QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT - MARCH 2024
Summary
- Aeris Resources Limited reported a copper equivalent production of 9.1kt for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, at an AISC of A$5.31/lb.
- Tritton's production was impacted by labour and equipment availability, but contract labour and additional equipment have been introduced to improve production rates next quarter.
- Cracow's gold production and costs were in line with the plan, with recent drilling identifying potential new vein structures in the Western Vein Field.
- Mt Colin mine production was in line with the plan, although toll processing and copper production were behind schedule.
- Jaguar is on care and maintenance, with exploration focusing on gold potential while a prefeasibility study is underway.
- Stockman feasibility work on the Albion process continues.
- The Environmental Amendment for underground mining at Barbara has been submitted, and a feasibility study has commenced.
- Group FY24 guidance is maintained, with more information on forecast production and costs provided in the operational summaries.
- The company had useable cash and receivables of $28.3 million at the end of the quarter, with a closing cash balance of $19.4 million.
Sentiment
Score: 6
Explanation: The report presents a mixed picture, with some positive aspects like gold production at Cracow and cost control, but also challenges such as production issues at Tritton and delays at Mt Colin. The maintained guidance provides some reassurance, but the overall sentiment is neutral to slightly positive.
Highlights
- Copper equivalent production reached 9.1kt for the quarter at an AISC of A$5.31/lb.
- Gold production at Cracow is in line with the plan, with potential new vein structures identified.
- Mt Colin mine production is in line with the plan, though toll processing is behind schedule.
- Aeris has recorded no lost time injuries through the last quarter, bringing the 12-month LTIFR down to 1.10.
- Tritton expects to deliver copper production around the mid-point of the FY24 guidance range.
- Cracow is on track to achieve the upper end of production guidance and the lower end of operating and capital cost guidance for FY24.
- Mining at Mt Colin will continue approximately 3 months longer than planned and into Q1 FY25 due to strong geotechnical performance.
- At the end of FY24, ore stockpiles of approximately 200kt grading 2% Cu available for processing are forecast at Mt Colin.
- Exploration at the Jaguar Operation has transitioned to focusing exclusively on gold.
- At the end of the quarter, Aeris had useable cash and receivables of $28.3 million with a closing cash balance of $19.4 million.
Positives
- Copper equivalent production of 9.1kt for the quarter.
- AISC of A$5.31/lb for copper equivalent production.
- Gold production and costs at Cracow are in line with the plan.
- Potential new vein structures identified at Cracow.
- Mt Colin mine production is in line with the plan.
- Mining at Mt Colin will continue approximately 3 months longer than planned and into Q1 FY25 due to strong geotechnical performance.
- Operating costs for the quarter were in line with plan at Cracow.
- Exploration at the Jaguar Operation has transitioned to focusing exclusively on gold.
- Aeris has recorded no lost time injuries through the last quarter, bringing the 12-month LTIFR down to 1.10.
Negatives
- Tritton production was impacted by labour and equipment availability.
- Mt Colin toll processing and copper production are behind schedule.
- Tritton's AISC (unit costs) for Q3 were higher quarter-on-quarter on the back of lower production volumes.
- Due to reduced processing runs through the year, copper production is forecast to be below guidance for FY24 at Mt Colin.
Risks
- Labour and equipment availability issues at Tritton could continue to impact production.
- Delays in toll processing at Mt Colin could affect copper production.
- Lower mined grades at Cracow could impact recovery rates.
- Fluctuations in commodity prices could affect revenue and profitability.
- The success of exploration activities at Jaguar is uncertain.
- The feasibility studies for Stockman and Barbara may not yield positive results.
Future Outlook
Aeris expects Tritton to deliver copper production around the mid-point of the FY24 guidance range, and Cracow is on track to achieve the upper end of production guidance and lower end of operating and capital cost guidance for FY24.
Industry Context
This report reflects the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the mining sector, with a focus on maintaining production levels while managing costs and exploring new growth opportunities. The company's focus on exploration and feasibility studies aligns with industry trends towards securing future resources.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- AISC of A$5.31/lb is competative with other Australian copper miners.
- Gold production of 10.2koz at AISC of A$2,679/oz is competative with other Australian gold miners.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: Maintained guidance provides some stability, but production issues at Tritton and delays at Mt Colin could be concerning.
- Employees: Operational changes at Tritton and Jaguar could impact job security.
- Customers: Potential delays in copper production at Mt Colin could affect supply.
- Suppliers: Changes in mining plans could affect demand for goods and services.
- Creditors: Refinancing of debt and bonding facilities is underway.
Next Steps
- Implement measures to improve production rates at Tritton.
- Continue exploration drilling at Cracow.
- Complete the Barbara feasibility study.
- Commence drilling at the Heather Bore prospect at Jaguar.
- Finalize Albion leach test work for Stockman in Q4 FY2024.
- Schedule processing runs for Mt Colin ore stockpiles in Q1 and Q2 of FY25.
Key Dates
- July 2022: Previously unreported drill hole completed in July 2022
- 31 March 2024: End of the reported quarter.
- Early May 2024: The next drilling program at Constellation is scheduled to commence.
- Mid-April: A processing run for ca. 105kt ore was completed at Mt Colin.
- June quarter: Drilling will commence at the Heather Bore prospect at Jaguar.
- Q1 2025: Mining at Mt Colin will continue approximately 3 months longer than planned and into Q1 FY25.
- Q1 2025: The Feasibility Study for the Barbara underground mining project is expected to be completed.
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
- The ANZ facility was renewed to July 2025 to facilitate the refinancing process.
- The company is working to complete refinancing.
Quarterly Report
- There were delays to the paste fill plant at Budgerygar.
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 worse than expected results.
Missing type for ID: 3564
- ASX:AIS announces better 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.
Disclaimer: This summary was generated by artificial intelligence and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.