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DRDGOLD LIMITED - Report to shareholders for the second quarter and six months ended 31 December 2014

Release Date: 19/02/2015 08:00
Code(s): DRD04 DRD     PDF:  
Wrap Text
Report to shareholders for the second quarter and six months ended 31 December 2014

DRDGOLD LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration No.1895/000926/06
JSE share code: DRD
Interest rate issuer: DRDI
ISIN: ZAE 000058723
Issuer code: DUSM
NYSE trading symbol: DRD
("DRDGOLD" or "the company")

REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

Q2 2015 vs Q1 2015
- Gold production down 3% to 36 010 oz
- All-in sustaining costs down 7% to US$1 149/oz
- Operating profit up 6% to R84.4 million
- Cash balance up 19% to R242.3 million

HY2015 vs HY2014
- Gold production up 6% to 73 015 oz
- All-in sustaining costs down 5% to US$1 194/oz
- Operating profit up 5% to R164.1 million
- EBITDA up 59% to R117.1 million

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
                                                                                 Quarter                   6 months to
                                            Quarter      Quarter         %   31 Dec 2013   6 months to     31 Dec 2013        %    6 months to
Group                                   31 Dec 2014  30 Sep 2014    change     *Restated   31 Dec 2014       *Restated   change    30 Jun 2014
Gold production                    oz        36 010       37 005       (3)        35 043        73 015          68 640        6         64 269
                                   kg         1 120        1 151       (3)         1 090         2 271           2 135        6          1 999
Gold sold                          oz        36 010       38 291       (6)        35 043        74 301          71 437        4         62 983
                                   kg         1 120        1 191       (6)         1 090         2 311           2 222        4          1 959
Cash operating costs       US$ per oz         1 010        1 085       (7)         1 013         1 048           1 087      (4)          1 150
                             R per kg       365 021      375 044       (3)       330 585       370 101         351 557        5        395 221
All-in sustaining costs    US$ per oz         1 149        1 237       (7)         1 150         1 194           1 254      (5)          1 153
                             R per kg       415 194      427 631       (3)       375 246       421 497         405 450        4        397 676
Average gold price         US$ per oz         1 203        1 284       (6)         1 267         1 244           1 300      (4)          1 295
received                     R per kg       434 802      443 760       (2)       413 359       439 418         420 616        4        446 567
Operating profit            R million          84.4         79.7         6          84.1         164.1           156.1        5          103.9
Operating margin                    %          17.3         15.1        15          18.7          16.2            16.7      (3)           11.9
All-in sustaining costs
margin                              %           4.5          3.6        25           9.2           4.1             3.6       14           10.9
EBITDA                      R million          69.1         48.0        44          48.1         117.1            73.8       59          130.0
Headline earnings/(loss)    R million           0.1        (1.1)       109           2.3         (1.0)          (12.5)       92           12.7
                    R cents per share             –            –         –             1             –             (3)      100              3

* Refer to Note 2: Restatements.
# EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairments of subsidiaries and includes attributable share of earnings before interest, income
  tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairments of equity accounted investments.

SHAREHOLDERS INFORMATION

Issued capital
385 383 767 ordinary no par value shares
6 155 559 treasury shares held within the group
5 000 000 cumulative preference shares
Total ordinary no par value shares issued and committed: 386 621 795

Market capitalisation
As at 31 Dec 2014 (Rm)      743.8
As at 31 Dec 2014 (US$m)     64.1
As at 30 Sep 2014 (Rm)    1 479.9
As at 30 Sep 2014 (US$m)    131.0

Stock traded                                                JSE   NYSE *
Average volume for the quarter per day (‘000)               460    2 275
% of issued stock traded (annualised)                        31      154
Price                                           - High    R3.82   $3.480
                                                - Low     R1.79   $1.350
                                                - Close   R1.93   $1.540

* This data represents per share data and not ADS data – one ADS reflects 10 ordinary shares.

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
The previously-announced, planned test work on the flotation/fine-grind
(FFG) circuit dominated the work programme at Ergo's Brakpan plant in
the three months to December 2014. The return of our operating circuits to
steady state in the preceding five months provided both a base case from
which we could track the performance of the FFG circuit, and allowed us to
do the required work in a measured way.

From the outset, the float circuit performed well, while the mills – although
not fully optimised – managed to break down the composition of the float
concentrate to a sufficiently small fraction to achieve the increase in soluble
gold that we had set out to achieve. Actual gold production that we could
separately measure, having isolated the high-grade throughput from the
remainder of the plant, was consistent with the increase in dissolved gold.
Residue values – a key efficiency indicator – decreased by the desired 0.03g/t.

