PRECIOUS METALS

Goldcorp retains flat gold-output guidance

Takeover target Goldcorp expects relatively flat year-on-year gold production, but says higher silver, zinc and lead production will see its gold-equivalent output rise up to 23% this year.

Staff Reporter
Newmont Mining merger aside, Goldcorp expects flat year-on-year gold production growth

Newmont Mining merger aside, Goldcorp expects flat year-on-year gold production growth

Gold-equivalent production is forecast to range between 3.3-3.7 million ounces, up from 3Moz in 2018.

Goldcorp said it expected to produce 2.2-2.4Moz gold in 2019: 2018 production came in above guidance at 2.29Moz.

"While gold grades in the first quarter of 2019 are expected to be lower at Cerro Negro, Éléonore and Red Lake, due to mine sequencing, gold production in 2019 is expected to increase progressively each quarter as the Musselwhite materials handling and Borden projects are expected to achieve commercial production in the second half of the year," Goldcorp said.

"In addition, grades and recoveries are expected to steadily climb at Peñasquito as the mine benefits from the completion of the multi-year waste stripping campaign in the main Peñasco pit and a full year of operation at the now fully commissioned pyrite leach plant."

Goldcorp's silver output during 2019 is forecast to rise to between 40-50Moz, compared to 25Moz in 2018. Zinc production is expected to range between 390-450Mlbs, an increase on the 318Mlbs produced in 2018.

Lead production guidance is for 240-290Mlbs, up from 116Mlbs in 2018.

Goldcorp said it expected 2019 all-in sustaining costs to come in at US$750-$850/oz.

The company's Pyrite leach project at Peñasquito achieved commercial production during the December quarter of 2018. Goldcorp said the project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule.

At Porcupine, the high-tech fully electric Borden mine has obtained all permits and is advancing towards commercial production in the second half of this year.

Goldcorp is in the process of being acquired by US rival Newmont Mining (NYSE:NEM) in a mostly all-scrip friendly transaction that could see the creation of the world's largest gold miner.

Newmont said in December before the merger was announced it expected to produce 5.2Moz gold in 2019. With the latest update from Goldcorp, it is safe to assume the combined company will be producing about 7.5Moz this year.

Goldcorp closed C12c or 0.84% lower in Toronto on Monday at $14.17, giving it a market value of $12.32 billion.

 

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