AFRICAN BARRICK GOLD PLC: Preliminary Results for the 12 months ended 31 Dec 2012
AFRICAN BARRICK GOLD PLC: Preliminary Results for the 12 months ended 31 Dec 2012 AFRICAN BARRICK GOLD
LSE: ABG
13 February 2013
Preliminary Results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2012 (Unaudited)
Based on IFRS and expressed in US Dollars (US$)
African Barrick Gold plc ("ABG'') reports full year 2012 results
"As we progress through 2013, we are focused on reducing our cost base from
current levels to ensure the business returns to delivering appropriate levels
of free cash flow." said Greg Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer of African
Barrick Gold. "Cash flow generation and improving returns from our assets form
a key part of our operational review and we will update on our progress
throughout the course of the year. The 2012 dividend is maintained at the 2011
level and this is both an expression of our confidence in the business as well
as our commitment to shareholder returns."
Full Year 2012 Highlights
ABG reports net earnings of US$59 million (US14.5 cents per share), including
one-off adjustments of US$46 million, primarily due to impairment charges
related to Tulawaka which, after a long and successful run, is coming to a
close in 2013. Adjusted net earnings2 were US$105 million (US25.7 cents per
share) and operational cash flow was US$258 million.
Other significant highlights include:
Gold production1 of 626,212 ounces and Cash costs2 of US$949 per ounce sold,
were within recent guidance
Revenue of US$1,087 million and EBITDA2 of US$331 million
Continued progress on the CIL Expansion and Upper East Acceleration, our key
expansion projects at Bulyanhulu
Renewal of the North Mara Special Mining Licences on the existing terms and
conditions for a 15 year period
Highly prospective exploration package of 2,800km2 acquired in Kenya for an
initial consideration of US$22 million
Operational Review initiated to drive improved returns and free cash flow
generation from the existing asset base
Net cash position of US$401 million as at 31 December 2012
Proposed final dividend of US12.3 cents per share; total dividend for 2012 of
US16.3 cents per share
Operational Review
As announced in January 2013, we have initiated an Operational Review of our
business. The core focus is to drive free cash flow generation commensurate
with the quality and size of our asset base. The Review is expected to run
through the coming six months and we expect to realise clear benefits in our
cost structure and operating metrics throughout the year as we implement
specific initiatives.
The specific initiatives which form the core of the Operational Review are:
Operating Cost Reductions
Capital Discipline
Organisational Structure
Corporate Overhead Cost Reductions
Mine Planning Deliverability
Each of the initiatives outlined above are focused on driving returns for the
business and ultimately for shareholders. Each of the initiatives are being led
by a member of the Senior Leadership Team and will include both internal and
external expertise in order to analyse and implement future initiatives.
Further details as to the progress on the Operational Review will be provided
to the market throughout the year, as a part of our periodic results releases.
Outlook
In 2013, we expect to produce between 540,000 - 600,000 ounces of gold, at
total cash costs2, including royalties, of between US$925 and US$975 per ounce
sold. This incorporates a US$120 per ounce reduction resulting from the
adoption of the new accounting standard for deferred stripping (IFRIC 20).
Key Statistics
Year
Three months ended ended 31 Operating results 31 December December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Tonnes mined (thousands of tonnes) 13,942 10,546 48,301 45,053
Ore tonnes mined (thousands of tonnes) 2,266 1,658 7,070 7,013
Ore tonnes processed (thousands of tonnes) 2,067 1,729 7,698 7,409
Process recovery rate (percent) 90.0% 87.3% 88.3% 87.7%
Head grade (grams per tonne) 3.0 3.3 2.9 3.3
Attributable gold production (ounces)¹ 180,684 160,020 626,212 688,278
Attributable gold sold (ounces)¹ 159,585 158,869 609,252 699,539
Copper production (thousands of pounds) 4,266 2,889 12,875 14,875
Copper sold (thousands of pounds) 3,239 3,224 11,523 15,069
Cash cost per tonne milled² 74 72 75 65
Per ounce data
Average spot gold price³ 1,722 1,688 1,669 1,572
Average realised gold price² 1,700 1,655 1,668 1,587
Total cash cost per ounce sold² 958 779 949 692
Amortisation and other costs per ounce data² 290 219 251 184
Total production costs per ounce sold² 1,248 998 1,200 876
Cash Margin² 742 876 719 895
Average realised copper price ($/lb) 3.42 3.11 3.57 3.82
Financial results
(Unaudited, in US$'000)
Revenue 287,944 285,198 1,087,339 1,217,915
Cost of sales (217,797) (177,455) (802,709) (704,114)
Gross profit 70,147 107,743 284,630 513,801
Corporate administration 5 (13,303) (15,763) (51,567) (49,148)
Exploration and evaluation costs (11,262) (7,389) (28,961) (30,339)
Corporate social responsibility expenses (4,732) (2,119) (14,445) (7,376)
Impairment charges (44,536) - (44,536) -
Other charges (12,979) (4,386) (17,671) (15,639)
(Loss)/profit before net finance cost and taxation (16,665) 78,086 127,450 411,299
Finance income 428 313 2,102 1,484
Finance expense5 (2,565) (2,720) (10,305) (10,082)
(Loss)/profit before taxation (18,802) 75,679 119,247 402,701
Taxation expense (27,182) (20,595) (71,063) (117,924)
Net (loss)/profit (45,984) 55,084 48,184 284,777
Attributed to:
- Non-controlling interests (11,290) 2,401 (11,287) 9,882
- Owners of the parent (Net (loss)/earnings) (34,694) 52,683 59,471 274,895
Other Financial information
(Unaudited, in US$'000 except for per share data)
Cash and cash equivalents 401,348 584,154 401,348 584,154
Cash generated from operating activities 92,639 159,621 257,903 498,323
Capital Expenditure4 123,606 117,061 340,295 345,235
EBITDA2,5 75,565 115,225 330,869 545,448
Adjusted net earnings2 11,319 52,683 105,484 274,895
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (cents) (8.5) 12.8 14.5 67.0
Adjusted earnings per share (cents)2 2.8 12.8 25.7 67.0
Operational cash flow per share2 22.6 38.9 62.9 121.5
Dividend per share (cents) 12.3 13.1 16.3 16.3
Equity 2,774,981 2,798,704 2,774,981 2,798,704
1 Production and sold ounces reflect equity ounces which exclude 30% of Tulawaka's production and sales base.
2 Cash cost per tonne milled, average realised gold price, total cash cost per ounce sold, amortisation and other costs per ounce, total production cost per ounce sold, EBITDA, cash margin, adjusted net earnings, operational cash flow per share and adjusted earnings per share are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standard meaning under IFRS. Refer to "Non IFRS measures"' on page 27 for definitions.
3 Reflects the London PM fix price.
4 Includes non-cash reclamation asset adjustments and finance lease purchases during the year. It excludes the acquisition of Aviva Mining (Kenya) Limited in 2012.
5 Restated to reclassify bank charges from corporate administration to finance expense.
CEO Statement
Overall for ABG, 2012 was a year where we realised good progress in several areas but where we did not meet our core production and cost targets. We continued to invest in the ongoing stability of the business and our licence to operate. This was rewarded with increasing consistency in the operational performance at Buzwagi as the year progressed, and improvements in the grade profile at North Mara where we also received confirmation of the renewal of our mining licences, and signed the Village Benefit Implementation Agreements ("VBIAs"). Overall, our mining rates for the year increased, we processed 4% more tonnes through our plants and we improved the recovery profile of our operations despite the expected decrease in grade. We also significantly enhanced our early stage exploration portfolio with the acquisition of Aviva Mining (Kenya) Limited ("AMKL").
Our group production for the year was 9% lower than 2011, with the grade driven increase at North Mara offset by declines of similar levels at our other three operations. Bulyanhulu was impacted by paste fill and equipment availability issues together with the loss of skilled employees due to proposed government pension law changes; Buzwagi saw an expected reduction in grade to around its reserve grade although it did benefit from improved plant performance later in the year; and Tulawaka operated under batch processing following the exhaustion of surface stockpiles. These lower production levels, together with higher energy and maintenance expenses, resulted in our cash costs for the year reaching US$949 per ounce sold. As we move into 2013, we start from a strong platform with a net cash position of US$401 million, but we nonetheless need to strengthen our focus on reducing costs in order to ensure the business can deliver attractive levels of free cash flow generation. This will form a key part of our ongoing Operational Review.
Beyond the day-to-day operational challenges of our business, for a large part of the second half of the year we also dealt with several additional factors resulting from the discussions between Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and China National Gold Group Corporation ("CNG") with respect to the Barrick's majority stake in ABG. These included a detailed due diligence process and site visits as well as other factors such as dealing with the uncertainty caused among our employees and also the communities in which we operate. We implemented a range of measures to deal with these additional challenges and were largely successful in limiting the disruption to our business. With the discussions now terminated, we need to ensure everyone in the business remains focused on delivering the significant potential of our asset base.
Our share price performance in 2012 was set against a backdrop of continuing underperformance by gold equities relative to the underlying commodity. The key focus from investors has centred on the lack of free cash flow leverage in the industry to the gold price, either through rising operational costs or increasing investment in new projects which do not meet hurdle return rates. In the three years since ABG listed as an independent company we have been successful in generating substantial free cash flow and have maintained the view that capital returns to shareholders are of critical importance: with the proposed final dividend for 2012, we will have returned in excess of US$150 million to shareholders over that period and we have also invested in two early stage projects which we believe have the potential to deliver significant long-term value to the business. Nonetheless, during 2012 the increases in our operating expenses and in the level of capital we invested in our assets meant that the business consumed capital which is not sustainable over the longer term. As such, the Board of ABG has asked management to conduct a full Operational Review of the business with the aim of recalibrating our operations so as to drive improved returns from the asset base whilst enhancing the certainty of delivery. The review commenced in January 2013.
Operating Performance
At an individual mine level, Bulyanhulu remained our largest producing asset and is set to remain so with the existing mine plan and the growth projects being advanced. In 2012, production was 10% lower than in 2011 as we experienced power supply issues earlier in the year which impacted on hoisting capacity, while later in the year the delivery of ore to surface was reduced by lack of paste fill availability which led to increased reliance on lower grade stopes and a shortage of skilled personnel resulting from resignations in the face of proposed changes to pension fund legislation in Tanzania. We have several initiatives in place to deal with these short-term factors in order for Bulyanhulu to get back to its expected run rate as the year progresses.
At North Mara, it was pleasing to see the expected increase in production levels on the prior year as we accessed the higher grade zones in the Gokona pit in the second half of the year. This reduced the reliance on lower grade stockpiles to provide feed to the mill and led to increased head grade and a 13% increase in production compared to 2011. Operations saw some impact from an increase in illegal mining activity during the second half of the year but this has now subsided and returned to more normalised levels. Production during 2012 was from the Gokona and Nyabigena pits, with operations at the Nyabirama pit subject to the necessary land acquisitions and relocations which are a key focus for mine management in 2013.
At Buzwagi, significant progress was made across both mining and processing activities during the year. Production was 16% below the level of 2011, a result of the expected 30% decline in grade as the mine operated at close to its reserve grade. This impact was slightly offset by the operational improvements, with a 33% increase in total tonnes mined, which includes a 19% increase in ore tonnes, and a throughput increase of 24%. Site management are now firmly focused on ensuring these improvements are maintained during 2013.
At Tulawaka, the processing plant operated on batch milling due to the lack of sufficient ore to run it full time, which was a consequence of relying exclusively on underground material during 2012. As a result, throughput was down substantially on 2011 with a corresponding fall in production levels. We have successfully extended the life of this operation consistently in the last three years; however as a part of the Operational Review we have taken the decision not to further extend the mine life beyond the middle of 2013. We are currently starting to implement our closure plan for the operation and will engage with our employees as we move through this process. As a result of this, and in combination with the downward revision of reserves, we have incurred a non-cash impairment charge at the mine of US$44.5 million for 2012.
Growth Projects
We have continued to make very good progress on our growth projects over the year: we are progressing the construction of the Carbon in Leach ("CIL") circuit expansion at Bulyanhulu, and the Board has approved the ordering of certain long lead items required for the acceleration of mining at an expanded Upper East Zone project at Bulyanhulu. These two projects will add meaningful long-term production to our core operating asset.
On our Greenfield exploration portfolio we continued to increase the size of the Nyanzaga resource, which now has an in-pit resource of over 4.6 million ounces ("Moz") of gold ("Au") consisting of 3.75 Moz at 1.42 g/t Au Indicated and 0.85 Moz at 1.81 g/t Au Inferred. We are currently finalising the pre-feasibility study and expect to take a decision on whether to progress to a full feasibility study by the middle of the year.
We also acquired an interest in over 2,800 square kilometres of under explored, highly prospective licence areas in Kenya for an initial consideration of US$22 million including exploration funding. The licences add more than 20 existing targets from grassroots through to the drill testing stage into the exploration and development pipeline and will be the focus for a significant proportion of our exploration budget in 2013.
Drilling at North Mara has continued to highlight the potential for underground development at both the Gokona and Nyabirama pits and we are undertaking the technical trade-off analysis in order to establish how best to sequence the underground potential with the existing open pit operations in order to maximise the life of mine return from the mine.
Government Relations
Notwithstanding the acquisition in 2012 of the exploration portfolio in Kenya, the majority of our assets and all of our cashflow remain in Tanzania. During 2012, we continued to build on the constructive dialogue we enjoy with the Tanzanian government as our operations delivered significant benefits and value to our host communities. The decision to voluntarily move to a royalty rate of 4% from 3% was one that ABG instigated but it was also recognition of the improved level of cooperation we saw from the Tanzanian authorities as we solved a range of taxation, permitting and licensing issues, some of which dated from several years back.
As we move into 2013 there remains much to be done and it is vital we enjoy the ongoing support of the government in these areas. Across our asset base, the lack of availability of reliable power is a key issue for us and one which is receiving attention at the highest levels within the Tanzanian government, and we look forward to the government delivering on its initiatives to alleviate this issue. At North Mara, we have seen good support over the last few months in relation to improving law and order but need to resolve a number of land access issues to ensure we have the appropriate footprint for our operations and we look forward to the government's support in achieving this. Elsewhere, we are encouraging the government to help resolve the pension fund issue which has impacted our workforce. From a taxation perspective, we are working closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure we minimise the level of working capital tied up in payments which are recoverable under the terms of our Mine Development Agreements ("MDAs").
Licence to Operate
From an operational perspective, ABG has a high quality and well invested portfolio of assets which positions us strongly for the long-term. However, without the accompanying licence to operate and a stable working relationship with all stakeholders, the quality of our assets could be significantly impacted. For this reason, the achievements we have made with the government and with our host communities on issues relating to our operating environment are of key importance. We have benefited from a full year of operation of the ABG Maendeleo Fund which has supported a range of projects across our operations throughout the year.
In terms of the individual operations, the key challenges are centred on North Mara and we have made significant progress in 2012 in order to secure the long term future of the mine. In addition to the signing of VBIAs with the local communities, we have invested 39% of the ABG Maendeleo Fund's annual budget towards new infrastructure around North Mara, including rehabilitating the local health clinic, the provision of clean water and the launch of a major school desk programme.
We were also pleased to receive the renewal of the special mining licences ("SMLs") at North Mara. The renewals are on the same terms and conditions as the previous licences and are both for a period of 15 years. The original SML's were issued in February 2000 and had expired in September 2011, since which time the mine continued to operate on the same basis due to the rollover provisions contained in the Tanzanian Mining Act.
The life of mine footprint continues to be a challenge at North Mara as land acquisition is increasingly expensive due to the high levels of speculation. This has led to the ongoing suspension of operations in the Nyabirama pit. We are engaging with local and central government in order to find a solution. During the year we received potentially acid forming ("PAF") waste dump permits necessary for the immediate operations of the site and we continue to apply for permits to meet ongoing requirements.
