Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX: WDO, OTCQX: WDOFF)
(“
Wesdome” or the “
Company”)
today announces its production results for the fourth quarter and
full year ended December 31, 2024 and provides a multi-year
operational outlook. The Company plans to release its fourth
quarter and full year 2024 financial results after markets close on
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 and host a conference call and webcast
the following morning. All amounts are expressed in Canadian
dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Q4 2024 and Full Year 2024 Operating
Results
|
Q4 2024 |
Q4 2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Ore
milled (tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
Eagle River |
60,358 |
54,669 |
222,526 |
228,777 |
Kiena |
62,421 |
49,649 |
216,754 |
191,148 |
Total ore milled |
122,779 |
104,318 |
439,280 |
419,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
Head
grade (grams per tonne) |
|
|
|
|
Eagle River |
14.3 |
14.1 |
13.7 |
12.4 |
Kiena |
11.5 |
7.7 |
11.2 |
5.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
production (oz) |
|
|
|
|
Eagle River |
26,702 |
24,072 |
94,562 |
87,799 |
Kiena |
22,865 |
12,144 |
77,472 |
35,537 |
Total production |
49,567 |
36,216 |
172,034 |
123,336 |
Production sold (oz) |
48,700 |
37,620 |
167,300 |
126,620 |
Anthea Bath, President and CEO of Wesdome,
commented, “In 2024, for the second consecutive year, we met our
initial production guidance while improving health and safety
performance. This achievement underscores our commitment to
operational excellence, consistent delivery and responsible mining
practices. Record production further reflects a stronger
operational foundation as well as the experience and commitment of
our team. Through improved planning and disciplined execution, we
expect to continue delivering sustainable growth and returns to our
shareholders.
“In 2025, our efforts will centre on delivering
consistently, operating safely and responsibly and unlocking
additional value from our high-grade assets in Ontario and Quebec.
A full year of production from the high-grade Kiena Deep Zone and
the addition of ore from Presqu'île late in the year will be the
key drivers of increased production at Kiena, while Eagle River
will continue to benefit from development and efficiency
improvements. Together, these operations are expected to drive
another substantial increase in annual production to between
190,000 and 210,000 ounces, with costs in the lower half of the
industry cost curve, further solidifying our position as a
high-quality, all-Canadian, low-cost gold producer.
“Exploration remains the core of our strategy
with a record $38 million program aimed at growing existing
high-grade zones, such as Kiena Deep and the 300 Zone at Eagle
River, while also targeting shallower zones like Dubuisson and 6
Central. Our goal is to build on recent exploration success by
delivering resource and reserve growth that extends mine life and
enhances the value of our assets. In parallel, we are investing in
infrastructure projects to support both near-term objectives and
future growth.
“With the advancement of the fill-the-mill
strategy, we expect to deliver increasing and sustainable
production levels with strong operating margins, driven by mine
plan optimization, continuous operational improvements, anticipated
resource growth and strategic investment in our operations. With a
strong balance sheet, robust free cash flow and a clear vision,
Wesdome is well positioned to invest in the future and create
substantial long-term value.”
2025 Guidance
|
|
Eagle River |
Kiena |
Consolidated Guidance |
Production |
|
|
|
|
Head
grade |
(g/t) |
13.0 - 15.0 |
10.0 - 11.0 |
11.0 - 13.0 |
Gold
production |
(oz) |
100,000 - 110,000 |
90,000 - 100,000 |
190,000 - 210,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Costs |
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and depletion |
($M) |
$55 |
$65 |
$120 |
Corporate
and general1 |
($M) |
$12 |
$12 |
$24 |
Exploration and evaluation2 |
($M) |
$5 |
$10 |
$15 |
Cash
costs3 |
($/oz) |
$1,225 - $1,350 |
$1,025 - $1,150 |
$1,125 - $1,250 |
All-in
sustaining costs3 |
($/oz) |
$1,875 - $2,075 |
$1,650 - $1,875 |
$1,775 - $1,975 |
All-in
sustaining costs3 |
(US$/oz) |
$1,400 - $1,550 |
$1,225 - $1,400 |
$1,325 - $1,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Investment4 |
|
|
|
|
Total
capital |
($M) |
$65 |
$95 |
$160 |
Sustaining capital |
($M) |
$60 |
$55 |
$115 |
Growth capital |
($M) |
$5 |
$40 |
$45 |
Notes:
- Consolidated
2025 guidance for corporate and general costs excludes an estimated
$4 million in stock-based compensation. Corporate G&A of $24
million is allocated equally to each mine and is included in the
Company’s all-in sustaining cost calculation.
- Exploration and
evaluation costs primarily include surface drilling activities and
regional office expenses.
