REG - Polymetal Int PLC - Q2 2018 production results
Release time
IMMEDIATE
Date
26 July 2018
Polymetal International plc
Q2 2018 production results
Polymetal International plc (LSE, MOEX: POLY; ADR: AUCOY) (together with its subsidiaries - "Polymetal", the "Company", or the "Group") is pleased to announce the Group's production results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2018.
HIGHLIGHTS
· Polymetal produced 324 Koz of gold equivalent (GE) in the second quarter of 2018, up 16% year-on-year. Volumes at Svetloye and Amursk POX combined with improved grades at Omolon drove the strong performance. Gold production for the quarter was 232 Koz, up 22% year-on-year. Silver production grew by 2% to 6.8 Moz year-on-year.
· GE production for the first six months of 2018 was 619 Koz, an 11% increase year-on-year and fully in line with guidance. Stronger production in the 2H will be driven by traditional seasonal concentrate de-stockpiling at Mayskoye, as well as first contributions from the recently launched Kyzyl operation.
· Kyzyl produced first concentrate in June, one month ahead of schedule. The operation is expected to ramp up to full throughput capacity (150 Kt per month) and reach design recoveries (86%) by October 2018. The company plans to produce 80 Koz of payable gold at Kyzyl this year.
· Gold sales for the quarter increased by 17%, which largely offset a 7% decline in silver sales as the Company generated a total of US$ 435 million in revenues, up 13% compared to previous year.
· During the quarter the Company generated significant free cash flow. Net debt increased by approximately US$ 75 million as the company paid US$ 129 million of final dividends for FY2017 (US$ 0.30 per share). As in prior years, we expect significantly stronger free cash flow generation in the second half of the year on the back of higher production volumes and seasonal working capital drawdowns.
· Polymetal is pleased to report that no fatalities occurred in the quarter. The Group's LTIFR improved to 0.17 versus 0.19 in Q2 2017. As part of a continuous effort improve across health and safety metrics, in Q2 we have implemented two new standards - voice reporting of near-misses to improve communication underground, and an incident recording system to improve the efficiency of preventive measures.
· The Company remains on track to meet its FY 2018 production guidance of 1.55 Moz of gold equivalent at TCC of US$ 650-700/GE oz and AISC of US$ 875-925/GE oz. Due to the seasonality of revenues, both TCC and AISC are expected to be at the higher end of the guidance range for the first half of the year. The cost guidance remains contingent on the Rouble/Dollar exchange rate dynamic that has a significant effect on the Group's Rouble-denominated operating costs. Polymetal will announce its half-yearly financial results on 22 August 2018.
"Another strong quarter puts us into a very comfortable position vis-a-vis our guidance for 2018", said Vitaly Nesis, Group CEO of Polymetal, commenting on the results. "With Kyzyl launched ahead of schedule, the focus is now on its smooth ramp-up and the completion of the POX debottlenecking project."
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change1
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change1
2018
2017
2018
2017
Waste mined, Mt
32.1
29.5
+9%
60.9
55.1
+11%
Underground development, km
31.5
28.9
+9%
64.4
53.8
+20%
Ore mined, Kt
3,352
3,277
+2%
6,541
6,590
-1%
Open-pit
2,156
2,198
-2%
4,191
4,402
-5%
Underground
1,196
1,079
+11%
2,350
2,189
+7%
Ore processed, Kt
3,905
3,443
+13%
6,967
6,286
+11%
Production
Gold, Koz
232
190
+22%
446
389
+15%
Silver, Moz
6.8
6.6
+2%
12.7
12.8
-0%
Copper, Kt
0.9
0.5
+72%
1.6
1.0
+66%
Zinc, Kt
1.6
1.2
+32%
3.0
2.3
+30%
Gold equivalent, Koz2
324
278
+17%
619
558
+11%
Sales
Gold, Koz
239
203
+17%
445
380
+17%
Silver, Moz
7.3
7.8
-7%
12.1
12.4
-3%
Copper, Kt
1.4
0.5
+204%
2.3
0.5
+331%
Zinc, Kt
1.2
1.7
-30%
1.5
2.2
-35%
Revenue, US$m3
435
385
+13%
789
683
+16%
Net debt, US$m4
1,653
1,578
+5%
1,653
1,421
+16%
Safety5
LTIFR
0.17
0.19
-11%
0.16
0.15
+7%
Fatalities
0
1
-100%
1
1
0%
Notes: (1) % changes can be different from zero even when absolute numbers are unchanged because of rounding. Likewise, % changes can be equal to zero when absolute numbers differ due to the same reason. This note applies to all tables in this release.
