Alamos Reports First Quarter 2018 Results Record Quarter Drives Increase in Full Year Production Guidance
Alamos Gold Inc.
Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 3910, P.O. Box #823 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3 Telephone: (416) 368-9932 or 1 (866) 788-8801
All amounts are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated.
Alamos Reports First Quarter 2018 Results Record Quarter Drives Increase in Full Year Production Guidance
Toronto, Ontario (May 1, 2018) - Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX:AGI; NYSE:AGI) (“Alamos” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 and reviewed its operating, exploration and development activities.
“We delivered another record quarter of production and given the strong start to the year, we’ve increased full year production guidance to a range of 490,000 to 530,000 ounces. The increase was driven by stronger than expected performances from our Mulatos and Island Gold mines, the latter establishing a new record in its first full quarter as part of Alamos. Our financial performance continues to improve with strong free cash flow growth expected from our operations into the second half of the year reflecting higher production and lower costs,” said John A. McCluskey, President and Chief Executive Officer.
First Quarter 2018 Highlights
- Produced a record 128,900 ounces of gold, above budget and 34% higher than the first quarter of 2017 driven by strong performances from Mulatos and Island Gold. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of record production
- Increased 2018 production guidance at both Mulatos and Island Gold, bringing Company-wide guidance to a range of 490,000 to 530,000 ounces of gold
- Island Gold reported record quarterly gold production of 28,100 ounces, in its first full quarter as part of Alamos. Mine-site all-in sustaining costs1 of $633 per ounce were well below guidance and the operation generated $9.8 million in mine-site free cash flow1. As a result of this strong performance, production guidance at Island Gold has been increased to between 95,000 and 105,000 ounces for 2018
- Sold 130,045 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $1,331 per ounce for record revenues of $173.1 million
- Cost of sales of $1,113 per ounce, total cash costs1 of $789 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs ("AISC")1 of $935 per ounce were all down from the first quarter of 2017, with total cash costs and AISC decreasing 5% and 8%, respectively
- Reported adjusted net earnings1 of $12.3 million or $0.03 per share1, reflecting adjustments for unrealized foreign exchange losses recorded within both deferred taxes and foreign exchange of $10.8 million, as well as other one-time items
- Reported net earnings of $0.6 million, or $0.00 per share
- Generated cash flow from operating activities of $58.8 million ($62.6 million or $0.16 per share, before changes in working capital1), reflecting record production, lower cash costs and stronger operating margins
- Generated $24.3 million in mine-site free cash flow1, and $7.3 million of company-wide free-cash flow1 in the first quarter, both ahead of budget, reflecting a higher realized gold price and stronger production at Mulatos and Island Gold
- Ended the quarter with no debt and $231.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, up from $200.8 million as of December 31, 2017
- Liquidated the Company's equity positions in AuRico Metals and Corex Gold, generating proceeds of $24.9 million and realizing a gain of $14.3 million recorded directly in retained earnings (deficit)
- Announced a semi-annual dividend of $0.01 per share, or $3.9 million, paid to shareholders on April 30, 2018
(1) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release for a description and calculation of these measures.
Highlight Summary
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
|---|---|
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| 2018 | 2017 |
Financial Results (in millions)
| Operating revenues | $173.1 | $121.0 |
| Cost of sales(1) | $144.7 | $110.1 |
| Earnings from operations | $18.5 | $2.2 |
| Net earnings | $0.6 | $0.1 |
| Adjusted net earnings (loss)(2) | $12.3 | ($5.1) |
| Cash provided by operations before working capital and cash taxes(2) | $62.6 | $34.2 |
| Cash provided by operating activities | $58.8 | $20.1 |
| Capital expenditures (sustaining)(2) | $10.7 | $9.3 |
| Capital expenditures (growth)(2),(3) | $40.8 | $24.3 |
Operating Results
Gold production (ounces) (4) 128,900 96,200 Gold sales (ounces) 130,045 98,755
Per Ounce Data
| Average realized gold price | $1,331 | $1,225 |
| Average spot gold price (London PM Fix) | $1,329 | $1,219 |
| Cost of sales per ounce of gold sold (includes amortization)(1) | $1,113 | $1,115 |
| Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold(2) | $789 | $827 |
| All-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold(2) | $935 | $1,014 |
Share Data
| Earnings per share, basic | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Adjusted earnings per share, basic(2) | $0.03 | ($0.02) |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic) (000’s) | 389,254 | 284,748 |
Financial Position (in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents (5) $231.8 $200.8
(1) Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense.
