Q1 2026 B2gold Corp Earnings Call

May 7, 2026

Operator: Welcome to B2Gold Corp.'s Q1 2026 financial results conference call. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity for analysts to ask questions. I would now like to turn the conference over to Clive Johnson, President and CEO of B2Gold. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: After the presentation, there will be an opportunity for analysts to ask questions. To join the question queue, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #3: You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. Should you need assistance during the conference call, you may reach an operator by pressing star then zero.

Speaker #3: I would now like to turn the conference over to Clive Johnson, president and CEO of B2GOLD. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for our first quarter earnings call. This has been a period of solid operational performance and disciplined cost management against a backdrop of ongoing volatility and global commodity markets.

Clive Johnson: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for our Q1 earnings call. This has been a period of solid operational performance and disciplined cost management against a backdrop of ongoing volatility in global commodity markets. Our focus on safety, sustainability, and operational excellence continues to drive reliable production and strong cash flow generation across our portfolio. Today, we'll review our financial results, highlight key developments across our assets, and discuss our outlook for the remainder of 2026. In light of recent events in Mali involving the conflicts between government and insurgent groups, the company also wishes to report that its business operations in Mali continue in the normal course, with such activities occurring at far distances from the company's operations.

Speaker #2: Our focus on safety, sustainability, and operational excellence continues to drive reliable production and strong cash flow generation across our portfolio. Today, we'll review our financial results, highlight key developments across our assets, and discuss our outlook for the remainder of 2026.

Speaker #2: In light of recent events in Mali involving the conflicts between government and insurgent groups, the company also wishes to report that its business operations in Mali continue in the normal course, with such activities occurring at largest from the company's operations.

Speaker #2: The company continues to closely monitor the situation and take precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of persons of our employee and contractors in Mali.

Clive Johnson: The company continues to closely monitor the situation and take precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of persons of our employee and contractors in Mali. Next, I would like to acknowledge the important leadership transition we shared earlier this year, announcing my retirement as President and CEO effective 4 June 2026, and the appointment of Michael Cinnamond as B2Gold's next President and Chief Operating Officer. It has been a great privilege to have led B2Gold since its formation in 2017 as a junior exploration company. Since then, we've grown the business through timely and well-executed acquisitions to make the company what it is today.

Speaker #2: Next, I would like to acknowledge the important leadership transition we shared earlier this year announcing my retirement as president and CEO effective June 4th, 2026, and the appointment of Mike Cinnamond as B2GOLD's next president and CEO of Operating Officer.

Speaker #2: It has been a great privilege to have led B2GOLD since its formation in 2017 as an startup expiration or junior expiration company. Since then, we've grown the business through timely and well-executed acquisitions to make the company what it is today.

Speaker #2: I'm especially proud of the fact that we have lived up to our values of fairness, perspective, transparency, and our reputation as an efficient and transparent operator have enabled us to attract and retain some of the best people in the mining industry.

Clive Johnson: I'm especially proud of the fact that we have lived up to our values of fairness, respect, and transparency, and our reputation as an efficient and transparent operator have enabled us to attract and retain some of the best people in the mining industry. In addition, I am proud of the contributions to the communities in which we operate around the world, where our goal is to leave them in a better place than when we arrived. Now is the right time to pass the torch, and making this decision, I have every confidence in Mike and our strong executive team to lead our next stage of growth. I'm proud of my contributions to B2Gold, and look forward in my new role as Chair Emeritus to watching it create long-term, sustainable value for our shareholders in the years to ahead.

Speaker #2: In addition, I'm proud of the contributions to the communities in which we've operated around the world. Where our goal is to lead them in a better place than where we arrived.

Speaker #2: That was the right time to pass the torch and make this decision. I had every confidence in Mike and our strong executive team to lead our next stage of growth.

Speaker #2: I'm proud of my contributions to B2GOLD to look forward in my new role as chair emeritus to watching it trade long-term sustainable value for our shareholders in the years to come.

Speaker #2: After 19 years, this will be my last quarterly conference call with you. And while I can't say it's always been a pleasure, I think we've overall had productive relationships, and there's currently a good, strong group of professional analysts. We realize you have challenging jobs as you attempt to cover all of the companies in our sector.

Clive Johnson: After 19 years, this will be my last quarterly conference call with you. While I can't say it's always been a pleasure, I think we've overall had productive relationships, and there's currently a good, strong group of professional analysts. We realize you have challenging jobs as you attempt to cover all of this, all of the companies in our sector. With that, I'll turn it over to Mike Cinnamond.

Speaker #2: With that, I'll turn it over to Mike Cinnamond.

Speaker #3: Well, thanks, Clive. I'll let you know I'd like to say I've had the opportunity to work closely with you and the team for many years now, and I'm stepping into this role with a strong understanding of our business and I think confidence in the foundation that it's been built on.

Michael Cinnamond: Well, thanks, Clive. I'll let you know, I'd like to say I've had the opportunity to work closely with you and the team, so for many years now, and I'm stepping into this role with a strong understanding of our business and I think confidence in the foundation that it's been built on. We've got great people. We've got great assets. As we move through this transition, my focus is gonna be on maintaining that foundation while continuing to strengthen in execution and deliver consistent results for our shareholders. I look forward to continuing to work with Clive during the transition period as well as Kelvin Dushnisky, our Executive Chair, our Board of Directors, the management team, and all of our great people at B2Gold sites around the world as we help this company achieve its full potential.

Mike Cinnamond: Well, thanks, Clive. I'll let you know, I'd like to say I've had the opportunity to work closely with you and the team, so for many years now, and I'm stepping into this role with a strong understanding of our business and I think confidence in the foundation that it's been built on. We've got great people. We've got great assets. As we move through this transition, my focus is gonna be on maintaining that foundation while continuing to strengthen in execution and deliver consistent results for our shareholders. I look forward to continuing to work with Clive during the transition period as well as Kelvin Dushnisky, our Executive Chair, our Board of Directors, the management team, and all of our great people at B2Gold sites around the world as we help this company achieve its full potential.

Speaker #3: We've got great people. We've got great assets. And as we move through this transition, my focus is going to be on maintaining that foundation while continuing to strengthen and execution and deliver consistent results for our shareholders.

Speaker #3: And I look forward to working continuing to work with Clive during the transition period as well as Calvin Duchnievsky our executive chair, our board of directors, the management team, and all of our great people at B2GOLD sites around the world as we help this company achieve its full potential.

Speaker #3: And also want to congratulate Clive on his role as chairman emeritus. I think that reflects it's recognition of his lifetime contribution to both our company and to our industry.

Michael Cinnamond: Also wanna congratulate Clive in his role as Chairman Emeritus. I think that reflects its recognition of his lifetime's contribution to both our company and to our industry. Moving on to the results, the Q1 was a strong start to the year at all of our operations with the Fekola, Goose, Masbate, and Otjikoto mines, all outperforming expectations. Financially, it was a strong Q1. GAAP earnings were $0.15 per share on an adjusted basis, $0.19 per share. The company recorded revenue of nearly $1.2 billion in the Q1, and that included delivery of just over 66,000 ounces under our gold prepayment obligations. As of today, we're in our final 2 months of delivery, so we'll have delivered into the remaining prepaid ounces by the end of June.

