine, the largest known gold-silver epithermal deposit along the Northern Nevada Rift. Mineralization at the property is classified as low-sulphidation, vein-hosted, epithermal gold mineralization similar to that found at the Midas deposit as it is found within a similar geologic setting. Gold and silver mineralization at the Midas Mine is hosted in several northwest-striking veins. Between 1998 and 2013, the main veins produced over 2 million ounces of gold.
A $6.7-million program is planned for the Clover Property focused on data compilation, construction of geologic and resource models, and a 10,000-meter drilling program followed by a mineral resource estimate and NI 43-101 compliant preliminary economic assessment.
James Tworek has held director, senior management, analytical and operations roles in both public and private companies. A quick study and entrepreneurial to the bone, his 25-year career started in banking in 1998 and has since garnered a wealth of experience across diverse industries between commercial banking, mining, project finance, mezzanine debt, oil and gas, clean water/envirotech and hemp/legal cannabis industries. He has investing experience in real estate, private equity, private mining, startup generation, tech and agricultural ventures. A team leader driven by results, Tworek has built his career on successfully executing development and corporate growth targets, exceeding sales objectives, and being mindful of ensuring open communication, honesty and integrity with investors and stakeholders.
Tammy Gillis is a CPA, CMA with over 20 years of experience in the public markets bringing a comprehensive background in finance, reporting and regulatory requirements for manufacturing, bio-technology, technology and junior exploration industries. Gillis has been part of teams that have completed several financings, grant applications and acquisition transactions. Ms. Gillis started her career working at a corporate and securities law firm. Gillis previously served as corporate accountant for an international manufacturing company that had revenue in excess of
$120 million and as chief financial officer for a technology company with patented cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries that successfully built a pilot plant with the assistance of over $4 million in government grants. Ms. Gillis has served as an officer for several TSXV and CSE-listed issuers.
Kim Kirkland’s track record spans senior executive and lead engineering roles at some of the world's largest mining companies. Key highlights of Kirkland's work history include:
Neil Pettigrew is a professional geologist in good standing, registered in Ontario, with over 20 years of experience in the mineral exploration industry. He received his Honors B.Sc. from the University of New Brunswick and his M.Sc. from the University of Ottawa. Pettigrew has been employed as a senior precambrian geoscientist with the Ontario Geological Survey and has worked for several junior and major companies in gold and Cu-Ni-PGE exploration. He has held officer and director positions at several TSX and TSXV-listed junior companies and currently sits as vice-president of exploration and director of GT Resources (formerly, Palladium One Mining)
Zara Kanji is a founder of Zara Kanji & Associates (established in 2004). Kanji is experienced in financial reporting compliance for junior listed resource companies, personal and corporate taxation, general accounting, financial reporting and value-added operational consulting services for individuals, and private and public companies. Prior to starting her accounting practice, Kanji served as a controller for a marketing company, as an accountant in public practice for a CA firm, a CGA firm and as an analyst for a pension fund. In addition to providing accounting and financial compliance services to private and public entities, Kanji has served as director and officer for several listed issuers.
Warren Levy brings more than 23 years of experience developing major and private companies in resource development across the Americas. He has achieved significant milestones and successes centered around community engagement, sustainable development of infrastructure, energy and natural resource development. Levy is the current CEO of Frontier Advisory, an advisory firm providing energy policy advocacy, sustainability, market entry, capital raising and technical support to responsible natural resource and social development around Latin America. He is also former CEO of Jaguar E&P, as well as former CEO of Pentanova Petroleum.
Antonios Maragakis completed his PhD at the University of Delft, MSc at the University of Bath, his B.Sc and B.A. at the University of Nevada, and executive training at the London Business School. He brings with him more than 15 years of experience leading some of the largest mining megaprojects in the last decade. Maragakis holds a distinguished resume, including management and director-level positions overseeing multibillion-dollar project portfolios internationally at organizations, such as:
Shane Williams carries a history of significant value creation in both early-stage and operating companies, which includes senior executive and management roles overseeing and delivering world-class, multibillion-dollar projects at highly prominent companies, including: chief operation officer at Skeena Resources (NYSE Listed), Eskay Creek Project; former senior vice-president at Eldorado Gold (NYSE Listed), $2-billion global project portfolio; former general manager of expansion projects at Rio Tinto (NYSE Listed), $2.5-billion CAPEX; and former vice-president of projects at Kaunis Iron AB, $800-million flagship Kaunisvarra Iron Ore Project.
With over two decades of experience across industries such as mining, energy and corporate finance, Kevin Arias brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company. His strong background in business development, investor relations, securities and corporate communications, combined with a proven track record in raising over C$100 million since 2008, positions him as a valuable addition to the Element79 team.
High-grade gold project with near-term cash flow potential
(TheNewswire)
V ANCOUVER, BC T heNewswire May 7, 2025 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) ("Element79", or the "Company") provides the following updates on multiple corporate initiatives underway:
Update on Sale of Nevada Assets to 1472886 BC Ltd.
As first outlined in the Company's news release on September 9, 2024, and updated on October 10, 2024, the Company has made multiple attempts to push this transaction towards completion, with the counterparty being unable to meet terms required to complete a successful closing. As the original timelines of the LOI have expired, the Company holds that the contract with 1472886 BC Ltd. is null and void and has restarted conversations with alternate parties that have expressed interest in the purchase of the Stargo, Elder Creek and North Mill Creek projects.
Update on Financing: Crescita Capital Note Draw
In the month of April 2025, Crescita issued CAD $100,000 of capital to the Company, for use in advancing community efforts for the Lucero project, investor relations activities and general corporate purposes. Similar to the first draw from the new 2025 Crescita Draw Down Facility as announced on February 28, 2025, the convertible note drawn will carry a simple interest rate of 15% per annum until repaid or converted into shares of the Company.
The general use of funds for any financing efforts that the company engages in in the immediate term, including the strategic sale of corporate assets, will be sequentially to pay mineral leases for its projects in Peru and Nevada; complete its OTCQB uplisting; general corporate operating expenses and address key accounts payable.
Update on Chachas community progress, strategic review of Lucero
Representatives of Element79 Gold Corp and its community relations team, GAE Peru, attended a series of meetings in both Chachas, Arequipa and Lima between the April 21 st and May 3rd, yielding the following report on continued progress towards forging long-term surface rights access and therefore access to its past-producing Lucero mine for exploration and mineral exploitation activities. A summary of GAE's report for April 2024 is provided below.
Ongoing Challenges with Informal Mining (REINFO)
The report highlights the presence of 102 active informal miners registered under the REINFO framework are operating in the general Chachas region, with an estimated 350 more operating around Chachas without formal status. Many of these actors are reported to have been extracting ore illegally for around, if not over, a decade. While the federal REINFO was established as a route to Formalization, it has often been used in practice to legitimize illegal mining operations. The main local artisanal mining association, Asociación Lomas Doradas, comprising 65 such miners, has shown limited interest in engaging with Element79 Gold Corp, although a small group within their Tonalita concession may pursue Formalization.
In addition to the above, there is a separate contingent of REINFO miners willing to enter into an exploitation agreement with Element79 Gold Corp. Discussions are ongoing, with a key meeting roughly scheduled during the first half of May 2025. The situation remains complex, as community members and REINFOs have taken measures such as blocking access routes with guarded checkpoints and reportedly seek to establish their own mineral processing plant on communal land.
Strengthening Community Relations
Since September 2024, GAE Peru has actively engaged with residents across six annexes of Chachas through meetings and two large-scale general assemblies. For its consistent presence and attendance at community meetings, Element79 Gold is increasingly recognized in the region, maintaining open lines of communication via its local Social Management Office. Support from the current communal leadership, particularly President Melitón, has been instrumental in fostering constructive dialogue. A critical extraneous assembly to discuss long-term agreements is scheduled for July 2025.
Focus on Value Creation and Negotiation
The Company remains committed to a comprehensive value-generation plan that includes exploration, exploitation, and operation of a mineral processing facility. Local communities have expressed high expectations for future economic benefits, particularly in the form of irrigation and agricultural development support, as outlined by the Chachas Irrigation Commission and local farmers from Chachas and Nahuira.
Path Forward Through Dialogue
During the most recent communal assembly in April and subsequent smaller assembly and group meetings, stakeholders within the Chachas region have continued dialogue with Element79 Gold Corp, bypassing the uncooperative leadership of the Lomas Doradas Association. A formal dialogue session with the communal board (JJDD) and local administrative leaders (JAL) is scheduled for May 15, 2025.
Government Oversight and Legal Pathways
The GREM (Regional Mining Office) of Arequipa has acknowledged the limited timeframe for formalizing current REINFO miners in Chachas. Beginning in June 2025, GAE Peru, on behalf of Element79 Gold Corp, will request GREM's oversight to enforce legal regulations under the new Small-Scale and Artisanal Mining Law (MAPE), enabling coordinated action against ongoing illegal mining.
Commitment to Responsible Development
Element79 Gold reaffirms its commitment to responsible mining and community development, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual respect as it advances the Lucero Project toward future production.
James Tworek, Element79 Gold Corp CEO and Director stated: "The potential of Lucero remains a key motivation and driving force behind the Company's decision making, and we remain cautiously optimistic that the upcoming June 30 deadline for Formalization between REINFOs and mineral right holders will continue to bring us closer to the goal of forging long term contracts with the local miners and greater Chachas community. While we progress in community relations month by month, we're living the reality that relationship building and trust creation are exercises in communication, persistence, patience and mutual understanding.
In the interim, recent team due diligence trips to review additional assets in Peru and Nevada, along with strategy sessions with advisors and key investors in the Company have opened our eyes to a number of possible alternate growth strategies. We look forward to reporting on these initiatives in the coming months."
For further details on this announcement and the Company's projects, please visit www.element79.gold
About Element79 Gold Corp.
Element79 Gold Corp. is a mining company focused on exploring and developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver project, Lucero, located in Chachas, Arequipa, Peru. The Company is committed to advancing responsible mining practices and maintaining strong relationships with local communities to support sustainable development.
The Company also holds several exploration projects along Nevada's Battle Mountain trend, a region renowned for prolific gold production, and these assets are under contract for sale in the first half of 2025. Additionally, Element79 has transferred its Dale Property in Ontario to its subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp., as part of a Plan of Arrangement spin-out process.
