DJ Polymetal: Q4 and FY 2022 production results
Polymetal International plc (POLY) Polymetal: Q4 and FY 2022 production results 25-Jan-2023 / 10:00 MSK Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement, transmitted by EquityStory RS. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Release time IMMEDIATE LSE, MOEX, AIX: POLY
ADR: AUCOY
Date 25 January 2023
Polymetal International plc Q4 and FY 2022 production results
Polymetal (the "Company" or the "Group") reports strong production results for the fourth quarter of 2022 and meets full-year production guidance of 1.7 Moz GE.
"2022 presented unprecedented challenges for our company. Nevertheless, Polymetal met original production guidance and maintained solid safety performance. In 2023, we are targeting stable production and return to free cash flow generation", said Vitaly Nesis, Group CEO of Polymetal.
HIGHLIGHTS
-- No fatal accidents among the Group's employees and contractors occurred in 2022. Lost time injuryfrequency rate (LTIFR) among the Company's workforce for the full year decreased by 17% year-on-year (y-o-y) to0.10. Days lost due to work-related injuries (DIS) fell by 42% y-o-y to 877.
-- The Company's FY 2022 gold equivalent ("GE") production amounted to 1,712 Koz, a y-o-y increase of 2% andin line with the original production guidance of 1.7 Moz. First full year of operations at Nezhda and initialproduction at Kytyn compensated for declining grades at mature assets. Q4 GE output grew by 16% y-o-y to 540 Kozdriven by Nezhda contribution and strong grades at Kyzyl.
-- POX-2 and other developement projects progressed in line with the revised schedules. 2023 will be markedby the launch of Voro flotation plant and start of mining at Prognoz.
-- Revenue for FY 2022 stood at USUSD 2.8 billion, a y-o-y decrease of 3% on the back of lower average goldand silver prices. Q4 revenue was up by 30% y-o-y to USUSD 1.0 billion as the Company sold down metal and concentrateinventory accumulated in the previous quarters. The remaining gap between production and sales is expected to closeduring the course of H1 2023.
-- In Q4, net debt decreased by USUSD 0.4 billion to approximately USUSD 2.4 billion on the back of strongpositive free cash flows from unwinding of working capital.
-- The Company expects full-year Total Cash Costs ("TCC") and All-in Sustaining Cash Costs ("AISC") to bewithin the announced guidance range of USUSD 900-1,000/GE oz and USUSD 1,300-1,400/GE oz, respectively. CAPEX is alsoestimated within the guidance range of USUSD 725-775 million.
2023 OUTLOOK
-- The Company reiterates its current production guidance for FY 2023 of 1.7 Moz of GE.
-- Polymetal expects its costs to be in the ranges of USUSD 950-1,000/GE oz for TCC and USUSD 1,300-1,400/GE ozfor AISC[1]. A minor y-o-y increase is mostly due to domestic inflation, stronger rouble, and royalty increase inKazakhstan.
-- Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately USUSD 700-750 million. Major investment projectsinclude POX-2, Albazino power line, Voro flotation, and Prognoz.
UPDATE ON THE POTENTIAL MODIFICATION OF ASSET HOLDING STRUCTURE
-- As previously announced, the Company has continued to evaluate all available options to modify its assetholding structure in order to maximise shareholder value.
-- Further to the announcement on 22 September 2022, the Company has progressed the evaluation of apotential re-domiciliation of the parent company, Polymetal International plc, to jurisdiction deemed to be"friendly" by the Russian Federation, a move which could unblock the ability to execute further corporate actions.
-- Based on the initial analysis, the Company are of the view that a re-domiciliation into the AstanaInternational Financial Centre (AIFC), a financial hub in Astana, Kazakhstan, is the preferred jurisdiction, takinginto account the Group's significant operations and presence in the region, the AIFC legal system, tax regime andthe ability to execute such a re-domiciliation.
-- Should the Company proceed with a re-domiciliation to the AIFC, The Company's primary listing may move toAIX where its Ordinary Shares will be traded with the new ISIN. The Company will look to ensure continuousliquidity of trading.
