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Centerra Gold Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings (before Unusual Items) of $0.05 per Share
(Market Wire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) TORONTO, ONTARIO, February 5 / MARKET WIRE/ --
Centerra Gold Inc. (TSX: CG) -
(This news release contains forward-looking information that is subject to the risk factors and assumptions set out on page 18 and in our Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements on page 19. All figures are in United States dollars.)
Centerra Gold Inc. (TSX: CG) today reported 2007 fourth quarter net earnings before unusual items of $9.7 million or $0.05 per common share on revenues of $89.4 million, compared to net earnings of $1.9 million or $0.01 per common share on revenues of $88.4 million in the same quarter of last year, reflecting higher realized gold prices partially offset by reduced production and sales volumes.
During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company recorded an unusual item totaling $36.5 million resulting in a net loss of $26.7 million or $0.12 per share. The unusual item is a $36.5 million non-cash expense representing the additional cost, based on the closing price of the Company's shares on December 31, 2007, associated with the expected issuance of 10 million treasury shares pursuant to a preliminary agreement with the Kyrgyz Government previously announced on August 30, 2007. The final cost of the treasury shares will be based on the closing price of the Company's shares on the date of issuance, which will occur following negotiation and signing of definitive agreements.
Consolidated gold production for the fourth quarter of 2007 totaled 132,530 ounces, in line with the Company's third quarter outlook, at a total cash cost of $585 per ounce compared to 142,291 ounces at a total cash cost of $473 per ounce in the corresponding quarter of 2006.
For the full year of 2007, net earnings before unusual items were $39.1 million or $0.18 per common share on revenues of $373.5 million and cash provided by operations amounted to $41.3 million. During the year, the Company recorded unusual items of $131.6 million resulting in a net loss of $92.5 million or $0.43 per share. Consolidated gold production totalled 555,410 ounces in line with the Company's third quarter outlook, at a total cash cost of $442 per ounce. In the comparable period of 2006, Centerra reported net earnings of $60.6 million or $0.28 per common share on revenues of $364.5 million and cash provided by operations of $80.3 million. In 2006, consolidated gold production was 586,384 ounces at a total cash cost of $386 per ounce. The differences reflect Boroo's taxable status in 2007, lower ounces sold and increased costs, partially offset by higher gold prices. After reflecting the unusual items recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2007, primarily related to the preliminary agreement with the Kyrgyz Government previously announced on August 30, 2007, the Company reported a net loss of $92.5 million or $0.43 per share for the twelve month period.
2007 Highlights
- Proven and probable ore reserves total 7.0 million ounces of contained gold at the end of 2007. The 718,000 ounces of contained gold mined in 2007 were replaced.
- Measured and indicated resources at the end of 2007 total 5.8 million ounces of contained gold on a 100% project basis (Centerra's share is 5.3 million ounces), an increase of 139,000 ounces over 2006.
- Received official approvals of the Gatsuurt in-situ reserves and resources paving the way to commencement of negotiations of a definitive investment agreement.
- Completed an amended Boroo Stability Agreement which reaffirms the Company's rights to mine the Boroo gold deposit.
- Reached a preliminary agreement with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for its full commitment to and support for the long-term operation of the Kumtor gold deposit.
- Received the mining permit for the Sarytor deposit at the Kumtor Project.
- On track to access the higher grade SB Zone in the Kumtor Central Pit mid-2008.
- Commenced construction of the decline at Kumtor to gain underground access to the high-grade SB Zone with underground production targeted to commence in 2010.
Commentary
"We are very pleased to be making progress on all fronts. During the third quarter, we put in place new agreements with the governments of our respective host countries and made significant advancements on other items including at the operations, where we are successfully managing the technical challenges we have faced," said Len Homeniuk, President and CEO. "We continue to focus on exploration to grow our business organically. Overall, the Company met its third quarter gold production and cost forecast, producing 555,000 ounces of gold at total cash cost per ounce of $442."
"We have negotiated preliminary Kumtor agreements and an amended Boroo Stability Agreement that provide for stable and economically attractive operational environments, which in turn solidifies our presence in both the Kyrgyz Republic and Mongolia. The amended Boroo Stability Agreement and the approval of the Gatsuurt reserves paves the way for us to negotiate a Gatsuurt Investment Agreement, while in the Kyrgyz Republic, the Government's increased shareholding in the Company would further align our interests."
