IAMGOLD Announces Updated Strategic Focus & Asset Portfolio Optimization, Preliminary 2021 Operational Results & 2022 Guidance, Côté Q4 Activities and Rosebel Update Strategic Focus
NEWS RELEASE
TSX: IMG NYSE: IAG
IAMGOLD ANNOUNCES UPDATED STRATEGIC FOCUS & ASSET PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION, PRELIMINARY 2021 OPERATIONAL RESULTS & 2022 GUIDANCE, CÔTÉ Q4 ACTIVITIES AND ROSEBEL UPDATE
Strategic Focus
- Prioritizing highest return portfolio assets with the strongest net free cash flow and value creation; commencing a strategic review process to evaluate options for Rosebel
2021 Operational Results
- 2021 attributable gold production of 601,000 ounces near the top of the updated production guidance
- Cash costs1 expected to be within updated guidance range of $1,115 to $1,150 per ounce sold
- All-in sustaining costs (“AISC”)1 expected to be within updated guidance range of $1,395 to $1,435 per ounce sold2
2022 Outlook
- Attributable gold production guidance of 570,000 to 640,000 ounces
- Cash costs guidance of $1,100 to $1,150 per ounce sold3 and AISC guidance of $1,650 to $1,690 per ounce sold
Côté Gold Project
- Project completion at 43.4% and remains on track for H2 2023 commercial production
Rosebel Life of Mine Plan
- Potential for extended mine life; expected to ramp up to over 300,000 ounces per year
Toronto, Ontario, January 12, 2022 – IAMGOLD Corporation (“IAMGOLD” or the “Company”) today announced preliminary full year and fourth quarter 2021 operational results, 2022 operational outlook, a progress update for the Côté Gold Project (“Côté Gold”), updated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates and a new lifeof-mine plan (the “Rosebel 2022 LOMP”) for the Rosebel Gold Mine, including the satellite Saramacca Mine (together, “Rosebel”).
As part of a focused strategy to prioritize the highest return assets within the portfolio to achieve the strongest net free cash flow and value creation for shareholders, while concentrating on core operating jurisdictions, the Company has been progressing a review of its portfolio of assets. The key objective of this review is to deliver an appropriate allocation of capital and resources between the Company’s existing mines and its Côté Gold project to generate the best return on invested capital while advancing Côté Gold to production.
“IAMGOLD finished with a strong quarter bringing production for the year to the upper end of revised guidance as we strive to deliver on our commitments,” stated Gordon Stothart, President and Chief Executive Officer of IAMGOLD. “Looking ahead, we are fully focused on bringing Côté Gold into production and we remain on track to commence commercial production in the second half of 2023. Operationally, we expect continued strong performance at Essakane, following a record year of production in 2021, supporting the turnaround at Rosebel and continued ramp up of Westwood. At the same time, we will continue our review to ensure we focus on value generating assets, maximizing net free cash flow, and prudent management of IAMGOLD’s capital – towards our goal of becoming a leading high-margin gold producer.”
OPERATIONS
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Operational Results
In 2021, IAMGOLD achieved attributable gold production of 601,000 ounces, in line with updated guidance of 565,000 to 605,000 ounces, and including 153,000 ounces produced in the fourth quarter. Annual revenues4 were approximately $1.2 billion based on attributable gold sales of 590,000 ounces. Fourth quarter revenues were approximately $295 million based on attributable gold sales of 152,000 ounces.
| Quarter ended December 31, 2021 Essakane Rosebel Westwood | Consolidated Q4 2021 Q3 2021 |
| Gold produced, attributable* koz 98 42 13 | 153 153 |
| Material mined kt 15,016 13,788 290 Waste mined kt 10,903 11,594 - Ore mined kt 4,113 2,194 290 Mill feed kt 3,292 2,449 254 Mill feed grade g/t 1.13 0.78 1.83 Gold recovery % 91 86 90 | |
| Full year 2021 Essakane Rosebel Westwood | Consolidated 2021 2020 |
| Gold produced, attributable* koz 412 154 35 2021 guidance koz 390 – 400 140 – 160 35 – 45 | 601 653 565 – 605 |
| Material mined kt 60,420 43,138 1,025 Waste mined kt 44,405 37,163 - Ore mined kt 16,015 5,975 1,025 Mill feed kt 12,948 9,887 965 Mill feed grade g/t 1.31 0.70 1.24 Gold recovery % 84 85 92 | |
| Cash costs1 $/oz AISC1 $/oz | $1,115 – $1,150 $988 $1,395 – $1,435 $1,232 |
Notes: The numbers contained in this document are subject to finalization.