-- The evaluation of the re-domiciliation process continues to be ongoing and will, in any event, be subjectto a number of conditions. No decision has been made in relation to the various options available to the Company.There can therefore be no certainty that the Company will proceed with, or ultimately complete, a re-domiciliationnor any certainty as to which jurisdiction would be ultimately selected were it to proceed.
-- The Company confirms that any actions will be compliant with all applicable international sanctions,counter-sanctions and regulatory requirements.
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[1] Based on 65 RUB/USD, 450 KZT/USD rates, 7% inflation in Russia and 9% in Kazakhstan. OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
3 months ended 12 months ended
% %
Dec 31, Dec 31,
change1 change1
2022 2021 2022 2021
Waste mined, Mt 49.0 53.9 -9% 211.1 205.9 +3%
Underground development, km 23.5 25.0 -6% 98.0 95.5 +3%
Ore mined, Mt 4.5 4.1 +11% 19.5 15.6 +24%
Open-pit 3.5 3.0 +17% 15.4 11.7 +32%
Underground 1.0 1.1 -6% 4.1 4.0 +3%
Ore processed, Mt 4.7 4.1 +15% 18.3 15.8 +16%
Average GE grade processed, g/t 3.9 4.0 -2% 3.6 3.8 -4%
Production
Gold, Koz 451 385 +17% 1,450 1,422 +2%
Silver, Moz 7.2 6.5 +10% 21.0 20.4 +3%
Gold equivalent, Koz2 540 467 +16% 1,712 1,677 +2%
Sales
Gold, Koz 560 384 +46% 1,376 1,386 -1%
Silver, Moz 3.5 4.9 -29% 18.5 17.5 +6%
Revenue, USUSDm3 1,039 798 +30% 2,801 2,890 -3%
Net debt, USUSDm4 2,393 2,781 -14% 2,393 1,647 +45%
LTIFR5 0.12 0.16 -25% 0.10 0.12 -17%
DIS6 877 1,516 -42%
Fatalities
Employees 0 0 NA 0 0 NA
Contractors 0 0 NA 0 1 -100%
Average headcount 14,694 13,268 +11%
Notes:
(1) % changes can be different from zero even when absolute numbers are unchanged because of rounding. Likewise, %
changes can be equal to zero when absolute numbers differ due to the same reason. This note applies to all tables in
this release.
(2) Based on 80:1 Au/Ag conversion ratio and excluding base metals. Comparative data for 2021 restated accordingly
(120:1 Au/Ag conversion ratio was used previously). Discrepancies in calculations are due to rounding.
(3) Calculated based on the unaudited consolidated management accounts.
(4) Non-IFRS measure based on unaudited consolidated management accounts. Comparative information is presented for 30
Septenber 2022 (for the three months period) and 31 December 2021 (for the twelve months period).
(5) LTIFR = lost time injury frequency rate per 200,000 hours worked. Company employees only are taken into account.
(6) DIS - days lost due to work-related injuries. Company employees only are taken into account.
PRODUCTION BY MINE
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
GOLD EQ. (KOZ)1
Kazakhstan 164 125 +31% 541 558 -3%
Kyzyl 113 85 +34% 330 360 -8%
Varvara 51 40 +27% 211 198 +7%
Russia 376 342 +10% 1,170 1,120 +5%
Dukat 101 96 +6% 292 291 +0%
Albazino 64 59 +8% 230 249 -8%
Omolon 56 55 +2% 199 217 -8%
Nezhda 42 21 +96% 133 21 +518%
Mayskoye 57 54 +6% 120 139 -14%
Svetloye 28 26 +9% 104 109 -5%
Voro 28 30 -10% 93 93 +0%
TOTAL 540 467 +16% 1,712 1,677 +2%
Notes: (1) Based on 80:1 Au/Ag conversion ratio and excluding base metals. Comparative data for 2021 restated accordingly (120:1 Au/Ag conversion ratio was used previously). Discrepancies in calculations are due to rounding.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
The Group's management will discuss production results during the Analyst and Investor Day on Wednesday, 25 January 2023, at 12:00 GMT (15:00 Moscow time) at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre - Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3EE. To join the webcast please follow the link https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/oym5gsx7.
