Centerra Gold 2016 First Quarter Results
NEWS RELEASE Centerra Gold 2016 First Quarter Results
This news release contains forward-looking information that is subject to the risk factors and assumptions set out on page 23 and in the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information on page 29. It should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 and associated Management’s Discussion and Analysis. The consolidated financial statements of Centerra are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. All figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.
To view Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes for the three-months ended March 31, 2016, please visit the following link:
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/cg502-mdafs.pdf
Toronto, Canada, May 3, 2016: Centerra Gold Inc. (TSX: CG) today reported net earnings of $18.1 million or $0.08 per common share (basic) in the first quarter of 2016, compared to net earnings of $40.7 million or $0.17 per common share (basic) for the same period in 2015. The decrease in earnings reflects a 65% decrease in gold ounces sold, in part due to gold shipment delays at Kumtor, and a 4% lower average realized gold price1, compared to the first quarter of 2015, which was partially offset by lower operating costs and lower share-based compensation charges in the first quarter of 2016.
Gold production for the first quarter of 2016 decreased 49% compared to the same period in 2015, reflecting Kumtor processing lower grades mined from the upper benches in cut-back 17, blended with low-grade stockpiled ore, along with lower recoveries. In contrast, in the comparative quarter of 2015, Kumtor mined and processed the high-grade final benches from cut-back 16.
Kumtor ended the first quarter of 2016 with approximately 33,165 ounces of gold doré on hand due to delays in shipping gold to Kyrgyzaltyn during the quarter. Gold shipments to Kyrgyzaltyn resumed in the normal course in April and all of Kumtor’s gold doré inventory was shipped and sold to Kyrgyzaltyn by the end of April 2016.
2016 First Quarter Highlights
- Positive net earnings of $18.1 million or $0.08 per share.
- Produced 86,444 ounces at Kumtor at an all-in sustaining cost1 of $916 per ounce, in line with the Company’s forecast.
- Sold 61,744 ounces of gold in the quarter, which was 24,700 ounces less than the gold produced from Kumtor in the quarter due to a delay in gold shipments.
- Accumulated gold doré inventory of 33,165 ounces at Kumtor as a result of gold shipping delays, as of the end of April 2016 all gold doré inventory was shipped and sold to Kyrgyzaltyn.
- Company-wide all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold1 for the first quarter were $1,015, excluding revenue-based tax in the Kyrgyz Republic and income tax, due in part to lower ounces sold.
- The Mongolian Parliament approved the Mongolian state ownership in the Gatsuurt Project and a mandate was given to the Mongolian Government to replace the ownership interest with a 3% special royalty.
- Entered into a new 5-year $150 million revolving credit facility with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
- Entered into a $150 million project financing 5.75-year term loan facility for the development of the Öksüt Project.
Centerra’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at March 31, 2016 decreased to $501.8 million from $542.2 million at December 31, 2015.
On February 12, 2016, the Company entered into a new five-year $150 million revolving credit facility with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“EBRD”) and immediately drew down $76 million. In addition, on April 5, 2016, Öksüt Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. ("OMAS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a 5.75-year $150 million credit facility agreement with UniCredit Bank AG (the “Öksüt Facility”). Availability of the Öksüt Facility is subject to customary conditions precedent, including receipt of all necessary permits and approvals.
Centerra believes, based on its current forecast, that it has sufficient cash and short-term investments to carry out its business plan in 2016 (see “2016 Outlook”).
Commentary
Scott Perry CEO of Centerra Gold stated, “We are pleased to report that Centerra is well positioned to achieve its production and cost guidance for the year, which is further underpinned by the favourable oil and currency exchange rate environment. Kumtor had strong gold production in the quarter producing 86,444 ounces which was in line with our expectations. Kumtor’s all-in sustaining costs were a competitive $916 per ounce sold1. During the quarter Kumtor gold shipments were delayed resulting in a deferral of gold sales and cash flow generation from March to April.”
“Our team continues to pursue a number of business improvement opportunities at both the operational and corporate levels. A recent operational highlight of note is Kumtor’s mill productivity enhancement initiatives whereby the mill has been achieving processing levels in excess of 18,500 tonnes per day. At the corporate level, we recently completed a head office restructuring whereby our manpower levels have been reduced by up to 20% making us a leaner, more robust competitor within the industry.”
