K92 Mining Announces Q3 Production Results with Multiple Mill Throughput Records and First ORE Mined from the Twin Incline Area 2 Months Earlier Than Expected
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 Q3 PRODUCTION RESULTS WITH MULTIPLE MILL
THROUGHPUT RECORDS AND FIRST ORE MINED FROM THE TWIN INCLINE
AREA 2 MONTHS EARLIER THAN EXPECTED
• Quarterly production of 26,225 ounces gold equivalent (“AuEq”)(1) or 22,227 oz gold,
1,784,009 lbs copper and 40,233 oz silver, and quarterly sales of 18,339 oz gold,
1,255,291 lbs copper and 30,484 oz silver. Production for the quarter was impacted
from the safety incident on June 28 (see June 28, 2023 and July 6, 2023 press releases),
that resulted in the suspension of underground mining for 9 days which delayed high-
grade stoping tonnes originally scheduled in September to Q4, and scheduled
maintenance of the process plant for 4.5 days in mid-July. Q4 production is expected
to be the strongest for the year driven by a higher grade mining sequence.
• First ore tonnes mined from the twin incline area, 2 months earlier than expected, in
the second half of September, when thick Judd mineralization was encountered while
developing the first waste pass access drive, in an area sparsely drilled and previously
interpreted to be waste (see Fig 6-7). Two ore drives on the 840 Level have advanced
~7 metres to the south and north, with multiple high grade faces from channel
samples recorded including: Southern Drive – 4.6 m at 14.89 g/t AuEq and 6.8 m at
11.77 g/t AuEq, and; Northern Drive – 4.3 m at 7.19 g/t AuEq (2). Targeted diamond
drilling of this area will commenc e shortly, and mining Kora via the twin incline is
planned to commence in December. We anticipate a strong boost to mine flexibility
and productivity as this second mining front is developed.
• Multiple processing throughput records set in Q3, including a new monthly record in
September averaging 1,542 tonnes per day (“tpd”) and a new daily record on
September 28 of 1,86 7 tpd(3), representing rates that are 13% and 36% above the
Stage 2A Expansion annual average run-rate of 1,370 tpd , respectively. Subsequent
to quarter end, several new daily records of 1,902, 1,921 and 2,027 tonnes processed(3)
were achieved on October 6, 8 and 10 , respectively (see Fig 2) . Quarterly ore
processed was 121,201 tonnes or an average of 1,317 tpd.
• During the quarter , long hole open stoping performed to design . The average mill
head grade in Q3 was 7.32 g/t AuEq or 6.20 g/t gold, 0.72% copper and 12.84 g/t silver,
with processing of significantly more than budgeted lower grade stockpiles,
particularly following the safety incident on June 28 reducing head grade. Recoveries
for the quarter were 92.0% for gold and 93.0% for copper.
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Note (1): Gold equivalent for Q 3 2023 is calculated based on: gold $1,928 per ounce;
silver $23.57 per ounce; and copper $3.79 per pound.
Note (2): Gold equivalent (AuEq) exploration results are calculated using longer -term
commodity prices with a copper price of US$3.75 per pound, a silver price of US$20 per
ounce and a gold price of US$1,600 per ounce.
Note (3): Daily tonnes processed records achieved on days with 23 to 23.6 hours of plant
operation. 2023 budget annual average plant availability is 94.2%.
Vancouver, British Columbia, October 12, 2023 - K92 Mining Inc. (“K92” or the “Company”)
(TSX: KNT; OTCQX: KNTNF) announces production results for the third quarter (“Q3”) of
2023 at its Kainantu Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea, of 26,225 oz AuEq or 22,227 oz gold,
1,784,009 lbs copper and 40,233 oz silver. Sales during the quarter were 18,339 oz gold, 1,255,291
lbs copper and 30,484 oz silver.