Enquiries
Investor Relations
Polymetal ir@polymetalinternational.com
Evgeny Monakhov +44 20 7887 1475 (UK)
+7 812 334 3666 (Russia)
Kirill Kuznetsov
+7 717 261 0222 (Kazakhstan)
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this release. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words "targets", "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "may", "anticipates", "would", "could" or "should" or similar expressions or, in each case their negative or other variations or by discussion of strategies, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These forward-looking statements all include matters that are not historical facts. By their nature, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond the company's control that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the company's present and future business strategies and the environment in which the company will operate in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. There are many factors that could cause the company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. The company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.
KYZYL
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 20.9 21.0 -0% 83.2 83.0 +0%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 534 505 +6% 2,223 2,177 +2%
Gold grade, g/t 5.5 6.2 -11%
PROCESSING
Ore processed, Kt 549 517 +6% 2,200 2,200 +0%
Gold grade, g/t 6.6 6.3 +4% 5.5 6.2 -12%
Gold recovery 89.4% 87.3% +2% 88.9% 88.6% +0%
Concentrate produced, Kt 35.3 30.0 +18% 113.6 128.1 -11%
Concentrate gold grade, g/t 91.3 94.2 -3% 93.9 94.2 -0%
Gold in concentrate, Koz1 104 91 +14% 343 388 -12%
Concentrate shipped, Kt 25 26 -4% 67 84 -20%
Payable gold shipped, Koz 46 50 -8% 125 156 -20%
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt 13 11 +25% 48 55 -12%
Gold grade, g/t 129.3 132.7 -3% 132.7 133.6 -1%
Gold recovery 92.4% 93.0% -1% 93.8% 92.3% +2%
Gold produced, Koz 67 34 +94% 205 204 +1%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 113 85 +34% 330 360 -8%
Note:
(1) For information only; not considered as gold produced and therefore not reflected in the table representing total production. It will be included in total production upon shipment to off-taker or dore production at Amursk POX.
(2) To be further processed at Amursk POX.
At Kyzyl, quarterly gold production increased by 34% y-o-y to 113 Koz driven by mining of higher-grade ore blocks accompanied by better recoveries as well as larger volumes of low-carbon concentrate processed at Amursk POX. Full-year production contracted by 8% to 330 Koz due to the planned grade decline.
VARVARA
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 11.2 11.3 -1% 43.3 42.0 +3%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 825 810 +2% 3,857 3,624 +6%
Gold grade, g/t 1.6 1.5 +2%
PROCESSING
Leaching
Ore processed, Kt 778 796 -2% 3,199 3,183 +1%
Gold grade, g/t 1.4 1.4 -1% 1.6 1.6 +1%
Gold recovery1 87.7% 89.4% -2% 90.0% 88.9% +1%
Gold production (in dore), Koz 42 31 +34% 170 153 +11%
Flotation
Ore processed, Kt 185 188 -2% 752 696 +8%
Gold grade, g/t 2.4 2.4 +1% 2.7 2.6 +3%
Recovery1 86.4% 85.6% +1% 87.2% 85.5% +2%
Gold in concentrate, Koz 9 9 +1% 41 44 -7%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 51 40 +27% 211 197 +7%
Note:
(1) Technological recovery, includes gold and copper within work-in-progress inventory. Does not include toll-treated ore.
At Varvara, Q4 gold production was up by 27% y-o-y to 51 Koz, mostly on the back of work-in-progress release at the leaching circuit. Full-year output increased by 7% to 211 Koz on the back of better grades from Komar.
The Company has commenced engineering for solar power plant and will complete feasibility study by the end of 2023.
