Latest news with #CliveJohnson
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
B2Gold Releases its Ninth Annual Responsible Mining Report and its Fourth Annual Climate Strategy Report
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ('B2Gold' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce that it has published its ninth annual Responsible Mining Report entitled 'Raising the Bar' (the 'Report'), which details B2Gold's global economic contributions and its environmental, social, and governance ('ESG') management practices, together with the Company's performance against key indicators in 2024. Highlights of the Report are presented below, and full details are outlined in the Report, which is available to view or download at the link provided below. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated. B2Gold is also pleased to announce that it has published its 2024 Climate Strategy Update. The Climate Strategy Update presents stakeholders with information on how B2Gold manages its climate-related risks and impacts and is the Company's fourth annual report in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. To view or download a copy of the Responsible Mining Report and Climate Strategy Update, and all other documents referred to in this press release, please visit In announcing the release of the Report and the Climate Strategy Update, Clive Johnson, President & CEO of B2Gold, states 'As I reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year, I am particularly proud of the dedication of our people, who continue to drive B2Gold forward. We have successfully navigated dynamic capital markets, regulatory changes, and evolving ESG expectations while maintaining our high standards of responsible mining. Together, we strive to continue to create long-term value for all of our stakeholders, while upholding the level of operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility that define B2Gold.' Highlights from the 2024 "Raising the Bar" Responsible Mining Report Economic Contribution As a responsible gold miner, B2Gold aims to create and distribute economic value among its stakeholders. B2Gold's economic performance is measured by the economic value that it generates for others, including payments to governments through taxes and royalties, local hiring and procurement and investment in communities. In 2024, B2Gold: Achieved total consolidated gold production of 804,778 ounces (including 19,644 ounces of attributable production from Calibre Mining Corp.); Generated $1.9 billion in annual revenue; Paid $283 million in employee wages and benefits; Invested $12.8 million in its local communities 1; and Paid $564 million to governments (through taxes and royalties). B2Gold is committed to maximizing local and national economic benefits from its contracting and purchasing. The Company is conscious of the high priority that host communities and governments place on local procurement. In sourcing the goods and services necessary to run its operations, B2Gold gives preference to local businesses where possible, provided they meet minimum safety, quality, ethical, and cost requirements. In 2024, over $600 million of goods and services were procured from local and host-country businesses. Several 2024 success stories are outlined in the Report. People As a reputable corporate citizen, B2Gold generates national employment and opportunities for people to develop their careers, trains employees to acquire new skills, and opens doors to women, under-represented groups and previously disadvantaged people. The Company fosters positive and productive engagement with employees, provides safe workplaces, and believes that investing in people attracts and retains talented individuals and assists in their abilities to provide for themselves, their families and their futures. At the end of 2024, B2Gold employed 6,478 2 people across all operations. The Company continues to maintain high local employment rates by targeting recruitment efforts at regional and national levels. Across all operations, 97% of the total workforce, and 58% of Senior Management 3 were comprised of national 4 employees. B2Gold values a diverse workforce. In recent years, the Company has made significant strides in advancing its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. In 2021, the adoption of a Diversity Policy by the Company's Board established a target of 30% female representation on the Board and in management-level positions, underscoring its commitment to promoting and achieving gender diversity at all levels of the organization. B2Gold is pleased to report that as of the end of 2024, 40% of Company directors identify as gender diverse. Health and Safety As a result of B2Gold's focus on injury prevention, the Company is once again pleased to report that for the ninth consecutive year, it has maintained a zero-fatality workplace. Additionally, B2Gold's injury rates remain amongst the lowest in the mining industry, with a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate of 0.05 5 in 2024. These achievements underscore the Company's position as a leader in safety performance within the industry. Communities B2Gold maintains its social licence to operate by building trust-based relationships, actively engaging with stakeholders, and implementing community investment activities based on local ownership and development priorities. Highlights of the 2024 community investment programs include: At the Fekola Complex, the 70-hectare Goungoubato