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B2Gold Receives Approval from the State of Mali to Commence Underground Mining at Fekola, and a Defined Path Forward for the Fekola Regional Exploitation Permit

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B2Gold (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) has received crucial approval from Mali to commence underground mining operations at the Fekola Mine. The company has already completed over 9,300 meters of development work and installed necessary infrastructure. The Fekola underground operation is expected to contribute 25,000 to 35,000 ounces of gold production in 2025, with significant production increases planned for 2026 and beyond.

The Fekola Complex, which is 80% owned by B2Gold and 20% by Mali, includes both the Fekola Mine and Fekola Regional projects. The Regional project is set to be 65% owned by B2Gold and 35% by Mali, with expected production of 180,000 ounces annually from 2026 through 2029. The company maintains its 2025 Fekola Complex gold production guidance of 515,000 to 550,000 ounces.

B2Gold (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) ha ottenuto un'approvazione fondamentale dal Mali per iniziare le operazioni di estrazione sotterranea presso la miniera di Fekola. L'azienda ha già completato oltre 9.300 metri di lavori di sviluppo e installato le infrastrutture necessarie. L'operazione sotterranea di Fekola dovrebbe contribuire con una produzione di 25.000-35.000 once di oro nel 2025, con significativi incrementi produttivi previsti per il 2026 e gli anni successivi.

Il complesso di Fekola, di cui B2Gold detiene l'80% e il Mali il 20%, comprende sia la miniera di Fekola che i progetti regionali di Fekola. Il progetto regionale sarà posseduto per il 65% da B2Gold e per il 35% dal Mali, con una produzione prevista di 180.000 once annue dal 2026 al 2029. L'azienda conferma la sua previsione di produzione d'oro per il complesso di Fekola nel 2025, stimata tra 515.000 e 550.000 once.

B2Gold (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) ha recibido la aprobación crucial de Mali para iniciar operaciones de minería subterránea en la mina Fekola. La compañía ya ha completado más de 9,300 metros de trabajos de desarrollo e instalado la infraestructura necesaria. Se espera que la operación subterránea de Fekola aporte entre 25,000 y 35,000 onzas de producción de oro en 2025, con aumentos significativos de producción planificados para 2026 y años posteriores.

El complejo Fekola, del cual B2Gold posee el 80% y Mali el 20%, incluye tanto la mina Fekola como los proyectos regionales de Fekola. El proyecto regional estará 65% en manos de B2Gold y 35% de Mali, con una producción esperada de 180,000 onzas anuales desde 2026 hasta 2029. La compañía mantiene su guía de producción de oro para 2025 del complejo Fekola entre 515,000 y 550,000 onzas.

B2Gold (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG)은 말리로부� Fekola 광산에서 지� 채굴 작업� 시작� � 있는 중요� 승인� 받았습니�. 회사� 이미 9,300미터 이상� 개발 작업� 완료하고 필요� 인프라를 구축했습니다. Fekola 지� 작업은 2025년에 25,000에서 35,000온스� � 생산� 기여� 것으� 예상되며, 2026� 이후에는 생산량이 크게 증가� 계획입니�.

Fekola 단지� B2Gold가 80%, 말리가 20% 소유하고 있으�, Fekola 광산� Fekola 지� 프로젝트� 포함합니�. 지� 프로젝트� B2Gold가 65%, 말리가 35% 소유� 예정이며, 2026년부� 2029년까지 연간 180,000온스� 생산� 기대됩니�. 회사� 2025� Fekola 단지 � 생산 가이던스를 515,000에서 550,000온스� 유지하고 있습니다.

B2Gold (NYSE AMERICAN : BTG) a obtenu une approbation cruciale du Mali pour commencer les opérations minières souterraines à la mine de Fekola. La société a déjà achevé plus de 9 300 mètres de travaux de développement et installé les infrastructures nécessaires. L'exploitation souterraine de Fekola devrait contribuer à une production de 25 000 à 35 000 onces d'or en 2025, avec des augmentations de production significatives prévues pour 2026 et au-delà.

Le complexe de Fekola, dont B2Gold détient 80 % et le Mali 20 %, comprend la mine de Fekola ainsi que les projets régionaux de Fekola. Le projet régional sera détenu à 65 % par B2Gold et à 35 % par le Mali, avec une production annuelle prévue de 180 000 onces de 2026 à 2029. La société maintient ses prévisions de production d'or pour le complexe de Fekola en 2025, estimées entre 515 000 et 550 000 onces.