We continue to work with the relevant authorities to progress the lifting of the Environmental Protection Order ("EPO") at North Mara in order to be able to discharge water. NEMC, the environmental regulator, has recently visited the operation for a final review and we are now awaiting their approval.
Final Dividend for 2012
The Directors are pleased to recommend the payment of a final dividend of US12.3 cents per Ordinary Share. This represents a total dividend of US16.3 cents for 2012, in line with dividend payments for 2011 and is a sign of our confidence in the business. Subject to shareholders approving this recommendation at the AGM, the final dividend will be paid on 24 May 2013 to shareholders on the register on 3 May 2013. The ex-dividend date is 1 May 2013. ABG will declare the final dividend in US dollars. Unless a shareholder has elected or elects to receive dividends in US dollars, dividends will be paid in pounds sterling with the US dollar amount being converted into pounds sterling at exchange rates prevailing on or around 8 May 2013. Currency elections must be made by return of currency election forms. The deadline for the return of currency election forms is 7 May 2013.
Operational Review
Over the past three years our operating environment has seen some significant changes which have had an impact both on the production levels at our operating mines as well as on our overall cost of production. As a result, we have identified a number of areas where we can improve both the cost profile as well as the deliverability of production. Together with a reduction in the overall level of capital applied to the business, we believe that the current base of production can deliver attractive returns which will be enhanced by our portfolio of organic growth projects which will start delivering incremental production from next year.
The specific initiatives which will form the core of the Operational Review are:
Operating Cost Reductions - Initial results available in 6 months
Aside from labour, our key costs drivers over the past few years have been power, maintenance and consumable usage. Whilst the increase in diesel usage across the group has been necessary to ensure the production outcome it has led to increased cost, specifically at Buzwagi. We continue to investigate opportunities to reduce our reliance on the electricity grid including short term opportunities such as the installation of capacitors to reduce dips and voltage swings and longer term alternative energy solutions. Optimisation of management operating systems and supply chain practices are expected to provide further reductions in our maintenance and consumable cost levels.
Capital Discipline - Over US$50 million reduction achieved in 2013
We have maintained a disciplined approach to capital expenditure over the past three years, but have still invested over US$750 million into the business in order to optimise our asset base. This investment provides us with well invested, modern mines, such that we should be able to substantially lower our capital budget going forward. We have released our 2013 capital expenditure guidance today which indicates an initial reduction of approximately over US$50 million from the 2012 sustaining capital expenditure. We are reassessing all of our future capital expenditure to identify further opportunities to cut capital expenditure further into 2014 and beyond.
Organisational Structure - Initial results available in 6 months
Our production and cost profile has changed significantly and we will now ensure that we right-size the business in order to fit our anticipated production levels and new operating paradigm. With this in mind, a zero based review is being undertaken of the entire organisation, in order to ensure that we have the appropriate staffing levels, mix of employees and contractors and the optimal combination of International and Tanzanian employees in order to meet our objectives without impacting production. Further to this we will also simplify the corporate structure in order to improve the responsiveness of the organisation.
Corporate Overhead Cost Reductions - Initial results available in 3 months
As a part of the review of our organisational design we are reviewing opportunities to reduce our corporate overheads as we align the corporate support and service model to match the business model to take forward into 2014. Aside from labour efficiencies, we see key opportunities for improved efficiencies within our Community, Health, Environment, Safety and Security ("CHESS") function model and in a reduction in travel and accommodation expenses.
Mine Planning Deliverability - Initial results available in 6 months
On a mine site level, we are in the early stages of the review process. As a part of this process we are reviewing and optimising the life of mines at each of the assets to prioritise driving returns and cashflow and are seeking to improve both productivity and efficiency at each of the assets through improved organisational structure and training.
Key focus areas for further asset optimisation are:
At our flagship asset Bulyanhulu, we are conducting a number of studies to optimise the ore extraction schedule, plan for the right infrastructure to support the ore extraction and transport and, importantly, make sure we have a clear understanding of the most efficient mining method to be deployed for the life of mine. Whilst we have some temporary issues to resolve, the mine represents our best leverage to generate high return ounces, given the scale and quality of its resources.
At North Mara, as a part of the review we are assessing all options for future development of the mine, including the potential for underground development. We have overcome significant legacy issues and our social licence to operate has been regained, but as part of this exercise we will assess a range of potential mine plans based around the ability to access land in order to satisfy the life of mine requirements for the existing three open pits. In conjunction with the mine development review, we will continue to work with regional and governmental departments in order to build on the actions we have implemented over the course of 2011 and 2012 to strengthen further our social licence to operate.
At Buzwagi, now that we have stabilised mining and processing rates we are continuing to review options to improve operating efficiencies and thereby the profitability of this operation. Our key focus in this regard is to review ways in which we can reduce Buzwagi's reliance on diesel power, which results in high operating costs, and the reduction of required levels of sustaining capital. There are clear opportunities to improve sustaining capital investment levels, given that we are now through the bulk of the catch up capital investment required in order to stabilise production levels over the past three years.
At Tulawaka, as a result of our renewed focus on generating returns rather than ounces, we have decided not to further extend the life of the mine beyond the second quarter of 2013. Engagement with our employees will be undertaken as we embark into this process and we will focus efforts on the redeployment of the mine's skilled workforce to our other assets and the progression of closure planning. Options for divestment will also be considered.
We will periodically report on the progress of the Operational Review throughout the year, as a part of our results releases.
Outlook
ABG enters 2013 with a high quality portfolio of assets and significant financial strength as a result of our net cash position of over US$400 million. However, we did not generate acceptable returns from the business in 2012 and with the production level forecast for this year we need to implement efficiencies in our operating cost base as well as applying capital more selectively to the business following the heavy investment made over the past three years. As set out above, these will form the key pillars of our Operational Review, together with a detailed assessment of our life of mine plans to establish the optimal mining rates as we move forward. Our operating environment has evolved substantially in recent years, as have our assets, and we need to ensure the organisation is properly set to maximise returns against this backdrop.
At the mine level, our expectation is for broadly similar production levels to 2012 at our Buzwagi and North Mara operations, with lower production at Bulyanhulu as we implement our recovery plan at the mine through the first half of the year and Tulawaka as it comes to the end of its life in the second quarter of the year.
As a result of our operational review, we are targeting reductions to our cash cost per ounce as we go through the year. While we estimate the cash cost per ounce for the year, including royalties, will be between US$925-975 per ounce sold (including a reduction of US$120 per ounce sold due to a change in accounting for waste stripping (IFRIC 20)), we anticipate the run rate will be below this level by the end of the year.
With US$135 million of capital being allocated to expansion projects, principally at Bulyanhulu, we have set our sustaining capital budget at US$100 million, including land, and we have allocated US$210 million to capital development inclusive of deferred stripping. The adoption of IFRIC 20, which recognises eligible production phase deferred waste stripping costs as assets on a stage-by-stage basis as opposed to the previous single pit basis, will increase our deferred stripping capitalisation by approximately US$70 million over 2012.
Overall, our key objectives for 2013 are:
achieving attributable Group production of between 540,000-600,000 ounces
maintaining total cash cost including royalties of between US$925-US$975 per ounce sold
total capital expenditure of US$445 million, comprising US$100 million of sustaining capital, US$210 million of capital development inclusive of deferred stripping and US$135 million of expansion capital
completing the Operational Review and implementing outcomes from the process
substantially completing construction planned for the CIL expansion at Bulyanhulu
obtaining Board approval for the Bulyanhulu Upper East Zone project
optimising Group throughput and recoveries
achieving growth in our overall resource base
improving further our safety record
continuing the development of our sustainability practices
continuing our disciplined focus on opportunities for strategic acquisitions throughout Africa.
Finally, I would like to thank all of my colleagues for their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work throughout what has been an important year in the development of our business. I would also like to thank our Board for their unwavering support, their wise counsel and their commitment throughout the year.
Greg Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer
For further information, please visit our website: www.africanbarrickgold.com or contact:
+44 (0)207 129 African Barrick Gold plc 7150
Greg Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Jennings, Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Wray, Head of Corporate Development & Investor Relations
+44 (0)20 7251 RLM Finsbury 3801
Faeth Birch
Charles Chichester
About ABG
ABG is Tanzania's largest gold producer and one of the five largest gold
producers in Africa. We have four producing mines, all located in North West
Tanzania, and several exploration projects at various stages of development. We
have a high-quality asset base, solid growth opportunities and a clear strategy
of:
driving operating efficiencies to optimise production from our existing asset
base;
growing through near mine expansion and development of advanced-stage projects;
and
organic greenfield growth and acquisitions in Africa.
Maintaining our licence to operate through acting responsibly in relation to
our people, the environment and the communities in which we operate is central
to achieving our objectives.
ABG is a UK public company with its headquarters in London. We are listed on
the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol ABG and have a
secondary listing on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange. Historically and prior
to our initial public offering (IPO), our operations comprised the Tanzanian
gold mining business of Barrick Gold Corporation, our majority shareholder. ABG
reports in US dollars in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union,
unless otherwise stated in this announcement.
Presentation and conference call
A presentation will be held for analysts and investors on 13 February 2013 at
9.00am London time. A dial in facility will be available as follows:
Participant dial in:
+44 (0) 203 003 2666 / +1 866 966 5335
Password: ABG
There will be a replay facility available until 20 February 2013. Access details are as follows:
Replay number: +44 (0) 208 196 1998
Replay PIN: 1465206#
There will also be a conference call for analysts and investors based in North America on 13 February 2013 at 1.30pm GMT
+44 (0) 203 003 2666 / +1 866 966 Participant Dial In: 5335
Password:
ABG
There will be a replay facility available for seven days thereafter, with access details as follows:
Dial in: +44 (0) 208 196 1998
Access PIN: 8956171#
FORWARD- LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report includes "forward-looking statements" that express or imply expectations of future events or results. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include, without limitation, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future production, operations, costs, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates" and other similar expressions.
All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of ABG, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance and achievements of ABG include, but are not limited to, changes or developments in political, economic or business conditions or national or local legislation in countries in which ABG conducts or may in the future conduct business, industry trends, competition, fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodity prices, changes in regulation, currency fluctuations (including the US dollar, South African rand, Kenyan shilling and Tanzanian shilling exchange rates), ABG's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, ABG's ability to recover its reserves or develop new reserves, including its ability to convert its resources into reserves and its mineral potential into resources or reserves, and to process its mineral reserves successfully and in a timely manner, risk of trespass, theft and vandalism, changes in its business strategy, as well as risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development, mining and production. Although ABG's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, ABG cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Accordingly, investors should not place reliance on forward looking statements contained in this report. Any forward-looking statements in this report only reflect information available at the time of preparation. Subject to the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and the Listing Rules or applicable law, ABG explicitly disclaims any obligation or undertaking publicly to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this report should be construed as a profit forecast or estimate and no statement made should be interpreted to mean that ABG's profits or earnings per share for any future period will necessarily match or exceed the historical published profits or earnings per share of ABG.
AFRICAN BARRICK GOLD
LSE: ABG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2012 Operating Overview 10
Exploration and Development Review 15
Financial Review 19
Non-IFRS measures 27
Risk Review 30
Directors 30
Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 31 Income
Consolidated Balance Sheet 32
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 33
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 34
Notes to the financial information 35
Reserves and Resources 47
2012 Operating Overview
We continued to make good progress across our assets in 2012 with Q4, as anticipated, being our strongest quarter. However, challenges in our operating environment resulted in us meeting neither our cost nor initial production targets for the year.
Gold production at Bulyanhulu of 236,183 ounces was 10% lower than 2011, primarily due to lower head grade as a result of paste fill delays and lower than plan availability of high grade stopes which was further negatively impacted by lower equipment availabilities. In addition, in Q4 2012 potential changes to Tanzanian pension legislation led to significant numbers of long serving Tanzanian employees resigning which further impacted production.
Production at North Mara increased by 13% over 2011 to 193,231 ounces, with head grade and mill recovery positively impacted by an increase in ore tonnes mined and mined grade over the second half of the year leading to a reduction in mill feed from the lower grade stockpiles.
At Buzwagi, all the key operating metrics showed good year-on-year improvement with the result that the expected 30% fall in head grade was limited to a 16% decline in production. The final quarter saw a particularly strong performance helping drive full year production to 165,770 ounces.
At Tulawaka full year production amounted to 31,028 ounces, 47% lower than in 2011 as a result of the lower mined grade from underground stopes and the application of batch milling in order to drive plant efficiencies.
Total tonnes mined amounted to 48.3 million tonnes, an increase of 7% from 45.1 million in 2011. Ore tonnes mined from open pits amounted to 6.0 million tonnes compared to 5.8 million in 2011. This was driven by increased ore tonnes from Buzwagi due to improved equipment availability. Waste tonnes mined of 41.2 million tonnes were 8% higher than 2011 as a result of the improved equipment availability at Buzwagi, offset by mining constraints at North Mara due to delays in issuing PAF waste dumping permits. Underground tonnes hoisted were negatively impacted by operational issues at Bulyanhulu and amounted to 1.1 million tonnes compared to 1.2 million tonnes in 2011.
Ore tonnes processed amounted to 7.7 million tonnes, an improvement of 4% from 2011 driven by increased throughput at Buzwagi due to process plant improvements.
Head grade for the year of 2.9 grams per tonne (g/t) was 12% lower than 3.3 g/t in 2011. This was due to mining at reserve grade at Buzwagi for a large proportion of the year and lower availability of higher grade stopes at Bulyanhulu and Tulawaka.
Our cash costs for the year were 37% higher than 2011, and amounted to US$949 per ounce sold. The increase was primarily due to:
the lower production base and resultant lower co-product revenue (US$169/oz);
increased fuel and energy costs at Buzwagi due to the increased self generation of power and increased Tanesco rates and consumption at Bulyanhulu (US$53/oz); and
increased maintenance and G&A costs across all sites (US$58/oz).
This was partially offset by increased capitalised mining expenditure at Buzwagi due to a higher strip ratio and cost base, and at Bulyanhulu due to the increased cost base and development ratio (US$38/oz).
Cash costs of US$75 per tonne milled for the year have increased by 15% on 2011 (US$65 per tonne), primarily as a result of the above factors.
Gold sales amounted to 609,252 ounces, and trailed production by 3% due to the back-ended nature of production during Q4 2012 at Buzwagi and North Mara affecting the timing of sales.
Our copper production for the year of 12.9 million pounds represents a 13% decrease on 2011 (14.9 million pounds), which reflects the lower production base at Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi.
Despite improvements made overall in the Group total reportable injury frequency rate ("TRIFR"), we regretfully suffered two fatalities across our operations in 2012. The first involved a contractor employee at Buzwagi who was involved in a vehicle related incident. The second involved an ABG employee at Tulawaka who was involved in a mobile equipment accident that is currently under investigation.
Bulyanhulu
Key statistics
Three months ended Year ended
Bulyanhulu 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Underground ore tonnes hoisted Kt 214 254 959 1,048
Ore milled Kt 230 241 1,012 1,056
Head grade g/t 7.2 9.1 8.0 8.5
Mill recovery % 89.8% 91.5% 90.6% 91.2%
Ounces produced oz 47,684 64,433 236,183 262,034
Ounces sold oz 46,306 65,132 235,410 269,981
Cash cost per ounce sold US$/oz 971 671 803 610
Cash cost per tonne milled US$/t 196 181 187 156
Copper production Klbs 1,206 1,617 6,102 7,675
Copper sold Klbs 1,293 1,786 5,895 7,716
Capital expenditure US$('000) 50,406 29,765 117,569 95,432
Operating performance
Bulyanhulu produced 236,183 ounces in 2012, 10% lower than the prior year's total as a result of paste fill delays, lower than planned availability of high grade stopesand lower equipment availabilities resulting in lower ore tonnes hoisted and mined grade than in 2011. Whilst corrective actions are underway, progress has been slowed by potential changes to Tanzanian pension legislation which has led to significant numbers of long serving Tanzanian employees resigning. These included a number of skilled underground mining personnel as well as maintenance staff dealing with improving mobile equipment availabilities. With the end of the offer period we are now actively hiring as well as rotating staff from elsewhere in our operations, in order to minimise further impacts in 2013.
