Lappland Goldminers present improved earnings and positive cash flow from operations during the first quarter 2010. First quarter 2010 * Sales were 57,3 MSEK (20,2 MSEK) * Result before depreciation was 5,1 MSEK (-19,9 MSEK) * Net loss was -0,8 MSEK (-24,9 MSEK) * Basic result per share was -0,01 (-0,39) * Goldproduction was 180 kgs (117 kgs) Overview Comments by CEO, Kjell Larsson It is encouraging that we now generate positive cash flow from the operations and can present improved earnings. We have also, to a large extent, been able to replace the ore mined at Pahtavaara during 2009 with new ore. The convertible issue with preferential rights for the shareholders now gives us the possibility to realize our targets for Fäboliden, Ersmarksberget and Pahtavaara. Highlights during the first quarter 2010 * The update of the feasibility study for the Fäboliden gold project continued during the first quarter. The ongoing study indicates lower gold grades, compared to the previous study from 2008, which result in lower mineral reserves and mineral resources. However, the study is positively affected by an increasing goldprice. * Lappland Goldminers completed a 100% guaranteed issue of convertibles with preferential rights for the existing shareholders. An extraordinary shareholders meeting held on 16 March approved the transaction. The issue generated 122.2 MSEK before associated costs. The transaction was completed in April 2010. For complete information of the terms of the issue see the press release issued by Lappland Goldminers on 19 February, 2010 and the prospectus dated 29 March, 2010. * Lappland Goldminers presented new estimates of the mineral reserves and mineral resources at the Pahtavaara mine. The estimates confirm an extended life of mine until the end of June 2011. As of 1 January, 2010, the mineral reserves were 678,000 tonnes containing 2.79 grams of gold per tonne. Segmented Financial Information Pahtavaara Mining and milling operation performed well, during the quarter, with the exception of lower grades than expected from the mine in March. The grades continue to fluctuate while the recoveries during the quarter exceeded expectations and were higher than the fourth quarter 2009. The program initiated during the third quarter 2009 continues and aims to improve the knowledge about the inconsistency of the ore and how mining production can be planned. The geometry of the ore bodies are difficult to predict prior to mining. Underground core drilling has been carried out since April 2008 in order to increase the ore reserves and the mineral resources. The surroundings of the present mine are considered unexplored by the company and therefore systematic exploration around the open pits was initiated in June 2009. Four earlier partly explored targets adjacent to the open pits were drilled during the second half of 2009. Totally 5 700 meters of surface drilling was done. The majority of the drilling, 3 900 meters, was concentrated on a mineralization called Länsi (West) located north-west of and adjacent to the old open pits. The results from the exploration campaign are under compilation and are expected to be available during the second quarter of 2010. Focus on exploration 2010 is to continue the drilling to delineate the Länsi mineralization which still is open both towards the depth and to the north-west. Further exploration is planned within the exploration licenses that the company has around the mining concession in order to increase the existing mineral reserves and mineral resources, which are expected to be depleted during the second quarter of 2011 if not increased. As of January 1, 2010 the ore reserves at Pahtavaara were 678,000 tonnes containing 2.79 grams per ton. Ersmarksberget During the fourth quarter 2009 the company resumed the core drilling program towards depth and strike of the indicated gold lenses on the Ersmarksberget mining lease. A total of eight deep drill holes, totaling 3,500 meters, are planned before the end of the second quarter 2010. Five of the eight drillholes have now been drilled. The present verified measured and indicated resources, from 2009, are 448,000 tonnes with 2.85 grams of gold per ton. The objective is to significantly increase the mineral resources before opening of the mine. The plan is to evaluate a possible start-up of mining operations as soon as the drill results, pilot mining and metallurgical tests, have been analyzed and completed. The information necessary for a decision is expected to be available during the third quarter 2010. The mill, at the mine site, is well equipped for future production and is running on standby mode to prevent it from dilapidation. At the same time any excess water on site is treated in the plant. Fäboliden The feasibility study, dated April 2008, is presently being updated by Golder Associates. The work is scheduled to be finalized during the third quarter 2010. The definitive feasibility study will include a mining plan and evaluations of all financial parameters of the project. The ongoing study indicates lower gold grades, compared to the previous study from 2008, which result in lower mineral reserves and mineral resources. However, the study is positively affected by an increasing goldprice. Outlook The previously communicated forecasted production for 2010, of more than 800 kgs of gold, remains unchanged. Income Statement Sales increased significantly during the first quarter 2010 compared to the first quarter 2009 and reached SEK 57.3 million compared to SEK 20.2 million. Sales increased by SEK 9.6 million compared to the fourth quarter 2009. The increase is due to increased deliveries of gold from Pahtavaara which impacted sales. A total of 219 kgs of gold were delivered from Pahtavaara during the quarter at an average price of 1,133 USD per ounce. The Pahtavaara operations contributed with a profit before depreciation of SEK 15,2 million during the quarter. Environmental costs at Ersmarksberget of SEK 4.2 million, exploration costs of SEK 1.0 million and corporate costs partly offset the quarterly profit at Pahtavaara. The group recorded a