Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

EVOLUTION MINING LIMITED Interim / Quarterly Report 2022

Feb 15, 2022

64885_rns_2022-02-15_9bc7834e-777a-4ce4-9212-db8a8836e903.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

Inspired people creating a premier global gold company

2022 HALF YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS & MROR

16 February 2022 Jake Klein – Executive Chairman Lawrie Conway – Finance Director and CFO Glen Masterman – VP Discovery & BD

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

These materials prepared by Evolution Mining Limited (or "the Company") include forward looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "continue", and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.

Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.

Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management's good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company's business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company's control.

Although the Company attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Non-IFRS Financial Information

The Company results are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This presentation also includes non-IFRS information including EBITDA and Underlying Profit. The non-IFRS information has not been subject to audit or review by the Company's external auditor and should be used in addition to IFRS information.

HIGHLIGHTS

ACCELERATING SUSTAINABILITY

Keeping our people healthy and safe

  • TRIF1 improvement of ~50% at Mungari since June 21
  • COVID-19 Increasing impact but being well managed

Sustainability performance

  • Climate risk reduction (including water and emissions) to meet "Net Zero future" commitments2
  • Recognised by reputable ratings agencies S&P Global (DJSI)3 , MSCI, ISS and Sustainalytics

Supporting our communities

  • Four Shared Value Projects approved including
  • Use of gold nanoparticles in the early detection of cancer and long haul COVID with the University of Queensland

    1. Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF): The frequency of total recordable injuries per million hours worked.
    1. Net Zero future commitment of 30% emissions reduction by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. Emissions targets are related to Scope 1 and Scope 2
  • Dow Jones Sustainability Index Australia – Evolution ranked among the top performing Australian mining companies for corporate sustainability, one of only three gold companies in this category

CREATING REAL SHAREHOLDER VALUE

Cowal Consistent strategy

  • Last 6 months have been transformative
  • High-quality operations in Tier 1 jurisdictions
  • Gold Ore Reserves reported at A\$1,450/oz price assumption (~US\$1,050/oz)
  • No material increase in price assumptions1
  • 18 consecutive dividends to shareholders

  1. Gold price assumptions: A\$1,350/oz for reserves and A\$1,800/oz for resources prior to 2019 and A\$1,450/oz for reserves and A\$2,000/oz resources since 2019

*Average annual return on acquisition cost. Ernest Henry pre full-ownership and Mungari pre Kundana

A TRANSFORMATIVE 2021

DELIVERED IN LAST 12 MTHS FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES ONCE DELIVERED
Cowal
Cowal underground approval
Stage H stripping completed

Development of Cowal
underground

Open pit feasibility studies
350koz production
from FY24
Red Lake District consolidation with acquisition
of Battle North Gold

Mining operational transformation

Development of Upper Campbell
350koz production
from FY26
Ernest Henry Acquired full ownership of asset
Pre-feasibility study below existing
reserves area for mine extension
Mine life extension
beyond FY26
Mungari
Acquired Kundana assets
Completed mill expansion pre
feasibility study

Mill expansion feasibility study
underway
200koz per annum of
production from end
FY25

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Financials Units H1 FY22 H1 FY21 Change
Statutory Profit after tax A\$M 90.8 228.7 (60%)
Underlying Profit after tax A\$M 100.1 234.0 (57%)
EBITDA A\$M 393.3 514.6 (24%)
EBITDA Margin % 44% 52% (15%)
Operating Cash flow A\$M 396.4 531.2 (25%)
Capital Investment A\$M 273.1 172.7 (57%)
Group Cash flow A\$M 22.5 218.1 (89%)
Earnings Per Share cps 5.0 13.4 (63%)
Interim dividend (fully franked) cps 3.0 7.0 (57%)

STATUTORY NET PROFIT

  • Immediate positive impact from portfolio changes via Kundana acquisition
  • Lower revenue was driven predominantly by lower gold volume at Mt Rawdon and Red Lake
  • Cowal and Mungari open pits transitioning to ore (A\$21M) main driver to volume cost change no cash impact
  • Higher input prices resulted in a 3% change in operating costs
  • Higher D&A relates to Cowal Stage H and Integrated Waste Landform (minor amortisation in Dec 20 period)

