NEWS RELEASE
November 9, 2006
Trading Symbol: TSX: RNG
Amex: RNO
Rio Narcea Reports Record Net Income and
Record Cash Flow from Nickel Operations
for the Third Quarter 2006
Net Income of $15.6 million on Revenues of $59.1 million
Cash Flow from Nickel of $23.6 million
(All amounts are reported in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated)
Toronto, Ontario –Rio Narcea Gold Mines, Ltd. (“Rio Narcea” or “the Company”)today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2006.
Third Quarter Highlights
§
Record net income of $15.6 million after derivative loss of $8.4 million arising from compulsory hedging instruments associated with project debt financing
§
Record quarterly cash flow from Aguablanca operation of $23.6 million
§
Production from Aguablanca of 3.4 million pounds of nickel and 3.7 million pounds of copper. Sales of 3.2 million pounds of nickel at a cash cost of $4.84 per pound (a).
§
Buy back of Aguablanca nickel royalty from Atlantic Copper, S.A. for $6 million.
§
Aguablanca project finance fully repaid ($22.0 million paid in 2006).
§
Construction of Tasiast gold project on schedule for completion by mid-2007. Total capital expenditures estimated at $73 million.
§
$53.2 million held in cash and cash equivalents.
§
Closure of El Valle and Carlés gold operations on target for mid-December.
Subsequent Events
§
18% increase in open pit gold reserves at Tasiast. Site exploration underway.
§
Completed acquisition of 16.4% strategic shareholding in Chariot Resources Limited (17.5% including warrants).
§
October throughput at Aguablanca of 140,000 tonnes per month (“tpm”).
§
Water reserve at Aguablanca exceeds 500,000 m3.
Third Quarter Financial Results
For the third quarter ended September 30, 2006, Rio Narcea reported net income of $15.6 million or $0.10 per share on total revenues of $59.1 million. This compares to a net loss of $9.1 million and $0.06 per share on revenues of $30.1 million in the same period in 2005. Revenues from nickel operations
totalled $37.3 million for the third quarter of 2006, compared with $11.5 million in the same period of 2005. Revenues from gold operations for the third quarter of 2006 were $21.8 million, of which $13.9 million were sales from Nalunaq ore, compared with $18.6 million, of which $10.1 million was from Nalunaq ore, during the third quarter of 2005.
Operating cash flow provided by the Aguablanca operation was $23.6 million in the third quarter of 2006, while consolidated operating cash flow amounted to $18.5 million for the quarter compared to $6.3 million in the same period of the prior year.
Net income for the third quarter of 2006 includes derivative losses of $8.4 million arising from the effect of the higher copper and gold prices on the hedging instruments that were required to be entered into by the Company for the project finance of its Aguablanca and Tasiast projects.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company reported net income of $24.1 million or $0.15 per share on total revenues of $159.8 million. This compares to a net loss of $ 29.8 million or $0.19 per share on total revenues of $71.4 million for the same period in 2005. Operating cash flow was positive $35.0 million for the first nine months of 2006, compared with ($2.6) million in the corresponding period in 2005.
The positive operating cash flow during the first nine months of 2006 was mainly attributable to the increase in nickel sales from Aguablanca. Cash provided by operating activities before changes in components of working capital amounted to $54.0 million in the first nine months of 2006, compared to ($1.7) million in the same period of 2005. (a)
“We are extremely pleased to report this record net income for the Company. The fact that our operating cash flow has increased 25% over the previous quarter is not only a function of higher nickel prices, but also the effectiveness of the technical initiatives we have implemented at Aguablanca,” said Chris von Christierson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted with the strong revenue generation from Aguablanca and the progress being made by the construction team at Tasiast.”
Selected Quarterly Information
($000 except where stated)
|
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||
| 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||
Revenues | 59,087 | 30,070 | 159,776 | 71,369 | ||||
Net income (loss) | 15,612 | (9,050) | 24,141 | (29,758) | ||||
Net income (loss) per share – basic | 0.10 | (0.06) | 0.15 | (0.19) | ||||
Net income (loss) per share – diluted | 0.10 | (0.06) | 0.15 | (0.19) | ||||
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 18,454 | 6,253 | 35,040 | (2,565) | ||||
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities before changes in components of working capital(a) | 18,851 | 1,184 | 54,015 | (1,657) | ||||
(a) Refer to Non-GAAP measures section of the MD&A.
