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MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA, May 7, 2009 (Marketwire via COMTEX News Network) -- Richmont Mines Inc. (TSX:RIC)(NYSE AMEX:RIC), a gold exploration, development and production company with operations in Canada, today announced financial and operational results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2009. Financial results are based on Canadian GAAP and dollars are reported in Canadian currency, unless otherwise noted.
Revenue for the first quarter of 2009 was $19.9 million, a 33% increase compared with $15.0 million in the first quarter of 2008. In the 2009 quarter, 16,614 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$908 (CAN$1,131) per ounce, compared with 14,995 ounces of gold sold in the same period the prior year at an average price of US$888 (CAN$947) per ounce. Total precious metals revenue was up $4.6 million, or 32%, to $18.8 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared with $14.2 million in the first quarter of 2008, driven by the increase in ounces sold at a 19% higher average selling price per ounce in Canadian dollars.
Operating costs, including royalties, for the first quarter of 2009 were $13.5 million compared with $10.4 million in the same period the prior year reflecting increased production. The average cash cost per ounce of gold sold was relatively flat at US$653 (CAN$813) in the first quarter compared with US$654 (CAN$697) in the first quarter of 2008 reflecting the impact of a stronger US dollar.
Exploration and project evaluation costs increased $0.1 million to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2009, as the Company continued its efforts to grow its reserves. Exploration costs were approximately $0.8 million at the Beaufor Mine, $0.4 million at the Island Gold Mine, $0.2 million at the Francoeur property and about $0.1 million on other properties during the current quarter. The Company recorded exploration tax credits of $0.3 million during the quarter.
Net earnings for the first quarter of 2009 were $1.4 million, or $0.05 per share, compared with net earnings of $0.4 million, or $0.02 per share, in the first quarter of 2008.
Strong Cash Position and Solid Capital Structure
At March 31, 2009, cash and cash equivalents were $27.4 million, a $1.4 million increase from $26.0 million at December 31, 2008. The cash equivalents included $12.4 million of Canadian bankers acceptance and bank discount notes with high level credit ratings and $15.0 million in cash deposited in a major Canadian chartered bank. During the quarter, $1.6 million was invested in property, plant and equipment, the majority of which was at the Island Gold Mine. Richmont Mines has no long-term debt obligations, working capital of $28.3 million and only 26.1 million shares outstanding.
Island Gold Mine
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Three months ended
March 31, March 31,
2009 2008
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Tonnes 51,028 31,688
Head grade (g/t) 6.85 7.23
Gold recovery (%) 94.39 94.95
Recovered grade (g/t) 6.47 6.86
Ounces sold 10,613 6,992
Cash cost per ounce (US$) 671 759
Investment in property, plant and equipment
(thousands of CAN$) 1,291 475
Exploration expenses (thousands of CAN$) 368 312
Differed development metres 437 118
Diamond drilling (metres)
Definition 3,566 1,088
Exploration - 3,393
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During the first quarter of 2009, 51,028 tonnes of ore from the Island Gold Mine were processed at an average recovered grade of 6.47 g/t, and 10,613 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$911 (CAN$1,135) per ounce. For the same period last year, 31,688 tonnes of ore were processed at an average recovered grade of 6.86 g/t, and 6,992 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$879 (CAN$937) per ounce. Although the increase in tonnes processed, the mining costs were higher because of major repairs at the mill that resulted in several loss days of operations. The mill upgrade is advancing well as daily output reached peaks in excess of 700 tonnes per day. The cash cost was US$671 (CAN$836) during the quarter as compared with a cash cost of US$759 (CAN$809) for the same quarter the prior year. The higher cash cost in Canadian dollars is mainly due to a lower recovered grade of 6%, which is mainly attributable to lower grades in the development ore, and to increased definition drilling of 3,566 metres in 2009 compared with 1,088 metres in 2008.
Mr. Martin Rivard, President and CEO of Richmont Mines, commented, "During the first quarter we accelerated our development activities at Island Gold and the ore from the development zone was of a lower grade than we had previously experienced, resulting in an increase in cash cost per ounce in CAN$. We are confident that the grade levels will improve as the development activities progress. The mine is now producing near our projected level of around 600 tonnes per day and we anticipate strong production from this mine in 2009 and beyond and our focus is to significantly reduce operating costs."
