mark edwards, crocodile gold australia operations - crocodile gold’s operations and project...
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Mark Edwards, General Manager - Exploration and Business Development, Crocodile Gold delivered the presentation at 2014 Katherine Regional Mining & Exploration Forum. The 2014 Katherine Regional Mining & Exploration Forum featured presentations from explorers active in the region, operating mines, project developers and the many other parties associated with resources projects being developed in the wider Katherine region. For more information about the event, please visit: http://www.informa.com.au/katherinemining14TRANSCRIPT
Katherine Regional Mining & Exploration Forum – May 2014
TSX : CRK
Forward Looking Information
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This presentation contains forward-looking information under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements withrespect to the development potential and timetable of the projects; the Company’s ability to raise additional funds as necessary or on commercially reasonable terms; thefuture price of gold; the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves; conclusions of economic evaluation (including scoping studies); the realization of mineralresource and reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production, development and exploration; costs of future activities; capital and operatingexpenditures; success of exploration activities; mining or processing issues; currency exchange rates; government regulation of mining operations; and environmentalrisks. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”,“budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements thatcertain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions andestimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Estimates regarding the anticipated timing, amount and cost of mining at the projects are based onassumptions underlying mineral resource estimates and the realization of such estimates; results of previous mining activities at the projects, and detailed research andanalysis completed by independent of the Company; research and estimates regarding the timing of delivery for long-lead items; knowledge regarding the factorsconsultants and management involved in building a mine and other factors described in the technical reports and Annual Information Form filed under the profile of theCompany on SEDAR. Capital and operating cost estimates are based on results of previous mining activities, research of the Company and independent consultants,recent estimates of construction and mining costs and other factors that are set out in the scoping study. Production estimates are based on mine plans and productionschedules, which have been developed by the Company’s personnel and independent consultants. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks,uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from thoseexpressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: timing and availability of external financing on acceptableterms; unexpected events and delays during construction, expansion and start-up; variations in ore grade and recovery rates; receipt and revocation of governmentapprovals; actual results of exploration and mining activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of gold; failure of plant,equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry. Although management of the Company hasattempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factorsthat cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and futureevents could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. TheCompany does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Investors are advised that National Instrument NI 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators requires that each category of mineral reserves and mineral resourcesbe reported separately. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Due to the uncertainty of measured, indicated orinferred mineral resources, these mineral resources may never be upgraded to proven and probable mineral reserves.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated or Inferred ResourcesThe information presented uses the terms “measured”, “indicated” and “inferred” mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms arerecognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. “Inferred mineral resources”have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineralresource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economicstudies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves.United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