A complete set of Rio Narcea’s Quarterly Report to Shareholders with Management Discussion and Analysis for the third quarter-ended September 30, 2006 will be posted on our website at www.rionarcea.com and has been filed with Sedar at www.sedar.com.
September 30, 2006 | December 31, 2005 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | 53,173 | 53,624 |
Total assets | 328,692 | 249,217 |
Long-term debt | 45,004 | 15,982 |
Dividends declared per share | - | - |
Review of Operations
Aguablanca nickel operation
The Company produced 3.4 million pounds of nickel and 3.7 million pounds of copper during the third quarter of 2006, from processing 375,000 tonnes of ore. Head grades during the quarter were 0.60% and 0.51% for nickel and copper, respectively. This compares with 258,100 tonnes of ore processed in the third quarter of 2005 which produced 3.7 million pounds of nickel and 2.9 million pounds of copper.. Recoveries amounted to 68.0% and 88.2%, respectively.
While nickel head grades were above the reserve head grade and what the ore block model was predicting during 2005, the opposite has occurred in 2006. A new ore block model is being prepared and is scheduled for completion by year end. The lower nickel recovery during the third quarter of 2006 was a function of both lower nickel head grades in this section of the orebody and poor operating performance while testing the production of separate nickel and copper concentrates during the months of July and August. This test has been discontinued.
Throughput improved 4.3% during the third quarter of 2006 compared to the second quarter of 2006 and 19.1% compared to the first quarter of this year. Throughput was up 36.6% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2005.
Operating Results
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||
| 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 |
Ore milled (tonnes) | 375,000 | 258,100 | 1,049,400 | 722,800 |
Nickel head grade (%) | 0.60 | 0.83 | 0.63 | 0.72 |
Copper head grade (%) | 0.51 | 0.58 | 0.51 | 0.54 |
Nickel recovery (%) | 68.0 | 76.8 | 72.1 | 67.8 |
Copper recovery (%) | 88.2 | 88.5 | 90.1 | 88.4 |
Nickel production (000 lb) | 3,399 | 3,654 | 10,498 | 7,778 |
Copper production (000 lb) | 3,740 | 2,946 | 10,667 | 7,552 |
Cash cost ($/lb)(a) | 4.84 | 2.68 | 3.39 | 3.46 |
(a) Includes smelting, refining and transportation expenses and is net of by-products. Refer to Non-GAAP measures section of the MD&A.
During the third quarter of 2006, the plant treated an average of 125,000 tonnes per month (“tpm”). This compares to an average of 112,400 tpm during the first six months of 2006 and an average of 83,100 tpm during 2005. This improved mill rate is due to the installation of a new conveyor system enabling crushed pebbles to bypass the SAG mill and feed directly into the ball mill, as well as the installation of a new secondary crusher that was commissioned during the quarter. Further increases in throughput should be achievable in the near term.
Grades of nickel and copper in the bulk concentrate during the third quarter of 2006 were 6.3% nickel and 7.0% copper, compared to 6.8% nickel and 6.7% copper during the first six months of 2006. The reasons
for this temporary decline in concentrate grades are the same as those given for the lower recoveries above.
Mine production has performed well during the quarter, with mining rates conforming to plant production.
Acquisition of Royalty
On July 5, 2001, the Company acquired from Atlantic Copper, S.A. (“AC”) participation rights in a consortium with the Spanish state. The consortium is the holder of 100% of certain mineral rights located in southern Spain, which included the Aguablanca mine property. The original acquisition price payable to AC for these participation rights included a production royalty in respect of the mineral rights held by the consortium. In the agreement with AC, the Company had the option to pay a sum of $6.0 million to AC in exchange for all future royalty payments. This option was exercised on August 2, 2006. The royalty payable to AC would have been applicable to Aguablanca mine production from August 2006 onward and comprised variable payments dependent on combined nickel and copper prices. A royalty amounting to 1% of the net smelter return (“NSR”) was also applicable to production from any other future project within the various mineral rights areas held by the consortium. This 1% NSR obligation has now also ceased as a result of the Company exercising its option with AC.
Aguablanca News Subsequent to the Close of the Third Quarter
During October, plant throughput at Aguablanca was 140,000 tpm. This is the highest throughput level to date reported by the Company. In addition, the water reserve at Aguablanca has risen to 500,000 m3, due to the amount of rainfall in October and thus far in November.