(2) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.
(3) Includes capitalized exploration and La Yaqui Phase I development.
(4) Gold production from Island Gold has been included in this table for the period subsequent to November 23, 2017 only. Gold production from Island Gold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 23,772 ounces.
(5) Comparative Cash and cash equivalents balance as at December 31, 2017.
2 | Alamos Gold Inc
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2017(1) |
Gold production (ounces)
Young-Davidson 41,000 40,400 Mulatos 46,000 40,000 Island Gold (1) 28,100 — El Chanate 13,800 15,800
Gold sales (ounces)
Young-Davidson 44,790 43,827 Mulatos 44,659 38,675 Island Gold (1) 27,503 — El Chanate 13,093 16,253
Cost of sales (in millions)(2)
Young-Davidson $57.0 $50.3 Mulatos $43.6 $40.0 Island Gold (1) $27.5 — El Chanate $16.6 $19.8
Cost of sales per ounce of gold sold (includes amortization)
Young-Davidson $1,273 $1,148 Mulatos $976 $1,034 Island Gold (1) $1,000 — El Chanate $1,268 $1,218
Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold (3)
Young-Davidson $824 $710 Mulatos $786 $827 Island Gold (1) $553 — El Chanate $1,176 $1,144
Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold (3),(4)
Young-Davidson $994 $851 Mulatos $842 $920 Island Gold (1) $633 — El Chanate $1,191 $1,187 Capital expenditures (growth and sustaining) (in millions)(3)
Young-Davidson $22.9 $18.6 Mulatos(5) $7.2 $11.4 Island Gold (1),(5) $13.9 — El Chanate $0.1 $0.6 Other $7.4 $3.0
(1) Operating and financial results from Island Gold are included in Alamos’ consolidated financial statements for the period subsequent to November 23, 2017. Gold production from Island Gold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 23,772.
(2) Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
(3) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release for a description and calculation of these measures.
(4) For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(5) Includes capitalized exploration.
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Outlook and Strategy
| 2018 Guidance | Total | |||||||
| Young- | Mulatos | Island | El | Turkey (5) | Original | |||
| Davidson | Gold | Chanate | Other (2) | Revised | ||||
| Gold production (000’s ounces) | ||||||||
| Revised Guidance | 200-210 | 155-165 | 95-105 | 40-50 | — | — | 490-530 | |
| Original Guidance 200-210 150-160 90-100 40-50 — — 480-520 | ||||||||
| Cost of sales, including $233 $160 $102 $58 — — $536 amortization (in millions)(4) | ||||||||
| $550 | ||||||||
| Cost of sales, including $1,125 $1,000 $1,025 $1,285 — — $1,075 amortization ($ per ounce)(4) | ||||||||
| $1,080 | ||||||||
| Total cash costs ($ per ounce)(1) $675 $800 $575 $1,200 — — $740 | $740 | |||||||
| All-in sustaining costs — — $950 ($ per ounce)(1) | ||||||||
| $950 | ||||||||
| Mine-site all-in sustaining costs $850 $900 $825 $1,200 — — — ($ per ounce)(1),(3) | ||||||||
| — | ||||||||
| Amortization costs $450 $200 $450 $85 — — $335 ($ per ounce)(1) | ||||||||
| $340 | ||||||||
| Capital expenditures (in millions) | ||||||||
| Sustaining capital(1) $35-40 $8-10 $25-27 — — — $68-77 | $68-77 | |||||||
| Growth capital(1) $35-40 $18-20 $25-28 — $25 $46 (2) $224-234 | $149-159 | |||||||
| Total capital expenditures(1) $70-80 $26-30 $50-55 — $25 $46 $292-$311 | $217-$236 |
(1) Refer to the "Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP" disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description of these measures.
(2) Includes capitalized exploration at all operating sites and development projects.
(3) For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs at individual mine sites, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses to the mine sites.
(4) Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense.
(5) Capital guidance at Kirazlı reduced to $25 million from the original budget of $100 million.
The Company continues to deliver on its strategic priorities of increasing cash flow from its operations while advancing its portfolio of low-cost development projects. In 2017, this included reporting record gold production and an 8% reduction in all-in sustaining costs.
