K92 Mining Inc. (“
K92” or the
“
Company”) (TSX
: KNT;
OTCQX
: KNTNF) is pleased to announce record
quarterly production results for the third quarter
(“
Q3”) of 2024 at its Kainantu Gold Mine in Papua
New Guinea, of 44,304 ounces AuEq or 41,702 oz gold, 1,278,492 lbs
copper and 37,613 oz silver. Sales during the quarter were 45,248
oz gold, 1,615,185 lbs copper and 46,062 oz silver. With over 80%
of AuEq production for the lower end of annual guidance delivered
in the first 9 months of the year, the Company is well positioned
to meet its guidance for 2024 of 120,000-140,000 ounces AuEq.
During the third quarter, the process plant
processed 104,992 tonnes, with a head grade averaging 13.8 g/t AuEq
or 13.0 g/t gold, 0.58% copper and 13.0 g/t silver. Gold equivalent
head grade was the highest since Q4 2020. Gold grades were above
budget driven by higher grade stopes previously scheduled for Q2
being mined in Q3, in addition to a moderate positive gold grade
reconciliation when compared with the Independent Mineral Resource
Model for both gold and copper. Throughput was deliberately reduced
to maximize recoveries at the higher feed grade.
Strong metallurgical recoveries were also
achieved, with record recoveries for gold, averaging 95.3%, and
near-record recoveries of 95.1% for copper during the quarter, and
a record monthly gold recovery of 96.5% and copper recovery of
95.9% in September, exceeding the recovery parameters stated in the
Integrated Development Plan of 93.0% and 95.0% for gold and copper,
respectively (January 2022 effective date)(2).
In the third quarter, the mine delivered 112,333
tonnes of ore mined, with 9 levels mined, including the 1225, 1285,
1305, 1325, and 1345 levels at Kora, and the twin incline level,
950, 1170, 1185, 1205, and 1305 levels at Judd. Long hole open
stoping performed to design. Overall mine development achieved a
total of 2,190 metres. Development rates are expected to
significantly increase near-term driven by: the sequential
completion of multiple infrastructure projects over the next 3
quarters (interim ventilation upgrade operational – Q4 2024, Puma
ventilation drive for life of mine with two x 2 MW fans operational
– Q2 2025, first ore pass/waste pass – early 2025); significant
increase to available headings and advance productivities as two
mining fronts are opened up (twin incline and front below the main
mine); progressive introduction of multiple jumbos and equipment
that are already on site as available headings increase, and; the
execution of various identified productivity initiatives.
During the quarter, the 5-metre diameter,
221.4-metre-long raise bore for the interim ventilation upgrade was
completed. Multiple smaller raises were also completed. Raise bore
piloting and reaming advance rates have notably exceeded budget to
date.
See Figure 1: Quarterly Production, Cash Cost
and AISC ChartSee Figure 2: Gold and Copper Recoveries Chart
Table 1 – 2024 & 2023 Annual Production
Data
|
|
Q3 2023 |
Q4 2023 |
2023 |
Q1 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
Q3 2024 |
Tonnes Processed |
T |
121,201 |
151,908 |
503,484 |
130,632 |
95,582 |
104,992 |
Feed Grade Au |
g/t |
6.2 |
7.4 |
6.8 |
6.4 |
7.5 |
13.0 |
Feed Grade Cu |
% |
0.72% |
0.87% |
0.75% |
0.55% |
0.62% |
0.58% |
Recovery (%) Au |
% |
92.0% |
91.7% |
91.5% |
90.7% |
93.7% |
95.3% |
Recovery (%) Cu |
% |
93.0% |
93.6% |
92.8% |
91.9% |
95.3% |
95.1% |
Metal in Conc & Doré Prod Au |
oz |
22,227 |
33,309 |
100,533 |
24,389 |
21,661 |
41,702 |
Metal in Conc Prod Cu |
T |
809 |
1,238 |
3,488 |
655 |
565 |
580 |
Metal in Conc & Doré Prod Ag |
oz |
40,233 |
56,502 |
160,628 |
35,650 |
26,754 |
37,613 |
Gold Equivalent Production |
oz |
26,225 |
39,101 |
117,607 |
27,462 |
24,347 |
44,304 |
Notes – Gold equivalent for Q3 2024 is
calculated based on:
gold $2,474 per ounce; silver $29.43 per ounce; and copper
$4.17 per pound.
Gold equivalent for
Q2 2024 is calculated based on: gold $2,338 per ounce; silver
$28.84 per ounce; and copper $4.42 per pound.
Gold equivalent for
Q1 2024 is calculated based on: gold $2,070 per ounce; silver
$23.34 per ounce; and copper $3.83 per pound.
Gold equivalent for
Q4 2023 is calculated based on: gold $1,974 per ounce; silver
$23.20 per ounce; and copper $3.71 per pound.
Gold equivalent for
Q3 2023 is calculated based on: gold $1,928 per ounce; silver
$23.57 per ounce; and copper $3.79 per pound.