Net Profit After Tax A\$M

COST DRIVERS

  • No material change in cost drivers
  • Labour comprises ~52% of cost base
  • Top 7 cost types comprise 87% of total costs
  • Cost pressures have been building in last ~6 months
  • Labour costs expected to move 4 5% in next year
  • Bias towards variable component versus fixed
  • Australian power contracts expire in December 2022
  • Group supply initiatives continuing drive for benefits
  • Focus on efficiencies to mitigate cost increases
  • Spot metal price outweigh potential cost changes

Other FY22 H1 Key Cost Drivers1

Cost and Metal Price Sensitivities (A\$M)2

STRONG OPERATING CASH MARGINS

  • Sector leading group EBITDA margin despite a drop in this period
  • High margin maintained at Ernest Henry (74%) and Cowal (54%)
  • Mungari will benefit from Kundana acquisition going forward
  • Encouraging progress being made early in H2 at Red Lake
  • Strong mine operating cash flow
  • Enabling investment in production growth and mine life extensions
  • Well positioned for strong second-half performance

FY21 H1 FY22 H1 Excl Mt Carlton

DIVIDENDS AND DEBT

FY22 Interim Dividend

  • Fully franked 3 cents per share (~A\$55M)
  • Allows for increased Ernest Henry cash flow in H2
  • Balances growth investment & shareholder returns
  • Payment date: 25 March 2022
  • Record date: 1 March 2022

Balance Sheet

  • Strong balance sheet able to fund growth
  • Gearing well within 35% limit at 12.5%1
  • Successful USPP and investment grade rating
  • Low cost of debt at average rate of ~2.6%
  • Fixed interest cost on 55% of total debt (USPP)

732 943 998 Cumulative Dividends (A\$M)

FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 H1

Cumulative Dividends Declared A\$M (Pre-DRP)

7 21 43 87 171 298 459

Bank Term Loans USPP

RESOURCES AND RESERVES GROWTH

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AT MUNGARI

  • Significant Mineral Resource of almost 5 million ounces and Ore Reserve of 1.2 million ounces
  • District consolidation along the highly prospective Zuleika shear zone
  • Potential for further extensions at Kundana and East Kundana
  • Plant expansion a key enabler to maximise value from the resource base
  • Provides pathway to a mine life of 12+ years and annual gold production of 200k ounces

Plan showing extent of Mineral Resources in the Mungari region

EXCELLENT POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER GROWTH AT ERNEST HENRY

  • Pre-feasibility Study (PFS) on a mine extension underway
  • Glencore concept study cut off at the 875mRL
  • Evolution PFS will consider a larger mine area down to the 775mRL
  • Further growth opportunity with mineralisation intersected 300m vertically below the PFS area and is open at depth

North-south section looking east of the Ernest Henry orebody

GROWTH SINCE INCEPTION

Group Mineral Resources growth of 329% Group Ore Reserves growth of 195%

  • Re-enforces strategy of identifying and acquiring assets with strong mineral endowment where value can be unlocked by the Discovery team
  • 14.3 million resource ounces added predominantly by drilling and optimised engineering
  • Portfolio mine life extended from 5 years to over 14 years
  • Focus on growing high-margin, low-cost ounces by using sector low Gold Ore Reserve price assumption of A\$1,450/oz

SUMMARY

PORTFOLIO TRANSFORMED

STRONG MARGINS AND BALANCE SHEET

HIGH-QUALITY RESOURCES & RESERVES

STRONG FOCUS ON DELIVERY

APPENDIX

SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

The objective of our sustainability efforts is to deliver long-term stakeholder value through safe, low-cost gold production in an environmentally and socially responsible manner

Be an employer of choice attracting the most talented people and foster a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace

leadership

Contribute positively to local, regional and national sustainability efforts by achieving an outstanding level of environmental stewardship

Actively manage climate related risks and opportunities including improving energy efficiency and the responsible management of water

Protect and enhance our reputation as a trusted partner and provide community benefits that endure beyond the life of our mines

Advance the outcomes for indigenous peoples and protect their Cultural Heritage

Respect the human rights of all our stakeholders

Be transparent at all levels of Corporate Governance, comply with applicable laws and regulations and operate at the highest standards of financial and ethical behaviour

Relentlessly drive for operational excellence through an innovative culture and inspired people delivering to plan

OUR VALUES: SAFETY EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY RESPECT

