Summary of significant accounting policies

The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these financial statements are as follows:

Principles of consolidation

The financial statements of the Company consolidate the accounts of B2Gold and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions, balances, and unrealized gains and losses from intercompany transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

The Company’s most significant wholly owned and partially owned subsidiaries are presented below:



		% interest

-	Fekola SA (“Fekola”)	80
-	B2Gold Namibia (Pty) Ltd. (“Otjikoto”)	90
-	Philippines Gold Processing & Refining Corporation (“Masbate”)	100
-	Filminera Resources Corporation ("Masbate")	40
-	Kiaka SA (“Kiaka”)	81

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has power over an investee, when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from the investee and when the Company has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is obtained by B2Gold and are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

The Company holds its interest in the Masbate Gold Project (which operates the Masbate Mine) through two indirectly-owned subsidiaries. B2Gold has a 100% interest in Philippines Gold Processing & Refining Corporation (“PGPRC”) and a 40% interest in Filminera Resources Corporation (“FRC”). The remaining 60% interest in FRC is held by a Philippines-registered company that is owned by a Philippine shareholder. The Company consolidates the Masbate Gold Project as a result of its ownership interests and the contractual relationship between the entities. FRC owns the majority of the Masbate Gold Project tenements. PGPRC owns the process plant and is responsible for the sale of all gold. PGPRC and FRC have a contractual relationship, which includes PGPRC purchasing all of the ore production from FRC at a price equal to the cost for the ore plus a predetermined margin. For accounting purposes, this contractual relationship gives the Company sufficient control to consolidate FRC.

The Company’s Gramalote property located in Colombia operates as an incorporated joint arrangement with AngloGold Ashanti Limited (“AngloGold”). This joint arrangement is accounted for as a jointly controlled entity (“JCE”). The Company does not control, either directly or indirectly, this JCE. The Company accounts for its interest in this JCE as a joint venture using the equity method.

The Company's interest in Calibre Mining Corp. (Note 6) is accounted for as an investment in associate. The Company does not control this entity, either directly or indirectly, but does exert significant influence over its operations. The Company accounts for its interest in this associate using the equity method.

The Company established a trust arrangement under its Incentive Plan (Note 14) for the benefit of its directors, officers, employees and service providers. The Company consolidates this trust as it has the power to control its financial and operating policies and obtain the benefits from its activities.

Investments in joint arrangements and associates

A joint arrangement is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control such that significant operating and financial decisions require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

The Company considers whether a JCE is a joint operation or joint venture. The parties to a joint operation have the rights to the underlying assets and are exposed to the underlying liabilities of the JCE. The Company accounts for investment in joint operations by proportionately consolidating its share of the operations underlying assets and liabilities. The parties to a joint venture have an interest in the underlying net assets of the JCE. Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. The equity method involves recording the initial investment at cost. Additional funding into an investee is recorded as an increase in the carrying value of the investment. The carrying amount is adjusted by the Company’s share of post-acquisition net income or loss, dilution gains or losses (resulting from changes in ownership interest), depreciation or amortization.

An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence, but not control. Investments in associates are also accounted for using the equity method.

Business combinations

A business combination requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business. A business consists of inputs and processes applied to those inputs that have the ability to create outputs. Although businesses usually have outputs, outputs are not required for an integrated set to qualify as a business as the Company considers other factors to determine whether the set of activities or assets is a business.

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method whereby acquired assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition with the excess of the purchase consideration over such fair value being recorded as goodwill. Non-controlling interest in an acquisition may be measured at either fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the fair value of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets.

The excess of (i) total consideration transferred by the Company, measured at fair value, including contingent consideration, and (ii) the non-controlling interests in the acquiree’s, over the acquisition-date fair value of the net of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, is recorded as goodwill. If the fair value attributable to the Company’s share of the identifiable net assets exceeds the cost of acquisition, the difference is recognized as a gain in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Should the consideration be contingent on future events, the preliminary cost of the acquisition recorded includes management’s best estimate of the fair value of the contingent amounts expected to be payable. Provisional fair values allocated are finalized within one year of the acquisition date with retroactive restatement to the acquisition date as required.

