Barrick Reports 2016 Full Year and Fourth Quarter Results
Record free cash flow driven by industry-leading margins and disciplined capital allocation
(firmenpresse) - TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/15/17 -- Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: ABX)(TSX: ABX)
All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: ABX)(TSX: ABX) ("Barrick" or the "Company") reported annual results that exceeded the Company''s key targets for the year. In 2016, our mines generated operating cash flow of $2.64 billion, and free cash flow(2) of $1.51 billion - a record level of annual free cash flow for the Company. We reduced our cost of sales applicable to gold to $798 per ounce, and our all-in sustaining costs(3) fell by 12 percent, to $730 per ounce. We continued to strengthen our balance sheet, cutting our total debt by $2.04 billion, or 20 percent. And we brought greater discipline and rigor to our capital allocation process with the appointment of the Company''s first-ever Chief Investment Officer.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
Our vision is the generation of wealth through responsible mining - wealth for our owners, our people, and the countries and communities with which we partner. In support of this vision, our overarching objective is to grow our free cash flow per share.
We are cultivating a high-performance culture defined by the following principles: a deep commitment to partnership, consistent execution, operational excellence, disciplined capital allocation, and continual self-improvement. We are obsessed with talent, and seek out fresh perspectives from other industries, challenging ourselves to think differently as we aim to transform Barrick into a leading 21st century company.
We will grow free cash flow per share over the long term by: maintaining and growing industry-leading margins, increasingly driven by innovation and our digital transformation; by managing our portfolio and allocating capital with discipline and rigor; and by leveraging our distinctive partnership culture as a competitive advantage.
Our prospects for growing free cash flow per share build on a foundation of core mines that are among the longest-life, lowest-cost gold operations in the world. We have the largest gold reserves and resources in the industry(5), including a deep pipeline of projects that provide extraordinary optionality and leverage to gold prices. Our exploration programs have a demonstrated track record of value creation. And we are evaluating acquisitions and partnerships with the potential to improve the overall quality of our portfolio over the long term.
GROWING FREE CASH FLOW PER SHARE THROUGH INDUSTRY-LEADING MARGINS
Through our Best-in-Class approach, we pursue industry-leading margins by continuously improving the productivity and efficiency of existing systems and operations. Equally, we pursue step changes in performance by re-designing those systems and introducing new technologies; and we innovate to redefine what is possible.
As one example, we are pursuing step changes in performance in Nevada by fully integrating the Cortez and Goldstrike operations. Over the past two years, these mines have benefited from increasing collaboration, including joint metal planning to optimize ore processing. By fully integrating the management of their assets, infrastructure, and expertise, we expect to further accelerate improvements in efficiency and productivity. For example, we will fully integrate processing operations and create an integrated digital operations management center that will serve both mines - all under a single, site-based leadership structure. We will also develop an integrated strategic plan for the combined operation that optimizes site resources and capital spending to maximize long-term value creation.
Our digital transformation will be another Best-in-Class priority for 2017. Since announcing our partnership with Cisco in September, we have completed proofs of concept for digital projects at Cortez, our pilot digital operation, and we are now implementing them in the field. This work is supported from our digital innovation center in Elko, Nevada, where frontline operators are working with software programmers and other external partners to develop customized digital solutions.
The integration of Cortez and Goldstrike will also allow us to further accelerate the implementation and impact of digital transformation in Nevada. As we continue to demonstrate value in the field, we intend to expand digital solutions to other Barrick operations, starting at Veladero, with a focus on digital environmental management systems. We will provide further updates on digital projects during our Operations and Technical Update on February 22.
While today''s digital technologies are already helping to improve the productivity and efficiency of our operations, in 2017 we will develop a long-term innovation strategy to redefine what is possible in mining, including an innovation road map for the Company.
GROWING FREE CASH FLOW PER SHARE THROUGH SUPERIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
In 2016, we continued to strengthen our investment review and capital allocation process with the appointment of Mark Hill as the Company''s first Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Hill was Head of Mining and led the Evaluations group at Waterton Global Resource Management, a private investement firm with an outstanding track record of capital allocation - expertise he combines with earlier experience at Barrick. The Chief Investment Officer is responsible for ensuring that a high degree of consistency and rigor is applied to all capital allocation decisions at the Company - whether at existing operations, development projects, exploration (both near-mine and greenfields), or potential acquisitions and divestments. As part of our revamped capital allocation system, all proposals go through a rigorous, independent peer review process led by our Evaluations team, before they go to the Investment Committee. They are then ranked, prioritized, and sequenced to optimize capital spending over time on a strategic basis, allowing us to anticipate and plan for funding requirements.
