REG - Greatland Gold PLC - December Month Update

Greatland GoldAnnouncement

22/01/2025 07:00

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RNS Number : 2625U  Greatland Gold PLC  22 January 2025

Greatland Gold plc (AIM: GGP)

E: info@greatlandgold.com

W: https://greatlandgold.com

: twitter.com/greatlandgold

 

 

NEWS RELEASE | 22 January 2025

 

 

December Month Update

 

Strong first month of production at Telfer

 

 

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE UK
MARKET ABUSE REGULATIONS.  ON PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A
REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE
PUBLIC DOMAIN.

Greatland Gold plc (AIM:GGP) (Greatland or the Company) is pleased to provide
an update on its activities for the month of December 2024.

 

Highlights

 

§   Acquisition completion: Consolidation of 100% ownership of Telfer and
Havieron completed on 4 December 2024 (Completion).

 

§   Production: 29,864oz of gold and 1,189t of copper (33,882oz gold
equivalent(1)) produced at Telfer in the 27 days of Greatland's ownership from
4 December to 31 December 2024.

 

§   Processing: Dual train processing operations resumed on the first day
of Completion, 1,466kt of ore processed from 4 December to 31 December 2024.

 

§   Mining: 639kt ore mined from West Dome Open Pit, 95kt ore mined from
Telfer Underground, from 4 December to 31 December 2024.

 

§   Closing stockpiles: Estimated stockpiles at 31 December 2024 of:

 

‒     10.9Mt run-of-mine (ROM) stockpiles, containing 247koz gold and
7.6kt copper; and

 

‒     24.5Mt low grade stockpiles, containing 262koz gold and 12.2kt
copper.

 

§   Team: Telfer workforce of 435 employees transferred to Greatland on
Completion. A number of key appointments during H2 2025 strengthened
Greatland's senior operational and technical leadership team.

 

§   Telfer extension:  A site-wide mine plan extension target review and
ranking exercise is currently underway, with a view to extending the currently
defined Telfer mine life.

 

§   Havieron: Feasibility Study work progressed to plan, with completion
targeted for H2 CY2025.

 

§   Debt finance executed: A$100 million Syndicated Facility Agreement
executed with ANZ, HSBC and ING, including A$75 million working capital
facility and A$25 million contingent instrument facility.

 

§   Cash & liquidity: Closing cash balance at 31 December 2024 of
A$145.0 million and undrawn A$75 million working capital facility.

 

Greatland is pleased to have made a strong start to production at Telfer.
Total production  of 33,882oz AuEq across the 27.3 days of Greatland's
ownership equates to a monthly production rate that is approximately 33%
higher than the average contemplated by Greatland's initial Telfer mine plan
(426,000 ounces of gold equivalent(2) over 15 months, or an average of
28,400oz gold equivalent(2) per month).  The December month outperformance is
encouraging, however it is noted that the period was relatively short and the
mill grade was higher than the Telfer mine plan average.

 

Due to the relatively short period of operations under Greatland's ownership
in December 2024, costs for the 27-day period are not reported.  Costs,
including All In Sustaining Cost (AISC) for the full March 2025 quarter will
be reported in April 2025 alongside production and cost guidance for the
remainder of FY2025.

 

Footnotes:

 

(1)AuEq gold equivalent for December 2024 production is calculated based on
average daily commodity spot prices for the period between 4 December 2024
(Acquisition completion date) and 31 December 2024 of A$4,179/oz Au and
A$14,122/t Cu. The gold equivalent formula is AuEq oz = Au oz produced + (Cu t
produced * Copper Price / Gold Price). AuEq oz is stated before payability
reductions for treatment and refining charges.

 

(2)AuEq gold equivalent for the initial Telfer mine plan was based on assumed
commodity prices of US$2,280/oz Au and US$4.17/lb Cu, gold recoveries of 75%
(UG) and 79% (Open pit), and copper recoveries of 77% (UG) and 52% (Open Pit),
which equates to a formula of approximately AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + 0.91 x
Cu%. The recoveries used in this calculation are based on actual historic
recoveries and metallurgical testwork and are considered high confidence.

 

Greatland Managing Director, Shaun Day, commented: "We are really pleased with
the start we have made to our ownership of Telfer and Havieron."

 

"Transforming overnight from an explorer and developer to the owner and
operator of Australia's third largest gold-copper processing operation is a
substantial achievement and a credit to the hard work and quality of our team.

 

"The successful production of 33,882 ounces gold equivalent(1) during
Greatland's ownership in December was an excellent achievement and is
testament to our team's ability to maintain operational discipline whilst in
parallel advancing the integration process.