Production for the quarter was impacted from the safety incident on June 28 ( see June 28, 2023
press release - K92 Mining Reports Mine Accident Resulting in Two Fatalities and July 6, 2023
press release – K92 Mining Resumes Mining Operations at Kainantu Gold Mine), which resulted
in the suspension of underground mining for 9 days, delaying high-grade stoping tonnes that was
originally sequenced to be mined in September, to Q4, and scheduled maintenance of the process
plant for 4.5 days in mid-July. Fourth quarter production is expected to be the strongest for the
year, driven by a higher grade stoping and ore development mining sequence.
K92 is pleased to announce that in the second half of September, the first ore tonnes were mined
from the twin incline, approximately 2 months earlier than expected , after thick Judd
mineralization was encountered while developing the first waste pass access drive , in an area
sparsely drilled and previously interpreted to be waste. Two ore drives advanced ~7 metres to the
south and north, with multiple high -grade faces from channel samples recorded , including:
Southern Drive – 4.6 m at 14.89 g/t AuEq (7.16 g/t Au, 161 g/t Ag, 3.56% Cu) and 6.8 m at 11.77
g/t AuEq (6.53 g/t Au, 2.35% Cu, 117 g/t Ag), and; Northern Drive – 4.3 m at 7.19 g/t AuEq (2.77
g/t Au, 2.25% Cu, 64 g/t Ag) (see figures 6-7). A diamond drill rig is planned to commence drilling
shortly in this area to assess its potential and to determine which Judd vein the drive corresponds
to (i.e. J1, J2 or potentially a splay of the J1 vein). Mining of Kora via the twin incline is expected
to commence in December , and as this second mining front is developed, we anticipate a strong
boost to mine flexibility and productivity , leveraging the large and highly efficient twin incline
infrastructure.
During the quarter, the process plant set multiple daily processing throughput records, including a
new monthly record in September of 1,542 tpd and a new daily record on September 28 of 1,867
tonnes processed(3), representing rates that are 13% and 36% above the Stage 2A Expansion annual
average run-rate of 1,370 tpd, respectively. Subsequent to quarter end, new daily records of 1,902,
1,921 and 2,027 tonnes processed (3) were achieved on October 6, 8 and 10, respectively ,
highlighting the significant throughput potential of the Stage 2A process plant (see figure 2).
Quarterly ore processed was 121,201 tonnes , or an average of 1,317 tpd, which is the second
highest on record, even with the 4.5 days of shutdown due to scheduled mill maintenance in mid-
July.
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Following the commissioning of the Stage 2A Plant Expansion in May , the process plant has
continued to record a significant increase in metallurgical recoveries for gold and copper.
Recoveries for Q3 averaged 92.0% for gold and 93.0% for copper, significantly higher than the
2022 average of 90.4% for gold and 90.5% for copper. In the month of September, a new recovery
record of 93.7% for copper was achieved. Optimization efforts are ongoing, including to increase
throughput that we believe has the potential to be materially greater than its nameplate design, as
shown in the paragraph above.
In the third quarter, the mine delivered yet another material movement record despite operations
being impacted in July due to the safety incident , with 124,236 tonnes of ore mined and 305,506
tonnes of total material mined (ore plus waste). During the quarter, 11 levels were mined, and the
mill head grade averaged 7.32 g/t AuEq or 6.20 g/t gold, 0.72% copper and 12.84 g/t silver, head
grade was impacted by significantly more than budgeted processing of lower grade stockpiles
following the safety incident on June 28, that suspended mining operations for 9 days. Mining on
Kora was conducted on the 1110, 1130, 1150, 1170, 1185, 1265, 1285, 1305 and 1325 levels, and
Judd on the 840, 1225, 1285, 1305 and 1325 levels.
Overall mine development totaled 2,227 metres, an increase of 18% from Q3 2022, and significant
advancement of the twin incline in Q3, with incline #2 (6m x 6.5m) advanced to 2,639 metres and
#3 (5m x 5.5m) advanced to 2,660 metres as of September 30, 2023. The twin incline is over 90%
complete.
