TORONTO, May 13, 2024
/CNW/ - Karora Resources Inc. (TSX: KRR) ("Karora" or
the "Company") today announced financial and operating
results for the first quarter of 2024 ("Q1 2024"). The Company's
unaudited condensed interim financial statements and management
discussion & analysis ("MD&A) are available on SEDAR at
www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at
www.karoraresources.com. All dollar amounts are in Canadian
dollars, unless otherwise noted.
FIRST QUARTER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
GOLD PRODUCTION AND SALES
- Pre reported Q1 2024 production of 36,147 gold ounces decreased
9% from 39,827 ounces in the first quarter of 2023, and 10%
compared to production of 40,295 ounces in the fourth quarter of
2023 ("the previous quarter"). Production was negatively impacted
by wet weather experienced across all three operating sites during
the quarter and a regional interruption to state grid power
impacting the Lakewood mill and Beta Hunt mine, affecting gold
ounces produced. Gold sales for Q1 2024 were strong at 40,343
ounces, an increase of 12% compared to Q1 2023 and 8% higher than
the previous quarter.
COSTS ON TRACK TO ACHEIVE WITH 2024 GUIDANCE
- Cash operating costs1 and AISC1 per ounce
sold for Q1 2024 averaged US$1,193
and US$1,285, respectively, versus
US$1,272 and US$1,435, respectively, for Q4 2023. The lower
costs compared to the prior quarter primarily reflects the impact
of higher nickel by-product credits ($2.91
million or US$54/oz nickel
by-product credits in the current quarter compared to $0.3 million US$5/oz for the final quarter of 2023). The
higher by-product credits reflect recommencement of nickel sales in
the first quarter.
RECORD QUARTERLY REVENUE
- Revenue in Q1 2024 totaled $115.5
million, a new quarterly record for the Company and 19%
higher than the first quarter of 2023 and 14% from the previous
quarter. The increase compared to both prior quarters reflected
higher realized gold price and higher sales volumes.
SOLID OPERATING CASH FLOW GENERATION
- Q1 2024 cash flow provided by operating activities of
$42.6 million versus $20.9 million in the first quarter of 2023 and
$32.1 million the previous quarter,
driven by the improved gold sales volume and realized price.
- Cash at March 31, 2024 of
$87.3 million was an increase of
$4.8 million or 6% from $82.5 million at December
31, 2023.
EARNINGS PERFORMANCE
- Net earnings for Q1 2024 of $2.1
million ($0.01 per share)
compared to net loss of $2.9 million
($0.02 per share) for the same period
in 2023 and net loss of $1.7 million
($0.01 per share) in the fourth
quarter of 2023. The first quarter of 2024 was impacted by a
non-cash $6.3 million loss on
derivatives and $5.0 million foreign
exchange loss.
- Adjusted earnings1 for Q1 2024 of $13.3 million ($0.07 per share) compared to $4.8 million (0.03 per share) in the first
quarter of 2023 and $3.3 million
($0.02 per share) for the previous
quarter, reflecting higher sales volumes and prices as noted
above.
- Adjusted EBITDA1,2 for Q1 2024 of $40.5 million ($0.23 per share) was an increase of 42% from
$28.6 million in the first quarter of
2023 and 63% higher than the $24.9
million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
1.
|
Non-IFRS: the
definition and reconciliation of these measures are included in the
"Non-IFRS Measures" section of this news release and in the
MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
|
2.
|
Earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
|
MERGER WITH WESTGOLD TO CREATE AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST UNHEDGED GOLD
PRODUCER
- Karora and Westgold Resources Limited ("Westgold" ASX:WGX)
agreed to combine in a merger pursuant to which Westgold will
acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Karora
by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under the Canada Business
Corporations Act ("CBCA"). The combination represents a
transformational step change in growth for both Karora and Westgold
shareholders, creating a globally investable ASX listed top 5
Australian gold producer based on the pro forma market
capitalization. The merger is subject to procedural matters and
conditional on receiving approval of 66 ⅔% of Karora shareholders
at a meeting to occur in July. Please see Karora news release dated
April 7, 2024 for further
details.
- Under the proposed merger, Karora shareholders to receive a
premium up front and own 49.9% of the combined +400,000 ozpa
mid-tier gold producer.
- The combination of Karora and Westgold is expected to deliver
substantial potential synergies of $440
million.
Karora will host a call/webcast on
May 13, 2024 at
10:00 am (Eastern
Time) to discuss the first quarter 2024 results. North
American callers please dial:
1-888-664-6383; Local and international callers
please dial: 416-764-8650. To join the conference call without
operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number
at the Callback Link to receive an instant automated call back
and be placed into the call. For the webcast of this event click
the Webcast Link
https://app.webinar.net/qPWvB7E8zl7
(replay access information is
provided below).
Paul Andre Huet, Chairman and
CEO, commented: "We are off to a strong start to 2024 with
record quarterly revenue of over $115
million in Q1. The record result was driven by robust gold
sales of over 40,000 ounces for the first quarter, coupled with the
current strong gold price environment resulting in operating cash
flow of $43 million. Our financial
performance in the first quarter was solid with adjusted earnings
of $13.3 million ($0.07 per share), up 177% from $4.8 million from the same period a year ago and
a $10 million improvement compared to
the prior quarter.
