VANCOUVER, Oct. 26, 2016 /CNW/ – GOLDCORP INC. (TSX: G, NYSE: GG) today reported its third quarter 2016 results. 

Third Quarter 2016 Highlights

• Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Goldcorp for the third quarter were $59 million, or $0.07 per share, compared to a net loss of $192 million, or loss of $0.23 per share in 2015.  Net earnings were negatively affected by $0.04 per share of non-cash or other items that the Company believes are not reflective of the performance of the underlying operations.
   
• Third quarter operating cash flows of $267 million and adjusted operating cash flows(1,2) of $341 million,of which $226 million(3) was used to repay debt, $56 million was used to fund the growth pipeline and $14 millionwas paid in dividends.  Available liquidity at September 30, 2016 stood at $3.4 billion. 
   
• Gold production(1)  of 715,000 ounces at all-in sustaining costs(1)(5)  ("AISC") of $812 per ounce, compared to 922,000 ounces at AISC of $858 per ounce in 2015.  2016 guidance reconfirmed for gold production of between 2.8 and 3.1 million ounces at AISC of between $850 and $925 per ounce.  The lower AISC reflects the Company's focus on cost reductions and the positive effects of the strengthening US dollar.  The decrease was partially offset by lower production due to planned lower grades at Peñasquito and the exhaustion of surface stockpiles at Cerro Negro and Éléonore.
   
• Inaugural gold indicated mineral resource of 4.5 million ounces and 0.9 million ounces of gold inferred mineral resource announced at Porcupine's new Dome Century project; study for potential large-scale, open pit mine underway.  The dimensions of this mineralized envelope and a preliminary analysis indicate the potential to further extend mineralization well below the existing pit.  
   
• Robust project pipeline advancing well as expansions at Peñasquito and Musselwhite commence and acquisition of Coffee Project completed.    Existing mine expansions are expected to contribute to gold production growth and lower unit operating costs in 2019.  First gold production at the Coffee project is expected at the end of 2020.
   
• Over 60% of targeted $250 million sustainable annual efficiencies identified. The Company is well underway toward achieving its $250 million target of sustainable annual efficiencies by 2018 as Porcupine identified additional improvement initiatives of $35 million.

"Improved performance from our flagship Peñasquito mine and low all-in sustaining costs drove a third quarter that generated solid financial results, as we begin to see the benefits to the bottom line of our program to realize $250 millionin sustainable annual efficiencies from our existing business," said David Garofalo, Goldcorp President and Chief Executive Officer. "The value of our diversified portfolio in prolific mining camps was also evident with the definition of the new 5.4 million ounce Dome Century open pit resource in our 105 year-old Porcupine mining camp, which has the potential to substantially grow gold production."

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS REVIEW

Net income attributable to Goldcorp shareholders and net income per share in the third quarter of 2016 were affected by, among other things, the following non-cash or other items that management believes are not reflective of the performance of the underlying operations:

Total cash costs on a by-product basis for the third quarter of 2016 were $554 per ounce, compared to $597 per ounce for the third quarter of 2015.  AISC for the third quarter of 2016 were $812 per ounce, compared to $858 per ounce in the third quarter of 2015.  The decrease in AISC was primarily due to lower production costs and the favourable impact of the strengthening US dollar against the Argentine and Mexican pesos, partly offset by lower sales volumes at Peñasquito, Cerro Negro, Los Filos and Éléonore. 

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had total liquidity of approximately $3.4 billion, including $0.4 billion in cash, cash equivalents and money market investments and a fully undrawn credit facility of $3.0 billion.

