Cash on Hand Reaches $235.9 million VANCOUVER, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- (All figures in US dollars except where noted) - Northgate Minerals Corporation ("Northgate" or the "Corporation") (TSX: NGX; NYSE Amex: NXG) today announced its financial and operating results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009. Third Quarter 2009 Highlights - Generated excellent cash flow from operations of $50.5 million or $0.20 per share, for a year-to-date total of $145.7 million - Reported adjusted net earnings of $7.7 million or $0.03 per share - Produced 80,791 ounces of gold and 11.9 million pounds of copper at an average net cash cost of $539 per ounce of gold - Sold 85,397 ounces of gold at a realized price of $982 per ounce and 12.8 million pounds of copper at a realized price of $3.39 per pound - Successfully completed an equity offering for net proceeds of $88.5 million to fund the development of the Young-Davidson mine - Northgate's cash balance at the end of the third quarter 2009 was $235.9 million - Successful organic growth at Northgate's operations: - Discovered a significant extension of mineralization at Fosterville, confirming that the Phoenix fault system continues down plunge - Discovered a new gold zone located 300 metres (m) east of current reserves at Young-Davidson. The new zone is completely open down dip. In addition to this discovery, Northgate also reported drill results for 29 shallow diamond drill holes located in and around historic mine workings immediately east of current reserves, which have the potential to add to the 2.8 million ounces of reserves already on the property - Identified approximately 870,000 tonnes of additional mineral reserves containing 93,000 ounces at Stawell, extending the mine- life until Q2-2012 Ken Stowe, President and CEO, stated: "Northgate continued to generate excellent cash flow from operations in the third quarter and is poised to generate our highest annual operating cash flow in 2009, which is highlighted by another record year of gold production. In addition to this milestone, we have made great strides at the Young-Davidson project through the signing of an Impact and Benefits Agreement with the Matachewan First Nation, the completion of a positive pre-feasibility study and an $88.5 million equity offering at the end of September to fund the development of the new Young-Davidson mine. The feasibility study is well underway and we have approved the restart of ramp development and shaft dewatering in the fourth quarter in advance of breaking ground on construction of the new mine infrastructure in 2010. With our treasury in excellent shape, we look forward to building Young-Davidson over the next two years and creating additional value for our shareholders during the same period through continued reserve additions at our mines and projects." Financial Performance Northgate recorded consolidated revenue of $120.2 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared with $99.3 million in the same period last year. Revenues were higher due to a 25% increase in gold production over the same period last year combined with higher realized metal prices for gold and copper in the most recent quarter. Revenues for the nine month period ending September 30, 2009 were $374.3 million. The net loss for the quarter was $8.6 million or $0.03 per share compared with a net loss of $29.4 million or $0.12 per share in the corresponding quarter of 2008. Adjusted net earnings were $7.7 million or $0.03 per share in the third quarter of 2009, which was significantly higher than the adjusted net loss of $28.4 million or $0.11 per share in the same period last year. Adjusted net earnings do not include certain non-cash items from its calculation of net earnings prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Northgate has prepared this figure as it may be a useful indicator to investors. Non-cash items in the third quarter of 2009 include a $10.4 million write-down of investments in auction rate securities and a $5.8 million (net of tax) mark-to-market loss on Northgate's copper forward sales contracts. During the third quarter of 2009, Northgate generated excellent cash flow from operations of $50.5 million or $0.20 per share, which was a dramatic improvement over the $0.6 million or $0.00 per share generated in the corresponding quarter of 2008. In the first three quarters of 2009, Northgate has generated cash flow from operations of $145.7 million. In the third quarter of 2009, Northgate's cash and cash equivalents increased by $115.2 million following the completion of a bought deal financing with net proceeds of $88.5 million and strong free cash flow from operations. Northgate's balance sheet now boasts cash and cash equivalents of $235.9 million and each operation is expected to generate strong operating cash flow for the balance of the year. Results from Operations Fosterville Gold Mine During the third quarter of 2009, a total of 201,130 tonnes of ore were mined, following on the excellent performance