e20vf
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 |
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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Date of event requiring this shell company report |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 000-49888
RANDGOLD RESOURCES LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
JERSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
La Motte Chambers, La Motte Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE1 1BJ, Channel Islands
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
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Title of each class
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Ordinary Shares, par value US $0.05 per Share*
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Nasdaq Global Select Market |
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American Depositary Shares each represented
by one Ordinary Share |
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* |
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Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of American Depositary Shares on the
Nasdaq Global Select Market pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common
stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report.
As of December 31, 2009, the Registrant had outstanding 90,100,795 ordinary shares, par
value $0.05 per share.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act.
þ Yes o No
If the report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is
not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
o Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
o Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer þ
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the
financial statements included in this filing:
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U.S. GAAP o
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International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board þ
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Other o |
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which
financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
o Item 17 þ Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
o Yes þ No
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Index |
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Page No. |
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Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers |
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5 |
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Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable |
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5 |
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Item 3. Key Information |
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5 |
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Item 4. Information on the Company |
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17 |
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Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments |
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52 |
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Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
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52 |
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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
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68 |
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Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions |
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76 |
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Item 8. Financial Information |
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78 |
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Item 9. The Offer and Listing |
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78 |
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Item 10. Additional Information |
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79 |
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Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
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92 |
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Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities |
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96 |
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Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies |
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97 |
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Item 14. Material Modification to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds |
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97 |
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Item 15. Controls and Procedures |
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97 |
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Item 16. Reserved |
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98 |
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Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert |
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98 |
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Item 16B. Code of Ethics |
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98 |
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Item 16C. Principal Accountants Fees and Services |
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98 |
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Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees |
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99 |
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Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers |
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99 |
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Item 16F. Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant |
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99 |
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Item 16G. Corporate Governance |
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99 |
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Item 17. Financial Statements |
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99 |
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Item 18. Financial Statements |
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99 |
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Item 19. Exhibits |
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100 |
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GLOSSARY OF MINING TECHNICAL TERMS
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The following explanations are not intended as technical definitions, but rather are intended to
assist the reader in understanding some of the terms as used in this annual report (Annual
Report). |
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Alteration:
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The chemical change in a rock due to hydrothermal and other fluids. |
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Archaean:
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A geological eon before 2.5 Ga. |
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Arsenopyrite:
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An iron arsenic sulfide mineral. |
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bcm:
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Bank cubic meter, a volumetric mining measure, equivalent to a cubic meter. |
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Birimian:
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Geological time era, about 2.1 billion years ago. |
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Carbonate:
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A mineral salt typically found in quartz veins and as a product of hydrothermal alteration of
sedimentary rock. |
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Chalcopyrite:
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A copper iron sulfide mineral. |
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Clastic:
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Rocks built up of fragments of pre-existing rocks which have been produced by the processes of
weathering and erosion. |
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Cut-off grade:
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The lowest grade of material that can be mined and processed considering all applicable costs,
without incurring a loss or gaining a profit. |
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Development:
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Activities required to prepare for mining activities and maintain a planned production level. |
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Diamond Drilling (DDH):
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A drilling method. |
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Dilution:
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Mixing of ore grade material with non-ore grade/waste material in the mining process. |
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Discordant:
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Structurally unconformable. |
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Disseminated:
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A term used to describe fine particles of ore or other minerals dispersed through the enclosing rock. |
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Dyke:
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A sheet-like body of igneous rock which is discordant to bedding or foliation. |
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EEP:
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Exclusive exploration permit. |
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Electromagnetic:
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A geophysical tool used to test the electrical properties of rock to aid exploration. |
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EP:
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Exploration permit. |
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Exploration:
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Activities associated with ascertaining the existence, location, extent or quality of mineralized
material, including economic and technical evaluations of mineralized material. |
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Fault:
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A fracture or a zone of fractures within a body of rock. |
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Feasibility Study:
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A comprehensive study of a mineral deposit in which all geological, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social, environmental and other relevant factors are considered in sufficient detail that it could reasonably serve as
the basis for a final decision by a financial institution to finance the development of the deposit for mineral production. |
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Feldspar:
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An alumino-silicate mineral. |
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Felsic:
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A light colored igneous rock composed of quartz, feldspar and muscovite. |
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Fold:
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A flexure of planar structures within the rocks. |
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Foliation:
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A term used to describe planar arrangements of minerals or mineral bands within rocks. |
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Footwall:
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The underlying side of a fault, orebody or stope. |
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g/t:
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Gram of gold per metric tonne. |
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Gabbro:
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A dark granular igneous rock composed essentially of labradorite and augite. |
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Gneiss:
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A coarse-grained, foliated rock produced by metamorphism. |
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Gold reserves:
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The gold contained within proven and probable reserves on the basis of recoverable material (reported as mill delivered tonnes and head grade). |
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Gold sales:
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Represents the sales of gold at spot and the gains/losses on hedge contracts which have been delivered into at the designated maturity date. It excludes
gains/losses which have been rolled forward to match |
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future sales. This adjustment is considered appropriate because no cash is received/paid in respect
of such contracts. |
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Grade:
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The quantity of metal per unit mass of ore expressed as a percentage or, for gold, as grams of gold per tonne of ore. |
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Granite:
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A light colored granular igneous rock composed of quartz and feldspar. |
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Greenstone:
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A field term used to describe any weakly metamorphosed rock. |
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Greywacke:
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A dark gray, coarse grained, indurated sedimentary rock consisting essentially of quartz, feldspar, and fragments of other rock types. |
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Head grade:
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The grade of the ore as delivered to the metallurgical plant. |
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Hydrothermal:
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Pertaining to the action of hot aqueous solutions on rocks. |
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Igneous:
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A rock or mineral that solidified from molten or partially molten material. |
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In situ:
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In place or within unbroken rock or still in the ground. |
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Ironstone chert:
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A rock type with alternating bands of iron oxides and chert. |
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Kibalian:
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A geological time era. |
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Landsat:
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Spectral images of the Earths surface. |
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Leaching:
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Dissolution of gold from the crushed and milled material, including reclaimed slime, for absorption and concentration on to the activated carbon. |
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Lower proterozoic:
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Era of geological time between 2.5 billion and 1.8 billion years before the present. |
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Mafic:
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A term used to describe an igneous rock that has a large percentage of iron magnesium minerals. |
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Measures:
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Conversion factors from metric units to US units are provided below: |
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Metric Unit |
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US Equivalent |
1 tonne
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= 1 t
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1.10231 tons |
1 gram
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= 1 g
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0.03215 ounces |
1 gram per tonne
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= 1 g/t
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0.02917 ounces per ton |
1 kilogram per tonne
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= 1 kg/t
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29.16642 ounces per ton |
1 kilometer
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= 1 km
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0.621371 miles |
1 meter
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= 1 m
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3.28084 feet |
1 centimeter
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= 1 cm
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0.3937 inches |
1 millimeter
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= 1 mm
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0.03937 inches |
1 square kilometer
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= 1 sq km
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0.3861 square miles |
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Metamorphism:
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A change in the structure or constitution of a rock due to natural agencies, such as pressure and heat. |
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Mill delivered tonnes:
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A quantity, expressed in tonnes, of ore delivered to the metallurgical plant. |
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Milling/mill:
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The comminution of the ore, although the term has come to cover the broad range of machinery inside the treatment plant where the gold is separated from
the ore. |
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Mineable:
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That portion of a mineralized deposit for which extraction is technically and economically feasible. |
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Mineralization:
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The presence of a target mineral in a mass of host rock. |
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Mineralized material:
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A mineralized body which has been delineated by appropriately spaced drilling and/or underground sampling to support a sufficient tonnage and average
grade of metals to warrant further exploration.
A deposit of mineralized material does not qualify as a reserve until a comprehensive evaluation based upon unit cost, grade, recoveries, and other
material factors conclude legal and economic feasibility. |
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Moz:
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Million troy ounces. |
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Mt:
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Million metric tonnes. |
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Open pit:
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Mining in which the ore is extracted from a pit. The geometry of the pit may vary with the characteristics of the orebody. |
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Orebody:
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A continuous, well-defined mass of material containing sufficient minerals of economic value to make extraction economically feasible. |
2
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Ounce:
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One troy ounce, which equals 31.1035 grams. |
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Oxide Ore:
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Soft, weathered rock that is oxidized. |
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Prefeasibility Study:
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A comprehensive study of the viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where the mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, has been established, and which, if an effective method of mineral processing has been determined and includes a financial analysis
based on reasonable assumptions of technical, engineering, operating, economic, social and environmental factors and the evaluation of other relevant factors which are sufficient for a qualified person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the mineral resource may be classified as a mineral reserve. |
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Probable reserves:
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Reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven reserves, but the sites for
inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for
proven reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation. |
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Prospect:
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An area of land with insufficient data available on the mineralization to determine if it is economically recoverable, but warranting further
investigation. |
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Proven reserves:
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Reserves for which quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from
the results of detailed sampling; and the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well
defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well-established. |
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Pyrite:
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A brassy-colored mineral of iron sulfide (compound of iron and sulfur). |
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Pyrrhotite:
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An iron sulfide mineral. |
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Quartz:
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A mineral compound of silicon and oxygen. |
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Quartzite:
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Metamorphic rock with interlocking quartz grains displaying a mosaic texture. |
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Quartz-tourmaline:
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A rock unit created by alteration due to the addition of silica and boron. |
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Rare Earth Elements (REE):
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A collection of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table namely scandium, yttrium and 15 lanthanides. |
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Refining:
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The final stage of metal production in which final impurities are removed from the molten metal by introducing air and fluxes. The impurities are
removed as gases or slag. |
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Regolith:
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Weathered products of fresh rock, such as soil, alluvium, colluvium, sands, and hardened oxidized materials. |
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Rehabilitation:
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The process of restoring mined land to a condition approximating its original state. |
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Reserve:
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That part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. |
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Reverse circulation
(RC) drilling:
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A drilling method. |
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Rotary Air Blast
(RAB) drilling:
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A drilling method. |
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RP:
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Reconnaissance Permit. |
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Sampling:
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Taking small pieces of rock at intervals along exposed mineralization for assay (to determine the mineral content). |
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Satellite deposit:
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A smaller subsidiary deposit proximal to a main deposit. |
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Scoping study:
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A conceptual study and the preliminary evaluation of the mining project. The principal parameters for a scoping study are mostly assumed and/or factored. Accordingly, the level of accuracy is low. A conceptual study is useful as a tool to determine if subsequent engineering studies
are warranted. However, it is not valid for economic decision making nor is it sufficient for reserve reporting. |
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Sedimentary:
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Pertaining to or containing sediment. Used in reference to rocks which are derived from weathering and are deposited by natural agents, such as air,
water and ice. |
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Shear zone:
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An elongated area of structural deformation. |
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Silica:
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A naturally occurring dioxide of silicon. |
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Stockpile:
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A store of unprocessed ore. |
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Strike length:
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The direction and length of a geological plane. |
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Stripping:
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The process of removing overburden to expose ore. |
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Strip ratio:
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Ratio of waste material to ore material in an open pit mine. |
3
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Sulfide:
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A mineral characterized by the linkages of sulfur with a metal or semi-metal, such as pyrite or iron sulfide. Also a zone in which sulfide minerals
occur. |
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Tailings:
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Finely ground rock from which valuable minerals have been extracted by milling. |
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Tonalite:
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A type of igneous rock. |
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Tonnage:
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Quantities where the ton or tonne is an appropriate unit of measure. Typically used to
measure reserves of gold-bearing material in situ or quantities of ore and waste material
mined, transported or milled. |
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Tonne:
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One tonne is equal to 1,000 kilograms (also known as a metric ton). |
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Total cash costs:
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Total cash costs, as defined in the Gold Institute standard, include mine production,
transport and refinery costs, general and administrative costs, movement in production
inventories and ore stockpiles, transfers to and from deferred stripping where relevant and
royalties. |
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Trend:
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The arrangement of a group of ore deposits or a geological feature or zone of similar grade
occurring in a linear pattern. |
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Ultramafica:
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An igneous rock with a very low silica content and rich in iron magnesium minerals. |
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Volcaniclastic:
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Where volcanic derived material has been transported and reworked through mechanical processes. |
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Volcanisedimentary:
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Where volcanic and sedimentary material have been transported and reworked through mechanical
processes. |
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Waste:
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Rock mined with an insufficient gold content to justify processing. |
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Weathered:
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Rock broken down by erosion. |
4
Statements in this Annual Report concerning our business outlook or future economic performance;
anticipated revenues, expenses or other financial items; and statements concerning assumptions made
or expectations as to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters, are
forward-looking statements as that term is defined under the United States federal securities
laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could
cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. Factors that could
cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those set forth under
Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors in this Annual Report as well as those discussed
elsewhere in this Annual Report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
We are incorporated under the laws of Jersey, Channel Islands with the majority of our operations
located in West and Central Africa. Our books of account are maintained in US dollars and our
annual and interim financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis, except as
otherwise required under International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by International
Accounting Standards Board, (IFRS) and in accordance with IFRS. IFRS differs in significant
respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or US GAAP. This
Annual Report includes our audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with
IFRS. The financial information included in this Annual Report has been prepared in accordance
with IFRS and, except where otherwise indicated, is presented in US dollars. For a definition of
cash costs, please see Item 3. Key Information A. Selected Financial Data.
Unless the context otherwise requires, us, we, our, or words of similar import, refer to
Randgold Resources Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected historical consolidated financial data have been derived from, and
should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements,
including our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009,
2008, and 2007 and as at December 31, 2009 and 2008, which appear elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The historical consolidated financial data as at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for the years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements not included in this Annual Report, as adjusted for the accounting changes relating to
stripping costs under IFRS.
5
The financial data have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, unless otherwise noted.