“The Company is in a strong position given our peer leading balance sheet. We have cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $502 million in addition to which, we established a $150 million project financing facility for the Öksüt Project in Turkey and we have also entered into a new five-year $150 million revolving credit facility with EBRD. With a solid balance sheet, a quality asset base and a management team focused on shareholder value creation, the Company is well positioned for long-term success.”
Recent Developments
Kumtor Operations
- In December 2015, Kumtor submitted the 2016 Special Mine Plan to the State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry (“SAEPF”) for environmental expertise (approval) and to the State Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources (“SAGMR”) for industrial safety and subsoil expertise. The industrial safety expertise was issued on December 30, 2015 and the subsoil expertise was issued on March 24, 2016. The environmental expertise remains outstanding.
- In late March 2016, Kumtor received approval from SAEPF of its waste disposal permit which is valid until December 31, 2016 and was granted an extension of the maximum allowable emissions (“MAE”) permit which is now valid until June 30, 2016, to allow time for further review. Kumtor continues to operate fully in compliance with permits as granted. On April 28, 2016, Kumtor Gold Company (“KGC”), Centerra’s wholly-owned Kyrgyz Republic subsidiary, received notice from SAEPF stating that SAEPF requires that KGC provide certain additional information and documents and take certain additional measures as a precondition to the issuance of its environmental expertise (approval) of the 2016 Special Mine Plan. On the same date, KGC also received notice from SAGMR stating that if KGC does not receive the environmental expertise from SAEPF by June 30, 2016, it will be required to cease mining operations at Kumtor, effective July 1, 2016. Kumtor management believes that it has previously provided to SAEPF all information and documents and taken all measures required under the Kumtor project agreements and Kyrgyz Republic regulations for SAEPF to issue its environmental expertise. While it therefore disputes the SAEPF notice, KGC will continue to work with SAEPF to resolve outstanding questions and concerns in connection with the environmental expertise. No assurances can be provided that such expertise will be issued by SAEPF prior to July 1, 2016 or at all. See “Other Corporate Developments”.
- Gold shipments from Kumtor to Kyrgyzaltyn were delayed for a brief period in March while Kyrgyzaltyn held contractual discussions with its off-take bank. These discussions were completed in early April 2016 following which shipments to Kyrgyzaltyn resumed in the normal course. The build-up of gold doré at Kumtor at the end of March of 33,165 ounces was sold to Kyrgyzaltyn by the end of April 2016.
- Centerra and Kumtor are saddened to report that on January 24, 2016, an employee fatality occurred at the primary crusher at the Kumtor mill.
- On April 28, 2016, Centerra reported that the General Prosecutor’s Office (“GPO”) and other state law enforcement agencies conducted a search at the Bishkek offices of KGC. As noted in our news release of April 28, 2016, the Kyrgyz Republic Government has very recently indicated to Centerra its dissatisfaction with the current arrangements governing Centerra and the Kumtor Project, and has repeated historical concerns and allegations regarding Centerra’s and KGC’s management and governance and the operations of the Kumtor Project. The Government has expressed its desire to resolve all such matters through proposals to be provided by it to Centerra. No negotiations with the Kyrgyz Republic government have to date taken place. See “Other Corporate Developments”.
Öksüt Project
- At the Öksüt property, the Company continued development activities to progress the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (“ESIA”), access and site preparation and detailed engineering works. Following the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment by the Turkish regulatory authorities on November 9, 2015, the Company prepared the ESIA which was made available for public review on April 8, 2016. The ESIA is not a regulatory requirement in Turkey.
- In March 2016, the Company finalized a purchase of a net smelter royalty on the Öksüt property from Teck Resources Limited through the issuance of 546,703 common shares of the Company, representing a value of approximately $3 million.
- On April 5, 2016, subsequent to the quarter-end, OMAS, entered into a $150 million project financing term loan facility. The 5.75 year term facility expiring on December 30, 2021, fully underwritten by
UniCredit Bank AG. The facility will be used to fund a substantial portion of the development and construction costs of the Öksüt gold mine. Availability of the facility is subject to customary conditions precedent, including receipt of all necessary permits and approvals.