(2) Based on 1:80 Ag/Au, 5:1 Cu/Au and 2:1 Zn/Au conversion ratios.
(3) Calculated based on the unaudited consolidated management accounts.
(4) Non-IFRS measure based on unaudited consolidated management accounts. Comparative information is presented for 31 March 2018 (for the three months period) and 31 December 2017 (for the six months period).
(5) LTIFR = lost time injury frequency rate per 200,000 hours worked.
(6) NA = not available, NM - not material
PRODUCTION BY MINE
3 months
ended Jun 30,
%
change1
6 months
ended Jun 30,
%
change1
2018
2017
2018
2017
GOLD EQ. (KOZ)1
Dukat
76
79
-4%
155
158
-2%
Albazino-Amursk
63
40
+58%
153
108
+41%
Omolon
54
43
+27%
86
93
-8%
Mayskoye
-
4
-100%
-
9
-100%
Varvara
31
27
+18%
66
55
+19%
Voro
28
33
-13%
54
58
-7%
Svetloye
45
26
+69%
53
26
+101%
Okhotsk
12
12
-3%
25
24
+5%
Kapan
15
14
+1%
27
25
+8%
TOTAL
324
278
+17%
619
558
+11%
Notes: (1) Based on 1:80 Ag/Au, 5:1 Cu/Au and 2:1 Zn/Au conversion ratios.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
Polymetal will hold a conference call and webcast on Thursday, 26 July 2018 at 10:00 London time (12:00 Moscow time).
To participate in the call, please dial:
8 800 500 98 63 access code 95582454# (free from Russia), or
0808 238 9671 (free from the UK), or
+1 646 722 4913 (free from the US), or
follow the link: http://polymetal260718-live.audio-webcast.com. Please be prepared to introduce yourself to the moderator or register.
Webcast replay will be available on Polymetal's website (www.polymetalinternational.com) and at http://polymetal260718-live.audio-webcast.com. A recording of the call will be available immediately after the call at +44 20 3364 5147 (from within the UK), 1 646 722 4969 (USA Toll Free) and +7 495 249 16 71 (from within Russia), access code 418779146#, from 12:30 Moscow time Thursday, 26 July, till 12:30 Moscow time Thursday, 2 August, 2018.
Enquiries
Media
Investor Relations
FTI Consulting
Leonid Fink
Viktor Pomichal
+44 20 3727 1000
Polymetal
Eugenia Onuschenko
Maryana Nesis
Michael Vasiliev
+44 20 7016 9505 (UK)
+7 812 334 3666 (Russia)
Joint Corporate Brokers
Morgan Stanley
Andrew Foster
Richard Brown
Panmure GordonAdam James
James Stearns
+44 20 7425 8000
+44 20 7886 2500
RBC Europe Limited
Tristan Lovegrove
Marcus Jackson
+44 20 7653 4000
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
THIS RELEASE MAY INCLUDE STATEMENTS THAT ARE, OR MAY BE DEEMED TO BE, "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS". THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS SPEAK ONLY AS AT THE DATE OF THIS RELEASE. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY, INCLUDING THE WORDS "TARGETS", "BELIEVES", "EXPECTS", "AIMS", "INTENDS", "WILL", "MAY", "ANTICIPATES", "WOULD", "COULD" OR "SHOULD" OR SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS OR, IN EACH CASE THEIR NEGATIVE OR OTHER VARIATIONS OR BY DISCUSSION OF STRATEGIES, PLANS, OBJECTIVES, GOALS, FUTURE EVENTS OR INTENTIONS. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ALL INCLUDE MATTERS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS. BY THEIR NATURE, SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS BEYOND THE COMPANY'S CONTROL THAT COULD CAUSE THE ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMPANY TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM FUTURE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON NUMEROUS ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING THE COMPANY'S PRESENT AND FUTURE BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE COMPANY WILL OPERATE IN THE FUTURE. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEES OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE. THERE ARE MANY FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THE COMPANY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION OR UNDERTAKING TO DISSEMINATE ANY UPDATES OR REVISIONS TO ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS WITH REGARD THERETO OR ANY CHANGE IN EVENTS, CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY SUCH STATEMENTS ARE BASED
DUKAT OPERATIONS
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Dukat
Underground development, m
9,066
8,201
+11%
17,783
16,213
+10%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
420
418
+1%
825
817
