REG - Resolute Mining Ltd - Quarterly Activities Report

Resolute MiningAnnouncement

30/07/2019 07:05

RNS Number : 1568H
Resolute Mining Limited
30 July 2019
 


30 July 2019
Resolute Mining Limited
(Resolute or the Company)
Resolute Outperforms Production and Cost Guidance
12-month gold production of 305,436oz exceeds guidance of 300,000oz
AISC of US$924/oz lower than guidance of US$960/oz for the 12 months to 30 June
Commercial production achieved at the Syama Underground Mine in June 2019
Major Gold Inventory Upgrade at Ravenswood; 1Moz increase in Ore Reserves
Maiden High-Grade Underground Resource for Tabakoroni
Dual-listing on London Stock Exchange completed with first trading in June 2019
New FY19 Guidance (31 December) for Syama of 270,000oz at AISC of US$890/oz
Highlights
·      Gold production for 12 months through to 30 June 2019 of 305,436oz at AISC of US$924/oz
·      June 2019 Quarter gold production of 78,132oz at an AISC of US$939/oz
·      Syama sulphide circuit quarterly production of 22,532oz up 69% from March quarter
·      Average gold price received for June 2019 Quarter of US$1,274/oz (A$1,815oz) from gold sales of 68,900oz
·      Significant ramp-up milestone with the Syama Underground Mine reaching commercial production rates
·      Major gold inventory upgrade at Ravenswood with 1Moz being added to Ore Reserves
·      Ravenswood Expansion Study demonstrating potential to deliver 200,000oz annually for 15 years
·      Tabakoroni Mineral Resource Update confirms 1Moz at 5.1g/t Au
·      Cash, bullion and listed investments as at 30 June 2019 of A$56m (US$40m)
·      Gold in circuit inventory as at 30 June 2019 of 66,917oz worth an additional A$134m (US$94m)
·      New FY19 guidance (31 December) for Syama of 270,000oz at AISC of US$890/oz
·      New FY19 guidance (31 December) for Resolute of 330,000oz at AISC of US$990/oz

Resolute Mining Limited (Resolute or the Company) (ASX/LSE: RSG) is pleased to present its Quarterly Activities Report for the period ended 30 June 2019.
Managing Director and CEO, Mr John Welborn, was pleased with the Company's solid performance in the June 2019 Quarter: "Exceeding production guidance and outperforming cost guidance for the year to 30 June is an exceptional result during a period of significant development in our business. We have generated strong positive operational cashflows while investing in growth. With the achievement of commercial production rates at the new Syama Underground Mine we have now turned the corner and expect to see increased production at lower costs in line with our development expectations."
"In the June Quarter we made significant progress with the commissioning of our Syama Underground Mine with the achievement of sustained rates of commercial production. This is an important project for Syama, for Resolute, and for the mining industry. We are now focused on continuing the successful production ramp up to nameplate capacity and the completion of automating all aspects of the sublevel cave during 2019. Syama is one step closer to becoming the robust, high production, low cost gold complex we have envisaged. Syama will be a powerhouse of gold production for Resolute for many years to come and generate significant returns for Resolute shareholders, local communities, suppliers and the Mali Government.
"Our exploration programs in Mali continue to yield impressive results. At Tabakoroni we now have a Mineral Resource comprising over 1 million ounces of gold at a grade above 5 grams per tonne. This resource inventory includes a maiden Underground Mineral Resource confirming potential for an underground mine at Tabakoroni which will materially extend mine life beyond the current open pit production. 
 "At Ravenswood, I am particularly pleased with our major upgrade of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. The addition of one million ounces of gold in Ore Reserves is an excellent outcome from our recent drilling programs and study work. Gold Mineral Resources at Ravenswood are now almost six million ounces demonstrating the projects status as an outstanding Australian Gold Mine. We are now directing our ongoing study work to focus on a project which can produce 200,000 ounces annually over a 15-year mine life. 
"At the corporate level, I was delighted we have delivered as promised on an important strategic goal for 2019 with our listing on the London Stock Exchange. The dual-listing in London will raise Resolute's profile in global capital markets and facilitate improved access to gold and African-focused institutional investors. 
"We have updated our annual production and cost guidance to match the change in our financial year to a 12 month period ending on 31 December. New annual production and cost guidance for the 12 months to 31 December has been upgraded to 330,000 ounces of gold at an AISC of US$990/oz. This upgrade is an incremental advance towards our potential as we continue to ramp-up the Syama Underground Mine and progress other opportunities for additional production.
"2019 will continue to be an exciting year of growth for Resolute".   
 
Please see image in the full version of the announcement at www.rml.com.au
Figure 1: New Syama Automation Control Room
Health and Safety
The Company's Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate as at 30 June 2019 was 2.77 (2.01 as at 31 March 2019).  The Company continues to maintain a strong focus on contractor performance across its operations.
Quarterly Summary
June 2019 Quarter Production and Costs (unaudited)
 



June 2019 Quarter


Units


Syama Sulphide


Syama Oxide


Syama Total


Ravens-wood


Group

Total




UG Lateral Development


m


2,832


               -


2,832


               -


2,832




UG Vertical Development


m


40


               -


40


               -


40




Total UG Development


m


2,872


               -


2,872


               -


2,872




UG Ore Mined


t


329,356


               -


329,356


65,487


394,843




UG Grade Mined


g/t


2.67


               -


2.67


2.03


2.56




OP Operating Waste


BCM


               -


1,240,520


1,240,520


               -


1,240,520




OP Ore Mined


BCM


               -


211,519


211,519


               -


211,519




OP Grade Mined


g/t


               -


2.57


2.57


               -


2.57




Total Ore Mined


t


329,356


460,347


789,703


65,487


855,190




Total Tonnes Processed


t


473,532


383,487


857,018


652,507


1,509,525




Grade Processed


g/t


2.03


3.95


2.89


0.64


1.92




Recovery


%


72.6


87.8


          79.5


91.4


84.6




Gold Recovered


oz


22,445


42,811


65,255


12,358


77,613




Gold in Circuit Drawdown/(Addition)


oz


87


414


501


17


518




Gold Produced (Poured)


oz


22,532


43,225


65,757


12,375


78,132




Gold Bullion in Metal Account Movement (Increase)/Decrease


oz


(3,032)


