All amounts in Canadian dollars unless indicated otherwise TORONTO, Feb. 10 /CNW/ -
<<
Highlights
- Fourth quarter loss
The loss in the fourth quarter was due primarily to a significant
decline in the price of copper and zinc, and an asset impairment
charge. Lower copper and zinc prices reduced sales by $92 million
compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. Of that, $58 million is for
finalization adjustments on our third quarter sales. We took a $34
million impairment charge on the value of our investment in Cerattepe
because we decided to not move the project forward.
- Realized copper price
Because of finalization adjustments recorded in the fourth quarter of
US$0.92 per pound, we realized a copper price of US$0.50 per pound.
- Operating cash flow
Operating cash flow this quarter was $31 million or $0.64 per common
share compared to $76 million or $1.58 per share in the fourth
quarter of 2007.
- Production
Copper production this quarter was similar to 2007. Zinc production
was lower and gold production was higher.
- Las Cruces receives support from the water authority to resume
mining - now awaiting final go-ahead from the mining authority
In January 2009, the water authority recommended that the provincial
mining authority allow Las Cruces to resume mining in the pit after
it reduces the water level in its holding ponds. Las Cruces now
expects to resume mining at the beginning of March. Plant
commissioning is well underway and first copper production is
expected in April.
- 100% ownership in Petaquilla
We acquired 100 percent ownership of the Petaquilla project as of
December 31. Field activities to prepare the new mineral resource
statement, complete the front-end engineering and design work and
file the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment are progressing
as planned.
Key financial data
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(thousands, except per share amounts)
Sales
Gross sales $139,626 $224,773 -38%
Net income
Net income ($32,514) $63,645 -151%
Net income per share ($0.67) $1.32 -151%
Cash flow
Cash flow provided by
operating activities $30,992 $76,325 -59%
Cash flow provided by
operating activities per share(1) $0.64 $1.58 -59%
Capital spending $133,979 $93,889 +43%
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Production(2)
Copper (tonnes) 21,100 21,700 -3%
Zinc (tonnes) 19,600 26,000 -25%
Gold (ounces) 64,600 57,200 +13%
Cash costs(3)
Copper (US $ per pound) $0.50 $0.29 +72%
Gold (US $ per ounce) $460 $552 -17%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(thousands, except per share amounts)
Sales
Gross sales $944,865 $1,103,698 -14%
Net income
Net income $216,922 $417,609 -48%
Net income per share $4.49 $8.65 -48%
Cash flow
Cash flow provided by
operating activities $324,505 $427,351 -24%
Cash flow provided by
operating activities per share(1) $6.72 $8.85 -24%
Capital spending $460,792 $345,892 +33%
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Production(2)
Copper (tonnes) 80,500 79,300 +2%
Zinc (tonnes) 75,400 85,100 -11%
Gold (ounces) 244,100 223,300 +9%
Cash costs(3)
Copper (US $ per pound) $0.52 $0.20 +160%
Gold (US $ per ounce) $417 $421 -1%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------
as at as at
December 31 December 31
FINANCIAL CONDITION 2008 2007
-------------------------------
Current ratio 2.4 to 1 5.6 to 1
Gross debt to total equity(4) 19% 13%
Net working capital balance (millions) $475 $855
Cash balance (millions) $573 $841
Shareholders' equity (millions) $1,868 $1,392
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Calculated as cash flow provided by operating activities divided by
average shares outstanding for the respective period.
(2) Inmet's share.
(3) Cash cost per pound of copper and cash cost per ounce of gold are
non-GAAP measures - see Supplementary financial information on pages
33, 34 and 35.
(4) Gross debt includes long-term debt and current portion of long-term
debt less the non-recourse note owing from Las Cruces to its non-
controlling shareholder.
Current market environment
There was a general weakening in the global economic environment in the
fourth quarter, and a significant decline in base metal prices.
These market conditions will have some impact on our overall financial
position. However, based on the strength of our financial position entering
into this downturn, together with our relatively low operating costs:
- we do not expect there to be any impact on our ability to meet
expected production levels as a result of market conditions
- we should be able to maintain capital expenditures at our current
operations and for the development of Las Cruces
- we should be able to continue to pursue our growth objectives by
advancing the Petaquilla project and considering other opportunities
as they arise.
We will continually monitor the metal and financial markets, our financial
performance and resources and our capital spending to make sure we maintain
the financial strength we need in these volatile and uncertain markets.
Fourth quarter press release
Where to find it
Our financial results................................ 4
Key changes in 2008.................................. 4
Understanding our performance........................ 5
Earnings from operations........................... 7
Corporate costs.................................... 12
Results of our operations............................ 13
Cayeli............................................. 14
Pyhasalmi.......................................... 16
Troilus............................................ 18
Ok Tedi............................................ 20
Status of our development projects................... 22
Las Cruces......................................... 22
Petaquilla......................................... 24
Managing our liquidity............................... 26
Financial condition.................................. 29
Accounting changes................................... 31
Supplementary financial information.................. 33
Quarterly review..................................... 36
Consolidated financial statements.................... 37
>>
In this press release, Inmet means Inmet Mining Corporation and we, us and our mean Inmet and/or its subsidiaries and joint ventures. This quarter refers to the three months ended December 31, 2008. Forward looking information Securities regulators encourage companies to disclose forward-looking information to help investors understand a company's future prospects. This press release contains statements about our future financial condition, results of operations and business. These are "forward-looking" because we have used what we know and expect today to make a statement about the future. Forward-looking statements usually include words such as may, expect, anticipate, believe or other similar words. We believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, actual events and results could be substantially different because of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business or events that happen after the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. As a general policy, we do not update forward-looking statements except as required by securities laws and regulations.
