KAZ MINERALS GROUP Production Report for six months and THE second QUARTER Ended 30 June 2020
- Highlights
- H1 2020 copper production1 increased by 4% to 153.8 kt (H1 2019: 147.6 kt) driven by high ore throughput and improved grades at Bozshakol
- Gold production2 increased by 25% to 109.7 koz (H1 2019: 87.7 koz) due to higher processing volumes and grades at Bozshakol
- All metals currently on track to achieve full year production guidance but Covid-19 risks elevated in second half
- Aktogay
- First half copper production1 of 67.6 kt (H1 2019: 74.1 kt) as stronger than planned sulphide copper grades of 0.56% (H1 2019: 0.58%) were offset by temporarily lower recovery rates and ore throughput in Q1
- Q2 copper production1 increased by 3% to 34.3 kt (Q1 2020: 33.3 kt) due to higher recovery rates and ore throughput following scheduled maintenance in January
- On track for full year copper production1 guidance of 120-130 kt, lower grades expected in the second half
- Bozshakol
- Copper production2 increased 28% in H1 2020 to 60.4 kt (H1 2019: 47.1 kt) with higher grades and an 18% increase in ore throughput, due to deferral of maintenance and the suspension of the clay plant in H1 2019
- First half gold production2 40% higher at 83.3 koz (H1 2019: 59.6 koz), also benefiting from higher processing volumes and grades
- Full year copper and gold guidance unchanged at 110-120 kt and 140-150 koz with scheduled maintenance in the second half
- East Region and Bozymchak
- Copper production2 in H1 2020 of 25.8 kt (H1 2019: 26.4 kt) with increased output in Q2 of 14.0 kt (Q1 2020: 11.8 kt) as the Nikolayevsky concentrator operated at full capacity following planned idling in January
- H1 2020 gold production2 of 25.8 koz (H1 2019: 26.4 koz) with higher output in Q2 of 13.3 koz (Q1 2020: 12.5 koz) also benefiting from the increased processing at Nikolayevsky
- Zinc in concentrate output of 23.8 kt (H1 2019: 18.4 kt), due to higher grades of 2.62% (H1 2019: 2.11%)
- Full year guidance maintained for all metals
- Covid-19 update
- Ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of employees and contractors is the Group’s first priority and comprehensive measures have been taken to protect staff
- There has been no material disruption to operations or sales from Covid-19 to date. However, Kazakhstan imposed a second phase of quarantine measures from 5 July 2020 reflecting heightened risk in the country and to the Group’s operations for the second half of the year
- Ongoing restrictions on the movement of staff and contractors and deferred maintenance may impact production and unit costs in the second half
| Group production summary3 | 6m 2020 | 6m
2019 |
Q2 2020 | Q1 2020 | Q2 2019 | ||
| Copper production1 | kt | 153.8 | 147.6 | 78.9 | 74.9 | 77.6 | |
| Aktogay | kt | 67.6 | 74.1 | 34.3 | 33.3 | 37.4 | |
| Bozshakol | kt | 60.4 | 47.1 | 30.6 | 29.8 | 23.3 | |
| East Region & Bozymchak | kt | 25.8 | 26.4 | 14.0 | 11.8 | 16.9 | |
| Gold production2 | koz | 109.7 | 87.7 | 54.3 | 55.4 | 44.3 | |
| Silver production2 | koz | 1,741 | 1,552 | 948 | 793 | 926 | |
| Zinc in concentrate | kt | 23.8 | 18.4 | 14.8 | 9.0 | 12.2 |
- Payable metal in concentrate and copper cathode from Aktogay oxide ore.
- Payable metal in concentrate.
- See appendix for metal production by asset.
Andrew Southam, Chief Executive Officer, said: “In the second quarter of 2020 KAZ Minerals grew copper production across all of its divisions and delivered a 5% increase in Group output. This is an excellent performance in a challenging operating environment and reflects the dedication and resilience of our employees. We are entering the second half of the year with an elevated level of Covid-19 risk, however production of all metals is currently on track to achieve our full year targets.”
For further information please contact:
| KAZ Minerals PLC | ||
| Chris Bucknall | Investor Relations, London | Tel: +44 20 7901 7882 |
| Anna Mallere | Investor Relations, London | Tel: +44 20 7901 7814 |
| Maksut Zhapabayev | Corporate Communications, Almaty | Tel: +7 727 244 03 53 |
| Brunswick Group | ||
| Carole Cable, Charlie Pretzlik | Tel: +44 20 7404 5959 |
REGISTERED OFFICE
6th Floor, Cardinal Place, 100 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5JL, United Kingdom.