(4,825)


(7,857)


(1,375)


(9,232)




Gold Sold


oz


19,500


38,400


57,900


11,000


68,900




Achieved Gold Price


A$/oz


1,811


1,811


1,811


1,837


1,815




US$/oz


1,271


1,271


1,271


1,289


1,274




Cost Summary




Mining


A$/oz


-


424


279


657


364




Processing


A$/oz


1,026


213


491


954


565




Site Administration


A$/oz


550


144


283


307


262




Stockpile Adjustments


A$/oz


41


(29)


(5)


78


8




Gold in Circuit Movement


A$/oz


(138)


(150)


(146)


2


(122)




Cash Cost


A$/oz


1,479


602


903


1,999


1,076




US$/oz


1,036


422


632


1,399


754




Royalties


A$/oz


85


101


96


87


96




By-Product Credits


A$/oz


(1)


(1)


(1)


(10)


(3)




Sustaining Capital + Others


A$/oz


174


               -


60


90


66




Admin Cost Recharged to Site & Corporate Overheads


A$/oz


62


77


72


180


105




All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC)
AISC is calculated on gold produced (poured)


A$/oz


1,799


780


1,129


2,345


1,340




US$/oz


1,260


546


790


1,642


939




Depreciation and Amortisation


A$/oz


91


57


69


29


63



 
Table 1: Production and Cost Summary for the June 2019 Quarter
 
Last 12 Months Production and Costs (unaudited)
 



Last 12 Months

(1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019)


Units


Syama Sulphide


Syama Oxide


Syama Total


Ravens-wood


Group

Total




UG Lateral Development


m


10,087


               -


10,087


         54


10,141




UG Vertical Development


m


242


               -


242


               -


242




Total UG Development


m


10,329


               -


10,329


            54


10,383




UG Ore Mined


t


737,338


  -   


737,338


426,797


1,164,136




UG Grade Mined


g/t


2.61


               -


2.61


1.89


2.35




OP Operating Waste


BCM


               -


4,833,301


4,833,301


59,894


4,893,195




OP Ore Mined


BCM


               -


812,213


812,213


117,802


930,015




OP Grade Mined


g/t


               -


2.52


2.52


0.59


2.20




Total Ore Mined


t


737,338


1,733,838


2,471,176


762,245


3,233,421




Total Tonnes Processed


t


1,845,137


1,485,914


3,331,051


2,402,474


5,733,525




Grade Processed


g/t


1.81


4.08


2.82


0.86


2.00




Recovery


%


70.5


85.8


          77.3


91.9


83.4




Gold Recovered


oz


75,574


171,552


247,127


61,277


308,404




Gold in Circuit Drawdown/(Addition)


oz


(2,422)


(1,087)


(3,510)


542


(2,967)




Gold Produced (Poured)


oz


73,152


170,465


243,617


61,819


305,436




Gold Bullion in Metal Account Movement (Increase)/Decrease


oz


5,847


(12,385)


(6,538)


6,302


(236)




Gold Sold


oz


78,999


158,079


237,078


68,121


305,199




Achieved Gold Price


A$/oz


1,776


1,776


1,776


1,758


1,772




US$/oz


1,268


1,268


1,268


1,261


1,266




Cost Summary




Mining


A$/oz


-


360


252


601


322




Processing


A$/oz


952


231


448


774


514




Site Administration


A$/oz


513


147


257


246


255




Stockpile Adjustments


A$/oz


52


(10)


9


123


32




Gold in Circuit Movement


A$/oz


(92)


(46)


(59)


9


(46)




Cash Cost


A$/oz


1,425


683


906


1,753


1,077




US$/oz


1,016


487


646


1,255


769




Royalties


A$/oz


102


105


104


101


105




By-Product Credits


A$/oz


(3)


(1)


(1)


(10)


(3)




Sustaining Capital + Others


A$/oz


67


3


22


24


23




Admin Cost Recharged to Site & Corporate Overheads


A$/oz


75


39


50


86


92




All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC)
AISC is calculated on gold produced (poured)


A$/oz


1,666


828


1,080


1,953


1,294




US$/oz


1,187


591


770


1,398


924




Depreciation and Amortisation


A$/oz


112


58


74


23


64



 
Table 2: Production and Cost Summary for the Last 12 Months (1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019)
 
June Year-to-Date Production and Costs (unaudited)
 



June Year-to-Date                         (1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019)


Units


Syama Sulphide


Syama Oxide


Syama Total


Ravens-wood


Group

Total




UG Lateral Development


m


5,478


                    -


5,478


              54


5,532




UG Vertical Development


m


129


                    -


129






129




Total UG Development


m


5,607


                    -


5,607


54


5,661




UG Ore Mined


t


481,329






481,329


146,390


627,719




UG Grade Mined


g/t


2.56






2.56


1.94


2.42




OP Operating Waste


BCM


                    -


2,375,785


2,375,785


                    -


2,375,785




OP Ore Mined


BCM


                    -


525,185


525,185


                    -


525,185




OP Grade Mined


g/t






2.66


2.66






2.66




Total Ore Mined


t


481,329


1,125,319


1,606,648


146,390


1,753,038




Total Tonnes Processed


t


977,789


765,311


1,743,100


1,223,657


2,966,757




Grade Processed


g/t


1.69


4.75


3.03


0.72


2.08




Recovery


%


70.56


90.05


79.14


90.98


84.02




Gold Recovered


oz


37,639


106,173


143,813


25,683


169,495




Gold in Circuit Drawdown/(Addition)


oz


(1,742)


8,237


6,495


246


6,741




Gold Produced (Poured)


oz


35,897


114,411


150,308


25,929


176,237




Gold Bullion in Metal Account Movement (Increase)/Decrease


oz


(2,433)


1,299


(1,134)