<<
Our financial results
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands, except per share amounts) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS(1)
Cayeli $(8,438) $36,138 -123%
Pyhasalmi 7,812 28,149 -72%
Troilus 3,695 345 +971%
Ok Tedi (2,385) 28,441 -108%
Other (487) (491) -1%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
197 92,582 -100%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLORATION
Corporate development and exploration (1,971) (3,510) -44%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE COSTS
General and administration (3,289) (12,622) -74%
Investment and other income 8,057 5,968 +35%
Asset impairment (36,275) - -
Interest expense (490) (407) +20%
Income and capital taxes (537) (18,339) -97%
Non-controlling interest 1,794 (27) -6744%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(30,740) (25,427) 21%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $(32,514) $63,645 -151%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic net income (loss) per share $(0.67) $1.32 -151%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted net income (loss) per share $(0.67) $1.32 -151%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average shares outstanding 48,282 48,282 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
(thousands, except per share amounts) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS(1)
Cayeli $122,483 $223,892 -45%
Pyhasalmi 92,698 138,582 -33%
Troilus 26,328 9,828 +168%
Ok Tedi 135,163 182,774 -26%
Other (1,951) (1,953) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
374,721 553,123 -32%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLORATION
Corporate development and exploration (10,620) (9,083) +17%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE COSTS
General and administration (13,138) (20,298) -35%
Investment and other income 5,986 36,454 -84%
Asset impairment (36,275) - -
Interest expense (1,884) (1,693) +11%
Income and capital taxes (107,368) (140,694) -24%
Non-controlling interest 5,500 (200) -2850%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(147,179) (126,431) +16%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $216,922 $417,609 -48%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic net income (loss) per share $4.49 $8.65 -48%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted net income (loss) per share $4.48 $8.64 -48%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average shares outstanding 48,282 48,279 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Gross sales less smelter processing charges and freight, cost of
sales, depreciation and provisions for mine reclamation.
Key changes in 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months year
ended ended see
(millions) December 31 December 31 page
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS
Sales
Lower copper and zinc prices
denominated in Canadian dollars $(92) $(194) 8
Higher gold prices
denominated in Canadian dollars 12 34 8
Higher pyrite demand
(higher sales net of costs) 7 28 8
Lower sales volumes (5) (23) 9
Costs
Lower smelter processing charges 4 30 10
Higher operating costs, including costs
that vary with income and cash flows (10) (41) 11
Higher depreciation (5) (8) 11
Other (3) (4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease in earnings from operations,
compared to 2007 (92) (178)
CORPORATE COSTS
Lower income tax expense 19 34 13
Gain on sale of Wolfden in 2007 - (12) 12
Asset impairment (36) (36) 13
Higher foreign exchange losses (3) (20) 12
Lower general and administration costs 9 7
Other 7 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease in net income, compared to 2007 $(96) $(201)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding our performance
Metal prices
The table below shows the average metal prices we realized in US dollars
and Canadian dollars (the prices we realize include finalization adjustments -
see Gross sales on page 7).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
US dollar metal prices Copper
(per pound) US $0.50 US $2.75 -82%
Zinc (per pound) US $0.46 US $1.10 -58%
Gold (per ounce) US $714 US $664 +8%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian dollar metal prices Copper
(per pound) C $0.61 C $2.70 -77%
Zinc (per pound) C $0.56 C $1.08 -48%
Gold (per ounce) C $866 C $651 +33%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
US dollar metal prices Copper
(per pound) US $2.70 US $3.22 -16%
Zinc (per pound) US $0.84 US $1.39 -40%
Gold (per ounce) US $732 US $594 +23%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian dollar metal prices Copper
(per pound) C $2.88 C $3.45 -17%
Zinc (per pound) C $0.90 C $1.49 -40%
Gold (per ounce) C $ 781 C $636 +23%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
Commodity prices this year were very strong until August, when demand collapsed across almost every market. Copper started the year at US $3.02 per pound and peaked in July at over US $4.00. By September 30, the copper price was back down to US $2.90 per pound and by December 31 had dropped to US $1.32, its lowest level since 2005. The copper market also went from being under-supplied to a surplus with an apparent weakness in end-use markets like construction and transportation. Zinc prices fell from a price of US $1.08 per pound at the end of 2007 to a low of US $0.47 per pound in the second half of 2008. It was among the first base metals to be affected by deteriorating conditions in the global economy and the collapse in demand. There were also a significant number of mine production cuts and closures in the second half of the year. Gold was one of the few commodities to close higher this year than it had in 2007, with a 5 percent gain. In the first half of the year, gold prices were as high as US $1,000 per ounce. Amid the wave of investment liquidation and the strengthening of the US dollar in the fourth quarter, the price dropped by as much as 20 percent. The price of sulphur, which is closely linked to pyrite prices, was strong throughout most of 2008. In September demand for sulphur came to a halt and prices dropped from $800 per ton to a low of $35 per ton in December.
<<
Exchange rates
Exchange rates affect revenue and earnings. The table below shows the
average exchange rates we realized.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31 year ended December 31
2008 2007 change 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange rates
1 US$ to C$ $1.21 $0.98 23% $1.07 $1.07 -
1 euro to C$ $1.60 $1.42 13% $1.56 $1.46 7%
1 euro to US$ $1.32 $1.45 -9% $1.47 $1.37 7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
US dollars
----------
>>
Sales are affected by the conversion of US dollar revenue to Canadian dollars. Foreign exchange was not a factor when looking at variances in sales between years because the US to Canadian exchange rate was consistent between these periods. The fourth quarter, however, saw a sharp rise in exchange rates relative to the US dollar. Net income was $51 million less for the year and $28 million more for the quarter because of fluctuations in the value of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar. Changes to the US to Canadian dollar exchange rate and US dollar to euro exchange rate affect our net income in four ways:
<<
- US dollar sales translated to Canadian dollar
- Cayeli and Ok Tedi record all costs in US dollars which we translate
to Canadian dollars
- we recognize deferred foreign exchange gains or losses when we
repatriate cash from Cayeli and Ok Tedi (we record this in Investment
and other income). Foreign exchange losses for the year include the
recognition of a deferred foreign exchange loss of $25 million ($1
million gain in the fourth quarter) when we repatriated cash from
Cayeli and Ok Tedi.
- we revalue foreign currency balances such as the US dollar debt in
Las Cruces (recorded in Investment and other income). Pre-tax net
income this quarter and year was down $12 million and $25 million,
respectively, because we recognized a foreign exchange loss on the
translation of the Las Cruces US dollar credit facility.