Tasiast gold project
Construction of the project continues to be on time and it is expected to be completed during the first half of 2007, with first gold production expected in 2007. Highlights of the construction progress, as at September 30, 2006, are as follows:
§
SENET:
o
All engineering has been completed.
o
All orders have been procured.
o
Shipping is 64% complete with crushers and ball mill now at site.
o
Civil construction is 89% complete.
o
Structure and mechanical erection is 39% complete.
§
Other:
o
Access road is complete.
o
Tailings facility, paddock 1 stage 1 is 49% complete and completely lined.
o
The water line has been tested to kilometre 60, where water is currently being received. Water is expected to reach site by the end of November.
o
Power plant expected to be installed and operational in December.
o
Mining contractor has started at site.
Total budget for construction of the project, including working capital and owner’s costs, amounts to $73 million, of which $42 million had been spent as at September 30, 2006.
Remaining project expenditures will be financed from the Company’s existing cash resources. On June 29, 2006, the Company concluded a project debt agreement with Macquarie Bank Ltd. (“Macquarie”) to
finance the construction of the Tasiast project. Under this agreement, the Company has a term loan of $42.5 million that was fully drawn down on June 30, 2006.
Tasiast News Subsequent to the Close of the Third Quarter
In October 2006, the Company received a revised resource and open-pit reserve calculation for its Tasiast project. The new estimate incorporated a revised gold price and revised cost inputs, which together have increased the proven and probable reserves to 1,040,000 ounces of gold, an increase of 18% over the 885,000 ounces of gold previously estimated.
Tasiast Gold Project - Mineral Reserves and Resources (@0.8 g/t gold cut-off) (a)
| Tonnes (000) | Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (ounces) |
Mineral reserves |
|
|
|
Proven | 761 | 3.24 | 79,000 |
Probable | 11,223 | 2.66 | 960,000 |
Total proven and probable reserves | 11,984 | 2.70 | 1,040,000 |
Mineral resources |
|
|
|
Measured | 874 | 3.17 | 89,000 |
Indicated | 13,840 | 2.60 | 1,159,000 |
Total measured and indicated resources | 14,714 | 2.64 | 1,248,000 |
Inferred resources | 12,393 | 2.17 | 864,000 |
(a) Mineral resources included mineral reserves.
These estimates were prepared under the supervision of David A. Orava, M. Eng., P. Eng., Associate Mining Engineer of A.C.A. Howe International, who is a Qualified Person independent of Rio Narcea for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
On November 3, 2006 the Company announced the arrival of the Ball Mill on site at Tasiast. This was the last critical path item remaining to be delivered to the project site.
El Valle and Carlés gold operations
During the third quarter of 2006, the Company’s own gold operations in northern Spain produced 10,800 ounces of gold as compared with 20,700 ounces of gold in the same period of 2005. Sales from the Company’s own gold operations amounted to $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2006, while cost of sales for those operations were $6.5 million ($8.5 million and $9.2 million, respectively, in the same period of 2005). The El Valle plant processed 80,000 tonnes of the Company’s own ore at an average gold grade of 4.6 g/t, compared with 99,400 tonnes with an average grade of 6.7 g/t gold in the prior year period. Recoveries averaged 91.2% in the third quarter of 2006 compared to 95.4% a year earlier. In addition, the plant processed 41,100 tonnes of Nalunaq ore during the third quarter of 2006 compared with 28,100 tonnes during the same period of 2005.
During the first nine months of 2006, the Company’s own gold operations produced 40,400 ounces of gold as compared with 57,600 ounces of gold in the same period of 2005. Sales from the Company’s own gold operations amounted to $28.1 million in the first nine months of 2006, while cost of sales for those operations were $22.6 million ($26.4 million and $26.0 million, respectively, in the same period of 2005).
The El Valle plant processed 302,700 tonnes of the Company’s own ore at an average gold grade of 4.5 g/t, compared with 329,000 tonnes with an average grade of 5.8 g/t gold in the prior year period. Recoveries averaged 91.6% in the first nine months of 2006 compared to 94.0% a year earlier. In addition, the plant processed 75,100 tonnes of Nalunaq ore during the first nine months of 2006, compared to 76,343 tonnes treated in the same period of 2005.
