REG - Polymetal Int PLC - Q3 2017 Production Results <Origin Href="QuoteRef">POLYP.L</Origin>

Polymetal International PKAnnouncement

16/10/2017 07:05

RNS Number : 6572T
Polymetal International PLC
16 October 2017
Release time
IMMEDIATE
Date
16 October 2017
Polymetal International plc
Q32017 production results
Polymetal International plc (LSE, MOEX: POLY; ADR: AUCOY) (together with its subsidiaries - "Polymetal", the "Company", or the "Group") is pleased to report the Group's production results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
HIGHLIGHTS
 In Q3 2017, Polymetal achieved a record production of 470 Koz of gold equivalent (GE), which represents a 26% increase over the previous year. The increase was driven by strong contributions from the fully ramped up Svetloye heap leach operation (Okhotsk hub) and Mayskoye oxide ore processing. Albazino and Varvara also achieved record quarterly production levels. 
 In the first nine months of 2017, the Company produced 1,028 Koz of GE, a 15% increase over the previous year and in line with the FY2017 production plan of 1.4 Moz of GE.
 Q3 gold output increased 38% year-on-year to 370 Koz. Silver production declined 7% year-on-year to 7.4 Moz due to the planned grade decline at the Dukat underground mine. 
 Q3 sales amounted to US$ 546 million, up 17% over the previous year as gold sales jumped 50% on the back of higher output and prices. The timing gap between silver production and sales is expected to be fully closed in Q4 2017.
 At Kyzyl, construction is progressing on schedule. During the quarter, all major processing equipment has been installed with external electrical infrastructure now fully operational. Construction activities are now focused on finalising the tailings storage facility. The project remains on track to produce its first concentrate in Q3 2018.
 During the quarter, the Company generated free cash flow which was used to pay US$ 60 million in interim dividends (US$ 0.14 per share) and a US$ 20 million consideration for a stake increase in the Nezhda gold property. The Company will continue to generate free cash flow in the fourth quarter. Net debt increased marginally from US$ 1,583 million as of June 30 to US$ 1,599 million as of September 30, 2017.
 The Company is on track to meet its FY2017 production guidance of 1.4 Moz of GE at TCC of US$ 600-650/GE oz and AISC of US$ 775-825/GE oz. 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 re-confirms its production guidance for FY2018 at 1.55 Moz of GE and for FY2019 at 1.7 Moz of GE. 
 Polymetal will be hosting an Analyst and Investor Day on November 13 in London to provide an update on key development projects. 
"Our operational performance in the third quarter was very robust and the Company remains on track to meet its annual production and cost guidance", said Vitaly Nesis, Group CEO of Polymetal, commenting on the results. "Meanwhile, Kyzyl continues to advance towards first concentrate production in less than a year's time". 
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change1
2017
2016
2017
2016
Waste mined, Mt
29.7
23.9
+24%
84.7
58.1
+46%
Underground development, km
30.0
24.6
+22%
83.9
68.3
+23%
Ore mined, Kt
3,066
3,462
-11%
9,657
9,194
+5%
Open-pit
1,975
2,405
-18%
6,377
6,448
-1%
Underground
1,091
1,057
+3%
3,279
2,746
+19%
Ore processed, Kt
3,725
3,306
+13%
10,011
8,593
+13%
Production
Gold, Koz
370
268
+38%
759
606
+25%
Silver, Moz
7.4
8.0
-7%
20.2
22.2
-9%
Copper, Kt
0.9
0.3
+193%
1.9
1.3
+50%
Zinc, Kt
1.3
1.3
+1%
3.6
2.0
+77%
Gold equivalent, Koz2
470
372
+26%
1,028
894
+15%
Sales
Gold, Koz
363
242
+50%
742
561
+32%
Silver, Moz
5.8
8.3
-31%
18.2
21.3
-15%
Copper, Kt
0.8
0.3
+139%
1.3
0.4
+189%
Zinc, Kt
1.2
1.4
-11%
3.5
1.5
+123%
Revenue, US$m3
546
466
+17%
1,229
1,059
+16%
Net debt, US$m4
1,599
1,583
+1%
1,599
1,329
+20%
Safety5
LTIFR
0.11
0.20
-45%
0.14
0.19
-22%
Fatalities
0
0
0%
1
2
-50%
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/Auconversion ratios.