1,821


687




Gold Sold


oz


33,464


115,710


149,174


27,750


176,924




Achieved Gold Price


A$/oz


1,802


1,802


1,802


1,789


1,800




US$/oz


1,278


1,278


1,278


1,266


1,275










Mining


A$/oz


-


363


277


615


338




Processing


A$/oz


990


167


363


854


435




Site Administration


A$/oz


551


117


220


296


220




Stockpile Adjustments


A$/oz


13


(32)


(21)


79


(6)




Gold in Circuit Movement


A$/oz


(157)


(12)


(47)


13


(38)




Cash Cost


A$/oz


1,396


603


792


1,858


949




US$/oz


983


427


560


1,312


670




Royalties


A$/oz


81


116


108


104


108




By-Product Credits


A$/oz


(5)


(1)


(2)


(11)


(3)




Sustaining Capital + Others


A$/oz


116


               -


28


44


31




Admin Cost Recharged to Site & Corporate Overheads


A$/oz


54


35


39


104


88




All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC)
AISC is calculated on gold produced (poured)


A$/oz


1,643


753


966


2,099


1,173




US$/oz


1,156


533


682


1,482


828




Depreciation and Amortisation


A$/oz


116


75


85


30


77



 
Table 3: Production and Cost Summary for June Year-to-Date (1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019)
Syama, Mali
The Syama Gold Mine (Syama) is located in the south of Mali, West Africa approximately 30km from the Côte d'Ivoire border and 300km southeast of the capital, Bamako. Syama is a large-scale operation which comprises the Syama Underground Mine and the Tabakoroni Open Pit Mine which provide ore to two separate processing circuits: a 2.4 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) sulphide processing circuit and a 1.5Mtpa oxide processing circuit. An updated definitive feasibility study (see ASX Announcement dated 3 July 2018) outlined an updated plan for the Syama Underground Mine which will extend the mine life at Syama beyond 2032 at a life-of-mine AISC of US$746/oz based on an Underground Ore Reserve of 3.0 million ounces (Moz). Sublevel caving at the Syama Underground Mine commenced in December 2018. Commercial production rates were achieved in the June 2019 Quarter. Once the Syama Underground Mine is fully commissioned, Syama will be capable of producing over 300,000oz of gold annually.
Operations Update
Gold production at Syama during the June 2019 Quarter totalled 65,757oz at an AISC of A$1,129/oz (US$790/oz). This result continued the strong performance trend since the December 2018 Quarter. Production over these past three quarters has totalled 206,516oz. The operations performance for Syama for the June 2019 Quarter is set out in Table 4 below.



Period


Ore Mined

(t)


Ore Milled

(t)


Head Grade

(g/t)


Recovery

(%)


Total Gold Production

(oz)


Cash Cost

(A$/oz)


AISC

(A$/oz)




Mar Quarter


816,945


886,082


3.18


78.8


84,551


707


839




June Quarter


789,703


857,018


2.89


79.5


65,757


902


1,129




Year-to-Date


1,606,648


1,743,100


3.04


79.1


150,308


792


966




Table 4: Syama Operations Performance
 
 
 



Sulphide Operations
Gold production from the sulphide circuit for the June 2019 Quarter of 22,532oz was 69% higher than the March 2019 Quarter (13,366oz). This was primarily due to a higher proportion of higher-grade ore from the Syama Underground Mine being processed in the June 2019 Quarter. Overall processed grades increased with only a marginal improvement in overall recoveries. The lower than anticipated increase in overall recoveries were the result of suboptimal performance of the float tails leach circuit and roaster inefficiencies. In the float tails leach circuit contamination by flotation reagents impaired carbon absorption. Roaster performance was affected by the failure of expansion joints in the secondary air supply which reduced throughput and combustion efficiency. Work has commenced to rectify these issues during the September 2019 Quarter, including replacement of the expansion joints in the roaster and modifications to carbon management in the float tails leach circuit. The Company continues to target >85% recovery from underground sulphide ore.







Ore Mined

(t)


Ore Milled

(t)


Head Grade

(g/t)


Recovery

(%)


Total Production

(Gold oz)


Cash Cost

(A$/oz)


AISC

(A$/oz)




Mar Quarter


151,973


504,257


1.37


68.6


13,366


1,257


1,379




Jun Quarter


329,356


473,532


2.04


72.6


22,532


1,479


1,799




Year to Date


481,329


977,789


1.69


70.6


35,898


1,396


1,643



Table 5: Syama Sulphide Production and Cost Summary
Oxide Operations
Quarterly gold production was 43,225oz. This represents another very strong quarter, despite the expected lower grades in the June 2019 Quarter resulting in lower produced ounces than in the preceding March 2019 Quarter. The oxide plant continued to deliver high recoveries while processing a variety of oxide and transitional ores.







Ore Mined

(t)


Ore Milled

(t)


Head Grade

(g/t)


Recovery

(%)


Total Production

(Gold oz)


Cash Cost

A$/oz


AISC

A$/oz




Mar Quarter


664,972


381,824


5.57


92.3


71,186


603


737




Jun Quarter


460,347


383,487


3.95


87.8


43,225


602


780




Year to Date


1,125,319


765,311


4.75


90.1


114,411


603


753



Table 6: Syama Oxide Production and Cost Summary
 
Achievement of Commercial Production Rates
The Syama Underground Mine will be one of the world's most technically advanced underground gold mines. At full capacity the underground mine will produce approximately 46,000t of ore per week, or 2.4Mtpa, using a fully integrated automated mine fleet. Ore production (mined and hauled) from the Syama Underground Mine achieved commercial production rates of greater than 80% of nameplate capacity (see ASX Announcement dated 27 June 2019). All key aspects of the mine are now operational with daily ore haulage rates regularly above 5,000t per day. Over the last week of June 2019 more than 38,500t of ore were mined and hauled. This level of mined and hauled tonnage is expected to be sustainable on a quarterly basis and has continued throughout July with daily production rates averaging 5,000t.
 