In February 2006, after a thorough performance review of the El Valle and Carlés operations, the Company took the decision to close these operations. Closure of both the El Valle and Carlés mines will take place at the end of 2006. As a result, remaining mining is being concentrated in developed areas with better rock conditions and higher grades. There has been no further investment in underground development since February 2006. On June 22, 2006, the Company reached a collective redundancy agreement with the local unions and mine workers with respect to the closure of the El Valle and Carlés gold operations. Subsequently, on July 5, 2006, that agreement received the approval of the Spanish labour authorities, a requirement when redundancy affects more than 10% of the workforce. As a result of this agreement, closure costs are now estimated at $4.6 million as at September 30, 2006.
In reaching this decision, the Company was significantly influenced by the decision of the Regional Authorities of Asturias, not to approve the “change of land use” required to develop the Salave gold project located some 70 km west of the El Valle. The concentrates that were planned to be produced from Salave were expected to be processed at the El Valle plant, resulting in improved economics for both projects.
On March 9, 2006, the Company gave notice to Nalunaq that the existing milling agreement will terminate on September 30, 2006. The last shipment of ore from Nalunaq arrived in October 2006 and will be treated by the end of November 2006. The Company is reviewing possibilities for the disposal of the El Valle and Carlés facilities.
Summary of El Valle and Carlés Gold Operations
| Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||
| 2006 | 2005 | ||||
| Rio Narcea’s operations | Nalunaq ore | Total | Rio Narcea’s operations | Nalunaq ore | Total |
Tonnes of ore milled | 80,000 | 41,100 | 121,100 | 99,400 | 28,100 | 127,500 |
Grade (g/t) | 4.6 | 17.5 | 9.0 | 6.7 | 16.6 | 8.9 |
Recovery (%) | 91.2 | 97.2 | 95.1 | 95.4 | 96.7 | 95.9 |
Gold production (oz) | 10,800 | 22,400 | 33,200 | 20,700 | 14,600 | 35,300 |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||
| 2006 | 2005 | ||||
| Rio Narcea’s operations | Nalunaq ore | Total | Rio Narcea’s operations | Nalunaq ore | Total |
Tonnes of ore milled | 302,700 | 75,100 | 377,800 | 329,000 | 76,300 | 405,300 |
Grade (g/t) | 4.5 | 19.4 | 7.5 | 5.8 | 15.8 | 7.7 |
Recovery (%) | 91.6 | 96.6 | 94.2 | 94.0 | 96.6 | 95.0 |
Gold production (oz) | 40,400 | 45,200 | 85,600 | 57,600 | 37,400 | 95,000 |
Salave gold project
In August 2005, the regional Government of Asturias rejected the application for “change of land use” required to develop the project. The Company has commenced legal proceedings in the Spanish courts seeking reversal of the decision and/or monetary compensation. In the event that the decision of the Government of Asturias is maintained, the independent legal advisors of the Company believe Rio Narcea should succeed in obtaining significant monetary compensation. However, the outcome and timing of any legal action are presently uncertain.
Acquisition of strategic shareholding in Chariot Resources Limited
During the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company purchased 6,259,500 common shares and 1,780,000 warrants of Chariot Resources Limited (“Chariot”) in the market for $3.9 million. In early October the Company acquired an additional 48,500 common shares and 118,000 warrants. On October 5, 2006 the Company agreed to purchase an additional stake in Chariot from Amerigo Resources Limited for $21.5 million. The Company now holds a total of 38,120,500 common shares and 13,430,000 warrants of Chariot. This represents 16.4% of the common shares and 17.4% of the common shares and warrants outstanding of Chariot, and cost a total of $25.5 million.
Chariot’s Marcona copper project is located in Southern Peru on the same Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) belt which hosts Mantos Blancos and Candelaria. The Company believes the Marcona project has potential for significant low cost copper production and through its important stake in Chariot, Rio Narcea will support sound and effective management to unlock this potential.
Exploration
The Company has active exploration projects on both the Iberian Peninsula and in Mauritania. The following is a brief update of each project:
Aguablanca
Step out underground drilling conducted to the West of the Aguablanca orebody intersected a large interval of patchy and disseminated sulfide mineralization hosted by irregular and porphyritic gabbronorites. Results from one hole, located 225 meters to the West of the closest mineralization, returned 15.6 meters at 0.45% nickel and 0.21% copper, including a higher grade interval of 5.3 meters at 0.93% nickel and 0.41% copper.
The exploration implications of this particular intersection are encouraging because surface mapping in this zone only showed the presence of marbles and skarns cut by a few, narrow and barren gabbroic dikes. This confirms the possibility of finding additional subsurface magmatic sulfide mineralization at depth in these peripheral zones.