Gatsuurt Project
- The Company continued to engage in discussions with the Mongolian Government regarding the definitive agreements relating to the Gatsuurt Project. As previously disclosed, such definitive agreements are expected to include a 3% special royalty in place of a 34% Mongolian state ownership in the project.
- Subsequent to the end of the quarter, in early April, the Company mobilized diamond drill rigs to the Gatsuurt project site and has commenced infill, exploration, geo-technical and hydrogeological drilling in support of eventual project development.
Consolidated Financial and Operating Summary
| Unaudited ($ millions, except as noted) | Three months ended March 31, | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Highlights | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | ||
| Revenue | $ | 73.2 | $ | 212.6 | (66%) |
| Cost of sales | 31.5 | 114.0 | (72%) | ||
| Standby costs | (0.1) | 2.7 | (104%) | ||
| Regional office administration | 3.3 | 5.3 | (38%) | ||
| Earnings from mine operations | 38.5 | 90.6 | (58%) | ||
| Revenue-based taxes | 10.3 | 28.7 | (64%) | ||
| Other operating expenses | 0.6 | (0.1) | (700%) | ||
| Pre-development project costs | 1.3 | 3.3 | (61%) | ||
| Exploration and business development (1) | 2.0 | 2.8 | (29%) | ||
| Corporate administration | 5.8 | 9.4 | (38%) | ||
| Earnings from operations | 18.5 | 46.5 | (60%) | ||
| Other (income) and expenses | (1.3) | 4.2 | (131%) | ||
| Finance costs | 1.2 | 1.1 | 9% | ||
| Earnings before income taxes | 18.6 | 41.3 | (55%) | ||
| Income tax expense | 0.5 | 0.6 | (17%) | ||
| Net earnings | 18.1 | 40.7 | (56%) | ||
| Earnings per common share - $ basic (2) | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.17 | (53%) |
| Earnings per common share - $ diluted (2) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.17 | (59%) |
| Cash provided by operations | 9.4 | 131.5 | (93%) | ||
| Average gold spot price - $/oz (3) | 1,183 | 1,218 | (3%) | ||
| Average realized gold price - $/oz(4) | 1,186 | 1,213 | (2%) | ||
| Capital expenditures (5) | 49.7 | 155.6 | (68%) | ||
| Operating Highlights | |||||
| Gold produced – ounces | 86,444 | 170,683 | (49%) | ||
| Gold sold – ounces | 61,744 | 175,232 | (65%) | ||
| Operating costs (on a sales basis) (6) | 19.2 | 43.5 | (56%) | ||
| Adjusted operating costs (4) | 23.1 | 51.8 | (55%) | ||
| All-in Sustaining Costs(4) | 62.8 | 125.8 | (50%) | ||
| All-in Costs, excluding development projects(4) | 70.7 | 135.1 | (48%) | ||
| All-in Costs, excluding development projects (including taxes)(4) | 81.0 | 163.9 | (51%) | ||
| Unit Costs | |||||
| Cost of sales - $/oz sold(4) | 510 | 651 | (22%) | ||
| Adjusted operating costs - $/oz sold (4) | 372 | 296 | 26% | ||
| All-in sustaining costs – $/oz sold(4) | 1,015 | 718 | 41% | ||
| All-in costs, excluding development projects - $/oz sold(4) | 1,144 | 770 | 49% | ||
| All-in costs, excluding development projects (including taxes) - $/oz sold(4) | 1,312 | 935 | 40% |
(1) Includes business development of nil for the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($1.1 million for three months ended March 31, 2015).
(2) As at March 31, 2016, the Company had 242,009,428 common shares issued and outstanding.
(3) Average for the period as reported by the London Bullion Market Association (US dollar Gold P.M. Fix Rate).
(4) Adjusted operating costs, all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs, excluding development projects and all-in costs, excluding development projects (including taxes) ($ millions and per ounce sold) as well as average realized gold price per ounce and cost of sales per ounce sold are non-GAAP measures and are discussed under “Non-GAAP Measures”.
