K92 Mining Announces Q1 Production Results, Achieving Record Development and Monthly & Daily Mill Tonnes Processed
Suite 488 - 1090 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6E 3V7
Telephone: +1 (604) 416-4445
Facsimile: +1 (604) 608-9110
www.k92mining.com
NEWS RELEASE
K92 MINING ANNOUNCES Q1 PRODUCTION RESULTS, ACHIEVING RECORD
DEVELOPMENT AND MONTHLY & DAILY MILL TONNES PROCESSED
• Quarterly ore processed of 117,903 tonnes or 1,310 tpd (“tonnes per day”), our third
highest on record, even after encounter ing 8 days of unplanned process plant
downtime as previously reported.
• Record monthly mill average daily throughput achieved in March of 1,490 tpd, 9%
above the Stage 2A Expansion run-rate of 1,370 tpd, plus multiple new daily records
set during the quarter, with the highest mill tonnes processed to date being 1,815
tonnes on March 11 . Importantly, these records have been achieved prior to
commissioning of the final major Stage 2A Expansion plant upgrade, the flotation
expansion, planned for commissioning in Q2 2023.
• Head grade during the quarter of 5.21 g/t gold, 0. 70% copper and 10.14 g/t silver
(6.35 g/t gold equivalent (“ AuEq”)) with metallurgical recoveries for gold of 89.1%
and copper of 9 1.3%. As previously reported, h ead grade was notably impacted by
underground mining encountering an area with more challenging ground conditions
than expected, impacting production stoping rat es and access to higher grade
material. Generally, mill feed would be supplemented by mining from additional
mining fronts in these situation s; h owever, due to development rates being below
budget for several quarters during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the alternative
mining areas were not yet developed, therefore supplementing from the low grade
stockpile was required. We expect a moderate impact from this in Q2, with the second
half of 2023 being our strongest for production driven by a significant increase in our
operational flexibility and stope sequencing, and 2023 production in the bottom half
of the guidance range.
• Quarterly production of 21,488 oz AuEq(1) or 17,593 oz gold, 1,651,297 lbs copper and
29,891 oz silver and quarterly sales of 17,602 oz gold, 1,538,590 lbs copper and 29,164
oz silver.
• Record overall mine development of 2,278 m, an increase of 48% from Q1 2022, and
significant advancement of the twin incline in Q 1, with incline #2 (6m x 6 .5m)
advanced to 2,172 metres and #3 (5m x 5.5m) advanced to 2,230 metres as of March
31, 2023. Twin incline advance in Q1 was 22% ahead of budget.
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Note (1): Gold equivalent for Q 1 2023 is calculated based on: gold $1,890 per ounce;
silver $22.55 per ounce; and copper $4.05 per pound.
Vancouver, British Columbia, April 6, 2023 - K92 Mining Inc . (“K92” or the “ Company”)
(TSX: KNT; OTCQX: KNTNF) announces production results for the first quarter (“Q1”) of 2023
at its Kainantu Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea, of 21,488 oz AuEq or 17,593 oz gold, 1,651,297
lbs copper and 29,891 oz silver. Sales during the first quarter were 17,602 oz gold, 1,538,590 lbs
copper and 29,164 oz silver.
During the first quarter, the process plant delivered a strong quarterly ore processing rate of
117,903 tonnes or 1 ,310 tpd, our third highest quarter on record despite experiencing 8 days of
combined unplanned maintenance. The unplanned plant maintenance occurred in February due to
a mill trunnion bearing failure (2 days downtime) and a limited electrical fire in a cable tray, which
damaged a number of cables feeding the wet section of the process plant (6 days downtime) (see
February 27, 2023 press release).
After completion of the unplanned maintenance in February, the process plant performed very
strongly, setting a new monthly ore processed record of 1,490 tpd in March which is 9% greater
than the Stage 2A Expansion design throughput of 1,370 tpd. Additionally, multiple new daily
throughput records were achieved during the quarter including 1,726 tonnes processed on February
26, 1,773 tonnes processed on February 28, 1,802 tonnes processed on March 3 and 1,815 tonnes
processed on March 11. Importantly these records were achieved prior to the final major upgrade
to the Stage 2A Expansion process plant, the flotation expansion to double rougher capacity, which
is planned for commissioning in Q2 and is expected to provide a boost to metallurgical recoveries
and flexibility to potentially increase throughput further.
