Dear Northgate Minerals Corporation E-mail Alert Subscribers,
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Northgate Minerals Reports Second Quarter Results
Fosterville Achieves Record Quarterly Production
Notice: Conference Call and Webcast of Q2 Results Today at 10:00 am ET
Dial in: +647-427-7450 or 1-888-231-8191
VANCOUVER, Aug.
5, 2011 /CNW/ - (All figures based in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and expressed in
US dollars except where noted) - Northgate Minerals Corporation
("Northgate" or the "Corporation") (TSX: NGX; NYSE Amex: NXG) today
announced its financial and operating results for the three and six
months ended June 30, 2011.
Second Quarter Highlights
Operating and Financial
-
Gold production for the second quarter of 2011 totalled 43,798 ounces at
an average net cash cost of $944 per ounce.
-
The Fosterville mine achieved a quarterly record of 29,181 ounces of
gold at a net cash cost of $787 per ounce.
-
Gold sales were 44,372 ounces at a realized price of $1,502 per ounce.
-
Reported a net loss of $13.0 million or $0.04 per share.
The adjusted
net loss(1) for the second quarter of 2011 was $16.7 million or $0.05 per share.
The net loss and adjusted net loss figures include a $12.7 million
expense resulting from revisions to the reclamation cost estimate at
Kemess South.
-
Strong cash flow from operations in Australia of $23.1 million. On a
consolidated basis, Northgate reported cash flow from operations of
($3.7) million or ($0.01) per share, as a result of working capital
changes and expenses associated with closing Kemess South and putting
the facility on care and maintenance.
-
Northgates cash balance at the end of the second quarter 2011 was
$244.5 million.
Business Combination for Strong Value Creation
-
On July 13, 2011, Northgate announced a proposed business combination
with Primero Mining Corp. (TSX:P) to create a leading mid-tier gold
producer with significant value creation opportunities.
The new company
will benefit from a diversified production base, expansion potential
from a portfolio of mines and projects and enhanced near-term cash
flow.
Significant Development Opportunity
-
Northgate recently released positive results from a NI 43-101
Preliminary Assessment for the Kemess Underground Project. The results
outline the development of an underground block/panel cave operation.
Average annual production is expected to be 95,000 ounces of gold and
41.4 million pounds of copper at a below-industry cash cost of $115 per
ounce over a 12-year mine-life.
Building Young-Davidson
-
Construction activities at Young-Davidson remain on schedule and on
budget.
To date, Northgate has invested approximately $180 million
towards the construction of the Young-Davidson mine.
Expanding YD West Zone
-
At Young-Davidson, hole YD11-234B intersected one of the best intervals
ever drilled on the property of 4.31 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold over
79.6 metres ("m").
"Second quarter production was highlighted by an excellent performance
at Fosterville, as the mine achieved record quarterly production of
over 29,000 ounces of gold" commented Richard Hall, President and CEO.
"Our mines in Australia are projected to ramp up production in the
second half of the year and to generate strong cash flow from
operations."
"As we look to the future of Northgate, we are excited about the value
creation opportunity from the recently announced proposed business
combination with Primero that we believe will create a stronger company
going forward.
Combined with the excellent progress being made at
Young-Davidson and the positive results from the Kemess Underground
Project, we have established a strong pipeline of operations and
projects to deliver both near and long-term value for our
shareholders."
Financial Performance
Northgate recorded consolidated revenue of $67.4 million in the second
quarter of 2011.
Record gold production from Fosterville and stronger
gold prices drove revenue from Northgates Australian mines higher
during the second quarter compared to the first quarter of the year.
Northgate reported a net loss of $13.0 million or $0.04 per share during
the second quarter of 2011.
The adjusted net loss for the same period
was $16.7 million or $0.05 per share.
The net loss and adjusted net
loss figures included a $12.7 million expense related to increases to
reclamation cost estimates at Kemess South. In future periods,
Northgate believes that any additional increases to these cost
estimates will not be material.
During the second quarter, the Fosterville and Stawell mines generated
excellent cash flow from operations of $23.1 million, driven by record
production at Fosterville.