(5) Includes capitalized stripping of $14.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($67.5 million of capitalized stripping and $68.9 million to million to acquire a 50% interest in the Greenstone Gold Property in the three months ended March 31, 2015).
(6) Operating costs (on a sales basis) are comprised of mine operating costs such as mining, processing, regional office administration, royalties and production taxes (except at Kumtor where revenue-based taxes are excluded), but excludes reclamation costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization. Operating costs (on a sales basis) represents the cash component of cost of sales associated with the ounces sold in the period.
First Quarter 2016 compared to First Quarter 2015
Gold production for the first quarter of 2016 totalled 86,444 ounces compared to 170,683 ounces in the comparative quarter of 2015. The 49% decrease in ounces poured at Kumtor reflects the processing of lower grade ounces mined from the upper benches in cut-back 17, blended with low-grade stockpiled ore, as well as lower recoveries. In contrast, Kumtor mined and processed the final benches from cutback 16 that contained higher grade ore in the comparative quarter of 2015. The lower production level in the first quarter of 2016 is consistent with the Company’s forecast and the Company expects to meet its guidance for the year (see “2016 Outlook”).
- Company-wide all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold1, which excludes revenue-based tax and income tax, for the first quarter of 2016 increased to $1,015 from $718 in the comparative period of 2015. Kumtor’s all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold1 were $916 for the first quarter of 2016 compared to $634 in the same period of 2015. The increase in the first quarter of 2016 is primarily the result of 64% fewer ounces sold and higher sustaining capital1 spending. This was partially offset by lower operating and administration costs, as well as lower spending on capitalized stripping.
- All-in costs per ounce sold1 company-wide (excluding development projects) for the first quarter of 2016 were $1,144 compared to $770 in the comparative quarter of 2015, and includes all cash costs related to gold production, excluding revenue-based tax and income tax. The increase reflects the higher all-in sustaining unit costs1, as well as higher spending on exploration costs, partially offset by lower spending for growth capital1 in the first quarter of 2016.
- Revenue in the first quarter of 2016 decreased 66% to $73.2 million, as a result of 65% less ounces sold (61,744 ounces in the first quarter of 2016 compared to 175,232 ounces in the first quarter of 2015) and 2% lower average realized gold price1 received during the quarter ($1,186 per ounce compared to $1,213 per ounce in the same quarter of 2015). Kumtor ended the first quarter of 2016 with approximately 33,165 ounces of gold doré on hand due to shipments to Kyrgyzaltyn being delayed for a brief period while Kyrgyzaltyn held contractual discussions with its off-take bank. We understand that discussions were completed in early April 2016 following which shipments to Kyrgyzaltyn resumed in the normal course and the 33,165 ounces of gold doré were sold to Kyrgyzaltyn by the end of April 2016.
- The impact of the lower sales volume was due primarily to lower grades of ore processed from the pit and from the stockpiles as compared to the same period of 2015 (2.27 g/t compared to 5.13 g/t) which resulted in lower recoveries (75% compared to 81%). The lower grade ore mined and processed in this quarter was expected and the Company expects higher grade ore to be released from cut-back 17 in the latter half of 2016, which should improve the grade of the feed for the mill, improve recoveries and result in lower unit operating
- In the first quarter of 2016, cost of sales decreased by 72% to $31.5 million compared with the same period of 2015. Cost of sales in the first quarter of 2016 benefited from lower operating costs (mainly for diesel, consumables and labour) and from a partial reversal of the inventory impairment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) associated with production was $12.4 million, which includes the $9.9 million non-cash inventory impairment reversal in the first quarter of 2016 (2015: $68.7 million). The decrease reflects fewer ounces sold in the first quarter of 2016 and lower capitalized stripping charges per ounce from cut-back 17 ore versus cut-back 16 ore.
- Operating costs (on a sales basis) decreased by 56% to $19.2 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, reflecting fewer ounces sold at Kumtor and lower operating costs for diesel, consumables and labour. Operating costs in the first quarter of 2016 were also reduced by the partial reversal of an inventory impairment recorded at the end of 2015. The Kumtor operation
continues to benefit from current diesel fuel prices during the quarter and the Kyrgyz som has also continued to trade at historical lows at 72 soms per 1 $USD. The benefit of lower diesel prices and favourable rate of the som to Kumtor is significant as diesel and the impact of the Som account for approximately 17% and 25% of total operating costs at Kumtor, respectively.
