OceanaGold Corporation (TSX: OGC) ("OceanaGold" or the “Company” - https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/oceanagold-corp/) reported its financial and operational results for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The consolidated financial statements and the Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) are available at www.oceanagold.com.
Gerard Bond, President and CEO of OceanaGold, said “We safely and responsibly delivered to plan in the third quarter. Haile continued its strong operational performance, Didipio delivered another steady quarter at full mining rates, and Waihi delivered the expected operational and financial improvement as mining progressed into higher confidence areas. Unfortunately Macraes experienced record rainfall in July which impeded its access to ore and gold production. We continue to expect stronger gold production in the fourth quarter and remain on track to achieve our full year guidance.”
“With the Haile SEIS and the Section 401 Water Certification Notice having been published, the SEIS Final Record of Decision and all associated permits are now expected to be received in the fourth quarter. An approved early works program has enabled us to commence initial development of the Haile underground. To date we have developed approximately 50 metres of the production portal and decline and work on the two ventilation portals is progressing well. We remain on track to get first underground ore from Haile in the fourth quarter of 2023, which underpins our significant near term gold production growth."
Highlights
As expected, consolidated third quarter production of 104,953 ounces of gold was lower when compared to the previous quarter with the 7% quarter-on-quarter reduction mainly due to lower grades at Didipio, Macraes and Haile, partially offset by stronger production from Waihi. When compared to the corresponding period in 2021, the current quarter production was 33% higher, largely due to the resumption of operations at Didipio. The Company has produced 351,283 ounces of gold and 10,885 tonnes of copper year-to-date (“YTD”), a 37% increase in gold production compared to the corresponding period in 2021. The improvement reflects consistent 2022 operating performance against plan, including at Didipio which was not operating in the prior comparative period.
In the third quarter, the Company recorded an AISC of $1,554 per ounce on sales of 111,390 ounces of gold and 3,718 tonnes of copper. YTD the Company has recorded an AISC of $1,338 per ounce on sales of 350,378 ounces of gold and 11,168 tonnes of copper.
Haile produced 36,482 ounces of gold in the third quarter at an AISC of $1,552 per ounce and cash costs of $1,175 per ounce. The quarter-on-quarter increase in AISC was due to the expected reduction in mined grade resulting in lower production combined with inflationary cost impacts particularly reagents, mechanical parts and labour. YTD Haile has produced 134,689 ounces of gold. Mining at the Haile pit phase 1 was completed at the end of the third quarter, with mining now transitioned to the Mill Zone and Ledbetter Phase 2 areas.
During the quarter the United States Army Corp of Engineers (“ACOE”) published the Haile Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”), after which the SEIS underwent a scheduled 30-day public comment period, with no material comments received. The ACOE has advised the Company that all comments received in the review period have been adequately addressed and that it is ready to simultaneously issue both the final Record of Decision (“ROD”) and the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) Section 404 Permit very shortly after the CWA 401 Water Quality Certification issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (“DHEC”) takes effect.
DHEC recently published notice that it has issued the CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certification, which will be effective in the first half of November 2022 unless a request for DHEC Board review is submitted. No such request is expected given the agreement reached earlier this year with the environmental groups participating in the permit process. Shortly after the SEIS ROD is issued, DHEC will issue its decision on the Mine Operation Permit which will conclude the permitting process for Haile’s mine expansion.
During the September quarter DHEC approved an early works program enabling the Company to commence initial development of the main production portal and drilling the intake and exhaust ventilation portals of the Underground Horseshoe Deposit. To date, the Company has developed approximately 50 metres of the decline and work on the ventilation portals is progressing well. Overall, this means the Company’s access into the first ore from Haile underground remains on track for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Didipio produced 25,379 ounces of gold and 3,581 tonnes of copper in the third quarter, resulting in 84,094 ounces of gold and 10,885 tonnes of copper produced YTD. The third quarter was the second consecutive quarter in which underground mining operated at full production rates since the re-start of underground mining in November 2021. Didipio’s third quarter AISC was $913 per ounce sold, while cash costs were $818 per ounce sold. The quarter-on-quarter increase in AISC was due to a reduction in the mined grade resulting in lower metal production, a lower average realised copper price reducing by-product revenue and inflationary cost impacts, particularly energy.
