Record free cash flow of $76 million supports 33% increase in dividend

All amounts are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated.

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX:AGI; NYSE:AGI) (“Alamos” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

“We had an excellent third quarter financially and operationally with strong performances at all three operations driving costs significantly lower. This included another record quarter at Island Gold, and Young-Davidson starting to demonstrate its full potential following the completion of the lower mine expansion. We previously outlined our expectation to transition to strong free cash flow generation in the second half of 2020, and we delivered with record free cash flow of $76 million in the quarter,” said John A. McCluskey, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We remain focused on operating a sustainable business model that can support growing returns to shareholders over the long term. Given our strong free cash flow outlook, we are pleased to announce a 33% increase in our dividend, which has now grown by 300% since 2018. We expect to continue to generate strong free cash flow while reinvesting in high-return projects like La Yaqui Grande and the Phase III Expansion at Island Gold which will support further growth and returns to shareholders,” Mr. McCluskey added.

Third Quarter 2020

• Generated record quarterly free cash flow¹of $76.0 million driven by higher margins at all operations
• Announced a 33% increase in the dividend to an annual rate of US$0.08 per share, starting with the dividend payable in December 2020. The increase is supported by the record free cash flow in the quarter and strong outlook. With the December dividend, the Company will have returned $31.0 million to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases under the Company’s Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) in 2020
• Produced 117,100 ounces of gold, a 49% increase from the second quarter of 2020 with production returning to budgeted levels following the temporary suspension of operations at Island Gold and Mulatos in the second quarter due to COVID-19
• Year-to-date the Company has produced 306,400 ounces of gold and remains well positioned to achieve revised full year guidance of 405,000 to 435,000 ounces of gold
• Island Gold produced a record 39,600 ounces of gold and generated record mine-site free cash flow¹ of $40.8 million, benefiting from higher grades mined in the quarter
• Mulatos produced 41,100 ounces of gold and generated mine-site free cash flow¹ of $30.9 million, driven by lower total cash costs
• Following the completion of the lower mine expansion at Young-Davidson in July, underground mining rates increased to average 6,713 tonnes per day (“tpd”) for the quarter and remain on track to achieve 7,500 tpd by the end of 2020
• Sold 116,035 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $1,882 per ounce for revenues of $218.4 million
• Generated record cash flow from operating activities of $130.8 million ($130.0 million, or $0.33 per share, before changes in working capital¹), a 62% increase from the third quarter of 2019
• Consolidated total cash costs¹ of $681 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”)¹of $949 per ounce both decreased significantly from the first half of the year and were lower than revised guidance. The Company remains on track to achieve full year cost guidance
• Reported record adjusted net earnings¹ of $56.9 million, or $0.15 per share¹, which includes adjustments for unrealized foreign exchange gains of $10.7 million recorded within deferred taxes and foreign exchange, and other one time gains of $0.3 million. Adjusted net earnings increased 143% compared to the third quarter of 2019
• Realized record net earnings of $67.9 million, or $0.17 per share
• Ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $274.1 million and equity securities of $40.0 million. Subsequent to quarter-end, the Company repaid $100.0 million outstanding on its revolving credit facility and is currently debt-free
• Reported results of the Phase III Expansion Study conducted on Island Gold, which is expected to drive a 72% increase in average annual production to 236,000 ounces and a 30% decrease in mine-site AISC to $534 per ounce starting in 2025
• Announced a construction decision on the low-cost, high-return La Yaqui Grande project. The project has a 58% after-tax internal rate of return (“IRR”) at a $1,750 per ounce gold price and is expected to significantly reduce Mulatos District costs with mine-site AISC expected to average $578 per ounce over the life of the project

^( 1) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.

Highlight Summary

⁽¹⁾  Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2020, cost of sales also includes COVID-19 costs of $nil and $6.5 million, respectively.
⁽²⁾  Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.
⁽³⁾  Includes growth capital from operating sites and excludes the Island Gold royalty repurchase of $54.8 million in March 2020.
⁽⁴⁾  Includes capitalized exploration at Mulatos and Island Gold.
⁽⁵⁾  Comparative cash and cash equivalents and debt and financing obligations balance as at December 31, 2019. The Company repaid the $100 million debt balance in October 2020.

⁽¹⁾  El Chanate transitioned to the reclamation phase of the mine life in the fourth quarter of 2019. Incremental production is a result of rinsing the leach pad. Gold sales from El Chanate in 2020 are not included in revenue and cost of sales.
⁽²⁾  Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
⁽³⁾  Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.
⁽⁴⁾  For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
⁽⁵⁾  Includes capitalized exploration at Mulatos of $nil and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 (spending of $nil for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019).
⁽⁶⁾  Includes capitalized exploration at Island Gold of $2.9 million and $8.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 (for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 – $4.3 million and $11.7 million), and excludes the royalty repurchase of $54.8 million.

