Kirkland Lake Gold Reports Record Net Earnings in Q2 2021
Kirkland Lake Gold reported record financial results for Q2 2021, with net earnings of $244.2 million ($0.91 per share), up 63% year-over-year. Strong revenue growth to $662.7 million reflects increased gold production of 379,195 ounces, a 15% rise from Q2 2020. Operating cash costs were $431 per ounce, below guidance, while free cash flow reached $131.2 million. The company is on track to meet its production target of 1.3 to 1.4 million ounces for FY 2021, maintaining a solid cash balance of $858.4 million.
- Q2 2021 net earnings increased to $244.2 million, up 63% YOY.
- Revenue grew to $662.7 million, a 14% increase from Q2 2020.
- Gold production rose to 379,195 ounces, a 15% increase YOY.
- Operating cash costs of $431 per ounce sold, better than guidance.
- Free cash flow reached $131.2 million, tripling Q1 2021 levels.
- Cash balance increased to $858.4 million, with no debt.
- Production costs increased slightly compared to YTD 2020, impacting net earnings.
- Gold sales decreased at Fosterville, with a drop from 157,251 ounces in Q2 2020 to 142,600 ounces in Q2 2021.
TORONTO, July 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (“Kirkland Lake Gold” or the “Company”) (TSX:KL) (NYSE:KL) (ASX:KLA) today announced the Company’s financial and operating results for the second quarter (“Q2 2021”) and first six months (“YTD 2021”) of 2021. The results included record quarterly net earnings and earnings per share driven by strong operating results and revenue growth, largely reflecting continued outperformance at Fosterville. All three of the Company’s cornerstone assets increased production compared to both the second quarter of 2020 (“Q2 2020”) and the previous quarter (“Q1 2021”). The Company also reported solid earnings growth in YTD 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020 (“YTD 2020”), resulting largely from increased revenue. The Company’s full financial statements and management discussion & analysis are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company’s website at www.kl.gold. All dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.
Tony Makuch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kirkland Lake Gold commented: “We had an excellent quarter in Q2 2021 highlighted by record earnings, record quarterly production, strong revenue growth and significant increases in both operating and free cash flow. All three of our cornerstone assets increased production during Q2 2021, with Fosterville having a particularly successful quarter based largely on continued grade outperformance. In addition, we benefited from solid unit costs performances at all three operations, resulting in operating cash costs and AISC for the quarter that were better than full-year guidance. Also, during Q2 2021, we continued to generate very encouraging drill results and advanced our many growth and business improvement projects at Detour Lake, all of which are being completed as part of our work to transform Detour Lake into one of the world’s largest and most profitable gold mines. We also continued to achieve excellent progress at Macassa, with the #4 Shaft project remaining ahead of schedule and new drill results continuing to intersect wide, high-grade mineralization outside of existing Mineral Reserves. Our financial strength continued to improve during Q2 2021, with cash increasing to
- RECORD NET EARNINGS AND EPS IN Q2 2021
Net earnings of$224.2M ($0.91 /share),67% increase from Q2 2020,51% higher than Q1 2021; Adjusted EPS(1)of$246.9M ($0.92 /share) in 02 2021 - STRONG PRODUCTION GROWTH IN Q2 2021
379,195 oz in Q2 2021, up15% from Q2 2020 and25% the previous quarter; 682,042 oz in YTD 2021,3% increase from YTD 2020
- Q2 2021 UNIT COSTS BEAT FY 2021 GUIDANCE
Q2 2021 op. cash costs(1) of$431 /oz sold, AISC(1) of$780 /oz vs FY 2021 guidance of 450 –$475 /oz and$790 –$810 /oz, respectively - ON TRACK TO ACHIEVE FY 2021 GUIDANCE
Company now targeting top half of FY production guidance (1,300,000 – 1,400,000 oz), maintains unit cost and capital expenditure guidance
- STRONG CASH FLOW GENERATION IN Q2 2021
Op. cash flow of$330.6M , up49% and59% from Q2 2020 and Q1 2021; Free cash flow(1) of$131.2M , up39% from Q2 2020, triple Q1 2021 level - RETURNED
$158.6M TO SHAREHOLDERS
Paid$100.3M in dividends in YTD 2021, used$58.3M to repurchase 1,374,100 shares
- CONTINUED EXPLORATION SUCCESS
Continued drilling success in Saddle Zone at Detour Lake; New results at Macassa expand mineralization in multiple areas
- EXCELLENT PROGRESS WITH GROWTH PROJECTS
Macassa #4 Shaft remains ahead of schedule; growth projects at Detour Lake advancing on plan - PROGRESS WITH ESG INITIATIVES
Significant financial commitments made in support of local communities, further progress achieved towards goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier
SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE
Q2 2021
- Net earnings of
