TSX: IMG www.iamgold.com
All monetary amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. PP Geotextile
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG) (TSX: IMG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") today reported its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.
"IAMGOLD has continued to build upon its recent successes, reporting attributable gold production of 184,000 ounces, which represents the highest quarterly production for the Company in over 2.5 years, driven by record production from Essakane," said Maryse Bélanger, Chair and Interim President and CEO of IAMGOLD. "On behalf of the Board and the executive team, we applaud the tireless efforts of the IAMGOLD team for this achievement and their continued commitment to operating safely and responsibly.
"The Côté Gold Project is approximately 64% complete and advancing well following the schedule and cost update released in the summer. With approximately 1,500 workers on site, the project is nearing peak capacity and has seen significant progress in the third quarter towards the target of production in early 2024. The announced sale of Rosebel to Zijin Mining last month represents the first significant step towards addressing the funding commitments to deliver Côté Gold. The remaining funding alternatives are well advanced and we expect to be able to provide further updates in the fourth quarter."
The following table summarizes certain operating and financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2022 (Q3 2022), June 30, 2022 (Q2 2022) and September 30, 2021 (Q3 2021) and the nine months ended September 30 (or YTD), 2022 and 2021 and certain measures of the Company's financial position as at September 30, 2022, June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Attributable gold production for the third quarter was 184,000 ounces, up 14,000 ounces or 8% from the prior quarter, primarily due to higher production at Essakane (8,000 ounces) and Westwood (5,000 ounces). Attributable gold sales of 187,000 ounces were slightly higher than production due to the timing of gold sales, with the average realized gold price of $1,690 per ounce reflecting the delivery of 37,500 ounces at $1,500 per ounce under the 2019 Prepay Arrangement.
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation) per ounce sold was $1,140 for the third quarter, up $10 per ounce or 1% from $1,130 per ounce sold in the prior quarter. Production costs per ounce sold were in line with the prior quarter with higher costs being offset by higher production. Included was the positive impact of realized derivative gains of $40 per ounce sold (second quarter 2022 - gains of $64 per ounce sold).
Cash costs per ounce sold in the third quarter were $1,126, up $7 per ounce or 1% from the prior quarter. Cash costs per ounce sold reflected higher cost of sales per ounce, partially offset by the exclusion of the long term NRV adjustment that is included in cost of sales. AISC per ounce sold of $1,559 was down $45 per ounce or 3% from the prior quarter, primarily due higher sales volume and a decrease in general administrative expenses.
Health and safety is core to the Company's relentless pursuit of its Zero Harm® vision. Through various programs, the Company continuously promotes a safe work environment and a wellness program at all sites. The DARTFR2 (days away, restricted, transferred duty frequency rate) was 0.27 (on YTD basis) at the end of the third quarter of 2022, tracking below the global annual target of 0.42, with a decreasing trend. The TRIFR2 (total recordable injuries frequency rate) was 0.72 (on YTD basis) at the end of the third quarter of 2022, tracking below the global annual target of 0.73, also with a decreasing trend. Côté Gold has surpassed over 6.9 million hours with no lost time injuries to date. The operations have been increasing focus on situational awareness and preventative activities related to work tasks.
The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and the management thereof remains a focus for the business. The Company continues to closely monitor developments and is taking necessary measures to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its personnel, operations, construction and development projects and exploration activities. COVID-19 detection and mitigation protocols at our sites are reviewed on an ongoing basis to adapt to the evolving situation.
For the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, net loss and adjusted net loss1 per share attributable to equity holders were ($0.23) and ($0.03), respectively. EBITDA1 was ($41.3) million and adjusted EBITDA1 was $103.1 million. Adjusted net loss per share attributable to equity holders and adjusted EBITDA include the reversal of an after-tax non-cash impairment charge of $74.0 million ($115.8 million before tax) related to the announced definitive agreement to sell IAMGOLD's interests in the Rosebel mine to align the carrying value of the Rosebel cash generating unit with the sales price.
Mine-site free cash flow for the third quarter 2022 was $59.2 million, up $16.4 million, from the prior quarter, primarily due to higher free cash flow at Essakane ($20.2 million) and Westwood ($9.2 million) due to higher sales volume, partially offset by lower free cash flow at Rosebel ($13.0 million) primarily due to changes in working capital and lower average realized gold price.
Net cash from operating activities for the third quarter 2022 was $117.7 million, an increase of $35.8 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to decrease in income taxes paid ($22.4 million) and a net inflow in non-cash working capital movements ($20.9 million), partially offset by lower net cash earnings ($5.2 million) and lower settlement of derivatives ($1.7 million). Net cash from operating activities for YTD 2022 was $341.9 million, an increase of $124.4 million from the same prior year period, primarily due to proceeds from 2022 Prepay Arrangements ($177.0 million) and an increase of cash inflows from the settlement of derivatives ($21.9 million), partially offset by lower net cash earnings ($48.9 million), an increase in income taxes paid ($21.1 million), and a decrease in proceeds from insurance claim ($9.5 million).