The Beta Hunt Mine continued to demonstrate why we consider it
to be our cornerstone asset with gold production of 31,249 ounces
in Q1. The mine's cost performance during the quarter was
excellent, with cash operating costs of US$869 per ounce, which was an improvement from
the prior quarter and from the same period one year ago. The solid
operating performance at Beta Hunt is a direct result of the
effective execution of our growth plan by the operations team.
Beta Hunt also continued to generate very encouraging
exploration results. Results from the Stage 2 infill program at the
Fletcher zone continue to demonstrate why we are so excited about
this area as a very significant new gold mineralized system just
west of Beta Hunt's largest and most prolific zone to-date –
Western Flanks. As a reminder, in the first quarter, we reported
some exciting intersections at Fletcher (3.8 g/t over 33.0 metres,
15.2 g/t over 3.3 metres and 34.6 g/t over 2.0 metres, see Karora
news release dated February 22,
2024). As we reported in March, we have commenced
development of an exploration drive towards the Fletcher Shear Zone
and expect to access this mineralization in the third quarter. The
potential of this area is an exciting part of our 2024 mine plan
and could provide additional flexibility with new working faces as
we continue the ramp up towards 2.0 Mtpa at Beta Hunt.
Overall, our cost performance came in as planned for Q1 at
US$1,285 per ounce sold, well within
our full year 2024 AISC guidance range of US$1,250 to US$1,375 per ounce. While we experienced
cost pressures at our HGO mines in Q1 driven by extreme weather and
additional waste stripping, we benefitted from higher nickel
by-product credits in Q1 of US$54 per
ounce compared to only US$5 per ounce
in the prior quarter, demonstrating why we are excited about the
potential for nickel by-product credits from new nickel areas we
plan to develop with mechanized mining. As a reminder we are at a
competitive advantage at Beta Hunt, with our growing gold
infrastructure and operations carrying the majority of the fixed
costs required to access the proximal nickel areas, providing us
with tremendous flexibility to exploit our very high-grade nickel
zones throughout the same mine – an enviable position.
Finally, but most significantly, we announced a very exciting
merger transaction with Westgold on April
7. This is very good news for Karora shareholders that
delivers a premium price once approved and provides ongoing
exposure to the strong gold market conditions through a 49.9%
interest in the new merged Westgold/KRR which will be largest
unhedged gold producer in Australia. The new merged company offers value
to its shareholders in many ways, including substantial synergies
potential in the order of $440
million, rerating potential as a larger entity, expected
buying from new TSX and ASX index inclusions and the flexibility to
further unlock the growth potential of both sets of assets with a
strong combined balance sheet and significantly expanded equipment
fleet at Westgold. It is clear to me that together Karora and
Westgold offer all our shareholders a compelling vehicle in which
to participate in this historic gold price rally, unlocking
significant value across both asset bases that could not be
achieved as standalone companies."
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table 1. Results of Operations
|
|
Three Months
Ended,
|
|
Mar. 31,
2024
|
Mar 31,
2023
|
Dec 31,
2023
|
Gold Operations
(Consolidated)
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes milled
(000s)
|
436
|
502
|
485
|
|
Recoveries
|
94 %
|
94 %
|
94 %
|
|
Gold milled, grade (g/t
Au)
|
2.75
|
2.62
|
2.75
|
|
Gold produced
(ounces)
|
36,147
|
39,827
|
40,295
|
|
Gold sold
(ounces)
|
40,343
|
36,145
|
37,439
|
|
Average exchange rate
(C$/US$) 1
|
0.74
|
0.74
|
0.73
|
|
Average realized price
(US $/oz sold)
|
$2,067
|
$1,877
|
$1,988
|
|
Cash operating costs
(US $/oz sold)2
|
$1,193
|
$1,124
|
$1,272
|
|
All-in sustaining cost
(AISC) (US $/oz sold)2
|
$1,285
|
$1,213
|
$1,435
|
Gold (Beta
Hunt)
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes milled
(000s)
|
271
|
298
|
363
|
|
Gold milled, grade (g/t
Au)
|
3.81
|
2.92
|
3.13
|
|
Gold produced
(ounces)
|
31,249
|
26,577
|
34,486
|
|
Gold sold
(ounces)
|
34,310
|
23,077
|
31,819
|
|
Cash operating cost (US
$/oz sold)2
|
$869
|
$967
|
$1,123
|
Gold (HGO
Mine)
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes milled
(000s)
|
165
|
204
|
123
|
|
Gold milled, grade (g/t
Au)
|
1.00
|
2.18
|
1.61
|
|
Gold produced
(ounces)
|
4,898
|
13,250
|
5,809
|
|
Gold sold
(ounces)
|
6,033
|
13,068
|
5,620
|
|
Cash operating cost (US
$/oz sold)2
|
$3,031
|
$1,402
|
$2,112
|
1.
|
Average exchange rate
refers to the average market exchange rate for the
period.
|
2.