- Standby costs represent the net activities at Boroo (starting January 1, 2016), where the mill and heap leach facilities are now on care and maintenance. In the first quarter of 2016, the heap facility transitioned to closure as secondary heap leach processing was completed at the end of 2015. A net credit of approximately $57,000 was recorded at Boroo in the first quarter of 2016, which includes mainly fixed costs offset by revenue from gold sales recovered from residual gold production from the leach pad. Boroo recorded standby expenses of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2015, mainly for labour and fixed administration costs to place the mill on care and maintenance.
- In the first quarter of 2016, pre-development projects costs decreased by $2.0 million to $1.3 million compared to the comparative quarter in 2015. The decrease was due to the Company beginning to capitalize the development costs at the Öksüt Project following the approval of the feasibility study in July 2015, partially offset by higher spending at the Greenstone Property.
- Exploration expenditures in the first quarter totalled $2.0 million compared to $1.7 million in the same period of 2015. The increase in the first quarter reflects increased activity at the Company’s various exploration projects.
- There was no spending on business development activities in the first quarter of 2016 compared to $1.1 million spending in 2015, representing consulting and legal charges in connection with the acquisition of the Company’s interest in the Greenstone Partnership.
- Other income of $1.3 million recorded in the first quarter of 2016 compared to other expenses of $4.2 million incurred in the first quarter of 2015 represents mainly the impact of currency movements, as the Canadian dollar appreciated 6% against the U.S. dollar which increased the value of the Company’s Canadian assets in the first quarter of 2016 as opposed to a weakening of 9% in the comparative quarter of 2015.
Corporate administration costs decreased to $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2016 from $9.4 million in the same period of 2015. The decrease was primarily due to a lower charge for share-based compensation as a result of the decline in the Company’s stock price in the first quarter of 2016. In addition, the first quarter of 2015 included higher legal and consulting costs related to on-going negotiations and the formation of the Greenstone Partnership.
- Cash provided by operations decreased by $122.1 million to $9.4 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, mainly as a result of lower ounces sold and the lower earnings. The lower sales were impacted by the delayed gold shipments to Kyrgyzaltyn in March and the resulting build-up of gold doré at Kumtor at the end of March 2016 (as discussed previously).
- Total capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2016 were $49.7 million, which included sustaining capital1 of $23.2 million, growth capital1 of $5.1 million, $6.7 million of Öksüt Project development costs, $0.6 million of Greenstone Partnership capital and $14.1 million of capitalized stripping costs ($10.4 million cash). Capital expenditures in the same quarter of 2015 were $155.6 million, which included $12.6 million for sustaining capital1 and $6.6 million for growth capital1, $68.9 million to acquire a 50% interest in the Greenstone Partnership, which includes $1.5 million of pre-development costs and capitalized stripping of $67.5 million ($51.7 million cash). Capital expenditures were 68% lower in the first quarter of 2016 as a result of lower spending on capitalized stripping (decrease of $53.4 million) and lower growth capital1 at Kumtor, partially offset by higher sustaining capital for equipment rebuilds and overhauls at Kumtor and for the capitalization of Öksüt development costs. In
addition, the Company spent $68.9 million to acquire a 50% interest in the Greenstone Partnership, including pre-development costs of $1.5 million, in the comparative period of 2015.