Net cash used in investing activities for the third quarter 2022 was $228.9 million, a decrease of $40.3 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment ($26.1 million) mainly related to the Cóté Gold construction and timing of financing costs paid and capitalized as borrowing costs ($9.8 million). Net cash used in investing activities for YTD 2022 was $658.6 million, an increase of $291.2 million from the same prior year period, primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment ($261.1 million) mainly related to the Cóté Gold construction and an increase in financing costs paid and capitalized as borrowing costs ($8.8 million), partially offset by proceeds from the disposal of marketable securities ($25.1 million).
Net cash from financing activities in the third quarter 2022 was $217.4 million, an increase of $87.5 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to proceeds from the Credit Facility drawdowns ($80.0 million), proceeds from the equipment loans ($4.6 million), and decrease in dividends paid to non-controlling interest ($4.8 million) on the declaration of dividends from subsidiaries. Net cash from financing activities for YTD 2022 was $339.8 million, an increase of $381.4 million from the same prior year period, primarily due to proceeds from the Credit Facility drawdowns ($380.0 million).
As at September 30, 2022, the Company had $535.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, $0.5 million in short-term investments and net debt1 of $409.3 million. Approximately $100.7 million was available under the Company's secured revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") resulting in liquidity1 at September 30, 2022, of approximately $637 million.
The Côté Gold UJV required its joint venture partners to fund, in advance, two months of future expenditures. During the third quarter, the Côté UJV amended this requirement to two months from three months. The Company uses dividends and intercompany loans to repatriate funds from its operations and the timing of dividends may impact the timing and amount of required financing, including the Company's drawdowns under the Credit Facility. As at September 30, 2022, $237.8 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by Côté Gold and Essakane. The company has funded its portion of the Côté UJV funding cash generated from its operations and drawdowns on the Credit Facility. Restricted cash in support of environmental closure costs obligations related to Essakane, Doyon division and Côté Gold project totaled $47.2 million.
The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding long-term debt:
The Company has a $500 million Credit Facility, which was entered into in December 2017 and amended including in February 2021, to primarily extend the maturity date from January 31, 2023, to January 31, 2025, for $490 million of the available credit. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company drew down $380 million on the Credit Facility. As at September 30, 2022, the Company had letters of credit in the amount of $19.3 million issued under the Credit Facility to guarantee certain environmental indemnities and $100.7 million was available under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility is secured by certain of the Company's real assets, guarantees by certain of the Company's subsidiaries and pledges of shares of certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The key terms of the Credit Facility include certain limitations on incremental debt, certain restrictions on distributions and financial covenants including Net Debt to EBITDA and Interest Coverage. The Company entered into an amendment in conjunction with entering into a definitive agreement to sell its interests in the Rosebel mine where the lenders under the credit facility provided consent to release their security over the Rosebel mine at the close of the transaction. The amendment requires that the proceeds from the sale be used for funding the Côté Gold project with certain exceptions.
The remaining attributable spend to complete the construction of the Côté Gold project is estimated to be between $1.0 and $1.1 billion from October 1, 2022, net of leases and working capital (see "Côté Gold Project"). At September 30, 2022, the Company had $536.1 million in cash and cash equivalents (compared to $452.9 million at June 30, 2022) and $100.7 million available for draw down under the Credit Facility. As at September 30, 2022, $237.8 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by Côté Gold and Essakane.
On October 18, 2022, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. to sell its interests in the Rosebel mine for cash consideration of $360 million plus working capital adjustments on closing. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2023 or earlier.
Based on the information currently available and prevailing market conditions, which impact project expenditures and operating cash flows, the Company will require additional liquidity in 2023, in addition to the proceeds expected to be received from the sale of Rosebel, to complete construction of the Côté Gold project and continues to seek a financing plan by the end of the year. The Company is actively pursuing various alternatives to increase its liquidity and capital resources including additional secured debt and/or royalties and streams, which could be provided by banks, private capital providers and/or institutional investors and specialist streaming or royalty companies, additional unsecured debt including unsecured and/or convertible notes, sales of common shares and the extension of the 2022 Prepay Arrangement. In addition, the Company continues to progress its strategic alternatives with respect to certain of its development and exploration assets in South America and West Africa (excluding Essakane), that may include the disposition of all or an interest in one or more of such assets.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving financing solutions in time and/or on terms acceptable to the Company or that the strategic evaluations discussed above will result in a transaction. In this case and in order to execute its plans for the foreseeable future, including financing alternatives, the Company has developed certain potential alternatives to defer or reduce its capital spending and various other expenditures. These alternatives may impact future operating and financial performance and/or could extend the Côté Gold project construction timeline and significantly increase project costs, and/or dilute the Company's interest in the Côté Gold project. Reductions in capital expenditures at the Côté Gold project requires approval from the Côté UJV oversight committee.