This strong operational performance continued into the first quarter of 2018 with production of 128,900 ounces of gold, exceeding budget and setting a new quarterly record. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of record production. Reflecting the strong start to the year, the Company has increased its 2018 production guidance at both Island Gold and Mulatos by 5,000 ounces, bringing the revised production guidance to a range of 490,000 to 530,000 ounces, representing a 19% increase over 2017 (based on the mid-point of guidance). All-in sustaining costs are expected to average $950 per ounce, supporting increasing operating margins and mine-site free cash flow. Capital spending at the four operating mines is expected to total between $146 and $165 million for the year.
Consistent with budget, production in the second quarter of 2018 is expected to be approximately 125,000 ounces, at slightly higher all-in sustaining costs than the first quarter as a result of additional sustaining capital. The Company expects stronger production from Young-Davidson to offset slightly lower production from Island Gold and Mulatos. In the second half of 2018, the Company anticipates stronger gold production, lower total cash costs and a lower rate of capital spending, all of which is expected to contribute to higher mine-site free cash flow compared to the first half of the year.
Young-Davidson produced 41,000 ounces in the first quarter and is expected to produce between 200,000 and 210,000 ounces for the full year at mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $850 per ounce. Similar to 2017, the Company expects stronger gold production in the second quarter and more notably in the second half of 2018 driven by higher underground grades and mining rates. Combined with lower total cash costs and a reduced rate of capital spending, this will drive stronger mine-site free cash flow in the second half of 2018.
Island Gold produced 28,100 ounces of gold in the first quarter, exceeding its budget and setting a new quarterly record. Given the outperformance in the first quarter, the operation is now expected to produce between 95,000 and 105,000 ounces in 2018, a 5% increase from previously guided levels, at mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $825 per ounce. The Phase I expansion of the Island Gold mill to 1,100 tpd remains on track and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter. This is anticipated to drive production growth at lower costs in 2019 and beyond. Accordingly, the Company expects significant free cash flow growth in 2019.
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In parallel to the Phase I mill expansion, the Company is pursuing an aggressive exploration program at Island Gold which has been successful in driving nearly a 400% increase in Mineral Reserves and a 60% increase in the Mineral Reserve grade since 2014.
Ongoing exploration success will be incorporated into an evaluation of the most effective and economic approach to a Phase II expansion of the operation beyond 1,100 tpd.
Total production from the Mulatos district (including La Yaqui Phase I) increased to 46,000 ounces in the first quarter, also exceeding budget. As a result, Mulatos is now expected to produce between 155,000 to 165,000 ounces in 2018, a 3% increase from previously guided levels, at mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $900 per ounce.
El Chanate produced 13,800 ounces in the first quarter and is expected to produce 40,000 to 50,000 ounces for the full year. This is down from 2017 reflecting lower mining rates with mining activities expected to cease mid-2018. Given the long leach cycle at El Chanate, the Company expects to benefit from ongoing gold production beyond 2018 through residual leaching. This will be lower cost and higher margin production, with mining activities completed, and is expected to drive higher mine-site free cash flow from the operation.
The Company expects combined annual gold production of at least 500,000 ounces from its existing operations in 2019 and 2020 with low cost production growth from Island Gold replacing production from El Chanate. Consolidated all-in sustaining costs are expected to decrease in 2019 reflecting the completion of the Phase I expansion at Island Gold and end of the 5% royalty at Mulatos, with a further decline expected in 2020 reflecting higher underground mining rates at Young-Davidson. Similarly, capital spending at existing operations is expected to trend lower in 2019 and 2020 reflecting the completion of the Phase I expansion at Island Gold and lower mine infrastructure at Young- Davidson. Increased production combined with declining operating costs is expected to result in strong free cash flow growth over the next three years.
Capital spending on development projects, including capitalized exploration, is dependent on timing of receipt of the GSM (Business Opening and Operation) permit for the Kirazlı project, located in Turkey. On April 18, 2018, a snap election was called in Turkey with early parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled to be held on June 24, 2018. The Company does not anticipate receiving the GSM permit until after the election, which will delay construction activities planned for this year. As a result, the Company is revising its 2018 capital budget for Kirazlı to $25 million, down from $100 million, with spending focused on specific infrastructure projects, notably road, powerline, and water reservoir construction. The Company will update its 2018 capital budget once the GSM permit has been received allowing for the ramp up of full scale construction activities.
