IAMGOLD Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2021 Results; Generated $285 Million in Operating Cash Flow
NEWS RELEASE
TSX: IMG NYSE: IAG
IAMGOLD REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END 2021 RESULTS; GENERATED $285 MILLION IN OPERATING CASH FLOW
All monetary amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
For more information, refer to the management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.
FY2021 HIGHLIGHTS:
- Attributable production of 601,000 ounces near the top of updated production guidance
- Achieved updated operating cost guidance with full year cost of sales per ounce sold of $1,270, cash cost1 per ounce sold of $1,132 and all-in sustaining cost1 per ounce sold of $1,426
- Generated $293 million in operating cash flow before changes in working capital1
- Mine-site free cash flow1 of $133.8 million and adjusted EBITDA1 of $355.7 million
- Net loss attributable to equity holders of $0.53 per share and adjusted net earnings attributable to equity holders1 of $0.06 per share
- Total available liquidity1 of $1.1 billion, including $544.9 million in cash and cash equivalents
- Côté Gold project 43.4% complete and detailed engineering at 92.2%
- Initial mineral resource estimate for Gosselin deposit, located adjacent to Côté, of 3.35 million indicated ounces and 1.71 million inferred ounces
- Committed to achieving net negative greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions by no later than by 2050
Toronto, Ontario, February 23, 2022 – IAMGOLD Corporation (“IAMGOLD” or the “Company”) reports consolidated financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021. Preliminary operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended 2021 were disclosed on January 12, 2022. Key highlights of financial results include:
Corporate Highlights
- On February 14, 2022, the Company announced a collaboration agreement with RCF Management L.L.C ("RCF"). Pursuant to the Agreement, Maryse Bélanger, David Smith and Ian Ashby were appointed to the Board of Directors of IAMGOLD (the “Board”) as independent directors, and Ms. Bélanger was appointed Chair. Richard Hall stepped down from the Board. With today’s announcement of the Company’s year-end results, Ronald Gagel has resigned from the Board, effective immediately. In addition, Mr. Tim Snider has advised that he will not stand for re-election at the Company’s 2022 annual shareholders’ meeting.
- The Company continues to advance its strategy to prioritize an appropriate allocation of capital and resources between the Company's existing mines and its Côté Gold project to generate the best return on invested capital while advancing Côté Gold to production.
- On January 29, 2022, Donald Charter, Chair of the Board, retired from the Company’s Board in accordance with his longstanding plans and the 2020 Board guidelines regarding tenure and Board composition.
• On January 12, 2022 Gordon Stothart, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), stepped down from his role and resigned from the Board. Daniella Dimitrov, Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), was appointed President, CFO and Interim CEO.
- In December 2021, the Company appointed Jerzy Orzechowski as Executive Project Director for Côté Gold to oversee management of the development of Côté Gold.
• IAMGOLD launched the IAMALLIN operational excellence program focused on uncovering improvement opportunities in the areas of cash preservation, cost control, capital allocation and process optimization across operations. The program was initiated at Essakane and will be launched at Rosebel and Westwood this year.
| ($ millions, except where noted) | Q4 2021 | Q3 2021 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Revenues Gross profit EBITDA1 Adjusted EBITDA1 Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders | $ 294.6 | $ 294.1 $ 6.9 $ 19.6 $ 82.5 $ (75.3) $ (20.1) $ (0.16) $ (0.04) $ 79.6 $ 78.5 $ 31.9 $ 26.4 $ 113.0 | $ 1,151.7 | $ 1,241.7 $ 250.3 $ 380.3 $ 450.4 $ 38.5 $ 87.7 $ 0.08 $ 0.19 $ 368.1 $ 347.6 $ 223.2 $ 79.1 $ 213.6 |
| $ (76.3) | $ 2.7 | |||
| $ (193.4) | $ 27.1 | |||
| $ 90.0 | $ 355.7 | |||
| $ (194.1) | $ (254.4) | |||
| Adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders1 | $ 44.3 | $ 26.8 | ||
| Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders Adjusted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders1 Net cash from operating activities before changes in working capital1 Net cash from operating activities Mine-site free cash flow1 Capital expenditures1 – sustaining Capital expenditures1 – expansion | $ (0.41) | $ (0.53) | ||
| $ 0.09 | $ 0.06 | |||
| $ 76.0 | $ 293.0 | |||
| $ 67.5 | $ 285.0 | |||
| $ 12.3 | $ 133.8 | |||
| $ 41.4 | $ 105.4 | |||
| $ 190.1 | $ 520.3 | |||
| Dec 31 | Sep 30 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 2020 | |
| 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | ||
| Financial Position ($ millions) Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Long-term debt Available Credit Facility | $ 748.3 $ 466.8 $ 498.3 | $ 947.5 $ 466.6 $ 498.3 | ||
| $ 552.5 | $ 552.5 | |||
| $ 464.4 | $ 464.4 | |||
| $ 498.3 | $ 498.3 |
1 This is a non-GAAP measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
Financial Results
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders was $(0.41) for the fourth quarter and $(0.53) for the year ended December 31, 2021. Adjusted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders1 was $0.09 for the fourth quarter and $0.06 for the year ended December 31, 2021, after adjusting for the non-cash net realizable value (“NRV”) write-down of ore stockpiles and impairment charge on Rosebel, discussed below.