Management’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The Company responded rapidly and proactively and implemented several initiatives to help protect the health and safety of our employees, their families and the communities in which we operate.

Specifically, each of our operating mine sites has activated established crisis management plans and developed site-specific plans that enable them to meet and respond to changing conditions associated with COVID-19. The Company is adopting the advice of public health authorities and adhering to government regulations with respect to COVID-19 in the jurisdictions in which it operates.

The following measures have been instituted across the Company to prevent the potential spread of the virus:

• Medical screening for all personnel prior to entry to site for symptoms of COVID-19
• Testing of personnel at Mulatos and Island Gold prior to starting their rotation at the camp
• Training on proper hand hygiene and social distancing
• Remote work options have been implemented for eligible employees
• Social distancing practices have been implemented for all meetings, huddles and transportation
• Mandatory use of personal protective equipment for employees where social distancing is not practicable
• Rigid camp and site hygiene protocols have been instituted and are being followed
• Elimination of all non-essential business travel
• Required 14-day quarantine for any employees returning from out of country travel
• In addition, since the COVID-19 pandemic began the Company’s teams in Canada, Mexico, and Turkey have donated their time, medical supplies, food supplies and funds to help combat the effects and spread of the virus

Impact on Operations

In order to protect nearby communities and align with government requirements, two of the Company’s mines were temporarily suspended earlier in the year, but resumed normal operations during the second quarter. During the temporary suspensions, indirect production costs that exceeded normal operating capacity were expensed as incurred and not included in the inventory valuation. The Company identified indirect production costs of $5.4 million that were directly expensed as COVID-19 costs as incurred in the second quarter of 2020 and not included in inventory. All operating costs incurred subsequent to the mine sites, returning to planned operating levels have been included in mining and processing costs. As a result, there were no amounts classified as COVID-19 costs for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

In July 2020, the Company provided updated production and cost guidance resulting from the impact of COVID-19 on the operations. With operations at Mulatos and Island Gold having both been suspended for more than a month and the completion of the lower mine expansion at Young-Davidson delayed into July due to COVID-19, consolidated 2020 production guidance was revised to 405,000 to 435,000 ounces.

In the third quarter of 2020, both Island Gold and Mulatos continued to incur additional costs related to testing of personnel, lodging and transportation, which have been included in mining and processing costs rather than COVID-19 costs. These incremental costs have increased total cash costs at these operations by approximately $25 per ounce. These additional costs are expected to be incurred throughout the fourth quarter and into 2021.

Outlook and Strategy

⁽¹⁾  Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description of these measures.
⁽²⁾  Includes growth capital and capitalized exploration at the Company’s development projects (Turkey, Lynn Lake, Esperanza and Quartz Mountain).
⁽³⁾  For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs at individual mine sites, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses to the mine sites.
⁽⁴⁾  Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense, and is calculated based on the mid-point of guidance.
⁽⁵⁾  On March 16, 2020, the Company updated total cash cost and AISC guidance to reflect the repurchase and cancellation of a royalty at Island Gold.

The Company’s long-term strategic objective is to generate increasing returns for its shareholders through low-cost production and free cash flow growth from its portfolio of operating mines and development projects. During the third quarter, the Company delivered on several catalysts that form key parts of a transformational year for Alamos and provide the foundation for the Company’s strong outlook. These include the announcement of a Phase III expansion at Island Gold, a construction decision on the La Yaqui Grande project, and the completion of the lower mine expansion at Young-Davidson. The latter marked the transition to strong free cash flow growth with all three operations contributing to record free cash flow generation of $76.0 million during the quarter.

The Company expects this strong free cash flow to continue supporting higher dividends while also reinvesting in high return internal growth projects, such as those at Island Gold and Mulatos. These projects will in turn drive free cash flow higher and support growing, sustainable returns to shareholders over the long-term.

The record financial performance in the third quarter reflected higher gold prices and a very strong operational performance with production increasing 49% from the second quarter to 117,100 ounces at significantly lower total cash costs of $681 per ounce. With fourth quarter production expected to be at similar levels, the Company is well positioned to meet 2020 production and cost guidance which had been revised in July given the impact of COVID-19 on the second quarter.

Following the temporary operational suspensions during the second quarter, all of the Company’s mines are operating at normal capacity, albeit under strict health and safety protocols. These include regular testing for COVID-19 at a cost of approximately $25 per ounce. These costs are expected to continue through the fourth quarter and into 2021 with the Company’s foremost priority being to protect the health and safety of its workforce, their families and communities.

Production increased significantly at Young-Davidson compared to the second quarter following the completion of the lower mine expansion and tie-in of the Northgate shaft. This marked the end of a multi year expansion at Young-Davidson and a step change for the operation. The lower mine infrastructure has been operating as designed since completion in July, with mining rates steadily increasing each month to average over 6,700 tpd for the quarter. The transition to the lower mine infrastructure drove production higher and costs lower, resulting in the operation generating mine-site free cash flow of $10.8 million in the quarter. Mining rates are expected to increase to a rate of 7,500 tpd by the end of 2020, driving strong free cash flow growth from the operation in the fourth quarter and into 2021.

