Mr. Clive Johnson reports

B2GOLD ANNOUNCES TOTAL GOLD PRODUCTION FOR Q4 2023 OF 288,665 OZ; TOTAL GOLD PRODUCTION FOR 2023 OF 1,061,060 OZ, ACHIEVING UPPER HALF OF 2023 GUIDANCE; 2024 GUIDANCE, PRELIMINARY 2025 PRODUCTION OUTLOOK AND GOLD PREPAY ARRANGEMENT

B2Gold Corp. has released its gold production and gold revenue for the fourth quarter and full year 2023, its gold production and cost guidance for 2024, preliminary 2025 production outlook, and a gold prepayment arrangement. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated. Canadian dollars are converted to United States dollars at an exchange rate of 1.35 to 1.

2023 highlights

• Strong quarterly total gold production in Q4 2023: Higher-than-anticipated total gold production in the fourth quarter of 2023 of 288,665 ounces, including 18,054 ounces of attributable production from Calibre Mining Corp.
• Achieved upper half of 2023 annual gold production guidance: Total gold production for 2023 was 1,061,060 ounces (including 68,717 ounces of attributable production from Calibre), achieving the upper half of 2023 guidance and marking the company's eighth consecutive year of meeting or exceeding annual production guidance.
• Strong quarterly gold revenue to finish 2023: Consolidated gold revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 of $512-million on sales of 256,921 ounces at an average realized gold price of $1,993 per gold ounce. For the full year 2023, consolidated gold revenue was $1,934-million on sales of 994,060 ounces at an average realized gold price of $1,946 per gold ounce.
• Reaffirm full year 2023 total consolidated cost guidance: Total consolidated cash operating costs for the year (including attributable results for Calibre) are still expected to be slightly below the guidance range of $670 and $730 per ounce and total consolidated all-in sustaining costs (AISC) for the year (including attributable results for Calibre) are still forecast to be at the low end of the guidance range of between $1,195 and $1,255 per ounce.
• Achieved significant safety milestone of five years without a lost-time injury at Masbate: On Nov. 17, 2023, the Masbate mine, located in the Philippines, achieved a major safety milestone, exceeding 32 million hours, 1,826 days, worked without a lost-time injury. B2Gold has a long-standing commitment to continuous safety improvement at all of its sites, and its goal of sending everyone home safe at each of its operations and projects.

