NEW GOLD OUTLINES SIGNIFICANT FREE CASH FLOW GENERATION PROFILE SUPPORTED BY IMPROVING PRODUCTION AND DECREASING COSTS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS
- The three-year operational outlook and updated Mineral Reserves and Resources statement provide a clear path forward for significant free cash flow generation, driven by increasing production and decreasing costs.
- Consolidated gold production is expected to increase by approximately 35% from 2023 to 2026, with copper production increasing by approximately 60% over the same period.
- All-in sustaining costs (on a by-product basis) are expected to decrease by over 50% compared to the 2023 midpoint of guidance to between $650 and $750 per ounce in 2026.
- The Company aims to sustain a production platform of approximately 600,000 gold equivalent ounces per year until at least 2030 with minimal capital investment, demonstrating confidence in the sustainability of its operations.
- Rainy River and New Afton have mine lives to 2031 and 2030, respectively, and strategic initiatives are in place to extend mine lives and improve production profiles with minimal capital investment.
- None.
Insights
The provided operational outlook by New Gold Inc. indicates a strategic plan with significant financial implications. The forecasted increase in gold production by approximately 35% and copper production by approximately 60% by 2026 suggests a potential boost in revenue, assuming market prices for these commodities remain favorable. The projected decrease in all-in sustaining costs (AISC) by over 50% to between $650 and $750 per ounce in 2026 reflects efficiency improvements and cost management strategies that should enhance profit margins and shareholder value.
Of particular interest is the expectation of approximately $75 million in free cash flow in the second half of 2024, which could signal a strong operational performance and financial health. This could be a critical factor for investors assessing the company's ability to fund future growth, pay dividends, or reduce debt. However, these projections are contingent upon successful completion of growth projects and operational execution, which introduces a degree of risk that must be monitored.
The operational outlook provided by New Gold Inc. offers insights into the company's strategic direction and potential for resource expansion. The addition of 201,000 ounces of gold Mineral Reserves and the extension of mine life at Rainy River and New Afton until 2031 and 2030, respectively, underscore the company's resource base sustainability. The emphasis on converting Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves with minimal capital investment could result in increased operational longevity and profitability.
Furthermore, the exploration focus on expanding Mineral Resources and defining new mining zones is a proactive approach to resource management. The strategic pipeline for increasing production and extending mine life at New Afton, including the evaluation of C-Zone Extension, East Extension and D-Zone, indicates the company's commitment to growth through exploration. These developments could enhance investor confidence in the company's ability to sustain and potentially increase production levels beyond the forecasted period.
From a market perspective, New Gold Inc.'s operational outlook may influence the company's positioning within the industry. The anticipated increase in production and reduction in costs align with industry trends where mining companies are striving for greater efficiency and scalability. The company's focus on generating significant free cash flow over the next three years could make it an attractive investment, particularly if commodity prices remain stable or increase.
However, it is important to consider external market factors such as fluctuating gold and copper prices, geopolitical risks and regulatory changes that could impact the company's performance. The assumption of $22.00 per silver ounce and $3.75 per copper pound in the three-year outlook is a key variable that could affect the accuracy of these projections. Investors should consider these factors when evaluating the potential impact of New Gold Inc.'s operational outlook on their portfolios.
Provides Inaugural Three-Year Operational Outlook and Updated Mineral Reserves and Resources
(All amounts are in
Increasing Production and Decreasing Costs Highlight Strong Free Cash Flow Generation Over the Next Three Years
"With our inaugural presentation of three-year guidance, the Company has clearly defined the path forward to significant free cash flow generation," stated Patrick Godin, President and CEO. "This is underpinned by the work completed in recent years to prepare our operations for meaningful production and cash flow increases, as costs and capital spend decrease."
- Consolidated gold production is expected to increase by approximately
35% from 2023 to 410,000 to 460,000 ounces in 2026 driven by increasing production profiles at bothRainy River and New Afton as growth projects are completed in the near-term. - Copper production is expected to increase by approximately
60% from 2023 to 71 to 81 million pounds in 2026 driven by the steady ramp-up of C-Zone. - All-in sustaining costs (on a by-product basis)1 are expected to decrease by over
50% compared to the 2023 midpoint of guidance to between and$650 per ounce in 2026, driven by higher production at both operations, significant reduction in total capital, and lower operating costs as the C-Zone crusher and conveyor comes online, and$750 Rainy River completes Phase 4 waste removal and commences mining from the underground Main Zone. - The higher production, lower costs, and lower capital spend over the next three years are expected to drive significant free cash flow2 for the Company.