Attributable ounces account for IAMGOLD ownership interests: Essakane – 90%; Rosebel (excluding Saramacca) – 95%, Saramacca – 66.5%; Westwood – 100%
Annual attributable gold production for Essakane was 412,000 ounces (457,000 ounces on a 100% basis), exceeding the upper end of the updated guidance range of 390,000 to 400,000 ounces, as the mine continued to benefit from the mill debottlenecking project completed earlier in the year. In the fourth quarter, attributable production was 98,000 ounces based on a record mill feed of 3.3 million tonnes at a head grade of 1.13 grams per tonne gold (“g/t Au”) and improved gold recoveries of 91% as mining activities moved into lower graphitic ore zones.
Annual attributable gold production for Rosebel was 154,000 ounces (188,000 ounces on a 100% basis), at the upper end of the updated guidance range of 140,000 to 160,000 ounces. In the fourth quarter, attributable production was 42,000 ounces based on total mill feed of 2.4 million tonnes at an average head grade of 0.78 g/t Au and average recovery of 86%. Mining activities saw the Rosebel pits contribute 1.16 million ore tonnes with a strip ratio of 8.1 (waste to ore), and Saramacca contribute 1.03 million ore tonnes with a strip ratio of 2.1 (waste to ore). Efficiency improvements of the carbon adsorption/desorption circuit were completed at the end of the fourth quarter, with further improvements in the drawdown from gold-in-circuit expected in the first quarter of 2022.
Annual gold production for Westwood was 35,000 ounces, at the lower end of updated guidance of 35,000 to 45,000 ounces, following the restart of underground operations in June 2021. In the fourth quarter, the operations produced 13,000 ounces, as ore production from Westwood underground ramped up and resulted in a higher average head grade of 1.83 g/t Au. Mill feed totaled 254,000 tonnes and gold recoveries were 90%. Although underground mine productivity is improving, the pace of the ramp up remains cautious in keeping with the safetyfirst culture of IAMGOLD, as the Company continues to prioritize the implementation of enhanced ground support
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and additional safety measures, coupled with continued pressures associated with general labour shortages in the region.
The Company’s consolidated cash costs and consolidated AISC for its three operating mines are expected to be between the 2021 updated guidance ranges of $1,115 and $1,150 per ounce sold and $1,395 and $1,435 per ounce sold, respectively, excluding the impact of potential net realizable value adjustments on long term stockpiles. Long term stockpiles include historic costs which relate to ore mined in prior periods not expected to be processed in 2022. Capital expenditures for 2021 are expected to come in line with expectations, with Côté Gold preliminary spending in the fourth quarter estimated at $147 million, comparing well with guidance estimates of $150 million.
IAMGOLD ended 2021 with approximately $545 million in cash and cash equivalents, $42 million in restricted cash, $8 million in short term investments and $498 million in its undrawn credit facility.
COVID-19 Response
The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Despite widespread mass immunization programs intended to limit the effect of the virus in many countries, including Canada and Suriname, the emergence of new variants, such as the new Omicron variant, has been causing rates of infection to rapidly increase again globally. The Company continues to closely monitor developments and is taking necessary measures to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its personnel, operations, construction and development projects and exploration activities. The previously implemented protocols remain in place at our sites and are reviewed on an ongoing basis to adapt to the evolving situation.
2022 Guidance
IAMGOLD’s operational guidance for 2022 is as follows:
- Attributable gold production of 570,000 to 640,000 ounces;
- Cash costs1 between $1,100 and $1,150 per ounce sold;
- AISC1 between $1,650 and $1,690 per ounce sold. Sustaining capital expenditures have increased due to a higher proportion of stripping costs categorized as sustaining capital due to the particular areas that are mined and the stage of the mine's life to align with World Gold Council guidelines;
- Sustaining capital expenditures1 of $310 million (± 5%) of which the majority is related to capital waste stripping and underground development;
- Côté Gold expenditures of between approximately $590 to $620 million;
- Other expansion capital expenditures1 (ex-Côté Gold) of approximately $70 million (± 5%) including approximately $20 million at Boto Gold project; and
- Exploration expenditures of approximately $35 million, including near-mine and greenfield programs.