PROGRESS TOWARDS DELIVERING $250 MILLION OF SUSTAINABLE ANNUAL EFFICIENCIES

During the quarter, the Company continued the implementation of its productivity and cost optimization program to deliver $250 million in sustainable annual efficiencies by 2018 as it commenced a comprehensive performance improvement initiative which will take place at each of the mine sites. Porcupine was the first site to complete the review and the site has identified significant opportunities for value creation, driven primarily from improved productivity and higher output of high grade ore from Hoyle Pond. The Company expects that these initiatives at Hoyle Pond, along with several other opportunities involving mill related initiatives and general and administrative efficiencies, will deliver approximately $35 million of annual efficiencies toward the $250 million target. The Company believes that there is further potential to increase resources at Porcupine, beyond what is in our current mine plans, primarily associated with Hoyle Pond and has planned to undertake more drilling to confirm this.  Porcupine is also studying the potential to expand the Hollinger pit, with only a modest amount of incremental stripping required.  In addition, work is ongoing to identify potential synergies within the Timmins camp.

Porcupine's estimated annual savings supplement annual costs savings identified in the second quarter of $65 million at Cerro Negro and $55 million at corporate. Performance improvement efforts are expected to begin at Peñasquito in the fourth quarter of 2016, with efforts at Red Lake and Éléonore starting in the first quarter of 2017.

OPERATIONS REVIEW AND GUIDANCE

2016 Guidance and Outlook

The Company reconfirmed 2016 gold production guidance between 2.8 and 3.1 million ounces at AISC of between $850 and $925 per ounce. Fourth quarter production is expected to increase over the third quarter as Peñasquito continues mining higher grades. 

Peñasquito, Mexico (100%-owned)

Third quarter gold production totaled 121,000 ounces at an AISC of $777 per ounce. Production declined compared to the third quarter of 2015 due to: lower grade, as expected, as a result of mine sequencing; lower throughput due to harder ore types processed; and lower recoveries associated with processing lower grade stockpile ore. Towards the end of the third quarter of 2016 mining shifted from the lower grade upper transitional ore into higher grade ore in the lower portion of the pit. Gold grade continues to improve during the fourth quarter of 2016 as the mine progresses deeper into the high-grade zone in the current phase. Tonnes milled are also expected to increase due to less planned maintenance.

AISC was higher compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily as a result of lower gold production and lower by-product revenues, partially offset by lower operating costs and a weaker Mexican peso compared to the US dollar.

The Northern Well Field ("NWF") project, which will satisfy Peñasquito's long-term water requirements, ramped up as expected and reached full design capacity in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

Cerro Negro, Argentina (100%-owned) 

The operational focus at Cerro Negro remains on improving productivity through improved development rates, backfill capabilities, optimization of mine sequencing, cost reductions and the restructuring process that started in the second quarter of 2016.  This focus is expected to maximize net asset value over the long-term.

Third quarter gold production totaled 96,000 ounces at an AISC of $651 per ounce. Gold production decreased compared to the third quarter of 2015 due to the exhaustion of surface stockpiles by the end of 2015. As the planned mine ramp-up continues, ore mined increased by 22% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.  Ore mined in the third quarter of 2016 was negatively impacted by approximately 20 days of work stoppages that were associated with the workforce reduction related to the restructuring process.  Further work stoppages are possible as the restructuring process continues.

AISC for the three months were lower compared to the same period in 2015 due to a reduction of approximately 60% in the value of the Argentine peso compared to the US dollar, the impact of reductions in personnel (employees and contractors) and the elimination of Argentina's 5% tax on doré mineral exports, partially offset by high domestic inflation rates. Combined with mine improvement initiatives, Cerro Negro's restructuring process is expected to contribute sustainable annual savings of approximately $65 million in 2018.

The Company expects to complete a pre-feasibility study for additional veins at the Marianas Complex by the end of 2016. This work includes the design and development of Mariana Norte and Emilia in 2017 and 2018 to add to the current production from Mariana Central and Eureka. These plans are captured in the Cerro Negro Marianas Complex Life of Mine Study, which is focused on an optimal mine design, development execution plan, and production schedule to maximize net asset value.  The Company expects Cerro Negro to sustain its nameplate mill capacity of 4,000 tonnes per day in 2018.

