B2GOLD CORP

Share-based payments

The cost of stock options and other equity-settled share-based payment arrangements, including restricted share units and performance share units, 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.

The Company grants performance share units to certain officers and employees. 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 a risk neutral Monte Carlo simulation based on a correlated Geometric Brownian Motion. 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.

Cash settled share-based payment arrangements, including deferred share units and restricted phantom units are measured at fair value using the market value of the underlying shares on the date of issuance. The liability is then remeasured at market value on each reporting date until settlement with any gains or losses flowing through share-based payments expense.