We were particularly pleased that the test work had no adverse impact
on gold production, in spite of the fact that one-third of total throughput
– consisting mainly of higher grade material – was diverted into the FFG
circuit for test work. Inventory or lock-up stabilised within the first month,
while the remainder of test work had very little impact on gold output. We
obtained valuable data from the trends we saw emerge. This helped us to
decide on further ways to optimise the performance of the FFG circuit and
the configuration of the plant, and we were able to re-start the remaining
two lines of the FFG circuit in January 2015.

Towards the end of the quarter, the combined impact of electricity cuts by
power utility Eskom and the flooding of one of the reclamation sites after
a heavy summer downpour caused a slight drop in forecast production in
a quarter that was otherwise, by and large, consistent with expectations.

This letter would not be complete without some input on the impact on
us of the afore-mentioned power cuts. These were a consequence of "load-
shedding" by Eskom – the term used by the power utility to describe its
practice of cyclically switching off power to consumers in order to balance
supply and demand while undertaking urgent and necessary maintenance.

In December, over a period of five days, the load-shedding roster caused a
loss of 67 hours of production due to the fact that our operating footprint
extends over four different load-shedding zones. We have since managed to
agree with Eskom a consumption curtailment agreement in terms of which
we reduce, on request, total consumption by an agreed percentage during
load-shedding hours. This means that, on the whole, we are able to maintain
uninterrupted tonnage throughput but recoveries may reduce due to certain
parts of the operating line going down during the load reduction periods.

With load-shedding having become far more frequent in late January and
early February, we are testing different scenarios to decide the optimal
configuration to address this requirement. Typically, in "Stage 1" and "Stage
2" load-shedding scenarios (shedding of up to 1 000 MW and 2 000 MW
of the national load, respectively) we are required to reduce power
consumption by up to 10% of base load. "Stage 3", which Eskom has so far
managed to avoid, would require a reduction of 20%.

An important risk-mitigating measure that we implemented in the months
after the suspension of the FFG in April 2014 was the installation of back-
up power and other engineering upgrades to ensure that the plant is kept
in a state of readiness during power interruptions. These measures have
been put to the test several times during the last few months, and have all
performed to specification. We have been able to resume full production
without any delay after each power interruption.

HALF YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2014 vs HALF YEAR
TO 31 DECEMBER 2013

Operational review
Gold production for the first six months of FY2015 was 6% higher at
73 015oz, compared with the first six months of FY2014. This was due to
a 9% increase in the average yield to 0.196g/t, reflecting the restoration of
metallurgical efficiencies and operating business improvements following
the temporary suspension of the company's new FFG circuit in April 2014.
Throughput for the six months under review was 3% lower at 11 591 000t
due mainly to heavy summer rainfall and Eskom power cuts.

Cash operating costs were 5% higher at R370 101/kg, a consequence of
additional costs associated with the running of one stream of the FFG circuit
and the processing of sand material at the City Deep plant, and of general
inflationary increases averaging 8.3% year-on- year. The same factors drove
all-in sustaining costs 4% higher to R421 497/kg, offset somewhat by a
higher yield and lower capital expenditure of R48.1 million compared with
R107.8 million.

Financial review
Revenue increased by 9% to R1 015.5 million, a consequence both of a 4%
rise in gold sold to 74 301oz and in the average Rand gold price received
to R439 418/kg. Operating profit was 5% higher at R164.1 million, after
accounting for cash operating costs, 12% higher at R840.5 million.

While the operating margin was 3% weaker at 16.2% (a consequence of
the FFG circuit test work, where one-third of production capacity was used
but the full portion of fixed costs was incurred), the all-in sustaining costs
margin strengthened to 4.1% due to lower capital expenditure.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)
were 59% higher at R117.1 million due mainly to higher operating profit,
lower corporate costs, and a profit realised on the sale of non-core land. The
headline loss narrowed by 92% to R1.0 million (0 South African cents per
share).

Q2 2015 vs Q1 2015
Operational review
While the average yield rose 2% to 0.198g/t in the second quarter of FY2015
compared with the first quarter, throughput was 5% lower at 5 653 000t,
resulting in a 3% decline in gold production to 36 010oz. Improved yield
resulted both from the running of one of the FFG circuit's streams during
test work and from improved head grades from the Crown/City section.
Throughput was negatively impacted both by heavy rainfall and power cuts,
prior to the signing of the afore-mentioned agreement with Eskom.

Gold sold was 6% lower at 36 010oz, a consequence of lower production
and increased inventory.

Cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs were 3% lower at R365 021/kg
and R415 194/kg respectively, a consequence both of lower throughput and
no Eskom winter tariff incurred during the quarter under review.

Capital expenditure was 92% higher at R31.6 million due to the capitalisation
of back-up generators commissioned in October 2014.

Financial review
Revenue was 8% lower at R487.0 million, reflecting lower gold sales and a
2% decline in the average Rand gold price received to R434 802/kg.

After accounting for cash operating costs – 5% lower at R408.8 million due
to lower throughput and no Eskom winter tariff applicable – operating profit
was 6% higher at R84.4 million.

The operating margin strengthened to 17.3% from 15.1% and the all-in
sustaining costs margin to 4.5% from 3.6%, a consequence of the factors
outlined above.

EBITDA was 44% higher at R69.1 million due mainly to higher operating
profit and a profit realised on the sale of non-core land. Headline earnings
of R0.1 million (0 South African cents per share) were recorded compared
with a headline loss of R1.1 million in the previous quarter (0 South African
cents per share).

Board changes
Robert Hume retired as an independent, non-executive director and
the chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee with effect from
31 October 2014. From 1 November 2014 Johan Holtzhausen assumed the
chairmanship of the Audit and Risk Committee.

On 12 December 2014 the company announced Riaan Davel's appointment
as CFO and as executive director of the company with effect from
6 January 2015.

Looking ahead
On 31 January 2015 we notified Village Main Reef Limited ("VMR")
management of our support for the offer by Heaven-Sent Capital
Management Group Company Limited to acquire the entire share capital of
VMR for R12.25 per share. We own 3 285 714 unencumbered shares in VMR
and a further 1 million encumbered shares are held in escrow.

At 31 December 2014, we carry an unrestricted cash balance of
R228.4 million. We have decided though not to declare an interim dividend,
but rather seek early redemption of the remaining balance of approximately
R77 million still owing on our Domestic Medium Term Note Programme.
This would represent the final payment of the notes that were used to
finance capital expenditure.

Insofar as our operations are concerned, our near-term focus will be to
optimise the FFG circuit amidst the new challenge of intermittent power
supply.