Pueblo Viejo, Dominican Republic (40%-owned) 

Third quarter gold production totaled 126,000 ounces at an AISC of $454 per ounce.  Gold production increased compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to higher grades from mine sequencing and recoveries from processing higher grade ore and a lower amount of carbonaceous ore processed in 2016.  AISC for the third quarter were lower compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to higher production and lower operating costs. The decrease in operating costs was primarily attributable to lower power, fuel and autoclave maintenance costs, partially offset by higher equipment rentals costs.

Red Lake, Ontario (100%-owned)

Third quarter gold production totaled 84,000 ounces at an AISC of $775 per ounce.  Gold production increased compared to the third quarter of 2015 due to increased throughput and higher grade.  New mining fronts and improved mining efficiencies from bulk mining in the Upper Red Lake and Sulphide zones were key enablers to the increased production.  AISC decreased 25% for the third quarter compared to the same period in 2015 due to higher production, lower operating costs, lower exploration and lower sustaining capital expenditures.

Trade-off studies on the rationalization of infrastructure continued to advance during the third quarter and identified a number of opportunities. During the third quarter of 2016, the Number One Shaft was placed on care and maintenance and plans are in place to shut down the Red Lake mill in the first quarter of 2017 and place the Campbell shaft on care and maintenance in the second quarter of 2017.  This will consolidate the path of ore from the mined stope to surface from four shafts to two and reduce operating and maintenance costs.

Éléonore, Quebec (100%-owned)

Third quarter gold production totaled 68,000 ounces at an AISC of $970 per ounce. Gold production decreased compared to the third quarter of 2015 as a result of lower tonnes and lower grades. Lower tonnage was the result of mill feed consisting of only mine material while the comparative period in 2015 included significant feed from surface stockpiles. The lower grade for the third quarter was consistent with the mine plan. AISC was essentially unchanged compared to the same period in 2015.

Éléonore commenced production utilizing a temporary hoisting system in the exploration shaft, supplemented with truck haulage to surface from the higher ore horizons while construction on a production shaft advanced.  At the end of the third quarter of 2016, the production shaft construction including the ore handling system on the 690 meter level was completed and commissioned and hoisting commenced early in October. Increased production levels, development efficiencies and reduced operating costs are anticipated as a result of the production shaft completion. An additional loading pocket near the bottom of the production shaft will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016 which will enable development of the lower zones of the mine. The exploration shaft will be decommissioned in the first quarter of 2017 and used for ventilation.

Mine production for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is in line with the planned annual average of between 4,700 to 5,000 tonnes per day of ore from four production horizons. With the completion of the production shaft, the mine will continue to ramp up ore production in line with the mine plan designed to maximize the net asset value of the mine as a further two production horizons are brought on line by 2018.  The production ramp-up to 7,000 tonnes per day is expected to be completed in the first half of 2018.

Porcupine, Ontario (100%-owned)

Third quarter gold production totaled 64,000 ounces at an AISC of $947 per ounce. Production decreased compared to the third quarter of 2015 as a result of long term surface stockpiles being depleted by the end of the second quarter of 2016. AISC for the third quarter were lower than the same period in 2015 due to lower sustaining capital expenditures from the completion of the Hoyle Deep project and lower operating costs.

During the third quarter, Porcupine commenced a comprehensive performance improvement effort which the Company expects will result in approximately $35 million in annual sustainable productivity improvements and cost savings in 2018.

Musselwhite, Ontario (100%-owned)

Third quarter gold production totaled 59,000 ounces at an AISC of $753 per ounce. Production for the third quarter was lower than the comparative period in 2015 due to lower mined tonnes as a result of mine sequencing.   AISC were higher than third quarter of 2015, primarily as a result of lower gold production, partially offset by lower sustaining capital.

