Q2 2026 B2gold Corp Earnings Call
Speaker #1: Thank you for standing by. This is a conference operator. Welcome to B2GOLD Corporation's second quarter 2026 financial results conference call. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded.
Operator: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to B2Gold Corp.'s Q2 2026 financial results conference call. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded. 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. 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. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mike Cinnamond, President and CEO of B2Gold. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to B2Gold Corp.'s Q2 2026 Financial Results Conference Call. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded. 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. 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. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mike Cinnamond, President and CEO of B2Gold. Please go ahead.
Speaker #1: 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 #1: 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 #1: I would now like to turn the conference over to Mike Cinnamond, President and CEO of B2Gold. Please go ahead.
Speaker #2: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for B2Gold's second quarter 2026 conference call. I think, as first business before we begin our discussion of the quarter, I want to address the trading halt that was implemented earlier this morning.
Mike Cinnamond: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for B2Gold's Q2 2026 conference call. I think first business, before we begin our discussion of the quarter, I want to address the trading halt that was implemented earlier this morning. Shortly before this call, we received confirmation that the government of Mali has granted the Manankoto exploitation permit. Given the significance of this development and our obligation to ensure that all our investors receive material information at the same time, we requested a temporary trading halt pending the dissemination of a news release, which I believe will go out shortly. This permit represents a very important milestone for the Fekola complex, providing the framework to commence mining activities within the Manankoto permit area and supporting the continued development of the Fekola regional deposit.
Mike Cinnamond: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for B2Gold's Q2 2026 conference call. I think first business, before we begin our discussion of the quarter, I want to address the trading halt that was implemented earlier this morning. Shortly before this call, we received confirmation that the government of Mali has granted the Manankoto exploitation permit. Given the significance of this development and our obligation to ensure that all our investors receive material information at the same time, we requested a temporary trading halt pending the dissemination of a news release, which I believe will go out shortly. This permit represents a very important milestone for the Fekola complex, providing the framework to commence mining activities within the Manankoto permit area and supporting the continued development of the Fekola regional deposit.
Speaker #2: Shortly before this call, we received confirmation that the government of Mali has granted the Menon Code of Exploitation Permit. Given the significance of this development, and our obligation to ensure that all our investors receive material information at the same time, we requested a temporary trading halt pending the dissemination of the news release, which I believe will go out shortly.
Speaker #2: This permit represents a very important milestone for the FACOLA complex, providing the framework to commence mining activities within the Menon Code of Permit area and supporting the continued development of the FACOLA regional deposit.
Speaker #2: And we appreciate the efforts of the government of Mali and all stakeholders involved in advancing this permitting process forward. So that was the reason for the trading halt.
Mike Cinnamond: We appreciate the efforts of the Government of Mali and all stakeholders involved in advancing this permitting process forward. That was the reason for the trading halt, and while we are very pleased to receive this approval, today's call will remain focused primarily on our second quarter results and operating performance. We will, of course, provide additional comments on the Manankoto permit during the call and take questions following our formal remarks. With that, I would now like to pass the call over to Kelvin, our Chairman, for some opening remarks.
Mike Cinnamond: We appreciate the efforts of the Government of Mali and all stakeholders involved in advancing this permitting process forward. That was the reason for the trading halt, and while we are very pleased to receive this approval, today's call will remain focused primarily on our second quarter results and operating performance. We will, of course, provide additional comments on the Manankoto permit during the call and take questions following our formal remarks. With that, I would now like to pass the call over to Kelvin, our Chairman, for some opening remarks.
Speaker #2: And while we're very pleased to receive this approval, today's call will remain focused primarily on our second quarter results and operating performance. But we will, of course, provide additional comments on the Menon Code of Permit during the call and take questions following our formal remarks.
Speaker #2: And with that, I'd now like to pass the call over to our Kelvin, our chairman, for some opening remarks.
Speaker #3: Thanks, Mike, and good morning. While you've now heard the great news out of Mali, and before Mike and the team review that and the quarter in detail, I'd like to take a few minutes to provide a broader perspective on the principles that continue to guide our business.
Kelvin Dushnisky: Thanks, Mike, and good morning. Well, you have now heard the great news out of Mali. Before Mike and the team review that and the quarter in detail, I would like to take a few minutes to provide a broader perspective on the principles that continue to guide our business. Before doing so, I would like to acknowledge three important leadership milestones. First, on behalf of the board, I want to thank Clive Johnson for his extraordinary contribution to B2Gold. From founding the company to building it into the international gold producer it is today, Clive's leadership, vision, and determination have been instrumental. While he stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, we are very pleased that he will continue to support the company as Chair Emeritus, and we look forward to benefiting from his experience and insight. I also want to speak to Mike Cinnamond's appointment as Chief Executive Officer.
Kelvin Dushnisky: Thanks, Mike, and good morning. Well, you have now heard the great news out of Mali. Before Mike and the team review that and the quarter in detail, I would like to take a few minutes to provide a broader perspective on the principles that continue to guide our business. Before doing so, I would like to acknowledge three important leadership milestones. First, on behalf of the board, I want to thank Clive Johnson for his extraordinary contribution to B2Gold. From founding the company to building it into the international gold producer it is today, Clive's leadership, vision, and determination have been instrumental. While he stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, we are very pleased that he will continue to support the company as Chair Emeritus, and we look forward to benefiting from his experience and insight. I also want to speak to Mike Cinnamond's appointment as Chief Executive Officer.
Speaker #3: Before doing so, I'd like to acknowledge three important leadership milestones. First, and on behalf of the board, I want to thank Clive Johnson for his extraordinary contribution to B2GOLD.
Speaker #3: From founding the company to building it into the international gold producer it is today, Clive's leadership, vision, and determination have been instrumental. And while he stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, we're very pleased that he'll continue to support the company as Chair Emeritus.
Speaker #3: And we look forward to benefiting from his experience and insight. I also want to speak to Mike Cinnamond's appointment as Chief Executive Officer. The Board and I have tremendous confidence in Mike and the leadership team.
Kelvin Dushnisky: The board and I have tremendous confidence in Mike and the leadership team. This transition represents continuity more than a change in direction. Mike has been deeply involved in the execution of our strategy and the development of our business over many years. We believe the company is in very capable hands, and we are excited about the leadership he will provide in the next chapter of B2Gold's evolution. This is also why we are pleased that Michael McDonald has accepted the role of Chief Financial Officer. Michael has consistently stood out for his performance and acumen and had already begun the transition in the finance team with a view to succeeding Mike.
Kelvin Dushnisky: The board and I have tremendous confidence in Mike and the leadership team. This transition represents continuity more than a change in direction. Mike has been deeply involved in the execution of our strategy and the development of our business over many years. We believe the company is in very capable hands, and we are excited about the leadership he will provide in the next chapter of B2Gold's evolution. This is also why we are pleased that Michael McDonald has accepted the role of Chief Financial Officer. Michael has consistently stood out for his performance and acumen and had already begun the transition in the finance team with a view to succeeding Mike.
Speaker #3: This transition represents continuity more than a change in direction. Mike has been deeply involved in the execution of our strategy and the development of our business over many years.
Speaker #3: We believe the company is in very capable hands, and we're excited about the leadership he'll provide in the next chapter of B2GOLD's evolution. And this is also why we're pleased that Michael McDonald has accepted the role of chief financial officer.
Speaker #3: Michael has consistently stood out for his performance and acumen, and had already begun the transition into the finance team, with a view to succeeding Mike.
Speaker #3: From the Board's perspective, we couldn't be more comfortable with Michael in the role and with his ability to continue to collaborate closely with Mike, who understands the B2Gold CFO function better than anyone from his many years in the role.
Kelvin Dushnisky: From the board's perspective, we couldn't be more comfortable with Michael in the role and with his ability to continue to collaborate closely with Mike, who understands the B2Gold CFO function better than anyone from his many years in the role. Our approach remains straightforward. We focused on delivering on the commitments we make. Our strategy has never been about chasing short-term opportunities or reacting to market cycles. For my part, I look very forward to working even more closely with Mike and the management team with a focus on disciplined execution and delivering value. In that respect, it is important to acknowledge that our recent share price performance has not met the standards we set for ourselves or the expectations of our shareholders.
Kelvin Dushnisky: From the board's perspective, we couldn't be more comfortable with Michael in the role and with his ability to continue to collaborate closely with Mike, who understands the B2Gold CFO function better than anyone from his many years in the role. Our approach remains straightforward. We focused on delivering on the commitments we make. Our strategy has never been about chasing short-term opportunities or reacting to market cycles. For my part, I look very forward to working even more closely with Mike and the management team with a focus on disciplined execution and delivering value. In that respect, it is important to acknowledge that our recent share price performance has not met the standards we set for ourselves or the expectations of our shareholders.
Speaker #3: Our approach remains straightforward. We focus on delivering on the commitments we make. Our strategy has never been about chasing short-term opportunities or reacting to market cycles.
Speaker #3: For my part, I look very forward to working even more closely with Mike in the management team with a focus on disciplined execution and delivering value.
Speaker #3: In that respect, it's important to acknowledge that our recent share price performance has not met the standards we set for ourselves or the expectations of our shareholders.
Speaker #3: While we believe very strongly in the quality of our assets and people, this is a great team. We understand that shareholders are focused on results, and they have every right to.
Kelvin Dushnisky: While we believe very strongly in the quality of our assets and people, this is a great team, we understand that shareholders are focused on results, and they have every right to. The board and management are fully focused on the work required to deliver the performance expected of us. Our operational culture remains the foundation of how we'll get there. Over the years, we've established credibility with our shareholders, host countries, employees, and local communities by setting clear objectives and working diligently to achieve them. We are operators first with a disciplined focus on safety, execution, continuous improvement, and creating value to the assets we own and operate. We also believe in reinvesting in our business to create long-term value, whether it's sustaining our existing operations, investing in exploration, or advancing high-quality development projects.
Kelvin Dushnisky: While we believe very strongly in the quality of our assets and people, this is a great team, we understand that shareholders are focused on results, and they have every right to. The board and management are fully focused on the work required to deliver the performance expected of us. Our operational culture remains the foundation of how we'll get there. Over the years, we've established credibility with our shareholders, host countries, employees, and local communities by setting clear objectives and working diligently to achieve them. We are operators first with a disciplined focus on safety, execution, continuous improvement, and creating value to the assets we own and operate. We also believe in reinvesting in our business to create long-term value, whether it's sustaining our existing operations, investing in exploration, or advancing high-quality development projects.
Speaker #3: The board and management are fully focused on the work required to deliver the performance expected of us. Our operational culture remains the foundation of how we'll get there.
Speaker #3: Over the years, we've established credibility with our shareholders, host countries, employees, and local communities by setting clear objectives and working diligently to achieve them.
Speaker #3: We are operators first, with a disciplined focus on safety, execution, continuous improvement, and creating value through the assets we own and operate. We also believe in reinvesting in our business to create long-term value.
Speaker #3: Whether it's sustaining our existing operations, investing in exploration, or advancing high-quality development projects. At the same time, we recognize that strong cash generation must translate into meaningful returns.
Kelvin Dushnisky: At the same time, we recognize that strong cash generation must translate into meaningful returns, maintaining a balanced approach between investing in future growth and returning capital to shareholders. We recognize that our success is closely tied to the countries and communities where we operate. Being a preferred partner means more than operating safely and responsibly. It means working alongside our host governments and communities to create lasting benefits. I think today's announcement from Mali underscores this point. Looking across our portfolio, we continue to see the benefits of this consistent approach. Our focus is on executing reliably, delivering on our commitments, and generating the confidence that has always been earned through hard work and performance. With that, I'll turn the call over to Mike and the management team to discuss the second quarter results. Thank you.
Kelvin Dushnisky: At the same time, we recognize that strong cash generation must translate into meaningful returns, maintaining a balanced approach between investing in future growth and returning capital to shareholders. We recognize that our success is closely tied to the countries and communities where we operate. Being a preferred partner means more than operating safely and responsibly. It means working alongside our host governments and communities to create lasting benefits. I think today's announcement from Mali underscores this point. Looking across our portfolio, we continue to see the benefits of this consistent approach. Our focus is on executing reliably, delivering on our commitments, and generating the confidence that has always been earned through hard work and performance. With that, I'll turn the call over to Mike and the management team to discuss the second quarter results. Thank you.
Speaker #3: Maintaining a balanced approach between investing in future growth and returning capital to shareholders. We recognize that our success is closely tied to the country's and communities where we operate.
Speaker #3: Being a preferred partner means more than operating safely and responsibly. It means working alongside our host governments and communities to create lasting benefits. I think today's announcement from Mali underscores this point.
Speaker #3: Looking across our portfolio, we continue to see the benefits of this consistent approach. Our focus is on executing reliably, delivering on our commitments, and generating the confidence that has always been earned through hard work and performance.
Speaker #3: And with that, I'll turn the call over to Mike and the management team to discuss the second quarter results. Thank you.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Kelvin. You know, the second quarter, it was an important one for B2GOLD. We delivered consolidated gold production of approximately 204,000 ounces in line with expectations.
Mike Cinnamond: Thank you, Kelvin. The second quarter, it was an important one for B2Gold. We delivered consolidated gold production of approximately 204,000 ounces, in line with expectations, and in particular with strong operating performances from Fekola, Masbate, and Otjikoto mines. While Goose production was impacted by the crusher fire in April, as previously announced, the team there responded exceptionally well, and repairs continue to progress now according to plan. Our other key area of execution focus for 2026 is bringing Fekola Regional online. We had recent meetings in Bamako with Mali state officials, and they had confirmed that there were no remaining obstacles to the approval of the Menankoto Exploitation Permit, as all the required steps in the approval process had been completed and validated by their different ministries.