| Operating Guidance | Consolidated | Essakane Rosebel Westwood | Côté Boto |
| Gold production, attributable* koz | 570 – 640 | 360 – 385 155 – 180 55 – 75 | |
| Cash costs1 $/oz AISC1,2 $/oz | 1,100 – 1,150 1,650 – 1,690 | ||
| Sustaining capital1 expenditures $M (± 5%) incl. capitalized stripping* Expansion capital1 expenditures $M (± 5%)* | 310 660 – 690 | 165 105 40 5 35 10 | 590 – 620 20 |
Notes: Figures may not add due to rounding. The 2022 guidance is based on the following full year assumptions: USD:CAD exchange rate of 1.25 (Côté 2022 capital expenditures assumes USD:CAD of 1.30), EUR:USD exchange rate of 1.20 and average crude oil price of $70 per barrel.
- Attributable ounces and capital expenditures account for IAMGOLD ownership interests: Essakane – 90%; Rosebel (ex-Saramacca) – 95%, Saramacca – 66.5%; Westwood – 100%; The Company owns 64.75% of Côté Gold and is contributing 70% of the Côté Gold joint venture capital expenditures.
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In 2022, Essakane attributable gold production is forecast to be in the range of 360,000 to 385,000 ounces, with production expected to be relatively steady over the year as planned grades normalize closer to reserve grades, offset slightly by higher recoveries due to expected lower graphitic content. Cash costs are expected to increase slightly due to increased cost pressures and additional security measures. The increase in AISC reflects the increase in operating costs, as well as higher sustaining capital and capitalized waste stripping. Sustaining capital expenditures of $165 million include capitalized waste stripping, while expansion capital expenditures are expected to reduce accordingly to approximately $5 million. Looking beyond 2022, Essakane is expected to continue to produce in the range of 325,000 ounces and 375,000 ounces in each of 2023 and 2024.
In 2022, Rosebel attributable gold production is forecast to be in the range of 155,000 to 180,000 ounces, with production expected to be stronger in the second half after the seasonal rains subside and as a result of expected increased recoveries from continuing refurbishment initiatives at the mill complex. Sustaining capital expenditures of $105 million include capitalized waste stripping, tailings facility expansion and maintenance. Expansion capital of $35 million includes the completion of non-critical path items related to Saramacca and investments in the processing facility. Looking beyond 2022, Rosebel is expected to produce 180,000 to 200,000 of attributable gold ounces in 2023 and 2024. The Company has completed an updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate and life-of-mine plan for Rosebel, details of which are outlined below in the section titled “Rosebel Update”.
In 2022, gold production at the Westwood complex is forecast to be in the range of 55,000 to 75,000 ounces, assuming the safe re-start of two additional underground zones (Central and West). Production levels are expected to increase each quarter benefitting from the continued ramp-up of underground mining activities and increasing grade from the adjacent Grand Duc open pit. Looking beyond 2022, the Company is continuing to evaluate potential strategic alternatives for Westwood, while ramping up mining activities and development, balanced with the need for the ground support activities implemented in 2021. The additional development and resumption of mining in the Central and West zones are expected to allow for the Westwood complex to ramp up to the 90,000 to 100,000 ounce per year production level with corresponding improvements in cost profile.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results
IAMGOLD will release its fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results after market hours on Wednesday, February 23, 2022. A conference call will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) for a discussion with management regarding IAMGOLD’s 2021 fourth quarter and full-year operating performance and financial results.
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CÔTÉ GOLD - FOURTH QUARTER PROJECT UPDATE
Project Activities
In December 2021, the Company announced the appointment of Jerzy Orzechowski as Executive Project Director for Côté Gold. Mr. Orzechowski is a senior executive specializing in project development, management, engineering, construction and strategic planning with 40 years of experience working in various project execution strategies (EPC, EPCM, joint ventures, turn-key) and in all phases of large capital projects implementation and execution. His wealth of experience with large projects will be invaluable in bringing Côté Gold through construction completion to production. The management of the project now reports to Mr. Orzechowski and he reports directly to the CEO and is involved in the oversight by the Côté Project Review Committee of the Board.