- This is a
financial measure or ratio that is a non-IFRS financial measure or
ratio. Certain additional disclosures for non-IFRS financial
measures and ratios have been incorporated by reference and
additional detail can be found at the end of this press release and
in the section ‘Non-IFRS Performance Measures’ in the Company’s
management discussion and analysis for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2024.
- Total capital
expenditures are the sum of sustaining and growth capital
expenditures and are reported under investing activities on the
statements of cash flows in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
2025 Guidance Commentary
- Consolidated
production is expected to be between 190,000 and 210,000 ounces,
which, based on the midpoint, represents an approximately 16%
increase compared to 2024. Production is anticipated to strengthen
in the second half of 2025, with the first and fourth quarters
accounting for approximately 20% and 30% of total gold production,
respectively.
- The gold
production outlook for Eagle River of 100,000 to 110,000 ounces
reflects a 10% increase compared to the prior year driven by the
establishment of new underground areas, enabling increased
throughput levels. Production at Eagle River in the second half of
the year is expected to represent approximately 55% of its full
year 2025 output.
- Kiena gold
production guidance of 90,000 to 100,000 ounces represents a
material increase over 2024, with four full quarters of production
sourced from the Kiena Deep A Zone, augmented by approximately
10,000 ounces of pre-commercial production from the Presqu'île
Zone. Grade variability is expected to decrease in 2025 as the
majority of the planned mining reserves have now been substantially
delineated. Additionally, dilution control is improving and
enhanced mining execution – such as the selective application of a
hybrid long-hole and cut-and-fill mining strategy – is contributing
to more consistent performance. While initial stope production at
Presqu'île remains on track for late 2025, the expected receipt of
a bulk sample permit early in the year may allow for the
stockpiling of development ore with processing projected to
commence in the fourth quarter. The second half of the year is
expected to represent approximately 60% of Kiena’s annual
production.
- Consolidated
cash costs in 2025 are expected to be $1,125 to $1,250 per ounce,
lower than the prior year as a result of ongoing cost control
initiatives and an increase in gold sales.
- Eagle River
cash costs in 2025 are expected to be $1,225 to $1,350 per ounce,
below 2024 levels due to increased volumes and reflecting various
cost containment initiatives.
- Kiena cash cost
guidance of $1,025 to $1,150 per ounce is lower than the prior year
as increased production offsets higher planned development and
delineation costs.
- All-in
sustaining costs per ounce are expected to be $1,775 to $1,975
(US$1,325 to US$1,475). Due to the projected profile of production
and capital outlays, the Company expects all-in sustaining costs
per ounce in the first half of the year to be approximately 15%
higher than full year guidance.
- Consolidated
sustaining and growth capital investment is expected to be $160
million in 2025. This includes the remaining capital required to
complete the Presqu'île exploration ramp, together with investment
in development, infrastructure, equipment upgrades and underground
exploration at both sites. These initiatives are expected to drive
high-return production growth over the coming years. Both sites
have budgeted for increased development to open new mining fronts
as part of the Company’s fill-the-mill strategy, enhancing
operating flexibility and improving equipment utilization.
- Total capital
investment at Eagle River is expected to be $65 million in 2025.
Sustaining capital includes $25 million in deferred development, $8
million in delineation and exploration drilling and $27 million in
mobile and fixed infrastructure upgrades to support the
fill-the-mill strategy. Growth capital of $5 million includes power
line enhancements as well as tailings engineering and design
work.
- Total capital
investment at Kiena is expected to be $95 million in 2025.
Sustaining capital of $55 million includes $15 million in deferred
development, $13 million in delineation and exploration drilling,
$20 million in tailings and other infrastructure, and $6 million in
mobile equipment, including new battery electric trucks. Growth
capital is expected to be $40 million, mostly related to remaining
development of the exploration ramp from surface to level 33.
- At prevailing
gold prices, the Company is well positioned to deliver robust free
cash flow and further strengthen available liquidity in 2025,
driven by increased production and reduced costs. This strong
financial performance will support the Company’s continued focus on
high return long-term organic growth initiatives. The estimated
impact of a US$100 per ounce change in realized gold prices on
annual free cash flow is approximately $20 million. The Company
also projects an effective tax rate of approximately 35%,
reflecting the use of available tax attributes and applicable tax
rates.
Operational Outlook
Gold production is expected to continue to
increase in 2026 to between 195,000 and 220,000 ounces. Consistent
levels of production from Eagle River will be primarily driven by
higher expected throughput levels, benefitting from planned
infrastructure and optimization improvements, as well as
delineation drilling around existing development, a strategic
priority for the operation. At Kiena, a full year of production
from the Presqu'île Zone is expected to drive an increase in
processed ore and gold production.
|
|
Eagle River |
Kiena |
Consolidated Guidance |
Gold production |
(oz) |
100,000 - 110,000 |
95,000 - 110,000 |
195,000 - 220,000 |
Achieving long-term sustainable production
growth consistent with recent years will require success across
operations, technical services and exploration to drive targeted
efficiencies, optimization, infrastructure upgrades, and resource
development initiatives. These initiatives, coupled with a
commitment to cost management and operational excellence, provide a
credible and achievable framework to deliver value for
shareholders.