Euros
-----
>>
Net income was lower between periods because costs we incurred in euros were higher when we converted them to Canadian dollars. We recorded foreign exchange gains of $8 million for 2008 ($4 million for the quarter) when we revalued euro denominated cash and short-term intergroup receivables. This was the result of a large change in the value of the euro relative to the Canadian dollar for the quarter. We also recognized deferred foreign exchange gains of $6 million when we repatriated cash from Pyhasalmi in the second quarter. We recorded both of these in Investment and other income. Treatment charges down for copper and up for zinc Treatment charges are one component of smelter processing charges. We also pay smelters for content losses and price participation. The table below shows the average charges we realized this quarter and year to date.
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31 year ended December 31
2008 2007 change 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treatment charges
Copper (per
dry metric
tonne of
concentrate) $64 $66 -3% $50 $63 -21%
Zinc (per
dry metric
tonne of
concentrate) $379 $290 +31% $318 $274 +16%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price participation
Copper
(per pound) $0.02 $0.04 -50% $0.04 $0.08 -50%
Zinc (per
pound)(1) ($0.08) ($0.05) +60% ($0.02) $0.01 -300%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freight charges
Copper (per
dry metric
tonne of
concentrate) $37 $58 -36% $48 $50 -4%
Zinc (per
dry metric
tonne of
concentrate) $32 $38 -16% $37 $33 +12%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Zinc price participation is based on a zinc price of US $2,000 per
tonne in 2008 and US $3,500 per tonne in 2007.
Copper treatment charges were lower this quarter and for 2008 than they
were in 2007 because we had better contract terms with smelters. While zinc
treatment charges were higher than 2007, zinc price participation was down
significantly in 2008.
Statutory tax rates down slightly
The table below shows the statutory tax rates for each of our taxable
operating mines.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory tax rates
Cayeli 24% 27% -3%
Pyhasalmi 26% 26% -
Ok Tedi 37% 37% -
Las Cruces 30% 30% -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cayeli's tax rate is lower because the withholding tax rate was reduced
from 8 percent to 5 percent.
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS
Earnings from operations include the following:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross sales $139,626 $224,773 -38%
Smelter processing charges (32,870) (43,902) -25%
Cost of sales:
Direct production costs (86,935) (79,588) +9%
Inventory changes (30) 2,239 -101%
Provisions for mine rehabilitation
and other non-cash charges (4,750) (1,460) +225%
Depreciation (14,844) (9,480) +57%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings from operations $197 $92,582 -100%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross sales $944,865 $1,103,698 -14%
Smelter processing charges (179,738) (206,478) -13%
Cost of sales:
Direct production costs (331,173) (295,896) +12%
Inventory changes 3,345 (3,264) -202%
Provisions for mine rehabilitation
and other non-cash charges (17,974) (9,264) +94%
Depreciation (44,604) (35,673) +25%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings from operations $374,721 $553,123 -32%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross sales were lower this year mainly because the price of copper and
zinc was down
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross sales by operation
Cayeli $27,481 $81,088 -66%
Pyhasalmi 37,273 58,672 -36%
Troilus 36,391 27,317 +33%
Ok Tedi(1) 38,481 57,696 -33%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$139,626 $224,773 -38%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross sales by metal
Copper $46,367 $120,705 -62%
Zinc 20,110 53,246 -62%
Gold 54,720 38,313 +43%
Other 18,429 12,509 +47%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$139,626 $224,773 -38%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross sales by operation
Cayeli $305,190 $418,694 -27%
Pyhasalmi 221,124 260,246 -15%
Troilus 141,251 108,378 +30%
Ok Tedi(1) 277,300 316,380 -12%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$944,865 $1,103,698 -14%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross sales by metal
Copper $511,037 $627,424 -19%
Zinc 150,216 280,713 -46%
Gold 189,379 150,228 +26%
Other 94,233 45,333 +108%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$944,865 $1,103,698 -14%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Our 18 percent share of Ok Tedi's sales.
Key components of the change in sales: copper and zinc prices down, gold
prices up, pyrite sales up
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months year
ended ended
(millions) December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower copper prices, denominated in Canadian
dollars $(83) $(106)
Lower zinc prices, denominated in Canadian
dollars (9) (95)
Higher gold prices, denominated in Canadian
dollars 12 34
Higher pyrite prices, denominated in Canadian
dollars 9 38
Changes in other metal prices - 8
Lower sales volumes (14) (38)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease in gross sales, compared to 2007 $(85) $(159)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
We record sales using the metal price we receive for sales that settle during the reporting period. For sales that have not been settled, we use an estimate based on the month we expect the sale to settle and the forward price of the metal at the end of the reporting period. We recognize the difference between our estimate and the final price we receive by adjusting our gross sales in the period we settle the sale (finalization adjustment). We recorded $58 million in negative finalization adjustments in the fourth quarter.
<<
At the end of 2008, the following sales had not been settled:
- 40 million pounds of copper provisionally priced at US $1.39 per pound
- 16 million pounds of zinc provisionally priced at US $0.54 per pound.
The finalization adjustment we record for these sales will depend on the
actual price when the sale settles, which can be from one to five months after
we initially record it. We expect the December 31, 2008 unsettled sales to
settle in the following months:
----------------------------------------------------
(millions of pounds) copper zinc
----------------------------------------------------
January 2009 11 11
February 2009 8 5
March 2009 11 -
April and May 2009 10 -
----------------------------------------------------
Unsettled sales at December 31, 2008 40 16
----------------------------------------------------
Zinc sales volumes down in the quarter - lower production and delayed
shipments
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales volumes
Copper (tonnes) 22,500 21,000 +7%
Zinc (tonnes) 13,600 24,400 -44%
Gold (ounces) 63,700 57,900 +10%
Pyrite (tonnes) 66,000 132,600 -50%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales volumes
Copper (tonnes) 81,700 82,900 -1%
Zinc (tonnes) 76,100 87,200 -13%
Gold (ounces) 241,800 234,200 +3%
Pyrite (tonnes) 557,700 508,900 +10%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our sales volumes are directly affected by the amount of production from
our mines, and our ability to ship to our customers.