Loss before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization1 was $193.4 million for the fourth quarter and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)1 was $27.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Adjusted EBITDA1 was $90.0 million for the fourth quarter and $355.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Mine-site free cash flow1 was $12.3 million for the fourth quarter and $133.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Annual mine-site free cash flow was down $89.4 million from the prior year, primarily due to lower operating cash flow at Rosebel ($111.6 million) and Westwood ($68.5 million), and higher capital expenditures at Rosebel ($30.8 million) and Essakane ($21.9 million), partially offset by higher operating cash flow at Essakane ($136.5 million).
Net cash from operating activities was $67.5 million ($76.0 million before changes in working capital) for the fourth quarter and $285.0 million ($293.0 million before changes in working capital) for the year ended December 31, 2021. Annual net cash from operating activities was down $62.6 million from the year prior, primarily due to lower revenue and higher cash operating costs ($98.2 million), higher income taxes paid ($10.5 million), partially offset by higher cash receipts from the settlement of derivatives ($31.7 million) and proceeds from insurance claims ($10.2 million).
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The updated mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates and life-of-mine plan for Rosebel were considered by the Company to be an indicator of impairment. A non-cash impairment charge of $205.1 million (post-tax impairment charge of $132.9 million) was recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) in the fourth quarter.
Operating Performance
| Q4 2021 | Q3 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Gold production – attributable (000s oz) Gold sales – attributable (000s oz) Average realized gold price2 ($/oz) Cost of sales1 ($/oz sold) – attributable Cash costs2 ($/oz sold) – attributable AISC2 ($/oz sold) – attributable | 153 | 153 150 $ 1,787 $ 1,247 $ 1,208 $ 1,508 | 601 | 653 646 $ 1,778 $ 1,057 $ 988 $ 1,232 |
| 152 | 590 | |||
| $ 1,794 | $ 1,790 | |||
| $ 1,597 | $ 1,270 | |||
| $ 1,184 | $ 1,132 | |||
| $ 1,537 | $ 1,426 |
1 Throughout this news release, cost of sales, excluding depreciation, is disclosed in the cost of sales note in the annual consolidated financial statements.
2 This is a non-GAAP measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
Attributable gold production was 153,000 ounces for the fourth quarter and 601,000 ounces for 2021, near the top of the updated production guidance.
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation) per ounce sold was $1,597 for the fourth quarter and $1,270 per ounce sold for the year ended December 31, 2021, up 20% from $1,057 per ounce sold in 2020. Included was a non-cash NRV write-down of ore stockpile and finished goods inventories of $147 per ounce sold (2020 - $nil) comprised of $49 per ounce included in cash costs and AISC per ounce sold as short-term and $98 per ounce excluded from cash cost and AISC per ounce sold as long-term, and the positive impact of realized derivative gains of $19 per ounce sold (2020 – loss of $27 per ounce sold). Excluding the NRV write-down, cost of sales per ounce sold was higher primarily due to lower production and sales volumes.
Cash cost1 per ounce sold was $1,184 for the fourth quarter and $1,132 per ounce sold for the year ended December 31, 2021, in line with the updated guidance. Cash costs were up 15%, from $988 per ounce sold in 2020, due to higher operating costs, which included a non-cash NRV write-down of short-term ore stockpile and finished goods inventories of $50 per ounce sold (2020 - $nil), and lower production and sales volumes.
AISC per ounce sold was $1,537 for the fourth quarter and $1,426 per ounce sold for the year ended December 31, 2021, near the top end of the updated guidance. AISC were up 16%, from $1,232 per ounce sold in 2020, primarily due to lower production and sales volumes as well as higher sustaining capital expenditures. Included was a non-cash NRV write-down of short-term ore stockpile and finished goods inventories of $50 per ounce sold (2020 - $nil).
The DARTFR2 (days away, restricted, transferred duty frequency rate) was 0.37 and the TRIFR2 (total recordable injuries frequency rate) was 0.76 for 2021, below the global annual targets of DARTFR 0.51 and TRIFR 0.85, respectively. Côté Gold has surpassed over 3.4 million hours with no lost time injuries to date.
Exploration
| ($ millions) | Q4 2021 | Q3 2021 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Exploration projects – greenfield | $ 5.6 | $ 7.4 4.8 | $ 27.8 | $ 19.9 16.4 |
| Exploration projects – brownfield1 | 5.5 | 19.6 | ||
| $ 11.1 | $ 12.2 | $ 47.4 | $ 36.3 |
1. Exploration projects - brownfield for the fourth quarter 2021 included near-mine exploration and resource development of $3.0 million (third quarter 2021 - $2.5 million, fourth quarter 2020 - $2.7 million, 2021 - $10.7 million, 2020 - $8.4 million).
For the fourth quarter, expenditures for exploration and project studies totaled $11.1 million, of which $8.1 million was expensed and $3.0 million was capitalized. During the year, drilling activities on active projects and mine sites totaled approximately 195,000 metres.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had $544.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, $7.6 million in short-term investments and net cash1 of $16.3 million. Approximately $498 million was available under the Company’s secured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") resulting in available liquidity1 at December 31, 2021 of $1.1 billion.