Agricultural Project is supporting over 250 households affected by resettlement, directly addressing food insecurity whilst fostering small- and medium-sized enterprise growth through newly formed farmers' associations. Additionally, B2Gold continued its partnership with Global Affairs Canada and its support of the FEMA Project, which aims to improve conditions for women and children living in artisanal mining communities within the Fekola Mine's area of influence. The FEMA Project was initiated in March 2022 and will continue until 2027. At the Masbate Gold Project, investment continued to focus on education, access to health services and facilities, and programs that enhance local economic opportunities, including skills training and small enterprise support. The Training for Employment Program reached its fifth year of partnership in 2024 and remains a powerful driver of economic mobility by equipping individuals with the skills and training needed to build sustainable livelihoods. Over the lifetime of the project, 1,521 individuals have received training and over 600 participants have secured employment. At the Otjikoto Mine, B2Gold Namibia achieved significant milestones that reflect the Company's commitment to meeting critical needs, supporting long-term development, and fostering resilience beyond the life of the mine. Notable achievements include the completion of the Ombili Clinic, which will improve access to healthcare in the region, and the Otavi Water Project, which enhances water security through the construction of a tower and water distribution system. At the Back River Gold District, B2Gold Nunavut continues to strengthen its close relationships with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and communities across Canada's Arctic. The Company is investing in collaborative projects throughout the Kitikmeot region that promote community wellness, support youth through sports, recreation, and education, and advance initiatives focused on women and Elders. A standout initiative is the Inuit Workplace Experience Program, delivered in partnership with the Redfish Arts Society, which provides Kitikmeot Inuit youth with hands-on training in welding and fabrication—equipping them with valuable skills for employment in Nunavut's growing mineral development sector. B2Gold Nunavut remains committed to working alongside the Kitikmeot Inuit Association to advance further initiatives that ensure the benefits of the Back River Gold District reach the communities of Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and Kugaaruk. Environment B2Gold's remains firmly committed to reducing greenhouse gas ('GHG') emissions, with a target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2030 against a 2021 baseline. The completion of the Fekola solar plant expansion in early 2025 underscores this commitment by advancing the decarbonization of operations through innovative and sustainable energy solutions. The expanded Fekola facility is expected to supply approximately 30% of the site's electricity demand and reduce annual emissions by an estimated 63,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e). Approach to Reporting B2Gold is committed to the transparency of its sustainability risks, management and performance. The Report is aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Mining and Metals Sustainability Accounting Standard. The Company firmly believes that the mining industry has an opportunity to contribute positively to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and it has reported its contribution in this regard since 2018. Highlights from the 2024 Climate Strategy Update 2024 Highlights B2Gold is committed to a GHG emissions reduction target of a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 against a 2021 baseline. The Company continued evaluation of financial impacts of key climate risks identified at sites during previous climate scenario analysis workshops. The total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions (for the Fekola, Masbate and Otjikoto operations) remained relatively stable in 2024, with a slight decrease to an estimated 699 thousand tonnes CO 2 e compared to 701 thousand tonnes in 2023. The Company's consolidated GHG emissions intensity was 0.89 tonnes CO 2 e per gold ounce produced in 2024 (compared with 0.71 in 2023), a modest increase driven in part by a reduction in total gold production. The proportion of electricity consumed at B2Gold operations from renewable sources was 21.7% in 2024. At Otjikoto, the proportion of electricity consumed from renewable sources was over 70%. Looking Forward – 2025 and Beyond In 2025, B2Gold looks forward to strengthening its global partnerships and deepening its commitment to the diverse communities in which it operates. The Company will continue investing in initiatives that expand vocational training and promote job creation, improve access to education, and enhance healthcare services. B2Gold believes that by building local capacity and fostering strong alignment among governments, communities, stakeholders, and the Company, it can help create resilient, healthy, and prosperous communities throughout the mining lifecycle. As part of its climate strategy, B2Gold will continue to advance renewable energy initiatives across its operations, supporting its target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 against a 2021 baseline. At the Masbate Gold Project, an 8.2-megawatt ('MW') solar plant is scheduled for installation in 2025, which