TIDMRRS
RNS Number : 6213J
Randgold Resources Ld
09 August 2012
RANDGOLD RESOURCES LIMITED Incorporated in Jersey, Channel
Islands Reg. No. 62686 LSE Trading Symbol: RRS Nasdaq Trading
Symbol: GOLD
RANDGOLD FIRES ON ALL CYLINDERS TO DELIVER ANOTHER ROBUST
PERFORMANCE
London, 9 August 2012- Driven by strong contributions from all
its operations, Randgold Resources posted a 41% increase in profit
to US$245.9 million for the six months to June, boosting basic
earnings per share for the half-year by 32% to US$2.25. Profit for
the second quarter of US$141.9 million was up 36% on the previous
quarter.
With a record performance from Randgold's flagship
Loulo-Gounkoto complex, production for the quarter increased by 27%
to 210 534 ounces against the previous quarter's 165 443 ounces.
Production for the half-year was also up 16% at 375 977 ounces (six
months to June 2011: 324 114 ounces). While total cash cost per
ounce of US$723 for the six months was up 6% year on year,
reflecting the higher cost of production at Tongon in the first six
months, total cash costs for the quarter were US$703/oz, down 6%
from the previous quarter, supporting a trend to lower cash costs
on the back of higher grades and increased production.
Chief executive Mark Bristow said in a solid operational quarter
Randgold had also continued to advance the development of the giant
Kibali gold project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Construction of the processing plant and the first hydropower
station as well as open pit mining and underground development were
now underway and on track for first production towards the end of
next year. In another significant development, the Gounkoto mine
repaid all its capital in its first year of production and declared
a maiden dividend of US$65.1 million.
"The most outstanding achievement of the quarter, however, was
that of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which set new records in
profit, production and underground development while continuing to
reduce costs and reaching one million Lost-Time Injury-Free hours.
Despite the political crisis in Mali during the quarter, the
complex's production reached a new high of 132 481 ounces, with the
plant processing a record one million tonnes and the Yalea
underground development stepping up to 1 000 metres per month,
another record. Set to deliver 500 000 ounces in 2012, the complex
is now poised to take its place as one of the largest gold
producers in Africa," he said.
Randgold's Tongon mine in Cote d'Ivoire also showed a steady
increase in production after successfully negotiating the tricky
transitional zone of the orebody. Ore treated rose from 756
kilo-tonnes to 853 kilo-tonnes quarter on quarter, with production
rising from 47 141 ounces to 56 432 ounces quarter on quarter. The
plant is scheduled to reach its designed sulphide processing
capacity during the third quarter.
"While we have a very full operational and developmental load at
present, our focus still remains fixed on the future," Bristow
said. "Our capital projects team is well on the way to building our
next mine and the exploration teams continue to feed new prospects
into our project pipeline, working to ensure that we have the
organic resources to maintain our growth momentum. We are also
looking at the opportunities that are being created by the current
dynamics of the gold mining industry, particularly in the junior
sector. In any event, we are well positioned not just to deliver
but to keep on delivering."
RANDGOLD RESOURCES ENQUIRIES:
Chief Executive Financial Director Investor & Media Relations
Mark Bristow Graham Shuttleworth Kathy du Plessis
+44 788 071 1386 +44 1534 735 333 +44 20 7557 7738
+44 779 775 2288 +44 779 771 1338 Email: randgoldresources@dpapr.com
Website: www.randgoldresources.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE
2012
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
* Profits up 36% quarter on quarter and 41% for the
first six months compared to prior year period
* Production up 27% quarter on quarter and 16% for the
first six months compared to prior year period
* Earnings per share up 32% quarter on quarter and 32%
for the first six months compared to prior year
period
* Cash on hand in line quarter on quarter despite
significant investments in growth projects
* Gounkoto pays first dividend after one year of
production
* Loulo-Gounkoto complex delivers record quarterly
performance
* Tongon shows steady progress
* Opencast mining and underground development begin at
Kibali - on track for first gold in Q4 2013
* Exploration continues its focus on investing in
future growth
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Randgold Resources Limited ('Randgold') had 91.9 million shares in
issue as at 30 June 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARISED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Quarter Quarter Quarter 6 months 6 months
ended ended ended ended ended
30 Jun 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun
US$000 2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold sales* 345 359 271 779 321 655 617 138 508 165
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Total cash costs* 151 623 119 619 137 450 271 242 238 840
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit from mining activity* 193 736 152 160 184 205 345 896 269 325
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Exploration and corporate
expenditure 14 292 10 861 12 226 25 153 22 512
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit for the period 141 875 104 008 128 420 245 883 174 362
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit attributable to
equity shareholders 117 463 89 440 113 308 206 903 154 802
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Net cash generated from
operations 157 948 75 652 205 103 233 600 289 952
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents 452 881 456 937 405 632 452 881 405 632
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold on hand at period
end* 7 965 18 218 6 710 7 965 6 710
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Group production(+) (oz) 210 534 165 443 184 711 375 977 324 114
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Group sales(+) (oz) 215 825 159 221 213 206 375 046 349 473
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Group total cash cost
per ounce*(+) (US$) 703 751 645 723 683
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Group cash operating cost
per ounce*(+) (US$) 618 667 579 639 617
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Basic earnings per share
(US$) 1.28 0.97 1.24 2.25 1.70
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
* Refer to explanation of non-GAAP measures provided.
(+) Randgold consolidates 100% of Loulo, Gounkoto and Tongon and 40% of Morila.
These results have not been reviewed nor audited.
COMMENTS
Gold sales for the quarter increased by 27% from the previous
quarter due primarily to a 36% increase in ounces of gold sold,
partially offset by a 6% decrease in the average gold price
received of US$1 600/oz (Q1 2012: US$1 707/oz). The increase in
ounces sold reflects the higher production across all the group's
operations, especially the increased ounces sold from the
Loulo-Gounkoto complex during the current quarter. Gold sales rose
by 7% compared to the corresponding quarter in 2011, however gold
sales would have increased by 25% from the corresponding quarter in
2011, had that quarter's figures not reflected the sale of 31 646
ounces on hand at Tongon, which could not be sold in Q1 2011 as a
result of the instability in Cote d'Ivoire at that time.
Total cash costs for the group of US$151.6 million were 27%
higher than the previous quarter and up 10% from the corresponding
quarter in 2011. These increases reflect the higher production
achieved at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex during the quarter,
following improvements in the tonnes mined and plant throughput
quarter on quarter. However, total cash cost per ounce of US$703/oz
decreased by 6% quarter on quarter, reflecting the higher ounces
produced and sold, mainly due to improvements in tonnes milled,
recoveries and grades achieved at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex.
Profit from mining rose by 27% to US$193.7 million in the
current quarter (Q1: US$152.2 million) and by 5% when compared to
the corresponding quarter in the previous year. Profit from mining
would have increased by 27% compared to the corresponding quarter
in 2011, had the results not included the gold on hand sold during
Q2 2011, as described above.
Exploration and corporate expenditure of US$14.3 million rose
32% from the previous quarter, mainly as a result of increased
exploration and drilling activities during the quarter.
Depreciation of US$29.4 million was up 23% quarter on quarter,
reflecting the increased production and mining assets brought into
use at both the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, as well as at Tongon.
Other expenses of US$1.2 million in the current quarter and
US$4.2 million in the previous quarter mainly reflect operational
foreign exchange differences as a result of settling invoices in
currencies other than US Dollar, as well as the translation of
balances denominated in currencies such as Euro, Rand and Canadian
Dollars to the closing US Dollar rate.
Income tax for the quarter of US$11.3 million was in line with
the previous quarter, notwithstanding the higher profitability,
reflecting the increased contribution from Gounkoto and Tongon
which are still within their corporate tax holidays.
Profit for the quarter of US$141.9 million rose by 36% quarter
on quarter and by 10% from the corresponding quarter in 2011.
Similarly, basic earnings per share increased to 128 US cents, a
32% rise on the previous quarter (Q1 2012: 97 US cents) and up 3%
on the corresponding quarter of 2011. The increases reflect the
higher sales and improved margins, as noted above. Adjusted for the
sale of the previously held gold on hand at Tongon in Q2 2011,
profit would have risen by 46% compared to the corresponding
quarter in 2011 and earnings per share increased by 36%.
Gold sales for the six months ended 30 June 2012 of US$617.1
million were up 21% (six months ending June 2011: US$508.2
million), due to a 13% rise in the average gold price received to
US$1 645/oz and compounded by a 7% increase in attributable sales
to 375 046 ounces, mainly as a result of improved sales from the
Loulo-Gounkoto complex in 2012.
Total cash costs for the six months ended 30 June 2012 of
US$271.2 million was up 14% on the corresponding six months in
2011, mainly due to the increased production year on year, with the
start of production at Gounkoto in June 2011. However, total cash
cost per ounce of US$723/oz for the six months ended 30 June 2012
was up only 6% year on year, mainly reflecting the higher average
head grade milled and increased ounces produced and sold at the
Loulo-Gounkoto complex, following the start of production at
Gounkoto in June 2011.
Profit for the six months ended 30 June 2012 of US$245.9 million
reflects an increase of 41% (six months ended 30 June 2011:
US$174.4 million). Basic earnings per share were up 32% to 225 US
cents for the six months ended 30 June 2012 (six months ended 30
June 2011: 170 US cents).
OPERATIONS
LOULO-GOUNKOTO COMPLEX
During the quarter the combined Loulo-Gounkoto complex produced
132 481 ounces of gold (Loulo 38 227 ounces; Gounkoto 94 254
ounces), a 37% increase on the previous quarter, and a record for
the complex. The increase reflects an improved operating
performance across the mine. Tonnes processed rose 10% and exceeded
one million tonnes in the quarter for the first time. Recoveries
increased to 91.5% (Q1 2012: 89.7%) and the head grade milled
improved to 4.1g/t from 3.4g/t in the previous quarter, in line
with the anticipated production plan.
As highlighted in the previous quarter, the completion of the
third mill project has again resulted in a sustained increase in
throughput, coupled with improved plant maintenance and
availability, with average volumes exceeding the targeted 350
000tpm, an outstanding achievement.
As a result of the increased gold production and sales, total
cash cost per ounce decreased by 12% to US$685/oz (Q12012:
US$781/oz). Profit from mining activity was US$130.1 million, up
57% on the prior quarter, reflecting the improved sales during the
quarter, including gold on hand at the end of the previous quarter,
and partially offset by the 7% average lower gold price
received.