On a consolidated basis, Northgate reported
cash flow from operations of ($3.7) million or ($0.01) per share in the
second quarter of 2011, which was mainly attributable to the increased
spending on decommissioning and site rehabilitation activities at
Kemess South as previously mentioned.
The Corporation continues to
maintain a strong balance sheet, with cash and cash equivalents
totalling $244.5 million as of June 30, 2011.
Corporate Development
Business Combination with Primero Mining Corp. for Strong Value Creation
Northgate has announced a proposed business combination with Primero to
create a new, leading mid-tier gold producer with significant value
creation opportunities.
The combined company will benefit from a robust
gold growth profile and strong cash flow from a portfolio of producing
mines, supported by a robust resource base (see press release dated
July 13, 2011).
The new company will be led by Joe Conway, current
President and CEO of Primero.
Highlights of the transaction include:
-
Diversified production base: Three producing gold mines with 320,000 gold equivalent ounces in
2011E increasing to 550,000 ounces in 2013E coming from the addition of
Young-Davidson and expansion at San Dimas, plus exploration pipeline,
all located in pro-mining jurisdictions.
-
Leading growth profile: Expected production growth of 72% from 2011E to 2013E and declining
cash costs, which will place the combined company amongst the leaders
of its expected peer group.
-
Strong, complementary management team: Combines a proven CEO with an experienced technical team.
-
Solid financial position and cash flow: Fully-funded development of Young-Davidson with expected sufficient
cash flow to re-pay all corporate debt and pursue accretive
opportunities.
-
Unique re-valuation opportunity: Currently trading below peer average net asset value and cash flow
multiples.
-
Enhanced capital markets presence: A market capitalization of over $1.4(2) billion is expected to appeal to a broader shareholder base, increase
analytical following and improve share trading liquidity.
The proposed business combination will be effected by way of a Plan of
Arrangement completed under the Business Corporations Act of British
Columbia.
Under the terms of the Plan of Arrangement, each Primero shareholder
will receive 1.50 common shares of Northgate for each Primero share
held. The transaction will be carried out by way of a court-approved
Plan of Arrangement and will require approval of the shareholders of
Primero at a special meeting of Primero shareholders. The transaction
is also subject to obtaining approval of the shareholders of Northgate
at a special meeting of Northgate shareholders. The respective
shareholder meetings for Northgate and Primero are scheduled to take
place on September 21, 2011.
Significant Development Opportunity at Kemess Underground
Northgate recently released positive results from a NI 43-101
Preliminary Assessment for the Kemess Underground Project. The results
outline the development of an underground operation that is well suited
to block caving.
Average annual production is expected to be 95,000
ounces of gold and 41.4 million pounds of copper at a below-industry
cash cost of $115 per ounce over a 12-year mine-life.
At $1,500 per
ounce gold and $4.00 per pound copper, Kemess Underground is expected
to generate pre-tax operating cash flow of $2.1 billion, pre-tax net
present value ("NPV") at a 5% discount rate of $755 million and a
pre-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 27% (see press release dated
August 2, 2011).
The envisaged Kemess Underground block cave operation would leverage the
existing infrastructure and mill facilities at the Kemess South mine,
including a permitted area for tailings storage within the Kemess South
open pit.
Based on the results of the Preliminary Assessment, Northgates Board of
Directors has approved the commencement of a full Feasibility Study,
which is expected to be completed over the next year.
Results from Operations
Fosterville Gold Mine
Fosterville capped off the quarter with a monthly record of 12,500
ounces in June and achieved gold production of 29,181 ounces for the
second quarter, which was also a record for the mine.
The excellent
performance at Fosterville follows on a strong first quarter;
year-to-date, the mine has produced 49,813 ounces of gold and continues
to forecast annual production consistent with original guidance.
As a result of record gold production at the mine, Fosterville also
generated record cash flow from operations of $21.3 million during the
quarter.
Cash flow from operations is expected to remain strong for the
balance of the year.
During the quarter, approximately 200,000 tonnes of ore were mined and
mine development advanced 2,190 m.