+1%
Goltsovoye
Underground development, m
1,864
1,877
-1%
3,687
3,264
+13%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
48
47
+2%
93
92
+1%
Lunnoye
Underground development, m
2,299
2,154
+7%
4,487
3,802
+18%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
147
142
+4%
280
286
-2%
Perevalnoye
Underground development, m
907
755
+20%
1,780
1,257
+42%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
-
-
NA
2
-
NA
Nachalny-2
Waste mined, Kt
-
75
-100%
-
75
-100%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
-
16
-100%
-
16
-100%
Terem
Underground development, m
847
458
+85%
1,694
458
+270%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
11
5
+126%
20
5
+306%
TOTAL HUB
Waste mined, Kt
-
75
-100%
-
75
-100%
Underground development, m
14,983
13,445
+11%
29,431
24,994
+18%
Ore mined, Kt
626
627
-0%
1,221
1,215
+1%
Open-pit
-
16
-100%
-
16
-100%
Underground
626
611
+2%
1,221
1,199
+2%
PROCESSING
Dukat
Ore processed, Kt
513
491
+4%
996
967
+3%
Grade
Gold, g/t
0.5
0.4
+18%
0.5
0.4
+20%
Silver, g/t
291
310
-6%
302
319
-5%
Recovery1
Gold
87.0%
87.3%
-0%
86.6%
85.4%
+1%
Silver
88.2%
89.1%
-1%
88.0%
88.3%
-0%
Production
Gold, Koz
7.1
6.2
+14%
14.3
11.7
+22%
Silver, Moz
4.1
4.3
-5%
8.4
8.6
-3%
Lunnoye
Ore processed, Kt
114
116
-1%
227
228
-0%
Grade
Gold, g/t
1.2
1.2
-5%
1.2
1.3
-3%
Silver, g/t
323
346
-7%
340
364
-6%
Recovery1
Gold
85.4%
90.2%
-5%
85.3%
91.0%
-6%
Silver
90.2%
92.0%
-2%
91.0%
92.2%
-1%
Production
Gold, Koz
3.6
4.2
-14%
7.6
8.5
-11%
Silver, Moz
1.1
1.2
-8%
2.2
2.4
-7%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
10.7
10.4
+3%
21.9
20.2
+8%
Silver, Moz
5.2
5.5
-5%
10.6
11.0
-4%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory (concentrate, precipitate)
Dukat underground development and processing volumes at the Omsukchan concentrator both hit record levels as the operation is trying to offset grade declines and the narrowing of the average vein width.
Q2 gold production at Dukat increased by 3% year-on-year as the concentrator processed ore from gold-rich veins at the deeper levels of Dukat. Silver production decreased by 5% over 2017 due to planned grade declines.
Underground development at the Perevalnoye and Terem satellite deposits is making significant progress as both ore sources are expected to deliver significant contributions to the feed at the Omsukchan concentrator during the year. Stoping at Perevalnoye is expected to ramp up by Q3.
At Lunnoye, mill throughput volumes remained flat, while both gold and silver production decreased year-on-year by 14% and 8%, respectively. This comes on the back of lower grades following the depletion of high-grade areas of Zone 7.
ALBAZINO-AMURSK
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Waste mined, Kt
5,389
4,988
+8%
10,490
9,388
+12%
Underground development, m
2,336
1,898
+23%
4,696
3,485
+35%
Ore mined, Kt
478
509
-6%
930
992
-6%
Open-pit
370
424
-13%
715
830
-14%
Underground
108
85
+26%
216
161
+34%
PROCESSING
Albazino concentrator
Ore processed, Kt
441
439
+1%
860
856
+1%
Gold grade, g/t
4.8
4.8
+0%
5.0
4.8
+6%
Gold recovery1
85.0%
87.9%
-3%
85.8%
87.1%
-2%
Concentrate produced, Kt
35.0
36.1
-3%
68.9
71.5
-4%
Concentrate gold grade, g/t
51.7
51.6
+0%
54.4
50.1
+8%
Gold in concentrate, Koz2
58.1
60.0
-3%
120.3
115.1
+5%
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt
32.2
23.1
+39%
82.2
66.2
+24%
Albazino
27.2
20.0
+36%
71.1
60.2
+18%
Third-party
5.0
3.1
+60%
11.1
6.0
+85%
Gold grade, g/t
59.3
59.9
-1%
58.1
55.4
+5%
Gold recovery
96.7%
96.0%
+1%
97.1%
96.1%
+1%
Gold produced, Koz
63.0
39.8
+58%
152.8
108.1
+41%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
63.0
39.8
+58%
152.8
108.1
+41%
Notes: (1) To concentrate
(2) For information only; not considered as gold produced and therefore not reflected in the table representing total production. Included in total production upon completion of downstream processing at the Amursk POX
At Albazino, ore mining started at the new Ekaterina open pit. The processing of partially oxidized near-surface material has negatively impacted recoveries, a situation expected to be reversed by the end of the year.Underground mine productivity and grades continued to improve on the back of a full transition to partially cemented waste backfill in primary stopes.
