Wesdome Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd
TSX: WDO
OTCQX: WDOFF
www.wesdome.com
WESDOME REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Toronto, Ontario – August 14, 2024 – Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX:WDO , OTCQX:WDOFF) (“Wesdome” or
the “Company”) today announced its results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (“Q2 2024” and “H1
2024”) and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (“Q2 2023” and “ H1 2023”). Preliminary operating
results for Q2 2024 and H1 2024 were disclosed on July 9, 2024. Management will host a conference call tomorrow,
Thursday, August 15 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss this quarter’s results.
All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated
Q2 2024 Highlights
• Consolidated gold production was 44,035 ounces at cash costs per ounce1 of $1,286 (US$940) and all-in
sustaining costs (“AISC”) per ounce1 of $1,977 (US$1,445).
• Net income increased to $ 29.1 million, or $0. 19 per share, an increase of $ 34.1 million from the
corresponding quarter in 2023 and $18.4 million from the first quarter of 2024.
• Cash margin1 increased to $76.2 million or by more than 2.5 times relative to the prior year quarter mainly
due to an increase in ounces sold, a higher average realized gold price and lower cash costs.
• Operating cash flow was $57.1 million, or $0.38 per share 1, $43.1 million higher than the corresponding
period in 2023 mainly due to the higher cash margin.
• Free cash flow1 of $28.4 million was $33.7 million higher than the corresponding period in 2023 mainly due
to higher operating cash flow partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures.
• Available liquidity of $ 200.7 million includes $50.7 million in cash and $1 50.0 million of undrawn capacity
available under the Company’s revolving credit facility.
Anthea Bath, President and CEO, commented: “The second quarter marked a breakthrough with record s set in
terms of safety, production, and free cash flow , which allowed for the repayment of the remaining balance on our
revolving credit facility. Our company is now well positioned as a Canadian growth platform with two high -grade
profitable mines and a debt-free balance sheet.
The highlight of the quarter, and a milestone for Wesdome, was the mining and processing of high -grade Kiena
Deep ore from the 129 -level horizon at Kiena. The step -change increase in production substantially reduced the
site’s all-in sustaining costs by ov er 60% relative to the first quarter, putting Kiena on track to achieve its annual
guidance. At Eagle River, steady development rates together with positive grade reconciliation position our long -
running Ontario operation to deliver on its targets.
With both operations running well, we are focused on strategic initiatives that will fully leverage the spare capacity
of our processing infrastructure and position Wesdome for long-term sustainable growth. By executing Wesdome’s
largest self-funded exploration program and advancing the Presqu’île ramp, we are validating our commitment to
enhancing our organic growth pipeline at both assets. Complementing ongoing exploration success, we expect to
create additional value through continued optimization of our mine plans and cost management.
Based on strong performance from our operations through the first half of 2024, we are confident we will deliver on
our full-year production and cost guidance.”
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Consolidated Financial and Operating Highlights
Q2 2024 Q2 2023 H1 2024 H1 2023
Financial results
Revenue2 127,799 84,555 228,721 161,256
Cost of sales 74,110 84,048 152,789 145,466
Cash margin1 76,239 28,722 122,863 63,130
EBITDA1 67,863 22,020 108,538 48,144
Net income (loss) 29,135 (5,014) 39,843 (5,359)
Net income (loss) per share 0.19 (0.03) 0.27 (0.04)
Adjusted net income (loss)1 29,135 (5,014) 39,843 (1,757)
Adjusted net income (loss) per share1 0.19 (0.03) 0.27 (0.01)
Operating cash flow 57,083 13,979 103,585 19,099
Operating cash flow per share1 0.38 0.09 0.69 0.13
Net cash (used in) from financing activities (29,330) 49 (39,499) 9,737
Net cash used in investing activities (25,308) (17,021) (54,760) (39,954)
Free cash flow1 28,437 (5,279) 47,885 (24,876)
Free cash flow per share1 0.19 (0.04) 0.32 (0.17)
Operating results
Gold produced (oz) 44,035 30,992 77,357 59,360
Gold sold (oz) 40,000 32,000 75,700 62,000
Average realized gold price1 ($/oz) 3,192 2,640 3,018 2,598
Average realized gold price1 (US$/oz) 2,333 1,966 2,221 1,928
Per ounce of gold sold1
Cost of sales ($/oz) 1,853 2,627 2,018 2,346
Cost of sales (US$/oz) 1,354 1,956 1,486 1,928
Cash costs1 ($/oz) 1,286 1,743 1,395 1,580
Cash costs1 (US$/oz) 940 1,298 1,027 1,172
AISC1 ($/oz) 1,977 2,238 2,095 2,111
AISC1 (US$/oz) 1,445 1,666 1,542 1,567
Financial Position
Cash 50,697 22,067 50,697 22,067
Working capital 31,204 (2,914) 31,204 (2,914)
Total assets 644,288 601,320 644,288 601,320
Current liabilities 64,398 73,690 64,398 73,690
Total liabilities 172,407 173,862 172,407 173,862
Notes:
1 Refer to the section in this press release entitled “Non -IFRS Performance Measures” for the reconciliation of these non -
IFRS measurements to the financial statements.