of 206,829 tonnes of ore mined in the previous quarter. In addition, mine development advanced a record 2,362m during the quarter. Year-to-date mining rates have increased by over 60% since Northgate took ownership of the mine in February 2008. A total of 201,866 tonnes of ore were milled at a grade of 4.51 grams per tonne (g/t) during the third quarter. Although the mill continued to operate at higher than plan throughput, mill head grades during the quarter were lower than expected due to dilution on some of the stopes mined and lower development grades. Mill head grades are expected to improve in the fourth quarter with the availability of higher grade stopes. Fosterville produced a total of 25,550 ounces of gold during the quarter, which was 65% higher than the 15,491 ounces produced in the corresponding quarter last year. However, production was lower than plan as a result of lower than expected head grades mined, delays in the start up of the carbon-in-leach (CIL) tails retreat and a five-day mill shutdown in late September due to a process upset in the BIOX(R) circuit caused by a power outage at site. These issues have since been resolved and gold production forecast in the fourth quarter remains unchanged at 28,000 ounces. Fosterville is expected to produce over 105,000 ounces of gold for the full year 2009, which is a dramatic improvement over the 66,959 ounces produced in the previous year. The net cash cost of production during the quarter was $612 per ounce of gold, dramatically lower than the $940 per ounce recorded in the same period last year, but significantly higher than the costs recorded earlier in 2009 due to the rapid appreciation of the Australian dollar relative to the US dollar. Stawell Gold Mine Record quarterly ore production was achieved at Stawell in the third quarter, as 193,538 and 195,813 tonnes of ore were mined and milled, respectively. Underground mine development advanced a record 1,937m, which will allow for more mining front flexibility in the future. Gold production of 20,319 ounces was lower than forecast as lower grade ore was mined due to changes in the stoping sequence. However, the record development advance in the third quarter has established additional production fronts, which has improved ore availability. Stawell is forecast to produce 25,000 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter, for a total of 88,000 ounces of gold in 2009. Unit operating costs were at record lows during the quarter, as mining costs were A$56 per tonne of ore mined and milling costs were A$23 per tonne of ore milled. The net cash cost of production during the quarter was $694 per ounce of gold, which was lower than the $738 per ounce of gold recorded in the same period last year. The net cash cost in the most recent quarter was also adversely affected by the strength of the Australian dollar relative to the US dollar. Kemess South During the quarter, Kemess posted gold and copper production of 34,922 ounces and 11.9 million pounds, respectively, which was in line with Northgate's production forecast. The net cash cost of production was $395 per ounce of gold, which was significantly lower than the $597 per ounce reported in the corresponding quarter of 2008. For the full year 2009, Kemess is forecast to produce 172,000 ounces of gold and 51.8 million pounds of copper at a net cash cost of $403 per ounce. While gold and copper production is in line with guidance, the net cash cost is forecast to be significantly lower, as a result of higher copper prices. During the third quarter of 2009, approximately 8.3 million tonnes of ore and waste were removed from the open pit compared to 5.9 million tonnes during the corresponding quarter of 2008. The higher tonnes moved in the most recent quarter resulted in significantly lower unit mining costs of Cdn$1.25 per tonne moved compared with Cdn$1.99 per tonne moved in the same period last year. Gold and copper recoveries in the third quarter were higher at 63% and 79%, respectively, compared with 60% and 69% reported in the third quarter of last year. Recoveries in the most recent quarter are dramatically higher due to improvements in the metallurgical process made earlier in the year, which have made the flotation circuit more efficient in processing lower grade ore with higher sulphide content. These improvements are noteworthy, as they will continue to have a positive impact on the profitability of the lower grade ore, which currently makes up the remaining reserves at Kemess. 