"Finally, for 2008, we expect to increase gold production by over 40% and we are on track to access the higher-grade SB Zone at Kumtor in the second half, to produce, on a consolidated basis 770,000 to 830,000 ounces of gold. Assuming completion of definitive agreements and transactions with the Kyrgyz Government, total cash cost on a consolidated basis is forecast to be between $360 and $400 per ounce (excluding the proposed new Kumtor revenue tax). If the revenue-based Kumtor tax, which is intended to replace corporate income and most other taxes, is included as a royalty, the consolidated total cash cost is expected to be $420 to $460 per ounce, assuming an average gold price of $800 per ounce. The first quarter production at Kumtor will be about the same as the fourth quarter of 2007 with similar ounce production. The significant increase in gold production at Kumtor, will occur in the second half of 2008. We expect Kumtor gold production to about double from the 2007 levels, and at Boroo, 2008 will see the first gold production from the heap leach operation."
Reserves and Resources Update
As of December 31, 2007, on a 100% project basis, Centerra's proven and probable reserves totaled 7.0 million ounces of contained gold (Centerra's share is 7.0 million ounces), compared to 7.0 million ounces as of December 31, 2006 (Centerra's share was 6.9 million ounces). Centerra has replaced the 718,000 contained ounces that were mined in 2007.
As of December 31, 2007, on a 100% project basis, Centerra's measured and indicated resources increased 139,000 ounces over the December 31, 2006 figures to total 5.8 million ounces of contained gold (Centerra's share is 5.3 million ounces), compared to 5.6 million ounces (Centerra's share was 5.1 million ounces) as of December 31, 2006.
At Kumtor, 578,000 ounces of reserves were added before accounting for mining 421,000 of contained ounces in 2007. Measured and indicated resources increased by approximately 170,000 ounces of contained gold and inferred resources decreased slightly by 27,000 ounces of contained gold. The increase in reserves is a result of lowering of the cut off grade and changes in pit design. The reserve grade decreased from 4.7 g/t gold to 4.0 g/t gold due to the lowering of the cut off grade from 1.3 g/t gold to 1.0 g/t gold, reflecting the higher gold price used in estimating the reserves. The current pit design at Kumtor assumes that the glacial till and bedrock will be hydrologically depressurized to achieve the pit wall slope angles. Geotechnical work to date has indicated that the till is amenable to depressurization. A program to hydrologically depressurize the till and bedrock has been designed and will be implemented in 2008. This methodology has not previously been tested at Kumtor therefore, to reflect the geotechnical risks and the technical risks associated with implementing the depressurization program, 18.0 million tonnes of proven reserves containing 2.5 million ounces of gold have been reclassified to probable reserves at Kumtor.
The Company is developing a new life of mine plan and has retained Strathcona Mineral Services Limited to prepare an updated technical report for Kumtor, which will be filed on SEDAR in March 2008.
At Boroo, 111,000 contained ounces of reserves were added, before accounting for 297,000 contained ounces of reserves mined in 2007. The change in reserves is a result of a slight increase in the size of the pit design.
At Gatsuurt reserves were unchanged as the benefit of the increased gold price was offset by increases in estimated operating costs and royalties. Material increases in potential production costs at Gatsuurt could impact the economic recovery of ore from this deposit and ultimately result in a reclassification of reserves.
The 2007 year-end reserves and resources were estimated using a gold price of $550 per ounce compared to $475 per ounce in 2006.
Centerra Gold Inc.