Also during the quarter, a record
226,218 tonnes were milled at a higher than planned grade of 4.82 g/t,
resulting in record gold production.
The average net cash cost of production for the second quarter of 2011
was $787 per ounce, which was lower than the original guidance
provided, despite a 4% increase in the Australian dollar relative to
the US dollar during the quarter. Cash costs also declined from the
$1,012 per ounce cash cost figure recorded in the first quarter of
2011.
For the first half of the year, the average cash cost of
production was $880 per ounce, which was lower than guidance.
As the
Australian dollar has continued to climb in 2011, Northgate has revised
its exchange rate assumption to US$/A$1.08 for the second half of the
year (from the original assumption of US$/A$1.00).
As a result, the
annual cash cost forecast at Fosterville has increased slightly to $910
- $950 per ounce.
Stawell Gold Mine
During the second quarter, the Stawell mine produced 15,354 ounces of
gold.
Production was impacted by lower head grades mined. In the
second half of 2011, production at Stawell is expected to rise as
grades improve from the GG6 ore zone, which is expected to come into
production in August.
The annual forecast has been lowered to
approximately 81,000 - 85,000 ounces of gold to reflect the lower
production in the first half of the year.
During the quarter, approximately 193,000 tonnes of ore was mined and
mine development advanced 1,768 m, which was in line with plan.
Also
during the quarter, 204,000 tonnes of ore was milled at an average
grade of 2.81 g/t.
Although mill production was higher than plan, the
processing of higher carbonaceous and low-grade ore resulted in lower
head grades, which impacted production during the quarter.
Recoveries
improved to 83% in the second quarter, from 77% in the corresponding
period last year.
Unit operating costs remained low during the second quarter at A$83 per
tonne of ore milled (2010 - A$90).
Mining costs were A$54 per tonne of
ore mined (2010 - A$66).
During the second quarter of 2011, the average net cash cost of
production was $1,173 per ounce, resulting from the 20% year-over-year
increase in the Australian dollar relative to the US dollar and lower
gold production during the quarter. For the second half of 2011, cash
costs are expected to decrease as gold production increases. The
annual production and cash cost forecast for Stawell has been revised
slightly to reflect lower production in the first half of the year and
the stronger Australian dollar.
Kemess South
During the second quarter of 2011, activities on site mainly focused on
mine closure and rehabilitation and placing the Kemess mill on care and
maintenance in anticipation of a production decision for the Kemess
Underground Project.
Northgates asset retirement obligation was increased by $12.7 million,
all of which was expensed in the second quarter.
Reclamation activities
were negatively impacted by a wet spring and summer, which delayed
progress and resulted in increased costs to retain staff and equipment.
As detailed engineering and surveying were completed on the spillway
construction at the tailings impoundment facility as well as other
reclamation projects, the cost estimates also increased.
The balance of the 2011 reclamation work at Kemess is expected to be
completed by the end of the third quarter.
At that time, the
reclamation obligation will be approximately equal to the amount of the
reclamation bond posted with the Provincial government.
Now that most
of the 2011 reclamation work is complete and detailed costs estimates
for future work have been reviewed by the Provincial government, we
believe that any additional increases to rehabilitation activities will
not be material.
2011 Production and Cash Cost Forecast
Production and cash cost forecast for the full year 2011 is outlined as
follows:
|
|
|
|
Total
(ounces)
|
Forecast 2011 Cash Cost
($/oz) 1
|
|
Fosterville
|
97,000 - 102,000
|
$910 - $950
|
Stawell
|
81,000 - 85,000
|
$865 - $905
|
Kemess (Actual)
|
13,8352
|
($64)
|
|
190,000 - 200,000
|
$825 - $860
|
1 Assuming exchange rates of US$/Cdn$1.00 and US$/A$1.06 for Q3 to Q4
2011.
2 Metal production data for the three months ended June 30, 2011 include
the actual settlements for prior period sales at Kemess.
Building Young-Davidson
Northgate is extremely pleased with the ongoing construction activities
at Young-Davidson.
As of the end of the second quarter 2011, Northgate
has invested approximately $180 million towards construction of the
mine, which remains on schedule and on budget.
