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June 2021 Quarterly Activities Report

29th Jul 2021 07:00

RNS Number : 8835G
Resolute Mining Limited
29 July 2021
 

29 July 2021

 

Resolute Mining Limited

(Resolute or the Company)

 

Quarterly Activities Report

 for the period ended 30 June 2021

 

Highlights

· Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 1.24 in line with the prior quarter

· Quarterly production (poured) of 77,450 ounces (oz), 10% lower than the prior quarter reflecting:

o Mako - production in line with expectations during the cut-back phase

o Syama Sulphide - record levels of mining, processing and roaster throughput achieved to date were offset by power disruptions, an extension of scheduled mill maintenance and lower grades

o Syama Oxide - record tonnes processed offset by lower blended grades and increase in circuit stocks

· All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) of $1,319/oz for the quarter was higher than the prior quarter reflecting lower production volumes

· Syama Hybrid Power Station fully operational with final testing of the battery storage system ongoing

· $20.0 million voluntary debt repayment completed earlier than scheduled, lowering borrowing costs

· Net debt decreased to $219.8 million, from $222.8 million in the prior quarter, with cash and bullion of $88.8 million at 30 June 2021

· On site COVID-19 vaccination program has seen 1,114 employees and contractors immunised with no disruption to operations

· New Board member and key management appointments including CEO, COO and CFO

· 2021 production and cost guidance has been revised to 315,000oz from 340,000oz at an AISC between $1,290/oz to $1,365/oz.

Note: All dollar figures are United States dollar (US$) currency unless otherwise stated

 

Resolute Mining Limited (Resolute or the Company) (ASX/LSE: RSG) presents its Quarterly Activities Report for the period ended 30 June 2021.

Resolute's safety performance for the quarter remained consistent with a slight increase in the 12-month rolling average TRIFR to 1.24.

Resolute's quarterly production of 77,450oz reflects improved performance at the Syama underground mine, Sulphide and Oxide processing which were all at record levels. These improvements were partially offset by lower mined grades at the Syama Sulphide and Oxide operations along with extended scheduled maintenance and power supply disruptions which have now been resolved. Mako continues to deliver in accordance with guidance expectations as the cut back of the main pit proceeds as planned. Total operating costs remained in line with the prior quarter and expectations, however lower gold production has increased the unit cost for the Group's AISC to $1,319/oz for the quarter.

Guidance for 2021 has been amended to reflect first half performance and outlook for the second half. Total production for 2021 is now expected to be within the range of 315,000oz to 340,000oz of gold at an AISC of between $1,290/oz and $1,365/oz, inclusive of corporate overheads. The focus for 2021 remains achieving operational consistency, cash generation and strengthening the balance sheet.

Operating Performance Snapshot

Resolute's consolidated operational performance measures compared to the previous quarter and prior comparable quarter are set out in the table below.

Group Level Summary

Units

June 2021 Quarter

March 2021 Quarter

Change

June 2020 Quarter

Mining

Ore Mined

t

1,554,097

1,565,373

(1%)

1,548,640

Mined Grade

g/t

2.03

2.26

(10%)

2.44

Processing

Ore Processed

t

1,456,921

1,371,076

6%

1,439,599

Processed Grade

g/t

2.00

2.22

(10%)

2.61

Recovery

%

85.3

85.5

(0%)

88.6

Gold Recovered

oz

79,318

83,389

(5%)

107,070

Gold Poured

oz

77,450

85,668

(10%)

107,183

Sales

Gold Sold

oz

68,103

83,400

(18%)

110,660

Average Realised Price

$/oz

1,714

1,729

1%

1,446

Cost

All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC)

$/oz

1,319

1,239

7%

1,033

Table 1: Resolute Group Operational Performance Summary

Refer to the Appendix for a full summary of Resolute's production and costs in the June 2021 quarter.