Production
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
Inmet's share(1) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copper (tonnes)
Ok Tedi 7,300 8,700 -16%
Cayeli 8,400 9,100 -8%
Pyhasalmi 3,400 3,300 +3%
Las Cruces - - -
Troilus 2,000 600 +233%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
21,100 21,700 -3%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zinc (tonnes)
Cayeli 12,800 13,600 -6%
Pyhasalmi 6,800 12,400 -45%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
19,600 26,000 -25%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold (ounces)
Troilus 40,500 33,700 +20%
Ok Tedi 24,100 23,500 +3%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
64,600 57,200 +13%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pyrite (tonnes)
Pyhasalmi 81,700 182,000 -55%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
year ended December 31 objective
Inmet's share(1) 2008 2007 change 2009
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
Copper (tonnes)
Ok Tedi 28,800 30,400 -5% 31,600
Cayeli 32,700 32,500 +1% 36,800
Pyhasalmi 13,300 13,600 -2% 13,000
Las Cruces - - - 38,200
Troilus 5,700 2,800 +104% 6,000
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
80,500 79,300 2% 125,600
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
Zinc (tonnes)
Cayeli 47,600 46,200 +3% 56,400
Pyhasalmi 27,800 38,900 -29% 22,600
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
75,400 85,100 -11% 79,000
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
Gold (ounces)
Troilus 151,300 138,400 +9% 132,200
Ok Tedi 92,800 84,900 +9% 109,400
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
244,100 223,300 +9% 241,600
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
Pyrite (tonnes)
Pyhasalmi 565,000 486,000 +16% 510,000
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
(1) Inmet's share represents 100 percent for Cayeli, Pyhasalmi and
Troilus, 18 percent for Ok Tedi and 70 percent for Las Cruces.
This quarter:
- zinc production was lower than 2007 mainly because zinc grades at
Pyhasalmi were lower
- gold production was higher than 2007 because grades were higher
- pyrite production was lower than 2007 because demand was lower.
>>
Zinc production for the year was down from 2007 because zinc grades were lower. Gold production was higher because gold grades were higher. 2009 outlook for sales Our outlook for sales ties directly to our production outlook. We expect copper and zinc sales volumes in 2009 to be higher because of our higher production expectations, including new production at Las Cruces. We have set a higher copper production target for 2009 because production should start at Las Cruces and we expect higher throughput at Cayeli and Ok Tedi. We expect to mine lower zinc grades at Pyhasalmi in 2009. Estimated production for our 70 percent share of Las Cruces includes 26,000 tonnes of copper cathode and 12,200 tonnes of ore that, depending on market conditions, we will ship directly to smelters. Our gold target for 2009 is consistent with our 2008 results. We expect more production from Ok Tedi because of higher throughput, but lower production from Troilus when it starts to produce gold from its lower grade stockpiles. Our Canadian dollar sales revenues are affected by the US dollar denominated metal price we receive, and the exchange rate between the US dollar and Canadian dollar. According to analysts' consensus forecasts, copper and zinc are the two metals investors believe are best positioned for a rebound in demand. With the current volatility in the markets it is even more difficult to forecast metal prices. We do not know the effect various government planned stimulus packages and interest rate cuts will have on the worldwide economy. As part of our strategy, we will focus on maximizing the efficiency of our operations to ensure that we remain highly competitive in this economic environment.
<<
Lower smelter processing charges for the quarter and year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smelter processing charges and
freight by operation
Cayeli $13,279 $19,756 -33%
Pyhasalmi 9,615 15,384 -38%
Troilus 3,904 1,798 +117%
Ok Tedi(1) 6,072 6,964 -13%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$32,870 $43,902 -25%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smelter processing charges and
freight by metal
Copper $17,655 $19,910 -11%
Zinc 12,069 20,682 -42%
Other 3,146 3,310 -5%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$32,870 $43,902 -25%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smelter processing charges by
type and freight
Copper treatment and refining
charges $8,524 $8,092 +5%
Zinc treatment charges 10,228 13,444 -24%
Copper price participation 1,229 1,918 -36%
Zinc price participation (2,355) (2,535) -7%
Content losses 6,778 14,788 -54%
Other 950 139 +583%
Freight 7,516 8,056 -7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$32,870 $43,902 -25%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smelter processing charges and
freight by operation
Cayeli $78,400 $94,700 -17%
Pyhasalmi 56,954 62,081 -8%
Troilus 11,053 7,989 +38%
Ok Tedi(1) 33,331 41,708 -20%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$179,738 $206,478 -13%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smelter processing charges and
freight by metal
Copper $79,792 $97,071 -18%
Zinc 74,071 97,141 -24%
Other 25,875 12,266 +111%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$179,738 $206,478 -13%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smelter processing charges by
type and freight
Copper treatment and refining
charges $24,625 $32,414 -24%
Zinc treatment charges 47,030 46,058 +2%
Copper price participation 7,025 13,763 -49%
Zinc price participation (3,170) 2,529 -225%
Content losses 50,530 74,112 -32%
Other 6,600 5,394 +22%
Freight 47,098 32,208 +46%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$179,738 $206,478 -13%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Our 18 percent share of Ok Tedi's smelter processing charges and
freight.
>>
Copper treatment and refining charges were lower in 2008 compared to 2007 because of more favourable contract terms with smelters. Zinc treatment charges were higher, but lower prices significantly reduced zinc price participation charges. For the quarter, zinc treatment charges also reflect lower volumes sold. Freight charges were higher for the year because Pyhasalmi increased their shipments of pyrite and freight rates increased as a result of rising demand and fuel prices. 2009 outlook for smelter processing charges and freight We expect copper treatment and refining costs to increase in 2009 following recently announced benchmark settlements between major mining companies and smelters. We sell approximately 90 percent of our copper concentrate under long-term contracts. We are estimating long-term treatment costs of US $75 per dry metric tonne and spot treatment costs of about US $85 per dry metric tonne in 2009. We also expect there will continue to be no price participation. In the fourth quarter of 2008, smelters joined mines in cutting production, to respond to the decline in demand for refined zinc, and to falling prices. We expect mine production in 2009 to be below smelting requirements, and believe that a balanced or deficit concentrate market could evolve. We therefore expect zinc processing charges to be lower in 2009, potentially by as much as 35 percent. We expect to see zinc treatment charges in 2009 of about US $200 per dry metric tonne. Price participation is expected to continue for zinc concentrates. This should be approximately US $0.10 per dry metric tonne for zinc prices greater than US $1,200 per tonne (US $0.54 per pound), and (US $0.07) per dry metric tonne for zinc prices less than US $1,200 per tonne. We expect production to begin at Las Cruces in 2009, and, depending on market conditions, it may sell crushed ore to smelters and incur smelter processing charges. The costs associated with smelting this material are expected to be higher than at our other operations because of the higher level of impurities in this ore. We now expect copper cathode production to start in April 2009. This will be sold directly to buyers, bypassing the smelters and eliminating smelter and refining treatment charges. We expect our ocean freight costs to be about 20 percent lower than they were in 2008 because of a general slowdown in global economic activity.