Two rigs will be devoted to exploration in this area.
Ossa Morena (Spain and Portugal)
Regional exploration was focused on the evaluation of several recently delineated nickel and gold stream sediment anomalies.
In addition, a preliminary and shallow drilling program was completed on the Guijarro–Chocolatero gold target. The program comprised 1,148 meters in 8 holes. These holes were testing the Guijarro soil anomaly, directly related to silicified acid volcanics of Upper Precambrian–Lower Cambrian age with
minor disseminated pyrite. Five of those holes returned low grade gold values over significant widths. The best results were 21 meters at 3.6 g/t gold in DDH GUI-1 and 38 meters at 0.7 g/t gold in DDH GUI-3.
Guijarro–Chocolatero forms part of the Bodonal–Cala gold belt where the Company is now evaluating several gold soil anomalies related to the same horizon of volcanic rocks, as well as copper–gold mineralized systems with iron–oxide–copper–gold (“IOCG”) affinities.
Mauritania
The Company is planning to commence active exploration on its Mauritanian land holdings in the fourth quarter of this year. The main focus will be the evaluation of geochemical and geophysical targets that show potential for gold and nickel deposits. One rig has commenced drilling and a second is being mobilized to site.
El Valle (Spain)
All exploration has been suspended on account of the planned closure of mining operations.
Exploration Agreements
The Company has exploration agreements on its properties with Kinbauri Gold Corp. (for gold in Corcoesto , Galicia, Spain), C2C Inc. (for gold in Portugal) and Ventura Gold Corp. (for gold in the Navelgas belt, Asturias, Spain). The exploration results arising from these agreements are reported by each partner.
Other
Carl Hering (Senior Vice President Exploration and Business Development) is leaving the employ of the Company effective December 31, 2006 for personal reasons. The Company is evaluating various alternatives for his replacement. In the interim, Luis Pevida, Exploration Manager and Senior Geologist, will assume Mr. Hering’s role.
Conference Call and Webcast
On Friday, November 10, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. (EST) management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s third quarter results. In order to join the conference call,in North America please dial 1-877-461-2816 andoutside North America please dial 1-416- 695-5261. The conference call will be broadcast live as well as recorded and archived on the web atwww.rionarcea.com . You can access this webcast by signing in directly through the Rio Narcea Website or by clicking on the following link:
http://events.onlinebroadcasting.com/rionarcea/111006/index.php. In order to access this service, you will need to have Windows Media Player installed on your computer.
Areplay of the call will be available until November 17, 2006 by dialing 1 (416) 695-5275 or 1 (888) 509-0081, passcode 632593. If you would like to listen to a replay of our conference call on the web, go to the home page atwww.rionarcea.com and click on the link under Investor Centre - Events & Webcast.
Rio Narcea Gold Mines, Ltd. is a growing Canadian mineral resource company with operations, development projects and exploration activities in Spain, Portugal and Mauritania. The Company
currently produces nickel at its Aguablanca nickel-copper-platinum group metals (PGM) mine in southern Spain and gold at it’s at El Valle and Carlés projects in northern Spain. Closure of the northern Spanish gold mines is planned for the end of 2006. Construction of its new Tasiast gold project in Mauritania, West Africa, is underway, with production expected in 2007.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release may contain certain “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the United States securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, capital expenditures, exploration efforts, financial needs, and other information that is not historical information. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on Rio Narcea’s current expectations and various assumptions as of the date such statements are made. Rio Narcea cannot give assurance that such statements will prove to be correct.
Factors that could cause Rio Narcea's actual results to differ materially from these statements include, but are not limited to, changes in gold and nickel prices, the timing and amount of estimated future production, unanticipated grade changes, unanticipated recovery problems, mining and milling costs, determination of reserves, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, metallurgy, processing, access, transportation of supplies, water availability, results of current and future exploration activities, results of pending and future feasibility studies, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, political, economic and operational risks of foreign operations, joint venture relationships, availability of materials and equipment, the timing of receipt of governmental approvals, capitalization and commercial viability, the failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifi cations or expectations, accidents, labour disputes, delays in start-up dates, environmental costs and risks, local and community impacts and issues, and general domestic and international economic and political conditions.