 (3) Calculated based on the unaudited consolidated management accounts. Concentrate sales are recorded based on forward prices for the expected dates of final settlement and concentrate revenue is presented net of refining and treatment charges.
(4) Non-IFRS measure based on unaudited consolidated management accounts. Net debt equals to current and non-current borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and includes the liability for dividend payable. Comparative information is presented for 30 June 2017 (for the 3 months period) and 31 December 2016 (for the 9 months period).
 (5) LTIFR = lost time injury frequency rate per 200,000 hours worked. 
 
PRODUCTION BY MINE
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
%
change1
2017
2016
2017
2016
GOLD EQ. (KOZ) 2
Dukat
83
93
-11%
241
280
-14%
Albazino-Amursk
89
72
+24%
197
190
+4%
Mayskoye
81
47
+70%
90
68
+31%
Omolon
45
41
+10%
139
108
+28%
Voro
30
36
-18%
89
93
-4%
Varvara
33
22
+52%
88
57
+55%
Okhotsk
97
49
+100%
147
79
+87%
Kapan
12
12
+2%
37
18
+103%
TOTAL
470
372
+26%
1,028
894
+15%
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.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
Polymetal will hold a conference call and webcast on Monday, October 16 at 13:00 London time (15:00 Moscow time). 
To participate in the call, please dial:

8 10 800 204 140 11 access code 33335091# (free from Russia), or 
+44 20 3367 9461 (free from the UK), or 
1855402 7761 (free from the US), or 
Any of the above numbers (from outside the UK, the US and Russia) or follow the link: http://www.audio-webcast.com/cgi-bin/visitors.ssp?fn=visitor&id=4995.
Please be prepared to introduce yourself to the moderator or register.
The webcast replay will be available on Polymetal's website (www.polymetalinternational.com) and at http://www.audio-webcast.com/cgi-bin/visitors.ssp?fn=visitor&id=4995. A recording of the call will be available immediately after the call at +44 20 3367 9460 (from within the UK), 1877 642 3018 (from within the US) and +7 495 745 79 48 (from within Russia), access code 311079#, from 15:00 Moscow time on Monday, October 16 and until 15:00 Moscow time on Monday, October 23, 2017. 
Enquiries
Media
Investor Relations
FTI Consulting 
Leonid Fink 
Viktor Pomichal
+44 20 3727 1000
Polymetal
Evgenia Onuschenko
Maryana Nesis
Michael Vasiliev 
ir@polymetalinternational.com
+44 20 7016 9505 (UK)
+7 812 334 3666 (Russia)
Joint Corporate Brokers
Morgan Stanley
Sam McLennan
Richard Brown

Panmure Gordon 
Adam James 
Tom Salvesen
+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 Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
2016
2017
2016
MINING
Dukat
Underground development, m
8,710
8,928
-2%
24,923
26,514
-6%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
395
409
-4%
1,211
1,211
+0%
Goltsovoye
Underground development, m
1,834
1,449
+27%
5,098
4,712
+8%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
51
48
+6%
143
141
+1%
Lunnoye + Arylakh
Underground development, m
2,045
1,407
+45%
5,847
3,952
+48%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
134
104
+29%
419
314
+33%
Perevalnoye
Underground development, m
1,002
-
NA
2,259
-
NA
Nachalny-2
Waste mined, Kt
197
-
NA
273
-
NA
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
32
-
NA
48
-
NA
Terem
Underground development, m
711
-
NA
1,169
-
NA
Ore mined (underground), Kt
6
-
NA
11
-
NA
TOTAL HUB
Waste mined, Kt
197
-
NA
273
-
NA
Underground development, m 
14,302
11,784
+21%
39,296
35,178
+12%
Ore mined, Kt 
 Open-pit
32
-
NA
48
-
NA
 Underground
586
561
+4%
1,785
1,667
+7%
PROCESSING
Dukat
Ore processed, Kt
496
474
+5%
1,463
1,458
+0%
Grade
Gold, g/t
0.4
0.7
-42%
0.4
0.6
-29%
Silver, g/t
329
386
-15%
323
374
-14%
Recovery1
Gold
87.9%
87.1%
+1%
86.2%
86.3%
-0%
Silver
89.1%
85.6%
+4%
88.6%
85.2%
+4%
Production
Gold, Koz
5.9
9.2
-35%
17.7
23.9
-26%
Silver, Moz
4.6
4.9
-7%
13.2
14.8
+14%
Lunnoye 
Ore processed, Kt
118
107
+10%
346
325
+7%
Grade
Gold, g/t
1.2
1.4
-12%
1.3
1.5
-18%
Silver, g/t
360
465
-23%
363
463
-22%
Recovery1
Gold
91.3%
91.9%
-1%
91.1%
92.4%
-1%
Silver
93.3%
91.0%
+3%
92.6%
92.0%
+1%
Production
Gold, Koz
4.3
4.5
-5%
12.7
15.2
-16%
Silver, Moz
1.3
1.5
-12%
3.7
4.5
-18%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
10.2
13.6
-25%
30.4
39.1
-22%
Silver, Moz
5.8
6.4
-8%
16.8
19.3
-13%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory (concentrate, precipitate)
Q3 silver production at the Dukat hub decreased 8% to 5.8 Moz year-on-yearas higher processing volumes and improved recoveries failed to offset declining grades. Grade declines are partially attributable to lower cut-off-grades which take into account lower mining costs, lower treatment charges and higher recoveries.
