REG - Centamin PLC - Quarterly Report

CentaminAnnouncement

20/07/2022 07:00

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RNS Number : 0351T  Centamin PLC  20 July 2022

 

20 July 2022

Centamin plc

("Centamin", "Group" or "the Company")

LSE: CEY / TSX: CEE

 

QUARTERLY Report

for the three months ended 30 June 2022

 

MARTIN HORGAN, CEO, commented: "Sukari delivered the planned increase in
production during Q2 2022 and we remain on track to meet full year production
and cost guidance. Q2 2022 was the first full quarter of underground owner
operations at Sukari following the transition from contractor operations
during Q1 2022 and the Sukari team delivered significant improvements in both
productivity and costs. Continued progress was made at our key projects and we
remain focussed on cost control across all our operations with a number of
initiatives targeting completion in H2 2022 that are expected to partially
offset the current inflationary environment. We look forward to announcing our
detailed half-year financials and declaring the interim dividend on 4 August
2022."

Q2 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

Quarterly operational performance in line with guidance

·      Ongoing safety performance: The Company recorded one lost time
injury ("LTI") for the three months to 30 June 2022 ("Q2 2022"), with a lost
time injury frequency rate ("LTIFR") of 0.32 per 1,000,000 hours worked which
remains ahead of our target of 0.68 for the year

·      Production on track for 2022 guidance: Increased gold production
of 110,788 ounces ("oz") for Q2 2022, an 11% increase YoY and 19% increase on
Q1 2022, which reflects the benefits of the underground transition and
improved open pit grade

·      Strong revenue generation: Revenue of US$207.2 million, generated
from gold sales of 111,027 oz at an average realised gold price of US$1,863/oz
sold

·      Costs: Cash costs of US$868/oz produced and all-in sustaining
costs ("AISC") of US$1,357/oz sold were 2% lower and 5% higher than in Q1
2022, respectively. This reflects the improved production rate and an ongoing
focus on cost control

·      Progressing capital projects: Capital expenditure ("capex") of
US$67.3 million reflects the ongoing investment in establishing the long term
foundation for the operation; which includes significant investment in the
paste fill plant and solar power station

·      Robust balance sheet: Cash and liquid assets of US$176.4 million,
as at 30 June 2022, with an update on the capital structure review due in Q3
2022

Full Year 2022 OUTLOOK

Reaffirmed production and cost guidance for 2022 while investing for
operational consistency and growth

·      Gold production of 430,000 to 460,000 oz for the year

·      Cash costs of US$900-1,000/oz produced

·      AISC of US$1,275-1,425/oz sold. Given the current inflationary
operating environment we continue to monitor consumables pricing and review
opportunities to offset price increases with cost savings initiatives such as
the solar power plant

·      Acknowledging inflationary pressures continuing through H2 2022
we now anticipate cash costs and AISC for 2022 in the upper end of the
guidance range

·      Capex budget of US$225.5 million

·      Exploration expenditure for the year is expected to total US$25
million

Full Year 2022 Milestones & Targets

·      Solar power plant commissioning - Q3 2022

·      Capital structure review - Q3 2022

·      Underground expansion study - Q3 2022

·      Doropo Project (Côte d'Ivoire) pre-feasibility study - Q4 2022

·      Sukari Resource & Reserve update - Q4 2022

 

 

