Lumwana’s Super Pit Expansion Officially Launched

Rhea-AI Summary

Barrick Gold has officially launched the development of a Super Pit at its Lumwana copper mine in Zambia. The $2 billion project aims to transform Lumwana into a long-life, high-yielding, top 25 copper producer and a Tier One copper mine. Key highlights include:

- Doubling plant throughput from 27Mt to 52Mt
- Increasing annual copper production from 120kt to a life-of-mine average of 240kt
- Ramping up total mining volumes to an average of 290t per annum from 2030 onwards
- Creating 550 additional jobs over the next five years and 2,500 construction jobs until 2028
- Building critical infrastructure, including an airstrip and industrial supplier park

The feasibility study is expected by the end of the year, with construction planned to start in 2025. Barrick emphasizes the project's focus on creating a sustainable legacy through local capacity development and regional economic growth.

Positive

• Doubling annual copper production from 120kt to 240kt
• Increasing plant throughput from 27Mt to 52Mt
• Creating 550 additional jobs and 2,500 construction jobs
• Building critical infrastructure to support regional development
• Potential to become a top 25 copper producer and Tier One copper mine

Negative

• Large capital investment of $2 billion required for the expansion project
• Project feasibility study not yet completed, introducing uncertainty

Insights

Financial Analyst

The launch of Lumwana's Super Pit Expansion marks a significant milestone for Barrick Gold. This $2 billion project has the potential to transform Lumwana into a top-tier copper producer. Key highlights include:

• Doubling annual copper production from 120kt to 240kt
• Increasing plant throughput from 27Mt to 52Mt
• Ramping up total mining volumes to 290t per annum by 2030

The expansion aligns with the growing demand for copper in the global transition to clean energy. However, investors should consider the execution risks associated with such a large-scale project and potential fluctuations in copper prices. The investment also demonstrates Barrick's commitment to its copper portfolio, potentially diversifying its revenue streams beyond gold.

The project's focus on local development and job creation (550 additional workers and 2,500 construction workers) could enhance Barrick's social license to operate in Zambia, potentially reducing political risks. Overall, this expansion positions Barrick for long-term growth in the copper market, but investors should monitor project milestones and copper market dynamics closely.

Mining Industry Expert

The Lumwana Super Pit Expansion represents a significant shift in Barrick's operational strategy, positioning the company as a major player in the copper market. The project's scale is impressive:

• Doubling throughput to 52Mt
• Increasing mining volumes to 290t per annum by 2030
• Potential to become a Tier One copper mine

This move aligns with the industry trend of major gold producers diversifying into copper, driven by its critical role in renewable energy and electric vehicles. The expansion's focus on creating a sustainable legacy through local capacity development is noteworthy, as it could mitigate operational risks and strengthen community relations.

However, the project faces challenges, including potential cost overruns, technical complexities of large-scale mining and the cyclical nature of copper prices. Investors should closely monitor the feasibility study results expected by year-end, as they will provide important details on project economics and execution plans. The success of this expansion could significantly impact Barrick's future production profile and market valuation.

All amounts expressed in US$

LUMWANA, Zambia, Oct. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) – The development of a Super Pit at Barrick’s Lumwana copper mine was officially launched today by the Zambian President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by members of his cabinet.

The feasibility study for the Super Pit Expansion is expected by the end of the year, paving the way for construction to start in 2025. Once completed, the $2 billion project^1,4 unlocks the potential to transform Lumwana into a long-life, high-yielding, top 25 copper producer¹ and a Tier One² copper mine.

The expansion involves first doubling throughput of the existing process circuit and then significantly increasing mining volumes. Plant throughput will grow from the current 27Mt to 52Mt, doubling the mine’s annual copper production from 120kt to a life-of-mine average of 240kt a year^3,4. The process plant expansion is supported by a ramp-up of total mining volumes, which are planned to increase incrementally year-on-year, from 150Mt in 2025 to approximately 240Mt in 2028 and then to an average rate of 290t per annum from 2030 onwards^3,4.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony also attended by the Barrick board of directors, Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow said a critical element of the Super Pit Expansion was its focus on creating a sustainable legacy through the development of local capacity within the region, which would benefit both local communities and businesses throughout the construction and operational phases. The expansion will need around 550 additional workers over the next five years to support the ramp up and an additional 2,500 construction workers for a three-year period to 2028.

“We are also planning to build critical infrastructure, including an airstrip and an industrial supplier park. This will enable key suppliers to establish themselves in the area, creating an economic hub that will further fuel growth and development in the wider region,” Bristow said.

“Mining plays a key role in Zambia’s economic structure and our partnership with Barrick is creating one team with a shared vision to develop a new economic frontier in the North-Western Province of the country and beyond,” said President Hakainde Hichilema.