Niël Pretorius
Chief Executive Officer

19 February 2015

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

                                                               Quarter       Quarter       Quarter   6 months to   6 months to   6 months to   
                                                           31 Dec 2014   30 Sep 2014   31 Dec 2013   31 Dec 2014   31 Dec 2013   30 Jun 2014   
                                                                    Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm   
                                                                                        * Restated                  * Restated    * Restated   
                                                   Notes     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited   
Gold and silver revenue                                          487.0         528.5         450.6       1 015.5         934.6         874.8   
Net operating costs                                            (402.6)       (448.8)       (366.5)       (851.4)       (778.5)       (770.9)   
Cash operating costs                                           (408.8)       (431.7)       (360.4)       (840.5)       (750.6)       (790.0)   
Movement in gold in process                                        6.2        (17.1)         (6.1)        (10.9)        (27.9)          19.1   
Operating profit                                                  84.4          79.7          84.1         164.1         156.1         103.9   
Depreciation                                                    (48.9)        (40.0)        (36.8)        (88.9)        (73.2)        (86.8)   
Movement in provision for environmental                                                                                                        
rehabilitation                                                   (2.0)         (2.0)         (1.6)         (4.0)         (5.6)          92.1   
Environmental rehabilitation costs                               (4.7)         (4.6)        (10.8)         (9.3)        (21.5)         (8.5)   
Retrenchment costs                                               (0.5)         (5.8)             –         (6.3)         (2.4)         (4.3)   
Care-and-maintenance costs                                       (3.2)         (3.8)         (3.6)         (7.0)         (8.7)         (6.7)   
Other operating (expenses)/income                                (0.3)           2.1         (2.5)           1.8         (0.6)        (11.6)   
Gross profit from operating activities                            24.8          25.6          28.8          50.4          44.1          78.1   
Impairments                                            3         (7.4)         (2.0)         (4.5)         (9.4)         (5.3)        (51.3)   
Share of losses of equity accounted investments                      –             –             –             –             –         (0.3)   
Corporate and administration expenses                           (16.5)        (16.1)        (17.5)        (32.6)        (42.7)        (33.4)   
Share-based payments                                               0.7         (1.1)             –         (0.4)         (0.8)         (2.5)   
Profit/(loss) on disposal of assets                               11.2         (0.4)             –          10.8             –           1.0   
Net finance expenses                                             (6.2)         (7.6)         (5.4)        (13.8)        (11.4)        (12.9)   
Profit/(loss) before income tax                                    6.6         (1.6)           1.4           5.0        (16.1)        (21.3)   
Income tax                                                       (4.7)         (3.1)         (5.6)         (7.8)        (10.3)         (7.0)   
Net profit/(loss) for the period                                   1.9         (4.7)         (4.2)         (2.8)        (26.4)        (28.3)   
Attributable to:                                                                                                                               
Equity owners of the parent                                        1.0         (3.3)         (2.2)         (2.3)        (17.8)        (28.5)   
Non-controlling interest                                           0.9         (1.4)         (2.0)         (0.5)         (8.6)           0.2   
                                                                   1.9         (4.7)         (4.2)         (2.8)        (26.4)        (28.3)   
Other comprehensive income                                                                                                                     
Foreign exchange translation and other                               –             –         (0.3)             –           0.2             –   
Fair value adjustment of available-for-sale                                                                                                    
investments                                                      (0.8)           0.8             –             –             –        (51.6)   
Total comprehensive income for the period                          1.1         (3.9)         (4.5)         (2.8)        (26.2)        (79.9)   
Attributable to:                                                                                                                               
Equity owners of the parent                                        0.2         (2.5)         (2.5)         (2.3)        (17.6)        (78.3)   
Non-controlling interest                                           0.9         (1.4)         (2.0)           0.5         (8.6)         (1.6)   
                                                                   1.1         (3.9)         (4.5)         (2.8)        (26.2)        (79.9)   
Reconciliation of headline earnings/(loss)                                                                                                     
Net profit/(loss)                                                  1.0         (3.3)         (2.2)         (2.3)        (17.8)        (28.5)   
Adjusted for:                                                                                                                                  
– Impairments                                                      7.4           2.0           4.5           9.4           5.3          51.3   
– (Profit)/loss on disposal of assets                           (11.2)           0.4             –        (10.8)             –         (1.0)   
–  Share of losses on equity accounted                                                                                                         
investments (impairments)                                            –             –             –             –             –           0.3   
–  Profit on disposal of equity accounted                                                                                                      
investment                                                           –             –             –             –             –         (2.5)   
–  Non-controlling interest in headline earnings                                                                                               
adjustment                                                         2.9         (0.1)             –           2.8             –         (3.6)   
– Income tax thereon                                                 –         (0.1)             –         (0.1)             –         (3.3)   
Headline earnings/(loss)                                           0.1         (1.1)           2.3         (1.0)        (12.5)          12.7   
Earnings/(loss) per share-cents                                      –           (1)             –           (1)           (5)           (8)   
Headline earnings/per share-cents                                    –             –             1             –           (3)             3   
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share-cents                              –           (1)           (1)           (1)           (5)           (8)   
Diluted headline earnings/(loss) per share-cents                     –             –             1             –           (3)             3   
Calculated on the weighted average ordinary                                                                                                    
shares issued of:                                          379 228 208   379 228 208   379 203 751   379 228 208   379 190 980   379 228 208   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

* Refer to Note 2: Restatements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                                                                         As at         As at         As at         As at   
                                                                   31 Dec 2014   30 Sep 2014   31 Dec 2013   30 Jun 2014   
                                                                            Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm   
                                                                                                * Restated                 
                                                           Notes     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited      Reviewed   
Assets                                                                                                                     
Non-current assets                                                     1 932.8       1 950.2       2 108.7       1 970.3   
Property, plant and equipment                                          1 719.2       1 734.3       1 796.6       1 755.5   
Equity accounted investments                                                 –             –           0.3             –   
Non-current Investments and other assets                                  28.7          36.8         125.2          36.9   
Environmental rehabilitation trust funds and investments                 183.4         177.7         185.4         176.5   
Deferred tax asset                                                         1.5           1.4           1.2           1.4   
Current assets                                                           472.9         443.6         450.5         470.4   
Inventories                                                              137.0         126.6         122.3         147.2   
Trade and other receivables                                               83.1         103.4         128.8          99.5   
Tax receivable                                                             1.4           0.3             –           5.9   
Cash and cash equivalents                                      4         242.3         204.3         199.4         208.9   
Assets held-for-sale                                           6           9.1           9.0             –           8.9   
Total assets                                                           2 405.7       2 393.8       2 559.2       2 440.7   
Equity and liabilities                                                                                                     
Equity                                                                 1 471.0       1 469.9       1 561.6       1 481.2   
Equity of the owners of the parent                                     1 239.4       1 239.2       1 327.4       1 249.1   
Non-controlling interest                                                 231.6         230.7         234.2         232.1   
Non-current liabilities                                                  622.5         590.5         737.0         652.0   
Loans and borrowings                                                         –             –          75.5          75.5   
Finance lease obligation                                                  20.4             –             –             –   
Post-retirement and other employee benefits                                8.8           9.8           8.8           9.3   
Provision for environmental rehabilitation                               473.3         462.7         540.4         451.2   
Deferred tax liability                                                   120.0         118.0         112.3         116.0   
Current liabilities                                                      312.2         333.4         260.6         307.5   
Trade and other payables                                                 208.7         232.2         188.2         211.8   
Post-retirement and other employee benefits                                2.2           2.4             –           2.0   
Loans and borrowings                                           5          77.6          77.5          72.4          73.2   
Finance lease obligation                                                   1.8             –             –             –   
Liabilities held-for-sale                                      6          21.9          21.3             –          20.5   
Total liabilities                                                        934.7         923.9         997.6         959.5   
Total equity and liabilities                                           2 405.7       2 393.8       2 559.2       2 440.7   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