Head grade of 8.0 g/t was lower than the prior year (8.5 g/t) as a result of paste fill delays limiting access to the primary long hole stopes leading to increased tonnes being mined from lower grade stopes. The lower mined grade together with lower recoveries in the CIL circuit led to a recovery rate of 90.6%.
Gold ounces sold for the year were 235,410 ounces, which was broadly in line with the production figure, but 13% lower than 2011.
Copper production for the year of 6.1 million pounds was 20% lower than that of the same period in 2011. This was primarily due to mining of lower copper grade areas and lower recoveries.
Cash costs for the year of US$803 per ounce sold were 32% higher than the prior year of US$610. Cash cost was negatively impacted by lower production levels and the resultant lower co-product revenue; increased maintenance costs driven by an increase in unplanned mining and processing related breakdowns; increased energy costs due to increased Tanesco rates and consumption; and increased G&A charges driven by higher camp costs and aviation charges. This was slightly offset by increased capitalised mining expenditure. Cash costs per tonne milled increased to US$187 in 2012 (US$156 in 2011) as a result of the costs outlined above.
Capital expenditure for the year of US$117.6 million was 23% higher than the prior year of US$95.4 million mainly driven by expansion capital and increased underground development. Key capital expenditure included capitalised underground development (US$45.6 million), CIL expansion project (US$26.1 million) and mining equipment (US$10.6 million).
Buzwagi
Key statistics
Three months ended Year ended
Buzwagi 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Tonnes mined Kt 7,907 6,205 28,563 21,534
Ore tonnes mined Kt 1,325 797 4,233 3,545
Ore milled Kt 1,062 642 3,715 2,993
Head grade g/t 2.1 2.1 1.6 2.3
Mill recovery % 90.9% 87.4% 87.3% 88.0%
Ounces produced oz 64,828 37,916 165,770 196,541
Ounces sold oz 51,264 38,547 155,322 200,518
Cash cost per ounce sold US$/oz 881 870 1,087 691
Cash cost per tonne milled US$/t 43 52 45 46
Copper production Klbs 3,059 1,272 6,773 7,201
Copper sold Klbs 1,945 1,438 5,628 7,353
Capital expenditure US$('000) 32,232 27,774 98,054 83,203
Operating performance
Gold production for the year at Buzwagi was 165,770 ounces, 16% lower than the prior year period. This is as a result of the reversion to mining at reserve grade for a significant part of the year, with production further impacted by plant operational factors leading to decreased processing rates in the first half of the year. With the installation of diesel back up power and improved plant operational availability and efficiencies in the second half of the year, 2012 mill throughput increased by 24% compared to 2011. There was a significant increase in tonnes mined compared to the prior year period as a result of a larger mobile fleet and improved equipment availability. We expect the improvement in both mining and milling rates to continue through 2013.
Gold ounces sold decreased by 23% to 155,322 ounces from 200,518 ounces, falling below production by 6% due to a delay in sales as a result of the back-ended nature of production in the fourth quarter.
Copper production for the year of 6.8 million pounds was 6% below the prior year's production. This was primarily due to the mining of lower copper grades in 2012.
Cash costs for the year were US$1,087 per ounce sold compared to US$691 in 2011. Cash costs have been affected by lower production and resultant lower co-product revenue and increased diesel consumption driven by a requirement to self generate electricity. Increased consumable usage and contract services costs, due to increased maintenance and repair contractor ("MARC") repairs were offset by increased capitalised stripping costs due to the waste stripping undertaken.
Cash costs per tonne milled of US$45 decreased slightly from 2011 as increased throughput was offset by an increase in the direct mining cost base.
Capital expenditure for the year of US$98.1 million was 18% higher than the prior year of US$83.2 million primarily due to deferred stripping. Key capital expenditure includes capitalised deferred stripping (US$31.1 million), mine fleet investments (US$19.8 million) and investments in the process plant's detoxification process (US$17.2 million). Included in capital expenditure is a non-cash reclamation adjustment which amounted to US$10.5 million.
North Mara
Key statistics
Three months ended Year ended
North Mara 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Tonnes mined Kt 5,788 3,591 18,391 21,808
Ore tonnes mined Kt 694 549 1,711 2,254
Ore milled Kt 740 773 2,786 3,070
Head grade g/t 3.0 2.1 2.5 2.1
Mill recovery % 88.7% 78.9% 85.4% 80.6%
Ounces produced oz 63,235 41,704 193,231 170,832
Ounces sold oz 56,800 40,000 186,600 170,625
Cash cost per ounce sold US$/oz 921 867 965 810
Cash cost per tonne milled US$/t 71 45 65 45
Capital expenditure US$('000) 34,449 37,832 91,096 123,146
Operating performance
Gold production for the year was 193,231 ounces, an increase of 13% on 2011 as a result of improved grade and recoveries partially offset by ore milled being 9% lower than in 2011, as throughput was negatively impacted by unplanned maintenance in Q2 2012. Gold ounces sold amounted to 186,600 ounces for the year, 9% higher than in 2011 due to the increase in production, but trailing production by 3% due to the back-ended nature of production in Q4 2012.
Head grade of 2.5 g/t improved by 19% from 2011, as a result of increased ore tonnes mined and mine grade during the second half of the year, leading to a reduction in mill feed from the lower grade stockpiles. Recoveries of 85.4% increased 6% on the prior year period, primarily as a result of the positive impact from the completed gold plant recovery project.
The focus for North Mara in 2012 was the continuation of the substantial waste stripping programme in both the Gokona and Nyabirama pits in order to open up higher grade zones for future years. Mining in the Gokona pit was adversely impacted by delays in the issuing of PAF waste dumping permits during H1 2012, and delays in relocating villagers surrounding the Nyabirama pit led to the suspension of mining in the pit from Q2 2012. As a result, total tonnes mined of 18.4 million tonnes were 16% lower than in 2011. Ore tonnes mined amounted to 1.7 million tonnes, a reduction of 24% from 2.3 million tonnes in 2011.
Cash costs for the year were US$965 per ounce sold compared to US$810 in the prior year period. Direct mining costs were in line with 2011, with increases in labour, G&A and maintenance offset by lower contracted services charges due to the move from a MARC to an owner maintenance model. However, lower than planned capitalised mining and negative inventory valuation changes drove an increase in overall cash cost compared to 2011.
Cash costs per tonne milled increased to US$65 in 2012 from US$45 in 2011, mainly as a result of the decrease in throughput.
Capital expenditure for the year of US$91.1 million was 26% lower than the prior year of US$123.1 million due to lower expansion capital. Key capital expenditure included capitalised deferred stripping (US$25.7 million), mine equipment (US$10.5 million), infrastructure investment (US$14.5 million) and capitalised exploration drilling costs (US$5.2 million). Included in capital expenditure is a non-cash reclamation adjustment which amounted to US$7.5 million.
During Q4 2012 the SMLs relating to North Mara were renewed on the existing terms for a 15 year period. This renewal supports our long term planning and will assist in unlocking value from the asset base.
The life of mine footprint continues to be a challenge at North Mara as land acquisition is increasingly expensive due to the high levels of speculation. This has led to the ongoing suspension of operations in the Nyabirama pit. We are engaging with local and central government in order to find a solution. During the year we received PAF waste dump permits necessary for the immediate operations of the site and we continue to apply for permits to meet ongoing requirements.
We continue to work with the relevant authorities to progress the lifting of the Environmental Protection Order ("EPO") at North Mara in order to be able to discharge water. NEMC, the environmental regulator, has recently visited the operation for a final review and we are now awaiting their approval.
Tulawaka
Key statistics
Three months ended Year ended Tulawaka (reflected as 70%) 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Underground ore tonnes hoisted Kt 33 38 124 144
Open pit ore tonnes mined Kt - 20 43 22
Open pit waste tonnes mined Kt - 437 222 497
Ore milled Kt 34 73 185 291
Head grade g/t 4.7 7.1 5.5 6.6
Mill recovery % 94.6% 95.7% 95.5% 95.1%
Ounces produced Oz 4,937 15,967 31,028 58,871
Ounces sold Oz 5,215 15,190 31,920 58,415
Cash cost per ounce sold US$/oz 1,989 781 1,269 727
Cash cost per tonne milled US$/t 302 162 219 146
Capital expenditure (100%) $('000) 7,386 14,262 24,588 31,652
Operating performance
The mine's attributable gold production for the year was 31,028 ounces compared to the 58,871 ounces achieved in 2011. The decreased gold production level resulted from lower mined grade from underground stopes and the application of batch milling in order to drive plant efficiencies. Gold ounces sold were broadly in line with production.
Cash costs for the year were US$1,269 per ounce sold compared to US$727 in the prior year. This cost increase was mainly due to the lower production base and the impact of lower capitalised mining. These were slightly offset by lower sales related costs due to lower sales ounces.
Cash costs per tonne milled increased to US$219 in 2012 from US$146 in 2011, primarily as a result of a lower mill throughput due to the batch milling campaign.
Capital expenditure for the year of US$24.6 million was 22% lower than the prior year of US$31.7 million. Key capital expenditure included capitalised exploration drilling and underground development costs (US$10.2 million) as we evaluated the potential to extend the mine life and infrastructure investments into the tailings storage facility, security and accommodation (US$4.2 million) which will form part of the closure plan. Included in capital expenditure is a non-cash reclamation adjustment which amounted to US$1.3 million.
Following the decision not to further extend the mine life, and in combination with the downward revision of reserves, we have recognised a non-cash impairment charge of US$44.5 million relating to Tulawaka given the current mine plan and limited mine life. This is a result of the mine life net carrying value exceeding the recoverable amount by US$41.0 million and the impairment of capitalised exploration costs relating to the Moja-Moja project of US$3.5 million.
Exploration and Development Review
Overall, 2012 was a successful year of execution and delivery for both the Exploration and Projects teams across our greenfield and brownfield exploration and development projects. During 2012, US$29.0 million of exploration and evaluation activities were expensed, with a further US$16.6 million of capitalised exploration and evaluation activities taking place. Key highlights include the addition of resource ounces at Nyanzaga, successful drilling results from brownfield exploration programmes at North Mara and the acquisition of the West Kenya JV project.
In early 2012 we announced an increase of over 3 Moz of Indicated and Inferred in-pit resources at Nyanzaga and in April, following further successful drilling of the Kilimani Zone, we added a further 500,000 ounces of gold to the in-pit resource. The project subsequently returned a positive scoping study and has been moved into a pre-feasibility study. Exploration drilling in 2013 at Nyanzaga will continue to target the extensions of high grade zones intersected by deep drilling.
At the North Mara mine, brownfield exploration drilling programmes were completed below the Gokona and Nyabirama open pits targeting significant resource expansions with the aim of expanding the current open pits and/or developing underground resources. Both programmes achieved their aims, with a trade-off analysis being completed to determine how we proceed with scheduling and mining the expanded resources at Gokona and a scoping study now underway at Nyabirama.
At Bulyanhulu, approval was granted for an expansion to the current CIL circuit, initially, to retreat tailings and to give future processing flexibility to processing of ore types at the mine. The project has progressed well with site works now underway. Project commissioning is targeted for early 2014. Additionally, the project to accelerate mining at the Bulyanhulu Upper East Zone has now been expanded in scope to include both of Reef 1 and Reef 2 and has the potential to add an average of 90,000 ounces of gold per year to production over the life of mine.
Greenfield Exploration
Greenfield exploration is a key value driver, and when successful, it enables the business to generate future production ounces at competitive cost. Therefore, significant focus in 2012 has been placed on identifying new greenfields exploration opportunities throughout Africa to strengthen our exploration portfolio. Collectively, the greenfield exploration programmes we have undertaken have further strengthened our portfolio of exploration projects, with the potential to add significantly to our production profile over the medium term.
We have made good progress at our Nyanzaga project throughout the year, and are currently completing the pre-feasibility study. Elsewhere in Tanzania, during the year wide zones of lower grade mineralisation have been intersected at the Dett prospect west of the North Mara mine. Current drilling is targeting higher grade zones within this mineralised system in order to further explore its potential.
In addition, initial exploration programmes conducted on the West Kenya JV Project following completion of our acquisition of AMKL have already started to yield positive results at several prospects within the 2,800 square kilometre land package. In 2013, we will continue our focus on advancing grassroots and other early stage prospects on the West Kenya JV Project to drill ready status. At the same time, we will continue to advance opportunities at drill testing and advanced exploration stages of the exploration pipeline toward tangible resource projects.
Brownfield Exploration
In 2012, near-mine brownfield exploration successfully identified extensions to known resources. The main focus was Gokona and Nyabirama depth extensions at North Mara where drilling returned excellent results from infill and step-out resource drilling. At Gokona, we intersected significant high grade mineralisation up to 300 metres below the current final open-pit depth. Selected results include the following:
GKD334: 3m @ 17.9g/t Au from 29m and 21m @ 15.4g/t Au from 188m
GKD336: 14m @ 11.2g/t Au from 222m
GKD337: 7m @ 31.0g/t Au from 457m and 11m @ 8.2g/t Au from 467m
GKD340: 11m @ 8.2g/t Au from 211m
GKD348A: 20m @ 22.4g/t Au from 415m and 8m @ 11.8g/t Au from 478m
GKD369: 17m @ 14.2g/t Au from 320m
GKD371: 14m @ 18.8g/t Au from 125m
From these results we can clearly see the opportunity for a significant high-grade underground resource.
At Bulyanhulu, we undertook a small programme of infill drilling around the planned Reef 2 Upper East underground. The drilling was successful at delineating extensions to known high grade shoots around the margins of the existing resource as well as confirming grade continuity within reserve areas. Further drilling is scheduled for 2013 to expand the Reef 2 resource in deeper areas of the mine to enhance future planning and life of mine scheduling.
In 2013 there will be a significant focus on realising resource expansions around our Bulyanhulu and North Mara operations.
Bulyanhulu CIL Expansion
The project will expand the current CIL circuit at Bulyanhulu to 2.4 million tonnes per annum in order to re-treat historic tailings, and increase production by approximately 40,000 ounces of gold per annum for the first six years of operation. The project has been progressing according to plan, with commissioning on track for early 2014. During the year we awarded the Engineering Procurement and Construction ("EPC") contract to manage the project to MDM Engineering and obtained all approvals for the construction from the Tanzanian authorities. Project financing discussions continued throughout the year and were ultimately concluded at the beginning of 2013 for the provision of an export credit facility for US$142 million to support the construction costs of the project. In conjunction with this, we have now submitted the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment to the Tanzanian Government, as required for the extension of the existing tailings storage facility at Bulyanhulu.
Progress in 2012
Detailed engineering design 85% complete
EPC contract awarded to MDM Engineering to manage the project
Project financing arranged for the provision of an export credit facility for US$142 million
Focus for 2013
Completion of engineering design
Receipt of approvals for the life of mine tailing storage facility
Completion of construction ahead of commissioning in early 2014
Bulyanhulu Upper East Project
The Bulyanhulu Upper East Expansion is a project aimed at increasing underground production. The project was previously solely based on the 1.2 Moz of gold reserves located in Reef 1 of the Upper East Zone, and we have now completed a positive scoping study to incorporate the 0.9 Moz of gold which currently sit in reserves in Reef 2 of the Upper East zone. We are now progressing with pre-feasibility and feasibility work on Reef 2 with the aim of completing a combined feasibility study for both reefs. Production from the Upper East Zone is targeted to commence in late 2014 and is expected to average in excess of 90,000 ounces of gold per annum over the life of mine.