 

Sustainability

Safety

Resolute's TRIFR at 30 June 2021 was 1.24 compared to 1.05 at 30 June 2020. The slight increase in TRIFR is a result of three minor recordable injuries that occurred in the quarter, with all employees returning to pre-injury duties. Continuation of the critical hazard and risk management standards remains a focus for health and safety in 2021.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Resolute has been assessed as a leader in ESG reporting in an annual review undertaken by the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors. Extensive environmental monitoring is ongoing across Syama and Mako operations with zero significant incidents reported.

COVID-19

Resolute, in partnership with the Malian and Senegalese health authorities, have vaccinated a total of 1,114 employees at Syama and Mako. These vaccination programs are continuing and support the ongoing health and wellbeing of the workforce and sustainability of operations.

Resolute continues to manage strict COVID:19 protocols across the Group to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and has not experienced any ongoing disruption to operations as a result. Further information on Resolute's COVID-19 response is available at https://www.rml.com.au/covid-19/covid-19-update/.

 

Syama, Mali

Gold production at Syama during the quarter was 46,887oz at an AISC of $1,377/oz. The performance for Syama's Sulphide and Oxide operations are set out in the tables below.

Syama Sulphide Operations

Period

Mining

Processing

Costs

Ore

(t)

Grade(g/t)

Ore

(t)

Grade(g/t)

Recovery(%)

Gold Poured (oz)

AISC($/oz)

March 2021 Quarter

570,377

2.47

535,706

2.61

78.0

37,217

1,274

June 2021 Quarter

700,368

2.33

557,755

2.43

77.7

33,463

1,339

YTD

1,270,746

2.40

1,093,460

2.52

77.8

70,680

1,307

Table 2: Sulphide Production and Cost Summary

Sulphide mining of 700,368 tonnes (t) was 23% higher than the prior March quarter and the highest achieved to date.

Gold production of 33,463oz for the quarter was impacted by an extension of scheduled mill maintenance, power supply disruptions, as the new Hybrid power station was commissioned, and lower processed grades coinciding with an increase in ore mined (drawn) from the sub-level cave. Grade impacts are expected to be temporary and reflect the location of the current draw points. Resolute is reviewing the underlying resource and cave flow models to improve draw point management and is reassessing the timing of opening new sub-level cave areas and their impact on grade.

The roaster operated consistently and with high availability during the quarter achieving its highest quarterly throughput with recoveries of 78% in line with the prior quarter.

Syama Oxide Operations

Period

Mining

Processing

Costs

Ore

(t)

Grade(g/t)

Ore

(t)

Grade(g/t)

Recovery(%)

Gold Poured (oz)

AISC($/oz)

March 2021 Quarter

339,550

2.08

339,625

1.58

86.5

15,508

1,302

June 2021 Quarter

302,408

1.87

413,041

1.31

86.3

13,424

1,466

YTD

641,958

1.98

752,666

1.43

86.4

28,932

1,379

Table 3: Oxide Production and Cost Summary

Oxide gold production of 13,424oz for the quarter reflects the continuation of ore mining at Cashew where mining was largely complete at the end of June. Mining commenced at Tabakoroni where an extension to the previously mined Splay pit is now underway and will be the principal ore source for the remainder of 2021.

Total ore processed during the quarter of 413,041t is the highest achieved through the Oxide plant to date. The grade processed was impacted by blending Cashew ore with low grade stockpiles and a limited contribution from Tabakoroni.

Mining will continue at the Tabakoroni Splay pit which is expected to provide improved grades and material handling in the second half of 2021.

 

Mako, Senegal

Gold production at Mako during the quarter totalled 30,563oz at an AISC of $1,094/oz. The operational performance for Mako is set out in the table below.