2024 guidance and 2025 preliminary outlook highlights

• Total gold production is anticipated to be 860,000 to 940,000 ounces in 2024: Total gold production guidance for 2024 of 860,000 to 940,000 ounces, including 40,000 to 50,000 ounces of attributable production from Calibre. The expected decrease in gold production relative to 2023 is predominantly due to lower production at the Fekola complex as a result of the delay in receiving an exploitation license for Fekola regional from the government of Mali, delaying the 80,000 to 100,000 ounces that were scheduled in the life of mine plan to be trucked to the Fekola mill and processed in 2024. The contribution of this gold production from Fekola regional is now assumed to start at the beginning of 2025.
• Total consolidated cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs reflect a transition year at the company in 2024: Total consolidated cash operating cost guidance of $835 to $895 per gold ounce, higher than the 2023 guidance range due to the processing of lower-grade ore at Fekola in 2024. Total AISC guidance of $1,360 to $1,420 per gold ounce, reflecting the final full year of spending on both the new Fekola tailings storage facility (TSF) and the Fekola solar plant expansion, in addition to the ongoing substantial capitalized stripping campaign planned at Fekola for 2024.
• B2Gold consolidated gold production expected to increase to record levels in 2025: Based on current estimates, consolidated gold production in 2025 is expected to be between 1.13 million and 1.26 million ounces, driven by a significant increase in gold production from the Fekola complex, relative to 2024, as a result of the scheduled mining and processing of higher-grade ore from the Fekola and Cardinal pits made accessible by the meaningful stripping campaign that will be undertaken throughout 2024, a full year contribution of higher-grade ore from Fekola regional, and commencement of mining the higher-grade Fekola underground (subject to receipt of necessary permits for Fekola regional and Fekola underground). In addition, the Goose project is expected to commence gold production in the first quarter of 2025 and contribute between 220,000 and 260,000 ounces of gold production in calendar year 2025. As a result of the expected completion of several capital projects in 2024 and early 2025, it is expected that there will be a significant decrease in both sustaining and growth capital expenditures in 2025 as well.
• Construction at the Goose project is progressing on track, with the project remaining on schedule for first gold pour in the first quarter of 2025: Construction continues ahead of schedule within the mill and processing buildings, along with preparatory work for peak construction activities in the second and third quarter of 2024. Mine development is well under way at the Echo pit and Umwelt underground mine to generate high-grade stockpiles prior to mill commissioning. Following the successful completion of the 2023 sea lift, the construction of the Winter Ice Road (WIR) is well under way and expected to be completed on schedule and fully operational as of the second full week of February, 2024, transporting all required materials from the Marine Laydown Area (MLA) to the Goose project site by the end of April, 2024.
• Goose project construction capital estimate revised to $1,050-million (Canadian): After completing a detailed review of the Goose project design, materials and construction schedule as part of the 2024 budgeting process, the company is revising the total construction capital estimate from $800-million (Canadian) to $1,050-million (Canadian). Most of the increase in the construction capital estimate relates to underestimated labour and site operating costs in the feasibility study, along with additional general inflationary impacts on construction materials, consumables and transportation costs. In addition, a detailed review of the project design has identified deficiencies in project components including power generation and distribution, laboratory, piping, and controls and instrumentation, which are being corrected to deliver a reliable operation. As of Dec. 31, 2023, approximately $715-million (Canadian) total cash has been spent on the Goose project (by B2Gold and Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.). Future construction capital cost variance is expected to be minimal as over half of the construction capital costs to be incurred in 2024 are related to labour in order to bring the project close to commissioning by the end of the year, and all major components have been purchased or are under contract.
• Results of the Fekola complex optimization study outlining the trucking of ore from the Anaconda area (comprising the Bantako, Menankoto and Bakolobi permits) to be released in the first quarter of 2024: Initial results of a Fekola complex optimization study indicate that the trucking of both oxide and sulphide ore from the Anaconda area to the Fekola mill is the optimal option to maximize the value of Fekola regional, and to extend the processing life of the Fekola mill. The study is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2024.
• Preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on the Gramalote project expected by the end of the second quarter of 2024: The company completed a detailed review of the Gramalote project, including the facility size and location, power supply, mining and processing options, tailings design, resettlement, potential construction sequencing, and camp design to identify potential cost savings to develop a smaller scale project. A formal study commenced in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the goal of completing a PEA by the end of the second quarter of 2024.
• Continued focus on exploration investment across B2Gold's highly prospective land packages: $63-million allocated to exploration in 2024 to support organic growth by advancing the company's pipeline of development, brownfield and greenfield exploration projects, with a considerable portion allocated to continue the significant exploration campaign at the Back River gold district.

Gold prepay highlights

• Upfront payment of $500-million, used to finance sustaining, development and growth projects across the operating portfolio, and increase financial capacity for potential growth projects in Namibia and Colombia: On Jan. 23, 2024, B2Gold completed a gold prepayment for $500-million, based on gold forward curve prices averaging approximately $2,191 per ounce, in exchange for equal monthly deliveries of gold from July, 2025, to June, 2026, totalling 264,775 ounces, representing approximately 10 per cent of expected annual gold production in each of 2025 and 2026 (subject to finalization of production guidance for 2025 and 2026). The gold forward sale and prepay arrangement was executed by existing revolving credit facility participants Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, ING Capital Markets LLC and National Bank of Canada.

Fourth quarter and full year 2023 gold production

Mine-by-mine production in the fourth quarter and full year 2023 was as shown in the attached table.