$244.2 million ($0.91 per share),63% increase from$150.2 million ($0.54 per share) in Q2 2020 and51% higher than$161.2 million ($0.60 per share) the previous quarter; Adjusted net earnings(1) of$246.9 million ($0.92 per share),13% increase from$219.3 million ($0.70 per share) in Q2 2020 and$167.8 million ($0.63 per share) in Q1 2021. - Cash flows including net cash provided by operating activities of
$330.6 million and free cash flow(1) of$131.2 million . - Revenue of
$662.7 million ,14% increase from Q2 2020 and20% higher than the previous quarter; Revenue of$662.7 million reflected gold sales of 364,575 ounces and an average realized gold price(1) of$1,814 per ounce. - EBITDA(1)(2) of
$451.3 million ,46% higher than Q2 2020 and32% increase from Q1 2021. - Capital expenditures totalling
$163.9 million , with sustaining capital expenditures(1) accounting for$81.4 million and growth capital expenditures(1) totalling$82.5 million . - Exploration expenditures totalled
$45.7 million , including$38.7 million of capitalized expenditures and$7.0 million of expensed exploration expenditures. - Continued commitment to returning capital to shareholders
- Normal Course Issuer Bid (the “NCIB”): Renewed in June 2021; Company eligible to repurchase up to 26,694,105 shares between June 9, 2021 and June 8, 2022
- Automatic Share Purchase Plan (“ASPP”): Introduced subsequent to renewal of 2021 NCIB; Designated broker may purchase up to 5,000,000 shares at its sole discretion based on purchasing parameters set out by Company until expiry of the NCIB on June 8, 2022, until all shares are purchased under the NCIB; or until ASPP is terminated by Company in accordance with provisions of ASPP.
$62.0 million returned to shareholders: Including$50.1 million for the payment of Q1 2021 quarterly dividend of$0.18 75 per share on April 14, 2021 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2021, with$12.0 million being used to repurchase 300,000 shares in June following the renewal of the Company’s NCIB (all shares were repurchased through the ASPP); Subsequent to quarter end, additional 945,000 shares repurchased for$37.7 million
- Cash at June 30, 2021 of
$858.4 million versus$792.2 million at March 31, 2021 and$847.6 million at December 31, 2020 with no debt; Increase in cash during Q2 2021 largely resulted from strong cash flow, which more than offset impact of higher capital expenditures and income tax paid in Q2 2021, as well as the$62.0 million of cash returned to shareholders.
- Solid operating results
- Production 379,195 ounces,
15% increase from 329,770 ounces in Q2 2020 and25% higher than 302,847 ounces the previous quarter - Production costs of
$159.7 million - Operating cash costs per ounce sold(1) of
$431 in Q2 2021 compared to$374 in Q2 2020 and$542 in Q1 2021 - AISC per ounce sold(1) of
$780 compared to$751 in Q2 2020 and$846 in Q1 2021.
(1) See “Non-IFRS Measures” in this press release and on pages 25 – 42 of the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
(2) Refers to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization.
- Production 379,195 ounces,
YTD 2021
- Net earnings of
$405.4 million ($1.52 per share),15% increase from$353.1 ($1.32 per share) in YTD 2020; Adjusted net earnings(1) of$414.7 million ($1.55 per share) versus$398.5 million ($1.49 per share) in YTD 2020. - Cash flows including net cash provided by operating activities of
$538.7 million and free cash flow(1) of$173.9 million . - Revenue of
$1,214.6 million , an increase of$78.9 million or7% from$1,135.7 million in YTD 2020; Revenue of$1,214.6 million reflected gold sales of 672,605 ounces and an average realized gold price(1) of$1,802 per ounce. - EBITDA(1)(2) of
$792.2 million compared to$701.2 million in YTD 2020. - Capital expenditures of
$270.7 million , with sustaining capital expenditures(1) accounting for$141.9 million and growth capital expenditures(1) totalling$128.8 million . - Exploration expenditures totalled
$88.1 million , including$75.6 million of capitalized expenditures and$12.5 million of expensed exploration expenditures. $158.6 million returned to shareholders,$100.3 million for two quarterly dividends, both totalling$0.18 75 per share, with the Q4 2020 payment made on January 14, 2021 to shareholders of record on December 31, 2020 and Q1 2021 quarterly dividend paid on April 14, 2021 to shareholder of record on March 31, 2021;$58.3 million used to repurchase 1,374,100 shares through the Company’s NCIB (1,074,100 shares repurchased in January 2021 for$46.3 million and 300,000 shares repurchased in June through ASPP for$12.0 million ).- Solid operating results versus full-year 2021 guidance
- Production 682,042 ounces, a
3% increase from YTD 2020 (Full-year 2021 guidance: 1,300,000 – 1,400,000 ounces). - Production costs of
$329.8 million - Operating cash costs per ounce sold(1) of
$482 compared to$407 in YTD 2020 (Full-year 2021 guidance:$450 –$475 per ounce sold) - AISC per ounce sold(1) of
$810 compared to$763 in YTD 2020 (Full-year 2021 guidance:$790 –$810 per ounce sold).