At Amursk POX, the scheduled 6-week maintenance shutdown was successfully completed in May with the installation of all new pipes and valves required for the debottlenecking project. Year-on-year production increased by 58% as 2017 performance was impacted by a longer autoclave re-line shutdown.
The debottlenecking project is on schedule. The new section to crush, mill and store lime and limestone has been commissioned. The focus now shifts to commissioning the new oxygen plant and installing sulphur filters and the acidic thickener. Polymetal plans to ramp up the debottlenecked POX plant in Q4 of 2018, with additional feed comprising Kyzyl and 3rd-party concentrates.
OMOLON OPERATIONS
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Sopka
Waste mined, Kt
1,645
1,903
-14%
2,677
2,330
+15%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
5
64
-92%
298
64
+367%
Tsokol
Underground development, m
796
992
-20%
1,663
1,897
-12%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
38
26
+47%
76
61
+25%
Birkachan
Underground development, m
1,192
1,202
-1%
2,396
2,348
+2%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
32
28
+15%
60
54
+10%
Oroch
Waste mined, Kt
-
-
NA
-
109
-100%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
-
-
NA
-
81
-100%
Olcha
Waste mined, Kt
-
-
NA
-
184
-100%
Underground development, m
1,181
820
+44%
2,282
1,326
+72%
Ore mined, Kt
22
-
NA
48
73
-34%
Open pit
-
-
NA
-
73
-100%
Underground
22
-
NA
48
-
NA
TOTAL HUB
Waste mined, Kt
1,645
1,903
-14%
2,677
2,622
+2%
Underground development, m
3,169
3,014
+5%
6,341
5,571
+14%
Ore mined, Kt
97
117
-17%
482
333
+45%
Open-pit
5
64
-92%
298
218
+37%
Underground
92
54
+72%
184
115
+59%
PROCESSING
Birkachan Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt
472
121
+289%
472
121
+289%
Gold grade, g/t
1.1
1.3
-15%
1.1
1.3
-15%
Gold production, Koz
1.0
-
NA
1.0
-
NA
Kubaka Mill
Ore processed, Kt
216
214
+1%
422
429
-2%
Grade
Gold, g/t
5.2
5.3
-1%
5.0
6.3
-20%
Silver, g/t
171
134
+27%
102
78
+31%
Recovery1
Gold
95.7%
94.0%
+2%
95.4%
93.8%
+2%
Silver
88.2%
82.3%
+6%
81.7%
81.8%
0%
Gold production, Koz
39.7
35.3
+12%
70.1
84.3
-17%
Silver production, Moz
1.1
0.6
+79%
1.2
0.7
+60%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
40.7
35.3
+15%
71.1
84.3
-16%
Silver, Moz
1.1
0.6
+79%
1.2
0.7
+60%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory
In Q2, gold production at Omolon was up 15% year-on-year with silver production jumping 79%. Higher grades and better metallurgical properties of Sopka ore drove improved recoveries and lower work-in-progress requirements.
Underground mines performed strongly with a continued shift towards underground ore mining, particularly in terms of metals contained.
The Birkachan heap leach operation recommenced in Q2 with stacking volumes positively impacted by the introduction of screening operation ahead of the crusher. The circuit is expected to deliver meaningful production in 2H.