Progress in 2012
Expansion of the scope of the project to include Reef 2 as well as Reef 1
Development of test stopes and completion of rehabilitation of main decline
Board approval to order certain long lead items
Focus for 2013
Complete the development of test stopes and successful completion of trial mining
Receipt of Board approval to proceed with project execution
Continue exploration drilling to expand Reef 2 resource
Nyanzaga Project
In early 2012, we announced an updated in-pit resource in excess of 4 million ounces of gold, consisting of an Indicated resource of 3.48 Moz ounces of gold at 1.47 g/t Au and an Inferred resource of 0.6 Moz ounces of gold at 2.05 g/t Au. This represents a fourfold increase on the previous resource declared for this project. Additional drilling and re-optimisation of the open pits, undertaken in 2012, saw the inclusion of the Kilimani zone and has added a further 0.6 Moz of gold to the in-pit resource, which now stands at 3.75 Moz at 1.42 g/t Au Indicated and 0.85 Moz at 1.81 g/t Au Inferred. In addition to this, we have successfully completed the scoping study for this project and have now moved into the pre-feasibility stage where we will examine different options for developing the in-pit resource. In order to ensure an appropriate mix of upfront capital and future cash flows we will examine a range of options for the size of the process plant up to 8 million metric tonnes per annum.
Progress in 2012
Expansion of in-pit resource to in excess of 4.6 Moz
Positive exploration results showing higher grade zones both at surface and depth.
Project moved from scoping into Pre-Feasibility Study stage
Focus for 2013
Successful completion of the pre-feasibility study in H1 2013
Optimisation of the capital and operating costs if moved into a feasibility study
Drilling of deep exploration holes to target underground potential
Gokona Expansion
Drilling throughout 2011 and 2012 has targeted extensions to the Gokona mineralised system at depths below the current planned open pit. The aim of the drill programmes was to expand the potential underground resource in order to complete a detailed feasibility study. Drilling has been successful in demonstrating that high grade mineralisation extends to significant depths below the Gokona pit and studies are currently underway to determine the optimal way of integrating the underground and surface resources at Gokona in order to maximise the life of mine return at North Mara.
Progress in 2012
Significant exploration intersections demonstrating good grade continuity
Gokona underground resource increased to approximately 900 thousand ounces
Focus for 2013
Complete feasibility study
Nyabirama Expansion
Brownfield exploration drilling around the Nyabirama open pit during 2011 and 2012 has targeted opportunities for open pit expansions and underground extensions. Drill results during 2012 demonstrated that gold mineralisation continues to significant depths below current and future open pit depths and that further drilling is warranted to assess the size potential of the Nyabirama system. The results from the 2012 drilling have been incorporated into a scoping study that is expected to be completed in early 2013.
Progress in 2012
Exploration drilling intersected extensions to current resources indicating the system is robust at depth
Focus for 2013
Complete the Nyabirama resource update
Complete scoping study on pit expansion and underground potential
Golden Ridge
Golden Ridge is a satellite deposit, approximately 35km from Bulyanhulu. During 2012 we completed a metallurgical drilling programme and incorporated the findings into our existing model. We continue to examine the opportunity to use Bulyanhulu as a potential processing facility and this will progress on completion of the technical review process currently being conducted at Bulyanhulu as a part of the Operational Review.
Progress in 2012:
Completion of metallurgical drilling programme to update resource model
Initiation of study into toll milling ore at Bulyanhulu
Focus for 2013:
Completion of study into incorporating Golden Ridge into the Bulyanhulu LOM
West Kenya Joint Venture Project
In October 2012, we announced the acquisition of AMKL from Aviva Corporation. Through the acquisition of AMKL, ABG now owns a 51% interest, with the potential to move to 75% in a joint venture ("Lonmin JV") with Lonmin plc, and AMKL's right to earn up to a 75% interest in a second joint venture ("Advance JV") with Advance Gold Corporation. The acquisition of the interests provides an opportunity for ABG to enter an under explored region with multiple styles and types of gold prospects in a country with solid transport infrastructure and synergies with Tanzania.
The licence areas, which have only seen limited previous exploration, contain multiple large-scale gold anomalies and cover five contiguous licences over a land package in excess of 2,800km2 of the highly prospective Ndori Greenstone Belt in Kenya, which forms part of the Tanzanian Archaean Craton. The Ndori Greenstone Belt has all the geological characteristics of the highly productive greenstone belts of the Abitibi region of Canada and the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Colonial and artisanal mining and prospecting has identified in excess of 120 prospects and targets across the properties. Sporadic historic and current exploration activities have identified a large number of targets that justify extensive follow-up, and ABG intends to implement a systematic and focused gold exploration programme. These targets represent a significant addition to the grassroots and target delineation segments of our exploration pipeline.
During 2013, we will focus on advancing our knowledge of the Ndori Greenstone belt geology and structure through regional programmes, including drill testing of the more advanced stage targets. The initial aim for 2013 is to drill in excess of 70,000 metres of aircore, reverse circulation and diamond drill core, and to collect more than 15,000 auger and soil samples throughout the properties.
We have divided the properties into two large-scale gold camps, the Kakamega Dome Camp in the east and the Lake Zone Camp to the west in order to focus our exploration activities and teams to ensure we are advancing the best targets.
Lake Zone Camp
The Lake Zone Camp has over 60 gold prospects from historic exploration and prospecting activities. Exploration over the past ten years has included soil sampling, ground and airborne geophysical surveys and limited shallow percussion drilling.
Activities in the Lake Zone Camp during 2012 focused on core drilling of several projects to investigate the style and controls on gold mineralisation at several prospects. At one such prospect, Ramula, we have already intersected significant gold mineralisation in diamond drill core when testing a 600x400 metre gold in soil anomaly with some associated artisanal mining activity. Results have been very positive with multiple gold-bearing, shallow dipping, quartz veins intersected with best results in hole ANRDD003 including, 3.15m @ 3.02 g/t Au from 44m, 3.3m @ 12.5 g/t Au from 53m, 8.5m @ 4.61 g/t Au from 178m, 4.7m @ 7.40 g/t Au, and 4.1m @ 10.4 g/t Au from 252m. Drilling on the project will be accelerated in early 2013 and a second rig will be brought in which is capable of testing greater depths.
Ongoing exploration programmes in the Lake Zone Camp will focus on developing a number of drill ready targets, while at the same time completing extensive regional programmes to generate new targets for prospecting activities.
Kakamega Dome Camp
The Kakamega Dome Camp has over 70 known gold prospects from historic exploration and prospecting activities.
Exploration over the past ten years has focused on soil sampling, ground geophysics and drilling. The majority of recent exploration activity undertaken prior to ABG's acquisition of AMKL was focused on the Bumbo VMS Cu-Zn-Ag-Au deposit in the south of the camp and at the Bushiangala and Kimingini prospects on the south side of the interpreted Kakamega Dome.
Reconnaissance aircore drilling in 2013 will focus on the Liranda Lineament on the south side of the Kakamega Dome, which is a feature observed in airborne magnetic surveys, and is co-incident with a 15-20 kilometre roughly east-west corridor of gold-in-soil anomalies. This programme will be aimed at delineating targets for deeper drill testing. Additionally, deeper drilling will be undertaken at Bushiangala and Kimigini where excellent results include ASBSDD0001: 20m at 9.41 g/t Au from 29m and 1m at 12.05 g/t Au from 101 metres, ASBSDD006: 6m at 5.02 g/t Au from 38m and 16m at 5.91 g/t Au from 58m, ASRC025: 9m at 12.7 g/t Au from 139m and ASBSDD012: 9m at 13.05 g/t Au from 6m. Drilling to date shows the systems remain open at depth, and strike extensions can be expected.
We expect to see the West Kenya JV Project develop over the coming year through an expansive programme of early stage reconnaissance work and later stage drill testing with the aim of identifying several projects to move into resource definition drilling.
2012 Progress
Acquisition of West Kenya JV Project completed in late 2012
Drilling continued to intersect significant gold mineralisation on targets around the Kakamega Dome
Initial high-grade gold zones intersected at the Ramula Project in the Lake Zone Gold Camp
2013 Priorities
Advance drill testing stage targets at Bushiangala, Rosterman and Kimingini around the Kakamega Dome Camp
Delineate potential for new discoveries at Ramula, Masumbi, Abimbo, Kitson and Wagusu projects in the Lake Zone Camp
Advance regional understanding of geology and structure throughout the project
Identify new projects at all stages across the exploration pipeline
Financial Review
The challenging operational performance of our assets in 2012 is reflected in the ABG Group's financial results for the year:
Revenue of US$1,087.3 million was US$130.6 million lower driven by a 9% decrease in production base and sales delays.
Cash costs increased to US$949 per ounce sold from US$692 in 2011 driven by lower production, increased energy and maintenance costs, increased sales related costs and lower co-product revenue. Cash margin decreased by 20% to US$719 per ounce.
EBITDA decreased by 39% to US$330.9 million driven by lower revenue and increased direct mining costs and corporate social responsibility expenditure.
Adjusted net earnings of US$105.5 million, 62% lower than in 2011 due to lower EBITDA, partially offset by a lower tax expense. Adjusted earnings per share, mainly excluding a US$44.5 million non-cash impairment at Tulawaka, amounted to US25.7 cents, down from US67.0 cents in 2011.
Operational cash flow of US$257.9 million was 48% lower than 2011 mainly due to lower EBITDA and working capital outflows, including the impact of VAT relief abolishment in Q4 2012.
Notwithstanding our financial performance we have maintained a strong financial position with a net cash balance of US$401 million at year end, and we have proposed maintaining the full year dividend at the same level as 2011.
In line with the Operational Review, the 2013 key finance initiatives will be:
Cost and organisational structure review to ensure it is appropriate for the scale of the business.
Continued focus on working capital optimisation.
Continued focus on capital prioritisation and optimisation.
The following review provides a detailed analysis of our consolidated 2012 results and the main factors affecting financial performance. It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes on pages 31 to 46, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted for use in the European Union (IFRS).
Market overview
The key external drivers of our financial results are commodity prices, exchange rates and the price of oil. Their impact in 2012 and our positioning going into 2013 are set out below.
Commodity prices
Gold prices have a significant impact on ABG's operating earnings and its ability to generate cash flows. In 2012 the price of gold traded in a range of US$1,540 to US$1,790 per ounce and closed at US$1,675 per ounce. Gold prices averaged US$1,669 per ounce, a new record average and a US$97 per ounce improvement on the US$1,572 per ounce average in the prior year period.
The market price of gold has been positively influenced by low US dollar interest rates, sovereign debt concerns, investment demand and the monetary policies put in place by the world's most prominent central banks. As a result of the global easing of monetary policy, as well as large fiscal deficits incurred in the US and other major developed economies, there is a possibility that both inflation and US dollar depreciation could emerge in the coming years. Gold is viewed as a hedge against inflation and has historically been inversely correlated to the US dollar. Therefore, higher inflation and/or depreciation in the US dollar should be positive for the price of gold.
Gold prices also continue to be influenced by the impact of central bank gold purchases and investor interest in owning gold. In 2012, central banks purchased an estimated 536 metric tonnes of gold, and investor interest led holdings by major global exchange traded funds to increase by 10 million ounces in the year to total 89 million ounces at the end of the period. Historically, gold has been viewed as a reliable store of value in times of financial uncertainty and inflation and as a de facto global currency. Investor interest in gold as an asset class has increased greatly as a result of this.
ABG also produces copper as a co-product which is recognised as part of revenue. Copper prices traded in a wide range of US$3.29 to US$3.93 per pound and averaged US$3.61 per pound (compared to US$4.00 per pound in 2011). Copper's fall during the second half of 2012 occurred mainly due to uncertainty regarding the global economic recovery, and softer demand from emerging markets, especially China. We expect copper to benefit as the US domestic recovery accelerates and the effects of the European financial crisis become clearer. Copper prices will likely also be boosted by a resurgence of Asian demand, and by the limited availability of scrap metal and lower production levels of mines and smelters.
We will continue to monitor prices and take advantage of opportunities to hedge the copper price at acceptable price levels.
Currency exchange rates
A portion of the Company's costs are incurred in currencies other than US dollars. The exposure relating to other currencies is approximately 28% of the Company's total expenditure of which the main contributing currencies are the Tanzanian shilling and the South African rand. In 2012, the rand declined significantly against the US dollar as investors shunned riskier rand-denominated assets in favour of alternative investments.
Using collar option strategies, we have put in place floor protection on approximately 74% of our expected rand operating expenditures for 2013 at average floor prices of R8.31.
We have also used collar option strategies to put in place floor protection on approximately 84% of our expected rand-denominated capital expenses relating to the Bulyanhulu CIL expansion project, for 2013 and 2014 respectively, at average floor prices of R8.70 and R8.90 respectively. We participate in Rand weakness up to average ceilings of R9.59 and R9.80, for 2013 and 2014 respectively.
Fuel
During 2012, Brent crude oil traded between US$126 and US$89 per barrel and averaged US$112 per barrel. We consume approximately 625 thousand barrels of diesel fuel annually across all our mines. Diesel fuel is refined from crude oil and is therefore subject to the same price volatility affecting crude oil prices. Volatility in crude prices has a significant direct and indirect impact on our production costs.
Using 3-way option strategies, we have put in place ceiling protection on approximately 40% of our expected oil exposure for 2013. The hedges cap our oil exposure at US$110 per barrel should oil trade between US$110 and US$135 per barrel. Should the price of oil fall, we will participate in the lower price to a floor of US$85 per barrel.
Financial performance
Revenue
Revenue for the year of US$1,087.3 million was 11% lower than the prior year period of US$1,217.9 million. Year-on-year group gold sales volume decreased by 14%, while gold revenue benefited from higher average realised gold prices. The decrease in sales ounces was primarily due to the lower production base and the back-ended nature of production in December 2012 deferring sales to 2013. The average realised gold price was US$1,668 per ounce in 2012 compared to US$1,587 per ounce in 2011.
Co-product revenue amounted to US$48.0 million for the year and decreased by 29% from the prior year (US$67.9 million) due to the lower sales volumes and prices. The decrease in the production of gold/copper concentrate at Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi resulted in the decrease in copper sales volumes. The 2012 average realised copper price of US$3.57 per pound compared unfavourably to the prior year of US$3.82 per pound, and was driven by global market factors regarding supply and demand.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales was US$802.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2012, representing an increase of 14% on the prior year period (US$704.1 million). The key aspects impacting the cost of sales during the year were:
Increased direct mining costs as a result of increased mining and processing activities, overall cost inflation and a change in energy model geared towards self generated power at Buzwagi which led to increased energy, maintenance and general administration costs; and
Increased depreciation given the increased asset base employed and depreciated and increased capital expenditure during the year.
The table below provides a breakdown of cost of sales:
Three months ended Year ended ($'000) 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Cost of Sales
Direct mining costs 152,314 125,887 581,483 510,465
Third party smelting and refining fees 4,591 4,984 18,574 21,400
Royalty expense 13,198 9,445 43,769 38,100
Depreciation and amortisation 47,694 37,139 158,883 134,149
Total 217,797 177,455 802,709 704,114
A detailed breakdown of direct mining expenses is shown in the table below:
Three months ended Year ended ($'000) 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Direct mining costs
Labour 46,146 43,502 177,927 168,781
Energy and fuel 37,855 30,674 138,199 105,201
Consumables 27,312 24,395 105,779 93,646
Maintenance 24,352 22,147 98,384 79,491
Contracted services 23,713 25,050 89,715 99,414
General administration costs 23,264 19,806 90,974 71,614
Capitalised mining costs (30,328) (39,687) (119,495) (107,682)
Total direct mining costs 152,314 125,887 581,483 510,465
Individual cost components comprised:
Labour costs, were 5% higher in 2012, mainly as a result of year-on-year inflationary increases and increased national employee headcount primarily at Buzwagi and North Mara, partially offset by a reduction in international employees and a reallocation of travel costs to general and administration costs.