Non-IFRS MeasuresCrocodile Gold believes that investors use certain indicators to assess gold mining companies. The indicators are intended to provide additional information and shouldnot be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards.
“Operational Cash Cost per Ounce” is a non-IFRS performance measure which could provide an indication of the mining and processing efficiency at the operations. It isdetermined by dividing the operating expenses, excluding stock-based compensation allocated to the operating expense and next of silver revenue, by the number ofounces of gold sold. There are variations in the method of computation of “operational cash cost per ounce” as determined by the Company compared with other miningcompanies. For more detail on the Operational Cash Cost per Ounce determination for Crocodile Gold, please visit www.sedar.com or www.crocgold.com and review thelatest Annual Financial Statements issued on March 19, 2014
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Operations and Projects
Northern Territory Operations
• Main NT Focus
• Cosmo Deeps Mine
• Union Reefs (Esmeralda)
• Maud Creek
• Bon’s Rush
Victoria Operations
Investment Highlights
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GROWING GOLD
PRODUCTION
GENERATING CASH
FLOW
GROWTH
POTENTIAL
• Operating cash flow generated in Q1 2014 exceeded
$12 million
• Total Operating cash flow generated in 2013 exceeded
$67 million
• Operational Cash Costs for Q1 2014 decreased to $971
per ounce compared to $1,027 per oz in 2013
• All-In Sustaining Cash Costs for Q1 2014 decreased to
$1,307 per oz compared to $1,386 in 2013
• Total Production for 2013 was 210,000 oz, up from
155,000 oz in 2012
• Production for Q1 2014 was 53,583 ounces of gold; on
track for 2014 production guidance of 200-210,000 oz
DECREASING
COSTS
• Current focus is on underground resource definition to
extend mine life at all projects
• Further exploration will be based on the value added by
the project
All within
Australia
SIZABLE
RESOURCES
• Proven and Probable Reserves: 0.9 million oz
• M+I Resources: 4.8 million oz
• Inferred Resources 2.5 million oz
2013/2014 Significant Highlights
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20
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Q2• Successfully unwound Credit Suisse gold swap (hedge) position,
significantly reducing debt from approximately $70M to $11M
Q3
• Cosmo Mine transitioned from ramp-up to sustainable producer
with 21,300 ounces produced in Q3
• Increased production guidance to 200,000 – 205,000 oz from
170,000 – 180,000 oz
Q4
• Exceeded 2013 guidance with 210,626 ounces produce at an
average cash cost of $1,067
• Established 2014 production guidance of 200,000 – 210,000
ounces gold at an average cost between $900 – 950
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Q1
• Executed 3 key contracts for Northern Territory Operations, which
will yield significant cost savings
• Closed an $18 million private placement with Luxor Capital and
Sprott Asset Management
• Paid out Credit Suisse credit facility ahead of schedule
Mineral Resources and Reserves *
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Tonnes Au Grade Au
(MM) (g/t) (Koz)
Proven & Probable Reserves
Cosmo 1.5 3.79 180
Fosterville 1.8 6.01 342
Pine Creek 1.3 1.55 62
Stawell 1.0 3.40 107
Burnside 0.2 1.93 10
Union Reefs 0.3 4.40 42
Maud Creek 1.0 5.40 185
Reserves 7.0 4.10 928
Measured and Indicated Resources (incl. of Reserves)
Cosmo 4.5 3.43 500
Fosterville 16.6 3.87 2,069
Pine Creek 8.4 1.40 380
Stawell 4.7 2.60 399
Burnside 7.6 1.40 336
Union Reefs 3.0 2.40 236
Maud Creek 7.7 3.50 871
M&I Resources 52.6 2.83 4,791
Inferred Resources
Cosmo 1.1 2.94 109
Fosterville 6.4 3.78 777
Pine Creek 2.5 2.30 191
Stawell 1.0 4.70 145
Burnside 11.8 1.60 602
Union Reefs 4.3 2.20 305
Maud Creek 4.2 2.50 344
Inferred Resources 31.3 2.45 2,473
*Please refer to cautionary language on page 2 of this presentation
Crocodile Gold maintains
significant Measured and
Indicated Resources of
4.8 million ounces and
Inferred Resources of
2.5 million ounces.
Reserves for Crocodile
Gold’s projects total
approximately
0.93 million ounces.
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2013-14 Operational Summary
Crocodile Gold is focused on maintaining sustainable levels of
production and managing costs.
2014 Production:
200,000 - 210,000 oz
2014 Operating Cash Cost:
USD$900-$950
$1,150
$1,101 $924
$967 $971
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Q1 '13 Q2 '13 Q3 '13 Q4 '13 Q1 '14
CA
SH
CO
ST
US
$/O
Z
OZ
PR
OD
UC
ED
Cosmo Gold Mine Fosterville Gold Mine Stawell Gold Mine Cash Cost
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Gold Production:
Fosterville Gold Mine
• In Q1 2014, Fosterville continued to demonstrated
strong results with over 220,000 tonnes processed for
almost 26,000 ounces of gold.