The Company's financial results are highly dependent on the price of gold, oil and foreign exchange rates and future changes in these prices will, therefore, impact performance. The Company will be dependent on the cash flows generated from the Côté Gold project to eventually repay its existing and any additional indebtedness that it may incur to fund the remaining construction costs of the Côté Gold project. Readers are encouraged to read the "Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements" and the "Risk Factors" sections contained in the Company's 2021 Annual Information Form, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the "Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements" and "Risk and Uncertainties" section of the MD&A.
The Company expects that annual attributable production will exceed the top end of the previous guidance range of 570,000 to 640,000 ounces due to stronger operating performance, particularly at Essakane, and is revising guidance upwards to 650,000 to 705,000 ounces.
Cash costs guidance for 2022 has been revised downwards to $1,100 and $1,130 per ounce sold and AISC guidance is revised downwards with costs expected to be between $1,600 and $1,650 per ounce sold, largely reflecting the higher sales expected for the full year, partially offset with higher costs from inflation. The estimates issued in January 2022 included an inflation assumption of 5% to 7% on key consumables, translating to an increase of 1% to 2% in cash costs and AISC (reflected in the previous guidance figures). During the first nine months of the year, higher production offset the additional cost pressures from systemic inflation, constrained global supply chains and the sanctions on trade with Russia that increased the average cost of key consumables such as oil, ammonium nitrate, grinding media, lime and cyanide. The impact of the above-mentioned cost pressures stabilized during the third quarter of 2022 when compared to the first six months of the year. The Company continues to work with its supply chain and seek alternatives to mitigate ongoing costs pressures, including the sourcing of appropriate alternatives as well as progressing productivity initiatives at its operations through the IAMALLIN operational improvement program. Increases in oil prices have been partially mitigated by the existing oil hedge program, see the "Market Risk" section of the Company's Q3 2022 MD&A. For reference, excluding the impact of the Company's hedging program, a $10/bbl increase in the oil price would translate to a $15 per ounce increase in cash costs; however, with current hedges in place, the same movement would equate to a $6 per ounce increase in cash costs. The Company notes that continued external cost pressures may result in an increase in costs and capital expenditures.
Income taxes paid guidance for 2022 is reaffirmed between $69 and $79 million.
Depreciation expense guidance for 2022 is expected to be in the range of $305 and $315 million, reflecting higher YTD 2022 production and sales at Essakane. The updated full year depreciation expense guidance includes an estimated $12 million of depreciation in the fourth quarter at Rosebel. Effective October 18, 2022, the Rosebel mine will be accounted for as held for sale, and its operating results will be reported as discontinued operations.
IAMGOLD interest - 90%)1 |Burkina Faso
Essakane continued to deliver strong results and achieved attributable gold production of 115,000 ounces in the third quarter of 2022, higher by 8,000 ounces or 7% compared to the prior quarter and 9,000 ounces or 8% compared to the same quarter of the prior year. Higher production is attributed mainly to higher mill throughput when compared with the prior quarter and better head grade at higher recovery rates when compared to the same prior year period.
Mining activity of 12.6 million tonnes in the third quarter was higher compared to the prior quarter mainly due to the return of mining operations to full capacity during September as a result of mitigation efforts and an easing of supply chain challenges in the country.
Mill throughput of 3.0 million tonnes in the third quarter, at an average head grade of 1.50 g/t Au and plant availability of 93%, was higher compared to the prior quarter due to improved grind size and mill availability. Mill recovery of 90% in the third quarter was similar to the prior quarter.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, and cash costs per ounce sold of $954 and $952, respectively, were higher by 14% compared to the second quarter 2022, primarily due to higher operating costs partially offset by higher production and sales. AISC per ounce sold of $1,248 was higher by $124 or 11% due to higher cash costs per ounce and higher sustaining capital expenditures.
Total capitalized stripping (sustaining and expansion) in the third quarter of $18.6 million was higher by $1.4 million or 8% and lower by $4.2 million or 18% compared to the prior quarter and same prior year period, respectively. Capitalized stripping was higher than the prior quarter as the impact of supply chain issues were mitigated towards the end of the quarter, while lower than the same prior year period due to the timing of stripping activities and the impact of the supply chain issues experienced in 2022.
Sustaining capital expenditures, excluding capitalized stripping, of $19.0 million included mobile and mill equipment of $8.0 million, capital spares of $4.4 million, tailings management of $1.9 million, airstrip extension of $1.6 million and other sustaining projects of $3.1 million. Expansion capital expenditures, excluding capitalized stripping, of $1.0 million primarily included capital projects associated with the community village resettlement project.
The Company reported on certain political developments in Burkina Faso in the third quarter (see news release dated October 3, 2022). All IAMGOLD personnel continue to be safe and Essakane continues to operate as per the business plan. The security situation in Burkina Faso continues at elevated risk levels and the Company continues to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of in-country personnel and is constantly adjusting its protocols and the activity levels at the site according to the security environment. The Company is furthering certain additional investments in security and supply chain infrastructure in the region and at the mine site, with the support of the government. The security situation continues to apply pressures to the in-country supply chain, however mitigation measures minimized impacts in the third quarter.