See Figure 1: Quarterly Total Ore Processed, Development Metres Advanced and Total Mined
Material Chart
See Figure 2: Process Plant Throughput Performance and Daily Records
See Figure 3: Overview of Mine Infrastructure Upgrades
See Figure 4: Comparison of 800 Portal Incline and Twin Incline Infrastructure
See Figure 5: Mining Front Location Longsection
See Figure 6: Long Section with Judd 840 Level Development Location
See Figure 7: Judd 840 Level Southern Drive
Table 1 – Q3 2023 & 2022 Annual Production Data
Q3 2022 Q4 2022 2022 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023
Tonnes Processed T 117,938 121,686 448,087 117,903 112,471 121,201
Feed Grade Au g/t 8.7 8.8 8.3 5.2 8.2 6.2
Feed Grade Cu % 0.72% 0.74% 0.70% 0.70% 0.66% 0.72%
Recovery (%) Au % 88.9% 91.2% 90.4% 89.1% 92.4% 92.0%
Recovery (%) Cu % 88.4% 91.8% 90.5% 91.3% 92.8% 93.0%
Metal in Conc & Dore Prod Au Oz 29,256 31,204 107,546 17,593 27,405 22,227
Metal in Conc Prod Cu T 756 829 2,834 749 692 809
Metal in Conc Prod Ag Oz 32,161 40,517 126,043 29,891 34,001 40,233
Gold Equivalent Production Oz 32,995 35,538 122,806 21,488 30,794 26,225
Note – Gold equivalent for Q3 2023 is calculated based on:
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gold $1,928 per ounce; silver $23.57 per ounce; and copper $3.79 per pound.
Gold equivalent for Q2 2023 is calculated based on:
gold $1,976 per ounce; silver $24.13 per ounce; and copper $3.85 per pound.
Gold equivalent for Q1 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 $1,793 per ounce; silver $22 per ounce; and copper $3.95 per pound.
Gold equivalent for Q4 2022 is calculated based on:
gold $1,728 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 ounce; and copper $3.51 per pound.
Operational Guidance
As a result of the unexpectedly challenging first quarter and the impacts of the safety incident on
June 28, 2023, the Company is updating its production guidance to 111,000 to 116,000 oz AuEq
(originally 120,000 to 140,000 oz). Cash cost and all -in sustaining cost guidance remains
unchanged at $620 to $680 per ounce gold and all-in sustaining costs at $1,180 to $1,300 per ounce
gold. Exploration, driven by the very promising results to date from our vein and porphyry drill
programs has been increased to $20 million (originally $13 million to $16 million).
Looking ahead, we see multiple positive near-term outcomes, including:
i) Strong production forecasted for Q4, expected to be the strongest of the year, driven by
the mining sequence delivering higher grades.
ii) Demonstrated additional process plant throughput capacity following the Stage 2A
Expansion, with September monthly throughput exceeding the annual run-rate average
throughput of 1,370 tpd, by 13%, and multiple daily records set in late-September and
early-October of between 1,867 to 2,027 tonnes processed(3).
iii) Transformation of u nderground mine productivity underway, driven by significant
investment in mine infrastructure (see figures 3-4), including:
a. Twin incline (>90% complete; completion targeting year-end 2023).
b. Ore and waste pass system connecting the main mine with the twin incline
(targeting completion Q3 2024).
c. Puma vent incline (targeting completion mid-2024).
d. Interim vent fan upgrade to increase main mine flowrates by 30% (targeting
completion year-end 2023).
e. Stage 3 internal vent rise upgrade (targeting completion mid-2024).
iv) Significant boost to mine flexibility and production potential through tripling the
number of mining fronts in 2024 (from one currently at Kora and Judd in the main mine
area), with the twin incline mining front, supported by large and highly -productive
infrastructure beginning to come online in Q4 2023 , followed by mining between the
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twin incline and main mine area in 2024 (see figure 5). These mining fronts will be
supported by significantly upgraded infrastructure as noted above.
v) Significant focus on reso urce growth and expansion from vein field and porphyry
exploration, including an expanded exploration program in 2023 ( increased to $20
million from $13 million to $16 million).