<<
Direct production costs and cost of sales were higher than last year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct production costs by operation
Cayeli $21,161 $23,913 -12%
Pyhasalmi 15,597 13,589 +15%
Troilus 22,628 21,173 +7%
Ok Tedi(1) 27,549 20,913 +32%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total direct production costs 86,935 79,588 +9%
Inventory changes 30 (2,239) -101%
Reclamation, accretion and other
non-cash expenses 4,750 1,460 +225%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost of sales $91,715 $78,809 +16%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct production costs by operation
Cayeli $89,761 $86,978 +3%
Pyhasalmi 59,642 50,043 +19%
Troilus 88,707 77,643 +14%
Ok Tedi(1) 93,063 81,232 +15%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total direct production costs 331,173 295,896 +12%
Inventory changes (3,345) 3,264 -202%
Reclamation, accretion and other
non-cash expenses 17,974 9,264 +94%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost of sales $345,802 $308,424 +12%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Our 18 percent share of Ok Tedi's direct production costs.
Key reasons for the increase in direct production costs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months year
ended ended
(millions) December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volume $(1) $(6)
Labour costs 1 11
Consumables 1 16
Energy 5 13
Costs that vary with income and cash flow (3) (1)
Other 4 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in direct production costs,
compared to 2007 $7 $35
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation was higher than last year
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation by operation
Cayeli $3,150 $2,635 +20%
Pyhasalmi 2,502 1,881 +33%
Troilus 2,954 2,620 +13%
Ok Tedi 6,238 2,344 +166%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$14,844 $9,480 +57%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation by operation
Cayeli $11,448 $8,857 +29%
Pyhasalmi 9,227 8,439 +9%
Troilus 9,239 10,120 -9%
Ok Tedi 14,690 8,257 +78%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$44,604 $35,673 +25%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
Depreciation in 2008 included a full year of phase 2 shaft development at Cayeli, while 2007 included only four months. Ok Tedi's depreciation increased because depreciation started in October 2008 after the mine waste tailings project was complete. This project is being depreciated over Ok Tedi's remaining five year life. In addition, most operations have higher depreciation because they have replaced mine equipment and increased other sustaining capital over the last few years. 2009 outlook for depreciation We expect depreciation to be about $85 million for 2009. This is higher than 2008 because we expect Las Cruces to begin production, and Ok Tedi will depreciate the mine waste tailings project for the full year. Of this amount, Las Cruces will be about $20 million, assuming we capitalize pre-production for two months after first copper is produced. CORPORATE COSTS Corporate costs include general and administration costs, taxes and interest. We also record income from investments in this category, as well as income we receive from other transactions.
<<
Investment and other income was lower in the year because of foreign
exchange losses
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31 year ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest income $6,188 $9,703 $28,182 $32,647
Dividend income
and royalty 1,825 1,677 4,979 5,748
Foreign exchange
loss (5,607) (2,969) (33,875) (14,519)
Sale of Wolfden - - - 11,730
Other 5,651 (2,443) 6,700 848
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$8,057 $5,968 $5,986 $36,454
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign exchange loss
We have a foreign exchange gain or loss when:
- we revalue certain foreign denominated assets and liabilities
- we distribute funds from our self-sustaining operations and recognize
the foreign exchange we previously deferred on our original
investment and on funds as they accumulated.
Foreign exchange gains (losses) in 2008 and 2007 are a result of the
following:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31 year ended December 31
(millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revaluation of
US dollar
denominated debt
at Las Cruces $(12) $- $(25) $-
Distribution of
funds from
subsidiaries 1 (2) (19) (5)
Revaluation of
euro denominated
cash held in
Canada 4 (1) 5 (6)
Revaluation of
short-term
foreign inter-
group loans and
other monetary
items 1 - 5 (3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$(6) $(3) $(34) $(14)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
Sale of Wolfden In May 2007 we sold our 13.5 million common shares of Wolfden Resources Inc. to Zinifex Canadian Enterprises Inc. for $51 million or $3.81 per share, and recorded a gain of $12 million. 2009 outlook for investment and other income Investment and other income is affected by cash balances, interest rates and exchange rates. We plan to continue to repatriate excess cash balances from our foreign operations. This could result in foreign exchange losses or gains depending on the strength or weakness of the Canadian dollar relative to when we initially invested in the operations or the rate at which funds were accumulated. The amount of the gain or loss, if any, will depend on the amount distributed and foreign exchange rates at the time of distribution. We plan to repatriate approximately US $80 million in cash from Cayeli and (euro)20 million from Pyhasalmi in the first half of 2009. This excess cash was accumulated at 2008 average exchange rates. The foreign exchange impact will depend on the exchange rate on the day of repatriation. Because Ok Tedi distributes its earnings more frequently, the effect of repatriation is normally not that significant. At December 31, 2008, we held (euro)30 million in Canada that could be affected by foreign exchange gains or losses. Asset impairment charges to reflect our write down in Cerattepe On March 26, 2008 we received notice from the Rize Administrative Court of its decision to grant an injunction against the Cerattepe property. The injunction prevented us from doing any further development work on the project. We appealed the injunction and on October 24, 2008 the Court ruled to cancel our operating licences. We have joined with the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in a further appeal to the Turkish Administrative Supreme Court. We continue to believe that the applications to cancel the operating licences are without merit. Nonetheless, we have decided that we will not proceed with the project, regardless of the decision on the appeal. All work has ceased on the project and we took a $34 million charge to write down the assets to net realizable value. The remaining $2 million asset impairment reflects the write down of material and supplies at Troilus.
