May 12, 2010 (Canada NewsWire Group) --
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Shares Listed: Toronto Stock Exchange - Ticker Symbol - ARZ
NYSE Amex: - Ticker Symbol - AZK
U.S. Registration: (File 001-31893)
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Aurizon reports financial results for the first quarter of 2010, which have been prepared on the basis of available information up to The first quarter of 2010 was highlighted by the following activities:
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- Cash flow from operations of $9.2 million.
- Gold production of 35,188 ounces.
- Net earnings of $2.2 million, or $0.01 per share, including stock
based compensation charges totalling $3.0 million and unrealized
derivative gains of $3.4 million.
- Total cash costs of US$538 per ounce(1) and operating margins of US
$472(1) per ounce.
- $114 million in cash and working capital of $112 million.
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"Our first quarter was in line with expectations." said
FINANCIAL RESULTS
First Quarter 2010
Net earnings of
After removing the positive impact of non-cash unrealized derivative gains of
Revenue from Casa Berardi operations was
During the first quarter 2010, nearly 68% of the gold sales were delivered against gold call options at an average price of US$903 per ounce, 19% lower than the average
As at
Actual gold production in the first quarter, totalling 35,188 ounces, is on track with the Company's forecast of producing 145,000 - 155,000 ounces of gold in 2010. Gold production in the same quarter of 2009 was 38,966 ounces.
Operating costs in the first quarter of 2010 totalled
Administrative and general costs in the first quarter of 2010 rose to
Exploration expenditures of
Income and resource taxes totalled
Foreign exchange gains totalling
Cash flow from operating activities in the first quarter of 2010 was
Capital expenditures at Casa Berardi totalled
Financing activities during the first quarter of 2010 resulted in a net cash inflow of
Balance Sheet
As at
Casa Berardi
Casa Berardi produced 35,188 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2010, and 34,423 ounces were sold at an average price of US$1,010 per ounce. Since commissioning the mill in November of 2006, Casa Berardi has produced 530,479 ounces of gold.
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Summary of Key Operational Statistics
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2010 2009
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Q1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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Operating results
Tonnes milled 178,648 167,484 170,429 178,420 172,343
Grade - grams/tonne 6.79 7.93 7.84 8.14 7.16
Mill recoveries - % 90.2% 91.3% 92.8% 94.2% 91.9%
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Gold production - ozs 35,188 38,966 39,874 43,962 36,459
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Gold sold - ozs 34,423 37,400 42,042 43,650 36,183
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Per ounce data - US$(1)
Average realized
gold price(i) $1,010 $888 $897 $929 $946
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Total cash costs(ii) $538 $379 $386 $392 $459
Amortization(iii) $228 $183 $189 $212 $224
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Total production costs(iv) $766 $562 $575 $604 $683
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Bank of Canada
exchange rate 1.041 1.246 1.167 1.097 1.056
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Table footnotes(1):
(i) Realized gold prices net of realized derivative gains or losses
divided by ounces sold.
(ii) Operating costs net of by-product credits, divided by ounces sold,
and divided by the average Bank of Canada Cad$/US$ rate.
(iii) Depreciation, amortization and accretion expenses.
(iv) Total cash costs plus depreciation, amortization and accretion
expenses.
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Gold production for the first quarter of 2010 totalled 35,188 ounces from the processing of 178,648 tonnes at an average grade of 6.8 grams of gold per tonne. Mill recoveries, which were adversely impacted by lower ore grades, averaged 90.2% in the first quarter. This compares to ore grades of 7.9 grams of gold per tonne and recoveries of 91.3% in the same quarter of 2009. Daily ore throughput increased to 1,985 tonnes per day in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 1,860 tonnes per day in the same quarter of 2009, as a result of increased mining flexibility due to additional working areas.
The anticipated sequencing of lower grade ore in 2010, together with lower mill recoveries and a strong Canadian dollar, resulted in total cash costs of US$538 per ounce in the first quarter of 2010, compared to US$379 in the same quarter of 2009. The higher total cash costs per ounce resulted from a combination of the Canadian dollar strengthening 16% against the US dollar and ore grades declining 14% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same quarter of 2009. Unit operating costs(1) on a per tonne basis and on a Canadian dollar basis in the first quarter of 2010 were stable at
Modifications to the stope design of the Lower Inter Zone in late 2009 will result in mining a larger mineralized envelope containing lower grade ore. Approximately 43% of 2010 production will come from this Zone. Higher ore grades are anticipated in 2011 as more areas containing reserve grade material are included in the mine plan, which is expected to result in lower total cash costs per ounce.
