(all dollar amounts in USD)
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ - Galiano Gold Inc.
("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) is
pleased to announce the Company's preliminary 2023 production
results at the Asanko Gold Mine (the "AGM") in Ghana. The AGM is a 50:50 joint venture ("JV")
with Gold Fields Limited ("Gold Fields"), which is managed and
operated by Galiano. On December 21,
2023, the Company announced it had reached an agreement with
Gold Fields to acquire its 45% interest in the AGM.
2023 Preliminary Production
Results and Operating Highlights
- Gold production: The AGM produced 31,947 ounces of gold
in the fourth quarter and achieved full year 2023 gold production
of 134,077 ounces, exceeding upward revised production guidance of
between 120,000 to 130,000 ounces of gold.
- Consolidated ownership of AGM: On December 21, 2023, Galiano announced it had
entered into a binding share purchase agreement with subsidiaries
of Gold Fields to acquire their 45% interest in the AGM (the
"Acquisition"). Upon completion of the Acquisition, which remains
on track to close during the first quarter of 2024, Galiano will
establish itself as a growing gold producer with robust financial
strength, owning and operating one of the largest gold mines in
West Africa.
- Technical Report: Delivered an Independent Feasibility
Study for the AGM. The report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report
and Feasibility Study for Asanko Gold Mine, Ghana" with an effective date of December 31, 2022 ("Technical Report") describes
an 8.5-year mine life with a robust after-tax net present value at
a 5% discount rate of $343 million
(applying a $1,700/oz gold price) and
average annual gold production of 254,000 ounces per year from 2025
onwards.
- Restart of mining: Resumed mining operations on
October 1, 2023, at the Abore
deposit.
- Successful exploration program: Completed an aggressive
2023 exploration program, focused on expanding mineralization at
known deposits, as well as advancing a robust pipeline of regional
greenfields targets towards potential new discoveries. Highlights
included:
- Mineral resource and mineral reserve definition drilling at
Nkran;
- Mineral resource conversion drilling at Abore;
- Mineral resource conversion drilling at Midras South;
- First pass drilling at the Gyagyatreso regional prospect;
and
- Regional greenfield exploration identifying large soil
geochemical anomalies at Aburi and Sky
Gold targets.
"The past year was transformational for Galiano Gold and its stakeholders. Most notable
was the announcement of the transaction to consolidate the AGM,
which will transform Galiano into a relevant, emerging mid-tier
gold producer owning one of the largest gold producing mines in
West Africa", stated Matt Badylak, Galiano's President and CEO, "I am
additionally pleased with our improved understanding of the asset
and demonstrated ability to deliver to plan. 2023 marked the second
consecutive year the AGM exceeded production guidance and
significantly strengthened the balance sheet. The updated Technical
Report, which was delivered in the first quarter of 2023, now
describes a realistic life of mine production and cost profile at
the AGM. Furthermore, fulfilling our commitment to recommence
mining on October 1st,
places us on schedule to realize meaningful, low risk, organic
production growth which is expected to increase to average annual
gold production of 254,000 per year from 2025 onwards. We remain
excited about the prospectivity of the Asankrangwa Gold Belt and
will continue to aggressively pursue exploration targets in 2024 to
further extend the life of mine."
2023 AGM Operating
Results
|
Q4
2023
|
Full Year
2023
|
Average realized gold
price ($/oz)
|
1,942
|
1,908
|
Gold sold
(oz)
|
30,555
|
134,163
|
Gold produced
(oz)
|
31,947
|
134,077
|
2023 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results
Announcement
The Company will release its audited consolidated annual
financial statements and management's discussion and analysis after
market close on February 15, 2024. A
conference call to discuss the details will be held by senior
management on February 16, 2024, at
8am PT/11am
ET.
Conference Call Details
To participate in the conference call, please dial the
following:
Toll Free Canada & USA:
1-888-390-0546
Outside of Canada & USA:
416-764-8688
Webcast: https://app.webinar.net/0WD71deAn59
Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior o the
conference.
Click on WEBCAST on the Galiano homepage for a simultaneous
audio webcast of the conference call at www.galianogold.com.
The conference call will be recorded and you can listen to an
archive of the conference by calling:
Toll Free Canada & USA:
1-888-390-0541
Outside of Canada & USA:
416-764-8677
Access Code:
913246#
An archived webcast of the conference call will also be
available at www.galianogold.com.
Qualified Person
Richard Miller, P.Eng., Vice
President Technical Services with Galiano, is a Qualified Person as
defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of
Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has approved the scientific
and technical information contained in this news release.
About Galiano Gold Inc.
Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of
value creation for all stakeholders through production, exploration
and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The Company
operates and manages the Asanko Gold Mine, which is located in
Ghana, West Africa,. Galiano is committed to the
highest standards for environmental management, social
responsibility, and the health and safety of its employees and
neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit
www.galianogold.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements and information contained in this news
release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking
information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking
statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and
information regarding possible events, conditions or results of
operations that are based upon assumptions about future conditions
and courses of action. All statements and information other than
statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. In
some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use
of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan",
"estimate", "continue", "forecast", "preliminary", "prospective",
"intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "pursue",
"may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or
phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes
or statements regarding an outlook.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are
not limited to: statements with respect to the completion and
timing of the Acquisition, the benefits of the Acquisition to the
Company and its shareholders, the merits of the AGM, the
operating plans for the AGM; opportunities for growth at the
corporate level; commitment to health and safety; anticipated
production and cost guidance; future exploration and exploration
programs and the timing thereof; information regarding the plans
and expectations of the Company; and related matters. Such
forward-looking statements are based on a number of material
factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: the ability
of the Company to satisfy the conditions required to close the
Acquisition; receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals in
connection with the Acquisition; the ability of the Company to meet
the expected timing for closing the Acquisition; the Company
proceeding with further exploration and exploration programs as
currently anticipated; development plans and capital expenditures;
the price of gold will not decline significantly or for a
protracted period of time; the accuracy of the estimates and
assumptions underlying mineral reserve and mineral resource
estimates; the Company's ability to raise sufficient funds from
future equity financings to support its operations, and general
business and economic conditions; the global financial markets and
general economic conditions will be stable and prosperous in the
future; the ability of the JV and the Company to comply with
applicable governmental regulations and standards; the mining laws,
tax laws and other laws in Ghana
applicable to the AGM and the JV will not change, and there will be
no imposition of additional exchange controls in Ghana; the success of the JV and the Company
in implementing its development strategies and achieving its
business objectives; the JV will have sufficient working capital
necessary to sustain its operations on an ongoing basis and the
Company will continue to have sufficient working capital to fund
its operations and contributions to the JV; and the key personnel
of the Company and the JV will continue their employment.