In addition to its record operating performance, the complex
also enjoyed a Lost Time Injury (LTI) free quarter, a significant
improvement on the previous quarter's LTI Frequency Rate of 3.68
and reflecting management's sustained focus on Health and Safety
issues. The mine remains on track for OHSAS 18001 safety
certification by the end of the year.
Despite the ongoing political uncertainty in Mali, the operation
of the mines has been unaffected and the management team has done
an excellent job in delivering an all-round record quarter. The
company continues to monitor the political situation in the
country.
LOULO-GOUNKOTO COMPLEX RESULTS
Quarter Quarter Quarter 6 months 6 months
ended ended ended ended ended
30 Jun 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Mining
Tonnes mined (000) 12 976 14 651 9 024 27 627 16 796
Ore tonnes mined (000) 1 110 926 1 119 2 036 1 657
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Milling
Tonnes processed (000) 1 090 987 951 2 077 1 842
Head grade milled (g/t) 4.1 3.4 3.0 3.8 2.8
Recovery (%) 91.5 89.7 86.2 90.2 86.5
Ounces produced 132 481 96 450 79 639 228 931 141 788
Ounces sold 142 846 88 482 76 706 231 328 144 391
Average price received (US$/oz) 1 596 1 719 1 508 1 643 1 442
Cash operating costs* (US$/oz) 589 682 752 624 812
Total cash costs* (US$/oz) 685 781 839 721 895
Gold on hand at period end*
(US$000) - 18 218 5 683 - 5 683
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit from mining activity*
(US$000) 130 139 82 984 51 355 213 123 78 881
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold sales* (US$000) 227 919 152 059 115 710 379 978 208 149
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
* Refer to explanation of non-GAAP measures provided.
LOULO
On a standalone basis, Loulo produced 38 227 ounces of gold (Q1
2012: 24 800 ounces) at a total cash cost per ounce of US$776/oz,
(Q1 2012: US$912/oz). The 54% increase in production resulted in a
15% drop in cost per ounce, following an improvement in the head
grade milled to 4.4g/t compared to 3.0g/t in the previous quarter.
Tonnes mined and processed were almost all from the two underground
mines, where once again, another steady increase in tonnes mined
and metres developed was achieved during the quarter.
No LTIs were recorded during the quarter, representing a
significant improvement on the previous quarter, following
sustained efforts from management to ensure a safe and healthy
working environment.
LOULO STANDALONE RESULTS
Quarter Quarter Quarter 6 months 6 months
ended ended ended ended ended
30 Jun 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Mining
Tonnes mined (000) 5 899 7 218 4 609 13 117 10 003
Ore tonnes mined (000) 306 260 725 566 1 200
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Milling
Tonnes processed (000) 296 288 871 584 1 762
Head grade milled (g/t) 4.4 3.0 2.7 3.8 2.6
Recovery (%) 91.5 89.3 86.0 90.4 86.4
Ounces produced 38 227 24 800 65 578 63 027 127 727
Ounces sold 42 166 19 406 62 645 61 572 130 330
Average price received
(US$/oz) 1 592 1 826 1 507 1 666 1 434
Cash operating costs*
(US$/oz) 681 821 858 725 869
Total cash costs* (US$/oz) 776 912 945 819 952
Gold on hand at period
end* (US$000) - 13 997 5 683 - 5 683
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit from mining activity*
(US$000) 34 401 17 733 35 237 52 134 62 763
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold sales* (US$000) 67 139 35 432 94 426 102 571 186 865
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Randgold owns 80% of Loulo with the State of Mali owning 20%.
The State's share is not a free carried interest. Randgold has
funded the whole investments in Loulo by way of shareholder loans
and therefore controls 100% of the cash flows from Loulo until the
shareholder loans are repaid.
Randgold consolidates 100% of Loulo and shows the
non-controlling interest separately.
* Refer to explanation of non-GAAP measures provided.
Change in accounting policy - Production phase stripping
costs
As previously disclosed, the group changed its accounting policy
on stripping costs in the production-phase of opencast mining
effective 1 January 2012. As such, all eligible production-phase
deferred stripping (the process of removing waste from a surface
mine in order to gain access to mineral deposits) costs associated
with a stripping campaign are capitalised and depreciated over the
life of the relevant section of the orebody on a tonnes milled
basis. This is in line with the recently issued IFRIC 20 which
endeavours to standardise reporting across the mining industry.
IFRIC 20 requires that, to the extent that the benefit from the
stripping activity is realised in the form of inventory produced,
the directly attributable costs of that activity should be treated
as ore stockpile inventory. To the extent that the benefit is the
improved access to ore, the directly attributable costs should be
treated as a non-current 'stripping activity asset'. All stripping
costs incurred since 1 January 2010 are capitalised to the related
asset in the relevant year.
IFRIC 20 includes transitional provisions which permit the group
to capitalise eligible costs incurred from the start of the
earliest period presented, which will be 1 January 2010 within US
20-F filings for 2012. Total eligible production-phase stripping
costs of US$12.1 million were incurred in Q4 2011, relating to the
Yalea South pushback, and have now been capitalised. The
capitalised stripping costs will be depreciated on a unit of
production basis over the expected useful life of the Yalea orebody
and depreciation has commenced in July 2012, in line with the mine
plan. No other production-phase stripping costs have been incurred
between 1 January 2010 and 30 September 2011 and the effect of
costs prior to this date is immaterial. Loulo (and therefore the
Loulo-Gounkoto complex as well) was the only mine affected by the
restatement which affects only comparative figures and include Q4
2011. We note that IFRIC 20 is yet to be endorsed by the EU but has
been applied as its endorsement is expected during 2012. In line
with IFRIC 20, the company's 2012 results now include a restatement
of the 2011 year.
LOULO IMPACT OF IFRIC 20 12 months ended
US$000 31 Dec 2011
-------------------------------------------- ----------------
Decrease in mine production costs 12 100
Increase in income tax expense 3 630
Increase in net profit 8 470
Increase in opening retained earnings 6 776
Increase in non-controlling interests 1 694
Increase in property, plant and equipment 12 100
Increase in deferred tax 3 630
Increase in basic earnings per share
(cents per share) 7
Increase in fully diluted earnings per
share (cents per share) 7
-------------------------------------------- ----------------
Yalea underground mine
During the quarter, 2 845 metres of development was completed
and 163 430 tonnes of ore at 3.64g/t was hauled to surface. The
progressive development to date is 28 927 metres.
The table below summarises the underground section's
achievements during the year.
YALEA UNDERGROUND PERFORMANCE
Total
Development Hoisted Ore Grade tonnes
metres tonnes (g/t) mined
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------- --------
Q1 2012 2 206 127 620 4.2 282 442
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------- --------
Q2 2012 2 845 163 430 3.6 355 635
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------- --------
Total 2012 YTD 5 051 291 050 3.9 638 077
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------- --------
The Yalea decline has advanced 2 259 metres from surface at a
vertical depth of 381 metres. Overall development has significantly
improved from 2 206 metres last quarter to 2 845 metres this
quarter, an increase of 29%. This major improvement was due to the
upgrade of the ventilation system, with the installation of the
second 500Kw fan, creating independent blasting conditions between
the two main sections.
Ore production has now been streamlined with an optimum
extraction system involving two ore passes between 88L and 113L and
a group of stockpiles and twin crushers feeding the conveyor
belt.
Ore production for the quarter primarily came from 63L blocks 3
and 4 and increased 28% compared to the previous quarter.
The mine has continued with the design and development of the
PAF (Paste Aggregate Fill) in respect to the backfill project, and
in the interim has also progressed a CAF (Cement Aggregate Fill)
strategy which would allow extraction of the high grade stopes
earlier than planned.
Gara underground mine development
During the quarter, 2 008 metres of development was completed
and 119 067 tonnes of ore at 4.34g/t was hauled to surface.
The table below summarises the Gara underground section's
achievements to date.
GARA UNDERGROUND PERFORMANCE
Total
Development Hoisted Ore Grade tonnes
metres tonnes (g/t) mined
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------- --------
Q1 2012 1 961 132 340 4.7 259 656
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------- --------
Q2 2012 2 008 119 067 4.3 262 050
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------- --------
Total 2012 YTD 3 969 251 407 4.5 521 706
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------- --------
The Gara declines have advanced 2 082 metres from surface at a
vertical depth of 294 metres. Overall development has improved 2%
from 1 961 metres in the previous quarter to 2 008 metres in the
current quarter.
Ore production for the quarter came from strike drives,
development and stoping on 65 and 85 levels. Production decreased
by 10% compared to the previous quarter from 132 340 tonnes to 119
067 tonnes at 4.34g/t.
This was mainly as a result of poor stope availability due to
the flatter dip of the two blocks on 85L, which will require a
different mining method to sublevel open stoping.
Decline development has passed 160L and given access to the
South Ramp.
GOUNKOTO
On a standalone basis, Gounkoto produced 94 254 ounces of gold
(Q1 2012: 71 650/oz) at a total cash cost per ounce of US$646/oz
(Q1 2012: US$744/oz). The 32% increase in ounces produced reflected
an increase in tonnes processed, head grade milled and recoveries,
and resulted in a 13% decrease in the total cash cost per
ounce.
Construction on the mine is now almost complete, with work
having been undertaken on roads, infrastructure, water and crushing
facilities during the quarter.
No LTIs were recorded during the quarter, in line with the
previous quarter, another excellent achievement. The mine continues
to make steady progress towards its objective of obtaining ISO
14001 environmental accreditation by the end of the year.
The company held its inaugural annual general meeting for the
2011 year at the end of June, and on the back of its excellent
performance declared its first dividend to shareholders of US$65.1
million, having already repaid its loans to shareholders in respect
of the capital incurred to construct the mine.
