Centerra Gold (CGAU) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company generated nearly $100 million in free cash flow, with gold and copper production reaching almost 82,000 ounces and 13.4 million pounds respectively [4] - The cash balance increased to over $560 million, allowing the company to fund the Thompson Creek Restart project while returning $32 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends [4][19] - Adjusted net earnings for Q3 were $66 million, or $0.33 per share, benefiting from strong production and elevated metal prices [16] - Consolidated all-in sustaining costs on a byproduct basis were $1,652 per ounce in Q3, with expectations to remain near the low end of guidance for 2025 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mount Milligan produced over 32,500 ounces of gold and 13.4 million pounds of copper in Q3 2025, with all-in sustaining costs at $1,461 per ounce, a 14% increase from the previous quarter [12] - Öksüt achieved production of 49,000 ounces in Q3, exceeding expectations due to higher grades, with all-in sustaining costs at $1,473 per ounce, a 16% decrease compared to the last quarter [13][14] - The Molybdenum business unit sold approximately 3.1 million pounds at an average price of $24.42 per pound, but incurred a cash flow deficit due to spending on the Thompson Creek Restart [16][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average realized price for gold was $3,178 per ounce and for copper was $3.73 per pound, reflecting the impact of existing streaming arrangements [16] - The company noted increased confidence in the U.S. steelmaking sector, which is beneficial for its molybdenum products [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a self-funded growth strategy, with significant investments planned for Mount Milligan and other projects, including a $186 million non-sustaining capital expenditure plan [7][8] - The Mount Milligan Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) extended the mine life to 2045, with an average annual production forecast of 150,000 ounces of gold and 69 million pounds of copper from 2026 to 2042 [7][9] - The company is advancing sustainability initiatives, including a renewable diesel pilot project aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving production guidance for both Mount Milligan and Öksüt, with expectations for strong production in Q1 2026 [28] - The company is monitoring the favorable environment for U.S.-based mining and potential strategic deals related to molybdenum [31][32] - Management emphasized the importance of optimizing operations and enhancing shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation [20][21] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a life-of-mine optimization study at Öksüt to evaluate the asset's full potential, including residual leaching and expanding the pit [14][15] - The company has returned over $95 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks year-to-date [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the lower recovery at Mount Milligan in Q3? - Management explained that the recovery was impacted by a higher ratio of pyrite to chalcopyrite than previously modeled, which affected the recovery rates [23][24] Question: Will Öksüt see strong grades in Q1 2026? - Management confirmed confidence in achieving production guidance and expects strong production in Q1 2026 due to positive reconciliation [28] Question: Is there potential for a strategic deal with the U.S. Government regarding molybdenum? - Management acknowledged the favorable environment for U.S. mining and indicated they are monitoring potential strategic opportunities, although no current deals are in place [31][32] Question: Will the life-of-mine optimization study at Öksüt require additional permitting? - Management stated that while modifications for residual leaching would be necessary, the study primarily focuses on managing accumulated inventories without significant new permitting requirements [38] Question: What is the plan for improving recoveries at Mount Milligan? - Management outlined that the PFS aims to create a mine plan that optimizes feed blending to improve recovery rates, with expectations to start seeing improvements in Q1 of the following year [40][41]