At Eagle River, production is expected to
benefit from a significant contribution from the high-grade 300
Zone as well as from Wesdome’s global resource model initiative.
This program aims to unlock economic mineralization close to
surface and existing development through the digitization of
historic mine data, deployment of alternative mining methods as
well as the use of incremental and break-even cut-off grade
analysis. Improved development performance is expected to increase
access to ore and improve mill utilization, allowing for the
consistent delivery of ore to the 1,200 tonnes per day mill. As the
mine advances the 300 Zone at depth, these efforts are projected to
support consistent annual production levels. A planned increase in
deferred development in 2025 is anticipated to enable greater
access to drilled inventory going forward, supporting operational
flexibility and reducing risks to production targets.
At Kiena, consistent and efficient mining of the
Kiena Deep A Zone will remain the cornerstone of production over
the medium term. Steady improvements in hoisting and underground
infrastructure, including ventilation and electric haulage
infrastructure, are expected to support higher mining rates and
efficiency gains. Completion of stope development in the Presqu'île
Zone as well as the exploration ramp to level 33 at Kiena will
allow access to high-potential mining targets, facilitating future
production from the 33-level drift. Other near-surface deposits
such as Dubuisson are expected to be delineated in the medium term
and integrated into mine plans, contributing to potential mine life
extension and increased utilization of the 2,040 tonnes per day
mill.
The Company believes that consolidated cash
costs and all-in sustaining costs per ounce in the lower half of
the industry cost curve are achievable. As effective mill
utilization increases at Eagle River and Kiena, the benefits of
planned investment and economies of scale are expected to drive
down unit costs and improve margins. Sustaining and growth capital
spend will remain disciplined with targeted investments in
infrastructure, equipment and exploration aimed at supporting
production growth and enhancing long-term asset value. Total annual
sustaining expenditures over the next two years are expected to be
between $100 and $120 million, including $20 to $30 million per
year allocated to underground exploration and delineation drilling
to make new discoveries, extend mine life and expand reserves
adjacent to current infrastructure.
The Company is currently evaluating the timing
of completing updated NI 43-101 technical reports to incorporate
strategic asset optimization initiatives currently underway.
Conference Call and Webcast
Management will host a conference call and
webcast to discuss the Company’s fourth quarter and 2024 financial
and operating results. A question-and-answer session will follow
management’s prepared remarks. Details of the webcast are as
follows:
Date and time: |
Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET |
|
|
Participant registration: |
https://register.vevent.com/register/BI29417595e5b640209667946bbfcd2902Click
on the link above and complete the online registration form. Upon
registering you will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to
join the call as well as an email confirmation with the
details. |
|
|
Webcast link: |
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/h5gafw4x |
|
|
Notes: |
Pre-registration is required for
this event. It is recommended you join 10 minutes prior to the
start of the event. The webcast can also be accessed under the news
and events section of the Company’s website. |
|
|
The financial statements and management’s
discussion and analysis will be available on the Company’s website
at www.wesdome.com and on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca the evening of
March 19, 2025.
About Wesdome Gold Mines
Ltd.
Wesdome is a Canadian-focused gold producer with
two high-grade underground assets, the Eagle River mine in Ontario
and the Kiena mine in Québec. The Company’s primary goal is to
responsibly leverage its operating platform and high-quality
brownfield and greenfield exploration pipeline to build Canada’s
next intermediate gold producer.