Period

Mining

Processing

Cost

Ore

(t)

Grade(g/t)

Ore

(t)

Grade(g/t)

Recovery(%)

Gold Poured (oz)

AISC($/oz)

March 2021 Quarter

655,445

2.23

495,746

2.26

93.0

32,943

1,036

June 2021 Quarter

551,321

1.72

486,125

2.09

93.2

30,563

1,094

YTD

1,206,766

1.99

981,872

2.18

93.1

63,506

1,064

Table 4: Mako Production and Cost Summary

Gold poured was down 7% compared to the March 2021 quarter as a result of slightly lower processed grades and lower ore availability, in line with expectations, as the cut-back of the main pit continues. Processing recoveries continued to remain high at 93.2% during the quarter.

Mako continues to perform consistently and reliably, with a focus on waste stripping to expose additional ore and maximising plant throughput.

 

Resolute Life of Mine production profile

In April, Resolute released an updated Life of Mine (LOM) profile setting out average annual gold production of 380,000oz between 2021 and 2026 at an average AISC of $1,070/oz. Over the long term, the LOM forecasts total gold production of 3.6 million ounces at an average AISC of less than $1,020/oz through to 2032.

Significant upside also exists for operations at Syama where near mine exploration remains a key focus and is expected to deliver further increases to Resolute's production profile and life. At Mako, opportunities to extend the mine life through near mine exploration and development continue to be a priority.

 

Bibiani Gold Mine, Ghana

Resolute continues the strategic review of Bibiani. A number of interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring Bibiani and Resolute continues to consider all options for the successful development or sale of Bibiani.

 

Exploration

Resolute's exploration and drilling programs continued throughout the June 2021 quarter with spend of $4.7 million in Mali, Senegal and Guinea.

In Mali, reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling programs continue the focus on identifying additional Oxide and Sulphide mineral resources within trucking distance of the Syama treatment facility. RC drill programs concentrated on resource drilling of Oxide mineralisation adjacent to the satellite pits north of Syama.

Diamond drilling continues at the Tabakoroni Main Shear Zone with the primary focus to infill and expand the high-grade lens of gold mineralisation located underneath the south pit. The high-grade intersections reported on 27 January 2021 are expected to be extended underneath the current mineral resource model and increase the January 2021 resource estimate.

In Senegal, an auger drilling program is underway on the Koulountou East permit which is located 25km east of the Mako site. Early results show anomalous gold from the Koulountou granite and on the contact with the mafic volcanics.

In Guinea, auger drilling programs were undertaken at the Niagassolo and Doko permits during the June quarter. Early analytical results have outlined the SW corner at Niagassola as of particular interest in an area which coincides with widespread artisanal mining activity.

A soil geochemistry survey over the Kourouba West JV property has identified two strong gold in soil anomalies which will be followed up later in 2021.

 

Projects

Syama Power Upgrade

Construction of the new Syama Hybrid Power Station was completed during the June 2021 quarter in partnership with Aggreko plc (Aggreko). The power generating facilities comprises three modular 10MW power blocks together with a 10MW battery storage system. The Battery storage system, which replaces the need for conventional spinning reserve, has also been commissioned.

The new power station will deliver long-term electricity cost savings of up to 40%, subject to fuel pricing, while reducing carbon emissions by approximately 20% (see ASX Announcement dated 18 December 2019).

Construction of the Resolute owned Bulk Fuel Storage Facility has been completed, with final commissioning activities undertaken during the quarter. The new facility has capacity of 4,000,000 litres representing over 30 days consumption.

Corporate

Cash, Bullion and Liquid Assets

Description

June 2021 Quarter ($m)

March 2021 Quarter ($m)

Cash

52.7

87.2

Bullion

36.1

18.8

Cash and Bullion

88.8

106.0

Promissory Note

40.4

40.3

Listed Investments

53.3

50.9

Total Cash, Bullion and Liquid Assets

182.5

197.2

Table 5: Total Cash, Bullion and Liquid Assets

The average gold price realised for the quarter was $1,714/oz compared to the average spot price of $1,815/oz.

The key movements in cash and market value of bullion balances during the quarter are summarised in Figure 1.