Mike Cinnamond: Also wanna congratulate Clive in his role as Chairman Emeritus. I think that reflects its recognition of his lifetime's contribution to both our company and to our industry. Moving on to the results, the Q1 was a strong start to the year at all of our operations with the Fekola, Goose, Masbate, and Otjikoto mines, all outperforming expectations. Financially, it was a strong Q1. GAAP earnings were $0.15 per share on an adjusted basis, $0.19 per share. The company recorded revenue of nearly $1.2 billion in the Q1, and that included delivery of just over 66,000 ounces under our gold prepayment obligations. As of today, we're in our final 2 months of delivery, so we'll have delivered into the remaining prepaid ounces by the end of June.

Speaker #3: Moving on to the results, the first quarter was a strong start to the year. At all of our operations with the COLA goose, Ms. Batty, and OJICOTA mines, all outperforming expectations.

Speaker #3: Financially, it was a strong quarter, a gap earnings were 15 cents per share on an adjusted basis, 19 cents per share. The company recorded revenue of nearly $1.2 billion in the first quarter, and that included delivery of just over 66,000 ounces under our gold prepayment obligations.

Speaker #3: And as of today, we're in our final two months of delivery, so we'll have delivered into the remaining prepaid ounces by the end of June.

Speaker #3: Operating cash flows for the first quarter were $539 million, and free cash flow was $362 million. Another strong result highlighting the continuing cash generation potential, I think, of our operating assets in this gold price environment.

Michael Cinnamond: Operating cash flows for Q1 were $539 million. Free cash flow was $362 million. Another strong result highlighting the continuing cash generation potential, I think, of our operating assets in this gold price environment. We've been investing for the last two or three years as we build Goose and move things along at our other sites. Now we're starting to see that free cash flow flowing in. This performance, it highlights the strength of the business, and it provides us with significant financial flexibility. Looking at our balance sheet, we remain a strong financial position with cash and cash equivalents of $479 million at 31 March 2026. That's up from $380 million at the end of 2025.

Mike Cinnamond: Operating cash flows for Q1 were $539 million. Free cash flow was $362 million. Another strong result highlighting the continuing cash generation potential, I think, of our operating assets in this gold price environment. We've been investing for the last two or three years as we build Goose and move things along at our other sites. Now we're starting to see that free cash flow flowing in. This performance, it highlights the strength of the business, and it provides us with significant financial flexibility. Looking at our balance sheet, we remain a strong financial position with cash and cash equivalents of $479 million at 31 March 2026. That's up from $380 million at the end of 2025.

Speaker #3: We've been investing for the last two or three years as we build goose and move things along at our other sites, and now we're starting to see that free cash flow flowing in.

Speaker #3: This performance highlights the strength of the business, and it provides us with significant financial flexibility. Looking at our balance sheet, we remain a strong financial position with cash and cash equivalents of $479 million at March 31st, 2026, and that's up from $380 million at the end of '25.

Speaker #3: And also subsequent to the quarter end, we paid the remaining $75 million outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility, which leaves the full amount of $800 million on the facility available for future draws, plus another $200 million accordion feature.

Michael Cinnamond: Also subsequent to the quarter end, we paid the remaining $75 million outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility, which leaves the full amount of $800 million on the facility available for future draws, plus another $200 million accordion feature. Lots of financial strength and liquidity there. During Q1, we repurchased approximately 16 million shares for $80 million. Subsequent to the quarter end, we repurchased a further 4 million shares for $18 million. I think we expect to continue repurchasing shares as the year progresses. When we look at the value of our business and our share price, we don't believe that the value of our business is reflected in our share price.

Mike Cinnamond: Also subsequent to the quarter end, we paid the remaining $75 million outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility, which leaves the full amount of $800 million on the facility available for future draws, plus another $200 million accordion feature. Lots of financial strength and liquidity there. During Q1, we repurchased approximately 16 million shares for $80 million. Subsequent to the quarter end, we repurchased a further 4 million shares for $18 million. I think we expect to continue repurchasing shares as the year progresses. When we look at the value of our business and our share price, we don't believe that the value of our business is reflected in our share price.

Speaker #3: So lots of financial strength and liquidity there. And during the first quarter we repurchased approximately $16 million shares for $80 million in subsequent to quarter end.

Speaker #3: We repurchased a further $4 million shares for $18 million. And I think we expect to continue repurchasing shares as the year progresses. When we look at the value of our business and our share price, we don't believe that the value of our business is reflected in our share price.

Speaker #3: So I think you'll continue to see us look at the repurchase as we go through the balance of the year, like I said. Subsequent to the quarter end, we also completed the sale of our 70% stake in FINGOLD Ventures, Titanico Eagle.

Michael Cinnamond: I think you'll continue to see us look at that repurchase as we go through the balance of the year, like I said. Subsequent to the quarter end, we also completed the sale of our 70% stake in Fingold Ventures to Agnico Eagle for $325 million in cash. With that, we also have an agreement with Agnico to enter into a collaboration agreement related to our respective operations in Nunavut. I think this agreement creates a framework where we can share operational knowledge and best practices across mining, processing, and logistics in Arctic environments. We see Agnico Eagle as a strong long-term partner in the region. I think this is also consistent with our focus on disciplined capital allocation and strengthening the overall quality of our portfolio.

Mike Cinnamond: I think you'll continue to see us look at that repurchase as we go through the balance of the year, like I said. Subsequent to the quarter end, we also completed the sale of our 70% stake in Fingold Ventures to Agnico Eagle for $325 million in cash. With that, we also have an agreement with Agnico to enter into a collaboration agreement related to our respective operations in Nunavut. I think this agreement creates a framework where we can share operational knowledge and best practices across mining, processing, and logistics in Arctic environments. We see Agnico Eagle as a strong long-term partner in the region. I think this is also consistent with our focus on disciplined capital allocation and strengthening the overall quality of our portfolio.

Speaker #3: For $325 million in cash. And with that, we also have an agreement with Titanico to enter into a collaboration agreement related to our respective operations in Nunavut.

Speaker #3: And I think this agreement creates a framework where we can share operational knowledge and best practices across mining, processing, and logistics in Arctic environments.

Speaker #3: And we see Titanico Eagle as a strong long-term partner in the region. And I think this is also consistent with our focus on discipline, capital allocation, and strengthening the overall quality of our portfolio.

Speaker #3: Overall, we continue to remain excellent financial flexibility, ability to repay our obligations, fund our growth initiatives, and very importantly, return capital to our shareholders both through dividends and through buybacks.

Michael Cinnamond: Overall, we continue to maintain excellent financial flexibility to repay our obligations, fund our growth initiatives, and very importantly, return capital to our shareholders, both through dividends and through buybacks. My priority for sure will be to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation while preserving that flexibility and optionality as we go forward. With that, I'd like to turn the call over to Bill for operational update.

Mike Cinnamond: Overall, we continue to maintain excellent financial flexibility to repay our obligations, fund our growth initiatives, and very importantly, return capital to our shareholders, both through dividends and through buybacks. My priority for sure will be to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation while preserving that flexibility and optionality as we go forward. With that, I'd like to turn the call over to Bill for operational update.

