K92 Mining Announces Strong Q3 Production Results, Achieving Record MINE and Mill Throughput
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 STRONG Q3 PRODUCTION RESULTS, ACHIEVING
RECORD MINE AND MILL THROUGHPUT
• Strong quarterly production , the second highest on record, of 32,995 oz of gold
equivalent (“AuEq”) (1) or 29,256 oz gold, 1, 666,076 lbs copper and 32,161 oz silver
and quarterly sales of 25,297 oz gold, 1,551,981 lbs copper and 28,396 oz silver.
• Record quarterly plant throughput of 117,938 tonnes processed or 1,282 tpd (“tonnes
per day”), significantly exceeding Stage 2 Expansion run-rate (1,100 tpd) and a 35%
increase from Q3 2021. Head grade during the quarter of 8.67 g/t gold, 0.72% copper
and 11.53 g/t silver (9.81 g/t AuEq), with gold grades exceeding budget by 3%.
• Record mine production, with 122,035 tonnes ore mined during the quarter, or 1,326
tpd, an increase of 37% from Q3 2021. With the mine outperforming the mill, a s at
September 30, 2022, the mill stockpile reached its highest level at quarter end since
late-2020.
• Record daily mill tonnes processed achieved on July 14, of 1,642 tonnes and record
monthly average mill throughput achieved in August of 1,373 tpd, exceeding Stage
2A Expansion run-rate of 1,370 tpd. Importantly, the records were achieved prior to
commissioning of a major Stage 2A Expansion plant upgrade, the flotation expansion,
with commissioning planned for late-Q4 2022/early Q1 2023.
• Significant advancement of the twin incline in Q 3, with inclin e #2 (6m x 6 .5m)
advanced to 1,543 metres and #3 (5m x 5 .5m) advanced to 1,581 metres as of
September 30, 2022. Overall mine development was 1,887 m, an increase of 19% from
Q3 2021 and second highest on record.
Note (1): Gold equivalent for Q3 2022 is based on the London Metal Exchange quarterly
spot average price: gold $ 1,730 per ounce; silver $19 per ounce; and copper $ 3.51 per
pound.
Vancouver, British Columbia, October 6, 2022 - K92 Mining Inc. (“K92” or the “Company”)
(TSX: KNT; OTCQX: KNTNF) announces production results for the third quarter (“Q3”) of
2022 at its Kainantu Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea , of 32,995 oz AuEq or 29,256 oz gold,
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1,666,076 lbs copper and 32,161 oz silver. Sales during the third quarter were 25,297 oz gold,
1,551,981 lbs copper and 28,396 oz silver.
During the third quarter, the process plant delivered record quarterly throughput of 117,938 tonnes
processed or 1,282 tpd, an increase of 35% from Q3 2021 and 17% greater than the Stage 2
Expansion run-rate of 1,100 tpd. Importantly, in August, the process plant achieved record monthly
throughput of 1,373 tpd, reaching the Stage 2A Expansion run-rate of 1,370 tpd. September
throughput was also strong, averaging 1,336 tpd. The strong throughput is especially significant
as the Stage 2A Expansion plant upgrades are not yet complete, with the flotation expansion that
will double rougher capacity expected to be commissioned in late-Q4 2022/early-Q1 2023.
The flotation expansion is expected to provide a boost to metallurgical recoveries and provide
flexibility to potentially increase throughput further and beyond the Stage 2A design -run rate
(500,000 tpa / 1,370 tpd). The additional flotation tanks are expected to be commissioned in late-
Q4 2022/early Q1 2023 . The new filter press and TC -1000 secondary/tertiary crusher for Stage
2A are installed and operational.
Mine performance achieved a quarterly record of 122,035 tonnes of ore mined; an increase of 37%
from Q3 2021. Total material mined (ore plus waste) also delivered a record, with 223,472 tonnes
mined, increasing 30% from Q3 2021. During the quarter, long hole stoping continued to perform
to the design, with operations focused on Kora’s K1 and K2 veins, and Judd’s J1 Vein for a total
of 10 levels mined. Mining on Kora was conducted on the 1150, 1170, 1225, 1245, 1265 and 1285
levels, and Judd on the 1235, 1265, 1285 and 1305 levels. Mining exceeded processing rates,
resulting in the largest mill stockpile at quarter-end since late 2020.
The operation delivered head grades of 8.67 g/t gold, 0.72% copper and 11.53 g/t silver (9.81 g/t
AuEq) in Q3, with gold grades 3% higher than budget. Metallurgical recoveries averaged 88.9%
for gold and 88.4% for copper during the quarter , with recoveries expected to improve upon the
commissioning of the flotation expansion in late-Q4 2022/early-2023.
Twin incline development made significant progress, advancing 33% above budget during Q3. As
of September 30, 2022, incline #2 (6m x 6.5m) advanced to 1,543 metres and #3 (5m x 5.5m)
advanced to 1,581 metres. Year -to-date, twin incline development has advanced 36% above
budget. Overall, mine development performed well, advancing 1,887 metres in Q3 (including the
twin incline), a 19% increase from Q3 2021, and the second highest quarter on record.