All major construction
contracts have been awarded or are imminent (worth approximately $250
million) and approximately 85% of the engineering has been completed.
In addition, almost all of equipment purchase orders have been placed
and much of the equipment has already been delivered to site. We
expect the balance of equipment will be delivered in the fall.
The mill building was enclosed by early July and the installation of
process equipment has begun.
After completing an intensive optimization
study in June, the Board of Directors approved a mid-shaft loading
facility, which is a modification to the original mine design that will
allow for early underground ore production to supplement open pit
production in the initial years of the mine-life.
The facility is
scheduled to be operational by the first quarter of 2013, one year
ahead of the feasibility schedule for underground ore production.
Underground Ramp and Shaft
Activities underground continue to make excellent progress.
For the
second quarter of 2011, the development rate averaged over 14 m per
day.
The ramp was extended an additional 315 m to an approximate length
of 4,450 m and has passed a vertical depth of over 700 m (eventual
depth of 1,500 m).
In July, the first leg (446 m) of the new Northgate production shaft was
completed.
The second leg (to a depth of 700 m) is expected to commence
early next year.
Young-Davidson is scheduled to commence commissioning activities in the
fourth quarter of 2011 and is targeting start-up of production in late
Q1 2012. Initial production will come from an open pit scheduled to
produce approximately 85,000 ounces in 2012 and 135,000 ounces in 2013.
Over a 15-year mine-life, the mine is expected to generate average
annual production of 180,000 ounces of gold.
Expanding YD West Zone
Drilling on the newly discovered YD West zone, just west of the
currently known reserves at Young-Davidson, continues to achieve
excellent results.
Hole YD11-234B, which was reported in June, returned
4.31 g/t gold over 79.6 m. This intersection is located approximately
130 m above and 55 m east of Discovery Hole YD10-198, which returned
3.46 g/t over 79.5 m. Together, these holes are amongst the highest
grade-thickness intervals intersected to date on the property. By the
end of the second quarter, a total of seven holes have intersected the
YD West zone and all but one has returned ore-grade intersections (see
press release dated June 7, 2011).
These have been significant
intersections as they demonstrate the continuity of the YD West Zone,
which remains open up and down dip and to the west.
Two diamond drills will continue to explore the YD West zone until a
sufficient number of intercepts have been obtained to estimate an
initial resource.
The YD West zone appears to have excellent potential
to add significant gold resources to the project.
Summarized Consolidated Results
(Thousands of US dollars, except where noted)
|
Q2 2011
|
Q2 2010
|
YTD 2011
|
YTD 2010
|
Financial Data
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
$ 67,416
|
$ 122,737
|
$ 190,443
|
$ 248,015
|
Adjusted net loss 1
|
(16,670)
|
(11,719)
|
(8,219)
|
(5,423)
|
Per share 2
|
(0.05)
|
(0.04)
|
(0.02)
|
(0.02)
|
Net profit (loss)
|
(13,014)
|
(333)
|
6,741
|
3,554
|
Per share - basic
|
(0.04)
|
0.00
|
0.02
|
0.01
|
Cash flow from (used in) operations
|
(3,695)
|
15,236
|
36,414
|
27,288
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
244,469
|
204,173
|
244,469
|
204,173
|
Total assets
|
$ 806,893
|
$ 676,433
|
$ 806,893
|
$ 676,433
|
Operating Data
|
|
|
|
|
Gold production (ounces)
|
|
|
|
|
Fosterville
|
29,181
|
28,476
|
49,813
|
54,897
|
Stawell
|
15,354
|
14,832
|
31,360
|
37,070
|
Kemess 5
|
(737)
|
24,967
|
13,835
|
49,670
|
Total gold production
|
43,798
|
68,275
|
95,008
|
141,637
|
Gold sales (ounces)
|
|
|
|
|
Fosterville
|
28,900
|
29,152
|
48,037
|
55,096
|
Stawell
|
14,841
|
15,944
|
31,311
|
37,355
|
Kemess
|
631
|
20,847
|
21,961
|
48,620
|
Total gold sales
|
44,372
|
65,943
|
101,309
|
141,071
|
Realized gold price ($/ounce) 3,5
|
1,502
|
1,274
|
1,437
|
1,196
|
Net cash cost ($/ounce) 4
|
|
|
|
|
Fosterville
|
787
|
669
|
880
|
674
|
Stawell
|
1,173
|
1,069
|
1,090
|
904
|
Kemess
|
(470)
|
497
|
(64)
|
499
|
Average net cash cost ($/ounce)
|
944
|
693
|
812
|
673
|
Copper production (thousands pounds) 5
|
(48)
|
9,643
|
6,449
|
19,172
|
Copper sales (thousands pounds)
|
218
|
7,997
|
9,216
|
19,142
|
Realized copper price ($/pound) 3, 5
|
(5.33)
|
2.42
|
2.58
|
3.04
|
1
|
Adjusted net profit (loss) is a non-IFRS measure. See section entitled
"Non-IFRS Measures" in the Corporations interim MD&A Report.