2024 to See Realization of Growth Projects, With the Second Half to Highlight Free Cash Flow Generation Potential
"The Company is set to successfully complete a number of key catalysts in 2024, including reaching commercial production at New Afton's C-Zone, and first ore from
- 2024 consolidated gold production is expected to be 310,000 to 350,000 ounces compared to 321,178 in 2023. Production is expected to strengthen in the second half of the year, with the second half of 2024 expected to represent approximately
60% of annual production as waste stripping atRainy River is sequenced in the first half of the year. - 2024 copper production is expected to be between 50 to 60 million pounds, approximately
16% higher than 2023 driven by increased contribution from C-Zone at New Afton. - 2024 total cash costs (on a by-product basis)1 are expected to decrease by approximately
7% compared to the 2023 midpoint of guidance to between and$725 per ounce driven by increased production from both operations.$825 - 2024 all-in sustaining costs (on a by-product basis)1 are expected to decrease by approximately
10% compared to the 2023 midpoint of guidance to between and$1,240 per ounce driven by lower total cash costs, higher production from both operations and lower sustaining capital primarily related to waste stripping activities at$1,340 Rainy River . - 2024 total capital is expected to be in-line with the 2023 guidance range, as growth projects at both operations are brought online during the year.
Strategic Outlook Beyond 2026 Highlights Operational Sustainability and Longevity, with Minimal Capital Investment
"Looking beyond our three-year guidance, the Company has a strategic objective of targeting a sustainable production platform of approximately 600,000 gold equivalent ounces per year with a line of sight until at least 2030. Following the successful execution of operational stabilization initiatives and growth projects over the past two years, we are increasingly looking to unlock the long-term value of our operations. Based on Mineral Reserves alone,
Rainy River successfully added 201,000 ounces of open pit and underground gold Mineral Reserves, replacing 2023 depletion by74% . Extension of open pit mining, with the inclusion of Phase 5, is expected to maintain mill throughput near full capacity until at least 2030.- Following a detailed optimization of the Rainy River underground mining method, design and schedule, lateral development metres were reduced despite an increase in underground Mineral Reserves. As a result, the underground ramp-up period is
de-risked and the steady-state underground production rate is expected to increase to 5,500 tpd beginning in 2027. - Several high-quality open pit and underground exploration targets were identified in 2023, including the extension of existing zones and potential new zones. From 2017 to 2022, minimal exploration drilling was carried out at
Rainy River , as the mine focused on ramping up production and stabilizing the operation. As such, several promising targets remain untested. In 2024, exploration atRainy River will focus on drilling several of these targets from both surface and underground. - On October 10, 2023, the Company presented a strategic pipeline for increasing the production profile and extending mine life at New Afton, including the evaluation of three promising opportunities for conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves: C-Zone Extension, East Extension, and D-Zone. As a result of infill drilling, a portion of Inferred Mineral Resources were converted to Measured and Indicated Resources at year-end.
- Additionally, the Company reported encouraging drill results from two potential new mining zones: K-Zone and AI-Southeast. Development of an exploration drift is now underway which is anticipated to provide better access to drill these zones, speeding up exploration efforts. The first drill bay is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2024, with full completion of the drift scheduled in the third quarter.
- Following commissioning of the thickened and amended tailings plant and in-pit tailings storage project in late 2022, New Afton has sufficient tailings capacity to double the remaining mine life with minimal capital.