Syama Underground Commissioning Update
Mining Activities
The June 2019 Quarter has seen substantial progress in development rates, drill and blast performance and sublevel cave drawpoint availability. This resulted in total blasted ore tonnage mined increasing to a total of 622,969t. Ore hauled to the run-of-mine (ROM) pad during the June 2019 Quarter was 329,000t. This represents more than double the hauled tonnes achieved in the March 2019 Quarter (152,000t). The production improvement has been achieved by the successful development of additional production slots which has allowed the number of active stoping areas (drawpoints) to be increased from six to 12 over the course of the June 2019 Quarter.
 
Please see image in the full version of the announcement at www.rml.com.au
Figure 2: Syama Ore Tonnes Mined and Blasted
 
As current stoping activity is occurring on the first production levels of the cave, a significant quantity of the ore blasted in the stopes is retained in-situ in order to create an ore blanket against future hanging wall dilution. These ore tonnes will be recovered from the lower levels of the mine. Consequently, the blasted ore tonnage for the June 2019 Quarter exceeded mined (hauled) tonnage by nearly 300,000t.
Infrastructure
Underground pumping systems are now installed and fully operational. In addition to underground pumping capacity, a surface water management program has been established which is allowing the mine to intercept and remove a large volume of rainfall that would otherwise enter the mine during heavy rain events. The permanent primary ventilation system was installed and commissioned during the March 2019 Quarter and has resulted in reduced re-entry times following blasts.
Automation System
The commissioning of the Syama Underground Automation System is now well underway with operators in the newly completed surface control room able to control underground production units over shift-change, blasting and re-entry periods, when there are no personnel in the underground mine. This represents the initial delivery of one of the main benefits of automation, the ability to maintain production over periods when operations would normally cease in a typical manual mine.
The fibre optic backbone and mine-wide wireless network is now complete from the portal down to the 1055 haulage level and is connected to the surface control room. This network enables the operation of the automated haulage loop, automated rehandle level, mine digitisation and production automation, all of which allow operators to monitor and control mine production in real time.
A major technical characteristic of the world's first fully automated haulage loop is the ability for Syama's haul trucks to rapidly transition from laser-based underground navigation to surface-based differential global positioning system (GPS) navigation. Recent trials at Syama have demonstrated Resolute's haul trucks are able to acquire the feed from the two surface GPS base stations and seamlessly lock onto satellite guidance to complete the transition to GPS navigation without any delay or speed reductions.
The next phase of automation work will see the commissioning of the 1055 haulage level with automated rehandle loaders and haulage trucks working together to load from an ore pass and truck directly to the surface ROM pad.
With the fans, pump stations, control room and communications network complete, the automation project is being progressively handed over to the operations team which is now at normal operational manning levels.
 
Please see image in the full version of the announcement at www.rml.com.au
Figure 3: New Syama Automation Control Room
 
Syama Underground Mine Capital Cost Reconciliation
The achievement of Commercial Production at the Syama Underground Mine marks the transition of the project from the development phase into the long-term production phase. At this point, from an accounting perspective, expenditures of an operating nature related to the project cease to be capitalised to the cost of the mine. Having achieved Commercial Production during the quarter, Resolute has reviewed the mining costs incurred during the development phase, and the mining costs remaining over the Life-of-Mine (LOM). These costs have then been compared against the expected mining costs included in both the Original Syama Underground Mine Definitive Feasibility Study (Original DFS) and the June 2018 Definitive Feasibility Study Update (DFS Update)(See Table 7 below). A comparison between the DFS Update and the Original DFS was previously provided to demonstrate the mine's improved capital efficiency on the basis of the increase in contained metal mined from 2.3Moz to 3.0Moz (See ASX Announcement dated 3 July 2018). 







Units 


Original DFS
(June 2016)


DFS Update
(June 2018)


Current Status
(June 2019)




Underground Development




Decline Development


m


8,594


10,869


10,869




Vertical Development


M


3,554


3,738


3,738




Level Development


M


62,717


81,928


81,928




Total Development


M


74,865


96,465


96,465




Ore Production




Development Ore


kt


4,195


3,319


3,319




Stoping Ore


kt


20,954


31,870


31,870




Total Ore


kt


25,149


35,188


35,188




Metal Grade (ROM)


g/t


2.81


2.69


2.69




Metal Contained (ROM)


koz


2,272


3,042


3,042




Costs




Pre-production Capital


US$m


95


116


116




Pre-production Operating


US$m


13


11


4




Pre-production Operating (Jan-Jul 19)


US$m










32




Ramp-up Capital


US$m


68


97


93




Ramp-up Capital (Jan-Jul 19)


US$m










55




Total Project Capital


US$m


176


224


300




Sustaining Capital


US$m


202


254


200




Mine Operating Cost


US$m


634


700


673




Total Life of Mine Mining Cost


US$m


 1,012


 1,178


 1,173



Table 7: Syama Underground Mine Cost Reconciliation
The comparison of the current status of Life-of-Mine mining costs (costs incurred to date and future expected costs) against previously published estimates demonstrate that the Syama Underground Mine development phase has delivered mining costs consistent with the DFS Update and that Total Life-of-Mine capital costs can be reconciled.
The extension of the project development phase to July 2019 has resulted in costs incurred during this period, which would ordinarily have been classified as operating or sustaining capital costs now forming part of the project capital costs. In Table 7, these additional project capital costs are defined as Pre-production Operating (Jan-Jul 19) and Ramp-up Capital (Jan-Jul 19). Importantly, these expenditures result in reduced outlays over the remaining LOM. As illustrated in Table 7 (see Current Status column), overall estimated Life of Mine mining costs are consistent with the results of the DFS Update. 
 
Tabakoroni Mineral Resource Update
During the June 2019 Quarter, Resolute reported an updated Mineral Resource estimate for Tabakoroni (see ASX Announcement dated 29 April 2019). Net of depletion as at 31 March 2019, the total Mineral Resource at Tabakoroni was 6.3Mt at 5.1g/t for 1.03Moz of gold including a maiden Underground Mineral Resource of 5.2Mt at 5.1g/t for 850,000oz of gold. 



