TIDMAYM
Anglesey Mining plc LSE:AYM
15 November 2012
Labrador Iron Mines Reports Second Quarter Results
Anglesey Mining plc is pleased to announce that its associate Labrador Iron
Mines Holdings Limited (TSX: LIM) today reported its operating and financial
results for the quarter ended September 30, 2012.
Highlights
* LIM demonstrated its mine-to-port operational ability to produce, rail and
sell up to 250,000 tonnes of iron ore product per month from its James mine
since commencing the 2012 operating season.
* LIM mined approximately 962,000 tonnes of ore at a grade of 60.8% iron
("Fe") for the three months ended September 30, 2012, which represents a
40% increase quarter-over-quarter.
* LIM railed approximately 706,000 tonnes of ore to the Port of Sept-Îles
during the quarter. In October, LIM surpassed a major milestone, having
railed over two million tonnes to the Port of Sept-Îles since commencing
mining operations in June 2011.
* LIM sold four shipments of iron ore totalling 648,000 dry tonnes (700,000
wet tonnes) and reported revenue of $33.0 million FOB Port of Sept-Îles
during the quarter.
* LIM responded quickly to challenging market conditions and the sharp
decline in iron ore spot prices in August 2012, focusing on cost reduction
and cash conservation measures.
* LIM enhanced long-term rail and port access for its iron ore, securing 5
million tonnes of ship loading capacity at the new multi-user dock at the
Port of Sept-Îles and participating with CN Rail on a feasibility study for
the potential development of a new multi-user rail line and terminal
handling facility at the Port of Sept-Îles to serve iron ore companies in
the Labrador Trough.
* LIM completed most of the fieldwork of a successful 2012 exploration season
with approximately 13,500 metres of diamond and reverse circulation (RC)
drilling forecast to be completed, a 35% increase over the planned 10,000
m.
Rod Cooper, President and COO of Labrador Iron Mines, stated: "LIM's operations
generated strong results quarter-over-quarter, as performance in the mine,
processing facility and rail all ramped up towards the height of the 2012
operating season. Complementing this has been LIM's mine-to-port solution, with
the demonstrated ability to produce, rail, ship and sell our iron ore product.
However, operational achievements in the period were overshadowed by
challenging market conditions and, in particular, a precipitous decline in spot
iron ore prices in August. Our operating team has demonstrated professional
discipline and done a commendable job in responding to these conditions, which
necessitated rapid execution of revised strategies and action plans to reduce
costs, conserve cash and optimize production for the remainder of the 2012
season."
Responding to Challenging Market Conditions and Outlook for 2012
Iron ore spot prices and transaction volumes suffered a sharp decline in August
2012, with spot prices dropping 33% during the quarter to below US$90 per tonne
on a 62% Fe CFR China basis. As previously announced, LIM undertook a critical
review of its operating and capital spending for the balance of 2012 and
implemented the following immediate and decisive measures:
* A focus on cost reduction and cash management to prudently manage LIM's
cash resources;
* Utilization of the new dry classifying system to produce sinter and lump
ore only;
* All non-committed capital expenditures, mainly relating to the Silver Yards
wet processing plant and development of the Houston deposits, were deferred
into 2013;
* The 2012 exploration program was reduced to $5.3 million.
* Subsequent to quarter end, a $30 million equity financing was successfully
completed in November.
"Challenging global economic conditions and, specifically, a reduced demand by
Chinese steel producers were the main backdrop during a quarter overshadowed by
a sharp and unexpected drop in iron ore prices," commented John Kearney, LIM's
Chairman and CEO. "In ensuring we `stay the course', we made prudent decisions
to defer capital expenditures and scale back production to complete the season
in a sustainable position.
"Despite these challenging market conditions, we successfully completed the
sale of nine shipments thus far in 2012 and anticipate one more shipment of
lump ore before the end of November. By the end of the 2012 operating season,
LIM will have sold ten shipments totalling 1.7 million wet tonnes (1.6 million
dry tonnes) of iron ore, quadrupling the total tonnes sold in all of 2011."
