Alamos Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

TORONTO, July 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX:AGI; NYSE:AGI) (“Alamos” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

 

“The second quarter of 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging times in our history given the COVID-19 pandemic. We started the quarter with two of our operations being temporarily suspended, but we adapted well and by June both Island Gold and Mulatos had safely returned to normal operating levels,” said John A. McCluskey, President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

At the same time we made good progress on several catalysts that form key parts of what is a transformational year for Alamos. These include the completion of the lower mine expansion at Young-Davidson earlier this month, the announcement of a Phase III expansion of Island Gold, and a construction decision on the La Yaqui Grande project.  These have greatly enhanced the long-term outlook for each of our operating mines. We look forward to creating additional value for our stakeholders in the second half of 2020 with higher production and lower costs expected to drive strong free cash flow growth,” Mr. McCluskey added.

 

Second Quarter 2020

 

 

Subsequent to the Second Quarter:

 

(1) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.

 

Management's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The Company responded rapidly and proactively to COVID-19 and has implemented several initiatives to help protect the health and safety of our employees, their families and the communities in which we operate.

 

Specifically, each of our operating mine sites has activated established crisis management plans and developed site-specific plans that enable them to meet and respond to changing conditions associated with COVID-19. The Company is adopting the advice of public health authorities and adhering to government regulations with respect to COVID-19 in the jurisdictions in which it operates.

 

The following measures have been instituted across the Company to prevent the potential spread of the virus:

 

 

Impact on Operations

 

In order to protect nearby communities and align with government requirements, two of the Company's mines were temporarily suspended, but resumed normal operations during the second quarter.

 

At Island Gold, operations were suspended on March 25, 2020 given the unique set up of the operation with a large portion of the workforce operating on a fly-in, fly-out basis and being housed within a camp located directly within the local community. The Company restarted operations in a phased approach at the beginning of May 2020 and ramped up to budgeted mining and milling rates of 1,200 tpd in the month of June. The Company incurred $4.5 million in COVID-19 costs at Island Gold in the quarter, mainly related to labour costs for idle employees and additional transportation and lodging costs.

 

Operations at Mulatos were suspended in early April following a mandate by the Mexican government to suspend all non-essential businesses in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The suspension period was lifted in May and mining, crushing and stacking ore on the leach pad was restarted. Although mining activities were suspended for part of the quarter, the Company continued to recover gold from the leach pad given the significant amount of contained ounces stacked in the first quarter. The Company incurred $2.0 million in COVID-19 costs at Mulatos in the quarter mainly related to labour costs for idle employees and additional transportation costs.

 

To date, operating activities at Young-Davidson have not been significantly impacted with mining and processing activities and construction and commissioning of the lower mine ongoing throughout the quarter. Completion of the lower mine expansion was delayed slightly but was completed on July 8, 2020.

 

The Company is providing revised 2020 production, cost, and capital guidance. Guidance was withdrawn in April 2020 following the temporary suspension of operations at Island Gold and Mulatos in response to COVID-19. With operations at Mulatos and Island Gold having both been suspended for more than a month and the completion of the lower mine expansion at Young-Davidson delayed into July due to COVID-19, consolidated 2020 production guidance has been revised to 405,000 to 435,000 ounces. This represents a 6% decrease from the mid-point of previous guidance. Total cash cost guidance has also been revised to $780 to $820 per ounce and all-in sustaining cost guidance to $1,030 to $1,070 per ounce, a 3% and 2% increase, respectively. This reflects higher costs at Young-Davidson in the second quarter due to the COVID-19-related delay in the completion of the lower mine expansion. With Island Gold and Mulatos both returning to normal operating levels in June and the lower mine expansion completed at Young-Davidson in July, the Company expects higher production at significantly lower costs in the second half of 2020.

 

Consolidated 2020 capital guidance of $205 to $235 million has increased by $25 to $30 million with all of the increase related to the Phase III Expansion at Island Gold and the La Yaqui Grande project following the recently announced construction decisions, partially offset by lower exploration spending.