Contact Information
For corporate matters, please contact:
James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: jt@element79.gold
For investor relations inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations Department
Phone: +1.403.850.8050
E-mail: investors@element79.gold
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press contains "forward‐looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward‐looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made considering management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the timing and completion of the arrangement and the timing and completion of the amalgamation. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward‐looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward‐looking statements".
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
VANCOUVER, BC TheNewswire - May 1, 2025 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) ("Element79", or the "Company") announces that, in connection with its previously announced proposed arrangement transaction with Synergy Metals Corp. (" Synergy ") pursuant to an arrangement agreement dated January 10, 2025 (the " Arrangement Agreement "), it has entered an amending agreement dated April 30, 2025, to extend the proposed deadline for completion of the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement to August 31, 2025.
The Company also announces that, in connection with the previously announced amalgamation anticipated to follow such arrangement pursuant to a merger agreement dated January 10, 2025 (the " Merger Agreement "), between Synergy, Synergy's wholly owned subsidiary, 1515041 B.C. Ltd. (" Synergy SubCo " ) , and 1425957 B.C. Ltd. (" 142 "), it has entered an amending agreement dated April 30, 2025, to extend outside date for completion of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement to August 31, 2025.
The Company remains committed to both the proposed arrangement and the subsequent proposed amalgamation of Synergy SubCo and 142 in connection with the acquisition by Synergy of all of the issued and outstanding shares of 142, as further described in its press release dated January 13, 2025.
For further details on this announcement and the Company's projects, please visit www.element79.gold
Contact Information
For corporate matters, please contact:
James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: jt@element79.gold
For investor relations inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations Department
Phone: +1.403.850.8050
E-mail: investors@element79.gold
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press contains "forward ‐ looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward ‐ looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made considering management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the timing and completion of the arrangement and the timing and completion of the amalgamation. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward ‐ looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward ‐ looking statements".
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
(TheNewswire)
Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - April 17, 202 5 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM | FSE: 7YS0 | OTC: ELMGF ) ( the "Company") herein provides an update on the latest community engagement and ongoing development efforts in the Rural Community of Chachas ("Chachas") for its Minas Lucero Project in Arequipa, Peru.
Multi-Stakeholder Meeting in the Chachas on April 12th
As previously outlined in the Company's news release of March 28, 2025 , the Spring General Assembly Meeting took place on April 12, 2025, where Element79 Gold Corp's community relationship development team, GAE Peru, was able to present and discuss upcoming exploration, mill and tailings reprocessing plant development plans, which begin with the completion of long-term surface agreements and Formalization of existing REINFO small-scale mining permits with the Company's mineral leases. These surface rights access contracts, for the Company and all other mining groups working in the Chachas region negotiated and signed with the Chachas community.
Element79 Gold Corp's message and dialogue around collaborative work plans and win-win solutions with the community were once again reiterated and were generally well received; in many cases where there were inquiries or debates around the Company's involvement, it is reported that both the greater community and its leaders reinforced and defended the Company's platform and the benefit of developing a constructive and long-term working relationship together. Dissention against the Company and its plans came primarily from a radical faction of the local artisanal miner's group, Lomas Doradas, where emphatic conversations were drawn out for hours both during and after the General Assembly. Due to these disruptions, no formal agreement for either Element79 Gold Corp or Lomas Doradas was reached at the General Assembly.
The Chachas community leaders and JAL (Junta Administrativa Local, or local community administration board) have agreed to meet again outside of the General Assembly to formally during the week of April 21. The Company will provide further updates and action items in due course following these upcoming meetings.
Commitment to Responsible Mining
Element79 Gold Corp. remains dedicated to transparent dialogue, responsible community and resource development, and long-term profitable and mutually beneficial community partnerships . The Company will continue to provide updates as these initiatives progress.
Evaluating Options
The Company upholds that the Lucero project continues to host significant exploration and production merit as well as it continues to develop increasingly strong community relationships for long-term success.
Due to the ongoing difficulties and delays experienced over the past 15 months, the Company's management and Board of Directors has elected to put Lucero and adjacent projects into a period of review, where with its team and trusted consultants, will evaluate the best ways to proceed with the Lucero project in order to maximize shareholder value.
The Company continues to review near-term producing mining assets in Peru and South America for additional growth opportunities and will provide further guidance on these in due course.
About Element79 Gold Corp.
Element79 Gold Corp. is a mining company focused on exploring and developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver project, Lucero , located in Chachas, Arequipa, Peru. The Company is committed to advancing responsible mining practices and maintaining strong relationships with local communities to support sustainable development.
The Company also holds several exploration projects along Nevada's Battle Mountain trend, a region renowned for prolific gold production, and these assets are under contract for sale in the first half of 2025. Additionally, Element79 has recently transferred its Dale Property in Ontario to its subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp., as part of a spin-out process.
For further information, please visit our website at www.element79.gold .
For corporate matters, please contact:
James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer
Email: jt@element79.gold
For investor relations inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations Department
Phone: +1 (403)850.8050
Email: investors@element79.gold
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Certain statements in this News Release, which are not historical in nature, constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under applicable Canadian securities law. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements or information concerning future work programs, results and timing of any work programs, the Company's performance or events as of the date hereof. These statements reflect management's current assumptions and expectations and by their nature are subject to certain underlying assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks include the interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with our expectations; commodity and currency price fluctuation; failure to obtain adequate financing; regulatory, recovery rates, refinery costs, and other relevant conversion factors, permitting and licensing risks; general market and mining exploration risks and production and economic risks related to design and engineering, manufacturing, technological processes and test procedures and the risk that the project's output will not be salable at a price that will cover the project's operating and maintenance costs. Forward-looking statements should not be construed as investment advice. Readers should conduct a detailed, independent investigation and analysis of the Company and are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any investment decision. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or changes in circumstances that occur after the date hereof.
Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
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Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - March 28, 2024 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM | FSE: 7YS0 | OTC: ELMGF) is pleased to provide an update on the latest Chachas community engagement and ongoing efforts for its Minas Lucero Project in Arequipa, Peru.
Ongoing Communication and Support with Chachas
As an update to the Company's news release on March 11, 2024, the Company continues to maintain positive and open lines of communication with key stakeholders in the Chachas community. Now that the rainy season weather conditions are lessening, the community, as well as Element79's community team have returned to Chachas, Arequipa, with renewed vigour for the new year. Some items to look forward to in the coming days and weeks:
Local Presence: The Company continues to maintain its office in Chachas, along with an on-the-ground community assistant in Chachas to monitor developments and maintain direct communication.
Community Interaction: Ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, community leaders and working at responding to direct inquiries of the Company's intended work plans in 2025 and beyond.
Weather-Related Impact: Heavy rains and landslides common to this season have affected roads in and around Chachas, and working at clearing and repairing these are a priority for all community members, for safety and logistical purposes. This weather has suspended artisanal mining operations in the area into April, although they are anticipated to recommence shortly.
Upcoming Multi-Stakeholder Meetings in the Chachas region
As the communities of the general region get prepared for work post-rainy season, the Spring General Assembly Meeting has been set for April 12, 2025. As evidenced in the below community notice from the Chachas main town hall, Element79 Gold Corp is directly on the agenda for discussing upcoming exploration and development plans as well as pursuing the completion of long-term surface agreements and undergoing the process of Formalization of existing REINFO small-scale mining permits along with the Company's mineral leases.
Image 1 – Photo taken by ELEM community team 03.27.2025 of the General Assembly Notice posted on the notice board of the Chachas Community Main Hall. Element79 Gold Corp's business is the second item on the agenda for the General Assembly meeting to be held on April 12, 2025.
The Company will provide further updates and action items in due course following the abovementioned meeting on April 12.
Commitment to Responsible Mining
Element79 Gold Corp. remains dedicated to transparent dialogue, responsible community and resource development, and long-term profitable and mutually beneficial community partnerships . The Company will continue to provide updates as these initiatives progress.
About Element79 Gold Corp.
Element79 Gold Corp. is a mining company focused on exploring and developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver project, Lucero , located in Chachas, Arequipa, Peru. The Company is committed to advancing responsible mining practices and maintaining strong relationships with local communities to support sustainable development.
The Company also holds several exploration projects along Nevada's Battle Mountain trend, a region renowned for prolific gold production, and these assets are under contract for sale in the first half of 2025. Additionally, Element79 has recently transferred its Dale Property in Ontario to its subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp., as part of a spin-out process.
For further information, please visit our website at www.element79.gold .
For corporate matters, please contact:
James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer
Email: jt@element79.gold
For investor relations inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations Department
Phone: +1 (403)850.8050
Email: investors@element79.gold
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Certain statements in this News Release, which are not historical in nature, constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under applicable Canadian securities law. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements or information concerning future work programs, results and timing of any work programs, the Company's performance or events as of the date hereof. These statements reflect management's current assumptions and expectations and by their nature are subject to certain underlying assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks include the interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with our expectations; commodity and currency price fluctuation; failure to obtain adequate financing; regulatory, recovery rates, refinery costs, and other relevant conversion factors, permitting and licensing risks; general market and mining exploration risks and production and economic risks related to design and engineering, manufacturing, technological processes and test procedures and the risk that the project's output will not be salable at a price that will cover the project's operating and maintenance costs. Forward-looking statements should not be construed as investment advice. Readers should conduct a detailed, independent investigation and analysis of the Company and are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any investment decision. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or changes in circumstances that occur after the date hereof.
Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
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Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - March 11, 2024 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM | FSE: 7YS0 | OTC: ELMGF) is pleased to provide an update on the latest social management initiatives, community engagement and ongoing efforts for its Minas Lucero Project in the Arequipa region of Peru.
Strengthening Community Relations in Chachas
As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible mining and sustainable development, Element79 Gold's local team has been actively engaging with community leaders and stakeholders in Chachas and surrounding annexes. Key developments include:
Engagement with Local Authorities: Seven (7) formal letters were submitted to the JAL authorities of Chachas and its annexes to coordinate meetings in March. These discussions will facilitate agreements on land use, to be formalized in the upcoming Communal Assembly.
