REPUBLIC OF GUINEA
At Siguiri (85% attributable), the partial quarter's lower-than-expected gold production of 17,000oz at a total cash cost of $386/oz, reflected the effects of a government embargo implemented during the second quarter. Management continues to work with the government of Guinea toward a speedy resolution, so as to minimise the effect of the embargo on the full year's production.
Construction of the carbon-in-pulp plant is continuing, although commissioning of the project is likely to be delayed as a result of the embargo. No lost-time injuries occurred during the quarter.
ZIMBABWE
Freda-Rebecca produced 4,000oz this partial quarter at a total cash cost of $447/oz. Mining was severely constrained by non-availability of trackless mining equipment and material resources. No lost-time injuries occurred during the quarter.
USA
At Cripple Creek & Victor (67% ownership with 100% interest in production until initial loans are repaid), production was 6% higher than the previous quarter at 76,000oz, due to higher recoveries resulting from improved crusher production and increased lime application over the past 12 months. Total cash costs remained the same at $208/oz. Adjusted operating profit increased from $1m to $4m. There were no lost- time injuries for the quarter.
The new processing facilities exceeded design capacity during the quarter and haul truck hours ended the quarter slightly above planned levels. Phase 4C of the leach pad construction began in May. A leach pad drilling programme also commenced in the second quarter to improve understanding of physical conditions within the leach pad and validate leach pad inventory. Results will be compiled and evaluated during the second half of the year.
ARGENTINA
At Cerro Vanguardia (92.5% attributable), gold production went up as planned by 34% to 47,000oz due to a 20% increase in ore treated as a result of the recent plant upgrade and a 10% improvement in grade. Management continues to focus on achieving the best mix of feed from low and higher grade pits, the stripping ratio and the dewatering of high grade pits. Total cash costs were 2% up at $187/oz, mainly owing to an 8% reduction in silver produced and the lower price received for the metal, higher royalties paid on increased sales and higher fuel and maintenance costs, which were partially offset by improved production. Adjusted operating profit, at $3m, remained at the previous quarter's level.
In mid-June, Cerro Vanguardia settled its Senior Loan by bringing forward the payment of the last $12m instalment due in December.
The LTIFR for the quarter improved by 30% to 7.24 following the implementation of a new action plan designed to focus on major safety risks.
BRAZIL
At AngloGold Ashanti
Brazil
(
the new name
given to the operations previously collectively known as Morro Velho), gold production increased by 25% to 65,000oz, due to a 16% increase in ore treated at Cuiabá, Engenho D'água and Córrego do Sitio mines. Total cash costs were 7% lower at $129/oz mainly due to the higher gold production. Adjusted operating profit
was up by 75% to $14m, mainly due to the higher volumes sold at a higher realised price and at lower production costs. The LTIFR improved by 70% to 0.75.
At Serra Grande (50% attributable), gold production was maintained at 23,000oz. Total cash costs were 4% lower at $125/oz and adjusted operating profit improved by 25% to $5m. There were no lost-time injuries recorded during the quarter.
AUSTRALIA
Production at Sunrise Dam increased by 11% to 97,000oz from 87,000oz in the March quarter. Recovered grade rose by 22% from 2.84g/t to 3.47g/t as mining operations moved into higher grade areas as planned. Total cash costs decreased by 1% to A$357/oz ($255/oz) and adjusted operating profit increased by 93% to A$27m ($18m) due to the higher grade. For the quarter, 1,035m of underground decline development was completed and underground drilling is in progress. The LTIFR rate at Sunrise Dam deteriorated to 7.16 this quarter, following three lost-time injuries, including a restricted work case.
Work to update the November 2000 Boddington Expansion Feasibility Study project continued and all three parties involved share a commitment to complete the study and optimise the project.
Note:
·
All references to price received include the realised non- hedge derivatives.
·
All references to adjusted operating profit refer to operating profit excluding unrealised non-hedge derivatives.
·
All references to adjusted headline earnings refer to headline earnings excluding unrealised non-hedge derivatives and fair value losses on interest rate swaps.
·
In the case of joint venture operations, all production and financial results are attributable to AngloGold Ashanti.
·
Rounding of figures may result in computational discrepancies.