will further reduce emissions and heavy fuel oil ('HFO') consumption. In Nunavut, following regulatory approvals received in 2024, B2Gold is finalizing project plans and environmental commitments for the proposed Back River Energy Centre—a renewable energy facility that could include up to thirteen wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage, with the potential to deliver more than 55 MW of clean energy. This facility is expected to significantly reduce reliance on HFO, as well as the number of fuel barges and fuel truck trips along the winter ice road. Beyond increasing the share of renewable energy in its operations, B2Gold is actively assessing a range of additional carbon reduction opportunities, including energy efficiency improvements, the use of alternative fuels, and optimization of materials movement. The Company remains committed to innovation by working closely with industry-leading partners and staying prepared to adopt emerging technologies that align with its decarbonization goals. 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. ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP. 1 Includes the Community Relations department's operational costs, Gramalote CSR, Masbate's SDMP, Otjikoto's Nature Reserve and Agricultural Project expenditures, and Head Office donations. 2 Employee total includes our three operating mines and project/construction employees. The reported numbers include full-time and part-time permanent employees as well as temporary employees. 3 'Senior Management' refers to regional executives and regional heads of department. 4 As of January 1, 2024, 'National' is defined as those with citizenship in the country of operation. This change was made to align with the Malian local content definition. Prior to 2024, National status was defined as those individuals not on expatriate contracts and included those who had the legal right to work and reside in country without citizenship. As per the Namibian Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, 'Local' is defined as 'Namibian', which excludes expatriates, permanent residents and those who have domicile. 5 Frequency Rate is based on 200,000 hours.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
B2Gold Releases its Ninth Annual Responsible Mining Report and its Fourth Annual Climate Strategy Report
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ('B2Gold' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce that it has published its ninth annual Responsible Mining Report entitled 'Raising the Bar' (the 'Report'), which details B2Gold's global economic contributions and its environmental, social, and governance ('ESG') management practices, together with the Company's performance against key indicators in 2024. Highlights of the Report are presented below, and full details are outlined in the Report, which is available to view or download at the link provided below. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated. B2Gold is also pleased to announce that it has published its 2024 Climate Strategy Update. The Climate Strategy Update presents stakeholders with information on how B2Gold manages its climate-related risks and impacts and is the Company's fourth annual report in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. To view or download a copy of the Responsible Mining Report and Climate Strategy Update, and all other documents referred to in this press release, please visit In announcing the release of the Report and the Climate Strategy Update, Clive Johnson, President & CEO of B2Gold, states 'As I reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year, I am particularly proud of the dedication of our people, who continue to drive B2Gold forward. We have successfully navigated dynamic capital markets, regulatory changes, and evolving ESG expectations while maintaining our high standards of responsible mining. Together, we strive to continue to create long-term value for all of our stakeholders, while upholding the level of operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility that define B2Gold.' Highlights from the 2024 "Raising the Bar" Responsible Mining Report Economic Contribution As a responsible gold miner, B2Gold aims to create and distribute economic value among its stakeholders. B2Gold's economic performance is measured by the economic value that it generates for others, including payments to governments through taxes and royalties, local hiring and procurement and investment in communities. In 2024, B2Gold: Achieved total consolidated gold production of 804,778 ounces (including 19,644 ounces of attributable production from Calibre Mining Corp.); Generated $1.9 billion in annual revenue; Paid $283 million in employee wages and benefits; Invested $12.8 million in its local communities1; and Paid $564 million to governments (through taxes and royalties). B2Gold is committed to maximizing local and national economic benefits from its contracting and purchasing. The Company is conscious of the high priority that host communities and governments place on local procurement. In sourcing the goods and services necessary to run its operations, B2Gold gives preference to local businesses where possible, provided they meet minimum safety, quality, ethical, and cost requirements. In 2024, over $600 million of goods and services were procured from local and host-country businesses. Several 2024 success stories are outlined in the Report. People As a reputable corporate citizen, B2Gold generates