DUKAT
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 1.0 0.9 +9% 4.1 2.8 +44%
Underground development, km 10.8 11.0 -1% 46.7 44.7 +4%
Ore mined, Kt 630 701 -10% 2,523 2,615 -3%
Open pit 100 115 -13% 435 431 +1%
Underground 530 586 -10% 2,088 2,184 -4%
Grade
Gold, g/t 1.1 0.8 +39%
Silver, g.t 301 266 +13%
PROCESSING
Omsukchan concentrator
Ore processed, Kt 511 518 -1% 2,033 2,055 -1%
Grade
Gold, g/t 0.4 0.8 -43% 0.5 0.6 -11%
Silver, g/t 236 335 -30% 236 266 -11%
Recovery1
Gold 83.3% 86.0% -3% 83.3% 85.3% -2%
Silver 87.0% 85.4% +2% 85.7% 86.0% -0%
Production
Gold, Koz 6 11 -45% 27 31 -14%
Silver, Moz 3.3 4.6 -29% 12.8 14.7 -13%
Lunnoye plant
Ore processed, Kt 121 119 +2% 474 477 -1%
Grade
Gold, g/t 1.8 1.7 +10% 1.8 1.6 +11%
Silver, g/t 231 248 -7% 204 239 -15%
Recovery1
Gold 89.3% 87.4% +2% 90.2% 89.7% +1%
Silver 92.7% 92.6% +0% 93.2% 93.1% +0%
Production
Gold, Koz 6 6 +14% 25 22 +12%
Silver, Moz 0.8 0.9 -5% 2.9 3.4 -15%
Primorskoye
Ore shipped, Kt 23.1 - NA 29.5 - NA
Production
Gold, Koz 10 2 +299% 11 2 +359%
Silver, Moz 2.2 0.7 +238% 2.7 0.7 +300%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 22 19 +17% 63 56 +13%
Silver, Moz 6.3 6.2 +3% 18.3 18.8 -3%
Notes:
(1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory.
Direct high-grade ore shipments from Primorskoye compensated for grade declines at other mining areas. As a result, Dukat silver production for the quarter increased by 3% y-o-y to 6.3 Moz while gold production was up 17% to 22 Koz. Due to the abnormally cold weather, last shipments of ore in 2022 were canceled.
ALBAZINO
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 8.1 6.7 +21% 30.6 23.0 +33%
Underground development, km 4.4 5.2 -16% 19.1 16.9 +13%
Ore mined, Kt 841 729 +15% 3,849 2,259 +70%
Open pit 635 527 +20% 2,994 1,485 +102%
Underground 207 202 +2% 855 774 +10%
Gold grade, g/t 2.7 3.8 -30%
Open-pit 2.2 3.9 -43%
Underground 4.3 3.8 +14%
PROCESSING
Albazino concentrator
Ore processed, Kt 470 448 +5% 1,843 1,777 +4%
Gold grade, g/t 2.9 5.2 -44% 3.2 4.4 -29%
Gold recovery1 85.2% 89.6% -5% 86.4% 89.1% -3%
Concentrate produced, Kt 34.6 39.6 -13% 134.8 143.7 -6%
Concentrate gold grade, g/t 32.8 52.7 -38% 37.2 49.0 -24%
Gold in concentrate, Koz2 36 67 -46% 161 226 -29%
Kutyn Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt 340 - NA 902 - NA
Gold grade, g/t 3.9 - NA 3.9 - NA
Gold production, Koz 39 - NA 52 - NA
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt 31 27 +14% 136 151 -10%
Gold grade, g/t 33.3 51.1 -35% 39.3 50.5 -22%
Gold recovery 95.9% 96.5% -1% 96.2% 96.4% -0%
Gold produced, Koz 24 59 -59% 177 248 -29%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 63 59 +7% 229 248 -8%
Notes:
(1) To concentrate.
(2) For information only; not considered as gold produced and therefore not reflected in the table representing total production. Included in total production after Dore production at the Amursk POX.
At Albazino, gold production for the reporting quarter increased by 7% y-o-y to 63 Koz thanks to contribution from the recently launched Kutyn Heap Leach. Full-year production declined by 8% to 229 Koz of gold as the high-grade Anfisa open pit was fully depleted.
Construction of the power line linking Albazino to the grid has commenced. Commissioning is expected in Q2 2025.