In addition to capital spending in Turkey, a total of $46 million is budgeted for development at Cerro Pelon, La Yaqui Grande and Lynn Lake as well as capitalized exploration at all sites. Total exploration spending of $36 million will be focused on Island Gold and Mulatos for the remainder of the year.
The Company is well positioned to fund this growth having significantly de-risked its balance sheet over the past year. The Company is debt free with growing cash flow from its operations and over $630 million of cash and available liquidity under the Company's credit facility.
5 | Alamos Gold Inc
First Quarter 2018 Results Young-Davidson Operational and Financial Review
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2017 |
Gold production (ounces) 41,000 40,400 Gold sales (ounces) 44,790 43,827
Financial Review (in millions)
| Operating Revenues | $59.5 | $53.6 |
| Cost of sales(1) | $57.0 | $50.3 |
| Earnings from operations | $2.5 | $3.3 |
| Cash provided by operating activities | $27.4 | $18.5 |
| Capital expenditures (sustaining)(2) | $7.6 | $6.1 |
| Capital expenditures (growth)(2) | $15.3 | $12.5 |
| Mine-site free cash flow(2) | $4.5 | ($0.1) |
| Cost of sales, including amortization per ounce of gold sold(1) | $1,273 | $1,148 |
| Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold(2) | $824 | $710 |
| Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold(2),(3) | $994 | $851 |
Underground Operations
| Tonnes of ore mined | 585,060 | 576,019 |
| Tonnes of ore mined per day ("tpd") | 6,501 | 6,400 |
| Average grade of gold(4) | 2.35 | 2.56 |
| Metres developed | 3,144 | 3,242 |
Mill Operations
| Tonnes of ore processed | 669,287 | 694,624 |
| Tonnes of ore processed per day | 7,437 | 7,718 |
| Average grade of gold(4) | 2.22 | 2.18 |
| Contained ounces milled | 46,193 | 48,774 |
| Average recovery rate | 90% | 89% |
(1) Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
(2) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. Total cash costs and mine-site AISC are exclusive of net-realizable value adjustments.
(3) For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(4) Grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au").
Young-Davidson produced 41,000 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2018, higher than the same period of 2017 but lower than the fourth quarter of 2017 due to lower underground mining rates and mined grades. The Company mined 585,060 tonnes of ore from underground in the first quarter, or 6,501 tpd, representing an increase over the prior year period. Underground mining rates were lower in the first quarter than in the fourth quarter of 2017, as a result of temporary constraints related to the paste fill sequence.
In addition, underground grades in the first quarter of 2.35 g/t Au were lower than the previous quarter and the same period of 2017 primarily as a result of mine sequencing. As previously guided, gold production is expected to increase in the second quarter and second half of 2018, with grades and underground mining rates expected to increase through the year.
During the first quarter, 669,287 tonnes, or 7,437 tpd, were processed through the mill with grades averaging 2.22 g/t Au, slightly higher from the prior year period. Mill throughput decreased compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 due to a scheduled liner change in January. Mill recoveries of 90% were in line with expectations and marginally higher than the prior year period.
Financial Review For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues of $59.5 million were $5.9 million higher than the prior-year period, reflecting more ounces sold and a higher realized gold price.
In the first quarter of 2018, cost of sales of $57.0 million were higher than the prior year period reflecting higher tonnes mined and input costs. Cost of sales reflects mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense. Total cash costs in the first quarter were $824 per ounce, representing a 16% increase from the first quarter of 2017. The increase was attributable to higher gross costs driven by an increase in paste fill, maintenance and labour costs. Underground mining costs were higher than the prior year period due to a combination of increased paste fill activities
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and a higher allocation of development costs to operating expense, which impacts cost per tonne. The stronger Canadian dollar had a nominal impact on total cash costs compared to the prior year as the Company has hedged the majority of its Canadian dollar operating and capital costs at budgeted foreign exchange rates for the first half of 2018. Mine-site AISC were $994 per ounce, 17% higher than the prior year period reflecting higher total cash costs and sustaining capital expenditures.