Speaker #3: And my priority, for sure, will be to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation while preserving that flexibility and optionality as we go forward.

Speaker #3: And with that, I'd like to turn the call over to Bill for the operational update.

Speaker #4: Yeah, thanks, Mike. It's been a minute since I've been able to start out this way, but I'd say overall we're very pleased with the operating performance during the first quarter.

Bill Lytle: Thanks, Mike. It's been a minute since I've been able to start out this way, but I'd say overall, we're very pleased with the operating performance during Q1, with our operations producing approximately 238,000 ounces, which is above expectations. In Mali, gold production at Fekola is expected to be relatively consistent throughout the year. The company expects to meet the Fekola Complex production guidance range for the year, provided the permit, the exploitation permit for the Fekola Regional is received by the end of June 2026. At Goose, we continue to expect the operations to ramp up throughout the year. As we reported in mid-April, we experienced a fire in certain areas of the crushing circuit. As noted, there were no injuries reported and no medical treatment was required related to the fire.

Speaker #4: With our operations producing approximately $238,000 ounces, which is above expectations. In Mali, gold production at PACOA is expected to be relatively consistent throughout the year.

Speaker #4: The company expects to meet the PACOA complex production guidance range for the year, provided the exploitation permit for the PACOA regional is received by the end of June 2026.

Speaker #4: At goose, we continue to expect the operations to ramp up throughout the year. As we reported in mid-April, we experienced a fire in certain areas of the crushing circuit.

Speaker #4: As noted, there were no injuries reported and no medical treatment was required related to the fire. The fire damage was localized to the crushing circuit.

Bill Lytle: The fire damage was localized to the crushing circuit. The company has developed a preliminary revised mill processing plant, processing plan based on the use of mobile crushers to feed crushed ore directly to the fine ore stockpile while repairs to the crushing circuit are completed. The company has estimated the repairs will be completed in Q3 2026 at a cost of approximately $7 million. These repairs will coincide with the first phase of the upgrades to the Goose Mine crushing circuit, comprised of the previously announced addition of the run of mine belt and apron feeder, plus a new larger jaw crusher and rock breaker. The total cost of the first phase of crushing circuit upgrades is expected to be approximately $11 million.

Speaker #4: The company has developed a preliminary revised mill processing plant based on the use of a mobile crushers to feed crushed ore directly to the fine ore stockpile while repairs to the crushing circuit are completed.

Speaker #4: The company has estimated the repairs to be completed in the third quarter of 2026 at a cost of approximately $7 million US. These repairs will coincide with the first phase of the upgrades to the goose mine crushing circuit comprised of the previously announced addition of the run-of-mine bill and apron feeder, plus a new larger jaw crusher and rock breaker.

Speaker #4: The total cost of the first phase of crushing circuit upgrades is expected to be approximately $11 million. B2GOLD reiterates its previously disclosed estimate that the goose mine crushing circuit will be able to operate at an average daily capacity of approximately 3,200 tons per day by the end of Q3 2026.

Bill Lytle: B2Gold reiterates its previously disclosed estimate that the Goose Mine crushing circuit will be able to operate at an average daily capacity of approximately 3,200 tons per day by the end of Q3 2026. The company estimates the impact of the lower availability of the crushed ore as a result of the fire will be limited to Q2 2026, and that the availability of crushed ore in H2 2026 will not change from previous estimates. The company now forecasts Q2 production of 18,000 to 20,000 ounces versus the prior internal forecast of 29,000 ounces.

Speaker #4: The company estimates the impact of the lower availability of the crushed ore as a result of the fire will be limited to the second quarter of 2026.

Speaker #4: And that the availability of crushed ore in the second half of 2026 will not change from previous estimates. The company now forecasts second quarter production of 18 to 20,000 ounces, versus the prior internal forecast of 29,000 ounces.

Speaker #4: Additionally, based on studies conducted to date, B2GOLD has identified a second phase of crushing circuit upgrades that are scheduled to be implemented in the first half of 2027 in order to increase the nameplate capacity of the crushing circuit, enable it to run at an average of 4,000 tons per day.

Bill Lytle: Additionally, based on studies conducted to date, B2Gold has identified a phase II of crushing circuit upgrades that are scheduled to be implemented in H1 2027 in order to increase the nameplate capacity of the crushing circuit and enable it to run at an average of 4,000 tons per day. The total cost of phase II is anticipated to be between $20 to 30 million. The phase II of the crusher upgrades includes the installation of a larger cone crushers, additional surge bins and feeders to optimize crusher performance and upgraded conveyors to support the higher throughput. I just want to reiterate that the company reiterates its full guidance for the Goose Mine of between 170,000 to 230,000 ounces in 2026.

Speaker #4: The total cost of phase two is anticipated to be between $20 and $30 million. The second phase of the crusher upgrades includes the installation of a larger cone crushers, additional surge bins, and feeders to optimize crusher performance.

Speaker #4: An upgraded conveyors to support the higher throughput. I just want to reiterate that we the company reiterates its full guidance for the goose mine of between 170 to 230,000 ounces in 2026.

Speaker #4: Over the medium term, B2GOLD still expects gold production average approximately 300,000 ounces per year at the goose mine. And MothBody, the operation continues to perform well with a world-class safety record.

Bill Lytle: Over the medium term, B2Gold still expects gold production to average approximately 300,000 ounces per year at the Goose Mine. At Masbate, the operation continues to perform well with a world-class safety record. I think they're +7.5 years now LTI-free, knock on wood. The company has secured a guaranteed fuel supply contract for the next 3 months. We anticipate another year of consistent operations in 2026. At Otjikoto, the operations had a solid Q1 and has admirably managed the transition from open pit mining to underground mining, processing low-grade stockpile supplemented by underground ore.

Speaker #4: I think they're plus seven and a half years now, LTI-free, knock on wood. The company has secured a guaranteed fuel supply contract for the next three months and we anticipate another year of consistent operations in 2026.

Speaker #4: At Otjikoto, the operations had a solid first quarter. And, as admirably, managed the transition from open pit mining to underground mining, processing low-grade stockpile supplemented by underground ore.

Speaker #4: The company is actively developing the Antelope Underground, which is expected to provide higher-grade ore to supplement the low-grade stockpile production during the period of 2028 to 2032.

Bill Lytle: The company is actively developing the Antelope underground, which is expected to provide higher grade ore to supplement the low grade stockpile production during the period of 2028 to 2032, and result in meaningful production profile for the Otjikoto Mine well into the next decade. With that, I'll turn it back over to Clive.

Speaker #4: And result in meaningful production profile for the OTICOTO mine, well into the next decade. With that, I'll turn it back over to Clive.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Bill. We're opening up for questions now. Michael? Okay, we're ready to take your questions off there.

Clive Johnson: Thanks, Bill. We're opening up for questions now. Michael? Okay. We're ready to take your questions, operator.

Speaker #6: Thank you. So during the question queue, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad. You'll hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you're using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any keys.

Operator: Thank you. The first question comes from Ryan Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. To join the question too, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad. You will hear a sound acknowledging your request. If you're using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any key. To withdraw your question, please press star, then two. The first question comes from Ryan Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: To withdraw your question, please press star, then two. The first question comes from Rain Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Yeah, thanks. Morning, guys. Just wondering, as we at PACOA, maybe as we look out to 2027, production is expected to improve next year in the mine plant as you kind of get through the stripping phase.