2 Revenues include insignificant amounts from the sale of by-product silver.
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Eagle River – Ontario
Eagle River Operating Results Q2 2024 Q2 2023 H1 2024 H1 2023
Ore milled (tonnes)
Eagle River 52,552 64,672 104,184 112,805
Mishi ̶ ̶ ̶ 6,150
Total ore milled 52,552 64,672 104,184 118,955
Head grade (grams per tonne, "g/t")
Eagle River 11.8 11.4 13.6 12.3
Mishi ̶ ̶ 0.0 2.3
Total head grade 11.8 11.4 13.6 11.8
Average mill recoveries (%)
Eagle River 96.3 96.5 96.7 96.7
Mishi ̶ ̶ ̶ 72.5
Total gold recovery 96.3 96.5 96.7 96.4
Gold production (oz)
Eagle River 19,272 22,845 44,171 43,004
Mishi ̶ ̶ ̶ 332
Total gold production 19,272 22,845 44,171 43,336
Gold sold (oz)
Eagle River 17,500 22,500 44,860 46,159
Mishi ̶ ̶ ̶ 341
Total gold sold 17,500 22,500 44,860 46,500
Production costs per tonne milled1 596 503 584 474
Costs per oz sold ($/oz)
Cost of sales 2,276 2,104 1,938 1,855
Cash costs1 1,695 1,526 1,410 1,353
All-in sustaining costs1 2,545 2,019 2,006 1,859
Costs per oz sold (US$/oz)
Cost of sales 1,663 1,567 1,427 1,377
Cash costs1 1,239 1,136 1,038 1,004
All-in sustaining costs1 1,860 1,504 1,477 1,380
During Q2 2024, Eagle River produced 19,272 ounces of gold as compared to 22,845 ounces in Q2 2023 primarily
due to a 19% decrease in throughput in part due to a maintenance shutdown during the last week of June which
drove lower tonnage . For the first six months of 2 024, driven by a 15% increase in head grade, Eagle River
produced 44,171 ounces of gold as compared to 43,336 ounces in H1 2023, which included the processing of the
Mishi stockpile. Eagle River head grade in H1 2024 was 13.6 g/t compared to 11.8 g/t in H1 2023.
In Q2 2024, Eagle River generated $55.9 million in revenue from the sale of 17,500 ounces of gold compared to
$59.1 million from the sale of 22,500 ounces in Q2 2023. Revenue decreased by 5% compared to Q2 2023 primarily
due to lower ounces sold partially offset by a higher average realized Canadian dollar gold price.
In H1 2024 Eagle River generated $133.4 million in revenue from the sale of 44,860 ounces of gold as compared
to $120.2 million from the sale of 46,500 ounces in H1 2023. Revenue increased by 11% compared to H1 2023
due to the higher average realized Canadian dollar gold price partially offset by lower ounces sold.
Cost of sales in Q2 2024 was $ 39.8 million, a decrease of 1 6%, compared to the corresponding period in 2023
primarily due to a $6.0 million increase in inventory levels and a $2.9 million decrease in depreciation expense
driven by a 19% decrease in throughput. Cost of sales H1 2024 was higher by 1% compared to H1 2023.
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In Q2 2024, cash costs per ounce of gold sold were $1,695 (US$1,239), an increase of 11%, compared to $1,526
(US$1,136) in Q2 2023 primarily due to a decrease in ounces sold. Cash costs per ounce of gold sold in H1 2024
were $1,410 (US$1,038), an increase of 4%, compared to $1,353 (US$1,004) in H1 2023, primarily due to lower
ounces sold.
In Q2 2024 , AISC per ounce of gold sold were $2,545 (US$1,860) , a 26% increase, compared to $2,019
(US$1,504) in Q2 2023 , primarily due to lower ounces sold and higher sustaining capital expenditure s. AISC per
ounce of gold sold in H1 2024 were $2,006 (US$1,477), an increase of 8%, compared to $1,859 (US$1,380) in H1
2023, primarily due to lower ounces sold and higher operating costs and sustaining capital expenditure s.