Rio Narcea undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(stated in U.S. dollars) (unaudited)
September 30, December 31, |
2006 2005 |
$ $ |
|
ASSETS |
Current |
Cash and cash equivalents 53,172,700 53,623,700 |
Restricted cash 2,044,300 2,191,100 |
Inventories 13,404,600 10,075,400 |
Stockpiled ore 1,505,800 4,167,700 |
Accounts receivable |
Government grants 2,932,900 3,521,200 |
VAT and other taxes 6,450,500 3,831,800 |
Trade receivables 15,134,600 2,982,000 |
Other current assets 6,056,200 5,484,700 |
Current portion of deferred derivative loss 819,700 2,339,200 |
Total current assets 101,521,300 88,216,800 |
Mineral properties, net 206,663,800 157,147,600 |
Other assets 20,506,900 3,852,700 |
328,692,000 249,217,100 |
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
Current |
Short-term bank indebtedness and accrued interest 1,600 4,799,700 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 61,188,100 51,368,100 |
Current portion of long-term debt 4,853,700 13,122,900 |
Total current liabilities 66,043,400 69,290,700 |
Other long-term liabilities 39,123,300 14,538,500 |
Long-term debt 45,003,800 15,982,100 |
Deferred income tax liabilities 3,552,200 7,179,300 |
Total liabilities 153,722,700 106,990,600 |
|
Non-controlling interest 347,600 332,600 |
|
Shareholders' equity |
Common shares 239,905,500 237,001,700 |
Contributed surplus 5,868,500 3,538,600 |
Employee stock options 7,385,000 8,422,800 |
Non-employee stock options and warrants 10,386,700 10,386,700 |
Defiance warrants — 1,786,200 |
Common share purchase options related to debt 3,154,500 3,154,500 |
Deficit (98,528,900) (122,669,900) |
Cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustment 6,450,300 273,300 |
Total shareholders' equity 174,621,700 141,893,900 |
328,692,000 249,217,100 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND DEFICIT
(stated in U.S. dollars) (unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended |
September 30, September 30, |
2006 2005 2006 2005 |
$ $ $ $ |
REVENUES |
Sales – Gold operations 7,871,800 8,547,200 28,127,600 26,417,800 |
Sales – Gold operations – Nalunaq ore 13,921,700 10,056,700 30,291,500 16,241,500 |
Sales – Nickel operations 37,293,500 11,466,000 101,357,100 28,710,100 |
59,087,000 30,069,900 159,776,200 71,369,400 |
|
EXPENSES |
Cost of sales – Gold operations(a) (6,522,700) (9,205,700) (22,643,500) (26,037,900) |
Cost of sales – Gold operations – |
Nalunaq ore(a) (14,117,500) (10,112,600) (30,588,400) (15,995,300) |
Cost of sales – Nickel operations(a) (9,890,900) (4,623,000) (27,381,700) (15,095,400) |
Depreciation and amortization expenses (3,262,400) (2,467,200) (9,414,400) (5,329,700) |
Exploration costs (1,104,100) (900,900) (3,562,700) (4,496,100) |
Administrative and corporate expenses (2,375,800) (1,585,600) (6,065,100) (6,150,700) |
Accrual for closure of El Valle and Carlés — — (864,500) — |
Other income (expenses) (237,700) (565,100) (796,300) (443,200) |
Interest income 539,200 187,100 849,400 776,900 |
Gains on disposal of traded securities — — 1,261,300 — |
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) (630,300) (253,400) 706,100 (10,247,500) |
Interest expense and amortization |
of financing fees (1,543,000) (272,900) (1,750,000) (805,900) |
Derivatives loss (8,362,200) (7,776,900) (38,900,000) (15,441,600) |
(47,507,400) (37,576,200) (139,149,800) (99,266,400) |
Income (loss) before income tax 11,579,600 (7,506,300) 20,626,400 (27,897,000) |
Income tax (expense) benefit 4,027,200 (1,558,900) 3,497,900 (2,100,900) |
Net income (loss) before |
non-controlling interest 15,606,800 (9,065,200) 24,124,300 (29,997,900) |
Non-controlling interest 5,100 15,200 16,700 239,500 |
Net income (loss) 15,611,900 (9,050,000) 24,141,000 (29,758,400) |
|
Deficit, beginning of period (114,140,800) (101,253,700) (122,669,900) (80,545,300) |
Deficit, end of period (98,528,900) (110,303,700) (98,528,900) (110,303,700) |
|
Net income (loss) per share – basic 0.10 (0.06) 0.15 (0.19) |