 

At Young-Davidson, full year production guidance has been revised to between 135,000 and 145,000 ounces and cost guidance increased due to the previously announced COVID-19-related delay in the completion of the lower mine expansion. Despite the full year revisions, the second half outlook remains strong with the lower mine expansion completed in July. Production is expected to increase in the second half of 2020 at significantly lower costs, with total cash costs expected to decrease to a range of $800 to $840 per ounce and mine-site all-in sustaining costs to a range of $990 to $1,030 per ounce.

 

Despite the operation being suspended for more than one month, production guidance at Island Gold has narrowed slightly to 130,000 to 140,000 ounces while total cash cost guidance of $480 to $520 per ounce and mine-site all-in sustaining cost guidance of $740 to $780 per ounce remain unchanged. Growth capital guidance has increased $20 million, reflecting planned spending associated with the Phase III Expansion in the second half of 2020. Given the temporary suspension of exploration programs at Island Gold, the full year exploration budget has been reduced from $19 million to $15 million.

 

At Mulatos full year production guidance has been reduced by 10,000 ounces to 140,000 to 150,000 ounces reflecting the suspension of operations in April and May. Lower stacked tonnes during the second quarter is expected to affect gold production slightly in the second half of 2020. Total cash cost and mine-site AISC guidance remains unchanged. Growth capital guidance has increased by between $10 and $15 million to advance the La Yaqui Grande project following the construction decision earlier this week.

 

The Company’s long-term strategic objective is to generate increasing returns for its shareholders through low-cost production and free cash flow growth from its portfolio of operating mines and development projects. Year-to-date, the Company has made excellent progress with the completion of the lower mine expansion at Young-Davidson, the announcement of a Phase III expansion of Island Gold, and a construction decision on the La Yaqui Grande project.

 

All are key parts of a transformational year for Alamos and provide the foundation for the Company's strong outlook. With mining rates ramping up at Young-Davidson, and Mulatos and Island Gold returning to normal operating levels during the second quarter, the Company expects to deliver strong company-wide free cash flow growth in the second half of 2020.

 

Production of 78,400 ounces and total cash costs of $933 per ounce in the second quarter of 2020 were impacted by the planned  downtime of the Northgate shaft at Young-Davidson to complete the final step in the lower mine expansion, and temporary suspensions at Mulatos and Island Gold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Production is expected to increase sharply in the third quarter at significantly lower costs.

 

Young-Davidson's production and costs were impacted by the previously guided downtime for the entire second quarter to complete the tie-in of the upper and lower mines. During this planned downtime, ore was trucked to surface from the upper mine at a rate of 2,700 tpd. The lower mine expansion and associated infrastructure was completed on July 8, 2020 with mining rates ramping up to 6,500 tpd by the end of July. Mining rates are expected to continue to increase to a rate of 7,500 tpd by the end of 2020.

 

The completion of the lower mine marks the end of a multi year expansion at Young-Davidson and is a step change for the operation. The transition to the highly productive lower mine infrastructure is expected to drive production higher and costs lower in the second half of 2020, driving strong free cash flow growth.

 

After temporarily suspending operations at Island Gold on March 25, 2020 due to COVID-19, the Company began a phased restart in early May. Mining rates increased through May and returned to normal levels in June, averaging over 1,200 tpd for the month. Mining rates are expected to remain at approximately 1,200 tpd for the remainder of 2020. Combined with higher grades, this is expected to drive production significantly higher.

 

The Phase III expansion of Island Gold announced earlier this month has outlined a bigger, more profitable, long-life operation. The expansion is expected to take throughput rates 67% higher to 2,000 tpd, driving production significantly higher, at industry low costs over a mine life that has doubled to 16 years. This has driven a substantial increase in value with the expanded operation having an estimated after-tax NPV of $1.02 billion at a 5% discount rate and base case gold price of $1,450 per ounce. At a gold price of $1,750 per ounce, the after-tax NPV is $1.45 billion, more than double the acquisition cost.