Operations Update Kumtor Mine
| Kumtor Operating Results | Three months ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unaudited ($ millions, except as noted) | 2016 | 2015 | % Change |
| Tonnes mined - 000s | 39,275 | 41,731 | (6%) |
| Tonnes ore mined – 000s | 1,826 | 1,339 | 36% |
| Average mining grade - g/t | 1.32 | 3.30 | (60%) |
| Tonnes milled - 000s | 1,543 | 1,175 | 31% |
| Average mill head grade - g/t | 2.27 | 5.13 | (56%) |
| Recovery - % | 75.0% | 81.0% | (7%) |
| Mining costs - total ($/t mined material) | 1.22 | 1.34 | (9%) |
| Milling costs ($/t milled material) | 10.07 | 13.62 | (26%) |
| Gold produced – ounces | 86,444 | 164,272 | (47%) |
| Gold sold – ounces | 61,744 | 169,185 | (64%) |
| Average realized gold price - $/oz(1) | 1,186 | 1,212 | (2%) |
| Capital expenditures (sustaining)(1) | 23.0 | 12.4 | 85% |
| Capital expenditures (growth)(1) | 4.7 | 6.5 | (28%) |
| Capital expenditures (stripping) | 14.1 | 67.5 | (79%) |
| Operating costs (on a sales basis) (2) | 19.1 | 37.9 | (50%) |
| Adjusted operating costs (1) | 23.0 | 42.9 | (46%) |
| All-in Sustaining Costs (1) | 56.6 | 107.2 | (47%) |
| All-in Costs(1) | 61.3 | 113.7 | (46%) |
| All-in Costs - including taxes(1) | 71.6 | 142.4 | (50%) |
| Adjusted operating costs - $/oz sold (1) | 371 | 254 | 46% |
| All-in sustaining costs – $/oz sold (1) | 916 | 634 | 44% |
| All-in costs – $/oz sold (1) | 993 | 673 | 48% |
| All-in costs (including taxes) – $/oz sold (1) | 1,159 | 842 | 38% |
(1) Adjusted operating costs, all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs and all-in costs – including taxes (in $ millions and per ounce sold), as well as average realized gold price per ounce sold and capital expenditures (sustaining and growth) are non-GAAP measures and are discussed under “Non-GAAP Measures”.
(2) Operating costs (on a sales basis) is comprised of mine operating costs such as mining, processing, regional office administration, royalties and production taxes (except at Kumtor where revenue-based taxes are excluded), but excludes reclamation costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization.
At the Kumtor mine in the Kyrgyz Republic, mining activities in the first quarter of 2016 focused on the development and mining of cut-back 17. During the quarter, the Kumtor mine continued to mine lower grade ore from the upper benches of cut-back 17 and mined approximately 1.8 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.32 g/t, compared to 1.3 million tonnes of ore mined at an average grade of 3.30 g/t in the first quarter of 2015. The Company expects to intersect higher grade ore in the SB Zone from cut-back 17 during the third quarter of 2016. Kumtor continued to process ore from cut-back 17 and ore stockpiled from the prior year.
Total waste and ore mined in the first quarter of 2016 was 39.3 million tonnes compared to 41.7 million tonnes in the comparative period of 2015, representing a decrease of 6%. The main reason for this decrease was the increased average haulage distance when compared to the same period of 2015. Mining costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2016 averaged $1.22 compared to $1.34 for the same period last year.
Gold production for the first quarter of 2016 was 86,444 ounces compared to 164,272 ounces of gold in the comparative period of 2015. The decrease in ounces poured in the first quarter of 2016 resulted from the processing of lower grade ore mined from cut-back 17 which was blended with lower grade stockpiles. In contrast, during the comparative quarter of 2015, the Company mined and processed ore from the higher grade final benches from cut-back 16.
Approximately 1.5 million tonnes were processed in the quarter, which was 31% higher than the comparative quarter of 2015 due to actions taken to increase the mill throughput which included blending harder and softer ore, opening screens in the SAG mill and increasing the grinding media sizes in the SAG and ball mills. In the first quarter of 2016, the mill achieved an average throughput of 16,900 tonnes per day (reaching in excess of 18,500 tonnes per day) as compared to an average of 13,000 tonnes per day in the first quarter of 2015. Kumtor’s average mill head grade was 2.27 g/t with a recovery rate of 75.0%, compared to 5.13 g/t and a recovery rate of 81.0% for the same period of 2015. In the comparative period of 2015 mill throughput was affected by lower throughput rates due to maintenance on the ball mill and subsequent replacement of the ball mill’s ring gear.
Operating costs (on a sales basis), excluding capitalized stripping, decreased 50% to $19.1 million during the first quarter of 2016 predominately due to a partial reversal of an inventory impairment, processing fewer and lower cost ounces, a reduction in costs for diesel and other consumables as well as favourable movements in the Kyrgyz som as compared to the comparative period of 2015.