John Lewins, K92 Chief Executive Officer and Director, stated, “Having just completed a site visit
at the Kainantu Gold Mine a few days ago, there is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm within the
Company for the near, medium and long -term, while certainly taking on board lessons learned
from the first nine months of 2023 to make the operation stronger going forward.
On production, we expect the fourth quarter to be the strongest of the year , benefitting from a
higher grade stoping sequence. Going forward, a major positive is the significant demonstrated
available capacity of the process plant, which continues to exceed expectations and has provided
the Company with considerable optionality. In September, the mill set a new monthly throughput
record 13% greater than the 1,370 tpd annual average throughput (500,000 tpa), and recently the
mill delivered a flurry of new daily records including 2,027 tonnes processed(3) on October 10.
Progressively over the next 12 months, the infrastructure upgrades made to the underground mine
are expected to be transformational, providing a significant boost to mine flexibility and
productivity, which in conjunction with a tripling of mining fronts in 2024 , is projected to
materially boost the production capacity of the underground mine. The Stage 3 Expansion surface
infrastructure upgrades including the new standalone 1.2 mtpa process plant, in conjunction with
the underground infrastructure upgrades, over the next 18 months, are expected to fundamentally
transform the business into a high -grade, low-cost Tier 1 producer as outlined in the Integrated
Development Plan (“IDP”, see September 12, 2022 press release). Importantly, the growth capital
as outlined in the IDP is fully funded after announcing the $100 million senior secured loan (see
September 26, 2023 press release).
Given K92’s strong liquidity position for the Stage 3 and 4 Expansions and the positive reported
exploration results to date, we are pleased to be increasing our exploration expenditures for 2023
to $20 million from $13 to $16 million originally planned. Exploration is significantly progressing
at both our vein and porphyry targets, and in addition to progressing our existing programs, we
expect to expand the number of high-priority targets drilled concurrently in the near-term.”
Face Sampling Methodology, QA/QC and Qualified Person
Face channel samples under geological control, were taken across the full face of both the exposed
lode system and any waste rock, with sample intervals ranging from 0.1 to 1m in width depending
on the geologist’s interpretation. Two samples were taken per interval at waist and knee height
and the corresponding widths recorded. Sample lengths are <1.5m, with samples approximately
3.5 kg in size. Samples were separately assayed for gold, copper and silver, and the results
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averaged out using length weighting and channel orientation before entry into the database. K92’s
procedure includes the insertion standards, blanks and duplicates for the face sampling. Gold
assays are by the fire assay method. Copper and silver assays are by three -acid-digestion method
(nitric, perchloric & hydrochloric mix).
K92 maintains an industry-standard analytical quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) and
data verification program to monitor laboratory performance and ensure high quality assays.
Results from this program confirm reliability of the assay results. All sampling and analytical work
for the mine exploration program is performed by Intertek Testing Services (PNG) LTD, an
independent accredited laboratory that is located on site. External check assays for QA/QC
purposes are performed at SGS Australia Pty Ltd in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
The analytical QA/QC program is currently overseen by Andrew Kohler, PGeo, Mine Geology
Manager and Mine Exploration Manager for K92. Andrew Kohler, 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.
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 Feb ruary 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 of 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, including: expected gold, silver
and copper production and the Stage 3 Expansion and Stage 4 Expansion. Estimates of mineral reserves
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 are forward -looking statements.
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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 and 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 beyond 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 f orward-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 currency 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 accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the
Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availabil ity 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 t o 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 laws 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 f uture 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 a ctual 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 results 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
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 a s 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