The Fekola mine in Mali (owned 80 per cent by the company and 20 per cent by the State of Mali) produced 143,010 ounces in the fourth quarter, higher than anticipated largely due to processing additional higher-grade ore from Fekola phase 6 and Cardinal pits. The Fekola processing facilities continued to outperform expectations with 2.42 million tonnes processed during the fourth quarter. Mined ore tonnage and grade continue to reconcile well with the Fekola resource model.

For the full year 2023, the Fekola mine produced 590,243 ounces of gold, near the midpoint of the annual guidance range of 580,000 to 610,000 ounces.

The Masbate mine in the Philippines continued its strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2023, producing 46,490 ounces of gold, in line with expectations, as a result of slightly higher than anticipated mill throughput and gold recoveries, offset by slightly lower than expected ore grade processed.

For the full year 2023, the Masbate mine produced 193,502 ounces of gold, exceeding the upper end of its guidance range of 170,000 to 190,000 ounces.

The Otjikoto mine in Namibia, in which the company holds a 90-per-cent interest, produced 81,111 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter of 2023, a quarterly record, with production from the Wolfshag underground mine remaining consistent through the quarter.

For the full year 2023, the Otjikoto mine produced 208,598 ounces of gold, near the upper end of its guidance range of 190,000 to 210,000 ounces.

Fourth quarter and full year 2023 gold revenue

For the fourth quarter of 2023, consolidated gold revenue was $512-million on sales of 256,921 ounces at an average realized gold price of $1,993 per ounce. For the full year 2023, consolidated gold revenue was $1,934-million on sales of 994,060 ounces at an average realized gold price of $1,946 per ounce.

In 2024, B2Gold expects total gold production to be between 860,000 and 940,000 ounces (including 40,000 to 50,000 attributable ounces from Calibre).

The company's total consolidated cash operating costs for the year (including estimated attributable results for Calibre) are forecast to be between $835 and $895 per ounce and total consolidated AISC (including estimated attributable results for Calibre) are forecast to be between $1,360 and $1,420 per ounce.

The company's consolidated gold production is expected to be relatively consistent throughout 2024, with third quarter production expected to be slightly lower, and fourth quarter production expected to be slightly higher.

Fekola complex -- Mali

The Fekola complex in Mali includes both the Fekola mine and Fekola regional. The Fekola complex's total 2024 gold production is anticipated to decrease relative to 2023, predominantly due to lower production at the Fekola complex as a result of the delay in receiving an exploitation licence for Fekola regional, delaying the 80,000 to 100,000 ounces that were scheduled in the life of mine plan to be trucked to the Fekola mill and processed in 2024. The contribution of this gold production from Fekola regional is now assumed to start at the beginning of 2025.

At the Fekola mine, ore will continue to be mined from the Fekola and Cardinal pits. Receipt of an exploitation licence for Fekola regional remains outstanding pending finalization of an implementation decree for the new 2023 mining code by the State of Mali. As a result, no production is forecast from Fekola regional in 2024. The new 2023 mining code is not expected to impact the matters that have been stabilized for the Fekola mine operations under the existing Fekola mining convention entered into under the 2012 mining code, and the impact of a new 2023 mining code on the Fekola regional licences is being clarified by the company. B2Gold recently held meetings with the representatives of the government of Mali regarding the 2023 mining code. The government of Mali assisted the company in clarifying the application of the 2023 mining code to existing and future projects in Mali, and also expressed its desire for B2Gold to rapidly progress the development of Fekola regional and committed to assisting the company in such development.

The haul road from Fekola regional (Bantako North) to the Fekola mine is operational and construction of the haul roads and mining infrastructure (warehouse, workshop, fuel depot and offices) was completed on schedule in the fourth quarter of 2023. Mining operations will commence upon receipt of an exploitation licence, with gold production approximately three months after commencement. If an exploitation licence for Fekola regional is received in the first half of 2024, there is potential for 2024 Fekola complex production to be supplemented with up to 18,000 ounces of higher-grade ore from Fekola regional.

In 2025, the company expects a significant increase in gold production at the Fekola complex as a result of the scheduled mining and processing of higher-grade ore from the Fekola and Cardinal pits, full year contribution of higher-grade ore from Fekola regional, and commencement of mining the higher-grade Fekola underground (subject to receipt of necessary permits).

