recent dip in uranium prices to buy 300,000 pounds
of uranium at a cost of $75/pound to meet
contractual commitments maturing in 2008. Given
the impact of this uranium purchase, rising fuel
prices and inflation, total cash cost for the fourth
quarter is expected to be around $364/oz,
assuming the following exchange rates: R6.90/$,
A$/$0.87, BRL1.90/$ and Argentinean peso 3.15/$.
Capital expenditure is estimated at $414m and will
be managed in line with profitability and cash flow.
Earnings for the fourth quarter are expected to be
significantly distorted by, amongst other things,
annual accounting adjustments such as
rehabilitation, inventory, current and deferred tax
provisions.
In early October 2007, Anglo American plc reduced
its shareholding in AngloGold Ashanti from 41.6%
to 17.3%, through the sale of 67.1 million shares.
As a result of the reduction in shareholding, the
directors representing Anglo American plc on the
AngloGold Ashanti board, namely Mrs C Carroll
and Mr
R
Médori, together with his alternate
Mr P G Whitcutt, have resigned.
Bobby Godsell retired as CEO and from the board
with effect from 30 September 2007, and Mark
Cutifani was appointed his successor, with effect
from 1 October 2007.
OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER
SOUTH AFRICA
At Great Noligwa further improvements in face
advance and face length resulted in a marginally
higher volume for the quarter. However, yield was
6% lower due to mining mix and as a result, gold
production decreased 5% to 3,684kg (118,000oz).
Total cash costs up 24% at R90,339/kg ($397/oz),
mainly as a result of the annual wage increases;
higher winter power tariffs and a lower uranium
production resulting in an increased by-product
loss. Adjusted gross profit was 34% lower at
R105m ($15m).
The Lost-Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) has
improved from the previous quarter to 12.72 lost-
time injuries per million hours worked (16.08 for the
previous quarter).
Operating performance at Kopanang improved
with a 15% higher gold production at 3,639kg
(117,000oz) primarily due to a 25% increase in
yield. The increase in yield is primarily due to
higher grade material that was curtailed in the
previous quarter due to seismicity and the release
of underground and plant inventories.
In spite of the improved production, total cash costs
nevertheless rose 4% to R69,335/kg ($305/oz) due
to the annual wage increases and higher winter
power tariffs. On the back of the higher gold
production, the adjusted gross profit at R201m
($28m) was 25% higher than the previous quarter.
The LTIFR improved to 11.30 (14.18).
The build up at Moab Khotsong continues with
both volume treated and values mined increasing,
up 19% and 12% respectively, resulting in gold
production being 33% higher at 523kg (17,000oz)
while total cash costs were marginally lower at
R156,931/kg ($691/oz). The adjusted gross loss
increased by 9% to R48m ($7m) due to the higher
amortisation cost.
The LTIFR was 15.03 (14.38). The mine
experienced three fatalities during the quarter, two
from seismic related fall of ground incidents, and a
third from an orepass construction accident.
At Tau Lekoa, pillar mining and increased vamping
activities resulted in yield improving by 16% from the
previous quarter. Gold production was 10% higher
at 1,342kg (43,000oz) and total cash costs
increased 3% to R109,485/kg ($482/oz), mainly as a
result of the annual wage increases and higher
winter power tariffs.
The operation was breakeven for the quarter,
against the previous quarter’s adjusted gross loss of
R6m ($1m).
The LTIFR was 19.88 (29.37). The mine
experienced one fatality from a tramming accident.
Mponeng remains steady with gold production
increasing marginally to 4,824kg (155,000oz). Total
cash costs were 3% higher at R57,704/kg ($254/oz),
primarily due to the annual labour increases and
winter power tariffs. Adjusted gross profit increased
10% to R323m ($46m), following a favourable
inventory release and higher received price.
The LTIFR was 13.45 (15.27).
Gold production at Savuka was 12% higher at
620kg (20,000oz), due to a 24% higher mining
volume from improved face length availability, which
was partially offset by an 8% lower yield. The lower
yield is the result of grade dilution emanating from
increased development.
Total cash costs were 6% lower at R92,349/kg
($406/oz) mainly due to the improved production,
partially offset by the higher costs from the annual
wage increase and winter power tariffs. Adjusted
gross profit increased significantly to R15m ($2m).