As of December 31, 2021, detailed engineering reached approximately 92.2% with plant civil and concrete deliverables principally completed and mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation continuing into the first quarter of 2022. Overall the Project was approximately 43.4% complete. The following provides an update on project activities for the fourth quarter of 2021:
Project Activity Q4 2021 Update
Health and safety The Project surpassed 3.4 million hours with no lost time injuries. Our COVID-19 monitoring programs, including antigen, PCR and sewage testing, remain robust and we continue to assess site protocols in view of the emergence of the Omicron variant. The return of the workforce from the holiday period is being structured to adjust ramp up and permit close monitoring of the Omicron variant threats. Improvements in vaccination rates on site continued.
Earthworks activities Earthwork activities continued with the main focus on ensuring major infrastructure for 2022 freshet are in place. Water realignment channel work continued. Clam Lake Dam #1 and #2 are now complete. Work on New Lake South Dam final lifts was completed prior to the end of the year and New Lake North Dam is progressing well. Tailings management facility starter dam foundation excavation commenced as planned in early December.
Mining activities Overburden pre-stripping in the pit is advancing and during the period access to fresh rock was achieved to the east. The first ore blast was taken in October 2021 in the southern area of the pit and mining activities broke through elevation 382 throughout several areas of the pit – a significant milestone achieved for the project.
Processing plant Processing facility structural steel erection, which commenced in mid-October, has completed all major lifts with only a minor part of in-fill steel remaining to be erected for the high-bay grinding section of the building. Wall panel cladding installation has started with approximately 32% completed at quarter end. The Company remains on track for process building enclosure by the end of the first quarter of 2022. Other civil works associated with the processing facility including the HPGR/secondary crusher building and primary crushing building were completed during the quarter. The primary crusher feeder frames, chutes and associated supports are now on site. Fabrication of conveyors is progressing well with delivery as sections are completed. Major components of the ball mill such as motor, chillers and shells are progressing well and elements have started shipping.
Other activities and Permanent camp commissioning is complete providing, along with the construction camp, supply chain a total of 1388 rooms. The project averaged approximately 800 workers at site prior to the ramp down for the holidays. The permanent potable water treatment plant has been commissioned and the camp is planning to switch to grid power early in the new year. Work on the 42 kilometer 115KV power line has started with tree clearing.
Equipment delivery is ongoing and inventory on site continues to increase. We continue to closely monitor global logistics risks and, at this time, are not expecting material impacts on the project schedule, although challenges in the global supply chain persist which may be amplified by impacts from the current Omicron wave.
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Project Activity Q4 2021 Update
Permitting and The Company secured a number of key operations phase permits during the quarter, sustainability including the provincial Environmental Compliance Authorization for operations, the key remaining permit, the permit to take water and permits required to support the construction of the transmission line. Community consultations and ongoing implementation of the impact benefit agreements signed with indigenous partners continue. Remaining, noncritical path, minor permits are expected to be received during the remainder of the project.
Operational Operational readiness continued to advance mainly focused on organizational design, and readiness hiring, and initiation of training programs which are expected to ramp up in the first quarter of 2022. Other key activities included the ongoing work related to the identification of spare parts requirements for critical equipment and procurement strategies for key consumables.
Project Expenditures
At the end of the fourth quarter 2021, 87% of procurement and 79% of contracts packages have been awarded. The Company incurred $119 million and expended $147 million in project costs (at an average recorded USDCAD exchange rate, excluding the impact of hedges, of 1.27) in the fourth quarter of 2021 and expended $412 million (at an average recorded USDCAD exchange rate of 1.26) since July 1, 2020, including capital expenditures summarized in the table below and non-capital project costs.
| Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2021 Q1 2021 | 2021 | Since July 1, 2020 |
| Expended costs* ($ millions) $147 $72 $90 $50 | $359 | $412 |
Project costs prior to July 1, 2020 are not included in the Company’s portion of reported total expended costs. Project costs include (i) ore mined recorded as stockpiles which totaled $1.8 million in the fourth quarter 2021, and (ii) certain offsets including realized derivative gains of $4.8 million in the fourth quarter and $16.2 million in 2021.
The Company's share of estimated remaining total costs to completion from January 1, 2022 onwards is $710 to $760 million and is estimated to be expended based on the following updated schedule: 2022 – approximately $590 to $620 million; and 2023 – approximately $120 to $140 million. These amounts are estimated at a USDCAD exchange rate of 1.30 and take into consideration working capital adjustments and the schedule and upcoming milestones set out below. Accordingly, actual reported results may vary.