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Year Ended |
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Year Ended |
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Year Ended |
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Year Ended |
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Year Ended |
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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$000: |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME DATA: |
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Amounts in accordance with IFRS |
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Revenues |
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432,780 |
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338,572 |
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282,805 |
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258,304 |
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151,502 |
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Profit from operations# |
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113,764 |
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75,937 |
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63,539 |
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71,616 |
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49,437 |
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Net profit attributable to owners of the parent |
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69,400 |
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41,569 |
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42,041 |
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47,564 |
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45,507 |
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Basic earnings per share ($) |
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0.86 |
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
0.60 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
Fully diluted earnings per share ($) |
|
|
0.84 |
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
0.60 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
0.71 |
|
Weighted average number of shares used in
computation of basic earnings per share (2) |
|
|
81,022,790 |
|
|
|
76,300,116 |
|
|
|
69,588,983 |
|
|
|
68,391,792 |
|
|
|
61,701,782 |
|
Weighted average number of shares used in
computation of fully diluted earnings per
share (2) |
|
|
82,161,851 |
|
|
|
77,540,198 |
|
|
|
70,271,915 |
|
|
|
69,331,035 |
|
|
|
63,828,996 |
|
Other data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash costs ($ per ounce) (1) |
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
467 |
|
|
|
356 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
201 |
|
|
|
|
# |
|
Profit from operations is calculated as profit before income tax under IFRS, excluding net
finance income/(loss) and profit on sale of Syama. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At |
|
|
At |
|
|
At |
|
|
At |
|
|
At |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
$000: |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AMOUNTS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMOUNTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH IFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
1,820,168 |
|
|
|
821,442 |
|
|
|
780,719 |
|
|
|
512,164 |
|
|
|
462,349 |
|
Long-term loans |
|
|
234 |
|
|
|
1,284 |
|
|
|
2,773 |
|
|
|
25,666 |
|
|
|
49,538 |
|
Share capital |
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
3,827 |
|
|
|
3,809 |
|
|
|
3,440 |
|
|
|
3,404 |
|
Share premium |
|
|
1,317,771 |
|
|
|
455,974 |
|
|
|
450,814 |
|
|
|
213,653 |
|
|
|
208,582 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
305,415 |
|
|
|
245,982 |
|
|
|
213,567 |
|
|
|
178,400 |
|
|
|
130,836 |
|
Other reserves |
|
|
18,793 |
|
|
|
(31,387 |
) |
|
|
(69,391 |
) |
|
|
(59,430 |
) |
|
|
(41,000 |
) |
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent |
|
|
1,646,485 |
|
|
|
674,396 |
|
|
|
598,799 |
|
|
|
336,063 |
|
|
|
301,822 |
|
1. |
|
Randgold Resources has identified certain measures that it believes will assist understanding
of the performance of the business. As the measures are not defined under IFRS, they may not
be directly comparable with other companies adjusted measures. The non-GAAP measures are not
intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, any IFRS measures or performance, but
management has included them as these are considered to be important comparables and key
measures used within the business for assessing performance. These measures are further
explained below. Total cash cost and total cash cost per ounce are non-GAAP measures. We
have calculated total cash costs and total cash costs per ounce using guidance issued by the
Gold Institute. The Gold Institute was a non-profit industry association comprised of leading
gold producers, refiners, bullion suppliers and manufacturers. This institute has now been
incorporated into the National Mining Association. The guidance was first issued in 1996 and
revised in November 1999. Total cash costs, as defined in the Gold Institutes guidance,
include mine production, transport and refinery costs, general and administrative costs,
movement in production inventories and ore stockpiles, transfers to and from deferred
stripping where relevant, and royalties. |
|
|
|
Under our accounting policies, there are no transfers to and from deferred stripping. Total cash
costs per ounce are calculated by dividing total cash costs, as determined using the Gold
Institute guidance, by gold ounces produced for the periods presented. We have calculated total
cash costs and total cash costs per ounce on a consistent basis for all periods presented. Total
cash costs and total cash costs per ounce should not be considered by investors as an alternative
to net profit attributable to shareholders, as an alternative to other IFRS measures or an
indicator of our performance. The data does not have a meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore
amounts presented may not be comparable to data presented by gold producers who do not follow the
guidance provided by the Gold Institute. In particular depreciation and amortization would be
included in a measure of total costs of producing gold under IFRS, but are not included in total
cash costs under the guidance provided by the Gold Institute. Furthermore, while the Gold
Institute has provided a definition for the calculation of total cash costs and total cash costs
per ounce, the calculation of these numbers may vary from company to company and may not be
comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. However, we believe that total
cash costs per ounce is a useful indicator to investors and management of a mining companys
|
6
|
|
performance as it provides an indication of a companys profitability and efficiency, the trends
in cash costs as the companys operations mature, and a benchmark of performance to allow for
comparison against other companies. Within this Annual Report our discussion and analysis is
focused on the total cash cost measure as defined by the Gold Institute. |
|
|
|
The following table lists the costs of producing gold, determined in accordance with IFRS, and
reconciles this GAAP measure to total cash costs as defined by the Gold Institutes guidance, as
a non-GAAP measure, for each of the periods set forth below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
$000: |
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
Costs |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Mine production costs |
|
$ |
196,318 |
|
|
$ |
186,377 |
|
|
$ |
136,312 |
|
|
$ |
115,217 |
|
|
$ |
66,612 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
28,502 |
|
|
|
21,333 |
|
|
|
20,987 |
|
|
|
22,844 |
|
|
|
11,910 |
|
Other mining and processing costs |
|
|
19,073 |
|
|
|
13,675 |
|
|
|
13,638 |
|
|
|
13,006 |
|
|
|
7,438 |
|
Transport and refinery costs |
|
|
1,594 |
|
|
|
2,053 |
|
|
|
1,595 |
|
|
|
711 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
Royalties |
|
|
25,410 |
|
|
|
19,730 |
|
|
|
18,307 |
|
|
|
16,979 |
|
|
|
10,273 |
|
Elimination of inter-company sales |
|
|
1,047 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movement in production inventory and ore stockpiles |
|
|
5,741 |
|
|
|
(21,865 |
) |
|
|
(11,534 |
) |
|
|
(13,373 |
) |
|
|
(18,744 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of producing gold determined in
accordance with IFRS |
|
|
277,685 |
|
|
|
221,303 |
|
|
|
179,305 |
|
|
|
155,384 |
|
|
|
77,849 |
|
Less: Non-cash costs included in total cost of
producing gold: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
(28,502 |
) |
|
|
(21,333 |
) |
|
|
(20,987 |
) |
|
|
(22,844 |
) |
|
|
(11,910 |
) |
Total cash costs using the Gold Institutes guidance |
|
|
249,183 |
|
|
|
199,970 |
|
|
|
158,318 |
|
|
|
132,540 |
|
|
|
65,939 |
|
Ounces produced * |
|
|
488,255 |
|
|
|
428,426 |
|
|
|
444,573 |
|
|
|
448,242 |
|
|
|
328,428 |
|
Total production costs per ounce under IFRS ($ per
ounce) |
|
|
569 |
|
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
403 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
|
|
237 |
|
Total cash costs per ounce ($ per ounce) |
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
467 |
|
|
|
356 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
201 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
40% share of Morila and 100% share of Loulo. |
B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not applicable.
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
D. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information included in this Annual Report, you should carefully
consider the following factors, which individually or in combination could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. There may be additional
risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently see as immaterial, which
may also harm our business. If any of the risks or uncertainties described below or any such
additional risks and uncertainties actually occur, our business, results of operations and
financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. In this case, the trading price of
our ordinary shares and American Depositary Shares, or ADS, could decline and you might lose all or
part of your investment.
Risks Relating to Our Operations
The profitability of our operations, and the cash flows generated by our operations, are affected by changes in the market price for gold which in the past has fluctuated widely.
Substantially all of our revenue and cash flows have come from the sale of gold.
Historically, the market price for gold has fluctuated widely and has been affected by numerous
factors, over which we have no control, including:
|
|
the demand for gold for investment purposes, industrial uses and for use in jewelry; |
|
|
|
international or regional political and economic trends; |
|
|
|
the strength of the US dollar, the currency in which gold prices generally are quoted, and of
other currencies; |
|
|
|
market expectations regarding inflation rates; |
7
|
|
interest rates; |
|
|
|
speculative activities; |
|
|
|
actual or expected purchases and sales of gold bullion holdings by central banks, the
International Monetary Fund, or other large gold bullion holders or dealers; |
|
|
|
hedging activities by gold producers; and |
|
|
|
the production and cost levels for gold in major gold-producing nations. |
The volatility of gold prices is illustrated in the following table, which shows the
approximate annual high, low and average of the afternoon London Bullion Market fixing price of
gold in US dollars for the past ten years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price Per Ounce ($) |
Year |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
Average |
2000
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
2001
|
|
|
293 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
271 |
|
2002
|
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
2003
|
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
363 |
|
2004
|
|
|
454 |
|
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
409 |
|
2005
|
|
|
537 |
|
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
444 |
|
2006
|
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
604 |
|
2007
|
|
|
841 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
|
|
695 |
|
2008
|
|
|
1,011 |
|
|
|
712 |
|
|
|
871 |
|
2009
|
|
|
1,213 |
|
|
|
810 |
|
|
|
972 |
|
2010 (through February)
|
|
|
1,153 |
|
|
|
1,058 |
|
|
|
1,107 |
|
If gold prices should fall below and remain below our cost of production for any sustained
period we may experience losses, and if gold prices should fall below our cash costs of production
we may be forced to curtail or suspend some or all of our mining operations. In addition, we would
also have to assess the economic impact of low gold prices on our ability to recover from any
losses we may incur during that period and on our ability to maintain adequate reserves. Our total
cash cost of production per ounce of gold sold was $510 in the year ended December 31, 2009, $467
in the year ended December 31, 2008, and $356 in the year ended December 31, 2007. We expect that
Morilas cash costs per ounce will rise as the life of the mine advances as a result of expected
declining grade, which will adversely affect our profitability in the absence of any mitigating
factors. The high grades expected from the underground mining at Loulo will, in the absence of any
other increases, have a positive impact on unit costs.
Our mining operations may yield less gold under actual production conditions than indicated by our
gold reserve figures, which are estimates based on a number of assumptions, including assumptions
as to mining and recovery factors, production costs and the price of gold.
The ore reserve estimates contained in this Annual Report are estimates of the mill delivered
quantity and grade of gold in our deposits and stockpiles. They represent the amount of gold that
we believe can be mined, processed and sold at prices sufficient to recover our estimated total
cash costs of production, remaining investment and anticipated additional capital expenditures.
Our ore reserves are estimated based upon many factors, including:
|
|
the results of exploratory drilling and an ongoing sampling of the orebodies; |
|
|
|
past experience with mining properties; |
|
|
|
gold price; and |
|
|
|
operating costs. |
Because our ore reserve estimates are calculated based on current estimates of future
production costs and gold prices, they should not be interpreted as assurances of the economic life
of our gold deposits or the profitability of our future operations.
Reserve estimates may require revisions based on actual production experience. Further, a
sustained decline in the market price of gold may render the recovery of ore reserves containing
relatively lower grades of gold mineralization uneconomical and ultimately result in a restatement
of reserves. The failure of the reserves to meet our recovery expectations may have a materially
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
8
The profitability of operations and the cash flows generated by these operations are significantly
affected by the fluctuations in the price, cost and supply of inputs.
Fuel, power and consumables, including diesel, steel, chemical reagents, explosives and tires,
form a relatively large part of our operating costs. The cost of these consumables is impacted to
varying degrees, by fluctuations in the price of oil, exchange rates and a shortage of supplies.
Such fluctuations have a significant impact upon our operating costs and capital expenditure
estimates and, in the absence of other economic fluctuations, could result in significant changes
in the total expenditure estimates for mining projects, new and existing, and could even render
certain projects non-viable.
Any appreciation of the currencies in which we incur costs against the US dollar could adversely
affect our results of operations.
While our revenue is derived from the sale of gold in US dollars, a significant portion of our
input costs are incurred in currencies other than the dollar, primarily Euro, South
African Rand, Communauté Financière Africaine franc and the Congolese franc. Accordingly, any
appreciation in such other currencies could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our results of operations have been adversely affected by increases in fuel prices, and we would be
adversely affected by future increases in fuel prices or disruptions in the supply of fuel.
Our results are significantly affected by the price and availability of fuel, which are in
turn affected by a number of factors beyond our control. Fuel prices are volatile and increased
significantly in 2008. While prices decreased significantly in 2009, they remain higher than
historical standards. In the year ended December 31, 2009, the cost of fuel and other power
generation costs comprised 25% of our operating costs and the annual price decrease of our landed
fuel was 16%.
Historically, fuel costs have been subject to wide price fluctuations based on geopolitical
factors and supply and demand. While we do not currently anticipate a significant reduction in
fuel availability, factors beyond our control make it impossible to predict the future availability
of fuel. If there are additional outbreaks of hostilities or other conflicts in oil producing
areas or elsewhere, or a reduction in refining capacity (due to weather events, for example), or
governmental limits on the production or sale of fuel, or restrictions on the transport of fuel,
there could be reductions in the supply of fuel and significant increases in the cost of fuel.
We are not parties to any agreements that protect us against price increases or guarantee the
availability of fuel. Major reductions in the availability of fuel or significant increases in its
cost, or a continuation of current high prices for a significant period of time, would have a
material adverse impact on us.
Our business may be adversely affected if the Government of Mali fails to repay Value Added Tax, or TVA, owing to Morila and Loulo.
Our mining companies operating in Mali are exonerated by their Establishment Conventions from
paying TVA for the three years following first commercial production. After that, TVA is payable
and reimbursable. TVA is only reclaimable insofar as it is expended in the production of income.
A key aspect in TVA recovery is managing the completion of the Government of Malis audit of the
taxpayers payments, at which time the Government of Mali recognizes a liability.
By December 2007, Morila had successfully concluded a reimbursement protocol with the
Government of Mali for all TVA reimbursements it was owed up to June 2005. Morila was unable to
conclude a second protocol subsequent to December 2007, however, and pursuant to its establishment
convention, began offsetting TVA reimbursements it was owed against corporate and other taxes
payable by Morila to the Government of Mali. As a result of the offsets, the TVA owed by the
Government of Mali to Morila declined to $2.6 million at December 31, 2009. Morila is in
discussions with the Malian fiscal authorities in order to ensure that the tax offsets are
accurately recorded and recognized, although we cannot assure you that the Government of Mali will
ultimately recognize the tax offsets.
At June 30, 2009, TVA owed by the Government of Mali to Loulo stood at $16.2 million. This
amount has increased by $20.8 million to $37.0 million at December 31, 2009 due to the end of the
exoneration period on November 8, 2008.
If Morila and Loulo are unable to recover these funds, or if the tax offsets are not
recognized, then their results of operations and financial position would be adversely affected, as
would their ability to pay dividends to their shareholders. Accordingly, our business, cash flows
and financial condition will be adversely affected if anticipated dividends are not paid.
Our business may be adversely affected if the Government of Mali fails to repay fuel duties owing
to Morila and Loulo.
Up to June 2005, Morila was responsible for paying to diesel suppliers the customs duties
which were then paid to the Government of Mali. Our operations at Morila and Loulo could claim
reimbursement of these duties from the Government of Mali on presentation of a certificate from
Société Générale de Surveillance. During the third quarter of 2003, the Government of Mali began
to reduce
9
payments to all the mines in Mali due to irregularities involving certain small exploration
companies. The Government of Mali has since given full exoneration from fuel duties to the mining
industry so that fuel duties are no longer payable. However, a portion of previously paid duties
remain outstanding, principally, the duties paid for the period June 2005 to December 2005. Our
share of the amounts owing to Morila was $0 on December 31, 2009 and $2.1 million on December 31,
2008. Amounts owing to Loulo were $0.7 million on December 31, 2009 and $0.7 million on December
31, 2008. At December 31, 2009, Morilas outstanding fuel duties were offset in full against
corporate and other taxes payable by the mine.
If Morila and Loulo are unable to recover these amounts, or if the amounts offset are not
recognized, then their results of operations and financial position would be adversely affected, as
would their ability to pay dividends to their shareholders. Accordingly, our business, cash flows
and financial condition will be adversely affected if anticipated dividends are not paid.
Certain factors may affect our ability to support the carrying value of our property, plant and
equipment, and other assets on our consolidated statement of financial position.
We review and test the carrying amount of our assets on an annual basis when events or changes
in circumstances suggest that the net book value may not be recoverable. If there are indications
that impairment may have occurred, we prepare estimates of expected future discounted cash flows
for each group of assets. Assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately
identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units) for purposes of assessing impairment. Expected
future cash flows are inherently uncertain, and could materially change over time. Such cash flows
are significantly affected by reserve and production estimates, together with economic factors such
as spot and forward gold prices, discount rates, currency exchange rates, estimates of costs to
produce reserves and future capital expenditures.
During 2008 and 2009, we recorded impairment charges against our auction rate securities, or
ARS, which are described in the following paragraph.
We have invested in debt instruments for which the market has become substantially illiquid.
We have invested in debt instruments for which the market has become substantially illiquid.
We had cash and cash equivalents of $590 million as of December 31, 2009. In addition, we had
available-for-sale financial assets with a carrying value of approximately $29.0 million as of
December 31, 2009. The available-for-sale financial assets consist of auction rate securities, or
ARS. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, ARS with a cost value of $49 million failed at
auctions due to the sudden and unusual deterioration in the global credit and capital markets, and
have since experienced multiple failed auctions. Consequently, the funds associated with these
investments will not be accessible until a successful auction occurs, a buyer is found outside of
the auction process or the underlying securities have matured.