MAYSKOYE
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Waste mined, Kt
1,377
1,554
-11%
1,950
2,571
-24%
Underground development, m
6,038
4,996
+21%
12,136
9,604
+26%
Ore mined, Kt
285
284
+0%
463
538
-14%
Open-pit
110
120
-8%
132
143
-8%
Underground
174
164
+6%
331
395
-16%
PROCESSING
Flotation
Ore processed, Kt
213
157
+36%
416
363
+15%
Sulphide ore
66
145
-54%
269
351
-23%
Oxide ore
147
12
+1164%
147
12
+1164%
Gold grade, g/t
8.3
5.6
+49%
6.7
5.9
+13%
Sulphide ore
5.7
5.2
+10%
5.2
5.8
-10%
Oxide ore
9.5
9.9
-4%
9.5
9.9
-4%
Gold recovery
71.4%
88.6%
-17%
77.5%
78.4%
-1%
Sulphide ore
87.5%
88.6%
+1%
87.9%
87.7%
+2%
Oxide ore
67.1%
53.5%
+14%
67.1%
53.5%
+14%
Concentrate produced, Kt
16.2
11.5
+40%
33.4
30.1
+11%
Concentrate gold grade, g/t
50.4
59.8
-16%
51.3
60.2
-15%
Gold in concentrate, Koz2
26.2
22.2
+18%
55.0
58.2
-6%
Gold in carbon, Koz3
12.1
8.0
+51%
12.1
8.0
+51%
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt
-
1.0
-100%
-
5.2
-100%
Gold grade, g/t
-
55.9
-100%
-
50.0
-100%
Gold recovery
-
96.3%
-100%
-
96.1%
-100%
Gold produced, Koz
-
3.8
-100%
-
9.0
-100%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
0.0
3.8
-100%
0.0
9.0
-100%
Notes: (1) To concentrate
(2) For information only; not considered as gold produced and therefore not reflected in the table representing total production. Included in total production upon sale to off-taker or internal downstream processing to saleable metal product
(3) Work in progress. For information only; not considered as gold produced and therefore not reflected in the table representing total production
Underground development at Mayskoye continued to increase as the new mine level (100m below surface) is expected to enter stoping in Q1 2019.
Oxide ore processing through the combined float-leach circuit has demonstrated broadly positive results. Recoveries are in line with metallurgical test work and, given very high grades of oxide material, gold production for the year is expected to jump significantly.
This year most of Mayskoye concentrate will be sold to Chinese off-takers as in-house POX capacity is taken up by higher-grade third-party material. Accordingly, production at Mayskoye will be booked in the second half of the year once the stockpiled concentrate is shipped to off-takers and loaded carbon is stripped at the Amursk POX.
VARVARA
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Varvara
Waste mined, Kt
1,652
2,982
-45%
3,256
6,659
-51%
Ore mined, Kt
180
376
-52%
349
878
-60%
Komarovskoye
Waste mined, Kt
5,899
2,956
+100%
11,444
5,260
+118%
Ore mined, Kt
531
466
+14%
1,037
900
+15%
PROCESSING
Flotation
Ore processed, Kt
104
32
+226%
180
89
+103%
Grade
Gold, g/t
1.4
3.1
-57%
1.3
2.4
-46%
Copper
0.51%
0.70%
-26%
0.53%
0.61%
-13%
Recovery1
Gold
71.8%
69.4%
+2%
67.7%
65.0%
+2%
Copper
92.6%
87.2%
+5%
91.5%
80.7%
+11%
Production
Gold (in concentrate), Koz
2.6
1.7
+52%
4.2
3.3
+27%
Copper (in concentrate), Kt
0.5
0.2
+161%
0.9
0.4
+11%
Toll-treated ore processed, Kt2
32
52
-39%
43
63
-31%
Leaching
Ore processed, Kt
723
671
+8%
1,498
1,409
+6%
Gold grade, g/t
1.3
1.1
+15%
1.4
1.3
+12%
Gold recovery1
87.5%
79.7%
+10%
86.9%
81.1%
+7%
Gold production (in dore), Koz
26.3
24.0
+10%
57.5
50.0
+15%
Total ore processed, Kt
858
755
+14%
1,721
1,560
+10%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
28.9
25.7
+12%
61.7
53.3
+16%
Copper, Kt
0.5
0.2
+161%
0.9
0.4
+112%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and copper within work-in-progress inventory. Does not include toll-treated ore
(2) To be further processed at Amursk POX.
In Q2, Varvara delivered a 12% increase in gold production year-on-year. Continued increases in Komar ore railing capacity drove higher processing volumes and improved head grades at the leaching circuit. Gold recovery rates in the leaching circuit also improved thanks to the detailed geo-metallurgical mapping of Komar ore followed by the introduction of flexible reagent additions.