Net income (loss) per share – diluted 0.10 (0.06) 0.15 (0.19) |
Weighted average common shares |
outstanding – basic 160,829,263 157,967,785 160,442,359 157,781,633 |
Weighted average common shares |
outstanding – diluted 163,641,218 157,967,785 162,719,541 157,781,633 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
(a) Exclusive of items shown separately below.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(stated in U.S. dollars) (unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended |
September 30, September 30, |
2006 2005 2006 2005 |
$ $ $ $ |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
Net income (loss) 15,611,900 (9,050,000) 24,141,000 (29,758,400) |
Add (deduct) items not requiring cash |
Depreciation and amortization 3,262,400 2,467,200 9,414,400 5,329,700 |
Amortization of deferred financing fees and |
prepaid expenses 36,900 36,200 107,900 112,400 |
Accretion of provision for site restoration 58,100 54,900 169,900 170,500 |
Foreign exchange 801,500 (436,500) (542,400) 7,822,900 |
Non-cash derivatives loss 2,887,000 6,516,700 24,905,200 12,759,200 |
Shared-based compensation 425,400 332,400 975,500 865,400 |
Non-controlling interest 5,100 (13,800) 16,700 (267,100) |
Income taxes (expenses) recovery (4,156,400) 1,558,900 (3,627,100) 2,100,900 |
Gains on disposal of traded securities — — (1,261,300) — |
Restoration expenditures (81,200) (281,700) (284,900) (792,600) |
Changes in components of working capital |
Inventories (2,133,500) 711,300 (2,553,100) (3,095,600) |
Stockpiled ore 341,900 908,000 2,807,800 1,518,600 |
Government grants (104,700) — 110,400 — |
VAT and other taxes (1,353,900) (681,900) (3,019,000) (6,729,800) |
Trade receivables 1,937,300 (985,000) (12,151,500) (1,034,300) |
Other current assets 174,500 (357,400) (334,200) 215,600 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 742,000 5,473,500 (3,835,100) 8,217,200 |
Cash provided by (used in) |
operating activities 18,454,300 6,252,800 35,040,200 (2,565,400) |
|
INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
Expenditures on mineral properties (14,401,500) (7,190,000) (48,960,400) (18,691,800) |
Grants received (reimbursed) — (124,300) 215,100 7,142,600 |
Restricted cash 263,600 (824,000) 302,300 (697,600) |
Long-term deposits and restricted investments 251,200 (415,200) 630,900 111,800 |
Long-term investments in traded securities (3,926,900) — (3,926,900) — |
Disposal of traded securities — — 2,411,200 — |
Cash provided by (used in) |
investing activities (17,813,600) (8,553,500) (49,327,800) (12,135,000) |
|
FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
Proceeds from issue of common shares 133,400 29,000 1,434,200 695,900 |
Proceeds from bank loans and other |
long-term liabilities 6,299,500 6,358,900 56,020,800 8,940,900 |
Financing fees on bank loans (813,400) 3,400 (1,932,200) (44,000) |
Repayment of bank loans (24,255,600) (10,076,800) (42,409,500) (12,352,700) |
Cash provided by (used in) |
financing activities (18,636,100) (3,685,500) 13,113,300 (2,759,900) |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash and cash |
equivalents held in foreign currency (1,035,200) 269,300 723,300 (6,824,500) |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
during the period (19,030,600) (5,716,900) (451,000) (24,284,800) |
Cash and cash equivalents, |
beginning of period 72,203,300 63,320,900 53,623,700 81,888,800 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 53,172,700 57,604,000 53,172,700 57,604,000 |
Supplemental cash flow information |
Interest paid in cash 1,240,900 742,500 3,631,400 1,661,700 |
Income taxes paid in cash — — — — |
For further information please contact:
Chris von Christierson
Chairman & CEO
Tel: + (44) 207 629 2252
E-Mail: cvc@sprospecting.com
Omar Gomez
C.F.O.
Tel: + (34) 98 573 3300
E-Mail: omar.gomez@rngm.es
David Baril
C.O.O.
Tel: +(34) 98-573-3300
E-Mail: david.baril@rngm.es
Michelle Roth
Roth Investor Relations, Inc.
Tel. +1 732 792 2200
Email: michelleroth@rothir.com
Web Site: www.rionarcea.com