Mike Cinnamond: Thank you, Kelvin. The second quarter, it was an important one for B2Gold. We delivered consolidated gold production of approximately 204,000 ounces, in line with expectations, and in particular with strong operating performances from Fekola, Masbate, and Otjikoto mines. While Goose production was impacted by the crusher fire in April, as previously announced, the team there responded exceptionally well, and repairs continue to progress now according to plan. Our other key area of execution focus for 2026 is bringing Fekola Regional online. We had recent meetings in Bamako with Mali state officials, and they had confirmed that there were no remaining obstacles to the approval of the Menankoto Exploitation Permit, as all the required steps in the approval process had been completed and validated by their different ministries.
Speaker #2: And in particular, with strong operating performances from FACOLA, Ms. Batty and Ojikoda Mines. And while goose production was impacted by the crusher fire in April, as previously announced, the team there responded exceptionally well and repairs continued to progress now according to plan.
Speaker #2: Our other key area of execution focus for 2026 is bringing Fekola Regional online. We had recent meetings in Bamako with Mali state officials, and they confirmed that there were no remaining obstacles.
Speaker #2: To the approval of the Menon Code of Exploitation Permit. As all the required steps and the approval process had been completed and validated by their different ministries.
Speaker #2: And now, as you've heard, the permit has been granted by the Council of Ministers in Mali. So the issuance of this permit, Menon Code of Exploitation Permit by the state, of Mali allows us to move forward now in one of B2GOLD's most important near-term growth opportunities.
Mike Cinnamond: Now, as you've heard, the permit has been granted by the Council of Ministers in Mali. The issuance of this permit, Menankoto Exploitation Permit by the state of Mali, allows us to move forward now on one of B2Gold's most important near-term growth opportunities. Mining pre-stripping activities can now commence. Fekola Regional is expected to ramp up operations through the end of 2027 and to produce somewhere in excess of 150,000 ounces a year from 2028 onwards through the mid-2030s. Beyond Mali, we continue to strengthen our portfolio and balance sheet during the quarter. We completed the sale of our 70% interest in Fingold to Agnico Eagle for $325 million. We repurchased 19 million shares under our renewed NCIB for $92 million, and completed the final deliveries into our gold prepaid contracts, which Mike will talk about a little more in a minute.
Mike Cinnamond: Now, as you've heard, the permit has been granted by the Council of Ministers in Mali. The issuance of this permit, Menankoto Exploitation Permit by the state of Mali, allows us to move forward now on one of B2Gold's most important near-term growth opportunities. Mining pre-stripping activities can now commence. Fekola Regional is expected to ramp up operations through the end of 2027 and to produce somewhere in excess of 150,000 ounces a year from 2028 onwards through the mid-2030s. Beyond Mali, we continue to strengthen our portfolio and balance sheet during the quarter. We completed the sale of our 70% interest in Fingold to Agnico Eagle for $325 million. We repurchased 19 million shares under our renewed NCIB for $92 million, and completed the final deliveries into our gold prepaid contracts, which Mike will talk about a little more in a minute.
Speaker #2: Mining pre-stripping activities cannot commence. FACOLA regional is expected to ramp up operations through the end of 2027. And to produce somewhere in excess of 150,000 ounces a year, from 2028 onwards through the mid-2030s.
Speaker #2: Then beyond Mali, we continue to strengthen our portfolio and balance sheet during the quarter. We completed the sale of our 70% interest in FINGOLD to Igniko Eagle.
Speaker #2: For $325 million, we repurchased 19 million shares under our renewed NCIB for $92 million, and completed the final deliveries into our gold prepay contracts, which Mike will talk about a little more in a minute.
Speaker #2: So, while the second quarter reflected some temporary pressures on free cash flow from taxes, prepay deliveries, and elevated production costs, those headwinds are definitely expected to moderate.
Mike Cinnamond: While the Q2 reflected some temporary pressures on free cash flow from taxes, prepaid deliveries, and elevated production costs, those headwinds are definitely expected to moderate. With the gold prepaid deliveries now behind us and all remaining gold sales now exposed to spot prices, we expect a meaningful improvement in free cash flow generation as we go forward. With that, I will turn the call over to Michael McDonald for a discussion on our financial results for the Q2.
Mike Cinnamond: While the Q2 reflected some temporary pressures on free cash flow from taxes, prepaid deliveries, and elevated production costs, those headwinds are definitely expected to moderate. With the gold prepaid deliveries now behind us and all remaining gold sales now exposed to spot prices, we expect a meaningful improvement in free cash flow generation as we go forward. With that, I will turn the call over to Michael McDonald for a discussion on our financial results for the Q2.
Speaker #2: And with the gold prepay deliveries now behind us and all remaining gold sales now exposed to spot prices, we expect a meaningful improvement in free cash flow generation as we go forward.
Speaker #2: So with that, I'll turn the call over to Michael McDonald for a discussion on our financial results for the second quarter.
Speaker #3: Thank you. Thank you, Mike. Second quarter financial results on a consolidated basis finished in line with our expectations for the quarter. Outperformance at FACOLA, Ms. Batty, and Ojikoda offset a tougher quarter for the goose mine as it ramped up million operations following the previously reported fire in certain areas of the crushing circuit in April 2026.
Michael McDonald: Thank you, Mike. Q2 financial results on a consolidated basis finished in line with our expectations for the quarter. Outperformance at Fekola, Masbate, and Otjikoto offset a tougher quarter for the Goose Mine as it ramped up milling operations following the previously reported fire in certain areas of the crushing circuit in April 2026. Net income attributable to shareholders was $417 million in the Q2, or $0.31 per share, benefiting from the gain on the sale of our Finland properties, combined with unrealized gains on derivatives. After backing those gains and other non-recurring adjustments out, our adjusted net income attributable to shareholders was $41 million, or $0.03 per share. It is important to note that our adjusted net income figures included approximately $71 million of realized losses related to our gold collar contracts during the quarter.
Michael McDonald: Thank you, Mike. Q2 financial results on a consolidated basis finished in line with our expectations for the quarter. Outperformance at Fekola, Masbate, and Otjikoto offset a tougher quarter for the Goose Mine as it ramped up milling operations following the previously reported fire in certain areas of the crushing circuit in April 2026. Net income attributable to shareholders was $417 million in the Q2, or $0.31 per share, benefiting from the gain on the sale of our Finland properties, combined with unrealized gains on derivatives. After backing those gains and other non-recurring adjustments out, our adjusted net income attributable to shareholders was $41 million, or $0.03 per share. It is important to note that our adjusted net income figures included approximately $71 million of realized losses related to our gold collar contracts during the quarter.
Speaker #3: Net income attributable to shareholders was 417 million dollars in the second quarter, or 31 cents per share. Benefiting from the gain on the sale of our Finland properties combined with unrealized gains on derivatives.
Speaker #3: After backing those gains and other non-recurring adjustments out, our adjusted net income attributable to shareholders was 41 million dollars, or 3 cents per share.
Speaker #3: It's important to note that our adjusted net income figures included approximately $71 million of realized losses related to our gold collar contracts during the quarter.
Speaker #3: Without that impact, adjusted net income per share would have been just over $0.08 per share. The gold collar contracts conclude in December of this year, and B2Gold will go into 2027 completely unencumbered from gold prepayment and gold collar contracts.
Michael McDonald: Without that impact, adjusted net income per share would've been just over $0.08 per share. The gold collar contracts conclude in December of this year, and B2Gold will go into 2027 completely unencumbered from gold prepayment and gold collar contracts. Operating cash flow before working capital adjustments was $94 million during the Q2. Assuming current gold prices remain, operating cash flow is anticipated to rise significantly into H2 2026 when compared to the Q2, primarily due to the completion of the gold prepaid contracts that finished in June 2026. Free cash flow was -$258 million during the quarter, in line with expectations when we released our guidance at the start of 2026.
Michael McDonald: Without that impact, adjusted net income per share would've been just over $0.08 per share. The gold collar contracts conclude in December of this year, and B2Gold will go into 2027 completely unencumbered from gold prepayment and gold collar contracts. Operating cash flow before working capital adjustments was $94 million during the Q2. Assuming current gold prices remain, operating cash flow is anticipated to rise significantly into H2 2026 when compared to the Q2, primarily due to the completion of the gold prepaid contracts that finished in June 2026. Free cash flow was -$258 million during the quarter, in line with expectations when we released our guidance at the start of 2026.
Speaker #3: Operating cash flow before working capital adjustments was 94 million dollars during the second quarter. Assuming current gold prices remain, operating cash flow is anticipated to rise significantly into the second half of 2026 when compared to the second quarter.
Speaker #3: Primarily due to the completion of the gold prepay contracts that finished in June 2026. Free cash flow was negative $258 million during the quarter, in line with expectations when we released our guidance at the start of 2026.
Speaker #3: Free cash flow was impacted primarily due to elevated cash tax payments including the priority dividend payment to the state of Mali related to their 20% ownership of FACOLA, plus the impact of the gold prepay contracts, which affected just over 30% of ounces sold during the quarter.
Michael McDonald: Free cash flow was impacted primarily due to elevated cash tax payments, including the priority dividend payment to the state of Mali related to their 20% ownership of Fekola, plus the impact of the gold prepaid contracts, which affected just over 30% of ounces sold during the quarter. On cash tax payments, the amount we paid in the Q2 2026 was just under 45% of what we anticipate paying for cash taxes in all of 2026. You will see the cash tax number moderate in the Q3 and Q4 when compared to the Q2. The negative free cash flow number also does not include the $325 million of cash proceeds received from the sale of our Finnish properties during the quarter. Despite that, our balance sheet remains very strong.
Michael McDonald: Free cash flow was impacted primarily due to elevated cash tax payments, including the priority dividend payment to the state of Mali related to their 20% ownership of Fekola, plus the impact of the gold prepaid contracts, which affected just over 30% of ounces sold during the quarter. On cash tax payments, the amount we paid in the Q2 2026 was just under 45% of what we anticipate paying for cash taxes in all of 2026. You will see the cash tax number moderate in the Q3 and Q4 when compared to the Q2. The negative free cash flow number also does not include the $325 million of cash proceeds received from the sale of our Finnish properties during the quarter. Despite that, our balance sheet remains very strong.
Speaker #3: On cash tax payments, the amount we paid in the second quarter of 2026 was just under 45% of what we anticipate paying for cash taxes in all of 2026.
Speaker #3: So you will see the cash tax number moderate in the third and fourth quarters when compared to the second quarter. The negative free cash flow number also does not include the 325 million of cash proceeds received from the sale of our finished properties during the quarter.
Speaker #3: Despite that, our balance sheet remains very strong. At quarter end, we held $287 million in cash and cash equivalents and had working capital of $405 million.
Michael McDonald: At quarter end, we held $287 million in cash and cash equivalents and had working capital of $405 million. We are in a very strong financial position that will only get stronger over the coming quarters at these gold prices. Finally, we also continue to return capital to shareholders through our normal course issuer bid and common share dividends. Year to date in 2026, we have now repurchased approximately 35 million shares for a total of $172 million. On top of that, in H1 of the year, we paid out $52 million in dividends. Combined, that brings total shareholder returns in Q1 and Q2 of 2026 to $224 million, which is over 4% of our current market cap. Those numbers are in spite of the impact of the gold prepayment contracts and the gold collar contracts.
Michael McDonald: At quarter end, we held $287 million in cash and cash equivalents and had working capital of $405 million. We are in a very strong financial position that will only get stronger over the coming quarters at these gold prices. Finally, we also continue to return capital to shareholders through our normal course issuer bid and common share dividends. Year to date in 2026, we have now repurchased approximately 35 million shares for a total of $172 million. On top of that, in H1 of the year, we paid out $52 million in dividends. Combined, that brings total shareholder returns in Q1 and Q2 of 2026 to $224 million, which is over 4% of our current market cap. Those numbers are in spite of the impact of the gold prepayment contracts and the gold collar contracts.
Speaker #3: We are in a very strong financial position that will only get stronger over the coming quarters at these gold prices. Finally, we also continue to return capital to shareholders through our normal course issuer bid and common share dividends.
Speaker #3: Year to date in 2026, we have now repurchased approximately 35 million shares for a total of 172 million dollars. On top of that, in the first half of million in dividends.
Speaker #3: Combined, that brings total shareholder returns in the first two quarters of 2026 to 224 million, which is over 4% of our current market cap.
Speaker #3: Those numbers are in spite of the impact of the gold prepayment contracts and the gold collar contracts. As we finish out 2026 and enter 2027, completely unencumbered by those two financial instruments, we anticipate free cash flow to rise dramatically at current gold prices, which should allow for increased shareholder returns as well.
Michael McDonald: As we finish out 2026 and enter 2027 completely unencumbered by those two financial instruments, we anticipate free cash flow to rise dramatically at current gold prices and should allow for increased shareholder returns as well. With that, I'll turn the call over to Bill for an operational update.
Michael McDonald: As we finish out 2026 and enter 2027 completely unencumbered by those two financial instruments, we anticipate free cash flow to rise dramatically at current gold prices and should allow for increased shareholder returns as well. With that, I'll turn the call over to Bill for an operational update.
Speaker #3: With that, I'll turn the call over to Bill for an operational update.
Speaker #1: Thank you, Michael. From an operating perspective, the quarter was largely in line with expectations. Consolidated production totaled approximately 204,000 ounces, FACOLA, Ms. Batty, and Ojikoda all exceeded expectations and demonstrated the consistency and reliability that investors have come to expect from those assets.