"As we wrap up our 2012 operating season, we have demonstrated that we can
mine, transport and sell our iron ore. Furthermore, with the rebound in spot
iron ore prices since mid-September, we remain confident that prices will be
sustainable above US$110 per tonne (62% Fe) on a CFR China basis in the short
to medium term and we remain optimistic about the fundamentals for long-term
iron ore demand in China."
Results of Operations
James Mine
During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, approximately 962,000 tonnes of
ore at a grade of 60.8% Fe were mined, representing over a 40% increase in
tonnes mined quarter-over-quarter. For the six months ended September 30, 2012,
approximately 1.6 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 61.5% Fe were mined. In
the months of June through August, the James mine consistently achieved its
planned operating rate of 28,000 tonnes per day (ore and waste), prior to the
previously-announced scale-back in planned production for the remainder of the
season.
Silver Yards
The ore in the James deposits continues to be soft high grade and lends itself
to simple processing. To enhance productivity and reduce costs, beginning in
late August and continuing for the remainder of 2012, LIM is utilizing its
newly-added dry classifying system exclusively to produce lump and sinter
products.
The Phase 3 wet plant expansion was largely complete at the end of August, with
the remaining items being the installation of electrical equipment and
instrumentation work. Completion and commissioning is now planned for the 2013
operating season. The expansion is intended to increase plant throughput to
12,000 tonnes per day and improve weight recovery to above 75%.
Rail and Port
For the three months ended September 30, approximately 706,000 tonnes of iron
ore were railed to the Port of Sept-Îles, bringing the total for the six months
ended September 30 to over 1.2 million tonnes. Monthly rail volumes have
increased almost threefold from the beginning of the operating season.
During the quarter, LIM announced its participation in the development of the
new multi-user deep water dock at the Port of Sept-Îles, which will be
dedicated exclusively to iron ore shipments. Under the terms of the agreement
with the Port Authority, LIM has secured an annual capacity of 5 million tonnes
of iron ore with a right to secure additional residual capacity. The Port
expects that construction of the new berth will to be completed by March 31,
2014.
Also during the quarter, LIM announced its collaboration with CN on a
feasibility study to develop a new, continuous multi-user rail line to serve
iron ore companies in the Labrador Trough. The CN feasibility study is also
evaluating the development of a new terminal handling facility located at the
Port of Sept-Îles, which would complement the planned development of the new
multi-user dock at the Port.
Sales
During the second quarter, LIM completed the sale of four cape-size shipments
(two shipments of direct rail ore (DRO) and two shipments of sinter) totalling
648,000 dry tonnes, which were sold at a weighted average actual realized price
(i.e. CFR China spot price less value-in-use discounts) of approximately US$96
per tonne on a CFR China basis. For these four shipments, LIM recognized net
proceeds of $33.0 million on a FOB Sept-Îles basis after netting shipping costs
and IOC's participation, which includes product handling, ship loading and
sales costs from the CFR China actual realized price.
As a result of the steep decline in iron ore prices in August 2012, LIM's three
cargo shipments sold during that month were at net prices (FOB Port of
Sept-Îles) below LIM's cash operating costs per tonne of product sold.
Subsequent to the end of the quarter, LIM completed the sale of two additional
cape-size shipments of sinter ore for a total of nine shipments so far in 2012.
LIM anticipates its tenth shipment, scheduled for arrival at the port on
November 18, to be a cape-size vessel of approximately 100,000 tonnes of lump
ore. LIM will continue to report proceeds from its aggregate sales of iron ore
on a quarterly basis.
Value-in-use adjustments
The actual realized price for a shipment of LIM's iron ore is based on the
prevailing spot price in China at the time the cargo is priced, adjusted for
`value-in-use' adjustments based on the cargo's specifications. The typical
market referenced in connection with sales of LIM's iron ore products is the
Platts 62% Fe CFR China Index, which tracks daily pricing for cargos on a CFR
China price per dry tonne basis, of granular product based on a standard size
and content of iron, moisture, manganese, silica, alumina, phosphorus and
sulphur. To the extent a shipment's cargo deviates from these specifications, a
value-in-use adjustment to the prevailing normalized spot price may apply.