Coordination with Regional Energy and Mines Authority: The Company is working with the Regional Energy and Mines Management of Arequipa (GREM) to arrange an official briefing in Chachas. Through the GREM efforts have been made are being made to establish an institutional working group with representatives from the Chachas Community, the Lomas Doradas Association, and Minas Lucero del Sur to table requirements and commitments between the parties.
Ongoing Communication and Support with Chachas
Element79 Gold continues to maintain positive and open lines of communication with the Chachas community, despite challenges posed by seasonal weather conditions:
Community Interaction: Regular dialogue is ongoing with local stakeholders, and the Company has received direct inquiries and support from community allies.
Weather-Related Impact: Heavy rains and landslides common to this season have affected road access to Chachas, causing temporary disruptions. Artisanal mining operations in the area have also been suspended until April due to adverse conditions.
Local Presence: The Company continues to maintain its office in Chachas, along with an on-the-ground community assistant in Chachas to monitor developments and maintain direct communication. Local Starlink internet antennae for community use continue to be sponsored by the Company.
Advancing Strategic Community Initiatives
Deployment of Smart Multipurpose Screen Kits
Element79 Gold is preparing to introduce new technology to local communities as part of its engagement strategy:
Three (3) GAE Multipurpose System Kits are set to be delivered to communal facilities in Chachas, Nahuira, and Tolconi before mid-March.
The deployment will serve as a technology demonstration , showcasing the potential benefits of Starlink connectivity and smart panels for community development.
Official handover of the equipment will be contingent upon the signing of land-use agreements with the community, aligning with Element79 Gold's commitment to fostering mutual benefits through sustainable partnerships.
Image 1 – GAE Multipurpose System Kit setup
Image 2 – (Spanish) Chart of the of the features and benefits that the GAE Multipurpose System Kits have and provide to user communities
Upcoming Multi-Stakeholder Meeting in Chachas
A key meeting involving GREM, the Chachas Community Council (CC Chachas), the Lomas Doradas Association, and Minas Lucero representatives is being planned before the upcoming Communal Assembly. GREM-Arequipa has sent official invitations, and discussions are underway to determine the most suitable date and agenda. The Company has already submitted a formal letter to GREM to advance this process; due to ongoing heavy rains, the GREM has confirmed an approximate timeline for "end of March" and will continue to update both the Company and the CC Chachas in due course.
Commitment to Responsible Mining
Element79 Gold Corp. remains dedicated to transparent dialogue, responsible community and resource development, and long-term profitable and mutually beneficial community partnerships . The Company will continue to provide updates as these initiatives progress.
About Element79 Gold Corp. Element79 Gold is a mining company focused on exploring and developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver project, Lucero , located in Arequipa, Peru. The Company is committed to advancing responsible mining practices and maintaining strong relationships with local communities to support sustainable development.
The Company also holds several exploration projects along Nevada's Battle Mountain trend, a region renowned for prolific gold production, and these assets are under contract for sale in the first half of 2025. Additionally, Element79 has recently transferred its Dale Property in Ontario to its subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp., as part of a spin-out process.
For further information, please visit our website at www.element79.gold .
For corporate matters, please contact:
James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer
Email: jt@element79.gold
For investor relations inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations Department
Phone: +1 (403)850.8050
Email: investors@element79.gold
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Certain statements in this News Release, which are not historical in nature, constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under applicable Canadian securities law. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements or information concerning future work programs, results and timing of any work programs, the Company's performance or events as of the date hereof. These statements reflect management's current assumptions and expectations and by their nature are subject to certain underlying assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks include the interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with our expectations; commodity and currency price fluctuation; failure to obtain adequate financing; regulatory, recovery rates, refinery costs, and other relevant conversion factors, permitting and licensing risks; general market and mining exploration risks and production and economic risks related to design and engineering, manufacturing, technological processes and test procedures and the risk that the project's output will not be salable at a price that will cover the project's operating and maintenance costs. Forward-looking statements should not be construed as investment advice. Readers should conduct a detailed, independent investigation and analysis of the Company and are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any investment decision. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or changes in circumstances that occur after the date hereof.
Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
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Abcourt Mines Inc. ("Abcourt" or the "Corporation") (TSX Venture: ABI) (OTCQB: ABMBF) is pleased to report new drilling results and an update on its activities at the Sleeping Giant mine.
In 2025, Abcourt completed 36 underground drill holes totaling 5,632 meters. Of these holes, seven target the 785N zone and the underlying areas for a total of 3,316 meters. This 785N zone is in a new sector to the east and at depth of the developed sectors of the mine. After releasing the results of two of these holes earlier this year, Abcourt is today releasing the results of two more holes, 78-888 and 78-890.
The highlights included in this press release are as follows:
Pascal Hamelin, President and CEO, comments: "Since underground drilling began in the fall of 2023, our goal has been to increase the quality and quantity of the mineral resources at Sleeping Giant. This drilling, along with the work accomplished by our Sleeping Giant team, has allowed us to build a solid financial plan for mine development and rapid production ramp-up. Indeed, our surface and underground infrastructure are in very good condition, which will allow us to quickly develop the mine towards a profitable production. Furthermore, we are very excited to see this new promising sector 785N near our underground infrastructure. We believe that we will be able to extend the life of the mine once it is in production."
The main results of holes 78-888 and 78-890 are displayed in Table 1:
Table 1: Main Underground Drilling Results | |||||||
DDH | From | To | Intervalle | Au | Vein | ||
(m) | (m) | (m) | (g/t) | ||||
78-888 | 13.10 | 13.60 | 0.50 | 59.25 | Intervals up the 785N vein. | ||
and | 87.00 | 87.80 | 0.80 | 10.17 | |||
and | 144.40 | 145.00 | 0.60 | 27.13 | |||
and | 285.40 | 286.00 | 0.60 | 9.24 | 785N vein | ||
78-890 | 273.50 | 275.40 | 1.90 | 24.30 | 785N vein | ||
Including | 274.20 | 274.80 | 0.60 | 41.90 | |||
Notes: | |||||||
1. The length represents the length measured along the drill core. | |||||||
2. Assay results are not capped, but higher-grade sub-intervals are highlighted. |
The main drilling results are illustrated in Figure 1
Figure 1: Main Results – Interception of 785N Zone.
Drilling data reveal:
Drilling work continues in the 785N zone. Results are being interpreted as they are received. Abcourt will publish all results following the first phase of work.
Alongside the program to enhance the deep mining potential of the Sleeping Giant Mine, drilling activities are currently underway in the upper part of the mine. These efforts aim to:
Renewal of the Drilling Contract with G4 Drilling
Abcourt has renewed the underground drilling contract with G4 Drilling and has requested the addition of a third underground drill rig. This rig will be designed for conventional mining requirements to facilitate movement and installation. This additional drill rig should be ready to drill in a few weeks to accelerate the conversion of our inferred resources to indicated resources and better define our production stopes if needed.
Progress of Financing Procedures
The standard due diligence review, the site visit by an independent team appointed by the potential lender, and the preparation of the final documents for the 8M USD loan are progressing according to the established schedule, marking a significant step forward in the development of mine. See the press release issued April 10 th for the details on the terms of the proposed loan. This review also provided an opportunity to highlight the strategic potential of Sleeping Giant's infrastructure, while confirming our team's exemplary preparation for the restart of operations.
Quality Control Measures (QA/QC)
The drilling and core description work was carried out under the supervision of Mohamed Haithem Bennia, geo, Superintendent Geology, qualified person according to Regulation 43-101.
The core is also oriented using high-precision digital tools (Reflex ACTIII) to provide a better understanding of the geological structure.
The quality assurance and control protocols for the analyses include the insertion of blank, standard and duplicate samples every 25 samples, in addition to the internal control of the laboratory samples.
The half-cores were prepared at the Sleeping Giant mine's internal laboratory according to industry standards.
The samples used in the preparation of this press release were analyzed by the MSALABS laboratory in Val-d'Or, Quebec, using the Photon AssayTM method. MSA operates numerous laboratories worldwide and maintains ISO-17025 accreditation for many metal determination methods. MSA is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory for the Photon AssayTM method.
Qualified Persons
Mohamed Haithem Bennia, geo, superintendent geology of the Sleeping Giant mine, wrote, collected, verified and approved the technical information contained in this press release.
Pascal Hamelin, Eng, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, has verified and approved the technical information contained in this press release.
Mr. Hamelin and Mr. Bennia are qualified persons under Regulation 43-101.
About Abcourt Mines Inc.
Abcourt Mines Inc. is a Canadian exploration company with strategically located properties in northwestern Quebec, Canada. Abcourt owns the Sleeping Giant mine and mill and the Flordin property, where it focuses its exploration and development activities.
For more information about Abcourt Mines Inc., please visit our website and view our filings under Abcourt's profile on www.sedarplus.ca .
Pascal Hamelin | Dany Cenac Robert, Investor Relations |
President and Chief Executive Officer | Reseau ProMarket Inc., |
T : (819) 768-2857 | T : (514) 722-2276, poste 456 |
Email : phamelin@abcourt.com | Email : dany.cenac-robert@reseaupromarket.com |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by using forward-looking terminology, such as "plans", "aims", "expects", "projects", "intends", "anticipates", "estimates", "could", "should", "likely", or variations of such words and phrases or statements specifying that certain acts, events or results "may", "should", "will" or "be achieved" or other expressions Similar. Forward-looking statements are based on Abcourt's estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Abcourt's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements are subject to business, economic and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, including the relevant assumptions and risk factors set forth in Abcourt's public filings, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca . There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Although Abcourt believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Except as required by applicable securities laws, Abcourt disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2395b913-1957-497d-ac0f-9f91fe93790e
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The US Federal Reserve held its third meeting of 2025 from Tuesday (May 6) to Wednesday (May 7) against a backdrop of trade tensions, spurred on by the Trump administration's tariffs.
The central bank met analysts’ expectations by holding its benchmark rate in the 4.25 to 4.5 percent range.
Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed's dual mandate of maximum employment and stable pricing remains in balance, and noted that the US economy is solid. However, he also said that risks have risen and that there has been a sharp decline in consumer and expert sentiment due to the ongoing tariff situation.
The US has placed tariffs on key trading partners Canada, Mexico and the EU. It has also implemented 145 percent tariffs on China, while planning port fees of up to US$3 million per US port call for all Chinese-built ships.