Please see image in the full version of the announcement at www.rml.com.au

Figure 1: Quarterly Cash and Bullion Movements in US dollars

Balance Sheet

Cash and bullion balances at 30 June 2021 were $88.8 million with key movements in this balance during the quarter set out in Figure 1 above.

Total borrowings at 30 June 2021 were $308.6 million comprising $280.0 million drawn on the Company's senior debt facility and revolving credit facility, overdraft facilities with the Bank of Mali of $26.1 million and asset finance facilities of $2.5 million.

Net debt, after taking into account cash and bullion balances reduced by $3.0 million to $219.8 million at 30 June 2021.

Resolute continues to offset royalty payments from the Syama operations against existing VAT credits and this has resulted in a reduction of royalty outflows during the quarter. No tax was paid during the quarter.

Exploration and capital expenditure includes sustaining and non-sustaining capitalisation of underground mining costs at Syama and capitalisation of the Mako cut-back.

Tax

Resolute continues to work with its in-country tax and legal advisors in resolving tax and VAT assessments which have been levied by the Malian Tax Authorities.

Hedging

Resolute maintains a policy of undertaking discretionary hedging in compliance with funding obligations, which require a minimum of 30% of the next 18 months of forecast production to be hedged. As at 30 June 2021, a quarterly summary of forward sales commitments is set out in the tables below.

 

 

Quarter

US Dollar Forward Sales

EURO Forward Sales

Forward

Price ($/oz)

Delivery

(oz)

Forward

Price (€/oz)

Delivery

(oz)

September 2021

$1,716.42

58,000

1,499.84

10,000

December 2021

$1,730.55

30,000

1,479.02

13,000

Total

$1,721.23

88,000

€1,488.07

23,000

Table 6: Committed Hedging Forward Sales in US dollars and Euro

The Company also has in place 65,000oz of zero cost collars in 2021 comprising put options at an average of $1,669/oz and call options at an average of $2,119/oz.

 

CY21 Guidance

Resolute has revised its gold production and cost guidance for 2021 to reflect first half performance together with expectations for the remainder of the year.

Total gold production for 2021 is now expected to be within the range of 315,000oz to 340,000oz (previously 350,000oz to 375,000oz) at an AISC/oz of between $1,290/oz and $1,365/oz (previously $1,200/oz to $1,275/oz) inclusive of corporate overheads.

Syama

Syama Sulphide production of between 132,500oz and 145,000oz (previously 155,000oz to 170,000oz) at an AISC between $1,295/oz and $1,415/oz (previously $1,200/oz to $1,275/oz). The planned 36 day shutdown of the Sulphide processing circuit is scheduled in October and November 2021.

Syama Oxide production between 67,500oz to 75,000oz (previously 80,000oz to 85,000oz) is forecast at an AISC between $1,325/oz to $1,475/oz (previously $1,050/oz and $1,090/oz). The increase in costs reflects the effect of lower production together with the significantly higher strip ratios experienced at the Cashew pit in the first half. Oxide mining in the second half of 2021 will focus on expansion of the previously mined Tabakoroni Splay pit with higher oxide ore grades expected.

Mako

2021 forecast production and costs remain in line with previous guidance of 115,000oz to 120,000oz at an AISC between $1,175/oz and $1,225/oz.

Capital expenditure and exploration

Non-sustaining capital expenditure remains unchanged and is forecast to be $29 million inclusive of Mako cut back of $13 million and capitalised exploration expenditure of $6 million. Sustaining capital expenditure included in the AISC is $49 million.

Activity is focussed on extension and identification of Oxide satellite operations at Syama and extension of Mako's mine life.

Depreciation and amortisation

Expected depreciation and amortisation has been revised to $120 million (previously $173 million) for the Company based on the updated production guidance above.

Debt repayments

Resolute will continue to priorities free cashflow to repayment of debt. The reduction in production guidance together with a higher unit cost will limit the capacity to make further voluntary debt repayments. Resolute's remaining $25 million syndicated loan repayment debt, due in September, will be repaid using operating cashflows and, if necessary, re-draw the revolving credit facility.