PROJECT PIPELINE REVIEW

Peñasquito District

Pyrite Leach (100%-owned)

The Pyrite Leach Project ("PLP") has an expected capital investment of approximately $420 million and is expected to increase overall gold and silver recoveries at Peñasquito by treating the zinc tailings before discharge to the tailings storage facility. Following approval of the PLP by the Board of Directors in July 2016, the contractor started ramping up detailed engineering, preparing bid packages for long lead time equipment, and mobilizing on site to begin construction activities of permanent facilities. The Company has hedged approximately 50% of the Mexican peso project expenditures at an average foreign exchange rate of 20.0 Mexican pesos to the US dollar.

Camino Rojo (100%-owned)

At Camino Rojo, located approximately 50 kilometres from Peñasquito, the pre-feasibility study on the oxide resource continued to advance and is on track to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2016.   Goldcorp is evaluating alternative strategies to maximize the value of the Camino Rojo project.

Musselwhite

Materials Handling (100%-owned)

Following the approval of the Materials Handling Project in July 2016, mobilization of the contractor occurred in August with lateral development commencing in September.  Winze raisebore construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2017.  The project is designed to provide an economic and practical means of transporting ore as the current ventilation system cannot support the additional haul truck fleet required to extend mine life.  The project will enable hoisting of ore through an underground winze and associated infrastructure which will result in reduced reliance on high-cost truck haulage. The project's capital investment is approximately $90 million.

Porcupine District

Dome Century (100%-owned)

A gold indicated mineral resource of 4.5 million ounces (130.6 million tonnes grading 1.07 grams per tonne) and 0.9 million ounces (35.0 million tonnes grading 0.81 grams per tonne) of gold inferred  mineral resource was announced at Porcupine's new Dome Century project and a concept study for a potential new large-scale open pit mine is underway.  A recent update to the geological model for Porcupine's Dome open pit additional mineralization, as a halo to high grade material which was previously mined from underground. The dimensions of this mineralized envelope and a preliminary analysis indicate the potential to further extend open pit mining well below the existing pit.  With the completion of the resource estimate, the concept study will evaluate the development of an expanded open pit on this zone. The concept study is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017 and, with positive results expected, will proceed for internal approval to fund a pre-feasibility study.

Borden (100%-owned)

The Borden project, located 160 kilometres west of Porcupine, has the potential to further enhance the long-term economics of Porcupine. The Company expects to complete phase one of a pre-feasibility study during the first quarter of 2017. An advanced exploration permit is expected by early 2017 to allow for the construction of a ramp into the deposit and the extraction of a 30,000 tonne bulk sample.  The underground platform will further support exploration drilling of a deposit that remains open at depth and laterally. The final pre-feasibility study requires the completion of the bulk sample and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

Red Lake District

HG Young (100%-owned)

At the HG Young deposit, a high-grade exploration discovery near Red Lake, a concept study is advancing and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016.  During the third quarter, exploration drilling continued with both surface and underground drills.  Assuming a positive business case based on the exploration results, the Company expects to commence a decline from surface that will provide access to the higher confidence areas for further exploration and bulk sampling and a pre-feasibility study in the first half of 2017.

Cochenour (100%-owned)

At Cochenour, exploration drilling continued through the third quarter.  In addition, sill development along the Upper Main Zone was completed on both the 3990 and 4060 foot levels and all material was processed through a sample tower.  In the fourth quarter of 2016, this material will be processed through the Red Lake mill. Following the mill processing, a reconciliation process will take place, analyzing the results from the underground face samples, muck samples, sample tower and mill. Results to date from the sample tower and silling are favourable.  The Cochenour project is currently undergoing a concept study, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

Coffee (100%-owned)

The Company completed the acquisition of Kaminak Gold Corporation, and its Coffee project ("Coffee"), on July 19, 2016. Coffee is a structurally hosted hydrothermal deposit located approximately 130 kilometres south of the City of Dawson, Yukon. Coffee is a high-grade, open pit, heap leach mining project located in a top tier mining jurisdiction.  Activities for the third quarter focused on review and optimization of the Kaminak feasibility study, planning for upgrades to site infrastructure, consultations with First Nations and initial studies to support the permitting processes.