Tariffs are already beginning to dramatically reduce imports into the US.
Activity at the Port of Los Angeles has fallen by 44 percent this week compared to last year. The Port of Seattle has also seen a 40 percent reduction, leading to warnings of empty store shelves and job losses.
The story was different in Q1 — Powell noted that imports spiked during the period as businesses attempted to make moves ahead of tariffs. That had an impact on GDP, which contracted by 0.3 percent in the first quarter.
Powell suggested tariff announcements have been larger than anticipated, also noting that uncertainty is elevated and that downside risks have risen, but have not materialized. Ultimately, this uncertainty led the FOMC to unanimously vote to leave rates at the current level while waiting for more clarity from future data.
“The labor market is solid, inflation is low — we can afford to be patient as things unfold. There is no real cost to our waiting at this point,” Powell said. The Fed's next meeting is scheduled for June 17 to 18.
Following the Fed's announcement, the gold price fell from session highs in the US$3,400 per ounce range to reach US$3,371.86. The silver price declined for most of the morning, trading at US$32.28 per ounce at 3:30 PM EST.
The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) was flat, recording a 0.17 percent decline to 5,599. The Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) fell 0.2 percent to 19,751, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) rose 0.32 percent to 41,950.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Strong Operating Performance Across All Three Operations Led to Lower Than Expected All-In Sustaining Costs and Higher Than Expected Gold Production in the First Quarter
Goose Project Remains on Track for First Gold Production Next Month; Total Construction and Mine Development Budget Remains at C$1,540 Million
B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its operational and financial results for the first quarter of 2025. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
2025 First Quarter Highlights
First Quarter 2025 Results
Three months ended | ||
March 31, | ||
2025 | 2024 | |
Gold revenue ($ in thousands) | 532,107 | 461,444 |
Net income ($ in thousands) | 62,564 | 48,481 |
Earnings per share – basic ( 1) ($/ share) | 0.04 | 0.03 |
Earnings per share – diluted ( 1) ($/ share) | 0.04 | 0.03 |
Cash provided by operating activities ($ thousands) | 178,788 | 710,727 |
Average realized gold price ($/ ounce) | 2,892 | 2,069 |
Adjusted net income ( 1)(2) ($ in thousands) | 121,850 | 81,503 |
Adjusted earnings per share ( 1)(2) – basic ($) | 0.09 | 0.06 |
Consolidated operations results: | ||
Gold sold (ounces) | 183,998 | 222,978 |
Gold produced (ounces) | 192,752 | 214,339 |
Production costs ($ in thousands) | 161,994 | 156,745 |
Cash operating costs ( 2) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 880 | 703 |
Cash operating costs ( 2) ($/ gold ounce produced) | 832 | 718 |
Total cash costs ( 2) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,113 | 838 |
All-in sustaining costs ( 2) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,533 | 1,346 |
Operations results including equity investment in Calibre ( 3) : | ||
Gold sold (ounces) | 183,998 | 234,355 |
Gold produced (ounces) | 192,752 | 225,716 |
Production costs ($ in thousands) | 161,994 | 168,650 |
Cash operating costs ( 2) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 880 | 720 |
Cash operating costs ( 2) ($/ gold ounce produced) | 832 | 734 |
Total cash costs ( 2) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,113 | 851 |
All-in sustaining costs ( 2) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,533 | 1,345 |
(1) Attributable to the shareholders of the Company.
(2) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Company's financial statements, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures".
(3) Production from Calibre Mining Corp.'s ( " Calibre " ) La Libertad, El Limon and Pan mines is presented on an approximate 24% basis until January 24, 2024 and 14% subsequently until June 20, 2024 which represented the Company's indirect ownership interest in Calibre's operations through its equity investment in Calibre . On June 20, 2024, the Company reduced its ownership interest to approximately 4% and determined that it no longer had significant influence over Calibre and as a result, after June 20, 2024, no longer recorded attributable production representing its indirect ownership interest in Calibre's mines through an equity investment.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
B2Gold continues to maintain a strong financial position and liquidity. At March 31, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $330 million (December 31, 2024 - $337 million) and working capital (defined as current assets less assets classified as held for sale and current liabilities) of $174 million (December 31, 2024 - $321 million). During the first quarter of 2025 the Company repaid $400 million on the Company's $800 million RCF, leaving $800 million remaining available for future draw downs, plus a $200 million accordion feature.
Second Quarter 2025 Dividend
On May 7, 2025, B2Gold's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend for the second quarter of 2025 (the "Q2 2025 Dividend") of $0.02 per common share (or an expected $0.08 per share on an annualized basis), payable on June 24, 2025 to shareholders of record as of June 11, 2025.
The Company currently has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"). For the purposes of the Q2 2025 Dividend, the Company has determined that no discount will be applied to calculate the Average Market Price (as defined in the DRIP) of its common shares issued from treasury. Beneficial shareholders who wish to participate in the DRIP should contact their financial advisor, broker, investment dealer, bank, financial institution, or other intermediary through which they hold common shares for instructions on how to enroll in the DRIP.
This dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Dividends paid by B2Gold to shareholders outside Canada (non-resident investors) will be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding taxes.
The declaration and payment of future dividends and the amount of any such dividends will be subject to the determination of the Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, taking into account, among other things, economic conditions, business performance, financial condition, growth plans, expected capital requirements, compliance with B2Gold's constating documents, all applicable laws, including the rules and policies of any applicable stock exchange, as well as any contractual restrictions on such dividends, including any agreements entered into with lenders to the Company, and any other factors that the Board deems appropriate at the relevant time. There can be no assurance that any dividends will be paid at the intended rate or at all in the future.
For more information regarding the DRIP and enrollment in the DRIP, please refer to the Company's website at https://www.b2gold.com/investors/stock_info/ .
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction nor will there be any sale of these securities in any province, state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, state or jurisdiction.
The Company has filed a registration statement relating to the DRIP with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that may be obtained under the Company's profile on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov/EDGAR or by contacting the Company using the contact information at the end of this news release.
Operations
Fekola Complex - Mali
Three months ended | ||
March 31, | ||
2025 | 2024 | |
Gold revenue ($ in thousands) | 254,667 | 256,318 |
Gold sold (ounces) | 87,808 | 123,828 |
Average realized gold price ($/ ounce) | 2,900 | 2,070 |
Tonnes of ore milled | 2,446,671 | 2,462,863 |
Grade (grams/ tonne) | 1.31 | 1.62 |
Recovery (%) | 91.5 | 92.7 |
Gold production (ounces) | 93,805 | 119,141 |
Production costs ($ in thousands) | 89,025 | 85,105 |
Cash operating costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,014 | 687 |
Cash operating costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce produced) | 965 | 698 |
Total cash costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,350 | 852 |
All-in sustaining costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,937 | 1,436 |
Capital expenditures ($ in thousands) | 64,003 | 80,562 |
Exploration ($ in thousands) | — | 1,302 |
(1) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Company's financial statements, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures".
The Fekola Mine in Mali (owned 80% by the Company and 20% by the State of Mali) had a strong start to the year with gold production for the first quarter of 2025 of 93,805 ounces. For the first quarter of 2025, mill feed grade was 1.31 grams per tonne ("g/t"), mill throughput was 2.45 million tonnes, and gold recovery averaged 91.5%. Mill feed grade in April 2025 was in line with the annual budgeted mill feed grade of 1.84 g/t in 2025.
The Fekola Mine's cash operating costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures" ) for the first quarter of 2025 were $965 per ounce produced ($1,014 per gold ounce sold). Cash operating costs per gold ounce produced for the first quarter of 2025 were lower than expected as a result of higher than estimated gold production, lower operating costs including lower fuel prices for diesel and heavy fuel oil, and lower processing maintenance costs.
All-in sustaining costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures" ) for the first quarter of 2025 for the Fekola Mine were $1,937 per gold ounce sold, lower than expected. All-in sustaining costs were lower than anticipated as a result of lower than expected cash operating costs per gold ounce sold and lower than expected sustaining capital expenditures, partially offset by higher gold royalties resulting from a higher than expected average realized gold price. Gold royalties include higher revenue-based production taxes based on a sliding scale and revenue-based State funds for the Fekola Mine, which became effective for the first time in March 2025. The lower sustaining capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2025 were mainly a result of timing of expenditures and are expected to be incurred later in 2025.
Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2025 totaled $64 million primarily consisting of $20 million for deferred stripping, $17 million for Fekola underground development, $16 million for mobile equipment purchases and rebuilds, $4 million for the construction of a new tailings storage facility ("TSF") and $3 million for solar plant expansion.
The Fekola Complex is comprised of the Fekola Mine (Medinandi permit hosting the Fekola and Cardinal pits and Fekola underground) and Fekola Regional (Anaconda Area (Bantako, Menankoto, and Bakolobi permits) and the Dandoko permit). The Fekola Complex is expected to produce between 515,000 and 550,000 ounces of gold in 2025 at cash operating costs of between $845 and $905 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of between $1,550 and $1,610 per ounce. The Fekola Complex is expected to process 9.56 million tonnes of ore during 2025 at an average grade of 1.84 g/t gold with a process gold recovery of 93.4%. Gold production is expected to be weighted approximately 40% to the first half of 2025 and 60% to the second half of 2025.
The Fekola Complex's total 2025 gold production is anticipated to increase significantly relative to 2024, due to the contribution of higher-grade ore from Fekola underground in the second half of 2025 and Fekola Regional later in the second half of 2025. Between 25,000 and 35,000 ounces of gold production is expected from the mining of higher-grade ore at Fekola underground. Fekola Regional is expected to contribute between 20,000 and 25,000 ounces of additional gold production in 2025 through the trucking of open pit ore to the Fekola mill. Despite a delay in the expected commencement of mining at Fekola Regional due to permit delays, the Company still expects to meet its production guidance from the Fekola Complex in 2025.
The development of Fekola Regional will enhance the overall Fekola Complex life of mine production profile and is expected to extend the mine life of the Fekola Complex. Fekola Regional is anticipated to contribute approximately 180,000 ounces of additional annual gold production in its first four full years of production from 2026 through 2029. Significant exploration potential remains across the Fekola Complex to further extend the mine life.