Ores from Dukat satellite deposits, Nachalny-2 and Terem, were introduced to the feed at the Omsukchan concentrator as the Goltsovoye mine is winding down. First ore from the polymetallic Perevalnoye deposit is expected to enter processing in Q4 2017.
At Lunnoye record amounts of ore were mined and processed as stoping commenced at the new Zone 5 vein. Lower silver grade is mostly attributable to depletion of high-grade portion of the Zone 7 vein.
ALBAZINO-AMURSK
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
2016
2017
2016
MINING
Waste mined, Kt
5,235
5,226
+0%
14,624
13,845
+6%
Underground development, m
2,125
1,447
+47%
5,610
4,379
+28%
Ore mined, Kt
475
482
-1%
1,467
1,367
+7%
Open-pit
387
409
-6%
1,217
1,163
+5%
Underground
89
72
+23%
250
205
+22%
PROCESSING
Albazino concentrator
Ore processed, Kt
436
409
+7%
1,291
1,239
+4%
Gold grade, g/t
4.9
5.1
-5%
4.8
5.1
-5%
Gold recovery1
88.3%
88.0%
+0%
87.5%
87.0%
+1%
Concentrate produced, Kt
34.3
34.2
+0%
105.8
102.8
+3%
Concentrate gold grade, g/t
54.5
53.6
+2%
51.5
53.2
-3%
Gold in concentrate, Koz2
60.1
58.9
+2%
175.2
175.8
-0%
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt
47.3
43.9
+8%
113.5
117.1
-3%
Gold grade, g/t
62.1
53.3
+17%
58.2
52.1
+12%
Recovery
96.2%
94.1%
+2%
96.1%
94.1%
+2%
Gold produced, Koz3
89.2
71.9
+24%
197.3
189.9
+4%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
89.2
71.9
+24%
197.3
189.9
+4%
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
(3) 1H 2016 now includes gold produced from the third-party concentrate, previously accounted in Mayskoye production
At Albazino/Amursk, gold production in the third quarter of 2017 increased 24% year-on-year to 89.2 Koz, making up for the 7-week maintenance and retrofit shutdownin Q2 2017. 
The increase was mainly driven by the improvement of gold recovery levels at the Amursk Pox by 2% on the back of the water treatment and heat exchange section upgrades, as well as significantly higher grades in 3rd-party concentrates.
At the Albazino underground mine productivity continued to improve with the completion of the transition to partially consolidated backfill in primary stopes. 
The debottlenecking project at the Amursk POX is on schedule with structural steel installation complete and all processing and auxiliary equipment on site. 