GOUNKOTO STANDALONE RESULTS
Quarter Quarter Quarter 6 months 6 months
ended ended ended ended ended
30 Jun 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Mining
Tonnes mined (000) 7 077 7 433 4 415 14 510 6 793
Ore tonnes mined (000) 804 666 394 1 470 457
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Milling
Tonnes processed (000) 794 699 80 1 493 80
Head grade milled (g/t) 4.0 3.5 6.3 3.8 6.3
Recovery (%) 91.5 89.8 87.0 90.1 87.0
Ounces produced 94 254 71 650 14 061 165 904 14 061
Ounces sold 100 680 69 076 14 061 169 756 14 061
Average price received
(US$/oz) 1 597 1 688 1 514 1 634 1 514
Cash operating costs*
(US$/oz) 550 642 277 588 277
Total cash costs* (US$/oz) 646 744 367 686 367
Gold on hand at period
end* (US$000) - 4 221 - - -
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit from mining activity*
(US$000) 95 738 65 251 16 118 160 989 16 118
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold sales* (US$000) 160 780 116 627 21 284 277 407 21 284
------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Randgold has created a new company, Gounkoto, to hold the
Gounkoto mining permit and mining assets. Randgold owns 80% of
Gounkoto with the State of Mali owning 20%. Randgold consolidates
100% of Gounkoto and shows the non-controlling interest
separately.
* Refer to explanation of non-GAAP measures provided.
MORILA
During the quarter, Morila produced 54 052 ounces of gold, down
1% on the previous quarter (Q1 2012: 54 631 ounces). The drop in
production followed the slight decrease in the ore tonnes processed
from 1.155Mt in the previous quarter to 1.102Mt in the current
quarter, as a result of repairs to the SAG mill gearbox. Total cash
costs of US$885/oz were up on the previous quarter's US$669/oz, due
to the processing of 100% full grade ore which carried the
stockpiled cost of mining, whereas the previous quarter included
the benefit of mining some mineralised waste (with zero stockpile
adjustment). Profit from mining of US$38.5 million was down on the
previous quarter's US$56.1 million, primarily as a result of the
lower average gold price received and the higher cash cost per
ounce.
No LTIs were recorded during this quarter, as in the previous
quarter, another excellent performance.
MORILA RESULTS Quarter Quarter Quarter 6 months 6 months
ended ended ended ended ended
30 Jun 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Mining
Tonnes mined (000) - - - - 16
Ore tonnes mined (000) - - - - 16
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Milling
Tonnes processed (000) 1 102 1 155 1 141 2 257 2 285
Head grade milled (g/t) 1.7 1.6 1.9 1.6 1.8
Recovery (%) 92.1 91.4 90.5 91.8 90.0
Ounces produced 54 052 54 631 62 230 108 683 117 946
Ounces sold 54 052 54 631 62 230 108 683 117 946
Average price received
(US$/oz) 1 596 1 695 1 515 1 646 1 457
Cash operating costs*
(US$/oz) 789 567 708 677 704
Total cash costs* (US$/oz) 885 669 799 776 792
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit from mining activity*
(US$000) 38 463 56 090 44 525 94 553 78 525
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Stockpile adjustment**
(US$/oz) 336 81 293 208 288
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Attributable (40% proportionately
consolidated)
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold sales* (US$000) 34 509 37 045 37 703 71 554 68 753
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Ounces produced 21 621 21 852 24 892 43 473 47 178
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Ounces sold 21 621 21 852 24 892 43 473 47 178
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit from mining activity*
(US$000) 15 385 22 436 17 810 37 821 31 410
----------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
* Refer to explanation of non-GAAP measures provided.
** The stockpile adjustment per ounce reflects the charge
expensed in respect of stockpile movements during the period
divided by the number of ounces sold. Total cash cost per ounce
includes non-cash stockpile adjustments.
TONGON
During the quarter, Tongon produced 56 432 ounces of gold, up
20% on the 47 141 ounces of the previous quarter. As a result of
the increased gold production and sales, total cash cost per ounce
decreased by 8% to US$676/oz (Q1 2012: US$735/oz). The improvement
in production is a direct result of an increase in mill throughput
of 13% to 853kt and a boost in both recovery and grade. The mine
has now successfully progressed through the majority of the
transition zone of the orebody reducing the percentage of
transition ore fed to the plant.
Mill availability rose from 76.6% in Q1 to 79.4% in Q2. The
total number of plant stoppages associated with grid power supply
failures reduced significantly during the quarter following the
implementation of short term corrective actions. A capacitor bank
has been ordered and is scheduled to be available by Q4 2013 to
enable the mine to draw all its power requirements from the grid.
Five new generator sets have also been ordered to increase standby
power supply capacity.
Gold recovery improved to an average of 81.9% for the quarter
from 80.0% in the previous quarter. An additional 10tpd oxygen
plant is scheduled to be delivered and installed in Q3 to
supplement the existing 20tpd plant and ensure adequate oxygen
units are supplied for the CIL leaching process.
During the quarter, mining continued to recover and see
improvements following the operational challenges experienced in
Q1. A total of 4 680kt was mined, a 15% improvement over the
previous quarter of 4 066kt. Ore tonnes mined also rose to 1 073kt,
up 27% on the previous quarter's 844kt. Mining efficiency improved
with better blast fragmentation. Four blast hole rigs have been
mobilised to ensure sustained blasted stock to increase
productivity.
The main operational targets for the third quarter are to
improve the availability of the plant to 92% and increase the
planned mill throughput and gold recovery. The focus areas will be
to minimise unplanned mill downtime by ensuring effective planned
maintenance and by optimising and sustaining the operation of the
flotation and fine grind circuits.
No LTIs and major environmental incidents occurred during this
quarter. The mine continues with the extensive environmental aspect
identification and risk-based assessments towards its target of
obtaining OHSAS 18001 safety accreditation and ISO 14001
environmental accreditation at the end of this year.
TONGON RESULTS
Quarter Quarter Quarter 6 months 6 months
ended ended ended ended ended
30 Jun 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Mining
Tonnes mined (000) 4 680 4 066 5 034 8 746 9 743
Ore tonnes mined (000) 1 073 844 927 1 917 1 873
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Milling
Tonnes processed (000) 853 756 901 1 609 1 602
Head grade milled (g/t) 2.5 2.4 2.9 2.5 2.8
Recovery (%) 81.9 80.0 94.1 81.0 93.8
Ounces produced 56 432 47 141 80 180 103 573 135 148
Ounces sold 51 358 48 887 111 608 100 245 157 904
Average price received (US$/oz) 1 615 1 691 1 507 1 652 1 465
Cash operating costs* (US$/oz) 628 684 431 655 413
Total cash costs* (US$/oz) 676 735 477 705 457
Gold on hand at period end*
(US$000) 7 965 - 1 027 7 965 1 027
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit from mining activity*
(US$000) 48 212 46 740 115 040 94 952 159 034
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold sales* (US$000) 82 931 82 675 168 242 165 606 231 263
--------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Randgold owns 89% of Tongon with the State of Cote d'Ivoire and
outside shareholders owning 10% and 1% respectively. The outside
shareholders' and State's shares are not free carried interests.
Randgold has funded the whole investment in Tongon by way of
shareholder loans and therefore controls 100% of the cash flows
from Tongon until the shareholder loans are repaid. Randgold
consolidates 100% of Tongon and shows the non-controlling interest
separately.
* Refer to explanation of non-GAAP measures provided.
PROJECTS AND EVALUATION
KIBALI PROJECT
The Kibali project is now in construction on all fronts with
first gold production still targeted in Q4 2013. Mine construction
is controlled by a dedicated team operating primarily from the Doko
site. This team includes key skills from all disciplines required
to build a mine of this scope and size, including construction,
mining, contract management, metallurgy, electrical engineering,
surveying and design.
The Doko construction camp is fully utilised with some 700
people housed in the camp at present. An additional construction
camp is planned to house a further 500 people.
Bulk earth and civil works
The current construction focus is aimed at bulk earthworks and
key development areas on the critical path are on schedule and
include the following:
-- The bulk earthworks for the boxcut have started and are
scheduled for completion by the end of Q3. Development of the
underground mine through the twin decline system is expected to
begin at the end of Q3 2012 using the completed boxcut as the
starting point.
-- Bulk earthworks to establish the ROM pad and the platform for
the vertical shaft have started.
-- Blinding of the mill foundations was completed at the end of
Q2 and the first concrete foundations are scheduled to be poured in
Q3 2012.
-- The mine assay laboratory is 90% complete and equipping of
the facility is scheduled to start early in Q3.
-- Various construction roads were completed, including phase 1
of the haul road between the KCD pit area and the ROM pad.
Quarrying started for the production of aggregate required for all
the concrete work in the construction process.
Mining
In line with Randgold's construction and management philosophy,
development and construction of the underground mine will be by an
owners' team rather than by EPCM contractors. The development
contractor for the decline system has been appointed and all
contracts have been secured to enable full mobilisation during Q3
2012 with the decline scheduled to start at the end of Q3. The
engineering firm responsible for designing the vertical shaft has
been appointed and final designs for the system have begun.
Open pit mining started at the end of Q2 with an average of 5
000m(3) of ore being mined per day. The open pit mining contractor
is substantially established on site and most of the outstanding
mining equipment is expected to be delivered during Q3 and Q4 of
2012.
RAP (Relocation Action Plan)
The physical damage caused by a number of storms to the RAP
housing has been fully rectified and construction of new houses
resumed towards the end of the quarter. The next new village is
scheduled to be resettled during Q3.
Brick production for the resettlement has been escalated to keep
pace with the construction programme. A cone crusher has been added
and a new quarry opened to produce suitable sand for both concrete
and brick production. More brickmaking machines have also been
installed on site by local contractors.
Capital expenditure
Capital expenditure at the Kibali project amounted to US$162
million (100%) for the first six months and related primarily to
work performed on the metallurgical plant, open pit mining, RAP
construction and freight costs, as detailed above. The project
expenditure was in line with budget, and forecast annual
expenditure remains in line with the estimate provided at the start
of the year, consistent with the continuing ramp up of activity on
site.
Massawa
Three key areas are being targeted at Massawa in an effort to
progress the project to final feasibility. These include:
-- Increasing the resources - exploration efforts have targeted
satellite deposit potential in an effort to increase the resources
available to support a larger project and thus lower operating
costs. Two targets, namely South Kawsara and East Mandinka, have
been identified with potential and follow-up RAB drilling will be
completed this quarter.
-- Optimising the power cost - the hard nature of the Massawa
ore together with the requirement for a pressure oxidation process,
result in the Massawa project being a high energy consumer. A low
power cost is critical for the project to achieve the required
hurdle rate on return of capital. Discussions have been initiated
between Randgold and the newly elected Senegalese government to
identify the power requirements for and power sensitivities of the
project.
-- Pilot metallurgical test work is required to better define
the reagent consumptions, recoveries and operating costs for the
project.
EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES
The second quarter is traditionally the busiest period of the
year for fieldwork, with activity building on solid Q1 results
prior to the onset of the wet season in West Africa and the annual
hiatus in field activities.
MALI
Gounkoto
During this quarter work at Gounkoto focused on the Jog Zone
relogging and re-interpretation using all of the most recent
drilling completed between November 2011 and March 2012. The new
model of the mineralisation and geology was completed and submitted
for geotechnical studies and resource estimation as part of the
ongoing prefeasibility study. The results of the updated model
revealed the potential for over a million ounces of high grade
material beneath the US$1 000 pit in the Jog Zone. On the back of
this work a new target has been modelled, at depth, to the south of
MZ2 and is interpreted to be the southerly plunge continuation of
the high grade mineralisation which was tested closer to surface.
The potential in this target area is as yet unknown and the team is
planning to test this area after the wet season.
Further interpretive work was carried out over a number of
brownfields targets around Gounkoto, principally Faraba, P64 and
Toronto along with some early stage work at Bandankoto East and
Seguelani. These targets will be drilled during this year with the
rig already having moved to Faraba to test the southern extensions
of this target.
Loulo
After four years of uninterrupted resource definition work, this
quarter saw the first drilling on new brownfields targets around
the mining operation. The priority areas selected were at Gara
North and Yalea South where 51 RC holes for 5 748 metres were
drilled.
Gold assay results received from the Gara North targets: Gara
North Ext and PQ10N were narrow and weak and no further work will
be completed, however a new conceptual target on the limestone
contact at Iron Hill returned some interesting results with 9
metres at 2.40g/t from 76 metres (including 1 metre at 8.9g/t from
78 metres) in hole IHRC005 and 5 metres at 3.47g/t from 80 metres
(including 2 metres at 7.72 g/t from 81 metres) in hole
IHRC007.
At Yalea South, drill testing the Goldfinger structure and
beneath the transported laterites at Yalea South returned no
significant results. Drilling is currently underway at Yalea Ridge
South, Sansamba and Goldfinger West.
At the Yalea deposit, one deep hole (1 429 metres) was completed
to test the possibility of additional high grade mineralisation
below the limit of the block model. In the area of the projected
orezone a wide zone of early silica-carbonate-albite alteration was
intersected but had not been reactivated and subsequently
mineralised in this part of the deposit. A second hole, 500 metres
to the north, is now being drilled. Deep holes are also planned to
test the Gara deposit at depth.
At Loulo 3, eight diamond holes totalling 2 960 metres were
planned below the existing US$1 500 pit shell to delineate high
grade lodes of mineralisation and support either an underground
operation or larger open pit. One hole was completed during this
quarter (L3DH104), which intersected 11 metres of mineralisation
from 264 metres and is defined between a hangingwall and footwall
shear. The quartz tourmaline and coarse grained sediment are
brecciated, faulted and the sulphides are replaced by hematite.
Gold assay results are pending.
Bambadji
The drilling along the Yalea-Gounkoto corridor, mainly under
transported cover, began in early April and was completed at the
end of June for a total of 10 760 metres. Five targets were
drilled: Westkach, Beyanord, Mariama, Doukhiba and Setoumboung.
Most of the results from these targets have been received and were
very weak. The best results of the programme were returned from
Beyanord which requires further work following the integration of
the new drilling data: 17 metres at 1.73g/t, 7 metres at 2.24g/t
and 6 metres at 1.67g/t.
A new target between Kolya and Goldfinger, named Kolgold has
been identified following the sampling of a new artisanal mining
site which returned 62.9g/t and 20.4g/t in strongly deformed and
crenulated schists with south-plunging zones of strong silica
flooding with haematite/magnetite and pyrite. Detailed mapping and
soil sampling are being completed to define follow-up programmes in
Q4.
Bena
Fieldwork continues on a number of targets on the Bena permit
directly to the south of the Gounkoto mining license in western
Mali. Out of 11 targets on the permit, four targets still require
further testing and another four have been tested and rejected from
the triangle as there is no potential. The two most prospective
targets currently are Mag-Low and Sinsinko, the closest targets to
the SSE Toronto-Faraba trend.
At the Sinsinko target further work is required to test the
strike extensions of the intersections in hole SNDH01: 4 metres at
3.11g/t from 96 metres, and 4.2 metres at 7.1g/t from 113 metres.
Trench BNT10 on Mag-Low intercepted a steeply west dipping gossan
immediately along strike from the geophysical anomaly, intersecting
1 metre at 1g/t.
Underground exploration
Drilling at Yalea has extended the 'purple patch' at depth with
hole YUDH265 targeting the edge of the high grade mineralisation
returning 22.9 metres at 10.92g/t. At Gara, infill drilling
continues to confirm the geological model and grade tenure of the
deposit with the weighted average of boreholes drilled to date
giving 7.5 metres at 3.95g/t.
Mali South
Fieldwork has continued throughout the quarter on the Nimisila
JV with field mapping and pitting being executed over a number of
early stage targets across the permit. Results from the pitting
have returned only very weak values and the team has the challenge
during this wet season of reinterpreting and re-evaluating this
groundholding in order to motivate for additional work in the new
season.
SENEGAL
The prospectivity of Randgold's Mako Belt permits in Eastern
Senegal has been divided into those targets which lie within the
Mako volcanic belt and those which lie on its eastern margin and
coincide with the major transcrustal structure, the MTZ. In
Randgold's permits this structure hosts the Massawa deposit, the
advanced Delya target and the low grade (<1g/t) Kawsara target.
Our work outside the areas of known mineralisation on the MTZ have
confirmed it to be a major fluid conduit and in previous quarters
shallow drilling at a spacing of approximately two kilometres along
the MTZ intersected multiple narrow zones of weak anomalism.
This quarter a new permitwide interpretation accompanied by a
fresh prioritisation exercise of all targets in the resource
triangle was carried out. Two targets on the South Kawsara and East
Mandinka targets were advanced quickly following positive results
and by the end of the quarter were being tested by RAB
drilling.
COTE D'IVOIRE
In Cote d'Ivoire, work has been focused on developing drill
programmes on numerous targets across the Nielle and Diaouala
permits as well as a diamond drilling programme to convert inferred
resources to the measured and indicated category in the Tongon
Southern Zone orebody.
In the Diaouala permit, a 2 000 metre RC reconnaissance drilling
programme has started at Kokoriko target, while detailed mapping
and rock sampling are targeting new drill opportunities within the
permit. The first drill results have been encouraging with KOKRC003
returning 20 metres at 1.01g/t.
At Tongon, the diamond drilling programme evaluating the
inferred mineral resources in the Southern Zone deposit is
progressing with the eleventh hole. Ten holes totalling 3 125
metres have been completed. Gold assay results from the first eight
holes have been received and show the mineralised structures narrow
in the north and south of the deposit but dilate in the centre of
the pit over a 200 metre strike length: TND370 - 18 metres at
2.40g/t (from 296.05 metres) including 4.80 metres at 6.32g/t,
17.63 metres at 3.86g/t (from 259.32 metres) including 7.39 metres
at 7.37g/t; TND369 - 35.93 metres at 2.23g/t. The potential of more
dilation zones are being investigated with core reviews and further
modelling including later brittle structures which have offset
mineralisation.
Exploration work on the Nielle permit focused on a review of the
resource triangle by analysing targets against our filters. A
number of older targets have been rejected, three targets have been
upscaled to mineral resource for ore reserve modelling, a further
five targets have been upgraded from generative to identified
level. At this stage three targets have been prioritised for
follow-up work: Coucal, Coucal South and Katasol.
Coucal and Coucal South are located approximately two kilometres
from the Tongon NZ. Field mapping, detailed soil sampling and
interpretation of remote sensing data have been completed this
quarter. The two targets locate on sub-parallel structures with a
similar structural setting to the Tongon NZ deposit. Four soil
anomalies of one kilometre in length have been identified and will
be RAB drilled in the coming weeks.
At Katosol, detailed soil sampling has defined a nine kilometre
20ppb plus gold in soil anomaly at the contact between volcanics
and sediments. A shear zone hosting high grade lithosamples (29g/t,
44g/t and 24.3g/t) has been mapped truncating a regional fold in
the sediments. A phase 1 RC drill programme is planned for Q3.
At Boundiali, regional geological traverses were completed as
well as detailed mapping along the major contact between volcanics
and sediments. This work identified four permit scale anomalous
corridors, up to 30 kilometres long. Within these corridors 30
early stage targets have been defined for follow-up work. Currently
teams are completing detailed geological and regolith maps of these
corridors and targets and there is a 12 month programme ahead to
either progress or reject targets with the aim of making a
discovery in this very prospective greenstone belt.
A new joint venture agreement has been signed with Tchologo
Mining in line with our strategy of partnering with local companies
to explore within the country. We are now in the process of
preparing permit applications.
BURKINA FASO
In Q1 of this year, a generative study was performed on the
Hounde belt to highlight areas of interest around the Kampti permit
for permit applications to consolidate a new exploration
footprint.
A full analysis of historical data together with soil sampling
and geological and regolith mapping was completed across the Kampti
permit, which locates on the Hounde belt in the southwest of the
country. This work identified several mineralised corridors
striking both NS and NW across the permit, which host eight
targets. These include the Tiosera and Kounkana targets which have
considerable strike potential of more than two kilometres and have
returned highly mineralised lithosamples (25g/t, 16g/t and 3g/t)
from the extensive artisanal workings.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Kibali
The remaining gold assay results from the completed holes
testing the KCD west lateral extension of the 9000 lode were
received during the quarter. These results confirmed an extension
of the 9000 lode, beyond the current wireframe, by between 150
metres to 200 metres with an average thickness of 9 metres over a
strike of plus 1.5 kilometres.
Hole DDD548A demonstrates the down plunge continuity of the 3000
lode of the KCD deposit which intersected: 86 metres at 4.61g/t
from 294 metres to 380 metres (including 4 metres at 15g/t from 300
metres, 12 metres at 13.01g/t from 320 metres, 4 metres at 6.65g/t
from 336 metres, 4 metres at 8.71g/t from 346 metres and 2 metres
at 19g/t from 374 metres). The mineralisation is associated with
albite-carbonate-silica-pyrite alteration and the hole continues to
be drilled to intersect the 9000 lode and is due to be extended to
1 000 metres.
