TIDMPOLY
RNS Number : 6858C
Polymetal International PLC
19 April 2017
Release time IMMEDIATE
Date 19 April 2017
Polymetal International plc
Q1 2017 production results
Polymetal International plc (LSE, MOEX: POLY, ADR: AUCOY)
(together with its subsidiaries - "Polymetal", the "Company", or
the "Group") is pleased to announce the Group's production results
for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.
HIGHLIGHTS
-- Polymetal produced 280 Koz of gold equivalent (GE) in Q1 2017
which is an 8% increase over Q1 2016. A strong performance at
Omolon and contributions from our newly acquired operations - Komar
(Varvara) and Kapan added to the positive momentum in the
period.
-- Gold production for the quarter increased 18% over 2016 to
199 Koz, while, as expected, silver production decreased 15% due to
the anticipated grade decline at Dukat.
-- Gold and silver sales in the period lagged production due to
the traditional shutdown of Russian refineries in January, and a
seasonal increase of concentrate in transit from Dukat to
off-takers. This working capital accumulation is expected to
reverse by Q4 2017.
-- At Kyzyl, construction and pre-stripping activities are
progressing in line with the project schedule. Kyzyl is on track to
produce its first concentrate in Q3 2018.
-- The ompany is pleased to report that the introduction of a
new Critical Risks Management system is now complete, contributing
to a material improvement in the Company's safety performance in Q1
2017 with LTIFR of 0.12, a 37% decrease compared to the prior year
period, and no fatalities.
-- Net debt increased from US$ 1,329 million as at 31 December
2016 to US$ 1,506 million as at 31 March 2017, due to the lag
between production and sales, seasonal advance purchases of diesel
fuel, and increased spending at Kyzyl. As in prior years, free cash
flow generation will be skewed towards the second half of the year,
with input from Mayskoye concentrate sales and seasonal heap leach
production at Svetloye.
-- The Company reconfirms its production guidance of 1.40 Moz of
gold equivalent in FY2017 at total cash costs of US$ 600-650/ GE oz
and all-in sustaining cash costs of US$ 775-825/GE oz. The cost
guidance remains contingent on the Rouble/Dollar exchange rate
dynamic that has a significant effect on the Group's
Rouble-denominated operating costs.
"We are pleased to report a strong start to the year with a
solid set of production results that were further enhanced by our
recently acquired assets", said Vitaly Nesis, Group CEO of
Polymetal, commenting on the results. "We remain on track to
deliver on our production and cost targets for the current
year".
3 months ended Mar 31, % change(1)
--------------------------- ------------------------
2017 2016
------------- ------------ ------------------------
Waste mined, Mt 25.5 13.7 +86%
Underground development, km 24.9 20.2 +24%
Ore mined, Kt 3,314 2,998 +11%
Open-pit 2,203 2,191 +1%
Underground 1,110 807 +38%
Ore processed, Kt 2,843 2,506 +13%
Production
Gold, Koz 199 169 +18%
Silver, Moz 6.1 7.2 -15%
Copper, Kt 0.5 0.2 +88%
Zinc, Kt 1.1 - NA(5)
Gold equivalent, Koz(2) 280 260 +8%
Sales
Gold, Koz 176 162 +9%
Silver, Moz 4.6 6.5 -28%
Copper, Kt 0.1 - NA
Zinc, Kt 0.5 - NA
Revenue, US$m(3) 298 286 +4%
Net debt, US$m(4) 1,506 1,329 +13%
Safety(6)
LTIFR 0.12 0.19 -37%
Fatalities - - NA
Notes: (1) % changes can be different from zero even when absolute numbers are unchanged because
of rounding. Likewise, % changes can be equal to zero when absolute numbers differ due to
the same reason. This note applies to all tables in this release.
(2) Based on 1:80 Ag/Au, 5:1 Cu/Au and 2:1 Zn/Au conversion ratios.
(3) Calculated based on the unaudited consolidated management accounts. Concentrate sales
are recorded based on forward prices for the expected dates of final settlement and concentrate
revenue is presented net of refining and treatment charges.