Three-Year Consolidated Operational Outlook
In 2024, the Company will report production on a gold and copper basis. Operating expense will be reported on a co-product basis. Consolidated total cash costs1,4 and all-in sustaining costs1,4 will be reported on a by product basis, net of by-product silver and copper sales. Given New Afton's significant copper contribution, the mine will also report cash costs and all-in sustaining costs on a co-product basis, which removes the impact of copper sales revenue and apportions cash costs and all-in sustaining costs to gold and copper activities, and subsequently divides the amount by the total gold ounces or pounds of copper sold, as the case may be, to arrive at per ounce or per pound figures. The Company has assumed
Operational Estimates | 2024 Guidance | 2025 Guidance | 2026 Guidance |
Gold production (ounces)2 | 310,000 – 350,000 | 360,000 – 410,000 | 410,000 – 460,000 |
Copper production (M lbs) | 50 - 60 | 51 – 61 | 71– 81 |
Operating expenses ($/oz gold, co-product) | |||
Operating expenses ($/lb copper, co-product) | |||
Cash costs per gold ounce sold (by-product)1 | |||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold | |||
Capital Investment & Exploration Estimates | 2024 Guidance | 2025 Guidance | 2026 Guidance |
Total capital ($M) | |||
Sustaining capital ($M)1 | |||
Growth capital ($M)1 |
2024 Consolidated Outlook
Gold production2 is expected to be 310,000 to 350,000 ounces, approximately
2024 total cash costs (on a by-product basis)1 are expected to decrease by approximately
Total capital is expected to be
Sustaining capital1 is expected to be generally in-line with the prior year, as 2023 sustaining capital spend was tracking to the low end of the guidance range through the first nine months, as previously stated. The sustaining capital1 spend primarily relates to capital stripping activities at
Exploration expenditures are expected to be
Rainy River Operational Outlook
Operational Estimates | 2024 Guidance | 2025 Guidance | 2026 Guidance |
Gold production (ounces)2 | 250,000 – 280,000 | 295,000 – 335,000 | 315,000 – 355,000 |
Cash costs per gold ounce sold (by-product)1 | |||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold | |||
Capital Investment & Exploration Estimates | 2024 Guidance | 2025 Guidance | 2026 Guidance |
Total capital ($M) | |||
Sustaining capital ($M)1 | |||
Growth capital ($M)1 |
2024 Rainy River Outlook
Gold production2 is expected to be 250,000 to 280,000 ounces, an increase of
2024 total cash costs (on a by-product basis)1 are expected to be in-line with 2023. All-in sustaining costs (on a by-product basis)1 are expected to decrease by approximately
Total capital is expected to be
Waste stripping activities are expected to significantly decrease after the first half of 2024, priming
2024 Rainy River Exploration Outlook
2024 exploration expenditures at
Following the successful conversion of Phase 5 and its addition to the open pit Mineral Reserves in 2023, the Company intends to continue testing other near-surface opportunities for open pit extraction, including high-quality targets that were previously
de-prioritized during the construction and production ramp-up period. These targets include the Western Zone, North Target, 280 Zone, and ODM East. Further extension of open pit mining could sustain operating the processing plant at full capacity beyond 2030.
The Company also intends to grow the underground Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves by targeting the down-plunge extension of current ore zones which remain open at depth, including ODM Main and 17 East. Exploration is expected to be accelerated once underground development is operational and drilling from underground can commence. Concurrently, the Company intends to utilize the new, underground connection drift to continue to explore for potential new zones, such as the Gap zone located between the Intrepid and underground Main Zones.
Looking beyond the existing operational footprint, the Company intends to follow up on the compilation of geochemical and geophysical data that was completed in 2023 to generate exploration targets over the extensive
New Afton Operational Outlook
Operational Estimates | 2024 Guidance | 2025 Guidance | 2026 Guidance |
Gold production (ounces)2,3 | 60,000 – 70,000 | 65,000 – 75,000 | 95,000 – 105,000 |
Copper production (Mlbs) | 50 – 60 | 51 – 61 | 71 – 81 |
Cash costs per gold ounce sold (by-product)1 | ( | ( | ( |
Cash costs per gold ounce sold (co-product) 1 | |||
Cash costs per copper pound sold (co-product) 1 | |||
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold | ( | ( | |
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold | |||
All-in sustaining costs per copper pound sold | |||
Capital Investment & Exploration Estimates | 2024 Guidance | 2025 Guidance | 2026 Guidance |
Total capital ($M) | |||
Sustaining capital ($M) 1 | |||
Growth capital ($M) 1 |
2024 New Afton Outlook
Gold production2,3 is expected to be 60,000 to 70,000 ounces, approximately
Total cash costs (on a by-product basis)1 are expected to decrease compared to the 2023 midpoint of guidance to between (
Total capital is expected to be
The ramp-up of mining at C-Zone through the year and the completion of key development and infrastructure activities position New Afton to begin sustained free cash glow generation in the second half of 2024.