Ryan Lam: Yeah. Thanks. Morning, guys. Just wondering, as we, at Fekola, maybe as we look out to 2027, production is expected to improve next year in the mine plan as you kind of get through the stripping phase. Just wondering what percentage of that production is expected from Fekola Regional in 27. Just assuming you get the permit in June, I guess would there still be a large portion of stripping that's been deferred into next year just given the delayed access?

Speaker #4: But just wondering, what percentage of that production is expected from PACOA regional in 2027? And then just assuming you get the permit in June, I guess, would there still be a large portion of stripping that's been deferred into next year, just given the delayed access?

Speaker #5: So maybe I'll answer them in reverse order if you don't mind. So we've already started pre-stripping at the regional project, right? Remember, not only did we only start pre-stripping, all the infrastructure is in place.

Bill Lytle: Maybe I'll answer them in reverse order, if you don't mind. We've already started pre-stripping at the regional project. Remember, not only did we only start pre-stripping, all the infrastructure's in place. All is required there is the permit for us to go. It's not like this delay is causing us to delay stuff into 2027. As long as we can get our permit by Q2, we're reiterating our regional guidance for the Fekola Complex. The first part related to 2027, I don't think we've actually put out at this time 2027 guidance anywhere. Clearly it's going to depend on what happens over the next little bit with the permit and how it all, what the percentages are. You are correct.

Speaker #5: And so all that is required there is the permit for us to go. So it's not like this delay is causing us to delay stuff into 2027.

Speaker #5: So as long as we can get our permit by Q2, we're reiterating our regional guidance for the PACOA complex. The first part related to 2027, I don't think we've actually put out at this time 2027 guidance anywhere.

Speaker #5: So clearly, it's going to depend on what happens over the next little bit with the permit and how it all what the percentages are.

Speaker #5: But you are correct. There is a large portion of ounces that do come from the regional permit in 2027.

Bill Lytle: There is a large portion of ounces that do come from the regional permit in 2027.

Speaker #4: Okay, great. No, yeah, I know. I was just talking about the prior mine plan. But maybe just at Goose, I just want to also understand a bit more in terms of the ramp-up of the capacity at the mill.

Ryan Lam: Okay. Great. No, yeah, I know. I was just talking about the prior mine plan. But maybe just at Goose, just want to also understand a bit more in terms of the ramp up the capacity at the mill. If I take the Q1 grade and recoveries, I think the 20,000 ounce guidance implies around a 1,000 ton per day run rate. Just wondering, as we look kind of ahead to Q3, is that a progressive increase in tonnage through the quarter to get from 1,000 to 3,200, or is it a step change based on the first phase of the crusher install? Just similarly to get to 4,000 tons, again, is that a gradual increase or is that another step change?

Speaker #4: If I take the Q1 grade and recoveries, I think the 20,000-ounce guidance implies around 1,000 ton per day run rate. So just wondering, as we look kind of ahead to Q3, is that a progressive increase in tonnage through the quarter to get from 1,000 to the 3,200?

Speaker #4: Or is it a step change based on the first phase of the crusher install? And then just similarly, to get to 4,000 tons again, is that a gradual increase or is that another step change?

Speaker #4: Just trying to understand the quarterly cadence in production profile over the coming year.

Ryan Lam: Just trying to understand the quarterly cadence in production profile over the coming year.

Speaker #5: Yeah, so you got the first part absolutely correct. In kind of Q2, as we move forward, you're right. We're kind of sub-2,000 for sure as we get going.

Bill Lytle: Yeah. You got the first part absolutely correct in kind of Q2, as we move forward, you're right, we're kind of sub 2,000 for sure as we get going. We will be ramping up. It will be a ramp up to the 3,200. That's primarily because in Q3, in September, that's when a lot of the big change out happens. There is kind of that ramp up between September and October. The answer is yes, it's a ramp up to 3,200. As we get into kind of 2027, you're looking at Q1, Q2 running at that 3,200 tons per day rate.

Speaker #5: But we will be ramping up. It will be a ramp-up to the 3,200. And that's primarily because in Q3 in September, that's when a lot of the big changeout happens.

Speaker #5: So there is kind of that ramp-up between September and October. So the answer is yes, it's a ramp-up to 3,200. And then as we get in as we get into kind of 2027, you're looking at Q1, Q2 running at that 3,200 tons per day rate.

Bill Lytle: That we definitely will see as we get towards the end of Q2, that 4,000 ounces. I wouldn't say it's a very linear ramp up. I think you're gonna see there'll be days that we're not installing stuff. You're gonna see 4,000 tons, and then you're gonna see days where we're putting stuff in. On average, you're gonna see 3,200.

Speaker #5: And that we definitely will see as we get towards the end of Q2, that 4,000 ounces. So it's good. I wouldn't say it's a very linear ramp-up.

Speaker #5: I think you're going to see there'll be days where we're not installing stuff. You're going to see 4,000 tons. And then you're going to see days where we're putting stuff in.

Speaker #5: So on average, you're going to see 3,200.

Speaker #4: Okay, great. That's really helpful detail. And then maybe just last one, just on the fuel situation at Mezbate. Does that three-month supply take you out to the end of June?

Ryan Lam: Okay, great. That's really helpful detail. Then maybe just last one, just on the field situation at Masbate. Does that 3-month supply take you out to the end of June? Then just wondering what the impact on costs there is at the mine, ex the hedging that you have in place.

Speaker #4: And then just wondering, what the impact on costs there is at the mine ex the hedging that you have in place?

Speaker #5: Ex the hedging. So, I don't know. I don't want to talk about the cost. The answer is, it does take us through, really. Basically, what has happened is, we have a supplier that has kind of guaranteed a 90-day, kind of a running supply.

Bill Lytle: Ex the hedge. I don't know. I don't want to talk about the cost. The answer is it does take us through Like, really, basically what has happened is we have a supplier that has kind of guaranteed a 90-day running supply. When you say through the end of June, the answer is yes. We could Ask me again next week, I'd say it'd be the end of June plus 1 week, right? Right now, we have a rolling 90-day supply, and the cost itself, I'll let Mike comment on versus the hedges.

Speaker #5: So when you say through the end of June, the answer is yes. But you asked me again next week. I'd say it'd be the end of June plus one week, right?

Speaker #5: So right now, we have a rolling 90-day supply. And the cost itself, I'll let Mike comment on versus the hedges.

Speaker #1: Yeah, I think it's fair to say Mezbate is the most sensitive of our operations to price increases. I think that's the way to look at it.

Michael Cinnamond: Yeah, I think, I think it's fair to say Masbate is the most sensitive of our operations to price increases. I think that's the way to look at it. We obviously look at it on a consolidated basis and are pretty comfortable with the overall cost profile because we've got solar in our operations, three of our operations. We've got that hedging program. As you know, at Goose, we already bought the fuel, that we're gonna use this year. Masbate is the one operation that probably you're seeing the most direct fuel impacts.

