Richmont Mines Reports Results for the Third Quarter of 2012
(firmenpresse) - MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/08/12 -- Richmont Mines Inc. (TSX: RIC)(NYSE Amex: RIC)(NYSE MKT: RIC), ("Richmont" or the "Corporation"), today announced financial and operational results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2012. Financial results are based on International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and dollars are reported in Canadian currency, unless otherwise noted.
Highlights:
Mr. Paul Carmel, President and CEO, commented on the quarter: "Our third quarter results, although an improvement over Q2, remain below our expectations due to a challenging quarter at our Quebec operations. Cash costs at the Francoeur and Beaufor mines were above expectations, primarily due to lower than expected grades. Francoeur's performance can also be explained by start-up issues and the tight labour situation for experienced underground miners in Quebec, which translated into tonnage shortfalls. Another important factor leading to our lower earnings were high exploration and project evaluations costs, which totaled $4.6 million (or $0.14/share) in the quarter, and reflect our deep exploration program at our Island Gold Mine, and our ongoing project optimization efforts and diamond drilling at Wasamac. These are relatively large expenses for a company of Richmont's size, but must be done to ensure its growth."
He continued: "Balance sheet-wise, the quarter was an important one. We completed a $26 million private placement that restored the Corporation's cash position to the $60.0 million level, and we successfully removed essentially all long-term debt as a result of the early retirement of the $10.0 million of debentures. Richmont's shares outstanding increased from 33.6 to 39.6 million shares outstanding, well below that of most of its peers in the industry."
Lastly, Mr. Carmel commented on the Corporation's exploration efforts: "Most exciting during the quarter was our outstanding deep drill results at our Island Gold operation. We have added a third diamond drill underground in an effort to complete our initial resource estimate by Q1 2013. Grades, widths and continuity of the C Zone at depth are exceeding our expectations and we look forward to keeping the market apprised of developments as they become available."
Mr. Carmel concluded: "In the near-to-medium term, we will continue to focus on maximizing productivity, enhancing mine sequencing and increasing recovered grades at our operating mines, and ramping up the Francoeur Mine to full production levels. We will similarly be focused on advancing our deep drilling exploration work at the Island Gold Mine, with the objective of generating a resource calculation for the area below the current infrastructure and existing resource base, and continuing exploration and project optimization work on the Wasamac Gold Property. With approximately 73% of our 2012 production objective realized at the end of the third quarter, we are on track to meet our gold production objective of 65,000 ounces for the year, and are targeting 2013 production of approximately 85,000 to 95,000 ounces of gold. Finally, while developing the production profile of our existing asset base remains the core of Richmont's efforts to generate increased shareholder value, we continue to evaluate selective acquisition opportunities that would complement and enhance our already sizeable property base."
Third Quarter Results
Precious metals revenue for the third quarter of 2012 was $27.9 million, below the $30.3 million of revenue generated in the comparable quarter of 2011. The decline reflects a 6% decrease in the number of gold ounces sold and a lower average selling price of US$1,669 (CAN$1,673), versus US$1,720 (CAN$1,701) in the comparable period of 2011.
Cost of sales, which includes operating costs, royalties and depreciation and depletion, totalled $20.6 million in the third quarter of 2012, up from $18.2 million in the year-ago period, primarily reflecting the onset of commercial production at the Francoeur Mine on August 1, 2012. The total average cash cost per ounce of gold sold increased to US$1,070 (CAN$1,072) in the third quarter from US$894 (CAN$884) in the comparable period of 2011.
Exploration and project evaluation costs totalled $4.6 million in the third quarter of 2012, up from $3.8 million in third quarter of 2011. This year-over-year increase reflects the extensive deep drilling exploration program currently underway at the Island Gold Mine.
Richmont generated net earnings of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, in the third quarter of 2012, compared to net earnings of $6.1 million, or $0.19 per share, in the third quarter of 2011.