profit before depreciation of SEK 5.1 million which can be compared to a loss of SEK 19.9 million for the corresponding quarter 2009. The environmental charges at Ersmarksberget are due to the mill running on standby mode to prevent it from dilapidation and treatment of excess water from the old mining site. Depreciation charges during the quarter of SEK 6.3 million are primarily due to depreciation of capitalized ore development at Pahtavaara. Depreciation charges are calculated using of a unit of production method in relation to the remaining ore reserves. The net loss for the group during the first quarter was SEK 0.8 million compared to a net loss of MSEK 24.9 million for the corresponding quarter 2009. The improved result is primarily due to the Pahtavaara operations being in a start-up phase during the first quarter 2009 which resulted in higher unit of production costs. The activities at the mill in Ersmarksberget were also higher during the first quarter 2009 compared to today as the operations had initiated preparatory production work. The activities at Ersmarksberget are now limited with lower costs as a result. The costs at Ersmarksberget have been decreased with SEK 3.0 million compared to the first quarter 2009. Cashflow The net change in cash position was negative SEK 1.4 million during the quarter. Cash flow from operations, before working capital changes, was positive during the quarter and reached SEK 4.3 million which can be compared to negative SEK 20.8 million for the first quarter 2009 and negative SEK 61.3 million for the full year 2009. The Pahtavaara operations generated positive cash flow and contributed SEK 15.2 million during the quarter, before working capital changes. Total capital expenditures during the quarter were SEK 16.8 million of which Pahtavaara accounted for SEK 8.8 million and costs associated with the feasibility study at Fäboliden were SEK 6.5 million. Capital expenditures at Pahtavaara are primarily related to ore development when the operations are moving into new areas within the existing mine. Lower inventory at Pahtavaara and lower account receivables contributed to reduced working capital. The net positive change of working capital was SEK 3.1 million. Financial position The company believes the recently completed convertible bond issue, of SEK 122 million before costs, brings sufficient capital to complete the ongoing feasibility study at Fäboliden and carry out the ongoing drilling programs at Ersmarksberget and Pahtavaara. Cash and bank balances were, as of 31 March 2010, SEK 14.4 million and undrawn overdraft facilities were SEK 10.4 million. Parent company Sales, which are mainly internal, were SEK 1.1 million during the first quarter 2010. The operating costs are mainly group overhead costs for geology, administration and group management and were SEK 7.1 million during the first quarter 2010. Financial costs of SEK 10.3 million for the quarter relate mainly to exchange differences on intra-group loans. Unit costs and realized gold prices. The Gold Price Other information Major customers The sales of the group presently come from the Pahtavaara mine. Pahtavaara produces three types of gold concentrate - gravimetric concentrate, middling concentrate and flotation concentrate. Currently, all concentrate is shipped to three major customers in Europe and Asia. Risks and uncertainties A number of risk factors can have a negative impact on the operations of the group and the parent company. External and internal factors can influence the financial position and the growth of Lappland Goldminers. Factors, among others, which can influence the company are the price of gold, currency risks, estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, interest risks, liquidity- and financing risks, electricity- and energy prices, key staff and employees, permits, environmental factors and political risks. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties see page 23 of the 2009 Annual Report of Lappland Goldminers. Environment The operations of the company require, in many cases, permissions from authorities. See page 23 of the 2009 Annual report of Lappland Goldminers for further information regarding environmental impact. Employees The company and subsidiaries have 62 employees (2009 - 62). In addition to this, the Company engages consultants and contractors for various projects on a continuing basis. Altogether the company and subsidiaries engage the equivalent of 110 (2009 - 100) full time employees. Reporting dates Interim report January-June 2010 August 12, 2010 Interim report January-September 2010 November 11, 2010 Annual General Meeting Lappland Goldminers' annual general meeting will be held May 19, 2010 in Stockholm. An information meeting, following the AGM, will be held May 20, 2010 in Lycksele. Dividends The Board of Lappland Goldminers proposes the annual general meeting that no dividends are paid for 2009. Annual Report The Annual Report is found on the Company's web site with possibility for downloading and printing. Accounting principles This report has been prepared in compliance with IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting and according to Swedish "Årsredovisningslagen". The company applies IFRS 3r and IAS 27r but concludes they have no material impact on the financial statements. The same accounting principles have been applied as in the last issued Annual Report. For detailed information regarding accounting principles, see the Annual Report 2009. Lycksele, May 19, 2010 Kjell Larsson Chief Executive Officer The interim report for the period January - March 2010 has not been reviewed by the company's auditors. For further information please contact: Kjell Larsson, CEO Tel: 0950-275 06, 070-385 03 57 E-mail:kjell.larsson@lgold.se <mailto:kjell.larsson@lgold.se> Anders Haker, CFO, Tel: 0708-108559, E-mail:anders.haker@lgold.s <mailto:anders.haker@lgold.se>e The full press release including tables and chart can be downloaded from the following link. [HUG#1417027]
Lappland Goldminers AB (publ): Interim report January - March 2010
| Quelle: Lappland Goldminers AB