Mining costs, including capitalized stripping, totalled $47.9 million in 2016, which was $7.8 million lower than the comparative period. Decreased costs for the first quarter of 2016 include lower diesel costs ($6.3 million) due to a lower average diesel price during the quarter ($0.43 vs $0.69 per litre), and lower blasting costs ($1.3 million).
Milling costs of $15.5 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to $16.0 million in the comparative quarter of 2015. Milling costs in 2016 were lower than the comparative period due to lower cost of liner replacements ($0.5 million) and lower maintenance costs ($0.5 million) as the Company completed a significant maintenance shutdown during the comparative period. This was partially offset by higher reagent and electricity consumption due to processing additional tonnage.
Cost per tonne milled for the first quarter of 2016, decreased to $10.07 per tonne compared to $13.62 per tonne in the comparative quarter, as the Company maintained its total reagent and electricity costs stable even though the mill processed 31% more tonnes during the first quarter of 2016 (1.5 million tonnes vs 1.18 million tonnes).
Site support costs in the first quarter of 2016 totalled $10.8 million compared to $11.5 million in the first quarter of 2015. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower insurance costs resulting from lower premiums and lower diesel costs due to lower global fuel prices.
DD&A associated with sales, decreased to $12.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, from $68.8 million in the comparative quarter of 2015, mainly due to 64% fewer ounces sold. In addition, the lower DD&A charge reflects a lower capitalized stripping charge per ounce from cut-back 17 ore, compared to cut-back 16 ore that was processed in the comparative period. The decrease was magnified by the reversal of a non-cash inventory impairment that was recorded during the first quarter of 2016 (see discussion below).
At December 31, 2015, Kumtor conducted its quarterly inventory valuation test against the estimated net realizable value of inventory and as a result recorded an inventory impairment related to its stockpiles of $27.2 million. The same test conducted at March 31, 2016 resulted in a reduction of the impairment to $14.3 million, reflecting higher realized gold prices and lower operating costs in the first quarter of 2016. As a result, the Company recorded a reversal in its impairment of $12.9 million which was credited to costs of sales during the first quarter of 2016.
All-in sustaining costs per ounce sold1, which excludes revenue-based tax, for the first quarter of 2016 increased 44% to $916 compared to $634 in the comparative period of 2015. The increase results primarily from the lower ounces sold. This was partially offset by reduced operating costs for mining, milling and site support discussed above.
All-in costs per ounce sold1, which excludes revenue-based tax, for the first quarter of 2016 was $993 compared to $673 in the comparative period of 2015, representing an increase of 48%. The increase is due to the higher all-in sustaining costs1 and lower ounces sold.
Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2016 totaled $41.8 million which includes $23.0 million of sustaining capital1 mainly on equipment rebuilds and overhauls, $4.7 million invested in growth capital1 and $14.1 million for capitalized stripping ($10.4 million cash). Kumtor is currently constructing a heavy vehicle workshop and expects to complete this project during the second quarter of 2016. Capital expenditures the comparative quarter of 2015 totaled $86.4 million, consisting of $12.4 million for sustaining capital1, $6.5 million for growth capital1 and $67.5 million of capitalized stripping ($51.7 million cash).
Non-GAAP Measures
This news release contains the following non-GAAP financial measures: all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs, all-in costs (excluding development projects), all-in costs including taxes and adjusted operating costs in dollars (millions) and per ounce sold, as well as cost of sales per ounce sold, capital expenditures (sustaining), capital expenditures (growth) and average realized gold price. These financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers, even as compared to other issuers who may be applying the World Gold Council (“WGC”) guidelines, which can be found at http://www.gold.org.
Management believes that the use of these non-GAAP measures will assist analysts, investors and other stakeholders of the Company in understanding the costs associated with producing gold, understanding the economics of gold mining, assessing our operating performance, our ability to generate free cash flow from current operations and to generate free cash flow on an overall Company basis, and for planning and forecasting of future periods. However, the measures do have limitations as analytical tools as they may be influenced by the point in the life cycle of a specific mine and the level of additional exploration or expenditures a company has to make to fully develop its properties. Accordingly, these non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for, analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
Definitions
The following is a description of the non-GAAP measures used in this MD&A. The definitions are similar with the WGC’s Guidance Note on these non-GAAP measures:
- Production costs represent operating costs associated with the mining, milling and site administration activities at the Company’s operating sites, excluding costs unrelated to production such as mine standby and corporate social responsibility.