Fekola is expected to process 9.4 million tonnes of ore during 2024 at an average grade of 1.77 grams per tonne (g/t) gold with a process gold recovery of 90.9 per cent. Gold production is expected to be evenly weighted between the first half of 2024 and the second half of 2024. In the second half of 2024, gold production is weighted approximately 40 per cent to the third quarter and approximately 60 per cent to the fourth quarter.

The expected increase in Fekola's AISC for 2024 relative to 2023 reflects, predominantly, the expected decrease in production at Fekola in 2024 due to the delay in receiving an exploitation licence for Fekola regional, delaying the 80,000 to 100,000 ounces that were scheduled in the life of mine plan to be trucked to the Fekola mill and processed in 2024, and higher sustaining capital expenditures. Capital expenditures in 2024 at Fekola are expected to total approximately $309-million, of which approximately $202-million is classified as sustaining capital expenditures and $107-million is classified as growth capital expenditures. Sustaining capital expenditures are anticipated to include:

• $80-million for capitalized stripping;
• $45-million for construction of a new TSF to be completed in the second quarter of 2025;
  • Construction is currently on schedule.
• $39-million for new and replacement Fekola mining equipment, including capitalized rebuilds;
• $19-million for the expansion of the Fekola solar plant to be completed in the third quarter of 2024;
  • Construction is currently on schedule.

Growth capital expenditures are anticipated to include:

• $64-million for underground mine development;
  • Fekola underground ore production anticipated to commence in the first half of 2025, ahead of the previously announced schedule.
• $43-million for mine development and infrastructure at Fekola regional.

As a result of the expected completion of several capital projects in 2024 and early 2025, it is expected that there will be a significant decrease in both sustaining and growth capital expenditures in 2025, resulting in lower AISC.

Masbate mine -- the Philippines

Gold production at Masbate is expected to be relatively consistent throughout 2024. Masbate is expected to process 7.9 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.93 gram per tonne gold with a process gold recovery of 76.0 per cent. Mill feed will be a blend of mined fresh ore from the Main Vein pit and low-grade ore stockpiles.

Capital expenditures for 2024 at Masbate are expected to total $49-million, of which approximately $33-million is classified as sustaining capital expenditures and $16-million is classified as growth capital expenditures. Sustaining capital expenditures are anticipated to include:

• $16-million for new and replacement Masbate mining equipment, including capitalized rebuilds;
• $6-million for capitalized stripping;
• $6-million for process plant;
• $3-million for TSF expansion.

Growth capital expenditures are anticipated to include $16-million for land acquisition and relocation costs for new open pits.

Otjikoto mine -- Namibia

Gold production at Otjikoto is expected to be relatively consistent throughout 2024. Otjikoto is expected to process a total of 3.4 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.77 g/t gold with a process gold recovery of 98.0 per cent. Processed ore will be sourced from the Otjikoto pit and the Wolfshag underground mine, supplemented by existing medium and high-grade ore stockpiles. Open pit mining operations are scheduled to ramp down throughout 2024 and conclude in 2025, while underground mining operations at Wolfshag will continue through 2026. Exploration results received to date indicate the potential to extend underground production at Wolfshag past 2026, supplementing the processing operations which will continue until 2031 when economically viable stockpiles are forecast to be exhausted.

In addition, the company recently received positive exploration drilling results from a new area, located approximately three kilometres (km) south of the Otjikoto mine phase 5 open pit, referred to as the Antelope deposit, which the company will be providing a more detailed update on in a separate news release in the near term.

Capital expenditures in 2024 at Otjikoto are expected to total $33-million, of which approximately $32-million is classified as sustaining capital expenditures and $1-million is classified as growth capital expenditures. Sustaining capital expenditures are anticipated to include $32-million for capitalized stripping and deferred underground development.