Masbate Mine – The Philippines
Three months ended | ||
March 31, | ||
2025 | 2024 | |
Gold revenue ($ in thousands) | 129,393 | 98,967 |
Gold sold (ounces) | 44,450 | 47,700 |
Average realized gold price ($/ ounce) | 2,911 | 2,075 |
Tonnes of ore milled | 2,278,032 | 2,169,462 |
Grade (grams/ tonne) | 0.83 | 0.99 |
Recovery (%) | 75.9 | 72.4 |
Gold production (ounces) | 46,369 | 49,782 |
Production costs ($ in thousands) | 38,016 | 42,771 |
Cash operating costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 855 | 897 |
Cash operating costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce produced) | 833 | 835 |
Total cash costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,021 | 1,010 |
All-in sustaining costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,206 | 1,219 |
Capital expenditures ($ in thousands) | 7,733 | 8,530 |
Exploration ($ in thousands) | 420 | 821 |
(1) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Company's financial statements, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures".
The Masbate Mine in the Philippines continued its strong performance with first quarter of 2025 gold production of 46,369 ounces, above expectations. For the first quarter of 2025, mill feed grade was 0.83 g/t gold, mill throughput was 2.28 million tonnes, and gold recovery averaged 75.9%.
The Masbate Mine's cash operating costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures" ) for the first quarter of 2025 were $833 per ounce produced ($855 per gold ounce sold). Cash operating costs per gold ounce produced for the first quarter of 2025 were lower than expected as a result of higher than expected gold production as well as lower operating costs due primarily to lower diesel and heavy fuel oil costs.
All-in sustaining costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures" ) for the first quarter of 2025 were $1,206 per gold ounce sold. All-in sustaining costs for the first quarter of 2025 were lower than expected as a result of lower than expected cash operating costs per gold ounce sold and higher than expected gold ounces sold, partially offset by higher gold royalties resulting from a higher than expected average realized gold price.
Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2025 totaled $8 million, primarily consisting of $2 million for a solar plant, $2 million for deferred stripping, $1 million for mobile equipment purchases and rebuilds and $1 million for expansion of the existing TSF.
The Masbate Mine is expected to produce between 170,000 and 190,000 ounces of gold in 2025 at cash operating costs of between $955 and $1,015 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of between $1,310 and $1,370 per ounce. Gold production is scheduled to be relatively consistent throughout 2025. For 2025, Masbate is expected to process 8.0 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.88 g/t with a process gold recovery of 79.9%. Mill feed will be a blend of mined fresh ore from the Main Vein pit and low-grade ore stockpiles.
Otjikoto Mine - Namibia
Three months ended | ||
March 31, | ||
2025 | 2024 | |
Gold revenue ($ in thousands) | 148,047 | 106,159 |
Gold sold (ounces) | 51,740 | 51,450 |
Average realized gold price ($/ ounce) | 2,861 | 2,063 |
Tonnes of ore milled | 843,057 | 826,477 |
Grade (grams/ tonne) | 1.96 | 1.74 |
Recovery (%) | 98.8 | 98.5 |
Gold production (ounces) | 52,578 | 45,416 |
Production costs ($ in thousands) | 34,953 | 28,869 |
Cash operating costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 676 | 561 |
Cash operating costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce produced) | 594 | 642 |
Total cash costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 790 | 644 |
All-in sustaining costs ( 1) ($/ gold ounce sold) | 916 | 958 |
Capital expenditures ($ in thousands) | 3,607 | 13,813 |
Exploration ($ in thousands) | 1,831 | 1,789 |
(1) Non-IFRS measure. For a description of how these measures are calculated and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures specified, defined or determined under IFRS and presented in the Company's financial statements, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures".
The Otjikoto Mine in Namibia, in which the Company holds a 90% interest, continued to outperform during the first quarter of 2025, producing 52,578 ounces of gold, above expectations. For the first quarter of 2025, mill feed grade was 1.96 g/t, mill throughput was 0.84 million tonnes, and gold recovery averaged 98.8%.
Cash operating costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures" ) for the first quarter of 2025 were $594 per gold ounce produced ($676 per ounce gold sold). Cash operating costs per gold ounce produced for the first quarter of 2025 were lower than expected as a result higher than expected gold production, a weaker than expected Namibia foreign exchange rate and lower than expected underground mining costs.
All-in sustaining costs (see "Non-IFRS Measures" ) for the first quarter of 2025 were $916 per gold ounce sold. All-in sustaining costs for the first quarter of 2025 were lower than expected as a result of higher than expected gold ounces sold and lower than expected sustaining capital expenditures, partially offset by higher gold royalties resulting from a higher than expected average realized gold price. The lower sustaining capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2025 were mainly a result of timing of expenditures and are expected to be incurred later in 2025.
Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $4 million, consisting mainly of $3 million for Wolfshag underground mine development.
The Otjikoto Mine is expected to produce between 165,000 and 185,000 ounces of gold in 2025 at cash operating costs of between $695 and $755 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of between $980 and $1,040 per ounce. Gold production at Otjikoto will be weighted towards the first half of 2025 due to the conclusion of open pit mining activities in the third quarter of 2025. For the full year 2025, Otjikoto is expected to process a total of 3.4 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.63 g/t with a process gold recovery of 98.0%. Processed ore will be sourced from the Otjikoto pit and the Wolfshag underground mine, supplemented by existing ore stockpiles. Open pit mining operations are scheduled to conclude in the third quarter of 2025, while underground mining operations at Wolfshag are expected to continue into 2027. In addition to the economic potential of the Antelope deposit, exploration results received to date indicate the potential to extend underground production at Wolfshag past 2027, supplementing processing operations into 2032 when economically viable stockpiles are forecast to be exhausted.
On February 4, 2025, the Company announced the positive PEA results for the Antelope deposit. Based on the positive results from the PEA, B2Gold believes that the Antelope deposit has the potential to become a small-scale, low-cost, underground gold mine that can supplement the low-grade stockpile production during the period of 2028 to 2032 and result in a meaningful production profile for Otjikoto into the next decade. The PEA for Antelope indicates an initial mine life of 5 years and total production of 327,000 ounces averaging approximately 65,000 ounce per year over the life-of mine. In combination with the processing of existing low grade stockpiles, production from Antelope has the potential to increase Otjikoto Mine production to approximately 110,000 ounces per year from 2029 through 2032. The Company has approved an initial budget of up to $10 million for 2025 to de-risk the Antelope deposit development schedule by advancing early work planning, project permits, and long lead orders. Technical work including geotechnical, hydrogeological, and metallurgical testing is anticipated to be completed over the next several months. Cost and schedule assumptions will continue to be refined by working with suppliers and contractors, including running a competitive bid process for the development phase of the Antelope deposit. A development decision is expected in the third quarter of 2025.
The Inferred Mineral Resource estimate for the Antelope deposit that formed the basis for the PEA included 1.75 million tonnes grading 6.91 g/t gold for a total of 390,000 ounces of gold, the majority of which is hosted in the Springbok Zone. The Antelope deposit remains open along strike in both directions, highlighting strong potential for future resource expansion.
The PEA is preliminary in nature and is based on Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the engineering and economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA based on these Mineral Resources will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Goose Project
Development
The Back River Gold District consists of eight mineral claims blocks along an 80 km belt. Construction is underway at the most advanced project in the district, the Goose Project, with development on schedule for first gold pour in the second quarter of 2025.
B2Gold recognizes that respect and collaboration with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association ("KIA") is central to the license to operate in the Back River Gold District and will continue to prioritize developing the project in a manner that recognizes Inuit priorities, addresses concerns, and brings long-term socio-economic benefits to the Kitikmeot Region. B2Gold looks forward to continuing to build on its strong collaboration with the KIA and Kitikmeot Communities.
All planned construction activities in 2024 and early 2025 were completed and project construction and development continue to progress on track. The first four generators in the powerhouse will be commissioned by the end of the first week in May 2025. Availability of the Echo pond tailings line will occur in the first week of June 2025 with mill start-up immediately following. First gold is expected by the end of June 2025 with ramp up to commercial production expected in the third quarter of 2025. The Company continues to estimate that gold production in 2025 will be between 120,000 and 150,000 ounces and that average annual gold production for the six year period from 2026 to 2031 inclusive will be approximately 300,000 ounces per year.
Following the successful completion of the 2024 sealift, construction of the 163 km WIR began in December 2024 and was completed in February 2025. The WIR was operational by mid-February 2025 with the transportation of all materials from the MLA to the Goose Project site completed one month ahead of schedule in mid-April 2025. Over 4,000 loads and 80 million litres of fuel were transported over the 2025 WIR season.
Development of the open pit and underground remain the Company's primary focus to ensure that adequate material is available for mill startup and that the Echo pit is available for tailings placement. Open pit mining of the Echo pit continues to meet production targets and is scheduled to be completed by May 2025, and is anticipated to be ready to receive tailings when the mill starts. Mining of the Umwelt open pit commenced in December 2024 and is currently meeting production targets. The Umwelt underground development remains on schedule for the commencement of high-grade stope ore production in the third quarter of 2025.
In the first quarter of 2025, the Company incurred cash expenditures of $95 million (C$136 million) for the Goose Project on construction and development activities.
Based on the construction and mine development cash expenditures incurred to date, combined with the estimated expenditures to be incurred through to first gold pour in the second quarter of 2025, the Company expects to be in-line with the total Goose Project construction and mine development cash expenditure estimate of C$1,540 million, as announced on September 12, 2024. Operating cost guidance for the Goose Project for the second half of 2025 will be released in mid-year 2025 following the commencement of gold production.
Optimization Studies
With first gold production for the Goose Project expected by the end of the second quarter of 2025, B2Gold has begun multiple optimization studies with the goal of maximizing the long-term value of the Back River Gold District. These studies include:
In connection with these studies, B2Gold will be reviewing any regulatory requirements and engaging with the KIA and local communities to ensure any optimization of the Goose Project provides benefits to all stakeholders.