2024 New Afton Exploration Outlook
2024 exploration expenditures at New Afton are expected to be
Exploration efforts in 2024 are expected to also focus on potential new mine zones located above the C-Zone extraction level, which would provide opportunities to minimize capital investment and maximize free cash flow generation. The Company has commenced development of a 370-metre exploration drift to accelerate underground exploration drilling and provide ideal drill platforms for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves growth over the coming years. The first drill bay of the exploration drift is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2024, with full completion scheduled in the third quarter, and is expected to prioritize the AI-Southeast and K-Zone targets.
The Company continues to advance a number of strategic opportunities for mine life extension, both within the New Afton land package and regionally within South-Central British Columbia, leveraging on New Afton's processing plant, infrastructure and tailings storage facility, which have sufficient capacity to process significantly more ore beyond the current New Afton mine life.
2024 Sensitivities
A summary of key assumption sensitivities to all-in sustaining costs1 can be found below:
Sensitivities | Copper Price | CDN/USD | Silver | ||
Base Assumption | |||||
Sensitivity | +/- | +/- | +/- | ||
All-In Sustaining Cost Per Ounce Impact | |||||
- | +/- | +/- | |||
New Afton | +/- | +/- | +/- | ||
Consolidated | +/- | +/- | +/- | ||
Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources (as at December 31, 2023)
As at December 31, 2023, New Gold is reporting Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources as summarized in the table below. Detailed Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource tables follow at the end of this press release.
Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources Summarya | As at December 31, 2023b | As at December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Gold koz | Silver koz | Copper Mlbs | Gold koz | Silver koz | Copper Mlbs | |||||||
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves | ||||||||||||
2,421 | 6,343 | - | 2,493 | 6,176 | - | |||||||
Open Pit | 867 | 1,947 | - | 1,081 | 2,212 | - | ||||||
Underground | 1,322 | 3,161 | - | 1,228 | 2,966 | - | ||||||
Low grade and stockpile | 233 | 1,235 | - | 185 | 999 | - | ||||||
New Afton | 735 | 1,856 | 551 | 804 | 1,999 | 607 | ||||||
Total Proven and Probable Mineral Reservesc | 3,156 | 8,199 | 551 | 3,297 | 8,176 | 607 | ||||||
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources (exclusive of Mineral Reserves)1 | ||||||||||||
837 | 2,218 | - | 1,501 | 3,627 | - | |||||||
Open Pit | 128 | 159 | - | 127 | 161 | - | ||||||
Underground | 709 | 2,060 | - | 1,374 | 3,466 | - | ||||||
New Afton | 1,350 | 5,093 | 1,147 | 1,222 | 4,495 | 1,035 | ||||||
Total Measured and Indicated Mineral Resourcesc | 2,187 | 7,312 | 1,147 | 2,722 | 8,122 | 1,035 | ||||||
Total Inferred Mineral Resourcesc | 230 | 563 | 101 | 375 | 782 | 135 | ||||||
a. Refer to the detailed Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource tables that follow at the end of this press release for the estimates as at December 31, 2023 and b. The Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources stated above are as at December 31, 2023 and do not reflect any events subsequent to that date. c. Numbers may not add due to rounding |
As of December 31, 2023, New Gold reported total Mineral Reserves of 3,156,000 ounces of gold, 8.2 million ounces of silver, and 551 million pounds of copper. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, totals 2,187,000 ounces of gold, 7.3 million ounces of silver and 1,147 million pounds of copper and Inferred Mineral Resources of 230,000 ounces of gold, 563,000 ounces of silver and 101 million pounds of copper.
New Afton reported Mineral Reserves of 735,000 ounces of gold and 551 million pounds of copper in the B3 and C-Zone block caves, forming the basis for a reserves mine life to 2030. Mineral Reserves reduced by 69,000 ounces of gold and 56 million pounds of copper in 2023 due to mining depletion. The Company is targeting to replace a portion of mining depletion over the next few years, starting at the end of 2024, through extension of existing zones and inclusion of new mining zones.
Operational Outlook Technical Session Webcast Details
The Company will host a Technical Session via webcast today at 12:30 pm Eastern Time to discuss the operational outlook.