2007 Year-end Reserve and Resource Summary
(as of December 31, 2007)
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Reserves (1) (Tonnes and ounces in thousands) (11)(12)
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Proven Probable
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Property Tonnes Grade Contained Tonnes Grade Contained
(g/t) Gold (oz) (g/t) Gold (oz)
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Kumtor 9,888 3.8 1,223 28,546 4.0 3,679
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Boroo 3,684 2.5 291 20,405 1.2 757
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Gatsuurt - - - 9,101 3.4 1,005
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Total 13,572 3.5 1,514 58,052 2.9 5,441
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Reserves (1) (Tonnes and ounces in thousands) (11)(12)
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Total Proven and Probable Reserves
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Property Tonnes Grade Contained Centerra Mining
(g/t) Gold (oz) Share Method(4)
(oz)(3)
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Kumtor 38,434 4.0 4,902 4,902 OP
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Boroo 24,089 1.4 1,048 1,048 OP
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Gatsuurt 9,101 3.4 1,005 1,005 OP
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Total 71,624 3.0 6,955 6,955
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Measured and
Indicated Resources (2) (Tonnes and ounces in thousands) (11)(12)
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Measured Indicated
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Property Tonnes Grade Contained Tonnes Grade Contained
(g/t) Gold (oz) (g/t) Gold (oz)
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Kumtor (5)(6) 18,770 3.2 1,931 19,323 2.8 1,741
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Boroo (5)(8) 452 2.0 29 5,016 1.4 225
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Gatsuurt (9) - - - 6,238 3.0 607
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REN (10) - - - 2,991 12.7 1,220
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Total 19,222 3.2 1,960 33,568 3.5 3,793
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Measured and
Indicated Resources (2) (Tonnes and ounces in thousands) (11)(12)
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Total Measured and Indicated Resources
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Property Tonnes Grade Contained Centerra Mining
(g/t) Gold (oz) Share Method(4)
(oz)(3)
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Kumtor (5)(6) 38,093 3.0 3,672 3,672 OP
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Boroo (5)(8) 5,468 1.5 254 254 OP
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Gatsuurt (9) 6,238 3.0 607 607 OP
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REN (10) 2,991 12.7 1,220 767 UG
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Total 52,790 3.4 5,753 5,300
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Inferred Resources (2) (Tonnes and ounces in thousands) (11)(12)
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Inferred
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Property Tonnes Grade Contained Centerra Mining
(g/t) Gold (oz) Share Method(4)
(oz)(3)
---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
Kumtor (5)(6) 778 1.8 46 46 OP
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Kumtor SB
Underground(7) 2,796 20.0 1,797 1,797 UG
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Boroo (5)(8) 7,723 1.0 239 239 OP
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Gatsuurt (9) 2,437 3.3 256 256 OP
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REN (10) 835 16.1 432 272 UG
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Total 14,569 5.9 2,770 2,610
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(1) The reserves have been estimated based on a gold price of $550 per
ounce.
(2) Mineral resources are in addition to reserves. Mineral resources that
are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability
when calculated using mineral reserve assumptions.
(3) Centerra's equity interests are: Kumtor 100%, Gatsuurt 100%, Boroo
100% and REN 63%.
(4) "OP" means open pit and "UG" means underground.
(5) Open pit resources occur outside the current ultimate pits which have
been designed using a gold price of $550 per ounce.
(6) The open pit reserves and resources at Kumtor are estimated based on
a cutoff grade of 1.0 gram per tonne and includes the Central Pit and
the Southwest and Sarytor deposits.
(7) Underground resources occur below the Central pit shell and are
estimated based on a cutoff grade of 7.0 grams per tonne.
(8) The reserves and resources at Boroo are estimated based on a variable
cutoff grade depending on the type of material and the associated
recovery. The cutoff grades range from 0.2 gram per tonne to 0.8 gram
per tonne.
(9) The reserves and resources at Gatsuurt are estimated using either a
1.2 or 1.9 grams of gold per tonne cutoff grade depending on the type
of material and the associated recovery.
(10) The resources at REN are estimated based on a cutoff grade of 8.0
grams per tonne.
(11) A conversion factor of 31.10348 grams per ounce of gold is used in the
reserve and resource estimates.
(12) Numbers may not add up due to rounding.
Other Corporate Developments
Kyrgyz Republic
The political situation continues to evolve and there continues to be a risk of future political instability. On February 5, 2008, the Company issued a press release responding to media reports of a criminal tax evasion investigation by Kyrgyz authorities against it and its subsidiary Kumtor Gold Company.
During the first quarter of 2007, the Kyrgyz Parliament began to consider draft legislation that, among other things, challenged the legal validity of Kumtor agreements with the Kyrgyz Republic, proposed recovery of additional taxes on amounts relating to past activities, and provided for the transfer of gold deposits (including Kumtor) to a state-owned entity.
Centerra, Cameco and the Kyrgyz government held discussions in Bishkek from July 16 to 20, 2007. The government's Working Group, chaired by the Minister of Finance, and including members of the government, representatives from the Kyrgyz Parliament and of civil societies, presented their views of the Kumtor project and their positions regarding material economic terms for settlement of all disputes.
In August, Centerra, Cameco and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic entered into preliminary agreements on certain outstanding issues regarding the Kumtor project.