(1) See “Non-IFRS Measures” in this press release and on pages 35 – 42 of the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
(2) Refers to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization.
- Production 682,042 ounces, a
Q2 2021 – Other Key Highlights
Progress towards key value-creation catalysts
- Detour Lake: After releasing a new technical report and life-of-mine plan (“LOMP”) on March 31, 2021(1), which included significant production growth and improved unit costs compared to previous operating experience, Detour Lake continued to achieve significant exploration success and advance key growth projects during Q2 2021. The full impact of exploration success achieved and business improvement initiatives undertaken since the acquisition of Detour Lake will be included in a new technical report and LOMP targeted for release during the first half of 2022. The Company expects the new technical report and LOMP to include significant value creation opportunities for the Detour Lake operation.
- Macassa: The #4 Shaft project remained over a month ahead of schedule at the end of Q2 2021 and was on track for completion in late 2022. Once completed, production at Macassa is targeted to grow to over 400,000 ounces per year at significantly improved unit costs. In addition, working conditions will be improved at the mine, with total ventilation expected to more than double. The new shaft will also promote future exploration activities as the Company works to continue to grow the South Mine Complex (“SMC”) and to explore the Main/’04 Break and Amalgamated Break across the Kirkland Lake camp.
- Fosterville: In addition to achieving stronger than expected operating results in both Q2 2021 and YTD 2021, other key areas of progress were achieved during YTD 2021 in support of future exploration and operating success. In the Lower Phoenix System, a new drill drive (Drill Drive 3912) was completed in June 2021 with five underground drills being deployed by the end of the month to test the down-plunge extension of the Swan Zone. In addition, the twin exploration drive from the Falcon Pit at Fosterville to Robbin’s Hill reached a total of 5,557 metres of advance as of June 30, 2021, with underground drilling of Robbin’s Hill targets now expected to commence in Q3 2021.
Commitment to Responsible Mining: Early in 2021, the Company pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or earlier and followed that pledge with a commitment to invest
COVID-19 Response: The Company’s health and safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic remained in place throughout Q2 2021 and were enhanced with the roll out of vaccination programs for employees at Macassa and Detour Lake. In Kirkland Lake, the Company worked with the local health unit to make vaccines available to all employees at Macassa, with Detour Lake running vaccination clinics at the Cochrane Bus Terminal for employees, contractors and members of the local community starting in late June.
In late April 2021, 11 workers (employees and contractors) at Macassa’s near-surface exploration ramp project tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The event was classified as an outbreak under the criteria followed by the local health unit. During the outbreak, work on the exploration ramp was suspended for approximately seven days while the entire project workforce was tested using rapid testing kits. Work resumed at the project with no additional transmissions being reported and the outbreak was deemed resolved by the local health unit on May 12, 2021.
At Detour Lake, 9 workers (employees and contractors) tested positive for COVID-19 in late May, which was also classified as an outbreak by the local health unit. During this time, the Company added additional resources to complete rapid testing in the camp at Detour, completing more than 1,000 tests in less than 36 hours. Two additional positive results were identified as a result of this testing. The outbreak was declared resolved on June 4, 2021 and no further positive tests have occurred since the outbreak in May.
(1) Readers are referred to the Company’s Press Release dated February 25, 2021 and the Company’s NI 43-101 Technical Report entitled “Detour Lake Operation, Ontario, Canada, NI 43-101 Technical Report” effective December 31, 2020 as filed with the applicable regulatory authorities and the detailed Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and footnotes set out therein.