During 2021, the Company entered into gold sale prepayment arrangements (the "2022 Prepay Arrangements") at a weighted average cost of 4.45% per annum in respect of 150,000 gold ounces. These arrangements have an average forward contract price of $1,753 per ounce on 50,000 gold ounces and a collar range of $1,700 to $2,100 per ounce on 100,000 gold ounces. This will result in a total prepayment to the Company of $236 million over the course of 2022 and the requirement on the part of the Company to physically deliver 150,000 gold ounces over the course of 2024. The 2022 Prepay Arrangements have the effect of rolling the 150,000 ounce gold sale prepay arrangement entered into in 2019 (the “2019 Prepay Arrangement”), from 2022 to 2024 after the completion of the construction of Côté Gold. In January 2022, the first 12,500 ounces were delivered into the 2019 Prepay Arrangement and the Company received $2.5 million in cash in relation to the collar on the 2019 Prepay Arrangement and $19.7 million in cash pursuant to the 2022 Prepay Arrangements.
The Company is in the process of finalizing lease agreements for mobile equipment with a value of approximately $125 million that will be purchased on behalf of the unincorporated Côté Gold joint venture. Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. (“SMM”) will guarantee some of the leases for their 30% ownership. The remaining Côté Gold project development costs are net of these leases, as previously disclosed.
In addition to the gold sale prepayment arrangements noted above, and in order to mitigate volatility during the construction of Côté Gold between 2021 and mid-2023, the Company entered into certain derivative contracts in respect of certain of its future gold sales, exchange rates and certain other commodities exposure. At December 31, 2021, approximately 26% and 10% of the Company’s 2022 and 2023 estimated attributable production, respectively, was hedged at average prices between $1,300 per ounce and $3,000 per ounce. The Company has also entered into various oil and currency hedging transactions. Refer to the MD&A "Market Risk – Summary of Hedge Portfolio" for information relating to the Company’s outstanding derivative contracts.
The net cash generated by operations is highly dependent on the gold price as well as other factors, including the USDCAD exchange rate. The Company is scheduled to complete the remaining construction of Côté Gold during 2022 and 2023 resulting in significant capital expenditures that, together with sustaining and expansion capital expenditures at its existing mines, are expected to exceed total current cash and cash generated from operations. As a result, the Company expects to make its first draw down on its credit facility in the first half of 2022 and expects to draw down most this facility over the course of 2022 and 2023. Assuming the continuation of prevailing commodity prices and exchange rates, operations performing in accordance with the 2022 guidance and 2023 plan, and no significant change in the Côté Gold costs or the time of achieving commercial production (see also “Côté Gold Project” section below), the Company believes it should have adequate liquidity, in addition to its existing credit facility and the additional equipment leases, to implement its near-term operational plans and complete the development of Côté Gold.
To ensure adequate liquidity and flexibility, the Company regularly reviews expenditures and assesses opportunities taking into consideration current liquidity, the capital markets, foreign exchange rates, ongoing operational and financial performance and progress in the development of projects. As a result, the Company may take additional measures to increase its liquidity and capital resources including additional financing, strategically disposing of assets or pursuing jointventure partnerships.
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OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS
Essakane District, Burkina Faso – Essakane Mine (IAMGOLD interest – 90%)1
| Q4 2021 | Q3 2021 | 2021 | 2020 2019 | |
| Key Operating Statistics Ore mined (000s t) Waste mined (000s t) Material mined (000s t) – total Strip ratio2 Ore milled (000s t) Head grade (g/t) Recovery (%) Gold production (000s oz) – 100% Gold production (000s oz) – attributable 90% Gold sales (000s oz) – 100% Average realized gold price3 ($/oz) | 3,908 11,335 15,243 2.9 3,298 1.33 83 118 106 122 $ 1,790 | 15,762 17,702 39,479 38,605 55,241 56,307 2.5 2.2 12,439 13,373 1.18 1.04 86 91 404 409 364 368 399 413 $ 1,791 $ 1,400 | ||
| 4,113 | 16,015 | |||
| 10,903 | 44,405 | |||
| 15,016 | 60,420 | |||
| 2.7 | 2.8 | |||
| 3,292 | 12,948 | |||
| 1.13 | 1.31 | |||
| 91 | 84 | |||
| 108 | 457 | |||
| 98 | 412 | |||
| 102 | 453 | |||
| $ 1,794 | $ 1,794 | |||
| Financial Results ($ millions)1 Revenue5 | $ 217.4 | $ 715.0 $ 579.2 | ||
| $ 184.2 | $ 813.9 | |||
| Operating costs Royalties | (80.3) | (95.5) (10.9) | (364.8) | (335.4) (330.6) (36.8) (27.1) |
| (9.2) | (40.7) | |||
| Cash costs3 Other mine costs4 | $ (89.5) | $ (106.4) (5.9) | $ (405.5) | $ (372.2) $ (357.7) (35.8) (7.7) |
| (47.1) | (66.6) | |||
| Cost of sales5 Sustaining capital expenditures3,6 Other costs and adjustments7 | $ (136.6) | $ (112.3) (11.6) (1.5) | $ (472.1) | $ (408.0) $ (365.4) (37.3) (39.0) 7.6 (20.2) |
| (22.9) | (51.2) | |||
| 41.6 | 36.7 | |||
| All-in sustaining costs3 Expansion capital expenditures3,8 | $ (117.9) | $ (125.4) $ (27.2) | $ (486.6) | $ (437.7) $ (424.6) $ (76.4) $ (62.0) |
| $ (24.1) | $ (84.4) | |||
| Performance Measures9 Cost of sales excluding depreciation ($/oz sold) Cash costs3 ($/oz sold) All-in sustaining costs3 ($/oz sold) | $ 925 $ 878 $ 1,033 | $ 1,023 $ 884 $ 934 $ 866 $ 1,098 $ 1,028 | ||
| $ 1,333 | $ 1,042 | |||
| $ 873 | $ 895 | |||
| $ 1,150 | $ 1,074 |
1 100% basis, unless otherwise stated.