Mike Cinnamond: Thank you, Michael.
Mike Cinnamond: Thank you, Michael.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): From an operating perspective, the quarter was largely in line with expectations. Consolidated production totaled approximately 204,000 ounces. Fekola, Masbate, and Otjikoto all exceeded expectations and demonstrated the consistency and reliability that investors have come to expect from those assets. At Fekola, operations continued to perform well, and our focus remained on the efficient operations of the Fekola and Cardinal pits while preparing for the commencement of mining at the Fekola Regional. With the issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit, we now have a clear path forward for the development of Fekola Regional. Just to think about that, remember, we had previously received approval and constructed and prepared all the site infrastructure and all the roads, started the pre-stripping, and have hired all the necessary staff to begin mining. At Goose, the crusher fire in April affected production during the quarter.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): From an operating perspective, the quarter was largely in line with expectations. Consolidated production totaled approximately 204,000 ounces. Fekola, Masbate, and Otjikoto all exceeded expectations and demonstrated the consistency and reliability that investors have come to expect from those assets. At Fekola, operations continued to perform well, and our focus remained on the efficient operations of the Fekola and Cardinal pits while preparing for the commencement of mining at the Fekola Regional. With the issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit, we now have a clear path forward for the development of Fekola Regional. Just to think about that, remember, we had previously received approval and constructed and prepared all the site infrastructure and all the roads, started the pre-stripping, and have hired all the necessary staff to begin mining. At Goose, the crusher fire in April affected production during the quarter.
Speaker #1: At FACOLA, operations continued to perform well and our focus remained on the efficient operations of the FACOLA and Cardinal Pits while preparing for the commencement of mining at the FACOLA Regional.
Speaker #1: With the issuance of the Meningoto Exploitation Permit, we now have a clear path forward for the development of FACOLA Regional and just to think about that, remember we had previously received approval and instructed and prepared all the site infrastructure and all the roads started the pre-stripping and have hired all the necessary staff to begin mining.
Speaker #1: At Goose, the crusher fire in April affected production during the quarter. Safety remains our highest priority and I'm pleased with the team's response to the event.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Safety remains our highest priority, and I'm pleased with the team's response to the event. Repair work and remediation activities are progressing as planned, with remediation and Phase 1 of the crusher upgrades expected to be completed by the end of Q3. In the interim, an additional mobile crusher has been sourced and was delivered to the site in July. We expect it to be operational in early August. The crushing capacity of the new mobile crusher in combination with existing crushers already on site is anticipated to be in excess of 3,000 tons per day. Masbate and Otjikoto both delivered another strong quarter of operations exceeding expectations, with solid operating performance at both sites expecting to continue throughout the remainder of the year. The company has increased the production guidance for these operations.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Safety remains our highest priority, and I'm pleased with the team's response to the event. Repair work and remediation activities are progressing as planned, with remediation and Phase 1 of the crusher upgrades expected to be completed by the end of Q3. In the interim, an additional mobile crusher has been sourced and was delivered to the site in July. We expect it to be operational in early August. The crushing capacity of the new mobile crusher in combination with existing crushers already on site is anticipated to be in excess of 3,000 tons per day. Masbate and Otjikoto both delivered another strong quarter of operations exceeding expectations, with solid operating performance at both sites expecting to continue throughout the remainder of the year. The company has increased the production guidance for these operations.
Speaker #1: Repair work and remediation activities are progressing as planned with remediation in phase one of the crusher upgrades expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter.
Speaker #1: In the interim, an additional mobile crusher has been sourced and was delivered to the site in July. We expect it to be operational in early August.
Speaker #1: The crushing capacity of the new mobile crusher in combination with the existing crushers already on site is anticipated to be in excess of 3,000 tons per day.
Speaker #1: Ms. Batty and Ojikoto both delivered another strong quarter of operations, exceeding expectations, with solid operating performance at both sites expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year.
Speaker #1: The company has increased the production guidance for these operations. As a result of year-to-date operating performance and our updated outlook for the remainder of the year, we have narrowed our guidance range across the portfolio.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): As a result of year-to-date operating performance and our updated outlook for the remainder of the year, we have narrowed our guidance range across the portfolio. We now expect consolidated gold production of between 820,000 and 920,000 ounces in 2026. The largest change relates to Fekola Regional based on the delays in issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit, as well as narrowing of the production range at the Goose Mine as a result of the fire, which occurred in certain areas of the crushing circuit in April this year. These changes are partially offset by the previously mentioned guidance increase at both Masbate and Otjikoto. Importantly, our consolidated cash operating cost guidance remains unchanged between $1,155 and 1,280 per ounce produced.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): As a result of year-to-date operating performance and our updated outlook for the remainder of the year, we have narrowed our guidance range across the portfolio. We now expect consolidated gold production of between 820,000 and 920,000 ounces in 2026. The largest change relates to Fekola Regional based on the delays in issuance of the Menankoto exploitation permit, as well as narrowing of the production range at the Goose Mine as a result of the fire, which occurred in certain areas of the crushing circuit in April this year. These changes are partially offset by the previously mentioned guidance increase at both Masbate and Otjikoto. Importantly, our consolidated cash operating cost guidance remains unchanged between $1,155 and 1,280 per ounce produced.
Speaker #1: We now expect consolidated gold production of between 820,000 and 920,000 ounces in 2026. The largest change relates to FACOLA Regional. Based on the delays in issuance of the Meningoto Exploitation Permit, as well as narrowing of the production range at the Goose mine as a result of the fire, which occurred in certain areas of the crushing circuit in April this year.
Speaker #1: These changes are partially offset by the previously mentioned guidance increase in both Masbate and Otjikoto. Importantly, our consolidated cash operating cost guidance remains unchanged between $1,155 and $1,280 per ounce produced.
Speaker #1: We have also lowered our all-in sustaining cost guidance range to between $2,370 and $2,550 per ounce sold, and currently expect full year results to be at or below the low end of that range.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): We have also lowered our all-in sustaining cost guidance range to between $2,370 and 2,550 per ounce sold, and currently expect full year results to be at or below the low end of that range. Overall, we remain confident in our operating outlook and are focused on delivering a strong H2 of the year. With that, I'll now turn the call back over to Mike Cinnamond.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): We have also lowered our all-in sustaining cost guidance range to between $2,370 and 2,550 per ounce sold, and currently expect full year results to be at or below the low end of that range. Overall, we remain confident in our operating outlook and are focused on delivering a strong H2 of the year. With that, I'll now turn the call back over to Mike Cinnamond.
Speaker #1: Overall, we remain confident in our operating outlook and our focus on delivering a strong second half of the year. With that, I'll now turn the call back over to Mike Cinnamond.
Speaker #2: Thanks, Bill. Thanks, everyone, for the overview of the quarter. We're obviously pleased with the results and pleased with how we look as we look forward for the balance of this year.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Bill. Thanks, everyone, for the overview of the quarter. We're obviously pleased with the results and pleased with how we look as we look forward for the balance of this year. Obviously, receipt of the Menankoto permit this morning is a great step forward for us. We said there were two key things we were going to execute on this year. One was to move Fekola Regional forward. Now we're well positioned to do that. We can start moving ahead there. The second piece that we said was key was for us to get our remediation, fire damage repair work done and remediation work done at Goose on the crushing plant so that we can bring ourselves up to steady state of around about 300,000 ounces a year by mid-2027.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Bill. Thanks, everyone, for the overview of the quarter. We're obviously pleased with the results and pleased with how we look as we look forward for the balance of this year. Obviously, receipt of the Menankoto permit this morning is a great step forward for us. We said there were two key things we were going to execute on this year. One was to move Fekola Regional forward. Now we're well positioned to do that. We can start moving ahead there.
Speaker #2: And obviously, receipt of the Meningoto Permit this morning is a great step forward for us. We'd said there were two key things we were going to execute on this year.
Speaker #2: One was to move FACOLA Regional forward. So now we're well positioned to do that. We could start moving ahead there. And then the second piece that we said was key was for us to get our remediation fire damage repair work done and remediation work done at Goose on the crushing plant.
Mike Cinnamond: The second piece that we said was key was for us to get our remediation, fire damage repair work done and remediation work done at Goose on the crushing plant so that we can bring ourselves up to steady state of around about 300,000 ounces a year by mid-2027. I think you've seen in the materials we've released that we've got a good plan for that now. That plan is well underway. With that and those comments, I would open it up for questions.
Speaker #2: So that we can bring ourselves up to steady state around about 300,000 ounces a year by mid-2027. So I think you've seen in the materials we released that we've got a good plan for that now and we're that plan as well underway.
Mike Cinnamond: I think you've seen in the materials we've released that we've got a good plan for that now. That plan is well underway. With that and those comments, I would open it up for questions.
Speaker #2: So, with that and those comments, I would open it up for questions.
Speaker #4: We will now begin the analyst question-and-answer session. To join the question queue, you may press star, then one, on your telephone keypad.
Operator: We will now begin the analyst question-and-answer session. To join the question queue, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad. You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you're using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any keys. To withdraw your question, please press star then two. The first question comes from Wayne Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.
Operator: We will now begin the analyst question-and-answer session. To join the question queue, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad. You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you're using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any keys. To withdraw your question, please press star then two. The first question comes from Wayne Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.
Speaker #4: You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you're using a speakerphone, please speak up your handset before pressing any keys. To withdraw your question, please press star then two.
Speaker #4: The first question comes from Raine Lam with TD Security. Please go ahead.
Speaker #5: Yeah, thanks. Morning, guys, and congratulations on a momentous milestone. Maybe at FACOLA, would you be able to just provide a bit more detail on what changed with the most recent discussions in country? And has anything changed in the relationship in country that prompted the issuance of the permits now?
Wayne Lam: Yeah, thanks. Morning, guys. Congratulations on a momentous milestone. Maybe at Fekola, would you be able to just provide a bit more detail on kind of what changed with the most recent discussions in country? Has anything kind of changed in the relationship in country that prompted the issuance of the permits now?
Wayne Lam: Yeah, thanks. Morning, guys. Congratulations on a momentous milestone. Maybe at Fekola, would you be able to just provide a bit more detail on kind of what changed with the most recent discussions in country? Has anything kind of changed in the relationship in country that prompted the issuance of the permits now?
Mike Cinnamond: I can comment on that. I mean, we've had several visits in the last few months, to see the ministries. I think the message was very consistent. Over the piece, they put the new mining code in place. The agreements with each of the operating mining companies were negotiated. Then they would put some new layers of governance over how they oversee the whole mining activity in the country. That included, most recently, creating the new mining commission that we talked about earlier this year. Those layers of governance, they've also created a state mining company, SOPAMIM, that oversees the interest of the stakeholders.
Mike Cinnamond: I can comment on that. I mean, we've had several visits in the last few months, to see the ministries. I think the message was very consistent. Over the piece, they put the new mining code in place. The agreements with each of the operating mining companies were negotiated. Then they would put some new layers of governance over how they oversee the whole mining activity in the country. That included, most recently, creating the new mining commission that we talked about earlier this year. Those layers of governance, they've also created a state mining company, SOPAMIM, that oversees the interest of the stakeholders.
Speaker #2: I can comment on that. I mean, we've had several visits in the last few months to see the ministries, and I think the message was very consistent.
Speaker #2: Over the piece, they put the new mining code in place. The agreements with each of the operating mining companies were negotiated. And then they would put some new layers of governance over how they oversee the whole mining activity in the country.
Speaker #2: And that included most recently creating the new mining commission that we talked about earlier this year. So those layers of governance, they've also created a state mining companies supplement that oversees the interest of the stakeholders.
Speaker #2: So I think the consistent message to us over the last couple of visits, certainly this year, was that the state's been working hard just to harmonize how each of these ministries interacts and who's responsible for which pieces.
Mike Cinnamond: I think the consistent message to us over the last couple of visits, certainly this year, was that the state's been working hard just to harmonize how each of these ministries interacts, who's responsible for which pieces of the 2023 mining code as it relates to the operating companies and then obviously the mining commission that oversees it on an overall basis. I think the message we got most recently when we traveled there was they've now harmonized a lot. They're comfortable with that they got the right structures set up, and they're ready to move forward. We were, in some ways, the guinea pig, the first major new permit to be granted under the 2023 mining code. It took some patience on both sides, ourselves and the state, to get there. As you can see, we're now there.
Mike Cinnamond: I think the consistent message to us over the last couple of visits, certainly this year, was that the state's been working hard just to harmonize how each of these ministries interacts, who's responsible for which pieces of the 2023 mining code as it relates to the operating companies and then obviously the mining commission that oversees it on an overall basis. I think the message we got most recently when we traveled there was they've now harmonized a lot. They're comfortable with that they got the right structures set up, and they're ready to move forward. We were, in some ways, the guinea pig, the first major new permit to be granted under the 2023 mining code. It took some patience on both sides, ourselves and the state, to get there. As you can see, we're now there.
Speaker #2: Of the 23 mining code, as it relates to the operating companies and then obviously the mining commission that oversees on an overall basis. So I think the message we got most recently when we traveled there was they've now harmonized a lot they're comfortable with that they got the right structures set up and they're ready to move forward.
Speaker #2: And so we were in some ways the guinea pig, the first major new permit to be granted under the 2023 mining code. And so it took some patience on both sides ourselves and the state to get there.
Speaker #2: But as you can see, we're now there. So, that's how I characterize it.
Mike Cinnamond: That's how I characterize it.
Mike Cinnamond: That's how I characterize it.