FY22 GUIDANCE AND THREE- YEAR OUTLOOK

Evolution Group FY22 FY23 FY24
Gold Production 725 830 915
(koz) 670 775 855
Copper
(kt)1
Production
38
34
~60 ~60
AISC2
(A\$/Gold
oz)
1,195
1,135
955
895
1,050
990
Sustaining 150 – 150 – 155 –
Capex (A\$/M)3 175 190 195
Major Capital 440 – 530 – 325 –
(A\$M)3 505 600 395

(1) Ernest Henry only. Excludes copper production from Mt Carlton

(2) AISC is based on Gold price of A\$2,200/oz (royalties) and Copper price of A\$11,000/t (By-product credits)

(3) Corporate capital of A\$3 million (Sustaining) and A\$2 million (Major) not included above

For information on Production Targets and Forecast Financials, refer to the ASX releases entitled "Evolution Secures Full Ownership of Ernest Henry" dated 17 November 2021 and available to view at www.evolutionmining.com.au. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning the Production Target and Forecast Financial information derived from the Production Target in the 17 November 2021 releases continue to apply and have not materially changed

FY22 GUIDANCE: D&A

FY22 Guidance Depreciation &
Amortisation
A\$/oz
Cowal 410 –
460
Red Lake 330 –
380
Mungari 420 –
470
Mt Rawdon 700 –
750
Ernest Henry 1,900 –
1,950
Corporate
Mt Carlton 993
Group 630 –
680

EVOLUTION 2021 GOLD MINERAL RESOURCES

Gold Measured Indicated Inferred Total Resource Dec 20
Project Type Cut-Off Tonnes
(Mt)
Gold
Grade
(g/t)
Gold
Metal
(koz)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Gold
Grade
(g/t)
Gold
Metal
(koz)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Gold
Grade
(g/t)
Gold
Metal
(koz)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Gold
Grade
(g/t)
Gold
Metal
(koz)
CP6 Resource
Gold Metal
(koz)
Cowal1 Open pit 0.35 24.8 0.46 367 207.5 0.83 5,555 37.3 0.78 929 269.6 0.79 6,852 1 6,645
Cowal Underground 1.50 - - - 22.4 2.47 1,776 13.3 2.32 991 35.7 2.41 2,766 1 3,019
Cowal1 Total 24.8 0.46 367 229.9 0.99 7,331 50.6 1.18 1,920 305.3 0.98 9,618 1 9,664
Red Lake Underground 3.30 0.0 4.20 4 29.7 7.30 6,973 18.7 6.66 4,013 48.5 7.05 10,990 2 11,053
Bateman Underground 2.50 - - - 2.1 4.93 335 3.0 4.37 422 5.1 4.60 757 2 -
Red Lake3 Total 0.0 4.20 4 31.8 7.14 7,303 21.7 6.34 4,435 53.6 6.82 11,742 2 11,053
Mungari1 Open pit 0.40 - - - 44.3 2.09 1,676 10.5 2.50 458 54.8 2.13 2,134 3 1,739
Mungari4 Underground 1.80 1.7 5.39 295 10.1 4.26 1,387 9.4 3.58 1,086 21.2 4.05 2,767 3 448
Mungari1 Total 1.7 5.39 295 54.4 1.75 3,063 19.9 2.41 1,544 76.1 2.00 4,902 3 2,186
Mt Rawdon1 Total 0.21 6.3 0.32 65 27.2 0.55 481 5.7 0.46 84 39.2 0.50 630 4 885
Ernest Henry2 Total 13.3 0.69 294 32.2 0.78 808 25.9 0.69 572 71.4 0.73 1,674 5 1,143
Marsden Total 0.20 - - - 119.8 0.27 1,031 3.1 0.22 22 123.0 0.27 1,053 1 1,053
Mt Carlton5 387
Total 46.1 0.69 1,025 495.5 1.26 20,017 127.0 2.10 8,577 668.5 1.38 29,619 26,371

Data is reported to significant figures to reflect appropriate precision and may not sum precisely due to rounding.

Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Ore Reserves.

  1. Includes stockpiles

  2. Ernest Henry Operations reported Mineral Resources are above a 0.7% Cu cut-off within an interpreted 0.7% Cu mineralised envelope.