Macraes produced 29,401 ounces in the third quarter, resulting in 103,857 ounces of gold YTD. In July 2022, record monthly rainfall at Macraes impacted mining operations, resulting in approximately 200 hours lost production reducing overall mining productivity and ore production during the quarter relative to plan. Third quarter AISC was $1,924 per ounce sold, while cash costs were $1,298 per ounce sold. The quarter-on-quarter increase in AISC was mainly due to the weather related impacts resulting in a lower average mined grade and lower gold production and sales.
Waihi produced 13,690 ounces in the third quarter, resulting in 28,643 ounces of gold YTD. As expected, mining during the third quarter progressed into higher confidence areas of the Martha Underground deposit which underpinned improved stoping performance, increased ore tonnes and a higher mined grade. Third quarter AISC was $1,601 per ounce sold, while cash costs were $1,067 per ounce sold. The quarter-on-quarter reduction in AISC was driven mainly by the 67% quarter-on-quarter increase in gold production.
Financial
The Company’s consolidated third quarter revenue was $213.9 million, a 7% decrease quarter-on-quarter mainly due to lower average realised metal prices. The Company’s YTD revenue of $729.0 million, including record first half revenue of $515.1 million, reflects the successful ramp-up of Didipio and stronger New Zealand gold production and sales.
Third quarter EBITDA decreased 46% quarter-on-quarter due to the lower expected production combined with lower revenue driven by lower average realised metal prices. Year-to-date 2022 EBITDA is $272.8 million, a
13% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2021 driven mainly by the higher sales volumes with gold prices similar across the periods.
Third quarter adjusted net profit after tax was $5.9 million or $0.01 per share fully diluted. Year-to-date 2022 adjusted net profit after tax of $118.0 million was substantially above the corresponding period in 2021. The adjustments from statutory net profit relate primarily to $12.3 million of unrealised foreign exchange losses on US$-denominated debt held by the New Zealand subsidiaries.
Cash from operating activities of $45.0 million in the third quarter was in line with the lower EBITDA. Fully diluted operating cash flow per share before working capital movements was $0.08 in the third quarter and is $0.42 YTD.
Year-to-date cash flows from operating activities were $268.5 million, significantly above the corresponding period in 2021 due to the recommencement of operations at Didipio plus the prior period having $76.7 million of physical gold settlements against gold prepayment agreements which were concluded in 2021.
The Company’s YTD 2022 free cash flow is $55.0 million. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had immediately available liquidity of $210.2 million, comprising $130.2 million in cash and $80 million in undrawn credit facilities. Net Debt, inclusive of equipment leases, was $174.1 million as at September 30, 2022, a 27% reduction relative to December 31, 2021.
Conference Call
Senior management will host a conference call / webcast to discuss the results on Thursday October 27, 2022, at 8:00 am Eastern Time.
About OceanaGold
OceanaGold is a multinational gold producer committed to the highest standards of technical, environmental and social performance. We are committed to excellence in our industry by delivering sustainable environmental and social outcomes for our communities, and strong returns for our shareholders. Our globalexploration, development, and operating experience has created a strong pipeline of organic growth opportunities and a portfolio of established operating assets including the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America, Didipio Mine in the Philippines, and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand.
Cautionary Statement for Public Release
Certain information contained in this public release may be deemed “forward-looking” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information relate to future performance and reflect the Company’s expectations regarding the generation of free cash flow, execution of business strategy, future growth, future production, estimated costs, results of operations, business prospects and opportunities of OceanaGold Corporation and its related subsidiaries. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information. They include, among others, the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and related assumptions, inherent operating risks and those risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form prepared and filed with securities regulators which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company’s name. There are no assurances the Company can fulfil forward-looking statements and information. Such forward-looking statements and information are only predictions are made; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release is based on reasonable assumptions, readers cannot be assured that actual outcomes or results will be consistent with such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and informationwhether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The information contained in this release is not investment or financial product advice.
Gerard Bond, President and CEO of OceanaGold, said “We safely and responsibly delivered to plan in the third quarter. Haile continued its strong operational performance, Didipio delivered another steady quarter at full mining rates, and Waihi delivered the expected operational and financial improvement as mining progressed into higher confidence areas. Unfortunately Macraes experienced record rainfall in July which impeded its access to ore and gold production. We continue to expect stronger gold production in the fourth quarter and remain on track to achieve our full year guidance.”