We made provisions against these ARS of $9.6 million in 2009 following the deterioration of
the underlying credit ratings of the collateral of certain of the ARS. The trading market for
these instruments has become substantially illiquid as a result of current conditions in the
markets. As these investments have been illiquid for more than twelve months and there is no
certainty that they will become liquid within the next twelve months, these assets have continued
to be classified as non-current available-for-sale financial assets in order to accurately reflect
their nature. Management estimates the fair value of these investments at each reporting period.
Management applies a mark to model valuation method. Continued uncertainties in the credit and
capital markets may result in additional impairment provisions, which could adversely impact our
financial condition, current asset position and reported earnings. Furthermore, there can be no
assurance that we will be successful in our actions against the bank or the individual brokers that
we have commenced, which are described in this Annual Report under Item 4. Business Overview-Legal
Proceedings.
We may not be able to recover certain funds from MDM Ferroman (Pty) Limited.
In August 2004, we entered into a fixed lump sum turnkey contract for $63 million for the
design, supply, construction and commissioning of the Loulo processing plant and infrastructure
with MDM Ferroman (Pty) Ltd, or MDM. At the end of 2005, after making advances and additional
payments to MDM totaling $26 million in excess of the contract, we determined that MDM was unable
to perform its obligations under the MDM Contract, at which time we enforced a contractual remedy
which allowed us to act as our own general contractor and to complete the remaining work on the
Loulo project that was required under the MDM Contract.
We believe that we are entitled to recover certain amounts from MDM, including advances of
$10.5 million (December 31, 2008: $12.1 million) included in receivables as at December 31, 2009.
Of this latter amount, $7 million is secured by performance bonds and the remainder is secured by
various personal guarantees and other assets. In January 2009, the liquidator declared and paid
the first dividend of $0.1 million from the insolvent estate, leaving an outstanding balance of
$10.5 million (stated net of a present value and impairment provision of $1.1 million) as at
December 31, 2009.
As part of our efforts to recoup the monies owed to us, MDM was put into liquidation on
February 1, 2006. This resulted in a South African Companies Act Section 417 investigation into
the business and financial activities of MDM, its affiliated companies
10
and their directors. This investigation was completed in the last quarter of 2007 and the
liquidators have issued their report that confirms that MDMs liabilities exceeded its assets.
Our ability to recover in full the $10.5 million included in receivables is dependent on the
amounts which can be recovered from the performance bonds, personal guarantees and other assets
provided as security. Any shortfall is expected to be recovered from any free residue accruing to
the insolvent estate. The aggregate amount which will ultimately be recovered cannot presently be
determined. The financial statements do not reflect any additional provision that may be required
if the $10.5 million cannot be recovered in full. Our results of operations may be adversely
affected if we are unable to recover the amounts advanced by us to MDM. Any part of the $10.5
million included in accounts receivable which cannot in fact be recovered will need to be charged
as an expense. The ultimate outcome of this claim cannot presently be determined and there is
significant uncertainty surrounding the amount that will ultimately be recovered.
We may incur losses or lose opportunities for gains as a result of our use of derivative
instruments to protect us against low gold prices.
We use derivative instruments to protect the selling price of some of our anticipated gold
production at Loulo. The intended effect of our derivative transactions is to lock in a fixed sale
price for some of our future gold production to provide some protection against a subsequent fall
in gold prices. No such protection is in place for our production at Morila.
Derivative transactions can result in a reduction in revenue if the instrument price is less
than the market price at the time the hedged sales are recognized. Moreover, our decision to enter
into a given instrument is based upon market assumptions. If these assumptions are not met,
significant losses or lost opportunities for significant gains may result. In all, the use of
these instruments may result in significant losses which will prevent us from realizing the
positive impact of any subsequent increase in the price of gold on the portion of production
covered by the instrument.
Our underground project at Loulo, developing two mines at Yalea and Gara, is subject to all of the
risks associated with project development and underground mining.
Development of the underground mine at Yalea commenced in December 2006 and first ore was
mined in April 2008. These planned mines represent our entry into the business of underground
mining, and the commencement of underground mining in Mali by any mining company. In connection
with the development of the underground mines, we must build the necessary infrastructure, the
costs of which are substantial. The underground mines may experience unexpected problems and
delays during their development and construction. Delays in the commencement of gold production
could occur and the development costs could be larger than expected, which could affect our results
of operations and profitability.
Since the commencement of the underground operations at Yalea, in working with a mining
contractor, we have experienced a number of challenges which have led to delays and slower build up
of production. These challenges included the availability of the underground fleet, the ability
to drill and blast up holes and the contractors poor safety record.
Following these setbacks experienced during 2009, we terminated the underground mining
contract with the contractor and have assumed responsibility for underground mining at Loulo.
While we have experienced significant improvement in our results at Loulo during December 2009, the
development and operation of the underground mine has been negatively impacted by these issues and
resulting delays, and we cannot assure you that such issues are fully resolved or that we will not
have future delays.
The business of underground mining by its nature involves significant risks and hazards. In
particular, as the development commences the operation could be subject to:
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rockbursts; |
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seismic events; |
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underground fires; |
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cave-ins or falls of ground; |
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discharges of gases or toxic chemicals; |
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flooding; |
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accidents; and |
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other conditions resulting from drilling, blasting and the removal of material from an
underground mine. |
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We are at risk of experiencing any and all of these hazards. The occurrence of any of these
hazards could delay the development of the mine, production, increase cash operating costs and
result in additional financial liability for us.
Our success may depend on our social and environmental performance.
Our ability to operate successfully in communities will likely depend on our ability to
develop, operate and close mines in a manner that is consistent with the health, safety and
well-being of our employees, the protection of the environment, and the creation of long-term
economic and social opportunities in the communities in which we operate. We seek to promote
improvements in health and safety, environmental performance and community relations. However, our
ability to operate could be adversely impacted by accidents or events detrimental (or perceived to
be detrimental) to the health, safety and well-being of our employees, the environment or the
communities in which we operate.
In July 2009, the Loulo mine experienced some disruption, caused by a small group of
disaffected people unable to secure long term employment at the mine. The disruption resulted in
some damage to the tailings pipeline as well as to some accommodation units and other property.
All operations were suspended for 36 hours, following which all mining and processing operations
were restored and operating back at normal capacity. We cannot assure you that similar events will
not happen in the future, or that such events will not adversely affect our results of operations
and properties.
Actual cash costs of production, production results and economic returns may differ significantly
from those anticipated by our feasibility studies and scoping studies for new development projects,
including Tongon.
It can take a number of years from initial feasibility studies of a mining project until
development is completed and, during that time, the economic feasibility of production may change.
The economic feasibility of development projects is based on many factors, including the accuracy
of estimated reserves, metallurgical recoveries, capital and operating costs and future gold
prices. The capital expenditures and time required to develop new mines or other projects are
considerable, and changes in costs or construction schedules can affect project economics. Thus it
is possible that actual costs and economic returns may differ materially from our estimates.
In addition, there are a number of uncertainties inherent in the development and construction
of any new mine, including:
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the availability and timing of necessary environmental and governmental permits; |
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the timing and cost necessary to construct mining and processing facilities, which can be
considerable; |
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the availability and cost of skilled labor, power, water and other materials; |
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the accessibility of transportation and other infrastructure, particularly in remote
locations; and |
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the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities. |
At our Tongon project in Côte dIvoire, our board approved the development of the new mine
based on the strength of a feasibility study. A final draft of the proposed mining convention was
submitted to Côte dIvoires Ministry of Mines and Energy in 2008 and progress has been made
regarding the approval of the mining convention, with the Tongon
Mining License presently awaiting signature. Construction of the mine commenced at the end of 2008 with first gold production
scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2010. We cannot provide any assurance that the project will
ultimately result in a new commercial mining operation, or that a new commercial mining operation
will be successful.
We conduct mining, development and exploration activities in countries with developing economies
and are subject to the risks of political and economic instability associated with these countries.
We currently conduct mining, development and exploration activities in countries with
developing economies. These countries and other emerging markets in which we may conduct
operations have, from time to time, experienced economic or political instability. It is difficult
to predict the future political, social and economic direction of the countries in which we
operate, and the impact government decisions may have on our business. Any political or economic
instability in the countries in which we currently operate could have a material and adverse effect
on our business and results of operations.
The countries of Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, DRC and Côte dIvoire have, since independence,
experienced some form of political upheaval with varying forms of changes of government taking
place. Côte dIvoire has experienced several years of political chaos, including an attempted coup
détat. The political situation in that country is normalizing and national elections are
anticipated in 2010.
Goods are supplied to our operations in Mali through Ghana and Senegal, which routings have,
to date, functioned satisfactorily. Our operations at Morila have been adversely affected by the
higher transportation costs for diesel that now has to be delivered via
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Senegal. Any present or future policy changes in the countries in which we operate may in
some way have a significant effect on our operations and interests.
The mining laws of Mali, Côte dIvoire, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and DRC stipulate that, should
an economic orebody be discovered on a property subject to an exploration permit, a permit that
allows processing operations to be undertaken must be issued to the holder. Legislation in these
countries currently provides for the relevant government to acquire a free ownership interest in
any mining project. The requirements of the various governments as to the foreign ownership and
control of mining companies may change in a manner which adversely affects us.
We are subject to various political and economic uncertainties associated with operating in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the success of the Kibali project will depend in large
part on our ability to overcome significant challenges.
We are subject to risks associated with operating the Kibali project in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Kibali project is located in the north-east region of the DRC
and is subject to various levels of political, economic and other risks and uncertainties
associated with operating in the DRC. Some of these risks include political and economic
instability, high rates of inflation, severely limited infrastructure, lack of law enforcement,
labor unrest, and war and civil conflict. In addition, the Kibali project is subject to the risks
inherent in operating in any foreign jurisdiction including changes in government policy,
restrictions on foreign exchange, changes in taxation policies, and renegotiation or nullification
of existing concessions, licenses, permits and contracts.
The DRC is an impoverished country with physical and institutional infrastructure that is in a
debilitated condition. It is in transition from a largely state-controlled economy to one based on
free market principles, and from a non-democratic political system with a centralized ethnic power
base to one based on more democratic principles. There can be no assurance that these changes will
be effected or that the achievement of these objectives will not have material adverse consequences
for the Kibali project.
Any changes in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in the DRC may
adversely affect operations and/or profitability of the Kibali project. Operations may be affected
in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to, but not limited to, restrictions on
production, price controls, export controls, currency remittance, income taxes, foreign investment,
maintenance of claims, environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water use
and mine safety. These changes may impact the profitability and viability of the Kibali project.
Furthermore, the Kibali project is located in a remote area of the DRC, which lacks basic
infrastructure, including adequate roads and other transport, sources of power, water, housing,
food and transport. In order to develop any of the mineral interests, facilities and material
necessary to support operations in the remote locations in which they are situated must be
established. The remoteness of the mineral interests would affect the potential viability of
mining operations, as we would also need to establish substantially greater sources of power,
water, physical plant, roads and other transport infrastructure than are currently present in the
area. More specifically, we must obtain necessary licenses from the government to construct and
operate hydropower stations, which will necessarily involve reconfiguring, refurbishing and
maintaining existing stations. Our ability to produce sufficient power for the Kibali will be
adversely affected to the extent such licenses cannot be obtained, or we are unable to comply with
the conditions of such licenses.
Moreover, the north-east region of the DRC has undergone civil unrest and instability that
could have an impact on political, social or economic conditions in the DRC generally. The
instability must be appropriately addressed in order for us to build and operate a mine at the
Kibali project site. The impact of unrest and instability on political, social or economic
conditions in the DRC could result in the impairment of the exploration, development and operations
at the Kibali project.
The communities near the Kibali project need to be resettled in an orderly manner and peaceful
manner to allow the development and operation of a mine at the site. We have committed to assist
the DRC government in these efforts. Any failure to complete the settlement plan successfully will
materially and adversely affect our ability to build and operate a mine at the Kibali project site.
Under our joint venture agreement with AngloGold Ashanti Limited, or AngloGold Ashanti, we jointly
manage Morila and the Kibali project, and any disputes with AngloGold Ashanti over the management
of Morila or the Kibali project could adversely affect our business.
We jointly control Morila SA, the owner of the Morila mine, and Kibali Goldmines SPRL, the
owner of the Kibali project, with AngloGold Ashanti under joint venture agreements. We are
responsible for the day-to-day operations of Morila and the Kibali project, subject to the overall
management control of the Morila SA and Kibali Goldmines boards, respectively. Substantially all
major management decisions, including approval of a budget for Morila and the Kibali project, must
be approved by the Morila SA and Kibali Goldmines boards, respectively. We and AngloGold Ashanti
retain equal representation on the boards, with neither party holding a deciding vote. If a
dispute arises between us and AngloGold Ashanti with respect to the management of Morila SA or
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Kibali Goldmines, and we are unable to amicably resolve the dispute, we may have to
participate in arbitration or other proceeding to resolve the dispute, which could materially and
adversely affect our business.
The use of mining contractors at certain of our operations may expose it to delays or suspensions
in mining activities.
Mining contractors are used at Loulo and Morila to mine and deliver ore to processing plants.
These mining contractors rely on third-party vendors to supply them with required mining equipment,
many of which have been adversely affected by the global economic slowdown. Consequently, at these
mines, we do not own all of the mining equipment and may face disruption of operations and incur
costs and liabilities in the event that any of the mining contractors at these mines, or any of the
vendors that supply them, has financial difficulties, or should there be a dispute in renegotiating
a mining contract, or a delay in replacing an existing contractor.
Following setbacks experienced during 2009 at Loulo, we terminated the underground mining
contract with the contractor and assumed responsibility for the underground mining.
We may be required to seek funding from the global credit and capital markets to develop our
properties, and the recent weaknesses in those markets could adversely affect our ability to obtain
financing and capital resources.
We require substantial funding to develop our properties, and may be required to seek funding
from the credit and capital markets to finance these activities. Our ability to obtain outside
financing will depend upon the price of gold and the markets perception of its future price, and
other factors outside of our control. We may not be able to obtain funding on acceptable terms
when required, or at all.
The credit and capital markets experienced significant deterioration in 2008, including the
failure of significant and established financial institutions in the US and abroad, which continued
throughout 2009 and may continue in 2010 and beyond, all of which will have an impact on the
availability and terms of credit and capital in the near term. If uncertainties in these markets
continue, or these markets deteriorate further, it could have a material adverse effect on our
ability to raise capital. Failure to raise capital when needed or on reasonable terms may have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in
increased operating costs which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory
changes in response to various climate change interest groups and the potential impact of climate
change. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant
costs on us, our venture partners and our suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment,
environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted
future climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with
companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Given the emotion, political
significance and uncertainty around the impacts of climate change and how it should be dealt with,
we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating
performance and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness
and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by us
or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. The potential physical impacts of
climate change on our operations are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the geographic
circumstances in areas in which we operate. These may include changes in rainfall and storm
patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. These
impacts may adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of our operations.
We may not pay dividends to shareholders in the near future.
We paid our fourth dividend since 2007 to ordinary shareholders in March 2010. It is our
policy to pay dividends if profits and funds are available for that purpose. Whether or not funds
are available depends on a variety of factors, including capital expenditures. We cannot guarantee
that dividends will be paid in the future.
If we are unable to attract and retain key personnel our business may be harmed.