Energy and fuel expenses increased by 31% over 2011, driven primarily by increased fuel usage for self generation of power and increased mining activity at Buzwagi; and at Bulyanhulu due to increased Tanesco rates and consumption.
Consumable costs increased 13% primarily due to the increased mining and processing activity and changes to the processing mix at Buzwagi as a result of the lower head grade, resulting in increased consumable consumption.
Maintenance costs rose 24% primarily driven by North Mara due to the transition from a MARC to an owner maintenance model in H2 2011 (see reduction in contracted services) and to address lower plant and equipment availability. In addition, cost increased at Bulyanhulu due to unplanned breakdowns of underground equipment as a result of increased wear and plant operational breakdowns.
Contracted services decreased 10%, mainly as a result of the transition away from a MARC model at North Mara, a decrease in open pit mining at the West Pit extension at Tulawaka and a reallocation of contracted camp services to general and administration costs. This was partially offset by increased MARC costs at Buzwagi to address equipment availabilities and increased contracted underground costs for Bulyanhulu.
General and administrative costs increased 27%, driven by increased camp costs and additional security requirements amounting to US$5 million, reallocated camp costs from contracted services of US$4 million and increased travel costs of US$9 million reallocated from labour costs. Excluding reallocations, costs increased 9% over the prior year.
Capitalised direct mining costs, were 11% higher than 2011 as Buzwagi focused on deferred stripping in the first three quarters and higher capitalised development costs at Bulyanhulu.
Corporate administration costs
Corporate administration expenses totalled US$51.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2012. This equated to a 5% increase from the prior year period of US$49.1 million. The increase is predominantly due to inflationary increases which drove labour costs higher, increased share based payment expenses given the share price performance compared to peers and a one-time adjustment in 2011 relating to share based payment forfeitures that reduced costs in that year.
Exploration and evaluation costs
For 2012, US$29.0 million was incurred, 5% lower than the US$30.3 million spent in 2011. The key focus areas for the year were exploration drilling at Nyanzaga (US$5.6 million), drilling along the corridor surrounding North Mara (US$4.7 million), metallurgical sampling and modelling at Golden Ridge (US$1.6 million), and the Nyanzaga scoping study (US$1.3 million). Subsequent to the acquisition of AMKL, exploration expenditure amounting to US$1.1 million has been incurred. Funding provided to AMKL during the transition period and before the effective date of the transaction of US$1.3 million has been treated as part of the acquisition cost.
Corporate social responsibility expenses
Corporate social responsibility expenses costs incurred amounted to US$14.4 million for the year compared to the prior year of US$7.4 million. The increase has been driven by site focused projects specifically related to VBIAs at North Mara and larger contributions to general community projects funded from the ABG Maendeleo Fund, which was set up in September 2011.
Other charges
Other charges amounted to US$17.7 million for the year, 13% higher than 2011 (US$15.6 million). The main contributors to the charge were: (i) expenses incurred as a part of the CNG offer process including advisor fees and workforce retention accruals totalling US$6.7 million; (ii) disallowed indirect tax claims of US$3.0 million (US$7.1 million in 2011) as part of the continued reconciliation process with the TRA and retrospective legislation changes; (iii) legal costs of US$1.7 million; (iv) ABG's entry into zero cost collar contracts as part of a programme to protect it against copper, silver, rand and fuel cost market volatility, which resulted in a combined mark-to-market revaluation loss of US$1.7 million (US$7.9 million gain in 2011); (v) discounting adjustments of long term indirect taxes of US$4.2 million; and (vi) foreign exchange gains of US$4.3 million (US$6.0 million loss in 2011) arising mainly from the devaluation of the ZAR against the US dollar impacting on the ZAR denominated payables and dual currency contracts. Refer to note 5 of the financial statements.
Finance expense and income
Finance expense of US$10.3 million remained in line with 2011. The key drivers were US$3.0 million (US$4.6 million in 2011) relating to the servicing of the US$150 million undrawn revolving credit facility and increased accretion expenses relating to the discounting of the environmental reclamation liability (US$4.0 million). Other costs include bank charges and interest paid on the factoring of concentrate receivables and finance leases. At year end, ABG had no external debt.
Finance income relates predominantly to interest charged on non-current receivables and interest received on time deposits. Refer to note 6 of the financial statements for details.
Impairment charges
During Q4 2012, impairment charges of US$44.5 million (US$ nil in 2011) were recorded against Tulawaka. The impairment was driven by the annual impairment review of goodwill and other long lived-assets and compared the recoverable amount to the net carrying value of Tulawaka. A review of Tulawaka's mine plan resulted in the downward revision of reserves from the high grade crown pillars due to geotechnical and recovery concerns. As a result the net carrying value exceeded the recoverable amount by US$41.0 million. Also included in the impairment charge is the writedown of capitalised exploration costs of US$3.5 million relating to the unlikelihood of mining the Moja-Moja project near Tulawaka. Refer to notes 9 and 10 of the financial statements for details.
Taxation matters
The taxation expense decreased to US$71.1 million for the year, compared to US$117.9 million in 2011. The 2012 expense consists predominantly of deferred tax. The lower tax expense was driven by lower profits before tax. The effective tax rate in 2012 amounted to 60% compared to 29% in 2011. The increase is mainly driven by tax losses of US$23.7 million for which no deferred income tax assets were recognised primarily relating to: Tulawaka, ABG Exploration Ltd and ABG Plc stand alone assessed losses; and a charge of US$8.9 million relating to disallowed tax deductions from the results of a tax assessment completed by the TRA on the Bulyanhulu historical tax returns. This was further adversely impacted by a goodwill impairment charge that is not tax deductible.
Net earnings and earnings per share
As a result of the factors discussed above, net earnings for the year ended 31 December 2012 was US$59.5 million. This represents a decrease of 78% from the prior year period (US$274.9 million). Decreased revenue and increased cost base as explained above and an impairment charge of US$44.5 million relating to Tulawaka contributed to the lower net earnings.
Earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2012 amounted to US14.5 cents, a decrease of 78% from the prior year period of US67.0 cents. The decrease was driven by a decrease in net earnings with no change in the underlying issued shares.
Adjusted net earnings
In 2013, we have calculated adjusted net earnings by excluding one-off costs or credits relating to non-routine transactions from net profit attributed to owners of the parent.
Adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share have been calculated by excluding the following:
Three months
(US$'000) ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Net (loss)/earnings (34,694) 52,683 59,471 274,895
Adjusted for:
Impairment charges 44,536 - 44,536 -
Prior year Bulyanhulu tax positions recognised 8,855 - 8,855 -
CNG related costs 6,676 - 6,676 -
Discounting of indirect taxes 4,185 - 4,185 -
Tax and minority interest impact of the above (18,239) - (18,239) -
Adjusted net earnings 11,319 52,683 105,484 274,895
Adjusted net earnings per share for the full year 2012 amounted to US 25.7 cents compared to US 67.0 cents in 2011.
Financial position
ABG had year-end cash and cash equivalents of US$401.3 million (US$584.2 million in 2011). The Group's cash and cash equivalents are with counterparties whom the Group considers to have an appropriate credit rating. Location of credit risk is determined by physical location of the bank branch or counterparty. Investments are held mainly in United States dollars and cash and cash equivalents in other foreign currencies are maintained for operational requirements.
The focus in H2 2012 was on the Bulyanhulu CIL project financing. In January 2013 we concluded negotiations with a group of commercial banks (Standard Bank, Standard Chartered, and ABSA) for the provision of an export credit backed term loan facility ("Facility") for the amount of US$142 million. The Facility has been put in place to fund a substantial portion of the construction costs of the new CIL circuit at the process plant at Bulyanhulu ("Project"). The Facility is secured upon the Project, has a term of seven years and when drawn the spread over Libor will be 250 basis points. The Facility is repayable in equal instalments over the term of the Facility, after a two year repayment holiday period. This compliments the existing undrawn revolving credit facility of US$150 million which runs until 2014.
At year end, debt remained at zero.
Goodwill and intangible assets increased by US$19.7 million from 2011. The movement predominantly relates to the intangible asset acquired and the goodwill allocated as a result of the acquisition of AMKL during Q4, 2012. This has been partially offset by an impairment to goodwill at Tulawaka. Refer to note 9 of the financial statements for details.
The net book value of property, plant and equipment increased from US$1.82 billion in 2011 to US$1.96 billion in 2012. The main capital expenditure drivers have been explained in the cash flow used in investing activities section below, and have been offset by depreciation charges of US$164.9 million and impairment charges of US$30.7 million at Tulawaka. Refer to note 9 and 10 to the financial statements for detail.
Total indirect tax receivables, net of a discount provision applied to the non-current portion, increased from US$85.3 million in 2011 to US$98.8 million in 2012. The increase was mainly due to the impact of VAT relief abolishment in Q4 2012, offset by US$4.5 million in refunds received by ABG during the year. The net deferred tax position increased from a net deferred tax liability of US$94.0 million in 2011 to a net deferred tax liability of US$171.2 million. This was driven by the taxable income generated during 2012 and the prior year adjustment relating to the Bulyanhulu corporate tax position of US$8.9 million. Tax losses carried forward have reduced from US$384.5 million to US$321.0 million and US$88.9 million of deferred tax assets were not recognised as at 31 December 2012.
Net assets attributable to owners of the parent decreased from US$2.76 billion in 2011 to US$2.75 billion in 2012. The decrease reflects the current year profit attributable to owners of the parent of US$59.5 million, which was offset by the payment of the final 2011 and interim 2012 dividend of US$70.1 million to shareholders during 2012.
Cashflow generation and capital management
Cash flow
For the three months ended For the year ended
(US$'000) 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Cash flow from operating activities 92,639 159,621 257,903 498,323
Cash used in investing activities (140,922) (96,167) (360,655) (281,532)
Cash used in financing activities (2,611) (4,377) (79,439) (32,682)
(Decrease)/ increase in cash (50,894) 59,077 (182,191) 184,109
Foreign exchange difference on cash (205) (210) (615) (967)
Opening cash balance 452,447 525,287 584,154 401,012
Closing cash balance 401,348 584,154 401,348 584,154
Cash flow from operating activities was US$257.9 million for the year, a
decrease of US$240.4 million. The decrease primarily related to decreased
EBITDA combined with an outflow associated with working capital of US$80.3
million. The working capital movement related to: increased investment of
US$42.5 million in critical spares for major fleet overhauls at Buzwagi and
North Mara and consumable inventory impacted by long lead times; an increase in
trade receivables of US$14.4 million mainly due to the timing of shipments at
year end; an increase in gold inventory on hand of US$16.6 million mainly due
to sales delays and increased ore valuation; and an increase in other current
assets of US$21.3 million mainly driven by high VAT receivables owed from the
Tanzanian government.
Cash flow used in investing activities was US$360.7 million for the year. Total
cash capital expenditure for the year of US$312.7 million increased by 14% from
the prior year figure of US$273.2 million driven by both increased sustaining
and capitalised development expenditure, slightly offset by lower expansion
capital expenditure.
A breakdown of total capital and other investing capital activities for the
year ended is provided below:
For the year ended
(US$'000) 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011
Sustaining capital 153,160 125,945
Expansionary capital 49,889 63,273
Capitalised development 109,626 83,990
Total cash capital 312,675 273,208
Non-cash rehabilitation asset adjustment 19,242 52,761
Non-cash sustaining capital3 8,378 19,266
Total capital expenditure 340,295 345,235
Other investing capital
- AMKL acquisition1 22,039 -
- Non-current asset movement2 25,941 8,325
1 The AMKL acquisition relates to the acquisition of the subsidiary, net of cash for US$22.0 million (inclusive of exploration funding US$1.3 million).
2 Non-current asset movements relates to the investment in the land acquisitions reflected as prepaid operating leases, Tanzania government receivables and the settlement of a historical exploration acquisition liability at Buzwagi of US$6.6 million.
3 Total non-cash sustaining relates to the capital finance lease at Buzwagi for drill rigs in 2012 and the back-up power generators in 2011 and also includes capital accruals excluded from cash sustaining capital
Sustaining capital
Sustaining capital expenditure included a focus on mine equipment renewal of US$50 million at the three main mine sites; investment in underground, camp and building infrastructure at Bulyanhulu (US$6.1 million), North Mara (US$14.5 million) and Tulawaka (US$1.2 million); process plant and tailings storage facility expansion expenditure at Buzwagi (US$3.8 million), Bulyanhulu (US$17.2 million), North Mara (US$2.5 million) and Tulawaka (US$3.0 million); and gold plant related improvements at North Mara (US$4.1 million).
Expansionary capital
Expansionary capital expenditure consisted of the CIL plant expansion (US$26.1 million) and capitalised exploration and evaluation costs of US$16.6 million. Capitalised exploration and evaluation costs predominantly relate to the Upper East resource definition drilling at Bulyanhulu of US$5.2 million, Gokona and Nyabirama underground drilling projects at North Mara of US$5.3 million, Nyanzaga pre-feasibility costs of US$3.2 million and Tulawaka underground drilling of US$2.9 million.
Capitalised development
Capitalised development capital includes capitalised deferred stripping for North Mara (US$25.7 million) and Buzwagi (US$31.1 million) and Bulyanhulu and Tulawaka capitalised underground development of US$45.6 million and US$7.3 million respectively.
Non-cash capital
Non-cash capital for the year totalled US$27.6 million and consisted of reclamation asset adjustments (US$19.2 million), and the impact of sustaining capital accruals (US$6.8 million). The reclamation adjustments were driven by increased contractor equipment rates, additional disturbance caused by the expansion of the mine sites and a change in discount rate.
Other investing capital
AMKL was acquired for US$22.0 million net of cash and inclusive of US$1.3 million exploration funding. During the year North Mara incurred land purchases totalling US$25.9 million which was slightly offset by cash proceeds on the sale of assets (US$4.6 million). We have also settled the historical exploration acquisition liability of US$6.6 million at Buzwagi.
Cash used in financing activities for the year ended 31 December 2012 was US$79.4 million, an increase on the prior year (US$32.7 million). The outflow primarily relates to the payment of the 2011 final and 2012 interim dividends. Finance lease liabilities amounted to US$5.7 million, an increase of US$3.5 million when compared to 2011, as a result of payments required for a full year of financing leasing. MDN Inc. contribution payments arising from Tulawaka during the year amounted to US$3.6 million.
Dividend
An interim dividend of US4.0 cents per share was paid to shareholders on 24 September 2012. The Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of US12.3 cents per share, subject to the shareholders approving this recommendation at the AGM.
Significant judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Many of the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements require management to make judgements and/or estimates. These judgements and estimates are continuously evaluated and are based on management's experience and best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, but actual results may differ from the amounts included in the consolidated financial information included in this release. Information about such judgements and estimation is included in the accounting policies and/or notes to the consolidated financial statements, and the key areas are summarised below.
Areas of judgement and key sources of estimation uncertainty that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements include:
Estimates of the quantities of proven and probable gold reserves;
The capitalisation of production stripping costs;
The capitalisation of exploration and evaluation expenditures;
Review of goodwill, tangible and intangible assets carrying value, the determination of whether these assets are impaired and the measurement of impairment charges or reversals;
The estimated fair values of cash generating units for impairment tests, including estimates of future costs to produce proven and probable reserves, future commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and discount rates;
The estimated useful lives of tangible and long-lived assets and the measurement of depreciation expense;
Property, plant and equipment held under finance leases;
Recognition of a provision for environmental rehabilitation and the estimation of the rehabilitation costs and timing of expenditure;
Whether to recognise a liability for loss contingencies and the amount of any such provision;
Whether to recognise a provision for accounts receivable and the impact of discounting the non-current element;
Recognition of deferred income tax assets, amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions, the measurement of income tax expense and indirect taxes;
Determination of the cost incurred in the productive process of ore stockpiles, gold in process, gold doré/bullion and concentrate, as well as the associated net realisable value and the split between the long term and short term portions;
Determination of fair value of derivative instruments; and
Determination of fair value of stock options and cash-settled share based payments.