The Government submitted the preliminary agreements for parliamentary approval in early September 2007. Parliament began to deliberate the issue during the first half of October and scheduled its final voting on the issue for October 22, 2007. On October 21, 2007, the citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic voted in a referendum on drafts of a new constitution and new electoral law proposed by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. On October 22, 2007, the President dismissed the parliament effective that day. The President signed the new constitution and electoral law into law on October 23, 2007. On October 31, the parties agreed to extend the deadline for closing the transactions contemplated by the agreements from October 31, 2007 to February 15, 2008.
Parliamentary elections were held on December 16, 2007. The political party "Ak-Jol" received the majority of seats (71 out of 90) and under the terms of the new constitution formed the new government.
The new parliament began its regular business after the New Year. Ratification and approval of the agreements entered into by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic with Cameco and Centerra is on the parliament's agenda; meanwhile the parties have begun work on definitive agreements.
The preliminary agreements are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including approval of the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic, Centerra's board of directors and Cameco's board of directors, the negotiation and signing of definitive agreements among Centerra, Cameco and the Government and any required regulatory or other approvals. The terms of Centerra's preliminary agreement with the Government ("Agreement on New Terms") were disclosed in the Company's news release of August 30, 2007. The Agreement on New Terms between Centerra and the Government provides for the Government's full commitment to and support for Centerra's continuing long-term operation and development of the Kumtor project, provides that Kumtor's current tax regime will be replaced, effective January 1, 2008, with a simplified new tax rate for the Kumtor project applied to proceeds from products sold at the rate of 11% in 2008, 12% in 2009 and 13% thereafter and enlarges the Company's existing concession area by over 25,000 hectares to include all territory covered by the current exploration license. The revised tax regime is expected to provide more cash flow certainty to the Kyrgyz Republic (because taxes will be based on revenue and not income), to be beneficial to the Kumtor project at current gold prices and to reduce the administrative burden to both parties by significantly reducing the complexity of calculating and administering taxes.
Upon the satisfaction of the conditions to completion, Cameco will transfer 32.3 million shares of Centerra to the Kyrgyz Government; 17.3 million of such shares will be held in escrow to be released within four years subject to earlier release in certain circumstances. The Company has entered into an agreement with Cameco to issue 10 million treasury shares of Centerra to Cameco after the transfer of shares by Cameco to the Government. After completion of the transactions, the Kyrgyz Government will own 29.3% of Centerra, Cameco will own 40.5% and the balance, 30.2%, will be held by public shareholders.
Pursuant to an agreement dated December 7, 2006 between the Kyrgyz Government, Kumtor Gold Company (KGC), Centerra and Kyrgyzaltyn relating to payments in connection with the 1998 Barskoon cyanide spill, KGC has advanced to the government a total of $3.7 million of the total agreed amount of $4.4 million and accrued the balance of $0.7 million. This money has been distributed to members of the local communities by a government committee created for such purpose. As part of the new Kumtor Agreement, Centerra has agreed to reconsider the terms of the agreement with a view to forgiving the Government's debt.
Mongolia
The Mongolian Parliament continues to debate changes to mining legislation and the applicability of the windfall profit tax as well as State participation in various mining projects. The windfall tax applies at the rate of 68% on sales of gold above $500 per ounce. Under the new minerals law, a deposit may be deemed to be a mineral deposit of strategic importance. If a deposit is deemed strategic, the state may take up to a 34% interest in those strategic deposits in respect of which exploration was funded privately, or a 50% interest in those strategic deposits in respect of which exploration was funded by Mongolia. Neither the windfall profit tax nor the strategic deposit provisions will apply to the Boroo mine; however, the Mongolian Government has not yet agreed to provide similar status to the Company's Gatsuurt project and may yet determine Gatsuurt to be of strategic importance.
Centerra received approvals for Gatsuurt in-situ reserves and resources from the Government of Mongolia on December 27, 2007. This paves the way to commencement of negotiations of a definitive investment agreement with the Government. However, the political situation in the country continues to be unsettled, which may affect the negotiation process. The country is preparing for Parliamentary elections in June of 2008.
On March 13, 2007, Centerra suspended its development operations at Gatsuurt, other than those necessary to maintain the property in good standing and comply with permits, pending finalization of the terms of an investment agreement with the Mongolian Government and resolution of the Gatsuurt LLC claim. As at December 31, 2007, the Company has expended an aggregate of $19 million on the exploration and development of Gatsuurt project of which $2.3 million has been capitalized. In addition, a further $2.4 million was expended and capitalized on the acquisition of the Gatsuurt mining licenses. Upon a satisfactory investment agreement being reached and the final settlement of the Gatsuurt LLC claim, the Company expects to begin the development of Gatsuurt. Material increases in potential production costs at Gatsuurt could impact the economic recovery of ore from the deposit and ultimately a decision to develop the project.