Our ability to bring additional mineral properties into production and explore our extensive
portfolio of mineral rights will depend, in large part, upon the skills and efforts of a small
group of management and technical personnel, including D. Mark Bristow, our Chief Executive
Officer. If we are not successful in retaining or attracting highly qualified individuals in key
management positions our business may be harmed. The loss of any of our key personnel could
adversely impact our ability to execute our business plan.
Our insurance coverage may prove inadequate to satisfy future claims against us.
We may become subject to liabilities, including liabilities for pollution or other hazards,
against which we have not insured adequately or at all, or cannot insure. Our insurance policies
contain exclusions and limitations on coverage. Our current insurance policies provide worldwide
indemnity of £50 million in relation to legal liability incurred as a result of death, injury,
disease of persons and/or loss of or damage to property. Main exclusions under this insurance
policy, which relates to our industry, include war, nuclear risks, silicosis, asbestosis or other
fibrosis of the lungs or diseases of the respiratory system with regard to employees, and
14
gradual pollution. In addition, our insurance policies may not continue to be available at
economically acceptable premiums. As a result, in the future our insurance coverage may not cover
the extent of claims against us.
It may be difficult for you to affect service of process and enforce legal judgments against us or
our affiliates.
We are incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands and a majority of our directors and senior
executives are not residents of the United States. Virtually all of our assets and the assets of
those persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for you
to effect service of process within the United States upon those persons or us. Furthermore, the
United States and Jersey currently do not have a treaty providing for the reciprocal recognition
and enforcement of judgments (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters.
Consequently, it may not be possible for you to enforce a final judgment for payment rendered by
any federal or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated
solely upon United States Federal securities laws against those persons or us.
In order to enforce any judgment rendered by any Federal or state court in the United States
in Jersey, proceedings must be initiated by way of common law action before a court of competent
jurisdiction in Jersey. The entry of an enforcement order by a court in Jersey is conditional upon
the following:
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that the court which pronounced the judgment has jurisdiction to entertain the case according
to the principles recognized by Jersey law with reference to the jurisdiction of the foreign
courts; |
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that the judgment is final and conclusive it cannot be altered by the courts which
pronounced it; |
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that there is payable pursuant to a judgment a sum of money, not being a sum payable in
respect of tax or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other penalty; |
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that the judgment has not been prescribed; |
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that the courts of the foreign country have jurisdiction in the circumstances of the case; |
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that the judgment was not obtained by fraud; and |
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that the recognition and enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policy in
Jersey, including observance of the rules of natural justice which require that documents in
the United States proceeding were properly served on the defendant and that the defendant was
given the right to be heard and represented by counsel in a free and fair trial before an
impartial tribunal. |
Furthermore, it is doubtful whether you could bring an original action based on United States
Federal securities laws in a Jersey court.
We are subject to significant corporate regulation as a public company and failure to comply with
all applicable regulations could subject us to liability or negatively affect our share price.
As a publicly traded company, we are subject to a significant body of regulation. While we
have developed and instituted a corporate compliance program based on what we believe are the
current best practices in corporate governance and continue to update this program in response to
newly implemented or changing regulatory requirements, we cannot provide absolute assurance that we
are or will be in compliance with all potentially applicable corporate regulations. For example,
we cannot provide assurance that in the future our management will not find a material weakness in
connection with its annual review of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to
Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. If we fail to comply with any of these
regulations, we could be subject to a range of regulatory actions, fines or other sanctions or
litigation. If we must disclose any material weakness in our internal control over financial
reporting, our share price could decline.
Risks Relating to Our Industry
The exploration of mineral properties is highly speculative in nature, involves substantial
expenditures, and is frequently unproductive.
We must continually seek to replenish our ore reserves depleted by production to maintain
production levels over the long term. Ore reserves can be replaced by expanding known ore bodies
or exploring for new deposits. Exploration for gold is highly speculative in nature. Our future
growth and profitability will depend, in part, on our ability to identify and acquire additional
mineral rights, and on the costs and results of our continued exploration and development programs.
Many exploration programs, including some of ours, do not result in the discovery of
mineralization and any mineralization discovered may not be of sufficient quantity or quality to be
profitably mined. Our mineral exploration rights may not contain commercially exploitable reserves
of gold. Uncertainties as to the metallurgical recovery of any gold discovered may not warrant
mining on the basis of available technology. Our operations are subject to all of the operating
hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for and developing mineral properties, such as:
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encountering unusual or unexpected formations; |
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environmental pollution; |
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personal injury and flooding; and |
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decrease in reserves due to a lower gold price. |
If we discover a viable deposit, it usually takes several years from the initial phases of
exploration until production is possible. During this time, the economic feasibility of production
may change.
Moreover, we will use the evaluation work of professional geologists, geophysicists, and
engineers for estimates in determining whether to commence or continue mining. These estimates
generally rely on scientific and economic assumptions, which in some instances may not be correct,
and could result in the expenditure of substantial amounts of money on a deposit before it can be
determined whether or not the deposit contains economically recoverable mineralization. As a
result of these uncertainties, we may not successfully acquire additional mineral rights, or
identify new proven and probable reserves in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations
in any of our properties.
If management determines that capitalized costs associated with any of our gold interests are
not likely to be recovered, we would recognize an impairment provision against the amounts
capitalized for that interest. All of these factors may result in losses in relation to amounts
spent which are found not to be recoverable.
Title to our mineral properties may be challenged which may prevent or severely curtail our use of
the affected properties.
Title to our properties may be challenged or impugned, and title insurance is generally not
available. Each sovereign state is the sole authority able to grant mineral property rights, and
our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure title to individual mineral properties or mining
concessions may be severely constrained. Our mineral properties may be subject to prior
unregistered agreements, transfers or claims, and title may be affected by, among other things,
undetected defects. In addition, we may be unable to operate our properties as permitted or to
enforce our rights with respect to our properties.
Our ability to obtain desirable mineral exploration projects in the future may be adversely
affected by competition from other exploration companies.
We compete with other mining companies in connection with the search for and acquisition of
properties producing or possessing the potential to produce gold. Existing or future competition
in the mining industry could materially and adversely affect our prospects for mineral exploration
and success in the future.
Our operations are subject to extensive governmental and environmental regulations, which could
cause us to incur costs that adversely affect our results of operations.
Our mining facilities and operations are subject to substantial government laws and
regulations, concerning mine safety, land use and environmental protection. We must comply with
requirements regarding exploration operations, public safety, employee health and safety, use of
explosives, air quality, water pollution, noxious odor, noise and dust controls, reclamation, solid
waste, hazardous waste and wildlife as well as laws protecting the rights of other property owners
and the public.
Any failure on our part to be in compliance with these laws, regulations, and requirements
with respect to our properties could result in us being subject to substantial penalties, fees and
expenses, significant delays in our operations or even the complete shutdown of our operations. We
provide for estimated environmental rehabilitation costs when the related environmental disturbance
takes place. Estimates of rehabilitation costs are subject to revision as a result of future
changes in regulations and cost estimates. The costs associated with compliance with government
regulations may ultimately be material and adversely affect our results of operations and financial
condition.
If our environmental and other governmental permits are not renewed or additional conditions are
imposed on our permits, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely
affected.
Generally, compliance with environmental and other government regulations requires us to
obtain permits issued by governmental agencies. Some permits require periodic renewal or review of
their conditions. We cannot predict whether we will be able to renew these permits or whether
material changes in permit conditions will be imposed. Non-renewal of a permit may cause us to
discontinue the operations requiring the permit, and the imposition of additional conditions on a
permit may cause us to incur additional compliance costs, either of which could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Labor disruptions could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
Our operations in West Africa are highly unionized, and strikes are legal in the countries in
which we operate. Therefore, our operations are at risk of having work interrupted for indefinite
periods due to industrial action, such as strikes by employee collectives.
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Should long disruptions take place on our operations, the results from our operations and
their financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
AIDS poses risks to us in terms of productivity and costs.
The incidence of AIDS in Mali, Côte dIvoire, Senegal and the DRC, which has been forecast to
increase over the next decade, poses risks to us in terms of potentially reduced productivity and
increased medical and insurance costs. The exact extent to which our workforce is infected is not
known at present. The prevalence of AIDS in the countries in which we operate and among our
workforce could become significant. Significant increases in the incidence of AIDS infection and
AIDS-related diseases among members of our workforce in the future could adversely impact our
operations and financial condition.
Item 4. Information on the Company
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
Randgold Resources Limited was incorporated under the laws of Jersey, Channel Islands in
August 1995, to engage in the exploration and development of gold deposits in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our principal executive offices are located at La Motte Chambers, La Motte Street, St. Helier,
Jersey, JE1 1BJ, Channel Islands and our telephone number is (011 44) 1534 735-333. Our agent in
the United States is CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.
We discovered the Morila deposit during December 1996 and we subsequently financed, built and
commissioned the Morila mine.
During July 2000, we concluded the sale of 50% of our interest in Morila Limited (and also a
shareholder loan made by us to Morila Limited) to AngloGold Ashanti for $132 million in cash.
We have an 80% controlling interest in Société des Mines de Loulo S.A., or Somilo, through a
series of transactions culminating in April 2001. The Loulo mine commenced operations in October
2005 and mines the Gara (formerly Loulo 0) and Yalea deposits. We discovered the Yalea deposit in
1997.
We conduct our mining operations through:
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a 50% joint venture interest in Morila Limited (which in turn owns an 80% interest in the
Morila mine); and |
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an 80% interest in Somilo. |
In July 2002, we completed a public offering of 5,000,000 of our ordinary shares, including
American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, resulting in gross proceeds to us of $32.5 million. These
proceeds were used to repay a syndicated term loan and revolving credit facility in November 2002
and for feasibility studies and development activities. In connection with this offering, we
listed our ADSs on the Nasdaq National Market (Our ADSs are now listed on the Nasdaq Global Select
Market).
In February 2004, we announced that we would develop a new mine at Loulo in western Mali.
Construction continued through 2005 and the new open pit mine went into production in October 2005.
In addition, our board agreed to proceed with the development of the underground mine and, after
the award of the development contract, work commenced with the construction of the boxcut at the
Yalea mine in August 2006. This boxcut has been completed and the first blast into hard rock took
place on December 22, 2006. First ore was mined in the second quarter of 2008 and full production
is scheduled for 2010. Completion of the boxcut at Loulos second underground mine, Gara, is
scheduled for the first quarter of 2010 and with development due to start in the second quarter of
2010, we expect to access the first ore by the end of 2010.
In April 2004, Resolute Mining Limited, or Resolute, acquired the Syama mine from us.
Resolute has subsequently paid us $6 million in cash and has assumed liabilities of $7 million, of
which $4 million owing to ourselves has been settled. The agreement entered into in June 2004
between the parties provides for the payment of a production royalty by Resolute to us relating to
Syamas production equal to $10 per ounce on the first million ounces produced by Syama and $5 per
ounce on the next three million ounces produced by Syama. This royalty payment is capped at $25
million. We received our first royalties in 2009.
Effective on June 11, 2004, we undertook a split of our ordinary shares, which increased our
issued share capital from 29,263,385 to 58,526,770 ordinary shares. In connection with this share
split our ordinary shareholders of record on June 11, 2004 received two $0.05 ordinary shares for
every one $0.10 ordinary share they held. Following the share split, each shareholder held the
same percentage interest in us; however, the trading price of each share was adjusted to reflect
the share split. ADS holders were affected the same way as shareholders and the ADS ratio remains
one ADS to one ordinary share.
On November 1, 2005, we completed a public offering of 8,125,000 of our ordinary shares,
including ADSs, resulting in gross proceeds to us of $109.7 million. The new shares were allocated
to institutional shareholders in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the rest of the
world.
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On December 6, 2007, we completed a public offering of 6,821,000 of our ordinary shares,
including ADSs, resulting in gross proceeds to us of $240 million. The proceeds from the offering
are being used for the development of the Tongon project, together with such organic and corporate
opportunities, including possible acquisitions, as might arise.
During 2007, peace initiatives in Côte dIvoire continued and we completed a feasibility study
which allowed our board to approve the development of the new mine at Tongon subject to the
approval of the mining convention by the Côte dIvoire Minister of Mines and Energy. Construction
of the mine started at the end of 2008 and first gold production is scheduled for the fourth
quarter of 2010.
On August 4, 2009, we completed a public offering of 5,750,000 of our ordinary shares,
including ADSs, resulting in gross proceeds to us of $341.8 million. The proceeds from the
offering are being used to fund the feasibility studies for the Gounkoto and Massawa projects, to
develop the Gounkoto, Massawa and Kibali projects, and for other organic and corporate
opportunities, including possible acquisitions.
On October 15, 2009, we completed the acquisition of 50% of Moto Goldmines Limited (Moto
Goldmines), in conjunction with Anglogold Ashanti, which resulted in a 50:50 joint venture control
of the Kibali project in the DRC. On December 22, 2009 we completed a further acquisition of a 20%
interest, on behalf of the joint venture, from LOffice des Mines dOr de Kilo-Moto (Okimo), the
parastatal mining company of the DRC, resulting in an effective interest in the Kibali project of
45%.
Developments during 2009 relating to MDM are discussed more fully in Item 4. Information on
the Company B. Business Overview Legal Proceedings.
Principal Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures incurred for the year ended December 31, 2009 totaled $196.7 million
compared to $85 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, and $47.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2009, our capital commitments amounted to $135.8 million,
principally for the Loulo underground project and Tongon Project. The capital expenditures will be
financed out of internal funds. The capital cost for both Loulo underground mines is expected to
amount to approximately $210 million for the next three years. The capital cost for the Tongon
mine is expected to amount to approximately $180 million for the next three years. The capital cost
for Gounkoto is expected to amount to approximately $240 million for the next three years. The
capital cost for Massawa is expected to amount to approximately $150 million for the next three
years. The capital cost for our share of the Kibali project is expected to amount to approximately
$150 million for the next three years.
Recent Developments
During 2009, we acquired from New Mining Côte dIvoire SA (New Mining CI) an additional 5%
interest in Société des Mines de Tongon SA, the owner of the Tongon project for $10 million,
increasing our stake in the project from 84% to 89%. New Mining CI now holds a 1% interest and
government participation remains at 10%.
During 2009, we acquired a 45% interest in the Kibali project as set out above. In 2009, we
also sold our Kiaka project in Burkina Faso to Volta Resources for $10.7 million (net of $0.3
million of transaction costs) consisting of 20 million shares of its stock and deferred cash
consideration of C$4 million.
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
We engage in gold mining, exploration and related activities. Our activities are focused on
West and Central Africa, some of the most promising areas for gold discovery in the world. In
Mali, we have an 80% controlling interest in the Loulo mine through Somilo SA. The Loulo mine is
currently mining from two large open pits, several smaller satellite pits and one underground mine
and is developing a further underground mine. We also own 50% of Morila Limited, which in turn
owns 80% of Morila SA, the owner of the Morila mine in Mali. In addition, we own an effective 89%
controlling interest in the development stage Tongon project located in the neighboring country of
Côte dIvoire, which is under construction and anticipated to be in production by the fourth
quarter of 2010. We also own an effective 83.25% controlling interest in the Massawa project in
Senegal where we completed a scoping study in March 2009 and a prefeasibility study at the end of
2009, and which is now in the feasibility stage. In 2009, we announced a new discovery on our
Loulo permit, Gounkoto, which is located approximately 25 kilometers south of the existing mine.
Also in 2009, we acquired a 45% interest in the Kibali project, which is located in the DRC. We
also have exploration permits and licenses covering substantial areas in Burkina Faso, Côte
dIvoire, DRC, Mali, and Senegal. At December 31, 2009, we declared proven and probable reserves
of 15.56 million ounces attributable to our percentage ownership interests in Loulo, Morila,
Tongon, Gounkoto, Massawa and Kibali.