Capital expenditures totaled $22.9 million in the first quarter, 23% higher than the same period of 2017, reflecting the higher proportion of capital expected in the first half of 2018 as outlined in the Company's guidance. Capital spending in the first quarter was focused primarily on lateral development in the upper and lower mines, and lower mine infrastructure. Total capital expenditures in the first quarter included $7.6 million of sustaining capital and $15.3 million of growth capital.
Young-Davidson generated mine-site free cash flow of $4.5 million in the first quarter, lower than in recent quarters as a result of lower production and higher costs. The Company expects mine-site free cash flow to grow in subsequent quarters as production and operating margins increase and capital spending declines.
7 | Alamos Gold Inc
Island Gold Operational and Financial Review
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2017 (1) |
Gold production (ounces) (1) 28,100 — Gold sales (ounces) (1) 27,503 —
| Operating Revenues | $36.6 | — |
| Cost of sales(2) | $27.5 | — |
| Earnings from operations | $9.0 | — |
| Cash provided by operating activities | $23.7 | — |
| Capital expenditures (sustaining)(3) | $2.2 | — |
| Capital expenditures (growth)(3),(6) | $11.7 | — |
| Mine-site free cash flow(3) | $9.8 | — |
| Cost of sales, including amortization per ounce of gold sold(2) | $1,000 | — |
| Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold(3) | $553 | — |
| Mine-site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold(3),(4) | $633 | — |
Underground Operations
| Tonnes of ore mined | 84,655 | 91,710 |
| Tonnes of ore mined per day ("tpd") | 941 | 1,019 |
| Average grade of gold(5) | 11.06 | 8.64 |
| Metres developed | 1,555 | 2,083 |
Mill Operations
| Tonnes of ore processed | 82,105 | 83,365 |
| Tonnes of ore processed per day | 912 | 926 |
| Average grade of gold(5) | 11.07 | 9.18 |
| Contained ounces milled | 29,224 | 24,594 |
| Average recovery rate | 96% | 97% |
(1) Financial results from Island Gold are included in Alamos’ consolidated financial statements for the period subsequent to November 23, 2017. Gold production from Island Gold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 23,772.
(2) Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
(3) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. Total cash costs and mine-site AISC are exclusive of net-realizable value adjustments.
(4) For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(5) Grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au").
(6) Includes capitalized exploration of $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The first quarter of 2018 was the first full quarter that the Company owned and operated Island Gold. Operating and financial results exceeded budget with record production of 28,100 ounces of gold, an increase of 18% from the prior year period reflecting higher grades mined and milled. Given the strong first quarter performance, the Company is increasing 2018 production guidance to a range of 95,000 to 105,000 ounces.
The Company mined 84,655 tonnes of ore from underground in the first quarter of 2018, or 941 tpd, lower than the prior year period. The Company expects to ramp up mining rates in the second half of 2018 concurrent with the completion of the mill expansion to 1,100 tpd. Underground mining rates are expected to average 1,000 tpd in 2018, consistent with the rates achieved in 2017. Underground grades in the first quarter of 11.06 g/t Au were above budget and higher than the prior year period due to a combination of mine sequencing and a positive grade reconciliation. Grades are expected to be lower throughout the remainder of 2018.
During the first quarter, 82,105 tonnes or 912 tpd were processed through the mill, in line with the prior year period. Milled grades averaged 11.07 g/t Au, higher than the prior year period and previous quarter. Mill throughput is expected to average 980 tpd for the full year with milled grades expected to return to budgeted grades of between 8.3 and 8.9 g/t Au for the remainder of the year. Reflecting the return to budgeted grades, gold production is expected to decrease in the second and third quarters and ramp up in the fourth quarter following completion of the mill expansion.
Financial Review With the Company acquiring Island Gold in November 2017, financial information prior to the acquisition date has not been included in the comparative table above.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, Island Gold generated revenues of $36.6 million, on record production and higher realized gold prices. Cost of sales of $27.5 million reflect an ongoing amortization charge related to the
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purchase price of the asset, which increases amortization to approximately $450 per ounce based on current mineral reserves and resources.
Total cash costs of $553 per ounce were below guidance levels of $575 per ounce, reflecting higher grades mined in the quarter. In addition, mine-site AISC of $633 per ounce were well below guidance of $825 per ounce driven primarily by lower sustaining capital spending in the first quarter. Mine-site AISC are expected to be higher for the remainder of 2018.