Schedule and Upcoming Milestones
Construction of the project commenced in the third quarter 2020 and major earthworks commenced in the first quarter 2021. The project remains on track for commercial production in the second half of 2023 with the following remaining key milestones:
- Process building enclosed: Q1 2022 • Permanent power available: Q4 2022
- Start of owner mining: Q3 2022 • Commissioning completed: Q3 2023
- Tailings Management Facility Phase 1: Q4 2022 • Commercial production: H2 2023
Although to the end of the fourth quarter 2021, no material delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been experienced at site, cases in Ontario and other provinces have risen rapidly into January 2022. The schedule and timing of expenditures going forward do not account for any potential delays or disruptions caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic, including potential impacts on timing of activities, availability of workforce and productivity, supply chain and logistics.
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Other Developments in the Fourth Quarter 2021
The Company reported in October 2021 an initial mineral resource estimate for the Gosselin deposit (on a 100% basis using a US$1,500 per ounce gold price) of 124.5 million tonnes of indicated resources averaging 0.84 grams of gold per tonne for 3.35 million ounces of gold and 72.9 million tonnes of inferred resources averaging 0.73 grams of gold per tonne for 1.71 million ounces of gold. This represents a 33% increase in total contained gold at Côté Gold in measured and indicated resource categories to 13.55 million ounces and a 45% increase in total contained gold in the inferred resources category to 5.5 million ounces. The Gosselin deposit has only been drilled to approximately half of the depth of the Côté Gold deposit and remains open at depth and along strike. This demonstrates the long-term district scale potential and the exploration upside of the Project. Please refer to the Company’s news release dated October 18, 2021 for further details.
Côté Construction Photos
Côté Gold – Processing Plant Wall Panel Cladding (January 2022)
Côté Gold – TMF Starter Dam Foundation Excavation (January 2022)
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ROSEBEL UPDATE
The Company is reporting an updated Mineral Reserves estimate for Rosebel (on 100% basis) of 3.8 million ounces of gold and an updated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources estimate (on a 100% basis and including Mineral Reserves) of 6.3 million ounces of gold as of December 31, 2021. Production is expected to ramp up to an estimated 300,000 ounces per year on a 100% basis starting in 2025 until the current expected end of mine life in 2033 based on the updated Mineral Reserves estimate.
Over the last two years, Rosebel has encountered certain challenges that have resulted in delays in stripping, strategic pit pushbacks, maintenance and the completion of required infrastructure at Saramacca. The Rosebel 2022 LOMP requires material capital investment in 2022 and 2023 to implement projects and initiatives aimed at redressing some of these challenges. As a result of the Company’s current capital allocation prioritization, the Company is commencing a strategic review process to evaluate options for Rosebel.
The Rosebel 2022 LOMP is supported by the updated Mineral Reserves and Resources estimates as at December 31, 2021 contained in this news release. The Rosebel technical results will be incorporated in a new technical report titled "Technical Report on the Rosebel Gold Mine, Suriname" (the "Rosebel Technical Report") prepared by Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (“RGM”), a subsidiary of the Company, in collaboration with WSP Global Inc. (“WSP”) and SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (“SRK”) in accordance with National Instrument 43-101
- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The Rosebel Technical Report will be filed on
SEDAR within 45 days of this news release and readers are encouraged to read the Rosebel Technical Report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the details summarized in this news release.
Rosebel 2022 LOMP
The Rosebel 2022 LOMP is based on revised geological models incorporating further drilling results for the Rosebel and Saramacca deposits, accounts for cost increases and is conservatively constrained given the other capital requirements of the Company at the present time. Two of the key priorities for Rosebel relate to stripping and mill capacity to treat hard rock. Considerable stripping is required to access deep, higher grade ore in existing pits resulting in the necessity for a material capital outlay in the next five years. The capacity for the mill to deal with the Rosebel ore hardness could be alleviated by the replacement and expansion of two crushers at an estimated cost of approximately $30 million.