Mike Cinnamond: Yeah, I think, I think it's fair to say Masbate is the most sensitive of our operations to price increases. I think that's the way to look at it. We obviously look at it on a consolidated basis and are pretty comfortable with the overall cost profile because we've got solar in our operations, three of our operations. We've got that hedging program. As you know, at Goose, we already bought the fuel, that we're gonna use this year. Masbate is the one operation that probably you're seeing the most direct fuel impacts.

Speaker #1: We obviously look at it on a consolidated basis and are pretty comfortable with the overall cost profile because we've got solar in our operations, our three of our operations.

Speaker #1: We've got that hedging program. And as you know, at goose, we already bought the fuel that we're going to use this year. But Mezbate is the one operation that probably you see in the most direct fuel impacts.

Speaker #4: Okay, great. Thanks for taking my question.

Ryan Lam: Okay, great. Thanks for taking my questions.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Ryan.

Bill Lytle: That's right.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Owade Habib with Kosher Bank. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Ovais Habib with Scotiabank. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Thanks, operator. Hi, Clive. And B2GOLD team. Very congrats on a solid quarter and a free cash flow that was generated. Before I jump onto my questions, I just wanted to say thanks to Clive to all the color and the guidance that you have provided on the conference calls as well as all the investor dinners.

Ovais Habib: Thanks, operator. Hi, Clive and B2Gold team. Great congrats on a solid quarter and free cash flow that was generated. Before I jump onto my questions, I just wanted to say thanks to Clive, to all the color and the guidance that you have provided on the conference calls, as well as all the investor dinners, over the past, I would say decade and a half. Just wanna say congrats on the retirement to you as well, and please stay in touch. Just moving on to the questions. Sorry, Clive?

Speaker #6: Over the past, I would say, decade and a half. And just wanted to say congrats on the retirement to you as well. And please stay in touch.

Speaker #6: So just moving on to my questions. Sorry, Clive?

Clive Johnson: Thanks, Ovais. Appreciate it.

Speaker #1: So thanks so much. I appreciate it.

Speaker #6: Okay. Yeah, I just wanted to move on to the questions then. Again, just moving on to the situation in Mali, really great to hear operations are not being impacted.

Ovais Habib: Okay. Yeah, just wanted to move on to the questions then. Again, just moving on to the situation in Mali, really great to hear operations are not being impacted. Are you having any sort of discussions with the regulators right now in terms of the regional permit, or are they all kind of distracted with the situation in Mali?

Speaker #6: Are you having any sort of discussions with the regulators right now in terms of the regional permit? Or are they all kind of distracted with the situation in Mali?

Speaker #1: No, Owade, we are continuing to have discussions. In fact, there was some Q&A that was completed on Monday with the mining ministry. So there still is ongoing discussions.

Michael Cinnamond: No, Ovais, we are continuing to have discussions. In fact, there was some Q&A that was completed on Monday with the mining ministry. No, there still is ongoing discussions, but there is, you know, there is no further process in this. It is really just now a decision of the ministry to put it forward to the Council of Ministers. As you say, there has been obviously some significant distractions over the last couple of weeks, so we do understand that there has been delay. There certainly has been an ongoing dialogue.

Mike Cinnamond: No, Ovais, we are continuing to have discussions. In fact, there was some Q&A that was completed on Monday with the mining ministry. No, there still is ongoing discussions, but there is, you know, there is no further process in this. It is really just now a decision of the ministry to put it forward to the Council of Ministers. As you say, there has been obviously some significant distractions over the last couple of weeks, so we do understand that there has been delay. There certainly has been an ongoing dialogue.

Speaker #1: But there is there is no further process in this. It isn't really just now a decision of the ministry to put it forward to the Council has been obviously some significant distractions over the last couple of weeks.

Speaker #1: So we do understand that there had been delay. But there certainly has been, but ongoing dialogue.

Speaker #4: Okay, that's great to hear. And just in terms of question asked by Wayne regarding obviously the diesel exposure, across the group, obviously, we're seeing pressures on the cost side on diesel.

Ovais Habib: Okay, that's great to hear. Just, you know, in terms of, you know, question asked by Ryan Lam regarding, you know, obviously the diesel exposure across the group. Obviously, we're seeing, you know, pressures on the cost side on diesel. In terms of any supply stress issues that you see on any of your sites in terms of reagents or explosives that you're witnessing, any sort of color there?

Speaker #4: But in terms of any supply stress issues, that you see on any of your sites in terms of reagents or explosives, that you're witnessing, any sort of color there?

Speaker #5: Yeah, so we already talked a little bit about Mezbate, right? Mezbate, we historically have gone shorter-term and barged fuel in. So that's actually been a change on our side that we've tried to lock into a little longer-term contract.

Bill Lytle: We already talked a little bit about Masbate, right? Masbate, you know, we historically have gone shorter term and barged fuel in. That's actually been a change on our side that we've tried to lock into a little longer term contract. At Fekola, yes, we certainly have seen some changes in the way we operate. We have a preferred contractor that we use that has basically been working through all the issues. He's actually gone out and got additional help. We don't see it on our end. We still continue to get fuel and there is no restriction on us, and we're operating as designed. I think some of the vendors have changed their modus operandi.

Speaker #5: At Fecola, yes, we have seen we certainly have seen some changes in the way we operate. We have a preferred contractor that we use that has basically been working through that.

Speaker #5: All the issues, he's actually gone out and got additional help, so we don't see it on our end. We still continue to get fuel.

Speaker #5: And there is no restriction on us. And we're operating as designed. But I think some of the vendors have they've changed their modus of operandi.

Speaker #4: Thanks a lot, Bill. And any sort of color on the reagent side or kind of explosive side, a fuel kind of I'm kind of okay with, it's more on the supplies of the fuel and reagents.

Ovais Habib: Thanks for that. Any sort of, you know, color on the reagent side or kind of explosive side? Like a fuel, I'm kind of okay with. It's more on the supplies of the fuel and reagents. Any color there?

Speaker #4: Any color there?

Speaker #5: Yeah, well, this actually goes back to. This actually remember, when we went through COVID, we operated unhindered. And one of the ways we did that is we opened up our supply chain and looked at the various different ways that we could get materials to site.

Bill Lytle: Yeah. Well, this actually goes back to when we went through COVID, we operated unhindered. One of the ways we did that is we opened up our supply chain and looked at the various different ways that we could get materials to site and really kind of put plan A, B, C, and D in place. Some of those have certainly come into play in reagents, whether it be that we're changing locations to make sure that we don't have to ship stuff from that goes past the Middle East or what, you know, all of that stuff is in play. The answer is we're not seeing an impact. But we certainly are. It's something that we are watching, and it is an active discussion inside our supply chain.

Speaker #5: And really kind of put plan A, B, C, and D in place. And so some of those have certainly come into play. In reagents, whether it be that we're changing locations to make sure that we don't have to ship stuff from that goes past the Middle East or all of that stuff is in play.

Speaker #5: So the answer is we're not seeing an impact, but we certainly are it's something that we are watching. And it is an active discussion inside our supply chain.

Speaker #4: Excellent. Thanks, Bill, for that. And maybe this question is for Mike. Again, big free cash flow quarter. You've received the $325 million payment from GNICO as well for the sale of the FinGold.