AMURSK POX
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
Concentrate processed, Kt 47 43 +10% 191 214 -11%
Albazino 31 26 +18% 132 142 -7%
Kyzyl 13 11 +25% 48 55 -12%
Nezhda 3 - NA 7 - NA
Mayskoye 0 6 -100% 0 8 -98%
Veduga - - NA - 4 -100%
Other1 - 1 -100% 4 5 -29%
Gold recovery 93.4% 94.4% -1% 94.8% 94.3% +1%
Average gold grade, g/t 60.9 71.9 -15% 63.0 72.0 -13%
Average sulphur grade 16.5% 15.9% +4% 15.9% 14.2% +12%
Total gold produced2, Koz 95 102 -6% 392 466 -16%
Albazino 24 56 -57% 174 227 -23%
Kyzyl 67 34 +94% 205 204 +1%
Nezhda 5 - NA 8 - NA
Mayskoye 0 8 -100% 2 14 -89%
Veduga - 0 -100% - 11 -100%
Other1 0 3 -88% 3 10 -75%
Notes:
(1) Purchased concentrates which are included in reportable production in the Albazino segment.
(2) For information only. Already accounted for in production at operating mines.
The decrease in annual POX production was due to the decline in grade in feedstock sourced from Kyzyl and Albazino. The plant continued to process Nezhda's low-carbon gold flotation concentrate with reasonable average recovery of 95% for the year.
A planned two-week autoclave maintenance shutdown was successfully completed in October. OMOLON
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 1.8 1.6 +9% 7.7 4.9 +57%
Underground development, Km 2.5 3.1 -19% 10.9 11.8 -7%
Ore mined, Kt 197 257 -23% 628 740 -15%
Open pit 102 165 -38% 216 407 -47%
Underground 95 92 +3% 413 332 +24%
Grade
Gold, g/t 6.1 6.6 -7%
Silver, g/t 16.8 29.3 -43%
PROCESSING
Kubaka Mill
Ore processed, Kt 214 211 +1% 860 862 -0%
Grade
Gold, g/t 7.9 6.8 +16% 6.6 6.7 -1%
Silver, g/t 22 31 -27% 22 52 -58%
Recovery1
Gold 93.9% 95.4% -2% 93.9% 94.8% -1%
Silver 77.2% 72.6% +6% 76.6% 79.1% -3%
Gold production, Koz 49 49 +1% 168 180 -6%
Silver production, Moz 0.1 0.2 -42% 0.5 1.2 -62%
Birkachan Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt 188 150 +25% 655 851 -23%
Gold grade, g/t 1.1 1.1 +3% 1.1 1.7 -37%
Gold production, Koz 5 4 +40% 24 21 +12%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 55 53 +4% 192 201 -4%
Silver, Moz 0.1 0.2 -37% 0.5 1.3 -59%
Note:
(1) Technological recovery, includes gold and silver within work-in-progress inventory.
In Q4, gold production at Omolon grew by 4% y-o-y to 55 Koz thanks to increased volumes of higher-grade ore from the Burgali open pit. NEZHDA
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 3.1 5.2 -40% 18.1 22.0 -18%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 566 255 +122% 2,654 1,192 +123%
Grade
Gold, g/t 3.0 2.2 +35%
Silver, g/t 41.8 13.5 +210%
PROCESSING
Ore processed, Kt 511 344 +49% 2,011 344 +485%
Grade
Gold, g/t 4.8 3.7 +29% 4.0 3.7 +9%
Silver, g/t 54 24 +127% 44 24 +86%
Recovery1
Gold 79% 73% +8% 76% 73% +3%
Silver 88% 67% +32% 83% 67% +25%
Gold in concentrate, Koz 61 30 +106% 195 30 +560%
Silver in concentrate, Moz 0.8 0.2 +347% 2.4 0.2 +1,276%
Concentrate shipped, Kt 4 - NA 28 - NA
Payable gold in concentrate, Koz 13 - NA 74 - NA
Payable silver in concentrate, Moz 0.6 - NA 1.7 - NA
Amursk POX
Concentrate processed, Kt 3 - NA 7 - NA
Gold grade, g/t 40.1 - NA 40.3 - NA
Gold recovery 87.4% - NA 88.6% - NA
Gold produced, Koz 5 - NA 8 - NA
Gold produced in dore, Koz 18 - NA 29 - NA
TOTAL PRODUCTION1
Gold, Koz 35 20 +74% 111 20 +454%
Silver, Moz 0.6 0.1 +395% 1.8 0.1 +1,398%
Notes:
(1) Includes concentrate produced and stockpiled for future sale, and excludes low-grade material. Expected 90% gold payable ratio is applied.