Our strategy is to create value for all our stakeholders by finding, developing and operating
profitable gold mines. We seek to discover significant gold deposits, either from our own phased
exploration programs or the acquisition of early stage to mature
18
exploration programs. We actively manage both our portfolio of exploration and development
properties and our risk exposure to any particular geographical area. We also routinely review
opportunities to acquire development projects and existing mining operations and companies.
Loulo
In February 2004, we announced that we would develop a new mine at Loulo in western Mali. In
2005, we commenced open pit mining operations at the Gara and Yalea pits. In 2009, its fourth year
of production, the Loulo mine produced 351,591 ounces of gold at a total cash cost of $522 per
ounce. We estimate that the mine will produce approximately 400,000 ounces in 2010. We currently
anticipate that mining at Loulo will continue through 2029.
We commenced development of the Yalea underground mine in August 2006 and first ore was
accessed in April 2008 with full production expected in 2010. We anticipate that we will commence
development of Loulos second underground mine, Gara, in the second quarter of 2010 with first ore
scheduled to be delivered to the plant by the end of 2010.
The focus of exploration at Loulo is to continue to explore and discover additional orebodies
within the 372 square kilometer permit. To date, we have identified numerous additional targets
that are subject to further exploration and drilling, including one significant prefeasibility
stage target, Gounkoto.
Gounkoto
Gounkoto is located approximately 25 kilometers south of Loulos existing mining operations.
Following the completion of the first drill campaign, mineralized material of 13.1 million
tonnes at a grade of 6.29g/t for 2.65 million ounces was estimated from the first 19 diamond holes,
nine RC holes and three trenches over a one kilometer strike length. The P64 target, which features
250 strike meters of similar alteration and mineralization, is located 300 meters to the northwest
of Gounkoto, while the Faraba deposit, with mineralized material of 6.78 million tonnes at an
average grade of 2.60g/t for 565,000 ounces, is located 2.5 kilometers to the southeast.
Infill drilling as part of the prefeasibility, which is on track for completion at the end of
the first quarter of 2010, has identified total mineralized material of 13.14 million tonnes at a
grade of 6.81g/t for 2.88 million ounces. An open pit probable ore reserve of 7.47 million tonnes
at 6.83g/t for 1.64 million ounces has been calculated based on a $700/oz gold price.
Morila
In 1996, we discovered the Morila deposit, which we financed and developed and has been our
major gold producing asset to date. Since production began in October 2000, Morila has produced
more than 5.5 million ounces of gold at a total average cash cost of $196 per ounce. Morilas
total production for 2009 was 341,661 ounces at a cash cost of $480 per ounce. Consistent with the
mine plan, Morila ceased in pit mining in April 2009 and is currently processing lower grade
stockpiles, which will continue through 2013.
Tongon
The Tongon project is located within the Nielle exploration permit in the north of Côte
dIvoire, 55 kilometers south of the border with Mali.
We commenced construction of the Tongon gold mine at the end of 2008. Gold production is
projected to build up to average over 290,000 ounces in the first two years of operation and
average over 270,000 ounces per annum over 10 years to give a total of 2.88 Mozs for the Life of
Mine. First gold production from the mine is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2010.
The focus of exploration at Tongon is to continue to explore and discover additional orebodies
within the 751 square kilometer Nielle permit.
Massawa
We made a significant new gold discovery at our Massawa project located in Senegal during
2008. The Massawa target was first identified in 2007 and is located in eastern Senegal,
approximately 60 kilometers west of the Malian border. In 2009, we declared a probable open pit
ore reserve of 10.51 million tonnes at a grade of 4.62g/t for 1.56 million ounces.
A successful scoping study was completed for Massawa in the first quarter of 2009 which met
all of our investment criteria and we determined to advance the project to prefeasibility. The
prefeasibility study was completed at the end of 2009. The prefeasibility program concentrated on
4 kilometers of continuous mineralization which is part of a much larger (8 kilometer long)
mineralized trend, which is open in all directions. Surrounding the Massawa target are a number of
untested soil anomalies and conceptual targets. Mineralization occurs in up to five sub-parallel
structures where fluids have exploited an intense zone of brittle/ductile deformation at the
contact between a volcaniclastic and sedimentary unit, however at present only the largest
structure is being modeled for resource
19
purposes. In total, 60,000 meters of drilling were completed for the prefeasibility study and
we declared open pit probable ore reserves of 10.51 million tonnes at a grade of 4.62g/t for 1.56
million ounces. The feasibility study is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010. The
feasibility study is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010.
While the exploration work concentrated on Massawa during 2009, the Mako Belt as a whole is
highly prospective and, in addition to Massawa, there are a number of satellite targets requiring
follow-up exploration.
Kibali
Our interest in the Kibali project was acquired following the acquisition of Moto Goldmines,
in conjunction with AngloGold Ashanti, and the further acquisition of a 20% interest from Okimo on
behalf of the joint venture. The Kibali project is located approximately 560 kilometers northeast
of the city of Kisangani and 150 kilometers west of the Ugandan border town of Arua in the
northeast of the DRC.
Following the acquisition, we updated the mineral reserves. New reserve numbers reflect a
significant increase in underground probable ore reserves to almost 6 million ounces, bringing the
total probable ore reserve number to 9.2 million ounces, a 67% increase from the previous
declaration.
The overall program to complete the initial investment phase to establish gold production at
Kibali is estimated to take approximately four years, with first gold expected early in 2014.
We have established geological team on site at Kibali with the primary objective to complete a
detailed geological analysis of the Karagba-Chauffeur-Durba (KCD) deposit, to ultimately understand
the geology, structure, alteration and mineralization and to construct a geological model to
support the update of the ore reserves.
Exploration
We have an extensive portfolio of exploration projects in both West and Central Africa. In
2009, we concentrated our exploration activities on the continued evaluation of the Massawa deposit
in Senegal, the discovery of the new multi-million ounce high grade gold deposit at Gounkoto in
Mali, the definition of satellite deposits at Loulo, and geological modeling and update of the ore
reserves at the Kibali gold deposit in the DRC. We are exploring in five African countries with a
portfolio of 250 targets on 13,624 square kilometers of groundholding. We target profitable gold
deposits that have the potential to host mineable gold reserves of three million ounces or more.
Our business strategy of organic growth through exploration has been validated by our discovery and
development track record, including the Morila and Loulo mines, the Tongon project and the Massawa
and Gounkoto discoveries. In 2009, we decided to terminate our active exploration programs in
Tanzania and Ghana.
OWNERSHIP OF MINES AND SUBSIDIARIES
Morila is owned by a Malian company, Société des Mines de Morila SA (Morila), which in turn is
owned 80% by Morila Limited and 20% by the Malian government. Morila Limited is jointly owned by
Randgold and AngloGold Ashanti Limited and the mine is controlled by a 50:50 joint venture
management committee. Responsibility for the day-to-day operations rests with Randgold.
Loulo is controlled by a Malian company, Société des Mines de Loulo SA (Somilo), which is
owned 80% by Randgold and 20% by the Malian government.
Tongon is controlled by an Ivorian company, Société des Mines de Tongon SA, in which Randgold
has an 89% interest, the government of Côte dIvoire 10% and 1% is held by a local Ivorian company.
The Kibali project is controlled by a 50:50 joint venture, between Randgold and AngloGold
Ashanti Limited, which holds an effective 90% interest in Kibali Goldmines SPRL. The remaining 10%
of the shares are held by Okimo, the parastatal mining company of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Randgold thus has an effective 45% interest in the Kibali project. Our interest in this project
was acquired following the acquisition of Moto Goldmines Limited, in conjuction with AngloGold
Ashanti, and the further acquisition of a 20% interest from Okimo on behalf of the joint venture.
The Gounkoto project is located on the Loulo Exploitation Permit. Accordingly, we hold an
effective 80% interest in the Gounkoto project through our interest in Loulo.
We hold an effective 83.25% interest in the Massawa project. The government of Senegal
retains a 10% carried interest in the project, with the balance held by our Senegalese joint
venture partner.
GEOLOGY
The Central African gold belts have a long history of gold production, particularly during the
colonial era but due to regional instability they have seen little modern exploration. The Kibalian
greenstone belts of north eastern DRC are comprised of Archaean
20
Kibalian (Upper and Lower) volcanisedimentary rocks and ironstone-chert horizons metamorphosed
to greenschist facies. They are cut by regional-scale north, east, northeast and northwest
trending faults and are bounded to the north by the Middle Achaean West Nile granite-gneiss complex
and cut to the south by the Upper Zaire granitic complex. Our Kibali gold project is located within
the Moto greenstone.
West Africa is one of the more geologically prospective regions for gold deposits in the
world. Lower Proterozoic rocks are known to contain significant gold occurrences and exist in West
Africa in abundance. The Birimian greenstone belts, part of the Lower Proterozoic, which are
younger than the Archaean greenstones of Canada, Australia and South Africa, contain similar types
of ore deposits and are located in Ghana, Côte dIvoire, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and
Niger. Although a significant amount of geological information has been collected by government
and quasi-government agencies in West Africa, the region has largely been under-explored by mining
and exploration companies using modern day technology. Most of our exploration properties are
situated within the Birimian Formation, a series of Lower Proterozoic volcanic and sedimentary
rocks. The West African Birimian sequences host a number of world class gold deposits and
producing gold mines.
Our strategy was initiated before the current entry of our competitors into West Africa and we
believe that this enabled us to secure promising exploration permits in the countries of Côte
dIvoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal at relatively low entry costs.
ORE RESERVES
Only those reserves which qualify as proven and probable reserves for purposes of the SECs
Industry Guide Number 7 are presented in this Annual Report. Pit optimization and open pit designs
are carried out at a gold price of $700 per ounce. Underground reserves are also based on a gold
price of $700 per ounce.
Morila reserves have been estimated by Mr. Stephen Ndede, the Morila Manager Mining. The
Loulo mine mineral reserves were calculated by Mr. Samuel Baffoe, Mr. Alexander Oduro and Mr. Chris
Moffat and supervised by Mr. Onno ten Brinke, Chief Mine Planning Engineer. The Gounkoto, Tongon
and Massawa project mineral reserves were estimated by Mr. Onno ten Brinke. At the Kibali project,
open pit mineral reserves were estimated by Mr. Quinton de Klerk, a director of Cube Consulting and
underground mineral reserves were estimated by Mr. Paul Kerr, an officer of SRK Consulting Perth.
All reserves were verified and approved by Mr. Rodney Quick, our General Manager: Evaluation and
Environment.
Total reserves as of December 31, 2009, amounted to 186.01 million tonnes at an average grade
of 3.92g/t, for 23.45 million ounces of gold of which 15.56 million ounces are attributable to us.
In calculating proven and probable reserves, current industry standard estimation methods are
used. The reserves were calculated using classical geostatistical techniques, following geological
modeling of the borehole information. The sampling and assaying is done to internationally
acceptable standards and routine quality control procedures are in place.
All reserves are based on feasibility level studies. Factors such as grade distribution of
the orebody, planned production rates, forecast working costs, dilution and mining recovery
factors, geotechnical parameters and metallurgical factors as well as current forecast gold price
are all used to determine a cut-off grade from which a life of mine plan is developed in order to
optimize the profitability of the operation.
The following table summarizes the declared reserves at our mines and project as of December
31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proven Reserves |
|
|
Probable Reserves |
|
|
Total Reserves |
|
Operation/ |
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Gold |
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Gold |
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Gold |
|
Project |
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
Morila + |
|
|
9.85 |
|
|
|
1.74 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
6.91 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
16.76 |
|
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
Loulo * + |
|
|
5.55 |
|
|
|
3.48 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
43.91 |
|
|
|
4.54 |
|
|
|
6.41 |
|
|
|
49.45 |
|
|
|
4.42 |
|
|
|
7.03 |
|
Tongon + |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38.02 |
|
|
|
2.63 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
38.02 |
|
|
|
2.63 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
Gounkoto + |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.47 |
|
|
|
6.83 |
|
|
|
1.64 |
|
|
|
7.47 |
|
|
|
6.83 |
|
|
|
1.64 |
|
Massawa + |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.51 |
|
|
|
4.62 |
|
|
|
1.56 |
|
|
|
10.51 |
|
|
|
4.62 |
|
|
|
1.56 |
|
Kibali+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63.80 |
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
|
|
9.19 |
|
|
|
63.80 |
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
|
|
9.19 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Includes Loulo underground. |
|
+ |
|
Our attributable share of Morila is 40%, Loulo 80%, Gounkoto is 80%, Tongon 89%, Massawa
83.25% and Kibali 45%. |
At Loulo and Morila mines a 10% mining dilution at zero grade and an ore loss of 5% has been
incorporated into the estimates of reserves and are reported as mill delivered tonnes and head
grades. At the Tongon project a dilution of 15% at zero grade and an ore loss of 2% has been
modelled for the Southern zone and for the Northern zone, dilution has been set at 10% with ore
loss at 3%. At Gounkoto and Massawa a dilution of 10% and an ore loss of 3% has been used.
Metallurgical recovery factors have not been applied to the reserve figures since these are the
estimates of the material to be delivered to the mill. Metallurgical recovery is used to
21
determine the cut off grade at which to report mineral reserves The average metallurgical
recovery factors used are 89% for the Morila mine, 93.5% for the Loulo open pit material and 90.5%
for Loulo underground material, 90.8% for the Tongon project, 91% for the Gounkoto project, 90% for
the Massawa project and between 83 and 86% for Kibali open pit projects depending on ore type and
91% for Kibali underground material.
MINING OPERATIONS
Loulo
The Loulo mine was officially opened on November 12, 2005. Loulo is controlled by a Malian
company, Société des Mines de Loulo SA (Somilo), which is owned 80% by us and 20% by the Malian
government. The Loulo mine complex is comprised of two open pit operations, Yalea and Gara, and two
corresponding underground mines, the first of which has commenced operations and the second which
is now in construction.
Loulo is located in western Mali, bordering Senegal, adjacent to the Falémé River. The mine
is located within the Kedougou-Kéniéba inlier of Birimian rocks which hosts several major gold
deposits, namely Gara, Yalea and Gounkoto on the Loulo lease as well as Sadiola and Yatela in Mali
and the Senegalese deposits of Massawa and Sabodala.
In 2009, Loulo produced 351,591 ounces of gold at a total cash cost of $522 per ounce, within
2% of budgeted production, despite a change in the underground mining schedule. The mine reported
gold sales of $302 million and profit from mining of $118.3 million.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production results for the 12 months ended December 31, |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Total mined (Mt) |
|
|
27.98 |
|
|
|
26.23 |
|
Ore mined (Mt) |
|
|
3.35 |
|
|
|
3.40 |
|
Mined grade (g/t) |
|
|
3.71 |
|
|
|
3.02 |
|
Strip ratio (waste:ore) |
|
|
8.5:1 |
|
|
|
6.9:1 |
|
Ore milled (Mt) |
|
|
2.95 |
|
|
|
2.72 |
|
Head grade (g/t) |
|
|
4.22 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
Recovery (%) |
|
|
87.7 |
|
|
|
91.2 |
|
Ounces produced (oz) |
|
|
351,591 |
|
|
|
258,095 |
|
Average gold price received ($/oz) |
|
|
864 |
|
|
|
738 |
|
Cash operating costs (excluding royalty) ($/oz) |
|
|
473 |
|
|
|
469 |
|
Total cash costs ($/oz) |
|
|
522 |
|
|
|
511 |
|
Profit from mining activity ($ million) |
|
|
118.3 |
|
|
|
58.52 |
|
Higher revenues were partially offset by higher mining costs, primarily due to increased open
pit mining costs resulting from increased tonnes mined, deepening pits, revised mining rates and
the introduction of a second mining contractor at the site, necessitated in part by the slower
build up in tonnes from the underground mine.