2009 Production Forecast Northgate's production forecast is set to achieve an annual record of 365,000 ounces of gold at a net cash cost of $493 per ounce, which has been revised slightly downwards form the previous forecast of 382,500 ounces. The annual production forecast for Kemess is in line with initial estimates, however, the production forecasts for Stawell and Fosterville have been reduced as previously discussed. Cash costs for the balance of 2009 are expected to be slightly higher as a result of the stronger Canadian and Australian dollar relative to the US dollar and declining ore reserves at Kemess. Northgate's production forecast for the balance of 2009 is outlined in the following table: Forecast Forecast Actual (ounces) (ounces) 2009 --------------------------------------- Total Cash Cost Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 (ounces) ($/oz)(1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fosterville 25,779 25,416 25,550 28,000 105,000 $555 Stawell 22,392 20,066 20,319 25,000 88,000 $596 Kemess 59,306 47,895 34,922 30,000 172,000 $403 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 107,477 93,377 80,791 83,000 365,000 $493 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Assuming copper price of $2.75/lb and exchange rates of US$/Cdn$0.95 and US$/A$0.925 for Q4 2009. Moving Ahead with Young-Davidson In July, Northgate released positive results from its pre-feasibility study for the Young-Davidson project and based on these results, immediately began work on a final feasibility study. During the third quarter, a trade-off study was completed on the underground shaft design required for mine operation. The decision was made to deepen the existing Matachewan Consolidated Mine (MCM) shaft to provide access to raise (rather than sink) a new Young-Davidson production shaft, with the potential to advance the start of underground ore production by up to one year. As a result, the MCM shaft dewatering activities and driving of the underground ramp at site have resumed. The feasibility study is progressing on schedule and is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. Northgate took a critical step toward its goal of building a new mine at Young-Davidson during the quarter with the successful closing of an $88.5 million equity issue to fund the development of the mine. Preparations are underway to begin construction at Young-Davidson in 2010. Environmental and permitting activities continued throughout the quarter in support of the project. In addition, the Young-Davidson management team continued to work with local First Nations, with consultations taking place on environmental permit applications and on the implementation of the recently signed IBA. Exploration Overview Fosterville Gold Mine During the third quarter, Northgate's exploration efforts at Fosterville continued to deliver excellent results. Drilling in the Phoenix Deeps returned an intersection of 10.1 g/t gold over 6.7m, including 17.6 g/t gold over 3.7m, confirming that the Phoenix fault system continues down plunge. Follow-up drilling is now underway to confirm the width and grade of the mineralization in the area. Drilling on the Phoenix Extension located just south of existing reserves was conducted in order to upgrade inferred mineral resources to reserve classification. Drilling in this area confirmed the continuity of mineralization down plunge from the current Phoenix orebody, indicating that any reserves ultimately defined can be mined using the existing infrastructure from the current production zone. In the fourth quarter of the year, drilling will continue in the Phoenix extension area and these results combined with the results of the Harrier exploration program will be incorporated into an updated year-end reserve statement, which will be released in the first quarter of 2010. Stawell Gold Mine Following the increase in mineral reserves and resources announced in August, the exploration focus at Stawell has turned to definition and exploration drilling at newly discovered and existing zones in support of resource conversion and further mine-life extensions. To date, 39 holes totalling 39,600m have been completed. Young-Davidson At Young-Davidson, a new area of gold mineralization was discovered 300m east of current ore reserves when two geotechnical/condemnation holes intersected what appears to be the faulted off extension of the current syenite hosted Young-Davidson ore body. Several follow-up holes are currently being drilled to examine the extent of the mineralization in the area. In addition, 29 shallow exploration holes totalling 2,424m were drilled immediately east of the current ore reserve in and around historic mine workings. The purpose of the drill program was to assess the potential for high-grade mafic volcanic hosted gold mineralization within 50m of surface, which would have the potential to add open pit reserves in and around existing mine workings. The mafic volcanic exploration program returned a substantial number of gold intercepts: hole YD09-120 intersected 7.6 g/t gold over 13.5m and hole YD09-114 intersected 13.8 g/t gold over 2.0m and 7.1 g/t gold over 3.8m. Future work will include additional holes along strike to the east and a compilation of data to determine if there are further open pit resources. Summarized Consolidated Results (Thousands of US dollars, except where noted) Q3 2009 Q3 2008 YTD 2009 YTD 2008(1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Data Revenue $ 120,163 $ 99,267 $ 374,278 $ 324,240 Adjusted net earnings(2) 7,660 (28,385) 45,030 