Capital expenditures totaled $13.9 million in the first quarter, with spending focused primarily on capitalized exploration, lateral development and the mill expansion. Total capital expenditures in the first quarter included $2.2 million of sustaining capital and $11.7 million of growth capital. Island Gold generated mine-site free cash flow of $9.8 million in the first quarter driven by stronger production and operating margins. The Company expects Island Gold to generate sufficient cash flow to fully fund its significant exploration program and the expansion to 1,100 tpd.
9 | Alamos Gold Inc
Mulatos Operational and Financial Review
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2017 |
Gold production (ounces) 46,000 40,000 Gold sales (ounces) 44,659 38,675
| Operating Revenues | $59.6 | $47.6 |
| Cost of sales(1) | $43.6 | $40.0 |
| Earnings from operations | $12.7 | $6.7 |
| Cash provided by operating activities | $16.1 | $9.1 |
| Capital expenditures (sustaining)(2) | $0.8 | $2.6 |
| Capital expenditures (Mulatos growth)(2),(6) | $6.4 | $3.5 |
| La Yaqui Phase I construction cost(2) | $— | $5.3 |
| Mine-site free cash flow, excluding La Yaqui construction costs(2) | $8.9 | $3.0 |
| Cost of sales, including amortization per ounce of gold sold(1) | $976 | $1,034 |
| Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold(2) | $786 | $827 |
| Mine site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold(2),(3) | $842 | $920 |
Open Pit & Underground Operations
| Tonnes of ore mined - open pit(4) | 2,189,735 | 1,810,642 |
| Total waste mined - open pit | 1,998,605 | 1,890,744 |
| Total tonnes mined - open pit | 4,870,381 | 3,701,386 |
| Waste-to-ore ratio (operating) | 0.91 | 1.04 |
| Tonnes of ore mined - underground | 17,623 | 28,355 |
Crushing and Heap Leach Operations
| Tonnes of ore stacked | 1,750,471 | 1,686,961 |
| Average grade of gold processed(5) | 0.84 | 0.86 |
| Contained ounces stacked | 47,358 | 46,731 |
Mill Operations
| Tonnes of high grade ore milled | 30,389 | 35,764 |
| Average grade of gold processed(5) | 8.11 | 8.88 |
| Contained ounces milled | 7,917 | 10,204 |
| Total contained ounces stacked and milled | 55,275 | 56,935 |
| Recovery ratio (ratio of ounces produced to contained ounces stacked and milled) | 83% | 70% |
| Ore crushed per day (tonnes) - combined | 19,800 | 19,100 |
(1) Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
(2) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. Total cash costs and mine-site AISC are exclusive of net-realizable value adjustments.
(3) For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(4) Includes ore stockpiled during the quarter.
(5) Grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au").
(6) Includes capitalized exploration, of $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
Mulatos exceeded budget for the first quarter of 2018 with gold production of 46,000 ounces, including approximately 8,000 ounces from La Yaqui Phase I which achieved initial production in September 2017. Production in the quarter was higher than the prior year period mainly due to the contribution from La Yaqui Phase I, slightly offset by lower grades mined at the main Mulatos pit. As a result of the strong start to the year, and continued underground mining at San Carlos, the Company has increased 2018 production guidance to a range of 155,000 to 165,000 ounces. Consistent with annual guidance, the Company expects production to decrease in the second half of the year following the end of production from San Carlos.
Total crusher throughput averaged a record 19,800 tpd, higher than the same period of 2017 reflecting the addition of La Yaqui Phase I. A total of 1,750,471 tonnes were stacked in the first quarter at a grade of 0.84 g/t Au, consistent with annual guidance. The waste-to-ore ratio of 0.91:1 decreased relative to the prior year period as a result of the addition of La Yaqui Phase I, which has a minimal waste-to-ore ratio.
In the first quarter of 2018, 30,389 tonnes were milled at an average grade of 8.11 g/t Au from San Carlos. Consistent with budget, the tonnes mined during the quarter were lower than the same period of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2017 as the underground mine nears the end of its life. San Carlos and existing stockpiles had been expected to be
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depleted by the end of the first quarter, however; the Company has identified additional ore, which is expected to extend the life to mid-2018.