Going concern statement
The ABG Group's business activities, together with factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the operational and financial review sections of this report. The financial position of the ABG Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the preceding paragraphs of this financial review.
In assessing the ABG Group's going concern status the Directors have taken into account the above factors, including the financial position of the ABG Group and in particular its significant cash position, the current gold and copper price and market expectations for the same in the medium term, and the ABG Group's capital expenditure and financing plans. After making appropriate enquiries, the Directors consider that ABG and the ABG Group as a whole has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Non-IFRS Measures
ABG has identified certain measures in this report that are not measures defined under IFRS. Non-IFRS financial measures disclosed by management are provided as additional information to investors in order to provide them with an alternative method for assessing ABG's financial condition and operating results. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, IFRS, and may be different from or inconsistent with non-IFRS financial measures used by other companies. These measures are explained further below.
Average realised gold price per ounce sold is a non-IFRS financial measure which excludes from gold revenue:
Unrealised gains and losses on non-hedge derivative contracts;
Unrealised mark-to-market gains and losses on provisional pricing from copper and gold sales contracts; and
Export duties.
Cash costs per ounce sold is a non-IFRS financial measure. Cash costs include all costs absorbed into inventory, as well as royalties, by-product credits, and production taxes, and exclude capitalised production stripping costs, inventory purchase accounting adjustments, unrealised gains/losses from non-hedge currency and commodity contracts, depreciation and amortisation and corporate social responsibility charges. Cash cost is calculated net of co-product revenue.
The presentation of these statistics in this manner allows ABG to monitor and manage those factors that impact production costs on a monthly basis. ABG calculates cash costs based on its equity interest in production from its mines. Cash costs per ounce sold are calculated by dividing the aggregate of these costs by gold ounces sold. Cash costs and cash costs per ounce sold are calculated on a consistent basis for the periods presented.
The table below provides a reconciliation between cost of sales and total cash cost to calculate the cash cost per ounce sold.
African Barrick Gold plc Three months ended Year ended
(US$'000) 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Total cost of sales 217,797 177,455 802,709 704,114
Deduct: Depreciation and amortisation (47,694) (37,139) (158,883) (134,149)
Deduct: Co-product revenue (12,817) (11,479) (48,031) (67,890)
Total cash cost 157,286 128,837 595,795 502,075
Total ounces sold¹ 161,820 165,379 622,932 724,574
Consolidated cash cost per ounce 972 779 956 693
Equity ounce adjustment² (14) 0 (7) (1)
Attributable cash cost per ounce 958 779 949 692
1Reflects 100% of ounces sold.
2Reflects the adjustment for non-controlling interests at Tulawaka.
EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure. ABG calculates EBITDA as net profit or loss for the period excluding:
Income tax expense;
Finance expense;
Finance income;
Depreciation and amortisation; and
Impairment charges of goodwill and other long-lived assets.
EBITDA is intended to provide additional information to investors and analysts. It does not have any standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. EBITDA excludes the impact of cash costs of financing activities and taxes, and the effects of changes in operating working capital balances, and therefore is not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate EBITDA differently. Prior year EBITDA was restated by US$1.4 million to reflect the reclassification of bank charges from corporate administration charges to finance expense.
A reconciliation between net profit for the period and EBITDA is presented below:
For the three months ended For the year ended
(US$'000) 31 December 31 December
(Unaudited) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Net profit / (loss) for the period (45,984) 55,084 48,184 284,777
Plus income tax expense 27,182 20,595 71,063 117,924
Plus depreciation and amortisation 47,694 37,139 158,883 134,149
Plus impairment charges 44,536 - 44,536 -
Plus finance expense 2,565 2,720 10,305 10,082
Less finance income (428) (313) (2,102) (1,484)
EBITDA 75,565 115,225 330,869 545,448
EBIT is a non-IFRS financial measure and reflects EBITDA adjusted for depreciation and amortisation and goodwill impairment charges.
Adjusted net earnings is a non-IFRS financial measure. It is calculated by excluding one-off costs or credits relating to non-routine transactions from net profit attributed to owners of the parent. It includes other credit and charges that individually or in aggregate, if of a similar type, are of a nature or size that requires explanation in order to provide additional insight into the underlying business performance.
Adjusted net earnings per share is a non-IFRS financial measure and is calculated by dividing adjusted net earnings by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue.
Amortisation and other cost per ounce sold is a non-IFRS financial measure. Amortisation and other costs include amortisation and depreciation expenses and the inventory purchase accounting adjustments at ABG's producing mines. ABG calculates amortisation and other costs based on its equity interest in production from its mines. Amortisation and other costs per ounce sold is calculated by dividing the aggregate of these costs by ounces of gold sold. Amortisation and other cost per ounce sold are calculated on a consistent basis for the periods presented.
Cash cost per tonne milled is a non-IFRS financial measure. Cash costs include all costs absorbed into inventory, as well as royalties, by-product credits, and production taxes, and exclude capitalised production stripping costs, inventory purchase accounting adjustments, unrealised gains/losses from non-hedge currency and commodity contracts, depreciation and amortisation and corporate social responsibility charges. Cash cost is calculated net of co-product revenue. ABG calculates cash costs based on its equity interest in production from its mines. Cash costs per tonne milled are calculated by dividing the aggregate of these costs by total tonnes milled.
Cash margin is a non-IFRS financial measure. The cash cost margin is the average realised gold price per ounce less the cash cost per ounce sold.
Operating cash flow per share is a non-IFRS financial measure and is calculated by dividing Net cash generated by operating activities by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue.
Mining statistical information
The following describes certain line items used in the ABG Group's discussion of key performance indicators:
Open pit material mined - measures in tonnes the total amount of open pit ore and waste mined.
Underground ore tonnes hoisted - measures in tonnes the total amount of underground ore mined and hoisted.
Total tonnes mined includes open pit material plus underground ore tonnes hoisted.
Strip ratio - measures the ratio waste–to–ore for open pit material mined.
Ore milled - measures in tonnes the amount of ore material processed through the mill.
Head grade - measures the metal content of mined ore going into a mill for processing.
Milled recovery - measures the proportion of valuable metal physically recovered in the processing of ore. It is generally stated as a percentage of the metal recovered compared to the total metal originally present.
Total production costs - measures the total cost of production and is an aggregate of total cash costs as well as production specific depreciation and amortisation.
Risk Review
We have made a number of further developments in the identification and management of our risk profile throughout 2012. While the overall makeup of our principal risks has not significantly changed from 2011, there have been changes in certain risk profiles as a result of developments in our operating environment and continuing uncertainties and trends within the wider global economy and/or the mining industry. Where appropriate, risk ratings have been reviewed against risk management controls and other mitigating factors. In this regard, we have removed risks relating to health and infectious diseases from the 2012 principal risks table given that our controls in these areas continue to mitigate potential impacts of such risks to an acceptable level. In addition:
Increases in operating costs and capital expenditure: due to continued industry cost pressures and increased cash costs at our operations, risks relating to increases in capital expenditure as well as increases in operating costs, principally labour, capital equipment and energy costs, remain high. However, as a result of the ongoing implementation of cost controls and the intended cost control plans contained within the ongoing operating review our overall risk rating for these areas remains unchanged.
Power supply: We have continued to invest in power generation capacities throughout the year, to help mitigate the effects of stoppages and interruptions. Therefore, although we have continued to experience issues in electricity supply during the year as a result of ongoing supply issues throughout Tanzania, our risk rating as regards interruptions in key utilities remains unchanged.
Recruitment and retention of qualified personnel: as a result of continued competition for qualified personnel across the mining industry, we have decided to maintain a high risk rating for the retention and recruitment of our skilled workforce. In addition, further developments within pension practices in Tanzania could produce further adverse affects on the retention of certain long-term employees.
Political, legal and regulatory developments: we achieved a number of positive outcomes as regards our operating framework in Tanzania, namely our adoption of an additional voluntary 1% royalty going forward, the renewal of our special mining licences at North Mara and the grant of certain PAF permits to support this operation. However, our ability to progress our government relations strategy over the latter half of the year was impeded, and in certain instances negatively impacted, by the prolonged Offer Period to which ABG was subject. We have now resumed efforts in this area, such that our outlook for political and regulatory development currently remains unchanged.
Taxation: During the year a revised Finance Act was introduced in Tanzania that is inconsistent with previous agreements reached between us and the Tanzanian authorities on the treatment of VAT relief. We continue to progress discussions on these inconsistencies in order to achieve a resolution in line with what we had previously agreed under a memorandum of settlement with the Tanzanian Revenue Authority for the treatment of certain outstanding indirect tax refunds in respect of fuel levies and value added tax. ABG's financial condition may be adversely affected if we do not achieve a successful resolution to these discussions.
Risks relating to security, trespass and vandalism: we have continued to strengthen our security systems throughout the year and refine our security plans. Although we experienced a spike in illegal mining activity at North Mara in the latter half of the year, this has now stabilised to average levels, such that our outlook on security risks remains largely unchanged.
We have also introduced the following as new risks to the 2012 principal risks table, as a result of strategic and operational developments and/or continuing developments in the mining industry:
Land acquisitions: due to the potential ramifications of increases in the cost of land acquisitions to support the expansion and continuation of our current mining activities and the potential impacts that delays in completing such acquisitions may have on our operations, particularly at North Mara, we have decided to introduce land acquisitions as a standalone risk this year.
Changes affecting the majority shareholding: although discussions between Barrick and China National Gold did not ultimately result in any transaction affecting ABG shares, we are mindful of the impact that uncertainty created in the context of any change in the majority ownership structure could have on ABG and its operations and the need to flag this risk to our wider stakeholder base.
Directors
The Directors serving on the Board during the year will be listed in ABG's annual report. A list of current Directors is maintained on ABG's website: www.africanbarrickgold.com
Financial Information
Consolidated income statement
For the
year
ended
31 For the year ended (Unaudited) Notes December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012
2011
Revenue 1,087,339
1,217,915
Cost of sales (802,709)
(704,114)
Gross profit 284,630
513,801
Corporate administration 2 (51,567)
(49,148)
Exploration and evaluation costs (28,961)
(30,339)
Corporate social responsibility expenses (14,445)
(7,376)
Impairment charges 9 (44,536)
-
Other charges 5 (17,671)
(15,639)
Profit before net finance expense and taxation 127,450
411,299
Finance income 6 2,102
1,484
Finance expense 2,6 (10,305)
(10,082)
(8,203)
(8,598)
Profit before taxation 119,247
402,701
Tax expense 7 (71,063)
(117,924)
Net profit for the period 48,184
284,777
Net profit/(loss) attributable to:
- Non-controlling interests (11,287)
9,882
- Owners of the parent 59,471
274,895
Earnings per share:
- Basic earnings per share (cents) 8 14.5
67.0
- Diluted earnings per share (cents) 8 14.5
67.0
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended
For the year ended (Unaudited) 31 December
31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012
2011
Net profit for the period 48,184
284,777
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 363
-
Total comprehensive income for the period 48,547
284,777
Attributed to:
- Non-controlling interests (11,287)
9,882
- Owners of the parent 59,834
274,895
The notes on pages 35 to 46 are an integral part of this financial information.
Consolidated balance sheet
As at
31 As at (Unaudited) Notes December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012 2011
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Goodwill and intangible assets 9 278,221 258,513
Property, plant and equipment 10 1,963,924 1,823,247
Deferred tax assets 2,399 55,529
Non-current portion of inventory 118,554 78,022
Derivative financial instruments 467 213
Other assets 137,565 110,658
2,501,130 2,326,182
Current assets
Inventories 335,497 316,947
Trade and other receivables 44,227 29,858
Derivative financial instruments 2,207 4,050
Other current assets 44,314 33,271
Cash and cash equivalents 401,348 584,154
827,593 968,280
Total assets 3,328,723 3,294,462
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Share capital and share premium 929,199 929,199
Other reserves 1,823,202 1,832,032
Total owners' equity 2,752,401 2,761,231
Non-controlling interests 22,580 37,473
Total equity 2,774,981 2,798,704
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities 173,574 149,544
Derivative financial instruments 294 56
Provisions 180,548 157,582
Other non-current liabilities 21,064 18,988
375,480 326,170
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 169,904 161,916
Derivative financial instruments 429 58
Provisions 1,040 1,034
Other current liabilities 6,889 6,580
178,262 169,588
Total liabilities 553,742 495,758
Total equity and liabilities 3,328,723 3,294,462
The notes on pages 35 to 46 are an integral part of this financial information.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Contributed Cash
surplus/ flow Stock
Share Share Other hedging option (Unaudited) capital premium reserve reserve reserve
(in thousands of United States dollars)
Balance at 1 January 2011 62,097 867,102 1,368,774 -
640
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - -
-
Conversion to contributed surplus - - (61) -
-
Dividends to equity holders of the Company - - - -
-
Stock option grants - - - - 1,401
Distributions to non-controlling interests - - - -
-
Balance at 31 December 2011 62,097 867,102 1,368,713 - 2,041
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - 363
-
Dividends to equity holders of the Company - - - -
-
Stock option grants - - - - 1,461
Distributions to non-controlling interests - - - -
-
Balance at 31 December 2012 62,097 867,102 1,368,713 363 3,502
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Total Total non-
Retained owners' controlling
(Unaudited) earnings equity interests Total equity
(in thousands of United States dollars)
Balance at 1 January 2011 214,711 2,513,324 29,761 2,543,085
Total comprehensive income for the period 274,895 274,895 9,882 284,777
Conversion to contributed surplus - (61) -
(61)
Dividends to equity holders of the Company (28,328) (28,328) - (28,328)
Stock option grants - 1,401 -
1,401
Distributions to non-controlling interests - - (2,170) (2,170)
Balance at 31 December 2011 461,278 2,761,231 37,473 2,798,704
Total comprehensive income for the period 59,471 59,834 (11,287) 48,547
Dividends to equity holders of the Company (70,125) (70,125) - (70,125)
Stock option grants - 1,461 -
1,461
Distributions to non-controlling interests - - (3,606) (3,606)
Balance at 31 December 2012 450,624 2,752,401 22,580 2,774,981
The notes on pages 35 to 46 are an integral part of this financial information.
Consolidated cash flow statement
For the
For the year ended year ended
31 (Unaudited) Notes 31 December December
(in thousands of United States dollars)
2012 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net profit for the period
48,184 284,777
Adjustments for:
Tax expense 7
71,063 117,924
Depreciation and amortisation 168,514 135,683
Finance items 2,6
8,203 8,598
Impairment charges 9
44,536 -
(Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 5
(616) 179
Working capital adjustments (80,336) (42,880)
Other non-cash items
3,088 (704)
Cash generated from operations before interest and tax 262,636 503,577
Finance income 6
2,102 1,484
Finance expenses 2,6 (6,284) (6,738)
Income tax paid
(551) -
Net cash generated by operating activities 257,903 498,323
Cash flows used in investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (312,675) (273,207)
Investments in other assets (24,473) (8,645)
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired 11 (22,039) -
Other investing activities (1,468) 320
Net cash used in investing activities (360,655) (281,532)
Free cashflow (102,752)
Cash flows used in financing activities
Dividends paid (70,125) (28,328)
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders (3,606) (2,170)
Finance lease instalments (5,708) (2,184)
Net cash used in financing activities (79,439) (32,682)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (182,191) 184,109
Net foreign exchange difference
(615) (967)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 584,154 401,012
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 401,348 584,154
The notes on pages 35 to 46 are an integral part of this financial information.