Within a 10 kilometre radius of the main Sessenge-KCD deposit,
there are a number of satellite deposits which are in reserve, or
have calculated resource potential, and advanced targets which are
all considered to be high priority targets for further resource
growth. Currently drilling is taking place at Mengu Hill-Mengu
Village, Gorumbwa and the Pakaka-Pamao-Tete Bakangwe and Bakangwe
Aval complex.
Mengu Hill-Mengu Village locates approximately seven kilometres
NW of the KCD deposit and both deposits have combined resources of
0.74Moz. Drill holes were completed to fulfil three aims:
geological model confirmation, geotechnical data for pit slope
design and metallurgy. Results from this drilling include: MDD040 -
74.7 metres at 3.78g/t from 0 metres (including 6 metres at
13.16g/t from 39 metres and 10 metres at 6.81g/t from 52 metres);
MDD040 - 4 metres at 3.29g/t from 84 metres; MDD042 - 67 metres at
5.93g/t from 0 metres (including 17.25 metres at 17.2g/t from 10
metres); and MHGT0001 - 24.5 metres at 3.45g/t from 132.5 metres
(including 12 metres at 5.65g/t from 145 metres).
The results of the diamond drilling confirm the geological model
and results of previous drilling which minimises the uncertainties
posed by inherited data. Given the strength of the results and the
increased geological understanding, additional diamond drilling has
been planned to test the down plunge potential of Mengu Hill, as
well as the mineralisation at Mengu Village, a tabular body thought
to be aligned with an upper structure in the geological
stratigraphy.
The Pakaka-Pamao geological model identifies considerable
upside; down plunge to the northeast and linking the individual
deposits together, including Tete Bakangwe (interpreted to be a new
lode of mineralisation below Pakaka) and Bakangwe Aval. The total
resource at Pakaka is 1.2Moz at 2.16g/t and at Pamao 0.6Moz at
1.53g/t. The current down plunge programme involves scout drilling
of four diamond holes totalling 1 620 metres over an initial 1.5
kilometre strike length with holes spaced 340 metres to 700 metres
and 350 metres to 600 metres down plunge. The geological
interpretation indicates an anticlinal closure to the northeast,
based on form line analysis. Initial results from the first down
plunge hole have been encouraging: PDD145 - 29 metres at 3.2g/t
from 394 metres.
The first phase of drilling was completed on the Tete Bakangwe
target. Mineralisation is hosted in deformed volcaniclastic
agglomerate with silica-sericite-carbonate and magnetite, and weak
albite alteration associated with fine disseminated pyrite. Higher
grade intersections found in massive sulphides are seen in
interbedded magnetic ironstone units. The assay results from phase
1 drilling include: PDD148 - 6.27 metres at 1.59g/t (including 3
metres at 6.69g/t); PDD149 - 13.22 metres at 3.51g/t (including 1.2
metres at 25.6g/t); and PDD150 - 33.12 metres at 1.6g/t (including
2 metres at 9.62g/t, 1.12 metres at 7.6g/t and 2 metres at
4.87g/t).
The historical high grade underground Gorumbwa Mine is located
immediately to the north of the Sessenge pit, and to the west of
the main KCD corridor. The Gorumbwa deposit comprises an inferred
mineral resource of 3.65Mt at 3.36g/t for 0.39Moz. Two diamond
holes have been completed to test the geological and resource
models: GDD032 - 24 metres at 1.32g/t from 96 metres, 5.4 metres at
1.56g/t from 134 metres and 14 metres at 1.085g/t from 220 metres;
and GDD033 - 4 metres 0.84g/t from 66 metres, 22 metres at 1.79g/t
from 193 metres (including 2 metres at 7.33g/t, 4 metres at 0.99g/t
from 223 metres and 8 metres at 0.63g/t from 233 metres).
The low grade intersections in these two holes drilled towards
the eastern and western margins of the block model confirm the
presence a low grade envelope surrounding a narrow high grade core.
Further confirmation drilling including twin holes will be drilled
due to the variable in grade and the high nugget effect from the
presence of coarse visible gold.
At Kalimva, after encouraging results received in Q1 from the
first two holes of phase 1 diamond drilling (KVDD0001 and
KVDD0002), assays for the four remaining reconnaissance holes,
while weak, confirm mineralisation over a strike length of 1.3
kilometres. All the holes intersected the hydrothermal system, with
the best intersections of the remaining holes being: KVDD0004A -
37.75 metres at 1.39g/t (including 6.56 metres at 3.04g/t); and
KVDD0006 - 10.16 metres at 1.17g/t and 4 metres at 3.56g/t.
Mineralisation is controlled by the intersection between the
regional foliation and NNE-trending structures. A second phase of
diamond drilling is scheduled for the start of Q3 to help better
understand the east dipping component of the system and to build a
geological model to guide future drilling. This drill programme
will also provide an indication of the down dip potential of the
mineralisation.
The Ikamva target, located two kilometres to the west of
Kalimva, was progressed by completing detailed mapping of the
previous shallow workings in the area, along with lithosampling and
trenching. Mineralisation is associated with strong silica-sericite
alteration of volcaniclastics rocks capped by ironstones. In the
main pit 41 lithosamples were taken and returned up to 13.2g/t and
averaging 1.79g/t, while in the southeast pit 16 lithosamples
returned average grade of 3.9g/t. A trench at the
ironstone-volcaniclastic contact returned 22.5 metres at 2.36g/t. A
phase 1 reconnaissance diamond drilling programme is being
planned.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Quarter Quarter Quarter 6 months 6 months
ended ended ended ended ended
30 Jun 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun
US$000 2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
REVENUES
Gold sales on spot 346 563 271 337 321 161 617 900 506 790
Total revenues 346 563 271 337 321 161 617 900 506 790
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Other income 1 049 1 057 - 2 106 2 182
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Total income 347 612 272 394 321 161 620 006 508 972
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
COST AND EXPENSES
========= ========= ========= ========= ==============
Mine production costs 102 939 97 208 92 282 200 147 168 380
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Movement in production
inventory
and ore stockpiles 5 946 (10 779) 12 584 (4 833) 14 863
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Depreciation and amortisation 29 370 23 943 23 032 53 313 44 401
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Other mining and processing
costs 21 200 17 060 18 962 38 260 32 381
========= ========= ========= ========= ==============
Mining and processing
costs 159 455 127 432 146 860 286 887 260 025
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Transport and refining
costs 575 860 273 1 435 761
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Royalties 18 218 13 461 14 028 31 679 23 172
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Exploration and corporate
expenditure 14 292 10 861 12 226 25 153 22 512
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Other expenses 1 210 4 227 5 035 5 437 5 035
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Total costs 193 750 156 841 178 422 350 591 311 505
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Finance income 375 791 (65) 840 1 258
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Finance costs (1 042) (45) (192) (761) (1 718)
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Finance income/(costs)
- net (667) 746 (257) 79 (460)
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Profit before income
tax 153 195 116 299 142 482 269 494 197 007
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Income tax expense (11 320) (12 291) (14 062) (23 611) (22 645)
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Profit for the period 141 875 104 008 128 420 245 883 174 362
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Other comprehensive
income
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
(Loss)/gain on available-for-sale
financial assets (2 657) 597 (2 434) (2 060) (5 040)
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Other comprehensive
income (2 657) 597 (2 434) (2 060) (5 040)
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Total comprehensive
income 139 218 104 605 125 986 243 823 169 322
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Profit attributable
to:
Owners of the parent 117 463 89 440 113 308 206 903 154 802
Non-controlling interests 24 412 14 568 15 112 38 980 19 560
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
141 875 104 008 128 420 245 883 174 362
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Total comprehensive
income attributable
to:
Owners of the parent 114 806 90 037 110 874 204 843 149 762
Non-controlling interests 24 412 14 568 15 112 38 980 19 560
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
139 218 104 605 125 986 243 823 169 322
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Basic earnings per
share (US$) 1.28 0.97 1.24 2.25 1.70
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Diluted earnings per
share (US$) 1.26 0.96 1.22 2.22 1.67
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
Average shares in
issue (000) 91 860 91 782 91 130 91 821 91 111
------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------------
These results are presented as the second quarter report of
2012. They have been prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European
Union on a basis that is consistent with the accounting policies
applied by the group in its audited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2011, except for the
change in accounting policy on production-phase stripping cost and
which will form the basis of the 2012 annual report. This
announcement has been prepared in compliance with IAS 34 - Interim
Financial Reporting.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At
At At 31 Dec At
30 Jun 31Mar 2011 30 Jun
US$000 2012 2012 (Restated)(+) 2011
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 1 476 729 1 379 497 1 291 291(+) 1 093 974
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Cost 1 767 590 1 640 988 1 528 839(+) 1 293 863
Accumulated depreciation
and amortisations (290 861) (261 491) (237 548) (199 889)
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Deferred tax - - - 379
Long term ore stockpiles - - - 5 844
Trade and other receivables 2 590 2 531 2 436 2 616
Mineral properties 406 000 406 000 406 000 406 000
Total non-current assets 1 885 319 1 788 028 1 699 727(+) 1 508 813
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Current assets
Inventories and ore stockpiles 230 250 226 036 218 950 206 866
Trade and other receivables 231 715 169 082 130 988 109 245
Cash and cash equivalents 452 881 456 937 487 644 405 632
Available-for-sale financial
assets 5 433 8 094 7 498 11 717
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Total current assets 920 279 860 149 845 080 733 460
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Total assets 2 805 598 2 648 177 2 544 807(+) 2 242 273
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Equity attributable to
owners of the parent 2 379 998 2 293 576 2 191 266(+) 1 937 056
Non-controlling interests 137 913 126 518 111 950(+) 73 465
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Total equity 2 517 911 2 420 094 2 303 216(+) 2 010 521
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Non-current liabilities
Loans from minority shareholders 2 987 3 300 2 614 2 999
Deferred tax 33 651 27 498 21 370(+) 12 887
Provision for rehabilitation 40 491 40 088 39 809 29 717
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Total non-current liabilities 77 129 70 886 63 793(+) 45 603
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 199 566 140 819 158 903 169 272
Current tax payable 10 992 16 378 18 895 16 877
Total current liabilities 210 558 157 197 177 798 186 149
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
Total equity and liabilities 2 805 598 2 648 177 2 544 807(+) 2 242 273
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ----------
(+) The group changed its accounting policy on production-phase
stripping costs with effect from 1 January 2012. As a result, the
2011 results have been restated refer to 'Change in accounting
policy - Production phase stripping costs' of this report for
further details).