MINERAL RESOURCES


MEASURED


INDICATED


INFERRED


TOTAL




As at

31 March 2019


Tonnes   


Grade


Ounces


Tonnes


Grade


Ounces


Tonnes


Grade


Ounces


Tonnes


Grade


Ounces


 




(000s)


 (g/t)


(000s)


(000s)


 (g/t)


(000s)


(000s)


 (g/t)


(000s)


(000s)


 (g/t)


(000s)


 











































 




Open Pit


540


5.2


90


410


5.1


70


0


0.0


0


950


5.2


160


 




Underground


130


4.7


20


1,680


5.2


280


3,360


5.1


550


5,170


5.1


850


 




Stockpiles


190


3.1


20


0 


0.0


0


0


0.0


0


190


3.1


20


 




Total


860


4.7


130


2,090


5.2


350


3,360


5.1


550


6,310


5.1


1,030


 



Table 8: Updated Tabakoroni Mineral Resources
Exploration drilling at Tabakoroni has been limited to a depth of 250m below surface. As such, there is excellent potential for the deposit to grow. An underground mining study including technical assessments and metallurgical testwork has commenced to support the potential for the near-term development of a new underground mine.
 
Please see image in the full version of the announcement at www.rml.com.au
Figure 4: Tabakoroni longitudinal section with Mineral Resource model and drillhole pierce points
 
Syama Hybrid Power Project
In November 2018 (refer ASX Announcement 26 November 2018), Resolute announced the signing of a Joint Development (JDA) with Ignite Energy Projects Pty Ltd (Ignite Energy) to for the development of a new 40 megawatt (MW) independent solar hybrid power plant at Syama. During the June 2019 Quarter, Resolute terminated the JDA with Ignite, and is now pursuing an alternative opportunity for the provision of new low cost power for Syama. Resolute remains committed to a low-cost solar hybrid power solution for Syama. The objective remains to deliver cost effective, environmentally friendly, capital efficient power that can deliver long term electricity cost savings of up to 40% at Syama while reducing carbon emissions and providing tangible benefits to local Mali communities.
New Mining Convention Agreed and Mining Permit Extended
In April 2019, Resolute announced that the Government of Mali had agreed to a new Mining Convention which establishes improved fiscal and operating conditions for Syama and that the Syama Mining Permit had been extended by 10 years (see ASX Announcement dated 18 April 2019). The Mining Convention defines the fiscal rights and legal obligations of Resolute's Malian subsidiary, Société des Mines de Syama S.A. (SOMISY) and the Government of Mali with respect to the operation of Syama pursuant to the extended Mining Permit.
The Syama Mining Permit has now been renewed for the second time, with an extension of a further period of ten years taking effect from 29 March 2019. The renewed Mining Permit is valid until March 2029 and was registered in the Official Public Journal of Mali in Bamako on 16 April 2019. Further renewals of the Syama Mining Permit, for additional 10-year periods, will be available until exhaustion of the Ore Reserves.  
The Mining Convention operates in parallel with the Mining Permit and, with the applicable Mining Code and other relevant legislation, governs the conditions that apply to exploration and mining operations. These conditions cover work obligations, reporting, taxes, duties, customs, local content, training obligations, and Mali Government equity participation. Resolute negotiated the terms of the Syama Mining Convention to support the significant investment in the new Syama Underground Mine.
Outlook for Syama
Implementation of the fully autonomous fleet and the continued ramp-up of the Syama Underground Mine remains the highest priority for Resolute. A further increase in production rates is expected in the September 2019 Quarter as additional stoping areas are brought online.
During the September 2019 Quarter, work at the Syama Underground Mine will comprise:
·      Ore development on the 1080 and 1055 production sub levels;
·      Commencement of sub level caving on the 1080 level;
·      Ongoing sublevel caving production from the 1130 and 1105 transverse zones;
·      Ongoing mapping and commissioning of automated loading from sublevel cave draw points; and
·      Commissioning of automated trucking.
Automated trucking is a key element of the overall automation system. Maintaining 24 hour per day trucking with an automated fleet will be an important driver in achieving Resolute's productivity and cost aspirations for the Syama Underground Mine. A major focus of the September 2019 Quarter will be on establishing automated trucking form the 1055 haulage level to the ROM pad. This will require the trucks to move form laser guidance underground to GPS guidance at the surface. Trials conducted in the June 2019 Quarter saw trucks successfully completed this transition.
Mining at the Tabakoroni Open Pit Mine will continue form the South Pit, which is expected to be completed in the September 2019 Quarter and the Namakan Stage 2 Pit. Processed grades are likely to be lower than in the June 2019 Quarter as mining moves through though lower grades zones in these pits.
New FY19 Guidance for Syama (12 months to 31 December 2019)
Gold production from Syama for FY19 (31 December) is expected to be 270,000oz at US$890/oz with sulphide operations contributing 110,000oz and oxide operations contributing 160,000oz. The sulphide circuit will treat an increasing proportion of underground sulphide as the Syama Underground Mine reaches its full production rate. Oxide production will continue to be sourced from the Tabakoroni Open Pit Mine. Capital expenditure (non-sustaining) for Syama is for the six months ended December 2019 is forecast to be A$57m (US$40m). This comprises capital for the completion of the Syama Underground Mine including final equipment, automation and remaining infrastructure works. Investment in exploration at Syama is forecast at A$11m (US$8m) for the six months to December 2019.  Exploration will be focused on drilling activities at Tabakoroni. 
Ravenswood, Australia
The Ravenswood Gold Mine (Ravenswood) is located approximately 95km south-west of Townsville and 65km east of Charters Towers in north-east Queensland, Australia. Ore at Ravenswood is currently sourced from the Mt Wright Underground Mine and stockpiles. The Mt Wright Underground Mine uses the sublevel shrinkage with continuous fill mining method. An updated study for the Ravenswood Expansion Project (REP) provided for average annual production of 115,000oz at an AISC of US$823/oz over a 14 year mine (see ASX Announcement dated 11 July 2018). A strategic review focused on enhancing project economics through reductions in capital and operating costs and assessing the potential for further growth through processing expansions is being advanced and is supported by a recent Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve upgrade (see ASX Announcement dated 22 July 2019).
Operations Update
The operations performance for Ravenswood for the June 2019 Quarter is set out in Table 9 below.