In the first full year of operation, Nezhda reached its nameplate capacity and recovery. Total annual production amounted to 111 Koz. The Company expects the output to increase as soon as the gravity concentrate will be redirected from Voro and Dukat to the intensive cyanidation section of POX-2 (launch planned for Q2 2023) and flotation concentrate processed at POX-2 after its launch in H1 2024 (currently low-carbon concentrate is processed at POX-1 and high-carbon mostly stockpiled).
Mining activity at the Nezhda open-pit is temporarily suspended from the 1st of December 2022 for four months in order to optimize costs. Sufficient ore stockpiles are available to ensure full productivity of the flotation plant for several months. MAYSKOYE
3 months ended Sep 31, % 12 months ended Dec %
31,
change change
2022 2021 2022 2021
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 0 0.8 -100% 2.6 3.7 -30%
Underground development, km 5.8 4.7 +22% 21.3 19.5 +9%
Ore mined, Kt 162 198 -19% 839 781 +7%
Open-pit - 25 -100% 127 109 +16%
Underground 162 174 -7% 712 671 +6%
Gold grade, g/t 5.7 5.7 +1%
Open-pit 5.4 4.5 +18%
Underground 5.7 5.8 -2%
PROCESSING
Ore processed, Kt 242 232 +5% 925 901 +3%
Gold grade, g/t 5.4 5.4 -1% 5.6 5.7 -3%
Gold recovery1 90.8% 92.2% -2% 82.8% 86.9% -5%
Gold in concentrate, Koz2 38 37 +2% 133 140 -5%
Payable gold in concentrate shipped to offtakers, Koz 53 43 +24% 112 117 -5%
Amursk POX
Gold produced in dore from concentrate (POX), Koz 0 8 -100% 2 14 -89%
Gold produced in dore from carbon, Koz3 4 3 +35% 7 8 -17%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 57 54 +6% 120 139 -14%
Notes:
(1) To concentrate.
(2) For information only; not considered as gold produced and therefore not reflected in the table representing total production. Included in total production upon sale to off-taker or dore production at Amursk POX.
(3) Gold produced from carbon at Amursk POX.
In Q4, gold production at Mayskoye recorded a y-o-y increase of 5% and amounted to 57 Koz driven by concentrate stockpile unwinding namely sale to China. Annual output was 14% lower y-o-y due to grade and recovery decrease (higher carbon content).
Conveyor system has been fully ramped up. In 2023, the backfill plant construction project will enter full-scale construction. Commissioning, which will help reduce dilution and thus optimize costs, is scheduled for 2024.
SVETLOYE
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 1.5 1.6 -5% 6.2 4.6 +33%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 704 400 +76% 2,542 1,800 +41%
Gold grade, g/t 2.3 2.1 +8%
PROCESSING
Ore stacked, Kt 331 304 +9% 1,404 1,404 +0%
Gold grade, g/t 3.4 2.4 +45% 3.1 3.0 +6%
Gold production, Koz 28 25 +9% 103 109 -5%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 28 25 +9% 103 109 -5%
In Q4, ongoing Emmy pit development drove increases in ore mined and grade processed. Ore stacking volumes also grew on the back of favorable weather conditions and sufficient ore moisture. Gold production for the quarter was up by 9% y-o-y to 28 Koz.
Full-year production was down by 5% to 103 Koz of gold driven by negative grade dynamics during the first nine months of 2022.