Goose project -- Canada

B2Gold recognizes that respect and collaboration with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) is central to the licence to operate in the Back River gold district and will continue to prioritize developing the project in a manner that recognizes Inuit priorities, addresses concerns and brings long-term socio-economic benefits to the Kitikmeot region. B2Gold looks forward to continuing to build on its strong collaboration with the KIA and Kitikmeot communities. Additionally, B2Gold congratulates Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the governments of Nunavut and Canada for reaching a landmark Nunavut land and resources devolution agreement. The signing of this agreement is an incredible milestone for Nunavummiut and all Canadians. With this agreement, Nunavummiut now have a greater role in the management of lands and resources across their vast territory. This will strengthen decision making and enhance socioeconomic opportunities. B2Gold looks forward to advancing its relationships with Nunavummiut to continue to contribute to Nunavut's growing resource economy.

Construction at the Goose project continues to progress on track, with the project remaining on schedule to pour gold in the first quarter of 2025. Concrete and steel works in the mill area to date are progressing ahead of schedule. Exterior cladding of the mill building and truck shop is complete, and cladding of the power house will start in the first quarter of 2024, allowing for work to continue through the colder months and remain on schedule. Additionally, the ball mill will be set in place in the first quarter of 2024, approximately four months ahead of schedule, and the focus will shift to piping and mechanical systems as materials begin to arrive via the WIR road from the MLA.

The 163 km WIR between the MLA and the Goose project is scheduled to operate between early February and the end of April, 2024. The 2024 WIR construction team mobilized to the MLA and Goose project sites in December, 2023, and construction of the 2024 WIR is well under way and expected to be completed on schedule and fully operational as of the second full week of February, 2024.

As of Dec. 31, 2023, approximately $715-million (Canadian) total cash has been spent on the Goose project (by B2Gold and Sabina). After completing a detailed review of the Goose project design, materials and construction schedule as part of the 2024 budgeting process, the company is revising the total construction capital estimate from $800-million (Canadian) to $1,050-million (Canadian). Most of the increase in the construction capital estimate relates to underestimated labour and site operating costs in the feasibility study, along with additional general inflationary impacts on construction materials, consumables and transportation costs. In addition, a detailed review of the project design has identified deficiencies in project components including power generation and distribution, laboratory, piping, and controls and instrumentation, which are being corrected to deliver a reliable operation. In 2024, B2Gold expects to incur approximately $280-million (Canadian) in construction capital costs. Future construction capital cost variance is expected to be minimal as over half of the construction capital costs to be incurred in 2024 are related to labour in order to bring the project close to commissioning by the end of the year, and all major components have been purchased or are under contract.

In addition, the net cost of open pit and underground development, deferred stripping, and sustaining capital expenditures to be incurred prior to first gold production is estimated at approximately $200-million (Canadian) (including approximately $125-million (Canadian) of direct mining costs related to open pit and underground development). The cost of these initiatives is primarily related to optimization changes in the underground mine plan as a result of switching the underground mining method to long-hole stoping and prioritizing ore from the Umwelt crown pillar area ahead of the zones below. It is anticipated that the increase in underground development costs will be offset during operations through lower sustainable operating costs than could be achieved with the cut-and-fill underground mining method. Additionally, B2Gold has elected to advance open pit mining of the Echo pit, which is under way and will produce construction fill, stockpile ore and provide tailings storage capacity. Open pit mining of the Umwelt pit is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024 and will produce much of the commissioning ore as well as future tailings storage. In 2024, B2Gold expects to incur approximately $170-million (Canadian) in open pit and underground development, deferred stripping, and sustaining capital expenditures.

In 2024, the company will undertake a buildup of working capital over the Goose project construction period up to the first quarter of 2025 in order to materially derisk the execution of the production ramp-up phase and initial years of operation by including 2025 and certain 2026 consumables and sustaining capital equipment on the 2024 sealift. Areas of focus for working capital include: accelerated purchase and additional storage of diesel fuel to manage the requirements for operations in 2025 and part of 2026; critical inventory of consumables and spares for mining and processing to avoid the requirement for air transport; and development of open pit and underground ore stockpiles to provide a consistent and uninterrupted feed to the process plant. It is estimated that approximately $205-million (Canadian) of fuel, reagents and other working capital items will be purchased in 2024 to build up site inventory levels, which will substantially derisk the project from operational and supply chain disruptions.