So far in 2012, LIM has experienced value-in-use adjustments (i.e. discounts)
for its DRO cargos related mainly to the mixed-size nature of this product,
which requires further crushing and screening by the purchaser before being
used in the steelmaking process. Subsequent to the two DRO shipments sold in
the second quarter, LIM discontinued the sale of its DRO product.
The value-in-use adjustments for LIM's sinter ore shipments were related to the
silica content of the cargos, which was slightly higher than the standard
specification of 4.5% silica. LIM expects the silica level to be lower in the
future when Phase 3 of the wet processing plant is fully commissioned.
Production and Cash Operating Costs
During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, cash operating costs, including
mining, processing, rail and transportation and site administration expenses,
were approximately $70 per tonne of product sold (unloaded at the Port).
Included in this amount was a charge equal to approximately $7 per tonne of
product sold during the quarter, representing the full season's wet processing
plant commissioning costs being charged to the second quarter. This charge was
taken because LIM winterized its wet processing plant in August 2012 and is
utilizing its dry screening process for the remainder of the 2012 operating
season. Excluding the above charge, cash operating costs during the second
quarter were approximately $63 per tonne.
Cash operating costs per tonne of product sold for the 2012 season is expected
to be $70 per tonne, unloaded at the port, including non-recurring charges.
LIM's operating results for the three and six months ended September 30, are
outlined in the following table:
Production for the Quarter and Six Months ended September 30, 2012
(all tonnes are Dry Metric Tonnes) Quarter ended Six Months ended
September 30, 2012 September 30, 2012
Tonnes Grade % Fe Tonnes Grade % Fe
Total Ore Mined 961,737 60.8 1,629,930 61.5
Direct Rail Ore portion 569,789 62.4 1,053,233 62.5
Waste Mined 1,533,211 - 2,902,609 -
Ore Processed 643,715 58.2 771,178 57.8
Lump Ore Produced 62,884 60.5 80,612 60.4
Sinter Fines Produced 508,773 61.1 543,484 61.4
Total Product Railed 706,495 62.2 1,238,824 62.4
Tonnes Product Sold 647,643 62.3 1,134,149 62.7
Port Product ending inventory 282,344 62.1 282,344 62.1
Site Product ending inventory 89,917 60.2 89,917 60.2
ROM Ore ending inventory 432,143 56.2 432,143 56.2
Houston Development
Ongoing drill programs and hydrological and metallurgical testing of the
Houston deposits continued in 2012 in order to generate the technical
information required for detailed mine planning. As previously announced, all
major capital expenditure programs relating to the development of Houston have
been deferred. LIM is continuing to process applications for permits and
regulatory approvals required for the construction of mine infrastructure and
related facilities to enable the development and construction at the Houston
deposits.
Commencement of full construction activities for the first, dry process phase
of the Houston Project is now planned for 2013, subject to market conditions,
the availability of financing and the receipt of the remaining permits, with
initial production of Houston ore targeted for 2014. Infrastructure costs for
the first phase of the Houston project are estimated to be approximately $37
million, with an additional approximately $20 million of mine development costs
now planned for 2014. Planning is well advanced for the second, wet process
phase of the project. LIM plans to evaluate various potential credit facilities
and/or strategic partnerships or off-take arrangements to fund these Houston
development expenditures.
2012 Exploration Program
As of the end of September 2012, approximately 9,400 m of RC and core diamond
drilling had been completed in the 2012 exploration program. The 2012
exploration budget was reduced to $5.3 million from the $8.6 million originally
budgeted. Although exploration spending has been reduced, the overall 2012
exploration program is expected to achieve approximately 13,500 m of drilling
(from the planned 10,000 m) as a result of cost efficiencies and improved
productivity.
The drill programs have focused on Houston, Malcolm, James North, the James
South extension and historic stockpiles near Silver Yards. As at the end of
September, 5,600 m of RC drilling had been completed at Houston, Malcolm and
the historic stockpiles and 3,300 m of diamond drilling had been completed at
Houston and the James South extension. The main purpose of this drilling is to
generate further technical information for more detailed mine planning of these
deposits. LIM had also completed 500 m of diamond drilling at the James North
deposit for geotechnical purposes.