9,871 Per share (diluted) 0.03 (0.11) 0.18 0.04 Net earnings (8,563) (29,438) 18,249 (7,926) Per share (diluted) (0.03) (0.12) 0.07 (0.03) Cash flow from operations 50,452 638 145,651 56,947 Cash and cash equivalents 235,929 71,700 235,929 71,700 Total assets $ 787,940 $ 608,589 $ 787,940 $ 608,589 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Data Gold production (ounces) Fosterville 25,550 15,491 76,745 40,561(3) Stawell 20,319 20,956 62,777 72,126 Kemess 34,922 28,141 142,123 123,848 --------------------------------------------------- Total gold production 80,791 64,588 281,645 236,535 --------------------------------------------------- Gold sales (ounces) Fosterville 27,114 14,866 78,352 32,551 Stawell 20,172 22,367 64,415 55,651 Kemess 38,111 27,452 149,886 122,303 --------------------------------------------------- Total gold sales 85,397 64,685 292,653 210,505 --------------------------------------------------- Realized gold price ($/ounce)(4) 982 868 944 900 --------------------------------------------------- Net cash cost ($/ounce)(5) Fosterville 612 940 526 1,086 Stawell 694 738 573 650 Kemess 395 597 373 212 --------------------------------------------------- Average net cash cost ($/ounce) 539 725 459 465 --------------------------------------------------- Copper production (pounds) 11,934 9,195 40,746 37,515 Copper sales (pounds) 12,816 8,633 40,795 38,089 Realized copper price ($/pound)(4) 3.39 2.04 2.70 3.49 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Gold sales, cash costs and Financial Data in YTD 2008 include the results for Fosterville and Stawell from the date of acquisition of February 19, 2008. (2) Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP measure. See section entitled "Non-GAAP Measures" in the Corporation's third quarter MD&A Report. (3) Production in YTD 2008 for Fosterville excludes the change in gold- in-circuit inventory previously recorded. (4) Metal pricing quotational period for Kemess is three months after the month of arrival (MAMA) at the smelting facility for copper and gold. Therefore, realized prices reported will differ from the average quarterly reference prices, since realized price calculations incorporate the actual settlement price for prior period sales, as well as the forward price profiles of both metals for unpriced sales at the end of the quarter. (5) Net cash cost per ounce of production is a non-GAAP measure. See section entitled "Non-GAAP Measures" in the Corporation's third quarter MD&A Report. Cash costs in YTD 2008 include the results for Fosterville and Stawell from the date of acquisition of February 19, 2008. Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30 December 31 Thousands of US dollars 2009 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Unaudited) Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 235,929 $ 62,419 Trade and other receivables 32,126 18,310 Income taxes receivable - 6,837 Inventories (note 3) 35,914 41,546 Prepaids 886 1,989 Future income tax asset 6,670 5,259 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 311,525 136,360 Other assets 27,172 53,606 Deferred transaction costs (note 6) - 775 Future income tax asset 4,638 3,741 Mineral property, plant and equipment 408,491 357,725 Investments (note 4) 36,114 39,422 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 787,940 $ 591,629 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 51,026 $ 56,469 Income taxes payable 26,891 - Short-term loan (note 5) 41,825 43,096 Capital lease obligations 4,996 4,533 Provision for site closure and reclamation costs 24,905 8,420 Future income tax liability - 1,895 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 149,643 114,413 Capital lease obligations 4,014 6,211 Other long-term liabilities 5,903 3,368 Site closure and reclamation obligations 25,564 37,849 Future income tax liability - 14,350 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 185,124 176,191 Shareholders' Equity Common shares (note 6) 401,993 311,908 Contributed surplus 6,091 5,269 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (11,281) (89,503) Retained earnings 206,013 187,764 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 602,816 415,438 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 787,940 $ 591,629 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes form an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts, Three Months Ended Sep 30 Nine Months Ended Sep 30 unaudited 2009 2008 2009 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $ 120,163 $ 99,267 $ 374,278 $ 324,240 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of sales (note 3) 81,959 83,720 228,011 249,087 Depreciation and depletion 27,804 20,172 77,393 49,005 Administrative and general 2,424 2,963 7,062 9,190 Net interest income (112) (1,157) (1,022) (6,320) Exploration 3,132 10,247 11,872 27,765 Currency translation loss (gain) 1,262 (40) 4,638 (6,947) Accretion of site closure and reclamation obligations 802 665 2,301 1,619 Write-down of auction rate securities (note 4) 10,440 16,912 10,948 