After temporarily suspending operations at Island Gold on March 25, 2020 due to COVID-19, the Company began a phased restart in early May and returned to normal operating levels in June. Strong mining rates continued in the third quarter, averaging 1,200 tpd. Combined with higher grades mined, Island Gold generated record mine-site free cash flow of $40.8 million in the quarter.

The Phase III expansion of Island Gold announced in July has outlined a bigger, more profitable, long-life operation. The expansion is expected to increase throughput rates 67% to 2,000 tpd, driving production significantly higher, at industry low costs over a mine life that has doubled to 16 years. This has driven a substantial increase in value with the expanded operation having an estimated after-tax NPV of $1.02 billion at a 5% discount rate and base case gold price of $1,450 per ounce. At a gold price of $1,750 per ounce, the after-tax NPV is $1.45 billion, more than double the acquisition cost.

Exploration programs at Island Gold resumed in June following the temporary suspension, with the focus on continuing to expand mineralization and adding new near mine Mineral Resources. In the third quarter, Island Gold reported the best surface exploration hole to date, with high-grade mineralization intersected across significantly greater widths down-plunge from existing Mineral Resources in Island East (28.97 g/t Au (26.89 g/t cut) over 21.76 m (MH25-04)). The recent results continue to demonstrate the significant potential for additional growth in Mineral Reserves and Resources at the operation.

Mulatos began ramping up to full operations in the latter part of May 2020 after the suspension of mining activities in early April as mandated by the government due to COVID-19. Following the restart, operations ramped up quickly with mining and stacking rates reaching budgeted levels throughout the third quarter. In addition, the impact of the rainy season was minimal, as Mulatos produced 41,100 ounces in the third quarter at significantly lower costs than guidance, generating mine-site free cash flow of $30.9 million.

As announced in July, 2020, the Company is proceeding with development of the high-return La Yaqui Grande project located within the Mulatos District. With an after-tax IRR of 41% and after-tax NPV of $165 million (assuming a $1,450 per ounce gold price), La Yaqui Grande represents the next low-cost source of production at Mulatos. Construction activities on La Yaqui Grande commenced in the third quarter and are expected to ramp up during the fourth quarter of 2020. Construction is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete with initial production in the second half of 2022. Given its lower costs, La Yaqui Grande is expected to drive combined costs across the Mulatos District lower.

The Company submitted its Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) for the Lynn Lake project in the second quarter and continues along the anticipated two-year permitting process. In Turkey, the Company is pursuing renewal of the mine concession for the Kirazli project.

The Company’s liquidity position remains strong, ending the quarter with $274.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and $100.0 million drawn on its $500.0 million revolving facility. Given the strong free cash flow outlook, the Company repaid the $100.0 million drawn on its revolving facility in October 2020 and is currently debt-free. The Company expects strong ongoing free cash flow generation in the fourth quarter and into 2021, and remains well positioned to fund its internal growth initiatives.

Third Quarter 2020 Results

Young-Davidson Financial and Operational Review

⁽¹⁾  Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties and amortization.
⁽²⁾  Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.
⁽³⁾  For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
⁽⁴⁾  Grams per tonne of gold (“g/t Au”).

Young-Davidson produced 36,400 ounces of gold in the third quarter of 2020, a decrease from the same period in 2019 due to lower grades mined and lower tonnes processed. This reflects the planned downtime of the Northgate shaft in July to complete the tie-in of the lower mine.

Following completion of the lower mine expansion in July, underground mining rates increased through the quarter to average 6,713 tpd. In September, underground mining rates increased to average 8,000 tpd, with the operation benefiting from significant broken ore inventory built up during the shutdown. This strong performance demonstrates the expanded capacity of the lower-mine infrastructure. Underground mining rates are expected to increase to sustainable rates of 7,500 tpd by the end of 2020. The average mined grade was 2.24 g/t Au in the quarter, lower than full year guidance due to mine sequencing. Grades mined and processed are expected to increase in the fourth quarter.

Mill throughput was 6,430 tpd in the third quarter, a decrease from the same period of 2019 with low grade surface stockpiles having been depleted in the second quarter of 2020. Mining rates temporarily exceeded milling rates in the third quarter during which time excess underground ore was stockpiled. These stockpiles will be processed in the fourth quarter. Mill throughput is expected to equal underground mining rates moving forward. Mill recoveries averaged 93% in the quarter, slightly above the prior year period.