* Refer to Note 2: Restatements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
                                                                   Quarter       Quarter       Quarter   6 months to   6 months to   6 months to   
                                                               31 Dec 2014   30 Sep 2014   31 Dec 2013   31 Dec 2014   31 Dec 2013   30 Jun 2014   
                                                                        Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm   
                                                                                            * Restated                  * Restated    * Restated   
                                                                 Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited   
Balance at the beginning of the period                             1 469.9       1 481.2       1 569.1       1 481.2       1 643.7       1 561.6   
Share issue expense                                                      –             –         (0.4)             –         (0.4)         (0.7)   
Increase in share-based payment reserve                                  –           0.2           0.1           0.2           0.3           0.2   
Net profit/(loss) attributable to equity owners of the parent          1.0         (3.3)         (2.2)         (2.3)        (17.8)        (28.5)   
Net profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest             0.9         (1.4)         (2.0)         (0.5)         (8.6)           0.2   
Dividends declared on ordinary share capital                             –         (7.6)             –         (7.6)        (53.1)             –   
Fair-value adjustment on available-for-sale investments              (0.8)           0.8             –             –             –        (51.6)   
Share Option Scheme buy-out                                              –             –         (2.7)             –         (2.7)             –   
Other comprehensive income                                               –             –         (0.3)             –           0.2             –   
Balance at the end of the period                                   1 471.0       1 469.9       1 561.6       1 471.0       1 561.6       1 481.2   

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                                                   Quarter       Quarter       Quarter   6 months to   6 months to   6 months to   
                                                               31 Dec 2014   30 Sep 2014   31 Dec 2013   31 Dec 2014   31 Dec 2013   30 Jun 2014   
                                                                        Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm            Rm   
                                                                                            * Restated                  * Restated    * Restated   
                                                                 Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited   
Net cash inflow from operations                                       50.9          86.6          10.9         137.5          22.1          58.6   
Net cash outflow from investing activities                           (5.3)        (17.9)        (66.0)        (23.2)       (123.1)        (48.8)   
Net cash outflow from financing activities                           (7.6)        (73.3)        (76.3)        (80.9)        (76.3)         (0.3)   
Loans and other                                                          –        (73.3)        (20.5)        (73.3)        (20.5)         (0.3)   
Treasury shares/share options acquired                                   –             –         (2.7)             –         (2.7)             –   
Dividends paid to owners of the parent                               (7.6)             –        (53.1)         (7.6)        (53.1)             –   
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                      38.0         (4.6)       (131.4)          33.4       (177.3)           9.5   
Opening cash and cash equivalents                                    204.3         208.9         330.8         208.9         376.7         199.4   
Closing cash and cash equivalents                                    242.3         204.3         199.4         242.3         199.4         208.9   
Reconciliation of net cash inflow from operations                                                                                             
Profit/(loss) before income tax                                       6.6          (1.6)           1.4           5.0        (16.1)        (21.3)   
Adjusted for:                                                                                                                                
Movement in gold in process                                          (6.2)          17.1           6.1          10.9          27.9        (19.1)   
Depreciation and impairments                                          56.3          42.0          41.3          98.3          78.5         138.1   
Share of losses of equity accounted investments                          –             –             –             –             –           0.3   
Movement in provision for environmental rehabilitation                 2.0           2.0           1.6           4.0           5.6        (92.1)   
Share-based payments                                                 (0.7)           1.1             –           0.4           0.8           2.5   
(Profit)/loss on disposal of assets                                 (11.2)           0.4             –        (10.8)             –         (1.0)   
Profit on sale of equity accounted investment                            –             –             –             –             –         (2.5)   
Finance expense and unwinding of provisions                            9.7           9.7           9.1          19.4          18.3          19.7   
Growth in Environmental Trust Funds                                  (1.4)         (1.3)         (1.1)         (2.7)         (2.2)         (2.4)   
Other non-cash items                                                     –         (2.4)         (4.8)         (2.4)         (3.7)         (5.2)   
Tax (paid)/received                                                  (3.7)           4.4         (2.0)           0.7         (2.0)         (4.2)   
Working capital changes                                              (0.5)          15.2        (40.7)          14.7        (85.0)          45.8   
Net cash inflow from operations                                       50.9          86.6          10.9         137.5          22.1          58.6   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