Third Quarter News
Richmont Successfully Retires $10 Million of Debentures
In late September 2012, Richmont announced the early retirement, without penalty, of $10.0 million of debentures held by Mr. Bob Buchan and two members of his immediate family. As a result of the retirement of the debentures, Mr. Buchan resigned from Richmont's Board of Directors. In conjunction with this news, Richmont announced that Mr. Sidney Horn had stepped down as a member of the Corporation's Board, but will remain in his role as Corporate Secretary. The successful retirement of the debentures returned Richmont to a position of limited long-term debt levels. For full details, please see the September 24, 2012 press release entitled "Richmont Mines announces the immediate retirement of CAN$10 million debenture".
$26 Million Private Placement Completed
The Corporation completed a non-brokered private placement with four institutional funds in late September 2012. Under terms of the placement, Richmont issued 5.97 million common shares at $4.35 per common share which generated a total cash consideration of $26.0 million. The offering increased the Corporation's shares outstanding from 33.6 million to 39.6 million, and its cash position to $66.2 million. The net proceeds of the offering will be used for working capital purposes and to fund Richmont's future growth. Please see the September 26, 2012 press release entitled "Richmont Mines Inc. closes CAN$26 million private placement" for additional details.
Deep Drilling at Island Gold Continues to Generate Positive Results
Richmont released additional results from the 35,000 metre deep drilling exploration program underway at the Island Gold Mine. Results suggest that the C Zone is currently the most continuous of the four previously identified zones, and that it appears to be a continuation at depth of the zone currently being mined at Island Gold. New cut grade, true width drill results include 31.60 g/t Au over 6.59 metres, 27.16 g/t Au over 10.62 metres and 14.21 g/t Au over 8.02 metres. The Corporation's objective with this program is to establish resources below the current infrastructure of the Island Gold Mine, which currently reaches a maximum depth of approximately 400 metres below surface. In addition, Richmont is evaluating the potential construction of an exploration shaft in order to accelerate and further identify deep resources at Island Gold. Please see the September 10, 2012 press release entitled "New deep drill results reaffirm promising potential at depth at Island Gold Mine" for additional details.
Monique Exploration Program
Richmont submitted the required documentation for the permitting for a small open-pit on the Monique exploration project, located near Val-d'Or, Quebec, in November 2011. The Corporation's main objective for this asset in 2013 is to process a 5,000 tonne bulk sample from this property at the Camflo Mill, in order to confirm previously completed grade evaluation, metallurgical recovery estimation and overburden slope parameters. The Monique property has Indicated open pit estimated resources of 728,164 tonnes grading 2.35 g/t Au for 55,112 ounces of gold.
W Zone
The Corporation continued to advance exploration work on the W Zone, a near-surface satellite deposit on the Beaufor Mine property, during the quarter. Specifically, an additional 244 metres of the planned ramp were completed during the third quarter of 2012, bringing the total completed exploration ramp to 846 metres. The Corporation spent a total of $2.7 million in the third quarter and $7.9 million in the first nine months of 2012 on property, plant and equipment, and exploration efforts on this zone. Exploration work is expected to be completed in 2013, after which Richmont will extract a bulk sample for processing at the Camflo Mill.
Wasamac Exploration Program
Efforts to optimize the Wasamac project mine design throughout 2012 continue to progress well, with emphasis being focused on the Main Zone where results from completed exploration demonstrate that the geometry, grade, widths and metallurgy appear to be the most promising. The Corporation currently has three exploration drills operating on this area with the objective of improving definition and expanding the resource base. Richmont is similarly continuing efforts to assess the economic impact of a smaller scale operation that would initially focus on the Main Zone only, but would be scalable over time to take advantage of beneficial economic conditions. The Corporation expects to complete approximately 55,000 metres of exploration drilling on the property in 2012, and will continue to update the market as results from these efforts become available.
Beaufor Mine - 5 Years (1 Million Hours) Without a Lost-Time Accident
During the quarter, the Beaufor Mine achieved a truly remarkable milestone for a narrow vein gold mine, namely 5 years (1 million hours) without a lost-time accident. This accomplishment is a testament to the skilled and cohesive nature of the entire team at Beaufor, and the Corporation wishes to extend its sincere congratulations.
Nine-Month Review
Precious metals revenue for the first three quarters of 2012 totalled $79.3 million, down 8% from the $86.0 million in revenue for the same period in 2011. This reflects a 16% decrease in the number of ounces of gold sold, the effects of which were partially mitigated by a 10% increase in the average selling price per ounce of gold in Canadian dollars.