We expect our portfolio to deliver a 10-15 percent return on invested capital through metal price cycles and, as such, all new capital spending is measured against a hurdle rate of 15 percent based on the Company''s long-term gold price assumption of $1,200 per ounce. Over time, assets that are unable to meet our return expectations will be divested. We are also continuously evaluating external opportunities to increase the long-term value of our portfolio through acquisitions, joint ventures, and other partnerships.
GROWING FREE CASH FLOW PER SHARE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
We believe an authentic partnership culture is our most distinctive and sustainable competitive advantage. For Barrick, partnership means a trust-based culture, and the currency of trust is transparency. It is a culture of peers. Those who are part of Barrick recognize that in general, the collective is stronger than the aggregation of individuals. By embracing these values, we aim to be the preferred partner of host governments and communities, the most sought-after employer among the world''s best talent, and the natural choice for long-term investors.
Last year, we created a program to make every Barrick employee - from the rock face to the head office - an owner of the Company, with an initial allocation of 25 common shares per person. We expect this to grow over time, in line with Barrick''s performance. Our goal is not simply to be aligned with our owners, we want our people to be owners.
We also created a new partnership with Cisco to drive Barrick''s digital transformation. Working with Cisco and other technology partners, we have begun to develop our flagship digital operation at the Cortez mine in Nevada - embedding digital technology in every dimension of the mine to deliver better, faster, and safer mining. This transformation will improve not only productivity and efficiency, but also environmental and safety performance - which will allow Barrick to build and maintain greater trust with communities, governments, NGOs, and other partners.
We continue to strengthen our relationships with other external partners, including Zijin Mining, Ma''aden, and Antofagasta Plc - our joint venture partners at the Porgera, Jabal Sayid, and Zaldivar mines. And we are working to develop new partnerships with the potential to unlock value across our business, and grow free cash flow per share over the long term.
OUTLOOK 2017-2019
In 2017, we expect to produce 5.60-5.90 million ounces of gold, at a cost of sales applicable to gold of $780-$820 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(3) of $720-$770 per ounce. This represents an improvement over our previous 2017 guidance of 5.0-5.5 million ounces of gold, at all-in sustaining costs(3) of $740-$790 per ounce. As we did last year, our intention is to improve upon our plans as we advance our digital transformation, and other Best-in-Class initiatives.
For 2017, we are once again targeting a free cash flow breakeven gold price of $1,000 per ounce, which should ensure that we can generate cash in periods of lower gold prices, while generating a windfall when gold prices rise.
For 2018, we expect to produce 4.80-5.30 million ounces of gold, at a cost of sales applicable to gold of $790-$840 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(3) of $710-$770 per ounce.
In 2019, we expect to produce 4.60-5.10 million ounces of gold, at a cost of sales applicable to gold of $800-$870 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(3) of $700-$770 per ounce.
Based on our current asset mix and subject to potential divestments, we expect to maintain annual production of at least 4.5 million ounces of gold through 2021.
Please see page 11 for detailed operating and capital expenditure guidance. The table found in the appendix at the end of this press release outlines the material assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements in our outlook and guidance, and provides an economic sensitivity analysis of those assumptions. For certain related risk factors, please see the cautionary statement on forward-looking information at the end of this press release.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Full-year net earnings were $655 million ($0.56 per share), compared to a net loss of $2.84 billion ($2.44 per share) in 2015. In 2016, adjusted net earnings(1) were $818 million ($0.70 per share), compared to $344 million ($0.30 per share) in 2015.
This significant improvement in earnings was largely due to $3.9 billion of impairment charges recorded in 2015, compared to net impairment reversals of $250 million recorded in 2016. Higher earnings were also driven by higher gold and copper prices, combined with higher sales volumes (excluding the impact of divested sites), lower operating costs, and lower expenses for exploration, evaluation, and projects.
After adjusting for items that are not indicative of future operating earnings, adjusted net earnings(1) of $818 million in 2016 were 138 percent higher than in 2015. This improvement was primarily due to higher gold and copper prices, higher gold and copper sales volumes (excluding the impact of divested sites), and lower operating costs.