|
Non-IFRS: the
definition and reconciliation of these measures are included in the
"Non-IFRS Measures" section of this news release and in the
MD&A for the three and twelve months ended December 31,
2023.
|
3.
|
Numbers may not add due
to rounding.
|
Consolidated Operations
Consolidated gold production in the first quarter of 2024 was
36,147 ounces, an 9% decrease from the first quarter of 2023
(39,827 ounces) and 10% decrease from the 40,295 ounces in the
previous quarter. The decrease from the first quarter of 2023
resulted primarily from the 13% decrease in tonnage partially
offset by a 5% higher grade primarily driven by Beta Hunt (31%
higher grade than the comparable quarter). Consolidated tonnage was
13% down on the comparative period in 2023 and 10% lower than the
prior quarter due to the impact of two weeks of extreme wet weather
during the quarter and a two-week regional interruption to state
grid power that directly impacted the Lakewood mill and Beta
Hunt.
Cash operating costs1 per ounce sold for the first
quarter of 2024 averaged US$1,193
compared to US$1,124 for the same
period in 2023 and US$1,272 the
previous quarter. The increase from the same period in 2023
reflects higher production processing costs slightly offset by
higher grade. The lower cost compared to the prior quarter
primarily reflects the impact of higher nickel by-product credits.
Higher production costs reflect inclusion of all development costs
in the shorter term Two Boys underground mine and additional waste
movement at the Pioneer pit to improve wall stability and the
impact of temporary contract crushing at Higginsville during the
current quarter. The lower cost compared to the prior quarter
reflects higher grade and higher by-product credits in the current
quarter of US$54/oz compared to
US$5/oz for the final quarter of
2023. The higher by-product credits reflect recommencement of
nickel sales in the current quarter.
AISC1 per ounce sold in the first quarter of 2024
averaged US$1,285 compared to
US$1,213 in the first quarter of 2023
and US$1,435 in the previous quarter,
with the increase from the first quarter of 2023 reflecting higher
cash operating cost per ounce, partially offset by higher gold
sales volume. The lower AISC compared to the prior quarter reflects
lower cash operating costs and higher gold sales volume in the
current quarter.
Beta Hunt
During the first quarter of 2024, Beta Hunt mined 271,200 tonnes
at an average grade of 3.73 g/t containing 32,485 ounces of gold
and on track with the 2024 mine plan. This represented a 10%
reduction from the first quarter of 2023 ore tonnes mined, and a
25% decrease from the prior quarter ore tonnes due to lower
availability of some operating areas, planned power upgrades in the
lower section of the mine and a number of unplanned local
transmission network failures, now resolved. Despite the
lower tonnage moved, contained gold was 20% higher than the first
quarter of 2023 (299,900 tonnes at 2.81 g/t for 27,100 contained
ounces) but 8% lower than the prior quarter (360,300 tonnes at 3.05
g/t for 35,286 contained ounces) reflecting the mining of a planned
higher-grade section of Beta Hunt during the current quarter. The
majority of the mined tonnes during the first quarter came from the
central and southern section of Western Flanks and the scheduled
higher grade ore zones from A Zone.
Gold production from Beta Hunt in the first quarter of 2024
totaled 31,249 recovered ounces based on milling 271,000 tonnes at
an average grade of 3.81 g/t and 94% plant recovery. The higher
grade offset lower processed tonnes, to deliver 18% higher gold
recovery compared to the first quarter of 2023. The higher grade
was offset by the lower processed tonnes when compared to the
previous quarter which produced 9% higher gold production (34,486
ounces).
Cash operating costs1 per ounce sold at Beta Hunt
averaged US$869 in the first quarter
of 2024, which compared to US$967 in
the first quarter of 2023, and US$1,123 the previous quarter. The reduction in
cash operating costs per ounce from the same and previous quarters
in 2023 reflects the positive impact of higher grades and higher
sales volumes.
In addition to gold production, Beta Hunt mined 4,337 tonnes of
nickel ore at an estimated grade of 2.5% nickel during the first
quarter of 2024 compared to 7,331 tonnes of nickel ore mined at an
estimated grade of 2.2% nickel for the same period in 2023 and
5,253 tonnes of nickel ore at an estimated grade of 2.3% nickel the
previous quarter.
Higginsville Mining Operations ("HGO")
During the first quarter of 2024, HGO mined 45,400 tonnes at an
average grade of 1.73 g/t containing 2,525 ounces, which compared
to 72,200 tonnes mined at an average grade of 3.85 g/t containing
8,927 ounces in the first quarter of 2023 and 90,400 tonnes at an
average grade of 1.76 g/t containing 5,129 ounces the previous
quarter. The HGO tonnes mined during the first quarter of 2024
largely reflected continued open pit mining at Pioneer and the Two
Boys underground. The operation was affected by two weeks of
extreme weather which, in combination with some minor movements in
the Pioneer open pit wall (now resolved), resulted in lower
production and higher overall unit costs. Mining into the
primary ore zone is now occurring during the second quarter.