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(1) See "Non-GAAP measures" on pages 5 and 6.
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Casa Berardi Exploration
In the first quarter of 2010, four surface rigs and seven underground drill rigs were active at Casa Berardi. Surface drilling focused on infill drilling of the Principal Zone open pit area, extensions of the Lower Inter Zone, and targets in the area of the East Mine. Four drill rigs have been active underground on the 810 level exploration drift, testing the lateral extensions of Zones 118-120 to the north, the lateral extensions of Zone 123S to the south, and the down-plunge extension of Zone 113. The remaining three underground rigs have been testing the eastern extension of Zone 109 from the 550 level drift, and the extensions of the Principal Zones, from the 280 level drift.
Exploration along Zone 123, which is located approximately 950 metres east of the production shaft, has produced encouraging results by extending the mineralization between a depth of 200 to 1,100 metres from the surface. The results have identified a group of locally stacked mineralized lenses inside a steeply south-dipping host corridor, 200 metres thick and extending vertically over at least 900 metres. The thickness of the individual lenses is in the range of 3 to 10 metres. Twenty-two mineralized intervals returned metal factors above 10 (true width in metres x gold grade in grams per tonne) using a cut-off grade of 3 grams of gold per tonne. The best intersections are located in the lower extension of the system. One hole returned 5.5 grams of gold per tonne over 10 metres at a depth of 1,100 vertical metres below surface and another hole intersected two lenses at a depth of 900 metres below surface, returning 8.1 grams of gold per tonne over 6.5 metres and 9.2 grams of gold per tonne over 5 metres. Drilling is continuing on Zone 123 to better define the continuity of the mineralization, and provide information for year end reserve and resource estimates.
OTHER PROPERTIES
At Joanna, a
During the first quarter of 2010, results from twenty-eight holes of infill drilling on the lateral extensions of the pit contour of the Hosco Zone included eleven holes that returned at least one interval above 1.0 gram of gold per tonne over 15 metres, and included three holes with intervals above 1.5 grams of gold per tonne over 25 metres. Further results from twenty-seven holes drilled at or below the bottom of the present pit contour included fifteen holes that returned at least one interval above 1.0 grams of gold per tonne over 20 metres. The best results included 1.8 grams of gold per tonne over 25.8 metres in the North Zone and 2.2 grams of gold per tonne over 15.8 metres in the South Zone. These two results are located within 40 meters of the planned pit bottom.
The new results will be integrated into an updated mineral resource expected to be completed in the second half of 2010. Further results for fifty-three holes drilled in the western and eastern extensions of Hosco Zone are currently pending.
Work, under the direction of BBA Inc., has commenced on a final feasibility study, which is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2010.
OUTLOOK
Aurizon intends to utilize its strong cash flow and balance sheet to upgrade mineral resources to mineral reserves in order to extend and optimize the current Casa Berardi mine plan. As at
Based upon first quarter results and the mine plan for the balance of 2010, Casa Berardi remains on target to produce approximately 145,000 - 155,000 ounces of gold. However, the continued strength of the Canadian dollar results in a revision to the forecast total cash costs in U.S. dollar terms of US$500 per ounce for the full year, assuming the Canadian dollar remains at par against the U.S. dollar for the balance of the year. This compares to previously forecast total cash costs of US$490 per ounce using a Cad/US$ exchange rate of 1.05.
At Casa Berardi, the average daily mine production is estimated at 2,000 tonnes per day in 2010, up from 1,887 tonnes per day in 2009. Ore grades are expected to average 6.7 grams per tonne compared to the 7.8 grams per tonne achieved in 2009.
Beginning in 2011 through 2013, annual gold production of 160,000 to 170,000 ounces is anticipated at total cash costs approximating US$425 per ounce, as higher grade areas are included in the mine plan. It is anticipated that the mine plan will be revised to incorporate the final results of the extensive drill programs currently in progress.