- Participants may listen to the webcast by registering on our website at www.newgold.com or via the following link https://app.webinar.net/r8RX4Pl4PYA
- Participants may also listen to the conference call by calling North American toll free 1-888-664-6383, or 1-416-764-8650 outside of the
U.S. andCanada , passcode 41369885 - A recorded playback of the conference call will be available until March 9, 2024 by calling North American toll free 1-888-390-0541, or 1-416-764-8677 outside of the
U.S. andCanada , passcode 369885. An archived webcast will also be available at www.newgold.com.
About New Gold
New Gold is a Canadian-focused intermediate mining Company with a portfolio of two core producing assets in
Endnotes | |
1. | "Total cash costs", "all-in sustaining costs" (or "AISC"), "sustaining capital and sustaining leases", "growth capital", and "free cash flow" are all non-GAAP financial performance measures that are used in this news release. These measures do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For more information about these measures and, why they are used by the Company, see the "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release. |
2. | Production is shown on a total contained basis while sales are shown on a net payable basis, including final product inventory and smelter payable adjustments, where applicable. |
3. | New Afton operational estimates are exclusive of any material from the ore purchase agreement. |
4. | New Gold produces copper and silver as by-products of its gold production. The calculation of consolidated total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce is net of by-product silver and copper sales revenue. As a Company focused on gold production, New Gold aims to assess the economic results of its operations in relation to gold, which is the primary driver of New Gold's business. New Gold believes this metric is of interest to its investors, who invest in the Company primarily as a gold mining Company. To determine the relevant costs associated with gold only, New Gold believes it is appropriate to reflect all operating costs, as well as any revenue related to metals other than gold that are extracted in its operations. |
Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures
Total Cash Costs per Gold ounce
"Total cash costs per gold ounce" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that is a common financial performance measure in the gold mining industry but does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. New Gold reports total cash costs on a sales basis and not on a production basis. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, this measure, along with sales, is a key indicator of the Company's ability to generate operating earnings and cash flow from its mining operations. This measure allows investors to better evaluate corporate performance and the Company's ability to generate liquidity through operating cash flow to fund future capital exploration and working capital needs.
This measure is intended to provide additional information only and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. This measure is not necessarily indicative of cash generated from operations under IFRS or operating costs presented under IFRS.
Total cash cost figures are calculated in accordance with a standard developed by The Gold Institute, a worldwide association of suppliers of gold and gold products that ceased operations in 2002. Adoption of the standard is voluntary and the cost measures presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Total cash costs include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing and administration costs, royalties, and production taxes, but are exclusive of amortization, reclamation, capital and exploration costs.
In 2024, New Gold will start reporting total cash costs on a by-product basis. The Company produces copper and silver as by-products of its gold production. Upon adoption of the change in 2024, the calculation of total cash costs per gold ounce sold for
Notwithstanding the impact of copper and silver sales, as the Company is focused on gold production, New Gold aims to assess the economic results of its operations in relation to gold, which is the primary driver of New Gold's business. New Gold believes this metric is of interest to its investors, who invest in the Company primarily as a gold mining business. To determine the relevant costs associated with gold ounces, New Gold believes it is appropriate to reflect all operating costs incurred in its operations.
All-In Sustaining Costs per Gold ounce
"All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. New Gold calculates "all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce" based on guidance announced by the World Gold Council ("WGC") in September 2013. The WGC is a non-profit association of the world's leading gold mining companies established in 1987 to promote the use of gold to industry, consumers and investors. The WGC is not a regulatory body and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards or disclosure requirements. The WGC has worked with its member companies to develop a measure that expands on IFRS measures to provide visibility into the economics of a gold mining company. Current IFRS measures used in the gold industry, such as operating expenses, do not capture all of the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain gold production. New Gold believes that "all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce" provides further transparency into costs associated with producing gold and will assist analysts, investors, and other stakeholders of the Company in assessing its operating performance, its ability to generate free cash flow from current operations and its overall value. In addition, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors uses "all-in sustaining costs", together with other measures, in its Company scorecard to set incentive compensation goals and assess performance.
"All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce" is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining companies. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The measure is not necessarily indicative of cash flow from operations under IFRS or operating costs presented under IFRS.