* Refer to Note 2: Restatements.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements for
interim reports. The listings requirements require interim reports to be prepared in accordance with the framework concepts and the measurement and
recognition requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices
Committee and Financial Reporting Pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council and also, as a minimum, contain the information
required by IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.

The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are in terms of IFRS and are consistent with those
applied in the previous consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2014, except for the adoption of applicable revised and/or new
standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of DRDGOLD Limited for the six months ended 31 December 2014 have not been reviewed by an
independent auditor.

2. RESTATEMENTS
Impact of changes in accounting policies
The application of standards, amendments to standards and interpretations adopted for the first time did not have any effect on the financial position or
financial performance of the group.

Impact of applying IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements on the quarterly and interim results
The impact of the adoption of IFRS 10 and the resulting application of IFRIC 5 (refer below) was not quantified or reported on in the interim condensed
consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 31 December 2013. The results for the comparative period ended 31 December 2013 as well as the
statement of financial position at this date have been restated with the effects of these standards and interpretations where relevant.

The group has adopted IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and has reassessed the control conclusion for its investees at 1 July 2013. The group's previous
accounting policy was to consolidate the Guardrisk Cell Captive as a special purpose entity (SPE) on a line-by-line basis. With the adoption of IFRS 10 Consolidated
Financial Statements the Guardrisk Cell Captive is not considered to be controlled by the group and is therefore not consolidated with an effective date of
1 July 2013.

The Cell Captive cell # 170, of which DRDGOLD is a shareholder, holds funds that may be applied only towards the settlement of the DRDGOLD group's
environmental rehabilitation obligations under financial guarantees issued by Guardrisk Insurance Company Limited to the Department of Mineral Resources
(DMR). The group is therefore considered to have a right to the funds held in the Guardrisk Cell Captive and therefore recognised a reimbursive right to these
funds in the hands of Ergo under IFRIC 5 Interest arising from Decommissioning, Restoration and Environmental Rehabilitation Funds.

ADJUSTMENTS TO THE GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                                                                               31 Dec 2013 as   IFRS 10 and   31 Dec 2013   
                                                                            stated previously       IFRIC 5      restated   
At 31 December 2013                                                                        Rm            Rm            Rm   
Environmental rehabilitation trust funds and investments                                184.6           0.8         185.4   
Non-current investments and other assets                                                125.1           0.1         125.2   
Trade and other receivables                                                             129.3         (0.5)         128.8   
Deferred tax liability                                                                  106.4           5.9         112.3   
Trade and other payables                                                                188.8         (0.6)         188.2   
Equity of the owners of the parent                                                    1 354.4        (27.0)       1 327.4   
Non-controlling interest                                                                212.1          22.1         234.2   

ADJUSTMENTS TO THE GROUP STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

                                                                    Quarter ended 31 Dec 2013   IFRS 10 and   31 Dec 2013   
Quarter ended 31 December 2013                                           as stated previously       IFRIC 5      restated   
                                                                                           Rm            Rm            Rm   
Corporate and administrative expenses                                                  (19.3)           1.8        (17.5)   
Loss before tax                                                                         (0.4)           1.8           1.4   
Income tax                                                                              (5.5)         (0.1)         (5.6)   
Loss after tax                                                                          (5.9)           1.7         (4.2)   
Attributable to:                                                                                                         
Equity owners of the parent                                                             (3.6)           1.4         (2.2)   
Non-controlling interest                                                                (2.3)           0.3         (2.0)   
Total comprehensive income for the year                                                                                  
Attributable to:                                                                                                         
Equity owners of the parent                                                             (3.9)           1.4         (2.5)   
Non-controlling interest                                                                (2.3)           0.3         (2.0)   
Earnings per share attributable to equity owners of the parent                                                           
Loss per share (cents)                                                                      –             –             –   
Diluted loss per share (cents)                                                          (1.0)             –         (1.0)   
Headline earnings per share (cents)                                                         –           1.0           1.0   
Diluted headline earnings per share (cents)                                                 –           1.0           1.0   