Various additional value-accretive scenarios were reviewed in connection with completing the Rosebel 2022 LOMP, including the acceleration of the investment in the comminution circuit, expansion of the mining fleet to accelerate stripping and access to higher grade ore, the advancement of throughput expansion opportunities within the processing facility, and the achievement of certain productivity and costs optimization opportunities. These scenarios assumed additional available capital and demonstrated material potential opportunities to improve the economics of the operations. Further, Rosebel is located in a geologically endowed region for gold with potential for further discovery through increased investment in exploration.
The mining rate in the Rosebel 2022 LOMP is estimated at a rate of 59 million tonnes per year in 2022 and steadily increases to a rate of 64 million tonnes per year from the Rosebel and Saramacca pits until 2026 through a period of increased stripping. From 2027 the mining rate will further increase to 73 million tonnes per year with additional loading and hauling units and will start to decline from 2031 as pits are mined out.
Appendix “A” to this news release outlines the Rosebel 2022 LOMP schedule including mining, stripping ratio, milling, head grades and capital and operating costs. The table below provides a summary of the key operating parameters for the Rosebel 2022 LOMP on a 100% basis:
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| Rosebel 2022 LOMP - 100% basis* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Life of Mine | yrs | 12 |
| Rosebel Mining | ||
| Ore mined | Mt | 74 |
| Waste mined | Mt | 421 |
| Strip ratio | w:o | 5.7 |
| Ore grade | g/t | 0.98 |
| Saramacca Mining | ||
| Ore mined | Mt | 22 |
| Waste mined | Mt | 165 |
| Strip ratio | w:o | 7.6 |
| Ore grade | g/t | 1.76 |
| Processing | ||
| Tonnes milled | Mt | 106 |
| Head Grade | g/t | 0.97 |
| Recovery | % | 91 |
| Gold production | 000 oz | 3,327 |
| Gold sales | 000 oz | 3,274 |
| Cash costs | $/oz | 993 |
| AISC | $/oz | 1,350 |
| Based on mineral reserves and mineral resources as at December 31, 2021. |
Capital Costs
Capital costs include capitalized waste stripping, resource development costs, other sustaining capital expenditures (including mine equipment additions and replacements, tailings facility expansion) and expansion capital (including the crusher upgrades and completion of the development of Saramacca). A total of $1.24 billion of capital expenditures is estimated for the remaining 12 years of mine life, which equates to $11.70 per tonne milled or $374 per ounce produced.
Operating Costs
Average mine operating cost (inclusive of waste stripping) over the mine life is estimated at $2.70 per tonne mined based on assumed diesel costs: 2022 at $0.71 per liter, 2023 at $0.67 per liter, 2024-2033 at $0.66 per liter. The average total milling cost (inclusive of power) is estimated to be $10.51 per tonne milled. Mill consumables have seen significant increases, as increased hard rock ratios are expected to translate to an increase in power and grinding media consumption, while the addition of saprolite and laterite from Saramacca to the mill has increased cyanide and lime consumption. The average general and administrative cost is estimated at $4.37 per tonne milled and assumes an average annual spend of $38 million.
Mineral Reserves
The updated Mineral Reserves estimate for Rosebel and Saramacca (on 100% basis using $1,300 per ounce gold price) is 109 million tonnes comprised of Proven and Probable reserves and existing stockpiles at an average grade of 1.1 g/t Au for 3.8 million ounces of contained gold as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of 20% in terms of contained ounces from the prior update (refer to Company press release dated February 17, 2021).
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Rosebel and Saramacca Contained Ounces Attributable Mineral Reserves Estimate Tonnes Grade 100% Contained Ounces At December 31, 2021
(000) (g/t) (000s) (000s)
Rosebel
Proven & Probable 77,135 1.0 2,427 2,306 Stockpiles 9,667 0.5 168 160
Saramacca
| Proven & Probable | 21,863 | 1.7 | 1,225 | 814 |
| Stockpiles | 499 | 0.5 | 8 | 6 |
| Total Proven & Probable,incl. stockpiles | 109,164 | 1.1 | 3,829 | 3,286 |
Notes:
- CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves.
- Attributable ounces calculated as 95% for Rosebel and 66.5% for Saramacca. Mineral Reserves include material from Rosebel and Saramacca concession.
- Mineral Reserves were estimated assuming open pit mining methods using an average long-term gold price of $1,300/oz.
- Mineral Reserves are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.23 to 0.67 g/t Au depending on material and pits.