<<
Income tax expense was lower in the quarter because of lower earnings
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cayeli $(1,991) $5,956 -133%
Pyhasalmi 948 6,200 -85%
Ok Tedi (545) 10,822 -105%
Las Cruces (6,049) 32 -19003%
Corporate 8,174 (4,671) +275%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$537 $18,339 -97%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cayeli $32,216 $46,445 -31%
Pyhasalmi 19,814 30,911 -36%
Ok Tedi 49,779 65,745 -24%
Las Cruces (11,050) 286 -3964%
Corporate 16,609 (2,693) -717%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$107,368 $140,694 -24%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
Our tax expense changes as our earnings change. Cayeli's effective tax rate was 5 percent this quarter and 38 percent for the year. This is different from the statutory rate of 24 percent mainly because the asset impairment charge for Cerattepe is not tax-deductible, and there were foreign exchange gains in the Turkish lira tax accounts. At Las Cruces, we recorded a tax recovery related to foreign exchange losses from the translation of its US dollar denominated debt. We also reduced its future income tax liability by $2 million, reflecting Spain's 30 percent statutory tax rate. The tax expense at Corporate is a provision for Quebec mining duties and a reduction in its future income tax asset to reflect Troilus' earnings. 2009 outlook for income tax expense We are not expecting any further changes in statutory tax rates at our operations in 2009. We expect to expense approximately $9 million in Quebec mining duties in 2009, depending on Troilus' 2009 net income. Results of our operations 2009 estimates We have included estimates for our 2009 operating earnings and operating cash flows in our financial review by operation. In deriving our estimates we used our 2009 objectives for production and cost per tonne of ore milled, as well as the following assumptions:
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copper price US $1.50 per pound
Zinc price US $0.50 per pound
Gold price US $850 per ounce
Copper treatment cost US $75 per tonne
Zinc treatment cost US $200 per tonne (basis US $1,200 per tonne)
US $ to C$ exchange rate $1.25
euro to C$ exchange rate $1.50
Working capital Assume no changes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAYELI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonnes of ore
milled (000's) 292 277 +5%
Tonnes of ore
milled per day 3,200 3,000 +5%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grades (percent) copper 3.7 4.2 -12%
zinc 6.2 6.8 -9%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mill recoveries
(percent) copper 77 79 -3%
zinc 70 72 -3%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production
(tonnes) copper 8,400 9,100 -8%
zinc 12,800 13,600 -6%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per tonne
of ore milled (C$) $72 $86 -16%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31 objective
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 2007 change 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonnes of ore
milled (000's) 1,109 1,046 +6% 1,200
Tonnes of ore
milled per day 3,040 2,900 +6% 3,300
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grades (percent) copper 3.7 3.8 -3% 3.8
zinc 6.1 6.2 -2% 6.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mill recoveries
(percent) copper 80 81 -1% 80
zinc 71 71 - 72
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production
(tonnes) copper 32,700 32,500 +1% 36,800
zinc 47,600 46,200 +3% 56,400
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per tonne
of ore milled (C$) $81 $83 -2% $81
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
Production goals surpassed targets Cayeli successfully increased the annual output of the mine to 1.1 million tonnes in 2008, including 292,000 tonnes during the fourth quarter of the year. Production grades and metallurgical performance for the year were as expected and in line with 2007 production results. We completed all critical stope development for the year, giving us access to the lower mining areas. In the quarter and in comparison to the 2007 fourth quarter, higher throughput only partially offset the impacts of lower copper and zinc grades and lower metallurgical recoveries. As a result copper and zinc production were below prior year fourth quarter levels. The ore pass system and the new cemented rockfill system improved operational performance in 2008, allowing production and development to proceed uninterrupted. The two parallel raise systems will permit us to develop a program of inspection and repair to ensure their continued reliability. Operating costs for the year 2008 were higher than 2007 because inflation in Turkey raised labour costs, local electricity rates rose, and commodity prices were higher worldwide. On a unit basis, however, operating costs were lower because mill throughput was higher. In the quarter, a significant devaluation of the Turkish lira reduced labour costs, and lower earnings reduced the royalty charge. 2009 outlook for production and costs Development of the lower mine, improvements in the ore handling system and the cemented wastefill system - all critical components to higher production levels - are now in place, and Cayeli remains focused on producing at a level of 1.2 million tonnes per year through 2012. For 2009, we expect copper grades to remain at 3.8 percent and zinc grades to rise to 6.5 percent. The current three-year labour agreement will expire in May 2009 and negotiations with the union will begin in April. Pay increases historically have exceeded inflation levels. We will make a strong effort to manage labour cost escalations to maintain our competiveness. Royalties also have a significant effect on costs and are variable depending on earnings. Cost per tonne of ore milled includes a negative $6 per tonne in royalties in the fourth quarter and $6 per tonne in royalties for the year. We have estimated that royalties will be $1 per tonne out of our total 2009 objective of $81 per tonne of ore milled, depending on metal prices.
<<
Financial review
Lower earnings this quarter because of a significant decline in copper and
zinc prices
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
(millions of
Canadian dollars three months ended year ended
unless otherwise December 31 December 31 Objective
stated) 2008 2007 2008 2007 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Sales analysis
Copper sales (tonnes) 9,100 9,400 32,500 33,600 36,800
Zinc sales (tonnes) 7,200 11,500 48,800 48,200 56,400
------------------------------------ ---------
Gross copper sales $14 $55 $194 $253 $152
Gross zinc sales 11 23 99 155 78
Other metal sales 2 3 12 11 23
------------------------------------ ---------
Gross sales 27 81 305 419 253
Smelter processing charges
and freight (13) (20) (78) (95) (99)
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Net sales $14 $61 $227 $324 $154
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Cost analysis
Tonnes of ore milled (thousands) 292 277 1,109 1,047 1,200
Direct production costs
($ per tonne) $72 $86 $81 $83 $81
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Direct production costs $21 $24 $90 $87 $97
Change in inventory (2) (2) - 1 -
Depreciation and other non-cash
costs 4 3 14 12 18
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Operating costs $23 $25 $104 $100 $115
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Operating earnings (loss) $(8) $36 $123 $224 $39
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Operating cash flow $(7) $51 $82 $215 $51
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
The objective for 2009 uses the assumptions laid out on page 13.