Barrick enquiries

Investor and media relations        
Kathy du Plessis                
+44 20 7557 7738                
Email: barrick@dpapr.com

Zambia Country Manager
Anthony Malenga
+260 977 730 513 
Website: www.barrick.com

Technical Information

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Richard Peattie, MPhil, FAusIMM, Mineral Resources Manager: Africa and Middle East; Simon Bottoms, CGeol, MGeol, FGS, FAusIMM, Mineral Resource Management and Evaluation Executive; John Steele, CIM, Metallurgy, Engineering and Capital Projects Executive; and Joel Holliday, FAusIMM, Executive Vice-President, Exploration—each a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Endnotes

1. Financial metrics and production metrics are based upon Barrick's internal pre-feasibility study which is conceptual in nature because it includes mineral resources that are not yet categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the pre-feasibility assessment will be realized. These metrics are subject to change upon completion of the feasibility study. The assumptions outlined within the pre-feasibility study assessment have formed the basis for the ongoing study and were made by a Qualified Person. The Qualified Person will evaluate the results of the completed feasibility study before determining whether all or a part of the mineral resource for the Super Pit Expansion Project may be converted to a mineral reserve.
2. A Tier One Copper Asset is an asset with a $3.00/lb reserve with potential for 5 million tonnes or more of contained copper to support a minimum 20-year life, annual production of at least 200ktpa, with all-in sustaining costs per pound in the lower half of the industry cost curve. Tier One Assets must be located in a world class geological district with potential for organic reserve growth and long-term geologically driven addition.
3. Life of Mine Plan mined tonnes, grade and ounces and financials are based on the pre-feasibility study but are conceptual in nature due to using mineral resources and are subject to change with completion of the feasibility study which is anticipated for Q4 2024.
4. The results in this press release represent forward-looking information and are based on Barrick’s internal pre-feasibility study for the Super Pit. These results are based on mineral resources only and depend on inputs that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those presented here. Barrick is in the process of completing a feasibility study in respect of the Super Pit, the results of which may differ from the figures disclosed in this press release. Barrick does not currently identify Lumwana as a material property.  Barrick expects to re-evaluate Lumwana’s status as a potential material property following the completion of the feasibility study for the Super Pit Expansion Project and the preparation of updated mineral reserves and resources estimates for Lumwana as of December 31, 2024. A Technical Report will be prepared in accordance with Form 43-101F1 and filed on SEDAR+ within 45 days of the disclosure of the results of the feasibility study if Lumwana is classified as a material property. 

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “would”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated”, “starting”, “plan”, “ramp up”, “enable”, “anticipated”, “potential”, “future”, “focus”, “ongoing” “expect” “growth”, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: Barrick’s Lumwana Super Pit expansion project and its ability to extend Lumwana’s life of mine; global projected copper production and demand profiles; the potential for Lumwana to become a Tier One asset, and the potential for Lumwana to become a top 25 copper asset; estimated copper production and throughput from the Lumwana Super Pit expansion, including projected mining rates; the estimated capital budget for the Lumwana Super Pit expansion; anticipated timelines for delivery of the feasibility study and project construction; Barrick’s strategy, plans, targets and goals in respect of environmental and social governance issues, including local community development; and expectations regarding future price assumptions, financial performance and other outlooks or guidance.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management’s experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper or certain other commodities (such as silver, diesel fuel, natural gas and electricity); the potential to convert all or part of the mineral resource for the Super Pit expansion into a mineral reserve following the completion of the feasibility study; risks associated with projects in the early stages of evaluation and for which additional engineering and other analysis is required; risks related to the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations, that quantities or grades of reserves will be diminished, and that resources may not be converted to reserves; risks associated with the fact that certain of the initiatives described in this press release are still in the early stages and may not materialize; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation and exploration successes; risks that exploration data may be incomplete and considerable additional work may be required to complete further evaluation, including but not limited to drilling, engineering and socioeconomic studies and investment; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, corruption and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with artisanal and illegal mining; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Zambia or other countries in which Barrick does or may carry on business in the future; risks relating to political instability in certain of the jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; non-renewal of or failure to obtain key licenses by governmental authorities; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations relating to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; Barrick’s ability to achieve its sustainability goals; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over access to water, power and other required infrastructure; the liability associated with risks and hazards in the mining industry, and the ability to maintain insurance to cover such losses; damage to the Company’s reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including negative publicity with respect to the Company’s handling of environmental matters or dealings with community groups, whether true or not; risks related to operations near communities that may regard Barrick’s operations as being detrimental to them; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities, including geotechnical challenges, tailings dam and storage facilities failures, and disruptions in the maintenance or provision of required infrastructure and information technology systems; increased costs, delays, suspensions and technical challenges associated with the construction of capital projects; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities; risks associated with Barrick’s infrastructure, information technology systems and the implementation of Barrick’s technological initiatives, including risks related to cybersecurity incidents, including those caused by computer viruses, malware, ransomware and other cyberattacks, or similar information technology system failures, delays and/or disruptions; risks related to competition in the mining industry; employee relations including loss of key employees; availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor; and risks associated with diseases, epidemics and pandemics. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

FAQ

What is the expected annual copper production after Lumwana's Super Pit Expansion?

After the Super Pit Expansion, Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) expects Lumwana's annual copper production to double from 120kt to a life-of-mine average of 240kt per year.

When is construction expected to start on Lumwana's Super Pit Expansion?

Construction on Barrick Gold 's (NYSE:GOLD) Lumwana Super Pit Expansion is planned to start in 2025, following the completion of the feasibility study expected by the end of 2024.

How many new jobs will the Lumwana Super Pit Expansion create?

The Lumwana Super Pit Expansion by Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) is expected to create 550 additional jobs over the next five years and 2,500 construction jobs for a three-year period until 2028.

What is the estimated cost of the Lumwana Super Pit Expansion project?

The Lumwana Super Pit Expansion project by Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) is estimated to cost $2 billion.