• Positive underground definition drilling returned
intersections that suggest the Phoenix and Lower
Phoenix Zones will extend the mine life past the
current 3 years. Highlights include:
Fosterville Processing Facility
Fosterville 2014 Performance
Q1 2014 Q1 2013
Ore Milled (Tonnes) 220,379 190,026
Average Grade (g/t Au) 4.32 4.74
Recovery (%) 84.3 81.4
Gold Produced (oz) 25,786 23,556
Gold Sold (Ounces) 25,809 24,270
2014 Production Guidance:
95,000 – 100,000 Ounces Gold
Hole Width (m) ETW* (m) g/t Au
Phoenix Zone
UDH0501 6.90 5.40 12.66
UDH0503 9.65 7.90 6.40
UDH0505 5.30 3.80 10.41
UDH0750 15.90 11.70 6.00
Lower Phoenix Zone
UDE110 33.80 7.00 24.00
UDH0561 3.60 3.00 32.86
UDH0575 14.35 8.00 12.89
UDH0617 6.85 6.30 19.15
UDH0643 11.90 8.60 16.67
UDH0755 6.80 6.60 122.35*ETW = Estimated True Width. Full details of the definition drilling program, including
QA/QC processes, can be found in the Press Release dated March 12, 2014
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Gold Production:
Stawell Gold Mine
Stawell Processing Facility
• Stawell continues to focus on the upper levels
of the Mine, accessing remnant ounces while
reviewing the upper level resource to identify
further profitable opportunities from the
underground.
• In Q1 2014, Stawell milled a total of 227,000
tonnes of underground and stockpile ore at an
average grade of 1.71 g/t Au. Stawell is to
continue underground remnant mining well
into 2014.
Next Steps
• Exploring opportunities within the existing
mining lease, including the Big Hill Project,
which has reached the feasibility phase.
• Engagement continues with local stakeholders
and the community.
Stawell 2014 Performance
Q1 2014 Q1 2013
Ore Milled (Tonnes) 227,627 213,132
Average Grade (g/t Au) 1.71 2.06
Recovery(%) 79.4 86.5
Gold Produced (oz) 9,956 12,228
Gold Sold (Ounces) 9,510 13,141
2014 Production Guidance:
~ 30,000 Ounces Gold
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Gold Production:
Cosmo Gold Mine
• In Q1 2014, Cosmo mined 180,000 tonnes of
ore and processed 230,000 tonnes with an
average grade of 2.79 g/t Au.
• In the quarter, the Union Reefs mill treated ore
from a lower grade oxide stockpile for
environmental reclamation purposes, which
affected overall average grade and recovery
results
• Also during the quarter, Crocodile Gold
successfully transitioned in a new mining
contractor with minimal disruption to
production.
• Proven and Probable Reserves* of 1.48Mt at
3.79 g/t Au for 180,000oz
• Measured and Indicated Resources* of 4.5Mt
at 3.4 g/t Au for 499,700 oz
*Please refer to cautionary notes on page 2 of this presentation
Cosmo 2014 Performance
Q1 2014 Q1 2013
Ore Milled (Tonnes) 230,815 152,128
Average Grade (g/t Au) 2.79 3.12
Recovery(%) 85.9 86.4
Gold Produced (oz) 17,841 13,169
Gold Sold (Ounces) 19,416 12,309
Cosmo Access Portal
2014 Production Guidance:
75,000 – 80,000 Ounces Gold
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In May 2014 Crocodile Gold announced a Mineral Resource and Reserve up-
date for the Cosmo Project:
Mineral Resources – Resource Definition drilling in 2013 allowed an increase of 4% in
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources to 4.5Mt @ 3.43g/t for 500,000 ounces
Mineral Reserves – Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves have decreased by 24% since the
last statement in 2013 including mining depletion. Current drilling programs are designed to
target Reserve growth in 2014.
Cosmo Resource Up-date
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During early 2014 Crocodile Gold executed three key contracts for the
Northern Territory Operations:
Underground Mining Contract – Awarded to Downer EDI Pty Ltd for a period of
two years with the option to extend for a third year. Downer EDI mobilized to site in
March this year and assisted with minimal disruption to operations.
Diamond Drilling Contract – Awarded to Boart Longyear for a period of two years
to support the underground drilling necessary for mine planning and resource
development. Some deeper exploration drilling will also be completed in the coming
12 months
Power Supply Contract – Crocodile Gold negotiated a new electrical power supply
contract with the Power and Water Corporation which will cover a term of one year.