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Table 1. Financial and Operating Performance
| (in 000's of dollars, except per share amounts) | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | March 31, 2021 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Production costs | 159,726 | 141,415 | 170,081 | 329,807 | 303,007 | ||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 339,126 | 225,282 | 235,983 | 575,109 | 519,807 | ||||||||||||
| Net earnings | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow from operating activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash investment on mine development and PPE | |||||||||||||||||
| (in 000's of dollars, except per share amounts) | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||
| June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | March 31, 2021 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | ||||||
| Tonnes milled | 6,143,064 | 5,863,282 | 5,952,141 | 12,095,204 | 9,981,386 | |||||
| Average Grade (g/t Au) | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 2.1 | |||||
| Recovery (%) | 95.3 % | 95.8 % | 95.1 % | 94.5 % | 95.8 % | |||||
| Gold produced (oz) | 379,195 | 329,770 | 302,847 | 682,042 | 660,634 | |||||
| Gold Sold (oz) | 364,575 | 341,390 | 308,029 | 672,605 | 685,976 | |||||
| Averaged realized price ($/oz sold)(1) | ||||||||||
| Operating cash costs per ounce sold ($/oz sold)(1) | ||||||||||
| AISC ($/oz sold)(1) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net earnings(1) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net earnings per share(1) | ||||||||||
| Free cash flow(1) | ||||||||||
(1) Non-IFRS - the definition and reconciliation of these Non-IFRS measures are included on pages 35 – 42 of the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
Table 2. Review of Earnings Performance
| (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
| June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | March 31, 2021 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | ||||||||
| Revenue | $662,736 | $1,214,582 | ||||||||||
| Production costs | (159,726 | ) | (141,415 | ) | (170,081 | ) | (329,807 | ) | (303,007 | ) | ||
| Royalty expense | (22,369 | ) | (19,258 | ) | (18,394 | ) | (40,763 | ) | (40,507 | ) | ||
| Depletion and depreciation | (111,348 | ) | (82,586 | ) | (104,100 | ) | (215,448 | ) | (175,425 | ) | ||
| Earnings from mine operations | 369,293 | 337,716 | 259,271 | 628,564 | 616,774 | |||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative1 | (20,184 | ) | (20,137 | ) | (12,343 | ) | (32,527 | ) | (32,699 | ) | ||
| Transaction costs | — | — | — | — | (33,838 | ) | ||||||
| Exploration | (7,079 | ) | (2,384 | ) | (5,486 | ) | (12,565 | ) | (8,315 | ) | ||
| Care and maintenance | (4,093 | ) | (6,570 | ) | (4,196 | ) | (8,289 | ) | (9,460 | ) | ||
| Rehabilitation costs | (286 | ) | (2,448 | ) | 760 | 474 | (2,448 | ) | ||||
| Earnings from operations | 337,651 | 306,177 | 238,006 | 575,657 | 530,014 | |||||||
| Finance and other items | ||||||||||||
| Other income (loss), net | 2,016 | (80,164 | ) | (1,424 | ) | 592 | (7,959 | ) | ||||
| Finance income | 297 | 1,119 | 247 | 544 | 3,715 | |||||||
| Finance costs | (838 | ) | (1,850 | ) | (846 | ) | (1,684 | ) | (5,963 | ) | ||
| Earnings before income taxes | 339,126 | 225,282 | 235,983 | 575,109 | 519,807 | |||||||
| Current income tax expense | (45,279 | ) | (59,020 | ) | (42,971 | ) | (88,250 | ) | (129,150 | ) | ||
| Deferred tax expense | (49,680 | ) | (16,030 | ) | (31,819 | ) | (81,499 | ) | (37,547 | ) | ||
| Net earnings | $244,167 | $405,360 | ||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $0.91 | $1.52 | ||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $0.91 | $1.51 | ||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in 000's) | ||||||||||||
| Basic | 267,074 | 277,066 | 267,111 | 267,092 | 267,242 | |||||||
| Diluted | 267,189 | 277,265 | 267,907 | 267,961 | 267,453 | |||||||
(1) General and administrative expense for Q2 2021 (Q2 2020 and Q1 2021) include general and administrative expenses of
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES
After weakening sharply against the US dollar in Q1 2020, concurrent with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian and Australian dollars began strengthening against the US dollar starting in Q2 2020 with this trend continuing through the remainder of 2020 and into Q2 2021. As a result, the average exchange rates for Q2 2021 included C$ to US$ of 1.23 and A$ to US$ of 1.30. These exchange rates compared to 1.39 and 1.52, respectively, in Q2 2020 and 1.27 and 1.29, respectively, in Q1 2021. Compared to Q2 2020, changes in exchange rates in Q2 2021 resulted in an increase in operating cash costs of approximately
(1) The Foreign Exchange Rates discussion includes references to Non-IFRS measures. The definition and reconciliation of these Non-IFRS measures are included on pages 35 – 42 of the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
Review of Financial Performance
Revenue
Revenue in Q2 2021 totalled
Revenue in Q2 2021 increased
- Rate factors include the impact of changes in the average realized gold price(1) as well as any impact related to changes in foreign exchange rates. In Q2 2021, rate factors increased revenue by
$42 million versus Q2 2020, which included a$36 million favourable impact from an increase in the average realized gold price(1) and a$6 million impact from exchange rate changes. Compared to Q1 2021, rate factors increased revenue by$10 million , virtually all of which related to a higher average realized gold price(1) compared to the previous quarter.
