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GDO - Gold One International Limited - Press Release: December 2010 Quarterly

Release Date: 31/01/2011 07:06
Code(s): GDO
Wrap Text

GDO - Gold One International Limited - Press Release: December 2010 Quarterly Results Gold One International Limited (Previously BMA Gold Limited) Registered in Western Australia under the Corporations Act, 2001 (Cth) Registration number ACN: 094 265 746 Registered as an external company in the Republic of South Africa Registration number: 2009/000032/10 Share code on the ASX/JSE: GDO ISIN: AU000000GDO5 OTCQX International: GLDZY ("Gold One" or the "company") December 2010 Quarterly Results - Quarterly gold production targets achieved with production increasing to 21 480 ounces - Modder East cash costs maintained at US$ 467/oz (ZAR 104 049/kg) - Net cash flow from operations increased by 70% to US$ 8.35 million (ZAR 57.86 million) - Cash and gold receivables balance increased by 26% to US$ 11.55 million (ZAR 76.77 million) - US$ 18 million (ZAR 132.12 million) profit before tax for the 2010 financial year, based on unaudited financials - 63% increase in Modder East mine life to 13 years total life (until 2022) - Substantial increase in group mineral resources to 21.71 million ounces, including a 96% increase in measured and indicated resources and a 41% increase in inferred resources - Excellent 2010 safety performance resulting in a progressive LTIFR of 0.48 per 200 000 hours - Convertible bondholders unanimously confirm that they will not exercise their once-off put option to redeem their bonds for cash JOHANNESBURG - 31 January 2011. Gold One (ASX and JSE: GDO) is pleased to report that during the quarter under review the company produced 21 480 ounces, a 10% increase relative to the September quarter and in line with production guidance. Given that the company`s operations ceased for the festive break on 23 December, these production results were achieved with only 91% of the quarter being available for production. Total gold production for 2010 amounts to 66 445 ounces. December quarter cash costs of US$ 467/oz (ZAR 104 049/kg) were achieved in a strong exchange rate environment of ZAR 6.93 / US$ 1. For the 2010 year, gold was produced at an average cash cost of US$ 484/oz (ZAR 114 216/kg) given an average exchange rate of ZAR 7.34 / US$ 1. Adjusting actual cash costs using the budgeted exchange rate of ZAR 8.41 / US$ 1, the average cash cost for 2010 equates to US$ 423/oz (ZAR 99 822/kg). This was negatively affected by the April strike month and if this period is excluded, the annual cash cost for the balance of 2010 equates to US$ 410/oz (ZAR 96 754/kg) (at budgeted exchange rates), compared to guidance of US$ 400/oz. 2010 represented Modder East`s first full year of commercial production, during which Gold One achieved its maiden annual net profit before tax of US$ 18 million (ZAR 132.12 million), based on the unaudited financial statements. The full audited annual financial statements will be released toward the end of February 2011. The lower cash costs and higher production levels in the December quarter resulted in net cash flow from operations of US$ 8.35 million (ZAR 57.86 million), a 70% increase relative to the September 2010 quarter. Gold One increased its cash on hand and gold receivables by 26% to US$ 11.55 million (ZAR 76.77 million) during the December quarter, compared to an end of September 2010 quarter cash on hand and gold receivables balance of US$ 9.2 million (ZAR 64.33 million). The final quarter of the 2010 financial year featured continued build up in production levels at Modder East. An increase of on-reef development meant that, at the end of December 2010, sufficient reserves had been opened up to support the planned production profile for a period in excess of six months should no further development take place. This level of flexibility, combined with the continuous build up, underpins the company`s confidence in achieving the 2011 March quarter`s guidance of 25 000 ounces. Importantly, these achievements were made without compromising our strong safety record, with the 2010 total lost-time injury frequency rate per 200 000 hours (LTIFR) of 0.48, better than the Australian industry benchmark of one LTIFR against which Gold One is measured. The December 2010 quarter also saw an update of the company`s mineral resources and ore (mineral) reserves at Modder East, Ventersburg, and Megamine. Gold One`s total resource base now stands at 21.71 million ounces of gold, including 8.60 million ounces in the measured and indicated resource category (88.09 million tonnes at 3.03 grams per tonne) and 13.11 million ounces in the inferred category (103.06 million tonnes at 3.95 grams per tonne). The company`s proved and probable ore reserves have increased to 1.53 million ounces at 4.0 grams per tonne, resulting in an additional five years being added to the mine life for Modder East (a detailed breakdown of the updated mineral resources and reserves is available on the Gold One website). Gold One President and CEO Neal Froneman comments, "I am delighted with the positive operational and financial performance of the company during the fourth quarter of 2010, which has provided us with a solid foundation as we enter the new year. Our primary focus for 2011 will be on maintaining the production build up at Modder East and cementing our position as one of the lowest cost gold producers in the industry. In addition, the continued advancement of our exploration projects aims to ensure a sustainable pipeline of production for future growth. Over the past years, Gold One`s focus has primarily been on successfully bringing Modder East into production. With the solid operational base that has been established the company is now in a position to dedicate resources to focus on external, value accretive growth opportunities." (Average exchange rate of ZAR 6.93 / US$ 1 for the quarter, exchange rate for balance sheet date of 31 December 2010 of ZAR 6.6468 / US$ 1) ENDS Issued by Gold One International Limited Website: www.gold1.co.za Parktown, Johannesburg 31 January 2011 JSE SPONSOR Macquarie First South Advisers (Pty) Limited Neal Froneman President and CEO +27 11 726 1047 (office) +27 83 628 0226 (mobile) neal.froneman@gold1.co.za Ilja Graulich Investor Relations +27 11 726 1047 (office) +27 83 604 0820 (mobile) ilja.graulich@gold1.co.za Carol Smith Investor Relations +27 11 726 1047 (office) +27 82 338 2228 (mobile) carol.smith@gold1.co.za Derek Besier Farrington National Sydney +61 2 9332 4448 (office) +61 421 768 224 (mobile) derek.besier@farrington.com.au About Gold One Gold One is a gold producer listed on the financial markets operated by the ASX Limited and the JSE Limited, issuer code GDO. Its flagship operation is the newly built shallow Modder East mine on the East Rand, some 30 kilometres from Johannesburg. Modder East is the first new mine to be built in the region in 28 years and distinguishes itself from most of the other gold mines in South Africa owing to its shallow nature (300 metres to 500 metres below surface). To date Modder East has provided direct employment opportunities for over 1,100 people. Gold One also owns the nearby existing Sub Nigel mine, which is used primarily as a training centre in the buildup of Modder East to full production. Gold One`s other projects and targets include Ventersburg in the Free State Goldfields, the Tulo concession in Mozambique and the Etendeka greenfield project in Namibia. Gold One has an issued share capital of 807,080,905 shares. This news release does not constitute investment advice. Neither this news release nor the information contained in it constitutes an offer, invitation, solicitation or recommendation in relation to the purchase or sale of securities in any jurisdiction. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT: This release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of Gold One International Limited are forward-looking statements (or forward-looking information) that involve various risks, assumptions and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual values, results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from Gold One`s expectations. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; the estimation or realisation of mineral reserves and resources; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; capital expenditures; costs and timing of the development of Modder East and new deposits; availability of capital required to place Gold One`s properties into production; the ability to obtain or maintain a listing in South Africa, Australia, Europe or North America; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of gold and other commodities; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, economic and financial market conditions; political risks; Gold One`s hedging practices; currency fluctuations; title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage. Although Gold One has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statements in this release speak only at the time of issue. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual values, results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Gold One does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are included herein, or revise any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except in accordance with applicable securities laws and stock exchange listing requirements. COMPETENT PERSON The information in this release that relates to exploration results, mineral resources or ore reserves is based on information compiled by Dr Richard Stewart, who has a doctorate in geology and who is a professional natural scientist registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), membership number 400051/04. Dr Stewart is also a member of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) and Senior Vice President: Business Development for Gold One, with which he is a full-time employee. He has 10 years` experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity which he is undertaking, to qualify as a Competent Person for the purposes of both the 2004 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code) and the 2007 Edition of the South African Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC Code). Dr Stewart consents to the inclusion in this release of the matters based on information compiled by Gold One employees and it`s consultants in the form and context in which they appear. Further information on Gold One`s resource statement is available in the pre-listing statement of Gold One International Limited issued on 19 December 2008 and in the resource statements released by Gold One on the ASX Company Announcements Platform and the Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) on 11 October 2010 (Megamine), 7 December 2010 (Ventersburg), and 15 December 2010 (Modder East). SAMREC AND JORC TERMINOLOGY In addition, this release uses the terms `indicated resources` and `inferred resources` as defined in accordance with the SAMREC Code, prepared by the South African Mineral Resource Committee (SAMREC), under the auspices of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), effective March 2000 or as amended from time to time and where indicated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The terms `indicated resources` and `inferred resources` are also defined in the 2004 Edition of the JORC Code, prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA). (The use of these terms in this release is consistent with the definitions of both the SAMREC Code and the JORC Code.) A mineral reserve (or `ore reserve` in the JORC Code) is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate at the time of reporting that economic extraction can be justified. A mineral reserve includes diluting materials and allows for losses that may occur when the material is mined. A proven mineral reserve (or `proved ore reserve` in the JORC Code) is the economically mineable part of a measured resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. A probable mineral reserve (or `probable ore reserve` in the JORC Code) is the economically mineable part of an indicated mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. A mineral resource is a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic or fossilised organic material in or on the earth`s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. A measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drillholes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. An indicated mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drillholes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. An inferred mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited exploration and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drillholes. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineral deposits in the measured and indicated resource categories will ever be converted into reserves. In addition, "inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will be ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under South African and Australian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies or economic studies except under conditions noted in the SAMREC Code and the JORC Code, respectively. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Exploration data is acquired by Gold One and its consultants under strict quality assurance and quality control protocols. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Date: 31/01/2011 07:06:02 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on, information disseminated through SENS.

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