 

"The combination of the high Australian dollar gold price, very substantial
mined stockpiles at surface, Telfer mine life extension targets, and the
approaching development of the world class Havieron gold-copper asset presents
a unique opportunity for near-term cashflow and medium-term growth.

 

"We remain very focused on our integration work, continuing to operate Telfer
safely and productively, and progressing Telfer mine life extension
opportunities and our Havieron Feasibility Study.  We look forward to
providing a fulsome March 2025 quarterly update, which will include cost
performance and production and cost guidance for FY25.

 

"Preparations for our ASX dual listing are well underway and we continue to
target listing in the June 2025 quarter.  As a significant Australian
gold-copper producer, the ASX listing is intended to provide benefits
including an enhanced capital markets profile and increased institutional
ownership and index participation."

 

Investor conference call

 

Shaun Day (Managing Director) and Rowan Krasnoff (Head of Business
Development) will host a conference call for shareholders, research analysts
and interested stakeholders this Thursday, 23 January 2025
at 10:00 am AWST (1.00 pm AEDT, 2:00 am GMT).

 

To listen in live, please click on this link and register your details:

https://webcast.openbriefing.com/greatlandgold_mu_2025/
(https://webcast.openbriefing.com/greatlandgold_mu_2025/)

 

It is recommended to log on at least five minutes before the commencement time
to ensure you are joined in time for the start of the call.  A recording of
the call will be available on the same link after the conclusion of the
webcast.

 

Telfer - Operations

 

No lost time injuries occurred during the period.  Health and safety remains
a key focus area of Greatland's integration activities.

 

Greatland made a strong start to ownership of Telfer, with production of
29,864oz of gold and 1,189t of copper (33,882oz gold equivalent(1)) in the
period from 4 December 2024 to 31 December 2024.

 

Key operating metrics for this period were as follows.

 

Table 1: Telfer operating results for period of Greatland ownership from 4
December 2024 to 31 December 2024.

 

 Operations                        Unit      Result
 Mill production
 Ore milled                        kt        1,466
 Mill head grade  Gold             g/t Au    0.77
                  Copper           % Cu      0.11%
 Recovery         Gold             %         82%
                  Copper           %         72%
 Metal produced   Gold             oz        29,864
                  Copper           t         1,189
                  Gold equivalent  AuEq (1)  33,882
 Open pit mining
 Total material mined              kt        1,177
 Ore mined                         kt        639
 Mine grade       Gold             g/t Au    0.60
                  Copper           % Cu      0.06%
 Contained metal  Gold             oz        12,318
                  Copper           t         366
 Underground mining
 Ore mined                         kt        95
 Mine grade       Gold             g/t Au    2.44
                  Copper           % Cu      0.25%
 Contained metal  Gold             oz        7,480
                  Copper           t         240
 Closing ore stockpiles (ROM)
 Ore                               Mt        10.9
 Average grade    Gold             g/t Au    0.71
                  Copper           % Cu      0.07%
 Contained metal  Gold             koz       247
                  Copper           kt        7.6
 Closing ore stockpiles (low grade)
 Ore                               Mt        24.5
 Average grade    Gold             g/t Au    0.33
                  Copper           % Cu      0.05%
 Contained metal  Gold             koz       262
                  Copper           kt        12.2

 

Mining

 

At the Telfer West Dome open pit, ore production during December 2024 was from
Stage 2 and Stage 8, totaling 639kt at 0.60g/t gold and 0.06% copper.

 

At the Telfer underground, ore production during December 2024 was from
A-Reefs, M-Reefs, Western Flanks and Rey mining areas, totaling 95kt at
2.44g/t gold and 0.25% copper.

 

Figure 1: December 2024 quarter Telfer mining areas.

 

 

Processing

 

Following completion on 4 December 2024, Greatland resumed dual-train
processing operations.

 

Processing for the period from 4 December 2024 to 31 December 2024 delivered
processed tonnes of 1,466kt (relative to the initial Telfer mine plan average
monthly processing rate of c.1,460kt) at an average head grade of 0.77g/t gold
and 0.11% copper, in line with the initial Telfer mine plan.

 

Recoveries were 82% for gold and 72% for copper, in line with the initial
Telfer mine plan.

 

In the March 2025 quarter, Greatland will evaluate direct tipping of low-grade
material (which would otherwise be stockpiled). Direct tipping would take
advantage of surplus processing capacity above the initial Telfer mine plan
processing rate. Whilst average head grade would reduce, aggregate tonnes
processed would be higher and value realised from processing direct tipped low
grade material at current strong commodity prices, without incurring
rehandling costs.

 

A dual train maintenance shutdown is currently planned to commence in late
March 2025.

 

The tailings dam operated without issue during the period, and the Tailings
Storage Facility (TSF) 8 Stage 2 lift works continued and are scheduled to be
completed in the June 2025 quarter.