16,912 Other expense (income) (note 11) (125) (106) (953) (10,682) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 127,586 133,376 340,250 329,629 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings (loss) before income taxes (7,423) (34,109) 34,028 (5,389) Income tax recovery (expense) Current (5,333) 2,779 (30,453) (5,658) Future 4,193 1,892 14,674 3,121 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1,140) 4,671 (15,779) (2,537) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings (loss) for the period (8,563) (29,438) 18,249 (7,926) Other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities (3,622) (15,713) (3,308) (22,838) Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of self-sustaining operations 29,527 (59,809) 70,582 (44,124) Reclassification of other than temporary loss on available for sale securities to net earnings 10,440 16,912 10,948 16,912 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36,345 (58,610) 78,222 (50,050) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comprehensive income (loss) $ 27,782 $ (88,048) $ 96,471 $ (57,976) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings (loss) per share Basic $ (0.03) $ (0.12) $ 0.07 $ (0.03) Diluted (0.03) (0.12) 0.07 (0.03) Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 256,014,978 255,467,109 255,876,448 255,157,746 Diluted 256,014,978 255,467,109 256,390,058 255,157,746 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes form an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements. Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Thousands of US dollars, Three Months Ended Sep 30 Nine Months Ended Sep 30 unaudited 2009 2008 2009 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating activities: Net earnings (loss) for the period $ (8,563) $ (29,438) $ 18,249 $ (7,926) Non-cash items: Depreciation and depletion 27,804 20,172 77,393 49,005 Unrealized currency translation loss (gain) 3,828 (42) 3,819 (4,311) Unrealized gain on derivative - - - (9,836) Accretion of site closure and reclamation obligations 802 665 2,301 1,619 Loss on disposal of assets 93 156 276 112 Amortization of deferred charges 89 54 196 161 Stock-based compensation 352 417 1,106 1,730 Accrual of employee severance costs 197 662 1,527 969 Future income tax recovery (4,193) (1,892) (14,674) (3,121) Change in fair value of forward contracts 8,262 (22,984) 22,619 15,537 Writedown of auction rate securities 10,440 16,912 10,948 16,912 Changes in operating working capital and other (note 12) 11,341 15,956 21,891 (3,903) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50,452 638 145,651 56,948 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investing activities: Release of restricted cash - 14,340 - 67,496 Increase in restricted cash (302) (811) (438) (24,723) Purchase of plant and equipment (7,945) (3,445) (26,833) (20,524) Mineral property development (15,047) (10,664) (32,667) (23,959) Transaction costs paid - (679) - (2,912) Acquisition of Perseverance, net of cash acquired - - - (196,590) Repayment of Perseverance hedge portfolio - - - (45,550) Proceeds from sale of equipment 21 13 331 3,234 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (23,273) (1,246) (59,607) (243,528) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financing activities: Repayment of capital lease obligations (1,145) (1,508) (3,804) (4,916) Financing from credit facility 139 389 398 8,745 Repayment of credit facility (468) (797) (1,667) (9,961) Repayment of other long-term liabilities (4) - (328) (746) Issuance of common shares 88,525 173 88,801 1,700 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 87,047 (1,743) 83,400 (5,178) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 944 (2,825) 4,066 (2,587) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 115,170 (5,176) 173,510 (194,345) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 120,759 76,876 62,419 266,045 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 235,929 $ 71,700 $ 235,929 $ 71,700 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplementary cash flow information (note 12) Interim Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity Number of Common Thousands of US dollars, Common Shares Contributed except common shares, unaudited Shares Amount Surplus ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at December 31, 2007 254,452,862 $ 309,455 $ 3,940 Transitional adjustment on adoption of inventory standard - - - Shares issued under employee share purchase plan 382,909 406 - Shares issued on exercise of options 881,300 1,846 (492) Stock-based compensation - 201 1,821 Net earnings - - - Other comprehensive income - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at December 31, 2008 255,717,071 311,908 5,269 Shares issued under new equity offering (note 6) 34,300,000 89,234 - Shares issued under employee share purchase plan 243,864 301 - Shares issued on exercise of options 144,000 398 (132) Stock-based compensation - 152 954 Net earnings - - - Other comprehensive income - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at