For further information, please
contact: Raj Gill, SVP, Corporate Development &
Investor RelationsTrish Moran, VP, Investor RelationsPhone: +1
(416) 360-3743E-Mail: invest@wesdome.com
Technical Disclosure
The technical and scientific information
relating to exploration activities disclosed in this document was
prepared under the supervision of and verified and reviewed by Guy
Belleau, P. Eng, Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Niel de
Bruin, P. Geo, Director of Geology for Wesdome, each a "Qualified
Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of
Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking
information” which may include, but is not limited to, statements
with respect to the future financial and operating performance of
the Company and its projects. Often, but not always,
forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words
such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”,
“estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes”
or variations (including negative variations) of such words and
phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”,
“could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the Company to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date
of this press release and the Company disclaims any obligation to
update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no
assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be
accurate, as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Forward-looking statements or information
contained in this press release include, but are not limited to,
statements or information with respect to: the Company’s 2025
guidance, including expected gold production, cost and capital
expenditure guidance, all-in sustaining costs and cash costs per
ounce cost guidance, our expected 2025 production levels, costs and
free cash flow generation, future growth and returns to
shareholders and their respective drivers, the goals of our planned
exploration program, the expected timing of the strengthening of
the 2025 production, the primary sources of the 2025 production,
expected grade variability in 2025, the expected receipt of permits
in 2025 and its anticipated benefits, the variability of production
levels throughout the year by quarter and half, expected available
liquidity, and anticipated effective tax rates; the Company’s
strategic outlook, including expected 2026 gold production levels,
expected throughput levels and its benefits on production, a full
year of production from the Presqu'île Zone and its benefits,
achieving long-term sustainable production growth consistent with
recent years and the requirements to achieve this, expected
benefits to Eagle River production, an increase in deferred
development at Eagle River and its expected benefits, drivers of
higher mining rates and efficiency gains at Kiena, the anticipated
delineation of near-surface deposits and its anticipated benefits,
the achievable consolidated cash costs and all-in sustaining costs
per ounce and their drivers, and our anticipated decline of total
sustaining expenditures over the next two years; our expectations
as to our future financial and operating performance, including
future cash flow, estimated cash costs, expected metallurgical
recoveries and gold price outlook; and our strategy, plans and
goals, including our proposed exploration, development,
construction, permitting and operating plans and priorities,
related timelines and schedules. Forward-looking statements and
forward-looking information by their nature are based on
assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of the Company to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements or information.
We have made certain assumptions about the
forward-looking statements and information, including assumptions
about: production and cost profile expectations; our development
work at Kiena and Presqu'île; our ability to execute our
development plans, including the timing thereof; our ability to
obtain all required approvals and permits; cost estimates in
respect of operating and exploration activities; changes in the
Company’s input costs; geotechnical risk; the impact of inflation;
the geopolitical, economic, permitting and legal climate that we
operate in; potential disruptions relating to natural disasters
such as forest fires; operational exposure to diseases, epidemics
and pandemics; timing, cost and results of our construction,
improvements and exploration; rising costs or availability of
labour, electricity, supplies, fuel and equipment; the future price
of gold and other commodities; exchange rates; relationships with
communities, governments and other stakeholders; compliance with
debt obligations; anticipated values, costs, expenses and working
capital requirements; production and metallurgical recoveries;
mineral reserves and resources; and the impact of acquisitions,
dispositions, suspensions or delays on our business and the ability
to achieve our goals. In addition, except where otherwise stated,
we have assumed a continuation of existing business operations on
substantially the same basis as exists at the time of this press
release. Even though our management believes that the assumptions
made and the expectations represented by such statements or
information are reasonable in the circumstances, there can be no
assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will
prove to be accurate. Many assumptions may be difficult to predict
and are beyond the Company’s control.
Furthermore, should one or more of the risks,
uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially
from those described in forward-looking statements or information.
These risks, uncertainties and other factors including those risk
factors discussed in the sections titled “Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward Looking Information” and “Risks and Uncertainties” in the
Company’s most recent Annual Information Form. Readers are urged to
carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent
Annual Information Form which is available on SEDAR+ and on the
Company’s website.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking
statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances,
management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as
required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is
cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements.
Non-IFRS Performance
Measures
Wesdome uses non-IFRS performance measures
throughout this news release as it believes that these generally
accepted industry performance measures provide a useful indication
of the Company’s operational performance. These non-IFRS
performance measures do not have standardized meanings defined by
IFRS and may not be comparable to information in other gold
producers’ reports and filings. Accordingly, it is intended to
provide additional information and should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared
in accordance with IFRS.
Cash costs per ounce of gold sold
Cash cost per ounce of gold sold is a non-IFRS
performance measure and does not constitute a measure recognized by
IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning defined by IFRS, as
well it may not be comparable to information in other gold
producers’ reports and filings. The Company has included this
non-IFRS performance measure throughout this document as Wesdome
believes that this generally accepted industry performance measure
provides a useful indication of the Company’s operational
performance. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional
measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use
this information to evaluate the Company’s performance and ability
to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is intended to provide
additional information and should not be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance
with IFRS.
All-in sustaining costs per ounce of
gold sold
All-in sustaining costs include mine site
operating costs incurred at Wesdome mining operations, sustaining
mine capital and development expenditures, mine site exploration
expenditures and equipment lease payments related to the mine
operations and corporate administration expenses. The Company
believes that this measure represents the total costs of producing
gold from current operations and provides Wesdome and other
stakeholders with additional information that illustrates the
Company’s operational performance and ability to generate cash
flow. This cost measure seeks to reflect the full cost of gold
production from current operations on a per-ounce of gold sold
basis. New project and growth capital are not included.
PDF
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