(4) Non-IFRS measure, based on unaudited consolidated management accounts. Net debt equals
to current and non-current borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. Comparative information
is presented for 31 December 2016.
(5) NA = not available.
(6) LTIFR =lost time injury frequency rate per 200,000 hours worked.
PRODUCTION BY MINE
3 months ended March 31, % change(1)
(Y-o-Y)
--------------------------- ------------
2017 2016
------------- ------------ ------------
GOLD EQ. (KOZ) (2)
Dukat 79 98 -20%
Albazino-Amursk 68 64 +7%
Omolon 51 29 +72%
Mayskoye 5 11 -51%
Varvara 29 14 +109%
Voro 26 28 -7%
Okhotsk 11 15 -26%
Kapan 10 - +100%
-------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
TOTAL 280 260 +8%
Notes: (1) % changes can be different from zero even when
absolute numbers are unchanged because of rounding. Likewise, %
changes can be equal to zero when absolute numbers differ due to
the same reason. This note applies to all tables in this
release.
(2) Based on 1:80 Ag/Au, 5:1 Cu/Au and 2:1 Zn/Au conversion
ratios.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
Polymetal will hold a conference call and webcast on Wednesday,
19 April, 14:00 London time (16:00 Moscow time).
To participate in the call, please dial:
8 10 800 204 140 11 access code 85704505# (free from Russia),
or
+44 20 3367 9456 (free from the UK), or
+1 855 402 7762 (free from the US), or
any of the above numbers (from outside the UK, the US and
Russia) or follow the link:
http://www.audio-webcast.com/cgi-bin/visitors.ssp?fn=visitor&id=4483.
Please be prepared to introduce yourself to the moderator or
register.
Webcast replay will be available on Polymetal's website
(www.polymetalinternational.com) and at
http://www.audio-webcast.com/cgi-bin/visitors.ssp?fn=visitor&id=4483.
A recording of the call will be available immediately after the
call at +44 20 3367 9460 (from within the UK), 1 877 6423 018 (USA
Toll Free) and +7 495 745 79 48 (from within Russia), access code
307897#, from 14:00 London time (16:00 Moscow time) Wednesday,
April 19, till 14:00 London time (16:00 Moscow time) Wednesday,
April 26, 2017.
Enquiries
Media Investor Relations
----------------- ------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
FTI Consulting +44 20 3727 1000 Polymetal ir@polymetalinternational.com
Leonid Fink Evgenia Onuschenko +44 20 7016 9505 (UK)
Jenny Payne Maryana Nesis
MichaelVasiliev +7 812 334 3666 (Russia)
----------------- ------------------ -------------------- ------------------------------
Joint Corporate Brokers
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley
Sam McLennan
Richard Brown +44 20 7425 8000
Panmure Gordon RBC Europe Limited
Adam James Tristan Lovegrove
Tom Salvesen +44 20 7886 2500 Marcus Jackson +44 20 7653 4000
----------------- ------------------ -------------------- ------------------------------
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
THIS RELEASE MAY INCLUDE STATEMENTS THAT ARE, OR MAY BE DEEMED
TO BE, "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS". THESE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS SPEAK ONLY AS AT THE DATE OF THIS RELEASE. THESE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF
FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY, INCLUDING THE WORDS "TARGETS",
"BELIEVES", "EXPECTS", "AIMS", "INTS", "WILL", "MAY",
"ANTICIPATES", "WOULD", "COULD" OR "SHOULD" OR SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS
OR, IN EACH CASE THEIR NEGATIVE OR OTHER VARIATIONS OR BY
DISCUSSION OF STRATEGIES, PLANS, OBJECTIVES, GOALS, FUTURE EVENTS
OR INTENTIONS. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ALL INCLUDE MATTERS
THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS. BY THEIR NATURE, SUCH
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS,
UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS BEYOND THE COMPANY'S
CONTROL THAT COULD CAUSE THE ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMPANY TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM FUTURE
RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY SUCH
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE
BASED ON NUMEROUS ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING THE COMPANY'S PRESENT AND
FUTURE BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE COMPANY
WILL OPERATE IN THE FUTURE. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT
GUARANTEES OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE. THERE ARE MANY FACTORS THAT COULD
CAUSE THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS TO
DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS. THE COMPANY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION OR
UNDERTAKING TO DISSEMINATE ANY UPDATES OR REVISIONS TO ANY
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE
IN THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS WITH REGARD THERETO OR ANY CHANGE IN
EVENTS, CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY SUCH STATEMENTS
ARE BASED
DUKAT OPERATIONS
3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
------------ ----------- ---------
MINING
Dukat
Underground development, m 8,012 8,575 -7%
Ore mined (underground), Kt 399 420 -5%
Goltsovoye
Underground development, m 1,387 1,754 -21%
Ore mined (underground), Kt 45 48 -5%
Perevalnoye
Underground development, m 502 - +100%
Lunnoye + Arylakh
Underground development, m 1,648 1,103 +49%
Ore mined (underground), Kt 144 108 +34%
TOTAL HUB
Underground development, m 11,549 11,432 +1%
Ore mined (underground), Kt 588 575 +2%
PROCESSING
Dukat
Ore processed, Kt 476 498 -4%
Grade
Gold, g/t 0.5 0.5 -14%
Silver, g/t 329 380 -13%
Recovery(1)
Gold 83.6% 85.8% -3%
Silver 87.6% 85.2% +3%
Production
Gold, Koz 5.6 7.3 -24%
Silver, Moz 4.3 5.3 -19%
Lunnoye
Ore processed, Kt 113 110 +3%
Grade
Gold, g/t 1.3 1.8 -27%
Silver, g/t 381 494 -23%
Recovery(1)
Gold 91.9% 92.6% -1%
Silver 92.5% 92.5% -0%
Production
Gold, Koz 4.3 5.7 -25%
Silver, Moz 1.3 1.6 -20%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 9.8 13.0 -24%
Silver, Moz 5.5 6.8 -19%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver
within work-in-progress inventory (concentrate, precipitate)
Q1 silver production at Dukat decreased 24% year-on-year to 5.5
Moz due to anticipated grade decline. The Goltsovoye mine is
starting to wind down and the share of lower-grade feed from
Lunnoye at the Omsukchan concentrator is increasing. The
concentrator continues to operate significantly above nameplate
throughput capacity and demonstrated a meaningful improvement in
the silver recovery rate.
At Lunnoye, ore mined volumes increased by 34% year-on-year as
the new Zone 5 vein was brought into production. Gold and silver
production declined 25% and 20% respectively, as higher-grade
tonnage from the Zone 7 vein has declined significantly.
At Perevalnoye, one of Dukat's satellite deposits, underground
development has commenced with first ore expected in Q4 2017.
ALBAZINO-AMURSK 3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
------------ ----------- ---------
MINING
Waste mined, Kt 4,401 4,094 +7%
Underground development, m 1,587 1,419 +12%
Ore mined, Kt 482 452 +7%
Open-pit 406 388 +5%
Underground 76 63 +20%
PROCESSING
Albazino concentrator
Ore processed, Kt 417 400 +4%
Gold head grade, g/t 4.7 4.9 -5%
Gold recovery(1) 86.3% 85.6% +1%
Concentrate produced, Kt 35.3 33.0 +7%
Concentrate gold grade, g/t 48.6 52.0 -7%
Gold in concentrate, Koz(2) 55.1 55.1 -0%
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt 43.1 40.1 +8%
Gold head grade, g/t 53.0 51.0 +4%
Recovery 96.1% 94.1% +2%
Gold produced, Koz(3) 68.3 64.1 +7%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz(3) 68.3 64.1 +7%
Notes: (1) To concentrate
(2) For information only; not considered as gold produced and
therefore not reflected in the table representing total production.
Included in total production upon completion of downstream
processing at the Amursk POX
(3) Q1 2016 now includes gold produced from the third-party
concentrate, previously accounted in Mayskoye production
At Albazino-Amursk, gold production in the first quarter of 2017
increased 7% over 2016, mainly driven by higher recoveries and the
re-introduction of 3(rd) party concentrate to the feed at
Amursk.
