Allied GOLD Announces Preliminary 2023 Operating Results, 2024 Guidance and Medium-Term Outlook, Highlighting Upside to Its Sustainable Production Base with Improved Costs and Growing Mineral Inventory
NEWS RELEASE
ALLIED GOLD ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY 2023 OPERATING RESULTS, 2024 GUIDANCE AND
MEDIUM-TERM OUTLOOK, HIGHLIGHTING UPSIDE TO ITS SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION
BASE WITH IMPROVED COSTS AND GROWING MINERAL INVENTORY
TORONTO, ON – February 21, 2024 ─ Allied Gold Corporation (TSX: AAUC) (“Allied” or the “Company”)
herein provides its preliminary operating results for 2023, alongside the Company’s 2024 operating
guidance and medium term outlook, including updates on Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. This
announcement underscores the significant potential and inherent upside within Allied's asset portfolio,
supported by growth and robust, expanding geological endowments across both established and emerging
premier gold mining jurisdictions.
Production for the fourth quarter totaled 94,755 ounces of gold, with full year 2023 production reaching
343,817 ounces, slightly below the previously disclosed 2023 production range of approximately 350,000
ounces. The All-in Sustaining Costs ( “AISC”)(1) for the year are estimated at less than $1,585 per ounce,
which is in line with the normal cost tolerances used by Allied, which are two percent above and below
Allied’s guided AISC(1), which, in this case, was $1,550 per ounce for 2023.
The Company's producing mines are expected to sustainably produce at least 375,000 ounces per year,
as evidenced by the run rate delivered in the fourth quarter. Building on this foundation, Allied has executed
several strategic project advancements and exploration efforts throughout 2023, laying the groundwork for
future growth and enhanced cash flow.
The advancement of the Kurmuk project into the execution phase, with its confirmed design for a 6Mt/y
capacity operation, represents a significant milestone. This phase involves the establishment of Allied's
project management framework, the appointment of an EPCM contractor, the initiation of detailed
engineering and early works, and the procurement of critical project services and infrastructure along with
strengthening relationships and engaging with local stakeholders . Additionally, the Company has
established a phased expansion plan at Sadiola, designed to significantly reduce capital expenditures in
the short term, while boosting production at lower costs.
On the exploration front, Allied expanded its Mineral Reserves and Resources, replacing depletion by 190%
in 2023. The Company remains focused on extending the mine lives at Agbaou, Bonikro, and Kurmuk, and
on increasing the oxide mineral inventory at Sadiola, facilitating a smoother transition for the phased
expansion and providing additional processing flexibility. Moreover, Allied advanced its regional exploration
programs aimed at uncovering significant potential across its portfolio, realizing explorat ion success at
highly prospective locations such as Oume, located north of Bonikro mill, and Tsenge, located south to the
project mill at Kurmuk.
Optimizations in mine contractor management and enhancements in processing plant controls, including
increased security and metallurgical oversight at the gravity circuit, are key components of Allied's strategy
to solidify a sustainable production base. T hese measures underscore the Company's commitment to
continuous improvement, setting the stage for ongoing success and growth.
In 2024, Allied anticipates producing 375,000 to 405,000 ounces of gold. Achieving the higher end of this
guided range primarily hinges on the successful completion of mine contractor transition at Agbaou, where
efforts to enhance efficiencies and maximize long-term value are underway, notwithstanding the short-term
impacts on production.
(000’s ounces) 2023 Actual 2024 Guidance
Sadiola 171,007 195,000 – 205,000
Bonikro 99,409 95,000 – 105,000
Agbaou 73,401 85,000 – 95,000
Total Gold Production 343,817 375,000 – 405,000
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Regarding costs, the projected mine-site level AISC(1) for 2024 is expected to be $1,400 per ounce marking
a significant reduction compared to the preliminary AISC(1) for 2023. Allied offers this cost guidance within
a range of +/- 2%, with the guided figure representing the range's midpoint.