Ovais Habib: Excellent. Thanks, Bill, for that. And this, maybe this question is for Michael. Again, big free cash flow quarter. You've received the $325 million payment from Agnico as well for the sale of the Fingold. And the prepays are falling off in June, which should improve your free cash flow profile heading into the H2. You know, are you looking to get more aggressive on the buybacks, dividends, any sort of color that you can provide there, that'd be great?

Speaker #4: And the prepays are falling off in June, which should improve your free cash flow profile heading into the second half. So are you looking to get more aggressive on the buybacks, dividends, any sort of color that you can provide there?

Speaker #4: That'd be great.

Speaker #1: Yeah, I think you've seen us ramp up there. Owade's already from last year what we did in Q1. And I think the answer is yes.

Michael Cinnamond: Yeah. I think you've seen us ramp up there probably already from last year, what we did in Q1. I think the answer is yes. You know, we wanna use our cash expeditiously, but I think if we continue to see a share price where it is now and the kind of assets value that we see in our assets, I think you will see us aggressively pursue that. It'll be opportunistic, right? There's no fixed formula to do it. We jump in when we see what we think is weakness in the price, and you'll see us continue to pursue that. We've budgeted to do that internally through the rest of the year.

Mike Cinnamond: Yeah. I think you've seen us ramp up there probably already from last year, what we did in Q1. I think the answer is yes. You know, we wanna use our cash expeditiously, but I think if we continue to see a share price where it is now and the kind of assets value that we see in our assets, I think you will see us aggressively pursue that. It'll be opportunistic, right? There's no fixed formula to do it. We jump in when we see what we think is weakness in the price, and you'll see us continue to pursue that. We've budgeted to do that internally through the rest of the year.

Speaker #1: We want to use our cash expeditiously, but I think if we continue to see a share price where it is now and the kind of assets value that we see in our assets, then I think you will see us aggressively pursue that.

Speaker #1: It'll be opportunistic, right? There's no fixed formula to do it. We jumped in when we see what we think is weakness in the price.

Speaker #1: And you'll see us continue to pursue that. We've budgeted to do that internally through the rest of the year.

Speaker #4: Okay, thanks for that, Mike. Maybe I'll stop here and jump back in the queue. But thanks for taking my questions.

Ovais Habib: Thanks for that, Mike. Maybe I'll stop here and jump back in the queue. Thanks for taking my questions.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Ernest.

Michael Cinnamond: Thanks, Ovais Habib.

Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Ovais Habib.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Carrie McCreary with Canaco Generatives. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Carey MacRury with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Yeah, hi, good morning, guys. Just maybe a follow-up on Goose. I'm just wondering how the underground mining is progressing versus your target. And I assume you're still building stockpiles ahead of the mill, kind of coming back later this summer?

Carey MacRury: Yeah. Hi, good morning, guys. Just maybe a follow-up on Goose. Just wondering how the underground mining is progressing, versus your target. I assume you're still building stockpiles ahead of the mill kind of coming back later this summer.

Speaker #5: Yeah, so Q1, we were down just a little bit, but I would say within what I would call kind of a normal range. Q2, we're expecting to be fully online.

Bill Lytle: Yeah. Q1, we were down just a little bit, but I would say within what I would call kind of a normal range. Q2, we're expecting to be fully online, and the stockpile does continue to build up. That's really what Q2 is about.

Speaker #5: And the stockpile does continue to build up. That's really what Q2 is about.

Speaker #7: And what's the underground mining rate again? If you can just remind us.

Carey MacRury: What's the underground mining rate again? If you can just remind us.

Speaker #5: Oh, what are they doing right now? I can't remember, if I'm being honest. Let me, Carrie, let me look that up real quick and get back to you.

Bill Lytle: Oh, what are they doing right now? I can't remember, if I'm being honest. Carey, let me look that up real quick and get back to you.

Speaker #7: Okay, that's great. And I had another question. I'm drawing a blank now. I'll go back in the queue and come back.

Carey MacRury: Okay, that's great. That's the end of question. I'm drawing a blank now. I'll go back in the queue and come back.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Don Demarco with National Bank. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Don DeMarco with National Bank. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Thank you, operator. So congratulations, Clive. Best wishes on next steps. Certainly, it's been a privilege working with you over the years. First question, at Goose, the fire damage focused on the crushing circuit.

Don DeMarco: Thank you, operator. Congratulations, Clive, and best wishes on next steps. Certainly, it's been a privilege working with you over the years. First question. At Goose, you know, the fire damage focused on the crushing circuit. I see a crush is being brought in. What's the timeline risk to the repair? Taking a step back, did you have adequate spares on site to the extent that's practical? Does this make you relook at your annual supply stocking and maybe potentially extend the inventory of other items?

Speaker #7: So I see a crusher being brought in. What's the timeline risk to the repair? And taking a step back, did you have adequate spares on site to the extent that's practical?

Speaker #7: And does this make you re-look at your annual supply stocking, and maybe potentially extend the inventory of other items?

Speaker #5: Okay, so it doesn't impact start with the first one. It doesn't impact the schedule. It basically kind of fits right in line so much so that we're now looking at where do we have double we have overlap in labor, right?

Bill Lytle: Okay. Start with the first one. It doesn't impact the schedule. You know, it basically kind of fits right in line, so much so that we're now looking at where do we have overlap in labor, right? It doesn't impact the schedule for the upgrades. We did not have some of the key stuff on site. You wouldn't expect that you would have had a lot of the screens as everything on site, in particular, as much as the fact that we can Herc stuff in Canada. We are looking at it for sure. Remember, we just came into operation just a little bit ago, all that's in play.

Speaker #5: So it doesn't impact the schedule for the upgrades. We did not have some of the key stuff on site. You wouldn't expect that you would have fully replaced a lot of had a lot of the screens and everything on site.

Speaker #5: In particular, as much as the fact that we can herk stuff in Canada. So we are looking at it for sure. But remember, we just came into operation just a little bit ago.

Speaker #5: So all that's in play some stuff we think we may have a little bit too much. Of inventory because we ordered for the C lift and we brought it in on herk.

Bill Lytle: You know, some stuff we think we may have a little bit too much or of inventory because we ordered for the sealift, and we brought it in on Herc. Some stuff we're seeing now that we need additional based on the hardness of the ore or the way we're operating. All that stuff's in play right now. The answer is yes, we're looking at inventory very closely.

Speaker #5: Some stuff we're seeing now that we need additional based on the hardness of the ore or the way we're operating. So all that stuff's in play right now.

Speaker #5: So the answer is yes. We're looking at inventory very closely.

Speaker #7: Okay. And then over to the sale of FinGold and the collaboration agreement that you have with GNICO in the north. To what extent do you already collaborate with GNICO?

Don DeMarco: Okay. Over to the sale of Fingold and this, the collaboration agreement you have with Agnico in the north. To what extent do you already collaborate with Agnico? Looking ahead, by sharing best practices, would this involve sharing labor, maybe cross-appointments, cross-operations? Just trying to understand, you know, what the scope of this agreement might entail.

Speaker #7: And looking ahead by sharing best practices, would this involve sharing labor, maybe cross-appointments, cross-operations? Just trying to understand what the scope of this agreement might entail.