 

Stockpiles

 

At Completion on 4 December 2024, Greatland acquired significant ore
stockpiles (inventory awaiting processing) with approximately 11.5Mt
run-of-mine stockpiles and a further estimated 24.2Mt of low grade stockpiles.

 

In addition to the benefit of the mining costs having already been paid for
this stockpile material, the availability of significant ore stockpiles
materially de-risks and provides flexibility for Telfer operations.

 

ROM stockpiles at 31 December 2024 are estimated at 10.9Mt at an average grade
of 0.71g/t gold and 0.07% copper, for contained metal of 247koz gold and
7.6kt copper.

 

Further low grade stockpiles at 31 December 2024 are estimated at 24.5Mt at an
average grade of 0.33g/t gold and 0.05% copper, for contained metal of 262koz
gold and 12.2kt copper.

 

Both ROM and low grade stockpiles will be included in material being assessed
for the Telfer Mineral Resource estimate update that is underway and targeted
for completion in the March 2025 quarter.

 

Figure 2: ROM Ore and Low Grade Stockpile and Contained Gold

 

 

 

Telfer - Extension

 

Significant evaluations were undertaken during December 2024 to progress
Telfer mine life extension opportunities.

 

This has confirmed near-term extension opportunities at the West Dome Open Pit
in both Stage 7 and Stage 8 extension (refer Figure 3 below).  These cutbacks
have been prioritised for final evaluation works to enable final investment
decision in FY25.

 

In addition, a comprehensive review of all near-mine drilling priorities was
initiated in December 2024. This review has identified multiple drilling
targets that will be evaluated as part of the drilling budget process.

 

Figure 3: Telfer extension opportunities.

 

 

 

In addition, progress is on track for the Telfer Mineral Resource estimate
update which remains targeted for completion in the March 2025 quarter.

 

Havieron - Development

 

Havieron feasibility study (FS) works progressed throughout the December
quarter including the following key activities:

 

§  Finalised scoping of FS, validated key technical decisions, confirmed FS
inputs;

 

§  Shortlisted engineering and technical consultants and tendered FS study
packages; and

 

§  Scoped early works package for ventilation shaft development (critical
path). Greatland is working to de-risk this package and secure availability of
key construction equipment.

 

The Havieron FS remains targeted for completion in H2 CY2025.

 

Team

 

At Completion, 435 Telfer employees transferred to employment with Greatland,
securing the transfer of a significant and highly skilled workforce, and
preserving the existing capability, expertise and knowledge to enable
continuity of efficient operations.

 

Simon Tyrrell, Greatland's Chief Operating Officer, is based at Telfer as
Telfer Site GM, with Shaun McLoughney appointed as Telfer Deputy Site GM and
Underground Manager.  Simon and Shaun augment a strong existing Telfer site
leadership team that transferred to Greatland at Completion.  Greatland has
been pleased to see reduced levels of employee turnover since the handover of
Telfer, and a workforce that has been open and receptive to Greatland's
approach.

 

Greatland significantly strengthened its senior operational and technical
leadership team with a number of key appointments during H2 2024. The
continued ability to attract and recruit high caliber people is a reflection
on Greatland's excellent team and compelling business opportunity.

 

During December 2024 Dean Horton resigned as Chief Financial Officer to pursue
other opportunities. Greatland thanks Mr Horton for his contribution,
including towards the successful debt finance process in connection with the
acquisition, and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.  Monique
Connolly has been appointed as Acting Chief Financial Officer, a role she has
previously held and excelled in.

 

Corporate

 

Completion of Telfer-Havieron acquisition

 

At Completion on 4 December 2024 paid the following acquisition consideration
to Newmont:

 

§   US$167.0 million cash (after estimated purchase price adjustments(3));
and

 

§   US$167.5 million in the form of 2,669,182,291 Greatland ordinary shares
issued to Newmont, representing 20.4% of Greatland shares on issue.  The
shares are subject to a 12-month voluntary lock-in and further 12-month
orderly market arrangement, and a relationship agreement.

 

Finance and treasury

 

On 3 December 2024, Greatland executed an A$100 million Syndicated Facility
Agreement executed with ANZ, HSBC and ING, comprising A$75 million working
capital facility and A$25 million contingent instrument facility, securing
additional liquidity and working capital flexibility. Financial close of the
facilities has since occurred and both facilities are available for draw down.

 

At Completion Greatland repaid in cash the US$52.4 million outstanding balance
of the Havieron joint venture loan, which has now been terminated.
Consequently, Greatland is now debt free (excluding A$16 million in bank
guarantees drawn under the A$25 million contingent instrument facility).