Ore Mined

(t)


Ore Milled

(t)


Head Grade

(g/t)


Recovery

(%)


Total Production

(Gold oz)


Cash Cost

A$/oz


AISC

A$/oz




Mar Quarter


80,903


571,150


0.80


90.5


13,554


1,730


1,874




Jun Quarter


65,487


652,507


0.64


91.4


12,375


1,999


2,345




Year to Date


146,390


1,223,657


0.72


90.98


25,929


1,858


2,099



Table 9: Ravenswood Production and Cost Summary
Production for the June 2019 Quarter of 12,375oz, was 9% below the March 2019 Quarter of 13,554oz. Production form the Mt Wright Underground Mine, which is expected to close in late 2019 remained limited by a reduction on cave overdraw and a restricted number of primary stoping areas. Milled tonnages increased to offset lower feed grades. Contract crushing operations were commenced to provide additional feed to the mills. Recoveries remained strong despite the low processed grades.
Major Gold Inventory Upgrade
Drilling and resource estimation work undertaken during the June 2019 Quarter culminated in a major gold Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve upgrade for Ravenswood being announced on 22 July 2019.  Ravenswood Ore Reserves have increased by 1Moz, or 58%, from 1.7Moz to 2.7Moz. Mineral Resources at Ravenswood have increased by 24% from 4.8Moz to 5.9Moz. These impressive upgrades to Resolute's available gold inventory at Ravenswood are net of depletion as at 30 June 2019.
An updated Mineral Resource estimate has been prepared for Resolute's combined Ravenswood deposits consisting of Buck Reef West, Nolans and Sarsfield. These deposits are all immediately adjacent to the Nolans Processing Plant within a radius of 1.5km2. Mining, metallurgical and engineering studies performed during 2019 as part of Resolute's ongoing strategic review of the REP supported the updated Ore Reserve.
Mineral Resources
The previously published Ravenswood Mineral Resource estimates comprised discrete models covering each of the main deposits (Buck Reef West, Sarsfield and Nolans). In order to examine opportunities to further expand future open pit operations and maximise fleet scheduling efficiencies, a new combined resource model which captures both the Buck Reef West and Sarsfield-Nolans areas was developed by MPR Geological Consultants Pty Ltd in April 2019.
 
Please see image in the full version of the announcement at www.rml.com.au
Figure 5:  Buck Reef West, Sarsfield and Nolans pits with updated Mineral Resource block model
 
The new combined Mineral Resource stands at 270Mt at 0.7g/t Au for 5.9Moz of gold. The classification and location of the new Mineral Resources are presented below in Table 10. 



MINERAL RESOURCES


MEASURED


INDICATED


INFERRED


TOTAL RESOURCES




As at 30 June 2019


Tonnes   


Grade


Ounces


Tonnes   


Grade


Ounces


Tonnes   


Grade


Ounces


Tonnes   


Grade


Ounces




(000s)


(g/t)


(000s)


(000s)


(g/t)


(000s)


(000s)


(g/t)


(000s)


(000s)


(g/t)


(000s)




Sarsfield/Nolans


50,960


0.8


1,230


52,520


0.6


1,060


39,400


0.6


810


142,870


0.7


3,100




Buck Reef West


25,480


0.9


710


29,630


0.8


720


36,950


0.6


730


92,060


0.7


2,160




Sarsfield Mineralised Waste


0


0.0


0


0


0.0


0


32,600


0.4


390


32,600


0.4


390




Open Pit Sub Total


76,430


0.8


1,940


82,150


0.7


1,780


108,950


0.6


1,930


267,530


0.7


5,650




Mt Wright


90


3.6


10


0


0.0


0


470


3.6


60


560


3.6


70




Welcome Breccia


0


0.0


0


0


0.0


0


2,040


3.2


210


2,040


3.2


210




Underground Sub Total


90


3.6


10


0


0.0


0


2,510


3.3


260


2,600


3.3


270




Total


76,520


0.8


1,950


82,150


0.7


1,780


111,460


0.6


2,200


270,120


0.7


5,920



Table 10: Ravenswood Mineral Resource
 
Notes:       1. Mineral Resources include Ore Reserves.  Differences may occur due to rounding.
                2. Resources are reported above 0.3g/t cut-off for Sarsfield/Nolans and Buck Reef West.
3. Mt Wright Reserves and Resources are reported above 2.3g/t cut off.
 
Ore Reserves
Mining studies, metallurgical test work and engineering studies undertaken during the first half of 2019 as part of the ongoing strategic review of the REP focused on optimisation and potential for increased throughput driving improved production and cost outputs.
The REP optimisation work has identified opportunities to expand annual mill throughput and gold production through developing and mining the Buck Reef West, Sarsfield and Nolans East orebodies via:
·      Bulk, open-pit mining with large mobile fleet classes;
·      Rejection of waste (beneficiation) from Sarsfield-Nolans ore prior to milling;
·      Expanding milling capacity of the existing process plant, in two stages, from 2.8Mtpa to 5.0Mtpa and then to 7.1Mtpa;
·      Extending and expanding the existing Nolans Tailings Storage Facility to store process tailings, including those currently stored in the Sarsfield open pit;
·      Accessing the Sarsfield open pit through redeposition of in-pit tailings; and
·      Low-cost owner-operated mining.
This work has formed the basis for an updated Ore Reserve estimate for Ravenswood. The new Ore Reserve stands at 115.4Mt at 0.7g/t Au for 2.7Moz of gold. The classification and location of the new Ore Reserves are presented in Table 11.