Open pit mining volumes continued to shift away from Varvara towards Komar following high-margin ore tonnes.
Varvara continued to toll-treat third-party refractory gold ore. The produced gold concentrate is processed at the Amursk POX facility. Gold production from this material is booked following dore production from concentrate at Amursk.
VORO
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Voro
Waste mined, Kt
850
2,539
-67%
1,921
5,057
-62%
Ore mined, Kt
272
402
-32%
575
822
-30%
PROCESSING
Voro Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt
2
180
-99%
2
180
-99%
Gold grade, g/t
1.5
1.3
+18%
1.5
1.3
+18%
Gold production, Koz
2.1
3.2
-34%
3.7
5.8
-36%
Voro CIP
Ore processed, Kt
252
252
+0%
498
498
+0%
Gold grade, g/t
4.2
4.9
-15%
4.0
4.3
-5%
Gold recovery1
81.1%
82.6%
-2%
80.8%
81.8%
-1%
Gold production, Koz
26.2
29.3
-10%
50.8
52.6
-4%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
28.3
32.5
-13%
54.5
58.4
-7%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold within work-in-progress inventory
Q2 gold production at Voro decreased by 13% year-on-year, largely driven by lower ore grades.
Mining volumes declined sharply as expected given that the open pit is nearing closure next year. Exploration drilling has identified substantial high-quality mineralization below the open pit. Technical studies are currently under way to determine the feasibility of underground mining.
The heap leach plant shifted to residual leaching, whereby previously leached ore is re-crushed and re-agglomerated to enable recoveries from previously impermeable material.
SVETLOYE
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Svetloye
Waste mined, Kt
122
66
+85%
224
255
-12%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
335
331
+1%
661
595
+11%
PROCESSING
Svetloye Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt
434
370
+17%
653
466
+40%
Gold grade, g/t
3.8
4.7
-18%
3.8
4.5
-15%
Gold production, Koz
44.7
26.4
+69%
53.0
26.4
+101%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
44.7
26.4
+69%
53.0
26.4
+101%
In Q2 Svetloye delivered a robust 69% year-on-year production increase.
Higher stacking volumes and continued leaching of material placed on pads last year more than offset grade declines.
Successful step-out drilling at the Emy pit and positive metallurgical test work for the material from the nearby Levoberezhny property indicate potential to extend the life-of-mine of Svetloye by approximately 4 years to 2028.
OKHOTSK OPERATIONS
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Avlayakan
Underground development, m
756
1,223
-38%
2,108
2,467
-15%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
42
29
+44%
88
68
+30%
Khotorchan
Waste mined, Kt
251
-
NA
254
-
NA
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
28
-
NA
28
-
NA
PROCESSING
Khakanja
Ore processed, Kt
159
153
+3%
312
307
+2%
Grade
Gold, g/t
1.8
1.7
+7%
1.8
1.5
+17%
Silver, g/t
87
99
-12%
87
99
-13%
Recovery1
Gold
97.4%
96.2%
+1%
97.2%
96.5%
+1%
Silver
72.6%
73.7%
-1%
72.1%
73.8%
-2%
Gold production, Koz
8.0
7.8
+2%
16.6
14.8
+12%
Silver production, Moz
0.3
0.4
-13%
0.6
0.7
-7%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
8.0
7.8
+2%
16.6
14.8
+12%
Silver, Moz
0.3
0.4
-13%
0.6
0.7
-7%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory (precipitate)
At Okhotsk, production was largely flat. Sea transportation of ore from Avlayakan commenced on time setting the stage for improvement in grades in Q3.
A new small-scale satellite open-pit mine, Khotorchan, entered production. The operation is expected to be completed in Q4 2018 with ore trucked by winter road to the Khakanja mill in Q1 2019.