The Company is pursuing multiple optimization studies for the Goose Project, including one study to analyze the potential to increase mill throughput at the Goose Project from 4,000 tpd potentially up to 6,000 tpd, and a separate study analyzing the implementation of a flotation/concentrate leach process which has the potential to increase gold recovery and reduce processing unit costs. The Goose Project is currently permitted for mill throughput of up to 6,000 tpd, so no amendment to the Project Certificate would be required if the Company pursues the mill throughput expansion. The results of these studies are expected to be finalized in late 2025 / early 2026. Once the studies are completed, the Company will evaluate the economics of each option and pursue the desired choice.
Gramalote Project Development
The Gramalote Project is located in central Colombia, approximately 230 km northwest of Bogota and 100 km northeast of Medellin, in the Province of Antioquia, which has expressed a positive attitude towards the development of responsible mining projects in the region.
Following consolidation of the ownership, B2Gold completed a detailed review of the Gramalote Project, including the higher-grade core of the resource, facility size and location, power supply, mining and processing options, tailings design, resettlement, potential construction sequencing and camp design to identify potential cost savings to develop a medium-scale project. The results of the review allowed the Company to determine the optimal parameters and assumptions for the Gramalote PEA, the results of which were announced on June 18, 2024. Based on the positive results from the PEA, B2Gold believes that the Gramalote Project has the potential to become a medium-scale, low-cost open pit gold mine and approved the commencement of a feasibility study.
B2Gold is progressing the feasibility work with the goal of completing a feasibility study by mid-2025. Due to the work completed for previous studies, the work remaining to finalize a feasibility study for the updated medium-scale project is not extensive. The main work programs for the feasibility study include geotechnical and environmental site investigations for the processing plant and waste dump footprints, as well as capital and operating cost estimates.
The Gramalote Project will continue to advance resettlement programs, establish coexistence programs for small miners, work on health, safety and environmental projects and continue to work with the government and local communities on social programs.
Due to the desired modifications to the processing plant and infrastructure locations, a Modified Environmental Impact Study is required. B2Gold has commenced work on the modifications to the Environmental Impact Study and expect it to be completed and submitted shortly following the completion of the feasibility study. If the final economics of the feasibility study are positive and B2Gold makes the decision to develop the Gramalote Project as an open pit gold mine, B2Gold would utilize its proven internal mine construction team to build the mine and mill facilities.
Outlook
The Company is pleased with its positive first quarter of 2025 operating and financial results. The Company is on track to meet its 2025 total gold production guidance of between 970,000 and 1,075,000 ounces. The Company's full year total cash operating costs for the Fekola Complex, Masbate and Otjikoto continue to be forecast between $835 and $895 per gold ounce and total all-in sustaining costs continue to be forecast between $1,460 and $1,520 per gold ounce. Operating cost guidance for the Goose Project for the second half of 2025 will be released in mid-year 2025 following the commencement of gold production.
Upon completion of the construction activities at the Goose Project, the mine is expected to pour first gold in the second quarter of 2025, followed by ramp up to commercial production in the third quarter, and contribute between 120,000 and 150,000 ounces of gold in 2025. Over the first six full calendar years of operation from 2026 to 2031 inclusive, the average annual gold production for the Goose Project is estimated to be approximately 300,000 ounces of gold per year.
The Company is pursuing multiple optimization studies for the Goose Project, including one study to analyze the potential to increase mill throughput at the Goose Project from 4,000 tpd potentially up to 6,000 tpd, and a separate study analyzing the implementation of a flotation/concentrate leach process which has the potential to increase gold recovery and reduce processing unit costs. The Goose Project is currently permitted for mill throughput of up to 6,000 tpd, so no amendment to the Project Certificate would be required if the Company pursues the mill throughput expansion. The results of these studies are expected to be finalized in late 2025 / early 2026. Once the studies are completed, the Company will evaluate the economics of each option and pursue the desired choice.
Based on the positive PEA results for the Antelope deposit at the Otjikoto Mine released in February 2025, B2Gold believes that the Antelope deposit has the potential to become a small-scale, low-cost underground gold mine that can supplement the low-grade stockpile production during the period from 2028 to 2032 and result in meaningful production profile for Otjikoto into the next decade.
The Company expects to complete a feasibility study for its wholly owned Gramalote Project in Colombia by mid-2025. The feasibility study will include modifications to the processing plant and infrastructure locations and therefore a Modified Environmental Impact Study will also be required. Work on the modifications to the Environmental Impact Study are well advanced and the Company expects it to be completed and submitted shortly following the completion of the feasibility study. If the final economics of the feasibility study are positive and the Company makes the decision to develop the Gramalote Project as an open pit gold mine, the Company will utilize its proven internal mine construction team to build the mine and mill facilities.
The Company's ongoing strategy is to continue to maximize responsible profitable production from its existing mines, maintain a strong financial position, realize the potential increase in gold production from the Company's existing development projects, continue exploration programs across the Company's robust land packages, evaluate new exploration, development and production opportunities and continue to return capital to shareholders.
First Quarter 2025 Financial Results - Conference Call Details
B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET.
Participants may register for the conference call here: registration link . Upon registering, participants will receive a calendar invitation by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This will allow participants to bypass the operator queue and connect directly to the conference. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call. Participants may also dial in using the numbers below:
The conference call will be available for playback for two weeks by dialing toll-free in the U.S. and Canada: +1 (855)-669-9658, replay access code 9068478. All other callers: +1 (412)-317-0088, replay access code 9068478.
About B2Gold
B2Gold is a responsible international senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has operating gold mines in Mali, Namibia and the Philippines, the Goose Project under construction in northern Canada and numerous development and exploration projects in various countries including Mali, Colombia and Finland. B2Gold forecasts total consolidated gold production of between 970,000 and 1,075,000 ounces in 2025.
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.
Andrew Brown, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to exploration and mineral resource matters contained in this news release.
ON BEHALF OF B2Gold Corp.
"Clive T. Johnson"
President and Chief Executive Officer
Source: B2Gold Corp.
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 the total production at the mines B2Gold operates on a 100% basis. Please see our most recent Annual Information Form for a discussion of our ownership interest in the mines B2Gold operates.
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 all-in sustaining costs, and budgets on a consolidated and mine by mine basis, which 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: remaining well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance in 2025; projected gold production, cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs (on a consolidated and mine by mine basis in 2025 for the Fekola Complex, the Otjikoto Mine, the Masbate Gold Project and the Goose Project; total consolidated gold production of between 970,000 and 1,075,000 ounces in 2025, with cash operating costs of between $835 and $895 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of between $1,460 and $1,520 per ounce; B2Gold's continued prioritization of developing the Goose Project in a manner that recognizes Indigenous input and concerns and brings long-term socio-economic benefits to the area; the Goose Project capital cost being approximately C$1,190 million and the net cost of open pit and underground development, deferred stripping, and sustaining capital expenditures to be incurred prior to first gold production being approximately C$350 million and the cost for reagents and other working capital items being C$330 million; the Goose Project producing approximately 300,000 ounces of gold per year for the first full six years of production; the potential for first gold production in the second quarter of 2025 from the Goose Project and the estimates of such production and the potential ramp-up to commercial production by the end of the third quarter of 2025; the receipt of the exploitation permit for Fekola Regional and Fekola Regional production expected to commence in the second half of 2025; the receipt of a permit for Fekola underground and Fekola underground commencing operation in mid-2025; the potential for the Antelope deposit to be developed as an underground operation and contribute up to 65,000 per year during the low-grade stockpile processing in 2029 through 2032 and the Otjikoto Mine producing an average of approximately 110,000 ounces per year during that period; the timing and results of a feasibility study on the Gramalote Project and the results thereof; the potential to develop the Gramalote Project as an open pit gold mine; planned 2025 exploration budgets for Canada, Mali, Namibia, the Philippines and Kazakhstan and other grassroots projects; and the potential payment of future dividends, including the timing and amount of any such dividends, and the expectation that quarterly dividends will be maintained at the same level. All statements in this MD&A 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", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions 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 assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with or related to: 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; 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 Gold 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; 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.sedarplus.ca 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: 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.
The projected range of all-in sustaining costs includes sustaining capital expenditures, corporate administrative expense, mine-site exploration and evaluation costs and reclamation cost accretion, and exclude the effects of expansionary capital and non-sustaining expenditures. Projected GAAP total production cash costs for the full year would require inclusion of the projected impact of future included and excluded items, including items that are not currently determinable, but may be significant, such as sustaining capital expenditures, reclamation cost accretion. Due to the uncertainty of the likelihood, amount and timing of any such items, B2Gold does not have information available to provide a quantitative reconciliation of projected all-in sustaining costs to a total production cash costs projection. B2Gold believes that this measure represents the total costs of producing gold from current operations, and provides B2Gold and other stakeholders of the Company with additional information of B2Gold's operational performance and ability to generate cash flows. All-in sustaining costs, as a key performance measure, allows B2Gold to assess its ability to support capital expenditures and to sustain future production from the generation of operating cash flows. This information provides management with the ability to more actively manage capital programs and to make more prudent capital investment decisions.
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 projected range of AISC is anticipated to be adjusted to include sustaining capital expenditures, corporate administrative expense, mine-site exploration and evaluation costs and reclamation cost accretion and amortization, and exclude the effects of expansionary capital and non-sustaining expenditures. Projected GAAP total production cash costs for the full year would require inclusion of the projected impact of future included and excluded items, including items that are not currently determinable, but may be significant, such as sustaining capital expenditures, reclamation cost accretion and amortization. Due to the uncertainty of the likelihood, amount and timing of any such items, B2Gold does not have information available to provide a quantitative reconciliation of projected AISC to a total production cash costs projection. B2Gold believes that this measure represents the total costs of producing gold from current operations, and provides B2Gold and other stakeholders of the Company with additional information of B2Gold's operational performance and ability to generate cash flows. AISC, as a key performance measure, allows B2Gold to assess its ability to support capital expenditures and to sustain future production from the generation of operating cash flows. This information provides management with the ability to more actively manage capital programs and to make more prudent capital investment decisions.