OMOLON OPERATIONS
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
2016
2017
2016
MINING
Sopka
Waste mined, Kt
1,960
-
NA
4,290
-
NA
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
160
-
NA
224
-
NA
Tsokol
Underground development, m
962
1,022
-6%
2,859
2,954
-3%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
46
41
+10%
106
70
+52%
Birkachan
Waste mined, Kt
-
792
-100%
-
2,174
-100%
Underground development, m
1,060
869
+22%
3,408
1,574
+117%
Ore mined, Kt
29
253
-89%
83
616
-86%
Open-pit
-
230
-100%
-
589
-100%
Underground
29
23
+26%
83
27
+209%
Oroch
Waste mined, Kt
-
1,178
-100%
109
4,085
-97%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
-
282
-100%
81
691
-88%
Olcha
Waste mined, Kt
-
288
-100%
184
288
-36%
Underground development, m
968
-
NA
2,294
-
NA
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
-
40
-100%
73
40
+80%
TOTAL HUB
Waste mined, Kt
1,960
2,257
-13%
4,583
6,546
-30%
Underground development, m
2,990
1,891
+58%
8,561
4,528
+89%
Ore mined, Kt
234
617
-62%
567
1,417
-60%
 Open-pit
160
553
-71%
378
1,320
-71%
 Underground
74
64
+16%
190
97
+95%
PROCESSING
Birkachan Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt
241
-
NA
362
-
NA
Gold grade, g/t
1.3
-
NA
1.3
-
NA
Gold production, Koz
3.4
-
NA
3.4
-
NA
Kubaka Mill
Ore processed, Kt
217
212
+2%
646
629
+3%
Grade
Gold, g/t
4.8
4.3
+12%
5.8
4.6
+26%
Silver, g/t
156
182
-15%
104
110
-6%
Recovery1
Gold
92.6%
92.5%
+0%
93.7%
90.7%
+3%
Silver
86.8%
91.3%
-5%
84.5%
86.2%
-2%
Gold production, Koz
29.1
27.4
+6%
113.4
85.7
+32%
Silver production, Moz
1.0
1.1
-6%
1.7
1.8
-4%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
32.5
27.4
+19%
116.8
85.7
+36%
Silver, Moz
1.0
1.1
-6%
1.7
1.8
-4%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory
In Q3, Omolon delivered a solid set of results with a 19% increase in gold production year-on-year. Gold grade in ore processed improved 12% to 4.8 g/t year-on-year as ore volumes from Tsokol and Birkachan underground mines continued to increase. 
At Sopka, open-pit mining is proceeding ahead of schedule with 160 Kt of ore mined in Q3 to be transported to the Kubaka mill in Q1 2018. 
MAYSKOYE
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
2016
2017
2016
MINING
Waste mined, Kt
1,477
-
NA
4,049
-
NA
Underground development, m
4,792
4,800
-0%
14,396
14,832
-3%
Ore mined, Kt
228
213
+7%
766
502
+53%
Open-pit
65
-
NA
208
-
NA
Underground
163
213
-23%
558
502
+11%
PROCESSING
Flotation
Flotation
Ore processed, Kt
218
214
+2%
581
541
+7%
Gold grade, g/t
4.7
5.1
-8%
5.5
5.4
+1%
Gold recovery1
87.0%
87.1%
-0%
87.4%
87.6%
-0%
Concentrate produced, Kt
17.6
18.7
-6%
47.7
51.6
-8%
Gold in concentrate, Koz2
28.6
30.3
-6%
86.8 
82.6
+5%
Concentrate sold, Kt
39.3
29.7
+32%
39.3 
29.7
+32%
Payable gold in concentrate sold, Koz
67.1 
43.2
+55%
67.1 
43.2 
+55%
Leaching 
Ore processed, Kt
3
-
NA
67
-
NA
Gold grade, g/t
10.1
-
NA
9.9
-
NA
Recovery
NM
-
NA
51.6%
-
NA
Gold in carbon, Koz3
4.1
-
NA
12.1
-
NA
Gold produced, Koz
11.3
-
NA
11.3
-
NA
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt
0.9
2.0
-55%
6.1
13.7
-55%
Gold grade, g/t
46.9
51.9
-10%
49.5
54.8
-10%
Recovery
96.2%
94.0%
+2%
96.2%
94.0%
+2%
Gold produced, Koz4
2.1
4.1
-49%
11.1
25.0
-56%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
80.5
47.2
+70%
89.5
68.2
+31%
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
(4) 2016 now excludes gold produced from the third-party concentrate, which is accounted in Albazino/Amursk production
In the third quarter, gold production at Mayskoye totalled 80.5 Koz, a 70% increase from the prior year period as most of Mayskoye concentrate was de-stockpiled, while the capacity of the Amursk POX plant has been taken up by third-party material. 