In 2024, Eagle River is expected to produce 80,000 to 90,000 ounces, with production in the second half of the
year expected to be similar to the first half of the year, at cash costs per ounce of $1,275 to $1,425 and AISC per
ounce of $2,050 to $2,250 (US$1,550 to US$1,700). Eagle River’s 2024 anticipated gold production is in-line with
the prior year, as contribution of tonnes and ounces is expected to shift away from 720F Falcon Zone and towards
300 Zone at depth.
Kiena Mine – Quebec
Kiena Operating Results Q2 2024 Q2 2023 H1 2024 H1 2023
Ore milled (tonnes) 57,669 51,824 103,013 94,148
Head grade (g/t) 13.5 5.0 10.1 5.4
Average mill recoveries (%) 99.0 97.7 98.8 97.8
Gold production (oz) 24,763 8,147 33,186 16,024
Gold sold (oz) 22,500 9,500 30,840 15,500
Production costs per tonne milled1 391 379 424 430
Costs per oz sold ($/oz)
Cost of sales 1,520 3,857 2,130 3,810
Cash costs1 967 2,257 1,374 2,261
All-in sustaining costs1 1,536 2,755 2,223 2,868
Costs per oz sold (US$/oz)
Cost of sales 1,111 2,873 1,568 2,827
Cash costs1 707 1,681 1,011 1,677
All-in sustaining costs1 1,123 2,052 1,636 2,128
During Q2 2024, the Kiena mine produced 24,763 ounces of gold as compared to 8,147 ounces in Q2 2023
primarily due to a 170% increase in head grade due to the ramp-up in mining of high-grade Kiena Deep ore from
the 129-level horizon in mid-April and an 11% increase in throughput. Kiena’s head grade increased to 13.5 g/t in
Q2 2024 from 5.0 g/t in Q2 2023. Gold recovery increased to 99.0% from 97.7% in the corresponding period in
2023. In Q2 2024, the mill processed 57,669 tonnes throughput as compared to 51,824 tonnes in Q2 2023.
In H1 2024, Kiena produced 33,186 ounces of gold as compared to 16,024 ounces in H1 2023 primarily due to an
88% increase in head grade and a 9% increase in throughput. Head grade at Kiena increased to 10.1 g/t in H1
2024 from 5.4 g/t in H1 2023. The rate of gold recovery increased to 98.8% from 97.8% in the corresponding period
in 2023. In H1 2024, the mill processed throughput of 103,013 tonnes compared to 94,148 tonnes in H1 2023. In
the second quarter Kiena began processing higher grade material from the new 129-level horizon of Kiena Deep,
which is expected to continue over the balance of 2024.
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In Q2 2024, Kiena generated $71.8 million in revenue from the sale of 22,500 ounces of gold as compared to $25.4
million from the sale of 9,500 ounces in Q2 2023. Revenue increased by 182% compared to Q2 2023 due to higher
ounces sold and a higher average realized Canadian dollar gold price. In H1 2024, Kiena increased revenue to
$95.1 million from the sale of 30,840 ounces of gold, an increase of 132% compared to $40.9 million in revenue
from the sale of 15,500 ounces in H1 2023. Revenue in H1 2024 increased due to higher ounces sold and a higher
average realized Canadian dollar gold price.
Cost of sales in Q2 2024 was $34.2 million, a decrease of 7% over the corresponding period in 2023 primarily due
to a $2.9 million decrease in inventory levels and a $2.8 million decrease in non-cash depletion and depreciation
resulting from an increase in inventories partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in mine operating costs, which
was due to 11% higher throughput. Cost of sales in H1 2024 was $65.7 million, 11% higher than the corresponding
period in 2023 primarily due to an increase in the aggregate mine operating costs as a result of a 9% increase in
throughput.
Cash costs per ounce of gold sold in Q2 2024 were $967 (US$707) , a decrease of 57% compared to $2,257
(US$1,681) in Q2 2023 primarily due to a 137% increase in ounces sold. Cash costs per ounce of gold sold in H1
2024 decreased by 39% to $1,374 (US$1,011) compared to $2,261 (US$1,677) in H1 2023 primarily due to a 99%
increase in ounces sold partially offset by higher aggregate mine operating expenses due to increased throughput.
AISC per ounce of gold sold decreased by 44% in Q2 2024 to $1,536 (US$1,123) from $2,755 (US$2,052) in Q2
2023 primarily due to an increase in ounces sold partially offset by an increase in sustaining capital expenditures.