Significant adjusting items to net earnings (pre-tax and non-controlling interest effects) in 2016 include:
Full-year revenues were $8.56 billion, compared to $9.03 billion in 2015. Operating cash flow in 2016 was $2.64 billion, compared to $2.79 billion in 2015. Free cash flow(2) for 2016 was $1.51 billion, compared to $471 million(6) in 2015.
Excluding the proceeds of the Pueblo Viejo streaming transaction in 2015, operating cash flow for 2016 was $456 million higher than the prior year, despite a $355 million reduction in operating cash flow associated with the divestment of non-core assets. Strong operating cash flow was driven by higher gold prices and lower direct mining costs, as a result of lower energy and fuel costs (despite being hedged on a significant portion of our fuel consumption), combined with lower labor, consumable, and contractor costs, and improved operating efficiencies driven by Best-in-Class initiatives, as well as lower cash interest paid.
Fourth quarter net earnings were $425 million ($0.36 per share), compared to a net loss of $2.62 billion ($2.25 per share) in the prior-year period. Adjusted net earnings(1) for the fourth quarter were $255 million ($0.22 per share), compared to $91 million ($0.08 per share) in the prior-year period.
Net earnings in the fourth quarter reflect an increase in realized gold and copper prices, and lower cost of sales, in addition to $146 million (net of tax effects and non-controlling interests) in net impairment reversals, compared to impairment charges of $2.6 billion (net of tax effects and non-controlling interests) recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Fourth quarter revenues were $2.32 billion, compared to $2.24 billion in the prior-year period. Operating cash flow in the fourth quarter was $711 million, compared to $698 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. Free cash flow(2) for the fourth quarter was $385 million, compared to $387 million in the prior year period.
RESTORING A STRONG BALANCE SHEET
Achieving and maintaining a strong balance sheet remains a top priority. In 2016, we reduced our total debt by $2.04 billion, or 20 percent, slightly exceeding our $2 billion target for the year.
At the end of the fourth quarter, Barrick had a consolidated cash balance of approximately $2.4 billion.(7) Barrick has less than $200 million in debt due before 2019.(8) About $5 billion, or 63 percent of our outstanding total debt of $7.9 billion, does not mature until after 2032.
We intend to reduce our total debt by $2.9 billion, to $5 billion, by the end of 2018 - half of which we are targeting in 2017. We will achieve this by using cash flow from operations, selling additional non-core assets, and creating new joint ventures and partnerships.
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Barrick''s operations delivered progressively-stronger performance over the course of 2016, with three consecutive quarters of improved all-in sustaining cost guidance and gold production at the high end of our annual production forecast. These results reflect our ongoing focus on capital discipline, and Best-in-Class improvements that are driving greater productivity and efficiency.
We also improved our safety performance, achieving a total reportable injury frequency rate (TRIFR)(9) of 0.40 - the best result in the Company''s history. Since 2009, we have reduced our TRIFR by 67 percent. Despite these improvements, Meckson Makompe, an employee at our Lumwana mine, lost his life in a workplace accident last year. Subsequently, Williams Garrido, a contractor working at the Pascua-Lama project, was involved in a fatal accident this month. Every person at Barrick must go home safe and healthy every single day, and we will never be satisfied with our performance until we achieve this paramount goal.
In 2016, our mines produced 5.52 million ounces of gold, at a cost of sales applicable to gold of $798 per ounce. All-in sustaining costs(3) were $730 per ounce, a reduction of 12 percent compared to 2015. We also reduced our cash costs(3) by eight percent, from $596 per ounce in 2015, to $546 per ounce in 2016.
Gold production in the fourth quarter was 1.52 million ounces, at a cost of sales applicable to gold of $784 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(3) of $732 per ounce, compared to 1.62 million ounces at a cost of sales of $848 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(3) of $733 per ounce in the prior-year period.
Copper production in 2016 was 415 million pounds, at a cost of sales attribute to copper of $1.43 per pound, and all-in sustaining costs(10) of $2.05 per pound, in line with our guidance for the year. This compares to 511 million pounds, at a cost of sales attributable to copper of $1.65 per pound, and all-in sustaining costs(10) of $2.33 per pound in 2015.