Notes to the Financial Information
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
African Barrick Gold plc (the "Company", "ABG" or collectively with its subsidiaries: the "Group") was incorporated on 12 January 2010 and re-registered as a public limited company on 12 March 2010 under the Companies Act 2006. It is registered in England and Wales with registered number 7123187.
On 24 March 2010 the Company's shares were admitted to the Official List of the United Kingdom Listing Authority ("UKLA") and to trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, hereafter referred to as the Initial Public Offering ("IPO"). The address of its registered office is 6 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NP, United Kingdom.
Barrick Gold Corporation ('Barrick) currently owns approximately 73.9% of the shares of the Company and is the ultimate parent and controlling party of the Group.
The condensed consolidated financial information for the year ended 31 December 2012 was approved for issue by the Board of Directors of the Company on 10 February 2013. The condensed consolidated financial information does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The condensed consolidated financial information is unaudited.
The Group's primary business is the mining, processing and sale of gold. The Group has four operating mines located in Tanzania. The Group also has a portfolio of exploration projects located across Africa.
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION OF the condensed annual financial statements
The financial information set out above does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012, but is derived from the Group's full financial accounts, which are in the process of being audited. The Group's full financial accounts will be prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.
The condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared under the historical cost convention basis, as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit and loss. The financial statements are presented in US dollars (US$) and all monetary results are rounded to the nearest US$'000 except when otherwise indicated.
Where a change in the presentational format between the prior year and current year condensed consolidated financial information has been made during the period, comparative figures have been restated accordingly. The following presentational changes were made during the current year:
Bank charges previously included in Corporate Administration expenses have been reclassified to Finance expense (2012: US$1.2 million; 2011: US$1.4 million).
3. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This preliminary results announcement is derived from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 which are in the process of being audited, and which have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies consistent with those applied in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011, except as set out below.
a) New and amended standards adopted by the Group
There are no IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are effective for the first time for the financial year beginning on or after 1 January 2012 that would be expected to have a material impact on the Group.
New and amended standards, and interpretations not yet adopted
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2012, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these are expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Group, except the following set out below:
IFRIC 20, "Stripping costs in the production phase of a surface mine". This interpretation addresses the following issues: recognition of production stripping costs as an asset; initial measurement of the stripping activity asset; and subsequent measurement of the stripping activity asset. This interpretation considers when and how to account for the benefit arising from the stripping activity, as well as how to measure these benefits both initially and subsequently. The interpretation is effective from 1 January 2013. When published in the Group's 2013 Annual Report, the Group's restated 2012 financial statements are expected to show an increase in mineral properties and mine development costs of US$11 million, a decrease in inventory of US$6 million and an increase in net income of US$5 million and a decrease of US$9 per ounce in total cash costs. There will be no transitional adjustment as a result of applying IFRIC 20. The Group expects the impact to be more significant in 2013.
Amendments to IAS 1,"Financial statement presentation" regarding other comprehensive income. The main change resulting from these amendments is a requirement for entities to group items presented in 'other comprehensive income' (OCI) on the basis of whether they are potentially reclassifiable to profit or loss subsequently (reclassification adjustments). The amendments do not address which items are presented in OCI.
Amendments to IFRS 7, "Financial instruments: Disclosures" on derecognition. This amendment will promote transparency in the reporting of transfer transactions and improve users' understanding of the risk exposures relating to transfers of financial assets and the effect of those risks on an entity's financial position, particularly those involving securitisation of financial assets.
IFRS 9, "Financial instruments", addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. IFRS 9 was issued in November 2009 and October 2010. It replaces the parts of IAS 39 that relate to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those measured at fair value and those measured at amortised cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. The classification depends on the entity's business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity's own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch. The group is yet to assess IFRS 9's full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 9 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2015, subject to endorsement by the EU. The group will also consider the impact of the remaining phases of IFRS 9 when completed by the International Accounting Standards Board.
IFRS 10, "Consolidated financial statements', builds on existing principles by identifying the concept of control as the determining factor in whether an entity should be included within the consolidated financial statements of the parent company. The standard provides additional guidance to assist in the determination of control where this is difficult to assess. The Group is yet to assess IFRS 10's full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 10 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2013, subject to endorsement by the EU.
IFRS 11, "Joint arrangements", is a reflection of joint arrangements which focuses on the rights and obligations of the parties to the arrangement rather than its legal form. There are two types of joint arrangements: joint operations and joint ventures. Joint operations arise where a joint operator has rights to the assets and obligations relating to the arrangement and therefore accounts for its share of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Joint ventures arise where the joint venture has rights to the net assets of the arrangement and therefore equity accounts for its interest. Proportional consolidation of joint ventures is no longer allowed. The Group is yet to assess IFRS 11's full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 11 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2013, subject to endorsement by the EU.
IFRS 12, "Disclosures of interests in other entities", includes the disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other entities, including joint arrangements, associates, special purpose vehicles and other off balance sheet vehicles. The Group is yet to assess IFRS 12's full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 12 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2013, subject to endorsement by the EU.
IFRS 13, "Fair value measurement", aims to improve consistency and reduce complexity by providing a precise definition of fair value and a single source of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use across IFRSs. The requirements, which are largely aligned between IFRSs and US GAAP, do not extend the use of fair value accounting but provide guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRSs or US GAAP.
Amendment to IAS 32,"Financial Instruments: Presentation", clarifies some of the requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet.
There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Group.
4. Segment Reporting
The Group has only one primary product produced in a single geographic location, being gold produced in Tanzania. In addition the Group produces copper and silver as a co-product. Reportable operating segments are based on the internal reports provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") to evaluate segment performance, decide how to allocate resources and make other operating decisions. After applying the aggregation criteria and quantitative thresholds contained in IFRS 8, the Group's reportable operating segments were determined to be: North Mara gold mine; Tulawaka gold mine; Bulyanhulu gold mine; Buzwagi gold mine; and a separate Corporate and Exploration segment, which primarily consists of costs related to corporate administration and exploration and evaluation activities ("Other").
Segment results and assets include items directly attributable to the segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Segment assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, inventories and receivables. Capital expenditures comprise additions to property, plant and equipment. Segment liabilities are not reported since they are not considered by the CODM as material to segment performance. The Group has also included segment cash costs.
Segment information for the reportable operating segments of the Group for the years ended, 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2011 is set out below.
For the year ended 31 December 2012
(in thousands of United States
dollars) North Mara Tulawaka Bulyanhulu Buzwagi Other Total
Gold revenue 310,549 75,458 393,347 259,954
- 1,039,308
Co-product revenue 549 143 24,311 23,028
- 48,031
Total segment revenue 311,098 75,601 417,658 282,982
- 1,087,339
Segment cash operating cost1,5 (180,601) (57,992) (213,350) (191,883) (80,528) (724,354)
Other charges and corporate social
responsibility expenses (12,921) (1,995) 40 (4,944) (12,296) (32,116)
EBITDA2 117,576 15,614 204,348 86,155 (92,824) 330,869
Impairment charges - 44,536) - -
- (44,536)
Depreciation and amortisation (54,958) (19,831) (33,064) (47,387) (3,643) (158,883)
EBIT2 62,618 (48,753) 171,284 38,768 (96,467) 127,450
Total segment finance income
2,102
Total segment finance expense5
(10,305)
Profit before taxation
119,247
Tax expense
(71,063)
Net profit for the period
48,184
Capital expenditure:
Sustaining 47,759 13,157 35,193 56,441
8,988 161,538
Expansionary 10,091 2,922 36,814 62
- 49,889
Capitalised development 25,706 7,258 45,605 31,057
- 109,626
Reclamation asset addition/(reduction) 7,540 1,251 (43) 10,494
- 19,242
Total capital expenditure 91,096 24,588 117,569 98,054
8,988 340,295
Cash costs:
Segmental cash operating cost1 180,601 57,992 213,350 191,883
- 643,826
Deduct: Co-product revenue (549) (143) (24,311) (23,028)
- (48,031)
Total cash costs 180,052 57,849 189,039 168,855
- 595,795
Sold ounces3 186,600 45,600 235,410 155,322
- 622,932
Cash cost per ounce sold2 965 1,269 803 1,087
- 956
Equity ounce adjustment4
(7)
Attributable cash cost per ounce sold2
949
For the year ended 31 December 2011
(in thousands of United States dollars) North Mara Tulawaka Bulyanhulu Buzwagi Other Total
Gold revenue 272,026 131,435 429,528 317,036 - 1,150,025
Co-product revenue 917 316
35,509 31,148 - 67,890
Total segment revenue 272,943 131,751 465,037 348,184 - 1,217,915
Segment cash operating cost1,5 (139,204) (60,952) (200,072) (169,737) (79,487) (649,452)
Other charges and corporate social responsibility expenses (5,112) (2,826) (8,461) (12,334) 5,718 (23,015)
EBITDA2 128,627 67,973 256,504 166,113 (73,769) 545,448
Depreciation and amortisation (34,724) (17,251) (32,320) (46,029) (3,825) (134,149)
EBIT2 93,903 50,722 224,184 120,084 (77,594) 411,299
Total segment finance income
1,484
Total segment finance expense5
(10,082)
Profit before taxation
402,701
Tax expense
(117,924)
Net profit for the period
284,777
Capital expenditure:
Sustaining 30,567 3,101
42,749 56,992 11,802 145,211
Expansionary 47,381 8,346
6,626 920 - 63,273
Capitalised development 26,407 9,252
32,748 15,583 - 83,990
Rehabilitation asset addition 18,791 10,953
13,309 9,708 - 52,761
Total capital expenditure 123,146 31,652
95,432 83,203 11,802 345,235
Cash costs:
Segmental cash operating cost1 139,204 60,952 200,072 169,737 - 569,965
Deduct: Co-product revenue (917) (316) (35,509) (31,148) - (67,890)
Total cash costs 138,287 60,636 164,563 138,589 - 502,075
Sold ounces3 170,625 83,450 269,981 200,518 - 724,574
Cash cost per ounce sold2 810 727
610 691 - 693
Equity ounce adjustment4
(1)
Attributable cash cost per ounce sold2
692
1 The Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews cash operating costs for the
four operating mine sites separately from corporate administration costs and
exploration costs. Consequently, the Group has reported these costs in this
manner.
2 These are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standard
meaning under IFRS. Refer to "Non IFRS measures" on page 27 for definitions.
3 Reflects 100% of ounces sold.
4 Reflects the adjustment for non-controlling interests at Tulawaka.
5 Restated due to reclassification of bank charges from corporate
administration to finance expense.
As at As at
31 31
December December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012 2011
Segment assets
North Mara 772,819 727,552
Tulawaka 58,060 131,193
Bulyanhulu 1,130,728 1,128,992
Buzwagi 931,607 830,790
Other6 435,509 475,935
Total segment assets 3,328,723 3,294,462
6 In the current year, assets to the value of US$33.6 million were acquired
in the purchase of AMKL. Refer to note 11 for further details.
OTHER CHARGES
For the year ended
For the year ended 31 December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012 2011
Other expenses
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment - 179
Discounting of indirect tax receivables 4,185 -
Severance payments 400 1,646
Foreign exchange losses (net) - 6,001
Non-hedge derivative losses (net) 1,719 -
Construction and consumable inventory write-down 1,461 4,684
Bad debt expense 740 1,098
Disallowed indirect taxes 2,952 7,123
Legal costs for litigation 1,655 -
Asset write-downs 897 1,252
CNG related costs1 6,676 -
Other 1,945 1,696
Total 22,630 23,679
Other income
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment (616) -
Foreign exchange gains (net) (4,343) -
Non-hedge derivative gains (net) - (7,901)
Other - (139)
Total (4,959) (8,040)
Total other charges 17,671 15,639
1 Costs incurred as a direct result of the CNG interest in ABG were
included in other charges. These costs include advisory fees, travel and
accommodation costs and retention scheme accruals.
FINANCE INCOME AND FINANCE EXPENSE
Finance income
For the year
For the year ended 31 ended
December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012 2011
Interest on time deposits 1,231 1,030
Other 871 454
Total 2,102 1,484
Finance expense
For the year
For the year ended 31 ended
December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012 2011
Unwinding of discount1 4,021 3,344
Interest on bank overdraft 12 199
Revolving credit facility charges2 3,014 4,570
Interest on finance leases 841 210
Bank charges3 1,216 1,357
Other 1,201 402
Total4 10,305 10,082
1 The unwinding of discount is calculated on the environmental rehabilitation provision.
2 Included in revolving credit facility charges is the amortisation of the fees related to the revolving credit facility as well as the monthly interest and facility fees.
3 Bank charges have been reclassified from corporate administration charges in the prior year to finance expense.
4 For cash flow purposes the unwinding of discount is excluded from the finance expense movement.
TAX EXPENSE
For the year ended
For the year ended
31 December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012 2011
Current tax:
Current tax on profits for the year - 10,162
Adjustments in respect of prior years1 120 28,663
Total current tax 120 38,825
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 70,943 79,099
Total deferred tax 70,943 79,099
Income tax expense 71,063 117,924
In 2011, a binding Memorandum of Settlement ("MOS") with the Tanzanian Revenue
Authority ("TRA") was executed to address the treatment of certain outstanding
indirect tax refunds in respect of fuel levies and value added taxation. The
terms of the MOS allow the Group to offset income tax payable against
outstanding refunds for VAT and fuel levies. As a result of these changes, PML,
which is the taxpaying entity holding Tulawaka and Buzwagi, has agreed to treat
both mines as separate tax entities. There was no offset of indirect tax
receivables in 2012 due to assessed losses carried forward and taxable losses
incurred at Tulawaka.
The tax on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount
that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to the profits
of the consolidated entities as follows:
For the year ended
For the year ended
31 December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012 2011
Profit before taxation 119,247 402,701
Tax calculated at domestic tax rates applicable to profits in
the respective countries 36,849 114,199
Tax effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes/(Non-taxable income) 5,483 (1,219)
Tax losses for which no deferred income tax asset was
recognised 23,660 7,302
Prior year adjustments 8,258 (2,391)
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions (3,187) 33
Tax charge 71,063 117,924
The tax rate in Tanzania is 30% and in South Africa 28% for both years
presented.
Tax periods remain open to review by the Tanzanian Revenue Authority ("TRA") in
respect of income taxes for five years following the date of the filing of the
corporate tax return, during which time the authorities have the right to raise
additional tax assessments including penalties and interest. Under certain
circumstances the reviews may cover longer periods. Because a number of tax
periods remain open to review by tax authorities, there is a risk that
transactions that have not been challenged in the past by the authorities may
be challenged by them in the future, and this may result in the raising of
additional tax assessments plus penalties and interest.
8. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing the net profit for
the period attributable to owners of the Company by the weighted average number
of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average
number of Ordinary Shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive
potential Ordinary Shares. The Company has dilutive potential Ordinary Shares
in the form of stock options. The weighted average number of shares is adjusted
for the number of shares granted assuming the exercise of stock options.
