i-80 Gold Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Operating and Financial Results
Ongoing Focus on Granite Creek Underground Ramp-Up, Balance Sheet Strengthening, and Advancing Pipeline of Projects Towards Feasibility
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts referred to herein are in
"2024 ended with a pivotal shift as we established a new development plan and commenced the work to release updated Preliminary Economic Assessments ("PEA") for each of our five gold projects, which we released as planned in the first quarter of this year," stated
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Fourth Quarter 2024
- Total revenue totaled
$23.2 million for the quarter compared to$25.8 million in the comparative prior year period due to lower volumes sold partially offset by a higher gold price. - Gold sales1 totaled 9,053 ounces at an average realized gold price2 of
$2,560 per ounce, resulting in revenue of$23.2 million , compared to gold sales1 of 14,331 ounces at an average realized gold price2 of$1,989 per ounce, resulting in revenue of$28.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. - Loss per share of
$0.04 per share for the quarter, a decrease from$0.12 loss per share in the comparative prior year period. - Cash used in operating activities was
$9.2 million , an increase in cash used from the prior year period due to comparatively lower change in working capital. - Cash balance of
$19.0 million as atDecember 31, 2024 , an increase of$2.8 million from the end of the third quarter due to proceeds from the at-the-market equity program partially offset by cash used in operations and exploration and development activities. - Adopted a new development plan, following a leadership change, to permit, construct, and ramp up five gold projects over the balance of the decade aiming to create a mid-tier gold producer capable of producing approximately 400,000 to 500,000 ounces of gold annually, starting with the development of three underground mines while accelerating two large open pit oxide deposits.
- Commenced the process of updating the Preliminary Economic Assessments for five gold projects, which were completed as planned in the first quarter of 2025.
- Continued to advance gold projects which are currently at various stages of redevelopment, with a focus on the continued ramp up at the
Granite Creek Underground Project , strengthening the balance sheet, and ongoing permitting at all five projects. - Initiated a recapitalization plan to reschedule current debt obligations and provide the additional capital required to execute the new development plan.
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1Gold ounces sold include attributable gold from mineralized material sales at a payable factor of 58% in 2024 (2023 - 56%). |
2This is a Non-GAAP Measure; please see "Non-GAAP Measures" section. |
Year ended
- Total revenue totaled
$50.3 million compared to$54.9 million in the comparative prior year period due to lower volumes sold partially offset by a higher gold price. - Gold sales1 totaled 21,527 ounces for the year at an average realized gold price2 of
$2,332 per ounce, resulting in revenue of$50.2 million , compared to gold sales1 of 29,370 ounces at an average realized gold price2 of$1,956 per ounce, resulting in revenue of$57.5 million in 2023. - Cash used in operating activities was
$82.5 million , an increase from the prior year primarily due to lower production from the Company's projects, partially offset by higher average realized gold price. - Loss per share of
$0.34 per share was an increase from$0.33 loss per share in the prior year. - Year-end cash balance of
$19.0 million , an increase of$2.7 million during the year due to cash provided by financing activities, partially offset by cash used in operations and exploration and pre-development expenditures. - Approximately 110,000 feet of core and reverse circulation drilling completed with multiple positive results to expand mineralization further at the
Granite Creek Underground Project , theArchimedes Underground Project within the Ruby Hill property, and theCove Project . - Published its second annual sustainability report which is accessible on the Company's website.
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Three months ended
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Year ended
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|
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Revenue |
$000s |
23,228 |
25,837 |
50,335 |
54,910 |
Net loss |
$000s |
(17,730) |
(36,053) |
(121,533) |
(89,654) |
Loss per share |
$/share |
(0.04) |
(0.12) |
(0.34) |
|
Cash flow used in operating activities |
$000s |
(9,223) |
(4,919) |
(82,501) |
(77,465) |
Cash and cash equivalents |
$000s |
19,001 |
16,277 |
19,001 |
16,277 |
Exploration feet drilled |
ft |
26,533 |
38,354 |
106,221 |
182,030 |
Gold ounces sold1 |
oz |
9,053 |
14,331 |
21,527 |
29,370 |
Average realized gold price2 |
$/oz |
2,560 |
1,989 |
2,332 |
1,956 |
1.Gold ounces sold include attributable gold from mineralized material sales at a payable factor of 58% in 2024 (2023 - 56%). |
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2. This is a Non-GAAP Measure; please see "Non-GAAP Measures" section. |
STRATEGY OVERVIEW
Following a leadership change, the Company adopted a new development plan in the fourth quarter which presents a new view on the most effective strategy to generate free cash flow, while progressing earlier stage projects to provide a pipeline of growth over the medium and long-term. Management is now focused on permitting and developing its portfolio of assets through the balance of the decade. Consistent with
OUTLOOK AND RECAPITALIZATION UPDATE
The Company expects to produce between 30,000 to 40,000 ounces1 of gold in 2025. Production from Granite Creek underground is expected to range between 20,000 to 30,000 ounces1 of gold, and the Company's two residual heap leach operations are expected to contribute approximately 10,000 ounces of gold in 2025.
