Media Release
Operational update
for the quarter ended 30 September 2020
SALIENT FEATURES
557,000 | US$1,070 |
ounces of | |
per ounce of | |
attributable gold | |
all-in-cost | |
production | |
STATEMENT BY NICK HOLLAND, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Q3 2020 was a period of recovery for our operations that were most severely disrupted by COVID-19, namely South Deep and Cerro Corona. The business in general performed well during the quarter and continues to settle into the 'new' normal created by COVID-19. While the impact of COVID-19 has been largely contained at our operations, a second wave has commenced in certain parts of the world (mainly in the Northern hemisphere). However, we cannot rule out a second wave in the countries in which we operate and we must ensure that the necessary protocols are maintained across the business.
Attributable gold equivalent production for Q3 2020 was 557koz, up 7% YoY (up 1% QoQ). All-in costs (AIC) decreased by 1% YoY (flat QoQ) to US$1,070/oz, while all-in sustaining costs (AISC) increased 2% YoY (and decreased 3% QoQ) to US$964/oz.
The Australian region produced 250koz at AIC of A$1,363/oz (US$984/oz) and AISC of A$1,288/oz (US$931/oz). Our mines in Ghana produced 211koz (including 45% of Asanko) at AIC of US$1,068/oz and AISC of US$1,030/oz. Cerro Corona in Peru produced 51koz (gold equivalent) at AIC of US$1,146 per gold equivalent ounce and AISC of US$953 per gold equivalent ounce.
South Deep had a strong recovery after a disrupted Q2 2020, producing 65koz at an AIC of R583,344/kg (US$1,075/oz) and AISC of R572,447/kg (US$1,055/oz). The mine is generating meaningful cashflow at current prices.
COVID-19 update
As at 9 November 2020, the number of active cases among Gold Fields' workforce was only 26 with none in hospital. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March, Gold Fields has conducted more than 41,000 tests among its workforce, of which 1,745 were positive.
COVID-19 status report (as at 9 November 2020) | Total |
Tested | 41,273 |
Positive | 1,745 |
Negative | 39,435 |
Awaiting results* | 93 |
Active cases* | 26 |
Recovered | 1,716 |
Died | 3 |
* "Awaiting results" and "Active cases" refers to the current figures.
The high level of testing is a tribute to the work done by our operations to keep our employees safe. Remarkably, we have had no single positive case in our Australian operations. Other key activities to ensure safe operations include:
- Strict adherence to all government regulations/protocols;
- Closure of offices and imposition of travel restrictions;
- Standard operating procedures on return to work;
- Social distancing, sanitisation and mask wearing mandatory;
- Regular communication to employees about COVID-19, assisting them to work remotely and how to deal with the fall-out of the pandemic;
- Dedicated COVID-19 information portal;
- Mental health support programmes; and
- Social media awareness and return-to-work communication campaigns for employees, communities and others.
JOHANNESBURG. 12 November 2020: Gold Fields Limited (NYSE & JSE: GFI) is pleased to provide an operational update for the quarter ended 30 September 2020. Detailed financial and operational results are provided on a six-monthly basis i.e. at the end of June and December.
Gold Fields Operational | |
2020 | |
update September quarter | |
Balance sheet
Gold Fields remains in a strong financial position. During Q3 2020, there was a further decrease in the net debt balance (including leases) to US$1,159m at 30 September 2020 from US$1,239m at 30 June 2020, after taking into account the interim dividend payment of US$85m. This implies a net debt to EBITDA of 0.68x, compared to 0.84x at end June 2020. The net debt balance (excluding leases) decreased to US$796m from US$876m at the end of June 2020.
Post quarter end, Gold Fields repaid the 2020 bond that were outstanding from a combination of cash resources and by drawing on our US$ debt facilities.
In a report released on 2 November 2020, Standard and Poor's Global ratings revised its outlook on Gold Fields to positive from stable, and affirmed the 'BB+/B' global scale ratings and 'zaAAA/zaA-1+' South Africa national scale ratings.
Salares Norte
The Salares Norte project continued its positive momentum during Q3 2020. Year-to-date, US$78m has been spent on the project, including pre- development costs of US$11m (incurred during Q1 2020), district exploration of US$11m, camp Phase 1 construction costs of US$13m and initial capex of US$43m. At the end of September 2020, engineering progress was 85.3% compared to plan of 83.0%.
At the end of Q3 2020, construction progress stood at 8.8% vs. plan of 4.9%, contributing towards total project progress of 19.4% coming in slightly ahead of plan of 18.1%. Camp Phase I construction was completed during Q3 2020 while Phase II construction was three months ahead of schedule at the end of the quarter. The diversion channel earthworks and precast installation progressed as planned during Q3 and the bulk earthworks contractor commenced activities on 21 September. The mining contractor completed mobilisation and began pioneering works on 1 October, as planned. The pre-strip and construction of the process plant is expected to commence at the end of the year.
Although no district exploration drilling was planned for Q3 2020, 1,650 metres were drilled during September. This allowed the team to catch up on the metres that were planned but not drilled during Q2 due to COVID-19 related restrictions. At the end of Q3 2020, total district exploration metres stood at 10,108 metres for the year compared to plan of 9,084 metres.
At the end of September 78% of the project Estimate at Completion (EAC) budget (excluding remaining contingency) had a fixed and firm price (excluding inflation factors) through contracts and purchase orders awarded, significantly reducing the risk of price differences.
Outlook and guidance
FY 2020 production and cost guidance remains unchanged from the update in August 2020. Attributable equivalent gold production for 2020 for the Group is expected to be between 2.200Moz and 2.250Moz (original guidance: 2.275Moz - 2.315Moz).
AISC is expected to be between US$960/oz and US$980/oz (original guidance: US$920/oz - US$940/oz) and AIC is expected to be between US$1,070/oz and US$1,090/oz (original guidance: US$1,035/oz - US$1,055/oz).
Potential further COVID-19 related disruptions increases the risk to Group production and cost guidance.
We have maintained the view that the appropriate level of sustaining capital expenditure for our business is US$250-300/oz. In recent years, we have spent at the lower end of this range due to high project capital expenditure. However, our most recent business planning process shows that for next year, we will be required to spend closer to the upper end of the range. This will enable us to spend on key projects that will allow us to sustain our production base for the next 8-10 years. Specifically in Australia, to ensure that we maintain the 1Moz production base, we will need to spend additional capital to extend the mine life at Agnew; develop a second decline at Wallaby at Granny Smith; and continue to invest in the ever-growing Invincible complex at St Ives.
Nick Holland
Chief Executive Officer
12 November 2020
2
Gold Fields Operational | ||||||
2020 | ||||||
Key statistics | update September quarter | |||||
United States Dollars | ||||||
Quarter | ||||||
Sept | Sept | |||||
Figures in millions unless otherwise stated | 2020 | June 2020 | 2019 | |||
Gold produced* | oz (000) | 557 | 550 | 523 | ||
Tonnes milled/treated | 000 | 10,433 | 11,227 | 9,850 | ||
Revenue (excluding Asanko) | US$/oz | 1,921 | 1,709 | 1,469 | ||
Cost of sales before gold inventory change and amortisation and | 41 | |||||
depreciation (excluding Asanko) | US$/tonne | 35 | 44 | |||
All-in sustaining costs | US$/oz | 964 | 998 | 947 | ||
Total all-in cost | US$/oz | 1,070 | 1,070 | 1,084 | ||
Net debt (IFRS 16 impact included) | US$m | 1,159 | 1,239 | 1,735 | ||
Net debt (pre -IFRS 16) | US$m | 796 | 876 | 1,401 | ||
Net debt to EBITDA ratio | US$m | 0.68 | 0.84 | 1.51 |
* Gold produced in this table is attributable and includes Gold Fields share of 45% in Asanko.
All operations are wholly owned except for Tarkwa and Damang in Ghana (90.0%), Cerro Corona in Peru (99.5%), Gruyere JV (50%) and Asanko JV (45% equity share). Gold produced (and sold) throughout this report includes copper gold equivalents of approximately 7% of Group production.
Figures may not add as they are rounded independently.