Young-Davidson is on track to meet production guidance of between 135,000 and 145,000 ounces, with higher mining rates and grades mined expected to drive a further increase in production in the fourth quarter. Combined with lower mining costs and capital spending, Young-Davidson is expected to generate substantially higher free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Financial Review

Third quarter revenues of $66.7 million were 5% lower than the prior year quarter, reflecting a 27% decrease in ounces sold, partially offset by a higher realized gold price. Ounces sold decreased as a result of lower processing rates and lower grades mined in the quarter. Revenues for the first nine months of 2020 were also lower than the prior year period due to the temporary shutdown of the Northgate shaft to complete the lower mine expansion, which commenced in February and was completed in July 2020.

Cost of sales (which includes mining and processing costs, royalties, and amortization expense) of $50.5 million in the third quarter were lower than the comparative quarter in 2019, due to lower processing rates and lower underground mining costs. Underground mining cost per tonne decreased to $45 CAD per tonne in the quarter, with the operation beginning to realize the efficiencies of operating from the lower mine infrastructure. Cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 of $140.5 million were lower than the prior year period mainly due to lower underground mining rates during the tie-in period from February through July 2020.

Total cash costs of $923 per ounce in the third quarter were higher than the comparative period in 2019 due to a 15% reduction in grades mined, but substantially improved from the first half of 2020 when fewer tonnes were mined. In addition, lower grade stockpiled ore, which carries a higher cost per ounce, made up a larger proportion of mill feed compared to the prior year. Mine-site AISC of $1,196 per ounce in the third quarter were higher than the comparative quarter in 2019, reflecting the impact of higher total cash costs. Sustaining capital spending in the quarter was lower than the prior year period, with spending focused on growth projects including the completion of the lower mine expansion and the new TIA-1 tailings facility. Capital expenditures in the quarter included $9.6 million of sustaining capital and $16.0 million of growth capital.

With the transition to the new lower mine infrastructure and the associated reduction in underground mining costs and lower capital, Young-Davidson generated mine-site free cash flow of $10.8 million in the third quarter. Mining rates are anticipated to improve further in the fourth quarter, driving higher production and lower costs which is expected to result in significant free cash flow growth.

Island Gold Financial and Operational Review

⁽¹⁾  Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties, COVID-19 costs and maintenance costs and amortization.
⁽²⁾  Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.
⁽³⁾  For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
⁽⁴⁾  Grams per tonne of gold (“g/t Au”).

Island Gold produced a record 39,600 ounces in the third quarter, an 8% increase from the comparative period in 2019, reflecting higher grades mined and processed. The operation also generated record mine-site free cash flow of $40.8 million driven by a significant reduction in total cash costs to $394 per ounce. For the first nine months of 2020, Island Gold produced 97,800 ounces, and despite the temporary shutdown in the second quarter in response to COVID-19, is well positioned to achieve annual guidance of 130,000 to 140,000 ounces.

Underground mining rates averaged 1,209 tpd in the quarter, a 24% increase from the prior year period and in line with annual guidance of 1,200 tpd. Underground grades mined averaged 13.68 g/t Au, above full year guidance due to mine sequencing with higher grade transverse stopes mined in the quarter. Mined grades are expected to return to full year guided levels in the fourth quarter.

Mill throughput of 1,103 tpd in the third quarter was consistent with the prior year period, but lower than tonnes mined due to unplanned down time. A bearing on the primary ball mill failed prematurely in mid-September, resulting in approximately 8 days of downtime. The bearing was replaced with the mill operating at budgeted levels before the end of September. Mill recoveries of 97% were in line with the prior year quarter and budget.

Phase III Expansion Study

On July 14, the Company reported results of the positive Phase III Expansion Study conducted on its Island Gold mine. Based on the results of the study, the Company is proceeding with an expansion of the operation to 2,000 tpd. This follows a detailed evaluation of several scenarios which demonstrated the Shaft Expansion as the best option, having the strongest economics, being the most efficient and productive, and the best positioned to capitalize on further growth in Mineral Reserves and Resources. Highlights of the study include the following:

• Average annual gold production of 236,000 ounces per year starting in 2025 upon completion of the shaft. This represents a 72% increase from the mid-point of initial 2020 production guidance
• Industry low average total cash costs of $403 per ounce of gold and mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $534 per ounce starting in 2025, a 19% and 30% decrease from the mid-point of 2020 guidance, respectively
• After-tax net present value (“NPV”) of $1.02 billion at a 5% discount rate and an after-tax internal rate of return (“IRR”) of 17%, using a base case gold price assumption of $1,450 per ounce and a USD/CAD foreign exchange rate of $0.75:1
• After-tax NPV of $1.45 billion and an after-tax IRR of 22%, at a 5% discount rate using a gold price assumption of $1,750 per ounce and a USD/CAD foreign exchange rate of $0.75:1
• Mine life of 16 years, double the current eight-year Mineral Reserve life. This is based on a mineable Mineral Resource of 9.6 million tonnes grading 10.45 grams per tonne of gold (“g/t Au”) containing 3.2 million ounces of gold
• Lowest combined capital and operating costs of all scenarios evaluated. Total life of mine capital of $1.07 billion including sustaining capital. Higher life-of-mine growth capital of $514 million with the Shaft Expansion is more than offset by the lowest sustaining capital and operating costs of all scenarios evaluated.