Gramalote project -- Colombia

B2Gold's in-house projects team has commenced work on various smaller scale project development plans for the Gramalote project, with the goal of identifying a higher-return project than the previously contemplated joint venture development plan. Based on the results of the 2022 Gramalote feasibility study, the contemplated larger scale project did not meet the combined investment return thresholds for development by both B2Gold and AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. B2Gold has commenced a detailed review of the Gramalote project, including the facility size and location, power supply, mining and processing options, tailings design, resettlement, potential construction sequencing, and camp design to identify potential cost savings to develop a smaller scale project. The results of the review allowed the company to determine the optimal parameters and assumptions for a formal study, which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the goal of completing an initial assessment by the end of the second quarter of 2024.

Capital expenditures in 2024 at Gramalote are expected to be relatively stable throughout the year, totalling $13-million related to project study costs, and continuing care and maintenance.

Exploration

B2Gold is planning another year of extensive exploration in 2024 with a budget of approximately $63-million. A significant focus will be exploration at the Back River gold district, with the goal of enhancing and growing the significant resource base at the Goose project and surrounding regional targets. In Namibia, the exploration program at the Otjikoto mine will be the largest program since 2012. In Mali, the exploration program will be a more strategic search for near-mine, near-surface sources of additional sulphide-related gold mineralization. In the Philippines, the exploration program at Masbate will focus on converting inferred mineral resource areas and expanding the existing open pits. Early stage exploration programs will continue in Finland, the Philippines and Ivory Coast in 2024. Finally, the search for new joint ventures and strategic investment opportunities will continue, building on existing equity investments in Snowline Gold Corp. and Matador Mining Ltd.

Canada exploration

A total of $28-million is budgeted for exploration at the Back River gold district in 2024. A total of 25,000 metres (m) of drilling will target extensions of the Llama and Umwelt deposits, the largest and highest grade resources at the Goose project. In addition to drilling, deep-imaging geophysical methods are planned in order to improve the company's ability to target new underground resources in areas such as Nuvuyak, Goose Neck and Kogoyak. Regional exploration including geophysics, mapping, and, potentially, limited drilling will be undertaken on the George, Boot, Boulder and Del projects.

Mali exploration

A total of $10-million is budgeted for exploration in Mali in 2024 with a continuing focus on discovery of additional high-grade, sulphide mineralization across the Fekola complex to supplement feed to the Fekola mill. A total of 20,000 m of diamond and reverse circulation drilling are planned for Mali in 2024.

Namibia exploration

A total of $9-million is budgeted for exploration at Otjikoto in 2024, the largest program since the definition of the Wolfshag discovery in 2012. The focus of the exploration program will be drilling the recently discovered Antelope deposit, located approximately three km south of phase 5 of the Otjikoto open pit, with a total of 39,000 m of drilling planned.

The Philippines exploration

The total budget for the Philippines in 2024 is approximately $6-million, of which the Masbate exploration budget is $4-million, including approximately 7,000 m of drilling. The 2024 exploration program will continue to focus on converting inferred mineral resource areas below existing design pits, to support expanding the existing open pits. Several grassroots greenfield targets will be further tested as well.

An additional $2-million will be allocated to targeting new regional projects in highly prospective areas in the Philippines, leveraging off B2Gold's presence and operational experience in the country. A total of 4,000 m is allocated to testing new projects.

Grassroots exploration

B2Gold has allocated approximately $13-million (including $2-million for the grassroots projects in the Philippines) in 2024 for its grassroots exploration programs, including Finland and Ivory Coast.

In Finland, the company has allocated $4-million to finance its 70-per-cent contribution to the Central Lapland joint venture with Aurion Resources Ltd. A total of 9,700 m of diamond drilling will test targets defined during an extensive prospectivity analysis completed in 2023.