RESULTS SUMMARY

                                   YoY comparative           QoQ comparative
                                   Q2 2022  Q2 2021  % Δ     Q1 2022    % Δ
 SAFETY
 LTIFR (1m hours)                  0.32     1.19     (73%)   0.00       100%
 OPEN PIT
 Total material mined (kt)         33,371   25,585   30%     31,001     8%
 Ore mined (kt)                    2,767    3,031    (9%)    2,970      (7%)
 Ore grade mined (g/t Au)          1.07     0.76     41%     0.92       17%
 UNDERGROUND
 Ore mined (kt)                    231      223      4%      154        50%
 Ore grade mined (g/t Au)          4.74     4.67     1%      3.55       33%
 PROCESSING
 Ore processed (kt)                2,884    2,804    3%      2,954      (2%)
 Feed grade (g/t Au)               1.36     1.19     14%     1.07       27%
 Gold recovery (%)                 88.3     89.3     (1%)    88.1       0%
 Gold production (oz)              110,788  100,228  11%     93,109     19%
 COST & SALES
 Gold sold (oz)                    111,027  97,229   14%     92,559     20%
 Cash costs (US$/oz produced)      868      883      (2%)    1,006      (14%)
 AISC (US$/oz sold)                1,357    1,290    5%      1,558      (13%)
 Realised gold price (US$/oz)      1,863    1,822    2%      1,883      (1%)
 Revenue (US$m)                    207.2    177.5    17%     174.6      19%
 Capex (US$m)                      67.3     41.3     63%     71.4       (6%)

WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL

The Company will host a webcast and conference call today, Wednesday, 20 July
at 09.30 BST to discuss the results, followed by an opportunity to ask
questions.

Webcast link:
https://www.investis-live.com/centamin/62bc4def59bc74140011cdcb/qgoo
(https://www.investis-live.com/centamin/62bc4def59bc74140011cdcb/qgoo)

 Dial-in telephone numbers:

United Kingdom (and all other locations)       +44 (0) 203 936 2999

United States
 
+1 646 664 1960

Participation access code:
696872

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Operational safety continues to be a key focus across the Group. Prioritised
management oversight and empowering employees to be safety leaders has
resulted in an improved safety performance. In Q2, there was one lost time
injury ("LTI") (H1 2022: 1) resulting in a lost time injury frequency rate
("LTIFR") of 0.32 per 1,000,000 site-based hours worked (H1 2022: 0.16),
compared to the corresponding 1.19 for the second quarter of 2021. The total
recordable injury frequency rate ("TRIFR") for Q2 was below our 2022 target of
3.99 at 2.54 per 1,000,000 site-based hours worked, down 21% quarter on
quarter ("QoQ") and down 50% year on year ("YoY").

 

 

Sukari Gold mine, egypt

(Q2 2022 vs Q2 2021)

Production

Sukari Gold Mine ("Sukari") production for Q2 2022 totalled 110,788 oz (H1
2022: 203,898oz), an 11% increase YoY and 19% increase on Q1 2022. The
production increase was attributable to the successful transition to owner
mining alongside ongoing productivity improvements such as the use of
lightweight high-capacity truck trays in the open pit.

Open Pit Mining

Total material moved (waste and ore) increased by 30% YoY to 33.4Mt (H1 2022:
64.4Mt) a new record for total material moved during a quarter, resulting from
improved operating efficiencies and productivity and includes the contractor
waste stripping programme.

Total open pit waste material mined for the quarter was 30.6Mt (H1 2022:
58.6Mt), a 36% increase YoY, driven largely by the ongoing execution of the
contractor waste-stripping programme (9.6Mt), designed to improve the
long-term mining flexibility within the open pit. The strip ratio for the
quarter was 11.1:1 (waste:ore) (H1 2022: 10.2:1).

Open pit ore mining activity continued to focus primarily on the Stage 5 North
during Q2 2022, with ore contributions from Stage 4. Total open pit ore mined
for the quarter was 2.8Mt (H1 2022: 5.7Mt), a 9% reduction YoY, at an average
mined grade of 1.07 grams of gold per tonne ("g/t Au") (H1 2022: 0.99g/t Au),
a 41% improvement YoY, driven by ore from Stage 4 and improved grades with
depth from the primary mining area of Stage 5 North.

During the quarter, the low-grade stockpiles remained broadly unchanged at
18.7Mt at a grade of 0.46g/t Au.