For the remainder of 2020, the focus will be on progressing permitting and detailed engineering on the shaft and associated infrastructure. This includes the power supply upgrade and planning for the procurement of long lead time items. All of the Shaft Expansion permitting requirements are expected to be completed in 2022.

Financial Review

Island Gold generated revenues of $74.1 million in the third quarter, a 37% increase compared to the prior year period, reflecting a 6% increase in ounces sold, and a significantly higher realized gold price. For the first nine months of 2020, revenues of $167.4 million were higher than the comparative period as higher realized prices were partially offset by lower sales due to the temporary suspension of operations for part of the second quarter.

Cost of sales (includes mining and processing costs, royalties, COVID-19 costs and amortization expense) of $28.1 million in the third quarter were 12% lower than the comparative period of 2019. The decrease was driven by lower unit mining costs, and lower royalty rates following the repurchase of a third-party royalty earlier in the year. This was partially offset by the inclusion of additional expenses in the quarter related to COVID-19 testing, transportation and lodging costs, which have been included in mining and processing costs. All operating costs incurred subsequent to the mine site returning to planned operating levels have been included in mining and processing costs. As a result, there were no amounts classified as COVID-19 costs for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Cost of sales for the first nine months of 2020 of $78.2 million were lower than the prior year for similar reasons.

Total cash costs were $394 per ounce in the third quarter, a 22% decrease from the comparative quarter in 2019, driven by lower unit mining costs, significantly higher grades, and a lower royalty charge per ounce. Mine-site AISC of $575 per ounce in the third quarter were lower than the prior year period driven by the lower total cash costs.

Total capital expenditures were $15.9 million in the third quarter, including capitalized exploration. Spending was focused on lateral development, camp improvements, tailings construction, and the Phase III study. This included $7.0 million of sustaining capital and $8.9 million of growth capital, inclusive of capitalized exploration. Both capital and exploration spending were lower than planned due to the timing of spending, and are expected to increase in the fourth quarter. For the first nine months of the year, capital spending was $53.9 million including capitalized exploration, higher than the prior year period reflecting spending on tailings construction and Phase III engineering.

Earlier in 2020, the Company acquired and canceled a 3% NSR royalty payable on a majority of production from the Island Gold mine for cash consideration of $54.8 million. The royalty was applicable to all future gold production from the Goudreau Lake claims, which comprise the majority of the Island Gold deposit. As of December 31, 2019, these claims contained 0.9 million ounces of Mineral Reserves, representing 71% of Island Gold’s total Mineral Reserves, and 1.1 million ounces of Inferred Mineral Resources. The acquisition of the royalty has reduced total cash costs by $45 per ounce, and has reduced the effective NSR royalty rate on Island Gold’s Mineral Reserves from 4.4% to 2.2%.

Island Gold generated record mine-site free cash flow of $40.8 million during the third quarter and $69.6 million for the first nine months of 2020 despite over one month of downtime due to COVID-19, driven by strong operating margins. The Company expects strong free cash flow to continue in the fourth quarter, though lower than the third quarter due to planned higher capital spending.

Mulatos Financial and Operational Review

⁽¹⁾  Cost of sales includes mining and processing costs, royalties, COVID-19 costs and amortization.
⁽²⁾  Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures” disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures.
⁽³⁾  For the purposes of calculating mine-site all-in sustaining costs, the Company does not include an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation expenses.
⁽⁴⁾  Includes ore stockpiled during the quarter.
⁽⁵⁾  Grams per tonne of gold (“g/t Au”).
⁽⁶⁾  Total waste mined includes operating waste and capitalized stripping.

Mulatos produced 41,100 ounces in the third quarter, 26% higher than the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily due to the contribution of higher grade ore from Cerro Pelon which commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2019. Production for the first nine months of 2020 was 119,600 ounces.

Total tonnes mined increased slightly compared to the third quarter of 2019, reflecting increased stripping activities at Cerro Pelon and the El Salto portion of the Mulatos pit. Pre-stripping at El Salto and the excess tonnes of waste mined above the life-of-mine waste-to-ore ratio at Cerro Pelon were capitalized in the period. Tonnes of ore mined decreased compared to the prior year period given the additional stripping requirements in the current year.