VORO
3 months ended Dec 31, % 12 months ended Dec 31, %
2022 2021 change 2022 2021 change
MINING
Waste mined, Mt 1.4 2.7 -49% 10.1 9.1 +11%
Ore mined (open pit), Kt 70 217 -68% 330 456 -28%
Gold grade, g/t 4.4 3.8 +14%
PROCESSING
CIP
Ore processed, Kt 263 265 -1% 1,030 1,049 -2%
Gold grade, g/t 3.0 2.8 +8% 2.6 2.2 +19%
Gold recovery1 76.6% 86.6% -12% 81.4% 85.0% -4%
Gold production, Koz 21 26 -19% 79 82 -3%
Heap Leach
Ore stacked, Kt - - NA - - NA
Gold grade, g/t - - NA - NA
Gold production, Koz 6 4 +45% 9 9 -6%
TOTAL PRODUCTION
Gold, Koz 27 30 -10% 91 91 -0%
Note:
(1) Technological recovery, includes gold within work-in-progress inventory.
In Q4, CIP plant at Voro recordered higher grade but lower recoveries due to processing of transitional ore from Peshernoye. Quarterly gold production demonstrated negative y-o-y dynamics mostly on the back of the high base of Q4 2021 when significant work-in-progress was released. Full-year production was stable.
Mining at Saum was discontinued in Q3 on the back of deteriorating economics (strong rouble and higher rail tariffs).
Voro flotation is nearing completion (90% completion rate). Start-up is scheduled for Q2 2023.
POX-2
At POX-2, the installation of cable structures and equipment in the power unit section of the downstream circuit was completed, voltage was successfully supplied for the commissioning of the intensive cyanidation section (expected in Q1 2023). The installation of pipelines and connection of technological equipment are nearing completion.
CIL thermal circuit completed. High Bay heating and ventilation systems are being installed (steam conditioning section). The construction of metal frameworks and concrete works for installing technological equipment in the CIL and High Bay sections continues.
The project remains on track to be fully commissioned in Q2 2024.
SUSTAINABILITY, HEALTH AND SAFETY
There were no fatal accidents in 2022. 13 lost-time incidents took place among Polymetal's employees and 12 among contractors, all classified as minor. Most were the result of slipping or tripping while walking or being jammed by a rotating mechanism. Employees' lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) decreased by 17% y-o-y and stood at 0.10 (compared with 0.12 in 2021). Days lost due to work-related employees' injuries for the full year were down by 43% y-o-y to 877 (compared with 1,545 in 2021).
PERSONNEL
Alexander Simon (47) was appointed as the Director of the Magadan Business Unit. Prior to this role, he held various positons at Polymetal since 2003, most recently as a Managing Director at Nezhda. Alexander started his career in 1995 at "Karelsky Okatysh", an iron ore mining company. He holds a degree in mining engineering from St. Petersburg State Mining Institute.
Oleg Pavlov (53) was appointed the Managing Director for Nezhda. Oleg joined Polymetal in 2012 and held various positions at Albazino, having grown from Head of open-pit to senior executive roles with his previous position being Technical Director at Nezhda. Oleg began his career in 1991 at "Kurzhunkul mine management". Prior to joining Polymetal he held various executive roles at Aluminium of Kazakhstan Company. Mr Pavlov graduated from Rudny Industrial Institute (Kazakhstan) as an open-pit mining engineer.
Alexey Sharabarin (47) was appointed as the Managing Director at Albazino. Alexey is a mining professional with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. He joined Polymetal in 2006 at Voro and held various positions at Veduga, Albazino and Dukat. Alexey graduated from Krasnoyarsk Institute of Non-ferrous Metals with a degree in open-pit mining.
Abdurakhman Isaev (39) was appointed as the Managing Director at Varvara. Abdurakhman joined Polymetal in 2018 and held various senior positions at Mayskoye and Varvara. Overall he has 18 years of experience in the industry. Mr Isaev holds degree in Underground mining of mineral deposits from the Moscow State Mining University.
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ISIN: JE00B6T5S470 Category Code: UPD TIDM: POLY LEI Code: 213800JKJ5HJWYS4GR61 OAM Categories: 3.1. Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of a Member State Sequence No.: 218090 News ID: 1542801 End of Announcement EquityStory RS News Service =------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 25, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