A budget of approximately $3-million has been allocated by the company for continuing exploration in Ivory Coast. A total of 17,000 m of diamond, reverse circulation and reconnaissance auger drilling are planned in 2024.

In addition to the defined programs noted herein, the company has allocated approximately $4-million for the generation and evaluation of new greenfields targets.

Preliminary 2025 production outlook

The preliminary 2025 outlook is based on a number of assumptions and estimates as of Dec. 31, 2023, including among other things, assumptions about receipt of required permits. Outlook involves estimates of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results to be materially different.

In 2025, the company expects a significant increase in gold production at the Fekola complex, relative to 2024, as a result of the scheduled mining and processing of higher-grade ore from the Fekola and Cardinal pits, full year contribution of higher-grade ore from Fekola regional and commencement of mining the higher-grade Fekola underground (subject to receipt of necessary permits). For the full year 2025, the Fekola complex is estimated to produce between 560,000 and 610,000 ounces of gold.

At Masbate, gold production is expected to be between 170,000 and 190,000 ounces in 2025, similar to 2024. Ore is expected to be mined from the Main vein, Blue Quartz and Old Lady open pits. Mill throughput, gold grade processed and gold recoveries are all expected to be similar to 2024 levels.

At Otjikoto, gold production is expected to be between 180,000 and 200,000 ounces in 2025, similar to 2024. Ore is expected to be mined from phase 5 of the Otjikoto open pit and from the Wolfshag underground mine. Mill throughput, gold grade processed, and gold recoveries are all expected to be similar to 2024 levels.

First gold production at the Goose project is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. From first gold production, the company expects to be operating at full nameplate capacity of 4,000 tonnes per day by the end of the second quarter of 2025, with expected gold production for calendar year 2025 of between 220,000 and 260,000 ounces. The company still expects gold production to be approximately 300,000 ounces per year over the first five years of operation. An updated Goose project life of mine plan will be finalized in the first quarter of 2024.

Gold prepay arrangement

To further enhance the financial flexibility of the company and provide additional cash liquidity at attractive terms as the company continues to finance sustaining, development and growth projects across the operating portfolio, and increase financial capacity for potential growth projects in Namibia and Colombia, B2Gold has entered into a gold prepay with a number of its existing lenders. The company will receive an upfront payment of $500-million, based on gold forward curve prices averaging approximately $2,191 per ounce, in exchange for equal monthly deliveries of gold from July, 2025, to June, 2026, totalling 264,775 ounces, representing approximately 10 per cent of expected annual gold production in each of 2025 and 2026 (subject to finalization of production guidance for 2025 and 2026). Gold deliveries can be from production from any of the company's operating mines and the gold prepay can be settled prior to maturity through accelerated delivery of the remaining deliverable gold ounces.

The gold prepay was executed by Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, ING Capital Markets LLC and National Bank of Canada.

Conference call

B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the company's fourth quarter and full year 2023 production results and 2024 guidance on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET. Participants may dial in using the numbers below:

• Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-800-319-4610;
• All other callers: 1-604-638-5340.

Participants may also elect to preregister for the conference call on-line. Upon registering, participants will receive a calendar invitation by email with dial in details and a unique pin. This will allow participants to bypass the operator queue and connect directly to the conference. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.

The conference call will be available for playback for two weeks by dialling toll-free in the U.S. and Canada: 1-800-319-6413, replay access code 0643. All other callers: 1-604-638-9010, replay access code 0643.

About B2Gold Corp.

B2Gold is a low-cost international senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today B2Gold has operating gold mines in Mali, Namibia and the Philippines, a mine under construction in Northern Canada and numerous development and exploration projects in various countries including Mali, Colombia and Finland. B2Gold forecasts total consolidated gold production of between 860,000 and 940,000 ounces in 2024.

Qualified persons

Bill Lytle, senior vice-president and chief operating officer, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to operations matters contained in this news release.

Andrew Brown, PGeo, vice-president, exploration, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to exploration and mineral resource matters contained in this news release.

We seek Safe Harbor.