Property, plant and equipment at cost increased by US$238.8
million for the six months ended 30 June 2012. This is attributable
to continued capital expenditure across the group's projects and
operations. Capital expenditure of US$122.5 million at Loulo
related primarily to decline developments at the Gara and Yalea
underground mines, as well as stripping costs on the Yalea South
pushback being deferred refer to 'Change in accounting policy -
Production phase stripping costs' of this report for further
details). US$14.2 million was incurred on capital expenditure at
Gounkoto, principally in respect of roads, infrastructure, water
and crushing facilities. Capital expenditure at Kibali amounted to
US$81.0 million (attributable) and related primarily to work
performed on the metallurgical plant, open pit mining, RAP
construction and freight costs. Capital expenditure of US$20.2
million was spent at the Tongon mine, primarily on plant
engineering. The group's capital commitments at 30 June 2012
amounted to US$152.0 million, mainly related to Kibali (US$122.4
million).
Following the conclusion of a new mining convention with the
State of Mali in respect of the Gounkoto mine, a liability of
US$27.7 million has been recognised within trade and other payables
relating to the 10% Malian government dividend payable under the
terms of that convention and the mining code. This liability arises
as Gounkoto profits accrue. An asset has also been recognised in
trade and other receivables as amounts arising in respect of the
liability reduce future dividend payments.
The first Gounkoto dividend of US$65.1 million was approved in
June 2012, and paid in July 2012. As a result, the trade and other
payables are calculated with reference to Gounkoto net profits from
inception to the end of June 2012, and will be reduced by the
dividends paid in the third quarter.
The US$11.3 million increase in inventories and current ore
stockpiles is primarily as a result of an increase in supplies and
insurance spares at Kibali, as a result of the ramp-up of
construction on site, as well as an increase in stores at Tongon,
due to increased demand.
The increase in current trade and other receivables of US$100.7
million during the six months ended 30 June 2012 is mainly due to
an increase in the gold debtor balances at Loulo as a result of the
timing of gold shipments at quarter end (US$13.9 million), as well
as an increase in recoverable VAT balances at Loulo, Gounkoto and
Morila of US$22.9 million over the period. Trade and other
receivables at Kibali increased by US$12.4 million, following a
ramp-up in construction. The increase is further attributed to the
increase in other receivables related to the Gounkoto dividend, as
explained above, as well as an increase in contractor receivables
at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, in line with increased production.
Trade and other receivables still include amounts relating to
disputed tax claims with the State of Mali at Loulo and Morila.
The group had received claims for various taxes from the State
of Mali totalling US$75.4 million, in respect of the Loulo and
Morila mines. Having taken professional advice, the group considers
the claims to be wholly without merit or foundation and is strongly
defending its position, including following the appropriate legal
process for such disputes within Mali. Both companies have legally
binding mining conventions which guarantee fiscal stability, govern
the taxes applicable to the companies and allow for international
arbitration in the event a dispute cannot be resolved in the
country. Management continues to engage with the Malian authorities
at the highest level to resolve this issue.
The decrease in cash of US$34.8 million largely reflects the
dividend of US$36.7 million which was paid to the company's
shareholders in May 2012.
The increase in deferred taxation of US$12.3 million relates
mainly to the stripping costs that have been deferred at Loulo
following the change in accounting policy on 1 January 2012 (refer
to 'Change in accounting policy - Production phase stripping costs'
of this report for further details).
The increase in trade and other payables of US$40.7 million for
the six months ending 30 June 2012, mainly reflect the effect of
additional contractors and accruals at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex
in line with increased production, as well as the liability that
was recognised in relation to the dividend payable to the Malian
State, as explained above.
The decrease in current tax payable of US$7.9 million or 42% is
largely the result of the change in the corporate tax rate in Mali,
which reduced from 35% to 30% with effect from 1 January 2011. This
affected both the Morila and Loulo mines, but not Gounkoto which is
currently in a tax holiday.
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
6 months 6 months
ended ended
30 Jun 30 Jun
US$000 2012 2011
Profit after tax 245 883 174 362
Income tax expense 23 611 22 645
------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Profit before income tax 269 494 197 007
Adjustment for non-cash items 67 502 54 141
Effects of change in operating working
capital items (86 059) 49 426
========== ==========
Receivables (118 538) (8 136)
Inventories and ore stockpiles (11 300) (8 064)
Trade and other payable 43 779 65 626
========== ==========
Income tax paid (17 337) (10 622)
------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Net cash generated from operating
activities 233 600 289 952
------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Additions to property, plant and
equipment (238 750) (235 016)
Net cash used by investing activities (238 750) (235 016)
------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 7 124 2 502
Dividends paid to company's shareholders (36 737) (18 221)
------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Net cash used by financing activities (29 613) (15 719)
------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents (34 763) 39 217
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 487 644 366 415
------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period 452 881 405 632
------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Total
equity Non-
Number
of Share Share Other Retained attributable controlling Total
ordinary capital Premium reserves* Earnings to owners interests equity
Shares US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 of parent US$000 US$000
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Balance - 31 Dec 91 082 1 362 1 792 1 845
2010 170 4 555 320 31 596 393 570 041 53 905 946
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Fair value movement
on available-for-sale
financial assets - - - (5 040) - (5 040) - (5 040)
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Other comprehensive
income/(expense) - - - (5 040) - (5 040) - (5 040)
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Net profit for
the period - - - - 154 802 154 802 19 560 174 362
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Total comprehensive
income for the
period - - - (5 040) 154 802 149 762 19 560 169 322
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Share-based payments - - - 10 988 - 10 988 - 10 988
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Share options exercised 67 900 4 2 498 - - 2 502 - 2 502
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Exercise of options
previously expensed
under IFRS 2 - - 703 (703) - - - -
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Shares vested(#) 6 400 - 448 (448) - - - -
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Dividend relating
to 2010 - - - - (18 221) (18 221) - (18 221)
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Lapsed options
originally issued
on acquisition
of Moto - - - (16) - (16) - (16)
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Balance - 30 Jun 91 156 1 365 1 937 2 010
2011 470 4 559 969 36 377 530 151 056 73 465 521
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Balance - 31 Dec 91 717 1 386 2 191 2 303
2011 (restated)(+) 070 4 587 939 40 531 759 209 266 111 950 216
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Fair value movement
on available-for-sale
financial assets - - - (2 060) - (2 060) - (2 060)
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Other comprehensive
income/(expense) - - - (2 060) - (2 060) - (2 060)
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Net profit for
the period - - - - 206 903 206 903 38 980 245 883
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Total comprehensive
income for the
period - - - (2 060) 206 903 204 843 38 980 243 823
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Share-based payments 12 944 - 12 944 - 12 944
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Share options exercised 109 148 6 7 118 - - 7 124 - 7 124
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Exercise of options
previously expensed
under IFRS 2 - - 797 (797) - - - -
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Shares vested(#) 58 285 2 3 618 (3 062) - 558 - 558
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Dividend relating
to 2011 - - - - (36 737) (36 737) - (36 737)
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Non-controlling
interest share
of Gounkoto dividend - - - - - - (13 017) (13 017)
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Balance - 30 Jun 91 884 1 398 2 379 2 517
2012 503 4 595 472 47 556 929 375 998 137 913 911
------------------------ --------- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ------------- ------------ ---------
(+) The group changed its accounting policy on production phase
stripping costs with effect from 1 January 2012. As a result, the
2011 results have been restated (refer to 'Change in accounting
policy - Production phase stripping costs' of this report for
further details).
* Other reserves includes the cumulative charge recognised under
IFRS 2 in respect of share option schemes (net of amounts
transferred to share capital and share premium) and the
mark-to-market valuation of derivative financial instruments
designated as cash flow hedges, as well as the foreign currency
translation reserve and the movements in current available-for-sale
financial assets.
(#) Restricted shares were issued as remuneration to executive
directors, non-executive directors and senior management. Shares
were also issued to executive directors following approval of their
2011 annual bonus. The transfer between 'other reserves' and 'share
premium' in respect of the shares vested represents the cost
calculated in accordance with IFRS 2.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
Randgold has identified certain measures that it believes will
assist understanding of the performance of the business. As the
measures are not defined under IFRS they may not be directly
comparable with other companies' adjusted measures. The non-GAAP
measures are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to,
any IFRS measures of performance but management has included them
as these are considered to be important comparables and key
measures used within the business for assessing performance.
These measures are explained further below:
Total cash costs and cash cost per ounce are non-GAAP measures.
Total cash costs and total cash cost per ounce are calculated using
guidance issued by the Gold Institute. The Gold Institute was a
non-profit industry association comprising leading gold producers,
refiners, bullion suppliers and manufacturers. This institute has
now been incorporated into the National Mining Association. The
guidance was first issued in 1996 and revised in November 1999.
Total cash costs, as defined in the Gold Institute's guidance,
include mine production, transport and refinery costs, general and
administrative costs, movement in production inventories and ore
stockpiles, transfers to and from deferred stripping where relevant
and royalties. Under the company's accounting policies there are no
transfers to and from deferred stripping.
Total cash cost per ounce is calculated by dividing total cash
costs, as determined using the Gold Institute guidance, by gold
ounces sold for the periods presented. Total cash costs and total
cash cost per ounce are calculated on a consistent basis for the
periods presented. Total cash costs and total cash cost per ounce
should not be considered by investors as an alternative to
operating profit or net profit attributable to shareholders, as an
alternative to other IFRS measures or an indicator of our
performance. The data does not have a meaning prescribed by IFRS
and therefore amounts presented may not be comparable to data
presented by gold producers who do not follow the guidance provided
by the Gold Institute. In particular depreciation and amortisation
would be included in a measure of total costs of producing gold
under IFRS, but are not included in total cash costs under the
guidance provided by the Gold Institute. Furthermore, while the
Gold Institute has provided a definition for the calculation of
total cash costs and total cash cost per ounce, the calculation of
these numbers may vary from company to company and may not be
comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.
However, Randgold believes that total cash cost per ounce is a
useful indicator to investors and management of a mining company's
performance as it provides a measure of a company's profitability
and efficiency, the trends in cash costs as the company's
operations mature, and a benchmark of performance to allow for
comparison against other companies.