The table below shows what contributed to the change in operating earnings
and operating cash flow between 2008 and 2007.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months year
ended ended
(millions) December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower metal prices, denominated in
Canadian dollars $(43) $(107)
Lower sales volumes from fewer shipments (6) (6)
Lower smelter processing charges 2 17
Lower (higher) operating costs 1 (4)
Lower royalty 2 2
Higher depreciation (1) (3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower operating earnings, compared to 2007 (44) (101)
Lower tax expense because earnings were lower 8 9
Lower tax rate 1 4
Changes in working capital (mainly from higher
tax payments) (15) (35)
Other (8) (10)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower operating cash flow, compared to 2007 $(58) $(133)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
To spend on sustaining capital for 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital spending $3,600 $2,100 +71%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
year ended December 31 objective
2008 2007 change 2009
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
Capital spending $20,300 $17,700 +15% $22,000
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
We completed the mine infrastructure program in 2008, commissioning the
ore passes, improving the cemented wastefill system, and rehabilitating the
main ventilation intake. We also replaced key equipment, which improved fleet
reliability and overall production performance.
2009 outlook for capital spending
Cayeli expects to spend $22 million in 2009 on mine equipment
replacements, mill upgrades and mine development.
PYHASALMI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonnes of ore
milled (000's) 356 358 -1%
Tonnes of ore
milled per day 3,870 3,900 -1%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grades (percent) copper 1.0 1.0 -
zinc 2.1 3.8 -45%
sulphur 42 40 +5%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mill recoveries
(percent) copper 96 96 -
zinc 90 92 -2%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production
(tonnes) copper 3,400 3,300 +3%
zinc 6,800 12,400 -45%
pyrite 81,700 182,000 -55%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per tonne
of ore milled (C$) $44 $38 +16%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
year ended December 31 objective
2008 2007 change 2009
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Tonnes of ore
milled (000's) 1,406 1,377 +2% 1,370
Tonnes of ore
milled per day 3,850 3,770 +2% 3,750
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Grades (percent) copper 1.0 1.0 - 1.0
zinc 2.2 3.1 -29% 1.9
sulphur 42 40 +5% 42
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Mill recoveries
(percent) copper 95 96 -1% 94
zinc 91 92 -1% 87
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Production
(tonnes) copper 13,300 13,600 -2% 13,000
zinc 27,800 38,900 -29% 22,600
pyrite 565,000 486,000 +16% 510,000
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Cost per tonne
of ore milled (C$) $42 $36 +17% $41
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
>>
Continues to improve efficiencies by increasing mill production Pyhasalmi had record throughput in 2008, processing more than 1.4 million tonnes of ore through the mill. The mill had a record 96 percent availability. Copper production in 2008 was slightly higher than plan. Zinc production was lower than we planned and lower than 2007 because changes in stope sequencing resulted in lower grades. Pyrite production increased to 565,000 tonnes for the year to take advantage of high demand. Demand decreased in the fourth quarter and accordingly we reduced our production of pyrite. The higher cost of steel and mill processing reagents, combined with the exchange rate between the euro and Canadian dollar, increased costs this year. 2009 outlook for production and costs Pyhasalmi expects to mine 1.4 million tonnes of 1 percent copper and 1.9 percent zinc in 2009, and produce 13,000 tonnes of copper and 22,600 tonnes of zinc. Zinc grades should be lower than in recent years because mining stopes are further from the zinc-rich ore body contact. Pyrite sales are beneficial to the financial performance of Pyhasalmi and we will continue our efforts to enter the long-term pyrite markets in Europe and Asia. We made important gains in the Chinese market in 2008. Financial review Higher pyrite sales help offset lower copper and zinc sales
<<
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
(millions of
Canadian dollars three months ended year ended
unless otherwise December 31 December 31 Objective
stated) 2008 2007 2008 2007 2009
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Sales analysis
Copper sales (tonnes) 3,800 3,300 13,700 14,000 13,000
Zinc sales (tonnes) 6,500 12,800 27,400 38,900 22,600
Pyrite sales (tonnes) 66,000 133,000 558,000 509,000 510,000
------------------------------------ --------
Gross copper sales $14 $21 $94 $105 $54
Gross zinc sales 9 30 51 125 31
Other metal sales 14 8 76 30 46
------------------------------------ --------
Gross sales 37 59 221 260 131
Smelter processing charges
and freight (9) (16) (57) (62) (38)
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Net sales $28 $43 $164 $198 $93
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Cost analysis
Tonnes of ore milled
(thousands) 356 358 1,406 1,377 1,370
Direct production costs
($ per tonne) $44 $38 $42 $36 $41
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Direct production costs $16 $13 $60 $50 $56
Change in inventory - - - (1) -
Depreciation and other
non-cash costs 4 2 11 11 11
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Operating costs $20 $15 $71 $60 $67
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Operating earnings $8 $28 $93 $138 $26
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Operating cash flow $21 $5 $100 $109 $33
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
The objective for 2009 uses the assumptions laid out on page 13.
The table below shows what contributed to the change in operating earnings
and operating cash flow between 2008 and 2007.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months year
ended ended
(millions) December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower metal prices, denominated in
Canadian dollars $(16) $(41)
Higher pyrite sales, net of costs to sell 7 28
Lower sales volumes (8) (29)
Lower smelter processing charges and freight 1 6
Higher operating costs (2) (5)
Impact of the Canadian dollar on translated
operating costs (2) (4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower operating earnings, compared to 2007 (20) (45)
Lower tax expense because of lower earnings 5 11
Changes in working capital (mainly from lower
accounts receivable) 30 23
Other 1 2
---------------------------
Higher (lower) operating cash flow, compared
to 2007 $16 $(9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital spending in 2008 was to improve mill efficiencies
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(thousands) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital spending $3,900 $1,400 +179%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
year ended December 31 objective
(thousands) 2008 2007 change 2009
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Capital spending 9,800 $3,500 +180% $11,000
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
We purchased a rock bolter, cable bolter and a production front end loader
in 2008. We also replaced the corroded copper rougher and scavenger cells with
new units.
2009 outlook for capital spending
We expect to spend $11 million in 2009, mainly for mine equipment,
improvements in the mill and renovation of process water pumps.