 

Exploration programs at Island Gold were also temporarily suspended in March with surface and underground diamond drill programs resuming by early June. The 2020 program remains focused on continuing to define new near mine Mineral Resources across the two-kilometre long Island Gold Main Zone which remains open laterally and down-plunge across multiple areas of focus.

 

Mulatos began ramping up full operations in the latter part of May 2020 after mining was declared an essential activity by the Mexican government. This followed the suspension of mining activities in early April as mandated by the government due to COVID-19. Given the significant leach pad inventory at the end of the first quarter and ongoing leaching activities, production in the second quarter of 2020 was not significantly impacted by the suspension. Lower contained ounces stacked in the second quarter is however expected to have a slight impact on production in the second half of the year.

 

As announced earlier this week, the Company is proceeding with development of the high-return La Yaqui Grande project located within the Mulatos District. With an after-tax IRR of 41% and after-tax NPV of $165 million (assuming a $1,450 gold price), La Yaqui Grande represents the next low-cost source of production at Mulatos. Construction activities on La Yaqui Grande are expected to ramp up during the second half of 2020 and take approximately 24 months to complete with initial production in 2022. Given its lower costs, La Yaqui Grande is expected to drive combined costs across the Mulatos District significantly lower.

 

In the second quarter, the Company submitted its Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for the Lynn Lake project, which begins an anticipated two-year permitting process. In Turkey, the Company continues to pursue renewal of the mine concession for the Kirazli project.

 

The Company's liquidity position remains strong, ending the quarter with $201.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and no debt other than $100.0 million drawn on its $500.0 million revolving facility. The Company expects to transition to strong free cash flow generation in the second half of 2020 and remains well positioned to fund its internal growth initiatives.

 

Second Quarter 2020 Results

 

Young-Davidson Financial and Operational Review

 

Young-Davidson produced 23,100 ounces of gold in the second quarter of 2020, a decrease from the same period in 2019 due to lower tonnes mined and processed. This reflects the planned downtime of the Northgate shaft starting in early February to complete the tie-in of the lower mine. Ore was trucked to surface from the upper mine during the downtime, which resulted in lower tonnes mined during the quarter and the first half of the year.

 

Underground mining rates averaged 2,686 tpd in the second quarter, slightly above budgeted rates of 2,500 tpd. Similar to the first quarter, mining activities focused on remnant stopes in the upper part of the mine to facilitate trucking up the ramp. The average mined grade was 2.50 g/t Au in the quarter. With the completion of the lower mine expansion in July, mining rates are expected to ramp up to 7,500 tpd by the end of 2020.

 

Mill throughput was 4,344 tpd in the second quarter, a decrease from the same period of 2019 due to the lower mining rates. Mill throughput was supplemented by lower grade stockpiles, which were exhausted at the end of the quarter. Mill throughput is expected to equal underground mining rates moving forward. Mill recoveries averaged 93% in the quarter, in line with budget.

 

Lower Mine Construction and Tie-In

 

The lower mine expansion and associated infrastructure was completed on July 8, 2020 with mining rates ramping up to 6,500 tpd by the end of July. Mining rates are expected to continue to increase to a rate of 7,500 tpd by the end of 2020. With the completion of the lower mine, capital spending for the second half of 2020 is expected to decrease substantially from the $56.6 million spent in the first half of the year. The transition to the highly productive lower mine infrastructure is expected to drive production higher and costs lower in the second half of 2020, driving strong company-wide free cash flow growth.

 

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 

 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66e3c217-4b0b-410d-86ef-c1d08b900b2f

 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c40a137c-c10f-46aa-971b-e4c73f261531

 

Financial Review

 

Second quarter revenues of $37.7 million were 36% lower than the prior year quarter, reflecting a 50% decrease in ounces sold, partially offset by a higher realized gold price. Ounces sold decreased as a result of lower mining rates during the temporary shutdown of the Northgate shaft to enable completion of the lower mine tie-in. Revenues for the first half of 2020 were also lower than the prior year period due to the shutdown, which commenced in February.