September 30, 2009 290,404,935 $ 401,993 $ 6,091 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated Other Thousands of US dollars, Comprehensive Retained except common shares, unaudited Income (loss) Earnings Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at December 31, 2007 $ (3,282) $ 176,663 $ 486,776 Transitional adjustment on adoption of inventory standard - 381 381 Shares issued under employee share purchase plan - - 406 Shares issued on exercise of options - - 1,354 Stock-based compensation - - 2,022 Net earnings - 10,720 10,720 Other comprehensive income (86,221) - (86,221) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at December 31, 2008 (89,503) 187,764 415,438 Shares issued under new equity offering (note 6) - - 89,234 Shares issued under employee share purchase plan - - 301 Shares issued on exercise of options - - 266 Stock-based compensation - - 1,106 Net earnings - 18,249 18,249 Other comprehensive income 78,222 - 78,222 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at September 30, 2009 $ (11,281) $ 206,013 $ 602,816 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes form an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements. --------------------- This press release should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's third quarter MD&A report and accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, which can be found on Northgate's website at http://www.northgateminerals.com/, in the "Investor Info" section, under "Financial Reports - Quarterly Reports". --------------------- Q3 2009 Financial Results - Conference Call and Webcast You are invited to participate in today's live conference call and webcast discussing our third quarter financial results. The conference call and webcast will be held at 10:00 am Toronto time. You may participate in the Northgate Conference Call by calling 416-644-3425 or toll free in North America at 1-800-594-3790. To ensure your participation, please call five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. A live audio webcast and presentation package will be available on Northgate's homepage at http://www.northgateminerals.com/. Conference Replay A replay of the conference call will be available beginning on November 3, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. ET until November 17, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Replay Access # 416-640-1917 Passcode: 4167 983 followed by the number sign Replay Access # 877-289-8525 Passcode: 4167 983 followed by the number sign -------------------- Northgate Minerals Corporation is a gold and copper producer with mining operations, development projects and exploration properties in Canada and Australia. The company is forecasting record gold production of 365,000 ounces in 2009 and is targeting growth through further acquisition opportunities in stable mining jurisdictions around the world. -------------------- Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information: This Northgate press release contains "forward-looking information", as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning Northgate's future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "believes", "anticipates", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "plans" and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "could", "would" or "might" "be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which Northgate operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Northgate cautions that forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Northgate's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information, including, but not limited to gold and copper price volatility; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates; the impact of any hedging activities; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, between actual and estimated reserves and resources or between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; costs of production; capital expenditure requirements; the costs and timing of construction and development of new deposits; and the success of exploration and permitting activities. In addition, the factors described or referred to in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Northgate's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2008 or under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Northgate's 2008 Annual Report, both of which are available on the SEDAR website at http://www.sedar.com/, should be reviewed in conjunction with the information found in this press release. Although Northgate has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this press release is made as of the date of this press release, and Northgate disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law. DATASOURCE: Northgate Minerals Corporation CONTACT: Ms. Keren R. Yun, Director, Investor Relations, Tel: (416) 363-1701 ext. 233, Email: , Website: http://www.northgateminerals.com/

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