ORE RESERVES


PROVED


PROBABLE


TOTAL




As at 30 June 2019


Tonnes   


Grade


Ounces


Tonnes   


Grade


Ounces


Tonnes   


Grade


Ounces




(000s)


 (g/t)


(000s)


(000s)


 (g/t)


(000s)


(000s)


 (g/t)


(000s)




Sarsfield/Nolans


47,450


0.8


1,170


42,640


0.7


890


90,100


0.7


2,060




Buck Reef West


19,670


0.9


540


5,520


0.7


130


25,190


0.8


670




Open Pit Sub Total


67,120


0.8


1,710


48,170


0.7


1,020


115,290


0.7


2,730




Mt Wright


70


2.2


5


0






0


70


2.2


5




Underground Sub Total


70


2.2


5


0


0.0


0


70


2.2


5




Total


67,190


0.8


1,720


48,170


0.7


1,020


115,360


0.7


2,740



Table 11: Ravenswood Ore Reserves
 
Notes:       1. Mineral Resources include Ore Reserves. Differences may occur due to rounding.
2. Reserves are reported above 0.3g/t cut-off for Sarsfield/Nolan and Buck Reef West.
3. Mt Wright Reserves and Resources are reported above 2.3 g/t cut off.
4. The Ravenswood Expansion Project assumed a gold price of US$1,275/oz.
 
New Leases Granted
During the June 2019 Quarter, Resolute announced that the Queensland Government had approved 12 new mining leases over areas which will support the REP (see ASX Announcements dated 14 May 2019 and 13 June 2019). The new leases include areas within the operational footprint of the proposed Buck Reef West open pit and nearby land required for infrastructure including roads, water management and noise bunding.
The expansion of Resolute's tenure at Ravenswood supports progress of the strategic review of the REP. As part of the ongoing strategic review Resolute is seeking additional environmental approvals for an expansion of the existing Nolans tailings storage facility to support the potential for a significant increase in scale of the REP.
 
Outlook for Ravenswood
Production is expected to improve in the September 2019 Quarter as a result of increased mill availability and improved production form the Mt Wright Underground Mine. Options for increasing mill throughput further, including re-commissioning of the currently inactive third ball mill, are being considered.
New FY19 Guidance for Ravenswood (12 months to 31 December 2019)
At Ravenswood, overdraw from the Mt Wright Underground Mine will continue to provide tonnages during the September 2019 Quarter with the balance of feed to be sourced from Nolans East and Sarsfield stockpiles. Gold production from Ravenswood in FY19 (31 December) is expected to be 60,000oz at an AISC of US$1,270/oz. The Company is continuing to progress a strategic review of the Ravenswood Expansion Project with a view to delivering a larger scale, lower cost, longer life operation relative to the previously published study from a gold inventory position of 5.7Moz (see ASX Announcements dated 11 July 2018 and 22 July 2019). Potential exists to deliver approximately 200,000oz annually over a 15-year mine life.   
Project capital expenditure for the six months to December 2019 at Ravenswood as the Company prepares for the development of the REP is forecast to be A$10m (U$7m). This largely comprises preparatory expenditure for the REP, and includes provision for refurbishment of the currently decommissioned third ball mill.
 
Bibiani, Ghana
The Bibiani Gold Mine (Bibiani) is situated in the western region of Ghana in West Africa and is bordered by Burkina Faso to the north, Cote d'Ivoire to the west and Togo to the east. Since assuming ownership in 2014, Resolute embarked on two surface and underground resource drilling programs to re-assess the underground mine potential and in June 2018 released an update to its June 2016 feasibility study (see ASX Announcement dated 13 July 2018).  This update demonstrated the potential for Bibiani to produce ~100,000oz annually at a life of mine AISC of US$764/oz for 10 years.
Work in the June 2019 Quarter focused on project execution planning comprising detailed mine design, process plant refurbishment definition and detailed engineering, business operations readiness planning and the establishment of support services, government approvals and community relations strategies.
This work will be completed in the September 2019 Quarter and will inform a Final Investment Decision on the recommencement of operations.
Scheme of Arrangement Extension
During the June 2019 Quarter, Resolute sought an amendment to the original Scheme of Arrangement to provide additional time to make a Final Investment Decision on the recommissioning of the mine.  Resolute undertook a process with creditors to seek a three-year extension of the Scheme and to change the trigger to the next Scheme Payment.  The Scheme extension and amendments were approved by the creditors in April 2019 and the Scheme companies have now secured Court ratification of the Scheme extension and the amended Scheme has become operational.
 
Corporate
Cash, Bullion and Listed Investments



Description


June 2019 Quarter (A$m)


March 2019 Quarter (A$m)




Cash


13.2


32.5




Bullion


21.1


22.1




Cash and Bullion Sub-Total


34.3


54.6




Listed Investments


22.1


31.8




Total Cash, Bullion and Listed Investments


56.3


86.4




Table 12: Total Cash, Bullion and Listed Investments
 



 
The principal movements in the market value of cash and bullion balances during the June 2019 Quarter are summarised in Table 13 and also set out in Figure 6. Cash outflows included A$42.7m in development expenditures principally associated with the development of the Syama Underground Mine. 








June 2019 Quarter
(A$m)


March 2019 Quarter
(A$m)





Operating Cash Flows












Gross Operating Cash Flows from Syama and Ravenswood


30.4


90.6




Royalty Payments


(10.4)


(8.5)




VAT Offsets


3.6


1.8




Overheads and Operational Support Costs


(11.9)


(6.5)




Exploration Expenditure


(2.8)


(1.8)




Interest Expense/Income Net Cash Flows


(2.7)


(3.0)




Working Capital Movements


(20.4)


3.8




Investing Cash Flows












Development Expenditure, incl. Syama Underground Mine Development, Feasibility Studies, Resource Development and Other Projects


(42.7)


(86.6)




Operational Sustaining Capital Expenditure


(1.8)


(1.2)




Bibiani Project Care and Maintenance


(1.6)


(2.8)




Other Investing Activities


-


(0.1)




Financing Cash Flows












Loans Advanced & Repayments


1.0


2.2




Dividend Payments


-


-




Existing Debt Facility Inflows/(Outflows)


39.0


(11.1)




Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Market Value Changes of Bullion on Hand


(0.0)


(0.4)




Net Cash & Bullion Outflows


(20.3)


(23.6)




Opening Cash and Bullion


54.6


78.2




Closing Cash and Bullion


34.3


54.6



Table 13: Movements in Cash and Bullion Balances
Borrowings
The Company's borrowing facilities consist of a US$150 million syndicated revolving credit facility and an unsecured bank overdraft held by Resolute's Malian subsidiary, SOMISY with the Banque de Développement du Mali (BDM).
As at 30 June 2019, total borrowings were A$193m comprising US$125m drawdown on the US$150m revolving credit facility and the net balance of the Company's unsecured overdraft facility with BDM and in-country receivables.  
 