 

Cost of sales (which includes mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense) of $46.2 million in the second quarter were lower than the comparative quarter in 2019, due to lower mining and processing rates during the tie-in of the upper and lower mine. This was partially offset by a significant increase in underground mining cost per tonne, reflecting hauling rather than skipping ore to surface and the impact of fixed costs on lower mining rates. With the lower mine construction completed in July 2020, underground mining cost per tonne is expected to decrease substantially in the second half of the year. Cost of sales for the first half of 2020 of $90.0 million were lower than the prior year period for the same reasons.

 

Total cash costs of $1,564 per ounce in the second quarter were higher than the comparative period in 2019 due to higher underground mining costs and less tonnes mined. In addition, lower grade stockpiled ore, which carries a higher cost per ounce, made up a larger proportion of mill feed compared to the prior year. Mine-site AISC of $1,809 per ounce in the second quarter were higher than the comparative quarter in 2019, reflecting the impact of higher total cash costs. Sustaining capital spending in the quarter was lower than the prior year period, with spending focused on growth projects including completion of the lower mine expansion and the new TIA-1 tailings facility. Capital expenditures in the quarter included $5.5 million of sustaining capital and $24.1 million of growth capital.

 

As a result of the planned downtime and growth capital associated with the lower mine expansion, mine-site free cash flow at Young-Davidson was negative $23.1 million in the second quarter, and negative $42.0 million for the first half of 2020. With the completion of the lower mine expansion in July, Young-Davidson is expected to generate strong free cash flow in the second half of the year as production increases, and operating costs and capital spending decrease.

 

Island Gold Financial and Operational Review

 

Island Gold produced 19,400 ounces in the second quarter, a 51% decrease from the comparative period in 2019, reflecting lower mining rates and grades mined and processed. Operations were temporarily suspended starting March 25th through the end of April as a result of COVID-19. The Company began a phased restart of operations at the beginning of May, with mining and milling rates increasing to average above 1,200 tpd for the month of June.

 

Underground mining rates averaged 819 tpd in the quarter, a decrease from the prior year period reflecting the above noted temporary downtime. Underground grades mined averaged 7.28 g/t Au in the quarter due to mine sequencing, as one of the higher grade transverse stopes was deferred to the third quarter. Mined grades are expected to increase in the second half of the year with higher grade stopes that had been planned for the latter part of the second quarter deferred to the third quarter.

 

Mill throughput of 810 tpd in the second quarter was lower than the prior year period and consistent with tonnes mined. Mill recoveries of 96% were in line with the prior year quarter and budget.

 

Phase III Expansion Study

 

On July 14, the Company reported results of the positive Phase III Expansion Study conducted on its Island Gold mine. Based on the results of the study, the Company is proceeding with an expansion of the operation to 2,000 tpd. This follows a detailed evaluation of several scenarios which demonstrated the Shaft Expansion as the best option, having the strongest economics, being the most efficient and productive, and the best positioned to capitalize on further growth in Mineral Reserves and Resources. Highlights of the study include the following:

 

 

Financial Review

 

Island Gold generated revenues of $31.4 million in the second quarter, a 39% decrease compared to the prior year period, reflecting a 53% decrease in ounces sold, partially offset by a higher realized gold price. For the first half of the year, revenues were consistent with the comparative period as lower sales driven by the temporary suspension in the month of April were offset by a 25% increase in realized gold prices.

 

Cost of sales (includes mining and processing costs, royalties, COVID-19 costs and amortization expense) of $19.6 million in the second quarter were 40% lower than the comparative period in 2019. The decrease is driven by a 53% reduction in ounces sold, partially offset by COVID-19 costs incurred during the temporary shutdown of the mine in the month of April. On a per ounce basis, cost of sales increased by 28%, driven by COVID-19 costs incurred and lower grades mined in the period. COVID-19 costs mainly reflect labour costs for idle employees and additional transportation and lodging costs. Cost of sales for the first half of 2020 of $50.1 million were lower than the prior year for the same reasons that impacted the second quarter.