The Company has agreed in principle, subject to definitive agreement, on settlement terms with Gatsuurt LLC (which has an NSR interest in the Gatsuurt project), which had challenged Centerra's title to the project in the Mongolian national arbitration court.
On October 17, 2007, Centerra completed the acquisition, for $8.3 million, of the remaining indirect 5% minority interest in Boroo Gold Company and a net profits interest in the Ikh Dashir alluvial deposit in the vicinity of the Boroo mine.
The Company is in negotiations with the newly formed union representing Boroo employees with respect to a collective agreement.
Financial Summary
Centerra's unaudited consolidated financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2007, as set out below.
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Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31 December 31
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Financial Highlights 2007 2006 2007 2006
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Revenue - $ millions(1) 89.4 88.4 373.5 364.5
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Gross profit - $ millions (2) 22.2 10.2 101.3 89.4
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Net earnings before unusual
items - $ millions 9.7 1.9 39.1 60.6
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Unusual item - $ millions 36.5 - 131.6 -
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Net earnings (loss) after
unusual items - $ millions (26.7) 1.9 (92.5) 60.6
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Earnings (loss) per common
share after unusual items $
- basic and diluted (0.12) 0.01 (0.43) 0.28
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Cash provided (used) by
operations - $ millions (3.2) 12.3 41.3 80.3
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Ounces sold 113,264 146,254 540,645 610,441
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Average realized price - $/oz (1) 789 604 691 597
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Gold spot market price - $/oz
- average for period 788 606 696 602
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Weighted average shares
outstanding - basic - (thousands) 216,318 216,239 216,269 216,239
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Operating Highlights
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Ounces produced 132,530 142,291 555,410 586,384
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Total cash cost(3) - $/oz 585 473 442 386
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(1) Net of the effect of gold hedges, closed in 2004.
(2) Gross profit is defined as total revenues less cost of sales and
depreciation, depletion and reclamation and accretion.
(3) Total cash cost is a non-GAAP measure and is discussed under "Non-GAAP
Measure - Total Cash Cost".
Fourth Quarter 2007
Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2007 increased slightly to $89.4 million from $88.4 million in the same quarter of 2006 due to higher gold price partially offset by fewer of the produced ounces being sold. The Company produced 132,530 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter of 2007 which was less than the 142,291 ounces of gold produced in the fourth quarter of 2006. The lower gold production was mainly due to reduced gold production at the Boroo mine, partially offset by higher production at the Kumtor mine. Lower gold production at Boroo was primarily attributable to milling of lower grade ore averaging 3.21 g/t in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the 4.82 g/t milled in same quarter of 2006.
Gold ounces sold during the quarter were lower than ounces produced as a result of the timing of year-end shipments. The Company's revenue recognition policy requires that title to the gold has passed, which under the Company's sales contracts for Boroo, occurs on the receipt of payment for the gold. The Company shipped approximately 13,955 ounces prior to the year-end for which payment was not received until 2008.
Centerra realized an average gold price of $789 per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2007, an increase of 31% from the $604 per ounce realized in the same quarter of 2006. Since Centerra's gold production is unhedged and gold is sold at the prevailing spot price, the increase in average realized gold price was due to higher spot gold prices which averaged $788 per ounce for the period.
Centerra's total cash cost per ounce was $585 for the fourth quarter, compared to $473 recorded in the same period of 2006. The increase mainly reflects increased costs, which are generally pervasive in the industry, combined with lower gold production which increased unit cash costs by $35 per ounce. (Total cash cost is a non-GAAP measure and is discussed under "Non-GAAP Measure - Total Cash Cost" in this press release.)
The Company reported a net loss, after unusual items for the fourth quarter of 2007, of $26.7 million or $0.12 per share compared to net earnings of $1.9 million, or $0.01 per share, for the same quarter of 2006, reflecting the impact of the unusual items recorded in the quarter, reduced production and sales volumes partially offset by higher realized gold prices.