Cost of sales, which includes operating costs, royalties, custom milling and depreciation and depletion, amounted to $57.6 million for the first nine months of 2012, up 10% over $52.4 million during the same period in 2011. This was primarily due to a 20% increase in tonnage from the Beaufor Mine, the onset of commercial production at the Francoeur Mine on August 1, 2012, and higher mining costs at the Island Gold Mine. Average cash cost per ounce were US$1,040 (CAN$1,042) for the first nine months of 2012, versus US$801 (CAN$792) in the comparable period of 2011, with the increase primarily a reflection of lower recovered grades at Island Gold and Beaufor mines and the inclusion of commercial production from Francoeur Mine at a higher cost per ounce.
Exploration and project evaluation costs were $14.2 million during the first nine months of 2012, up from $8.0 million during the same period in 2011. This year-over-year cost increase primarily reflects the Corporation's extensive exploration program at depth at the Island Gold Mine, and ongoing exploration efforts at the Wasamac gold property and the Beaufor mine.
For the first nine months of 2012, Richmont generated an adjusted net earnings of $0.8 million, or $0.02 per share, which excluded a one-time severance cost of $2.0 million ($1.5 million after-tax) that was paid to the Corporation's past President and CEO, and a $33.2 million ($27.9 million after-tax) write-down on the Francoeur Mine. During the comparable period of 2011, the Corporation generated adjusted net earnings of $17.5 million, or $0.55 per share, which excluded a $3.0 million ($2.3 million after-tax) gain on the sale of the Valentine Lake property.
Financial Position and Capital Structure
At September 30, 2012, Richmont cash and cash equivalents were $66.2 million, compared with $63.5 million at December 31, 2011. This reflects the $7.6 million of cash flow generated from operating activities year-to-date and $26.0 million generated from the issuance of common shares following the private placement completed at the end of September, partially offset by the $31.5 million spent on investment activities in the first nine months of 2012 at the Corporation's producing mines and advanced exploration projects. As of September 30, 2012, Richmont Mines had 572 employees, working capital of $66.6 million, 39.6 million shares outstanding, no gold or currency hedging contracts and limited long-term liabilities.
Island Gold Mine
During the third quarter of 2012, the Island Gold Mine processed 56,079 tonnes of ore at a grade of 5.55 g/t, and 9,688 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,673 (CAN$1,677) per ounce. For the same period last year, 63,472 tonnes of ore were processed at a grade of 5.99 g/t, and 11,693 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,733 (CAN$1,714) per ounce. Processed tonnage from the Island Gold Mine declined year-over-year in the third quarter, reflecting higher gold inventories in the circuit not stripped at quarter end. This, combined with a slightly lower processed grade, resulted in lower gold ounce sales compared to the year-ago period. Third quarter production cash costs at Island Gold increased to US$850 (CAN$852) in 2012, from US$801 (CAN$792) for the same period last year, primarily reflecting the slightly lower recovered grade.
For the first nine months of 2012, 177,490 tonnes of ore were processed at a grade of 5.53 g/t, and 30,377 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,656 (CAN$1,660) per ounce. This compared to tonnage of 194,712 at a grade of 6.19 g/t, and gold sales of 37,209 ounces at an average price of US$1,523 (CAN$1,506) in the comparable nine month period of 2011. Lower tonnage and grades resulted in cash costs per ounce sold increasing to US$884 (CAN$886) in the first nine months of 2012 versus US$740 (CAN$732) in the comparable period of 2011.
The Corporation continues to anticipate that the Island Gold Mine will produce 40,000 to 45,000 ounces of gold in 2012, and 45,000 to 50,000 ounces in 2013.