Underground Mining

Q2 represented the first full quarter of owner mining operations in the
underground and it delivered a significant improvement in productivity
relative to recent performance. As planned, volumes increased and grades
improved as mining activities progressed into higher grade areas. We expect to
see further improvements in the underground performance as we continue to
optimise operations, in parallel with the underground expansion study which is
planned to be finalised in Q3 2022.

Total material mined (waste and ore) was 295kt (H1: 509kt), a 5% reduction
YoY. Total ore mined was 231kt (H1: 385kt) at an average combined (stoping and
development) grade of 4.74g/t Au (H1: 4.26g/t Au). This represented a 4%
increase in ore tonnes YoY and a 1% increase in grade YoY.

The underground ore was made up of 142kt of ore mined from stopes, at an
average grade of 5.61g/t Au, and 89kt of ore mined from development, at an
average grade of 3.36g/t Au.

Processing

During Q2 2022 the plant processed 2.9Mt of ore (H1: 5.8Mt), a 3% increase
YoY, at an average feed grade of 1.36 g/t Au (H1: 1.22g/t Au), a 16% increase
YoY reflecting the mined material grades over the period delivered to the
plant.

The metallurgical gold recovery rate was 88.3% for the quarter (H1: 88.2%), in
line with budget but a 1% reduction YoY, with the reduction resulting from a
planned mill reline and commissioning of certain process plant upgrades.

During the period, a series of optimisation studies progressed with the aim of
improving overall plant performance including the assessment of gravity gold
recovery, flotation, and reagent dosing optimisation.

Capital Projects

Total capex in Q2 was US$67.3 million (H1: US$138.7m), which was a 62%
increase YoY. Significant investment was made in key capital projects during
the quarter. The solar power project, underground development and paste fill
plant all progressed as planned.  Solar power project activities completed in
the period saw the continued drilling and installation of the tracker posts as
well as ongoing installation of solar modules with over 80% installed. The
Solar project remains on track for commissioning during Q3 2022. The paste
fill plant civil works were completed and structural steel works were well
advanced.

EXPLORATION PROJECTS

A comprehensive exploration update was published on 7(th) July 2022. A link to
"Group Exploration Update Confirming Growth Potential Across the Portfolio" is
available here
(https://tools.eurolandir.com/tools/Pressreleases/GetPressRelease/?ID=4133950&lang=en-GB&companycode=au-cey&v=)
.

Sukari Exploration

The Sukari exploration spend for the quarter was US$1.1 million. This
brownfield exploration cost is capitalised and sits within the US$225m capital
guidance for 2022. Highlights during the quarter include;

·      Sukari underground drilling. The underground exploration
programme at Sukari continued to focus on our strategy of delineating the full
potential of the underground orebody to deliver both mine life extension and
operational expansion. Drilling was completed across all areas of the
underground, including at Horus Deeps where drilling intersected the
highest-grade mineralisation in that area to date. Horus Deeps remains open to
the north, south and down dip and represents the long-term future of the
underground operation.

·      Sukari Bonanza zones. The Bast area between Ptah and Amun
continues to return high grade underground zones of Bonanza style
mineralisation. Drilling in this area demonstrates a consistent geological
host within 100m of existing infrastructure which could improve underground
operational flexibility through the development of a new high-grade mining
area.

·      Sukari surface exploration. An exploration programme has
identified multiple shallow open pit gold satellite targets within the mining
concession which have the potential to supplement Sukari mill feed in the
short to medium term, improving operational flexibility.

Group Exploration

The total greenfield exploration spend for the quarter was US$8.2 million (H1:
US$17.6 million). Per the group accounting policy all greenfield exploration
expenditure is expensed in the period it is incurred.