- Operating costs (on a sales basis) include mine operating costs such as mining, processing, site support, royalties and operating taxes (except at Kumtor where revenue-based taxes are excluded), but exclude depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A), reclamation costs, financing costs, capital development and exploration.
- Adjusted operating costs per ounce sold include operating costs (on a sales basis), regional office administration, mine standby costs, community and social development costs related to current operations, refining fees and by-product credits.
- All-in sustaining costs per ounce sold include adjusted operating costs, the cash component of capitalized stripping costs, corporate general and administrative expenses, accretion expenses, and sustaining capital. The measure incorporates costs related to sustaining production.
- All-in costs per ounce sold include all-in sustaining costs and additional costs for growth capital, global exploration expenses, business development costs, and social development costs not related to current operations.
- All-in cost per ounce sold exclude the following:
- Working capital (except for adjustments to inventory on a sales basis).
- All financing charges (including capitalized interest).
- Costs related to business combinations, asset acquisitions and asset disposals.
- Other non-operating income and expenses, including interest income, bank charges, and foreign exchange gains and losses.
- All-in costs per ounce sold (excluding development projects) measure comprises all-in costs per ounce sold as described above and excludes the Company’s development projects.
- All-in costs including taxes per ounce sold measure includes revenue-based taxes at Kumtor and income taxes at Boroo.
- Capital expenditure (Sustaining) is a capital expenditure necessary to maintain existing levels of production. The sustaining capital expenditures maintain the existing mine fleet, mill and other facilities so that they function at levels consistent from year to year.
- Capital expenditure (Growth) is capital expended to expand the business or operations by increasing productive capacity beyond current levels of performance.
- Development projects are defined as projects that are beyond the exploration stage but are preoperational. For 2016, development projects include all spending at Öksüt, Gatsuurt and the Greenstone Gold Property.
- Cost of sales per ounce sold is calculated by dividing cost of sales by gold ounces sold.
Average realized gold price is calculated by dividing revenue derived from gold sales by the number of ounces sold.
Adjusted Operating Cost, All-in Sustaining Costs and All-in Costs (including and excluding taxes) are non-GAAP measures and can be reconciled as follows:
(1) By operation
| Kumtor | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (unaudited) | Three months ended March 31,(1) | ||||
| ($ millions, unless otherwise specified) | 2016 | 2015 | |||
| Cost of sales, as reported | $ | 31.5 | $ | 106.7 | |
| Less: Non-cash component | 12.4 | 68.8 | |||
| Cost of sales, cash component | 19.1 | 37.9 | |||
| Adjust for: | |||||
| Regional office administration | 3.3 | 4.3 | |||
| Refining fees | 0.5 | 1.0 | |||
| By-product credits | (0.4) | (0.9) | |||
| Community costs related to current operations | 0.5 | 0.6 | |||
| Adjusted Operating Costs | 23.0 | 42.9 | |||
| Accretion expense | 0.2 | 0.2 | |||
| Capitalized stripping and ice unload | 10.4 | 51.7 | |||
| Capital expenditures (sustaining) | 23.0 | 12.4 | |||
| All-in Sustaining Costs | 56.6 | 107.2 | |||
| Capital expenditures (growth) | 4.7 | 6.5 | |||
| All-in Costs | 61.3 | 113.7 | |||
| Revenue-based taxes and income taxes | 10.3 | 28.7 | |||
| All-in Costs (including taxes) | $ | 71.6 | $ | 142.4 | |
| Ounces sold (000) | 61.7 | 169.2 | |||
| Adjusted Operating Costs - $ /oz sold | $ | 371 | $ | 254 | |
| All-in Sustaining Costs - $ /oz sold | $ | 916 | $ | 634 | |
| All-in Costs - $ /oz sold | $ | 993 | $ | 673 | |
| All-in Costs (including taxes) - $ /oz sold | $ | 1,159 | $ | 842 | |
| (1) Results may not add due to rounding |