Ore Reserves
Total ore reserves for the year ended 2009 are inclusive of depletions due to mining and
additions as a result of increases from the Yalea North underground block, under the north portion
of the Yalea pit and the additions from Loulo 3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Ounces |
|
|
Ounces |
|
|
Attributable |
|
Loulo ore reserves as at |
|
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
ounces |
|
December 31, |
|
Category |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
(80%)** |
|
Stockpiles |
|
Proven |
|
|
1.11 |
|
|
|
0.86 |
|
|
|
1.78 |
|
|
|
1.73 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gara open pit |
|
Proven |
|
|
3.59 |
|
|
|
4.49 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
3.32 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
3.49 |
|
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
Yalea open pit |
|
Proven |
|
|
0.79 |
|
|
|
1.47 |
|
|
|
5.25 |
|
|
|
4.59 |
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gara West open pit |
|
Probable |
|
|
1.23 |
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
2.07 |
|
|
|
2.03 |
|
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loulo 3 open pit |
|
Proven |
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
|
|
4.25 |
|
|
|
3.02 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
|
0.94 |
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
2.86 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
P129 open pit |
|
Probable |
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
2.73 |
|
|
|
2.65 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total surface reserve |
|
Proven and probable |
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
8.53 |
|
|
|
3.17 |
|
|
|
3.20 |
|
|
|
0.82 |
|
|
|
0.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gara UG |
|
Probable |
|
|
15.57 |
|
|
|
17.35 |
|
|
|
4.27 |
|
|
|
4.07 |
|
|
|
2.14 |
|
|
|
2.27 |
|
|
|
|
|
Yalea UG |
|
Probable |
|
|
25.87 |
|
|
|
24.71 |
|
|
|
4.90 |
|
|
|
5.09 |
|
|
|
4.08 |
|
|
|
4.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total underground reserve |
|
Probable |
|
|
41.45 |
|
|
|
42.06 |
|
|
|
4.66 |
|
|
|
4.67 |
|
|
|
6.22 |
|
|
|
6.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total proven mine reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.55 |
|
|
|
7.08 |
|
|
|
3.48 |
|
|
|
3.38 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
0.77 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
Total probable mine reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
43.91 |
|
|
|
43.51 |
|
|
|
4.54 |
|
|
|
4.60 |
|
|
|
6.41 |
|
|
|
6.43 |
|
|
|
5.13 |
|
Total mine reserves* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
49.45 |
|
|
|
50.59 |
|
|
|
4.42 |
|
|
|
4.42 |
|
|
|
7.03 |
|
|
|
7.20 |
|
|
|
5.63 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Mineral reserves are calculated at $700/oz gold price and include dilution and ore loss
factors. |
22
|
|
|
** |
|
Attributable gold (Moz) refers to the quantity of gold attributable to Randgold based on its 80%
interest in Somilo. |
Exploration
During 2009, as a result of reviewing projects at the base of the resource triangle, new
interpretations drawn from the integration of existing local and regional data with the 2008
airborne electromagnetic program resulted in a prospectivity map for the Loulo district which has
generated a host of new targets for follow-up work.
Following the completion of a viable scoping study on the Gounkoto orebody in the south of the
mining permit, the Loulo mining permit has been divided into a northern area, which includes the
Loulo mine infrastructure as well as the Gara and Yalea orebodies, and the southern area where the
Faraba and recently discovered orebodies are located. Consequently, exploration work within the
southern area is reported on under the Gounkoto development project. In the north of the permit
the exploration team focused on generating high grade ounces for the plant and successfully
delivered the Loulo 2 deposit and the Loulo 3 complex, which resulted in over 60,000 additional
ounces being fed to the plant during 2009. We have added more than 250,000 ounces of mineralized
material to Loulo 3 since work restarted there and the team continues to locate new potential
around the pits, most recently under the old exploration camp.
In addition, a broader program has been carried out along the full length of the Yalea
structure where wide spaced RC fences have outlined numerous anomalous intersections which now form
part of the exploration portfolio. This work also covered the Loulo 1 and Loulo 3/P125 Gap
targets.
Open Pit Mining
Mining operations at Loulo are carried out under contract by BCM Mali SA, a subsidiary of BCM
International Ltd, and by MARS Mali, a subsidiary of DTP, the mining division of the French
Bouygues Group. BCM operates a fleet to mine the Yalea and Gara pits. In the middle of 2009 we
decided to contract Loulo 3 mining to MARS, as well as the development of the Gara boxcut for the
new underground mine.
Mining during 2009 was principally from the Gara, Yalea and Loulo 3 pits. The average
production volume for the mining fleet during 2009 was 919,000 bcm per month, compared to 886,000
bcm per month in 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open pit mining results for the 12 months ended December 31, |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Ore mined (Mt) |
|
|
2.86 |
|
|
|
3.30 |
|
Ore grade (g/t) |
|
|
3.60 |
|
|
|
3.02 |
|
Waste mined (Mt) |
|
|
24.36 |
|
|
|
22.65 |
|
Strip ratio |
|
|
8.5:1 |
|
|
|
6.9:1 |
|
Total mined (Mt) |
|
|
27.22 |
|
|
|
25.95 |
|
Mine Planning
During 2009, the mine made significant changes in the budgeted plan due to a number of
challenges: a wall failure that occurred in the south of Yalea pit prevented access to the high
grade ore in this area containing approximately 50,000 ounces; the slower build up of ore tonnes
from the Yalea underground mine; and the poor availability and lower contracted volumes from the
open pit miner during the first half of the year. Notwithstanding these challenges, the mine came
within 2% of its budgeted production, through the incorporation of additional in pit mining and
satellite pits, notably Loulo 2 and Loulo 3.
Processing
During 2009, a total of 2,946,706 tonnes of ore was milled at a reconciled head grade of
4.22g/t, with throughput being 8.3% higher than the prior years 2,721,208 tonnes as a result of
the crushing and process plant upgrade. At the crushing plant, the two secondary crushers were
replaced by one super secondary crusher with three tertiary crushers against two in the previous
flow sheet. These changes allowed the operation to reach the higher hourly and daily throughput of
>650 and >12,500 tonnes, respectively. The challenge is to optimize and maintain this high
throughput by managing the secondary relining and good coordination of operation and maintenance
downtimes. The screening before the secondary crusher has been removed. A screening plant has
been commissioned during the year, giving a finer product for the process plant feed (P80
<12mm). The hard rock crusher throughput was 3,117,251 tonnes and was 16.1% higher than the
previous year of 2,686,060 tonnes.
23
Engineering
During 2009, maintenance activities, including upgrades and modifications, were carried out
according to schedule, resulting in the achievement of the budgeted combined mills and crusher
availabilities of 95% and 85% respectively. Looking forward, the mine is examining the
implementation of an integrated planned maintenance system, to ensure the highest levels of
availability and production.
Underground Mining and Development
During 2009, a total of 5,788 meters of development was completed and 500,267 tonnes of ore at
a grade of 4.38g/t was hauled to surface. Despite the slower than planned build up during 2009,
the development rates are now increasing, with the December 2009 development of 618 meters and
56,634 ore tonnes representing monthly project records. The following table shows a summary of the
underground sections progress to date:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yalea underground development as at |
|
Development |
|
|
Ore |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Mined |
|
|
Total |
|
December 31, |
|
(meters) |
|
|
(tonnes) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(oz) |
|
|
(tonnes) |
|
Total 2009 |
|
|
5,788 |
|
|
|
500,267 |
|
|
|
4.38 |
|
|
|
70,394 |
|
|
|
763,677 |
|
Total 2008 |
|
|
3,861 |
|
|
|
107,805 |
|
|
|
4.42 |
|
|
|
15,312 |
|
|
|
310,904 |
|
Total 2007 |
|
|
618 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Project total |
|
|
10,267 |
|
|
|
608,072 |
|
|
|
4.38 |
|
|
|
85,706 |
|
|
|
1,074,581 |
|
The Yalea declines have now been advanced to a distance of 1,443 meters from surface and
a vertical depth of 232 meters.
A number of significant milestones were achieved during 2009, including the commissioning of
the four kilometer overland conveyor belt linking the Yalea underground with the plant, the
commissioning of the main dam on 038 Level, which now pumps directly to surface, the completion of
the ventilation loop and the installation of the new main fan unit, which have resulted in a
significant improvement in the underground operating conditions.
Following setbacks experienced during 2009, including the slower build up of tonnes,
management terminated the underground mining contract with the previous contractor in December 2009
and has assumed this responsibility. This change has delivered immediate improvements as evidenced
by the record tonnes in December 2009. The mine still presents challenges and continues to receive
additional management attention.
The Gara underground mine budget and planning for 2010 have been completed and the development
contractor has been appointed. The Gara mine will be accessed via a twin decline system situated
inside the southern part of the current open pit. Access will be provided via a boxcut, into the
pit, which will later be filled in after concrete tunnels have been constructed. Gara ore is
scheduled to be accessed at the end of 2010, ramping up to full production by the end of 2011.
Work on the boxcut is moving ahead steadily and is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter
of 2010.
Morila
Morila is owned by a Malian company, Société des Mines de Morila SA (Morila), which in turn is
owned 80% by Morila Limited and 20% by the Malian government. Morila Limited is jointly owned by
Randgold and AngloGold Ashanti Limited and the mine is controlled by a 50:50 joint venture
management committee. Responsibility for the day-to-day operations rests with Randgold.
The mine was commissioned in October 2000 and, since the start of production to December 2009,
has produced more than 5.5 million ounces of gold at a total cash cost of $196 per ounce.
As planned, the mine was converted in April 2009 from open pit mining to a 100% stockpile
treatment operation. Gold production for the year was 341,661 ounces, 3% ahead of budgeted
production. Total cash cost for the year was $480 per ounce, including stockpile adjustments of
$98 per ounce. The mine successfully completed a rightsizing exercise as part of the cost savings
initiatives to ensure that it continued to be a positive cash generator for the rest of its life,
which is anticipated to continue until 2013. Consequently, despite the drop in grade associated
with processing the stockpiles, the mine still reported $166.7 million in profits from mining
activity.
In order to leave a sustainable source of economic activity for the local community after the
closure, an agribusiness feasibility study has been advanced in conjunction with USAID.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production results for the 12 months ended December 31, |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Total mined (Mt) |
|
|
3.66 |
|
|
|
19.88 |
|
Ore mined (Mt) |
|
|
1.62 |
|
|
|
4.97 |
|
Mined grade (g/t) |
|
|
2.65 |
|
|
|
3.19 |
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production results for the 12 months ended December 31, |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Strip ratio (waste:ore) |
|
|
1.3:1 |
|
|
|
3.0:1 |
|
Ore milled (Mt) |
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
Head grade (g/t) |
|
|
2.73 |
|
|
|
3.44 |
|
Recovery (%) |
|
|
91.4 |
|
|
|
91.2 |
|
Ounces produced (oz) |
|
|
341,661 |
|
|
|
425,828 |
|
Average gold price received ($/oz) |
|
|
968 |
|
|
|
870 |
|
Cash operating costs (excluding royalty) ($/oz) |
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
Total cash costs ($/oz) |
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
400 |
|
Stockpile adjustment ($/oz) |
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
(93 |
) |
Profit from mining activity ($ million) |
|
|
166.7 |
|
|
|
200.2 |
|
Ore Reserves
Remaining reserves were slightly higher than last year after depletion has been taken into
account as a result of good bye cuts carried out below the pit design in 2009. Open pit mining
activities ended in April 2009, as planned, and therefore the current reserves are based on already
mined stockpiles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Gold |
|
|
Gold |
|
|
Attributable |
|
Morila ore reserves as at |
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
ounces |
|
December 31, |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
(40%) ** |
|
Proven |
|
|
9.85 |
|
|
|
13.74 |
|
|
|
1.74 |
|
|
|
2.02 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.89 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
Probable |
|
|
6.91 |
|
|
|
6.88 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
Proven and probable* |
|
|
16.76 |
|
|
|
20.62 |
|
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
|
1.72 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Mineral reserves are calculated at $700/oz gold price. |
|
** |
|
Attributable gold (Moz) refers to the quantity attributable to Randgold based on its 40%
interest in Morila. |
Exploration
In 2009, it was decided to stop further exploration on the Morila lease, following extensive
programs over the Life of Mine, including a final drilling program in the first quarter of the year
on four conceptual targets which failed to intersect additional economic mineralization.
Open Pit Mining
Open pit mining ceased in April 2009, as planned, and hence the mining figures reported above
reflect less than four in pit months mining for 2009.
Mine Planning
The mine operated broadly in line with its budgeted mine plan, including the successful
transition from in pit mining to stockpile processing at the end of April 2009. Overall recoveries
and throughput were slightly ahead of budget resulting in the mine exceeding its forecast
production by 3%.
Processing
During the year, the mine processed 4.30 million tonnes, in line with the prior year and
slightly ahead of budget. Recoveries of 91.4% were in line with the prior year, but ahead of
budget, an excellent achievement given the drop in the average head grade.
Engineering
The mine faced plant maintenance challenges from the primary crusher and SAG mill during the
year. However, with focused maintenance, the SAG mill Combiflex was re-built promptly to ensure a
just-on-target plant availability of 93.8% versus a budget of 94%. The team also relocated the
aggregate crusher to supply finer crushed ore to feed the ball mill during extended planned
maintenance and relining of the SAG mill. As the plant ages, so the issue of ensuring operational
availability becomes more important, and in this regard a more integrated planned maintenance
system will be pursued during the year ahead.
Tongon
Tongon is controlled by an Ivorian company, Société des Mines de Tongon SA, in which we have
an 89% interest, the government of Côte dIvoire a 10% interest, and the remaining 1% held by a
local Ivorian company.
25
The Tongon project is located within the Nielle exploration permit in the north of Côte
dIvoire, 55 kilometers south of the border with Mali.
Construction of the Tongon gold mine commenced at the end of 2008 and first gold production
from the mine is anticipated early in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Geology
The Tongon deposits are located within the Lower Proterozoic Senoufo Belt, which is a 200
kilometer long, volcanisedimentary belt of greenschist grade metamorphism bounded on either side by
variably tectonized granitoid gneiss terraines.
Mineralization at Tongon is defined in two zones. In the Northern Zone, the major part of the
mineralization is located within volcaniclastic rocks which have been intruded by granodiorite and
diorite intrusives and is bounded by sheared footwall and hangingwall shale units. The mineralized
zone varies in thickness from 3 meters to 35 meters and averages 25 meters in zones of dilation.
The mineralization is associated with increased silicification, sulfidation and fine brecciation.
The Southern Zone is more complex, with mineralization controlled by multiple north-east
trending, northwest dipping shears that occur adjacent to a granodiorite intrusive body.
Mineralization extends for two kilometers along strike and consists of a number of individual
lodes. Host rocks include a package of volcaniclastics and intermittent carbonaceous shale units.
Alteration is similar to the northern zone, being located adjacent to shears and within the
predominantly brittle deformed ore zones. Sulfide mineralization includes arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite
and pyrite.