Speaker #5: Okay, that's great. And then maybe just what the timeline from here in terms of stripping and mobilizing and getting into ore at regional, the guidance at the start of the year was about 80,000 ounce contribution given the permits at end of Q1.
Wayne Lam: Okay, that's great. Maybe just what's the timeline from here in terms of stripping and mobilizing and getting to ore at Regional? The guidance at the start of the year was about 80,000 ounces contribution, given the permits at end of Q1, and stripping through Q2. Should we just take that guidance and shift that forward? Just wondering how to think about the coming months and the ramp up to 150,000 ounces run rate.
Wayne Lam: Okay, that's great. Maybe just what's the timeline from here in terms of stripping and mobilizing and getting to ore at Regional? The guidance at the start of the year was about 80,000 ounces contribution, given the permits at end of Q1, and stripping through Q2. Should we just take that guidance and shift that forward? Just wondering how to think about the coming months and the ramp up to 150,000 ounces run rate.
Speaker #5: And stripping through Q2. So should we just take that guidance and shift that forward? Just wondering how to think about the coming months and the ramp up to 150,000 ounce run rate.
Speaker #2: Yeah, I think we'll give some guidance for 2027 when we do the budgets, how we see it ramping up. But I think the way to look at this year is we'll get in there now and fairly short order and we can start pre-stripping and that'll take us a few months.
Mike Cinnamond: Yeah, I think we'll give some guidance for 2027 when we do the budgets, how we see it ramping up. I think the way to look at this year is we'll get in there now in fairly short order, and we can start pre-stripping. That'll take us a few months, so really, will take us to basically the end of this year, I think, to get up and running. There's potential for some production near the end of the year, but I think to look at it in a balanced view, just I think we'll assume that we strip this year and then we'll ramp up next year through 2027. With a goal of being ready by the end of 2027 to be producing at a rate of 150,000 ounces a year from Regional.
Mike Cinnamond: Yeah, I think we'll give some guidance for 2027 when we do the budgets, how we see it ramping up. I think the way to look at this year is we'll get in there now in fairly short order, and we can start pre-stripping. That'll take us a few months, so really, will take us to basically the end of this year, I think, to get up and running. There's potential for some production near the end of the year, but I think to look at it in a balanced view, just I think we'll assume that we strip this year and then we'll ramp up next year through 2027. With a goal of being ready by the end of 2027 to be producing at a rate of 150,000 ounces a year from Regional.
Speaker #2: So really, that'll take us to basically the end of this year, I think, to get up and running. I mean, there's potential for some production near the end of the year, but I think to take a balanced view, we'll just assume that we strip this year and then we'll ramp up next year through 2027, with a goal of being ready by the end of 2027 to be producing at a rate of 150,000 ounces a year from regional.
Speaker #5: Okay, great. Thanks. And then maybe just the last one at Back River. Can you just walk us through some of the challenges with the mill crushers and what the ramp-up in tonnage looks like through the year?
Wayne Lam: Okay, great. Thanks. Maybe just last one at Back River. Can you just walk us through some of the challenges with the mobile crushers and what the ramp up in tonnage looks like through the year, particularly through Q3? Should we still expect relatively low tonnage until you're able to bring the newest mobile crusher online this month? I guess on the mining front, are we expecting a step change in grades as well through the balance of the year?
Wayne Lam: Okay, great. Thanks. Maybe just last one at Back River. Can you just walk us through some of the challenges with the mobile crushers and what the ramp up in tonnage looks like through the year, particularly through Q3? Should we still expect relatively low tonnage until you're able to bring the newest mobile crusher online this month? I guess on the mining front, are we expecting a step change in grades as well through the balance of the year?
Speaker #5: Particularly through Q3. Should we still expect relatively low tonnage until you're able to bring the newest mobile crusher online this month? And then I guess on the mining front, are we expecting a step change in grades as well through the balance of the year?
Mike Cinnamond: I'll pass this one over to Bill.
Mike Cinnamond: I'll pass this one over to Bill.
Speaker #2: I'll pass this one over to Bill.
Speaker #1: Okay, yeah. A few questions there. So on the crusher ramp up, what we're really talking about through Q3 and Q4 is in excess of 3,000 tonnes per day.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Okay. Yeah. A few questions there. On the crusher ramp up, what we're really talking about through Q3 and Q4 is in excess of 3,000 tons per day. On the grade, I don't think you're going to continue to see the increase in grade. I think you'll see it drop back to kind of what we had forecasted before, primarily because we're in the process right now of creating stockpiles basically going into 2027.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Okay. Yeah. A few questions there. On the crusher ramp up, what we're really talking about through Q3 and Q4 is in excess of 3,000 tons per day. On the grade, I don't think you're going to continue to see the increase in grade. I think you'll see it drop back to kind of what we had forecasted before, primarily because we're in the process right now of creating stockpiles basically going into 2027.
Speaker #1: And then on the grade I don't think you're going to continue to see the increased ramp increase in grade. I think you'll see it drop back to kind of what we had forecasted before.
Speaker #1: Primarily because we're in the process right now of creating stockpiles, basically going into 2027.
Speaker #5: Okay, great. Thanks for the detail, and congratulations on a pretty big milestone.
Wayne Lam: Okay, great. Thanks for the detail and congratulations on a pretty big milestone.
Wayne Lam: Okay, great. Thanks for the detail and congratulations on a pretty big milestone.
Speaker #4: The next question comes from Fahad Tariq with Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Fahad Tariq with Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Fahad Tariq with Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Speaker #6: Hi, thanks for taking my questions. Just on the FACOLA revised guidance for 2026, did that factor in getting the permit, I guess, today? I mean, or is there upside to the guidance?
Fahad Tariq: Hi, thanks for taking my questions. Just on the Fekola revised guidance for 2026, did that factor in getting the permit, I guess, today? Is there upside to the guidance, I guess that's what I'm asking.
Fahad Tariq: Hi, thanks for taking my questions. Just on the Fekola revised guidance for 2026, did that factor in getting the permit, I guess, today? Is there upside to the guidance, I guess that's what I'm asking.
Speaker #6: I guess that's what I'm asking.
Speaker #2: Do you want to take that one, Michael?
Mike Cinnamond: Do you want to take that one, Michael?
Mike Cinnamond: Do you want to take that one, Michael?
Michael McDonald: Yeah. No, I think the best way to think about it is that we're comfortable whether there is some minor production at the end of the year or if that officially starts in 2027. We're comfortable with that range that we put out of 390 to 420. I would say, just think about it as the complex will fall within that range. Whether or not we get a small amount near the end of the year, it won't affect the numbers materially either way.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. No, I think the best way to think about it is that we're comfortable whether there is some minor production at the end of the year or if that officially starts in 2027. We're comfortable with that range that we put out of 390 to 420. I would say, just think about it as the complex will fall within that range. Whether or not we get a small amount near the end of the year, it won't affect the numbers materially either way.
Speaker #6: Yeah, no, I think the best way to think about it is that we're comfortable whether there is some minor production at the end of the year or if that comfortable with that range that we put out of 390 to 420.
Speaker #6: So I would say just think about it as the complex will fall within that range. And whether or not we get a small amount near the end of the year, it won't affect the numbers materially either way.
Speaker #6: Okay, great. And then just switching gears to Goose, the new mobile crusher says it would be operational, I guess, now in early August. Can you just tell us if that's been if it is operational and just remind us, what is the difference between this mobile crusher and the previous one in terms of any different technical specifications?
Fahad Tariq: Okay, great. Just switching gears to Goose. The new mobile crusher said it would be operational, I guess, now in early August. Can you just tell us if it is operational? Just remind us, what is the difference between this mobile crusher and the previous one in terms of any different technical specifications?
Fahad Tariq: Okay, great. Just switching gears to Goose. The new mobile crusher said it would be operational, I guess, now in early August. Can you just tell us if it is operational? Just remind us, what is the difference between this mobile crusher and the previous one in terms of any different technical specifications?
Speaker #2: Over to you, Bill.
Mike Cinnamond: Over to you, Bill.
Mike Cinnamond: Over to you, Bill.
Speaker #1: Yeah. So the first part is we are commissioning even as we speak. There is a site on team commissioning. So we think in very short order we'll be up to our nameplate run rate.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. The first part is we are commissioning even as we speak. There is a site on team commissioning. We think in very short order, we'll be up to our nameplate run rate. The difference is really that this is just a bigger Metso mobile crusher, very similar to what we had on site before. Basically, we've kind of twinned what we've got going on there. We just have more horsepower.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. The first part is we are commissioning even as we speak. There is a site on team commissioning. We think in very short order, we'll be up to our nameplate run rate. The difference is really that this is just a bigger Metso mobile crusher, very similar to what we had on site before. Basically, we've kind of twinned what we've got going on there. We just have more horsepower.
Speaker #1: The difference is really that this is just a bigger metso mobile crusher very similar to what we had on site before. So basically, we've kind of twinned what we've got going on there.
Speaker #1: We just have more horsepower.
Speaker #6: Okay, got it. And then going into 2027, is there an expectation that these mobile crushers would still be used or would there just be redundant?
Fahad Tariq: Okay, got it. Going into 2027, is there an expectation that these mobile crushers would still be used, or would they just be redundant?
Fahad Tariq: Okay, got it. Going into 2027, is there an expectation that these mobile crushers would still be used, or would they just be redundant?
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Good operational question. The answer is certainly in H1 of the year, the mobile crushers are going to be necessary as we ramp up phase II of the repairs for the Goose site. After that, there is some discussion on whether or not you would use it as backup or would we in fact supercharge some of our regional civil work that we have ongoing.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Good operational question. The answer is certainly in H1 of the year, the mobile crushers are going to be necessary as we ramp up phase II of the repairs for the Goose site. After that, there is some discussion on whether or not you would use it as backup or would we in fact supercharge some of our regional civil work that we have ongoing.
Speaker #1: Good operational question. So the answer is certainly in the first half of the year. The mobile crushers are going to be necessary as we ramp up Phase Two.
Speaker #1: Of the repairs for the Goose site. And then after that, there is some discussion on whether or not you would use it as backup or would we, in fact, then supercharge some of our regional civil work that we have ongoing.
Speaker #6: Got it. Great. Thank you so much. Congrats on the permit.
Fahad Tariq: Got it. Great. Thank you so much. Congrats on the permit.
Fahad Tariq: Got it. Great. Thank you so much. Congrats on the permit.
Speaker #4: The next question comes from OA Sabit with Scotiabank. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Ovais Habib with Scotiabank. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Ovais Habib with Scotiabank. Please go ahead.
Speaker #5: Thanks, operator. Hi, Michael. B2 Gold team. Yeah, absolutely. Congrats on the FACOLA permit. This is a huge achievement. So congrats to the entire team.
Ovais Habib: Thanks, operator. Hi, Michael and B2Gold team. Absolutely. Congrats on the Fekola permit. This is a huge achievement, congrats to the entire team. A lot of my questions have been answered, specifically to the Fekola ramp-up, as well as the Goose crusher. Just on the Fekola side and the regional side, obviously, there's some decent mineralization that was already delineated on the Anaconda areas. Is there other more potential in terms of looking at additional satellite pits around the area? Is there a plan now that you have the permit to start some sort of an exploration program in that area as well? Any sort of color on that would be great.
Ovais Habib: Thanks, operator. Hi, Michael and B2Gold team. Absolutely. Congrats on the Fekola permit. This is a huge achievement, congrats to the entire team. A lot of my questions have been answered, specifically to the Fekola ramp-up, as well as the Goose crusher. Just on the Fekola side and the regional side, obviously, there's some decent mineralization that was already delineated on the Anaconda areas. Is there other more potential in terms of looking at additional satellite pits around the area? Is there a plan now that you have the permit to start some sort of an exploration program in that area as well? Any sort of color on that would be great.
Speaker #5: A lot of my questions have been answered—specifically on the Facola, kind of Facola ramp-up, as well as the Goose crusher. But just on the Facola side and the regional side, obviously there's some decent mineralization that was already delineated on the Snake's areas.
Speaker #5: Is there more potential in terms of looking at additional satellite pits around the area? Is there a plan, now that you have the permit, to start some sort of an exploration program in that area as well?
Speaker #5: Any sort of color on that, that would be great.
Speaker #2: So I can a couple of initial comments. We do have some exploration work planned on regional for this year. You'll see us we're just commencing that now, actually, just because rainy season's just finished.
Mike Cinnamond: A couple initial comments there. We do have some exploration work planned on Regional for this year. You'll see us, we're just commencing that now, actually, just because rainy season's just finished. We will be doing some additional work. I think there's definitely potential for more work to be done there, right? We have developed plans based on what we know is there already. In terms of any additional pits, I think we'll be able to give some more guidance later this year as to how we see Regional rolling out over the next year.
Mike Cinnamond: A couple initial comments there. We do have some exploration work planned on Regional for this year. You'll see us, we're just commencing that now, actually, just because rainy season's just finished. We will be doing some additional work. I think there's definitely potential for more work to be done there, right? We have developed plans based on what we know is there already. In terms of any additional pits, I think we'll be able to give some more guidance later this year as to how we see Regional rolling out over the next year.
Speaker #2: So we will be doing some additional work. I mean, I think there's definitely potential for more work to be done there, right? But we have developed plans based on what we know is there already.
Speaker #2: So in terms of any additional pits, I think we'll be able to give some more guidance later this year as to how we see regional rolling out over the next year.
Speaker #5: Okay, thanks for that, Michael. And just in terms of looking at Goose again, just in terms of more towards the underground build, kind of how are things progressing on the underground side in terms of mining rates, in terms of just equipment that's already in place?