STOCK DATA FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
Number of shares in issue | NYSE - (GFI) | |||
- at end September 2020 | 883,333,518 | Range - Quarter | US$9.27 - US$14.54 | |
- average for the quarter | 883,333,518 | Average volume - Quarter | 8,330,299 shares/day | |
Free float | 100 per cent | JSE LIMITED - (GFI) | ||
ADR ratio | 1:1 | Range - Quarter | ZAR157.00 - ZAR255.69 | |
Bloomberg/Reuters | GFISJ/GFLJ.J | Average volume - Quarter | 4,002,686 shares/day |
3
Gold Fields Operational | |
2020 | |
update September quarter | |
SALIENT FEATURES AND COST BENCHMARKS
United States Dollars | ||||||||||
Total | Total | South | ||||||||
Mine | Mine | South | West Africa | America | ||||||
operations | operations | Region | Region | |||||||
African | ||||||||||
including | excluding | |||||||||
Region | Ghana | Peru | ||||||||
equity | equity | |||||||||
Figures are in millions | accounted | accounted | South | Asanko | Cerro | |||||
unless otherwise stated | Joint Venture | Joint Venture | Deep | Total | Tarkwa | Damang | 45% | Corona | ||
Operating Results | ||||||||||
Ore milled/treated | Sept 2020 | 10,433 | 9,773 | 563 | 5,295 | 3,468 | 1,167 | 660 | 1,751 | |
(000 tonnes) | June 2020 | 11,227 | 10,490 | 408 | 5,849 | 3,835 | 1,277 | 737 | 1,690 | |
Sept 2019 | 9,850 | 9,202 | 563 | 5,242 | 3,437 | 1,158 | 648 | 1,648 | ||
Yield (grams per tonne) | Sept 2020 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 3.6 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.9 | |
June 2020 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.9 | ||
Sept 2019 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.2 | ||
Gold produced (000 managed | Sept 2020 | 576.3 | 554.2 | 64.9 | 211.2 | 127.3 | 61.9 | 22.0 | 50.5 | |
equivalent ounces) | June 2020 | 569.4 | 538.3 | 39.8 | 226.4 | 144.5 | 50.8 | 31.1 | 46.3 | |
Sept 2019 | 540.7 | 512.6 | 61.0 | 205.1 | 127.3 | 49.7 | 28.1 | 64.8 | ||
Gold sold (000 managed equivalent | Sept 2020 | 556.1 | 531.9 | 65.9 | 213.5 | 127.3 | 61.9 | 24.3 | 40.6 | |
ounces) | June 2020 | 578.8 | 551.2 | 39.8 | 223.0 | 144.5 | 50.8 | 27.6 | 52.6 | |
Sept 2019 | 523.2 | 494.9 | 58.4 | 205.4 | 127.3 | 49.7 | 28.4 | 65.6 | ||
Cost of sales before amortisation and | Sept 2020 | (368.4) | (337.7) | (58.6) | (137.0) | (77.6) | (28.6) | (30.7) | (28.1) | |
depreciation (million) | June 2020 | (399.9) | (378.0) | (41.4) | (147.7) | (79.6) | (46.3) | (21.9) | (44.8) | |
Sept 2019 | (374.8) | (350.7) | (64.2) | (141.2) | (82.7) | (34.5) | (24.0) | (39.3) | ||
Cost of sales before gold inventory | Sept 2020 | 41 | 41 | 102 | 32 | 21 | 59 | 42 | 20 | |
change and amortisation and | June 2020 | 35 | 35 | 98 | 27 | 19 | 45 | 34 | 23 | |
depreciation (dollar per tonne) | ||||||||||
Sept 2019 | 46 | 44 | 120 | 28 | 25 | 34 | 32 | 25 | ||
Sustaining capital (million) | Sept 2020 | (107.9) | (104.8) | (7.7) | (49.9) | (41.5) | (5.3) | (3.1)& | (5.2) | |
June 2020 | (108.8) | (104.2) | (6.5) | (45.4) | (38.8) | (2.1) | (4.6)& | (4.4) | ||
Sept 2019 | (79.7) | (74.7) | (8.0) | (33.9) | (27.1) | (1.9) | (4.9) | (12.6) | ||
Non-sustaining capital (million) | Sept 2020 | (28.1) | (22.7) | (1.3) | (6.8) | - | (1.4) | (5.4) | (7.4) | |
June 2020 | (20.2) | (14.5) | (0.1) | (7.7) | - | (2.1) | (5.6) | (3.4) | ||
Sept 2019 | (55.4) | (54.3) | - | (18.2) | - | (17.1) | (1.1) | (3.1) | ||
Total capital expenditure (million) | Sept 2020 | (136.0) | (127.5) | (9.0) | (56.7) | (41.5) | (6.7) | (8.5) | (12.6) | |
June 2020 | (128.9) | (118.7) | (6.6) | (53.1) | (38.8) | (4.2) | (10.2) | (7.7) | ||
Sept 2019 | (135.1) | (129.0) | (8.0) | (52.1) | (27.1) | (19.0) | (6.0) | (15.7) | ||
All-in-sustaining costs (dollar per | Sept 2020 | 956 | 930 | 1,055 | 1,030 | 1,099 | 710 | 1,488 | 271 | |
ounce) | June 2020 | 987 | 983 | 1,227 | 1,021 | 982 | 1,108 | 1,067 | 669 | |
Sept 2019 | 940 | 925 | 1,258 | 967 | 969 | 842 | 1,179 | 604 | ||
Total all-in-cost (dollar per ounce) | Sept 2020 | 1,011 | 975 | 1,075 | 1,068 | 1,099 | 732 | 1,760 | 594 | |
June 2020 | 1,025 | 1,011 | 1,231 | 1,060 | 982 | 1,149 | 1,305 | 783 | ||
Sept 2019 | 1,057 | 1,042 | 1,258 | 1,067 | 969 | 1,185 | 1,301 | 698 |
Average exchange rates were US$1 = R16.91, US$1 = R17.98 and US$1 = R14.63 for the September 2020, June 2020 and September 2019 quarters, respectively.
The Australian/US Dollar exchange rates were A$1 = US$0.72, A$1 = US$0.65 and A$1 = US$0.69 for the September 2020, June 2020 and September 2019 quarters, respectively. Figures may not add as they are rounded independently.
- Equity accounted Joint Venture.
- Includes Gold Fields 45% share of deferred stripping of US$1.5m and US$1.4m (100% basis US$3.4m and US$3.1m) for the September 2020 and June 2020 quarters, respectively.