Production at HGO in the first quarter of 2024 totalled 4,898
recovered ounces based on milling 164,700 tonnes at an average
grade of 1.00 g/t. Production in the first quarter of 2024
decreased 63% from 13,250 ounces in the first quarter of 2023
(203,600 tonnes at 2.18 g/t), reflecting 19% lower tonnes processed
and 54% lower grade. Production in the first quarter of 2024 was
16% lower than the previous quarter (122,800 tonnes at 1.61 g/t for
5,809 ounces) with 34% higher tonnes processed, reflecting 38%
lower grade compared to the previous quarter. Tonnes processed were
lower compared to both periods due to extreme wet weather, laying
back sections of the Pioneer pit walls and reliance on historic
stockpile feed sources.
Cash operating costs1 per ounce sold at HGO averaged
US$3,031 in the first quarter of 2024
versus US$1,402 for the first quarter
of 2023, and US$2,112 for the
previous quarter. The increased unit cost reflects the temporary
impact of the higher costs per tonne temporary contract crushing
costs (now returned to primary crushing with the bridge repair
completed in March), higher costs incurred on laying back the pit
walls at Pioneer pit and lower processing grade. The current two
operating mines at HGO, as part of the planned life of mine,
currently have shorter mine lives reducing the capitalization
ability of mining costs. Mining of the main ore zone at Pioneer
commences in the second quarter, along with the ramp up of Two Boys
underground, both of which are expected to positively impact cash
operating costs.
Processing Operations
A total of 435,700 tonnes were milled2 at an average
grade of 2.75 g/t with average recoveries of 94% for production of
36,147 ounces during the first quarter.
Beta Hunt contributed 97% of the throughput at the Lakewood Mill
during the first quarter of 2024, totalling 152,900 tonnes at an
average grade of 5.00 g/t. Recovered gold during the quarter
totalled 23,273 ounces. The balance of Beta Hunt was dedicated to
the Higginsville processing plant with Beta Hunt contributing 42%
of the mill throughput and HGO providing the remaining 58%. At
Higginsville, 278,000 tonnes of material were processed at an
average grade of 1.54 g/t for a recovered gold of 12,732
ounces.
1.
|
Non-IFRS: the
definition and reconciliation of these measures are included in the
"Non-IFRS Measures" section of this news release and in the
MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
|
2.
|
Lakewood – there was no
toll treatment during Q1. Throughput excludes external toll
treatment ore processed during 2023.
|
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Table 2. Financial Overview
(in thousands of
dollars except per share
amounts)
|
|
|
|
For the three months
ended March 31,
|
2024
|
2023
|
2022
|
Revenue
|
$115,538
|
$96,806
|
$65,272
|
Production and
processing costs
|
60,375
|
54,393
|
42,436
|
Earnings (loss) before
income taxes
|
6,108
|
(1,744)
|
(2,153)
|
Net earnings
(loss)
|
2,137
|
(2,941)
|
(3,709)
|
Net earnings (loss) per
share - basic
|
0.01
|
(0.02)
|
(0.02)
|
Net earnings (loss) per
share - diluted
|
0.01
|
(0.02)
|
(0.02)
|
Adjusted EBITDA
1,2
|
40,533
|
28,636
|
12,203
|
Adjusted EBITDA per
share - basic 1,2
|
0.23
|
0.16
|
0.08
|
Adjusted earnings
1,2
|
13,316
|
4,847
|
1,120
|
Adjusted earnings per
share - basic 1,2
|
0.07
|
0.03
|
0.01
|
Cash flow provided by
operating activities
|
42,638
|
20,859
|
12,150
|
Cash investment in
property, plant and equipment and mineral
property interests
|
(31,689)
|
(19,854)
|
(24,784)
|
1.
|
Non-IFRS: the
definition and reconciliation of these measures are included in
the" Non-IFRS Measures" section of this news release and the
MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
|
For the three months ended March 31,
2024, the Company generated revenue of $115.5 million, a $18.7
million or 19% increase from the first quarter of 2023
($96.8 million). Gold revenue totaled
$112.5 million, $20.9 million or 23% higher than the 2023 first
quarter, with the increase reflecting $10.2
million from rate factors, including the impact of a
stronger US dollar as well as a 10% increase in the average US$
realized gold price, and the 12% higher gold volume sold for the
quarter. Beta Hunt contributed $95.7
million of total gold revenue in the first quarter of 2024,
with HGO contributing $16.8
million. During the comparable period in 2023, Beta Hunt
contributed $58.1 million of gold
revenue, with the remaining $33.5
million coming from HGO.
Net earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2024 totalled $2.1 million or $0.01 per basic share, compared to net loss of
$2.9 million ($0.02 per basic share) for the three months ended
March 31, 2023. The net earnings in
the first quarter of 2024, includes the higher production and
processing costs per unit (particularly in relation to the two new
mine developments at Higginsville and contract crushing while the
Higginsville crusher bridge was repaired, completed in March 2024), foreign exchange loss and income tax
expenses for the period.
Adjusted earnings1 for the three months ended
March 31, 2024 totalled $13.3 million ($0.07 per share) versus $4.8 million ($0.03
per share) in the first quarter of 2023. The difference between net
earnings and adjusted earnings1 in the first quarter of
2024 resulted from the exclusion from adjusted earnings1
of the after-tax impact of $3.2
million related to non-cash share-based payments,
$6.3 million related to loss on
derivatives, and the exclusion of $5.0
million foreign exchange loss.