 

Reporting Calendar

27 August 2021 - Half Year Financial Results

29 October 2021 - September Quarterly Activities Report 

20 January 2022 - December Quarterly Activities Report 

 

Investor and Analyst Conference Calls

Resolute will host two conference calls for investors, analysts and media on Thursday 29 July 2021, to discuss the Company's Quarterly Activities Report for the period ending 30 June 2021. Both calls will conclude with a question and answer session.

Conference Call 1 (pre-registration required)

Conference Call 1: 08:00 (AWST, Perth) / 10:00 (AEST, Sydney)

Pre-Registration Link: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10015573-5scteo.html

Participants will receive a calendar invite with dial-in details once the pre-registration process is complete.

Conference Call 1 will also be streamed live online at http://www.openbriefing.com/OB/4371.aspx

 

Conference Call 2 (via MS Teams Live Event)

Conference Call 2: (MS Teams) 09:00 (BST, London) / 16:00 (AWST, Perth)

Attendee Link: RSG MS Teams Live Event link

 

Contact Information

Resolute

Stuart Gale, Managing Director & CEO

Telephone: +61 8 9261 6100

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.rml.com.au

 

Berenberg (UK Corporate Broker)

Matthew Armitt / Jennifer Wyllie / Detlir Elezi

Telephone: +44 20 3207 7800 

Tavistock (UK and African media)

Jos Simson / Emily Moss / Annabel de Morgan / Oliver Lamb

Telephone: +44 207 920 3150 / +44 778 855 4035Email: [email protected]

 

FTI Consulting (Australian media)

Cameron Morse / James Tranter

Telephone: +61 433 886 871Email: [email protected]

 

 

Appendix

June 2021 Quarter Production and Costs (unaudited)

June 2021 Quarter

Units

Syama Sulphide

Syama Oxide

Syama Total

Mako

GroupTotal

UG Lateral Development

m

2,077

-

2,077

-

2,077

UG Vertical Development

m

-

-

-

-

-

Total UG Development

m

2,077

-

2,077

-

2,077

UG Ore Mined

t

679,495

-

679,495

-

679,495

UG Grade Mined

g/t

2.35

-

2.35

-

2.35

OP Operating Waste

BCM

5,029

1,037,492

1,042,521

1,827,715

2,870,236

OP Ore Mined

BCM

9,846

138,692

148,538

197,814

346,352

OP Grade Mined

g/t

0.59

1.87

1.87

1.72

1.78

Total Ore Mined

t

700,368

302,408

1,002,776

551,321

1,554,097

Total Tonnes Processed

t

557,755

413,041

970,796

486,125

1,456,921

Grade Processed

g/t

2.43

1.31

1.95

2.09

2.00

Recovery

%

77.7

86.3

81.3

93.2

85.3

Gold Recovered

oz

33,932

14,987

48,919

30,399

79,318

Gold in Circuit Drawdown/(Addition)

oz

(469)

(1,563)

(2,032)

164

(1,868)

Gold Produced (Poured)

oz

33,463

13,424

46,887

30,563

77,450

Gold Bullion in Metal Account Movement (Increase)/Decrease

oz

8,745

(13,055)

(4,310)

(5,037)

(9,347)

Gold Sold

oz

42,208

369

42,577

25,526

68,103

Achieved Gold Price

$/oz

-

-

-

-

1,714

Mining

$/oz

816

358

685

431

585

Processing

$/oz

457

518

474

357

428

Site Administration

$/oz

138

283

180

135

162

Site Operating Cost

$/oz

1,411

1,159

1,339

923

1,175

Royalties

$/oz

96

95

95

72

89

By-Product Credits + Corp Admin

$/oz

(3)

(4)

(3)

