mark edwards, crocodile gold australia operations - crocodile gold’s operations and project...

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Katherine Regional Mining & Exploration Forum May 2014 TSX : CRK

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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/katherinemining14

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Page 1: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

Katherine Regional Mining & Exploration Forum – May 2014

TSX : CRK

Page 2: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

Forward Looking Information

2

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

Page 3: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

3

Operations and Projects

Northern Territory Operations

• Main NT Focus

• Cosmo Deeps Mine

• Union Reefs (Esmeralda)

• Maud Creek

• Bon’s Rush

Victoria Operations

Page 4: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

Investment Highlights

4

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

Page 5: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

2013/2014 Significant Highlights

5

20

13

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

20

14

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

Page 6: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

Mineral Resources and Reserves *

6

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.

Page 7: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

7

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

Page 8: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

8

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

Page 9: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

9

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

Page 10: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

10

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

Page 11: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

11

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

Page 12: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

12

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

Page 13: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

13

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

Page 14: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

14

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.

Page 15: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

15

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.

Page 16: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

16

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.

Page 17: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

17

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

Page 18: Mark Edwards, Crocodile Gold Australia Operations - Crocodile Gold’s operations and project developments

18

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