New Gold defines "all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce" as the sum of total cash costs, capital expenditures that are sustaining in nature, corporate general and administrative costs, capitalized and expensed exploration that is sustaining in nature, lease payments that are sustaining in nature, and environmental reclamation costs, all divided by the total gold ounces sold to arrive at a per ounce figure. The definition of sustaining versus non-sustaining is similarly applied to capitalized and expensed exploration costs and lease payments. Exploration costs and lease payments to develop new operations or that relate to major projects at existing operations where these projects are expected to materially increase production are classified as non-sustaining and are excluded.
In 2024 New Gold will start reporting all-in sustaining costs on a by-product basis. The Company produces copper and silver as by-products of its gold production. Upon adoption of the change in 2024, the calculation of all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce sold for
Costs excluded from all-in sustaining costs are non-sustaining capital expenditures, non-sustaining lease payments and exploration costs, financing costs, tax expense, and transaction costs associated with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and any items that are deducted for the purposes of adjusted earnings.
Sustaining Capital and Sustaining Leases
"Sustaining capital" and "sustaining lease" are non-GAAP financial performance measures that do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. New Gold defines "sustaining capital" as net capital expenditures that are intended to maintain operation of its gold producing assets. Similarly, a "sustaining lease" is a lease payment that is sustaining in nature. To determine "sustaining capital" expenditures, New Gold uses cash flow related to mining interests from its consolidated statement of cash flows and deducts any expenditures that are capital expenditures to develop new operations or capital expenditures related to major projects at existing operations where these projects will materially increase production. Management uses "sustaining capital" and "sustaining lease" to understand the aggregate net result of the drivers of all-in sustaining costs other than total cash costs. These measures are intended to provide additional information only and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Growth Capital
"Growth capital" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. New Gold considers non-sustaining capital costs to be "growth capital", which are capital expenditures to develop new operations or capital expenditures related to major projects at existing operations where these projects will materially increase production. To determine "growth capital" expenditures, New Gold uses cash flow related to mining interests from its consolidated statement of cash flows and deducts any expenditures that are capital expenditures that are intended to maintain operation of its gold producing assets. Management uses "growth capital" to understand the cost to develop new operations or related to major projects at existing operations where these projects will materially increase production. This measure is intended to provide additional information only and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Free Cash Flow
"Free cash flow" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. New Gold defines "free cash flow" as cash generated from operations and proceeds of sale of other assets less capital expenditures on mining interests, lease payments, settlement of non-current derivative financial liabilities which include the gold stream obligation and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan free cash flow interest. New Gold believes this non-GAAP financial performance measure provides further transparency and assists analysts, investors and other stakeholders of the Company in assessing the Company's ability to generate cash flow from current operations. "Free cash flow" is intended to provide additional information only and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. This measure is not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flows from operations as determined under IFRS.
For additional information with respect to the non-GAAP measures used by the Company, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure under IFRS, refer to the detailed "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measure" section disclosure in the MD&A for the three months and nine-months ended September 30, 2023 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
MINERAL RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES
New Gold's Mineral Reserve estimates as at December 31, 2023, are presented in the following table.
Mineral Reserves
Tonnes | Grade | Contained Metal | |||||
Gold | Silver | Copper | Gold | Silver | Copper | ||
Open Pit | |||||||
Proven | 5,100 | 1.11 | 2.06 | - | 182 | 337 | - |
Probable | 22,937 | 0.93 | 2.18 | - | 685 | 1,610 | - |
Proven & Probable | 28,037 | 0.96 | 2.16 | - | 867 | 1,947 | - |
Underground | |||||||
Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Probable | 14,322 | 2.87 | 6.86 | - | 1,322 | 3,161 | - |
Proven & Probable | 14,322 | 2.87 | 6.86 | - | 1,322 | 3,161 | - |
Stockpile | |||||||
Proven | 17,478 | 0.41 | 2.20 | - | 233 | 1,235 | - |
Probable | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Proven & Probable | 17,478 | 0.41 | 2.20 | - | 233 | 1,235 | - |
Total | |||||||
Proven | 22,578 | 0.57 | 2.17 | - | 414 | 1,573 | - |
Probable | 37,259 | 1.67 | 3.98 | - | 2,006 | 4,771 | - |
Proven & Probable | 59,837 | 1.26 | 3.30 | - | 2,421 | 6,343 | - |
NEW AFTON | |||||||
B3 | |||||||
Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Probable | 4,452 | 0.59 | 1.34 | 0.70 | 85 | 192 | 69 |
Proven & Probable | 4,452 | 0.59 | 1.34 | 0.70 | 85 | 192 | 69 |
C-Zone | |||||||
Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Probable | 29,635 | 0.68 | 1.75 | 0.74 | 650 | 1,664 | 482 |
Proven & Probable | 29,635 | 0.68 | 1.75 | 0.74 | 650 | 1,664 | 482 |
Total New Afton | |||||||
Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Probable | 34,087 | 0.67 | 1.69 | 0.73 | 735 | 1,856 | 551 |
Proven & Probable | 34,087 | 0.67 | 1.69 | 0.73 | 735 | 1,856 | 551 |
TOTAL NEW GOLD | |||||||
Proven & Probable | 3,156 | 8,199 | 551 |
Notes to the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates are provided below.