4
Gold Fields Operational | |||||||||||||
2020 | |||||||||||||
update September quarter | |||||||||||||
SALIENT FEATURES AND COST BENCHMARKS continued | |||||||||||||
South | |||||||||||||
African | |||||||||||||
United States Dollars | Australian Dollars | Rand | |||||||||||
South | |||||||||||||
Australia | Australia | Africa | |||||||||||
Region | Region | Region | |||||||||||
Australia | Australia | ||||||||||||
Figures are in millions | Granny | Gruyere | Granny | Gruyere | South | ||||||||
unless otherwise stated | Total | St Ives | Agnew | Smith | 50% | Total | St Ives | Agnew | Smith | 50% | Deep | ||
Operating Results | |||||||||||||
Ore milled/treated | Sept 2020 | 2,825 | 1,122 | 334 | 425 | 944 | 2,825 | 1,122 | 334 | 425 | 944 | 563 | |
(000 tonnes) | June 2020 | 3,280 | 1,362 | 377 | 448 | 1,094 | 3,280 | 1,362 | 377 | 448 | 1,094 | 408 | |
Sept 2019 | 2,396 | 1,070 | 307 | 464 | 555 | 2,396 | 1,070 | 307 | 464 | 555 | 563 | ||
Yield (grams per tonne) | Sept 2020 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 5.8 | 5.1 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 5.8 | 5.1 | 0.9 | 3.6 | |
June 2020 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 1.0 | 3.0 | ||
Sept 2019 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 5.1 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 5.1 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 3.4 | ||
Gold produced (000 managed | Sept 2020 | 249.6 | 90.5 | 62.1 | 69.1 | 28.0 | 249.6 | 90.5 | 62.1 | 69.1 | 28.0 | 2,019 | |
equivalent ounces) | June 2020 | 256.9 | 94.9 | 58.5 | 67.5 | 35.9 | 256.9 | 94.9 | 58.5 | 67.5 | 35.9 | 1,238 | |
Sept 2019 | 209.8 | 75.2 | 50.4 | 69.7 | 14.6 | 209.8 | 75.2 | 50.4 | 69.7 | 14.6 | 1,897 | ||
Gold sold (000 managed equivalent | Sept 2020 | 236.2 | 86.9 | 58.4 | 62.5 | 28.4 | 236.2 | 86.9 | 58.4 | 62.5 | 28.4 | 2,049 | |
ounces) | June 2020 | 263.4 | 103.8 | 57.2 | 67.4 | 35.1 | 263.4 | 103.8 | 57.2 | 67.4 | 35.1 | 1,238 | |
Sept 2019 | 193.7 | 78.2 | 45.7 | 69.8 | - | 193.7 | 78.2 | 45.7 | 69.8 | - | 1,818 | ||
Cost of sales before amortisation and | Sept 2020 | (144.7) | (48.2) | (40.5) | (38.7) | (17.3) | (199.6) | (65.7) | (56.3) | (53.6) | (23.9) | (990.1) | |
depreciation (million) | June 2020 | (166.0) | (63.4) | (42.1) | (41.7) | (18.8) | (255.9) | (97.8) | (64.8) | (64.3) | (29.0) | (774.3) | |
Sept 2019 | (130.1) | (53.2) | (36.2) | (40.7) | - | (189.7) | (77.6) | (52.8) | (59.2) | - | (936.5) | ||
Cost of sales before gold inventory | Sept 2020 | 59 | 60 | 115 | 101 | 19 | 83 | 85 | 159 | 141 | 27 | 1,726 | |
change and amortisation and | June 2020 | 49 | 44 | 113 | 92 | 16 | 76 | 68 | 173 | 141 | 25 | 1,846 | |
depreciation (dollar per tonne) | |||||||||||||
Sept 2019 | 78 | 57 | 140 | 88 | - | 114 | 82 | 203 | 127 | - | 1,742 | ||
Sustaining capital (million) | Sept 2020 | (45.1) | (11.2) | (12.0) | (13.0) | (8.9) | (62.9) | (15.0) | (16.8) | (18.4) | (12.7) | (130.6) | |
June 2020 | (52.5) | (17.0) | (12.9) | (15.5) | (7.0) | (80.6) | (26.3) | (19.9) | (23.7) | (10.8) | (118.0) | ||
Sept 2019 | (25.1) | (9.9) | (8.9) | (6.3) | - | (36.6) | (14.5) | (13.0) | (9.1) | - | (117.1) | ||
Non-sustaining capital (million) | Sept 2020 | (12.6) | (4.7) | (2.7) | (4.9) | (0.3) | (17.7) | (6.7) | (3.8) | (6.8) | (0.3) | (22.3) | |
June 2020 | (9.0) | (2.3) | (2.7) | (3.5) | (0.4) | (13.9) | (3.6) | (4.2) | (5.5) | (0.6) | (3.2) | ||
Sept 2019 | (34.1) | (13.8) | (6.3) | (11.4) | (2.5) | (50.0) | (20.1) | (9.5) | (16.7) | (3.7) | - | ||
Total capital expenditure (million) | Sept 2020 | (57.7) | (15.9) | (14.7) | (17.9) | (9.2) | (80.6) | (21.7) | (20.6) | (25.2) | (13.0) | (152.9) | |
June 2020 | (61.4) | (19.3) | (15.6) | (19.0) | (7.4) | (94.4) | (29.8) | (24.0) | (29.2) | (11.4) | (121.2) | ||
Sept 2019 | (59.2) | (23.7) | (15.2) | (17.7) | (2.5) | (86.6) | (34.6) | (22.5) | (25.8) | (3.7) | (117.1) | ||
All-in-sustaining costs (dollar per | Sept 2020 | 931 | 785 | 1,039 | 965 | 1,076 | 1,288 | 1,071 | 1,448 | 1,342 | 1,505 | 572,447 | |
ounce) | June 2020 | 959 | 878 | 1,119 | 991 | 874 | 1,476 | 1,353 | 1,723 | 1,524 | 1,345 | 735,521 | |
Sept 2019 | 878 | 873 | 1,061 | 763 | - | 1,280 | 1,275 | 1,548 | 1,109 | - | 588,855 | ||
Total all-in-cost (dollar per ounce) | Sept 2020 | 984 | 839 | 1,085 | 1,044 | 1,085 | 1,363 | 1,149 | 1,513 | 1,451 | 1,518 | 583,344 | |
June 2020 | 993 | 900 | 1,167 | 1,043 | 886 | 1,529 | 1,388 | 1,796 | 1,606 | 1,363 | 738,079 | ||
Sept 2019 | 1,054 | 1,050 | 1,200 | 927 | - | 1,538 | 1,533 | 1,756 | 1,347 | - | 588,855 |
Average exchange rates were US$1 = R16.91, US$1 = R17.98 and US$1 = R14.63 for the September 2020, June 2020 and September 2019 quarters, respectively.
The Australian/US Dollar exchange rates were A$1 = US$0.72, A$1 = US$0.65 and A$1 = US$0.69 for the September 2020, June 2020 and September 2019 quarters, respectively. Figures may not add as they are rounded independently.
5
Gold Fields Operational | |
2020 | |
update September quarter | |
Review of Operations
Quarter ended 30 September 2020 compared with quarter ended 30 June 2020
Figures may not add as they are rounded independently.
South Africa region
South Deep
Sept | June | % | ||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | ||
000 | 341 | 215 | ||
Ore mined | tonnes | 59% | ||
000 | 25 | 8 | ||
Waste mined | tonnes | 213% | ||
000 | 366 | 223 | ||
Total tonnes | tonnes | 64% | ||
Grade mined - | 6.37 | 6.74 | ||
underground reef | g/t | (5)% | ||
Grade mined - | 5.94 | 6.51 | ||
underground total | g/t | (9)% | ||
kg | 2,174 | 1,452 | 50% | |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 69.9 | 46.7 | 50% |
Destress | m2 | 10,533 | 5,751 | 83% |
Development | m | 995 | 638 | 56% |
Secondary support | m | 3,322 | 1,273 | 161% |
Backfill | m3 | 113,027 | 50,923 | 122% |
Ore milled - underground | 000 | 329 | 210 | |
reef | tonnes | 57% | ||
Ore milled - underground | 000 | 6 | 8 | |
waste | tonnes | (25)% | ||
000 | 228 | 191 | ||
Ore milled - surface | tonnes | 19% | ||
000 | 563 | 408 | ||
Total tonnes milled | tonnes | 38% | ||
Yield - underground reef | g/t | 6.07 | 5.80 | 5% |
Surface yield | g/t | 0.08 | 0.10 | (20)% |
Total yield | g/t | 3.59 | 3.03 | 18% |
Gold produced | kg | 2,019 | 1,238 | 63% |
000'oz | 64.9 | 39.8 | 63% | |
Gold sold | kg | 2,049 | 1,238 | 66% |
000'oz | 65.9 | 39.8 | 66% | |
AISC - revised | R/kg | 572,447 | 735,521 | (22)% |
interpretation guidance | 1,055 | 1,227 | ||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | (14)% | ||
R/kg | 583,344 | 738,079 | (21)% | |
AIC | US$/oz | 1,075 | 1,231 | (13)% |
Sustaining capital | Rm | 130.6 | 118.0 | 11% |
expenditure | US$m | 7.7 | 6.5 | 18% |
Non-sustaining capital | Rm | 22.3 | 3.2 | 597% |
expenditure | US$m | 1.3 | 0.1 | 1200% |
Rm | 152.9 | 121.2 | 26% | |
Total capital expenditure | US$m | 9.0 | 6.6 | 36% |
South Deep was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown restrictions during Q2 2020. The mine has slowly ramped up production as labour numbers returned to normal, while adherence to COVID-19 protocols has continued in order to manage the pandemic.
Gold production increased by 63% to 2,019kg (64,900oz) in the September quarter from 1,238kg (39,800oz) in the June quarter due to an increase in volume mined.
Underground reef grade mined decreased by 6% to 6.37g/t in the September quarter from 6.74g/t in the June quarter as a result of an increase in destress mining as well as mining lower grade stopes compared to Q2. The reduction in broken grade is in line with the mining sequence. Reef yield increased by 5% to 6.07g/t in the September quarter from 5.80g/t in the June quarter.
Development increased by 56% to 995m in the September quarter from 638m in the June quarter, while destress increased by 83% to 10,533m2 in the September quarter from 5,751m2 in the June quarter. These increases are mainly as a result of production ramp-up post COVID-19 restrictions. Similarly, secondary support and backfill increased by 161% quarter-on-quarter and 122% quarter-on-quarter, respectively.
All-in cost decreased by 21% to R583,344/kg (US$1,075/oz) in the September quarter from R738,079/kg (US$1,231/oz) in the June quarter mainly driven by higher gold sold, partially offset by higher cost of sales before amortisation and depreciation and higher capital expenditure.