The Jabal Sayid project, a 50-50 joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma''aden), commenced commercial production on July 1, 2016. Barrick''s 50 percent share of production in 2017 is expected to be 30-40 million pounds.
In 2016, capital expenditures on a cash basis were $1.12 billion, compared to $1.71 billion in 2015. A decrease of $327 million, excluding the impact of $260 million in capital expenditures associated with divested sites, was primarily due to lower capitalized stripping costs at Veladero, a decrease in leach pad expansion costs at Veladero and Lagunas Norte, and our ongoing focus on capital discipline across the Company. Lower capital costs also reflected lower project spending compared to 2015, mainly relating to the completion of the thiosulfate leaching circuit at Goldstrike, and decreased capital expenditures at Pascua-Lama.
MINERAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Barrick manages the industry''s largest inventory of gold reserves and resources(5), with a strong track record of adding reserves and resources at our operations and projects through exploration.
The Company''s five core mines, which are expected to account for approximately 70 percent of our production in 2017, have an average reserve grade of 1.84 grams per tonne - more than double that of our peer group average.(5) The majority of our reserves and resources are situated in regions where we have proven operating experience, a critical mass of infrastructure, technical and exploration expertise, and established partnerships with suppliers, host governments, and communities.
To calculate our 2016 reserves, we have applied a short-term gold price assumption of $1,000 per ounce for the next four years, and a long-term gold price of $1,200 per ounce from 2021 onwards, consistent with our approach in 2015.
As of December 31, 2016, Barrick''s proven and probable gold reserves were 85.9 million ounces(4), compared to 91.9 million ounces at the end of 2015. Approximately 1.9 million ounces were divested last year, and 6.8 million ounces were depleted through mining and processing. We replaced approximately 60 percent of the ounces we depleted through drilling and cost improvements at our operating mines. Significant additions included 1.1 million ounces at Lagunas Norte, 920,000 ounces at Hemlo, and 640,000 ounces at the Goldstrike underground mine. Reserves at Pascua-Lama declined by 1.3 million ounces as a result of design modifications to enhance safety and environmental mitigation at the project. Reserves at Acacia''s Bulyanhulu mine also declined by 430,000 ounces.
In 2016, measured, indicated, and inferred resources were calculated using a gold price assumption of $1,500 per ounce. This compares to $1,300 per ounce in 2015.
Measured and indicated gold resources decreased to 75.2 million ounces(4) at the end of 2016, compared to 79.1 million ounces at the end of 2015. Approximately 4.3 million ounces of measured and indicated gold resources were divested in 2016, and 2.7 million ounces were upgraded to proven and probable gold reserves. Approximately 5.3 million ounces were added to measured and indicated resources as a result of using a $1,500 per ounce gold price assumption.
Inferred gold resources increased to 30.7 million ounces(4) at the end of 2016, compared to 27.4 million ounces at the end of 2015. Approximately 3.2 million ounces were upgraded to measured and indicated resources. Approximately 5.3 million ounces were added through drilling, including 2.0 million ounces at Veladero, 1.3 million ounces at Hemlo and 1.1 million ounces at Alturas. Approximately 1.7 million ounces were added to inferred resources as a result of using a $1,500 per ounce gold price assumption. The addition of 5.3 million ounces of inferred gold resources through drilling underscores the value of our investments in near-mine exploration, and sets the stage for replenishing and upgrading our reserve and resource portfolio in future years.
Proven and probable copper reserves were calculated using a short-term copper price of $2.25 per pound, and a long-term price of $2.75 per pound. This compares to a short-term copper price of $2.75 per pound, and a long-term price of $3.00 per pound, in 2015.
Copper reserves, including copper within gold reserves, were 11.1 billion pounds(4) at the end of 2016, compared to 11.7 billion pounds, at the end of 2015. Measured and indicated copper resources, including copper within measured and indicated gold resources, increased slightly to 9.7 billion pounds(4), compared to 9.6 billion pounds, at the end of 2016.
EXPLORATION AND PROJECTS
Barrick has the largest gold reserves and resources in the industry(5), including some of the largest undeveloped gold projects in the world, which gives us significant optionality and leverage to gold prices. We have a demonstrated track record of creating value through exploration. Since 1990, we have found 143 million ounces of gold for an overall discovery cost of $25 per ounce, or roughly half the average finding cost across the industry.