·      Eastern Desert Exploration ("EDX"). Fieldwork has commenced with
a systematic exploration approach aimed at identifying and prioritising
commercial scale opportunities. EDX covers 3,000km² of highly prospective and
under explored land across three blocks. Six high priority targets already
identified within the Nugrus block will be subject to geological sampling and
mapping, ahead of drill testing at the earliest opportunity. These priority
targets contain more than 20km of alluvial artisanal workings and over 300
hard rock artisanal sites

·      West Africa. Work is continuing towards the delivery of the
Doropo pre-feasibility study ("PFS") by the end of the year. The field
programme has seen the completion of more than 100,000 metres of drilling
which is expected to convert the majority of the Inferred Resource to the
Indicated Resource category and support the completion of the PFS by the end
of Q4 2022.

SALES AND COSTS

Gold sales for the quarter were 111,027 oz (H1: 203,587oz), a 14% increase
YoY. The average realised gold price for the quarter was US$1,863/oz (H1:
US$1,872/oz), up 2% YoY. Revenues generated of US$207.2 million (H1:
US$381.8m), increased by 17% YoY, driven by higher gold sales, and a
marginally higher realised gold price.

Cash costs of production were US$96.2 million for the quarter (H1: US$189.8m),
a 9% increase YoY, with lower underground costs partially offsetting higher
fuel prices and decreased open pit costs due to the increase in the stripping
ratio resulting in higher amounts being capitalised to the balance sheet
related to waste mining costs. Unit cash costs of production were US$868/oz
produced (H1: US$931/oz), a 2% decrease YoY.

Total all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") were US$150.7 million for the quarter
(H1: US$294.9m), a 26% increase YoY, resulting from inventory movements and
capitalising of waste mining due to an above life of mine strip ratio being
realised during the quarter. The AISC of US$1,357/oz sold (H1: US$1,449/oz)
increased 10% YoY, reflecting the increase in costs.

In light of the ongoing inflationary environment we remain focussed on
stringent cost control and improving productivity at Sukari. There are a
number of initiatives due to be implemented during H2 2022 which are
anticipated to partially offset cost pressures, including:

·      Implementation of power savings - The solar power plant is
expected to be commissioned during Q3 2022 and the on-site team is currently
investigating the potential to connect to the national grid. These two
initiatives are expected to deliver cost savings and decarbonisation

·      Open pit productivity - The final delivery of the lightweight
truck trays is expected during Q3 2022

·      Underground productivity - New underground equipment being
delivered H2 2022 and Q1 2023

FINANCIAL POSITION

Free Cash Flow

Under the terms of the Sukari Concession Agreement, the Egyptian government
earned US$6.2m in royalty payments (H1: US$11.7m) and received US$13.0m in
profit share payments during the quarter (H1:US$21.5m). After Sukari profit
share distribution, Group exploration expenditure and corporate investing
activities, Group free cash flow for the quarter was negative US$2.4 m (H1:
negative US$25.2m), due to the continued investment in waste stripping and
other capital projects. Capital expenditure continues in key areas that will
improve the long-term profitability and operability of Sukari, such as the
solar plant, waste stripping programme and paste fill plant.

Balance Sheet

Centamin is in a strong financial position, with net cash and liquid assets to
US$176.4m million as at 30 June 2022. The Company remains unhedged and
debt-free, with an update on the capital structure review expected in Q3 2022.
 

 

 

About Centamin

Centamin is an established gold producer, with a premium listing on the London
Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company's flagship asset is the
Sukari Gold Mine ("Sukari"), Egypt's largest and first modern gold mine, as
well as one of the world's largest producing mines. Since production began in
2009 Sukari has produced circa 5 million ounces of gold, and today has a
projected mine life of 12 years.

Through its large portfolio of exploration assets in Egypt and West Africa,
Centamin is advancing an active pipeline of future growth prospects, including
the Doropo project in Côte d'Ivoire, and approximately 3,000km(2) of highly
prospective exploration ground in Egypt's Arabian Nubian Shield.

Centamin practices responsible mining activities, recognising its
responsibility to not only deliver operational and financial performance but
to create lasting mutual benefit for all stakeholders through good corporate
citizenship.

FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit the website www.centamin.com
(http://www.centamin.com) or contact:

 Centamin plc                                                 Buchanan

 Michael Stoner, Group Corporate Manager                      Bobby Morse/Ariadna Peretz/George Cleary

 investor@centaminplc.com (mailto:investor@centaminplc.com)   + 44 (0) 20 7466 5000

                                                              centamin@buchanan.uk.com (mailto:centamin@buchanan.uk.com)

ENDNOTES

Guidance

The Company actively monitors the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and
guidance may be impacted if the workforce or operation are disrupted.

Financials

Financial data points included within this report are unaudited.

Non-GAAP measures

This statement includes certain financial performance measures which are
non-GAAP measures. These include Cash costs of production, AISC, Cash and
liquid assets, and Free cash flow. Management believes these measures provide
valuable additional information for users of the financial statements to
understand the underlying trading performance. Definitions and explanation of
the measures used along with reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measures are
detailed in the Company's 2021 Annual Report
https://www.centamin.com/investors/results-reports/
(https://www.centamin.com/investors/results-reports/) .

Exploration expenditure

Exploration expensed covers all exploration activities excluding the Sukari
Concession Agreement.

Royalties

Royalties are accrued and paid six months in arrears.

Cash and liquid assets

Cash and liquid assets include cash, bullion on hand and gold sales
receivables.

Cost savings

Cost savings were calculated relative to the incumbent underground contractor
contract terms, all things being equal, and include the initial equipment
purchase required to maintain current production levels and future capital
cost estimates related to any near-term fleet replacement.

Qualified Person

Information of a scientific or technical nature in this document was prepared
under the supervision of Craig Barker, an employee of the Company and a
Qualified Person, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities
Administrators.

The Qualified Person has verified the data disclosed, including sampling,
analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in
this announcement in accordance with standards appropriate to their
qualifications.

 

 

Forward-looking Statements

This announcement (including information incorporated by reference) contains
"forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under
applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"),
including statements with respect to future financial or operating
performance. Such statements include "future-oriented financial information"
or "financial outlook" with respect to prospective financial performance,
financial position, EBITDA, cash flows and other financial metrics that are
based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action.
Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "expected",
"budgeted", "forecasts" and "anticipates"." and include production outlook,
operating schedules, production profiles, expansion and expansion plans,
efficiency gains, production and cost guidance, capital expenditure outlook,
exploration spend and other mine plans. Although Centamin believes that the
expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable,
Centamin can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be
correct. Forward-looking statements are prospective in nature and are not
based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections
of the management of Centamin about future events and are therefore subject to
known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to
differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. In addition, there are a number of factors that
could cause actual results, performance, achievements or developments to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements; the risks and uncertainties associated with the ongoing impacts of
COVID-19 or other pandemic, general business, economic, competitive, political
and social uncertainties; the results of exploration activities and
feasibility studies; assumptions in economic evaluations which prove to be
inaccurate; currency fluctuations; changes in project parameters; future
prices of gold and other metals; possible variations of ore grade or recovery
rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry;
climatic conditions; political instability; decisions and regulatory changes
enacted by governmental authorities; delays in obtaining approvals or
financing or completing development or construction activities; and discovery
of archaeological ruins. Financial outlook and future-ordinated financial
information contained in this news release is based on assumptions about
future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action,
based on management's assessment of the relevant information currently
available. Readers are cautioned that any such financial outlook or
future-ordinated financial information contained or referenced herein may not
be appropriate and should not be used for purposes other than those for which
it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the
prospective financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis,
reflecting management's best estimates and judgments at the date hereof, and
represent, to the best of management's knowledge and opinion, the Company's
expected course of action. However, because this information is highly
subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future
results. 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 information or statements, particularly in
light of the current economic climate and the significant volatility,
uncertainty and disruption caused by the outbreak of COVID-19. Forward-looking
statements contained herein are made as of the date of this announcement and
the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements.

LEI: 213800PDI9G7OUKLPV84

Company No: 109180

 

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