OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER
SOUTH AFRICA
At Great Noligwa, lower face advance this quarter led to
volume declining by 18%. Gold production consequently
decreased to 3,863kg (124,000oz), despite a 6% higher
yield, and total cash costs rose by 55% to R84,059/kg
($362/oz), also as a result of a uranium by-product loss.
Adjusted gross profit was 45% lower to R140m ($19m),
due to the significant cash cost increase.
The Lost-Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) was 16.13
lost-time injuries per million hours worked (11.49 for the
previous quarter). Regrettably, two people were fatally
injured in separate fall of ground incidents during the
quarter.
At Kopanang, fewer shifts as a consequence of the
year-end break led to a 12% decline in volumes and a
related 18% decrease in production. Total cash costs
accordingly increased 12% to R69,223/kg ($298/oz) and
adjusted gross profit, at R157m ($22m), declined by
22%.
The LTIFR was 16.21 (13.75). Regrettably, three people
died during the quarter in accidents involving machinery,
explosives and a rock inundation.
Production at Moab Khotsong rose 7% quarter-on-
quarter to 439kg (14,000oz) following better yields.
Nevertheless, total cash costs were 15% higher at
R134,175/kg ($577/oz) primarily due to a uranium by-
product loss. Adjusted gross loss improved 26% to R32m
($4m) as a result of the yield-related production increase.
The LTIFR was 12.27 (9.53). Regrettably, two people
died during the quarter, one in an explosives accident
and the other as a result of mud rush during backfill
operations.
At Tau Lekoa, gold production declined 4% to 1,325kg
(43,000oz) following a 15% yield decline after inventory
depleted during the year-end break in the previous
quarter was replaced in the first quarter. Total cash costs
consequently increased 14% to R100,102/kg ($431/oz).
Adjusted gross profit was R10m ($1m) versus a loss of
R25m ($3m) in the previous quarter, due to a significantly
improved price received.
The LTIFR was 11.14 (24.22).
At Mponeng, a combination of lower volumes and
marginally lower yield resulted in a production decrease
of 3% to 4,435kg (143,000oz). Total cash costs, at
R59,318/kg ($256/oz), were 2% higher after cost savings
initiatives partially mitigated the effect of the lower
production. Adjusted gross profit increased 25% to
R280m ($39m), primarily due to an improved price
received.
The LTIFR was 11.96 (12.17). Regrettably, one fatal
accident occurred during scraper winch operations.
Production at Savuka was 13% lower to 571kg
(18,000oz) as a result of fewer shifts associated with the
year-end break. Total cash costs accordingly increased
4% to R82,550/kg ($355/oz) and adjusted gross profit
decreased 34% to R25m ($3m).
The LTIFR was 10.08 (13.97). Regrettably, one person
died in a seismic-related fall of ground.
At TauTona, production declined 17% to 2,981kg
(96,000oz) after seismicity in the previous quarter
stopped the mining of several high-grade panels. Despite
this, total cash costs decreased marginally to R64,782/kg
($279/oz) following the implementation of cost savings
initiatives. Adjusted gross profit decreased 3% to R143m
($20m).
The LTIFR was 23.71 (17.27).
ARGENTINA
At Cerro Vanguardia (92.5% attributable), gold
production improved 21% to 52,000oz, primarily due to
higher feed grade. This improvement was in line with the
mining plan sequence, and grades at or near this level
are expected for the remainder of the year. Total cash
costs, at $188/oz, decreased 45% as a result of
increases in both gold production and the silver by-
product credit, in addition to lower maintenance costs.
Adjusted gross profit rose to $14m, versus a loss of $1m
in the previous quarter, as a consequence of increases in
the quantity of gold sold and the price received, as well
as significantly lower total cash costs.
The LTIFR was 2.27 (1.97).
AUSTRALIA
At Sunrise Dam, mining continued in the higher grade
areas as planned, although tonnes treated were slightly
lower as a consequence of a planned mill shut-down,
and production accordingly decreased to 148,000oz, or
by 3% quarter-on-quarter. Total cash costs, however,
remained steady at A$381/oz ($299oz) as a result of
higher grades. Adjusted gross profit declined 25% to
A$41m ($32m), due in part to a lower price received.
The underground project, where mining continues to
access the high-grade Western Shear zone ore,
continued to supplement Sunrise Dam production.
Development is also accessing further ore in the Dolly,
Mako and Watu lodes. During the quarter, 506m of
underground capital development and 1,485m of
operational development were completed.
The LTIFR was 2.63 (0.00).