In addition to this drilling, a bulk sampling program of some of the historic
stockpiles has been initiated with a view to providing supplemental plant feed
to the Silver Yards processing plant. The final drilling program being carried
out this season involves approximately 1,500 m of diamond drilling on the
Elizabeth Lake taconite target intended to evaluate the potential of this type
of iron-bearing formation.
Iron Ore Market Conditions
Iron ore spot prices suffered a sharp decline in August 2012, dropping 33% from
June 30, 2012 to below US$90 per tonne on a 62% Fe CFR China basis in early
September. The sharp decline below US$110, which lasted from August 15 to
September 18, was unexpected and was variously reported as being due to a
number of factors that included de-stocking of plant inventories by Chinese
steel mills, partly due to tighter credit conditions and traders withdrawing
from the spot market, coupled with historically high port inventories. The
Platts Index averaged US$113 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012.
Despite recent volatility, LIM believes the underlying fundamentals of the iron
ore market have not changed. The most important use of iron ore is as a primary
input in steel production. Global steel production in the first nine months of
calendar 2012 remained strong and in line with the same period in 2011. Global
crude steel demand is expected to increase by 4.5% in 2013 according to the
World Steel Association. LIM believes that the plant destocking by Chinese
steel producers cannot continue indefinitely as Chinese steel prices stabilize
and buyers return to the market.
Recent announcements by the Chinese Government of stimulus spending will
support continued growth in demand for steel and iron ore in China. China's
National Development and Reform Commission is reported to have approved new
infrastructure projects, including highways, subways and airports and other
public works, totalling between 800 billion and one trillion Yuan over the next
several years.
LIM's expectation, which is consistent with consensus research opinions, is
that a recovery in iron ore prices is likely due to the re-stocking by Chinese
steel mills, traders moving back into the iron ore spot market as well as
economic stimulus programs from China, Europe and the U.S. Towards the end of
September 2012, spot prices had recovered to approximately US$110 per tonne on
a 62% Fe CFR China basis, as market sentiment shifted in the Chinese market in
response to announced stimulus programs and to ongoing depletion in inventories
at the steel makers' facilities. Subsequent to September 2012, spot prices have
continued to improve, and by early November have reached approximately US$120
per tonne on a 62% Fe CFR China basis.
Company Outlook
LIM undertook decisive action in September 2012 in response to the drop in spot
iron ore prices. LIM believes that the cost reductions in current operations,
combined with the scale-back in production, the deferral of capital
expenditures and the completion of a $30 million equity financing in November
2012 will ensure LIM completes the 2012 season in a sustainable position to
resume operations in 2013.
By the end of November, LIM will have completed its mining operations, winding
down its processing and rail operations. LIM expects to complete its shipping
season with a tenth shipment in November.
Resumption of mining operations in April 2013 for the 2013 operating season
will depend on a number of inter-related factors, including LIM being
reasonably confident that the forecast iron ore spot price will continue at
levels of US$110 per tonne (62% Fe) or higher on a CFR China basis at least for
the 2013 operating season. LIM is currently targeting approximately 2 million
tonnes of iron ore production in 2013.
Second Quarter Financial Review
During the fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2012, LIM sold four
shipments totalling 648,000 dry tonnes of iron ore and recognized revenue of
$33.0 million (FOB Port of Sept-Îles) from the sale of these shipments. Revenue
for the second quarter was negatively impacted by a decline of 33% in the spot
price of iron ore (on a CFR China basis, before value-in-use adjustments and
before ocean freight and IOC allocation) during the quarter due to a number of
factors in the seaborne iron ore market that included de-stocking of plant
inventories by Chinese steel mills, traders withdrawing from the spot market
and historically high port inventories in China.
For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, LIM reported a loss of $31.7 million,
or $0.47 per share, which included a depletion and depreciation charge of $14.4
million or $0.21 per share. The depreciation and depletion figure represents a
period charge, primarily on a units-of-production basis, of the cost of the
James mine (including capitalized stripping and dewatering), Silver Yards
processing plant, transportation equipment, and infrastructure and site
administration properties associated with the operations of the James mine
operations.