Ore Reserves
No changes have been made to the mineral reserves model published in 2008, but advanced grade
control drilling has now been completed to a 25 meter spacing over the two pits, in preparation for
mining. Changes to reserves are based on updated pit designs including slope optimizations and
revised costs together with a higher gold price of $700 per ounce. Following additional
geotechnical drilling the input slope design has been optimized and steepened, resulting in an
increase of the mineral reserve. During the year Randgold acquired a further 5% interest in the
Tongon project, raising its stake in the project to 89%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tongon ore reserves as at |
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Ounces |
|
|
Attributable Ounces |
|
December 31, |
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
(89%) (Moz)** |
|
Northern Zone |
|
|
9.22 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Zone |
|
|
28.79 |
|
|
|
2.72 |
|
|
|
2.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total probable reserves* |
|
|
38.02 |
|
|
|
2.63 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
2.86 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Mineral reserves are calculated at $700/oz gold price and include dilution and ore loss factors. |
|
** |
|
Attributable gold (Moz) refers to the quantity attributable to Randgold based on its 89%
interest in the Tongon project. |
Metallurgy and Plant Design
The metallurgical plant is designed to process 3.6 million tonnes per annum with ores being
treated through a primary, secondary and tertiary crushing circuit. Milling will comprise two ball
mills with the discharge from each mill being pumped into separate cyclone feed pump and classifier
systems.
A flash flotation circuit will be used to recover floatable gold, with the balance (flotation
tails) gravitating to the ball mills for further size reduction. A thickener will be used to
enhance the control around the milling and classification circuit, as well as ensuring constant
feed density to the carbon in leach (CIL) circuit. The thickener underflow will be pumped to the
leach/CIL circuit where gold will be dissolved and adsorbed onto activated carbon. The resultant
CIL tailings slurry will be subjected to tailings thickening to recover the maximum amount of
process water containing available unused cyanide, which will reduce the amount of fresh cyanide
required for leaching. A cyanide destruction process will also be incorporated into the process
design. The thickened underflow will be pumped to the tailings storage facility which will be
located as a valley fill impoundment, approximately six kilometers to the west of the plant site.
Gold will be recovered from the flotation concentrates through a combination of fine grinding
and cyanidation. The leached tails from the concentrate stream will be combined with the flotation
tails as these are fed to the main CIL circuit. Loaded carbon from the CIL circuit will be acid
washed prior to elution, followed by regeneration of the eluted carbon. Gold will be deposited
onto cathodes following electrowinning of the eluate. The dried gold sludge will be smelted to
produce gold doré which will be shipped to the refinery. Average recoveries over the Life of Mine
are expected to exceed 90%.
Infrastructure
26
The footprint of the mine site has been delineated with the aim of keeping the project area to
a minimum. This reduces the impact on the environment and the local population.
Electrical power will be supplied from the national grid via a dedicated overhead line.
Clearing of the power line corridor has started, with six kilometers of the designated servitude
already cleared. A full back-up power generation plant is also being installed and a total of 12 x
1.2MW generator sets have already arrived at on site at Tongon. In total there will be 20 x 1.2MW
generator sets with a total capacity of 24MW available as back-up power.
The phase 1 water storage dam has been completed to the 320 meter AMSL mark. For phase 2 of
the water storage dam construction, the final wall construction will lift the water spillway height
to the 324 meter AMSL mark, resulting in a storage capacity of approximately 35 million cubic
meters.
Pre-Production Operations
Setting up the operational aspects of the mine started at the beginning of 2010 and the
designated contractor miner, DTP, has started to mobilize to site. The first of three 9350
Liebherr excavators has arrived and will be assembled by the team on site. In addition, the first
five of 17 CAT777F trucks has arrived in Abidjan. Other support equipment has also arrived in
Abidjan.
DTP are in the process of recruiting approximately 400 personnel, following our recruitment
strategy of locals first, thereafter nationals and then expatriates. The recruitment process is
adhering to three phases namely a learning ability battery test, then interviewing of potential
candidates and thereafter, medical examinations. Operational management personnel have started to
mobilize on site and start recruiting 350 personnel, adhering to the same recruitment strategy and
hiring process.
DTP is scheduled to move first open pit ground at the end of March 2010. Prior to this, local
contractors are being used to strip vegetation and prepare the pit area for mining. Low grade
mineralized sands are being excavated and stockpiled for first fill and production through the
process treatment plant.
Construction
Steady progress has been made through the end of February 2010, with the following major
milestones achieved:
|
|
|
Completion of all 14 CIL tanks. |
|
|
|
|
All CIL tank top steel completed. |
|
|
|
|
First mill installed onto its bearings. |
|
|
|
|
Second mill on site and foundations completed. |
|
|
|
|
First primary crusher foundations completed. |
|
|
|
|
Thickeners and clarifier 75% completed. |
|
|
|
|
ROM pad retaining wall 65% completed. |
|
|
|
|
Phase 1 of water storage dam completed. |
|
|
|
|
Permanent spillway completed (483,000m3 of excavation and 33,000m3 of stone pitching). |
|
|
|
|
Powerhouse foundations completed and 12 (of 20) generating sets (1.2mW each) in
position. |
|
|
|
|
Construction of security fencing completed. |
|
|
|
|
22,000m3 of concrete poured to date. |
|
|
|
|
Outer boundaries of the north and south pits cleared with the north pit vegetation
cleared and topsoil moved onto the stockpile. |
Safety has been excellent and the site has now achieved 2,600,000 man hours without a Lost
Time Injury (LTI). To date, 55 single accommodation blocks, each with four rooms, have been built
and 12 senior staff units have been completed with another eight senior staff units in various
stages of construction.
Over the past 12 months of the main construction program, expatriate employment has been
minimized by using local contracting companies to supply most of the skills needed. At February
28, 2010, the number of people working on the construction of the mine grew to 1,680, with 1,120
employed by Tongon (construction) and the balance by various site contractors. Eight Ivorian
contracting companies are currently on site, performing functions such as welding, pipefitting,
civil work, earthmoving and machine hire. At
27
February 28, 2010, of the 1,680 workforce, 7.2% are expatriates, which is within the companys
original projections and well within the guidelines set by Côte dIvoire labor law. 81% have been
recruited from the communities around the mine site and the balance from other parts of the
country.
Production Profile
The process plant is currently being constructed in two phases, with the first phase being the
oxide stream. The sulfide stream, including the secondary and tertiary crushing stages and
concentrate treatment sections, will follow directly after the completion of the oxide stream.
After the commissioning and ramp-up of the process plant, the mill feed throughput rate will
stabilize at 300,000 tonnes per month. Gold production is estimated at 75,000 ounces in 2010, with
first gold still on track for October 2010.
Exploration
On the Nielle permit, following the successful establishment of reserves at Tongon, the
exploration emphasis shifted to the discovery of new ounces close to the existing ore bodies, as
well as the development of targets further afield. 2009 was a difficult year for exploration as
results were not forthcoming from the initial targets evaluated. Consequently we determined to
stop field exploration and concentrate on reviewing all the data layers, including Landsat,
airborne geophysics, geology, geochemistry, drill data and information from the Tongon ore bodies.
This led to a new geological interpretation and the completion of a revised prospectivity analysis.
The results of this study helped to reprioritize targets and a new field program started after the
rainy season. Positive results were received from four soil grids on new targets and trenching was
completed on key targets, including Tongon West and Seydou.
Early indications suggest that Tongon West has the potential to develop into a small low grade
deposit with results from trenching returning 28 meters at 1.50g/t and 38 meters at 1.16g/t. At
Seydou a first trench, testing a 3.6 kilometer gold in soil anomaly, returned 19 meters at 5.32g/t
from altered volcaniclastics and consequently further trenching is in progress. An airborne
magnetic and electromagnetic survey is currently being flown, not only over the Nielle permit but
also the neighboring Diawala and Fapoha permits to the north and south, which is expected to
further aid the geological and structural understanding of the Senoufo Greenstone Belt.
Gounkoto
The Gounkoto project is located approximately 25 kilometers south of the Loulo gold plant on
the Loulo Exploitation Permit. We hold an effective 80% interest in the project.
The project moved rapidly in 2009 from a greenfields exploration find through a scoping
study and is approaching completion of a prefeasibility study in the first quarter of 2010.
Geology
The host rocks to the Gounkoto mineralization are a sequence of fine grained arkoses which
have suffered an early silica carbonate alteration event. A suite of Rare Earth Elements (REE) at
Gounkoto suggests a similar fluid to Gara with a possible magmatic component. More than 95% of the
sulfide is pyrite (with minor arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite) and additionally gold tellurides are
present. These tellurides also exist at Faraba and other southern targets.
Mineralization is bounded by a hangingwall shear and footwall mylonite. In the hangingwall
there is a prominent limestone unit which is a good marker horizon.
Initial Scoping Study
Following the completion of the first drill campaign, mineralized material of 13.1 million
tonnes at a grade of 6.29g/t for 2.65 million ounces was estimated from the first 19 diamond holes,
nine RC holes and three trenches over a one kilometer strike length. The P64 target, which features
250 strike meters of similar alteration and mineralization, is located 300 meters to the northwest
of Gounkoto, while the Faraba deposit, with mineralized material of 6.78 million tonnes at an
average grade of 2.60g/t for 565,000 ounces, is located 2.5 kilometers to the southeast.
The results of this scoping study were published in November 2009. This assessment is
preliminary in nature, in that it used mineralized material considered too speculative geologically
to have economic considerations applied to them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is
no certainty that the preliminary assessment will be realized. For preliminary purposes, pit
optimizations were carried out at $650 and $850 gold prices with the following input cost
assumptions:
|
|
|
$2.74/tonne Life of Mine mining cost. |
|
|
|
|
$19/tonne processing cost. |
|
|
|
|
$3.50/tonne administration cost. |
28
|
|
|
95%, 93% and 91% metallurgical recovery for oxide, transition and fresh ore assuming
a simple process of crush, mill and cyanide leach. |
|
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|
Slope angles of 40 degree in oxide and 45 degree in hard rock. |
|
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|
10% dilution and 3% ore loss. |
The following pit scenarios were produced:
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Output |
|
Pit A* |
|
|
Pit B** |
|
Total tonnes (Mt) |
|
|
99.31 |
|
|
|
108.17 |
|
Waste tonnes (Mt) |
|
|
86.37 |
|
|
|
94.35 |
|
Ore tonnes (Mt) |
|
|
12.94 |
|
|
|
13.83 |
|
Strip ratio |
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
Grade (g/t) |
|
|
6.00 |
|
|
|
5.78 |
|
Pit ounces (Moz) |
|
|
2.50 |
|
|
|
2.57 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Based on a $650/oz whittle shell. |
|
** |
|
Based on a $850/oz whittle shell. |
A financial model was run using a $800/oz gold price with a 2.4 million tonnes per year
throughput and a $230 million capital cost, flat 91% recovery, together with five year tax holiday
and 6% royalty, produced the following outputs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Output |
|
Pit A* |
|
|
Pit B** |
|
Recovered ounces |
|
2.26Moz |
|
2.33Moz |
Mine life |
|
5.5 years |
|
6 years |
Cash operating costs |
|
$232/oz |
|
$244/oz |
Total cash costs |
|
$280/oz |
|
$292/oz |
|
|
|
* |
|
Based on a $650/oz whittle shell. |
|
** |
|
Based on a $850/oz whittle shell. |
Prefeasibility Study Update
Following the very positive results from the preliminary assessment, the project has been fast
tracked to prefeasibility with the completion of an additional 59 diamond holes, eight RC holes and
nine trenches during 2009. We determined to initiate full social and environmental assessments,
including public consultation and participation, prior to the completion of the final feasibility
in the expectation that the project will move rapidly to development. The drilling concentrated on
infilling the material within the $850 per ounce scoping pit shell. The drilling has resulted in a
thinning of the geological model when compared to the scoping geological model, but the higher
grades were confirmed. The thin nature of the geological model, particularly in the north of the
pit, has resulted in higher strip ratios in the scoping model and thus the prefeasibility pit shell
does not extend as deep as the scoping pit. However, the material beneath the pit shell is steep
and fairly narrow, with a high grade and provides underground potential. Thus additional
underground mineralized material has been defined as such.
An optimization and pit design was carried out with the same parameters as those used in the
scoping study. All metallurgical testwork completed this year has confirmed the high recoveries in
the ore. A simple process of crush, mill, gravity and cyanide leach is still proposed.
Ore Reserves
The following open pit mineral reserve was defined:
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable |
|
Gounkoto ore reserves as at |
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Ounces |
|
|
Gold (80%) |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
Category |
|
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
(Moz)** |
|
Open Pit* |
|
Probable |
|
|
7.47 |
|
|
|
6.83 |
|
|
|
1.64 |
|
|
|
1.31 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Mineral reserves are calculated at a $700/oz gold price and include dilution and ore loss. |
|
** |
|
Attributable gold (Moz) refers to the quantity attributable to Randgold based on its 80%
interest in the Loulo project. |
Further potential exists below the present design pit where an additional 5.3 million tonnes
at 6.08g/t for 1.05 million ounces of mineralized material supports the likelihood of underground
extensions. Drilling is currently underway to test depth and strike
29
extensions and these results will be used to evaluate upside potential from extending the
Gounkoto orebody together with incremental material from Faraba and P64.
The prefeasibility study, on track for completion at the end of the first quarter of 2010,
will be based on the open pit reserve at Gounkoto together with an upside scoping that will include
the underground results and those from Faraba and P64.
Exploration
Mineralization is open in all directions. To the north, the last drill hole GKDH145 returned
4.55 meters at 7.48g/t, to the south GKDH018 returned 18.7 meters at 9.12g/t, while at depth
GKDH029 returned 49.6 meters at 13.73g/t and GKDH105 returned 67.4 meters at 5.76g/t. Future
exploration will concentrate on delineating the full dimensions of the deposit together with
further testing of satellite deposits, most notably Faraba and P64.
Massawa
The Massawa project is situated in eastern Senegal, approximately 75 kilometers west of the
border with Mali. We hold an effective 83.25% interest in the project. The government of Senegal
retains a 10% carried interest in the project while the balance is held by a Senegalese joint
venture partner.
During the first quarter of the year a scoping study was completed at Massawa. This study
indicated that the project passed our hurdle rates and consequently our board approved its progress
to prefeasibility. This prefeasibility was completed by the end of 2009. Further metallurgical
testwork was undertaken to determine bond work indices and evaluate potential metallurgical process
routes. Baseline environmental and social and economic studies were completed.
Geology
The Massawa gold project is located within the Kounemba permit in Eastern Senegal which
geologically lies within the 150 kilometer long Mako belt, itself part of the Kedougou-Kéniéba
Inlier (KKI), the westernmost exposed part of the Paleoproterozoic Birimian terrain. The volcanic
belt and sedimentary basin rocks are divided into the Mako supergroup in the west and the
Dialé-Daléma supergroups in the east. The Mako supergroup comprises mafic-ultramafic and felsic
volcanic rocks intruded by granitoids that form the Kakadian batholith. A regional crustal scale
shear zone, the Main Transcurrent Shear Zone (MTZ) with northeast-southwest trend, exploits the
lithological contact between the Mako and the Dialé- Daléma Supergroups and is the host structure
to mineralization at Massawa.
Ore Reserves
Pit optimizations for the prefeasibility were carried out at a $700 per ounce gold price and were
used for the pit design and scheduling to produce the following open pit ore reserves:
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable |
|
Massawa ore reserves as at |
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Gold |
|
|
Gold (83%) |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
Category |
|
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
(Moz)** |
|
Open Pit* |
|
Probable |
|
|
10.51 |
|
|
|
4.62 |
|
|
|
1.56 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Mineral reserves are calculated at a $700/oz gold price and include dilution and ore loss. |
|
** |
|
Attributable gold (Moz) refers to the quantity attributable to Randgold based on its 83%
interest in the Massawa gold project. |
Prefeasibility Study Financial and Operating Parameters
The prefeasibility was based on the above reserves and a summary of the key aspects of the
study are documented below.