2 Strip ratio is calculated as waste mined divided by ore mined.
3 This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
4 Other mine costs include the add-back of non-cash long-term portion of stockpile inventory NRV write-down for the fourth quarter of $42.9 million (third quarter 2021
- $nil; 2020 - $nil and 2019 - $nil) in addition to certain taxes and permits related costs, certain provisions, prior period operating costs and the exclusion of by-
product credits.
5 As per note 36 of the annual consolidated financial statements for revenue and cost of sales. Cost of sales is net of depreciation expense.
6 Includes sustaining capitalized stripping for the fourth quarter 2021 of $6.7 million (third quarter 2021 - $1.0 million) and 2021 of $7.7 million (2020 - $nil and 2019 - $3.6 million).
7 Other costs and adjustments include adjustments to exclude the non-cash long-term portion of stockpile inventory NRV write-down for the fourth quarter and 2021 of $42.9 million (third quarter 2021 - $nil; 2020 - $nil and 2019 - $nil), in addition to sustaining lease principal payments, environmental rehabilitation accretion and depletion, and prior period operating costs, partially offset by by-product credits.
8 Includes expansion capitalized stripping for the fourth quarter 2021 of $21.1 million (third quarter 2021 - $21.8 million) and 2021 of $65.0 million (2020 - $57.8 million and 2019 - $30.4 million).
9 Cost of sales, cash costs and AISC per ounce sold may not be calculated based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.
Essakane continued to deliver strong results and achieved attributable gold production of 98,000 ounces in the fourth quarter and a record 412,000 ounces for the year. Production was lower in the quarter due to lower grades in the mining schedule, partially offset by higher recovery.
Mining activity of 15.0 million tonnes for the fourth quarter was in line with the prior quarter, while the strip ratio of 2.7 was lower by 7%. The mine began sequencing out of the enriched ore zones at the bottom of the main pit resulting in lower grade in the fourth quarter. Mining activity of 60.4 million tonnes for the year was higher than in 2020 as a result of operational efficiencies and reduction of cycle times achieved from the modifications to the hauling fleet. The strip ratio of 2.8 in 2021
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was higher by 12% as a result of continued focus on stripping campaigns in the upper benches during the year.
Mill throughput of 3.3 million tonnes in the fourth quarter was in line with the prior quarter and plant availability remained above 92%. Mill throughput of 12.9 million tonnes in 2021 was 4% higher than in 2020 as a result of the mill debottlenecking project and other optimization initiatives.
As the COVID-19 situation evolved towards the end of 2021 and into 2022, measures and controls are being strengthened to limit transmission, reinforce awareness and promote vaccination. Approximately 64% of the workforce is fully vaccinated.
The IAMALLIN improvement project has now progressed to the execution phase and is focusing on mill and mine productivities and working capital including spare parts management, operations efficiency and maintenance programs.
The Company reported on certain security incidents and developments in Burkina Faso (see news releases dated September 1, 2021, October 29, 2021, November 1, 2021 and January 25, 2022). All IAMGOLD personnel continues to be safe and associated supply chains have not been significantly impacted by the security situation. The workforce has been progressively increased to close to normal levels following a temporary reduction towards the end of 2021, while the Company continues to monitor the situation. The Company continues to expect that 2022 production will be within the guidance range. The Company has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of in-country personnel and continuously evaluates the security environment. Investments in infrastructure in the region and at the mine site are being made to further strengthen security measures, while regularly engaging with relevant authorities and other partners in Burkina Faso in relation to security in the region as well as its supplies and transportation routes.
Outlook
Attributable gold production at Essakane in 2022 is expected to be in the range of 360,000 to 385,000 ounces, with production expected to be relatively steady over the year as planned grades normalize closer to reserve grades, offset slightly by higher recoveries due to expected lower graphitic content. Looking beyond 2022, Essakane is expected to continue to produce in the range of 325,000 to 375,000 ounces in each of 2023 and 2024. Cash costs are expected to increase slightly due to inflationary cost pressures, changes in transportation and logistics in relation to our workforce, and the upgrade to transportation infrastructure at and outside of the mine site to address the security situation. The cost of our main consumables consisting of explosives, cyanide, lime and grinding media are expected to be 5% to 7% higher on average compared to 2021 pricing, resulting in an approximate 1% to 2% increase in cash costs reflected in 2022 guidance estimates. The increase in AISC reflects the increase in operating costs, as well as higher sustaining capital and capitalized stripping. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $170 million, compared to $136 million in 2021, primarily consisting of capitalized stripping.