Cash operating cost(+) and cash operating cost per ounce(+) are
calculated by deducting royalties from total cash costs. Cash
operating cost per ounce is calculated by dividing cash operating
costs by gold ounces sold for the periods presented.
Gold sales is a non-GAAP measure. It represents the sales of
gold at spot and the gains/losses on hedge contracts which have
been delivered into at the designated maturity date. It excludes
gains/losses on hedge contracts which have been rolled forward to
match future sales. This adjustment is considered appropriate
because no cash is received/paid in respect of these contracts.
Profit from mining activity(+) is calculated by subtracting
total cash costs from gold sales for all periods presented.
Gold on handrepresents gold in dore at the mines multiplied by
the prevailing spot gold price at the end of the period.
(+) The group changed its accounting policy on production phase
stripping costs with effect from 1 January 2012. As a result, the
2011 results have been restated refer to 'Change in accounting
policy - Production phase stripping costs' of this report for
further details).
The following table reconciles total cash costs and profit from
mining activity as non-GAAP measures, to the information provided
in the statement of comprehensive income, determined in accordance
with IFRS, for each of the periods set out below:
NON-GAAP Quarter Quarter Quarter 6 months 6 months
ended ended ended ended ended
30 Jun 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun
US$000 2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold sales on spot 346 563 271 337 321 161 617 900 506 790
Elimination of intercompany
sales (1 204) 442 494 (762) 1 375
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold sales 345 359 271 779 321 655 617 138 508 165
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Mine production costs 102 939 97 208 92 282 200 147 168 380
Movement in production
inventory and ore stockpiles 5 946 (10 779) 12 584 (4 833) 14 863
Transport and refinery
costs 575 860 273 1 435 761
Royalties 18 218 13 461 14 028 31 679 23 172
Other mining and processing
costs 21 200 17 060 18 962 38 260 32 381
Elimination of intercompany
sales 2 745 1 809 (679) 4 554 (717)
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Total cash costs 151 623 119 619 137 450 271 242 238 840
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit from mining activity 193 736 152 160 184 205 345 896 269 325
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Ounces sold 215 825 159 221 184 711 375 046 324 114
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Total cash cost per ounce
sold* 703 751 744 723 737
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Cash operating cost per
ounce sold* 618 667 668 639 665
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Gold on hand at period
end* 7 965 18 218 213 206 7 965 349 473
------------------------------- -------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
* Refer to explanation of non-GAAP measures provided.
PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The group is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties
which are the result of not only the business environment in which
we operate but also of other factors over which we have little or
no control. The board is responsible for the group's systems of
risk management and internal control as well as reviewing their
operational effectiveness.
The group's business units and functions assess the potential
economic and non-economic consequences of their respective risks
using a group level risk standard. Principal risks and
uncertainties are identified when the board, through the business
unit or function, determines the potential consequences could be
materially significant at a group level or where the risk is
connected and may trigger a succession of events that, in
aggregate, become material to the group. Once identified, each
principle risk and uncertainty is reviewed by the relevant internal
experts and by the board.
The following describes the main known principal risks and
uncertainties that could materially affect the group. The group's
strategy takes into account known risks but there may be additional
risks unknown to the group and other risks, currently believed to
be immaterial, which could turn out to be material. The risk
factors outlined below omit the management detail on how each risk
is managed and mitigated and the potential financial impact of the
risks on the group. A full analysis of the group's risk factors as
well as its risk management processes are documented on pages 118
to 124 of the 2011 Annual Report which should be considered along
with items 3, 11, 17 and 18 of the 2011 Annual Report on Form-20F,
both of which are available on the group's website
www.randgoldresources.com. As we operate in a dynamic and changing
environment risks are continually evaluated to ensure the business
achieves its strategic objectives. A formal annual risk analysis
and review is performed across the business out of which the
following key risks were identified.
The principal risks and uncertainties should be considered in
connection with any forward looking statements and the country
analysis in this document and the cautionary statement below.
EXTERNAL RISKS IMPACT
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Gold price volatility Earnings and cash flow volatility from sudden
or significant declines in the gold price.
Country Inadequate monitoring of in-country political
instability and changes to political environment
may impact the ability to sustain operations.
Corporate, social and Poor management of stakeholder communication
environmental responsibility and expectations with a lack of community development
activities may lead to the inability to sustain
operations in the area and impact the group's
ability to expand into other regions.
Supply routes Due to the remote location of the operations
the disruption of supply route may cause delays
with construction and mine activities.
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL RISKS IMPACT
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Production and capital Failure to control cash cost per ounce will
cost control result in reduced profits. Failure or inability
to monitor capital expenditure and progress
of capital projects resulting in financial
losses and overspend on projects.
Insufficient liquidity, The group may be required in the long term,
inappropriate financial to seek funding from the global credit and
strategy, poor treasury capital markets to develop its properties.
management and inability Volatility and uncertainty in those markets
to access funding from could adversely affect the group's operations,
global credit and capital treasury position and the ability to obtain
markets financing and capital resources required by
the business. Inappropriate treasury management
of the group's surplus cash, counter party
risk or significant changes in exchange rates
could adversely affect the group's operations
and profitability.
In country tax regimes Failure to adapt or react to changes in tax
regimes and regulations may result in fines
and financial losses. Inability to enforce
legislation over tax or incorrectly applied
legislation may result in lengthy arbitration
and loss of profits.
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONAL RISKS IMPACT
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Sustained resource and The group's mining operations may yield less
exploration failure gold under actual production conditions than
indicated by its gold reserve figures, which
are estimates based on a number of assumptions,
including mining and recovery factors, production
costs and gold price.
Environmental, health, Failure to maintain environmental, health and
safety and security safety standards resulting in significant environmental
incident or safety incidents or deterioration in safety
performance standards leading to loss of life
or significant loss of time and disruption
or damage to operations.
Risks associated with The group's underground projects are subject
underground mining to the risks associated with underground mining
which may affect the profitability of the group.
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC RISKS IMPACT
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Lack of identification Lack of identification of new exploration targets
of new exploration targets may lead to a loss of revenue and an inability
to grow and meet strategic objectives. Exploration
and development are costly activities with
no guarantee of success, but are necessary
for future growth of the group.
Failure to attract and The loss of any key staff or the lack of internal
retain its key staff succession planning and the failure to attract
and poor succession appropriate staff within the group may cause
planning short term disruption to the business and operations.
------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL
The company has performed well in respect of both its operating
assets and its development projects. Consequently, the Key
Performance Indicators set at the beginning of the year remain
intact and the company is anticipating higher production in the
second half of the year, as forecast at the beginning of the year.
Similarly, the company's exploration activities continue to make
meaningful progress, both in respect of existing projects and
across its greenfields portfolio, in support of its organic growth
objectives.
The directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
a) These second quarter results have been prepared in accordance
with IAS 34 as adopted by the European Union; and
b) The interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules
(4.2.7R and 4.2.8R).
By order of the board
D M Bristow G P Shuttleworth
Chief Executive Financial Director
9 August 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RANDGOLD RESOURCES NEWS UPDATES
LOULO-GOUNKOTO COMPLEX COMES INTO ITS OWN
The Loulo-Gounkoto complex in Mali racked up new records in Q2
as all its operations delivered solid performances, setting the
scene for the delivery of 500 000 ounces in 2012 as forecast and
underscoring its status as a world-class operation which ranks
among the largest of its kind in Africa.
Production was 132 481 ounces, tonnes processed exceeded 1
million and the development rate at the Yalea underground mine also
achieved a new high of more than 1 000 metres per month. Costs
continued their steady decrease, with underground mining costs
coming down from US$62 per ore tonne in January 2012 to US$46 in
June. Profit from mining activity of US$130 million is also a new
milestone for the complex. Loulo GM Chiaka Berthe attributes the
complex's impressive showing to the improved mining efficiency at
Gounkoto, Yalea and Gara mines as well as to the successful
commissioning of the third mill earlier this year.
The mill's performance is ahead of design, achieving an average
of 350 000tpm for the quarter. The aim is now to stabilise this
throughput rate, and to focus on further improvements through
additional debottlenecking and process upgrades. Once this level
has been reached and maintained, the first phase of the envisaged
plant expansion will effectively have been achieved and exceeded by
cost-effectively utilising existing resources. The 'super
expansion' option, which would have increased throughput to 450
000tpm but at considerable expense, has therefore been put on hold
until the full impact of the current expansion has been
assessed.
"Loulo's success is the product of perseverance in the face of
multiple challenges by a highly motivated and skilled team of West
Africans, supported by Randgold's strategy of empowering and
supporting local managements," says chief executive Mark
Bristow.
On 6 August, the Gounkoto mine was officially opened (see story
below). Gounkoto is operationally part of Loulo but is a separate
corporate entity. Having recouped its capital in the previous
quarter, Gounkoto declared a dividend of US$65.1 million in June in
respect of the 2011 year.
GOUNKOTO GOLD MINE OFFICIALLY OPENED
Randgold's Gounkoto gold mine in Mali has been officially opened
by the country's minister of the economy, finance and budget, Tiena
Coulibaly, accompanied by the ministers of mines, environment and
public works.
Gounkoto is Randgold's fourth gold mine in Mali and while it is
a separate corporate entity with its own mining licence, it is
operationally linked to the company's nearby Loulo complex, itself
in the process of expansion.
Speaking at the opening ceremony which was attended by
Randgold's board of directors, members of the Mali government,
ambassadors, local and traditional authorities and business
partners, chief executive Mark Bristow said the Loulo-Gounkoto
combination was shaping up as one of the largest gold mining
operations in Africa. The mine complex would not only support the
company's continued growth but would entrench and expand gold
mining as a major contributor to the Malian economy. He noted that
Randgold's long-established and productive partnership with the
State and people of Mali had provided the firm foundation for the
decision to build another new mine there.
Chairman Philippe Lietard described Randgold's continuing
investment in the development of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex as a
vote of confidence in Mali's future. While the country was still in
the process of re-establishing its democratic institutions after
its political crisis earlier this year, Randgold believed that it
had the will and ability to achieve a full recovery.
"Mali has shown in the past that it can work through its
internal problems and come out stronger on the other side, and we
believe it will do so again now, setting an example for other
countries not only in Africa but across the world," he said.
TONGON MAINTAINS STEADY IMPROVEMENT
Having successfully negotiated the transition zone of the
orebody, Tongon continues to improve throughput and production.