Revenue in YTD 2021 totalled
- Rate factors include the impact of changes in the average realized gold price(1) as well as any impact related to changes in foreign exchange rates. In YTD 2021, rate factors increased revenue by
$101 million versus YTD 2020, which included a$102 million favourable impact from an increase in the average realized gold price(1) and a$1 million reduction related to exchange rates
Net Earnings and Adjusted Net Earnings
Net Earnings
Net earnings in Q2 2021 totalled
Q2 2021 net earnings of
Net earnings in YTD totalled
Adjusted Net Earnings(1)
Adjusted net earnings(1) in Q2 2021 totalled
Adjusted net earnings(1) in YTD 2021 totalled
Cash and Cash Flows
The Company’s cash balance at June 30, 2021 totalled
The Company’s cash balance of
Free cash flow(1)
Free cash flow(1) totalled
(1) The Review of Financial Performance section includes references to Non-IFRS measures. The definition and reconciliation of these Non-IFRS measures are included on pages 35 – 42 of the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
Review of Operating Mines
Detour Lake
Detour Lake achieved record quarterly production in Q2 2021 of 165,880 ounces based on processing 5,881,953 tonnes at an average grade of 0.96 g/t and average recoveries of
Production costs at Detour Lake in Q2 2021 totalled
Production at Detour Lake for YTD 2021 totalled 312,611 ounces, which resulted from processing 11,583,657 tonnes at an average grade of 0.91 g/t and average recoveries of
Production costs at Detour Lake in YTD 2021 totalled
Growth projects: Growth capital expenditures(1) at Detour Lake in YTD 2021 totalled
Macassa
Production at Macassa in Q2 2021 totalled 55,322 ounces based on processing 90,796 tonnes at an average grade of 19.3 g/t and average recoveries of
Production costs in Q2 2021 totalled
Production at Macassa for YTD 2021 totalled 102,759 ounces, based on processing 167,027 tonnes at an average grade of 19.5 g/t and average recoveries of
Production costs for YTD 2021 totalled
Growth projects: Growth capital expenditures(1) at Macassa for YTD 2021 totalled
Fosterville
The Fosterville Mine produced 157,993 ounces in Q2 2021 based on processing 170,315 tonnes at an average grade of 29.2 g/t and average mill recoveries of
Production costs were
Production at Fosterville for YTD 2021 totalled 266,672 ounces which compared to 314,970 ounces for YTD 2020. The change in production from YTD 2020 reflected a lower average grade consistent with the Company’s previously stated plan to reduce production in the Swan Zone by increasing mining activities in other, lower-grade, areas of the mine, with the intention of creating a more sustainable operation over a longer period while the Company continues its extensive exploration program. The Swan Zone accounted for
Production costs were
Growth projects: Growth capital expenditures(1) at Fosterville for YTD 2021, excluding capitalized exploration, totalled
(1) The Review of Operating Mines section includes a number of Non-IFRS measures. The definition and reconciliation of these Non-IFRS measures are included on pages 35 – 42 of the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
FULL-YEAR 2021 GUIDANCE - ISSUED ON DECEMBER 10, 2020
The Company’s full-year guidance for 2021 was announced in a press release dated December 10, 2020 and was maintained at the Company’s Q1 2021 board meeting on May 5, 2021. Included in the Company’s consolidated guidance for the year is target production of 1,300,000 – 1,400,000 ounces (1,369,652 ounces produced in 2020), operating cash costs per ounce sold(1) of
Full-Year 2021 Guidance
| ($ millions unless otherwise stated)(1) | Macassa | Detour Lake | Fosterville | Consolidated |
| Gold production (kozs) | 220 – 255 | 680 – 720 | 400 – 425 | 1,300 - 1,400 |
| Operating cash costs/ounce sold ($/oz)(2) | ||||
| AISC/ounce sold ($/oz)(2) | ||||
| Operating cash costs ($M)(2) | ||||
| Royalty costs ($M) | ||||
| Sustaining capital ($M)(2)(3) | ||||
| Growth capital ($M)(2)(3) | ||||
| Exploration ($M)(4) | ||||
| Corporate G&A ($M)(5) |
(1) The Company’s 2021 guidance assumes an average gold price of
(2) See "Non-IFRS Measures” set out starting on page 35 of the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. The most comparable IFRS Measure for operating cash costs, operating cash costs per ounce sold and AISC per ounce sold is production costs, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, and total additions and construction in progress for sustaining and growth capital.