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 such measures and a reconciliation of certain measures to IFRS terms.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates
The disclosure in this news release was prepared in accordance with Canadian standards for the reporting of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, which differ in some material respects from the disclosure requirements of United States securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve", "inferred mineral resources,", "indicated mineral resources," "measured mineral resources" and "mineral resources" used or referenced in this news release are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Definition Standards"). The definitions of these terms, and other mining terms and disclosures, differ from the definitions of such terms, if any, for purposes of the SEC's disclosure rules for domestic United State issuers. As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the MJDS, B2Gold is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Rules and provides disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, mineral reserve and mineral resource information and other technical information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements for domestic United States issuers.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Due to the uncertainty of measured, indicated or inferred mineral resources, these mineral resources may never be upgraded to proven and probable mineral reserves. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves or recovered. In addition, United States investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of B2Gold's measured, indicated or inferred mineral resources constitute or will be converted into mineral reserves or are or will be economically or legally mineable without additional work.
Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Due to the uncertainty of measured, indicated or inferred mineral resources, these mineral resources may never be upgraded to proven and probable mineral reserves. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves or recovered. In addition, United States investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of B2Gold's measured, indicated or inferred mineral resources constitute or will be converted into mineral reserves or are or will be economically or legally mineable without additional work.
B2Gold Corp.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
2025 | 2024 | ||||||
Gold revenue | $ | 532,107 | $ | 461,444 | |||
Cost of sales | |||||||
Production costs | (161,994 | ) | (156,745 | ) | |||
Depreciation and depletion | (89,557 | ) | (90,446 | ) | |||
Royalties and production taxes | (42,806 | ) | (30,027 | ) | |||
Total cost of sales | (294,357 | ) | (277,218 | ) | |||
Gross profit | 237,750 | 184,226 | |||||
General and administrative | (11,802 | ) | (14,138 | ) | |||
Foreign exchange gains (losses) | 7,214 | (2,379 | ) | ||||
Non-recoverable input taxes | (6,846 | ) | (4,304 | ) | |||
Share-based payments | (5,869 | ) | (4,954 | ) | |||
Write-down of mining interests | (5,118 | ) | — | ||||
Community relations | (999 | ) | (489 | ) | |||
Share of net income of associates | 754 | 2,097 | |||||
Other expense | (6,251 | ) | (5,432 | ) | |||
Operating income | 208,833 | 154,627 | |||||
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments | (43,319 | ) | 275 | ||||
Change in fair value of gold stream | (30,552 | ) | (10,852 | ) | |||
Interest and financing expense | (5,723 | ) | (9,571 | ) | |||
Interest income | 3,172 | 5,455 | |||||
Losses on dilution on associate | — | (9,982 | ) | ||||
Other income | 356 | 143 | |||||
Income from operations before taxes | 132,767 | 130,095 | |||||
Current income tax, withholding and other taxes | (86,083 | ) | (61,584 | ) | |||
Deferred income tax recovery (expense) | 15,880 | (20,030 | ) | ||||
Net income for the period | $ | 62,564 | $ | 48,481 | |||
Attributable to: | |||||||
Shareholders of the Company | $ | 57,587 | $ | 39,751 | |||
Non-controlling interests | 4,977 | 8,730 | |||||
Net income for the period | $ | 62,564 | $ | 48,481 | |||
Earnings per share (attributable to shareholders of the Company) | |||||||
Basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.03 | |||
Diluted | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.03 | |||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands) | |||||||
Basic | 1,318,390 | 1,303,191 | |||||
Diluted | 1,469,206 | 1,307,674 | |||||
B2Gold Corp.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
(Unaudited)
2025 | 2024 | ||||||
Operating activities | |||||||
Net income for the period | $ | 62,564 | $ | 48,481 | |||
Mine restoration provisions settled | (493 | ) | (291 | ) | |||
Non-cash charges, net | 181,923 | 153,765 | |||||
Proceeds from prepaid sales | — | 500,023 | |||||
Changes in non-cash working capital | (14,840 | ) | 21,985 | ||||
Changes in long-term inventory | (10,957 | ) | 1,709 | ||||
Changes in long-term value added tax receivables | (39,409 | ) | (14,945 | ) | |||
Cash provided by operating activities | 178,788 | 710,727 | |||||
Financing activities | |||||||
Proceeds from convertible senior unsecured notes, net of transaction costs | 445,913 | — | |||||
Repayment of revolving credit facility | (400,000 | ) | (150,000 | ) | |||
Equipment facility draw downs | 8,990 | — | |||||
Repayment of equipment loan facilities | (4,402 | ) | (2,387 | ) | |||
Interest and commitment fees paid | (3,494 | ) | (3,579 | ) | |||
Cash proceeds from stock option exercises | 2,231 | 1,088 | |||||
Dividends paid | (25,552 | ) | (45,989 | ) | |||
Principal payments on lease arrangements | (2,972 | ) | (1,448 | ) | |||
Distributions to non-controlling interests | (8,182 | ) | (4,580 | ) | |||
Other | (4,267 | ) | 271 | ||||
Cash provided (used) by financing activities | 8,265 | (206,624 | ) | ||||
Investing activities | |||||||
Expenditures on mining interests: | |||||||
Fekola Mine | (64,003 | ) | (80,562 | ) | |||
Masbate Mine | (7,733 | ) | (8,530 | ) | |||
Otjikoto Mine | (3,607 | ) | (13,813 | ) | |||
Goose Project | (94,812 | ) | (117,451 | ) | |||
Fekola Regional Properties | (3,169 | ) | (4,501 | ) | |||
Gramalote Project | (6,793 | ) | (3,310 | ) | |||
Other exploration | (5,596 | ) | (8,840 | ) | |||
Purchase of long-term investments | (1,808 | ) | — | ||||
Funding of reclamation accounts | (1,421 | ) | (1,029 | ) | |||
Other | (6,134 | ) | (1,541 | ) | |||
Cash used by investing activities | (195,076 | ) | (239,577 | ) | |||
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (8,023 | ) | 264,526 | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 1,175 | (3,607 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 336,971 | 306,895 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 330,123 | $ | 567,814 | |||
B2Gold Corp.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
(Unaudited)
As at March 31, 2025 | As at December 31, 2024 | ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Current | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 330,123 | $ | 336,971 | |||
Accounts receivable, prepaids and other | 47,605 | 41,059 | |||||
Value-added and other tax receivables | 53,848 | 46,173 | |||||
Inventories | 535,637 | 477,586 | |||||
967,213 | 901,789 | ||||||
Long-term investments | 120,475 | 76,717 | |||||
Value-added tax receivables | 276,567 | 244,147 | |||||
Mining interests | 3,438,533 | 3,291,435 | |||||
Investment in associates | 92,171 | 91,417 | |||||
Long-term inventories | 113,965 | 134,529 | |||||
Other assets | 84,021 | 73,964 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 5,752 | — | |||||
$ | 5,098,697 | $ | 4,813,998 | ||||
Liabilities | |||||||
Current | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 171,452 | $ | 156,352 | |||
Current income and other taxes payable | 127,265 | 103,557 | |||||
Current portion of prepaid gold sales | 413,847 | 272,781 | |||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 27,218 | 16,419 | |||||
Current portion of derivative instruments | 16,936 | 1,606 | |||||
Current portion of gold stream obligation | 12,600 | 6,900 | |||||
Current portion of mine restoration provisions | 6,677 | 7,170 | |||||
Other current liabilities | 17,564 | 15,902 | |||||
793,559 | 580,687 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 397,926 | 421,464 | |||||
Gold stream obligation | 184,377 | 159,525 | |||||
Prepaid gold sales | 134,235 | 265,329 | |||||
Mine restoration provisions | 147,726 | 140,541 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 190,215 | 169,738 | |||||
Derivative instruments | 36,088 | 2,107 | |||||
Employee benefits obligation | 19,600 | 18,410 | |||||
Other long-term liabilities | 20,194 | 20,500 | |||||
1,923,920 | 1,778,301 | ||||||
Equity | |||||||
Shareholders' equity | |||||||
Share capital | 3,516,643 | 3,510,271 | |||||
Contributed surplus | 159,652 | 91,184 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (66,484 | ) | (102,771 | ) | |||
Retained deficit | (484,638 | ) | (515,619 | ) | |||
3,125,173 | 2,983,065 | ||||||
Non-controlling interests | 49,604 | 52,632 | |||||
3,174,777 | 3,035,697 | ||||||
$ | 5,098,697 | $ | 4,813,998 | ||||
NON-IFRS MEASURES
Cash operating costs per gold ounce sold and total cash costs per gold ounce sold
‘‘Cash operating costs per gold ounce'' and "total cash costs per gold ounce" are common financial performance measures in the gold mining industry but, as non-IFRS measures, they do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, these measures are 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. The measures, along with sales, are considered to be a key indicator of the Company's ability to generate earnings and cash flow from its mining operations.