B2Gold (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) hat von Mali die entscheidende Genehmigung erhalten, um unterirdische Bergbauarbeiten in der Fekola-Mine aufzunehmen. Das Unternehmen hat bereits über 9.300 Meter Entwicklungsarbeiten abgeschlossen und die erforderliche Infrastruktur installiert. Der unterirdische Betrieb in Fekola soll im Jahr 2025 25.000 bis 35.000 Unzen Gold produzieren, mit erheblichen Produktionssteigerungen ab 2026 und darüber hinaus.

Der Fekola-Komplex, der zu 80 % B2Gold und zu 20 % Mali gehört, umfasst sowohl die Fekola-Mine als auch die regionalen Fekola-Projekte. Das regionale Projekt wird zu 65 % im Besitz von B2Gold und zu 35 % von Mali sein, mit erwarteter jährlicher Produktion von 180.000 Unzen von 2026 bis 2029. Das Unternehmen bestätigt seine Produktionsprognose für den Fekola-Komplex im Jahr 2025 mit 515.000 bis 550.000 Unzen Gold.

Positive
  • Underground Mining Approval received from Mali government for Fekola Mine operations
  • Underground development already completed with 9,300 meters of work and infrastructure in place
  • Expected production of 25,000-35,000 gold ounces from underground operations in 2025
  • Fekola Regional project to contribute 180,000 ounces annually from 2026-2029
  • Haul road and mining infrastructure already completed for Regional operations
Negative
  • Fekola Regional exploitation permit approval still pending, expected by Q3 2025
  • Three-month mining pre-stripping period required before initial gold production can begin at Regional project

Insights

Mali approves B2Gold's Fekola underground mining operations, enabling production growth with stope ore extraction already underway and strong government relations secured.

B2Gold has secured a critical regulatory milestone with Mali's approval to commence underground mining operations at the Fekola Mine. This development represents a significant production growth catalyst for the company, as underground operations are expected to contribute 25,000-35,000 ounces of gold in 2025, with substantial increases planned for 2026 and beyond.

The company has been strategically positioning itself for this approval, having already completed over 9,300 meters of development work and installed necessary underground mining infrastructure. This preparatory work is now paying dividends, as B2Gold has immediately begun stope ore production and is already processing stockpiled underground ore through the Fekola mill.

Equally important is the progress on the Fekola Regional exploitation permit, now expected by Q3 2025. This regional development is critical for B2Gold's long-term production profile, projected to add approximately 180,000 ounces of annual gold production during its first four years (2026-2029), with mine life extending well into the 2030s. The company has already completed necessary infrastructure including haul roads and mining facilities, positioning it for rapid production once permits are secured.

The successful meetings between B2Gold executives and Mali government officials, including the Prime Minister and Minister of Mines, demonstrate strong government relations - a crucial factor for mining operations in West Africa. This collaborative approach appears to have preserved the governance agreement established in September 2024, maintaining the ownership structure of 80% B2Gold/20% Mali for the Fekola Mine and 65% B2Gold/35% Mali for Fekola Regional.

With the company reaffirming its 2025 production guidance of 515,000-550,000 ounces for the Fekola Complex, these regulatory approvals support B2Gold's near-term operational stability while enabling longer-term growth through the development of both underground and regional resources.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) (“B2Gold� or the “Company�) is pleased to announce the receipt of approval from the State of Mali to begin underground operations, including stope ore production, at the Fekola Mine in Mali (“Underground Mining Approval�), a key production growth driver for the Fekola Complex.

The Fekola Complex is comprised of the Fekola Mine (Medinandi permit hosting the Fekola and Cardinal open pits and Fekola underground), owned 80% by B2Gold and 20% by the State of Mali, and Fekola Regional (Anaconda Area (formerly the three separate Bantako, Menankoto and Bakolobi permits, now consolidated into one permit called Menankoto) and the Dandoko permit), which will be owned 65% by B2Gold and 35% by the State of Mali. Fekola Regional is located approximately 20 kilometers from the Fekola Mine.

During the week of July 21, 2025, B2Gold senior executives completed productive and collaborative meetings with key representatives of the State of Mali, including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Mines, and advisors to the Malian Government. Both the Company and the State of Mali remain committed to the agreement related to the ongoing operation and governance of the Fekola Complex that was entered into in September 2024.

After completion of the meetings, on July 30, 2025, the State of Mali granted approval for the Company to commence underground operations, including stope ore production, at the Fekola Mine. Throughout 2024 and 2025, the Company has been carrying out underground exploration development work at the Fekola Mine in anticipation of the receipt of Underground Mining Approval. This includes more than 9,300 meters of development work plus the installation of all required underground mining infrastructure. Subsequent to receipt of the Underground Mining Approval, the Company commenced stope ore production at Fekola underground, and Fekola underground ore that was stockpiled during the underground exploration development stage is currently being processed through the Fekola mill.