The ratio of ounces produced to contained ounces stacked and milled (or recovery ratio) was 83% in the quarter compared to 70% in the prior year period and guidance of 75%. The higher recoveries in the first quarter reflect the recovery of deferred production from the fourth quarter of 2017, as well as stronger than budgeted recoveries at La Yaqui Phase I.
Financial Review For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues of $59.6 million were $12.0 million or 25% higher than the prior-year period reflecting a 15% increase in the number of ounces sold and a 10% higher realized gold price. Cost of sales in the first quarter of $43.6 million were higher than the prior-year period as gross costs reflected higher tonnes stacked. Cost of sales reflects mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense.
Total cash costs of $786 per ounce in the first quarter were 5% lower than $827 per ounce in the prior year period, reflecting the addition of lower cost La Yaqui Phase I production. Mine-site AISC in the quarter were $842 per ounce, 8% lower than the prior year period reflecting lower total cash costs and lower sustaining capital due to the timing of capital expenditures.
The substantial production and sales growth combined with higher gold prices and lower costs drove another strong quarter of cash flow, with Mulatos generating $8.9 million in mine-site free cash flow. The Mulatos operation is expected to generate strong cash flow in 2018, which will be used to advance the La Yaqui Grande and Cerro Pelon deposits through permitting, as well as funding exploration activities.
11 | Alamos Gold Inc
El Chanate Operational and Financial Review
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2017 |
Gold production (ounces) 13,800 15,800 Gold sales (ounces) 13,093 16,253
| Operating Revenues | $17.4 | $19.8 |
| Cost of sales(1) | $16.6 | $19.8 |
| Earnings from operations | $0.8 | $— |
| Cash provided by (used by) operating activities | $1.2 | ($1.0) |
| Capital expenditures | $0.1 | $0.6 |
| Mine-site free cash flow(2) | $1.1 | ($1.6) |
| Cost of sales, including amortization per ounce of gold sold(1) | $1,268 | $1,218 |
| Total cash costs per ounce of gold sold(2) | $1,176 | $1,144 |
| Mine site all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold sold(2),(3) | $1,191 | $1,187 |
Open Pit Operations
| Tonnes of ore mined | 1,006,371 | 905,915 | ||
| Total tonnes mined | 2,965,280 | 7,559,325 | ||
| Waste-to-ore ratio (operating) | 1.95 | 7.34 | ||
| Average grade of gold(4) | 0.60 | 0.53 |
Crushing and Heap Leach Operations
| Total tonnes of ore stacked | 1,009,177 | 919,244 |
| Average grade of gold(4) | 0.60 | 0.54 |
| Total contained ounces stacked | 19,467 | 15,959 |
| Ore crushed and run-of-mine ore stacked per day (tonnes) - combined | 11,200 | 10,200 |
| Recovery ratio (ratio of ounces produced to contained ounces stacked) | 71% | 99% |
(1) Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization
(2) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. Total cash costs and mine-site AISC are exclusive of net-realizable value adjustments.
(3) For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
(4) Grams per tonne of gold ("g/t Au").
El Chanate produced 13,800 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2018, down from 15,800 ounces in the prior year period reflecting lower stacking rates throughout 2017.
El Chanate is expected to continue to produce at lower than historical rates in 2018 as the mine reaches the end of mining activities by mid-year. Given the long leach cycle at El Chanate, the Company expects to benefit from ongoing gold production at decreasing rates into the second half of 2018 and beyond through residual leaching. This is expected to drive higher mine-site free cash flow the second half of the year.
In 2018 El Chanate continued to demonstrate an industry leading safety performance achieving milestones of over 3 years and 5.2 million hours without a lost time injury by the end of the first quarter.
Financial Review For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenue of $17.4 million was $2.4 million lower than the prior year period, reflecting fewer ounces sold, partially offset by higher realized gold prices.
Total cash costs of $1,176 per ounce and mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $1,191 per ounce in the first quarter were similar to the prior year period, reflecting a lower waste-to-ore ratio, and higher grades, offset by higher unit costs. El Chanate generated positive mine-site free cash flow of $1.1 million in the quarter. This is expected to increase in the second half of the year as the mine transitions to residual leaching. Given El Chanate's higher cost structure, the Company has hedged all of its expected 2018 gold production through gold collar contracts, ensuring a minimum gold price of $1,290 and participation up to a price of $1,458 per ounce.
12 | Alamos Gold Inc