NT Contract Changes
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The Cosmo Deeps Project is the core
mining project for Crocodile Gold in the
Northern Territory. In early 2014 approval
was granted for deeper drilling project
South
Gandy’s
Description Unit Amount
Drill Holes No. 12
Drill Metres (approx.) metres 5,000
Start Q2, 2014
Finish Q1, 2015
Growth Projects:
Cosmo Deeps Drilling
Project Plan
• Drill diamond holes into down plunge
extensions of the Cosmo deposit
• Build Mineral Resource and Reserve
base close to existing infrastructure
• 2 phase program, phase one outlined
above, phase two on success of phase 1
Milestones
• Drilling for this project commenced with
new contractor arriving with 3rd diamond
rig in April
• Drilling to be completed in conjunction
with drilling required for production
Target
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The Esmeralda Project is located around 7km south
of the Union Reefs processing plant and is a
potential source of oxide ore close to operations.
Current Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.1Mt @
2.06g/t Au for 70,000 ounces of gold South
Gandy’s
Growth Projects:
Esmeralda
Project Plan
• Mapping project just completed around deposit
to identify expansion targets
• Drilling to focus on expanding and up-grading
current inferred Mineral Resources
• 2 phase program, phase one expand deposit
the second to upgrade Mineral Resources
Milestones
• Mapping program completed on ground,
finalizing maps and report now
• Drill planning and approval to be completed in
Q2, 2014.
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In 2013 Crocodile Gold announced a
Mineral Resource and Reserve update for
the Maud Creek deposit near Katherine.
Indicated Resources of +870,000 oz gold.
South
Gandy’s
Category Tonnes Grade (g/t Au) Ounces
Mineral Resources (1g/t cut)
Indicated 7,733,000 3.50 871,000
Inferred 4,192,000 2.55 343,600
Mineral Reserves (4g/t cut)
Probable 1,055,000 5.40 184,490
Growth Projects:
Maud Creek
Project Plan
• Crocodile Gold is currently reviewing the
Maud Creek project to determine how to
proceed with updated information.
• Other exploration targets exist on site
that require follow up work (Red Queen).
Milestones
• Crocodile Gold announced a Mineral
Reserve for the Maud Creek project in
2013.
• Resource update was generated using
drilling results and reinterpretation of the
deposit in 2011.
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South
Gandy’s
Growth Projects:
Bon’s Rush
Project Plan
• Use current mapping with regional
exploration, including airborne EM and
magnetometer results to identify potential
to expand Mineral Resources around
Bon’s Rush.
• Review of historic drilling and sampling to
identify potential targets
Milestones
• Field mapping region around Bon’s Rush
showed extensive folding and indicators
for mineralization
• Mapping being collated and reported
now.
Bon’s Rush is located 25 km north of the Cosmo
Mine on an active Mineral Lease. Current
Inferred Mineral Resource of 805Kt @ 2.33g/t Au
for 60K oz gold. Potential to expand.
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During the past few years Crocodile Gold has begun the process of rehabilitating current mining
and legacy sites held by the Company
South
Gandy’s
Other Projects:
Rehabilitation
Works completed
2012 – historic mineralized material rehabilitated at Glencoe and Moline Mining areas
2013 – 34 Ha of disturbed areas rehabilitated at North Point, Princess Louise, Golden Dyke
and Brocks Creek
2014 – Golden Dyke area currently being completed, work planned for Howley, Brocks Creek,
Princess Louise and North Point
Ongoing – CDU conducting grazing study on man made landforms with Crocodile assistance
North Point WD Before North Point WD After Princess Louise Seeding
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Strategic Projects:
Non-Core Asset Divestment
Non-Core Asset Divestment
Crocodile Gold continues to look for opportunities to divest or Joint Venture (JV) non-core assets
primarily in the Northern Territory. The benefits include:
• Returning upside in the form of Earn-in Rights, Royalties and other similar arrangements
• Carrying cost savings
• Sharper focus on core producing assets
Completed Divestments:
Rockland Option Agreement
• Crocodile Gold entered into a uranium exploration agreement with Rockland Resources Pty. where
Rockland received 100% uranium interest on the Company’s property for a AUD$1 million
exploration commitment over 4 years and a 1% net smelter royalty capped at AUD$2.5 million
Mt. Bundy Gold Project Divestment to Primary Gold (ASX:PGO)
• For the sale of the property, Crocodile Gold received 11.75 million restricted and unrestricted shares
(10.5% ownership), a cash payment of AUD$ 3.35 million and a AUD$2.5 million capped royalty
• This eliminated the care and maintenance costs on Tom’s Gully Processing plant