The IAMALLIN improvement project has continued the execution phase in the third quarter, with the focus continuing on improving mine productivity, mill feed optimization and supplies inventory management including lead time optimization.
The guidance range for 2022 attributable gold production at Essakane has been increased to 410,000 to 430,000 ounces, reflecting the continued trend of positive grade reconciliation. The Company is investigating whether the updated block model may be underestimating grade as the complexity of mineralization has increased in the lower portions of the pit with higher amounts of coarse gold. The operation continues to execute on targeted operational improvements including improving mill throughput optimizing blast fragmentation and enhanced gravity circuit recoveries through the planned addition of a double deck screen. In the fourth quarter, Essakane's capital stripping program is expected to increase from current levels in order to secure the 2023 and 2024 production plan, assuming no significant disruptions in the supply chain resulting from the security situation described above.
Cash costs continue to be under pressure due to systemic inflation and constrained global supply chains, although these pressures have been partially offset through increased sales volumes and the weakening of the EURUSD exchange rate which lowers the cost of certain inputs, including labour. The Company continues to actively work with authorities and suppliers to mitigate potential impacts and manage continuity of supply due to the security situation noted above while also investing in additional security infrastructure.
Rosebel Mine (IAMGOLD interest - 95%)1 | Suriname
Rosebel achieved attributable gold production in the third quarter of 50,000 ounces, generally in line with the prior quarter and 10,000 ounces or 25% higher than the same prior year period. Rosebel continues to benefit from improved recovery as a result of mill upgrades and higher head grades, when compared to both prior quarter and the same prior year period, partially offset by lower throughput compared to both the prior quarter and the same prior year period.
Material mined of 13.7 million tonnes in the third quarter was 11% lower compared with the prior quarter and 23% higher compared to the same prior year period. Mining activity in the third quarter was lower due to reduced waste stripping at Rosebel. Mining activities focused on Saramacca to increase supply of higher grade soft ore and the advancement of waste stripping activities to secure access to higher grade zones. Ore mined at Saramacca remained in line with the prior quarter levels, while ore mined at Rosebel was 15% lower than the prior quarter. Ore from both the Rosebel concession and Saramacca were of higher grade than the prior quarter.
Mill throughput of 1.8 million tonnes in the third quarter was 17% lower than the prior quarter at an average head grade of 1.06 g/t. Throughput was impacted by planned mill shutdowns. Rosebel contributed 46% of the ore at an average head grade of 1.18 g/t, Saramacca contributed 28% at an average head grade of 1.29 g/t and the remaining 26% was sourced from ore stockpiles with an average head grade of 0.60 g/t. Mill recovery of 95% for the third quarter was higher than the prior quarter, continuing to benefit from improvements to the carbon adsorption/desorption circuit completed at the end of 2021.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, cash costs and AISC per ounce sold in the third quarter of $1,346, $1,305 and $1,873, respectively, were all in line compared to the second quarter 2022.
Total capitalized stripping (sustaining and expansion) in the third quarter of $19.4 million was higher by $0.8 million or 4% and $11.0 million or 131%, compared to the prior quarter and the same prior year period, respectively.
Sustaining capital expenditures in the third quarter, excluding capitalized stripping, of $11.2 million included capital spares of $3.0 million, mill equipment of $1.7 million, tailings management of $0.8 million, pit development at Saramacca of $0.7 million, mobile equipment of $0.5 million, and other sustaining projects of $4.5 million. Expansion capital expenditures, excluding capitalized stripping, of $1.1 million included the Saramacca project and other expansion projects.
The impact of illegal miners disrupting the operations remained stable in the third quarter. The Company is continuing its collaboration efforts with the government task force assigned to manage the security situation at the site as well as with village communities and other stakeholders around the mine site. The Collective Labor Agreement (CLA) expired in August and the Company is negotiating with the Union to renew the agreement.
On October 18, 2022, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. to sell its interests in the Rosebel mine for cash consideration of $360 million plus working capital adjustments, as well as the release of approximately $41 million of IAMGOLD obligations related to equipment leases, on closing. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2023 or earlier. It is subject to certain regulatory approvals, including approvals from the relevant authorities of the People's Republic of China, the Government of Suriname, and other customary closing conditions. An after-tax non-cash impairment charge of $74.0 million ($115.8 million before tax) was recorded to align the carrying value of the Rosebel cash generating unit with the purchase price.
Attributable gold production at Rosebel in 2022 is now expected to be in the range of 175,000 to 200,000 ounces, primarily reflecting the continued improvement in mill recoveries. Year-to-date, additional cost pressures emerged as discussed above. Rising oil prices continue to be partially mitigated by the existing hedge program. The Company expects higher power costs to persist, compared to 2021, due to links to the price of gold and oil. The collective labour agreement expired in August 2022 and negotiations for a new agreement have continued, although in the past, these have been prolonged and, at times, disruptive to the operations.