Ovais Habib: Okay. Thanks for that, Michael. Just in terms of looking at Goose again, just in terms of more towards the underground build, kind of how are things progressing on the underground side in terms of mining rates, in terms of just equipment that's already in place? Are you comfortable with how things are progressing? What more do we need to see in terms of ramping that up?
Ovais Habib: Okay. Thanks for that, Michael. Just in terms of looking at Goose again, just in terms of more towards the underground build, kind of how are things progressing on the underground side in terms of mining rates, in terms of just equipment that's already in place? Are you comfortable with how things are progressing? What more do we need to see in terms of ramping that up?
Speaker #5: Are you comfortable with how things are progressing? What more do we need to see in terms of ramping that up?
Speaker #1: No, Ola, it's a great question. We are comfortable for sure in what we're seeing. We had projected that we had to get up to 12 meters per day of development.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): No, it's always a great question. We are comfortable for sure in what we're seeing. We had projected that we had to get up to 12 meters per day of development. We're currently at just over 11. We don't see any real issues. Things are coming along very well.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): No, it's always a great question. We are comfortable for sure in what we're seeing. We had projected that we had to get up to 12 meters per day of development. We're currently at just over 11. We don't see any real issues. Things are coming along very well.
Speaker #1: We're currently at just over 11. So we don't see any real issues. Things are coming along very well.
Speaker #5: Okay, thanks for that, Bill. And congrats again on the FACOLA permit. That's it from you guys.
Ovais Habib: Okay. Thanks for that, Bill. Appreciate that. Congrats again on the Fekola permit. That's it from you guys.
Ovais Habib: Okay. Thanks for that, Bill. Appreciate that. Congrats again on the Fekola permit. That's it from you guys.
Speaker #2: Thanks so much.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Ovais.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Ovais.
Speaker #4: The next question comes from Lawson Render with Bank of America. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Lawson Winder with Bank of America. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Lawson Winder with Bank of America. Please go ahead.
Speaker #7: Thank you, operator. Hello, Mike, Michael, and Bill. Thank you for today's update and absolute congratulations on getting the permit sorted out in Mali. Just looking into 2027 and thinking about gold production that year with the moving parts around grades and volumes from FACOLA, and Cardinal open pits, from the FACOLA underground, and now regional ramping up.
Lawson Winder: Thank you, operator. Hello, Mike, Michael, and Bill. Thank you for today's update and absolute congratulations on getting the permit sorted out in Mali. Just looking into 2027 and thinking about gold production that year with the moving parts around grades and volumes from Fekola and Cardinal open pits, from the Fekola underground, and now Regional ramping up, directionally, versus 2026, it would seem we would be going higher from the current range of 390 to 420. Could you maybe talk around some of the moving parts and just give us a sense of directionally where we should be thinking about Fekola production for 2027?
Lawson Winder: Thank you, operator. Hello, Mike, Michael, and Bill. Thank you for today's update and absolute congratulations on getting the permit sorted out in Mali. Just looking into 2027 and thinking about gold production that year with the moving parts around grades and volumes from Fekola and Cardinal open pits, from the Fekola underground, and now Regional ramping up, directionally, versus 2026, it would seem we would be going higher from the current range of 390 to 420. Could you maybe talk around some of the moving parts and just give us a sense of directionally where we should be thinking about Fekola production for 2027?
Speaker #7: I mean, directionally, versus 2026, it would seem we would be going higher from the current range of 390 to 420, but could you maybe talk around some of the moving parts and just give us a sense of directionally where we should be thinking about FACOLA production for 2027?
Speaker #2: Michael, do you want to give us a sort of overview?
Mike Cinnamond: Michael, do you want to give a sort of overview?
Mike Cinnamond: Michael, do you want to give a sort of overview?
Michael McDonald: Yeah. I can take that one. I think for Fekola complex, as you can imagine with the point in time here now where we've got the permit for the past few years, when you look at our guidance for the Fekola complex in 2024 and 2025, we performed very well in spite of at the start of each year, thinking that there would be some contribution from Regional. Now we've obviously got the permit and we'll begin activities there. Fekola still needs to go through the Phase A stripping campaign, which it currently is in right now, and that really unlocks what's a very robust and productive few years for the Fekola main pit, and then you'll have Regional ramped up and underground going as well. I think it's probably premature to speculate on 2027 yet.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. I can take that one. I think for Fekola complex, as you can imagine with the point in time here now where we've got the permit for the past few years, when you look at our guidance for the Fekola complex in 2024 and 2025, we performed very well in spite of at the start of each year, thinking that there would be some contribution from Regional. Now we've obviously got the permit and we'll begin activities there. Fekola still needs to go through the Phase A stripping campaign, which it currently is in right now, and that really unlocks what's a very robust and productive few years for the Fekola main pit, and then you'll have Regional ramped up and underground going as well. I think it's probably premature to speculate on 2027 yet.
Speaker #6: Yeah, yeah, I can take that one. So I think for FACOLA complex, as you can imagine, with the point in time here now where we've got the permit for the past few years, when you look at our guidance for the FACOLA complex in '24 and '25, we've performed very well in spite of, at the start of each year, thinking that there would be some contribution from regional.
Speaker #6: Now, we've obviously got the permit and we'll begin activities there, but Fekola still needs to go through the Phase 8 stripping campaign, which it currently is in right now.
Speaker #6: And that really unlocks what's a very robust and productive few years for the FACOLA main pit. And then you'll have regional ramped up and underground going as well.
Speaker #6: But I think it's probably premature to speculate on 2027 yet. The team will work through in the budget process exactly what contribution we think we can get from each of the components.
Michael McDonald: The team will work through in the budget process exactly what contribution we think we can get from each of the components. I wouldn't bank that 2027 will be higher than 2026, just because we do need to get through the Phase A stripping at Fekola. I think the other moving parts as you think about 2027, though, is Goose will have a significant ramp-up into 2027. On a consolidated basis, we absolutely think that there's every chance, as they go through the budget process, that we'll be higher in 2027 than 2026 as a company. Fekola, we still have some work to do, and we'll come out with more clarity on that, with our guidance next year.
Michael McDonald: The team will work through in the budget process exactly what contribution we think we can get from each of the components. I wouldn't bank that 2027 will be higher than 2026, just because we do need to get through the Phase A stripping at Fekola. I think the other moving parts as you think about 2027, though, is Goose will have a significant ramp-up into 2027. On a consolidated basis, we absolutely think that there's every chance, as they go through the budget process, that we'll be higher in 2027 than 2026 as a company. Fekola, we still have some work to do, and we'll come out with more clarity on that, with our guidance next year.
Speaker #6: But I wouldn't bake that 2027 will be higher than 2026. Just because we do need to get through the phase eight stripping at FACOLA.
Speaker #6: I think the other moving parts, as you think about 2027, though, is Goose will have a significant ramp up into 2027. So on a consolidated basis, we absolutely think that there's every chance, as they go through the budget process, that we'll be higher in 2027 than 2026 as a company.
Speaker #6: But FACOLA, we still have some work to do, and we'll come up with more clarity on that with our guidance next year.
Speaker #7: Yeah, thanks, Michael. And just thinking about the permit, over the next call it three years, are there any other additional permits needed in order to operate any of the or to mine any of the deposits at FACOLA?
Lawson Winder: Yeah. Thanks, Michael. Just thinking about the permits, over the next, call it 3 years, are there any other additional permits needed in order to operate any of the, or to mine any of the deposits at Fekola? In that same thought, maybe you could just address whether you would think going forward now there's an understanding, and the permitting process should be much more streamlined now at this point.
Lawson Winder: Yeah. Thanks, Michael. Just thinking about the permits, over the next, call it 3 years, are there any other additional permits needed in order to operate any of the, or to mine any of the deposits at Fekola? In that same thought, maybe you could just address whether you would think going forward now there's an understanding, and the permitting process should be much more streamlined now at this point.
Speaker #7: And then in that same thought, maybe you could just address whether you would think going forward now there's an understanding in the permitting process, should be much more streamlined now at this point.
Speaker #2: Maybe I'll pass this one over to Randall, I think.
Mike Cinnamond: Maybe I'll pass this one over to Randall, I think.
Mike Cinnamond: Maybe I'll pass this one over to Randall, I think.
Speaker #3: Yeah, I think the one permit that you would recognize that we're going to need to obtain would be the Dandoko permit. And that's a process that we'll start on the exploitation side probably later next year for 2028.
Randall Chatwin: Yeah, I think the one permit that you would recognize that we're going to need to obtain would be the Dandoko permit, and that's a process that will start on the exploitation side probably later next year for 2028. Yes, agreed that the establishment of the governance that is in Mali now, we have full confidence that the process will be much smoother going forward.
Randall Chatwin: Yeah, I think the one permit that you would recognize that we're going to need to obtain would be the Dandoko permit, and that's a process that will start on the exploitation side probably later next year for 2028. Yes, agreed that the establishment of the governance that is in Mali now, we have full confidence that the process will be much smoother going forward.
Speaker #3: But yes, agreed that the governance that is in Mali now—we have full confidence that the process will be much smoother going forward.
Speaker #7: Okay. And then if I could just ask another on the sustaining capex. So if we could just talk about the sustaining capex guidance in terms of millions, the original guidance from February was about 540 million between deferred stripping, underground development, and maintenance, plus there's about 27 million for sustaining exploration.
Lawson Winder: Okay. If I could just ask another on the sustaining CapEx. If we just talk about the sustaining CapEx guidance in terms of millions, the original guidance from February was about $540 million between deferred stripping, underground development, and maintenance. Plus, there was about $27 million for sustaining exploration. Given that your all-in sustaining cost guidance is expected now to be lower than the original guide, what level of absolute sustaining CapEx would you advise we be modeling versus that original $540? Was there any change to the $27 million of sustaining exploration?
Lawson Winder: Okay. If I could just ask another on the sustaining CapEx. If we just talk about the sustaining CapEx guidance in terms of millions, the original guidance from February was about $540 million between deferred stripping, underground development, and maintenance. Plus, there was about $27 million for sustaining exploration. Given that your all-in sustaining cost guidance is expected now to be lower than the original guide, what level of absolute sustaining CapEx would you advise we be modeling versus that original $540? Was there any change to the $27 million of sustaining exploration?
Speaker #7: So given that your all in sustaining cost guidance is expected now to be lower than the original guide, what level of absolute sustaining capex would you advise we be modeling versus that original 540?
Speaker #7: And was there any change to the $27 million of sustaining exploration?
Speaker #2: Yeah. I can take
Michael McDonald: Yeah. I can take that one. You've seen with some of our disclosure that basically all the sites outside of Goose are under where we expected they would be from a sustaining capital perspective. They need to get through the year, and sometimes the phenomenon that you see is that sites end up catching up, which we have disclosed we anticipate for their sustaining capital balance. It's been a good trend in the first six months of the year. There is a chance we could come in a bit lower on Fekola, Masbate, and Oyu Tolgoi. For Goose, as you can appreciate with the impacts of the fire, sustaining capital will probably be higher than what we would've anticipated at the start of the year. It should overall net out to close to what we thought within your numbers at the start of the year.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. I can take that one. You've seen with some of our disclosure that basically all the sites outside of Goose are under where we expected they would be from a sustaining capital perspective. They need to get through the year, and sometimes the phenomenon that you see is that sites end up catching up, which we have disclosed we anticipate for their sustaining capital balance. It's been a good trend in the first six months of the year. There is a chance we could come in a bit lower on Fekola, Masbate, and Oyu Tolgoi. For Goose, as you can appreciate with the impacts of the fire, sustaining capital will probably be higher than what we would've anticipated at the start of the year. It should overall net out to close to what we thought within your numbers at the start of the year.
Speaker #6: that one. So you've seen with some of our disclosure that basically all the sites outside of Goose are under where we expected they would be from a sustaining capital perspective.
Speaker #6: They need to get through the year, and sometimes the phenomenon that you see is that sites end up catching up, which we have disclosed we anticipate.
Speaker #6: For their sustaining capital balance. But it's been a good trend in the first six months of the year. So there is a chance we could come in a bit lower on FACOLA, Masbati, and Ochikodo.
Speaker #6: For Goose, as you can appreciate with the impacts of the fire, sustaining capital will probably be higher than what we would anticipated at the start of the year.
Speaker #6: So it should overall net out to close to what we thought within your numbers at the start of the year.
Speaker #7: Okay, great. Thank you.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Okay, great. Thank you.
Lawson Winder: Okay, great. Thank you.
Speaker #4: The next question comes from Josh Wilson with RBC. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Josh Rosen with RBC. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Josh Rosen with RBC. Please go ahead.
Speaker #6: Yeah, thank you very much. I recognize you have had maybe an hour to go through a lot of the questions that we're asking on the numbers in 2027.
Josh Rosen: Yeah, thank you very much. I recognize you had maybe an hour to go through a lot of the questions that we're asking on the numbers in 2027. I'll ask it in maybe a slightly different way. The grades for Fekola, based on the updated guidance, sort of look maybe the low ones. When we think about 2027 and that Phase 8 stripping campaign that was discussed, should we expect the grades next year versus the back half of this year to be flat, or will they decline during that stripping campaign?
Josh Rosen: Yeah, thank you very much. I recognize you had maybe an hour to go through a lot of the questions that we're asking on the numbers in 2027. I'll ask it in maybe a slightly different way. The grades for Fekola, based on the updated guidance, sort of look maybe the low ones. When we think about 2027 and that Phase 8 stripping campaign that was discussed, should we expect the grades next year versus the back half of this year to be flat, or will they decline during that stripping campaign?