 

Total cash costs were $501 per ounce in the second quarter, a 6% increase from the comparative quarter in 2019, driven by lower grades mined and lower tonnes mined and milled, partially offset by a lower royalty charge per ounce. COVID-19 costs incurred at the mine have not been included in total cash costs. Mine-site AISC of $781 per ounce in the second quarter were higher than the prior year period due to lower production with sustaining capital expenditures spread over a lower number of ounces sold.

 

Total capital expenditures were $15.9 million in the second quarter, including capitalized exploration. Spending was focused on lateral development, camp improvements, tailings construction, and the Phase III study. This included $5.2 million of sustaining capital and $10.7 million of growth capital, inclusive of capitalized exploration. Exploration spending was lower as activities were curtailed for most of the quarter due to COVID-19.  For the first half of the year, capital spending was $38.0 million inclusive of capitalized exploration, higher than the prior year period.

 

Earlier in 2020, the Company acquired and canceled a 3% NSR royalty payable on a majority of production from the Island Gold mine for cash consideration of $54.8 million. The royalty was applicable to all future gold production from the Goudreau Lake claims, which comprise the majority of the Island Gold deposit. As of December 31, 2019, these claims contained 0.9 million ounces of Mineral Reserves, representing 71% of Island Gold’s total Mineral Reserves, and 1.1 million ounces of Inferred Mineral Resources. The acquisition of the royalty has reduced total cash costs by $45 per ounce, and has reduced the effective NSR royalty rate on Island Gold’s Mineral Reserves to 2.2% from 4.4%.

 

Island Gold generated mine-site free cash flow of $9.2 million during the second quarter and $28.8 million for the first half of the year despite over one month of downtime due to COVID-19, driven by strong operating margins. The Company expects an increase in cash flow in the second half of the year as a result of higher mining rates and grades mined.

 

Mulatos Financial and Operational Review

 

Mulatos produced 35,900 ounces in the second quarter, consistent with the second quarter of 2019. Given ongoing leaching activities, production in the quarter was not significantly impacted by the government mandated temporary suspension in April and May.

 

Total tonnes mined decreased compared to the second quarter of 2019 due to the temporary shutdown which curtailed mining activities until May 18, 2020, impacting results for the quarter and the first half of the year. Following the restart of operations, mining and stripping activities at Mulatos and Cerro Pelon ramped up in May and were operating at budgeted levels in June. At Cerro Pelon, the excess tonnes of waste mined above the life-of-mine waste-to-ore ratio were capitalized in the period and are not included in the operating waste-to-ore ratio of 0.81:1.

 

Total crusher throughput in the second quarter averaged 15,500 tpd for a total of 1,410,888 tonnes stacked at a grade of 1.41 g/t Au. Tonnes stacked in the quarter exceeded tonnes mined due to the processing of stockpiles. Grades stacked were 50% higher than the comparative period of 2019, reflecting the contribution of higher-grade ore from Cerro Pelon. The recovery rate of 56% in the second quarter was primarily impacted by the stacking of higher-grade ore later in the quarter and will be recovered in the second half of the year.

 

Financial Review

 

Second quarter revenues of $57.1 million were 9% higher than the prior year quarter as a result of higher realized gold prices, partially offset by 16% less ounces sold. For the first half of 2020, revenues of $126.4 million were 27% higher than the prior year.

 

Cost of sales (includes mining and processing costs, royalties, COVID-19 costs and amortization expense) of $37.5 million in the second quarter were consistent with the prior year period. Mulatos mined and processed a lower number of tonnes due to the temporary suspension of operations, reducing cost of sales in the period. This was partially offset by $2.0 million of COVID-19 costs reflecting incremental costs incurred while mining operations were suspended. These incremental costs have been excluded from total cash costs and mine-site AISC. On a per ounce basis, cost of sales increased in the second quarter of 2020 due to higher unit mining costs and higher depreciation, partially offset by higher grades processed. Cost of sales for the first half of 2020 of $83.5 million were 20% higher than the prior year.