 

Greatland expects to pay a further A$23 million in aggregate estimated
purchase price adjustments(3) to Newmont in June 2025.  Up to a maximum of
US$100 million in deferred cash consideration may be payable to Newmont on the
first five years' Havieron gold production.

 

(3) Note on estimated adjustments: Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, the
amount of the purchase price adjustments has been estimated for the purposes
of the adjustments paid on Completion.  A final adjustment will be calculated
and made following the preparation and agreement of a final post-completion
statement, with the final adjustment expected to be agreed or determined
within six months.

 

Greatland retains full upside exposure to the AUD gold price. During the
quarter Greatland purchased AUD denominated gold put options in respect of
150,000oz of gold, with an average strike price of A$3,905 per ounce and a
series of expiry dates through CY2025.

 

Table 2: Gold put option program

 

 Quarter End Date  Gold Volumes Under              Put Options (oz)               Average Blended Strike Price (A$ per ounce)
 31-Mar-2025       33,996                                                         3,905
 30-Jun-2025       46,302                                                         3,905
 30-Sep-2025       38,910                                                         3,905
 31-Dec-2025       30,792                                                         3,905
 Total             150,000                                                        3,905

 

The put options establish a price level at which Greatland has the right, but
not obligation, to sell gold, therefore providing a minimum downside price
protection for the protected ounces while retaining full upside exposure to
the gold price across 100% of Telfer production volumes.

 

Greatland ended the December 2024 quarter with available liquidity of A$220
million, comprising:

 

§  A$145 million cash; and

 

§  A$75 million undrawn working capital facility.

 

An estimated A$23 million in deferred acquisition consideration is due to
Newmont in June 2025.

 

ASX listing

 

As described in the Company's Admission Document dated 10 September 2024,
Greatland intends to undertake a listing of the Greatland group on ASX (the
ASX Listing). The Greatland group would maintain an AIM listing, i.e. it would
be listed on both ASX and AIM.

 

In parallel, a corporate reorganisation is intended to be undertaken which
would result in the

Greatland group sitting under a new Australian incorporated parent company, to
be effected

through a UK scheme of arrangement and subject to approval by Greatland
shareholders and by the UK Court.

 

The ASX Listing is intended to be undertaken with the objectives of:

 

§   enhancing Greatland's capital markets profile; the ASX is considered a
natural

listing venue for mining companies, especially those with assets located in
Australia;

 

§  facilitating index participation, increased equity research coverage and
increased institutional ownership to support greater liquidity and interest in
the stock; and

 

§  providing Greatland with access to additional deep pools of capital to
support longer-term growth, some of which is mandated exclusively for
ASX-listed investments.

 

The intended corporate reorganisation associated with the ASX Listing is
expected to deliver

the following additional benefits:

 

§  better alignment of the Greatland group's corporate structure with its
assets and

operations, given that all of Greatland's assets and employees are located in
Australia;

 

§  reduced costs and complexity associated with owning assets and conducting
operations in Australia while being domiciled in the UK;

 

§  greater flexibility to pursue new investment and acquisition
opportunities in the resources sector; and

 

§  the potential for increased institutional ownership of Greatland, as
certain institutional investors may be more attracted to invest in an
Australian domiciled, dual ASX and AIM listed, company.

 

The reorganisation will be subject to shareholder approval and a circular will
be published at the relevant time.

 

Preparations for the ASX Listing are progressing, and the ASX Listing is
targeted in the June 2025 quarter.

 

Contact

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Greatland Gold plc

Shaun Day, Managing Director  |  Rowan Krasnoff, Head of Business
Development

info@greatlandgold.com

 

Nominated Advisor

SPARK Advisory Partners

Andrew Emmott / James Keeshan / Neil Baldwin  |  +44 203 368 3550

 

Corporate Brokers

Canaccord Genuity  |  James Asensio / George Grainger  |  +44 207 523 8000

SI Capital Limited  |  Nick Emerson / Sam Lomanto  |  +44 148 341 3500

 

Media Relations

UK - Gracechurch Group  | Harry Chathli / Alexis Gore / Henry Gamble  |
+44 204 582 3500

Australia - Fivemark Partners  |  Michael Vaughan  |  +61 422 602 720

 

About Greatland

 

Greatland is a gold and copper mining company listed on the London Stock
Exchange's AIM Market (LSE:GGP) and operates its business from Western
Australia.

 

The Greatland portfolio includes the 100% owned Telfer gold-copper mine, the
adjacent 100% owned world class Havieron gold-copper project (under
development), and a significant exploration portfolio within the surrounding
region. The combination of Telfer and Havieron provides for a substantial and
long life gold-copper operation in the Paterson Province of Western Australia.

 

Greatland is targeting a dual listing on the ASX in the June quarter 2025.

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