Cash cost figures are calculated on a sales basis in accordance with a standard developed by The Gold Institute, which was a worldwide association of suppliers of gold and gold products and included leading North American gold producers. The Gold Institute ceased operations in 2002, but the standard is the accepted standard of reporting cash cost of production in North America. Adoption of the standard is voluntary and the cost measures presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies may calculate these measures differently. Cash operating costs and total cash costs per gold ounce sold are derived from amounts included in the statement of operations and include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing, smelting, refining, transportation costs, royalties and production taxes, less silver by-product credits. The tables below show a reconciliation of cash operating costs per gold ounce sold and total cash costs per gold ounce sold to production costs as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements on a consolidated and a mine-by-mine basis (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2025 | ||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Total | |
$ | $ | $ | $ | |
Production costs | 89,025 | 38,016 | 34,953 | 161,994 |
Royalties and production taxes | 29,494 | 7,378 | 5,934 | 42,806 |
Total cash costs | 118,519 | 45,394 | 40,887 | 204,800 |
Gold sold (ounces) | 87,808 | 44,450 | 51,740 | 183,998 |
Cash operating costs per ounce ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,014 | 855 | 676 | 880 |
Total cash costs per ounce ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,350 | 1,021 | 790 | 1,113 |
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Total | Calibre equity investment | Grand Total | |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
Production costs | 85,105 | 42,771 | 28,869 | 156,745 | 11,905 | 168,650 |
Royalties and production taxes | 20,395 | 5,390 | 4,242 | 30,027 | 854 | 30,881 |
Total cash costs | 105,500 | 48,161 | 33,111 | 186,772 | 12,759 | 199,531 |
Gold sold (ounces) | 123,828 | 47,700 | 51,450 | 222,978 | 11,377 | 234,355 |
Cash operating costs per ounce ($/ gold ounce sold) | 687 | 897 | 561 | 703 | 1,046 | 720 |
Total cash costs per ounce ($/ gold ounce sold) | 852 | 1,010 | 644 | 838 | 1,121 | 851 |
Cash operating costs per gold ounce produced
In addition to cash operating costs on a per gold ounce sold basis, the Company also presents cash operating costs on a per gold ounce produced basis. Cash operating costs per gold ounce produced is derived from amounts included in the statement of operations and include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing, smelting, refining, transportation costs, less silver by-product credits. The tables below show a reconciliation of cash operating costs per gold ounce produced to production costs as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements on a consolidated and a mine-by-mine basis (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Total | |||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||
Production costs | 89,025 | 38,016 | 34,953 | 161,994 | ||
Inventory sales adjustment | 1,536 | 628 | (3,746 | ) | (1,582 | ) |
Cash operating costs | 90,561 | 38,644 | 31,207 | 160,412 | ||
Gold produced (ounces) | 93,805 | 46,369 | 52,578 | 192,752 | ||
Cash operating costs per ounce ($/ gold ounce produced) | 965 | 833 | 594 | 832 | ||
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Total | Calibre equity investment | Grand Total | |||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||
Production costs | 85,105 | 42,771 | 28,869 | 156,745 | 11,905 | 168,650 | ||||
Inventory sales adjustment | (1,922 | ) | (1,224 | ) | 272 | (2,874 | ) | — | (2,874 | ) |
Cash operating costs | 83,183 | 41,547 | 29,141 | 153,871 | 11,905 | 165,776 | ||||
Gold produced (ounces) | 119,141 | 49,782 | 45,416 | 214,339 | 11,377 | 225,716 | ||||
Cash operating costs per ounce ($/ gold ounce produced) | 698 | 835 | 642 | 718 | 1,046 | 734 | ||||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce
In June 2013, the World Gold Council, a non-regulatory association of the world's leading gold mining companies established to promote the use of gold to industry, consumers and investors, provided guidance for the calculation of the measure "all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce", but as a non-IFRS measure, it does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The original World Gold Council standard became effective January 1, 2014 with further updates announced on November 16, 2018 which were effective starting January 1, 2019.
Management believes that the all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce measure provides additional insight into the costs of producing gold by capturing all of the expenditures required for the discovery, development and sustaining of gold production and allows the Company to assess its ability to support capital expenditures to sustain future production from the generation of operating cash flows. Management believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it 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. Adoption of the standard is voluntary and the cost measures presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company has applied the principles of the World Gold Council recommendations and has reported all-in sustaining costs on a sales basis. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.
B2Gold defines all-in sustaining costs per ounce as the sum of cash operating costs, royalties and production taxes, capital expenditures and exploration costs that are sustaining in nature, sustaining lease expenditures, corporate general and administrative costs, share-based payment expenses related to restricted share units/deferred share units/performance share units/restricted phantom units ("RSUs/DSUs/PSUs/RPUs"), community relations expenditures, reclamation liability accretion and realized (gains) losses on fuel derivative contracts, all divided by the total gold ounces sold to arrive at a per ounce figure.
The tables below show a reconciliation of all-in sustaining costs per ounce to production costs as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements on a consolidated and a mine-by-mine basis for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Corporate | Total | |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
Production costs | 89,025 | 38,016 | 34,953 | — | 161,994 |
Royalties and production taxes | 29,494 | 7,378 | 5,934 | — | 42,806 |
Corporate administration | 2,937 | 527 | 1,349 | 6,989 | 11,802 |
Share-based payments – RSUs/DSUs/PSUs/RPUs ( 1) | 15 | — | — | 3,538 | 3,553 |
Community relations | 482 | 102 | 415 | — | 999 |
Reclamation liability accretion | 615 | 345 | 263 | — | 1,223 |
Realized losses on derivative contracts | 113 | 39 | 23 | — | 175 |
Sustaining lease expenditures | 919 | 316 | 340 | 427 | 2,002 |
Sustaining capital expenditures ( 2) | 46,526 | 6,862 | 3,607 | — | 56,995 |
Sustaining mine exploration ( 2) | — | 16 | 493 | — | 509 |
Total all-in sustaining costs | 170,126 | 53,601 | 47,377 | 10,954 | 282,058 |
Gold sold (ounces) | 87,808 | 44,450 | 51,740 | — | 183,998 |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,937 | 1,206 | 916 | — | 1,533 |
(1) Included as a component of Share-based payments on the Statement of operations.
(2) Refer to Sustaining capital expenditures and Sustaining mine exploration reconciliations below.
The table below shows a reconciliation of sustaining capital expenditures to operating mine capital expenditures as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Total | ||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||
Operating mine capital expenditures | 64,003 | 7,733 | 3,607 | 75,343 | |||
Fekola underground | (17,477 | ) | — | — | (17,477 | ) | |
Other | — | (871 | ) | — | (871 | ) | |
Sustaining capital expenditures | 46,526 | 6,862 | 3,607 | 56,995 | |||
The table below shows a reconciliation of sustaining mine exploration to operating mine exploration as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Total | ||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||
Operating mine exploration | — | 420 | 1,831 | 2,251 | |||
Regional exploration | — | (404 | ) | (1,338 | ) | (1,742 | ) |
Sustaining mine exploration | — | 16 | 493 | 509 | |||
The table below shows a reconciliation of all-in sustaining costs per ounce to production costs as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements on a consolidated and a mine-by-mine basis for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Corporate | Total | Calibre equity investment | Grand Total | ||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||
Production costs | 85,105 | 42,771 | 28,869 | — | 156,745 | 11,905 | 168,650 | |||||
Royalties and production taxes | 20,395 | 5,390 | 4,242 | — | 30,027 | 854 | 30,881 | |||||
Corporate administration | 2,727 | 514 | 1,480 | 9,417 | 14,138 | 561 | 14,699 | |||||
Share-based payments – RSUs/DSUs/PSUs/RPUs ( 1) | 33 | — | — | 4,973 | 5,006 | — | 5,006 | |||||
Community relations | 145 | 13 | 331 | — | 489 | — | 489 | |||||
Reclamation liability accretion | 435 | 301 | 238 | — | 974 | — | 974 | |||||
Realized gains on derivative contracts | (218 | ) | (144 | ) | (31 | ) | — | (393 | ) | — | (393 | ) |
Sustaining lease expenditures | 84 | 318 | 554 | 492 | 1,448 | — | 1,448 | |||||
Sustaining capital expenditures ( 2) | 67,870 | 8,249 | 12,898 | — | 89,017 | 1,755 | 90,772 | |||||
Sustaining mine exploration ( 2) | 1,302 | 734 | 702 | — | 2,738 | — | 2,738 | |||||
Total all-in sustaining costs | 177,878 | 58,146 | 49,283 | 14,882 | 300,189 | 15,075 | 315,264 | |||||
Gold sold (ounces) | 123,828 | 47,700 | 51,450 | — | 222,978 | 11,377 | 234,355 | |||||
All-in sustaining cost per ounce ($/ gold ounce sold) | 1,436 | 1,219 | 958 | — | 1,346 | 1,325 | 1,345 | |||||
(1) Included as a component of Share-based payments on the Statement of operations.
(2) Refer to Sustaining capital expenditures and Sustaining mine exploration reconciliations below
The table below shows a reconciliation of sustaining capital expenditures to operating mine capital expenditures as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Total | Calibre equity investment | Grand Total | ||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||
Operating mine capital expenditures | 80,562 | 8,530 | 13,813 | 102,905 | 1,755 | 104,660 | |||||
Fekola underground | (11,104 | ) | — | — | (11,104 | ) | — | (11,104 | ) | ||
Road construction | (1,588 | ) | — | — | (1,588 | ) | — | (1,588 | ) | ||
Land acquisition | — | (71 | ) | — | (71 | ) | — | (71 | ) | ||
Other | — | (210 | ) | (915 | ) | (1,125 | ) | — | (1,125 | ) | |
Sustaining capital expenditures | 67,870 | 8,249 | 12,898 | 89,017 | 1,755 | 90,772 | |||||
The table below shows a reconciliation of sustaining mine exploration to operating mine exploration as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (dollars in thousands):
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
Fekola Mine | Masbate Mine | Otjikoto Mine | Total | Calibre equity investment | Grand Total | |||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||
Operating mine exploration | 1,302 | 821 | 1,789 | 3,912 | — | 3,912 | ||||
Regional exploration | — | (87 | ) | (1,087 | ) | (1,174 | ) | — | (1,174 | ) |
Sustaining mine exploration | 1,302 | 734 | 702 | 2,738 | — | 2,738 | ||||
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share - basic
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share – basic are non-IFRS measures that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company defines adjusted net income as net income attributable to shareholders of the Company adjusted for non-recurring items and also significant recurring non-cash items. The Company defines adjusted earnings per share – basic as adjusted net income divided by the basic weighted number of common shares outstanding.
Management believes that the presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share - basic is appropriate to provide additional information to investors regarding items that we do not expect to continue at the same level in the future or that management does not believe to be a reflection of the Company's ongoing operating performance. Management further believes that its presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures provide information that is useful to investors because they are important indicators of the strength of our operations and the performance of our core business. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate this measure differently.
A reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income as extracted from the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements is set out in the table below:
Three months ended | |||
March 31, | |||
2025 | 2024 | ||
$ | $ | ||
(000's) | (000's) | ||
Net income attributable to shareholders of the Company for the period: | 57,587 | 39,751 | |
Adjustments for non-recurring and significant recurring non-cash items: | |||
Write-down of mining property | 5,118 | — | |
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments | 50,875 | 118 | |
Realized gain on total return swap | (7,731 | ) | — |
Change in fair value of gold stream | 30,552 | 10,852 | |
Loss on dilution of associate | — | 9,982 | |
Deferred income tax (recovery) expense | (14,551 | ) | 20,800 |
Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders of the Company for the period | 121,850 | 81,503 | |
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands) | 1,318,390 | 1,303,191 | |
Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company per share–basic ($/share) | 0.09 | 0.06 |
For more information on B2Gold please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact: Michael McDonald VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Development +1 604-681-8371 investor@b2gold.com Cherry DeGeer Director, Corporate Communications +1 604-681-8371 investor@b2gold.com
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