Mine performance during the first quarter recorded 117,865 tonnes of ore mined, an 18% increase
from Q1 2022, and delivered a total material mined (ore plus waste) of 2 77,534 tonnes mined,
representing an increase of 33% from Q1 2022. During the quarter, operations focused on Kora’s
K1 and K2 veins, and Judd’s J1 Vein for a total of 8 levels mined. Mining on Kora was conducted
on the 1130, 1150, 1170, 1205, 1265 and 1285 levels, and Judd on the 1285 and 1305 levels.
The operation delivered head grades of 5.21 g/t gold, 0.70% copper and 10.14 g/t silver (6.35 g/t
AuEq) in Q1. Metallurgical recoveries averaged 89.1% for gold and 91.3% for copper during the
quarter, with recoveries expected to improve upon the commissioning of the flotation expansion
planned in Q2 2023. Head grade was notably impacted, during the second half of the quarter, when
underground mining encountered an area with more challenging ground conditions than expected,
associated with where the K1 and K2 veins almost converge, which impacted our production
stoping rates and access to higher grad e ore. Generally, in this situatio n, mill feed would be
supplemented by mining from additional mining fronts as we mine through the impacted area more
slowly. However, due to development rates being below budget for several quarters during the
COVID-19 pandemic, many of the alternative min ing areas were not yet developed, therefore
supplementing from our low-grade stockpile was required (see March 30, 2023 press release, and
see Figure 1).
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Operationally, as previously disclosed, we expect Q2 production to be moderately below budget,
with the second half of 2023 being our strongest in terms of production and 2023 production being
within the bottom half of the guidance range (see March 30, 2023 press release).
The anticipated strength of the second half of 2023 is driven by an expected significant increase
to our operational flexibility and stope sequencing. In terms of operational flexibility, it is
important to highlight the following positive trends:
• Significant increase in development achieved over the last two quarters: Q1 2023 and
Q4 2022 both set new quarterly records for development, of 2,278 m and 2,221 m,
respectively. Development for both quarters was also significantly greater than prior
quarters, with Q1 202 3 development increasing 48% compared to Q1 2022. Strong
development rates is a positive leading indicator for operational flexibility, and we note
that there are two new sublevels currently being established.
• Multiple equipment recently arrived on site: Recent arrivals include a new loader in Q4
2022, and in Q1 2023 a new jumbo, loader, two integrated tool carriers, Normet explosive
charging machine, cement agitator truck and very recently a new long hole drill rig. The
arrival of the long hole rig is particularly important as it now doubles our long hole drill
fleet, which is expected to drive a notable increase in our drilled stocks (stopes drilled and
available for immediate blasting, including more stopes available as “backups” to
supplement mill feed if required). The majority of this equipment was originally scheduled
to arrive in 2022 and in certain cases was considerably delayed due to the global supply
chain. The arrivals of equipment are to both replace existing equipment and expand the
fleet. During the remainder of the first half of 2023, two underground trucks and one jumbo
are also scheduled for delivery.
• Entirely new mining front to be established in H2 2023: During the second half of the
year, we will be accessing the ore body at depth from the twin incline, opening up an
entirely new mining front that is serviced by our large and highly productive twin incline
infrastructure. As of March 31, 2023, incline #2 (6m x 6.5m) advanced to 2,172 metres and
#3 (5m x 5.5m) advanced to 2,230 metres, with development advance during Q1 2023 22%
ahead of budget.
See Figure 1: Quarterly Total Ore Processed, Development Metres Advanced and Total Mined
Material Chart
See Figure 2: Daily Ore Processed Records Chart
COVID-19 Operational Resiliency
The Kainantu Gold Mine operates under a comprehensive COVID -19 Management Plan that has
continuously operated during the pandemic. A considerable focus is on health and safety and risk-
mitigation. Under the COVID -19 Management Plan, K92 has established a G overnment-
recognized testing lab facility utilizing qualified medical personnel on site, set up quarantine and
isolation facilities for incoming staff (currently not in use), and implemented enhanced hygiene,
disinfecting and training systems and procedure s. A focus has been towards supporting
Government efforts at a national, provincial and local level through the 1.5 million PGK (Papua
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New Guinea Kina) COVID -19 Assistance Fund, and a further 1.0 million PGK of additional
assistance funding to Eastern Highlands Province.