|
2
|
Adjusted net profit (loss) per share is based on diluted number of
shares outstanding.
|
3
|
The metal pricing quotational period is three months after the month of
ship loading for copper and one month after the month of ship loading
for gold produced at Kemess South.
Realized prices reported will differ
from the average quarterly reference prices, as realized price
calculations incorporate the actual settlement price for prior period
sales, as well as the forward price profiles of both metals for
unpriced sales at the end of the quarter.
|
4
|
Net cash cost per ounce of production is a non-IFRS measure. See
section entitled "Non-IFRS Measures" in the Corporations interim MD&A
Report.
|
5
|
Metal production data include the final settlement adjustments for prior
period sales.
Realized metal prices in the current quarter were
impacted by negative smelter adjustments at Kemess South during a
quarter that had no production.
|
|
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(Previously referred to as the Consolidated Balance Sheets)
|
|
|
June 30
|
|
December 31
|
Thousands of US dollars, unaudited
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ 244,469
|
|
$ 334,840
|
Trade and other receivables, including derivatives
|
|
27,923
|
|
62,051
|
Income taxes receivable
|
|
9,536
|
|
2,236
|
Inventories (note 4)
|
|
26,973
|
|
46,268
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
3,190
|
|
2,367
|
Assets held for sale (note 5)
|
|
739
|
|
—
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
312,830
|
|
447,762
|
Non-current Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets (note 6)
|
|
49,942
|
|
40,819
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
10,476
|
|
13,014
|
Mineral property, plant and equipment
|
|
431,722
|
|
323,903
|
Investments (note 7)
|
|
1,923
|
|
36,519
|
Total Non-current Assets
|
|
494,063
|
|
414,255
|
Total Assets
|
|
$ 806,893
|
|
$ 862,017
|
Liabilities and Shareholders Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including derivatives
|
|
$ 64,856
|
|
$ 93,534
|
Short-term loan (note 8)
|
|
—
|
|
40,161
|
Equipment financing obligations
|
|
8,519
|
|
7,945
|
Provisions (note 9)
|
|
26,081
|
|
38,359
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
99,456
|
|
179,999
|
Non-current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment financing obligations
|
|
14,746
|
|
10,763
|
Convertible senior notes
|
|
133,950
|
|
131,235
|
Option component of convertible senior notes
|
|
33,409
|
|
47,414
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
388
|
|
379
|
Provisions (note 9)
|
|
35,976
|
|
30,459
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
4,728
|
|
—
|
Total Non-current Liabilities
|
|
223,197
|
|
220,250
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
322,653
|
|
400,249
|
Shareholders Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares
|
|
407,352
|
|
407,029
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
10,719
|
|
8,915
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
36,618
|
|
23,014
|
Retained earnings
|
|
29,551
|
|
22,810
|
Total Shareholders Equity
|
|
484,240
|
|
461,768
|
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity
|
|
$ 806,893
|
|
$ 862,017
|
Subsequent event (note 17)
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed
consolidated interim financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Thousands of US dollars,
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30
|
except share and per share amounts, unaudited
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
Revenue
|
|
$ 67,416
|
|
$ 122,737
|
|
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