 

Total cash costs were higher than the prior year period, as a result of higher unit mining and processing costs. Total capital spending for the quarter was $5.1 million, of which $3.7 million of sustaining capital primarily relates to capitalized stripping in the Cerro Pelon pit, which will benefit future periods. The higher sustaining capital spending in the quarter contributed to an increase in mine-site AISC to $890 per ounce compared to the prior year period of $815 per ounce. Capital spending was lower in the first half of 2020 compared with 2019 as prior year capital included construction of Cerro Pelon.

 

Mulatos generated mine-site free cash-flow of $19.3 million in the second quarter, a significant improvement from the prior year period. The increase in cash flow was driven by increased operating margins and lower capital spending. For the first half of 2020, Mulatos generated $33.4 million in free cash flow.

 

Second Quarter 2020 Development Activities

 

Mulatos District (Sonora, Mexico)

 

La Yaqui Grande

 

On July 28, 2020, the Company reported results of an internal study completed on its fully permitted La Yaqui Grande project located in the Mulatos District in Sonora, Mexico. La Yaqui Grande is located approximately 7 kilometres (straight line) from the existing Mulatos operation and adjacent to the past producing La Yaqui Phase I operation. Given the project’s strong economics and its proximity to the existing Mulatos operation, the Company is proceeding with construction of the project starting in the second half of 2020.

 

La Yaqui Grande Project Highlights:

 

 

Kirazlı (Çanakkale, Turkey)

 

On October 14, 2019, the Company suspended all construction activities on its Kirazlı project pending the renewal of its Turkish mining concessions which expired on October 13, 2019. Although the mining concessions have not been revoked and can be renewed following this expiration date, no further construction activities can be completed until the concessions have been renewed.

 

The Company has met all the regulatory requirements and conditions for the concessions to be renewed and reasonably expected the renewal by the expiration date. The communities local to the Kirazlı project remain supportive. As such, the Company is working with the Turkish Department of Energy and Natural Resources on securing the renewal of the mining concessions which will allow for a resumption of construction activities. The renewal is required from the same government department that granted the Operating Permit for Kirazlı in March 2019. The Company will provide updated guidance on the construction schedule and budget for Kirazlı following the receipt of the concession renewal and resumption of construction activities.

 

During the second quarter of 2020, the Company spent $0.6 million at Kirazlı and $3.6 million for the first half of 2020, which includes $1.4 million of working capital payments from prior periods.

 

Lynn Lake (Manitoba, Canada)

 

The Company released a positive Feasibility Study on the Lynn Lake project in December 2017 outlining average annual production of 143,000 ounces over a 10 year mine life at average mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $745 per ounce.

 

The project economics detailed in the 2017 Feasibility Study outlined a 12.5% IRR at a $1,250 per ounce gold price (21.5% IRR and NPV of $290 million at a $1,500 per ounce gold price). Since the release of the 2017 Feasibility Study, the Company has undertaken several initiatives designed to improve the project economics. These include a detailed review of construction capital, the evaluation of various production scenarios and the inclusion of the results of more detailed engineering.

 

During the second quarter, the Company filed the EIS with the federal government. The permitting process is expected to take approximately two years.

 

Development spending (excluding exploration) in the second quarter of 2020 was $1.3 million and $2.8 million for the first half of 2020, primarily related to baseline work and preparation of the EIS submission.

 

Second Quarter 2020 Exploration Activities

 

Island Gold (Ontario, Canada)

 

The 2020 exploration drilling program is focused on continuing to expand the down-plunge and lateral extensions of the Island Gold deposit with the objective of adding new near mine Mineral Resources across the two-kilometre long Island Gold Main Zone. The exploration drilling program in the quarter was designed to follow up on the exploration success in 2019, where high grade gold mineralization was extended across all three areas of focus, most notably in the Main and Eastern Extensions. This resulted in a 21% increase in Mineral Reserves to 1.2 million ounces (3.6 mt grading 10.37 g/t Au), net of mining depletion, and a 46% increase in Inferred Mineral Resources to 2.3 million ounces (5.4 mt grading 13.26 g/t Au) as outlined in the 2019 Mineral Reserve and Resource statement issued on February 18, 2020.