(3) Capital expenditures exclude capitalized depreciation.
(4) Exploration expenditures include capital expenditures related to infill drilling for Mineral Resource conversion, capital expenditures for extension drilling outside of existing Mineral Resources and expensed exploration. Also includes capital expenditures for the development of exploration drifts.
(5) Excludes share-based payment expense (including expense related to share price changes).
YTD 2021 Results
| ($ millions unless otherwise stated)(1) | Macassa | Detour Lake | Fosterville | Consolidated |
| Gold production (kozs) | 102,759 | 312,611 | 266,672 | 682,042 |
| Operating cash costs/ounce sold ($/oz)(2) | ||||
| AISC/ounce sold ($/oz)(2) | ||||
| Operating cash costs ($M)(2) | ||||
| Royalty costs ($M) | ||||
| Sustaining capital ($M)(2)(3) | ||||
| Growth capital ($M)(2)(3) | ||||
| Exploration ($M)(4) | ||||
| Corporate G&A ($M)(5) |
(1) Average exchange rates in YTD 2021 included a US$ to C$ exchange rate of 1.25 and a US$ to A$ exchange rate of 1.30.
(2) See "Non-IFRS Measures” set out starting on page 35 of the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. The most comparable IFRS Measure for operating cash costs, operating cash costs per ounce sold and AISC per ounce sold is production costs, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, and total additions and construction in progress for sustaining and growth capital.
(3) Capital expenditures exclude capitalized depreciation.
(4) Exploration expenditures include capital expenditures related to infill drilling for Mineral Resource conversion, capital expenditures for extension drilling outside of existing Mineral Resources and expensed exploration. Also includes capital expenditures for the development of exploration drifts.
(5) Excludes share-based payment expense (including expense related to share price changes).
Gold production in YTD 2021 totalled 682,042 ounces, with the Company ending the first half of 2021 on track to achieve the top half the full-year 2021 consolidated production guidance of 1,300,000 – 1,400,000 ounces. Production at Fosterville of 266,672 ounces exceeded target levels in YTD 2021 largely due to significant grade outperformance in the Swan Zone as well as well as changes to mine sequencing during Q2 2021 with high-grade Swan Zone stopes initially planned for Q4 2021 being advanced into Q2 2021. Based on the operation’s performance in YTD 2021, and expectations for the remainder of the year, Fosterville is expected to meet, and potentially beat, the full-year guidance range of 400,000 – 425,000 ounces. Production at Detour Lake in YTD 2021 totalled 312,611 ounces, in line with expected levels. Detour Lake is targeting higher levels of mill throughput and continued improvement in average grades over the balance of 2021 with the operation continuing to target full-year 2021 production of 680,000 – 720,000 ounces. Production at Macassa in YTD 2021 totalled 102,759 ounces, slightly below target levels for the first half of the year. The Company expects higher grades at Macassa over the remainder of 2021 with the mine continuing to target full-year 2021 production of 220,000 – 255,000 ounces.
Production costs for Q2 2021 totalled
Operating cash costs per ounce sold(1) for YTD 2021 averaged
AISC per ounce sold(1) for YTD 2021 averaged
Royalty costs for YTD 2021 totalled
Sustaining capital expenditures(1) for YTD 2021 totalled
Growth capital expenditures(1) totalled
Exploration expenditures for YTD 2021 totalled
Corporate G&A expense for YTD 2021 totalled
Foreign Exchange Rate Impact of Performance Against Guidance
The Company’s full-year 2021 guidance is based on assumed an average US$ to C$ exchange rate of 1.31 and a US$ to A$ exchange rate of 1.39. After weakening against the US dollar early in 2020 with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Canadian and Australian dollars began strengthening in the second half of the year and strengthened further early in 2021. As a result, the Company’s average exchange rates for YTD 2021 included a US$ to C$ exchange rate of 1.25 and a US$ to A$ exchange rate of
(1) The Full-Year 2021 Guidance section includes references to Non-IFRS measures. The definition and reconciliation of these Non-IFRS measures are included on pages 35 – 42 of the MD&A three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
Q2 2021 Financial Results and Conference Call Details
A conference call to discuss the Q2 2021 results will be held by senior management on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 10:00 am ET. Call-in information is provided below. The call will also be webcast and accessible on the Company’s website at www.kl.gold.
| DATE: | THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021 |
| CONFERENCE ID: | 6293338 |
| TIME: | 10:00 am ET |
| TOLL-FREE NUMBER: | (833) 968-2183 |
| INTERNATIONAL CALLERS: | +1 2363892444 |
| WEBCAST URL: | https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3196800/3D2E4464C5F55E8300376F2B49A53D32 |
About Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.
Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. is a senior gold producer operating in Canada and Australia that is targeting 1,300,000 – 1,400,000 ounces of production in 2021. The production profile of the Company is anchored by three high-quality operations, including the Macassa Mine and Detour Lake Mine, both located in Northern Ontario, and the Fosterville Mine located in the state of Victoria, Australia. Kirkland Lake Gold’s solid base of quality assets is complemented by district scale exploration potential, supported by a strong financial position with extensive management expertise.
For further information on Kirkland Lake Gold and to receive news releases by email, visit the website www.kl.gold.
Qualified Persons
The technical contents related to Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. mines and properties in this press release, have been reviewed and approved by Natasha Vaz, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer, Eric Kallio, P.Geo, Senior Vice President, Exploration and Andre Leite, P.Eng., AUSIMM CP (MIN), MEng., Vice President ,Technical Services. Ms. Vaz, Mr. Kallio and Mr. Leite are “qualified persons” as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and have reviewed and approved disclosure of the technical information and data in this press release.
Non-IFRS Measures
The Company has included certain non-IFRS measures in this document, as discussed below. The Company believes that these measures, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. The non-IFRS measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers.
Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow
In the gold mining industry, free cash flow is a common performance measure with no standardized meaning. The Company calculates free cash flow by deducting cash capital spending (capital expenditures for the period, net of expenditures paid through finance leases) from net cash provided by operating activities.
The Company discloses free cash flow as it believes the measure provides valuable assistance to investors and analysts in evaluating the Company’s ability to generate cash flow after capital investments and build the cash resources of the Company. The Company also discloses and calculates adjusted free cash flow by excluding items from free cash flow. The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is net cash provided by operating activities less net cash used in investing activities.
Operating Cash Costs and Operating Cash Costs per Ounce Sold
Operating cash costs and operating cash cost per tonne and per ounce sold are non-IFRS measures. In the gold mining industry, these metrics are common performance measures but do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Operating cash costs include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing and administration, but exclude royalty expenses, depreciation and depletion and share based payment expenses and reclamation costs. Operating cash cost per ounce sold is based on ounces sold and is calculated by dividing operating cash costs by volume of gold ounces sold.
The Company discloses operating cash costs and operating cash cost per tonne and per ounce as it believes the measures provide valuable assistance to investors and analysts in evaluating the Company’s operational performance and ability to generate cash flow. The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is total production expenses. Operating cash costs and operating cash cost per ounce of gold should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Sustaining and Growth Capital
Sustaining capital and growth capital are Non-IFRS measures. Sustaining capital is defined as capital required to maintain current operations at existing levels. Growth capital is defined as capital expenditures for major growth projects or enhancement capital for significant infrastructure improvements at existing operations. Both measurements are used by management to assess the effectiveness of investment programs.
AISC and AISC per Ounce Sold
AISC and AISC per ounce are Non-IFRS measures. These measures are intended to assist readers in evaluating the total costs of producing gold from current operations. While there is no standardized meaning across the industry for this measure, the Company’s definition conforms to the definition of AISC as set out by the World Gold Council in its guidance note dated June 27, 2013.
The Company defines AISC as the sum of operating costs (as defined and calculated above), royalty expenses, sustaining capital, corporate expenses and reclamation cost accretion related to current operations. Corporate expenses include general and administrative expenses, net of transaction related costs, severance expenses for management changes and interest income. AISC excludes growth capital expenditures, growth exploration expenditures, reclamation cost accretion not related to current operations, interest expense, debt repayment and taxes.
Average Realized Price per Ounce Sold
In the gold mining industry, average realized price per ounce sold is a common performance measure that does not have any standardized meaning. The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is revenue from gold sales. Average realized price per ounce sold should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. The measure is intended to assist readers in evaluating the total revenues realized in a period from current operations.
Adjusted Net Earnings and Adjusted Net Earnings per Share
Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are used by management and investors to measure the underlying operating performance of the Company.
Adjusted net earnings is defined as net earnings adjusted to exclude the after-tax impact of specific items that are significant, but not reflective of the underlying operations of the Company, including foreign exchange gains and losses, transaction costs and executive severance payments, purchase price adjustments reflected in inventory and other items. Adjusted net earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding for adjusted net earnings per share.
Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”)
EBITDA represents net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is an indicator of the Company’s ability to generate liquidity by producing operating cash flow to fund working capital needs, service debt obligations, and fund capital expenditures.