1.
|
Non-IFRS: the
definition and reconciliation of these measures are included in
the" Non-IFRS Measures" section of this news release and the
MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
|
Table 3. Highlights of Liquidity and Capital
Resources
(in thousands of
dollars)
|
|
For the three months
ended March 31,
|
2024
|
2023
|
2022
|
Cash provided by
operations prior to changes in working capital
|
$40,944
|
$28,642
|
$12,201
|
Changes in non-cash
working capital
|
1,748
|
(7,783)
|
296
|
Income taxes
paid
|
(54)
|
-
|
-
|
Asset retirement
obligations
|
-
|
-
|
(347)
|
Cash provided by
operating activities
|
42,638
|
20,859
|
12,150
|
Cash used in investing
activities
|
(31,121)
|
(19,690)
|
(24,739)
|
Cash used in financing
activities
|
(5,187)
|
(3,289)
|
(1,017)
|
Effect of exchange rate
changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
(1,569)
|
(789)
|
701
|
Change in cash and cash
equivalents
|
$4,761
|
$(2,909)
|
$(12,905)
|
1.
|
Working capital is
calculated as current assets (including cash and cash equivalents)
less current liabilities.
|
For the three months ended March 31,
2024, cash provided by operating activities, prior to
changes in working capital, totalled $40.9
million compared to $28.6
million for the same period in 2023. The increase compared
to the first quarter of 2023 largely reflected higher sales volume
and realized price. Changes in working capital represented a net
source of cash totalling $1.8 million
during the three months ended March 31,
2024, reflecting a $4.1
million reduction of inventories offset partially by a
$1.3 million increase in receivables
following recommencement of nickel sales in the quarter. The
reduction in inventories primarily reflects a reduction in levels
of gold in circuit from December 31,
2023 due to shipment timing.
The Company had cash of $87.3
million as at March 31, 2024
compared to $82.5 million as at
December 31, 2023.
OUTLOOK
GUIDANCE (2024)
The Company updated 2024 production, cost and capital guidance
on March 11, 2024. This outlook
includes forward-looking information about the Company's operations
and financial expectations and is based on management's
expectations and outlook as of the date of this MD&A. This
outlook, including expected results and targets, is subject to
various risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which may impact
future performance and the Company's ability to achieve the results
and targets discussed in this section. The Company may update this
outlook depending on changes in metal prices and other factors.
Table 4. Guidance (2024)
|
|
2024
|
Gold
Production
|
(Koz)
|
170 – 185
|
All-in Sustaining
Costs
|
(US$/oz
sold)
|
1,250 –
1,375
|
Sustaining
Capital
|
(A$M)
|
11 – 16
|
Growth
Capital
|
(A$M)
|
80 – 90
|
Exploration &
Resource Development
|
(A$M)
|
18 – 23
|
Nickel
Production
|
(Ni Tonnes)
|
200
– 300
|
1.
|
Production guidance is
based on the September 30, 2023 Mineral Reserves and Mineral
Resources announced on November 21, 2023.
|
2.
|
The Company expects to
fund the capital investment amounts listed above with cash on hand,
cashflow from operations and lease finance an additional up to A$8
million of heavy equipment.
|
3.
|
The material
assumptions associated with the expansion of Beta Hunt mining
production rate to 2.0 Mtpa during 2024 include the completion of
ventilation and other infrastructure that is required to support
these areas, and an expanded mining equipment and trucking
fleet.
|
4.
|
The Company's guidance
assumes targeted mining rates and costs, availability of personnel,
contractors, equipment and supplies, the receipt on a timely basis
of required permits and licenses, cash availability for capital
investments from cash balances, cash flow from operations, or from
a third-party debt financing source on terms acceptable to the
Company, no significant events which impact operations, an A$ to
US$ exchange rate of 0.67 in 2024 and A$ to C$ exchange rate of
0.90. Assumptions used for the purposes of guidance may prove to be
incorrect and actual results may differ from those anticipated. See
below "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Information".
|
5.
|
Exploration
expenditures include capital expenditures related to infill
drilling for Mineral Resource conversion, capital expenditures for
extension drilling outside of existing Mineral Resources and
expensed exploration. Exploration expenditures also includes
capital expenditures for the development of exploration
drifts.
|
6.
|
Capital expenditures
exclude capitalized depreciation and equipment leases.
|
7.
|
AISC calculations are
for the Australian operations only, and exclude non-cash
share-based payments expense, derivative settlements, and net
realizable value adjustments to prior period stockpiles. The
Company acquired the Lakewood mill in 2022 and embarked on an
expansion program to grow the Beta Hunt gold mine to 2.0 Mtpa
mining rate during 2024. Mine development for projects with greater
than 1 year mine life and equipment acquisition are being
attributed to growth capital during this growth phase.
|
8.
|
See "Non-IFRS Measures"
set out at the end of this news release and in the MD&A for the
three months ended March 31, 2024.
|
CONFERENCE CALL / WEBCAST
Karora will be hosting a conference call and webcast today,
May 13, 2024, beginning at
10:00 a.m. (Eastern time). The
accompanying presentation can be found on Karora's website,
www.karoraresources.com.