The PEAs covering the Company's five gold projects were filed in
Management is advancing its recapitalization plan to support the Company's development plan on several fronts, and is in active discussions with several parties regarding a number of financing options including a senior lending facility, royalty sales, non-core asset sales (such as its FAD property), a working capital facility, as well as terming out the 2025 quarterly gold prepays. Further to the recapitalization plan, the Company restructured its
This outlook, including expected results and targets, is subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which may impact future performance and the Company's ability to achieve the results and targets discussed in this section. Please refer to "Forward Looking Information" section. The Company may update this outlook depending on changes in metal prices and other factors.
New Gold & Silver Prepay Agreement & Working Capital Facility
On
1Gold ounces sold include attributable gold from mineralized material sales at a payable factor of 58% |
OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
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Three months ended
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Year ended
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(in thousands of USD) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
23,228 |
25,837 |
50,335 |
54,910 |
Cost of sales |
(20,939) |
(21,878) |
(64,569) |
(52,852) |
Depletion, depreciation and amortization |
(486) |
(1,613) |
(1,489) |
(7,202) |
Gross profit (loss) |
1,803 |
2,346 |
(15,723) |
(5,144) |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Exploration, evaluation and pre-development |
9,406 |
14,319 |
38,430 |
61,091 |
General and administrative |
6,346 |
5,459 |
20,773 |
21,638 |
Property maintenance |
3,592 |
3,012 |
14,161 |
13,080 |
Loss from operations |
(17,541) |
(20,444) |
(89,087) |
(100,953) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other income and expenses, net |
12,195 |
(2,487) |
24,000 |
41,022 |
Interest expense |
(7,944) |
(8,051) |
(32,951) |
(27,336) |
Loss before income taxes |
(17,391) |
(36,906) |
(120,035) |
(92,868) |
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax expense |
— |
(228) |
— |
(228) |
Deferred tax (expense) recovery |
(339) |
1,081 |
(1,498) |
3,442 |
Net loss for the period |
(17,730) |
(36,053) |
(121,533) |
(89,654) |
Granite Creek Underground
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Three months ended
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Year ended
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Operational Statistics |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Oxide mineralized material mined |
tonnes |
21,369 |
20,839 |
62,789 |
48,573 |
Sulfide mineralized material mined |
tonnes |
8,148 |
12,192 |
27,338 |
30,185 |
Total oxide and sulfide mineralized material mined |
tonnes |
29,517 |
33,031 |
90,127 |
78,758 |
Oxide mineralized material mined grade |
g/t |
13.02 |
10.88 |
11.60 |
12.28 |
Sulfide mineralized material mined grade |
g/t |
9.77 |
8.59 |
8.21 |
10.48 |
Low-grade mineralized material mined1 |
tonnes |
29,305 |
19,492 |
72,111 |
46,260 |
Low-grade mineralized material grade1 |
g/t |
3.08 |
3.11 |
3.03 |
3.06 |
Waste mined |
tonnes |
65,668 |
42,045 |
164,010 |
106,830 |
Total material mined |
tonnes |
124,489 |
94,568 |
326,248 |
231,848 |
Processed mineralized material2 |
tonnes |
76,594 |
21,400 |
115,769 |
42,537 |
Gold ounces sold3 |
oz |
5,583 |
11,382 |
10,961 |
16,502 |
Underground mine development (pre-development) |
ft |
691 |
959 |
3,762 |
3,194 |
Exploration drilling |
ft |
— |
6,448 |
23,413 |
27,392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statistics |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Mining cost (total mineralized material and waste) |
$/t |
99 |
100 |
126 |
124 |
Processing cost (processed mineralized material) |
$/t |
31 |
23 |
33 |
51 |
Site general and administrative ("G&A") (total mineralized material mined4) |
$/t |
21 |
13 |
33 |
22 |
Royalties |
$000s |
593 |
430 |
2,507 |
905 |
Capital expenditure5 |
$000s |
60 |
918 |
1,138 |
3,933 |
Pre-development expenditures |
$000s |
5,001 |
5,494 |
19,577 |
16,712 |
Exploration expenditures |
$000s |
490 |
1,533 |
4,851 |
3,694 |
1Low-grade mineralized material extracted as part of the mining process that is below cut-off grade but incrementally economic. |
2Processed mineralized material consists of toll treated material and material placed under leach. |
3Gold ounces sold include attributable gold from mineralized material sales at a payable factor of 58% in 2024 (2023 - 56%). |
4Total mineralized material mined consists of sulfide, oxide, and low-grade mineralized material. |
5Capital expenditure based on accrual basis. |
Mining rates and gold extraction for the year 2024 were below the anticipated levels due to an escalation in groundwater ingress into the underground working areas. This development adversely affected productivity and the pace of development. In response to the increased water ingress, the mine expanded pumping capacity, deepened an existing dewatering well, drilled a new dewatering well, and reconfigured the dewatering system to enhance the flow capacity to the water treatment facility. Water levels are dropping throughout the mining area and water ingress rates are anticipated to decrease in the near term. extraction rates are expected to ramp up to steady-state during the second half of 2025. Additional dewatering infrastructure upgrades will be completed in 2025. In early 2025 a predictive groundwater model was completed and the Company is utilizing this study to evaluate future dewatering needs.