KAPAN
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Kapan
Underground development, m
4,268
4,355
-2%
9,684
7,723
+25%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
154
135
+14%
311
250
+24%
PROCESSING
Ore processed, Kt
158
132
+20%
312
246
+27%
Grade
Gold, g/t
2.0
2.6
-23%
1.9
2.4
-19%
Silver, g/t
34
45
-25%
33
44
-24%
Copper, %
0.32%
0.32%
+2%
0.31%
0.30%
+6%
Zinc, %
1.48%
1.31%
+13%
1.40%
1.32%
+6%
Recovery
Gold
84.7%
86.3%
-2%
83.4%
85.0%
-2%
Silver
85.2%
84.9%
+0%
83.6%
84.1%
-1%
Copper
95.8%
91.6%
+5%
95.2%
91.3%
+4%
Zinc
86.7%
90.8%
-4%
87.1%
89.7%
-3%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
7.7
8.6
-10%
14.2
14.4
-1%
Silver, Moz
0.1
0.1
-9%
0.2
0.2
-5%
Copper, Kt
0.4
0.3
+24%
0.8
0.6
+34%
Zinc, Kt
1.6
1.2
+32%
3.0
2.3
+30%
Gold production for Q2 decreased slightly year-on-year as the upper levels of the mine with high-grade stopes were temporarily unavailable due to the official enquiry of the fatal incident on March 2.
Ore mined volumes continued to grow, reflecting the positive results of ongoing improvement measures to debottleneck the underground mine, especially as mine personnel completed a full transition from manual to mechanized drilling. The processing volumes grew in line with mining.
Gold grades declined year-on-year as manual shrinkage with minimal dilution was completely phased out due to health and safety concerns.
KYZYL
3 months ended Jun 30,
% change
6 months ended Jun 30,
% change
2018
2017
2018
2017
MINING
Waste mined, Kt
14,888
12,479
+19%
28,683
23,178
+24%
Ore mined (open-pit), Kt
323
-
NA
397
-
NA
PROCESSING
Ore processed, Kt
74
-
NA
74
-
NA
Gold grade, g/t
2.5
-
NA
2.5
-
NA
Gold recovery
42%
-
NA
42%
-
NA
Concentrate produced, Kt
1.3
-
NA
1.3
-
NA
Concentrate gold grade, g/t
46.5
-
NA
46.5
-
NA
Gold in concentrate, Koz1
2.0
-
NA
2.0
-
NA
Note: (1) For information only; not considered as gold produced and therefore not reflected in the table representing total production. It will be Included in total production upon sale to off-taker or internal downstream processing to saleable metal product
The Kyzyl processing plant was started up on 17 June 2018, one month ahead of schedule, with the first 1.3 Kt of concentrate produced during the month from the lower-grade material.
The 3-month ramp up period so far has been progressing according to plan. Grade reconciliation is in line with the reserve model. The recoveries are being improved continuously, with the current average run-rate of 72% achieved in July to date.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Nezhda - the Company decided to exercise its call option to acquire the remaining 75.3% stake in the gold property, which will bring its effective stake to 100% once completed. The total consideration for the call option exercise will amount to US$ 144 million, payable in Polymetal shares. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2018 after the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. A detailed development plan for the asset will be presented after the completion of a Feasibility Study in Q4 2018.
Prognoz - the Company has brought its effective ownership in the silver asset to 100% via 2 separate transactions for a total of US$ 212 million paid in Polymetal shares. An updated JORC-compliant resource estimate is expected in Q4 2018.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Polymetal had no fatalities in the quarter, with a Group Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate ("LTIFR") of 0.17 versus 0.19 in Q2 2017.
All our Russian and Kazakh operations maintained their OHSAS 18001 accreditation following external audits, with Kyzyl and Komar re-certified during Q2 2018. An audit of Kapan is scheduled for the next quarter.
Safety remains a top priority for Polymetal and the Company reaffirms its commitment to further improving across health and safety metrics to achieve our zero‑harm target. Details of the implemented safety and employee welfare initiatives are set out in the Sustainability Report, which can be found on our website.
Polymetal continues to invest in digital technologies and innovative practices to achieve greater levels of safety, efficiency, and productivity. In the reporting period, we have implemented two new standards - voice reporting of near-misses to improve communication underground, and an incident recording system to improve the efficiency of preventive measures.
PERSONNEL
Yerbol Rakhimov (51) was appointed as Managing Director of Mayskoye. Yerbol replaced Yevgeny Tsybin (41) who assumed the position of Technical Director in Polymetal's Magadan office. Mr Rakhimov was born in Kazakhstan in 1967 and in 1991 graduated from the Kazakh Polytechnic Institute with a degree in mining engineering. From 1991 until 2011 he held various positions with Kazzinc, first as an underground mine surveyor and all the way up to chief engineer and mine manager. In 2011, Mr. Rakhimov joined Polymetal as chief engineer of the Dukat underground mine, a position he held until 2015. In 2015, he was appointed chief engineer of the Dukat operations.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.ENDDRLKELFLVDFEBBZ
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