national employment and opportunities for people to develop their careers, trains employees to acquire new skills, and opens doors to women, under-represented groups and previously disadvantaged people. The Company fosters positive and productive engagement with employees, provides safe workplaces, and believes that investing in people attracts and retains talented individuals and assists in their abilities to provide for themselves, their families and their futures. At the end of 2024, B2Gold employed 6,4782 people across all operations. The Company continues to maintain high local employment rates by targeting recruitment efforts at regional and national levels. Across all operations, 97% of the total workforce, and 58% of Senior Management3 were comprised of national4 employees. B2Gold values a diverse workforce. In recent years, the Company has made significant strides in advancing its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. In 2021, the adoption of a Diversity Policy by the Company's Board established a target of 30% female representation on the Board and in management-level positions, underscoring its commitment to promoting and achieving gender diversity at all levels of the organization. B2Gold is pleased to report that as of the end of 2024, 40% of Company directors identify as gender diverse. Health and Safety As a result of B2Gold's focus on injury prevention, the Company is once again pleased to report that for the ninth consecutive year, it has maintained a zero-fatality workplace. Additionally, B2Gold's injury rates remain amongst the lowest in the mining industry, with a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate of 0.055 in 2024. These achievements underscore the Company's position as a leader in safety performance within the industry. Communities B2Gold maintains its social licence to operate by building trust-based relationships, actively engaging with stakeholders, and implementing community investment activities based on local ownership and development priorities. Highlights of the 2024 community investment programs include: At the Fekola Complex, the 70-hectare Goungoubato Agricultural Project is supporting over 250 households affected by resettlement, directly addressing food insecurity whilst fostering small- and medium-sized enterprise growth through newly formed farmers' associations. Additionally, B2Gold continued its partnership with Global Affairs Canada and its support of the FEMA Project, which aims to improve conditions for women and children living in artisanal mining communities within the Fekola Mine's area of influence. The FEMA Project was initiated in March 2022 and will continue until 2027. At the Masbate Gold Project, investment continued to focus on education, access to health services and facilities, and programs that enhance local economic opportunities, including skills training and small enterprise support. The Training for Employment Program reached its fifth year of partnership in 2024 and remains a powerful driver of economic mobility by equipping individuals with the skills and training needed to build sustainable livelihoods. Over the lifetime of the project, 1,521 individuals have received training and over 600 participants have secured employment. At the Otjikoto Mine, B2Gold Namibia achieved significant milestones that reflect the Company's commitment to meeting critical needs, supporting long-term development, and fostering resilience beyond the life of the mine. Notable achievements include the completion of the Ombili Clinic, which will improve access to healthcare in the region, and the Otavi Water Project, which enhances water security through the construction of a tower and water distribution system. At the Back River Gold District, B2Gold Nunavut continues to strengthen its close relationships with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and communities across Canada's Arctic. The Company is investing in collaborative projects throughout the Kitikmeot region that promote community wellness, support youth through sports, recreation, and education, and advance initiatives focused on women and Elders. A standout initiative is the Inuit Workplace Experience Program, delivered in partnership with the Redfish Arts Society, which provides Kitikmeot Inuit youth with hands-on training in welding and fabrication—equipping them with valuable skills for employment in Nunavut's growing mineral development sector. B2Gold Nunavut remains committed to working alongside the Kitikmeot Inuit Association to advance further initiatives that ensure the benefits of the Back River Gold District reach the communities of Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and Kugaaruk. Environment B2Gold's remains firmly committed to reducing greenhouse gas ('GHG') emissions, with a target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2030 against a 2021 baseline. The completion of the Fekola solar plant expansion in early 2025 underscores this commitment by advancing the decarbonization of operations through innovative and sustainable energy solutions. The expanded Fekola facility is expected to supply approximately 30% of the site's electricity demand and reduce annual emissions by an estimated 63,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Approach to Reporting B2Gold is committed to the transparency of its sustainability risks, management and performance. The Report is aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Mining and Metals Sustainability Accounting