Fekola underground remains an important component of the near-term production profile of the Fekola Complex. In 2025, the Company anticipates Fekola underground to contribute between 25,000 to 35,000 ounces of gold production, ramping up significantly in 2026 and subsequent years.

During the meetings completed in Mali last week, the Company and the State of Mali also discussed the importance of Fekola Regional to both the near and long-term future of the Fekola Complex. The development of Fekola Regional has the potential to enhance the Fekola Complex production profile and extend the mine life. Fekola Regional is anticipated to contribute approximately 180,000 ounces of additional annual gold production in its first four full years of production from 2026 through 2029, with a mine life expected to extend well into the 2030’s. The Company and the State of Mali have committed to work together to finalize the approval of the Fekola Regional exploitation permit in the near term, now expected prior to the end of the third quarter of 2025. Importantly, the haul road from Fekola Regional to the Fekola Mine is operational as construction of the haul roads and mining infrastructure (warehouse, workshop, fuel depot and offices) was completed on schedule in 2023. Upon issuance of the exploitation permits for Fekola Regional, mining pre-stripping activities will begin for a period of three months, followed by initial gold production expected to commence in late 2025.

B2Gold reiterates its 2025 gold production guidance for the Fekola Complex of 515,000 to 550,000 ounces.

About B2Gold Corp.

B2Gold is a responsible international senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has operating gold mines in Canada, Mali, Namibia and the Philippines, and numerous development and exploration projects in various countries. B2Gold forecasts gold production of between 970,000 and 1,075,000 ounces in 2025.

ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP.
“Clive T. Johnson�
President & Chief Executive Officer

For more information on B2Gold, please visit the Company’s website at

The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release.

Production guidance presented in this news release reflect total production at the mines B2Gold operates on a 100% project basis. Please see our Annual Information Form dated March 28, 2025, for a discussion of our ownership interest in the mines B2Gold operates.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" ("collectively forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including: projections; outlook; guidance; forecasts; estimates; and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and operational performance, gold production and sales, revenues and cash flows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining) and operating costs, including projected cash operating costs and AISC, and budgets on a consolidated and mine by mine basis; future or estimated mine life, metal price assumptions, ore grades or sources, gold recovery rates, stripping ratios, throughput, ore processing; statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling, development, construction, permitting and other activities or achievements of B2Gold; and including, without limitation: Fekola underground gold production of 25,000 to 35,000 ounces in 2025; Fekola underground production to increase significantly in 2026 and subsequent years; Fekola Regional to contribute approximately 180,000 ounces of additional annual gold production in its first four full years of production from 2026 through 2029, with a mine life expected to extend well into the 2030’s; receipt of the Fekola Regional exploitation permit in Q3 2025; Fekola Complex gold production of 515,000 to 550,000 ounces in 2025; and total consolidated gold production of between 970,000 and 1,075,000 ounces in 2025. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made.

Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with or related to: the volatility of metal prices and B2Gold's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving production, cost or other estimates; actual production, development plans and costs differing materially from the estimates in B2Gold's feasibility and other studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; the unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities, including potential restrictions imposed on B2Gold's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Mali, Namibia, the Philippines, Canada, and Colombia and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; the lack of sole decision-making authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for B2Gold's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and B2Gold's reputation;; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, B2Gold's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect B2Gold's forward-looking statements.

B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to B2Gold's ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; B2Gold's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.

B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. B2Gold does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.



Contact:
Michael McDonald 
VP, IR, Corporate Development, & Treasury 
+1 604-681-8371
[email protected] 

Cherry DeGeer
Director, Corporate Communications
+1 604-681-8371
[email protected]

FAQ

What is B2Gold's (BTG) expected gold production from Fekola underground mining in 2025?

B2Gold expects the Fekola underground operations to contribute 25,000 to 35,000 ounces of gold production in 2025, with plans for significant increases in 2026 and beyond.

What is the ownership structure of B2Gold's Fekola Complex in Mali?

The Fekola Mine is 80% owned by B2Gold and 20% by the State of Mali, while the Fekola Regional project will be 65% owned by B2Gold and 35% by the State of Mali.

What is B2Gold's (BTG) total production guidance for the Fekola Complex in 2025?

B2Gold maintains its 2025 gold production guidance for the Fekola Complex at 515,000 to 550,000 ounces.

How much gold production is expected from B2Gold's Fekola Regional project?

The Fekola Regional project is anticipated to contribute approximately 180,000 ounces of additional annual gold production in its first four full years of production from 2026 through 2029.

When will B2Gold's Fekola Regional project begin production?

Initial gold production at Fekola Regional is expected to commence in late 2025, following a three-month pre-stripping period after exploitation permit approval.
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