Total crusher throughput in the third quarter averaged 20,600 tpd for a total of 1,894,725 tonnes stacked at a grade of 0.91 g/t Au. Tonnes stacked in the quarter exceeded tonnes mined due to the processing of SAS stockpiles, and the minimal impact of the rainy season on crusher performance in 2020. Grades stacked were 12% higher than the comparative period of 2019, reflecting the contribution of higher-grade ore from Cerro Pelon. The recovery rate of 74% in the third quarter was in line with budget bringing year-to-date recoveries to 59%. The decrease in recoveries in the current year reflects both the timing of ore stacked on the leach pad, as well as the stacking of some lower recovery SAS ore. The Company expects full year recoveries to be in line with guidance.

Financial Review

Third quarter revenues of $77.6 million were 72% higher than the prior year quarter driven by a 32% increase in ounces sold and higher realized gold prices. For the first nine months of 2020, revenues of $204.0 million were 41% higher than the prior year.

Cost of sales (includes mining and processing costs, royalties, COVID-19 costs and amortization expense) of $44.0 million in the third quarter were $10.5 million higher than the prior year quarter. Mining and processing costs were higher due to higher inventory costs associated with an increase in ounces sold, as well as higher mining cost per tonne related to longer haulage distances. Mulatos continued to incur COVID-19 testing, transportation and lodging costs in the third quarter, which have been included in mining and processing costs. All operating costs incurred subsequent to the mine site returning to planned operating levels have been included in mining and processing costs. As a result, there were no amounts classified as COVID-19 costs for the three months ended September 30, 2020. On a per ounce basis, cost of sales decreased in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year period due to higher grades processed, offset by higher depreciation related to Cerro Pelon production. Cost of sales for the first nine months of 2020 of $127.5 million were 24% higher than the prior year.

Total cash costs in the quarter and year-to-date were lower compared to the prior year as a result of higher grades stacked, driven by Cerro Pelon. Total capital spending for the quarter was $9.1 million, of which $6.1 million was sustaining capital primarily relating to capitalized stripping at El Salto and Cerro Pelon. Mine-site AISC of $928 per ounce was lower than the prior year period of $979 per ounce driven by lower total cash costs. Capital spending in 2020 was lower than the comparative period, as 2019 capital included the construction of Cerro Pelon.

Mulatos generated mine-site free cash-flow of $30.9 million in the third quarter, a significant improvement from the prior year period. The increase in cash flow was driven by increased operating margins and higher ounces sold. For the first nine months of 2020, Mulatos generated $64.3 million in free cash flow.

Third Quarter 2020 Development Activities

Mulatos District (Sonora, Mexico)

La Yaqui Grande

On July 28, 2020, the Company reported results of an internal study completed on its fully permitted La Yaqui Grande project located in the Mulatos District in Sonora, Mexico. La Yaqui Grande is located approximately 7 kilometres (straight line) from the existing Mulatos operation and adjacent to the past producing La Yaqui Phase I operation. As with La Yaqui Phase I, La Yaqui Grande will be developed with an independent heap leach pad and crushing circuit. Construction activities began ramping up during the third quarter with initial production expected in the second half of 2022.

La Yaqui Grande Project Highlights:

• Average annual gold production of 123,000 ounces per year starting in the third quarter of 2022. This will replace higher cost production from the main Mulatos pit, keeping combined production at approximately 150,000 ounces per year
• Mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $578 per ounce, significantly reducing Mulatos District all-in sustaining costs from the mid-point of previous 2020 guidance of $960 per ounce
• After-tax net present value (“NPV”) of $165 million at a 5% discount rate and an after-tax internal rate of return (“IRR”) of 41%, using a base case gold price assumption of $1,450 per ounce and a MXN/USD foreign exchange rate of 21:1
• After-tax NPV of $260 million and an after-tax IRR of 58% at a 5% discount rate using a gold price assumption of $1,750 per ounce and a MXN/USD foreign exchange rate of 21:1
• Mine life of five years, extending production from the Mulatos District to 2027, based on current Mineral Reserves
• Initial capital of $137 million to be spent over a two year period starting in the second half of 2020. At a $1,750 per ounce gold price, Mulatos is expected to self finance the development of La Yaqui Grande following which the operation is expected to generate strong free cash flow

During the third quarter, the Company incurred $2.3 million ($4.2 million for the first nine months of 2020) focused on detailed engineering, initial camp construction, and clearing and grubbing the pit area. The Company expects to spend approximately $10 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 focused on construction of haul roads and initial stripping activities.

La Yaqui Grande Site Overview

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/39979c13-e430-473c-9721-f110767cd716

Kirazlı ( Çanakkale , Turkey)

On October 14, 2019, the Company suspended all construction activities on its Kirazlı project pending the renewal of its Turkish mining concessions which expired on October 13, 2019. Although the mining concessions have not been revoked and can be renewed following this expiration date, no further construction activities can be completed until the concessions have been renewed.