The moderate grade decline at Albazino was offset by increased
throughput and improved recoveries at the concentrator, resulting
in flat gold in concentrate production. Underground mine
productivity and dilution control continues to improve resulting in
an increase in underground ore mined both year-on-year and
quarter-on-quarter.
The POX debottlenecking project is on schedule with earthworks
and concrete foundations for the oxygen plant now complete. In
addition, the water treatment section has been fully
debottlenecked, resulting in improved recovery levels. Polymetal
plans to ramp up the debottlenecked POX plant to its full expanded
capacity in the second half of 2018, in time to take feed from the
Kyzyl concentrator.
A 7-week shutdown commenced on April 6th and will incorporate,
among regular maintenance, partial vessel re-lining and the
completion of necessary adjustments for the debottlenecking
project.
OMOLON OPERATIONS
3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
------------ ----------- ---------
MINING
Sopka
Waste mined, Kt 427 - NA
Tsokol
Underground development, m 905 915 -1%
Ore mined (underground), Kt 35 6 +493%
Birkachan
Waste mined, Kt - 396 -100%
Underground development, m 1,146 - NA
Ore mined, Kt 27 302 -91%
Open-pit - 302 -100%
Underground 27 - NA
Oroch
Waste mined, Kt 109 1,446 -92%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 81 217 -62%
Olcha
Waste mined, Kt 184 - NA
Underground development, m 506 - NA
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 73 - NA
TOTAL HUB
Waste mined, Kt 719 1,842 -61%
Underground development, m 2,557 915 +179%
Ore mined, Kt 216 525 -59%
Open-pit 154 519 -70%
Underground 62 6 NM
PROCESSING
Kubaka Mill
Ore processed, Kt 215 205 +5%
Grade
Gold, g/t 7.3 4.8 +54%
Silver, g/t 22 27 -19%
Recovery(1)
Gold 93.7% 93.3% +0%
Silver 78.7% 78.1% +1%
Gold production, Koz 49.0 28.3 +73%
Silver production, Moz 0.1 0.1 +43%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 49.0 28.3 +73%
Silver, Moz 0.1 0.1 +43%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory
Omolon has delivered a strong set of results in the first
quarter of 2017 with gold production jumping by 73% year-on-year.
The gold grade in ore processed increased 54% compared to 2016 on
the back of higher-grade ore from the new Olcha open pit, as well
as Tsokol and Birkachan underground mines.
Open-pit mining at Olcha and Oroch has been completed, with
equipment and personnel relocated to Sopka where the open pit is
anticipated to deliver first ore in Q4 2017. In the meantime,
underground development started at Olcha where first ore is
expected in Q4 2017.
MAYSKOYE
3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
------------ ----------- ---------
MINING
Waste mined, Kt 1,018 - +100%
Underground development, m 4,608 5,328 -14%
Ore mined, Kt 254 121 +110%
Open-pit 23 - +100%
Underground 231 121 +91%
PROCESSING
Ore processed, Kt 207 148 +39%
Gold grade, g/t 6.2 6.2 +0%
Gold recovery(1) 87.1% 87.6% -1%
Concentrate produced, Kt 18.6 15.3 +21%
Concentrate gold grade, g/t 60.4 53.5 +13%
Gold in concentrate, Koz(2) 36.1 26.3 +37%
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt 4.2 5.8 -27%
Gold grade, g/t 48.6 57.6 -16%
Recovery 96.1% 94.1% +2%
Gold produced, Koz 5.2 10.6 -51%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 5.2 10.6 -51%
Notes: (1) To concentrate
(2) For information only; not considered as gold produced and
therefore not reflected in the table representing total production.
Included in total production upon sale to off-taker or internal
downstream processing to saleable metal product.
(3) Q1 2016 now excludes gold produced from the third-party
concentrate, which is accounted in Albazino/Amursk production
At Mayskoye, gold production in Q1 2017 totalled 5.2 Koz, a 51%
drop from the prior year period as most of Mayskoye concentrate is
stockpiled in the port of Pevek for third-party off-takers, and
Amursk POX capacity is taken up by third-party material.
The new underground mining method (sublevel open stoping with
backfill) at Mayskoye continues to make good progress as the total
amount of ore mined during the quarter grew 110% to 254 Kt
year-on-year and 12% compared to Q4 2016.