Please see image in the full version of the announcement at www.rml.com.au
Figure 6: Quarterly Cash, Bullion and Investments Reconciliation
Hedging
Resolute maintains a policy of undertaking short-dated hedging to take advantage of periods of elevated gold prices.
Resolute continued to actively manage its gold sales and undertake hedging above its budgeted gold price to take advantage of gold price volatility, maximise revenues and protect the Company's balance sheet and cash flows in 2019. During the June 2019 Quarter, the Company hedged 30,000oz at an average price of A$1,943/oz and 30,000oz at an average price of US$1,337/oz and also engaged in some shorter dated hedging. 
As at 30 June 2019, Resolute's remaining hedge deliveries are summarised below.







AUD Forward Sales


US Dollar Forward Sales




Quarter


Forward price A$/oz


Delivery (oz)


Forward price US$/oz


Delivery (oz)




September 2019


1,756


30,000


1,339


32,000




December 2019


1,756


30,000


1,336


30,000




March 2020


1,915


30,000


                      -


            -




June 2020


1,915


30,000


         -


             -




Total


1,835


120,000


1,338


62,000




Table 14: Current Committed Hedging Forward Sales in A$ and US$



 
Gold in Circuit
As at 30 June 2019, Resolute had an estimated recoverable gold in circuit inventory of 66,917oz with a market value of approximately A$134m (US$94m). The majority of the gold in circuit inventory comprises carbon enriched concentrates stockpiled at Syama.
Business Development
In pursuit of its objective of being a low-cost, multi-mine African-focused producer, the Company continues to actively evaluate a range of growth opportunities. The pursuit of value accretive, portfolio enhancing opportunities remains a key focus for the Company.
Admission to Trading on London Stock Exchange
Following the announcement of its intention to list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in late 2018 (see ASX Announcement dated 27 November 2018), Resolute was pleased to be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange during the June 2019 Quarter. The Company's dual-listing was being undertaken with a view to raising Resolute's profile in global capital markets and facilitating improved access to gold and African-focused institutional investors. Following the publication of its Prospectus on 17 June 2019 (see ASX Announcement dated 17 June 2019), Resolute's shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market under the ticker LSE: RSG on 20 June 2019 (see ASX Announcement dated 20 June 2019). Further information regarding Resolute's London Stock Exchange listing is available at the Company's website at www.rml.com.au/lse-listing/.
 
Please see image in the full version of the announcement at www.rml.com.au
Figure 7 (L to R): Tom Attenborough from the London Stock Exchange with

Resolute's Jeremy Meynert, John Welborn and Martin Botha
 
Investor and Analyst Conference Call
A conference call for investors and analysts will be held at 9am (London) / 4pm (AWST) / 6pm (AEST) on Wednesday 31 July 2019. Dial-in details will be published prior to the call. 
Competent Persons Statement
For the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 5.23, Resolute confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements relating to exploration results or estimates of Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves referred to in this announcement and, in the case of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.  Resolute confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.
 
For further information, contact:



John Welborn
Managing Director & CEO
 
 


Jeremy Meynert
General Manager - Business Development & Investor Relations
 



Contact Information
Resolute
John Welborn, Managing Director & CEO
Jeremy Meynert, General Manager - BD & IR
Telephone: +61 8 9261 6100
Email: contact@rml.com.au 
Web: www.rml.com.au 
 
Berenberg (UK Corporate Broker)
Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi
Telephone: +44 20 3207 7800
 
Tavistock (UK Public Relations)
Jos Simson / Charles Vivian / Emily Fenton / Annabel de Morgan
Telephone: +44 207 920 3150 / +44 778 855 4035
Email: resolute@tavistock.co.uk 
 
About Resolute
Resolute is a successful, dividend paying gold miner with more than 30 years of experience as an explorer, developer and operator of gold mines in Australia and Africa which have produced more than 8 million ounces of gold.
Resolute currently owns three gold mines. Its flagship asset is the world class Syama Gold Mine in Mali (Syama) which can produce more than 300,000 ounces of gold per annum from existing processing infrastructure. Resolute is currently commissioning the world's first fully automated underground mine at Syama which will deliver a low cost, large scale operation with a mine life beyond 2032. Alongside Syama, Resolute owns the Ravenswood Gold Mine in Australia and the Bibiani Gold Mine in Ghana. Resolute has a pathway to annual gold production in excess of 500,000 ounces from a Global Mineral Resource base of more than 17 million ounces of gold.
 



ASX/LSE:RSG Capital Summary
Fully Paid Ordinary Shares: 758,094,588
Current Share Price:

A$1.74, 29 July 2019
Market Capitalisation:
A$1.32bn
FY19 Guidance (to 31 December):

330,000oz @ AISC US$990/oz
 


Board of Directors
Mr Martin Botha Non-Executive Chairman

Mr John Welborn Managing Director & CEO
Ms Yasmin Broughton Non-Executive Director
Mr Mark Potts Non-Executive Director
 Ms Sabina Shugg Non-Executive Director
Mr Peter Sullivan Non-Executive Director
 


Contact
John Welborn Managing Director & CEO
Jeremy Meynert GM - BD & IR

Level 2, Australia Place | 15-17 William St

Perth, Western Australia 6000

T: +61 8 9261 6100 | F: +61 8 9322 7597

E: contact@rml.com.au



 




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END
 
 
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