Standard. The Company firmly believes that the mining industry has an opportunity to contribute positively to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and it has reported its contribution in this regard since 2018. Highlights from the 2024 Climate Strategy Update 2024 Highlights B2Gold is committed to a GHG emissions reduction target of a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 against a 2021 baseline. The Company continued evaluation of financial impacts of key climate risks identified at sites during previous climate scenario analysis workshops. The total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions (for the Fekola, Masbate and Otjikoto operations) remained relatively stable in 2024, with a slight decrease to an estimated 699 thousand tonnes CO2e compared to 701 thousand tonnes in 2023. The Company's consolidated GHG emissions intensity was 0.89 tonnes CO2e per gold ounce produced in 2024 (compared with 0.71 in 2023), a modest increase driven in part by a reduction in total gold production. The proportion of electricity consumed at B2Gold operations from renewable sources was 21.7% in 2024. At Otjikoto, the proportion of electricity consumed from renewable sources was over 70%. Looking Forward – 2025 and Beyond In 2025, B2Gold looks forward to strengthening its global partnerships and deepening its commitment to the diverse communities in which it operates. The Company will continue investing in initiatives that expand vocational training and promote job creation, improve access to education, and enhance healthcare services. B2Gold believes that by building local capacity and fostering strong alignment among governments, communities, stakeholders, and the Company, it can help create resilient, healthy, and prosperous communities throughout the mining lifecycle. As part of its climate strategy, B2Gold will continue to advance renewable energy initiatives across its operations, supporting its target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 against a 2021 baseline. At the Masbate Gold Project, an 8.2-megawatt ('MW') solar plant is scheduled for installation in 2025, which will further reduce emissions and heavy fuel oil ('HFO') consumption. In Nunavut, following regulatory approvals received in 2024, B2Gold is finalizing project plans and environmental commitments for the proposed Back River Energy Centre—a renewable energy facility that could include up to thirteen wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage, with the potential to deliver more than 55 MW of clean energy. This facility is expected to significantly reduce reliance on HFO, as well as the number of fuel barges and fuel truck trips along the winter ice road. Beyond increasing the share of renewable energy in its operations, B2Gold is actively assessing a range of additional carbon reduction opportunities, including energy efficiency improvements, the use of alternative fuels, and optimization of materials movement. The Company remains committed to innovation by working closely with industry-leading partners and staying prepared to adopt emerging technologies that align with its decarbonization goals. 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. ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP. 'Clive T. Johnson'President and Chief Executive Officer 1 Includes the Community Relations department's operational costs, Gramalote CSR, Masbate's SDMP, Otjikoto's Nature Reserve and Agricultural Project expenditures, and Head Office donations.2 Employee total includes our three operating mines and project/construction employees. The reported numbers include full-time and part-time permanent employees as well as temporary employees.3 'Senior Management' refers to regional executives and regional heads of department.4 As of January 1, 2024, 'National' is defined as those with citizenship in the country of operation. This change was made to align with the Malian local content definition. Prior to 2024, National status was defined as those individuals not on expatriate contracts and included those who had the legal right to work and reside in country without citizenship. As per the Namibian Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, 'Local' is defined as 'Namibian', which excludes expatriates, permanent residents and those who have domicile.5 Frequency Rate is based on 200,000 hours. CONTACT: For more information on B2Gold please visit the Company website at or contact: Michael McDonald VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Development +1 604-681-8371 investor@ Cherry DeGeer Director, Corporate Communications +1 604-681-8371 investor@ Source: B2Gold in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BeMetals' Market Cap Drops To CA$9.2m Leaving Insiders With Losses