The Company continues to encounter elevated levels of oxide mineralized material. A substantial portion of this lower-grade mineralized material has been deemed suitable for processing via heap leach at the Company's
Capital expenditures for the year were primarily related to mining equipment.
Pre-development expenditures are for underground development work, definition drilling and dewatering well costs.
During the fourth quarter, Management began a process to update the technical reports for both the Granite Creek underground and open pit projects which were completed during the first quarter of 2025. An infill drilling program is planned to be completed in 2025 to upgrade resources to a feasibility study level. Permitting activities associated with the Granite Creek open pit expansion are planned to begin in early 2025 with the initial focus on required baseline field studies. Federal National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") and
During the three months ended
Ruby Hill (
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Three months ended
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Year ended
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Operational Statistics |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Gold ounces sold |
oz |
1,611 |
1,862 |
3,618 |
6,643 |
Exploration drilling |
ft |
— |
18,804 |
4,032 |
93,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statistics |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Mining cost |
$/oz |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
Processing cost (processed oz) |
$/oz |
721 |
583 |
1,245 |
809 |
Site G&A (processed oz) |
$/oz |
477 |
296 |
847 |
347 |
Royalties |
$000s |
126 |
106 |
252 |
356 |
Capital expenditure1 |
$000s |
289 |
112 |
407 |
142 |
Pre-development expenditures |
$000s |
557 |
273 |
1,112 |
1,269 |
Exploration expenditures |
$000s |
134 |
1,766 |
684 |
15,794 |
1Capital expenditure based on accrual basis. |
During the three and twelve months ended
There was minimal spending on capital expenditures for the three and twelve months. During the fourth quarter, the Company prepared a preliminary economic assessment on the
Exploration spending for the three and twelve months were related to metallurgical tests and drilling for metallurgical samples on the base metal deposits.
Permitting for Archimedes underground continued in the fourth quarter of 2024. During the first quarter of 2025 the Company received the record of decision from the
Permitting and technical study advancement of the base metal deposits at Ruby Hill including Hilltop and Blackjack have been suspended for the foreseeable future as the Company focuses on ramping up, permitting and developing the Company's three underground and two open pit oxide gold projects through the balance of the decade. As a result of the adoption of the new gold-focused strategy, the base metal joint venture, which the Company had been advancing previously, has been terminated.
The draft plan of operations has been submitted to the
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Three months ended
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Year ended
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Operational Statistics |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Exploration drilling |
ft |
26,533 |
13,102 |
78,776 |
61,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statistics |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Pre-development expenditures |
$000s |
444 |
2,443 |
2,991 |
6,470 |
Exploration expenditures |
$000s |
2,854 |
1,393 |
8,994 |
13,137 |
Underground delineation drilling continued during the fourth quarter on the Helen the CSD and Gap deposits with two core rigs, completing 26,533 feet of core drilled bringing total drilling over the course of the infill campaign to approximately 78,776 feet. A further 15,000 feet of drilling is planned into the first quarter of 2025 to complete the program. The 2024/2025 drill program will be included in a planned updated feasibility study.
The focus at Lone Tree is a feasibility study to evaluate the refurbishment of the autoclave facility with the intention of processing sulfide ore from the three underground mines (Granite Creek, Archimedes and Cove) in support of the Company's regional hub-and-spoke mining and processing strategy. Management continues to review the value engineering studies in preparation for the feasibility study which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.