Live Conference Call and Webcast Access Information:
North American callers please dial: 1-888-664-6383:
Local and international callers please dial: 416-764-8650
A live webcast of the call will be available through Cision's
website at: https://app.webinar.net/qPWvB7E8zl7
A recording of the conference call will be available for replay
through the webcast link, or for a one-week period beginning at
approximately 1:00 p.m. (Eastern
Time) on May 13, 2024, through
the following dial in numbers:
North American callers please dial: 1-888-390-0541; Pass Code:
520835#
Local and international callers please dial: 416-764-8677; Pass
Code: 520835#
Non-IFRS Measures
This news release refers to cash operating cost, cash operating
cost per ounce, all-in sustaining cost, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and
adjusted EBITDA per share, adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per
share and working capital which are not recognized measures under
IFRS. Such non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized
meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
Management uses these measures internally. The use of these
measures enables management to better assess performance trends.
Management understands that a number of investors and others who
follow the Corporation's performance assess performance in this
way. Management believes that these measures better reflect the
Corporation's performance and are better indications of its
expected performance in future periods. This data is intended to
provide additional information and should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared
in accordance with IFRS.
In November 2018, the World Gold
Council ("WGC") published its guidelines for reporting all-in
sustaining costs and all-in costs. The WGC is a market development
organization for the gold industry and is an association whose
membership comprises leading gold mining companies. Although the
WGC is not a mining industry regulatory organization, it worked
closely with its member companies to develop these non-IFRS
measures. Adoption of the all-in sustaining cost and all-in cost
metrics is voluntary and not necessarily standard, and therefore,
these measures presented by the Corporation may not be comparable
to similar measures presented by other issuers.
The following tables reconcile these non-IFRS measures to the
most directly comparable IFRS measures:
MINING OPERATIONS
Cash Operating and All-in Sustaining Costs
The Company uses these measures internally to evaluate the
underlying operating performance of its Australian operations.
Management believes that providing cash operating cost data allows
the reader the ability to better evaluate the results of the
underlying operations.
Consolidated
For the three months
ended
|
March 31,
2024
|
March 31,
2023
|
December 31,
2023
|
Production and
processing costs
|
$60,375
|
$54,393
|
$61,609
|
Inventory adjustment
1
|
-
|
-
|
(2,582)
|
Royalty
expense
|
7,572
|
5,753
|
6,206
|
By-product credits
2,3
|
(3,052)
|
(5,173)
|
(367)
|
Operating costs
(C$)
|
$64,895
|
$54,973
|
$64,866
|
General and
administrative expense – Australia 3,4
|
3,260
|
3,800
|
4,632
|
Sustaining capital
expenditures
|
1,760
|
523
|
3,722
|
All-in sustaining costs
(C$)
|
$69,915
|
$59,296
|
$73,220
|
Ounces of gold
sold
|
40,343
|
36,145
|
37,439
|
Australian
dollars per ounce sold
|
|
|
|
Cash operating
costs
|
$1,814
|
$1,645
|
$1,954
|
All-in sustaining costs
4
|
$1,955
|
$1,775
|
$2,206
|
United States
dollars per ounce sold
|
|
|
|
Cash operating
costs
|
$1,193
|
$1,124
|
$1,272
|
All-in sustaining costs
4
|
$1,285
|
$1,213
|
$1,435
|
Average exchange
rate
|
|
|
|
C$:A$
|
0.89
|
0.92
|
0.89
|
A$:US$
|
0.66
|
0.68
|
0.65
|
1.
|
Relates to an
adjustment to net realizable value of gold ore stockpiles. Refer to
note 6 of the December 31, 2023, audited consolidated financial
statements.
|
2.
|
Refer to Note 20 of the
March 31, 2024, unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial
statements.
|
3.
|
By-product credits for
the three ended March 31, 2024, include $nil external toll
treatment revenue (same period in 2023 - $2,527, and $nil for the
three months ended December 31, 2023 )
|
4.
|
AISC calculations are
for the Australian operations only, exclude non-cash share-based
payments expense, derivative settlements, and net realisable value
adjustments to prior period stockpiles. The Company acquired the
Lakewood mill in 2022 and embarked on an expansion program to grow
the Beta Hunt gold mine to 2.0 Mtpa mining rate during 2024. All
mine development, equipment acquisition, and growth leases are
being attributed to growth capital during this growth
phase.
|
Beta Hunt
For the three months
ended
|
March 31,
2024
|
March 31,
2023
|
December 31,
2023
|
Production and
processing costs 1,2
|
$36,103
|
$27,995
|
$43,315
|
Royalty expense
1
|
7,162
|
4,814
|
5,730
|
By-product credits
1
|
(3,035)
|
(2,616)
|
(353)
|
Operating costs
(C$)
|
$40,230
|
$30,193
|
$48,692
|
Ounces of gold
sold
|
34,310
|
23,077
|
31,818
|
Australian
dollars per ounce sold
|
|
|
|
Cash operating
costs
|
$1,323
|
$1,416
|
$1,726
|
United States
dollars per ounce sold
|
|
|
|
Cash operating
costs
|
$869
|
$967
|
$1,123
|
Average exchange
rate
|
|
|
|
C$:A$
|
0.89
|
0.92
|
0.89
|
A$:US$
|
0.66
|
0.68
|
0.65
|
1.