“With the Haile SEIS and the Section 401 Water Certification Notice having been published, the SEIS Final Record of Decision and all associated permits are now expected to be received in the fourth quarter. An approved early works program has enabled us to commence initial development of the Haile underground. To date we have developed approximately 50 metres of the production portal and decline and work on the two ventilation portals is progressing well. We remain on track to get first underground ore from Haile in the fourth quarter of 2023, which underpins our significant near term gold production growth."
Highlights
- Total recordable injury frequency rate of 2.3 at September 30, 2022, a 15% improvement over the previous
- Third quarter production of 104,953 ounces of gold and 3,581 tonnes of
- Third quarter All-in Sustaining Costs (“AISC”) of $1,554 per ounce on gold sales of 111,390
- Third quarter revenue of $214 million and EBITDA of $40
- Adjusted earnings of $0.01 per share and operating cash flow of $0.08 per share for the third
- Third quarter free cash flow as expected at -$17.1 million. Year-to-date free cash flow of $55.0
- Net debt of $174 million as at September 30, 2022, at a leverage ratio of 0.48
- Haile Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement published, and approval granted for early works on the Haile Underground main access portal and ventilation tunnels, initial works
- Waihi produced 13,690 ounces of gold in the third quarter, a 67% improvement quarter-on-quarter, and generated positive free cash
- On track to deliver 2022 consolidated production and cost
- Alan Pangbourne joined the Company as a non-executive director effective October 1, 2022.
- The Company ceased trading on the ASX effective August 31,
As expected, consolidated third quarter production of 104,953 ounces of gold was lower when compared to the previous quarter with the 7% quarter-on-quarter reduction mainly due to lower grades at Didipio, Macraes and Haile, partially offset by stronger production from Waihi. When compared to the corresponding period in 2021, the current quarter production was 33% higher, largely due to the resumption of operations at Didipio. The Company has produced 351,283 ounces of gold and 10,885 tonnes of copper year-to-date (“YTD”), a 37% increase in gold production compared to the corresponding period in 2021. The improvement reflects consistent 2022 operating performance against plan, including at Didipio which was not operating in the prior comparative period.
In the third quarter, the Company recorded an AISC of $1,554 per ounce on sales of 111,390 ounces of gold and 3,718 tonnes of copper. YTD the Company has recorded an AISC of $1,338 per ounce on sales of 350,378 ounces of gold and 11,168 tonnes of copper.
Haile produced 36,482 ounces of gold in the third quarter at an AISC of $1,552 per ounce and cash costs of $1,175 per ounce. The quarter-on-quarter increase in AISC was due to the expected reduction in mined grade resulting in lower production combined with inflationary cost impacts particularly reagents, mechanical parts and labour. YTD Haile has produced 134,689 ounces of gold. Mining at the Haile pit phase 1 was completed at the end of the third quarter, with mining now transitioned to the Mill Zone and Ledbetter Phase 2 areas.
During the quarter the United States Army Corp of Engineers (“ACOE”) published the Haile Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”), after which the SEIS underwent a scheduled 30-day public comment period, with no material comments received. The ACOE has advised the Company that all comments received in the review period have been adequately addressed and that it is ready to simultaneously issue both the final Record of Decision (“ROD”) and the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) Section 404 Permit very shortly after the CWA 401 Water Quality Certification issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (“DHEC”) takes effect.
DHEC recently published notice that it has issued the CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certification, which will be effective in the first half of November 2022 unless a request for DHEC Board review is submitted. No such request is expected given the agreement reached earlier this year with the environmental groups participating in the permit process. Shortly after the SEIS ROD is issued, DHEC will issue its decision on the Mine Operation Permit which will conclude the permitting process for Haile’s mine expansion.
During the September quarter DHEC approved an early works program enabling the Company to commence initial development of the main production portal and drilling the intake and exhaust ventilation portals of the Underground Horseshoe Deposit. To date, the Company has developed approximately 50 metres of the decline and work on the ventilation portals is progressing well. Overall, this means the Company’s access into the first ore from Haile underground remains on track for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Didipio produced 25,379 ounces of gold and 3,581 tonnes of copper in the third quarter, resulting in 84,094 ounces of gold and 10,885 tonnes of copper produced YTD. The third quarter was the second consecutive quarter in which underground mining operated at full production rates since the re-start of underground mining in November 2021. Didipio’s third quarter AISC was $913 per ounce sold, while cash costs were $818 per ounce sold. The quarter-on-quarter increase in AISC was due to a reduction in the mined grade resulting in lower metal production, a lower average realised copper price reducing by-product revenue and inflationary cost impacts, particularly energy.