Westwood Mine (IAMGOLD interest - 100%) | Quebec, Canada
Westwood achieved gold production of 19,000 ounces in the third quarter, higher by 5,000 ounces or 36% compared to the prior quarter, as a result of higher volumes of underground ore at a higher grade. Underground production was on care and maintenance for the majority of the first half of 2021 with the ramp up of underground mining activities beginning in the third quarter of 2021.
Mining activities totaled 304,000 tonnes in the third quarter, with underground mining activities contributing 61,000 tonnes and the open pit mining at Grand Duc contributing 243,000 tonnes. Mining volumes were 12% higher than the prior quarter due to improved underground mine performance and supplemental tonnes from Grand Duc.
Underground development in the third quarter achieved 951 metres of lateral development, 21% lower than the prior quarter due to labour constraints and lower mechanical availability of underground equipment. Development of vertical escape ways and underground rehabilitation progressed in line with planned levels despite challenging ground conditions and impacts from supply chain challenges. Underground mining activity in the third quarter focused on accessing additional stope sequences in the eastern zones in order to secure multiple ore faces to allow for simultaneous exploitation in support of the production plan. Mining activities in the higher-grade western and central underground zones commenced in June 2022.
Mill throughput was 284,000 tonnes in the third quarter at a head grade of 2.23 g/t Au with average recovery of 94% and plant availability of 91%. Mill throughput was in line with the prior quarter and continues to benefit from successfully executing mill maintenance strategies for improved availability as well as management of highly abrasive material from Grand Duc.
Cost of sales excluding depreciation and cash costs per ounce sold of $1,817 and $1,803, were lower by 26% compared to the second quarter 2022, respectively, primarily due to higher production volume and sales. AISC per ounce sold of $2,208 was lower by $939 or 30% due to lower cash costs and sustaining capital expenditures.
Sustaining capital expenditures in the third quarter of $6.4 million included underground development and diamond drilling of $4.7 million and other sustaining capital projects of $1.7 million. Expansion capital expenditures of $1.5 million relate to the relocation of certain infrastructure allowing for the expansion of the Grand Duc open pit.
Gold production at the Westwood complex in 2022 is expected to be in the range of 65,000 to 75,000 ounces. Production levels are expected to continue to increase in the fourth quarter based on the underground mine delivering higher volumes of ore in the fourth quarter, in addition to an increase in the grade of the ore sourced from the Grand Duc open pit. The revised guidance range reflects the expectation that development rates will continue ramping up month-over-month. Underground mining activity is expected to continue to open access to new stope sequences in support of the 2023 production plan.
Year-to-date, additional cost pressures emerged as discussed above. Despite these impacts, cash costs per ounce sold are expected to continue to decrease in the fourth quarter 2022 with anticipated increases in production and sales. The current collective bargaining agreement with the Westwood union ends in November and negotiations are underway.
Côté Gold Project (IAMGOLD interest - 64.75%) |Ontario, Canada
As of September 30, 2022, overall, the project was approximately 64.2% complete, with detailed engineering fully complete and shifting to construction field engineering. The following provides an update on project activities:
The Company's estimated attributable remaining project spend to complete construction and bring Côté Gold into production is $1.0 to $1.1 billion from October 1, 2022, net of leases and working capital assuming a USDCAD rate of 1.25.
The Company had incurred and expended costs of $159.0 million and $158.9 million, respectively, (at an average recorded USDCAD exchange rate of 1.31) in the third quarter 2022 and $924.7 million and $825.4 million, respectively, (at an average recorded USDCAD exchange rate of 1.27) since July 1, 2020, including capital expenditures and non-capital project costs summarized in the table below. The project is in line with the updated technical report.
Upcoming Milestones and Schedule Summary
Côté Gold is expected to commence production in early 2024. Construction of the project commenced in the third quarter 2020 and major earthworks commenced in the first quarter 2021. Remaining milestones of note are as follows:
The Company cautions that potential further disruptions, including, without limitation caused by COVID-19, the Ukraine war, inflation, other global supply chain disturbances, weather, labour disputes and the tight labour market could continue to impact the timing of activities, availability of workforce, productivity and supply chain and logistics and, consequently, could further impact the timing of actual commercial production and, consequently, project costs.
The Gosselin zone is located immediately to the northeast of the Côté Gold deposit. Approximately 16,000 metres of diamond drilling is planned in 2022 to further delineate and expand the Gosselin mineral resources and test selected targets along an interpreted favourable deposit corridor. Approximately 15,000 metres were completed in the first three quarters of 2022.
During the first quarter 2022, the Company announced remaining assay results from its 2021 delineation diamond drilling program at the Gosselin zone confirming expected grades within the modelled resource, and in some cases, the extension of the mineralization zone outside the resources boundaries of the mineralization model (see news release dated January 27, 2022).