AISC per ounce of gold sold decreased by 22% in H1 2024 to $2,223 (US$1,636) from $2,868 (US$2,128) in H1
2023 primarily due to a 99% increase in ounces sold partially offset by an increase in sustaining capital
expenditures.
Kiena’s 2024 guidance is for 80,000 to 90,000 ounces with production expected to be backend -weighted in the
second half of the year, at cash costs per ounce of $875 to $975 and AISC per ounce of $1,475 to $1,625
(US$1,100 to US$1,225). Higher annual production levels reflect a declining production contribution from the Martin
Zone relative to higher grade ore from the Kiena Deep 129 -level horizon. Overall development performance
subsequent to quarter end has met internal expectations, with higher grade ore expected to continue to be
processed in the second half of the year.
Exploration Updates
Development and Drilling
This year’s exploration program at Eagle River is prioritizing the expansion of the existing resource base of known
zones and identifying targets near existing infrastructure. Eagle River’s budget for underground exploration is
nearly $10 million and includes expansion, infill and delineation drilling.
Recent drilling results at Eagle River underscore the prospectivity across this asset, particularly as the high grade
6 Central Zone continues to expand down -plunge to the east, and the continuity and extension potential of the
Falcon 311 and 300 zones is now being confirmed in follow-up drilling.
The 6 Central Zone, discovered in 2023, is located close to existing infrastructure and at relatively shallower depths
of 600 to 750 metres. The 6 Central Zone has been delineated 180 metres in plunge and 145 metres on strike
based on a 3D model completed in 2023. Drill results to date have been promising, extending the zone down -
plunge by 150 metres to the east and 100 metres along strike. Recent drilling returned 93.7g/t Au over 3.0 m core
length (59.7g/t Au capped, 2.6 m true width), including 339.4 g/t Au uncut over 0.4 m core length.
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Based on drilling to date, the Falcon 311 Zone has been delineated to extend at least 250 metres along plunge
and nearly 115 metres along strike. Drilling continues to confirm the potential for the zone to expand down plunge
and potentially extend to surface, similar to the adjacent Falcon 7 Zone discovered in 2019. One hole returned 33.0
g/t Au over 5.0 m core length (31.8 g/t Au capped, 3.5 m true width).
With development platforms recently installed at the 1201 -level, underground drilling has focused on infill drilling
and to test areas down-plunge of 300 Zone that were not previously accessible. Recent infill drilling returned 39.7
g/t Au over 8.7 m core length (32.5g/t Au capped, 6.6 m true width), including 27 5.1 g/t Au uncut over 0.3 m core
length.
Surface Exploration
Initial surface drilling within the volcanic rocks 150 metres east and down dip of the previously mined 2 Zone
intersected altered volcanic rocks with quartz veining and VG. One previously drilled hole returned 233.0 g/t Au
over 0.4 metres. Current drilling is designed to test volcanic rocks east of the mine diorite having similar potential
to the Falcon zones previously discovered west of the mine diorite proximal to the historic 2 Zone.
Kiena
Development and Drilling
Over the past several years, underground drilling has been focused on exploration to test sectors proximal to the
Kiena Deep A Zones, which now extends continuously from 1,100 m to approximately 2,000 m below surface and
remains open at depth. As part of t his exploration focus, early success discovered the Footwall Zones. Then in
2022, exploration confirmed the presence of the South limb in the folded Kiena Deep A Zone at depth, and also
intersected two new zones in the hanging wall basalt. These new basalt zones all occur below an observed bend
or steepening in the plunge of the Kiena Deep A Zone.
As the main ramp at Kiena Deep progresses towards the 136-level by year end, additional drill platforms are being
established to facilitate drilling in previously discovered but not fully explored zones. Initial drilling at both the
Footwall and South Limb zones is being used to better define the high -grade mineraliza tion with a view to
converting existing Inferred Resources to the Indicated category. Drilling is also expected to continue to build upon
our early success and aim to expand and extend the know n size of these zones. Growth in resource inventory in
these areas has the potential to increase ounces per vertical metr e and thereby provide opportunities for
operational flexibility and increasing production from each level. Additional drill platforms at depth will also provide
an opportunity to test the previously discovered Hanging Wall Zone in the Basalt as well as foll ow up on areas
northeast of Kiena Deep for a parallel structure.
The Wish area has remained underexplored until 2024. Initial reconnaissance drilling in 2024 approximately one
kilometre east of the Kiena mine from the existing 33 -level development has intersected narrow, high grade gold
mineralization from quartz veining within a horizon of competent basalt, in contact with sheared ultramafic rocks.