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Rosebel District, Suriname – Rosebel Mine (IAMGOLD interest – 95%)1
| Q4 2021 | Q3 2021 | 2021 | 2020 2019 | ||
| Key Operating Statistics Ore mined2 (000s t) Waste mined2 (000s t) Material mined2 (000s t) – total Strip ratio2,3 Ore milled (000s t) – Rosebel Ore milled2 (000s t) – Saramacca Ore milled2 (000s t) – total Head grade2,4 (g/t) Recovery2 (%) Gold production2 (000s oz) – 100% Gold production1 (000s oz) – owner operator Gold production (000s oz) – attributable 95% Gold sales1 (000s oz) – owner operator Average realized gold price5 ($/oz) | 1,432 9,703 11,135 6.8 1,719 956 2,675 0.68 82 47 42 40 36 $ 1,779 | 7,032 12,277 | |||
| 2,194 | 5,975 | ||||
| 11,594 | 37,163 | 35,348 | 41,049 | ||
| 13,788 | 43,138 | 42,380 | 53,326 | ||
| 5.3 | 6.2 | 5.0 | 3.3 | ||
| 1,461 | 6,232 | 7,973 | 12,166 | ||
| 988 | 3,655 | 2,347 | — | ||
| 2,449 | 9,887 | 10,320 | 12,166 | ||
| 0.78 | 0.70 | 0.82 | 0.71 | ||
| 86 | 85 | 91 | 95 | ||
| 53 | 188 | 245 | 264 | ||
| 44 | 162 | 221 | 264 | ||
| 42 | 154 | 210 | 251 | ||
| 50 | 156 | 216 | 254 | ||
| $ 1,795 | $ 1,777 | $ 1,757 $ 1,387 | |||
| Financial Results ($ millions)1 Revenue8 | $ 64.0 | $ 380.5 $ 352.5 | |||
| $ 88.2 | $ 276.2 | ||||
| Operating costs Royalties | (68.3) | (59.5) (5.1) | (218.3) | (201.6) (222.0) (22.4) (21.5) | |
| (5.4) | (19.9) | ||||
| Cash costs5,6 Other mine costs7 | $ (73.7) | $ (64.6) (0.5) | $ (238.2) | $ (224.0) $ (243.5) (7.1) (12.3) | |
| (20.7) | (21.9) | ||||
| Cost of sales8 Sustaining capital expenditures5 Other costs and adjustments9 | $ (94.4) | $ (65.1) (10.8) (1.6) | $ (260.1) | $ (231.1) $ (255.8) (29.3) (42.7) (4.4) 2.6 | |
| (13.3) | (42.2) | ||||
| 18.1 | 13.5 | ||||
| AISC5 Expansion capital expenditures5,10 | $ (89.6) | $ (77.5) $ (12.8) | $ (288.8) | $ (264.8) $ (295.9) $ (38.5) $ (41.0) | |
| $ (17.1) | $ (56.4) | ||||
| Performance Measures11 Cost of sales excluding depreciation ($/oz sold) Cash costs5 ($/oz sold) AISC5 ($/oz sold) | $ 1,808 $ 1,796 $ 2,156 | $ 1,068 $ 1,007 $ 1,035 $ 959 $ 1,224 $ 1,165 | |||
| $ 1,922 | $ 1,674 | ||||
| $ 1,501 | $ 1,533 | ||||
| $ 1,824 | $ 1,859 |
1. Rosebel at 100% and Saramacca at 70% from April 1, 2020, as included in the annual consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise stated.
2. Includes Saramacca at 100%.
3. Strip ratio is calculated as waste mined divided by ore mined.
4. Includes head grade / tonne for the fourth quarter 2021 related to the Rosebel concession of 0.70 g/t and the Saramacca concession of 0.91 g/t (third quarter 2021 - 0.64 g/t and 0.76 g/t respectively) and 2021 of 0.61 g/t and 0.85 g/t respectively (2020 - 0.68 g/t and 1.27 g/t, respectively).
5. This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
6. Cash costs includes by-product credit.
7. Other mine costs include the add-back of non-cash long-term portion of stockpile inventory NRV write-downs for the fourth quarter and 2021 of $20.0 million (third quarter 2021 - $nil and 2020
- $nil), in addition to community development costs, certain provisions, prior period operating costs and the exclusion of by-product credits.
8. As per note 36 of the annual consolidated financial statements for revenue and cost of sales. Cost of sales is net of depreciation expense.
9. Other costs and adjustments includes adjustment to exclude the non-cash long-term portion of stockpile inventory NRV write-downs for the fourth quarter and full year 2021 of $20.0 million (third quarter 2021 - $nil and full year 2020 - $nil), in addition to sustaining lease principal payments and environmental rehabilitation accretion and depletion, partially offset by by-product credits.
10. Includes expansion capitalized stripping for the fourth quarter 2021 of $10.3 million (third quarter 2021 - $8.4 million) and 2021 of $33.6 million (2020 - $14.9million).
11. Cost of sales, cash costs and AISC per ounce sold may not be calculated based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.
Rosebel achieved attributable gold production of 42,000 ounces in the fourth quarter and 154,000 ounces for the year. Production increased in the quarter due to higher grades processed and higher recovery.
Material mined of 13.8 million tonnes in the quarter reflected the continued ramp up of mining activities over the year. Focus on strategic pushbacks and stripping continued. The backlog in maintenance work on the aging mining fleet and the resulting lower equipment availability and reliability continued to be challenges during the quarter, however, deliveries of new mobile equipment replacing the aged mining fleet have commenced.