After several years of exploration focused primarily on existing core districts and projects, we are increasing our budget and broadening our focus to include new greenfield opportunities.
Approximately 80 percent of our total exploration budget of $185-$225 million is allocated to the Americas. The majority of the remaining budget is allocated to Acacia. Our exploration programs balance high-quality brownfield projects, greenfield exploration, and emerging discoveries that have the potential to become profitable mines.
In the short term, every one of our operating mines has the potential to identify new reserves and resources through near-mine exploration (MINEX). In many cases, these ounces can be quickly incorporated into mine plans, driving improvements in production, cash flow, and earnings.
Over the medium term, we are advancing a pipeline of high-confidence projects at or near our existing operations. These projects remain on track, with the potential to begin contributing new production to our portfolio beginning in 2021. This includes three significant projects in Nevada: the Cortez Deep South underground expansion; the potential development of an underground mine at Goldrush; and a significant expansion of throughput at the Turquoise Ridge mine. At the Lagunas Norte mine in Peru, we are advancing a project to extend the life of the mine by mining the refractory material below the oxide ore body in the current open pit.
At the Alturas project in Chile, we have added an additional 1.1 million ounces of inferred gold resources, bringing the total inferred resource to 6.8 million ounces.(4) We expect to complete a scoping study for Alturas in 2017. We have also initiated a prefeasibility study to evaluate the construction of an underground mine at Lama, on the Argentinean side of the Pascua-Lama project. If the study concludes that a phased underground development option meets our risk and financial criteria, and is a more compelling investment proposition than the permitted bi-national open pit plan, we would expect to recalculate reserves and resources at Pascua-Lama to reflect an underground mine plan, likely resulting in a reduction to current reserves and resources at the project.
Our successful track record of greenfield exploration, combined with our existing pipeline of undeveloped projects, represents significant long-term value and optionality for our shareholders.
Highlights of our greenfield exploration program for 2017 include the Fourmile target, adjacent to our Goldrush discovery in Nevada, and the Frontera District on the border of Argentina and Chile. We have also formed new partnerships with Alicanto Minerals in Guyana, and Osisko Mining in the Labrador Trough of Northern Quebec, where we see the potential to develop new core mineral districts for Barrick.
Our portfolio also contains a number of the world''s largest undeveloped gold deposits, including Donlin Gold, Cerro Casale, and Pascua-Lama. These projects contain nearly 31.5 million ounces of gold in proven and probable reserves(4) (Barrick''s share), and 29.3 million ounces in measured and indicated resources(4) (Barrick''s share).
At Donlin Gold, we continue to advance through the permitting process. We are also working with our joint venture partner on strategies to further optimize the project. This includes evaluating alternative development scenarios with the potential to lower capital intensity, as well as incorporating innovation, automation, and other Best-in-Class opportunities to improve overall economics.
At Pascua-Lama, the initiation of a prefeasibility study for an underground mine at Lama in Argentina represents an opportunity to unlock the value of this deposit, and the wider district, through a phased approach that reduces execution risks and upfront capital requirements. Concurrently, the team in Chile remains focused on optimizing the Chilean components of the project.
We will provide a detailed update on projects during our upcoming Operations and Technical Update. Visit for webcast information and presentations on February 22.
FILING OF SHELF PROSPECTUS
Shortly, Barrick intends to file an MJDS universal shelf prospectus qualifying for distribution of securities with an aggregate offering amount of up to $4 billion with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing of a shelf prospectus is consistent with the practice of the majority of issuers included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index. The filing provides the Company with increased financing flexibility over the next 25 month period. We have no current intention to offer securities under the shelf prospectus.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Steven Haggarty, P. Eng., Senior Director, Metallurgy of Barrick, Rick Sims, Registered Member SME, Senior Director, Resources and Reserves of Barrick, and Patrick Garretson, Registered Member SME, Senior Director, Life of Mine Planning of Barrick, each a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Detailed operating and capital expenditure guidance is as follows:
APPENDIX
ENDNOTE 1
"Adjusted net earnings" and "adjusted net earnings per share" are non-GAAP financial performance measures. Adjusted net earnings excludes the following from net earnings: certain impairment charges (reversals), gains (losses) and other one-time costs relating to acquisitions or dispositions, foreign currency translation gains (losses), significant tax adjustments not related to current period earnings and unrealized gains (losses) on non-hedge derivative instruments. The Company uses this measure internally to evaluate our underlying operating performance for the reporting periods presented and to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results. Barrick believes that adjusted net earnings is a useful measure of our performance because these adjusting items do not reflect the underlying operating performance of our core mining business and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures of performance presented by other companies. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Further details on these non-GAAP measures are provided in the MD&A accompanying Barrick''s financial statements filed from time to time on SEDAR at and on EDGAR at .