|
Refer to Note 20 of the
March 31, 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial
statements.
|
HGO
For the three months
ended
|
March 31,
2024
|
March 31,
2023
|
December 31,
2023
|
Production and
processing costs 1
|
$38,131
|
$36,932
|
$34,364
|
Adjustment for
intercompany and toll milling costs 1, 2
|
(13,859)
|
(13,061)
|
(16,070)
|
Inventory adjustment
3
|
-
|
-
|
(2,582)
|
Royalty expense
1
|
410
|
939
|
476
|
By-product credits
1
|
(17)
|
(30)
|
(14)
|
Operating costs
(C$)
|
$24,665
|
$24,780
|
$16,174
|
Ounces of gold
sold
|
6,033
|
13,068
|
5,621
|
Australian
dollars per ounce sold
|
|
|
|
Cash operating
costs
|
$4,611
|
$2,052
|
$3,246
|
United States
dollars per ounce sold
|
|
|
|
Cash operating
costs
|
$3,031
|
$1,402
|
$2,112
|
Average exchange
rate
|
|
|
|
C$:A$
|
0.89
|
0.92
|
0.89
|
A$:US$
|
0.66
|
0.68
|
0.65
|
1.
|
Refer to Note 20 of the
March 31, 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial
statements.
|
2.
|
Includes third party
toll milling costs at Lakewood mill of $nil for the three months
ended March 31, 2024 (same period in 2023 $2,527 and $nil for the
three months ended December 31, 2023).
|
3.
|
Relates to an
adjustment to net realisable value of gold ore stockpiles. Refer to
note 5 of the December 31, 2023, audited consolidated financial
statements.
|
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings
Management believes that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings
are valuable indicators of the Company's ability to generate
operating cash flows to fund working capital needs, service debt
obligations, and fund exploration and evaluation, and capital
expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings exclude the
impact of certain items and therefore is not necessarily indicative
of operating profit or cash flows from operating activities as
determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate adjusted
EBITDA and adjusted earnings differently.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure, which excludes the
following from comprehensive earnings (loss); income tax expense;
interest expense and other finance-related costs; depreciation and
amortization; non-cash other expenses, net; non-cash impairment
charges and reversals; non-cash portion of share-based payments;
derivatives, sustainability initiatives and foreign exchange
loss.
(in thousands of
dollars except per share amounts)
|
For the three months
ended
|
March 31,
2024
|
March 31,
2023
|
December
31, 2023
|
Net earnings (loss) for
the period - as reported
|
$2,137
|
$(2,941)
|
$(1,705)
|
Finance expense,
net
|
1,675
|
1,770
|
2,024
|
Income tax
expense
|
3,971
|
1,197
|
(2,820)
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
18,971
|
18,386
|
19,919
|
EBITDA
|
26,754
|
18,412
|
17,418
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
|
Non-cash share-based
payments 1
|
3,186
|
1,674
|
3,235
|
Impairment charge
2
|
-
|
-
|
9,204
|
Unrealized gain on
revaluation of marketable securities 2
|
(718)
|
(1,537)
|
304
|
Other expense, net
2
|
10
|
54
|
(26)
|
Loss on derivatives
2
|
6,329
|
6,171
|
2,576
|
Foreign exchange loss
3
|
4,986
|
3,862
|
(7,832)
|
Rehabilitation cost
adjustment for closed sites 2
|
(14)
|
-
|
(112)
|
Sustainability
initiatives 4
|
-
|
-
|
87
|
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
$40,533
|
$28,636
|
$24,854
|
Weighted average number
of common shares - basic
|
178,402,185
|
174,268,927
|
177,828,626
|
Adjusted EBITDA per
share - basic
|
$0.23
|
$0.16
|
$0.14
|
1.
|
Primarily non-operating
items which do not impact cash flow.
|
2.
|
Non-operating in nature
which does not impact cash flows.
|
3.
|
Primarily related to
intercompany loans for which the loss is unrealized.
|
4.
|
Primarily related to
non-operating environmental initiatives.
|
Adjusted earnings is a non-IFRS measure, which excludes the
following from comprehensive earnings (loss): non-cash portion of
share-based payments; revaluation of marketable securities;
derivatives and foreign exchange loss; tax effects of adjustments;
sustainability initiatives.