The improvement in mining led to increased processing volumes at
the concentrator, up 39% compared to the previous year. Gold grades
remained flat year-on-year at 6.2 g/t and increased 15% over Q4
2016. The focus remains on achieving rapid backfill to ensure lower
dilution from secondary stopes and to enable reduced primary stope
length.
The Company has made meaningful progress on the project to
extract crown pillars at Zones 1 and 2 by open-pit mining. First
ore from the open pit was mined in Q1 2017 and the leaching circuit
is scheduled to start processing ore in Q3 2017. The crown pillar
project is planned to result in materially higher production at
Mayskoye in 2017 on the back of higher grades in the open pit.
VARVARA
3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
------------ ----------- ---------
MINING
Varvara
Waste mined, Kt 3,677 4,888 -25%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 502 659 -24%
* float ore 139 4 NM
* leach ore 363 655 -45%
Komarovskoye
Waste mined, Kt 2,304 - NA
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 433 - NA
TOTAL HUB
Waste mined, Kt 5,981 4,888 +22%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 935 659 +42%
PROCESSING
Flotation
Ore processed, Kt 57 123 -54%
Grade
Gold, g/t 1.9 1.0 +85%
Copper 0.56% 0.31% +80%
Recovery(1)
Gold 61.0% 57.6% +6%
Copper 76.1% 67.5% +13%
Production
Gold (in concentrate), Koz 1.6 1.6 -3%
Copper (in concentrate), Kt 0.2 0.2 -13%
Toll-treated ore processed, Kt(2) 11 - +100%
Leaching
Ore processed, Kt 738 626 +18%
Gold grade, g/t 1.4 0.7 +92%
Gold recovery(1) 82.1% 72.6% +13%
Gold production, Koz 26.1 10.9 +140%
Total ore processed, Kt 805 749 +8%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 27.6 12.5 +121%
Copper, Kt 0.2 0.2 -13%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and copper within work-in-progress inventory
(2) To be further processed at Amursk POX.
In the first quarter, Varvara delivered a 121% increase in gold
production over the previous year. A strong improvement in grades
and recovery levels in the leaching circuit was enabled by the
quick ramp-up in ore railed from Komar. The successful streamlining
of ore logistics from Komar to the Varvara processing plant
prompted the decision to shift more mining and processing volumes
from Varvara to Komar.
The results of significant in-fill and step-out drilling at
Komar together with the updated cost estimates based on recent
performance, will form the foundation for the re-assessment of
Komar mineral resources and ore reserves. The updated estimate is
expected to be completed in Q4 2017.
In the period, Varvara toll-treated some of the refractory gold
ore bought by Polymetal in Russia. The produced gold concentrate
will then be processed at the Amursk POX facility. Gold production
from this material will be booked following dore production from
concentrate at Amursk.
VORO
3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
------------ ----------- ---------
MINING
Voro
Waste mined, Kt 2,519 2,651 -5%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 420 305 +38%
* primary 367 291 +26%
* oxidised 53 14 +295%
PROCESSING
Voro Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt - - NA
Gold grade, g/t - - NA
Gold production, Koz 2.5 2.9 -12%
Voro CIP
Ore processed, Kt 247 245 +1%
Gold grade, g/t 3.6 4.3 -18%
Gold recovery(1) 80.0% 78.7% +2%
Gold production, Koz 23.3 24.9 -6%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 25.9 27.8 -7%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold within work-in-progress inventory
Gold production at Voro in Q1 2017 decreased 7% year-on-year,
due to a scheduled grade decline at the CIP processing plant. Ore
stacking for the heap leach operation is expected to commence in Q2
2017.
Ore mining at Voro increased by 38% year-on-year to 420 Kt, and
continues to be focused on primary ore as oxidised ore reserves are
nearing depletion.