The Company has met all the regulatory requirements and conditions for the concessions to be renewed and reasonably expected the renewal by the expiration date. The communities local to the Kirazlı project remain supportive. As such, the Company is working with the Turkish Department of Energy and Natural Resources on securing the renewal of the mining concessions which will allow for a resumption of construction activities. The renewal is required from the same government department that granted the Operating Permit for Kirazlı in March 2019. The Company will provide updated guidance on the construction schedule and budget for Kirazlı following the receipt of the concession renewal and resumption of construction activities.

The Company spent $1.3 million at Kirazlı during the third quarter of 2020, and $4.9 million for the first nine months of 2020.

Lynn Lake (Manitoba, Canada)

The Company released a positive Feasibility Study on the Lynn Lake project in December 2017 outlining average annual production of 143,000 ounces over a 10 year mine life at average mine-site all-in sustaining costs of $745 per ounce.

The project economics based on the 2017 Feasibility Study at $1,500 per ounce gold price include an after-tax IRR of 21.5% and an after-tax NPV of $290 million (12.5% IRR at a $1,250 per ounce gold price). During the second quarter of 2020, the Company filed the Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) with the federal government. The federal and provincial permitting process is expected to take approximately two years, with a construction decision planned for 2022.

Development spending (excluding exploration) was $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $3.4 million for the first nine months of 2020. Spending earlier in the year was primarily related to baseline work and preparation of the EIS submission.

Third Quarter 2020 Exploration Activities

Island Gold (Ontario, Canada)

The 2020 exploration drilling program is focused on continuing to expand the down-plunge and lateral extensions of the Island Gold deposit with the objective of adding new near mine Mineral Resources across the two-kilometre long Island Gold Main Zone.

Underground diamond drilling program continued through the third quarter with four drill rigs currently operating, including two focused on underground directional drilling. The surface directional diamond drilling program resumed in early June, after being suspended in April 2020 due to COVID-19, with three surface diamond drill rigs active throughout the third quarter.

An initial 4,000 m regional exploration program is also planned in the fourth quarter of 2020 focused on evaluating and advancing exploration targets outside the main Island Gold Mine area on the 9,511-hectare Island Gold Property.

Surface exploration drilling

A total of 5,539 m was completed in six holes during the third quarter as part of the surface directional drilling program. Directional drilling targeted areas peripheral to the Inferred Mineral Resource blocks below the 1,000 m level, with drill hole spacing ranging from 75 m to 100 m. The area that was targeted by the surface directional drill program extends approximately 2,000 m in strike length between the 1,000 m and 1,500 m elevation below surface.

Previously reported highlights in the third quarter from the surface drilling program in Island Lower East (E1E-Zone) include:

• 28.97 g/t Au (26.89 g/t cut) over 21.76 m (true width) (MH25-04); and
• 15.38 g/t Au (14.19 g/t cut) over 15.02 m (true width) (MH25-03).

Drill holes MH25-03 and MH25-04 intersected wide, high-grade gold mineralization 40 m and 100 m, respectively down-plunge from the high-grade Inferred Mineral Resource block which contained 719,800 ounces, grading 18.74 g/t Au (1.2 million tonnes) as of December 31, 2019. These intercepts have true widths approximately three to four times greater than the 5.3 m average width of this Inferred Mineral Resource block indicating the zone has widened in the area of these holes. Using the cut weighted gold grade for metal factor calculation, drill hole MH25-04 is the best surface directional hole drilled to date at Island Gold in terms of gold content for a drill hole intersect.

Underground exploration drilling

During the third quarter of 2020, a total of 8,262 m of underground exploration drilling was completed in 21 holes from the 620, 740 and 840 levels. The objective of the underground drilling is to identify new Mineral Resources close to existing Mineral Resource or Reserve blocks. A total of 34 m of underground exploration drift development was completed on the 340, 740, and 840 levels during the third quarter of 2020.

Total exploration expenditures during the third quarter were $3.0 million, of which $2.9 million was capitalized. For the first nine months of 2020, $8.6 million was spent, of which $8.1 million was capitalized.

Mulatos District (Sonora, Mexico)

The Company has a large exploration package covering 28,972 hectares with the majority of past exploration efforts focused around the Mulatos mine. Over the last three years, exploration has moved beyond the main Mulatos pit area and is focused on earlier stage prospects throughout the wider district.

Exploration activities were suspended at the beginning of the second quarter of 2020 in response to COVID-19. As a result, limited exploration activities were undertaken in the third quarter. Exploration activities restarted early in the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily at El Carricito. During the third quarter, the Company incurred $0.6 million, mainly related to administrative costs. For the first nine months of 2020, exploration expenditures were $3.3 million, of which $0.7 million was capitalized related to La Yaqui Grande project.

Lynn Lake (Manitoba, Canada)

Exploration activities at the Lynn Lake Project were restarted in mid-July after being suspended in March due to COVID-19. In the third quarter of 2020, 4,907 m of drilling was completed in 19 holes. Field work in the third quarter was focused on advancing a pipeline of prospective regional exploration targets. Exploration spending totaled $1.3 million in the third quarter and $3.5 million for the first nine months of 2020.