Mill throughput of 2.4 million tonnes in the fourth quarter decreased 8% compared with the prior quarter due to maintenance
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related work. Increased recoveries in addition to the higher sales and drawdown of inventories were due to the efficiency improvements of the carbon adsorption/desorption circuit which were completed near the end of the quarter. The increase in recoveries and lower in-circuit gold inventory levels are expected to be maintained from 2022 onward. Rosebel provided 48% of the mill feed at an average grade of 0.72 g/t and Saramacca provided 37% of the mill feed at an average grade of 0.95 g/t. The remaining 15% mill feed was from low grade long-term ore stockpiles at an average grade of 0.58 g/t.
The COVID-19 situation at site and in Suriname has started to stabilize and improved during the fourth quarter, however the new Omicron variant remains a concern as new cases in January 2022 were the highest recorded since the start of the pandemic. Throughout 2021, workforce productivity levels were adversely impacted as a result of approximately 40% of the total workforce having had COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The site continues to monitor and implement mitigating measures to reduce the impact, including actively engaging in community related initiatives. Approximately 41% of the workforce was fully vaccinated as of December 2021.
The Company has been collaborating with the government task force assigned to manage the security situation at site with regards to illegal miners. The government security force have increased their patrols of the mine site during the fourth quarter, resulting in some decreases in pit intrusions.
The construction of required infrastructure at the Saramacca project, including the facility pad, the sedimentation dams (functional), haul road, and public road crossings, as well as the majority of the previously planned activities related to the West Dump rock drains have been completed by the end of the fourth quarter. Additionally, the dewatering wells, further development of the rock drains and the completion of other earthworks activities, including slope remediation and bypass road phase 2, are expected to be completed during 2022.
The Company has completed an updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate as of December 31, 2021 and an updated life-of-mine plan for Rosebel (see news release dated January 12, 2022). The updated Mineral Reserves estimate for Rosebel (on 100% basis and at $1,300 gold price) is comprised of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves totaling 3.8 million ounces of gold and the updated Mineral Resources estimate (on a 100% basis, at $1,500 gold price and including Mineral Reserves) is comprised of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources totaling 6.3 million ounces of gold. Production is expected to ramp up to an estimated 300,000 ounces per year on a 100% basis starting in 2025 until the current expected end of mine life in 2033 based on the updated Mineral Reserves estimate.
The updated mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates and life-of-mine plan for Rosebel were considered by the Company to be an indicator of impairment for the Rosebel cash generating unit, which consists of the Rosebel complex and the Rosebel royalty payable to Euro Resources S.A. by the Company. As a result, an assessment was performed and it was determined that the carrying amount exceeded its recoverable amount of approximately $373.8 million. This resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $205.1 million (post-tax impairment charge of $132.9 million) being recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) in the fourth quarter.
The IAMALLIN improvement project is in the discovery phase with on-site consultation commencing in the first half of 2022.
Outlook
Attributable gold production at Rosebel in 2022 is expected to be in the range of 155,000 to 180,000 ounces, with production expected to be stronger in the second half after the seasonal rains subside. In addition, recoveries are expected to increase compared to 2021 from continuing refurbishment initiatives at the mill complex. Cash costs are expected to increase due to inflationary cost pressures, however unit costs per ounce sold are expected to decrease with higher expected production levels. The cost of our main consumables consisting of explosives, cyanide, lime and grinding media are expected to be 5% to 7% higher compared to 2021 pricing, resulting in an approximate 1% to 2% increase in cash costs reflected in 2022 guidance estimates. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $140 million, compared to $99 million in 2021, the majority of which relate to capitalized stripping and Saramacca development. Looking beyond 2022, Rosebel is expected to produce 180,000 to 200,000 of attributable gold ounces in 2023 and 2024. As a result of the Company's current capital allocation prioritization, the Company will be commencing a strategic review process to evaluate options for Rosebel.
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Abitibi District, Canada – Westwood Mine (IAMGOLD interest – 100%)
| Q4 2021 | Q3 2021 | 2021 | 2020 2019 | ||
| Key Operating Statistics Ore mined (000s t) – underground Ore mined (000s t) – other sources Ore mined (000s t) – total Ore milled (000s t) Head grade (g/t) – underground Head grade (g/t) – other sources Head grade (g/t) – total Recovery (%) Gold production (000s oz) – 100% Gold sales (000s oz) – 100% Average realized gold price1 ($/oz) | 31 | 370 537 | |||
| 61 | 106 | ||||
| 229 | 171 | 919 | 558 | — | |
| 290 | 202 | 1,025 | 928 | 537 | |
| 254 | 220 | 965 | 932 | 625 | |
| 4.60 | 4.17 | 4.46 | 5.44 | 4.82 | |
| 0.96 | 0.59 | 0.85 | 1.10 | — | |
| 1.83 | 1.11 | 1.24 | 2.83 | 4.82 | |
| 90 | 92 | 92 | 94 | 94 | |
| 13 | 7 | 35 | 79 | 91 | |
| 12 | 7 | 34 | 81 | 94 | |
| $ 1,788 | $ 1,779 | $ 1,789 | $ 1,771 | $ 1,407 | |
| Financial Results ($ millions) Revenue2 | |||||
| $ 22.2 | $ 12.7 | $ 61.6 | $ 146.2 | $ 133.6 | |
| Cash costs1 Other mine costs3 | $ (28.6) | $ (24.6) | $ (76.1) | $ (90.1) | $ (86.1) |
| (0.3) | (0.1) | (0.9) | (5.5) | (13.3) | |
| Cost of sales2 Sustaining capital expenditures1 Other costs and adjustments4 | $ (28.9) | $ (24.7) (3.8) (0.4) | $ (77.0) | $ (95.6) $ (99.4) (11.7) (13.8) 2.6 12.1 | |
| (5.1) | (11.4) | ||||
| (0.3) | (0.5) | ||||
| AISC1 Expansion capital expenditures1 | $ (34.3) | $ (28.9) $ (0.8) | $ (88.9) | $ (104.7) $ (101.1) $ (9.5) $ (17.9) | |
| $ (0.3) | $ (2.9) | ||||
| Performance Measures5 Cost of sales excluding depreciation ($/oz sold) Cash costs1 ($/oz sold) AISC1 ($/oz sold) | $ 3,512 $ 3,482 $ 4,087 | $ 1,175 $ 1,061 $ 1,108 $ 918 $ 1,286 $ 1,079 | |||
| $ 2,335 | $ 2,252 | ||||
| $ 2,313 | $ 2,226 | ||||
| $ 2,775 | $ 2,600 |
1 This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
2 As per note 36 of the annual consolidated financial statements for revenue and cost of sales. Cost of sales is net of depreciation expense.