Additional technical studies are planned which will include a sampling program to advance future metallurgical test work and mining and infrastructure studies to review alternatives to optimize the inclusion of the Gosselin deposit resources into future Côté Gold LOM plan.
Nelligan Gold Project (IAMGOLD interest - 75%) | Chibougamau District, Quebec, Canada
The Nelligan Gold project is located approximately 40 kilometres south of the Chapais - Chibougamau area in Québec and is operating as a 75:25 earn-in option to joint venture with Vanstar Mining Resources Inc ("Vanstar"). The Company holds an option to earn an additional 5% interest, for an 80% total interest, by completing a feasibility study on the project. Approximately 4,700 metres of diamond drilling was completed in the first three quarters of 2022 to support the completion of an updated resource estimate expected by the end of 2022.
During the third quarter, Vanstar reported assay results from the 2022 drilling program which intersected multiple wide intercepts of gold mineralization, including the following highlights: 69.0 metres grading 2.24 g/t Au, 52.3 metres grading 1.60 g/t Au and 23.8 metres grading 3.21 g/t Au (see Vanstar news release dated July 6, 2022).
For more information, refer to the Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and unaudited consolidated interim Financial Statements as at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, that are available on the Company's website at www.iamgold.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial performance measures throughout this news release. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release and the MD&A for more information.
A conference call will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) for a discussion with senior management regarding IAMGOLD's third quarter 2022 operating performance and financial results.
Listeners may access the conference call via webcast from the events section of the Company's website at www.iamgold.com (webcast link below), or through the following dial-in numbers:
Toll free (North America): 1 (800) 319-4610
Webcast: https://services.choruscall.ca/links/iamgold2022q3.html
An online archive of the webcast will be available by accessing the Company's website at www.iamgold.com. A telephone replay will be available for one month following the call by dialing toll free 1 (800) 319-6413 within North America or +1 (604) 638-9010 from international locations and entering the passcode: 9533.
IAMGOLD is a mid-tier gold mining company operating in North America, South America and West Africa. The Company has three operating mines: Essakane (Burkina Faso), Rosebel (Suriname) and Westwood (Canada), and is building the large-scale, long life Côté Gold project (Canada) which is expected to commence production in early 2024. In addition, the Company has a robust development and exploration portfolio within high potential mining districts in the Americas and West Africa.
IAMGOLD employs approximately 5,000 people and is committed to maintaining its culture of accountable mining through high standards of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") practices, including its commitment to Zero Harm®, in every aspect of its business. IAMGOLD is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IAG) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IMG) and is one of the companies on the Jantzi Social Index ("JSI"), a socially screened market capitalization-weighted consisting of companies which pass a set of broadly based environmental, social and governance rating criteria.
Graeme Jennings, Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: 416 360 4743 | Mobile: 416 388 6883 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This news release contains non-GAAP financial performance measures, including realized gold price per ounce sold, cash costs, cash costs per ounce sold, AISC, AISC per ounce sold, net cash from operating activities before changes in working capital, mine-site free cash flow, available liquidity, net cash, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders, sustaining capital expenditures, and expansion capital expenditures. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosures included in the Company's Q3 2022 MD&A are incorporated by reference in this news release. Further details on these non-GAAP financial measures are included on pages 31 to 36 of the Company's Q3 2022 MD&A filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The reconciliation to the amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements, are included below.
Average Realized Gold Price per Ounce Sold
Average realized gold price per ounce sold is intended to enable management to understand the average realized price of gold sold in each reporting period after removing the impact of non-gold revenues and by-product credits, which, in the Company's case, are not significant and to enable investors to understand the Company's financial performance based on the average realized proceeds of selling gold production in the reporting period.
Cash Costs, Cash Costs per Ounce Sold, AISC and AISC per Ounce Sold
The Company reports cash costs, cash costs per ounce sold, AISC and AISC per ounce sold in order to provide investors with information about key measures used by management to monitor performance of mine sites in commercial production and its ability to generate positive cash flow.
Cash costs include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing, administration, royalties, production taxes and realized derivative gains or losses, exclusive of depreciation, reclamation, capital expenditures and exploration and evaluation costs. AISC include cost of sales exclusive of depreciation expense, sustaining capital expenditures, which are required to maintain existing operations, capitalized exploration, sustaining lease principal payments, environmental rehabilitation accretion and depreciation, by-product credits and corporate general and administrative costs. These costs are then divided by the Company's attributable gold ounces sold by mine sites in commercial production in the period to arrive at the cash costs per ounce sold and the AISC per ounce sold. The Company reports the AISC measure with and without a deduction for by-product credits and reports the measure for the Essakane, Rosebel and Westwood mines.