TROILUS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonnes of ore
milled (000's) 1,500 1,440 +4%
Tonnes of ore
milled per day 16,600 15,700 +4%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strip ratio 1.3 1.5 -13%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grades gold (grams
/tonne) 0.99 0.89 +11%
copper
(percent) 0.14 0.06 +133%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mill recoveries
(percent) gold 83 82 +1%
copper 94 89 +6%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production gold
(ounces) 40,500 33,700 +20%
copper
(tonnes) 2,000 600 +233%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per tonne
of ore milled (C$) $15 $15 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
year ended December 31 objective
2008 2007 change 2009
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Tonnes of ore
milled (000's) 5,800 6,000 -3% 6,200
Tonnes of ore
milled per day 15,900 16,500 -3% 16,900
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Strip ratio 1.4 1.1 +27% 0.3
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Grades gold (grams
/tonne) 0.96 0.87 10% 0.82
copper
(percent) 0.10 0.05 +100% 0.11
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Mill recoveries
(percent) gold 84 82 +2% 81
copper 93 88 +6% 92
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Production gold
(ounces) 151,300 138,400 +9% 132,200
copper
(tonnes) 5,700 2,800 +104% 6,000
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Cost per tonne
of ore milled (C$) $15 $13 +15% $10
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
>>
Higher gold production Troilus milled 5.8 million tonnes in 2008, which was well below our target of 6.6 million tonnes. This was the result of hard ore in the southwest extension area of the pit, which limited grinding mill throughput for most of the year, and lower production from the softer areas in the main ore body in the second half of the year. A total of 151,300 ounces of gold were produced during the year. Copper production reached 5,700 tonnes. We completed mining in the J4 pit early in the year, and in the southwest ore body extension of the 87 pit in the third quarter. By the fourth quarter, production was confined to the main ore body in the 87 pit which helped increase throughput in the fourth quarter. The 87 pit should be complete by April 2009. Production access and sequencing became very difficult late in 2008 because of the constrained mining area and reduced working faces, but delays in accessing the pit were mitigated by processing ore from the low grade stockpile. Gold production in the fourth quarter and for the year was higher than for the same periods in 2007, mainly because grades from the 87 pit were higher. Gold recoveries also continue to be higher than expected. Copper grades peaked in the fourth quarter, more than tripling copper production in the quarter compared to last year's fourth quarter, and increasing it over 100 percent year over year. Higher fuel and steel grinding media costs resulted in a higher cost per tonne compared to last year. 2009 outlook for production and costs Troilus should complete mining in the 87 pit in the second quarter of 2009, and then begin stockpile recovery. We expect mill throughput of 6.2 million tonnes for the year at average grades of 0.8 grams per tonne gold and 0.11 percent copper, which should produce 132,200 ounces of gold and 6,000 tonnes of copper. The workforce will be reduced during the year as pit mining is completed and less equipment is required. We will assign some of the Troilus workforce and available equipment to reclamation activities. We also expect production costs to come down because of the completion of mining in the pit in May and then reverting to lower cost production from milling the stockpiles.
<<
Financial review
Higher gold prices and higher sales volumes improved earnings
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
(millions of
Canadian dollars three months ended year ended
unless otherwise December 31 December 31 objective
stated) 2008 2007 2008 2007 2009
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Sales analysis
Gold sales (ounces) 40,000 36,100 149,700 142,200 132,200
Copper sales (tonnes) 2,000 800 5,500 2,900 6,000
------------------------------------- --------
Gross gold sales $32 $22 $109 $85 $140
Gross copper sales 4 4 30 21 25
Other metal sales - 1 2 2 3
------------------------------------- --------
Gross sales 36 27 141 108 168
Smelter processing charges
and freight (4) (2) (11) (8) (13)
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Net sales $32 $25 $130 $100 $155
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Cost analysis
Tonnes of ore milled
(thousands) 1,530 1,440 5,800 6,000 6,200
Direct production costs
($ per tonne) $15 $15 $15 $13 $10
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Direct production costs $23 $21 $89 $78 $62
Change in inventory 1 1 - 1 1
Depreciation and other
non-cash costs 5 3 15 11 12
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Operating costs $29 $25 $104 $90 $75
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Operating earnings $4 $- $26 $10 $80
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Operating cash flow $20 $5 $41 $15 $90
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------
The objective for 2009 uses the assumptions laid out on page 13.
The table below shows what contributed to the change in operating earnings
and operating cash flow between 2008 and 2007.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months year
ended ended
(millions) December 31 December 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Higher gold price denominated in
Canadian dollars $7 $19
Lower copper price denominated in
Canadian dollars (8) (11)
Higher sales volumes 9 20
Lower smelter processing charges 1 3
Higher operating costs (3) (11)
Lay off costs accrued (2) (4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in operating earnings, compared to 2007 $4 $16
Changes in working capital 1 4
Add back - amortization of gold hedges cash
settled in August 7 -
Other 3 6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in operating cash flow, compared to 2007 $15 $26
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK TEDI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
three months ended December 31
(100 percent) 2008 2007 change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonnes of ore
milled (000's) 5,600 6,300 -11%
Tonnes of ore
milled per day 61,000 68,000 -11%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strip ratio 2.1 1.5 +40%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grades copper
(percent) 0.8 0.9 -11%
gold (grams
/tonne) 1.0 1.0 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mill recoveries
(percent) copper 89 87 +2%
gold 72 63 +14%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production copper
(tonnes) 40,600 48,400 -16%
gold
(ounces) 134,100 130,400 +3%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per tonne
of ore milled (C$) $27 $19 +42%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
year ended December 31 objective
(100 percent) 2008 2007 change 2009
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Tonnes of ore
milled (000's) 21,700 25,800 -16% 25,300
Tonnes of ore
milled per day 59,000 71,000 -16% 69,000
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Strip ratio 1.8 1.3 +38% 1.2
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Grades copper
(percent) 0.9 0.8 +13% 0.8
gold (grams
/tonne) 1.0 0.9 +11% 1.1
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Mill recoveries
(percent) copper 87 86 +1% 84
gold 73 71 +3% 68
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Production copper
(tonnes) 159,700 169,200 -6% 176,000
gold
(ounces) 515,400 471,800 +9% 608,000
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Cost per tonne
of ore milled (C$) $24 $18 +33% $26
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Lower throughput at Ok Tedi Mill throughput in 2008 was 3.6 million tonnes below plan and 4.1 million tonnes below |