Speaker #1: Sure. Yeah. Well, in terms of what we already do, we already liaise with GNICO a fair amount. We see them periodically and we do talk.

Michael Cinnamond: Sure, yeah. Well, you know, in terms of what we already do, we already liaise with Agnico a fair amount. Like, we see them periodically. We do talk. This agreement, I think, really just put a bit more structure around that. We definitely wanna focus on things like best practices, you know. How you order goods in, how you get them in, 'cause we all have the same logistics issues. You know, the mining function. Labor, I wouldn't say it's sharing labor per se, but certainly labor best practices and where we're sourcing our labor workforce from and how we bring them in and out. Overall, it's just to how can we both benefit by saying this is what's worked for us and maybe this is what hasn't.

Mike Cinnamond: Sure, yeah. Well, you know, in terms of what we already do, we already liaise with Agnico a fair amount. Like, we see them periodically. We do talk. This agreement, I think, really just put a bit more structure around that. We definitely wanna focus on things like best practices, you know. How you order goods in, how you get them in, 'cause we all have the same logistics issues. You know, the mining function. Labor, I wouldn't say it's sharing labor per se, but certainly labor best practices and where we're sourcing our labor workforce from and how we bring them in and out. Overall, it's just to how can we both benefit by saying this is what's worked for us and maybe this is what hasn't.

Speaker #1: And so this agreement, I think, really just put a bit more structure around that. We definitely want to focus on things like best practices.

Speaker #1: How you order goods in, how you get them in because we all have the same logistics issues. The mining function, labor, I wouldn't say it's sharing labor per se, but certainly labor best practices and more resourcing our labor workforce from and how we bring them in and out.

Speaker #1: It's really all overall. It's just to how can we both benefit by saying this is what's worked for us and maybe this is what hasn't.

Speaker #1: And then also, I think you'll see us probably look at collaborating on what can we do in terms of community relations and working with the territories we go forward.

Michael Cinnamond: Then also, I think you'll see us probably look at collaborating on what can we do in terms of community relations and working with the territory as we go forward. It's a holistic sharing exercise, I'd say.

Mike Cinnamond: Then also, I think you'll see us probably look at collaborating on what can we do in terms of community relations and working with the territory as we go forward. It's a holistic sharing exercise, I'd say.

Speaker #1: It's really a holistic sharing exercise, I'd say.

Don DeMarco: Okay.

Speaker #5: Yeah. And can I just jump in first? On the earlier question about the underground development: 10 meters— I couldn't remember if it was 10 or 12 for Q2, but it's 10 meters through Q2 per day.

Bill Lytle: Yeah. Can I just jump in?

Don DeMarco: Sure.

Bill Lytle: Earlier question on the underground development. 10 meters is, I could remember it was 10 or 12 for Q2, but it's 10 meters for Q2 per day, ramping up to 12 meters in Q3.

Speaker #5: Ramping up to 12 meters. In Q3.

Speaker #7: Okay. And Mike, maybe just as a follow-up to that, I mean, we see the government of Canada has these initiatives to expand the development of the north.

Don DeMarco: Okay. Mike, maybe just as a follow-up to that. I mean, we see the government of Canada has these initiatives to expand the development of the North. They are building new airports and runways and things like that. Does this potentially put any pressure on the labor availability for the mine?

Speaker #7: They're building new airports and runways and things like that. Does this potentially put any pressure on the labor availability for the mine?

Michael Cinnamond: Ultimately, if they develop significant infrastructure activities, there probably will be more competition for labor up there. That's a ways away right now. I think for now we watch the situation and see what unfolds. It's gonna take a while for them to build some of that infrastructure. I think we'll remain flexible as we go forward. I think we also think there are significant labor pools out there, and we're certainly something we're focused on as well, where do we bring people in from?

Speaker #1: I mean, ultimately, if they develop significant infrastructure activities, there probably will be more competition for labor up there. But that's a ways away right now.

Mike Cinnamond: Ultimately, if they develop significant infrastructure activities, there probably will be more competition for labor up there. That's a ways away right now. I think for now we watch the situation and see what unfolds. It's gonna take a while for them to build some of that infrastructure. I think we'll remain flexible as we go forward. I think we also think there are significant labor pools out there, and we're certainly something we're focused on as well, where do we bring people in from?

Speaker #1: So I think for now, we watch the situation and see what unfolds. But it's going to take a while for them to build some of that infrastructure.

Speaker #1: And I think we'll remain flexible as we go forward. I think we also think there are significant labor pulls out there. And we're certainly something we're focused on as well.

Speaker #1: Where do we bring people in from?

Speaker #7: Okay, great. Thanks. It's very helpful. Good luck with the rest of the quarter.

Don DeMarco: Okay, great. Thanks. It's very helpful. Good luck with the rest of the quarter.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Tom.

Michael Cinnamond: Thanks, Don DeMarco.

Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Don DeMarco.

Speaker #3: Once again, if you have a question, please press star, then one. The next question comes from Anita Soni with CIVC World Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator: Once again, if you have a question, please press star then 1. The next question comes from Anita Soni with CIBC World Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Hi, good morning, everyone. And firstly, I just wanted to say, echoing Obeys' and Don's comments, congratulations, Clive, on a long career in mining, which we know is not easy.

Anita Soni: Hi, good morning, everyone. Firstly, I just wanted to say, echoing Ovais's and Don's comments, congratulations, Clive, on a long career in mining, which we know is not easy. I've known you for, I think, 20 years now. I covered Bema in 2006. That's when I first met you. I know you've had a lot of success along the way and, you know, best wishes on your next steps here. The first question on grades at Goose. You had some pretty good positive grade reconciliation this quarter. Can you just talk about, like, was it, you know, areas of the pit or specific areas in the underground mine where you were seeing that grade reconciliation?

Speaker #8: I've known you for, I think, 20 years now. I covered BMI in 2006. That's when I first met you. So I know you've had a lot of success along the way.

Speaker #8: And best wishes on your next steps here. The first question on grades at Goose. So you had some pretty good positive grade reconciliation this quarter.

Speaker #8: Can you just talk about was it areas of the pit or specific areas that in the underground mine where you were seeing that grade reconciliation?

Speaker #8: Could we expect maybe budgeted grades for the rest of the year to also follow suit? Or is there something that we should be thinking about in different areas that you'll be mining in for the rest of the year?

Anita Soni: Could we expect maybe budgeted grades for the rest of the year to also follow suit? Is there something that we should be thinking about, you know, in different areas that you'll be mining in for the rest of the year?

Speaker #5: Yeah. So you're correct. Both open pit and underground, to date, have been reconciling very well. And we don't see that changing. Through Umwelt, the open pit and the underground, all of our preliminary testing and everything shows that the grade is going to hold as designed.

Bill Lytle: Yeah. You're correct, both open pit and underground, to date, have been reconciling very well, and we don't see that changing. You know, through Umwelt, the open pit and the underground, all of our preliminary testing, everything shows that the grade is gonna hold as designed.

Anita Soni: Secondly, just a question on the tonnage at in Q2. I just wanna get an idea of what kinds of tonnage that you're expecting for Q2 and what you would expect to exit Q2 at, just so I can kind of figure out the evolution over the next 4 or 5 months before you get the remediation measures in place in September, October.