For the three months ended December 31, 2007, cash used by operations was $3.2 million compared to cash provided by operations of $12.3 million for the same quarter of 2006, reflecting increased working capital levels during the fourth quarter of 2007, mainly as a result of shipments of gold at the end of the year, but for which payment was not received in the year, and higher parts inventories at the sites due to the increased equipment fleet. This was partially offset by increased earning before unusual items in 2007.
Capital expenditures and accruals in the fourth quarter of 2007 amounted to $19.7 million of which $5.0 million was related to sustaining capital projects. Growth capital of $14.7 million included $7.4 million for underground development at Kumtor and $4.1 million for the heap leach facility at Boroo. Centerra's cash position at the end of December 2007 was $105.5 million, compared to $186.2 million at December 31, 2006.
In December 2007, Centerra concluded indicative terms for a $100 - $150 million revolving credit facility intended to supplement the Company's liquidity. HSBC Bank is the arranging bank for the facility and will act as administrative agent. Closing of the facility is subject to syndication and definitive loan documentation.
Full Year 2007
Revenue for the first twelve months of 2007 increased by $9.0 million, or 2%, to $373.5 million compared to $364.5 million in the same period of 2006 due to higher gold prices which was partially offset by lower gold production and sales. Centerra realized an average gold price of $691 per ounce for the year, a significant increase over the $597 per ounce realized in the same period of 2006 reflecting higher spot prices for gold throughout the year.
Consolidated gold production of 555,410 ounces in the first twelve months of 2007 was lower than the 586,384 ounces reported in the same period of 2006 due to lower production at Boroo from the lower mill grades and recoveries due to an increase in the mining of transition ore. Gold sold in 2007 of 540,645 ounces (300,474 ounces at Kumtor and 240,171 ounces at Boroo) was lower than the 2006 ounces sold of 610,441 (329,534 ounces at Kumtor and 280,907 ounces at Boroo) due to the timing of year-end shipments and lower ounces produced at Boroo resulting from lower grade.
Centerra's total cash cost per ounce of gold was $442 for 2007, compared to $386 recorded in the same period of 2006. The increase mainly reflects lower production at the Boroo mine (lower head grades and recovery), combined with increased costs of reagents and consumables, maintenance (primarily due to the ageing equipment fleets) and labour (resulting primarily from the new labour agreement at Kumtor). Total cash cost is a non-GAAP measure and is discussed under "Non-GAAP Measure - Total Cash Cost" in this press release.
Net earnings before unusual items in 2007 were $39.1 million (after tax expense of $19.3 million and minority interest of $3.2 million) compared to $60.6 million (after tax recovery of $5.8 million and minority interest of $5.0 million) for the same period in 2006. This reflects Boroo's taxable status in 2007, lower ounces sold and increased costs, partially offset by higher gold prices.
Net loss after unusual items in the first twelve months of 2007 was $92.5 million, or $0.43 per share, compared to net earnings of $60.6 million, or $0.28 per share, in the same period of 2006. The decrease reflects primarily the impact of unusual items recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2007.
Cash flow provided by operations for the year was $41.3 million compared to $80.3 million in the same period of 2006 reflecting lower net earnings before unusual items, increased gold inventory due to the timing of year-end shipments, and increased equipment supplies due to the enlarged fleet at Kumtor. Cash used in investing activities totaled $132.4 million in the twelve months of 2007 compared to $96.6 million in the prior year, reflecting increased spending on growth projects at Kumtor and the purchase for $8.3 million of the 5% minority interest in Boroo and the net profits interest in the Ikh Dashir alluvial deposit near the Boroo mine. Net cash decreased to $105.5 million from $186.2 million in the prior year.
During the second quarter of 2007 Centerra Gold Mongolia LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a $10 million demand loan facility with HSBC. Funds drawn may be used for the proposed development of the Gatsuurt gold project in Mongolia. The loan is secured by the Gatsuurt mining licenses and related assets, and is guaranteed by Centerra Gold Inc. At December 31, 2007, the full amount available under the facility was drawn. Interest accrues at LIBOR plus 250 basis points.
Market Update
A significant factor in determining profitability and cash flow from the Company's operations is the price of gold. The spot market gold price was approximately $834 per ounce at the end of the Company's fourth quarter of 2007, which was also the high for the period. For the three months ended December 31, 2007, the gold price averaged $788 per ounce compared to $606 per ounce for the same period in 2006. For the year 2007, the gold price averaged $696 per ounce compared to $602 per ounce for 2006.