Macraes produced 29,401 ounces in the third quarter, resulting in 103,857 ounces of gold YTD. In July 2022, record monthly rainfall at Macraes impacted mining operations, resulting in approximately 200 hours lost production reducing overall mining productivity and ore production during the quarter relative to plan. Third quarter AISC was $1,924 per ounce sold, while cash costs were $1,298 per ounce sold. The quarter-on-quarter increase in AISC was mainly due to the weather related impacts resulting in a lower average mined grade and lower gold production and sales.
Waihi produced 13,690 ounces in the third quarter, resulting in 28,643 ounces of gold YTD. As expected, mining during the third quarter progressed into higher confidence areas of the Martha Underground deposit which underpinned improved stoping performance, increased ore tonnes and a higher mined grade. Third quarter AISC was $1,601 per ounce sold, while cash costs were $1,067 per ounce sold. The quarter-on-quarter reduction in AISC was driven mainly by the 67% quarter-on-quarter increase in gold production.
Financial
The Company’s consolidated third quarter revenue was $213.9 million, a 7% decrease quarter-on-quarter mainly due to lower average realised metal prices. The Company’s YTD revenue of $729.0 million, including record first half revenue of $515.1 million, reflects the successful ramp-up of Didipio and stronger New Zealand gold production and sales.
Third quarter EBITDA decreased 46% quarter-on-quarter due to the lower expected production combined with lower revenue driven by lower average realised metal prices. Year-to-date 2022 EBITDA is $272.8 million, a
13% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2021 driven mainly by the higher sales volumes with gold prices similar across the periods.
Third quarter adjusted net profit after tax was $5.9 million or $0.01 per share fully diluted. Year-to-date 2022 adjusted net profit after tax of $118.0 million was substantially above the corresponding period in 2021. The adjustments from statutory net profit relate primarily to $12.3 million of unrealised foreign exchange losses on US$-denominated debt held by the New Zealand subsidiaries.
Cash from operating activities of $45.0 million in the third quarter was in line with the lower EBITDA. Fully diluted operating cash flow per share before working capital movements was $0.08 in the third quarter and is $0.42 YTD.
Year-to-date cash flows from operating activities were $268.5 million, significantly above the corresponding period in 2021 due to the recommencement of operations at Didipio plus the prior period having $76.7 million of physical gold settlements against gold prepayment agreements which were concluded in 2021.
The Company’s YTD 2022 free cash flow is $55.0 million. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had immediately available liquidity of $210.2 million, comprising $130.2 million in cash and $80 million in undrawn credit facilities. Net Debt, inclusive of equipment leases, was $174.1 million as at September 30, 2022, a 27% reduction relative to December 31, 2021.
Conference Call
Senior management will host a conference call / webcast to discuss the results on Thursday October 27, 2022, at 8:00 am Eastern Time.
About OceanaGold
OceanaGold is a multinational gold producer committed to the highest standards of technical, environmental and social performance. We are committed to excellence in our industry by delivering sustainable environmental and social outcomes for our communities, and strong returns for our shareholders. Our globalexploration, development, and operating experience has created a strong pipeline of organic growth opportunities and a portfolio of established operating assets including the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America, Didipio Mine in the Philippines, and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand.
Cautionary Statement for Public Release
Certain information contained in this public release may be deemed “forward-looking” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information relate to future performance and reflect the Company’s expectations regarding the generation of free cash flow, execution of business strategy, future growth, future production, estimated costs, results of operations, business prospects and opportunities of OceanaGold Corporation and its related subsidiaries. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information. They include, among others, the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and related assumptions, inherent operating risks and those risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form prepared and filed with securities regulators which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company’s name. There are no assurances the Company can fulfil forward-looking statements and information. Such forward-looking statements and information are only predictions are made; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release is based on reasonable assumptions, readers cannot be assured that actual outcomes or results will be consistent with such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and informationwhether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The information contained in this release is not investment or financial product advice.