In addition to our various control measures, K92 continues to make considerable progress
increasing resiliency through vaccinations of our expatriate and PNG national workforce, with
vaccinations continuing to be administered on site. Over 75% of our workforce (employees and
contractors) have received at least one vaccine dose. The Company is in close communications
with the provincial and national health authorities of Papua New Guinea and the Government of
Australia in addition to the Pap ua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum to deliver an
effective pandemic response.
Table 1 – Q1 2023 & 2022 Annual Production Data
Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2022 Q4 2022 2022 Q1 2023
Tonnes Processed T 99,611 108,853 117,938 121,686 448,087 117,903
Feed Grade Au g/t 8.3 7.2 8.7 8.8 8.3 5.2
Feed Grade Cu % 0.76% 0.56% 0.72% 0.74% 0.70% 0.70%
Recovery (%) Au % 90.9% 91.0% 88.9% 91.2% 90.4% 89.1%
Recovery (%) Cu % 91.1% 90.9% 88.4% 91.8% 90.5% 91.3%
Metal in Conc & Dore Prod Au Oz 24,152 22,934 29,256 31,204 107,546 17,593
Metal in Conc Prod Cu T 692 558 756 829 2,834 749
Metal in Conc Prod Ag Oz 28,142 25,224 32,161 40,517 126,043 29,859
Gold Equivalent Production Oz 28,188 26,085 32,995 35,538 122,806 21,488
Note - Gold equivalent for Q 1 2023 is calculated based on: gold $1,890 per ounce; silver $22.55 per ounce; and
copper $4.05 per pound. Gold equivalent for 2022 is calculated based on: gold $1,7 93 per ounce; silver $2 2 per
ounce; and copper $3. 95 per pound. Gold equivalent for Q 4 2022 is calculated based on: gold $1,7 28 per ounce;
silver $21 per ounce; and copper $3.63 per pound. Gold equivalent for Q3 2022 is calculated based on: gold $1,730
per ounce; silver $19 per o unce; and copper $3.51 per pound. Gold equivalent for Q2 2022 is calculated based on:
gold $1,870 per ounce; silver $23 per ounce; and copper $4.32 per pound. Gold equivalent for Q1 2022 is calculated
based on: gold $1,879 per ounce; silver $24 per ounce; and copper $4.53 per pound.
John Lewins, K92 Chief Executive Officer and Director, stated, “While the first quarter was more
challenging than expected, there were many positives that we can build on for the operation going
forward.
Firstly, the performance of the process plant was very strong, setting a new monthly ore processed
record in March of 1,490 tpd, 9% greater than the Stage 2A Expansion Rate. Multiple new daily
records were also set during the quarter, with the latest record now standing at 1,815 ore tonnes
processed on Ma rch 11 th. Importantly, this strong performance has been achieved prior to the
commissioning of the flotation expansion for the Stage 2A Expansion that is planned for Q2 and
is expected to provide a boost to metallurgical recoveries and flexibility to potentially increase
throughput further.
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On the underground mine, we see operational flexibility significantly improving over the coming
weeks and months, driven by our recent record development advance rates, multiple key pieces of
equipment now on site, and, a new mining front at depth in H2 serviced by our twin incline that is
significantly oversized for not just the Stage 2A Expansion (500,000 tpa) throughput rate but also
Stage 4 (1.7 mtpa).
And lastly, we are very excited about our exploration plans for 2023. In Q1, exploration continued
to expand the drilled deposit exten ts at our Kora -Kora South and Judd -Judd South vein system
(see February 21, 2023 press release), and porphyry drilling also recently commenced on A1, our
top copper-gold porphyry target.”
Qualified Person
K92 Mine Geology Manager and Mine Exploration Manager, Andrew Kohler, PGeo, a qualified
person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects, has reviewed and is responsible for the technical content of this news release.
