3
Chief Executive Officer’s Review
Introduction
During the quarter ended 31 March 2010, we continued the difficult
but necessary process of restructuring to eliminate unprofitable
production, our end game being the best asset mix, generating
quality ounces. Following on from the first round of shaft closures –
Evander 2, 5 and 7 and Brand 3 – in the previous quarter and early in
the quarter under review, we announced the closure of Harmony 2,
Merriespruit 1 and 3 shafts, which will take effect during the fourth
quarter. We fully anticipated the short term effects from these
actions and indeed, gold production for the March quarter reduced
by 10% in comparison to the previous quarter, of which 6% can
be attributed to the restructuring. We experienced some technical
challenges and a number of lost shifts due to stoppages imposed
by the regulator for minor infringements. We have dealt with these
matters and discuss the detail later in this review.
We continue to draw to the end of our various capital programmes,
with capital expenditure 19% lower than the previous quarter.
On the safety front our continued diligence produced excellent
results, clouded, however, by the death of winch operator Matome
Johannes Mothele in a fall of ground at Evander, ending a 99-day
period free of fatalities. We extend our deepest condolences to his
family, friends and colleagues.
Operational results
Gold production was 10% lower at 10 366kg (of which 579kg was
capitalised), down from 11 569kg (of which 669kg was capitalised)
in the previous quarter. The decrease is due largely to the closure
of Evander 2, 5 and 7 and Brand 3 shafts. Challenges at Tshepong,
Masimong, Joel and Kusasalethu (previously known as Elandsrand)
also contributed to lower production.
Only Tshepong and Masimong had a slow start-up after the
Christmas break; Joel saw lower grades, mainly as a result of
hoisting delays caused by the lift shaft deepening project; and
Kusasalethu experienced ore-pass problems, which are being
investigated.
Of great concern is the number of production stoppages ordered
by the new Principal Inspector of Mines in the Free State. Thirteen
shifts were lost, which translates to approximately 170 fewer
kilograms of gold and R46 million less revenue. Some of these
stoppages related to administrative infringements and could easily
have been resolved without resort to stoppages. We are in robust
consultation with the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to
address our concerns.
Total cash operating costs decreased by R138 million or 7% from
R2 094 million in the previous quarter to R1 956 million including
royalties, mainly due to the closure of Evander 2, 5 and 7 and
Brand 3.
However, R/kg costs increased by 4% to R199 859/kg (R192 101/kg in the
previous quarter) due to lower tonnes milled and a 4% decrease in
grade. Consequently, operating profit was 21% lower at R634 million,
down from R800 million in the previous quarter. As expected,
capital expenditure decreased by 19% to R723 million and our focus
is now on increasing production in line with expectation, focusing
on development and resolving project commissioning issues.
Restructuring
Evander 2, 5 and 7 and Brand 3 shafts
The closure of these shafts resulted in a reduction in gold produced
of 639kg compared with the previous quarter. Restructuring costs
in respect of these closures amount to R120 million. Going forward,
only minimal care and maintenance costs for the closed shafts will
be incurred.
Harmony 2, Merriespruit 1 and 3 shafts
During March 2010 and April 2010 the performance of Harmony 2,
Merriespruit 1 and 3 shafts (all part of the Virginia operations) was
carefully assessed and we reached a well-informed conclusion that
these assets have all depleted their payable reserves. As a result,
the closure process began in mid-April.
Employee representatives, through their trade unions, were informed
of the closures and we have embarked on a formal consultation
process with them, facilitated by a senior commissioner from the
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)
in terms of Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act, to consider
alternatives to retrenchments. The number of employees affected
by the closure is approximately 3 700. Every effort will be made to
mitigate the effects of closure. Steps to be considered may include
transfers to other operations in the group, portable skills training
and early retirement.
Evander
The underpinning geological resource of Evander is the variable and
very rich Kimberley Reef. The mining of this resource demands strict
management philosophies and capital. We are currently looking at
ways to unlock value at Evander as it requires further capital to fully
develop the abundant resource.
Commissioning of growth projects
Hidden Valley continued its commissioning process, with the silver
flotation circuit commissioned during the March quarter. We expect
the Hidden Valley mine and processing plant to reach their original
design capacity and throughput in the June 2010 quarter. The
mine produced 35 359oz Au and 168 505oz Ag (50% of which is
attributable to Harmony) during the quarter. Good progress is being
made with the commissioning phase.
At Doornkop, the equipping of the rock winder compartment is
nearing completion and it is estimated that both the North and
South compartments will be completed by May 2010. The shaft
equipping had to be delayed during the quarter to focus on the
installation of a pump column to increase the pumping capacity
after water intersections on the South caused an increase in
the return water to the shaft. The mud pumping system was
completed during the quarter. Development of the mine is well on
track towards achieving its production targets in 2012. The South
Reef grades are delivering above 5g/t which is in line with the
life-of-mine plan.
At Phakisa, production was affected as a result of compressor
breakdowns at Nyala shaft, rail-veyor commissioning problems
with the third train, under-performance of the ice plants and illegal
mining activities. The compressor and rail-veyor issues have been