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, which the Company incurs in connection with a business combination, are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on the Company’s acquisitions includes (but is not limited to): (i) the ability of the Company to capture certain synergies through management of the acquired operation within the Company; (ii) the potential to increase reserves and resources through exploration activities; and (iii) the requirement to record a deferred tax liability for the difference between the assigned fair values and the tax bases of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Goodwill is not amortized. The Company performs an annual impairment test for goodwill and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of a cash generating unit (“CGU”) to which goodwill has been allocated exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount in excess. The impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the CGU to $nil and then to the other assets of the CGU based on the relative carrying amounts of those assets. Impairment losses recognized for goodwill are not reversed in subsequent periods should its value recover.

Goodwill is allocated to CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash generating units or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. If the composition of one or more cash generating units to which goodwill has been allocated changes due to a reorganization, the goodwill is re-allocated to the units affected.

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars, which is the group’s presentation currency. The Company’s mining operations operate within an economic environment where the functional currency is the United States dollar. References to "$" or "US$" are to United States dollars, while references to "Cdn. $" are to Canadian dollars.

Transactions and balances

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the United States dollar as follows:


•	Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange at the Consolidated Balance Sheet date;


•	Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates prevailing at each transaction date;


•	Revenue and expenses are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction, except depreciation, depletion and amortization, which are translated at historical exchange rates, and share-based compensation expense, which is translated at the rates of exchange applicable at the date of grant of the share-based compensation; and


•	Exchange gains and losses on translation are included in earnings. When the gain or loss on certain non-monetary items, such as long-term investments classified as fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”) is recognized in OCI, the translation differences are also recognized in OCI.

Group companies

For any subsidiaries or joint ventures whose functional currency differs from the United States dollar, foreign currency balances and transactions are translated into the United States dollar as follows:


•	Assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange at the Consolidated Balance Sheet date;


•	Revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates throughout the reporting period or at rates that approximate the actual exchange rates; items such as depreciation are translated at the monthly average exchange rate; and


•	Exchange gains and losses on translation are included in OCI.

The exchange gains and losses are recognized in earnings upon the substantial disposition, liquidation or closure of the entity that gave rise to such amounts.

Financial instruments

The Company recognizes financial assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held with banks, and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as financial assets and subsequently measured at amortized cost.

Accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are non-interest bearing and are initially measured at fair value, subsequently recorded at amortized cost which approximates fair value due to the short term to maturity. Where necessary, accounts receivable are net of expected credit losses. Accounts receivable are classified as financial assets subsequently measured at amortized cost and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are classified as financial liabilities and subsequently measured at amortized cost.

Long-term investments

Equity investments in entities that are not subsidiaries, joint ventures or investments in associates are designated fair value through profit and loss ("FVTPL") unless they are irrevocably designated, on an individual basis, as fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI"). These investments are measured at fair value on acquisition and at each reporting date. Any unrealized holding gains and losses related to long-term investments designated as FVOCI are excluded from net earnings and are included in OCI. Upon disposal, any accumulated gains and losses remain in equity.

Lease liabilities

Lease liabilities are interest bearing and are initially measured at the present value and subsequently recorded at amortized cost.

Debt

The Company initially recognizes all financial liabilities at fair value and classifies them as subsequently measured at either FVTPL or amortized cost, as appropriate. For debt subsequently measured at amortized cost, the effective interest rate method is used. Debt classified as FVTPL is measured at fair value on each financial period-end date with gains and losses flowing through the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For debt that is optionally classified as FVTPL, the part of the fair value change related to the Company’s own credit risk is recorded in OCI rather than the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, are recorded at FVTPL and accordingly recorded on the balance sheet date at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives held for trading are recorded as part of other gains or losses in earnings. Fair values for derivative instruments are determined using valuation techniques, using assumptions based on market conditions existing at the balance sheet date.

Impairment of financial assets held at amortized cost

At each reporting date, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset held at amortized cost at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. If at the reporting date, the credit risk on the financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, we measure the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to twelve month expected credit losses.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognized when the investments mature or are sold, and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. Gains and losses on derecognition of financial assets classified as FVTPL or amortized cost are recognized within other non-operating income. Accumulated gains or losses on financial assets classified as FVOCI remain within accumulated other comprehensive income.

Inventories

Gold and silver bullion, in-process and stockpile inventories are recorded at the lower of average cost and net realizable value. The cost of finished goods and work-in-progress comprises raw materials, direct labour, and other direct costs, as well as stripping in the production stage and related production overheads (based on normal operating capacity) including applicable depreciation on property, plant and equipment. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price less applicable selling expenses.