  3. Red Lake Mineral Resource cut-off is 3.3g/t Au except for Cochenour (3.0g/t Au) and HG Young (3.2g/t Au) deposit

  4. Mungari Underground Mineral Resource cut-offs vary from 1.56g/t Au to 2.61g/t Au per deposit. The average underground cut-off is1.8g/t Au. The Mungari Mineral Resource estimate excludes the Falcon deposit (142koz) held by the East Kundana Joint Venture (Evolution Mining 51%, Tribune Resources Ltd 36.75% and Rand Mining (12.25%). Information on the Falcon deposit is provided in Northern Star Resources ASX release titled "Strong Growth in Reserves and Resources" dated 3 May 2021 and available to view at www.nsrltd.com 5. Mt Carlton divested 15 December 2021

  5. Group Gold Mineral Resources Competent Person (CP) Notes refer to 1. James Biggam; 2. Jason Krauss; 3. Brad Daddow; 4. Justin Watson; 5. Aaron Meakin (CSA Global)

Note on the Ernest Henry December 2020 comparison: Prior to acquisition of full ownership of Ernest Henry (effective as of 1 January 2022), Evolution Mining had an economic interest earning rights to 100% of the revenue from future gold production and 30% of future copper and silver produced from an agreed life of mine area, and 49% of future gold, copper and silver produced from the Ernest Henry Resource outside the agreed area. The December 2020 Ernest Henry Resource is reported here on the basis of economic interest. The reported December 2020 figures constitute 77% of the total Ernest Henry gold resource.

This information is extracted from the release titled 'Annual Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement' dated 16 February 2022 and available to view at www.evolutionmining.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the release and that all material assumptions and parameters underpinning the estimates in the release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the Reports.

EVOLUTION 2021 GOLD ORE RESERVES

Gold Proved Probable Total Reserve Dec 20
Project Type Cut-Off Tonnes
(Mt)
Gold
Grade (g/t)
Gold Metal
(koz)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Gold Grade
(g/t)
Gold Metal
(koz)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Gold
Grade (g/t)
Gold Metal
(koz)
Competent
Person7
Reserves
Gold Metal
(koz)
Cowal1 Open pit 0.45 23.9 0.46 356 99.7 0.99 3,164 123.6 0.89 3,520 1 3,547
Cowal Underground 1.80 - - - 14.4 2.31 1,069 14.4 2.31 1,069 2 1,045
Cowal Total 23.9 0.46 356 114.1 1.15 4,233 138.0 1.03 4,589 4,593
Red Lake3 Total 4.50 - - - 13.1 7.00 2,935 13.1 7.00 2,935 3 2,929
Mungari4 Underground 4.82 0.8 4.89 132 2.6 4.33 365 3.5 4.46 498 4 35
Mungari1,5 Open pit 0.73 3.0 1.54 149 14.2 1.29 587 17.2 1.33 736 5 419
Mungari1 Total 3.9 2.27 282 16.8 1.76 952 20.6 1.86 1,234 454
Mt Rawdon1 Open pit 0.33 3.1 0.39 40 12.6 0.64 260 15.7 0.59 300 6 398
Ernest Henry2 Underground 9.8 0.77 241 19.2 0.35 217 29.0 0.49 459 7 525
Marsden Open pit 0.30 - - - 65.2 0.39 817 65.2 0.39 817 8 817
Mt Carlton6 168
Total 40.7 0.70 919 241.0 1.22 9,414 281.7 1.14 10,333 9,884

Data is reported to significant figures to reflect appropriate precision and may not sum precisely due to rounding

  1. Includes stockpiles

  2. Ernest Henry Operations reported Ore Reserve uses Glencore price assumptions: Gold Price (\$US/oz): 1300, Copper Price (\$US/t): 6500, Exchange Rate (AU:US): 0.75. December 2021 Ore Reserves reported above 0.7% Cu

  3. Red Lake Ore Reserve cut-off is 4.5g/t Au except for Cochenour and Lower Campbell (4.1g/t Au), HG Young (3.0g/t Au) and Upper Campbell (2.5g/t Au)

  4. Mungari Underground Ore Reserve cut-off is 4.82g/t Au except for Kundana (4.08g/t Au) and Frog's Leg (2.90g/t Au)

  5. Mungari Open Pit Ore Reserve cut-offs vary from 0.61g/t Au to 0.80g/t Au per deposit. The average open pit cut-off is 0.73g/t Au