Prior to the first quarter 2022, for cash costs, the Company excluded costs related to certain taxes and permits, provisions, prior period operating costs and community development. Commencing with the first quarter 2022, these costs are no longer excluded. These changes have been completed in order to better align with peer companies. All comparative periods have been restated and updated accordingly.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash costs and cash costs per ounce sold on an attributable basis to cost of sales as per the consolidated interim financial statements.
The following table provides a reconciliation of AISC and AISC per ounce sold on an attributable basis to cost of sales as per the consolidated interim financial statements.
The Company presents its sustaining capital expenditures in its AISC to reflect the capital related to producing and selling gold from its mine operations. The distinctions between sustaining and expansion capital used by the Company align with the guidelines set out by the World Gold Council. Expansion capital is capital expenditures incurred at new projects and capital expenditures related to major projects or expansion at existing operations where these projects will materially benefit the operations. Starting in 2022 a higher portion of stripping costs are categorized as sustaining capital versus expansion capital, due to the particular areas that are scheduled to be mined and the stage of the life of mine aligning with Word Gold Council guidelines. This non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with transparency regarding the capital expenditures required to support the ongoing operations at its mines, relative to its total capital expenditures.
EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization of finance costs), is an indicator of the Company's ability to produce operating cash flow to fund working capital needs, service debt obligations and fund capital expenditures.
Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding certain impacts such as changes in estimates of asset retirement obligations at closed sites, unrealized (gain) loss on non-hedge derivatives, impairment charges and reversal of impairment charges, write-down of assets and foreign exchange (gain) loss which are non-cash items and certain cash items that are non-recurring or temporary in nature as such items are not indicative of recurring operating performance. Management believes this additional information is useful to investors in understanding the Company's ability to generate operating cash flow by excluding from the calculation these non-cash amounts and cash amounts that are not indicative of the recurring performance of the underlying operations for the periods presented.
The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to the consolidated interim financial statements:
Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Equity Holders
Adjusted net earnings attributable to equity holders represents net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders excluding certain impacts, net of taxes, such as changes in estimates of asset retirement obligations at closed sites, unrealized (gain) loss on non-hedge derivatives and warrants, impairment charges and reversal of impairment charges, write-down of assets and foreign exchange (gain) loss which are non-cash items and certain cash items that are non-recurring or temporary in nature as such items are not indicative of recurring operating performance. This measure is not necessarily indicative of net earnings (loss) or cash flows as determined under IFRS. Management believes this measure better reflects the Company's performance for the current period and is a better indication of its expected performance in future periods. As such, the Company believes that this measure is useful to investors in assessing the Company's underlying performance. The following table provides a reconciliation of earnings (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interests as per the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) of $(129.1) million, to adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company of $(13.7) million in the third quarter 2022.
Net Cash from Operating Activities before Changes in Working Capital
The Company makes reference to net cash from operating activities before changes in working capital which is calculated as net cash from operating activities less non-cash working capital items and non-current ore stockpiles. Working capital can be volatile due to numerous factors, including a build-up or reduction of inventories. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure, which excludes these non-cash items, provides investors with the ability to better evaluate the operating cash flow performance of the Company.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net cash from operating activities before changes in working capital to net cash from operating activities.
Mine-site free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from mine-site operating activities less mine-site related property, plant and equipment expenditures. The Company believes this measure is useful to investors in assessing the Company's ability to operate its mine sites without reliance on additional borrowing or usage of existing cash.
Available Liquidity and Net Cash (Debt)
Available liquidity is defined as cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and the credit available under the Credit Facility. Net cash (debt) is calculated as cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments less long-term debt, lease liabilities and the drawn portion of the Credit Facility. The Company believes this measure provides investors with additional information regarding the liquidity position of the Company.
Refer to Q3 2022 Financial Statements for accompanying notes
Refer to Q3 2022 Financial Statements for accompanying notes
Refer to Q3 2022 Financial Statement for accompanying notes
QUALIFIED PERSON AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The technical and scientific information relating to exploration activities disclosed in this document was prepared under the supervision of and verified and reviewed by Craig MacDougall, P.Geo., Executive Vice President, Growth, IAMGOLD. Mr. MacDougall is a "qualified person" (a "QP") as defined in NI 43-101.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements included in this news release, including any with respect to the Company's future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance, including statements in respect of the prospects and/or development of the Company's projects, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") and such forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words such as "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "budget", "forecast", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan", "schedule", "guidance", "outlook", "potential", "seek", "targets", "suspended", "strategy", or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: construction costs and site expenditures; including remaining costs to complete and schedule for Côté Gold; the Company's strategic review of certain of its assets; the proposed completion of the sale of the Rosebel mine and anticipated timing thereof; the impact of changes global economic conditions, including increases in interest rates and inflationary pressures on the costs of goods and services; the impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine on the Company, including its operations, the project schedule for Côté Gold, key inputs, staffing and contractors; the Company's guidance for production and recovery from its operating mine sites; cost of sales and revisions to cost guidance; cash costs; AISC; securing of alternative sources of consumables; costs of production; depreciation expense; effective tax rate; expected capital expenditures; operations outlook; expected benefits from the operational improvements and de-risking strategies enacted by the Company; development and expansion projects; exploration; impairment assessments and estimates; the expected receipt of permits; permitting timelines; sale transactions; the future price of gold and other commodities; foreign exchange rates and currency fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; the Company's capital allocation; the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources; the realization of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; security concerns in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; expected collective bargaining discussions; and government regulation of mining operations.