After low CIL recoveries in Q2 at the crown pillar project, additional metallurgical testing was carried out during Q3. As a result, future oxide ore processing will be through a combined float-leach circuit with flotation removing the bulk of preg-robbing organic carbon. This circuit will commence operation in May 2018 and in the meantime, the processing plant will treat sulphide ore. Open-pit mining will be slowed-down during the winter months. 
VARVARA
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
2016
2017
2016
MINING
Varvara
Waste mined, Kt
1,471
4,866
-70%
8,130
14,320
-43%
Ore mined, Kt
192
701
-73%
1,070
1,937
-45%
Komarovskoye
Waste mined, Kt
3,821
1,050
+264%
9,081
1,050
+765%
Ore mined, Kt
463
65
+614%
1,363
65
NM
PROCESSING
Flotation
Ore processed, Kt
103
1
NM
191
355
-46%
Grade
Gold, g/t
2.1
3.6
-42%
2.2
1.3
+70%
Copper
0.71%
0.29%
+141%
0.66%
0.33%
+97%
Recovery1
Gold
69.4%
75.0%
-7%
65.0%
70.2%
-7%
Copper
87.2%
75.0%
+16%
80.7%
72.6%
+11%
Production
Gold (in concentrate), Koz
3.9
0.5
+771%
7.2
7.0
+3%
Copper (in concentrate), Kt
596
20
+2881%
998
836
+19%
Toll-treated ore processed, Kt2
28
-
NA
91
-
NA
Leaching
Ore processed, Kt
731
731
+0%
2,140
1,954
+10%
Gold grade, g/t
1.2
1.1
+11%
1.3
0.9
+41%
Gold recovery1
84.0%
82.1%
+2%
82.1%
78.0%
+5%
Gold production (in dore), Koz
25.8
21.0
+23%
75.8
45.8
+66%
Total ore processed, Kt
862
732
+18%
2,422
2,310
+5%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
29.7
21.4
+39%
83.0
52.8
+57%
Copper, Kt
596
20
+2881%
998
836
+19%

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 the third quarter, Varvara delivered a 39% increase in gold production compared to the previous year thanks to the quick ramp-up in ore railed from Komar. The successful streamlining of Komar ore logistics prompted the decision to shift more mining and processing volumes from Varvara to Komar. 
The results of a significant in-fill and step-out drilling campaign at Komar together with the updated cost estimates based on the recent performance yielded positive results. An updated reserve estimate was prepared by Polymetal under JORC standards, adding 535 Koz of gold with stable grades of 1.8 g/t. The upgraded estimate represents a significant increase over the previous estimate with a 60% increase in tonnage and a 57% increase in gold content, further extending the Varvara hub mine life by 3 years, until 2032.
The Company now plans to mine, transport by rail and process approximately 2Mt of Komar ore per year at the Varvara processing plant, which constitutes a substantial increase over the 1Mt that was first envisaged at the time of the acquisition. 
VORO
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
2016
2017
2016
MINING
Voro
Waste mined, Kt
2,643
2,679
-1%
7,700
7,993
-4%
Ore mined, Kt
337
353
-4%
1,159
986
+18%
PROCESSING
Voro Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt
123
232
-47%
302
295
+2%
Gold grade, g/t
1.1
1.7
-35%
1.2
1.6
-26%
Gold production, Koz
5.9
6.7
-13%
11.6
12.2
-5%
Voro CIP
Ore processed, Kt
254
252
+1%
752
750
+0%
Gold grade, g/t
4.1
4.3
-3%
4.2
4.3
-3%
Gold recovery1
79.2%
78.3%
+1%
80.8%
78.4%
+3%
Gold production, Koz
23.8
29.4
-19%
76.5
80.2
-5%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
29.7
36.1
-18%
88.1
92.4
-5%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold within work-in-progress inventory
Q3 gold production at Voro decreased 18% over 2016 to 29.7 Koz, primarily driven by anticipated lower head grades at both the HL and CIP operations. 
Processing volumes and recovery levels at the CIP plant during the quarter remained relatively unchanged over the previous year. 
Oxide ore is nearing depletion, while production at the CIP plant is expected to remain stable in mid-term.