- Mineral Reserves include a dilution between 3% and 21% at a grade of 0.1 g/t to 0.29 g/t Au.
- Mineral Reserves include a mining recovery between 94% and 99% depending of the zone.
- Average weighted CIL process recovery is estimated at 89.2%.
- Proven and Probable Reserves are included in the Measured and Indicated Resources.
- Numbers may not add due to rounding.
- Ore grades reported on 100% basis and attributed represents planned mill head grades and have not been reduced for the respective ownership agreement/royalties.
Mineral Resources
The updated Mineral Resources estimate for Rosebel and Saramacca (on 100% basis using $1,500 per ounce gold price and including Mineral Reserves) is comprised of Measured and Indicated resources totalling 174 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.1 g/t Au for 6.3 million ounces of contained gold as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of 34% from the prior update (refer to Company press release dated February 17, 2021).
| Rosebel and Saramacca | Contained Ounces | Attributable | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Resources (incl. Mineral Reserves) | Tonnes | Grade | 100% | Contained Ounces |
| At December 31, 2021 | (000) | (g/t) | (000s) | (000s) |
Rosebel
| Measured | 10,736 | 0.6 | 223 | 212 |
| Indicated | 139,813 | 1.0 | 4,567 | 4339 |
| Inferred | 16,051 | 0.9 | 455 | 432 |
Saramacca
| Measured | 499 | 0.5 | 8 | 6 |
| Indicated | 22,667 | 2.1 | 1,507 | 1,002 |
| Inferred | 5,966 | 1.2 | 233 | 155 |
| Total Measured & Indicated | 173,715 | 1.1 | 6,305 | 5,558 |
| Total Inferred | 22,017 | 1.0 | 687 | 587 |
Notes:
- CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.
- Attributable ounces calculated as 95% for Rosebel (excluding Saramacca) and 66.5% for Saramacca.
- Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade which varies between 0.18 and 0.54 g/t Au depending on material type and pit. Mineral Resources are estimated using an average long-term gold price of US$1,500/oz.
- Mineral Resources are constrained by Whittle optimized pit shells using economic parameters consistent with those used for Mineral Resources estimates in the Rosebel Technical Report.
- A minimum mining width of 5m was used for 2021.
- Bulk density is estimated by Ordinary Kriging (OK) by weathering type except for PC - RB - MA which is a mean value based on SG dataset.
- Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
- Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not demonstrate economic viability.
- Numbers may not add due to rounding.
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Mineral Reserves and Resources – 2021 vs 2020
| MINERAL RESERVES COMPARISON | |||
| 2020 Contained Ounces Tonnes Grade 100% (000) (g/t) (000s) | 2021 Contained Ounces Tonnes Grade 100% (000) (g/t) (000s) | Δ Contained Ounces 100% (000s) % | |
| Proven Probable Stockpiles | 11,479 0.7 264 111,657 1.2 4,282 14,502 0.5 251 | 1,161 1.4 51 97,837 1.1 3601 10,166 0.5 177 | -213 -80% -681 -15% -74 -29% |
| Total Proven & Probable + Stockpiles | 137,638 1.1 4,797 | 109,164 1.1 3,829 | -968 -20% |
The majority of the decrease in the Mineral Reserves estimate was primarily in the Rosebel pits incorporating an updated geologic model, new cost model, pit optimization assumptions and 2021 production depletion offset by an increase in the long-term gold price assumption from $1,200 to $1,300/oz.
| MINERAL RESOURCES COMPARISON | |||
| 2020 Contained Ounces Tonnes Grade 100% (000) (g/t) (000s) | 2021 Contained Ounces Tonnes Grade 100% (000) (g/t) (000s) | Δ Contained Ounces 100% (000s) % | |
| Stockpiles Measured Indicated | 14,502 0.5 251 17,103 0.7 385 267,897 1.0 8,941 | 10,166 0.5 177 1,069 1.6 55 162,481 1.2 6,074 | -74 -29% -330 -86% -2,867 -32% |
| Total Measured and Indicated | 299,503 1.0 9,578 | 173,716 1.1 6,305 | -3,273 -34% |
| Total Inferred | 73,968 0.9 2,025 | 22,017 1.0 687 | -1,338 -66% |
The Measured and Indicated Resources estimate for the Rosebel deposits and Saramacca decreased by 3.1 million ounces and 160,000 ounces, respectively, from the end of 2020 to the end of 2021. The decrease in mineral resources at Rosebel is attributed to: 2021 production depletion; a revised optimization methodology incorporating fixed cost distribution (versus dynamic cost accounting used previously); changes to the cost model which translated in an increase in mining, processing and general and administrative costs; and an updated resource block model incorporating the results of infill and conversion drilling programs completed in 2021 and applying a different block model interpolation methodology (Ordinary Kriging versus Uniform Conditioning).