About Goldcorp

Goldcorp is a senior gold producer focused on responsible mining practices with safe, low-cost production from a high-quality portfolio of mines.  

This release should be read in conjunction with Goldcorp's third quarter 2016 interim consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") report on the Company's website, in the "Investor Resources – Reports & Filings" section under "Quarterly Reports".

Conference Call and Webcast

The conference call replay will be archived on the website until November 27, 2016.        

Footnotes 

Three months ended September 30, 2016

Three months ended September 30, 2015

Nine months ended September 30, 2016

Nine months ended September 30, 2015

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under the provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Goldcorp. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc, the estimation of Mineral Reserves (as defined below) and Mineral Resources (as defined below), the realization of Mineral Reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, targeted cost reductions, capital expenditures, free cash flow, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, hedging practices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage.  Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. 

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Goldcorp to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Goldcorp will operate in the future, including the price of gold and other by-product metals, anticipated costs and ability to achieve goals. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, gold and other by-product metals price volatility, discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and mineral resources and metallurgical recoveries, mining operational and development risks, litigation risks, regulatory restrictions (including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability), changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or change in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States and other jurisdictions in which the Company does or may carry on business in the future, delays, suspension and technical challenges associated with capital projects, higher prices for fuel, steel, power, labour and other consumables,  currency fluctuations, the speculative nature of gold exploration, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility, competition, loss of key employees, additional funding requirements and defective title to mineral claims or property. Although Goldcorp believes its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions and has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Goldcorp to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to international operations including economic and political instability in foreign jurisdictions in which Goldcorp operates; risks related to current global financial conditions; risks related to joint venture operations; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of current reclamation activities; environmental risks; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of gold and other by-product metals; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; risks related to the integration of acquisitions; accidents, labour disputes; risks associated with restructuring and cost efficiency initiatives; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities and other risks of the mining industry, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business – Risk Factors" in Goldcorp's most recent annual information form available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Although Goldcorp has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as otherwise indicated by Goldcorp, these statements do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring or other special items or of any dispositions, monetizations, mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations or other transactions that may be announced or that may occur after the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. Goldcorp does not intend or undertake to publicly update any forward-looking statements that are included in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Cautionary Note Regarding Reserves and Resources

Scientific and technical information contained in this press release relating to Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources was reviewed and approved by Gil Lawson, P.Eng., Vice President, Geology and Mine Planning for Goldcorp, and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Scientific and technical information in this press release relating to exploration results was reviewed and approved by Sally Goodman, PhD, PGeo, Director, Generative Geology for Goldcorp, and a "qualified person" as defined by NI 43-101.  All Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources have been calculated in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") and NI 43-101, or the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves equivalent. All Mineral Resources are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Information on data verification performed on the mineral properties mentioned in this press release that are considered to be material mineral properties to the Company are contained in Goldcorp's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the current technical report for each of those properties, all available at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Note to United States investors concerning estimates of measured, indicated and inferred resources: This document has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian securities laws which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws and uses terms that are not recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The terms "Mineral Reserve", "Proven Mineral Reserve" and "Probable Mineral Reserve" are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards adopted by CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (the "CIM Definition Standards") which were incorporated by reference in NI 43-101. These definitions differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 ("SEC Industry Guide 7") under United States securities laws. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.

In addition, the terms "Mineral Resource", "Measured Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and their economic and legal feasibility. A significant amount of exploration must be completed in order to determine whether an Inferred Mineral Resource may be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian regulations, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations if such disclosure includes the grade or quality and the quantity for each category of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Accordingly, information contained in this press release containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

SUMMARIZED RESULTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOLLOW

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
(In millions of United States dollars, except for per share amounts – Unaudited)