These results, combined with historic hole 4344 (65.5 g/t Au over 1.0 m core length ), have identified gold
mineralization proximal to the contact over 300 metr es along strike . Follow-up drilling is ongoing in this area to
provide an initial assessment of the size and potential continuity of the mineralization. Furthermore, as 33 level
development is currently being rehabilitated further east of this zone, we expect to have more optimal drilling
platforms available from the eastern side of the interpreted zone in the second half of 2024.
Currently, we are seeing immediate returns from this stepped -up effort at Kiena, with results that are not only
expanding and defining existing zones at Kiena Deep, but also identifying potentially significant gold mineralization
in historically underexplored areas like the Wish area from the 33-level. Kiena’s budget for underground exploration
is nearly $10 million and includes expansion, infill and delineation drilling.
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Surface Exploration Drilling
The excavation of an exploration ramp from surface to access the near-surface Presqu’île Zone has been underway
since Q4 2023. Drilling is expected to commence in the coming months to identify additional zones of mineralization
that could be mined with the Presqu’île ramp development. Barge drilling at Dubuisson commenced in July 2024.
Management and Board Changes
The Company announces changes to its management and board composition. Frédéric Mercier-Langevin will be
stepping down as Chief Operating Officer effective September 30, 2024 for personal reasons. In addition,
independent director and audit committee chair Charles Main has indicated he will be retiring from the industry and
has stepped down from the Board as of the end of day today.
Ms. Bath commented, “I have had the pleasure of working w ith both Fred and Charles for just over a year, and
their experience and expertise will be truly missed.
Under Fred’s leadership, we recorded marked improvements in safety performance while delivering on our
operational commitments and guidance. During his tenure, Fred also developed a strong technical team , which is
well positioned to execute on our strategic plans.
Charles has been a highly respected member of our board since 2017, bringing with him decades of invaluable
expertise in industry, accounting, tax, and finance. His deep knowledge and strategic insights have been crucial in
guiding the company through a significant period of growth and tran sformation. We greatly appreciate his
dedication and the pivotal role he has played in our continued success.
On behalf of the Board and everyone at Wesdome, I would like to express our gratitude to Fred and Charles f or
their many contributions to Wesdome and wish each of you all the best in the future.”
With respect to both roles, the Company is conducting a search for qualified candidates to ensure the continued
adherence to Wesdome’s standards of operational excellence and financial discipline.
Q2 2024 Conference Call and Webcast
Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s Q2 2024 financial and operating
results. A question-and-answer session will follow management’s prepared remarks. Details of the webcast are as
follows:
Date and time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Participant registration: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI2bc416f598494ba087c522f097da6d5a
Click on the link above and complete the online registration form. Upon registering you
will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call as well as an email
confirmation with the details.
Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/arvjmvq8
Notes: Pre-registration is required for this event. It is recommended you join 10 minutes prior to
the start of the event. The webcast can also be accessed under the news and events
section of the Company’s website.
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The financial statements and management discussion and analysis will be available on the Company’s website at
www.wesdome.com and on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca.
About Wesdome
Wesdome is a Canadian-focused gold producer with two high grade underground assets, the Eagle River mine in
Ontario and the Kiena mine in Quebec. The Company’s primary goal is to responsibly leverage this operating
platform and high-quality brownfield and greenfield exploration pipeline to build Canada’s next intermediate gold
producer.
For further information, please contact:
Raj Gill, SVP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Trish Moran, VP, Investor Relations
Phone: +1 (416) 360-3743
E-Mail: [email protected]
Responsibility for Technical Information
The technical and scientific information relating to exploration activities disclosed in this document was prepared
under the supervision of and verified and reviewed by Frederic Langevin, Eng, Chief Operating Officer of
Wesdome, and Michael Michaud, P.Geo ., Exploration and Resources Consultant for Wesdome (formerly Senior
Vice President, Exploration and Resources of Wesdome until July 11, 2024 ), and each a "Qualified Person" as
defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Data verification involves data input and review by senior project geologists at site, scheduled weekly and monthly
reporting to senior exploration management and the completion of project site visits by senior exploration
management to review the status o f ongoing project activities and data underlying reported results. All drilling
results for exploration projects or supporting resource and reserve estimates referenced in this document have
been previously reported in news release disclosures by the Company and have been prepared in accordance with
NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The sampling and assay data from drilling programs are
monitored through the implementation of a quality assurance - quality control (“QA-QC”) program designed to follow
industry best practice.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Often,
but not always, forward -looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is
expected”, “budget”, “schedu led”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations
(including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”,
“could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements
of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achie vements expressed or
implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date
of this press release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward -
looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements.
Forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements
or information with respect to the Company’s expectations around: production, costs and expenses, processing,