Tonnes treated rose from 756kt to 853kt quarter on quarter and gold
production increased from 47 141 ounces to 56 432 ounces over the
same period. Transition ore will amount to less than 10% of plant
feed in the third quarter, which should enable the plant to achieve
its designed processing capacity. The improving stability of the
power supply from the national grid should also contribute to
increased production and reduced costs.
MINING STARTS AT KIBALI AS PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES TO DELIVER
PROGRESS
Open pit mining has started at the giant Kibali gold project in
the DRC, which remains on track for first production towards the
end of next year.
At the same time, decline development for the underground mine
has commenced with a boxcut to open up the tunnel portals, while
terracing for the metallurgical plant, earthworks for the first of
four hydropower stations and infrastructure construction are all
progressing well. The construction fleet of 13 excavators and 53
trucks is working round the clock and up to the end of June, more
than 500 000m(3) of soil had been excavated and 100 000m(3) of fill
exceeded. Manufacturing of the mills and hydroturbines is 85%
complete and more than 1 000 tonnes of structural steel and
platework is en route to the site. The project currently employs
some 3 500 people, of whom 700 are housed on site.
The resettlement programme, clearing the site for development,
is also on schedule, with 774 families already relocated to the new
model village of Kokiza. The village will ultimately accommodate 3
800 families and construction of all their homes, as well as a
civic infrastructure which will include schools, clinics, shops and
churches, is progressing rapidly.
Mark Bristow, chief executive of project developer and 45%
shareholder Randgold, told media at a recent briefing in Kinshasa
that all the challenges presented by a multi-faceted world-class
project in a remote part of Africa had thus far been successfully
overcome, thanks in large measure to the productive co-operation
between Kibali and the DRC government, which owns 10% of the
project.
"The DRC had for years tried to interest the major mining
companies in this project but all were daunted by its scale and
location. When we came on board in 2009 our first step was to
engage the State in a partnership, and the extent to which both
parties have delivered on their commitment is evident in Kibali's
brisk rate of development," Bristow said. "Another factor in the
project's progress is the Randgold team's experience of developing
gold mines in Africa - Kibali is our fifth - and its hands-on
management style. Our executives can drive multiple processes
running in parallel, making sure that we deliver on all our
objectives, including deadlines and budgets, and keeping seven sets
of contractors in step."
Bristow noted that since acquiring the project in 2009, Kibali
had doubled its reserves, extended the scope and size of the
operation, achieved community acceptance of a large-scale
resettlement exercise, developed infrastructure and started
construction ahead of the original schedule. "We also had to deal
with elaborate permitting processes, logistical challenges and
joint venture partners whose buy-in had to be obtained at each
stage. All these obstacles were overcome," he said.
Earlier the same day, Bristow addressed a DRC Ministry of Mines
conference on the country's mining code which is currently being
reviewed.
"We don't have a problem with the code as it stands, only with
its application. As investors, one of our key requirements for a
tax system is that it should be stable, predictable and transparent
- we need to be able to plan our tax affairs with a reasonable
degree of certainty. That's why we believe the best way forward for
the DRC government and its mining partners is not to change the
rules but to apply them more efficiently and consistently," Bristow
said.
"Given the DRC's need for economic development and its wealth of
mineral resources, the argument for using a stable and
well-administered regulatory regime to promote the country as a
major mining investment destination is so strong as to be
unanswerable."
KIBALI VOTED THE BEST CSR COMPANY IN DRC
At the CSR Round Table conference held at the Grand Hotel in
Kinshasa in June, Kibali management earned a well deserved accolade
when the mine was voted overall winner of the Trophy of Excellence.
Kibali gold mine was voted the best company in DRC for Corporate
Social Responsibility. Second was Tenke Fungurume, and third was
Vodacom.
RATING THE COUNTRIES
Randgold's African country rating is an integral part of its
risk management and internal control systems, which continually
evolve as the business grows.
Taking into account geological opportunity, political stability,
the economic and fiscal regime and infrastructure, the system ranks
countries as A, B, C or D. To qualify for an 'A' rating, a country
has to have known potential for gold deposits in excess of 3
million ounces, a functional democracy, a stable society,
acceptable mining and tax legislation, and a reasonably developed
infrastructure. Randgold will actively target 'A' countries for
exploration and development opportunities and will invest in
grassroots projects there.
'B' countries also need to have significant gold potential but
can grade lower against the other metrics. Randgold will, however,
invest in existing projects or joint ventures which meet its
criteria in such countries. Down the scale, 'C' countries may have
one or more of the following attributes: totalitarian governments;
less stable economies; and poor infrastructures. If their
geological potential rates an 'A', they will be monitored for
improvement in the other areas. 'D' countries are effectively no-go
areas.
Risk management is fundamental to how the company creates value
and delivers on its business plans. Ultimate responsibility for
risk lies with the board but within each layer of the business,
risk management is a key tool embedded into the company's
activities and business model. A risk register is maintained for
the group and the operations, with each executive committee member
having designated responsibility for key risks.
Responding to risks is a key part of our continued success and
therefore regular critical review and evaluation of risk occurs,
including at board level to provide oversight of the strategic
direction of the group.
FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE SUPPORTS OPERATIONAL GROWTH
As Randgold continues to grow, ensuring that it has the right
financial controls to match its entrepreneurial spirit while coping
with its expanding size has become a major management priority.
CFO Graham Shuttleworth says the focus over the past quarter has
been on ensuring that the company has the right people in the right
places, and on improving the financial knowledge of the various
operational teams as well as the networking between them. The
company's philosophy, he says, is that finance is not a service
department but an integral part of the operating teams.
"There is a single-minded emphasis on standardised reporting and
the timely delivery of accurate data. On-time data allows
pro-active decision-making, which is a key element of Randgold's
management style," he says.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT ESTABLISHES PUBLIC BASELINE
Randgold has published its first sustainability report in
accordance with the requirements of the Global Reporting
Initiative, establishing a publicly visible baseline against which
its sustainability indicator data can in future be continuously
measured. The report achieved its targeted C+ GRI rating. Randgold
has also submitted its annual greenhouse gas report to the Carbon
Disclosure Project. As its operations grow, total CO(2) emissions
have increased, but emission intensities are continuing to come
down across all measures (tonnes mined, tonnes milled, ounces
produced, profit and revenue). "We continue to show that we are
earning our social licence to operate, by international as well as
in-country standards," says GM sustainability Charles Wells.
FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
Exploration continues to deliver growth opportunities
The past quarter saw the annual tour of all West African
exploration projects by chief executive Mark Bristow and the
exploration executive team - this year all mounted on motorbikes as
part of the Nos Vies en Partage charity fundraising tour (see story
below).
"The trip reinforced our commitment to exploration as the
bedrock of the company," says GM exploration Paul Harbidge.
"Investing in organic growth opportunities for the future continues
to deliver results, as is clear from the many attractive prospects
in and around our big footprints at Loulo and Kibali. There's also
a lot of leverage in the Cote d'Ivoire, where we hold big and as
yet under-explored tenements beyond the Nielle permit which houses
our Tongon mine."
"We've re-established a presence in Burkina Faso and in Senegal
we've had early stage but constructive meetings with the new
government on infrastructure for the Massawa project, currently the
subject of a comprehensive geological and development review,"
Harbidge said.
3BOYZONBIKES COMPLETE MARATHON MOTORBIKE RIDE FOR CHARITY
Randgold chief executive Mark Bristow and his 3boyzonbikes team
arrived in Abidjan on 7 July, at the end of a 13 000 kilometre
motorcycle ride that took them from Bagshot in England through 17
European and African countries to Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire.
The purpose of the ride, the second of its kind Bristow has
undertaken, was to raise money for humanitarian causes in Africa
and to support the Julian Baring Fund, which promotes the training
of geologists and mining engineers from African countries. The
team, who travelled as much as 820 kilometres or seven hours a day
(on one day taking a gruelling 14 hours to cover 340 kilometres),
received donations totalling more than US$550 000, which has been
distributed among some 40 orphanages, schools and community health
projects in Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire,
Burkina Faso, Malawi and South Africa.
"Riding a motorbike through Africa is very different to flying
over it. You get up close to the ordinary people in towns and
villages and, as a motorbike provides no insulation against your
environment, you can see the need for a helping hand to deprived
communities very vividly. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors,
we've been able to make a small but helpful contribution to their
upliftment," Bristow said.
The 3boyzonbikes team, which included Bristow's two sons, was
joined in Senegal by members of the Randgold exploration executive
committee and the latter part of the trip also covered a tour of
the company's operations and exploration projects in West Africa as
well as meetings with the governments in Senegal, Mali and Cote
d'Ivoire.
"I was impressed by the new Senegalese government's
enthusiastically supportive attitude to mining and by the
go-getting approach of the interim government in Mali. Mali is not
out of the post-coup woods yet but everyone there is working very
hard to find the best way forward," Bristow said. "It was also
heartening to note that wherever we went along our route, from tiny
hamlets to ministry offices, we received a genuinely warm
welcome."
The team kept an online journal of their progress and adventures
at www.3boyzonbikes.comwhere sponsors and beneficiaries of the
marathon are also listed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Except for
the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed
in this news release are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933 and Section
21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and applicable
Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the
future price of gold, the estimation of mineral reserves and
resources, the realisation of mineral reserve estimates, the timing
and amount of estimated future production, costs of production,
reserve determination and reserve conversion rates. Generally,
these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as 'will', 'plans', 'expects' or
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or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could',
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Assumptions upon which such forward-looking statements are based
are in turn based on factors and events that are not within the
control of Randgold and there is no assurance they will prove to be
correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the
actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of
Randgold to be materially different from those expressed or implied
by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:
risks related to the integration of Randgold and Moto, risks
related to mining operations, including political risks and
instability and risks related to international operations, actual
results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic
evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be
refined, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled
'Risk Factors' in Randgold's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the
year ended 31 December 2011 which was filed with the US Securities
and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on 31 March 2012. Although
Randgold 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. There can
be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Randgold does
not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein,
except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS: the SEC permits companies, in
their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proven and probable
ore reserves. We use certain terms in this release, such as
'resources', that the SEC does not recognise and strictly prohibits
us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are
cautioned not to assume that all or any parts of our resources will
ever be converted into reserves which qualify as 'proven and
probable reserves' for the purposes of the SEC's Industry Guide
number 7.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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