The solid results year-to-date, and a strong throughput and higher grade stoping sequence planned
for 4Q 2022, well positions Kainantu to achieve its 2022 production guidance of 115,000 to
140,000 oz AuEq.
See Figure 1: Quarterly Total Mill Throughput, Development Metres Advanced and Total Mined
Material Chart
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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 C OVID-19 Management Plan, K92 has: established a Government -
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 procedures. A focus has been supporting Government efforts
at a national, provincial and local level through the 1.5 million PGK (Papua 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 its 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 th e Government of
Australia in addition to the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum to deliver an
effective pandemic response.
Table 1 – Q3 2022 & 2021 Annual Production Data
Q3 2021 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2022
Tonnes Processed T 87,621 336,221 99,611 108,853 117,938
Feed Grade Au g/t 9.0 9.8 8.3 7.2 8.7
Feed Grade Cu % 0.48% 0.51% 0.76% 0.56% 0.72%
Recovery (%) Au % 86.1% 89.4% 90.9% 91.0% 88.9%
Recovery (%) Cu % 87.2% 88.8% 91.1% 90.9% 88.4%
Metal in Conc Prod Au Oz 21,908 95,055 24,152 22,934 29,256
Metal in Conc Prod Cu T 364 1,531 692 558 756
Metal in Conc Prod Ag Oz 19,736 70,792 28,142 25,224 32,161
Gold Equivalent Production Oz 24,122 104,196 28,188 26,085 32,995
Note - Gold equivalent for Q3 2022 is based on the London Metal Exchange quarterly spot average price: gold $1,730
per ounce; silver $19 per ounce; and copper $3.51 per pound. Gold equivalent for Q2 2022 is based on the London
Metal Exchange quarterly spot averag e price: gold $1,870 per ounce; silver $23 per ounce; and copper $4.32 per
pound. Gold equivalent for Q1 2022 is based on the London Metal Exchange quarterly spot average price: gold
$1,879 per ounce; silver $24 per ounce; and copper $4.53 per pound. Gold equivalent for 2021 is based on the
following prices: gold $1,800 per ounce; silver $25 per ounce; and copper $4.35 per pound.
John Lewins, K92 Chief Executive Officer and Director, stated, “In the third quarter, Kainantu
delivered one of our most complete quarters to date and marked another important step forward
in expanding operations with near-record production and multiple operational records achieved.
In the processing plant, 3Q delivered record mill throughput of 1,282 tpd, significantly greater
than the Stage 2 Expansion of 1,100 tpd and increasing 35% from Q3 2021. A new daily record
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was achieved on July 14, of 1,642 tonnes, September delivered our second highest monthly average
throughput to date and August recording our highest ever, averaging 1,373 tpd. This is especially
significant as the mill has effectively achieved Stage 2A Expansion levels, ahead of schedule and
ahead of the last major plant upgrade, the installation of the flotation expansion . The flotation
expansion is expected to not only provide a boost to metallurgical recoveries but also increase
plant throughput flexibility further, with the potential to ultimately exceed the Stage 2A Expansion
run-rate.
In the mine, record ore mined wa s realized, increasing 37% from Q3 2021 . Mining exceed ed
milling during the quarter, resulting in our largest mill ore stockpile at quarter end since late
2020, providing an additional boost to operating flexibility. A key contributor to the strong mining
rates has been the additions of new equipment combined with improving operating productivities,
and I am pleased to report that on October 2, 2022, we delivered yet another record, with 1,833
tonnes ore mined in a single day via tele-remote loaders from stopes.
3Q delivered our second highest overall development on record, with the twin incline also
progressing well, advancing 33% more than budgeted. Increasing the development rate remains
a focus, a new jumbo arrived in Q3 and multiple pieces of mobile equipment are expected to arrive
over the coming months.
The strong performance to date and a fourth quarter that is expected to also be strong well -
positions K92 to meet our annual production guidance of 115,000 oz to 140,000 oz AuEq.
On exploration, there are 10 drill rigs currently operating, focusing on resource growth and
drilling multiple target areas concurrently, including Kora South and Judd South from surface, in
addition to Kora, Judd, Kora South, Judd South and Kora Northern Deeps from underground.
With our financial position the strongest it has ever been, we expect to continue to increase our
exploration activities.”
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
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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 at +1-604-416-4445
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news
release includes certain “forward -looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities
legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect
to occur in the future are 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”, “p otential”, “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 forward -looking information. Such factors includ e, 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; the fact that a feasibility studying
of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability has not been prepared for the
Kainantu Mine; 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 d evelopment 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 availability and cost of 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 con flict 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 future social, economic and
political conditions, including relationship with the communities in jurisdictions it operates; other
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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,
should mining occur. 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 results to differ materially from those that are a nticipated, 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 as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Figure 1: Quarterly Total Mill Throughput, Development Metres Advanced and Total Mined Material Chart