 

Exploration drilling programs at Island Gold were temporarily suspended on March 25, 2020 given the COVID-19 pandemic. The underground diamond drilling program restarted in May with four underground diamond drill rigs currently operating including two focused on underground directional drilling. The surface directional diamond drilling program resumed in early June with three drill rigs currently drilling.

 

A regional exploration program which includes 10,000 m of drilling is also planned in 2020 and is focused on evaluating and advancing exploration targets outside the main Island Gold Mine area on the 9,750-hectare Island Gold Property.

 

Surface exploration drilling

 

A total of 2,167 m was completed in 5 holes during the second quarter as part of the surface directional drilling program. Directional drilling targeted areas peripheral to the Inferred Mineral Resource blocks below the 1,000 m level, with drill hole spacing ranging from 75 m to 100 m. The area that was targeted by the surface directional drill program extends approximately 2,000 m in strike length between the 1,000 m and 1,500 m elevation below surface.

 

Previously reported highlights from the surface and underground drilling program in Island Lower East (E1E-Zone) include:

 

 

Previously reported highlights from the surface drilling program in Island West (C-Zone) include:

 

 

Underground exploration drilling

 

During the second quarter of 2020, a total of 2,601 m of underground exploration drilling was completed in 9 holes from the 620 and 840 levels. The objective of the underground drilling is to identify new Mineral Resources close to existing Mineral Resource or Reserve blocks. A total of 69 m of underground exploration drift development was completed on the 340 and 840 levels during the second quarter of 2020.

 

Previously reported highlights from the underground exploration drilling program in Island East Upper (E1E Zone) include:

 

 

Previously reported highlights from the underground exploration drilling program in Island Main (E1E Zone) include:

 

 

Total exploration expenditures during the second quarter were $1.4 million, of which $1.2 million was capitalized. For the first half of 2020, $5.6 million was spent, of which $5.2 million was capitalized. Given the down time in the second quarter, the Company has revised its exploration budget at Island Gold from $21 million to $17 million, of which $15 million is expected to be capitalized.

 

Mulatos District (Sonora, Mexico)

 

The Company has a large exploration package covering 28,972 hectares with the majority of past exploration efforts focused around the Mulatos mine. Over the last three years, exploration has moved beyond the main Mulatos pit area and is focused on earlier stage prospects throughout the wider district.

 

At the beginning of the second quarter, exploration activities were suspended in response to COVID-19, with exploration activities expected to resume in the second half of 2020. During the second quarter, the Company incurred $0.6 million, mainly related to administrative costs. For the first half of 2020, $2.4 million was spent, of which $0.7 million was capitalized mainly related to La Yaqui Grande project.

 

Lynn Lake (Manitoba, Canada)

 

Exploration activities at the Lynn Lake Project were suspended late in the first quarter due to COVID-19.  As a result, no drilling was completed during the second quarter. The focus throughout the second quarter was interpretation and targeting for the continuation of the drill program at Gordon and MacLellan, and developing and finalizing exploration programs to evaluate and further advance a pipeline of prospective regional exploration targets. Exploration spending in the second quarter totaled $0.7 million and $2.2 million for the first half 2020.

 

Review of Second Quarter Financial Results

 

During the second quarter of 2020, the Company sold 74,605 ounces of gold for revenue of $126.2 million, a 25% decrease from the prior year period driven by lower ounces sold, partially offset by an increase in realized gold prices. The decrease in ounces sold is primarily a result of the temporary shutdown of the Northgate shaft at Young-Davidson to facilitate the tie in of the lower mine infrastructure, as well as temporary suspensions of both Island Gold and Mulatos due to the COVID-19 pandemic. El Chanate concluded residual leaching during the fourth quarter of 2019, further reducing gold sales compared to the prior year.