(in thousands of
dollars except per share amounts)
|
For the three months
ended
|
March 31,
2024
|
March 31,
2023
|
December 31,
2023
|
Net earnings (loss) for
the period - as reported
|
$2,137
|
$(2,941)
|
$(1,705)
|
Non-cash share-based
payments 1
|
3,186
|
1,674
|
3,235
|
Impairment charge
1
|
-
|
-
|
9,204
|
Unrealized gain on
revaluation of marketable securities 2
|
(718)
|
(1,537)
|
304
|
Loss on derivatives
2
|
6,329
|
6,171
|
2,576
|
Foreign exchange loss
3
|
4,986
|
3,862
|
(7,832)
|
Rehabilitation cost
adjustment for closed sites 2
|
(14)
|
-
|
(112)
|
Sustainability
initiatives 4
|
-
|
-
|
87
|
Tax impact of the above
adjusting items
|
(2,590)
|
(2,382)
|
(2,427)
|
Adjusted
earnings
|
$13,316
|
$4,847
|
$3,330
|
Weighted average number
of common shares - basic
|
178,402,185
|
174,268,927
|
177,828,626
|
Adjusted earnings per
share - basic
|
$0.07
|
$0.03
|
$0.02
|
1.
|
Primarily non-recurring
items which do not impact cash flow.
|
2.
|
Non-operating in nature
which does not impact cash flows.
|
3.
|
Primarily related to
intercompany loans for which the loss is unrealized.
|
4.
|
Primarily related to
non-recurring environmental initiatives.
|
Working Capital
Working capital is calculated as current assets (including cash
and cash equivalents) less current liabilities.
(in thousands of
dollars)
|
March 31,
2024
|
December 31,
2023
|
March 31,
2023
|
Current
assets
|
$132,054
|
$131,454
|
$110,758
|
Less: Current
liabilities
|
73,668
|
78,023
|
66,830
|
Working
capital
|
$58,386
|
$53,431
|
$43,928
|
Compliance Statement (JORC 2012 and NI 43-101)
The technical and scientific information contained in this
MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Steve Devlin, Group Geologist, Karora Resources
Inc., and a qualified person for the purposes of National
Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects.
The technical and scientific information related to operations
matters contained in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved
by Peter Ganza, Chief Operating Officer, Karora Resources Inc., and
a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About Karora Resources
Karora is focused on increasing gold production at its
integrated Beta Hunt Gold Mine and Higginsville Gold Operations
("HGO") in Western Australia. The
Higginsville treatment facility is a low-cost 1.6 Mtpa processing
plant, which is fed at capacity from Karora's underground Beta Hunt
mine and Higginsville mines. In July
2022, Karora acquired the 1.0 Mtpa Lakewood Mill in
Western Australia. At Beta Hunt, a
robust gold Mineral Resource and Reserve are hosted in multiple
gold shears, with gold intersections along a 5 km strike length
remaining open in multiple directions. HGO has a substantial
Mineral gold Resource and Reserve and prospective land package
totaling approximately 1,900 square kilometers. Karora has a strong
Board and management team focused on delivering shareholder value
and responsible mining, as demonstrated by Karora's commitment to
reducing emissions across its operations. Karora's common shares
trade on the TSX under the symbol KRR and on the OTCQX market under
the symbol KRRGF.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking
Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking information" which
may include, but is not limited to, statements relating to the
liquidity and capital resources of Karora, production and cost
guidance including the Consolidated Multi-Year Guidance to 2024,
the Company's multi-year growth plan, the potential of Beta
Hunt, HGO, and Spargos and its exploration properties,
successfully obtaining permitting, the future financial or
operating performance of the Company and its projects, the future
price of and supply and demand for metals, the estimation of
mineral reserves and resources, the realization of mineral reserves
and resources estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future
production, costs of production, capital, operating and exploration
expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new and
existing deposits, costs and timing of future exploration as well
as the potential of exploration at Beta Hunt, HGO, Spargos, and the
Company's exploration properties, requirements for additional
capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental
risks, reclamation expenses, the success of mining operations,
economic return estimates and potential upside. Often, but not
always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget",
"scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or
"does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations (including
negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that
certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might"
or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Readers should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the Company to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors
that could affect the outcome include, among others: project
delays; general business, economic, competitive, political and
social uncertainties; labour and operational disruptions due to any
public health crises (including a resurgence of COVID-19), or other
widespread public health issues, results of exploration programs;
future prices of metals; availability of alternative metal sources
or substitutions; actual metal recovery; conclusions of economic
evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be
refined; the future cost of capital to the Company; possible
variations of ore grade or recovery rates; failure of plant,
equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour
disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political
instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; delays in obtaining
governmental approvals, necessary permitting or in the completion
of development or construction activities, as well as those factors
discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's
December 31, 2023 MD&A and Annual
Information Form for the year ended December
31, 2023 filed on SEDAR+. Such forward-looking statements
are also based on a number of material factors and assumptions,
including: the availability of financing at rates and on terms and
conditions otherwise acceptable to the Company; future metal
prices; permitting and development consistent with the Company's
expectations; foreign exchange rates; prices and availability of
equipment; that contracted parties provide goods and/or services on
the agreed time frames; that on-going contractual negotiations will
be successful and/or be completed in a timely manner; and that no
unusual geological or technical problems occur.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors
that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ
materially from those described in forward-looking statements,
there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to
differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date
of this MD&A and the Company disclaims any obligation to update
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or results or otherwise, except as
required by applicable securities laws. Given these risks
and, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements as a prediction of actual results. Readers of this
report are cautioned that actual events and results may vary.
www.karoraresources.com
SOURCE Karora Resources Inc.