The Company receives its revenues through the sale of gold in U.S. dollars. The Company has operations in the Kyrgyz Republic and Mongolia, and its corporate head office is in Toronto, Canada. During 2007 denomination of the currencies of Centerra's operating costs and capital expenditures were approximately 41% Kyrgyz som, 34% Mongolian tugrik, and 14% Canadian dollar. In 2007, the U.S. dollar fell against the currencies of the Kyrgyz Republic and Canada by about 2.1% and 7.9%, respectively, and appreciated against the Mongolian currency by 0.5%. The impact of these movements over the twelve months to December 31, 2007 has been to increase costs by an estimated $2.7 million after allowing for the natural hedge provided by the Canadian dollars held by the Company since the end of the prior year. The Company also purchased for the twelve months to December 31, 2007 approximately 7.1% and 2.5% of its operating supplies from Europe and Australia, respectively. Although these purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in the value of the U.S. dollar have an impact on the price of those goods. This impact cannot be quantified due to other market forces affecting the prices.
Operations Update
Kumtor
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Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31 December 31
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Kumtor Operating Results 2007 2006 2007 2006
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Sales volume - ounces 71,371 66,054 300,474 329,534
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Revenue - $ millions(1) 56.5 39.2 209.1 195.9
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Average realized price - $/oz (1) 791 594 696 594
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Tonnes mined - 000s 31,508 23,018 114,781 85,421
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Tonnes ore mined - 000s 1,785 1,048 5,182 3,887
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Tonnes milled - 000s 1,394 1,341 5,545 5,696
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Average mill head grade - g/t (2) 2.57 2.20 2.36 2.27
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Recovery - % 72.2 69.7 72.7 73.0
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Ounces produced 73,922 62,477 300,862 303,582
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Total cash cost - $/oz (3) 769 789 610 544
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Capital expenditures - $ millions 15.6 52.3 87.7 95.0
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(1) Net of the effect of gold hedges, closed out in 2004.
(2) g/t means grams per tonne gold.
(3) Total cash cost is a non-GAAP measure and is discussed under
"Non-GAAP Measure - Total Cash Cost".
In the fourth quarter of 2007, revenue from Kumtor was $56.5 million compared to $39.2 million in the same period of 2006. The increase is mainly due to the higher sales volumes and higher realized gold prices. Gold production was 73,922 ounces, compared to 62,477 ounces produced in the fourth quarter of 2006. The higher production was attributable primarily to higher mill head grades averaging 2.57 g/t compared to 2.20 g/t, as well as higher recoveries in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the same quarter of 2006.
Revenue for the year was $209.1 million compared to $195.9 million in the same period of 2006. Higher revenue is due primarily to a higher average realized gold price of $696 per ounce in 2007 compared to the average 2006 price of $594 per ounce. This was partially offset by the lower volume of gold sold in 2007 (29,060 ounces lower than in 2006).
The higher average realized gold price per ounce for both the three and twelve month periods in 2007 was due to higher gold spot prices over the year.
Costs
Total costs (including DD&A) at Kumtor increased $11.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the same quarter of 2006 and $32.3 million for the year compared to the same period of 2006. Costs increased primarily due to higher mine fleet maintenance costs ($11.6 million compared to $7.4 million for the quarters and $36.0 million compared to $25.6 million for the year-to-date), higher costs of major mine and mill reagents and consumables ($18.3 million compared to $12.3 million for the quarters and $63.7 million compared to $46.2 million year-to-date), and higher expenditures on labour in the year ($51.1 million compared to $46.1 million). Mine fleet maintenance costs increased due to ageing of the equipment requiring extra maintenance efforts to help ensure availability of the fleet, as well as the costs of maintaining additional new mobile equipment. Major mine and mill reagents and consumables costs increased primarily due to higher prices and higher consumption resulting from an increase in material movement. Expenditures on labour have increased predominantly as a result of the collective bargaining agreement that was entered into in the first quarter of 2007, and the high altitude coefficient adjustment, which increases premiums paid to employees working at the mine site. Depreciation increased in 2007 due to additions to plant and equipment of $87.7 million.
The ultimate impact of these cost changes on the reported results is dependent on the relative levels of capital and operating activities and the buildup or drawdown of inventories during the periods presented.