ENDNOTE 2
"Free cash flow" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure which excludes capital expenditures from Net cash provided by operating activities. Barrick believes this to be a useful indicator of our ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or usage of existing cash. Free cash flow is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures of performance presented by other companies. Free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Further details on these non-GAAP measures are provided in the MD&A accompanying Barrick''s financial statements filed from time to time on SEDAR at and on EDGAR at .
ENDNOTE 3
"Cash costs" per ounce and "All-in sustaining costs" per ounce are non-GAAP financial performance measures. "Cash costs" per ounce is based on cost of sales but excludes, among other items, the impact of depreciation. "All-in sustaining costs" per ounce begins with "Cash costs" per ounce and adds further costs which reflect the additional costs of operating a mine, primarily sustaining capital expenditures, general & administrative costs and minesite exploration and evaluation costs. Barrick believes that the use of "cash costs" per ounce and "all-in sustaining costs" per ounce will assist investors, analysts and other stakeholders in understanding the costs associated with producing gold, understanding the economics of gold mining, assessing our operating performance and also our ability to generate free cash flow from current operations and to generate free cash flow on an overall Company basis. "Cash costs" per ounce and "All-in sustaining costs" per ounce are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Although a standardized definition of all-in sustaining costs was published in 2013 by the World Gold Council (a market development organization for the gold industry comprised of and funded by 18 gold mining companies from around the world, including Barrick), it is not a regulatory organization, and other companies may calculate this measure differently. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Further details on these non-GAAP measures are provided in the MD&A accompanying Barrick''s financial statements filed from time to time on SEDAR at and on EDGAR at .
ENDNOTE 4
Estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Estimates are as of December 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted. Proven reserves of 480.3 million tonnes grading 1.68 g/t, representing 25.9 million ounces of gold, and 173.3 million tonnes grading 0.533%, representing 2.035 billion pounds of copper. Probable reserves of 1.5 billion tonnes grading 1.22 g/t, representing 60.1 million ounces of gold, and 276 million tonnes grading 0.638%, representing 3.886 billion pounds of copper. Measured resources of 82.9 million tonnes grading 2.52 g/t, representing 6.7 million ounces of gold, and 83.2 million tonnes grading 0.410%, representing 753.4 million pounds of copper. Indicated resources of 1.2 billion tonnes grading 1.74 g/t, representing 68.5 million ounces of gold, and 650.3 million tonnes grading 0.526%, representing 7.545 billion pounds of copper. Inferred resources of 781 million tonnes grading 1.22 g/t, representing 30.7 million ounces of gold, and 114.1 million tonnes grading 0.501%, representing 1.259 billion pounds of copper. Complete mineral reserve and mineral resource data for all mines and projects referenced in this press release, including tonnes, grades, and ounces, can be found on pages 88-93 of Barrick''s Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2016 Report.
ENDNOTE 5
Comparison based on the average overall reserve grade for Goldcorp Inc., Kinross Gold Corporation, Newmont Mining Corporation, and Newcrest Mining Limited, as reported in each of the Kinross and Newmont reserve reports as of December 31, 2015, as reported in the Goldcorp reserve report as of June 30, 2016, and as reported in the Newcrest reserve report as of December 31, 2016.
ENDNOTE 6
Excludes $610 million in proceeds related to the Pueblo Viejo streaming transaction.
ENDNOTE 7
Includes $943 million cash primarily held at Acacia and Pueblo Viejo, which may not be readily deployed outside of Acacia and/or Pueblo Viejo.
ENDNOTE 8
Amount excludes capital leases and includes project financing payments at Pueblo Viejo (60% basis) and Acacia (100% basis).
ENDNOTE 9
Total reportable incident frequency rate (TRIFR) is a ratio calculated as follows: number of reportable injuries x 200,000 hours divided by the total number of hours worked. Reportable injuries include fatalities, lost time injuries, restricted duty injuries, and medically treated injuries.