Speaker #6: I'll ask it in maybe a slightly different way. The grades for Fekola, based on the updated guidance, sort of look at maybe the low ones.
Speaker #6: When we think about 2027 and that Phase Eight stripping campaign that was discussed, should we expect the grades next year versus the back half of this year to be flat, or will they decline during that stripping campaign?
Mike Cinnamond: Bill, can I pass this one over to you on the Fekola expected grade for 2027?
Mike Cinnamond: Bill, can I pass this one over to you on the Fekola expected grade for 2027?
Speaker #2: Bill, can I pass this one over to you on the FACOLA expected grade for '27?
Speaker #5: Yeah, once again, you hit it right on the head. We're still kind of working through what we're going to be able to get in from the regional versus what we're going to be able to get in from FACOLA proper.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. Once again, you hit it right on the head. We're still kind of working through what we're going to be able to get in from the regional versus what we're going to be able to get in from Fekola proper. I don't really want to comment on exactly what I think the grade is going to be for 2027.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. Once again, you hit it right on the head. We're still kind of working through what we're going to be able to get in from the regional versus what we're going to be able to get in from Fekola proper. I don't really want to comment on exactly what I think the grade is going to be for 2027.
Speaker #5: So I don't really want to comment on exactly what I think the grade is going to be for 2027.
Speaker #6: Okay, I figured I'd ask anyways, but we're all very excited. And then just on the Fekola regional capital, I mean, it looks like you've spent roughly $40 million so far year to date.
Josh Rosen: Okay. I figured I'd ask anyways, but we're all very excited. Just on the Fekola regional capital, it looks like you've spent roughly $40 million so far year to date. What should we think about the remaining capital requirements in the H2 of this year and maybe for 2027 during ramp up?
Josh Rosen: Okay. I figured I'd ask anyways, but we're all very excited. Just on the Fekola regional capital, it looks like you've spent roughly $40 million so far year to date. What should we think about the remaining capital requirements in the H2 of this year and maybe for 2027 during ramp up?
Speaker #6: What should we think about the remaining capital requirements in the back half of this year, and maybe for 2027 during ramp-up? Yeah, I can comment on the back half of the year.
Michael McDonald: Yeah, I can comment on the H2 of the year. What you'll see is clearly as we begin stripping, you'll see some deferred stripping capital that flows through in the H2 of the year. I think you can kind of anticipate that what we did in the H1 is representative of what will happen in the H2. The H1 was more equipment purchases, where the H2 will be more the deferred stripping capital to get down into the ore. I think for 2027, again, probably the answer is it's premature at this stage. I think as Bill and the team go through their budgeting process and we look at what contribution we can get from regional in 2027, then we'll have a better estimate of sustaining capital and growth capital for regional at that point.
Michael McDonald: Yeah, I can comment on the H2 of the year. What you'll see is clearly as we begin stripping, you'll see some deferred stripping capital that flows through in the H2 of the year. I think you can kind of anticipate that what we did in the H1 is representative of what will happen in the H2. The H1 was more equipment purchases, where the H2 will be more the deferred stripping capital to get down into the ore. I think for 2027, again, probably the answer is it's premature at this stage. I think as Bill and the team go through their budgeting process and we look at what contribution we can get from regional in 2027, then we'll have a better estimate of sustaining capital and growth capital for regional at that point.
Speaker #6: So what you'll see is, clearly, as we begin stripping, you'll see some deferred stripping capital that flows through in the back half of the year.
Speaker #6: So, I think you can kind of anticipate that what we did in the first half is representative of what will happen in the second half.
Speaker #6: But the first half was more equipment purchases. For the second half, we'll be more the deferred stripping capital, to get down into the ore.
Speaker #6: And then I think for '27, again, probably the answer is it's premature at this stage. I think as Bill and the team go through their budgeting process and we look at what contribution we can get from regional in '27, then we'll have a better estimate of sustaining capital and growth capital for regional at that point.
Speaker #6: Okay. And just on Goose, following up on one of the responses earlier about the third quarter grades not being maybe as high due to stockpiling, could you guys maybe discuss a bit more about why that would be?
Josh Rosen: Okay. Just on Goose, following up on one of the responses earlier about the Q3 grades not being maybe as high due to stockpiling, could you guys maybe discuss a bit more behind why that would be? I would think typically, if you were stockpiling, you would stockpile the lower grade material. Maybe is there something behind that in terms of what the strategy is into next year?
Josh Rosen: Okay. Just on Goose, following up on one of the responses earlier about the Q3 grades not being maybe as high due to stockpiling, could you guys maybe discuss a bit more behind why that would be? I would think typically, if you were stockpiling, you would stockpile the lower grade material. Maybe is there something behind that in terms of what the strategy is into next year?
Speaker #6: I would think typically if you were stockpiling, you would stockpile the lower-grade material, but maybe is there something behind that in terms of what the strategy is into next year?
Speaker #5: Yeah, so the grade is going to be plus eight. So I guess when I was thinking of when I answered last time, over Q2 we had some very high, high grade come through.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. The grade is going to be plus 8. I guess what I was thinking of when I answered last time, over Q2, we had some very high grade come through. We are going to see plus 8 grams, and certainly we're going to be in line with what we had projected previously. When I was talking about stockpiling, for the mobile crusher, we want to make sure that as we get into the phase II ramp up, that we want to have material which will be able to carry us through Q1 and Q2. How do we get through the wintertime with the appropriate amount of material with the mobile crusher?
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. The grade is going to be plus 8. I guess what I was thinking of when I answered last time, over Q2, we had some very high grade come through. We are going to see plus 8 grams, and certainly we're going to be in line with what we had projected previously. When I was talking about stockpiling, for the mobile crusher, we want to make sure that as we get into the phase II ramp up, that we want to have material which will be able to carry us through Q1 and Q2. How do we get through the wintertime with the appropriate amount of material with the mobile crusher?
Speaker #5: So we are going to see plus eight grams and certainly we're going to see in we're going to be in line with what we had projected previously.
Speaker #5: But what I when I was talking about stockpiling, for the mobile crushers, we want to make sure that as we get into the phase two ramp up, that we want to have material which will be able to carry us through Q1 and Q2.
Speaker #5: So how do we get through the wintertime with the appropriate amount of material with the mobile crusher?
Speaker #6: Great. Thank you very much.
Josh Rosen: Great. Thank you very much.
Josh Rosen: Great. Thank you very much.
Speaker #2: Thanks, Josh.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Josh.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Josh.
Operator: The next question comes from Don DeMarco with National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Don DeMarco with National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.
Speaker #4: The next question comes from Dawn DeMarco with National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.
Speaker #7: Thank you, operator. And good morning and congratulations on the news of the permit. I'll start off with FACOLA. So how does FACOLA fit into the company's strategy?
Don DeMarco: Thank you, operator. Good morning and congratulations on the news of the permit. I'll start off with Fekola. How does Fekola fit into the company's strategy? Given the delays on the permitting, there was some uncertainty, but does the news of the award of the permits and your relationship with the state right now, does that restore Fekola as a cornerstone asset?
Don DeMarco: Thank you, operator. Good morning and congratulations on the news of the permit. I'll start off with Fekola. How does Fekola fit into the company's strategy? Given the delays on the permitting, there was some uncertainty, but does the news of the award of the permits and your relationship with the state right now, does that restore Fekola as a cornerstone asset?
Speaker #7: I mean, given the delays on the permitting, there was some uncertainty, but does the news of the award of the permits and your relationship with the state right now, does that restore FACOLA as a cornerstone asset?
Mike Cinnamond: I would say, Don, Fekola always was a cornerstone asset. If you look at it's been a great asset for us over the years since we've operated, world-class mine. We've had great success there. It's run well through since we started it up, through COVID, through some of the political changes that we saw in the country. We're just delighted to get this permit. It lets us make long-term plans now, lets us optimize how we can mix the mill feed from Fekola and from regional, and has the potential to extend Fekola's mill life. Yeah, it took us a little longer, I think, to get this permit than we'd originally anticipated, as you know. We're very happy that I think we've worked closely with the state.
Mike Cinnamond: I would say, Don, Fekola always was a cornerstone asset. If you look at it's been a great asset for us over the years since we've operated, world-class mine. We've had great success there. It's run well through since we started it up, through COVID, through some of the political changes that we saw in the country. We're just delighted to get this permit. It lets us make long-term plans now, lets us optimize how we can mix the mill feed from Fekola and from regional, and has the potential to extend Fekola's mill life. Yeah, it took us a little longer, I think, to get this permit than we'd originally anticipated, as you know. We're very happy that I think we've worked closely with the state.
Speaker #3: I would say, Dawn, Fekola always was a cornerstone asset. I mean, if you look at it—it's been a great asset for us over the years since we've operated, world-class mine.
Speaker #3: We've had great success there. It's run well since we started it up, through COVID, through some of the political changes that we saw in the country.
Speaker #3: So we're just delighted to get this permit. It lets us make long-term plans now. Lets us optimize how we can mix the mill feed from FACOLA and from regional.
Speaker #3: And it has the potential to extend Fekola’s mill life. And yeah, it took us a little longer, I think, to get this permit than we’d originally anticipated, as you know.
Speaker #3: But we're very happy that, I think, we've worked closely with the state. We're happy now that they've gone through their process, and hopefully this opens up more opportunities for new permits for other mining companies in the country.
Mike Cinnamond: We're happy now that they've gone through their process and hopefully this opens up more opportunities for new permits for other mining companies in the country. It's a cornerstone asset for us. It's been historically half of our production. We can see ourselves getting back to that half a million ounce stage from the complex. It's an important asset.
Mike Cinnamond: We're happy now that they've gone through their process and hopefully this opens up more opportunities for new permits for other mining companies in the country. It's a cornerstone asset for us. It's been historically half of our production. We can see ourselves getting back to that half a million ounce stage from the complex. It's an important asset.
Speaker #3: So it's still it's a cornerstone asset for us. It's being historically half of our production. We can see ourselves getting back to that half a million ounce stage from the complex.
Speaker #3: It's an important asset.
Speaker #7: And so Mike, with this, does it mean that you might also step up expiration regionally? I suspect that was probably largely put on hold until the permits were received.
Don DeMarco: Mike, with this, does it mean that you might also step up exploration regionally? I suspect that was probably largely put on hold until the permits were received.
Don DeMarco: Mike, with this, does it mean that you might also step up exploration regionally? I suspect that was probably largely put on hold until the permits were received.
Speaker #3: Yeah, I think there'll be some more regional focus now, especially looking for further sulphide material on the regional permit because Fekola's primarily a sulphide mill.
Mike Cinnamond: Yeah, I think there'll be some more regional focus, now especially looking for further sulfide material on the regional permit because Fekola is primarily a sulfide mill.
Mike Cinnamond: Yeah, I think there'll be some more regional focus, now especially looking for further sulfide material on the regional permit because Fekola is primarily a sulfide mill.
Speaker #7: Okay, great. And on the share repurchases, I mean, the valuation right now is discounted versus peers. In light of this, what's your plan for share repurchases over the next 12 months?
Don DeMarco: Okay, great. On the share repurchases, the valuation right now is discounted versus peers. In light of this, what's your plan for share repurchases over the next 12 months? Do you plan to get a little bit more aggressive in the near term to take advantage of this dislocation?
Don DeMarco: Okay, great. On the share repurchases, the valuation right now is discounted versus peers. In light of this, what's your plan for share repurchases over the next 12 months? Do you plan to get a little bit more aggressive in the near term to take advantage of this dislocation?
Speaker #7: I mean, do you plan to get a little bit more aggressive in the near term to take advantage of this dislocation?
Speaker #3: Do you want to take a look, Michael?
Mike Cinnamond: Do you want to take that one, Michael?
Mike Cinnamond: Do you want to take that one, Michael?
Speaker #6: Yeah, no, we would absolutely agree with the statement that we feel our current market valuation does not reflect the true underlying value of our business.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. No, we would absolutely agree with the statement that we feel that our current market valuation does not reflect the true underlying value of our business. Absolutely, share repurchases with the free cash flow that we estimate at these gold prices we will be able to achieve over the coming 12, 24 months will absolutely be on the agenda. These are discussions we have every quarter with our board and with our management team. Absolutely, that's a tool we will utilize moving forward based on where we trade today and even in the future when we hopefully believe we will trade higher.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. No, we would absolutely agree with the statement that we feel that our current market valuation does not reflect the true underlying value of our business. Absolutely, share repurchases with the free cash flow that we estimate at these gold prices we will be able to achieve over the coming 12, 24 months will absolutely be on the agenda. These are discussions we have every quarter with our board and with our management team. Absolutely, that's a tool we will utilize moving forward based on where we trade today and even in the future when we hopefully believe we will trade higher.
Speaker #6: So absolutely, share repurchases with the free cash flow that we estimate these gold prices we will be able to achieve over the coming sort of 12, 24 months will absolutely be on the agenda.
Speaker #6: These are discussions we have every quarter with our Board and with our management team. But absolutely, that's a tool we will utilize moving forward.
Speaker #6: Based on where we trade today and even in the future when we hopefully believe we will trade higher.
Speaker #7: Okay, thanks for that, Michael. And another question: moving over to Goose then, I heard Bill say they're going to use the crushers into next year, and so on.
Don DeMarco: Okay. Thanks for that, Michael. Another question. Moving over to Goose then. I heard Bill say that they're going to use the crushers into next year and so on, and I appreciate all the color that you've given on Goose, but I'm wondering, can you give us a sense of the progression of the throughput rates over the next 12 months? Is there any early color on Goose costs or production in 2027? I think we've deviated quite a bit from the technical report at this point.