  6. Mt Carlton divested 15 December 2021

7.Group Gold Ore Reserve Competent Person (CP) Notes refer to 1. Dean Basile (Mining One); 2. Joshua Northfield; 3. Brad Armstrong; 4. Peter Merry; 5. Chris Honey; 6. Martin Sonogan; 7. Mike Corbett (Glencore); 8. Anton Kruger

Note on the Ernest Henry December 2020 comparison: Prior to acquisition of full ownership of Ernest Henry (effective as of 1 January 2022), Evolution Mining had an economic interest earning rights to 100% of the revenue from future gold production and 30% of future copper and silver produced from an agreed life of mine area, and 49% of future gold, copper and silver produced from the Ernest Henry Resource outside the agreed area. The December 2020 Ernest Henry Reserve is reported here on the basis of economic interest. The reported December 2020 figures constitute 86% of the total Ernest Henry gold reserve.

This information is extracted from the release titled 'Annual Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement' dated 16 February 2022 and available to view at www.evolutionmining.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the release and that all material assumptions and parameters underpinning the estimates in the release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the Reports.

EVOLUTION 2021 COPPER RESERVES & RESOURCES

Group Copper Mineral Resource Statement

Copper Measured Indicated Inferred Total Resource Dec 20
Project Type Cut-Off Tonnes
(Mt)
Copper
Grade (%)
Copper
Metal
(kt)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Copper
Grade (%)
Copper
Metal
(kt)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Copper
Grade (%)
Copper
Metal
(kt)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Copper
Grade (%)
Copper
Metal
(kt)
CP1 Resources
Copper
Metal (kt)
Marsden Total 0.2 - - - 119.8 0.46 553 3.1 0.24 7 123.0 0.46 560 1 560
Ernest Henry Total 0.7 13.3 1.25 165 32.2 1.29 416 25.9 1.17 304 71.4 1.24 885 2 331
Mt Carlton2 13
Total 13.3 1.25 165 152.1 0.64 969 29.0 1.07 311 194.4 0.74 1,445 904

Data is reported to significant figures to reflect appropriate precision and may not sum precisely due to rounding. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Ore Reserves

  1. Group Mineral Resources Competent Person (CP) Notes refer to: 1. James Biggam; 2. Aaron Meakin (CSA)

  2. Mt Carlton divested 15 December 2021

Group Copper Ore Reserve Statement

Copper Proved Probable Total Reserve Competent Dec 20
Reserves
Project Type Cut-Off Tonnes
(Mt)
Copper
Grade (%)
Copper
Metal (kt)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Copper
Grade (%)
Copper
Metal (kt)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Copper
Grade (%)
Copper
Metal (kt)
Person2 Copper
Metal (kt)
Marsden Total 0.3 - - - 65.2 0.57 371 65.2 0.57 371 1 371
Ernest Henry1 Total 0.7 9.8 1.41 139 19.2 0.68 130 29.0 0.93 269 2 129
Mt Carlton3 5
Total 9.8 1.41 139 84.4 0.59 501 94.2 0.68 640 505

Data is reported to significant figures to reflect appropriate precision and may not sum precisely due to rounding

  1. Ernest Henry Operations reported Ore Reserve uses Glencore price assumptions: Gold Price (\$US/oz): 1300, Copper Price (\$US/t): 6500, Exchange Rate (AU:US): 0.75

  2. Group Ore Reserve Competent Person (CP) Notes refer to: 1. Anton Kruger; 2. Mike Corbett (Glencore)

  3. December 2020 Ore Reserve total excludes Mt Carlton (5kt) for comparison purposes following divestment

Note on the Ernest Henry December 2020 comparison: Prior to acquisition of full ownership of Ernest Henry (effective as of 1 January 2022), Evolution Mining had an economic interest earning rights to 100% of the revenue from future gold production and 30% of future copper and silver produced from an agreed life of mine area, and 49% of future gold, copper and silver produced from the Ernest Henry Resource outside the agreed area. The December 2020 Ernest Henry Reserve is reported here on the basis of economic interest and not the entire mine reserve. The reported December 2020 figures constitute 38% of the total Ernest Henry copper resource and 35% of the total Ernest Henry copper reserve.

This information is extracted from the release titled 'Annual Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement' dated 16 February 2022 and available to view at www.evolutionmining.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the release and that all material assumptions and parameters underpinning the estimates in the release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the Reports.