B2Gold Founder Clive Johnson to Step Down as CEO in June

B2Gold (NYSE American: BTG; TSX: BTO) founder Clive Johnson will retire as President and CEO at the company’s annual meeting on June 4, ending a two-decade run that built the miner into a 1 million ounce per year gold producer. Speaking with Kitco Mining at the 35th BMO Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference in Florida, Johnson said it was “a good time to look at passing the baton.” CFO Mike Cinnamond will succeed him, with Johnson remaining as chair emeritus.The transition comes as B2Gold ramps up the Goose mine in Nunavut, where crushing circuit modifications are underway as production moves toward design capacity. The company forecasts 2026 production between 820,000 and 970,000 ounces, with output expected to return to 2025 levels by 2027. In Mali, a regional permit at Fekola is expected shortly and could add 180,000 ounces per year.Johnson said B2Gold is “clearly undervalued” and must “get value for the existing assets” before pursuing acquisitions.Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining & Kitco News YouTube channels to stay up to date on the latest industry news and interviews.👉 Special thanks to our sponsor, First Majestic Silver. To learn more, visit https://firstmajestic.com00:40 - B2Gold CEO Clive Johnson to Retire on June 401:28 - CFO Mike Cinnamond Named Successor01:45 - Legacy, Values and Global Expansion02:38 - Goose, Fekola, and Gramalote Growth Pipeline04:07 - Gramalote Strategy at Higher Gold Prices05:52 - Path to 2 Million Ounces: M&A and Expansion06:38 - “Clearly Undervalued”: Stock and Market Perception08:58 - Goose Ramp-Up and Crushing Circuit Fix09:34 - 2026 Production Outlook and Free Cash Flow10:27 - Dividend Policy and Share Buybacks11:49 - What’s Next for Clive Johnson__________________________________________________________________Kitco Mining is dedicated to reporting on the mining industry. Our mandate is to be the top resource for all mining information and news, offering a clear perspective on where the industry is going through breaking news coverage, mining trends, and in-depth reporting, presented with precious, rare earth, base metals, and industry stock prices.Get important precious and base metal updates while on the go with the Kitco Gold LIVE! app - https://applications.kitco.comStay connected with usX - https://x.com/KitcoMiningInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kitcominingLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitco-miningFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/KitcoMiningConnect with the Kitco Mining anchorsPaul Harris - https://x.com/paulharrisgold For more in-depth mining coverage, visit us here - https://www.kitco.com/miningDisclaimer: Videos are not trading advice, and the views expressed may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.