(US$/oz Sold) 2024 Cash Costs(1) 2024 Mine-Site AISC(1)
Sadiola 1,075 1,150
Bonikro 1,275 1,650
Agbaou 1,595 1,675
Total 1,250 1,400
Anticipated cost savings in 2024, amounting to nearly $200 per ounce compared to 2023, are set to reflect
the benefits of increased production and continued optimization efforts.
Corporate items are expected to add approximately $100 per ounce sold to arrive at the corporate-level
AISC(1), with this impact decreasing in future periods as costs decline and production rises.
The following table presents expansionary capital, sustaining capital and exploration spend expectations
by mine and company-level for 2024:
(US$ millions) Expansionary Capital Sustaining Capital Total Exploration
Sadiola 35.0 12.5 8.0
Bonikro 1.0 5.5 10.5
Agbaou 0.5 7.5 6.0
Kurmuk 155.0 - 7.5
Corporate 7.0 4.0 -
Total 198.5 29.5 32.0
Approximately 70% of the Company’s expected exploration spend is capital in nature.
The following table presents other expenditure expectations for 2024:
(US$ millions) 2024 Guidance
Total DD&A 55
Cash based G&A 38
Cash income taxes paid (assumes $2,000/oz Au) 60
Allied’s key focus for 2024 is the sustainable reduction of costs across its asset portfolio. Alongside this,
the Company is dedicated to delivering near -term oxide ores at Sadiola and advancing construction
activities at Kurmuk, while also continuing its exploration success to extend mine life, particularly in Côte
d'Ivoire. Based on ongoing efforts to optimize assets , Allied will release a three -year production and cost
forecast in due course.
While not currently reflected in Allied's official one-year guidance, the operating trends clearly support the
Company's vision of achieving significant growth at substantially lower costs and underpin the outlook for
2025 and 2026.
At Sadiola, gold production is anticipated to increase sequentially each year during the outlook period, with
a goal of achieving 230,000 ounces per year. The improvement is expected to be driven by the inclusion of
additional oxide ore from Diba and targe ts such as Sekekoto West, FE4, and S12, alongside the Phase 1
expansion. These developments are anticipated to offer further opportunities for production increases. For
2025, the AISC(1) is expected to remain within the range of $1,150 to $1,250 per ounce. Although AISC(1)
may see a slight increase in 2026, it is projected to stay below $1,350 per ounce. This anticipated rise in
costs is partly attributed to the preparations for the mine's second phase expansion later in that year, which
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will follow the commencement of production at Kurmuk. During this period, costs are expected to continue
benefiting from increased production and optimizations. With the availability of oxide ore from Diba and
other targets, Phase 1 execution is now targeted to start in late 2024, with production commencing in early
2026.
In the near term, Bonikro is expected to achieve modest yearly increases in gold production during the
outlook period, with a goal of exceeding 110,000 ounces annually. This projection does not account for the
potential additional benefits from Oume . This improvement is due to the stripping phase planned for 2024
that will expose higher-grade materials in 2025 and 2026, significantly reducing the mine -site AISC(1) to
below $1,050 per ounce by the end of the outlook period. At Oume, there is potential for further gains,
including advanced resource drilling at Oume West and North, as well as at the Akissi-So target south of
Bonikro mill.
For Agbaou, gold production is expected to remain consistent each year throughout the outlook period, not
falling below 90,000 ounces annually. The improvements are attributed to the identification of additional
Mineral Reserves in Agbalé, as well as mining and plant optim izations. These enhancements enable the
mill to handle relatively harder rock blends more effectively, while also offering the opportunity to increase
oxide feed from Agbalé and other targets.
Kurmuk is expected to start production by mid-2026, contributing more than 175,000 ounces of gold to the
latter half of the 2026 forecast. Significant exploration potential at near -mine locations around Dish
Mountain and Ashashire, and the Tsenge prospect, supports a strategic mine life of at least 15 years at a
mine-site AISC(1) below $950 per ounce. This expected performance is driven by increased throughput and
unit costs savings, access to low-cost renewable energy supply and high grade ore near surface among
others.