West Africa region
Ghana
Tarkwa
Sept | June | % | ||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | ||
000 | 2,613 | |||
Ore mined | tonnes | 3,024 | (14)% | |
000 | 12,804 | |||
Waste (Capital) | tonnes | 13,495 | (5)% | |
000 | 6,281 | |||
Waste (Operational) | tonnes | 7,382 | (15)% | |
000 | 19,085 | |||
Total waste mined | tonnes | 20,877 | (9)% | |
000 | 21,698 | |||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 23,901 | (9)% | |
Strip ratio | waste/ore | 7.3 | 6.9 | 6% |
Grade mined | g/t | 1.40 | 1.37 | 2% |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 117.7 | 133.2 | (12)% |
000 | 3,468 | |||
Tonnes milled | tonnes | 3,835 | (10)% | |
Yield | g/t | 1.14 | 1.17 | (3)% |
Gold produced | 000'oz | 127.3 | 144.5 | (12)% |
Gold sold | 000'oz | 127.3 | 144.5 | (12)% |
AISC - revised | ||||
interpretation guidance | 1,099 | |||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | 982 | 12% | |
AIC | US$/oz | 1,099 | 982 | 12% |
Sustaining capital | 41.5 | |||
expenditure | US$m | 38.8 | 7% | |
Non-sustaining | - | |||
expenditure | US$m | - | -% | |
Total capital expenditure | US$m | 41.5 | 38.8 | 7% |
Gold production decreased by 12% to 127,300oz in the September quarter from 144,500oz in the June quarter mainly due to lower tonnes milled as a result of lower production days. Yield decreased by 3% to 1.14g/t in the September quarter from 1.17g/t in the June quarter. The difference between the mined grade of 1.40g/t and the yield of 1.14g/t is attributable to lower grade stockpiles processed.
Ore processed in the September quarter included 1.0Mt of stockpiles at an average head grade of 0.78g/t compared to 1.1Mt of stockpiles at an average head grade of 0.80g/t processed in the June quarter.
All-in cost increased by 12% to US$1,099/oz in the September quarter from US$982/oz in the June quarter due to lower gold sold and higher capital expenditure, partially offset by lower cost of sales before amortisation and depreciation.
Capital expenditure increased by 7% to US$41.5 million in the September quarter from US$38.8 million in the June quarter.
All-in cost for Tarkwa is expected to be US$1,020/oz, above original guidance for 2020 (US$970/oz), mainly as a result of higher royalties on the back of a higher gold price realised and additional COVID-19 costs. The higher cost guidance is already factored into Group guidance.
6
Damang
Sept | June | % | ||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | ||
000 | 2,265 | |||
Ore mined | tonnes | 1,470 | 54% | |
000 | - | |||
Waste (Capital) | tonnes | - | -% | |
000 | 5,609 | |||
Waste (Operational) | tonnes | 6,671 | (16)% | |
000 | 5,609 | |||
Total waste mined | tonnes | 6,671 | (16)% | |
000 | 7,874 | |||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 8,141 | (3)% | |
Strip ratio | waste/ore | 2.5 | 4.5 | (44)% |
Grade mined | g/t | 1.57 | 1.51 | 4% |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 114.6 | 71.2 | 61% |
000 | 1,167 | |||
Tonnes milled | tonnes | 1,277 | (9)% | |
Yield | g/t | 1.65 | 1.24 | 33% |
Gold produced | 000'oz | 61.9 | 50.8 | 22% |
Gold sold | 000'oz | 61.9 | 50.8 | 22% |
AISC - revised | ||||
interpretation guidance | 710 | |||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | 1,108 | (36)% | |
AIC | US$/oz | 732 | 1,149 | (36)% |
Sustaining capital | 5.3 | |||
expenditure | US$m | 2.1 | 152% | |
Non-sustaining | 1.4 | |||
expenditure | US$m | 2.1 | (33)% | |
Total capital expenditure | US$m | 6.7 | 4.2 | 60% |
Gold production increased by 22% to 61,900oz in the September quarter from 50,800oz in the June quarter mainly due to higher yield. Yield increased by 33% to 1.65g/t in the September quarter from 1.24g/t in the June quarter due to higher grades fed from the Damang Pit Cutback as the mining transitioned from the Huni Sandstones to the better mineralised lithologies. Mining transitioned through the bulk of the Huni Sandstone during the quarter, with minimal volumes of Huni Sandstone remaining.
Total tonnes mined decreased by 3% to 7.9Mt in the September quarter from 8.1Mt in the June quarter mainly due to less production days following the change in the production calendar in the June quarter. However, ore tonnes mined increased by 54% to 2.3Mt in the September quarter from 1.5Mt in the June quarter due to improved equipment availability and mining in exposed ore areas.
Gold mined increased by 61% to 115koz in the September quarter from 71koz in the June quarter due to higher ore tonnes and grade mined.
All-in cost decreased by 36% to US$732/oz in the September quarter from US$1,149/oz in the June quarter mainly due to higher gold sold and lower cost of sales before amortisation and depreciation, partially offset by higher capital expenditure.
Sustaining capital expenditure increased by 152% to US$5.3m in the September quarter from US$2.1m in the June quarter mainly due to expenditure incurred on engineering projects, gravity screens and a Knelson concentrator. Non-sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 33% to US$1.4m in the September quarter from US$2.1m in the June quarter due to timing of capital expenditure for the second phase of the Far East Tailings Storage Facility (FETSF) raise.
Gold Fields Operational | |||||
2020 | |||||
update September quarter | |||||
Asanko (Equity accounted Joint Venture) | |||||
Sept | June | % | |||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | |||
000 | 958 | ||||
Ore mined | tonnes | 1,361 | (30)% | ||
000 | 3,161 | ||||
Waste (Capital) | tonnes | 1,680 | 88% | ||
000 | 8,160 | ||||
Waste (Operational) | tonnes | 6,448 | 27% | ||
000 | 11,321 | ||||
Total waste mined | tonnes | 8,128 | 39% | ||
000 | 12,279 | ||||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 9,488 | 29% | ||
Strip ratio | waste/ore | 11.8 | 6.0 | 97% | |
Grade mined | g/t | 1.35 | 1.41 | (4)% | |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 41.6 | 61.8 | (33)% | |
000 | 1,467 | ||||
Tonnes milled | tonnes | 1,638 | (10)% | ||
Yield | g/t | 1.04 | 1.31 | (21)% | |
Gold produced | 000'oz | 49.0 | 69.0 | (29)% | |
Gold sold | 000'oz | 53.9 | 61.4 | (12)% | |
AISC - revised | |||||
interpretation guidance | 1,488 | ||||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | 1,067 | 39% | ||
AIC | US$/oz | 1,760 | 1,305 | 35% | |
Sustaining capital | 7.0 | ||||
expenditure | US$m | 10.2 | (31)% | ||
Non-sustaining | 12.1 | ||||
expenditure | US$m | 12.5 | (3)% | ||
Total capital expenditure | US$m | 19.1 | 22.7 | (16)% |
All figures in table on a 100% basis.
Gold production decreased by 29% to 49,000oz (100% basis) in the September quarter from 69,000oz (100% basis) in the June quarter mainly due to lower yield and tonnes milled. Yield decreased by 21% to 1.04g/t in the September quarter from 1.31g/t in the June quarter.
Total tonnes mined increased by 29% to 12.3Mt in the September quarter from 9.5Mt in the June quarter on the back of increased stripping at the Esaase and Akwasiso pits. Ore tonnes mined decreased by 30% to 1Mt in the September quarter from 1.4Mt in the June quarter. The Nkran Cut 2 west wall failure has forced the team to look for other ore sources and as a result has required the acceleration of stripping activities to expose more ore.
Waste tonnes mined increased by 39% to 11.3Mt in the September quarter from 8.1Mt in the June quarter due to accelerated stripping of the Esaase main pit to expose ore source for Q4. Further updates will be given in the March 2021 quarter after review of the long term plan.
The accelerated stripping to expose new ore sources has significantly increased costs. This increased stripping together with increased exploration activity has resulted in a 35% increase in all-in cost to US$1,760/oz in the September quarter from US$1,305/oz in the June quarter.
Sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 31% to US$7.0m in the September quarter from US$10.2m in the June quarter mainly due to timing of expenditure on the TSF raise. Non-sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 3% to US$12.1m in the September quarter from US$12.5m in the June quarter due to timing.