The foregoing list of assumptions cannot be considered
exhaustive.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those
anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company
believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these
expectations will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained
herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements contained in this news release, include,
but are not limited to: risks related to the Company's ability to
close the Acquisition, risks related to the expected benefits of
the Acquisition; the mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates
may change and may prove to be inaccurate; metallurgical recoveries
may not be economically viable; LOM estimates are based on a number
of factors and assumptions and may prove to be incorrect; actual
production, costs, returns and other economic and financial
performance may vary from the Company's estimates in response to a
variety of factors, many of which are not within the Company's
control; inflationary pressures and the effects thereof; the AGM
has a limited operating history and is subject to risks associated
with establishing new mining operations; sustained increases in
costs, or decreases in the availability, of commodities consumed or
otherwise used by the Company may adversely affect the Company;
adverse geotechnical and geological conditions (including
geotechnical failures) may result in operating delays and lower
throughput or recovery, closures or damage to mine infrastructure;
the ability of the Company to treat the number of tonnes planned,
recover valuable materials, remove deleterious materials and
process ore, concentrate and tailings as planned is dependent on a
number of factors and assumptions which may not be present or occur
as expected; the JV's mineral properties may experience a loss of
ore due to illegal mining activities; the Company's operations may
encounter delays in or losses of production due to equipment delays
or the availability of equipment; outbreaks of COVID-19 and other
infectious diseases may have a negative impact on global financial
conditions, demand for commodities and supply chains and could
adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations and the market price of the common shares of
the Company; the Company's operations are subject to continuously
evolving legislation, compliance with which may be difficult,
uneconomic or require significant expenditures; the Company may be
unsuccessful in attracting and retaining key personnel; labour
disruptions could adversely affect the Company's operations;
recoveries may be lower in the future and have a negative impact on
the Company's financial results; the lower recoveries may persist
and be detrimental to the AGM and the Company; the Company's
business is subject to risks associated with operating in a foreign
country; risks related to the Company's use of contractors; the
hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration,
development and production of gold; the Company's operations are
subject to environmental hazards and compliance with applicable
environmental laws and regulations; the effects of climate change
or extreme weather events may cause prolonged disruption to the
delivery of essential commodities which could negatively affect
production efficiency; the Company's operations and workforce are
exposed to health and safety risks; unexpected costs and delays
related to, or the failure of the Company to obtain, necessary
permits could impede the Company's operations; the Company's title
to exploration, development and mining interests can be uncertain
and may be contested; geotechnical risks associated with the design
and operation of a mine and related civil structures; the Company's
properties may be subject to claims by various community
stakeholders; risks related to limited access to infrastructure and
water; risks associated with establishing new mining operations;
the Company's revenues are dependent on the market prices for gold,
which have experienced significant recent fluctuations; the Company
may not be able to secure additional financing when needed or on
acceptable terms; the Company's shareholders may be subject to
future dilution; risks related to the control of AGM cashflows and
operation through a joint venture; risks related to changes in
interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; risks relating
to credit rating downgrades; changes to taxation laws applicable to
the Company may affect the Company's profitability and ability to
repatriate funds; risks related to the Company's internal controls
over financial reporting and compliance with applicable accounting
regulations and securities laws; risks related to information
systems security threats; non-compliance with public disclosure
obligations could have an adverse effect on the Company's stock
price; the carrying value of the Company's assets may change and
these assets may be subject to impairment charges; risks associated
with changes in reporting standards; the Company's primary asset is
held through a joint venture, which exposes the Company to risks
inherent to joint ventures, including disagreements with joint
venture partners and similar risks; the Company may be liable for
uninsured or partially insured losses; the Company may be subject
to litigation; damage to the Company's reputation could result in
decreased investor confidence and increased challenges in
developing and maintaining community relations which may have
adverse effects on the business, results of operations and
financial conditions of the joint venture and the Company and the
Company's share price; the Company may be unsuccessful in
identifying targets for acquisition or completing suitable
corporate transactions, and any such transactions may not be
beneficial to the Company or its shareholders; the Company must
compete with other mining companies and individuals for mining
interests; the Company's growth, future profitability and ability
to obtain financing may be impacted by global financial conditions;
the Company's common shares may experience price and trading volume
volatility; the Company has never paid dividends and does not
expect to do so in the foreseeable future; the Company's
shareholders may be unable to sell significant quantities of the
Company's common shares into the public trading markets without a
significant reduction in the price of its common shares, or at all;
and the risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in
the Company's Annual Information Form.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors
that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from
those described in the forward-looking statements, you are
cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other
factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the
Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by
reference in, this news release if these beliefs, estimates and
opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise
required by applicable law.
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SOURCE Galiano Gold Inc.