Review of Third Quarter Financial Results

During the third quarter of 2020, the Company sold 116,035 ounces of gold for revenue of $218.4 million, a 26% increase from the prior year period driven by higher realized gold prices. Ounces sold were consistent with the prior year period, with lower production at Young-Davidson offset by higher production at Mulatos and Island Gold. All operations successfully mitigated the impact of COVID-19 on production and sales in the third quarter.

The average realized gold price in the third quarter was $1,882 per ounce, a 30% increase compared to $1,448 per ounce realized in the prior year period. The average realized gold price was below the average London PM Fix price of $1,909 per ounce due to the impact of gold hedges entered into earlier in the year.

Cost of sales were $122.6 million in the third quarter, a 4% decrease compared to the prior year period, driven by lower mining and processing costs at Island Gold and Young-Davidson, partially offset by higher amortization costs.

Mining and processing costs were $76.2 million, 8% lower than the comparative period, driven by lower mining costs at Young-Davidson as operations commenced from the more efficient lower mine infrastructure in July, and lower mining costs at Island Gold. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, mining and processing costs included COVID-19 testing and other incremental costs, which have been included in total cash costs for the period. All operating costs incurred subsequent to the mine-sites returning to planned operating levels at the end of the second quarter have been included in mining and processing costs and have not been separately classified.

Consolidated total cash costs for the quarter were $681 per ounce, a 7% decrease compared to $730 per ounce in the prior year period, driven by record low total cash costs at Island Gold of $394 per ounce. Offsetting this was higher total cash costs per ounce at Young-Davidson as a result of lower grades mined in the quarter.

AISC were $949 per ounce in the quarter, consistent with the comparative period in 2019 as lower total cash costs were offset by higher sustaining capital, mainly attributable to stripping activities at Mulatos.

Royalty expense was $2.8 million in the quarter, lower than the prior year period of $4.2 million due to a reduced royalty obligation at Island Gold following the repurchase of a royalty earlier this year. The repurchase reduced the effective royalty rate on Mineral Reserves from 4.4% to 2.2% at Island Gold.

Amortization of $43.6 million in the quarter was higher than the prior year period due to higher amortization charges at Young-Davidson and Mulatos. Amortization of $375 per ounce was $39 per ounce higher than the prior year, reflecting the higher contribution of Cerro Pelon production at Mulatos which carries a higher amortization per ounce expense, and the start of amortization of the lower-mine infrastructure at Young-Davidson following completion in July 2020.

The Company recognized earnings from operations of $88.0 million in the quarter, 135% higher than the prior year period due to improved operating margins driven by an increase in realized gold prices and a reduction in total cash costs.

The Company reported net earnings of $67.9 million in the quarter, compared to net earnings of $17.7 million in the comparative period. Net earnings benefited from an increasing gold price as well as the strengthening Canadian dollar and Mexican Peso, which resulted in a $0.8 million foreign exchange gain, as well as a $9.9 million foreign exchange gain recorded within deferred tax expense. On an adjusted basis, earnings of $56.9 million or $0.15 per share were 150% higher compared to the prior year primarily driven by improved operating margins. Adjusted earnings reflect adjustments for one-time gains and losses, as well as foreign exchange movements.

Associated Documents

This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements for the three-month period ended September 30, 2020 and associated Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), which are available from the Company’s website, www.alamosgold.com, in the “Investors” section under “Reports and Financials”, and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

Reminder of Third Quarter 2020 Results Conference Call

The Company’s senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 10:00 am ET to discuss the third quarter 2020 results.

Participants may join the conference call by dialling (416) 340-2216 or (800) 273-9672 for calls within Canada and the United States, or via webcast at www.alamosgold.com.

A playback will be available until November 29, 2020 by dialling (905) 694-9451 or (800) 408-3053 within Canada and the United States. The pass code is 6141441#. The webcast will be archived at www.alamosgold.com.

Qualified Persons

Chris Bostwick, FAusIMM, Alamos’ Vice President, Technical Services, who is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“Qualified Person”), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this press release.

About Alamos

Alamos is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer with diversified production from three operating mines in North America. This includes the Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in northern Ontario, Canada and the Mulatos mine in Sonora State, Mexico. Additionally, the Company has a significant portfolio of development stage projects in Canada, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. Alamos employs more than 1,700 people and is committed to the highest standards of sustainable development. The Company’s shares are traded on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol “AGI”.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Scott K. Parsons
Vice-President, Investor Relations
(416) 368-9932 x 5439

The TSX and NYSE have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.        

Original Article: https://www.alamosgold.com/news-and-events/news/news-details/2020/Alamos-Gold-Reports-Third-Quarter-2020-Results/default.aspx