7
Gold Fields Operational | |
2020 | |
update September quarter | |
South America region
Peru
Cerro Corona
Sept | June | % | ||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | ||
000 | 1,700 | |||
Ore mined | tonnes | 1,465 | 16% | |
000 | 2,645 | |||
Waste mined | tonnes | 1,116 | 137% | |
000 | 4,345 | |||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 2,581 | 68% | |
Grade mined - gold | g/t | 0.87 | 0.85 | 2% |
Grade mined - copper | per cent | 0.40 | 0.44 | (9)% |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 47.5 | 39.9 | 19% |
000 | 6,799 | |||
Copper mined | tonnes | 6,417 | 6% | |
000 | 1,751 | |||
Tonnes milled | tonnes | 1,690 | 4% | |
Gold recovery | per cent | 67.1 | 67.1 | -% |
Copper recovery | per cent | 87.2 | 87.7 | (1)% |
Yield - Gold | g/t | 0.56 | 0.53 | 6% |
- Copper | per cent | 0.36 | 0.38 | (5)% |
- Combined | eq g/t | 0.90 | 0.85 | 6% |
Gold produced | 000'oz | 30.1 | 27.4 | 10% |
Copper produced | tonnes | 5,973 | 6,084 | (2)% |
Total equivalent gold | 000' | 50.5 | ||
produced | eq oz | 46.3 | 9% | |
000' | 40.6 | |||
Total equivalent gold sold | eq oz | 52.6 | (23)% | |
AISC - revised | ||||
interpretation guidance | 271 | |||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | 669 | (59)% | |
US$/ | 953 | |||
AISC | eq oz | 1,086 | (12)% | |
AIC | US$/oz | 594 | 783 | (24)% |
US$/ | 1,146 | |||
AIC | eq oz | 1,152 | (1)% | |
Sustaining capital | 5.2 | |||
expenditure | US$m | 4.4 | 18% | |
Non-sustaining | 7.4 | |||
expenditure | US$m | 3.4 | 118% | |
Total capital expenditure | US$m | 12.6 | 7.7 | 64% |
Gold equivalent gold production increased by 9% to 50,500oz in the September quarter from 46,300oz in the June quarter due to higher gold grades processed, together with a higher price factor, resulting from the higher copper price during the September quarter.
Total tonnes mined increased by 68% to 4.3Mt in the September quarter from 2.6Mt in the June quarter due to the increase in the workforce and mining fleet after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. A waste recovery plan has been implemented, which includes progressive increase of the mining fleet and building an access ramp on the north of the pit to implement an additional mining front in 2021.
Gold yield increased by 6% to 0.56g/t in the September quarter from 0.53g/t in the June quarter due to a 6% increase in gold head grade processed to 0.83g/t in the September quarter from 0.78g/t in the June quarter. The copper yield decreased by 5% to 0.36% in the September quarter from 0.38% in the June quarter on the back of a decrease in copper head grade processed.
All-in cost per gold ounce decreased by 24% to US$594/oz in the September quarter from US$783/oz in the June quarter driven by lower operating expenses and the positive impact of inventory movement resulting from higher closing concentrate stocks, partially offset by lower by-product credits, lower gold ounces sold and higher capital expenditure. All-in cost per equivalent ounce decreased by 1% to US$1,146 per equivalent ounce in the September quarter from US$1,152 per equivalent ounce in the June quarter driven mainly by the positive impact of the inventory movement.
Capital expenditure increased by 64% to US$12.6 million in the September quarter from US$7.7 million in the June quarter due to increased construction activities at the tailings dam and waste storage facilities following the impact of COVID-19 restrictions in the June quarter.
All-in cost for Cerro Corona is expected to be US$1,120/oz gold equivalent (US$790/oz gold), above original guidance for 2020 (US$830/oz gold equivalent, US$575/oz gold), mainly as a result of lower production on the back of COVID-19 interruptions, additional COVID-19 costs and additional royalties due to higher metal prices. The higher cost guidance is already factored into Group guidance.
Australia region
St Ives
Sept | June | % | ||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | ||
Underground | ||||
000 | 467 | |||
Ore mined | tonnes | 484 | (4)% | |
000 | 161 | |||
Waste mined | tonnes | 214 | (25)% | |
000 | 628 | |||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 698 | (10)% | |
Grade mined | g/t | 5.64 | 5.46 | 3% |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 84.7 | 85.0 | -% |
Surface | ||||
000 | 461 | |||
Ore mined | tonnes | 791 | (42)% | |
000 | 11 | |||
Surface waste (Capital) | tonnes | 1,331 | (99)% | |
Surface waste | 000 | 1,628 | ||
(Operational) | tonnes | 1,970 | (17)% | |
000 | 1,639 | |||
Total waste mined | tonnes | 3,300 | (50)% | |
000 | 2,100 | |||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 4,092 | (49)% | |
Grade mined | g/t | 1.76 | 1.21 | 45% |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 26.1 | 30.7 | (15)% |
Strip ratio | waste/ore | 3.6 | 4.2 | (15)% |
Total (Underground and | ||||
Surface) | ||||
000 | 928 | |||
Total ore mined | tonnes | 1,275 | (27)% | |
Total grade mined | g/t | 3.71 | 2.82 | 32% |
000 | 2,728 | |||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 4,789 | (43)% | |
Total gold mined | 000'oz | 110.8 | 115.6 | (4)% |
000 | 1,122 | |||
Tonnes milled | tonnes | 1,362 | (18)% | |
Yield - underground | g/t | 4.18 | 4.58 | (9)% |
Yield - surface | g/t | 1.24 | 1.06 | 17% |
Yield - combined | g/t | 2.51 | 2.17 | 16% |
Gold produced | 000'oz | 90.5 | 94.9 | (5)% |
Gold sold | 000'oz | 86.9 | 103.8 | (16)% |
AISC - revised | A$/oz | 1,071 | 1,353 | (21)% |
interpretation guidance | 785 | |||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | 878 | (11)% | |
A$/oz | 1,149 | 1,388 | (17)% | |
AIC | US$/oz | 839 | 900 | (7)% |
Sustaining capital | A$m | 15.0 | 26.3 | (43)% |
expenditure | US$m | 11.2 | 17.0 | (34)% |
Non-sustaining capital | A$m | 6.7 | 3.6 | 86% |
expenditure | US$m | 4.7 | 2.3 | 104% |
Total capital | A$m | 21.7 | 29.8 | (27)% |
expenditure | US$m | 15.9 | 19.3 | (18)% |
Gold production decreased by 5% to 90,500oz in the September quarter from 94,900oz in the June quarter as an 18% decrease in tonnes milled was partially offset by a 16% increase in yield.
8
Total tonnes mined at the underground mines decreased by 10% to 628,000t in the September quarter from 698,000t in the June quarter due to less production days in the September quarter compared to the June quarter. During the September quarter the underground development fleet was rationalised and emphasis shifted to ore production.
Total waste tonnes mined in the open pits decreased by 50% to 1.6 Mt in the September quarter from 3.3Mt in the June quarter. Capital waste tonnes decreased by 99% to 11,000t in the September quarter from 1.3Mt in the June quarter, following the conclusion of pre-strip activities at Neptune stage 6 pit early in the September quarter. Operational waste tonnes decreased by 17% to 1.6Mt in the September quarter from 2.0Mt in the June quarter. Year-to-date the open pit production is in line with the planned mining sequence and during Q3 the mining fleet was also utilised to focus on additional progressive rehabilitation. In addition the current quarter had a reduced number of days compared to the previous quarter.
Ore tonnes mined at the open pits decreased by 42% to 461,000t in the September quarter from 791,000t in the June quarter, with all open pit ore being sourced from Neptune pit stages 5 and 6. Pre-strip activities of Neptune stage 7 pit will commence in November 2020.
Surface mined grade increased by 45% to 1.76g/t in the September quarter from 1.21g/t in the June quarter with high grade ore sourced from Neptune stage 6 pit.
Total tonnes processed decreased by 18% to 1.12Mt in the September quarter from 1.36Mt in the June quarter due to less production days in the September quarter compared to the June quarter and a four day planned mill shutdown to replace liners.
All-in cost decreased by 17% to A$1,149/oz (US$839/oz) in the September quarter from A$1,388/oz (US$900/oz) in the June quarter due to lower cost of sales before amortisation and depreciation and lower capital expenditure, partially offset by lower gold sold.
Capital expenditure decreased by 27% to A$22 million (US$16 million) in the September quarter from A$30 million (US$19 million) in the June quarter following the conclusion of Neptune stage 6 pre-strip activities during the September quarter.