Overall, these developments across Allied's portfolio, from enhanced production and cost efficiencies at
Sadiola and Bonikro to the promising exploration and operational optimizations at Agbaou and Kurmuk,
collectively reinforce a positive outlook, positioning the Company to deliver >600,000 ounces of gold at an
AISC(1) below $1,225 per ounce in 2026.
ALLIED'S OUTLOOK UNDERPINNED BY EXPANDING MINERAL RESERVES AND MINERAL
RESOURCES
Allied’s near-term guidance and longer-term outlook is supported by growing Mineral Reserves and Mineral
Resources which underpin the longevity of the Company’s sustainable production platform and the
optionality to increase near term production and cash flows from near mine high -yield targets . As at
December 31, 2023, Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves were reported at 11. 2 million ounces of gold
contained within 238 million tonnes at a grade of 1.4 6 g/t, an increase of over 300,000 ounces versus the
previous year. This increase reflects meaningful growth at Sadiola , Agbaou and Kurmuk , with partial
replacement of mining depletion at Bonikro. Similarly, total Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources
grew to over 16.0 million ounces of gold contained within 330 million tonnes at a grade of 1.51 g/t, up from
15.2 million ounces in the previous year, partly due to the conversion of Inferred Mineral Resources, which
ended the year at 1.8 million ounces contained within 43 million tonnes at a grade of 1.29 g/t. Highlights of
the expanding mineral inventory, and the strategic initiatives leveraging their growth, include:
• Optimizing oxide mineral inventory at Sadiola: Allied is focused on optimizing the oxide mineral
inventory at Sadiola, aiming to enhance the mine's value by leveraging ongoing exploration
successes. This strategy is designed to optimize near -term cash flow and refine the capital
expenditure profile. Th e start of production from Diba, anticipated in the first half of 2024, will
introduce near-surface high-grade oxide ore into the processing mix, complementing the increased
rates of fresh ore feed. As of December 31, 2023, Allied has identified Proven and Probable Mineral
Reserves at Diba, totaling 280,000 ounces of gold contained within 6.1 million tonnes at a grade of
1.43 g/t. Additionally, the total Measured and Indicated Resource at Diba, inclusive of Mineral
Reserves, is now estimated at 377,000 ounces of gold contained within 8. 8 million tonnes at a
grade of 1.33 g/t. To further grow near -term oxide inventories and maximize near -term free cash
flow and operational flexibility , Allied has approved an $8 million 2024 exploration budget at
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Sadiola, in part, to support a 12,000 -meter drilling program aimed at extending these Mineral
Resources. Significant work programs are also being pursued at Se kekoto West , FE4 and S12
where results to date show the potential to add additional near -term high-grade oxide ore to the
mine plans. Sadiola maintains a world-class mineral inventory with nearly 7.4 million ounces of gold
in Mineral Reserves, contained in 15 6 million tonnes at a grade of 1.48 g/t . With the addition of
Diba helping to drive a 187% replacement of depletion during 2023, and additional near mine high-
grade oxide targets, the Company has increased flexibility for the execution of the phased
expansion, in particular allowing for an optimized allocation of capital and execution of phase 1,
which is now expected to be in production in early 2026.
• Extending mine life at Agbaou: The Company is focused on extending the life of its mines in Côte
d'Ivoire through strategic exploration and resource management, with new life-of-mine planning at
Agbaou supporting total gold production of over 465,000 ounces through 20 28 at a mine-site
AISC(1) below $1,450 per ounce versus the most recent life-of-mine estimate which saw mining
cease in mid-2026. The proposed pit stages for the improved life-of-mine are shown in Figure 1.
This outlook is supported by updated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of approximately 0.5
million ounces of gold contained within 7.9 million tonnes at a grade of 1. 84 g/t. This represents a
25% increase compared to the previous year and equates to a 2 29% replenishment of the year's
depletion. Notably, Measured and Indicated Resources, inclusive of Mineral Reserves, also
increased during the year to nearly 0.9 million ounces of gold contained in 13.3 million tonnes at a
grade of 1.99 g/t , up from 0. 6 million ounces. The Company is actively optimizing operations,
focusing on cost reduction while extending mine life and pursuing growth through the newly defined
Agbalé deposit. This deposit is planned for processing at Agbaou, as detailed in the following
section. The company has allocated $6 million to further advance exploration initiatives at Agbaou
in 2024.