Sustaining capital expenditures at Casa Berardi are estimated to be
At Joanna, it is planned that two or three drill rigs will be active on the property to perform the
At Kipawa, a
Aurizon intends to increase its exploration activity, particularly in
NON-GAAP MEASURES
Calculation of Adjusted Net Earnings
Adjusted net earnings are calculated by removing the gains and losses, net of income tax, resulting from the mark-to-market revaluation of the Company's gold and foreign currency price protection contracts, as detailed in the table below. Adjusted net earnings do not constitute a measure recognized by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in
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Q1 2010 Q1 2009
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars,
except per share amounts)
Net earnings as reported $2,216 $5,048
Add (deduct) the after-tax effect of:
Unrealized derivative (gain) loss (2,357) 720
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Adjusted net earnings (loss) ($141) $5,768
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Adjusted net earnings per share $0.00 $0.04
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Realized gold price per ounce of gold
Realized gold price per ounce of gold is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated by adjusting revenue for all realized gains and losses on gold derivative instruments and then dividing by the gold ounces sold.
Operating profit margin per ounce
Operating profit margin per ounce is a non-GAAP measure, and is calculated by subtracting the total cash costs per ounce from the average realized gold price. For the first quarter of 2010, the average realized gold price was US$1,010 less total cash costs of US$538 for an operating profit margin of US$472, compared to an average realized gold price of US$888 less total cash costs of US$379 for an operating profit margin of US$509 in the same quarter of 2009.
Total cash costs per ounce of gold
Aurizon has included a non-GAAP performance measure, total cash costs per ounce of gold in this report. Aurizon reports total cash costs on a sales basis. In the gold mining industry, this is a common performance measure but does not have any standardized meaning, and is a non-GAAP measure. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Total cash costs per gold ounce are derived from amounts included in the statements of earnings and include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing and administration, but exclude amortization, reclamation costs, financing costs and capital development costs. The costs included in the calculation of total cash costs per ounce of gold are reduced by silver by-product sales and then divided by gold ounces sold and the average Bank of
Unit mining costs per tonne
Unit mining costs per tonne is a non-GAAP measure and may not be comparable to data prepared by other gold producers. The Company believes that this generally accepted industry measure is a realistic indication of operating performance and is useful in allowing year over year comparisons. Unit mining costs per tonne is calculated by adjusting operating costs as shown in the Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for inventory adjustments and then dividing by the tonnes processed through the mill.
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As of
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Common Shares
(TSX - ARZ & NYSE Amex - AZK)
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March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
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Issued 159,159,107 159,008,607
Fully-diluted 169,010,207 166,957,707
Weighted average 159,143,836 156,265,947
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QUALIFIED PERSON AND QUALITY CONTROL
Information of a scientific or technical nature was prepared under the supervision of
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
Aurizon management will host a conference call and live webcast for analysts and investors on
The call is being webcast and can be accessed at Aurizon's website at www.aurizon.com or enter the following URL into your web browser: http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/viewEvent.cgi?eventID=3061520. Those who wish to listen to a recording of the conference call at a later time may do so by calling 1-800-642-1687 or (416) 849-0833 (Passcode: 72511811). A replay of the call will be available until
Forward Looking Statements and Information
This report contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities regulations in
The forward-looking information contained in this report is based on certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including the exchange rates of the U.S. and Canadian currency in 2010, that the current price of and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve, the supply of gold will remain stable, that the current mill recovery rates at the Company's Casa Berardi Mine will continue, that the Company's current mine plan can be achieved, that the general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed on reasonable terms and that the Company will not experience any material accident, labor dispute, or failure of plant or equipment.
However, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the risk that actual results of exploration activities will be different than anticipated, that cost of labour, equipment or materials will increase more than expected, that the future price of gold will decline, that the Canadian dollar will strengthen against the U.S. dollar, that mineral reserves or mineral resources are not as estimated, that actual costs or actual results of reclamation activities are greater than expected; that changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined may result in increased costs, of lower rates of production than expected, of unexpected variations in ore reserves, grade or recover rates, of failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, of accidents, labour disputes and other risks generally associated with mining, unanticipated delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors and other risks more fully described in Aurizon's Annual Information Form filed with the securities commission of all of the provinces and territories of
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Aurizon is a gold producer with a growth strategy focused on developing
its existing projects in the Abitibi region of north-western Quebec, one
of the world's most prolific gold and base metal regions, and by
increasing its asset base through accretive transactions. Aurizon shares
trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ARZ" and on the
NYSE Amex under the symbol "AZK". Additional information on Aurizon and
its properties is available on Aurizon's website at www.aurizon.com.