 

The average realized gold price in the quarter was $1,692 per ounce, a 29% increase compared to $1,309 per ounce realized in the prior year period. The average realized gold price was slightly below the average London PM Fix price of $1,711 per ounce due to the impact of gold hedges.

 

Cost of sales were $103.3 million in the quarter, a 21% decrease compared to the prior year period, driven by lower production at all operating sites. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, cost of sales includes $6.5 million of COVID-19 costs.

 

Mining and processing costs were significantly lower than the comparative period at $67.9 million resulting from reduced underground mining and processing rates at Young-Davidson during the lower mine tie-in, as well as lower tonnes mined and processed at Island Gold and Mulatos due to the impact of COVID-19 on operations.

 

Consolidated total cash costs for the quarter were $933 per ounce, a 33% increase compared to $699 per ounce in the prior year period, driven by higher unit costs at all operating sites. The most significant impact was at Young-Davidson, which increased to $1,564 per ounce in the quarter driven by both a reduction in mining rates and processing of lower grade stockpiles. Total cash costs are expected to decrease significantly in the second half of the year.

 

AISC were $1,276 per ounce in the quarter, a 38% increase to the comparative period in 2019 driven by higher total cash costs, and higher sustaining capital per ounce given lower gold sales.

 

Royalty expense was $1.7 million in the quarter, substantially lower than the prior year period of $3.4 million due to lower gold sales, and a reduced royalty obligation at Island Gold following the repurchase of a royalty earlier this year which reduced the effective royalty rate on Mineral Reserves from 4.4% to 2.2% at Island Gold.

 

Amortization of $27.2 million in the quarter was lower than the prior year period due to less ounces produced and sold. Amortization of $365 per ounce was $44 per ounce higher than the prior year, due to the impact of straight-line amortization on a lower number of ounces sold. The Company expects amortization expense to be approximately $360 per ounce in the second half of the year.

 

The Company recognized earnings from operations of $12.1 million in the quarter, lower than the prior year period due to less ounces sold and COVID-19 costs, partially offset by higher realized gold prices.    

 

The Company reported net earnings of $11.7 million in the quarter, compared to net earnings of $23.6 million in the comparative period. Net earnings benefited from the strengthening Canadian dollar and Mexican Peso, which resulted in a $0.2 million foreign exchange gain, as well as a $10.1 million foreign exchange gain recorded within deferred tax expense. On an adjusted basis, earnings of $9.8 million or $0.03 per share decreased compared to the prior year primarily driven by less ounces sold. Adjusted earnings reflect adjustments for one-time gains and losses, including COVID-19 costs, as well as foreign exchange movements.

 

Associated Documents

 

This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements for the three-month period ended June 30, 2020 and associated Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), which are available from the Company's website, www.alamosgold.com, in the "Investors" section under "Reports and Financials", and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

 

Reminder of Second Quarter 2020 Results Conference Call

 

The Company's senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 11:00 am ET to discuss the second quarter 2020 results.

 

Participants may join the conference call by dialling (416) 340-2216 or (800) 273-9672 for calls within Canada and the United States, or via webcast at www.alamosgold.com.

 

A playback will be available until August 30, 2020 by dialling (905) 694-9451 or (800) 408-3053 within Canada and the United States. The pass code is 9827430#. The webcast will be archived at www.alamosgold.com.

 

About Alamos

 

Alamos is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer with diversified production from three operating mines in North America. This includes the Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in northern Ontario, Canada and the Mulatos mine in Sonora State, Mexico. Additionally, the Company has a significant portfolio of development stage projects in Canada, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. Alamos employs more than 1,700 people and is committed to the highest standards of sustainable development. The Company’s shares are traded on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol “AGI”.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

 

Scott K. Parsons

Vice-President, Investor Relations

(416) 368-9932 x 5439