                                                                 Six months ended 31 Dec 2013   IFRS 10 and   31 Dec 2013   
Six months ended 31 December 2013                                        as stated previously       IFRIC 5      restated   
                                                                                           Rm            Rm            Rm   
Corporate and administrative expenses                                                  (42.6)         (0.1)        (42.7)   
Loss before tax                                                                        (16.0)         (0.1)        (16.1)   
Income tax                                                                             (10.1)         (0.2)        (10.3)   
Loss after tax                                                                         (26.1)         (0.3)        (26.4)   
Attributable to:                                                                                                            
Equity owners of the parent                                                            (16.9)         (0.9)        (17.8)   
Non-controlling interest                                                                (9.2)           0.6         (8.6)   
Total comprehensive income for the year                                                                                     
Attributable to:                                                                                                            
Equity owners of the parent                                                            (16.7)         (0.9)        (17.6)   
Non-controlling interest                                                                (9.2)           0.6         (8.6)   
Earnings per share attributable to equity owners of the parent                                                              
Loss per share (cents)                                                                  (4.0)         (1.0)         (5.0)   
Diluted loss per share (cents)                                                          (4.0)         (1.0)         (5.0)   
Headline loss per share (cents)                                                         (3.0)             –         (3.0)   
Diluted headline loss per share (cents)                                                 (3.0)             –         (3.0)   

3. IMPAIRMENTS
The group recorded an impairment of R7.4 million for the quarter consisting of:
– R0.5 million against the investment in West Wits Mining Limited; and
– R6.9 million against the investment in Village Main Reef Limited (refer note 7).

4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Included in cash and cash equivalents is restricted cash of R13.9 million (30 September 2014: R13.7 million) in the form of guarantees.

5. LOANS AND BORROWINGS
Included in loans and borrowings is a Domestic Medium Term Note Programme ("DMTN Programme") under which DRDGOLD can issue notes from time
to time. DRDGOLD raised a total of R165 million under the DMTN Programme in July and September 2012. The different unsecured notes issued mature 12
(R20.0 million), 24 (R69.5 million) and 36 (R75.5 million) months from the date of issue and bear interest at the three-month Johannesburg Inter-bank
Acceptance Rate (JIBAR) rate (currently 5.725%) plus a margin ranging from 4% to 5% per annum.

6. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE
In line with the group's strategy to exit underground mining operations, management committed to a plan to sell certain of the underground mining and
prospecting rights held by East Rand Proprietary Mines Limited ("ERPM"), including the related liabilities, during FY2014.

On 25 July 2014, DRDGOLD announced that its subsidiaries Ergo Mining Operations Proprietary Limited (EMO) and ERPM had collectively entered into an
agreement to dispose of certain underground mining and prospecting rights held by ERPM, and certain other assets on the related mining areas, for an agreed
consideration of approximately R220 million.

The disposal is subject to the fulfilment of various suspensive conditions including regulatory approvals required for disposals of this nature. A number of these
suspensive conditions had not been fulfilled at the date of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter and six months ended
31 December 2014.

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
There were no significant subsequent events between the reporting date of 31 December 2014 and the date of issue of these interim condensed consolidated
financial statements other than outlined below:

On 4 February 2015 Village Main Reef Limited (VMR) announced a firm intention offer by Heaven-Sent Capital Management Group Company Limited to
acquire the entire issued share capital of VMR for a cash consideration of R12.25 per VMR share.

The unemcumbered shares we own in VMR will at this price realise R40.2 million versus the carrying amount at 31 December 2014 of R24.1 million while
the proceeds of the 1 million encumbered shares will follow the outcome of pending arbitration proceedings between DRDGOLD Limited and VMR, unless
settlement is reached.