Insiders who acquired CA$847.0k worth of BeMetals Corp.'s (CVE:BMET) stock at an average price of CA$0.10 in the past 12 months may be dismayed by the recent 11% price decline. Insiders buy with the expectation to see their investments rise in value over a period of time. However, recent losses have rendered their above investment worth CA$339.2k which is not ideal. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Independent Director Clive Johnson for CA$500k worth of shares, at about CA$0.10 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being CA$0.04). While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. Notably Clive Johnson was also the biggest seller. In the last twelve months insiders purchased 8.48m shares for CA$847k. But they sold 2.66m shares for CA$349k. Overall, BeMetals insiders were net buyers during the last year. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! See our latest analysis for BeMetals BeMetals is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find small cap companies at attractive valuations, this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. We've only seen a tiny insider purchase valued at CA$945, in the last three months. So it is hard to draw any conclusion about how insiders are feeling about the stock, from these recent trades. Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. BeMetals insiders own about CA$1.5m worth of shares. That equates to 16% of the company. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders. We note a that there has been a bit of insider buying recently (but no selling). Overall the buying isn't worth writing home about. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. Insiders own shares in BeMetals and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. While it's good to be aware of what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. At Simply Wall St, we've found that BeMetals has 6 warning signs (5 can't be ignored!) that deserve your attention before going any further with your analysis. But note: BeMetals may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
B2Gold Corp (BTG) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges and Preparing for Growth
Basic Earnings Per Share: Slightly negative due to lower-than-budgeted production at Fekola and FX impact. Adjusted Net Earnings: $0.01 per share for the quarter. Operating Cash Flow: $145 million before working capital adjustments, benefiting from higher average gold price. Goose Project Expenditures: CAD209 million during the quarter for construction and mine development activities. Cash and Cash Equivalents: $337 million at year-end. Revolving Credit Facility: $400 million drawn, fully paid down with proceeds from a $460 million convertible note offering. Gold Production Outlook: Over 650,000 ounces expected from existing assets, including Fekola, Goose, and Gramalote projects. All-in Sustaining Costs: Masbate operations delivered costs materially lower than guidance, generating strong free cash flow. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with BTG. Release Date: February 20, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. B2Gold Corp (BTG) met its guidance for 2024, achieving the upper end of all sustaining costs and the lower end of production. The company anticipates a more positive 2025 with increased production at Fekola and the start of trucking ore and Fekola underground operations. B2Gold Corp (BTG) has reached an important agreement with the Mali government, facilitating future operations and revenue generation. The Goose project is on track to produce over 300,000 ounces of gold annually starting in June 2025. The company maintains a strong financial position with $337 million in cash and cash equivalents and has fully paid down its revolving credit facility. B2Gold Corp (BTG) reported slightly negative basic earnings per share for Q4 2024 due to lower-than-budgeted production at Fekola and FX impacts. The company faced operational challenges in 2024, including an excavator loss due to operator error and illegal union activities. Underground mining rates at the Goose project were initially behind schedule due to inherited equipment and miner quality issues. The Gramalote project in Colombia remains speculative, pending a positive feasibility study and construction decision. Concerns about the timing and budget adherence of the Goose project have been a pressure point on the company's market value. Q: Is there any additional information required by regulators for the Fekola regional or Fekola underground permits, or are you just waiting for the final sign-off? A: Clive Johnson, President and CEO, explained that they are consolidating licenses for the property to the North and expect to receive the necessary permits soon. The government has already allowed infrastructure development for regional mining, indicating alignment with B2Gold's plans. Q: Regarding Goose, you mentioned underground mining rates are behind schedule. Is this due to miner experience or other factors like rock hardness? A: William Lytle, COO, stated that the delay was due to the quality of miners and equipment inherited from the predecessor. Both issues have been addressed, with new equipment being brought in and miner performance improving, ensuring no impact on 2025 production. Q: Can you provide an update on the financial position and cash flow? A: Michael Cinnamond, CFO, reported a strong financial position with $337 million in cash and cash equivalents. The company completed a convertible note offering, using proceeds to pay down their revolving credit facility, maintaining financial flexibility for ongoing projects. Q: What are the expectations for production growth in 2025? A: Clive Johnson highlighted significant growth expected from Fekola and Goose, with potential production from Gramalote pending feasibility study results. The company anticipates over 650,000 ounces of gold production from existing assets. Q: How is the relationship with the Mali government progressing? A: Clive Johnson noted that an agreement was reached with the Mali government, improving relations and allowing for continued operations and future growth in the region. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