Figure 1: Agbaou Proposed Pit Stages
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• Exploration upside at Bonikro : At Bonikro , ongoing drilling successes at Agbal é and Oum e
(formerly known as Dougbafla) have led to a 28% increase in Measured and Indicated Mineral
Resources, now totaling 1.4 million ounces of gold in 32.8 million tonnes at a grade of 1.32 g/t.
Despite a decrease in Mineral Reserves by 74,000 ounces to 0.6 million ounces contained in 13.7
million tonnes at a grade of 1.30 g/t, the Company managed to partially offset depletion given 2023
production of 99,409 ounces. This reflects the exploration strategy to increase total Mineral
Resources at Oume first to better define the orebody before stepping up infill -drilling. Exploration
drilling continues at Oume, including advanced resource drilling at Oume West and North.
Additionally, Allied is conducting resource drilling at Akissi -So and scout drilling at Agbalé in the
Hire area to expand the mineral inventory. As noted above, Agbalé ore is planned to be transported
to Agbaou due to its metallurgy and short haulage distances. These efforts are part of a broader
strategy to extend the strategic mine life in Côte d'Ivoire to over 10 years, aiming for annual
production of 180 -200,000 gold ounces at reduced costs . To support this aim, $ 10.5 million is
allocated for total exploration spending at Bonikro in 2024.
• Definition Drilling and Upside Potential at Kurmuk: Definition drilling at Kurmuk has resulted in
a 5% increase in Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves to 2.7 million gold ounces contained in
60.5 million tonnes at a grade of 1.41 g/t. Similarly, total Measured and Indicated Mineral
Resources increased to over 3.1 million ounces contained in 57.9 million tonnes at a grade of 1.68
g/t. These advancements, however, do not yet reflect the outcomes of in-pit Inferred Mineral
Resource conversion drilling and ongoing regional exploration efforts, which has continued to meet
with success and supports the broader strategy to extend the strategic mine life to at least 15 years.
Drilling efforts, as part of the $7.5 million 2024 exploration budget at Kurmuk, are concentrated on
near-mine targets around Dish Mountain and Ashashire, which are the initial open pits housing all
current Mineral Reserves. Additionally, drilling activities continue with several diamond drill rigs at
the Tsenge Prospect, defined by a 9km gold in soil and rock anomaly. Initial holes at Tsenge have
returned economic widths and grades of gold in drill core, indicating significant upside potential
which could potentially contribute to extend mine life and optimize short term production .
FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY
Allied is actively executing a select number of non-dilutive alternatives to enhance the company's financial
flexibility as it progresses with its growth initiatives, which include streams on producing assets and a gold
prepay facility. This strategic direction is prompted by the cur rent capital markets not fully capturing the
inherent value of the Company's assets, leading Allied to seek alternative sources of capital that offer low -
cost options with the added benefit of more accurately reflecting true value to market participants. Among
these initiatives, Allied is in advanced discussions to implement a stream for approximately $50 million on
non-core assets, with the competitive tension in the market supporting the potential to raise proceeds of
about $75-100 million from a small 0.75-1.00% stream on Sadiola. Additionally, the company aims to secure
at least $100 million in proceeds by late 2024 or early 2025 through a gold prepay facility, which not only
brings forward revenue but also includes a built -in gold price collar amidst favorable market rates, acting
as a hedge against gold price depreciation during the construction of Kurmuk. Furthermore, Allied has
completed negotiations and entered into a Revolving Credit Facility, which it does not expect to draw upon,
reinforcing its financial strategy to support growth while mitigating downside price risks.