ALL-IN SUSTAINING COSTS RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED)                                            
R million unless specified otherwise                                                          
Net operating costs                                                  Dec 2014 Qtr     402.6   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     448.8   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     851.4   
Corporate, administration and other expenses                         Dec 2014 Qtr      16.1   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr      15.1   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd      31.2   
Rehabilitation and remediation                                       Dec 2014 Qtr      11.7   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr      11.7   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd      23.4   
Capital expenditure (sustaining)                                     Dec 2014 Qtr      34.4   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr      16.6   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd      51.0   
All-in sustaining costs *                                            Dec 2014 Qtr     464.8   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     492.2   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     957.0   
Retrenchment costs                                                   Dec 2014 Qtr       0.5   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr       5.8   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd       6.3   
Rehabilitation and remediation (not related to current operations)   Dec 2014 Qtr       4.7   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr       4.6   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd       9.3   
Care and maintenance costs                                           Dec 2014 Qtr       3.2   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr       3.8   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd       7.0   
Capital expenditure (non-sustaining)                                 Dec 2014 Qtr     (2.8)   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr         –   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     (2.8)   
All-in costs *                                                       Dec 2014 Qtr     470.4   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     506.4   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     976.8   
All-in sustaining costs (R/kg)                                       Dec 2014 Qtr   415 194   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr   427 631   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd   421 497   
All-in sustaining costs (US$/oz)                                     Dec 2014 Qtr     1 149   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     1 237   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     1 194   
All-in costs (R/kg)                                                  Dec 2014 Qtr   420 046   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr   440 012   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd   430 166   
All-in costs (US$/oz)                                                Dec 2014 Qtr     1 162   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     1 273   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     1 218   

* All-in cost definitions based on the guidance note on non-GAAP Metrics issued by the World Gold Council on 27 June 2013.

ERGO KEY OPERATING AND FINANCIAL RESULTS (UNAUDITED)#

Ore milled (000't) (Metric)(Imperial)                                Dec 2014 Qtr     5 653    6 230   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     5 938    6 545   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd    11 591   12 775   
Yield (g/t)(oz/t) (Metric)(Imperial)                                 Dec 2014 Qtr     0.198    0.006   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     0.194    0.006   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     0.196    0.006   
Gold produced (kg)(oz) (Metric)(Imperial)                            Dec 2014 Qtr     1 120   36 010   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     1 151   37 005   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     2 271   73 015   
Cash operating costs (R/kg)(US$/oz)                                  Dec 2014 Qtr   365 021    1 010   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr   375 044    1 085   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd   370 101    1 048   
Cash operating costs (R/t)(US$/t)                                    Dec 2014 Qtr        72        6   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr        73        6   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd        73        6   
Gold and silver revenue (R million)(US$ million)                     Dec 2014 Qtr     487.0     43.3   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr     528.5     49.2   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd   1 015.5     92.5   
Operating profit (R million)(US$ million)                            Dec 2014 Qtr      84.4      7.5   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr      79.7      7.4   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd     164.1     14.9   
Profit before income tax (R million)(US$ million) *                  Dec 2014 Qtr      12.1      1.1   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr      16.9      1.6   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd      29.0      2.7   
Capital expenditure (R million)(US$ million)                         Dec 2014 Qtr      31.6      2.8   
                                                                     Sep 2014 Qtr      16.5      1.5   
                                                                     Dec 2014 Ytd      48.1      4.3   
# The group only has one segment.
* The difference between the profit before tax on the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income relates to corporate head office and all other.

There has been no material change to the technical information relating to, inter alia, the Group's reserves and resources, legal title to its mining and prospecting
rights and legal proceedings relating to its mining and exploration activities as disclosed in the company's annual reports of 30 June 2014 and subsequent
public announcements. The technical information referred to in this report has been reviewed by Vivian Labuschagne (PLATO), mineral and resource manager, a
full-time employee of the company. He approved this information in writing before the publication of the report.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that
may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, adverse changes or uncertainties in general economic conditions
in the markets we serve, a drop in the gold price, a sustained strengthening of the Rand against the Dollar, regulatory developments adverse to DRDGOLD or
difficulties in maintaining necessary licenses or other governmental approvals, changes in DRDGOLD's competitive position, changes in business strategy, any
major disruption in production at key facilities or adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and various other factors.

These risks include, without limitation, those described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" included in our integrated report for the fiscal year ended
30 June 2014, which we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on 31 October 2014 on Form 20-F. You should not place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise these
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to the occurrence of unanticipated events. Any forward-looking
statements included in this report have not been reviewed and reported on by DRDGOLD's auditors.

DIRECTORS (*British)(**American)

Executives:
DJ Pretorius (Chief Executive Officer)
AJ Davel (Chief Financial Officer)
Independent non-executives:
GC Campbell* (Non-Executive Chairman)
EA Jeneker
J Turk **
JA Holtzhausen

Company Secretary:
TJ Gwebu

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT NIËL PRETORIUS OR
RIAAN DAVEL AT:

Tel: (+27) (0) 11 470 2600    Fax: (+27) (0) 11 470 2618

Website: http://www.drdgold.com

Quadrum Office Park, Building 1, 50 Constantia Boulevard,
Constantia Kloof Ext 28, South Africa
PO Box 390, Maraisburg, 1700, South Africa

Sponsor
One Capital
Date: 19/02/2015 08:00:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE'). 
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