Working Capital
Working capital is a Non-IFRS measure. In the gold mining industry, working capital is a common measure of liquidity, but does not have any standardized meaning.
The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is current assets and current liabilities. Working capital is calculated by deducting current liabilities from current assets. Working capital should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute from measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. The measure is intended to assist readers in evaluating the Company’s liquidity.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute ‘forward looking statements’, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company. The words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the development of the Company’s properties and the anticipated timing thereof, expected production from, and the further potential of the Company’s properties, the potential to increase the levels of mineral resources and mineral reserves and potential conversion of mineral resources; the anticipated timing and commencement of exploration programs on various targets within the Company’s land holdings and the implication of such exploration programs (including but not limited to any potential decisions to proceed to commercial production), the anticipated impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, the anticipated overall impact of the Company’s COVID19 response plans, including measures taken by the Company to reduce the spread of COVID19, including but not limited to the rapid testing implemented at the Company’s sites, and whether such measures taken by the Company or others, in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID 19 may affect the Company, whether directly or results in effects on employee health, workforce productivity, contractor availability, supply chain or other aspects of the Company’s business, the ability to lower costs and gradually increase production, the ability of the Company to successfully achieve business objectives, the ability of the Company to achieve its longer-term outlook and the anticipated timing and results thereof, the performance of the Company’s equity investments and the ability of the Company to realize on its strategic goals with respect to such investments, the effects of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, the potential benefits and synergies and expectations of other economic, business and or competitive factors, including the ability of the Company to realize on certain planned synergies associated with the acquisition of Detour Gold Corporation, the Company's expectations in connection with the projects and exploration programs being met, the impact of general business and economic conditions, global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future conditions, fluctuating gold prices, currency exchange rates (such as the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar), mark-to-market derivative variances, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in accounting policies, changes in the Company's corporate mineral resources, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, changes in project development, construction, production and commissioning time frames, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, higher prices for fuel, power, labour and other consumables contributing to higher costs and general risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, unexpected changes in mine life, seasonality and unanticipated weather changes, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, risks related to information technology and cybersecurity, timing and costs associated with the design, procurement and construction of the Company’s various capital projects, including but not limited to potential future impacts and effects of COVID19, including but not limited to potential future delays and unanticipated suspension or interruption of operations, the #4 Shaft project at the Macassa Mine, the ventilation, paste plant, transformer and water treatment facility at the Fosterville Mine, the ability to obtain all necessary permits associated with Detour Lake, the ability to obtain the necessary permits in connection with all of its various capital projects, including but not limited to the rehabilitation of the Macassa tailings facility and the development of a new tailings facility and the anticipated results associated therewith, the West Detour project, processing plant expansion at the Detour Lake Mine, the ability to obtain renewals of certain exploration licences in Australia, native and aboriginal heritage issues, including but not limited to ongoing negotiations and consultations with the Company’s First Nations partners and the anticipated impacts and timing thereof, risks relating to infrastructure, permitting and licenses, exploration and mining licences, government regulation of the mining industry, risks relating to foreign operations, uncertainty in the estimation and realization of mineral resources and mineral reserves, quality and marketability of mineral product, environmental regulation and reclamation obligations, including but not limited to risks associated with reclamation and closure obligations relating to the Northern Territory projects, risks relating to the Northern Territory wet season, risks relating to litigation and unanticipated costs to assume the defence of such litigation, risks relating to applicable tax and potential reassessments thereon, risks relating to changes to tax law and regulations and the Company's interpretation thereof, foreign mining tax regimes and the potential impact of any changes to such foreign tax regimes, competition, currency fluctuations, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, and limitations on insurance, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the AIF of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves, and do not have demonstrated economic viability, but do have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. Measured and indicated resources are sufficiently well defined to allow geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed and permit the application of technical and economic parameters in assessing the economic viability of the resource. Inferred resources are estimated on limited information not sufficient to verify geological and grade continuity or to allow technical and economic parameters to be applied. Inferred resources are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them to enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that Measured or Indicated mineral resources can be upgraded to mineral reserves through continued exploration and positive economic assessment.
Information Concerning Estimates Of Mineral Reserves And Measured, Indicated And Inferred Resources
This press release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ in certain material respects from the disclosure requirements of United States securities laws. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the “CIM Standards”). These definitions differ significantly from the definitions in the disclosure requirements promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) applicable to domestic reporting companies. Investors are cautioned that information contained in this Annual Information Form may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Anthony Makuch, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
Phone: +1 416-840-7884
E-mail: tmakuch@kl.gold
Mark Utting, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Phone: +1 416-840-7884
E-mail: mutting@kl.gold
FAQ
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