Beaufor Mine
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Three months ended
March 31, March 31,
2009 2008
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Tonnes 29,463 30,697
Head grade (g/t) 6.47 8.28
Gold recovery (%) 97.86 97.98
Recovered grade (g/t) 6.34 8.11
Ounces sold 6,001 8,003
Cash cost per ounce (US$) 621 562
Investment in property, plant and equipment
(thousands of CAN$) 209 80
Exploration expenses (thousands of CAN$) 806 550
Differed development metres 91 -
Diamond drilling (metres)
Definition 4,119 1,749
Exploration 5,976 5,857
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During the first quarter of 2009, 29,463 tonnes of ore from the Beaufor Mine were processed at an average recovered grade of 6.34 g/t, and 6,001 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$902 (CAN$1,124) per ounce. In the same quarter the prior year, 30,697 tonnes of ore were processed at an average recovered grade of 8.11 g/t, and 8,003 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$896 (CAN$955) per ounce. The cash cost of production in the first quarter of 2009 was US$621 (CAN$773) per ounce sold, up from US$562 (CAN$599) in the first quarter of 2008, due to increased definition drilling, higher mining costs and a lower grade level of ore recovered during the current period. During the current quarter, Richmont processed 27,869 tonnes of custom milling ore at the Camflo Mill while there was no custom milling at Camflo Mill in the 2008 first quarter.
Mr. Rivard continued, "We are increasing our efforts to reduce our operating costs at Beaufor Mine while maintaining a significant exploration program of approximately 45,000 metres of drilling for 2009."
Francoeur
Richmont has decided to move forward with exploration activities at the Francoeur Project in Quebec, where it previously mined 345,000 ounces of gold, which were mainly processed at the Camflo Mill, prior to ceasing operations in 2001 when the relatively low price of gold at the time could not justify additional capital expenditures. The mine was subsequently flooded in 2003. The Company began preparation work to start dewatering activities of the underground openings and will upgrade the existing hoist and related infrastructure. This work is expected to be completed over an eight month period. A surface drilling program consisting of approximately 8,000 metres is planned for this summer with the objective of increasing known resources. Richmont's 2009 budget for dewatering and drilling program is approximately CAN$4.5 million. The Company also plans to file a technical report (NI 43-101) during the third quarter of 2009.
Appointment
After the passing of Mr. Jean-Guy Rivard, founder and Chairman of Richmont Mines, on March 28, 2009, the Company appointed Mr. Denis Arcand as Interim Chairman of the Board of Directors until the next Annual and Special General Meeting of the Company. Mr. Arcand was Vice President of the Board of Directors and has been a Director of Richmont Mines since September 1995.
Furthermore, Ms. Sandra Cauchon, lawyer of Richmont Mines, has been appointed as secretary of the Company on February 24, 2009, in replacement of Ms. Stephanie Lee.
Outlook
Mr. Rivard concluded, "We will increase our efforts on production cost reductions at both operating mines while maximising our exploration efforts. We are pleased to initiate exploration and development work at our past producing Francoeur Mine, which fits well into our growth plan. We will also continue to evaluate potential acquisition and partnership opportunities to fill our pipeline with additional reserves and resources."
Annual and Special General Meeting
Richmont Mines'Annual and Special General Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009, at Suite 2500, Salle Lafleur A, 1000 De la Gauchetiere West Street, Montreal, Quebec, at 9:00 a.m.. The annual meeting presentation will also be available on Richmont Mines' Web site.
Other Upcoming Events
Mr. Martin Rivard, President and CEO, will present at the New York Society of Security Analysts' 2009 Metals & Mining conference at the NYSSA New York City offices, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, beginning at 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. A copy of Mr. Rivard's presentation will be available on Richmont Mines' Web site, in the Investor Relations section, on the day of the presentation.
Martin Rivard
President and Chief Executive Officer
About Richmont Mines Inc.
Richmont produces gold from its operations in Canada and is focused on building its reserves in North America, and has extensive experience in gold exploration, development and mining. Since it began production in 1991, Richmont has produced more than one million ounces of gold from its holdings in Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland. Richmont's strategy is to cost-effectively develop and exploit its gold mining assets, acquire properties, or develop partnerships to expand its reserve base. Richmont routinely posts news and other important information on its Web site at: www.richmont-mines.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and apply only as of the date on which they were made.
The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include changes in the prevailing price of gold, the Canadian-United States exchange rate, grade of ore mined and unforeseen difficulties in mining operations that could affect revenue and production costs. Other factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in Richmont Mines' Annual Information Form, Annual Reports and periodic reports.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates
The resource estimate in this news release is prepared in accordance with Regulation 43-101 adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators. The requirements of R 43-101 differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). In this news release, we use the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" resources. Although these terms are recognized and required in Canada, the SEC does not recognize them. The SEC permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that constitute "reserves". Under United States standards, mineralization may not be classified as a reserve unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally extracted at the time the determination is made. United States investors should not assume that all or any portion of a measured or indicated resource will ever be converted into "reserves". Further, "inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and whether they can be mined economically or legally, and United States investors should not assume that "inferred resources" exist or can be legally or economically mined, or that they will ever be upgraded to a higher category.