The Company will release its fourth quarter and year-end 2023 operational and financial results after the
market closes on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Eastern Daylight Time (“EDT”). The Company will then host a
conference call and webcast to review the results on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. EDT.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Conference Call
Toll-free dial-in number (Canada/US): 1-800-898-3989
Local dial-in number: 416-406-0743
Toll Free (UK): 00-80042228835
Participant passcode: 5324345#
Webcast: https://alliedgold.com/investors/presentations
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Conference Call Replay
Toll-free dial-in number (Canada/US): 1-800-408-3053
Local dial-in number: 905-694-9451
Passcode: 6354190#
The conference call replay will be available from 12:00 p.m. EDT on March 26, 2024, until 11:59 p.m. EDT
on April 26, 2024.
Mineral Reserves at 31 December 2023
Mineral Property
Proven Mineral Reserves Probable Mineral Reserves Total Mineral Reserves
Tonnes
(kt)
Grade
(g/t)
Content
(koz)
Tonnes
(kt)
Grade
(g/t)
Content
(koz)
Tonnes
(kt)
Grade
(g/t)
Conten
t (koz)
Sadiola Mine 18,612 0.82 492 137,174 1.57 6,907 155,786 1.48 7,399
Kurmuk Project 21,864 1.51 1,063 38,670 1.35 1,678 60,534 1.41 2,742
Bonikro Mine 4,771 0.71 108 8,900 1.62 462 13,671 1.30 571
Agbaou Mine 1,815 2.01 117 6,092 1.79 351 7,907 1.84 469
Total Mineral Reserves 47,061 1.18 1,782 190,836 1.53 9,399 237,897 1.46 11,180
Notes:
• Mineral Reserves are stated effective as at December 31, 2023 and estimated in accordance with
CIM Standards and NI 43-101.
• Shown on a 100% basis.
• Reflects that portion of the Mineral Resource which can be economically extracted by open pit
methods.
• Considers the modifying factors and other parameters, including but not limited to the mining,
metallurgical, social, environmental, statutory and financial aspects of the project .
Sadiola Mine:
o Includes an allowance for mining dilution at 8% and ore loss at 3%
o A base gold price of US$1 ,500/oz was used for the pit optimization, with the selected pit
shells using values of US$1 ,320/oz (revenue factor 0.88) for Sadiola Main and
US$1,500/oz (revenue factor 1.00) for FE3, FE4, Diba, Tambali and Sekekoto.
o The cut-off grades used for Mineral Reserves reporting were informed by a US$1 ,500/oz
gold price and vary from 0.31 g/t to 0.73 g/t for different ore types due to differences in
recoveries, costs for ore processing and ore haulage.
Kurmuk Project:
o Includes an allowance for mining dilution at 18% and ore loss at 2%
o A base gold price of US$1 ,500/oz was used for the pit optimization, with the selected pit
shells using values of US$1 ,320/oz (revenue factor 0.88) for Ashashire and US$1 ,440/oz
(revenue factor 0.96) for Dish Mountain.
o The cut-off grades used for Mineral Reserves reporting were informed by a US$1 ,500/oz
gold price and vary from 0.30 g/t to 0.45 g/t for different ore types due to differences in
recoveries, costs for ore processing and ore haulage.
Bonikro Mine:
o Includes an allowance for mining dilution at 8% and ore loss at 5%
o A base gold price of $1,500/oz was used for the Mineral Reserves for the Bonikro pit:
▪ With the selected pit shell using a value of $1,388/oz (revenue factor 0.925).
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▪ Cut-off grades vary from 0.68 to 0.74 g/t Au for different ore types due to
differences in recoveries, costs for ore processing and ore haulage.
o A base gold price of $1,800/oz was used for the Mineral Reserves for the Agbalé pit:
▪ With the selected pit shell using a value of US$1,800/oz (revenue factor 1.00).
▪ Cut-off grades vary from 0.58 to 1.00 g/t Au for different ore types to the Agbaou
processing plant due to differences in recoveries, costs for ore processing and ore
haulage
Agbaou Mine:
o Includes an allowance for mining dilution at 26% and ore loss at 1%
o A base gold price of $1,500/oz was used for the Mineral Reserves for the:
▪ Pit designs (revenue factor 1.00) apart from North Gate (Stage 41) and South Sat
(Stage 215) pit designs which used a higher short term gold price of $1,800/oz and
account for 49 koz or 10% of the Mineral Reserves.