At 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2011, earnings per share have been
calculated as follows:
For the
year ended For the
year ended
31 December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012 2011
Earnings
Net profit from continuing operations attributable to owners
of the parent 59,471 274,895
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue 410,085,499 410,085,499
Adjusted for dilutive effect of:
- Stock options - 10,606
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for diluted
earnings per share 410,085,499 410,096,105
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (cents) 14.5 67.0
Dilutive earnings per share from continuing operations (cents) 14.5 67.0
9. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Acquired
exploration
and For the year ended 31 December 2012 evaluation (in thousands of United States dollars) Goodwill properties Total
At 1 January, net of accumulated impairment1 178,420 80,093 258,513
Additions2 6,216 27,297 33,513
Impairment3 (13,805) - (13,805)
At 31 December 2012 170,831 107,390 278,221
At 31 December 2012
Cost 401,114 107,390 508,504
Accumulated impairment (230,283) - (230,283)
Net carrying amount 170,831 107,390 278,221
Acquired
exploration
and For the year ended 31 December 2011 evaluation (in thousands of United States dollars) Goodwill properties Total
At 1 January, net of accumulated impairment 178,420 80,093 258,513
Additions - - -
At 31 December 2011 178,420 80,093 258,513
At 31 December 2011
Cost 394,898 80,093 474,991
Accumulated impairment (216,478) - (216,478)
Net carrying amount 178,420 80,093 258,513
1 The Group's opening goodwill and acquired exploration and evaluation properties arose from Pre-IPO acquisitions by Barrick Gold Corporation and African Barrick Gold's acquisition of Tusker Gold Ltd on 27 April 2010. The goodwill allocated to the Group has been presented as if the Group acquired this business as from the acquisition date.
2 Additions to acquired exploration and evaluation properties and goodwill relate to the acquisition of AMKL and are provisional pending receipt of the final valuation. Refer to note 11 for further details.
3 The annual impairment review resulted in an impairment of US$13.8 million to goodwill in Tulawaka (2011: no impairment charge).
Goodwill and accumulated impairment losses by operating segments:
(in thousands of United States dollars) North Mara Bulyanhulu Tulawaka Other Total
At 1 January 2011 21,046 121,546 13,805 22,023 178,420
At 1 January 2012 21,046 121,546 13,805 22,023 178,420
Additions - - - 6,216 6,216
Impairments - - (13,805) - (13,805)
At 31 December 2012 21,046 121,546 - 28,239 170,831
Cost 237,524 121,546 13,805 28,239 401,114
Accumulated impairments (216,478) - (13,805) - (230,283)
Annual impairment review
In accordance with IAS 38 "Intangible Assets" a review for impairment of
goodwill was undertaken. The review compared the recoverable amount for
goodwill for each cash generating unit (CGU) to the carrying value of the CGU
including goodwill. The key economic assumptions used in this review were:
For the year ended For the year ended
31 December 31 December
2012 2011
Gold price per ounce $1,700 $1,600
South African Rand (US$:ZAR) 8.00 7.00
Tanzanian Shilling (US$:TZS) 1,600 1,600
Long-term oil price per barrel $90 $90
Discount rates 4.16%-5.66% 5.02%-5.96%
NPV multiples 0.90-1.30 1.00-1.40
The annual goodwill impairment review resulted in an impairment of US$13.8
million to the goodwill of Tulawaka using the methodology and assumptions
described above due to a review of Tulawaka's mine plan which resulted in the
downward revision of reserves. Non-current assets are tested for impairment
when events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may
not be recoverable. For the year ended 31 December 2012, impairment charges of
US$30.7 million were recorded for non-current assets at Tulawaka as a result of
the short remaining life of the mine resulting in a total impairment charge of
US$44.5 million. Refer to note 10 for further details.
For purposes of testing for impairment of non-current assets of the Group's
operating mines, a reasonably possible change in the key assumptions used to
estimate the recoverable amount could result in an impairment charge. The
carrying value of the net assets of Buzwagi are most sensitive to changes in
key assumptions in respect of gold price, cash costs and discount rate. Based
on the assessment of fair value less costs to sell, the recoverable amount
exceeds the carrying value by approximately US$165 million (23 percent). The
calculation is highly sensitive to changes in the key assumptions, and a five
percent decrease in the long term gold price or a nine percent increase in cash
costs or a three percent increase in discount rate, in isolation would lead to
the recoverable amount of Buzwagi being equal to its carrying amount.
10. Property plant and equipment
Mineral
properties Assets
Plant and mine under
For the year ended 31 December 2012 and development construction
(in thousands of United States dollars) equipment costs ¹ Total
At 1 January 2012, net of accumulated
depreciation 894,869 765,519 162,859 1,823,247
Additions - - 340,295 340,295
Disposals (4,028) - - (4,028)
Impairments2 (16,714) (14,016) - (30,730)
Depreciation (99,359) (65,501) - (164,860)
Transfers between categories 170,350 121,945 (292,295)
-
At 31 December 2012 945,118 807,947 210,859 1,963,924
At 1 January 2012
Cost 1,316,602 1,117,311 162,859 2,596,772
Accumulated depreciation (421,733) (351,792) - (773,525)
Net carrying amount 894,869 765,519 162,859 1,823,247
At 31 December 2012
Cost 1,475,374 1,239,256 210,859 2,925,489
Accumulated depreciation and impairment (530,256) (431,309) - (961,565)
Net carrying amount 945,118 807,947 210,859 1,963,924
For the year ended 31
December 2011 Mineral properties
(in thousands of United Plant and and mine development Assets under
States dollars) equipment costs construction¹ Total
At 1 January 2011, net of
accumulated depreciation 796,999 693,834 124,285 1,615,118
Additions - - 345,235 345,235
Disposals (1,423) - - (1,423)
Depreciation (95,336) (40,347) - (135,683)
Transfers between categories 194,629 112,032 (306,661)
-
At 31 December 2011 894,869 765,519 162,859 1,823,247
At 1 January 2011
Cost 1,125,072 1,005,279 124,285 2,254,636
Accumulated depreciation (328,073) (311,445) - (639,518)
Net carrying amount 796,999 693,834 124,285 1,615,118
At 31 December 2011
Cost 1,316,602 1,117,311 162,859 2,596,772
Accumulated depreciation (421,733) (351,792) - (773,525)
Net carrying amount 894,869 765,519 162,859 1,823,247
1 Assets under construction represents (a) sustaining capital expenditures incurred constructing property, plant and equipment related to operating mines and advance deposits made towards the purchase of tangible fixed assets; and (b) expansionary expenditure allocated to a project on a business combination or asset acquisition, and the subsequent costs incurred to develop the mine. Once these assets are ready for their intended use, the balance is transferred to plant and equipment, and/ or mineral properties and mine development costs.
2 Impairment relates to non-current assets at Tulawaka. Refer to note 9 for further detail.
Leases
Property, plant and equipment includes assets relating to the design and construction costs of power transmission lines and related infrastructure. At completion, ownership was transferred to TANESCO in exchange for amortised repayment in the form of reduced electricity supply charges. No future lease payment obligations are payable under these finance leases.
Property, plant and equipment also includes emergency back-up generators leased at Buzwagi mine under a three year lease agreement, with an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term. The lease has been classified as a finance lease.
Property, plant and equipment further includes spinning power generators leased at Buzwagi mine under a one year lease agreement, with an option to extend the lease for 36 months and an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term. The lease has been classified as a finance lease.
Property, plant and equipment includes two drill rigs purchased under a short-term finance lease. The drill rigs have been paid in full.
The following amounts were included in property, plant and equipment where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease:
As at As at
31 December 31 December
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012
2011
Cost - capitalised finance leases 68,846 67,223
Accumulated depreciation (14,603) (7,582)
Net carrying amount 54,243 59,641
11. BUSINESS COMBINATION
On 26 October 2012, the Company, through BUK Holdco Ltd and BUK East Africa Ltd, immediate subsidiaries, purchased 100% of the issued share capital of AMKL by way of a takeover offer for an initial consideration of US$22 million. AMKL is a Kenyan based exploration company with a focus on gold. All of AMKL's assets are located in Kenya and consist of exploration ground and interests in two joint venture agreements.
Details of the purchase consideration, the net assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:
(in thousands of United States dollars) 2012
- Contractual purchase price 20,700
- Exploration funding advanced prior to acquisition date 1,340
- Contingent consideration 5,312
Total purchase consideration 27,352
The assets and liabilities as of 26 October 2012 recognised as a result of the
acquisition are as follows:
Acquiree's
carrying (in thousands of United States dollars) Fair value amount
Cash and cash equivalents 1 1
Current Assets 36 36
Property, plant and equipment 32 32
Exploration intangible asset 27,297 6,576
Liabilities (14) (14)
Deferred Tax (6,216) -
Fair value of net assets 21,136 6,631
Goodwill 6,216
Total purchase consideration 27,352
Total purchase consideration 27,352
Contingent consideration not yet payable (5,312)
Cash and cash equivalent in subsidiary acquired (1)
Net cash outflow on acquisition 22,039
The goodwill arose after the application of IAS 12 "Income taxes" and is attributable principally to expanding growth opportunities in Africa. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets, goodwill and deferred tax liability is provisional pending receipt of the final valuations for those assets.
Included in total purchase consideration is the fair value of a contingent consideration payable of US$5.3 million. This relates to a US$10.4 million payment required to be made to Aviva Corporation upon declaration of a N143-101 compliant indicated resource of at least three million ounces of gold from the mining areas.
Included in exploration and evaluation costs in the consolidated income statement is acquisition costs incurred relating to the AMKL acquisition amounting to US$0.5 million.
Expenses
The acquired business contributed expenses of US$1.1 million to the Group for the period from 27 October 2012 to 31 December 2012. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2012, the proforma consolidated net profit for the year ended 31 December 2012 would have been US$47.7 million. These amounts have been calculated using the Group's accounting policies.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
The Group is subject to various laws and regulations which, if not observed, could give rise to penalties. As at 31 December 2012, the Group has the following commitments and/or contingencies:
a) Legal contingencies
As at 31 December 2012, the Group was a defendant in approximately 235 lawsuits. The plaintiffs are claiming damages and interest thereon for the loss caused by the Group due to one or more of the following: unlawful eviction, termination of services, wrongful termination of contracts of service, non-payment for services, defamation, negligence by act or omission in failing to provide a safe working environment, unpaid overtime and public holiday compensation.
The total amounts claimed from lawsuits in which specific monetary damages are sought amounted to US$51.6 million. The Group's Legal Counsel is defending the Group's current position, and the outcome of the lawsuits cannot presently be determined. However, in the opinion of the Directors and Group's Legal Counsel, no material liabilities are expected to materialise from these lawsuits. Consequently no provision has been set aside against the claims in the books of account.
Included in the total amounts claimed of US$51.6 million is an appeal by the TRA intended for a tax assessment of US$21.3 million in respect of the acquisition of Tusker. The case was awarded in favour of ABG however the TRA have served a notice of appeal. The calculated tax assessment is based on the sales price of the Nyanzaga property of US$71 million multiplied by the tax rate of 30%. Management is of the opinion that the assessment is invalid due to the fact that the acquisition was for Tusker Gold Limited, a company incorporated in Australia. The share holding of the Tanzanian related entities did not change and the Tusker Gold Limited group structure remains the same as prior to the acquisition.
Also included in the total amounts claimed of US$51.6 million is a claim of US$2.8 million against North Mara Gold Mine being compensation for uncaused improvements, disturbance and accommodation allowance, rich gold land current value, interest and costs. Management are of the opinion that the defence is likely to succeed.
b) Other tax-related contingencies
i. On 26 October 2009, the TRA issued a demand notice against the Group for an amount relating to withholding tax on technical services provided to Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Ltd. The claim amounts to US$5.4 million. Management is of the opinion that the Group complied with all of the withholding tax requirements, and that there will be no amount payable. Therefore no provision has been raised.
ii. The TRA has issued a number of tax assessments to the Group relating to past taxation years from 2002 onwards. The Group believes that these assessments are incorrect and has filed objections to each of them. The Group is attempting to resolve these matters by means of discussions with the TRA or through the Tanzanian Appeals process. Management is of the opinion that these will not result in any material liabilities to the Group.
c) Exploration and development agreement
Pursuant to agreements with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Group was issued Special Mining Licences for Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi, North Mara and Tulawaka mines and Mining Licenses for Building Materials at Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi Mines. The agreement requires the Group to pay to the Government of Tanzania annual rents of US$5,000 per annum per square kilometre for as long as the Group holds the Special Mining Licences and US$2,000 per annum per square kilometre for so long as the Group holds the Mining Licenses for Building Materials. The total commitment for 2013 based on mineral licences held as at 31 December 2012 is US$0.8 million (2011: US$0.8 million).
d) Purchase commitments
At 31 December 2012, the Group had purchase obligations for supplies and consumables of approximately US$65 million (2011: US$31 million).
e) Capital commitments
In addition to entering into various operational commitments in the normal course of business, the Group entered into contracts for capital expenditure for approximately US$51 million (2011: US$32 million).
13. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
A final dividend of US12.3 cents per share has been proposed, which will result in a total dividend of US16.3 cents per share for 2012. The final dividend is to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 18 April 2013. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.
ABG announced on 22 January 2013 that it concluded negotiations with a group of commercial banks for the provision of an export credit backed term loan facility ("Facility") for the amount of US$142 million. The Facility has been put in place to fund the bulk of the costs of the construction of one of our key growth projects, a new Carbon in Leach circuit at the process plant at Bulyanhulu ("Project"). The Facility is secured upon the Project, has a term of seven years and when drawn the spread over Libor will be 250 basis points. The Facility is repayable in equal instalments over the term of the Facility, after a two year repayment holiday period.
Subsequent to year end, a legal claim was instituted against ABG in relation to the termination of a lease agreement in Dar es Salaam. The plaintiffs claim payment of US$11.4 million purportedly being rent for the remainder of the lease period, rent that they would have received from other prospective tenants, costs incurred for alterations made on ABG's instructions and general damages. Management are of the opinion that the defence is likely to succeed.
ABG announced on the 8 January 2013 that Barrick had ended discussions with CNG over the potential sale of its 73.9% stake in ABG. As a result, ABG is no longer in an offer period under the Takeover Code. Management has initiated a full Operational Review with the aim of recalibrating operations so as to drive improved returns from the asset base whilst enhancing the certainty of delivery and initial detail on specific initiatives has been provided within these results.
Reserves and Resources
Mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates contained in this report have been calculated as at 31 December 2012 in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities, unless otherwise stated. Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) definitions were followed for mineral reserves and resources. Calculations have been reviewed, verified (including estimation methodology, sampling, analytical and test data) and compiled by ABG personnel under the supervision of ABG Qualified Persons: Nic Schoeman, Director Operations Support, Eric Acheampong, Corporate Manager, Geology and Samuel Eshun, Corporate Manager, Mine Planning. However, the figures stated are estimates and no assurances can be given that the indicated quantities of metal will be produced. In addition, totals stated may not add up due to rounding.
Mineral reserves have been calculated using an assumed long-term average gold price of US$1,500.00 per ounce, a silver price of US$28.00 per ounce and a copper price of US$3.00 per pound. Reserve calculations incorporate current and /or expected mine plans and cost levels at each property.
Mineral resources at our mines have been calculated using an assumed long-term average gold price of US$1,650.00 per ounce, a silver price of US$30.00 per ounce and a copper price of US$3.50 per pound while mineral resources for our exploration properties have been calculated using an assumed long-term average gold price of US$1,400.00 per ounce. Resources have been estimated using varying cut-off grades, depending on the type of mine or project, its maturity and ore types at each property. Reserve estimates are dynamic and are influenced by changing economic conditions, technical issues, environmental regulations and any other relevant new information and therefore these can vary from year to year. Resource estimates can also change and tend to be influenced mostly by new information pertaining to the understanding of the deposit and secondly the conversion to ore reserves. In addition, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of an economic analysis and it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, that it can be economically or legally mined, or that it will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Likewise, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be upgraded to mineral reserves.
Tulawaka mineral reserves and resources are stated as ABG's 70% attributable portion.
[For Mine Gold Reserves & Resources table see www.africanbarrickgold.com]
[For Contained Copper Reported within Gold Reserves & Resources table see www.africanbarrickgold.com]
[For Mine Gold Reserves table see www.africanbarrickgold.com]
[For Mine Resource (Measured & Indicated, exclusive of Reserves table see www.africanbarrickgold.com]
END
-0- Feb/13/2013 07:00 GMT
Rate this Page