EXPLORATION PROPERTIES
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Three months ended
March 31, March 31,
2009 2008
CAN$ $ $
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Exploration costs - Mines
Beaufor Mine 806 550
Island Gold Mine 368 312
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1,174 862
Exploration costs - Other properties
Francoeur / Wasamac properties 192 40
Golden Wonder property - 474
Other properties 18 8
Project evaluation 101 50
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1,485 1,434
Exploration tax credits (267) (353)
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1,218 1,081
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FINANCIAL DATA
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Three months ended
March 31, March 31,
CAN$ 2009 2008
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Results (in thousands of $)
Revenue 19,873 14,961
Net earnings 1,433 406
Cash flow from operations 3,063 2,542
Results per share ($)
Net earnings basic and diluted 0.05 0.02
Basic weighted average number of common
shares outstanding (thousands) 26,105 24,053
Average selling price of gold per ounce 1,131 947
Average selling price of gold per ounce (US$) 908 888
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March 31, December 31,
2009 2008
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Financial position (in thousands of $)
Total assets 84,467 82,881
Working capital 28,317 26,753
Long-term debt - -
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SALES AND PRODUCTION DATA
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Three-month period ended March 31,
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Ounces of gold Cash cost
(per ounce sold)
Year Sales Production US$ CAN$
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Island Gold Mine 2009 10,613 9,506 671 836
2008 6,992 8,008 759 809
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Beaufor Mine 2009 6,001 4,851 621 773
2008 8,003 10,385 562 599
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Total 2009 16,614 14,357 653 813
2008 14,995 18,393 654 697
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Average exchange rate used for 2008: US$1 equals CAN$1.0660
2009 estimated exchange rate: US$1 equals CAN$1.2456
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
(Unaudited) Three months ended
March 31, March 31,
2009 2008
$ $
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REVENUE
Precious metals 18,790 14,194
Other 1,083 767
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19,873 14,961
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EXPENSES
Operating costs 13,086 10,097
Royalties 418 347
Custom milling 717 -
Administration 889 827
Exploration and project evaluation 1,218 1,081
Accretion expense - asset retirement obligations 69 43
Depreciation and depletion 1,355 1,205
Loss (gain) on disposal of mining assets (2) 20
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17,750 13,620
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EARNINGS BEFORE OTHER ITEMS 2,123 1,341
MINING AND INCOME TAXES 589 723
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1,534 618
MINORITY INTEREST 101 212
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NET EARNINGS 1,433 406
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NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
basic and diluted 0.05 0.02
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (thousands) 26,105 24,053
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements available on
SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
March 31, March 31,
2009 2008
$ $
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(Unaudited) (Audited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 27,443 26,021
Restricted cash 104 116
Short-term investments 152 121
Accounts receivable 876 986
Mining and income taxes receivable 1,669 1,586
Inventories 5,648 6,012
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35,892 34,842
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 48,575 48,039
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84,467 82,881
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LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued charges 6,851 6,912
Mining and income taxes payable 724 1,177
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7,575 8,089
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS 4,821 4,664
MINORITY INTEREST 2,125 2,024
FUTURE MINING AND INCOME TAXES 1,409 1,086
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15,930 15,863
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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock 64,639 64,672
Contributed surplus 5,774 5,678
Deficit (1,671) (3,096)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (205) (236)
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68,537 67,018
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84,467 82,881
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements available on
SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
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(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
(Unaudited) Three months ended
March 31, March 31,
2009 2008
$ $
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CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings 1,433 406
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and depletion 1,355 1,205
Stock-based compensation 101 141
Accretion expense - asset retirement obligations 69 43
Loss (gain) on disposal of mining assets (2) 20
Gain on disposal of short-term investments - (35)
Minority interests 101 212
Future mining and income taxes 323 (174)
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3,380 1,818
Net change in non-cash working capital items (317) 724
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3,063 2,542
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CASH FLOW FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property, plant and equipment - Island Gold Mine (1,291) (475)
Property, plant and equipment - Beaufor Mine (209) (80)
Other property, plant and equipment (103) (270)
Disposal of mining assets 8 14
Cash received from an advance to a minority
partner - 375
Acquisition of short-term investments - (12)
Disposal of short-term investments - 651
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(1,595) 203
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CASH FLOW USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issue of common shares 14 19
Redemption of common shares (60) (40)
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(46) (21)
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,422 2,724
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 26,021 27,291
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 27,443 30,015
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements available on
SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
SOURCE: RICHMONT MINES INC.
Kei Advisors LLC James Culligan Investor Relations 716 843-3874 jculligan@keiadvisors.com www.richmont-mines.com
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