Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported basic earnings per share of 12¢, with adjusted earnings also at 12¢ per share, benefiting from a strong average gold sales price [8][9] - Operating cash flow before working capital adjustments was $301 million, highlighting the cash generation potential of the operating assets [9] - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $308 million at the end of the second quarter, with an undrawn revolving credit facility of $800 million [10][11] - Consolidated cash cost guidance for three operations was reduced to between $740 and $800 per ounce, down from a previous range of $835 to $895 per ounce [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Goose mine is expected to ramp up to commercial production by September 2025, with a focus on optimizing operations and increasing throughput [15][23] - The Fekola mine exceeded gold production expectations, with cash costs per ounce also lower than anticipated [17][21] - The Masbate operation maintained a strong performance with a world-class safety record, achieving over 2,400 days without a lost time incident [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted lower than anticipated fuel costs, with HFO prices about 9% lower and diesel prices approximately 13% below initial budget estimates [26][27] - The Fekola mill celebrated a milestone of 4 million ounces of gold produced since the project's inception [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to meet its production guidance for 2025, expecting full-year production between 971,000 and 1,075,000 ounces [11] - The Gramalote project feasibility study showed a meaningful production profile and positive economic outlook, with work on a modification of the work plan and environmental impact study underway [6][23] - The company is interested in expanding its operations in Canada while maintaining a focus on asset quality and geopolitical diversification [66][68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting annual guidance and highlighted strong operational performance across all sites [4][11] - The management team noted constructive discussions with the government of Mali regarding permits, indicating a commitment to expedite the approval process [33][79] - The company remains optimistic about the future, citing strong cash generation potential and ongoing exploration programs to extend mine life [13][99] Other Important Information - The company has drawn down $200 million from its revolving credit facility to manage working capital requirements related to gold prepayment commitments [11] - The ramp-up of the Goose mine is progressing well, with major construction activities nearly completed [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the lower than anticipated fuel costs? - Management explained that fuel costs were lower than expected due to HFO prices being about 9% lower and diesel prices around 13% below initial estimates [26][27] Question: What is the CapEx guidance for the second half of the year? - The company indicated that the second half CapEx guidance of $176 million reflects some acceleration of costs and additional upgrades to the mill [28][29] Question: What is the status of the Secola regional permit? - Management reported constructive discussions with the Ministry of Mines and expressed optimism about obtaining the permit by the end of Q3 [33][34] Question: How is the ramp-up of Goose progressing? - The company noted that both plant performance and grade profile could contribute to outperforming the outlined plan for Goose [35][36] Question: What is the definition of commercial production? - The company defined commercial production as achieving an average of 65% nameplate throughput over thirty days [56][57] Question: What are the expectations for underground production at Fekola? - Management targets about 50,000 ounces per year from the underground, with current stockpiles at approximately 35,000 ounces at a grade of 2.7 grams per ton [48][49] Question: What is the outlook for the Gramalote project? - The company is optimistic about the Gramalote project, citing a positive feasibility study and strong economics, with plans to move forward post-permitting [101][102]