3 Other mine costs include certain provisions, prior period operating costs and by-product credits.
4 Other costs and adjustments include sustaining lease principal payments and environmental rehabilitation accretion and depletion, partially offset by by-product credits.
5 Cost of sales, cash costs and AISC per ounce sold may not be calculated based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.
Gold production in the fourth quarter of 13,000 ounces was 86% higher than in the prior quarter as the ramp up of higher grade underground mining activities continued coupled with an increase in the grade of material sourced from the Grand Duc open pit. Although underground mine productivity is improving, the pace of the ramp up remains cautious, as the Company continues to prioritize the implementation of enhanced ground support and additional safety measures, coupled with ongoing training to increase productivity rates. There continued to be pressures associated with general labour shortages in the region, adversely impacting planned recruitment efforts. Gold production of 35,000 ounces for the year was 56% lower than in 2020 due to underground operations being under care and maintenance for the first half of 2021.
The program to upgrade ground support and construct new escapeways remained on schedule and underground development continued with approximately 400 metres of lateral development completed during the quarter. The re-design and development of new mining methods for the West and Central Zones are progressing. Based on information currently available, management expects that mining in these zones will resume in the first half of 2022.
Mill throughput of 254,000 tonnes was 15% higher than the prior quarter as a result of improving the feed from the Grand Duc open pit through a fragmentation optimization program. As noted in previous quarters, while improving, throughput continues to be impacted by the higher ratio of hard rock ore from Grand Duc. Potential solutions to improve processing of the hard rock ore from Grand Duc are continually being investigated.
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The COVID-19 situation was stable in the fourth quarter, although in the first quarter 2022, the operation was impacted by absenteeism. Approximately 77% of the workforce has reported that it is fully vaccinated.
Outlook
Gold production at the Westwood complex in 2022 is expected to be in the range of 55,000 to 75,000 ounces, assuming the safe re-start of two additional underground zones (Central and West). Production levels are expected to increase each quarter benefiting from higher grade ore from the continued ramp-up of underground mining activities and increasing grade from the adjacent Grand Duc open pit. Looking beyond 2022, the Company is continuing to evaluate potential strategic alternatives while focusing on building a safe, profitable and sustainable operation, as mining activities and development ramp up, balanced with the need for the ground support activities implemented in 2021. The additional development and resumption of mining in the Central and West zones are expected to allow for the Westwood complex to ramp up to the 90,000 to 100,000 ounce per year production level with corresponding improvements in cost profile. Cash costs are expected to increase due to the impact of inflation, however unit costs per ounce sold are expected to decrease as production ramps up. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $50 million, compared to $14 million in 2021, of which $40 million is for sustaining capital, primarily consisting of underground development, and $10 million is for expansion capital.
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Côté Gold Project (IAMGOLD interest – 64.75%)
In December 2021, the Company appointed Jerzy Orzechowski as Executive Project Director for Côté Gold to oversee management of the development of Côté Gold.
As of December 31, 2021, detailed engineering reached approximately 92.2% with plant civil and concrete deliverables principally completed and mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation continuing into the first quarter 2022. Overall the project was 43.4% complete. The following provides an update on project activities for the fourth quarter 2021 and January 2022:
Project Activity Update
Health and safety The project surpassed 3.4 million hours with no lost time injuries. Our COVID-19 monitoring programs, including antigen, PCR and sewage testing, remained robust. The Company reassessed site protocols in view of the emergence of the Omicron variant. The return of the workforce from the holiday period was structured to adjust ramp up and permit close monitoring of the Omicron variant threats. Improvements in vaccination rates on site continued.
Earthworks activities Earthwork activities continued with the main focus on ensuring major infrastructure for 2022 freshet are in place. Water realignment channel work continued. Clam Lake Dam #1 and #2 are now complete. Work on New Lake South Dam final lifts was completed prior to the end of the year and New Lake North Dam is progressing. Tailings management facility starter dam foundation excavation commenced as planned in early December. The construction of the main access road has been completed. Productivity for earthworks is not meeting targets with mitigation plans in place and continuing into the first quarter of 2022.