Don DeMarco: Okay. Thanks for that, Michael. Another question. Moving over to Goose then. I heard Bill say that they're going to use the crushers into next year and so on, and I appreciate all the color that you've given on Goose, but I'm wondering, can you give us a sense of the progression of the throughput rates over the next 12 months? Is there any early color on Goose costs or production in 2027? I think we've deviated quite a bit from the technical report at this point.
Speaker #7: And I appreciate all the color that you've given on Goose, but I'm wondering, can you give us a sense of the progression of the throughput rates over the next 12 months?
Speaker #7: And is there any early color on Goose cost or production in ’27? I think we’ve deviated quite a bit from the technical board at this point.
Speaker #5: Yeah. I can get yeah, I'll give the throughput by quarter. As we ramp up into Q3, we're plus two and a half thousand tons per day.
Mike Cinnamond: Bill, do you want to take that one?
Mike Cinnamond: Bill, do you want to take that one?
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. I'll give the throughput by quarter. As we ramp up into Q3, we're plus 2,500 tons per day. In Q4, we're more than 3,000 tons per day. In H1, we're once again, H1 2027, we're more than 3,000 tons a day. In H2, we're going to be at 4,000. That's our plan to be at run rate at the end of Q2. As far as the costs, I'm not aware of what guidance we've given on that. Michael, maybe you can answer.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. I'll give the throughput by quarter. As we ramp up into Q3, we're plus 2,500 tons per day. In Q4, we're more than 3,000 tons per day. In H1, we're once again, H1 2027, we're more than 3,000 tons a day. In H2, we're going to be at 4,000. That's our plan to be at run rate at the end of Q2. As far as the costs, I'm not aware of what guidance we've given on that. Michael, maybe you can answer.
Speaker #5: And then in Q4, we're more than 3,000 tons per day. Then in H1, we're once again H1 2027, we're more than 3,000 tons a day.
Speaker #5: And then in H2, we're going to be at 4,000. That's our plan—to be at run rate at the end of Q2. As far as the costs, I'm not aware of what guidance we've given on that.
Speaker #5: So, Michael, maybe you can answer.
Speaker #6: Yeah, yeah. I think, Dawn, you're right in the sense that we're probably deviating a bit from the tech report, just with how the ramp-up's gone relative to when that report went out.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. I think, Don, you're right in the sense of we're probably deviating a bit from the tech report just with how the ramp-up's gone relative to when that report went out. I think it's a bit premature to speculate on it, we absolutely believe it's a large growth year next year from a production base of what we'll achieve this year. Maybe wait for the guidance to come out early next year.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. I think, Don, you're right in the sense of we're probably deviating a bit from the tech report just with how the ramp-up's gone relative to when that report went out. I think it's a bit premature to speculate on it, we absolutely believe it's a large growth year next year from a production base of what we'll achieve this year. Maybe wait for the guidance to come out early next year.
Speaker #6: But I think it's a bit premature to speculate on it. But we absolutely believe it's a large growth year next year from a production base of what we'll achieve this year.
Speaker #6: But maybe wait for the guidance to come out early next year.
Speaker #7: Okay. Well, just as a segue to that, I mean, we saw Goose ASIC guidance remain unchanged, despite the elevated figure that you had in Q2.
Don DeMarco: Okay. Well, just as a segue to that, we saw Goose AISC guidance remain unchanged despite the elevated figure that you had in Q2. Should we just take this as kind of a confidence that you're going to restore to lower cost run rate in H2?
Don DeMarco: Okay. Well, just as a segue to that, we saw Goose AISC guidance remain unchanged despite the elevated figure that you had in Q2. Should we just take this as kind of a confidence that you're going to restore to lower cost run rate in H2?
Speaker #7: So, should we just take this as a sign of confidence that you're going to restore to a lower cost run rate in the second half?
Speaker #6: Yeah, yeah, 100%. I think you'll see as what Bill has described, to end the year we should be able to have the main crushing circuit back up and running and there's some very good grade that's anticipated to go through the mill through Q4.
Michael McDonald: Yeah, 100%. I think you'll see, as what Bill has described, to end the year, we should be able to have the main crushing circuit back up and running. There's some very good grade that's anticipated to go through the mill through Q4. I think that should give a good representation of what we can achieve in H1 of next year. H2 of next year will be at that 4,000 ton per day average. That will give a really good estimate into what we think the next few years will look like because that will be steady state for the Goose mine.
Michael McDonald: Yeah, 100%. I think you'll see, as what Bill has described, to end the year, we should be able to have the main crushing circuit back up and running. There's some very good grade that's anticipated to go through the mill through Q4. I think that should give a good representation of what we can achieve in H1 of next year. H2 of next year will be at that 4,000 ton per day average. That will give a really good estimate into what we think the next few years will look like because that will be steady state for the Goose mine.
Speaker #6: And I think that should give a good representation of what we can achieve in the first half of next year. Then, in the second half of next year, we'll be at that 4,000-ton-per-day average, and that will give a really good estimate of what we think the next few years will look like.
Speaker #6: Because that will be steady state for the Goose Mine.
Speaker #7: Great. Thanks, Michael. Well, that's all from me. Congrats again and thanks for taking my question.
Don DeMarco: Great. Thanks, Michael. Well, that's all for me. Congrats again. Thanks for taking my question.
Don DeMarco: Great. Thanks, Michael. Well, that's all for me. Congrats again. Thanks for taking my question.
Speaker #2: Thanks, Dawn.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Don.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Don.
Speaker #1: Once again, if you have a question, please press star then one. The next question comes from Carrie McCrewy with Canaco Generity. Please go ahead.
Operator: Once again, if you have a question, please press star then one. The next question comes from Kerry McLoone with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.
Operator: Once again, if you have a question, please press star then one. The next question comes from Kerry McLoone with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.
Speaker #7: Hi, good morning, guys. And I'll follow the theme and congrats on the permit. But just switching to Goose and exploration, a year or so ago, you cut the reserves there.
Kerry McLoone: Good morning, guys. I'll follow the theme, and congrats on the permit. Just switching to Goose and exploration. A year or so ago, you cut the reserves there. What's your thinking of tightening up drill spacing? I know you've got 6 million ounces of reserves there. Just wondering if we should be expecting some of those ounces to start coming back into reserves at the end of this year.
Kerry McLoone: Good morning, guys. I'll follow the theme, and congrats on the permit. Just switching to Goose and exploration. A year or so ago, you cut the reserves there. What's your thinking of tightening up drill spacing? I know you've got 6 million ounces of reserves there. Just wondering if we should be expecting some of those ounces to start coming back into reserves at the end of this year.
Speaker #7: I think of you as tightening up drill spacing. I know you've got 6 million ounces of reserves there. So just wondering if we should be expecting some of those ounces to start coming back into reserves at the end of this year.
Speaker #2: We've got 15 here, so I'll pass that one over to Vic.
Mike Cinnamond: We've got Vic King here, so I'll pass that one over to Vic.
Mike Cinnamond: We've got Vic King here, so I'll pass that one over to Vic.
Speaker #4: Yes. A significant part of our budget is deeper drilling and full drilling, particularly at the Lama deposit. The aim of that is to actually convert what was downgraded to inferred subsequent to our acquisition.
Vic King: A significant part of our budget is deeper drilling, infill drilling, particularly at the Llama deposit. The aim of that is to actually convert what was downgraded to inferred subsequent to acquisition back into indicated, and obviously that will convert to reserves. In terms of exploration, we have what we call the Llama gap at Llama, which we are moving and working towards where we can fill the gap and add ounces. I think those will be fairly marginal this year, what we will add during the course of this year. Obviously the potential for down plunge extension at both Llama and at Umwelt and also what we call the Nuvuyak deposit, which is another deep deposit, but very good grade, will all add to the picture at Goose.
Vic King: A significant part of our budget is deeper drilling, infill drilling, particularly at the Llama deposit. The aim of that is to actually convert what was downgraded to inferred subsequent to acquisition back into indicated, and obviously that will convert to reserves. In terms of exploration, we have what we call the Llama gap at Llama, which we are moving and working towards where we can fill the gap and add ounces. I think those will be fairly marginal this year, what we will add during the course of this year. Obviously the potential for down plunge extension at both Llama and at Umwelt and also what we call the Nuvuyak deposit, which is another deep deposit, but very good grade, will all add to the picture at Goose.
Speaker #4: Back into indicated and obviously that'll convert to reserves. In terms of exploration, we have what we call the Lama gap at Lama, which we're moving and working towards where we can fill the gap and add ounces.
Speaker #4: I think those will be fairly marginal this year in what we'll add during the course of this year. And then obviously the potential for down plunge extension at both Lama and Umwelt and also what we call the Nivoyak deposit, which is another deep deposit, but very good grade.
Speaker #4: We'll all add to the picture. At Goose.
Kerry McLoone: How many drills do you have working there, if I can ask?
Speaker #7: And how many drills do you have working there? You can ask.
Kerry McLoone: How many drills do you have working there, if I can ask?
Speaker #4: Six.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Six.
Vic King: Six.
Speaker #7: Six, okay. And then just switching to something maybe longer term. With the Sokola permit now, and getting Goose up and running to full capacity next year, just wondering how things are going with Gramalote.
Kerry McLoone: Six, okay. Just switching to something maybe longer term, with the Fekola permit now and getting Goose up and running to full capacity next year, just wondering how things are going with Gramalote. Is that something that, or just how you're thinking about that project. Is that something that you'd look at potentially starting next year, or rather work on capital allocation in the meantime?
Kerry McLoone: Six, okay. Just switching to something maybe longer term, with the Fekola permit now and getting Goose up and running to full capacity next year, just wondering how things are going with Gramalote. Is that something that, or just how you're thinking about that project. Is that something that you'd look at potentially starting next year, or rather work on capital allocation in the meantime?
Speaker #7: Is that something that—or just how you're thinking about that project? Is that something that you'd look at potentially starting next year, or would you rather work on capital allocation in the meantime?
Speaker #2: I think we're progressing things at Gramalote, so we'll continue to de-risk it. We've got the permit modifications, which are ongoing, and that process is going well.
Mike Cinnamond: I think we're progressing things at Gramalote. We'll continue to de-risk it. We've got the permit modifications, which are ongoing. That process is going well, from the most recent updates I saw. We're also progressing the resettlement program, as you saw in our budget. That's going to take us into H1 of next year, Kerry, anyway. We can step back and see where we are. In the meantime, the other key focus is to continue to execute on our two top priorities for this year.
Mike Cinnamond: I think we're progressing things at Gramalote. We'll continue to de-risk it. We've got the permit modifications, which are ongoing. That process is going well, from the most recent updates I saw. We're also progressing the resettlement program, as you saw in our budget. That's going to take us into H1 of next year, Kerry, anyway. We can step back and see where we are. In the meantime, the other key focus is to continue to execute on our two top priorities for this year.
Speaker #2: From the most recent updates I saw, and then we're also progressing the resettlement program, as you saw in our budget. So that's going to take us into the first half of next year.
Speaker #2: Carry on, anyway. And then we can step back and see where we are. In the meantime, the other key focus is to continue to execute on our two top priorities for this year.
Speaker #7: Okay, great. That's it for me. Thanks, guys.
Michael McDonald: Okay, great. That's it for me. Thanks, guys.
Michael McDonald: Okay, great. That's it for me. Thanks, guys.
Speaker #1: The next question comes from Anita Sony with CIBC World Markets. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Anita Soni with CIBC World Markets. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Anita Soni with CIBC World Markets. Please go ahead.
Speaker #3: Good morning, Mike, Mike, and Bill, and congratulations on receiving this permit. I know we're all very happy for you. Just a question on the throughput levels at Goose this quarter.
Anita Soni: Good morning, Mike, and Bill, and congratulations on receiving this permit. I know we're all very happy for you. Just a question on the throughput levels at Goose this quarter. I think, Bill, you said that 3,000 tons per day in Q3. Prior to the mobile crusher being installed, what has the throughput been operating at since the beginning of Q3? I assume it was somewhat similar to what it was operating at in Q2. Was it better than that?
Anita Soni: Good morning, Mike, and Bill, and congratulations on receiving this permit. I know we're all very happy for you. Just a question on the throughput levels at Goose this quarter. I think, Bill, you said that 3,000 tons per day in Q3. Prior to the mobile crusher being installed, what has the throughput been operating at since the beginning of Q3? I assume it was somewhat similar to what it was operating at in Q2. Was it better than that?
Speaker #3: I think, Bill, you said that 3,000 tons per day in Q3. What is it prior to the mobile crusher being installed? What has the throughput been operating at since the beginning of Q3?
Speaker #3: I assume it was somewhat similar to what it was operating at in Q2. Was it better than that?
Speaker #5: Yeah, well, it's kind of dribs and drabs right now as we move stuff in and out. So the answer is we can, in fact, on some days, run as much as 4,000 tons.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. Well, it's kind of dribs and drabs right now as we move stuff in and out. The answer is, we can, in fact, on some days, run as much as 4,000 tons. You get a jam up. As you know, we're in the process of fixing the entire line. We've kind of been in that 1,500 tons when we're running, 1,500 to 2,000. Obviously, we'll be ramping up here relatively shortly to much higher numbers.
[Company Representative] (B2Gold Corp): Yeah. Well, it's kind of dribs and drabs right now as we move stuff in and out. The answer is, we can, in fact, on some days, run as much as 4,000 tons. You get a jam up. As you know, we're in the process of fixing the entire line. We've kind of been in that 1,500 tons when we're running, 1,500 to 2,000. Obviously, we'll be ramping up here relatively shortly to much higher numbers.