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Aurizon Mines Ltd.
Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
As at
March 31 December 31
(expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars) 2010 2009
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ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 113,820 $ 113,098
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses 4,831 4,825
Tax credits receivable 2,587 2,587
Derivative instrument assets 3,661 5,274
Current portion of future income tax assets 1,649 -
Inventories 11,937 11,897
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138,485 137,681
Non-current assets
Other assets 14,531 14,551
Property, plant and equipment 52,326 53,691
Mineral properties 119,560 117,370
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TOTAL ASSETS $ 324,902 $ 323,293
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LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 16,586 $ 16,451
Derivative instrument liabilities 8,909 13,885
Current portion of long-term obligations 642 652
Current provincial resource taxes payable 46 3,752
Current portion of future income tax liabilities - 1,275
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26,183 36,015
Non-current liabilities
Long-term obligations 717 705
Asset retirement obligations 22,075 21,816
Future income and resource tax liabilities 34,637 29,120
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TOTAL LIABILITIES 83,612 87,656
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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital
Common shares issued -159,159,107
(2009 - 159,008,607) 247,976 247,365
Contributed surplus 979 979
Stock based compensation 13,004 10,178
Deficit (20,669) (22,885)
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TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 241,290 235,637
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TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES $ 324,902 $ 323,293
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Signed on behalf of the Board,
(signed) (signed)
Andre Falzon, Brian Moorhouse,
Director, Director,
Chairman of the Audit Committee Audit Committee member
Aurizon Mines Ltd.
Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31,
(expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars,
except per share data) 2010 2009
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Revenue
Mining operations $ 39,831 $ 42,868
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Expenses
Operating 19,424 17,667
Depreciation, depletion and accretion 8,166 8,512
Administrative and general 5,288 2,794
Exploration 2,177 1,232
Derivative losses 158 2,235
Interest on long-term debt - 251
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (978) 1,696
Capital taxes 263 203
Non refundable tax credits (207) -
Other income (110) (317)
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34,181 34,273
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Earnings for the period before income tax 5,650 8,595
Current provincial resource taxes (842) (1,167)
Future provincial resource taxes (373) (422)
Future income taxes (2,219) (1,958)
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NET EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR
THE PERIOD $ 2,216 $ 5,048
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Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding (thousands) 159,144 148,495
Earnings per share - Basic and diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.03
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Aurizon Mines Ltd.
Statements of Deficit (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31,
(expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars) 2010 2009
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Deficit - Beginning of period ($ 22,885) ($ 59,591)
Net earnings for the period 2,216 5,048
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DEFICIT - END OF PERIOD ($ 20,669) ($ 54,543)
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Aurizon Mines Ltd.
Statements of Cash Flow (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31,
(expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars) 2010 2009
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Operating Activities
Net earnings for the period $ 2,216 $ 5,048
Adjustment for non-cash items:
Depreciation, depletion and accretion 8,166 8,512
Refundable tax credits (377) (213)
Non refundable tax credits (207) -
Stock based compensation 3,015 923
Unrealized derivative (gains) losses (3,363) 933
Future income taxes 2,592 2,380
Capital taxes 263 203
Other 105 34
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12,410 17,820
Decrease (increase) in non-cash working
capital items (3,244) 1,915
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Net cash provided by operating activities 9,166 19,735
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Investing Activities
Property, plant and equipment (1,583) (3,525)
Mineral properties (7,263) (6,981)
Restricted cash funding - (5,013)
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Net cash used in investing activities (8,846) (15,519)
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Financing Activities
Issuance of shares 422 2,262
Long-term obligations (20) (8,228)
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities 402 (5,966)
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NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS 722 (1,750)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD 113,098 34,337
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD $ 113,820 $ 32,587
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