Qualified Person
K92 Mine Geology Manager and Mine Exploration
Manager, Andrew Kohler, PGeo, a qualified person under the meaning
of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure
for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and is responsible for the
technical content of this news release. Data verification by Mr.
Kohler includes significant time onsite reviewing drill core, face
sampling, underground workings, and discussing work programs and
results with geology and mining personnel.
Technical Report
The Integrated Development Plan (“IDP”) for the
Kainantu Gold Mine Project in Papua New Guinea that contains
information on the Definitive Feasibility Study and Preliminary
Economic Assessment is included in a technical report, titled,
“Independent Technical Report, Kainantu Gold Mine Integrated
Development Plan, Kainantu Project, Papua New Guinea” dated October
26, 2022, with an effective date of January 1, 2022.
About K92
K92 Mining Inc. is engaged in the production of
gold, copper and silver at the Kainantu Gold Mine in the Eastern
Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, as well as exploration and
development of mineral deposits in the immediate vicinity of the
mine. The Company declared commercial production from Kainantu in
February 2018 and is in a strong financial position. A maiden
resource estimate on the Blue Lake copper-gold porphyry project was
completed in August 2022. K92 is operated by a team of mining
company professionals with extensive international mine-building
and operational experience.
On Behalf of the Company,
John Lewins, Chief Executive Officer and
Director
For further information, please contact David
Medilek, P.Eng., CFA, President and Chief Operating Officer at
+1-604-416-4445
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION: This news release includes certain “forward-looking
statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such
forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (i) the
results of the Kainantu Mine Definitive Feasibility Study, and the
Kainantu 2022 Preliminary Economic Assessment, including the Stage
3 Expansion, a new standalone 1.2 mtpa process plant and supporting
infrastructure; (ii) statements regarding the expansion of the mine
and development of any of the deposits; (iii) the Kainantu Stage 4
Expansion, operating two standalone process plants, larger surface
infrastructure and mining throughputs; and (iv) the potential
extended life of the Kainantu Mine.
All statements in this news release that address
events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are
statements that are not historical facts and are generally,
although not always, identified by words such as “expect”, “plan”,
“anticipate”, “project”, “target”, “potential”, “schedule”,
“forecast”, “budget”, “estimate”, “intend” or “believe” and similar
expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or
conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could”, “should” or “might”
occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the
opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements
are made. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on
estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are
beyond our ability to control, that may cause our actual results,
level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
information. Such factors include, without limitation, Public
Health Crises, including the COVID-19 virus; changes in the price
of gold, silver, copper and other metals in the world markets;
fluctuations in the price and availability of infrastructure and
energy and other commodities; fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates; volatility in price of our common shares; inherent
risks associated with the mining industry, including problems
related to weather and climate in remote areas in which certain of
the Company’s operations are located; failure to achieve
production, cost and other estimates; risks and uncertainties
associated with exploration and development; uncertainties relating
to estimates of mineral resources including uncertainty that
mineral resources may never be converted into mineral reserves; the
Company’s ability to carry on current and future operations,
including development and exploration activities at the Arakompa,
Kora, Judd and other projects; the timing, extent, duration and
economic viability of such operations, including any mineral
resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and
reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and
assessments; the Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates,
projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the
availability and costs of achieving the Stage 3 Expansion or the
Stage 4 Expansion; the ability of the Company to achieve the inputs
the price and market for outputs, including gold, silver and
copper; failures of information systems or information security
threats; political, economic and other risks associated with the
Company’s foreign operations; geopolitical events and other
uncertainties, such as the conflicts in Ukraine, Israel and
Palestine; compliance with various laws and regulatory requirements
to which the Company is subject to, including taxation; the ability
to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the
current and future social, economic and political conditions,
including relationship with the communities in Papua New Guinea and
other jurisdictions it operates; other assumptions and factors
generally associated with the mining industry; and the risks,
uncertainties and other factors referred to in the Company’s Annual
Information Form under the heading “Risk Factors”.
Estimates of mineral resources are also
forward-looking statements because they constitute projections,
based on certain estimates and assumptions, regarding the amount of
minerals that may be encountered in the future and/or the
anticipated economics of production. The estimation of mineral
resources and mineral reserves is inherently uncertain and involves
subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral resources
that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic
viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the
quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made
and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation,
Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future
performance, and actual results and future events could materially
differ from those anticipated in such statements. Although we have
attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those contained in the
forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause
actual results to differ materially from those that are
anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that
such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and
future events could differ materially from those anticipated in
such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue
reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any
intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, except as required by law.
Figure 1: Quarterly Production, Cash Cost and
AISC Chart
Figure 2: Gold and Copper Recoveries Chart
Photos accompanying this announcement are available
at:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f384933-6b28-4ab0-bef9-edb6f266fff9https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/928ed0ba-a4b5-4640-b425-90d20c9e7789
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