During the quarter, LIM invested approximately $5.8 million in property, plant
and equipment, compared to approximately $25.7 million invested during the same
quarter of the previous year. The $5.8 million invested during the second
quarter consisted mainly of investments in Phase 3 of the Silver Yards
processing plant, grid connection infrastructure and expansion of the mine
accommodation camp.
During the second quarter, LIM advanced approximately $15.4 million in various
payments for its rail and port facilities outlined as follows: $2.5 million to
the Tshiuetin (TSH) Railway as a non-repayable contribution to its capital
upgrade program; $5 million to the Quebec North Shore and Labrador (QNS&L)
Railway as an installment towards its advance payments required to secure
locomotive and infrastructure capacity; a preliminary installment of $6.4
million to the Port of Sept-Îles to secure ship loading capacity of 5 million
tonnes per year in the new multi-user deep water dock; and, $1.5 million to CN
to participate in a feasibility study evaluating the development of a new,
continuous multi-user railway in the Labrador Trough and a new terminal
handling facility located at the Port of Sept-Îles.
At September 30, 2012, LIM had current assets of $58.2 million, including
inventories with a carrying value of $21.4 million and accounts receivable and
prepaid expenses of $34.5 million. At September 30, 2012, LIM had a total of
$915,000 in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. Current liabilities,
consisting of accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the premium liability
recognized on the issuance of flow-through shares and the current portion of
finance lease obligations and rehabilitation provision, were in aggregate $60.9
million at September 30, 2012. LIM had a working capital deficiency of $2.6
million as at September 30, 2012. Subsequent to quarter end, LIM completed an
equity financing for gross proceeds of $30 million.
Members of LIM's senior management team will host a conference call and webcast
today at 11:00 am (ET) 4.00 pm GMT. You may participate in the conference call
by calling +1 416-641-6104 (local and international). To ensure your
participation, please call five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the
call.
This press release should be read in conjunction with LIM's Management's
Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and unaudited financial statements for the
second quarter ended September 30, 2012, available on LIM's website at
www.labradorironmines.ca, under the "Financials" section, or on SEDAR
(www.sedar.com).
Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2013 (April 1, 2012), proceeds from
LIM's iron ore sales have been recognized as revenue in LIM's Statement of
Operations and Comprehensive Income.
All references to `years' in this press release are `calendar years', unless
otherwise indicated. All dollar amounts are stated in Canadian dollars, unless
otherwise noted.
About Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited
Labrador Iron Mines (LIM) is Canada's newest iron ore producer with a portfolio
of direct shipping (DSO) iron ore operations and projects located in the
prolific Labrador Trough. Initial production commenced at the James Mine in
June 2011. The first full production season commenced in April 2012, with nine
cape-size shipments totalling approximately 1,456,000 dry tonnes of iron ore
sold in the seven months ended October 31, 2012.
The James Mine is connected by a direct rail link to the Port of Sept-Iles,
Québec. The project also benefits from established infrastructure including the
town, airport, hydro power and railway service. Starting with the James Mine
and leading to the development of the expanding Houston flagship project, LIM's
objective is to provide shareholders with long-term value with a plan to
increase production towards 5 million tonnes per year from a portfolio of 20
iron ore deposits in Labrador and Quebec, all within 50 kilometres of the town
of Schefferville.
LIM is currently the only independently-owned Canadian iron ore producer listed
on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol LIM. For further
information see www.labradorironmines.ca.
About Anglesey Mining plc
Anglesey now holds 19.7% of Toronto-listed Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited
which is producing iron ore from its James deposit, one of LIM's twenty direct
shipping iron ore deposits in western Labrador and north-eastern Quebec.
Anglesey is also carrying out development and exploration work at its 100%
owned Parys Mountain zinc-copper-lead deposit in North Wales, UK.
For further information, please contact:
Bill Hooley, Chief Executive +44 (0)1492 541981;
Ian Cuthbertson, Finance Director +44 (0)1248 361333;
Samantha Harrison / Klara Kaczmarek: RFC Ambrian +44 (0)20 3440 6800;
Emily Fenton / Jos Simson: Tavistock Communications +44 (0)20 7920 3155
END
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