Beaufor Mine
During the third quarter of 2012, 32,470 tonnes of ore were processed from the Beaufor Mine at a grade of 5.10 g/t, and 5,202 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,669 (CAN$1,673) per ounce. In the comparable quarter of 2011, 26,801 tonnes of ore were processed at a grade of 7.32 g/t, and 6,139 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,695 (CAN$1,677) per ounce. Cash costs at the Beaufor Mine increased to US$1,292 (CAN$1,295) per ounce sold in the third quarter of 2012, compared with US$1,069 (CAN$1,058) in the comparable quarter of 2011, reflecting a lower grade that stemmed from a combination of a higher percentage of development ore being processed in the quarter, and a higher dilution rate in one long-hole stope and one low-grade room and pillar that were mined during the quarter.
During the first nine months of 2012, 90,196 tonnes of ore were processed from the Beaufor Mine at a grade of 5.48 g/t, and 15,554 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,659 (CAN$1,663) per ounce. In the comparable period of 2011, 74,944 tonnes of ore were processed from the Beaufor Mine at a grade of 8.42 g/t, and 19,942 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,520 (CAN$1,503) per ounce. Year-to-date cash costs per ounce were US$1,279 (CAN$1,282) in 2012 versus US$914 (CAN$904) in the comparable period of 2011, with the annual increase driven by a lower recovered grade.
The Corporation expects the Beaufor Mine to produce 20,000 to 25,000 ounces of gold in both 2012 and 2013.
Francoeur Mine
During the third quarter of 2012, its first quarter of commercial production, 16,023 tonnes of ore were processed from the Francoeur Mine at a grade of 3.61 g/t, which generated gold sales of 1,801 ounces at an average price of US$1,646 (CAN$1,650) per ounce. Elevated cash cost per ounce levels of US$1,608 (CAN$1,612) during the period reflect the fact that this was the mine's first quarter of commercial production and, as such, targeted production levels of 11,000 tonnes per month have not yet been achieved. While there are stopes available for mining, several key production roles need to be filled for targeted production objectives to be realized. The Corporation is diligently working to fill these positions.
Camflo Mill
The Camflo Mill processed a total of 50,562 tonnes during the third quarter of 2012, above the 31,828 tonnes processed during the third quarter of 2011. Year-to-date, a total of 135,281 tonnes were processed at the Camflo Mill, up from tonnage of 80,062 in the year-ago period. The quarterly and year-to-date increases reflect higher tonnage from the Beaufor Mine, and the higher levels of tonnage from the Francoeur Mine following the commencement of commercial production at the beginning of August 2012.
Paul Carmel, President and Chief Executive Officer
About Richmont Mines Inc.
Richmont Mines has produced over 1,300,000 ounces of gold from its operations in Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland since beginning production in 1991. The Corporation currently produces gold from its Island Gold and Beaufor mines, and has recently brought the Francoeur Mine into commercial production. With extensive experience in gold exploration, development and mining, the Corporation is well positioned to cost-effectively build its Canadian reserve base through a combination of organic growth, strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Richmont routinely posts news and other important information on its website ().
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and apply only as of the date on which they were made.
The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include changes in the prevailing price of gold, the Canadian-United States exchange rate, grade of ore mined and unforeseen difficulties in mining operations that could affect revenue and production costs. Other factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in Richmont Mines' Annual Information Form, Annual Reports and periodic reports.
Regulation 43-101 ("R 43-101")
The geological data in this news release has been reviewed by Mr. Daniel Adam, Geo., Ph.D, Exploration General Manager, an employee of Richmont Mines Inc., and a qualified person as defined by R 43-101.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates
Information in this press release is intended to comply with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange and applicable Canadian securities legislation, which differ in certain respects with the rules and regulations promulgated under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), as promulgated by the SEC. The reserve and resource estimates in this press release were prepared in accordance with R 43-101 adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators. The requirements of R 43-101 differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
U.S. Investors are urged to consider the disclosure in our annual report on Form 20-F, File No. 001-14598, as filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which may be obtained from us (without cost) or from the SEC's web site: .
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOLLOW.
EXPLORATION AND PROJECT EVALUATION
FINANCIAL DATA
SALES AND PRODUCTION DATA
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements available on SEDAR ().
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements available on SEDAR ().
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements available on SEDAR ().
Contacts:
Investor Relations:
Jennifer Aitken
RICHMONT MINES INC.
Phone: 514 397-1410
E-mail:
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Datum: 08.11.2012 - 13:00 Uhr
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