MINERAL RESOURCES
New Gold's Mineral Resource estimates as at December 31, 2023, are presented in the following tables:
Mineral Resources (Exclusive of Mineral Reserves)
Tonnes | Grade | Contained Metal | |||||
Gold | Silver | Copper | Gold | Silver | Copper | ||
Open Pit | |||||||
Measured | 457 | 1.50 | 1.83 | - | 22 | 27 | - |
Indicated | 2,276 | 1.45 | 1.80 | - | 106 | 132 | - |
Measured & Indicated | 2,734 | 1.46 | 1.81 | - | 128 | 159 | - |
Inferred | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Underground | |||||||
Measured | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Indicated | 9,043 | 2.44 | 7.08 | - | 709 | 2,060 | - |
Measured & Indicated | 9,043 | 2.44 | 7.08 | - | 709 | 2,060 | - |
Inferred | 1,388 | 2.76 | 2.58 | - | 123 | 115 | - |
Total | |||||||
Measured | 457 | 1.50 | 1.83 | - | 22 | 27 | - |
Indicated | 11,319 | 2.24 | 6.02 | - | 815 | 2,192 | - |
Measured & Indicated | 11,776 | 2.21 | 5.86 | - | 837 | 2,218 | - |
Inferred | 1,388 | 2.76 | 2.58 | - | 123 | 115 | - |
NEW AFTON | |||||||
Total New Afton | |||||||
Measured | 37,399 | 0.64 | 2.29 | 0.80 | 768 | 2,759 | 663 |
Indicated | 36,578 | 0.49 | 1.99 | 0.60 | 582 | 2,335 | 484 |
Measured & Indicated | 73,976 | 0.57 | 2.14 | 0.70 | 1,350 | 5,093 | 1,147 |
Inferred | 10,219 | 0.33 | 1.36 | 0.45 | 107 | 448 | 101 |
TOTAL NEW GOLD | |||||||
Measured & Indicated | 2,187 | 7,312 | 1,147 | ||||
Inferred | 230 | 563 | 101 |
Notes to the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates are provided below.
Notes to Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates
1. | New Gold's Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources have been estimated in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014). |
2. | Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources have been estimated based on the following metal price assumptions and foreign exchange rate criteria: |
Gold Price $/ounce | Silver Price $/ounce | Copper Price $/pound | Exchange Rate CAD:USD | |
Mineral Reserves | 1,400 | 19.00 | 3.25 | 1.25 |
Mineral Resources | 1,500 | 21.00 | 3.50 | 1.25 |
3. | Cut-offs for Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are outlined in the table below: |
Mineral Property | Mineral Reserves | Mineral Resources | |
Open Pit | 0.30 g/t AuEq | 0.3 g/t AuEq | |
Underground | 1.74 g/t AuEq | 1.70 g/t AuEq | |
New Afton | 24.00 $/t |
4. | New Gold reports its Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves. Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
5. | Additional details regarding Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimation, classification, reporting parameters, key assumptions and associated risks for each of New Gold's material properties are provided in the respective NI 43-101 Standard of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") Technical Reports. The most recent technical report on the Rainy River Mine that is filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca is titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Rainy River Mine, |
6. | The preparation of New Gold's Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources has been completed under the review and oversight of the following New Gold employees, all of whom are "Qualified Persons" as defined by NI 43-101. |
Mineral Reserves | Mineral Resources |
Open Pit Mr. Jason Chief Open Pit Engineer, Underground Mr. Alexander Alousis, P.Eng Chief Underground Engineer, | Mr. Vincent Nadeau-Benoit, P.Geo Senior Manager, Resource Geology, New Gold |
New Afton | |
Mr. Joshua Parsons, P.Eng Principal Mine Engineer, New Afton | Mr. Vincent Nadeau-Benoit, P.Geo Senior Manager, Resource Geology, New Gold Mr. Joshua Parsons, P.Eng Principal Mine Engineer, New Afton |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained in this presentation, including any information relating to New Gold's future financial or operating performance are "forward-looking". All statements in this presentation, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that New Gold expects to occur are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "targeted", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "projects", "potential", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation of such terms. Forward-looking statements in this presentation include, among others, statements with respect to: the Company's guidance and expectations regarding production, costs, capital investments and expenses on a mine-by-mine and consolidated basis, associated timing and accomplishing the factors contributing to those expected results; successfully completing
