QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT - DEC 2024
Summary
- Aeris Resources ended the quarter with $33.0 million in cash and receivables, with cash flow from operations increasing from $25.4 million to $33.2 million quarter-on-quarter.
- Cracow gold production was strong at 12.2koz, exceeding expectations and remaining on track for annual guidance.
- Tritton copper production was lower at 3.9kt due to operational challenges, but is still expected to meet annual guidance.
- Mt Colin copper production was significantly improved at 1.9kt with low AISC of A$2.84/lb.
- The Jaguar restart scenario was presented to the Board with attractive metrics, and studies are being advanced to the feasibility level.
- Resource definition drilling at Constellation is complete, with an updated Mineral Resource Estimate expected in the March quarter.
- An in-principle agreement for an extension of the ANZ bonding facility has been reached, pending documentation.
- The company recorded two lost time injuries at Cracow and one reportable environmental incident related to land disturbance.
- A mining improvement project has been initiated at Tritton to increase production rates and improve efficiency.
- Mining at Mt Colin was completed in November 2024, with processing of stockpiled ore expected by early February 2025.
- The Barbara project was deemed non-core, and options for divestment are being considered.
Sentiment
Score: 6
Explanation: The document presents a mixed picture with positive results at Cracow and Mt Colin, but operational challenges at Tritton and the divestment of non-core assets temper the overall sentiment. The company is taking steps to address the issues and has a positive outlook for the future.
Highlights
- Cash and receivables at the end of the quarter were $33.0 million, with cash flow from operations increasing from $25.4 million to $33.2 million quarter-on-quarter.
- Cracow gold production reached 12.2koz, performing better than planned and on track for annual guidance.
- Mt Colin achieved significantly improved copper production of 1.9kt at a low AISC of A$2.84/lb.
- The Jaguar restart scenario is being advanced to feasibility level after presenting attractive metrics to the Board.
- Constellation resource definition drilling is complete, with an updated Mineral Resource Estimate targeted for the March quarter.
- An in-principle agreement for an extension of the ANZ bonding facility has been reached.
- Metallurgical recovery at Tritton continues to be above plan at 95.4%.
- The new paste fill pump and reticulation system at Budgerygar was commissioned in January 2025.
- Mining at Mt Colin was successfully completed in November 2024.
- Processing results for Mt Colin improved significantly with metallurgical recovery up from 62.3% to 85.1%.
Positives
- Cracow gold production is exceeding expectations and is on track to meet the upper end of its production guidance.
- Mt Colin's copper production and low AISC demonstrate strong operational performance.
- The Jaguar restart scenario has attractive potential economics and is progressing to the feasibility stage.
- The completion of resource definition drilling at Constellation and the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate are positive steps.
- The in-principle agreement for the ANZ bonding facility extension provides financial stability.
- The mining improvement project at Tritton is expected to positively impact production rates and operational efficiency.
- Metallurgical recovery at Tritton remains strong at 95.4%.
- The new paste fill pump and reticulation system at Budgerygar is now commissioned.
- The reprocessing of seismic data at Cracow could lead to new drill targets.
- The company has a strong pipeline of organic growth projects and an aggressive exploration program.
Negatives
- Tritton's copper production was impacted by operational challenges, resulting in lower production of 3.9kt.
- The Tritton mine experienced a major dewatering line failure, impacting access to planned stopes.
- The new paste fill pump and reticulation system at Budgerygar was delayed due to overseas supplier issues.
- The Barbara project was deemed non-core, and options for divestment are being considered.
- Aeris recorded two lost time injuries at Cracow and one reportable environmental incident.
- Gross mining costs at Tritton decreased due to lower tonnes mined.
Risks
- Operational challenges at Tritton, including labor shortages and equipment failures, could continue to impact production.
- Delays in the commissioning of new equipment, such as the paste fill pump at Budgerygar, can disrupt mining schedules.
- The divestment of the Barbara project and North Queensland assets could result in a loss of potential future revenue.
- The company's debt position remains at $40 million, and the refinancing process is ongoing.
- Fluctuations in commodity prices could impact the company's profitability.
- The company is exposed to safety and environmental risks, as evidenced by the lost time injuries and environmental incident.
Future Outlook
The company expects increased production from Budgerygar and the Murrawombie open pit in the second half of the financial year. The mill is forecast to be operating at full capacity during Q4 FY25. The Jaguar restart feasibility study is targeted for release in Q4 FY25.
Management Comments
- The company is committed to building strong partnerships with its key community, investment and workforce stakeholders.
- The company has a strong pipeline of organic growth projects, an aggressive exploration program and continues to investigate strategic merger and acquisition opportunities.
Industry Context
The report reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by mining companies, including fluctuating production, operational issues, and the need for strategic capital allocation. The focus on cost management and project development aligns with industry trends.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The reported AISC for Mt Colin at A$2.84/lb is competitive compared to other copper producers, such as those in South America, where AISC can range from $2.50 to $3.50 per pound.
- Cracow's gold production of 12.2koz is a solid result, but it is important to compare this to other Australian gold producers like Newcrest or Northern Star, which often produce significantly higher volumes.
- The operational challenges at Tritton are not uncommon in the mining industry, but the company's response and mitigation strategies will be key to its future performance. Companies like OZ Minerals have faced similar challenges and their recovery strategies can be used as a benchmark.
- The decision to divest the Barbara project and North Queensland assets is a strategic move that aligns with the industry trend of focusing on core assets and larger-scale developments. This is similar to how BHP has divested non-core assets to focus on its major projects.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders may be concerned about the operational challenges at Tritton and the decision to divest the Barbara project, but encouraged by the strong performance at Cracow and Mt Colin.