Total cash costs per ounce, a non-GAAP measure of production efficiency, for the fourth quarter was $769 compared to $789 for the same period in 2006. For the year, total cash cost was $610 per ounce compared to $544 per ounce in 2006. The fourth quarter decrease in total cash costs per ounce was due to higher production resulting from a higher average grade (2.57 g/t versus 2.20 g/t) being processed and higher recoveries (72.2% versus 69.7%). The increase in the year's total cash cost per ounce was largely due to higher costs incurred and lower production.
Exploration
Exploration expenditures totaled $2.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2007 and $11.7 million for the year, compared to $3.8 million and $13.9 million in the same periods in 2006. The expenditures relate primarily to ongoing drilling at the northeastern end of the Central Pit, along with reconnaissance drilling at the Northeast and Bordoo prospects.
Capital Expenditures
During the fourth quarter of 2007 capital expenditures were $15.6 million, of which $5.6 million was for sustaining capital, bringing capital expenditures for the twelve months ending December 31, 2007 to a total of $87.7 million, of which $18.4 million was for sustaining capital.
Waste Dump Movement at Kumtor
As disclosed in the first quarter of 2007, minor slope movement was detected in the waste dump above the SB Zone highwall in the Central Pit. At that time, the waste dump slopes were designed at a 33 degree angle. An initial geotechnical drilling and analysis program was undertaken in the second quarter to determine whether a lower design slope angle would be required to stabilize the waste dump and, if so, to determine the effect on future production.
In a press release issued on July 19, 2007 Centerra reported that independent geotechnical experts had completed their preliminary analysis of the previously reported high wall waste dump movement and the preliminary findings of the glacial till characterization. They subsequently recommended stabilizing the area by using lower slope angles through the underlying till layer and overlying waste dump. The lower slope angles required the removal of more waste than previously planned and delayed access to the SB Zone.
Further technical assessment since July of 2007, including additional geotechnical drilling, till analysis, de-watering tests and geophysical surveys now indicates that till layers are approximately 40% thinner than originally thought and that the till appears to be amenable to dewatering and therefore the designed pit wall angle may be able to be steepened to near the original design. A series of geotechnical drill holes converted to pumping wells allowed for two pumping tests to be performed that provided the necessary hydrological information within the warmer and unfrozen tills to conclude that a de-pressurizing and de-watering program may be beneficial to the till consolidation and the slope stability. A till de-pressurizing and till de-watering program has been initiated with guidance from a third party consulting firm and will be undertaken in 2008. With this program in-place, it may be possible to steepen the pit wall angle to near its original design and allow the removal of much less waste than originally expected in July, which may have the impact of lowering costs in future years and maximizing the extraction of the open pit SB Zone ores.
Boroo
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Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31 December 31
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Boroo Operating Results 2007 2006 2007 2006
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Sales volume - ounces 41,893 80,200 240,171 280,907
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Revenue - $ millions 32.9 49.2 164.4 168.6
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Average realized price - $/oz 786 613 684 600
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Tonnes mined - 000s (1) 5,662 5,277 21,159 18,577
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Tonnes mined heap leach - 000s 782 - 3,601 -
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Tonnes ore mined direct mill
feed - 000s 725 803 2,362 3,082
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Tonnes milled - 000s 650 606 2,549 2,387
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Average mill head grade-(g/t) (2)(3) 3.21 4.82 3.62 4.25
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Recovery - % (2) 85.5 85.2 85.3 87.0
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Ounces produced 58,608 79,814 254,548 282,802
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Total cash cost - $/oz (4) 353 225 244 217
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Capital expenditures - $ millions 4.0 3.6 31.9 13.5
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(1) Includes heap leach material of 782,267 tonnes with an average grade of
0.88 g/t in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 3,601,144 tonnes with an
average grade of 0.92 g/t in the twelve months ended 2007.
(2) Excludes heap leach ore.
(3) g/t means grams per tonne gold.
(4) Total cash cost is a non-GAAP Measure and is discussed under "Non-GAAP
Measure - Total Cash Cost".
At the Boroo mine, in the fourth quarter of 2007, revenue decreased to $32.9 million from $49.2 million in the same period in 2006, reflecting the higher year-over-year realized gold price offset by a lower sales volume. At the 2007 year-end the Company had produced 13,955 ounces of gold for which title had not passed to the purchaser. As a result, Boroo did not recognize these ounces as revenue. Gold production in the fourth quarter of 2007 was 58,608 ounces, compared to 79,814 ounces in the same quarter of 2006, reflecting a decrease in produced gold available for sale due primarily to lower mill head grades. Overall, the recovery of gold at Boroo has been negative | | |
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