Data verification by M r. Kohler includes significant time onsite reviewing drill core, face
sampling, underground workings, and discussing work programs and results with geology and
mining personnel.
About K92
K92 Mining Inc. is engaged in the production of gold, copper and silver at the Kainantu Gold Mine
in the Eastern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, as well as exploration and development
of mineral deposits in the immediate vicinity of the mine. The Company declared commercial
production from Kainantu in February 2018 , is in a strong financial position. A maiden resource
estimate on the Blue Lake porphyry project was completed in August 2022. K92 is operated by a
team of mining company professionals with extensive international mine-building and operational
experience.
On Behalf of the Company,
John Lewins, Chief Executive Officer and Director
For further information, please contact David Medilek, P.Eng., CFA, President at +1-604-416-4445
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD -LOOKING INFORMATION: This news
release includes certain “forward -looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian
securities legislation (“forward -looking statements”), including, but not limited to, the impact of global
supply chain and financial market disruptions; projections of future financial and operational
performance; statements with respect to future events or future performance; production estimates;
anticipated operating and production costs and revenue; estimates of capital expenditures; future demand
for and prices o f commodities and currencies; estimated mine life of our mine; estimated closure and
reclamation costs and statements regarding anticipated exploration, development, construction,
production, permitting and other activities on the Company’s properties, inc luding: expected gold, silver
and copper production and the Stage 3 Expansion and Stage 4 Expansion. Estimates of mineral reserves
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and mineral resources are also forward -looking statements because they constitute projections, based on
certain estimates and assumptions, regarding the amount of minerals that may be encountered in the future
and/or the anticipated economics of production. All statements in this Annual Information Form that
address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future ar e forward -looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not
always, identified by words such as “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “project”, “target”, “potential”,
“schedule”, “forecast”, “budget”, “estimate”, “intend” or “believe” and similar expressions or their
negative connotations, or that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could”, “should” or
“might” occur. All such forward -looking statements are based on the opinions a nd estimates of
management as of the date such statements are made.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject
to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are be yond our ability to
control, that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by such forward -looking information. Such factors include,
without limitation, Public Health Crises, including the COVID-19 Pandemic; changes in the price of gold,
silver, copper and other metals in the world markets; fluctuations in the price and availability of
infrastructure and energy and other commodities; fluctuations in foreign curre ncy exchange rates;
volatility in price of our common shares; inherent risks associated with the mining industry, including
problems related to weather and climate in remote areas in which certain of the Company’s operations are
located; failure to achieve production, cost and other estimates; risks and uncertainties associated with
exploration and development; uncertainties relating to estimates of mineral resources including
uncertainty that mineral resources may never be converted into mineral reserves; the Company’s ability to
carry on current and future operations, including development and exploration activities; the timing, extent,
duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified
thereby; the a ccuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the
Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of
inputs; the availability and costs of achieving the Stage 3 Expansion or the Stage 4 Expansion; the ability
of the Company to achieve the inputs the price and market for outputs, including gold, silver and copper;
inability of the Company to identify appropriate acquisition targets or complete desirable acquisitions ;
failures of information systems or information security threats; political, economic and other risks
associated with the Company’s foreign operations; geopolitical events and other uncertainties, such as the
conflict in Ukraine; compliance with various l aws and regulatory requirements to which the Company is
subject to, including taxation; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required;
the current and future social, economic and political conditions, including relationship with the
communities in Papua New Guinea and other jurisdictions it operates; other assumptions and factors
generally associated with the mining industry; and the risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to in
the Company’s Annual Information Form under the heading “Risk Factors”.
Estimates of mineral resources are also forward -looking statements because they constitute projections,
based on certain estimates and assumptions, regarding the amount of minerals that may be encountered in
the future and/or the anticipated economics of production. The estimation of mineral resources and mineral
reserves is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral
resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any
such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and
judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation , Forward-looking statements are not a
guarantee of future performance, and actual results and future events could materially differ from those
anticipated in such statements. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward -looking statements, there may be
other factors that cause actual result s to differ materially from those that are anticipated, estimated, or
intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and
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future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should
not place undue reliance on forward -looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward -looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Figure 1: Quarterly Total Ore Processed, Development Metres Advanced and Total Mined Material Chart