Agnew
Sept | June | % | ||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | ||
000 | 297 | |||
Underground ore mined | tonnes | 354 | (16)% | |
000 | 184 | |||
Underground waste mined | tonnes | 210 | (12)% | |
000 | 481 | |||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 564 | (15)% | |
Grade mined - | 6.39 | |||
underground | g/t | 5.33 | 20% | |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 61.0 | 60.6 | 1% |
000 | 334 | |||
Tonnes milled | tonnes | 377 | (11)% | |
Yield | g/t | 5.78 | 4.83 | 20% |
Gold produced | 000'oz | 62.1 | 58.5 | 6% |
Gold sold | 000'oz | 58.4 | 57.2 | 2% |
AISC - revised | A$/oz | 1,448 | 1,723 | (16)% |
interpretation guidance | 1,039 | |||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | 1,119 | (7)% | |
AIC | A$/oz | 1,513 | 1,796 | (16)% |
US$/oz | 1,085 | 1,167 | (7)% | |
Sustaining capital | A$m | 16.8 | 19.9 | (16)% |
expenditure | US$m | 12.0 | 12.9 | (7)% |
Non-sustaining capital | A$m | 3.8 | 4.2 | (10)% |
expenditure | US$m | 2.7 | 2.7 | -% |
Total capital | A$m | 20.6 | 24.0 | (14)% |
expenditure | US$m | 14.7 | 15.6 | (6)% |
Gold production increased by 6% to 62,100oz in the September quarter from 58,500oz in the June quarter due to an increase in grade of ore mined and processed.
Total tonnes mined decreased by 15% to 481,000t in the September quarter from 564,000t in the June quarter mainly due to less production days in the September quarter compared to the June quarter.
Gold Fields Operational | |
2020 | |
update September quarter | |
Mined grade increased by 20% to 6.39g/t in the September quarter from 5.33g/t in the June quarter, with mining of the higher grade Waroonga North lower and Kath areas continuing, together with improved grades achieved from the New Holland Sheba area.
Tonnes processed decreased by 11% to 334,000t in the September quarter from 377,000t in the June quarter due to less production days in the September quarter compared to the June quarter.
All-in cost decreased by 16% to A$1,513/oz (US$1,085/oz) in the September quarter from A$1,796/oz (US$1,167/oz) in the June quarter due to lower cost of sales before amortisation and depreciation and lower capital expenditure, as well as increased gold sold.
Capital expenditure decreased by 14% to A$21 million (US$15 million) in the September quarter from A$24 million (US$16 million) in the June quarter with decreased capital development in the Sheba and Kath areas.
Granny Smith
Sept | June | % | ||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | ||
000 | 405 | |||
Underground ore mined | tonnes | 452 | (10)% | |
000 | 180 | |||
Underground waste mined | tonnes | 169 | 7% | |
000 | 585 | |||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 621 | (6)% | |
Grade mined - | 5.63 | |||
underground | g/t | 5.05 | 11% | |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 73.3 | 73.5 | -% |
000 | 425 | |||
Tonnes milled | tonnes | 448 | (5)% | |
Yield | g/t | 5.06 | 4.68 | 8% |
Gold produced | 000'oz | 69.1 | 67.5 | 2% |
Gold sold | 000'oz | 62.5 | 67.4 | (7)% |
AISC - revised | A$/oz | 1,342 | 1,524 | (12)% |
interpretation guidance | 965 | |||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | 991 | (3)% | |
AIC | A$/oz | 1,451 | 1,606 | (10)% |
US$/oz | 1,044 | 1,043 | -% | |
Sustaining capital | A$m | 18.4 | 23.7 | (22)% |
expenditure | US$m | 13.0 | 15.5 | (16)% |
Non-sustaining capital | A$m | 6.8 | 5.5 | 24% |
expenditure | US$m | 4.9 | 3.5 | 40% |
Total capital expenditure | A$m | 25.2 | 29.2 | (14)% |
US$m | 17.9 | 19.0 | (6)% | |
Gold production increased by 2% to 69,100oz in the September quarter from 67,500oz in the June quarter due to higher grades mined and processed.
Grade mined increased by 11% to 5.63g/t in the September quarter from 5.05g/t in the June quarter as high-grade stopes were mined during the quarter, in line with the mining sequence. In addition, higher grade development ore was realised.
All-in cost decreased by 10% to A$1,451/oz (US$1,044/oz) in the September quarter from A$1,606/oz (US$1,043/oz) in the June quarter due to lower cost of sales before amortisation and depreciation and lower capital expenditure, partially offset by a decrease in gold sold.
Capital expenditure decreased by 14% to A$25 million (US$18 million) in the September quarter from A$29 million (US$19 million) in the June quarter following the purchase of a replacement underground drill rig in the June quarter.
Non-sustaining capital expenditure increased by 24% to A$7 million (US$5 million) from A$6 million (US$4 million) in the June quarter due to increased capital development in the Zone 135 area. Stoping activities in this area are scheduled to commence in 2022.
9
Gold Fields Operational | |||||
2020 | |||||
update September quarter | |||||
Gruyere | |||||
Sept | June | % | |||
2020 | 2020 | Variance | |||
000 | 1,858 | ||||
Ore mined | tonnes | 2,125 | (13)% | ||
000 | 5,140 | ||||
Waste (Capital) | tonnes | 2,879 | 79% | ||
000 | 548 | ||||
Waste (Operational) | tonnes | 946 | (42)% | ||
000 | 5,688 | ||||
Total waste mined | tonnes | 3,825 | 49% | ||
000 | 7,546 | ||||
Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 5,950 | 27% | ||
Grade mined | g/t | 1.03 | 1.06 | (3)% | |
Gold mined | 000'oz | 61.4 | 72.4 | (15)% | |
Strip ratio | waste/ore | 3.1 | 1.8 | ||
000 | 1,889 | ||||
Tonnes milled | tonnes | 2,187 | (14)% | ||
Yield | g/t | 0.92 | 1.02 | (10)% | |
Gold produced | 000'oz | 55.9 | 71.9 | (22)% | |
Gold sold | 000'oz | 56.8 | 70.2 | (19)% | |
AISC - revised | A$/oz | 1,505 | 1,345 | 12% | |
interpretation guidance | 1,076 | ||||
(WGC November 2018) | US$/oz | 874 | 23% | ||
A$/oz | 1,518 | 1,363 | 11% | ||
AIC | US$/oz | 1,085 | 886 | 22% | |
Sustaining capital | A$m | 12.7 | 10.8 | 18% | |
expenditure - 50% basis | US$m | 8.9 | 7.0 | 27% | |
Non-sustaining capital | A$m | 0.3 | 0.6 | (43)% | |
expenditure - 50% basis | US$m | 0.3 | 0.4 | (37)% | |
Total capital expenditure - | A$m | 13.0 | 11.4 | 15% | |
50% basis | US$m | 9.2 | 7.4 | 23% |
Mine physicals in table on a 100% basis.
Gold production decreased by 22% to 55,900oz in the September quarter from 71,900oz in the June quarter due to decreased ore processed and decreased yield.
Ore tonnes mined decreased by 13% to 1.86Mt in the September quarter from 2.13Mt in the June quarter as mining activity focused on stripping in stages 2 and 3 of the pit.
Yield decreased by 10% to 0.92g/t in the September quarter from 1.02g/t in the June quarter due to the processing of low grade stockpiles together with a decrease in grade of ore from source.
Tonnes processed decreased by 14% to 1.89Mt in the September quarter from 2.19Mt in the June quarter with decreased availability at the processing plant due to less production days in the September quarter compared to the June quarter, combined with an extended planned shutdown to perform a full reline on the SAG mill and crusher. A ball mill bearing failure on restarting the process plant after the shutdown impacted production for a further seven days. A specialist team was mobilised and the root cause of the failure was determined and rectified prior to the installation of a replacement bearing.
All-in cost increased by 11% to A$1,518/oz (US$1,085oz) in the September quarter from A$1,363/oz (US$886/oz) in the June quarter due to lower gold sold and increased capital expenditure, partially offset by lower cost of sale before amortisation and depreciation.
Capital expenditure (on a 50% basis) increased by 15% to A$13 million (US$9 million) in the September quarter from A$11 million (US$7 million) in the June quarter with pre-strip activities at the Gruyere pit stage 3 continuing during the quarter.
All-in cost for Gruyere is expected to be A$1,350/oz (US$945/oz), above original guidance for 2020 (A$1,150/oz, US$795/oz), mainly as a result of lower production due to plant downtime resulting from a ball mill motor bearing failure (previously reported on by Gold Road) and mill configuration changes to cater for increased fresh rock processing, higher processing and COVID-19 relating expenditure, as well as additional royalties due to a higher gold price realised. The higher cost guidance is already factored into Group guidance.