Mining activities Overburden pre-stripping in the pit advanced and during the period access to fresh rock was achieved to the east. The first ore blast was taken in October 2021 in the southern area of the pit and mining activities broke through elevation 382 throughout several areas of the pit – a significant milestone achieved for the project.
Processing plant Processing facility structural steel erection, which commenced in mid-October, completed all major lifts with only a minor part of in-fill steel remaining to be erected for the high-bay grinding section of the building. Wall panel cladding installation has progressed with over 50% completed by early February. Other civil works associated with the processing facility including for the HPGR/secondary crusher building and primary crushing building were completed during the quarter. The primary crusher feeder frames, chutes and associated supports are now on site. Fabrication of conveyors is progressing well with delivery as sections are completed. Major components of the ball mill such as motor, chillers and shells are progressing well and elements have started shipping.
Other activities and Permanent camp commissioning is complete providing, along with the construction camp, a total supply chain of 1,388 rooms. The project averaged approximately 800 workers at site prior to the ramp down for the holidays. The permanent potable water treatment plant has been commissioned and the camp is planning to switch to grid power in the new year. Work on the 42 kilometre 115KV power line has started with tree clearing.
Equipment delivery is ongoing and inventory on site continues to increase. An offsite indoor storage facility has been arranged and is ready to receive material. The Company continues to closely monitor global logistics risks and, at this time, are not expecting material impacts on the project schedule, although challenges in the global supply chain persist which may be amplified by impacts from the current Omicron wave.
Permitting and The Company secured a number of key operations phase permits during the quarter, including the sustainability provincial Environmental Compliance Authorization for operations, the key remaining permit, the permit to take water and permits required to support the construction of the transmission line. Community consultations and ongoing implementation of the impact benefit agreements signed with indigenous partners continue. Remaining, noncritical path, minor permits are expected to be received during the remainder of the project.
Operational readiness Operational readiness continued to advance mainly focused on organizational design, and hiring, and initiation of training programs which are expected to ramp up in the first quarter 2022. Other key activities included the ongoing work related to the identification of spare parts requirements for critical equipment and procurement strategies for long lead-time items and key consumables. Capital spares and operational spares long lead-time parts started to be ordered before year-end.
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Throughout most of 2021, no material delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic were experienced at site. Starting in December, with the rapid rise in cases in Ontario and other provinces, the Omicron variant had a negative impact on construction activities. COVID outbreaks during the holidays and in January forced a slower re-mobilization of the site workforce. Site staffing was approximately 60% of plan in the first part of January with a large number of infections including in the steel construction workforce. Site staffing has continued to ramp up since then and by mid-February has reached plan of approximately 750 to 850 personnel. A mandatory vaccination policy was introduced in January and, by February 1, 100% of the site personnel had at least one dose of vaccine with two doses required by April 1.
For these reasons, the cladding process of the processing plant building lagged in January and February and, although more than 50% complete, is no longer on the critical path following a plan to mitigate these delays and optimize for the mechanical erection access date. The focus now is on driving the start of the concrete works inside the building so mechanical erection can commence in the second quarter and to complete the building cladding when possible.
Project Expenditures
At the end of the fourth quarter 2021, 87% of procurement and 79% of contracts packages have been awarded. The Company has incurred and expended costs of $118.8 million and $147.2 million, respectively, (at an average recorded USDCAD exchange rate of 1.27) in the fourth quarter 2021 and $486.8 million and $411.8 million, respectively, (at an average recorded USDCAD exchange rate of 1.26) since July 1, 2020, including capital expenditures summarized in the table below and non-capital project costs.
| Expenditures to 2021 2020 date | ||
|---|---|---|
| Q4 2021 | ||
| Capital expenditures1,2 ($ millions) Non-capital costs3 | $ 142.6 | $ 343.0 $ 52.4 $ 395.4 15.9 0.5 16.4 |
| 4.6 | ||
| Expended costs Working capital adjustment4 | 147.2 | 358.9 52.9 411.8 52.2 22.8 75.0 |
| (28.4) | ||
| Incurred costs | $ 118.8 | $ 411.1 $ 75.7 $ 486.8 |
1. Capital expenditures prior to July 1, 2020 are not included in the Company’s portion of reported total project costs.
2. Capital expenditures include certain offsets including realized derivative gains of $4.8 million in the fourth quarter and $16.2 million in 2021
3. Non-capital costs include ore mined costs recorded as stockpiles which totaled $1.8 million in the fourth quarter 2021
4. Working capital adjustment mainly consists of work performed not yet invoiced combined with an increase in the accounts payable balance, offset by an increase in sales taxes receivable.
Upcoming Milestones, Remaining Costs to Complete, and Schedule
Construction of the project commenced in the third quarter 2020 and major earthworks commenced in the first quarter 2021. The updated remaining key targeted milestones are as follows:
- Initiation of processing plant equipment installation: Q2 2022 (see above)
- Process plant building enclosed: Q2 2022 (see above)
- Start of owner mining: Q3 2022
- Tailings management facility Phase 1: Q4 2022
- Permanent power available: Q4 2022
- Commissioning completed: Q3 2023
- Commercial production: H2 2023
Côté Gold continues to track for commercial production in the second half of 2023. The Company cautions however that potential further disruptions caused by COVID-19 could impact the timing of activities, availability of workforce, productivity and supply chain and logistics and consequently could impact the timing of actual commercial production.
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