Speaker #3: Okay. And then secondly, just a question on the tonnage. In Q2, I just want to get an idea of what kinds of tonnage that you're expecting for the second quarter and what you would expect to exit the second quarter at, just so I can kind of figure out the evolution over the next four or five months before you get the remediation measures in place in September, October.

Speaker #5: So you're talking—I assume you're talking about at Goose?

Bill Lytle: I assume you're talking about at Goose?

Speaker #3: Yes, at Goose.

Anita Soni: Yes, at Goose.

Speaker #5: Okay. Yeah. Well, we talked about at Goose. Where we're going to be kind of sub-2000 for Q2. And if I'm being the reason is we're going to be.

Bill Lytle: Okay. Yeah. Well, we talked about at Goose where we're gonna be kind of sub 2,000 for Q2. The mobile crushers are working right now. We are, in fact, running them, like, on a four-day cycle where we're running the mill. The mill still runs at 4,000 tons a day without a problem. We're basically building up the stockpile in the dome, mining it, and then doing the same thing. In Q3, we're gonna be ramping up as we get the second mobile crusher, which will help us ramp up to that kind of 3,000 tons per day, ultimately in 3,200 tons.

Speaker #5: The mobile crushers are working right now. But we are, in fact, running them on a four-day cycle where we're running the mill. The mill still runs at 4,000 tons a day without a problem.

Speaker #5: So we're basically building up the stockpile in the dome, mining it, and then doing the same thing. And then in Q3, we're going to be ramping up as we get the second mobile crusher, which will help us ramp up to that kind of 3,000 tons per day, ultimately in 3,200 tons.

Bill Lytle: That was gonna come online kind of in June, July. We see that through 2, 3, that kind of $3,000 to 3,200.

Speaker #5: That was going to come online kind of in June, July. So we see that through Q3, that kind of 3,000 to 3,200.

Bill Lytle: That was gonna come online kind of in June, July. We see that through 2, 3, that kind of $3,000 to 3,200.

Speaker #3: 3,000 to 3,200 in June, July. Okay. And then just lastly on Fecola, just a point of clarification. From my understanding, the latest I know you haven't given any guidance from 2027.

Anita Soni: 3,000 to 3,200 in June, July. Okay. Lastly on Fekola, just a point of clarification. From my understanding, I know you haven't given any guidance for 2027, but the latest technical report shows, I think, 2 years of a stripping campaign. Is that not correct?

Speaker #3: But the latest technical report shows I think two years of a stripping campaign. Is that not correct?

Speaker #5: Yeah. But we'll still be we need three months really to get going. And we'll start pushing ore through the mill after three months. So yeah, we will be stripping while we're mining.

Bill Lytle: Yeah. We're We need 3 months, really, to get going.

Anita Soni: Yeah.

Bill Lytle: We'll start pushing ore through the mill after 3 months. Yeah, we will be stripping while we're mining.

Speaker #3: Yeah, but I thought the idea was—I think that the latest technical report had production relatively similar to 2026. Is that not correct?

Anita Soni: Yeah. I thought the idea was, I think that the latest technical report had production relatively similar to 2026. Is that not correct?

Speaker #5: No. I think '27 is a pretty good year.

Bill Lytle: No, I think 2027 is a pretty good year.

Speaker #3: Okay. All right. I'll double-check. Thanks.

Anita Soni: Okay. All right, I'll double-check. Thanks.

Speaker #5: Yeah. Yeah. When I say pretty good, as in kind of maybe it is when I think 60 to 80 is probably in that range.

Bill Lytle: Yeah, yeah. I, when I say pretty good, as in kind of maybe it is what I think 60 to 80, it's probably in that range.

Speaker #3: All right. Thank you.

Anita Soni: All right. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Yes.

Speaker #3: Yeah. That follow-up question from Carrie McCreary from Canica Genove. Please go ahead.

Michael Cinnamond: Yes.

Mike Cinnamond: Yes.

Operator: We have a follow-up question from Carey MacRury from Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: I just want to ask about the outperformance on production in Q1. Is there any of the assets we should expect lower in Q2 outside of Goose?

Carey MacRury: I just want to ask about the outperformance on production in Q1. Is there any of the assets we should expect lower in Q2, outside of Goose?

Speaker #1: Oh, I think that—yeah, we saw outperformance across all of them. I think we'll hold on to it, right? I don't think we're going to see a step down in Q2 for many of the assets, other than what we mentioned for Goose, just because of reacting to some of the fire damage and keeping Goose—bringing it back up again.

Michael Cinnamond: Well, I think they, we saw, like, outperformance across all of them. I think we'll hold on to it, right? Like, I don't think we're gonna see, like, step down in Q2 from any of the assets other than what we mentioned for Goose, just because of, like, reacting to some of the fire damage and keeping Goose, bringing it back up again. I think the other assets, they continue to perform well. I don't think we expect we'll give back any of the gains that we've had.

Clive Johnson: Well, I think they, we saw, like, outperformance across all of them. I think we'll hold on to it, right? Like, I don't think we're gonna see, like, step down in Q2 from any of the assets other than what we mentioned for Goose, just because of, like, reacting to some of the fire damage and keeping Goose, bringing it back up again. I think the other assets, they continue to perform well. I don't think we expect we'll give back any of the gains that we've had.

Speaker #1: So I think the other assets, they continue to perform well. I don't think we expect we'll give back any of the gains that we've had.

Speaker #2: Yeah. It's Michael. I would just elaborate that Musbody, if you look at the guidance for the year, the midpoint was around 180,000 ounces. And so we think 45,000 ounces per quarter is still a good estimate.

Michael Cinnamond: Yeah. It's Michael. I would just elaborate that Masbate, if you look at the guidance for the year, the midpoint was around 180,000 ounces. we think 45,000 ounces per quarter is still a good estimate. It obviously has outperformed in Q1 as it has in certain years. I think, you know, we're not sure that's gonna continue on through the year. Masbate could give back a little bit, but it's relatively small.

Mike Cinnamond: Yeah. It's Michael. I would just elaborate that Masbate, if you look at the guidance for the year, the midpoint was around 180,000 ounces. we think 45,000 ounces per quarter is still a good estimate. It obviously has outperformed in Q1 as it has in certain years. I think, you know, we're not sure that's gonna continue on through the year. Masbate could give back a little bit, but it's relatively small.

Speaker #2: It obviously has outperformed in Q1 as it has in certain years. But I think we're not sure that's going to continue on through the year.

Speaker #2: So Musbody could give back a little bit. But it's relatively small.

Speaker #5: Okay. That's great. Also, Clive, I just wanted to say congrats and all the best in your retirement as well.

Carey MacRury: Okay, that's great. Also, Clive, I just wanted to say congrats and all the best in your retirement as well.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Greg.

Michael Cinnamond: Thanks, Kerry.

Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Kerry.

Speaker #3: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Clive Johnson for any closing remarks. Please go ahead.

Operator: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Clive Johnson for any closing remarks. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Okay. Thank you all for your good questions.

Clive Johnson: Okay. Thank you all for your good questions.

Operator: This brings to a close today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating, and have a pleasant day.