10
Gold Fields Operational | |
2020 | |
update September quarter | |
UNDERGROUND AND SURFACE
Total Mine | South | South | |||||||||||||||
operations | Africa | America | |||||||||||||||
including | Region | West Africa Region | Region | Australia Region | |||||||||||||
equity | Ghana | Peru | Australia | ||||||||||||||
accounted | |||||||||||||||||
Imperial ounces with metric | Joint | South | Asanko | Cerro | Granny | Gruyere | |||||||||||
tonnes and grade | Venture | Deep | Total | Tarkwa | Damang | 45% | Corona | Total | St Ives | Agnew | Smith | 50% | |||||
Tonnes mined | Sept 2020 | 1,511 | 341 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,169 | 467 | 297 | 405 | - | ||||
(000 tonnes)* | June 2020 | 1,506 | 215 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,290 | 484 | 354 | 452 | - | ||||
- underground ore | Sept 2019 | 1,441 | 328 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,113 | 302 | 360 | 451 | - | ||||
Sept 2020 | 550 | 25 | - | - | - | - | - | 525 | 161 | 184 | 180 | - | |||||
- underground waste | June 2020 | 600 | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 593 | 214 | 210 | 169 | - | ||||
Sept 2019 | 572 | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | 561 | 225 | 161 | 175 | - | |||||
Sept 2020 | 8,399 | - | 5,309 | 2,613 | 2,265 | 431 | 1,700 | 1,390 | 461 | - | - | 929 | |||||
- surface ore | June 2020 | 8,425 | - | 5,107 | 3,024 | 1,470 | 612 | 1,465 | 1,854 | 791 | - | - | 1,062 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 9,403 | - | 5,163 | 3,666 | 1,000 | 497 | 2,070 | 2,170 | 1,115 | - | - | 1,055 | |||||
Sept 2020 | 10,460 | 366 | 5,309 | 2,613 | 2,265 | 431 | 1,700 | 3,085 | 1,090 | 480 | 586 | 929 | |||||
- total | June 2020 | 10,531 | 223 | 5,107 | 3,024 | 1,470 | 612 | 1,465 | 3,737 | 1,489 | 564 | 621 | 1,062 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 11,416 | 339 | 5,163 | 3,666 | 1,000 | 497 | 2,070 | 3,844 | 1,642 | 521 | 626 | 1,055 | |||||
Grade mined | Sept 2020 | 5.9 | 6.4 | - | - | - | - | - | 5.8 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 5.6 | - | ||||
(grams per tonne) | June 2020 | 5.5 | 6.7 | - | - | - | - | - | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 5.1 | - | ||||
- underground ore | Sept 2019 | 4.9 | 5.7 | - | - | - | - | - | 4.7 | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.1 | - | ||||
Sept 2020 | 1.3 | - | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.8 | - | - | 1.0 | |||||
- surface ore | June 2020 | 1.3 | - | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 1.2 | - | - | 1.1 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 1.2 | - | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.6 | - | - | 0.9 | |||||
Sept 2020 | 2.0 | 5.9 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 6.4 | 5.6 | 1.0 | |||||
- total | June 2020 | 1.9 | 6.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 5.3 | 5.1 | 1.1 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 1.6 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 0.9 | |||||
Gold mined | Sept 2020 | 288.9 | 69.9 | - | - | - | - | - | 219.0 | 84.7 | 61.0 | 73.3 | - | ||||
(000 ounces)* | June 2020 | 265.8 | 46.7 | - | - | - | - | - | 219.1 | 85.0 | 60.6 | 73.5 | - | ||||
- underground ore | Sept 2019 | 229.0 | 60.2 | - | - | - | - | - | 168.8 | 37.8 | 56.7 | 74.3 | - | ||||
Sept 2020 | 355.3 | - | 251.0 | 117.7 | 114.6 | 18.7 | 47.5 | 56.8 | 26.1 | - | - | 30.7 | |||||
- surface ore | June 2020 | 339.0 | - | 232.2 | 133.2 | 71.2 | 27.8 | 39.9 | 66.9 | 30.7 | - | - | 36.2 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 371.3 | - | 217.8 | 143.1 | 51.3 | 23.5 | 66.8 | 86.7 | 56.9 | - | - | 29.8 | |||||
Sept 2020 | 644.2 | 69.9 | 251.0 | 117.7 | 114.6 | 18.7 | 47.5 | 275.8 | 110.8 | 61.0 | 73.3 | 30.7 | |||||
- total | June 2020 | 604.8 | 46.7 | 232.2 | 133.2 | 71.2 | 27.8 | 39.9 | 286.0 | 115.6 | 60.6 | 73.5 | 36.2 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 600.3 | 60.2 | 217.8 | 143.1 | 51.3 | 23.5 | 66.8 | 255.5 | 94.7 | 56.7 | 74.3 | 29.8 | |||||
Ore milled/treated | Sept 2020 | 1,571 | 329 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,242 | 483 | 334 | 425 | - | ||||
(000 tonnes) | June 2020 | 1,462 | 210 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,252 | 427 | 377 | 448 | - | ||||
- underground ore | Sept 2019 | 1,458 | 321 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,137 | 366 | 307 | 464 | - | ||||
Sept 2020 | 6 | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
- underground waste | June 2020 | 8 | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
Sept 2019 | 7 | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
Sept 2020 | 8,856 | 228 | 5,295 | 3,468 | 1,167 | 660 | 1,751 | 1,583 | 639 | - | - | 944 | |||||
- surface ore | June 2020 | 9,757 | 191 | 5,849 | 3,835 | 1,277 | 737 | 1,690 | 2,028 | 935 | - | - | 1,094 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 8,384 | 234 | 5,242 | 3,437 | 1,158 | 648 | 1,648 | 1,259 | 704 | - | - | 555 | |||||
Sept 2020 | 10,433 | 563 | 5,295 | 3,468 | 1,167 | 660 | 1,751 | 2,825 | 1,122 | 334 | 425 | 944 | |||||
- total | June 2020 | 11,227 | 408 | 5,849 | 3,835 | 1,277 | 737 | 1,690 | 3,280 | 1,362 | 377 | 448 | 1,094 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 9,850 | 563 | 5,242 | 3,437 | 1,158 | 648 | 1,648 | 2,396 | 1,070 | 307 | 464 | 555 | |||||
Yield | Sept 2020 | 5.2 | 6.1 | - | - | - | - | - | 4.9 | 4.2 | 5.8 | 5.1 | - | ||||
(Grams per tonne) | June 2020 | 4.9 | 5.8 | - | - | - | - | - | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.7 | - | ||||
- underground ore | Sept 2019 | 4.7 | 5.8 | - | - | - | - | - | 4.4 | 3.4 | 5.1 | 4.7 | - | ||||
Sept 2020 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.2 | - | - | 0.9 | |||||
- surface ore | June 2020 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 | - | - | 1.0 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.6 | - | - | 0.8 | |||||
Sept 2020 | 1.7 | 3.6 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 5.8 | 5.1 | 0.9 | |||||
- combined | June 2020 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 1.0 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 5.1 | 4.7 | 0.8 | |||||
Gold produced | Sept 2020 | 260.4 | 64.3 | - | - | - | - | - | 196.1 | 64.9 | 62.1 | 69.1 | - | ||||
(000 ounces)* | June 2020 | 228.2 | 39.2 | - | - | - | - | - | 189.0 | 63.0 | 58.5 | 67.5 | - | ||||
- underground ore | Sept 2019 | 219.2 | 59.7 | - | - | - | - | - | 159.5 | 39.4 | 50.4 | 69.7 | - | ||||
Sept 2020 | 315.9 | 0.6 | 211.2 | 127.3 | 61.9 | 22.0 | 50.5 | 53.5 | 25.5 | - | - | 28.0 | |||||
- surface ore | June 2020 | 341.2 | 0.6 | 226.4 | 144.5 | 50.8 | 31.1 | 46.3 | 67.9 | 31.9 | - | - | 35.9 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 321.5 | 1.3 | 205.1 | 127.3 | 49.7 | 28.1 | 64.8 | 50.3 | 35.7 | - | - | 14.6 | |||||
Sept 2020 | 576.3 | 64.9 | 211.2 | 127.3 | 61.9 | 22.0 | 50.5 | 249.6 | 90.5 | 62.1 | 69.1 | 28.0 | |||||
- total | June 2020 | 569.4 | 39.8 | 226.4 | 144.5 | 50.8 | 31.1 | 46.3 | 256.9 | 94.9 | 58.5 | 67.5 | 35.9 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 540.7 | 61.0 | 205.1 | 127.3 | 49.7 | 28.1 | 64.8 | 209.8 | 75.2 | 50.4 | 69.7 | 14.6 | |||||
Cost of sales before gold | Sept 2020 | 114 | 168 | - | - | - | - | - | 100 | 88 | 115 | 101 | - | ||||
inventory change and | June 2020 | 111 | 176 | - | - | - | - | - | 100 | 97 | 113 | 92 | - | ||||
amortisation and depreciation | |||||||||||||||||
(dollar per tonne) - underground | Sept 2019 | 125 | 204 | - | - | - | - | - | 103 | 90 | 140 | 88 | - | ||||
Sept 2020 | 28 | 6 | 32 | 21 | 59 | 42 | 20 | 28 | 39 | - | - | 19 | |||||
- surface | June 2020 | 24 | 9 | 27 | 19 | 45 | 34 | 23 | 18 | 20 | - | - | 16 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 28 | 2 | 29 | 25 | 34 | 35 | 25 | 39 | 39 | - | - | - | |||||
Sept 2020 | 41 | 102 | 32 | 21 | 59 | 42 | 20 | 59 | 60 | 115 | 101 | 19 | |||||
- total | June 2020 | 35 | 98 | 27 | 19 | 45 | 34 | 23 | 49 | 44 | 113 | 92 | 16 | ||||
Sept 2019 | 43 | 120 | 29 | 25 | 34 | 35 | 25 | 78 | 57 | 140 | 88 | - |
* Excludes surface material at South Deep.