The Lone Tree open pit is expected to remain in inventory into the 2030's as the Company focuses ramp up, permitting and development of its three underground mines and two open pit oxide mines.
At the Company's
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Three months ended
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Year ended
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Operational Statistics |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Gold ounces sold |
oz |
1,859 |
1,087 |
6,948 |
6,225 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statistics |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Processing cost (processed oz) |
$/oz |
504 |
1,134 |
663 |
875 |
Site G&A (processed oz) |
$/oz |
118 |
211 |
189 |
231 |
Capital expenditure1 |
$000s |
184 |
267 |
762 |
13,162 |
1Capital expenditure based on accrual basis. |
Capital expenditures for the three and twelve months were related to general infrastructure in sustaining the operations and activities at Lone Tree. Spending in 2023 was related to the technical work on the refurbishment of the autoclave processing plant.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
This press release should be read in conjunction with
Transition to US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP")
Historically, the Company has prepared its financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards Accounting Standards as issued by the
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
Management will hold a conference call and audio webcast to discuss the fourth quarter and full year results, as well as recent recapitalization efforts, followed by a question-and-answer session from participants. The details are as follows:
Date:
Time:
Webcast: https://app.webinar.net/AEMPpwJB0wv
Telephone: 1-416-945-7677
Toll-free (
QUALIFIED PERSONS
43-101 — Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and S-K 1300.
ABOUT
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information set forth in this press release including but not limited to management's assessment of the Company's future plans and operations, the perceived merit of projects or deposits, and the impact and anticipated timing of the Company's development plan and recapitalization plan, production guidance and outlook, the anticipated growth expenditures, the anticipated timing of permitting, production, project development or technical studies constitutes forward looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be inaccurate and, as such, reliance should not be placed on forward looking statements. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, if any, that the Company will derive there from. By their nature, forward looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company's control, including general economic and industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, title risks and uncertainties, ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, the Company may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. The Company's ability to refinance its indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and its financial condition at such time, currency fluctuations, construction and operational risks, licensing and permit requirements, environmental risks, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, imprecision of mineral resource, or production estimates and stock market volatility. Please see "Risks Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
Additional information relating to
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The Company has included certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under US GAAP in this document. This includes average realized price per ounce. Non-GAAP financial performance measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under US GAAP, and therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Financial Statements. For a more detailed breakdown on how this measure was calculated, please see the definition and table below.
Definitions
"Average realized gold price" per ounce of gold sold is a non-GAAP measure and does not constitute a measure recognized by US GAAP Accounting Standards and does not have a standardized meaning defined by US GAAP Accounting Standards. It may not be comparable to information in other gold producers' reports and filings.
Average realized gold price per ounce of gold sold
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Three months ended
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Year ended
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(in thousands of |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue per financial statements |
23,228 |
25,837 |
50,335 |
54,910 |
Processing costs net in revenues |
— |
2,797 |
— |
2,797 |
Silver revenue |
(53) |
(124) |
(125) |
(255) |
Gold revenue |
23,175 |
28,509 |
50,210 |
57,452 |
Gold ounces sold1 |
9,053 |
14,331 |
21,527 |
29,370 |
Average realized gold price ($/oz) |
2,560 |
1,989 |
2,332 |
1,956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
5,028 |
2,233 |
16,534 |
12,324 |
Silver revenue |
(53) |
(32) |
(82) |
(51) |
Gold revenue |
4,975 |
2,201 |
16,452 |
12,273 |
Gold ounces sold |
1,859 |
1,087 |
6,948 |
6,225 |
Average realized gold price ($/oz) |
2,676 |
2,025 |
2,368 |
1,972 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ruby Hill |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
4,177 |
3,771 |
8,409 |
12,896 |
Silver revenue |
— |
(92) |
(43) |
(204) |
Gold revenue |
4,177 |
3,679 |
8,366 |
12,692 |
Gold ounces sold |
1,611 |
1,862 |
3,618 |
6,643 |
Average realized gold price ($/oz) |
2,593 |
1,976 |
2,312 |
1,911 |
|
|
|
|
|
Granite Creek |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
14,023 |
19,833 |
25,392 |
29,690 |
Processing costs net in revenues |
— |
2,797 |
— |
2,797 |
Gold revenue |
14,023 |
22,630 |
25,392 |
32,487 |
Gold ounces sold1 |
5,583 |
11,382 |
10,961 |
16,502 |
Average realized gold price ($/oz) |
2,512 |
1,988 |
2,317 |
1,969 |
1. Gold ounces sold include attributable gold from mineralized material sales at a payable factor of 58% in 2024 (2023 - 56%). |
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