All forward-looking statements in this presentation are based on the opinions and estimates of management that, while considered reasonable as at the date of this presentation in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond New Gold's ability to control or predict. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements are discussed in this presentation, New Gold's latest annual management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"), its most recent annual information form and technical reports on the Rainy River Mine and New Afton Mine filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. In addition to, and subject to, such assumptions discussed in more detail elsewhere, the forward-looking statements in this presentation are also subject to the following assumptions: (1) there being no significant disruptions affecting New Gold's operations, including material disruptions to the Company's supply chain, workforce or otherwise; (2) political and legal developments in jurisdictions where New Gold operates, or may in the future operate, being consistent with New Gold's current expectations; (3) the accuracy of New Gold's current Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and the grade of gold, copper and silver expected to be mined; (4) the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation: price volatility in the spot and forward markets for metals and other commodities; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, between actual and estimated costs, between actual and estimated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources and between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; equipment malfunction, failure or unavailability; accidents; risks related to early production at the Rainy River Mine, including failure of equipment, machinery, the process circuit or other processes to perform as designed or intended; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining and maintaining the validity and enforceability of the necessary licenses and permits and complying with the permitting requirements of each jurisdiction in which New Gold operates, including, but not limited to: uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changing costs, timelines and development schedules as it relates to construction; the Company not being able to complete its construction projects at the Rainy River Mine or the New Afton Mine on the anticipated timeline or at all; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; changes in national and local government legislation in the countries in which New Gold does or may in the future carry on business; compliance with public company disclosure obligations; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which New Gold does or may in the future carry on business; the Company's dependence on the Rainy River Mine and New Afton Mine; the Company not being able to complete its exploration drilling programs on the anticipated timeline or at all; inadequate water management and stewardship; tailings storage facilities and structure failures; failing to complete stabilization projects according to plan; geotechnical instability and conditions; disruptions to the Company's workforce at either the Rainy River Mine or the New Afton Mine, or both; significant capital requirements and the availability and management of capital resources; additional funding requirements; diminishing quantities or grades of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; uncertainties inherent to mining economic studies including the Technical Reports for the Rainy River Mine and New Afton Mine; impairment; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of First Nations and other Indigenous groups; climate change, environmental risks and hazards and the Company's response thereto; ability to obtain and maintain sufficient insurance; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; fluctuations in the international currency markets and in the rates of exchange of the currencies of
Technical Information
The scientific and technical information relating to the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources contained herein has been reviewed and approved by the following New Gold employees, all of whom are "Qualified Persons" for the purposes of NI 43-101.
Mineral Reserves | Mineral Resources |
Open Pit Mr. Jason Chief Open Pit Engineer, Rainy River Mine Underground Mr. Alexander Alousis, P.Eng Chief Underground Engineer, Rainy River Mine | Mr. Vincent Nadeau-Benoit, P.Geo Senior Manager, Resource Geology, New Gold |
New Afton | |
Mr. Joshua Parsons, P.Eng Principal Mine Engineer, New Afton Mine | Mr. Vincent Nadeau-Benoit, P.Geo Senior Manager, Resource Geology, New Gold Mr. Joshua Parsons, P.Eng Principal Mine Engineer, New Afton Mine |
All other scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Yohann Bouchard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New Gold. Mr. Bouchard is a Professional Engineer and a member of the Professional Engineers of
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SOURCE New Gold Inc.
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