-

48

Total Cash Operating Costs

$/oz

1,504

1,250

1,431

995

1,312

Sustaining Capital + Other

$/oz

41

211

90

115

100

Total Cash Expenditure

$/oz

1,545

1,461

1,521

1,110

1,412

Stockpile Adjustments

$/oz

(155)

104

(80)

6

(46)

Gold in Circuit Movement

$/oz

(57)

(105)

(70)

(22)

(51)

Asset Reclamation & Remediation

$/oz

6

6

6

-

4

Total Non-Cash Adjustments

$/oz

(206)

5

(144)

(16)

(93)

All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC)

calculated on gold produced (poured)

$/oz

1,339

1,466

1,377

1,094

1,319

 

June 2021 Year to date

Units

Syama Sulphide

Syama Oxide

Syama Total

Mako

GroupTotal

UG Lateral Development

m

4,176

-

4,176

-

4,176

UG Vertical Development

m

58

535,560

535,618

-

535,618

Total UG Development

m

4,234

535,560

539,794

-

539,794

UG Ore Mined

t

1,249,872

-

1,249,872

-

1,249,872

UG Grade Mined

g/t

2.41

-

2.41

-

2.41

OP Operating Waste

BCM

5,029

2,052,797

2,057,826

3,795,243

5,853,069

OP Ore Mined

BCM

9,846

297,857

308,703

428,567

737,270

OP Grade Mined

g/t

 

1.98

1.98

1.99

1.99

Total Ore Mined

t

1,270,746

641,958

1,912,704

1,206,766

3,119,470

Total Tonnes Processed

t

1,093,460

752,666

1,846,126

981,872

2,827,998

Grade Processed

g/t

2.52

1.43

2.07

2.18

2.11

Recovery

%

77.8

86.4

81.3

93.1

85.4

Gold Recovered

oz

68,915

29,880

98,795

63,910

162,705

Gold in Circuit Drawdown/(Addition)

oz

1,765

(948)

817

(404)

413

Gold Produced (Poured)

oz

70,680

28,932

99,612

63,506

163,118

Gold Bullion in Metal Account Movement (Increase)/Decrease

oz

19,440

(27,810)

(8,370)

(3,245)

(11,615)

Gold Sold

oz

90,120

1,122

91,242

60,261

151,503

Achieved Gold Price

$/oz

-

-

-

-

1,723

Mining

$/oz

743

373

636

435

558

Processing

$/oz

429

470

441

352

406

Site Administration

$/oz

147

263

181

126

159

Site Operating Cost

$/oz

1,319

1,106

1,258

913

1,123

Royalties

$/oz

95

98

96

82

93

By-Product Credits + Corp Admin

$/oz

(1)

(1)

(1)

-

49

Total Cash Operating Costs

$/oz

1,414

1,204

1,354

995

1,265

Sustaining Capital + Other

$/oz

104

118

108

115

111

Total Cash Expenditure

$/oz

1,518

1,322

1,462

1,110

1,376

Stockpile Adjustments

$/oz

(122)

65

(68)

(23)

(50)

Gold in Circuit Movement

$/oz

(94)

(13)

(71)

(23)

(52)

Asset Reclamation & Remediation

$/oz

5

5

5

-

3

Total Non-Cash Adjustments

$/oz

(211)

57

(134)

(46)

(99)

All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC)

calculated on gold produced (poured)

$/oz

1,307

1,379

1,328

1,064

1,277

Year-to-date 2021 Production and Costs (unaudited)

 

 

About Resolute

Resolute is a successful gold miner with more than 30 years' experience as an explorer, developer and operator of gold mines in Australia and Africa which have produced more than 9 million ounces of gold. The Company trades on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) under the ticker RSG. Resolute currently operates the Syama Gold Mine in Mali and the Mako Gold Mine in Senegal. Resolute is the owner of the Bibiani Gold Mine in Ghana.

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.

 

Authorised by Mr Stuart Gale, Managing Director & CEO

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 which forms part of UK law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service (RIS), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

 

 

 

 

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