Speaker #5: But then you get a jam-up, as you know. We're in the process of fixing the entire line, so we've kind of been in that 1,500 tons when we're running—1,500 or 2,000.
Speaker #5: But obviously, we'll be ramping up here relatively shortly to much higher numbers.
Speaker #3: Okay. And I think I got some clarity on the grades. Already from other questions. Could you also remind me with the regional permit, what the taxation it's the 2023 code, but what additional taxes and royalties would be on that or rather than what we're seeing in the main permit?
Anita Soni: Okay. I think I got some clarity on the grades already from other questions. Could you also remind me, with the regional permit, what the taxation, it's the 2023 code, but what additional taxes and royalties would be on that ore rather than what we're seeing in the main permit? I know we're up at royalty rates that are kind of in the 17% zone. Is there anything additional with this regional ore for that ore that we should be modeling in?
Anita Soni: Okay. I think I got some clarity on the grades already from other questions. Could you also remind me, with the regional permit, what the taxation, it's the 2023 code, but what additional taxes and royalties would be on that ore rather than what we're seeing in the main permit? I know we're up at royalty rates that are kind of in the 17% zone. Is there anything additional with this regional ore for that ore that we should be modeling in?
Speaker #3: I know we're up at tax rates that are sorry, royalty rates that are kind of in the 17% zone. But is there anything additional with this regional or for that ore that we should be modeling in?
Speaker #2: Well, I'm delighted to pass this over to our new tax guy, Michael McDonald. But I can comment on it.
Mike Cinnamond: Well, I'm delighted to pass this over to our new tax guy, Michael McDonald, but I can comment on that too.
Mike Cinnamond: Well, I'm delighted to pass this over to our new tax guy, Michael McDonald, but I can comment on that too.
Speaker #3: I would love a tax guy.
Anita Soni: I always love a tax guy.
Anita Soni: I always love a tax guy.
Speaker #2: Do you want me to comment on it? Yeah. So I think the primary difference is that we saw overall when we moved from one code to the other is that the income tax rate under the new mining code it doesn't get that reduced mining rate for very long.
Mike Cinnamond: Do you want me to comment on it? Yeah. I think the primary differences that we saw overall when we moved from one code to the other, is that the income tax rate under the new mining code, it doesn't get that reduced mining rate for very long, right? The 25% accommodation that you get in Fekola, that's a significant reduced period. You basically can assume it's going to be a 30% corporate income tax rate for regional. In additional, on the ISCP, which is for special tax, there was a bump of 2% versus what Fekola pays. The royalty structures were basically the same between the two. Those are kind of really the primary differences.
Mike Cinnamond: Do you want me to comment on it? Yeah. I think the primary differences that we saw overall when we moved from one code to the other, is that the income tax rate under the new mining code, it doesn't get that reduced mining rate for very long, right? The 25% accommodation that you get in Fekola, that's a significant reduced period. You basically can assume it's going to be a 30% corporate income tax rate for regional. In additional, on the ISCP, which is for special tax, there was a bump of 2% versus what Fekola pays. The royalty structures were basically the same between the two. Those are kind of really the primary differences.
Speaker #2: The 25% accommodation that you get in Sokola, that's a significantly reduced period. So you basically can assume it's going to be a 30% corporate income tax rate for regional.
Speaker #2: And in addition, on the ISCP, which is their special tax, there was a bump of 2% versus what Sokola pays. The royalty structures were basically the same between the two.
Speaker #2: So those are kind of really the primary differences.
Speaker #6: But I think I'd just add to that, on top of what Mike talks about—which is the corporate income taxes—we also classify the priority dividend that we pay within our taxes.
Michael McDonald: I think I'd just add to that on top of what Mike talks about, which is the corporate income taxes, we also classify the priority dividend that we pay within our taxes. Fekola proper has an effective rate of around 40% once you factor in the 20% priority dividend, and then Fekola Regional will be higher than that as well too, in the end, once the final ownership structure is set. You're allowed to deduct the priority dividend from your corporate income tax. Yeah, it raises the effective rate of what we report within our financials and what flows through our current and deferred tax income line.
Michael McDonald: I think I'd just add to that on top of what Mike talks about, which is the corporate income taxes, we also classify the priority dividend that we pay within our taxes. Fekola proper has an effective rate of around 40% once you factor in the 20% priority dividend, and then Fekola Regional will be higher than that as well too, in the end, once the final ownership structure is set. You're allowed to deduct the priority dividend from your corporate income tax. Yeah, it raises the effective rate of what we report within our financials and what flows through our current and deferred tax income line.
Speaker #6: So, Sokola proper has an effective rate of around 40% once you factor in the 20% priority dividend. And then Sokola Regional will be higher than that as well, too.
Speaker #6: In the end, once the final ownership structure is set, you're allowed to deduct the priority dividend from your corporate income tax. But yeah, it raises the effective rate of what we report within our financials.
Speaker #6: And what flows through our current and deferred tax income line.
Speaker #2: Yeah. And to clarify that again, so the 20% interest in Sokola that state owns is a priority interest with characterized as a tax. In Sokola regional that we expect the state to have 35% interest.
Mike Cinnamond: Yeah, to clarify that again, the 20% interest in Fekola that State owns is a priority interest, it's characterized, it's a tax. In Fekola Regional, that we expect the State to have 35% interest, that will be a net higher amount.
Mike Cinnamond: Yeah, to clarify that again, the 20% interest in Fekola that State owns is a priority interest, it's characterized, it's a tax. In Fekola Regional, that we expect the State to have 35% interest, that will be a net higher amount.
Speaker #2: So that will be a net higher amount.
Speaker #3: Okay, thank you. And then I think the last question I had was on some of the costs at Goose. So, there was, I think, $16 million to purchase this mobile equipment that was shipped and is being installed right now.
Anita Soni: Okay. Thank you. I think the last question I had was on some of the costs at Goose. There was, I think, $16 million to purchase this mobile equipment that was shipped and is being installed right now, then $11 for the installation. I was just trying to understand where those costs were. Were they flowing through in the total cash costs, or were they coming in through another line and excluded from the total cash costs and AISC calculations? This is at Goose.
Anita Soni: Okay. Thank you. I think the last question I had was on some of the costs at Goose. There was, I think, $16 million to purchase this mobile equipment that was shipped and is being installed right now, then $11 for the installation. I was just trying to understand where those costs were. Were they flowing through in the total cash costs, or were they coming in through another line and excluded from the total cash costs and AISC calculations? This is at Goose.
Speaker #3: And then $11 million for the installation. And I was just trying to understand where those costs were—were they flowing through in the total cash costs, or were they coming in through another line and excluded from the total cash costs in AISC calculations?
Speaker #3: This is actually.
Speaker #6: Yeah, yeah. So, the fire remediation costs will flow through our sustaining capital, so that would flow through your all-in sustaining costs. But then the phase one and phase two capital would flow through our growth capital line.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. The fire remediation costs will flow through our sustaining capital, that would flow through your own sustaining costs. The phase 1 and phase 2 capital would flow through our growth capital line, it would not be included.
Michael McDonald: Yeah. The fire remediation costs will flow through our sustaining capital, that would flow through your own sustaining costs. The phase 1 and phase 2 capital would flow through our growth capital line, it would not be included.
Speaker #6: So, it would not be included.
Speaker #3: Okay. All right. And then so none of these costs went through your I'm just talking about the obviously, your processing facility was did you capitalize any costs related to the fire sorry, you removed some of the costs.
Anita Soni: Okay. All right. None of these costs went through. I'm just talking about, obviously, your processing facility was, did you capitalize any costs related to the fire? Sorry. You removed some of the costs
Anita Soni: Okay. All right. None of these costs went through. I'm just talking about, obviously, your processing facility was, did you capitalize any costs related to the fire? Sorry. You removed some of the costs
Michael McDonald: Yeah
Michael McDonald: Yeah.
Speaker #3: From the fire, right? Yeah. Because that's originally—I think we were talking much higher cash costs this quarter.
Anita Soni: from the fire, I know.
Anita Soni: From the fire, I know.
Michael McDonald: Yeah.
Michael McDonald: Yeah.
Anita Soni: Yeah, originally, I think we were talking much higher cash costs this quarter.
Anita Soni: Yeah, originally, I think we were talking much higher cash costs this quarter.
Speaker #6: Yeah.
Michael McDonald: Yeah.
Michael McDonald: Yeah.
Anita Soni: Q1. Yeah.
Anita Soni: Q1. Yeah.
Speaker #3: Yeah.
Michael McDonald: Anita, if you look within our financial statements, yeah, there's a line, other cost of sales, that was just under $16 million in the quarter, that was costs related to the downtime that we experienced in Q2. That was excluded from our per-ounce costs.
Michael McDonald: Anita, if you look within our financial statements, yeah, there's a line, other cost of sales, that was just under $16 million in the quarter, that was costs related to the downtime that we experienced in Q2. That was excluded from our per-ounce costs.
Speaker #6: If you're looking within—Anita, if you look within our financial statements—yeah, there's a line, 'Other Cost of Sales,' that was just under $16 million in the quarter.
Speaker #6: And that was costs related to the downtime that we experienced in Q2, and that was excluded from our per ounce costs.
Speaker #3: Okay. All right. And that $16 million and $11 million I was talking about with the purchase, that won't flow through the cost. The $11 million to install will not be included in the cost as well, right?
Anita Soni: Okay. All right. That 15 and 11 I was talking about with the purchase and that won't go through the cost. The $11 million to install will not be included in the cost as well, right?
Anita Soni: Okay. All right. That 15 and 11 I was talking about with the purchase and that won't go through the cost. The $11 million to install will not be included in the cost as well, right?
Mike Cinnamond: No. Yeah.
Mike Cinnamond: No. Yeah.
Speaker #3: Total cash cost. Okay. All right. Okay, that's it for my questions. Thanks, and congratulations again.
Anita Soni: Total cash cost. Okay. All right. Okay. That's it for my questions. Thanks, and congratulations again.
Anita Soni: Total cash cost. Okay. All right. Okay. That's it for my questions. Thanks, and congratulations again.
Speaker #2: Thanks, Anita.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Anita.
Mike Cinnamond: Thanks, Anita.
Speaker #1: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Mike Cinnamond for closing remarks. Please go ahead.
Operator: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Mike Cinnamond for closing remarks. Please go ahead.
Operator: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Mike Cinnamond for closing remarks. Please go ahead.
Speaker #2: Well, thank you very much, everyone, for all your questions. If there are any additional follow-up questions, obviously feel free to reach out. In conclusion for today, I just want to say we're obviously delighted about the news.
Mike Cinnamond: Well, thank you very much, everyone, for all your questions. If there are any additional follow-up questions, obviously feel free to reach out. In conclusion for today, I just want to say we're obviously delighted about the news. Delighted for ourselves, delighted for our investors, our shareholders, and stakeholders. Delighted for, I guess, State of Mali as well, that we can all move forward. We think this is very constructive. It just helps move us along, again, back to those two key things that we said we were going to do. You've heard on this call how advanced our plans are for Goose and all the remediation work and the upgrade work that we're doing, and we've got a good plan to do that, and we're going to continue to focus very clearly on executing that.
Mike Cinnamond: Well, thank you very much, everyone, for all your questions. If there are any additional follow-up questions, obviously feel free to reach out. In conclusion for today, I just want to say we're obviously delighted about the news. Delighted for ourselves, delighted for our investors, our shareholders, and stakeholders. Delighted for, I guess, State of Mali as well, that we can all move forward. We think this is very constructive. It just helps move us along, again, back to those two key things that we said we were going to do. You've heard on this call how advanced our plans are for Goose and all the remediation work and the upgrade work that we're doing, and we've got a good plan to do that, and we're going to continue to focus very clearly on executing that.
Speaker #2: Delighted for ourselves, delighted for our investors, our shareholders, stakeholders, and delighted for, I guess, the state of Mali as well, that we can all move forward.
Speaker #2: We think this is very constructive, and it just helps move us along, again, back to those two key things that we said we were going to do.
Speaker #2: You've heard on this call how advanced our plans are for Goose, and all the remediation work and upgrade work that we're doing. We've got a good plan to do that.
Speaker #2: And we're going to continue to focus very clearly on executing that. Then, at Regional, we're pretty much ready to go to get going.
Mike Cinnamond: At Regional, we're pretty much ready to go, to get going with the stripping activity. We're excited to do that. We've been poised to do that for a while, now we have the chance to actually get out there and make it happen. I know there's been a wait for that, but now here we are. Excited for that. Very optimistic for the future here as we move the company forward and grow it. Thanks all for your attention today and your great questions, and look forward to talking to you all in due course. Thank you.
Mike Cinnamond: At Regional, we're pretty much ready to go, to get going with the stripping activity. We're excited to do that. We've been poised to do that for a while, now we have the chance to actually get out there and make it happen. I know there's been a wait for that, but now here we are. Excited for that. Very optimistic for the future here as we move the company forward and grow it. Thanks all for your attention today and your great questions, and look forward to talking to you all in due course. Thank you.
Speaker #2: With the stripping activity, we're excited to do that. We've been poised to do that for a while, and now we have the chance to actually get out there and make it happen.
Speaker #2: And so I know there's been a wait for that, but now here we are. We're very excited for that and optimistic about the future as we move the company forward and grow it.
Speaker #2: So, thanks all for your attention today and your great questions. I look forward to talking to you all in your course. So, thank you.
Operator: This brings to a close today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating, and have a pleasant day.
Operator: This brings to a close today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating, and have a pleasant day.