11
Gold Fields Operational | |
2020 | |
update September quarter | |
Certain forward-looking statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) with respect to Gold Fields' financial condition, results of operations, business strategies, operating efficiencies, competitive position, growth opportunities for existing services, plans and objectives of management, markets for stock and other matters.
These forward-looking statements, including, among others, those relating to the future business prospects, revenues, income and production and operational guidance of Gold Fields, wherever they may occur in this report, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgement of the senior management of Gold Fields and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. As a consequence, these forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in this report. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
- changes in the market price of gold, and to a lesser extent copper and silver;
- material changes in the value of Rand and non-US Dollar currencies;
- difficulties, operational delays, cost pressures and impact from labour relations following its restructuring at the South Deep operation in South Africa;
- the ability of the Group to comply with requirements that it provide benefits to affected communities;
- the effect of relevant government regulations, particularly labour, environmental, tax, royalty, health and safety, water, regulations and potential new legislation affecting mining and mineral rights;
- court decisions affecting the South African mining industry, including, without limitation, regarding the interpretation of mineral rights legislation and the treatment of health and safety claims;
- the challenges associated with replacing annual mineral reserve and resource depletion as well as growing its reserve and resource base to extend the life of operations;
- the ability to achieve anticipated efficiencies and other cost savings in connection with past and future acquisitions or joint ventures;
- the success of the Group's business strategy, development activities and other initiatives, particularly at Damang and the Salares Norte project;
- changes in technical and economic assumptions underlying Gold Fields' mineral reserve estimates;
- supply chain shortages and increases in the prices of production imports;
- changes in health and safety regulations that could lead to claims or liability for regulatory breaches;
- the occurrence of operational disruptions such as stoppages related to environmental and industrial accidents and pollution incidents;
- loss of senior management or inability to hire or retain sufficiently skilled employees or sufficient representation among Historically Disadvantaged Persons in management positions;
- power cost increases as well as power stoppages, fluctuations and usage constraints;
- regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change;
- high debt levels posing a risk to viability and making the Group more vulnerable to adverse economic and competitive conditions;
- the ability of the Group to protect its information technology and communication systems and the personal data it retains as well as the failure of such systems;
- the ability to obtain, renew and comply with, water use licences and water quality discharge standards;
- the occurrence of future acid mine drainage related pollution;
- geotechnical challenges due to the ageing of certain mines and a trend toward mining deeper pits and more complex, often deeper underground, deposits;
- economic, political or social instability in the countries where Gold Fields operates;
- downgrades in the credit rating of South Africa and its impact on Gold Fields' ability to secure financing;
- reliance on outside contractors to conduct some of its operations;
- ageing infrastructure, unplanned breakdowns and stoppages that may delay production, increase costs and industrial accidents;
- the inability to modernise operations and remain competitive within the mining industry;
- the effects of regional re-watering at South Deep;
- the effects of a failure of a dam at a tailings facility and the closure of adjacent mines;
- actual or alleged breach or breaches in governance processes, fraud, bribery or corruption at Gold Fields' operations that leads to censure, penalties or negative reputational impacts;
- the occurrence of labour disruptions and industrial actions;
- the adequacy of the Group's insurance coverage;
- financial flexibility could be limited by South African exchange control regulations;
- difficulty controlling theft of gold and copper bearing materials and illegal mining on some Gold Fields properties;
- the costs and burdens associated with tenements in Australia which are subject to native title claims, including any compensation payable to native title holders;
- the impact of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and the spread of other contagious diseases, such as coronavirus (COVID-19);
- the identification of a material weakness in disclosure and internal controls over financial reporting;
- difficulty with participating in future issues of securities, or in bringing an action against Gold Fields, for shareholders outside South Africa;
- liquidity risks in trading ordinary shares on JSE Limited;
- Gold Fields' ability to pay dividends or make similar payments to its shareholders; and
- shareholders' equity interests in Gold Fields becoming diluted upon the exercise of outstanding share options.
Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting Gold Fields are described in Gold Fields' filings with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Integrated Annual Report 2019 and the annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2019. Gold Fields undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
12
Gold Fields Operational | |
2020 | |
update September quarter | |
ADMINISTRATION AND CORPORATE INFORMATION
Corporate Secretary | Investor enquiries |
Anré Weststrate | Avishkar Nagaser |
Tel: +27 11 562 9719 | Tel: +27 11 562 9775 |
Fax: +086 720 2704 | Mobile: +27 82 312 8692 |
email: anré.weststrate@goldfields.com | email: avishkar.nagaser@goldfields.com |
Registered office
Johannesburg
Gold Fields Limited 150 Helen Road Sandown Sandton
2196
Postnet Suite 252 Private Bag X30500 Houghton
2041
Tel: +27 11 562 9700
Fax: +086 720 270
Office of the United Kingdom secretaries
London
St James's Corporate Services Limited
Suite 31, Second Floor
107 Cheapside London EC2V 6DN United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7796 8644
email: general@corpserv.co.uk
American depository receipts transfer agent
Shareholder correspondence should be mailed to:
BNY Mellon
P O Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233 - 5000
Overnight correspondence should be sent to:
BNY Mellon
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600 Louisville, KY40202
email: shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com Phone numbers
Toll Free: 866 247 3871 Domestic
Tel: 888 269 2377 Domestic
Tel: 201 680 6825 Foreign
Thomas Mengel
Tel: +27 11 562 9849
Mobile: +27 72 493 5170
email: thomas.mengel@goldfields.com
Media enquiries
Sven Lunsche
Tel: +27 11 562 9763
Mobile: +27 83 260 9279
email: sven.lunsche@goldfields.com
Transfer secretaries
South Africa
Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited Rosebank Towers
15 Biermann Avenue Rosebank Johannesburg 2196
PO Box 61051
Marshalltown 2107
Tel: +27 11 370 5000
Fax: +27 11 688 5248
United Kingdom
Link Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU
England
Tel: 0371 664 0300
If you are outside the United Kingdom please call (0) 371 664 0300
Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. Business is open between 09:00 - 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.
email: shareholderenquiries@linkgroup.co.uk
Sponsor
J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa Proprietary Limited
1 Fricker Road
Illovo, Johannesburg 2196
South Africa
Gold Fields Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 1968/004880/06
Share code: GFI
Issuer code: GOGOF
ISIN: ZAE 000018123
Website
www.goldfields.com
Listings
JSE / NYSE / GFI
CA Carolus† (Chair) RP Menell† (Deputy Chair) NJ Holland*• (Chief Executive Officer) PA Schmidt• (Chief Financial Officer) A Andani#†
PJ Bacchus*† TP Goodlace† C Letton^† P Mahanyele-Dabengwa• SP Reid^† YGH Suleman†
- Australian * British # Ghanaian
- Independent Director • Non-independent Director
13
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Gold Fields Ltd. published this content on 12 November 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 12 November 2020 09:18:06 UTC