When inventories have been written down to net realizable value, a new assessment of net realizable value is made in each subsequent period. When the circumstances that caused the write down no longer exist, the amount of the write down is reversed.

Materials and supplies inventories are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value. Cost includes acquisition, freight and other directly attributable costs.

Mining interests

Mining interests include property, plant and equipment, mineral properties and mine development costs, deferred stripping, exploration and evaluation expenditures, capitalized borrowing costs and impairment.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to operations; major improvements and replacements which extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Property, plant and equipment are amortized over the life of the mine using the units-of-production (“UOP”) method based on the recoverable ounces from the estimated proven and probable reserves and a portion of the measured and indicated resources that are reasonably expected to be converted to proven and probable reserves. Mobile equipment, tailings dam and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over three to six years as appropriate, net of residual value. The Company allocates the amount initially recognized in respect of an item of property, plant and equipment to its significant parts and depreciates separately each such part. Residual values, method of amortization and useful lives of the assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate.

During the commissioning phase of a new mine, pre-production expenditures, net of incidental revenue, are capitalized to plant and equipment.

Mineral properties and mine development costs

Mineral properties and mine development costs are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. When production commences, these costs are amortized using the UOP method, based on recoverable ounces from the estimated proven and probable reserves and a portion of measured and indicated resources that are reasonably expected to be converted to proven and probable reserves.

Capitalization of costs incurred ceases when the mining property is capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Costs incurred prior to this point, including depreciation of related plant and equipment, are capitalized and proceeds from sales of ounces produced during this period are offset against capitalized costs.

The Company applies judgement in its assessment of when a mine is capable of operating in the manner intended by management which takes account of the design of the mine and the nature of the initial commissioning phase of the mine.

Non-recoverable costs for projects determined not to be commercially feasible are expensed in the period in which the determination is made or when the carrying value of the project is determined to be impaired.

Deferred stripping

Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are considered production costs and are included in the cost of inventory produced during the period in which stripping costs are incurred, unless the stripping activity can be shown to be a betterment of the mineral property. Betterment occurs when stripping activity increases future output of the mine by providing access to additional reserves. Stripping costs incurred to provide access to the ore body for extraction are capitalized as mine development costs and are amortized on a UOP basis over the reserves and resources to which they relate.

Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures

The Company defers the cost of acquiring, maintaining its interest, exploring and evaluating mineral properties as exploration and evaluation until the properties are placed in production, abandoned, sold or considered to be impaired in value. Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of mineral reserves or resources from a particular mineral property has been determined, exploration and evaluation expenditures are reclassified to “mineral properties and mine development costs”. If no mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are expensed in the period in which it is determined the property has no future economic value. Exploration costs that do not relate to any specific property are expensed as incurred.

The establishment of technical feasibility and commercial viability of a mineral property is assessed based on a combination of factors, such as but not limited to:


•	The extent to which mineral reserves or mineral resources have been identified through a feasibility study or similar level document;


•	The results of optimization studies and further technical evaluation carried out to mitigate project risks identified in the feasibility study;


•	The status of environmental permits; and


•	The status of mining leases or permits.

In addition, commercial viability is deemed to be achieved when the Company determines that the project will provide a satisfactory return relative to its perceived risks. Ore reserves and resources may be declared for an undeveloped mining project before its commercial viability has been fully determined. Evaluation costs may continue to be capitalized during the period between declaration of reserves and approval to mine as further work is undertaken in order to refine the development case to maximize the project’s returns.

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs attributable to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets that take a substantial period of time to make ready for their intended use are added to the cost of the assets, until such time as the assets are substantially complete and ready for their intended use. The amount of borrowing costs capitalized cannot exceed the actual amount of borrowing costs incurred in a period. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Impairment and reversals of impairment

The carrying amounts of long-lived assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If there are indicators of impairment, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount and is recorded as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s “fair value less costs of disposal” ("FVLCD") and “value-in-use”. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs is determined. FVLCD is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. For mining assets this would generally be determined based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows arising from the continued development, use or eventual disposal of the asset. In assessing these cash flows and discounting them to the present value, assumptions used are those that an independent market participant would consider appropriate. In assessing “value-in-use”, the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of the assets in their present form and from their disposal are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset.

Impairment losses are evaluated for potential reversals when events or circumstances warrant such consideration. Where an impairment loss is subsequently reversed, the amount of such reversal is limited such that, the revised carrying amount of the asset or cash-generating unit does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset or cash-generating unit in the prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized into earnings immediately.