- Employees may be affected by the operational changes and the divestment of assets, but the company's commitment to building strong partnerships with its workforce is a positive sign.
- Customers may be impacted by the fluctuations in production, but the company's focus on improving efficiency and meeting annual guidance should mitigate these concerns.
- Suppliers may be affected by the divestment of assets, but the company's ongoing operations and growth projects should provide opportunities for continued business.
- Creditors will be reassured by the company's cash position and the in-principle agreement for the bonding facility extension.
Next Steps
- Complete the updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Constellation in Q3 FY25.
- Advance the Jaguar restart study to feasibility level for release to the market in Q4 FY25.
- Finalize the documentation for the extension of the ANZ bonding facility.
- Continue the mining improvement project at Tritton.
- Complete the processing of final stockpiles at Mt Colin by early February 2025.
- Start open pit operations at Murrawombie in February 2025.
- Reprocess seismic data at Cracow to define new drill targets.
- Consider options for divestment of the Barbara project and North Queensland assets.
Key Dates
- August 2013: Initial seismic surveys were carried out at Cracow.
- April-May 2014: Additional seismic surveys were carried out at Cracow.
- November 2024: Mining at Mt Colin was successfully completed.
- January 2025: The new paste fill pump and reticulation system at Budgerygar was commissioned.
- February 2025: Processing of final stockpiles at Mt Colin is expected to be completed and open pit operations at Murrawombie are expected to start.
- March quarter: Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Constellation is targeted.
- Q3 FY25: The updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Constellation is to be completed and the engineering design for integrating the modified flotation plant at the mine site and downstream Albion processing plant will commence.
- Q4 FY25: Feasibility study for Jaguar restart is targeted for release to the market and the mill is forecast to be operating at full capacity.
Keywords
Filings with Classifications
Market Announcement
- The announcement concerns a capital raising by Aeris Resources Limited.
Quarterly Report
- Underground ore production was impacted by delays to stope filling at Budgerygar due to a failure of the newly commissioned paste pump.
- Ramp up to full production at Murrawombie Pit was slower than expected due to the contractor having difficulty securing skilled operators.
Mineral Resource Update
- The document contains better than expected results due to the significant increase in copper and gold resources at the Constellation deposit, with a substantial upgrade to the Indicated Mineral Resource.
Half-Year Results
- The company's financial results for HY25 are significantly better than HY24, with increased revenue, lower costs, and a substantial improvement in profitability.
Quarterly Report
- There were delays to the paste fill plant at Budgerygar.
Quarterly Report
- The ANZ facility was renewed to July 2025 to facilitate the refinancing process.
- The company is working to complete refinancing.
Quarterly Report
- The new paste fill pump and reticulation system at the Budgerygar mine was delayed due to overseas supplier issues.
Annual General Meeting Results
- The AGM approved the issuance of an additional 10% of the issued capital over a 12-month period.
Facility Extension Announcement
- The refinancing process implies the company is seeking additional capital, though the specific method is not detailed.
Quarterly Report
- Tritton and Cracow exceeded production expectations, resulting in better than expected overall production.
- The AISC was lower than expected, indicating better cost management.
Quarterly Operational Report
- The completion of mining activities at Mt Colin is now expected in late November 2024.
Quarterly Operational Report
- Copper equivalent production exceeded expectations, reaching 10.2kt for the quarter.
- All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were lower than anticipated at A$5.32/lb.
Annual Report
- Despite lower overall revenue, Aeris Resources significantly exceeded expectations for Adjusted EBITDA, demonstrating improved operational efficiency and benefiting from higher commodity prices.
Annual General Meeting Notice
- Resolution 3 proposes issuing up to an additional 10% of the issued capital over a 12-month period.
- Funds raised would be used for exploration, assessing investment opportunities, and working capital.
Company Presentation
- Mt Colin's copper production was below guidance due to limited toll processing availability, indicating a delay in processing mined ore.
Quarterly Activities Report
- Mining activities at Mt Colin are now expected to continue until early Q2 FY25, which is later than the previously expected late Q4 FY24.
Presentation
- Delays in toll processing for Mt Colin have resulted in a significant buildup of ore stockpiles.
Missing type for ID: 3564
- ASX:AIS announces better than expected results.
Missing type for ID: 3564
- ASX:AIS announces worse than expected results.
Metallurgical Testwork Results
- The metal recoveries are better than the original conventional flotation flowsheet.
Exploration Update
- The DHEM results suggest that the targeted copper lodes are deeper than initially anticipated, which could increase exploration costs and delay potential production.
Group Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement
- The Jaguar Ore Reserve has not been updated since the previous reporting period (end December 2022).
Group Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement
- The document contains worse than expected results due to the overall decrease in Group Ore Reserve tonnage.
Exploration Update
- The new IP anomaly is larger than the one associated with the existing Canbelego Main Lode, suggesting the potential for a larger copper deposit.
Quarterly Report
- Tritton's metal production was impacted by labour and equipment availability, leading to lower than expected output.
Quarterly Activities Report
- Mt Colin toll processing and copper production are behind schedule.
- Due to reduced processing runs through the year, copper production is forecast to be below guidance for FY24 at Mt Colin.
Exploration Update
- The document contains better than expected results because new geophysical surveys have identified significant new copper targets in close proximity to known, high-grade copper mineralisation at the Canbelego deposit.
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