ENDNOTE 10
"C1 cash costs" per pound and "All-in sustaining costs" per pound are non-GAAP financial performance measures. "C1 cash costs" per pound is based on cost of sales but excludes the impact of depreciation and royalties and includes treatment and refinement charges. "All-in sustaining costs" per pound begins with "C1 cash costs" per pound and adds further costs which reflect the additional costs of operating a mine, primarily sustaining capital expenditures, general & administrative costs and royalties. Barrick believes that the use of "C1 cash costs" per pound and "all-in sustaining costs" per pound will assist investors, analysts, and other stakeholders in understanding the costs associated with producing copper, understanding the economics of copper mining, assessing our operating performance, and also our ability to generate free cash flow from current operations and to generate free cash flow on an overall Company basis. "C1 cash costs" per pound and "All-in sustaining costs" per pound are intended to provide additional information only, do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS, and may not be comparable to similar measures of performance presented by other companies. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Further details on these non-GAAP measures are provided in the MD&A accompanying Barrick''s financial statements filed from time to time on SEDAR at and on EDGAR at .
ENDNOTE 11
Due to our hedging activities, which are reflected in these sensitivities, we are partially protected against changes in these factors.
ENDNOTE 12
Utilizing option collar strategies, the Company has protected the downside of a portion of its expected 2017 copper production at an average floor price of $2.20 per pound, and can participate on the same amount up to an average price of $2.82 per pound. Our remaining copper production is subject to market prices.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this Fourth Quarter and Year-End Report 2016, 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 "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "plan", "objective" "aspiration", "aim", "intend", "project", "goal", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "potential", "may", "will", "can", "should", "could", "would", and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this Fourth Quarter and Year-End Report 2016 contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: (i) Barrick''s forward-looking production guidance; (ii) estimates of future cost of sales per ounce for gold and per pound for copper, all-in-sustaining costs per ounce/pound, cash costs per ounce, and C1 cash costs per pound; (iii) cash flow forecasts; (iv) projected capital, operating, and exploration expenditures; (v) targeted debt and cost reductions; (vi) mine life and production rates; (vii) potential mineralization and metal or mineral recoveries; (viii) Barrick''s Best-in-Class program (including potential improvements to financial and operating performance that may result from certain Best- in-Class initiatives); (ix) the Lama starter project and the potential for phased-in development of the Pascua-Lama project; (x) the potential to identify new reserves and resources; (xi) our pipeline of high confidence projects at or near existing operations; (xii) the extension of mine life at Lagunas Norte; (xiii) the benefits of integrating the Cortez and Goldstrike operations; (xiv) the potential impact and benefits of Barrick''s digital transformation; (xv) asset sales, joint ventures, and partnerships; and (xvi) expectations regarding future price assumptions, financial performance, and other outlook or guidance.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions 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 speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks associated with the fact that certain Best-in-Class initiatives are still in the early stages of evaluation, and additional engineering and other analysis is required to fully assess their impact; risks associated with the implementation of Barrick''s digital transformation initiative, and the ability of the projects under this initiative to meet the Company''s capital allocation objectives; diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; increased costs, delays, suspensions, and technical challenges associated with the construction of capital projects; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities, including geotechnical challenges, and disruptions in the maintenance or provision of required infrastructure and information technology systems; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; uncertainty whether some or all of the Best-in-Class initiatives and targeted investments will meet the Company''s capital allocation objectives; the impact of global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; adverse changes in our credit ratings; the impact of inflation; fluctuations in the currency markets; changes in U.S. dollar interest rates; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; 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 Canada, the United States, and other jurisdictions in which the Company does or may carry on business in the future;
lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, corruption, and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; 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; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage, and civil disturbances; litigation; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over access to water, power and other required infrastructure; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions or complete divestitures; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical risks, including extreme weather events and resource shortage, related to climate change; availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor; and the organization of our previously held African gold operations and properties under a separate listed Company. 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 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Report 2016 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.
The Company 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.
Contacts:
INVESTOR CONTACTS: Daniel Oh
Senior Vice President, Investor Engagement and Governance
+1 416 307-5107
MEDIA CONTACT: Andy Lloyd
Senior Vice President, Communications
+1 416 307-7414
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Datum: 15.02.2017 - 16:02 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 1487065
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Mining & Metals
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