Leases

Accounting policy applicable from January 1, 2019

At the inception of a contract, to determine if it contains a lease, the Company assesses whether it conveys the right to control and obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of an identified asset, for a period of time, in exchange for consideration. Where a contract contains a lease, the Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement date of the lease.

The right-of-use asset is measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses and may be adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability. Cost is the amount of the initial lease liability plus any initial direct costs incurred and any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any incentives received.

The right-of-use assets are included in the cost of property, plant and equipment for the associated mining interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. They are depreciated, in accordance with the Company's existing accounting policy, over the shorter of the term of the lease or the life of the asset.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of future lease payments discounted at the interest rate implicit in the contract. If the implicit rate cannot be determined, the incremental borrowing rate over a similar term and with similar security for the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment is used. The lease payments include fixed payments less any incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. Where the lease contains an extension or purchase option, the costs associated with the option are included if it is reasonably expected to be exercised by the Company.

Thereafter, the amount of the lease liability is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of the lease liability is remeasured to reflect any modifications to the contract terms. Lease liabilities are presented as a component of debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for contracts that have a lease term of 12 months or less or are for the use of low value assets. These contracts are recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period the cost is incurred. In addition, for certain asset classes, the Company has elected to treat both lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for the purposes of applying IFRS 16.

Accounting policy applicable prior to January 1, 2019

The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at inception date. It requires consideration as to whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.

A reassessment is made after inception of the lease only if one of the following applies:


(a)	There is a change in contractual terms, other than a renewal or extension of the arrangement;


(b)	A renewal option is exercised or extension granted, unless the term of the renewal or extension was initially included in the lease term;


(c)	There is a change in the determination of whether fulfilment is dependent on a specified asset; or


(d)	There is a substantial change to the asset.

Where a reassessment is made, lease accounting shall commence or cease from the date when the change in circumstances gave rise to the reassessment for scenarios (a), (c) or (d) and at the date of the renewal or extension period for scenario (b).

Company as a lessee

Finance leases, which transfer to the Company substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the leased item, are capitalized at the commencement of the lease term (the date from which the lessee is entitled to exercise its right to use the leased asset) at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments.

Capitalized leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.

A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership.

Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense in the statement of operations on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Mine restoration provisions

Future obligations to retire an asset including site closure, dismantling, remediation and on-going treatment and monitoring are initially recognized and recorded as a liability based on estimated future cash flows discounted at a risk free rate. The measurement determination is based on estimated future cash flows, the current risk-free discount rate, and an estimated inflation factor. The value of restoration provisions is adjusted at each reporting period for changes to factors including the expected amount of cash flows required to discharge the liability, the timing of such cash flows and the risk-free interest rate. The liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, and this additional carrying amount is depreciated over the life of the asset. The liability is accreted to full value over time through periodic charges to earnings. This unwinding of the discount is expensed in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability is reduced.

Share-based payments

The cost of stock options and other equity-settled share-based payment arrangements is recorded based on the estimated fair-value at the grant date and charged to earnings over the vesting period.

The Company grants stock options to certain employees and directors. Each tranche is considered a separate award with its own vesting period and grant date fair value. The fair value of each tranche is measured at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized over the tranche’s vesting period by a charge to earnings, with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus based on the number of awards expected to vest. The number of awards expected to vest is reviewed at least annually, with any impact being recognized immediately.

Current and deferred income taxes

Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case the income tax is also recognized directly in equity. Taxes on income in interim periods are recorded using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected annual profit.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted, at the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred income tax is determined on a non-discounted basis using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the deferred tax asset or liability is reversed. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that the assets can be recovered.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except, in the case of subsidiaries, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. As an exception, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized if the temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction (other than in a business combination) that affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are presented as non-current.

Revenue

Gold revenue is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company, delivery has occurred, the sales price is reasonably determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met at the time the product is delivered to the customer and, depending on the delivery conditions, title and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer and acceptance of the product, when contractually required, has been obtained. Gold revenue is measured based on the price specified in the sales contract at the time of sale.

Silver revenue is accounted for as a by-product and is recorded as a credit to operating costs.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income for the year attributable to shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury share method whereby all “in-the-money” options, warrants and equivalents are assumed to have been exercised at the beginning of the year and the proceeds from the exercise are assumed to have been used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period. Diluted earnings per share excludes all dilutive potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.