OKHOTSK OPERATIONS
3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
------------ ----------- ---------
MINING
Avlayakan
Underground development, m 1,244 1,072 +16%
Ore mined (underground), Kt 39 42 -6%
Svetloye
Waste mined, Kt 189 269 -30%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 264 320 -17%
TOTAL HUB
Waste mined, Kt 189 269 -30%
Underground development, m 1,244 1,072 +16%
Ore mined, Kt 303 361 -16%
Open-pit 264 320 -17%
Underground 39 42 -6%
PROCESSING
Khakanja
Ore processed, Kt 153 152 +1%
Grade
Gold, g/t 1.3 2.6 -49%
Silver, g/t 100 69 +44%
Recovery(1)
Gold 96.9% 94.9% +2%
Silver 73.9% 74.7% -1%
Gold production, Koz 7.0 12.3 -43%
Silver production, Moz 0.3 0.2 +39%
Svetloye Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt 96 - NA
Gold grade, g/t 3.8 - NA
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 7.0 12.3 -43%
Silver, Moz 0.3 0.2 +39%
Note: (1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver
within work-in-progress inventory (precipitate)
At Okhotsk, gold production in the first quarter decreased by
43% year-on-year due to anticipated grade decline processed from
the historic ore stockpiles. Silver production grew 39% to 0.3 Moz,
as 3(rd) -party ore with higher silver grades was introduced to the
feed.
Svetloye seasonal heap leach operation is anticipated to resume
in Q2 2017 and deliver substantial gold production in H2 2017.
Avlayakan's life-of-mine has been extended to H2 2018 with
further positive down-dip exploration results received in the
quarter.
KAPAN
3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
------------- ---------- ---------
MINING
Underground development, m 3,368 - NA
Ore mined (underground), Kt 115 - NA
PROCESSING
Ore processed, Kt 115 - NA
Grade
Gold, g/t 2.1 - NA
Silver, g/t 43.0 NA
Copper, % 0.27% - NA
Zinc, % 1.33% NA
Recovery
Gold 83.1% - NA
Silver 83.0% NA
Copper 90.9% - NA
Zinc 88.3% NA
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 5.8 - NA
Silver, Moz 0.1 - NA
Copper, Kt 0.3 NA
Zinc, Kt 1.1 - NA
In Q1 2017, Kapan achieved an important milestone by mining the
highest monthly ore tonnage in more than 10 years, reflecting the
ongoing improvement measures to debottleneck the underground
mine.
Quarterly gold production at Kapan increased 52% to 5.8 Koz,
with higher ore volumes processed and substantially improved grades
of 2.1 g/t, up 31% quarter-on-quarter.
In the meantime, in-fill and step-out drilling is underway at
Lichkvaz, a satellite deposit that is expected to provide
additional tonnage to the existing concentrator.
We remain on track to producing a JORC-compliant reserve
estimate and a combined LOM for Kapan and Lichkvaz in Q3 2017.
KYZYL
3 months ended Mar 31, % change
------------------------- ---------
2017 2016
-------------- --------- ---------
MINING
Waste mined, Kt 10,698 - NA
In Q1 2017, a record amount of waste was mined at Kyzyl. Mining
activities are on schedule and continue to focus on
pre-stripping.
The processing plant building is now fully enclosed and
winterized, with foundation works for processing equipment
currently underway. Project development remains on schedule, with
the mill foundations 50% complete and construction activities
focused on site infrastructure. Engineering and design has been
finalised. The boiler houses for the village and the plant have
been commissioned.
Dams for the tailings storage facility have been completed.
Installation of water isolation will commence after the arrival of
consistent above-zero temperatures.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
At Prognoz, in which Polymetal acquired a 5% indirect interest
on January 19, the winter road has been completed and drilling
activities are currently underway.
At Nezhda, following an extensive exploration campaign in 2016,
we expect to produce an initial JORC reserve and resource estimate
at Nezhda's Zone 1 in 2017. In-fill drilling and geomechanical
studies are currently underway.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Polymetal is pleased to report that in the first quarter of
2017, we decreased LTIFR by 37% to 0.12 compared to 0.19 in the
prior year period. This improvement is largely attributable to the
newly introduced Critical Risks Management System that is expected
to decrease risk to the health and safety of our employees,
In the course of 2017, we will continue moving towards our
overarching goal of eliminating accidents and fatalities at all of
our operations.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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