The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, financial, operational and other risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors, including those described below, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and, as such, undue reliance must not be placed on them. Forward-looking statements are also based on numerous material factors and assumptions, including as described in this news release, including with respect to: the Company's present and future business strategies; operations performance within expected ranges; anticipated future production and cash flows; local and global economic conditions and the economic environment in which the Company will operate in the future; legal and political developments in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; the price of gold and other key commodities; projected mineral grades; international exchanges rates; anticipated capital and operating costs; the availability and timing of required governmental and other approvals for the construction of the Company's projects.
Risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the Company's business strategies and its ability to execute thereon, including the ongoing strategic review of certain of the Company's assets; the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions to complete the proposed sale of the Rosebel mine; political and legal risks; risks associate with the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources; the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 (and its variants) and the Ukraine war on the Company and its workforce, the availability of labour and contractors, key inputs for the Company and global supply chains; changes in global economic conditions, including increases in interest rates and inflationary pressures on the costs of goods and services; the volatility of the Company's securities; potential engagements with activist shareholders; litigation; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; mine closure and rehabilitation risks; management of certain of the Company's assets by other companies or joint venture partners; the availability of insurance covering all of the risks associated with a mining company's operations; business risks, including pandemics, adverse environmental conditions and hazards; unexpected geological conditions; potential shareholder dilution; increasing competition in the mining sector; the profitability of the Company being highly dependent on the condition and results of the mining industry as a whole, and the gold mining industry in particular; changes in the global prices for gold and certain other commodities (such as diesel and electricity); consolidation in the gold mining industry; legal, litigation, legislative, political or economic risks and new developments in the jurisdictions in which the Company carries on business; government actions taken in response to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies and pandemics, including new variants of COVID-19, and any worsening thereof; changes in taxes, including mining tax regimes; the failure to obtain in a timely manner from authorities key permits, authorizations or approvals necessary for exploration, development or operation, operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities, including geotechnical difficulties and major equipment failure; seismic activity; the inability to participate in any gold price increase above the cap in any collar transaction entered into in conjunction with certain gold sale prepayment arrangements; the availability of capital; the level of liquidity and capital resources; access to capital markets and financing; the Company's level of indebtedness; the Company's ability to satisfy covenants under its outstanding debt instruments; changes in interest rates; adverse changes in the Company's credit rating; the Company's choices in capital allocation; effectiveness of the Company's ongoing cost containment efforts; the ability to execute on the Company's de-risking activities and measures to improve operations; risks related to third-party contractors, including reduced control over aspects of the Company's operations and/or the failure of contractors to perform; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; changes in U.S. dollar and other currency exchange rates, interest rates or gold lease rates; capital and currency controls in foreign jurisdictions; assessment of carrying values for the Company's assets, including the ongoing potential for material impairment and/or write-downs of such assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; the fact that reserves and resources, expected metallurgical recoveries, capital and operating costs are estimates which may require revision; the presence of unfavourable content in ore deposits, including clay and coarse gold; inaccuracies in life of mine plans; failure to meet operational targets; equipment malfunctions; security risks, including civil unrest, war or terrorism; information systems security threats and cybersecurity; laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment; employee relations and labour disputes, and the ability of the Company to successfully negotiation collective labour agreements; the maintenance of tailings storage facilities and the potential for a major spill or failure of the tailings facilities due to uncontrollable events, such as extreme weather or seismic events; lack of reliable infrastructure, including access to roads, bridges, power sources and water supplies; physical and regulatory risks related to climate change; the potential direct or indirect operational impacts resulting from external factors, including infectious diseases, public health emergencies or pandemics, such as COVID-19, unpredictable weather patterns and challenging weather conditions; attraction and retention of key employees and other qualified personnel; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the availability of qualified contractors and the ability of contractors to timely complete projects on acceptable terms; the relationship with the communities surrounding the Company's operations and projects; indigenous rights or claims; illegal mining; and the inherent risks involved in the exploration, development and mining industry generally. Please see the Company's AIF or Form 40-F available on www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml for a comprehensive discussion of the risks faced by the Company and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by applicable law.
All material information on IAMGOLD can be found at www.sedar.com or at www.sec.gov.
If you wish to obtain the French version of this press release, please visit www.iamgold.com/French/accueil/default.aspx.
Three Dimensional Erosion Control Mat Nickel Creek Platinum is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on delivering value to stakeholders through diversified exposure to nickel, copper and platinum group metals (PGM) in Canada’s Yukon Territory... LEARN MORE