OKHOTSK OPERATIONS
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
2016
2017
2016
MINING
Avlayakan
Underground development, m
1,271
1,107
+15%
3,738
3,438
+9%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
30
34
-11%
98
94
+4%
Svetloye
Waste mined, Kt
66
259
-75%
321
764
-58%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt
339
324
+5%
935
976
-4%
TOTAL HUB
Waste mined, Kt
66
259
-75%
321
764
-58%
Underground development, m
1,271
1,107
+15%
3,738
3,438
+9%
Ore mined, Kt
369
357
+3%
1,032
1,070
-4%
 Open-pit
339
324
+5%
935
976
-4%
 Underground
30
34
-11%
98
94
+4%
PROCESSING
Khakanja
Ore processed, Kt
161
157
+3%
467
466
+0%
Grade
Gold, g/t
7.7
6.2
+23%
3.6
3.8
-4%
Silver, g/t
121
94
+29%
107
76
+41%
Recovery1
Gold
97%
96%
+1%
97%
95%
+2%
Silver
81%
83%
-2%
77%
77%
-1%
Gold production, Koz
33.9
29.2
+16%
48.8
53.2
-8%
Silver production, Moz
0.5
0.4
+23%
1.2
0.9
+36%
Svetloye Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt
455
401
+13%
921
401
+129%
Gold grade, g/t
4.8
3.7
+27%
4.6
3.7
+23%
Gold production, Koz
57.3
14.7
+290%
83.7
14.7
+470%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
91.2
43.9
+108%
132.5
67.9
+95%
Silver, Moz
0.5
0.4
+24%
1.2
0.9
+37%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory (precipitate)
At Okhotsk, gold production in Q3 jumped more than two-fold over the previous year, as the Svetloye heap leach operation continued to enjoy positive grade reconciliation. In addition, a record 135 Kt of Avlayakan ore was shipped to Okhotsk during the summer navigation period.
Silver production grew 24% to 0.5 Moz as 3rd party ore with higher silver grades was introduced to the feed at the Khakanja plant. 
Avlayakan's life-of-mine has been extended to H2 2018 on the back of positive down-dip exploration results earlier this year. 
KAPAN
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
20161
2017
20161
MINING
Kapan
Underground development, m
4,548
3,537
+29%
12,270
5,938
+107%
Ore mined (underground), Kt
149
112
+33%
399
181
+120%
PROCESSING
Ore processed, Kt
143
116
+23%
389
180
+116%
Grade
Gold, g/t
2.0
2.3
-15%
2.3
2.3
-3%
Silver, g/t
35
47
-27%
41
46
-11%
Copper, %
0.27%
0.31%
-14%
0.29%
0.30%
-3%
Zinc, %
1.32%
1.59%
-17%
1.32%
1.56%
-15%
Recovery
Gold 
84.6%
85.8%
-1%
84.9%
85.2%
-0%
Silver
81.6%
83.8%
-3%
83.3%
83.9%
-1%
Copper
92.5%
91.7%
+1%
91.7%
91.9%
-0%
Zinc
91.4%
91.4%
+0%
90.3%
91.3%
-1%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz
6.7
6.5
+4%
21.1
9.9
+113%
Silver, Moz
0.1
0.1
-11%
0.4
0.2
+97%
Copper, Kt
0.3
0.3
+8%
0.9
0.4
+111%
Zinc, Kt
1.3
1.3
+1%
3.6
2.0
+77%
Note: (1) Since the acquisition date (28 April 2016)
During the third quarter, Kapan delivered 6.7 Koz of gold, up 4% year-on-year driven by increased processing volumes on the back of ongoing improvement measures to debottleneck the underground mine. In August, the Kapan concentrator achieved a new throughput record, processing 51 Kt of ore in a single month. 
At Lichkvaz, preparatory activities for underground mining are currently underway, and are aimed at widening the underground tunnels for consecutive underground and stope development in 2018.
KYZYL PROJECT
3 months ended Sep 30,
% change
9 months ended Sep 30,
% change
2017
2016
2017
2016
MINING
Bakyrchik 
Waste mined, Kt
12,784
7,521
+70%
35,962
13,616
+164%
In the third quarter, stripping volumes at Kyzyl increased 70% over the previous year to 12,784 Kt as the preparation of the open-pit is underway. All mining activities are proceeding in line with the schedule to produce first ore in March of 2018. 
Installation of all major processing equipment has been finalised with the bulk of construction activities now focused on the tailings storage facility. All external electrical infrastructure (substation, power lines, switchboxes) is now operational and the project remains on track to deliver its first concentrate in Q3 2018. 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
  END
DRLFFLSIMFWSEIS