▪ Cut-off grades which range from 0.49 to 0.74 g/t for different ore types due to
differences in recoveries, costs for ore processing and ore haulage.
Mineral Resources at 31 December 2023
Mineral Property
Measured Mineral
Resources
Indicated Mineral Resources Total Measured and
Indicated Mineral Resources
Tonnes
(kt)
Grade
(g/t)
Conten
t (koz)
Tonnes
(kt)
Grade
(g/t)
Conten
t (koz)
Tonnes
(kt)
Grade
(g/t)
Conten
t (koz)
Sadiola Mine 20,079 0.86 557 205,952 1.53 10,101 226,031 1.47 10,659
Kurmuk Project 20,472 1.74 1,148 37,439 1.64 1,972 57,912 1.68 3,120
Bonikro Mine 7,033 0.98 222 25,793 1.41 1,171 32,826 1.32 1,393
Agbaou Mine 2,219 2.15 154 11,130 1.96 701 13,349 1.99 855
Total Mineral Resources 49,804 1.30 2,081 280,315 1.55 13,945 330,118 1.51 16,027
Inferred Mineral Resources at 31 December 2023
Mineral Property
Inferred Mineral Resources
Tonnes
(kt)
Grade
(g/t)
Conten
t (koz)
Sadiola Mine 16,177 1.12 581
Kurmuk Project 5,980 1.62 311
Bonikro Mine 19,588 1.30 816
Agbaou Mine 959 1.84 57
Total Mineral Resources 42,704 1.29 1,765
Notes:
• Mineral Resources are estimated in accordance with CIM Standards and NI 43-101.
• Shown on a 100% basis.
• Are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability.
• Are listed at 0.5 g/t Au cut -off grade, constrained within an US$1 ,800/oz pit shell and depleted to
31 December 2023.
• Rounding of numbers may lead to discrepancies when summing columns.
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Qualified Persons
Except as otherwise disclosed, all s cientific and technical information contained in this press release has
been reviewed and approved by Sébastien Bernier, P.Geo (Vice President, Technical Performance and
Compliance). Mr. Bernier is an employee of Allied and a "Qualified Person" as defined by Canadian
Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43 -101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI
43-101”).
About Allied Gold Corporation
Allied Gold is a Canadian -based gold producer with a significant growth profile and mineral endowment
which operates a portfolio of three producing assets and development projects located in Côte d'Ivoire,
Mali, and Ethiopia. Led by a team of mining executives with operational and development experience and
proven success in creating value, Allied Gold aspires to become a mid -tier next generation gold producer
in Africa and ultimately a leading senior global gold producer.
For further information, please contact:
Allied Gold Corporation
Royal Bank Plaza, North Tower
200 Bay Street, Suite 2200
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J3 Canada
Email: [email protected]
END NOTES
(1) This is a non-GAAP financial performance measure. Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Performance
Measures section at the end of this news release.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS
This press release contains “forward-looking information” including “future oriented financial information”
under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the
Company, information contained herein constitutes forward -looking information, including, but not limited
to, any information as to the Company’s str ategy, objectives, plans or future financial or operating
performance. Forward-looking statements are characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “budget” ,
“target”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words or negative versions
thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “should”, “would” or “could” occur. In
particular, forward-looking information included in this press release includes, without limitation, statements
with respect to:
• the Company’s expectations in connection with the production and exploration, development and
expansion plans at the Company’s projects discussed herein being met;
• the Company’s plans to continue building on its base of significant gold production, development -
stage properties, exploration properties and land positions in Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia
through optimization initiatives at existing operating mines, d evelopment of new mines, the
advancement of its exploration properties and, at times, by targeting other consolidation
opportunities with a primary focus in Africa;
• the Company’s expectations relating to the performance of its mineral properties;
• the estimation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources;
• the timing and amount of estimated future production;