The net result was the reduction in both size and depth of resource and reserve pit shells, notably Royal Hill and Pay Caro, with some ore zones excluded in the pit shells (at $1,500/oz) that could re-enter the mine plan in the future under different financial conditions and commodity price assumptions.
Impairment
In accordance with IFRS, the Company has been reviewing the carrying amount of the Rosebel cash generating unit and, based on preliminary analysis, is estimating a potential non-cash asset impairment charge to be recorded in its year-end financial results.
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QUALIFIED PERSONS
Rosebel Technical Report Quality Control
The Rosebel Technical Report is being prepared by representatives of IAMGOLD, WSP and SRK, each of whom is a "qualified person", as defined in NI 43-101 (a "QP"). WSP and SRK QPs are independent of IAMGOLD and have reviewed and approved the information contained in this news release that is derived from their respective sections of disclosure to be contained in the Rosebel Technical Report. The affiliation and areas of responsibility for each QP involved in preparing the Rosebel Technical Report are provided below.
WSP QPs
- Bruno Perron, during evaluation: Senior Engineer at WSP Canada 2010 Powell St Jonquière, Québec, Canada, G7S-2Z3. Currently: Chief Geologist – Mine Technical Services at Rosebel Gold Mines, in the Brokopondo District, Suriname (President da Costalaan 2, P.O. Box 2973, Paramaribo, Suriname)5.
- Ian Crundwell, Senior Geologist at: WSP Canada Inc. 2300 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1E4
SRK QPs
- Oy Leuangthong, PhD, P.Eng., Principal Consultant (Geostatistics) with the firm of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. at: Suite 1500 – 155 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Aleksandr Mitrofanov, P.Geo., formerly Senior Consultant (Geostatistics) with the firm of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. at: Suite 1500 – 155 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
IAMGOLD QPs
- Alain Mouton, P.Geo., Manager – Mine Technical Services at Rosebel Gold Mines, in the Brokopondo District, Suriname (President da Costalaan 2, P.O. Box 2973, Paramaribo, Suriname).
- Caroline Laplante, P.Geo. M.Sc., Country Exploration Manager Suriname (President da Costalaan 2, P.O.Box 2973, Paramaribo, Suriname).
- Gilles Ferlatte, P.Eng., Vice President, International Operations at IAMGOLD Corporation offices, 1111, St. Charles Street West, Longueuil, QC, Canada, J4K 5G4.
Martin Perron, P.Eng., Director, Geology with the firm of Innovexplo Inc. at: 725, boul. Lebourgneuf, #317, Quebec City, QC, Canada, G2J 0C4. Formerly Manager Resources Technical Services, IAMGOLD Corporation offices, 1111 St. Charles Street West, Longueuil, QC, Canada, J4K 5G4 (Nov 2020-Oct 2021).
- Michel Dromacque, CENG MIMMMM., Chief Engineer Long Term Planning at Rosebel Gold Mines, in the Brokopondo District, Suriname (President da Costalaan 2, P.O.Box 2973, Paramaribo, Suriname).
- Stéphane Rivard, P.Eng., Senior Director Technical Services at IAMGOLD Corporation offices, 1111 St. Charles Street West, Longueuil, QC, Canada, J4K 5G4.
Quality Control Notes
The QPs who have reviewed and approved the information in this news release are (i) L-B Denoncourt, P. Eng. Project Manager, Côté Gold for IAMGOLD in respect of the Côté Project activities, (ii) Craig MacDougall, P.Geo., Executive Vice President, Growth for IAMGOLD in respect of the Gosselin Mineral Resource summary and related exploration results, (iii) Gilles Ferlatte P.Eng. Vice President, International Operations in respect of the Rosebel Update, (iv) Alain Mouton, P.Geo. Manager, Mine Technical Services at Rosebel Gold Mines in respect of the Rosebel Update.
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