Open pit mining
Contractor mining costs of $2.76 per tonne have been assumed, based on estimated Tongon
contractor costs, adjusted for the load profiles at Massawa. Due to the thin nature of the
geological model and high gold grades, the strip ratios are relatively high at 11.7:1.
Processing
The prediction of overall recoveries for Massawa has been based on calculations using testwork
results obtained from various composite samples of Run of Mine material from the different ore
zones. Average recoveries of 95%, 90% and 89% have been predicted for the oxide, transition and
sulfide material respectively.
The metallurgical process plant has been designed to treat 150,000 tonnes of ore per month
equating to 1.8 million tonnes of ore per annum.
30
It is envisaged to have individual soft rock and hard rock crushing circuits for the softer
oxide and harder sulfide material respectively. The hard rock circuit will consist of a jaw,
secondary and tertiary crushers. The milling circuit has been designed with two mills. Initially
the first mill will be installed as a scrubber mill that will later be upgraded to a ball mill when
treating sulfides. Oxides, being wet and containing clayey material, are sticky, and will bypass
the secondary and tertiary crushing circuit. The oxides and transition material will be fed to the
scrubber mill with coarse mill rejects passing onto the secondary/tertiary crushing section.
Sulfide ore will be treated through a primary, secondary and tertiary crushing circuit to
produce a ball mill feed product. Sulfide milling will consist of two ball mills operating in
parallel as opposed to the oxide circuit with the mills operating in series. The discharge from
each mill will be pumped via a cyclone feed pump and classifier system. A proportion of the
cyclone underflow will be bled to the gravity circuit to maximize the recovery of gravity gold.
When treating sulfides the ore will in addition be subjected to a flotation recovery stage with the
flotation concentrate being treated through a pressure oxidation pre-treatment stage complete with
counter current decantation, neutralization and precipitation prior to the liberated gold being
leached in the leach circuit.
A thickener will be used to enhance the control of the milling and classification circuit, as
well as ensuring constant feed density to the carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit. The thickener
underflow will be pumped to the leach/CIL circuit where gold will be dissolved and adsorbed onto
activated carbon. The resultant CIL tailings slurry will be subjected to tailings thickening to
recover the maximum amount of process water containing available unused cyanide, which will reduce
the amount of fresh cyanide required for leaching. A cyanide destruction process will be included
in the circuit prior to pumping process tails to the tailings storage facility.
Gold will be recovered from the gravity concentrates through a combination of intensive
cyanidation and electrowinning facilities. Loaded carbon from the CIL circuit will be acid washed
prior to elution, followed by regeneration of the eluted carbon. Gold will be deposited onto
cathodes following electrowinning of the eluate. The dried gold sludge will be smelted to produce
gold doré which will be shipped to the refinery.
The preliminary tailings dam location and design have been finalized following recommendations
by external consultants.
General and administration costs
General and administrative costs were assumed to be $3.85 per tonne, based on Loulo actual
costs and adjusted for lower throughputs.
Capital expenditure
The capital expenditure estimate for the prefeasibility model was $237 million with
replacement capital of $18 million.
Financial model
The mining and production schedule resulted in a six year mine life, producing 1.35 million
ounces of gold. The models were run at a $800 per ounce gold price and produced an IRR of 24% with
cash operating costs of $446 per ounce for the Life of Mine.
Massawa: Feasibility Study Financial Assessments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Output |
|
Pit A* |
|
|
Pit B** |
|
Cash operating costs |
|
$446/oz |
|
$481/oz |
Total cash costs*** |
|
$470/oz |
|
$505/oz |
IRR |
|
|
24 |
% |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Prefeasibility model. |
|
** |
|
Low grade high tonnage model. |
|
*** |
|
The fiscal parameters are based on the prevailing Senegalese 2003 Mining Code, which includes a
3% royalty. |
Feasibility Options
As part of the prefeasibility, a second study was undertaken, reviewing a broader high
tonnage, lower grade geological model. This incorporated the low grade mineralization surrounding
the high grade shears in the Central Zone. This model produced an open pit ore reserve of 20.84
million tonnes at a grade of 3.16g/t for 2.12 million ounces within a $700 per ounce designed open
pit. The mining and production schedule for this option recovered 1.9 million ounces of gold over
a nine year period. Due to the higher tonnage, processing rates were increased to 2.4 million
tonnes per annum resulting in slightly lower sulfide processing and general and administrative
costs of $22 and $3.50 per tonne respectively.
The capital expenditure estimate for the longer life, low grade high tonnage model increased
to $280 million followed by $30 million for replacement capital. The difference between this model
and the feasibility model is illustrated above. Based on the
31
positive returns of the higher grade prefeasibility model our board has agreed to progress the
project to feasibility. The feasibility will focus on increasing the mineralized material base.
Although the prefeasibility mineral reserve model does provide a suitable return, there is
potential to further improve the project by including the low grade oxide material within the pit
that is outside the present model together with extensions with depth and along strike.
The steep dip and thin nature of the mineralized structure translates into a higher strip
ratio which limits the vertical extent to which open pit mining can provide suitable returns. The
ore morphology does, however, lend itself to vertical open stope underground mining and this
concept will be tested this year beneath the known ore bodies. Further open pit potential does
exist north and south of the known mineral reserves with known gold mineralization occurring
continuously for 3.4 kilometers south of the present pits. There are also numerous satellite
opportunities in the Massawa region which have the potential to add incremental ounces and
additional ore for the project.
Further metallurgical testwork is under way to optimize gravity and flotation and sulfide
process route.
The prefeasibility has not identified any fatal flaws in the environmental and social aspects
and a full environmental and social assessment will now be completed.
By the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect to identify the route which the project will take
with regard to underground opportunities and further open pit potential which will impact the final
decision on the optimal throughput for the project.
Exploration
At Massawa, a total strike length of 8.5 kilometers has been drilled, but only a four
kilometer portion of this has been evaluated for the present mineral resource model and has been
drill tested to a 50 meter by 50 meter spacing to vertical depths of 250 meters. In 2009, a total
of 220 diamond holes for 53 820 meters and 84 RC holes for 6,272 meters were drilled.
In 2010, the focus of exploration will be to test the extensions of Massawa both along strike
and down dip to evaluate additional open pit ounces as well as underground opportunities. In
addition to Massawa, there are a number of targets which have had varying degrees of follow-up work
completed on them, from trenching through to RAB and diamond drilling, and all highlight the
possibility of finding additional ounces within a 15 kilometer radius of Massawa. These are Bakan
Corridor, Delaya, Sofia and Bambaraya.
Kibali
The Kibali project is controlled by a 50:50 joint venture, between Randgold and AngloGold
Ashanti Limited, which holds an effective 90% interest in Kibali Goldmines SPRL.
The remaining 10% of the shares are held by Okimo, the parastatal mining company of the DRC.
We acquired our interest in this project following the acquisition of Moto Goldmines, in
conjunction with AngloGold Ashanti, and the further acquisition of a 20% interest from Okimo on
behalf of the joint venture. The Kibali project is located some 560 kilometers northeast of the
city of Kisangani and 150 kilometers west of the Ugandan border town of Arua in the northeast of
the DRC. More details of the acquisition consideration are contained in the consolidated financial
statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report.
Geology and Mineralization
The goldfields at the Kibali gold project are located within the Moto greenstone belt, which
is comprised of the Archaean Kibalian (Upper and Lower) volcanisedimentary rocks and
ironstone-chert horizons that have been metamorphosed to greenschist facies. The goldfields at
Kibali are transgressed by regional-scale north, east, northeast and northwest trending faults and
are bounded to the north by the Middle Archaean West Nile granite-gneiss complex and cut to the
south by the Upper Zaire granitic complex. The stratigraphy consists of a volcanisedimentary
sequence comprising fine-grained sedimentary rocks, several varieties of pyroclastic rocks,
basaltic flow rocks, mafic-intermediate intrusions (dykes and sills) and intermediate-felsic
intrusive rocks (stocks, dykes and sills). The sequence is variably altered from slight (texture
benign) to intense (texture destructive) such that in some cases the protolith rock is
unrecognizable. In the Kibali district the majority of gold mineralization identified to date is
disseminated style, hosted within a sequence of volcaniclastics, coarse volcaniclastics,
sedimentary rocks and banded ferruginous cherts. The mineralization is generally structurally
controlled and associated with quartz-carbonate alteration and pyrite.
The majority of mineralization currently being delineated occurs within two broad mineralized
trends. The first group lies within a northeast trending structural-alteration corridor; from the
Kibali prospect in the southwest to the Ndala prospect in the northeast, called the
Kibali-Durba-Karagba Trend. The second group lies within a northwest trending zone that stretches
from the Pakaka prospect in the southeast to the Mengu Hill prospect in the northwest and is called
the Pakaka-Mengu Trend.
Ore Reserves
32
Following the completion of the Moto acquisition, we have moved swiftly to update the ore reserves,
retaining the services of Cube Consulting and SRK Consulting in Perth, supported by in-house skills
from both Randgold and AngloGold Ashanti, to ensure continuity with regards to the updates.
Cube Consulting reviewed open pit reserves, while SRK Consulting completed an update of the
underground ore reserves based on a $700 gold price. New reserve numbers are presented below and
reflect a significant increase in underground ore reserves to almost 6 million ounces, bringing the
total ore reserve number to 9.2 million ounces, a 67% increase from the previous declaration. The
main changes to the ore reserve include the conversion of mineralized material beneath the KCD pit
into the underground ore reserve.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable |
|
Kibali ore reserves as at |
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes |
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Gold |
|
|
Gold (45%) |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
Category |
|
|
(Mt) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Moz) |
|
|
(Moz)** |
|
Open pit total* |
|
Probable |
|
|
33.55 |
|
|
|
3.02 |
|
|
|
3.26 |
|
|
|
1.47 |
|
Underground total |
|
Probable |
|
|
30.25 |
|
|
|
6.10 |
|
|
|
5.93 |
|
|
|
2.67 |
|
Total reserves |
|
Probable |
|
|
63.80 |
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
|
|
9.19 |
|
|
|
4.14 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Open pit and underground reserves are calculated at a gold price of $700/oz and include dilution
and ore loss. |
|
** |
|
Attributable gold (Moz) refers to the quantity attributable to Randgold based on its 45%
interest in the Kibali gold project. |
Project Development
The overall program to complete the initial investment phase to establish gold production at
Kibali is estimated to take approximately four years, with first gold expected early in 2014.
The development of the project is based on four key building blocks:
|
|
|
Infrastructure: The road between Arua and the site (Doko) needs to be upgraded to a
standard where trucks with the loads needed to build and operate the mine can pass
consistently. |
|
|
|
|
Security: The previous instability in the northeast corner of the DRC needs to be
suitably addressed, and stabilized, to allow the uninterrupted building and operation of a
mine. |
|
|
|
|
Power: The generation of power through the optimization of the available hydro electric
facilities needs to be resolved in engineering and commercial terms. |
|
|
|
|
Relocation of people: The communities on and directly around the project site need to be
resettled in a peaceful and orderly manner to allow the development and operation of a
large scale gold mine. |
The roadmap that has been developed has been designed to address each of these four key
aspects of the project. Management is now actively engaged in the detailed steps required to take
the project forward, including:
|
|
|
The road: A contractor has been appointed to upgrade the road in phases over a three
year period. The final outcome will represent a road at an engineered standard where loads
needed for construction and operation of the mine can be consistently accommodated. |
|
|
|
|
Security: The government of the DRC has made suitable and sustainable arrangements with
Uganda as well as Rwanda as to the combating of guerrilla forces operating between the
three countries. The governments concerned have deployed enough troops and police to
control the area. We have worked closely with the authorities to maintain the current
peaceful situation. |
|
|
|
|
Power: Kibali is already in possession of the Nzoro hydro power station license. It is
in the process of applying for additional licenses for hydro power stations in the area.
These licenses will inter alia involve reconfiguration, refurbishment and maintenance of
the power stations in question. Should that be successful, we can produce enough power
through hydro activity to sustain more than the planned size of mine, inclusive of the
provision of substantial power to local communities. |
|
|
|
|
Resettlement Action Plan (RAP): Our policy is to adhere fully to local regulations and
international standards, such as the Equator Principles and the World Bank guidelines.
Kibali has started with this process, including consultation and base line studies. It is
expected to take approximately two years to complete the initial resettlement plans of the
communities. The total number of people to be resettled in phases is approximately 15,000. |
In 2010, work will focus on:
|
|
|
Completing the environmental baseline studies and updating the social and environmental
action plans prior to the start of pre-construction activities. |
|
|
|
|
Pre-construction activities, including the establishment of the construction camp,
construction of aggregate and sand production plants as well as a brick making facilities. |
33
|
|
|
Improving access to the site through the upgrading of the existing road from the mine to
the Ugandan border (160 kilometers). |
|
|
|
|
Integration of construction activities within the RAP in order to provide employment to
the people who will be displaced by the future mining activities in order to mitigate the
impact of the resettlement process. These initiatives and our commitment to assist their
relocation to a suitable area, along with our program to decommission the old Durba mill,
will assist in maintaining employment of local people and improve the environment while we
develop alternative opportunities through the construction of the mine. |
|
|
|
|
Establishment of hydropower infrastructure. Our development plan calls for the
integration of the power supply from existing hydro stations (which require re-investment
to restore the stations production capabilities) into our new infrastructure. This
strategy facilitates supply from different catchments in the region and reduces the supply
risk. |
|
|
|
|
Maximizing the use of softer oxide material in the initial phase will allow us to defer
expenditure on hard rock crushing and additional milling installation and reduce the need
for additional power at the outset. This also gives us time to establish the underground
section at KCD so that we can feed higher grade underground ore at the start up of the hard
rock processing phase. The program is focused on the KCD deposit where the bulk of the
Kibali reserves are hosted, but exploration initiatives are in place to boost the supply of
near plant soft oxide ore, which will allow higher mill throughputs initially and deliver
the necessary critical mass of gold production for development of projects in remote areas. |
Exploration
Following the acquisition of Moto Goldmines at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2009, we
established a geological team on site at Kibali. The primary objective was to complete a detailed
geological analysis of the KCD deposit, to understand the geology, structure, alteration and
mineralization, and to construct a geological model, as well as to look at the possibility of a
lateral link between the KCD and Gorumbwa deposits.
Work undertaken included: diamond drilling (44 holes completed, 8,484 meters); core review of
selective KCD holes (60 holes) and geological modelling; surface mapping of the KCD Gorumbwa
area; the completion of two strategic holes (1,557 meters) in the KCD Gorumbwa gap; ongoing soil
geochemistry over block 1 west of KCD, where four new gold anomalies were identified; sampling of
the old Durba mill (251 samples); first pass interpretation of the airborne magnetic data; and
reconnaissance pitting (10 pits) on the ATF concession.
Objectives in 2010 at Kibali will include continued reserve determination, not only on the KCD
deposit but also the satellite deposits; the identification of new near mine ore reserves; and
generative work on the wider lease area through the completion of soil sampling and an airborne
electro-magnetic survey.
EXPLORATION REVIEW
We have a portfolio of projects within some of the most prospective gold belts of both West
and Central Africa. We have exploration projects in five African countries hosting 250 targets on
13,624 square kilometers of groundholding. We have an exploration team of more than 50 geologists.
In 2009, exploration programs concentrated on the continued evaluation of the Massawa deposit
in Senegal, the discovery of the new multi-million ounce high grade gold deposit at Gounkoto in
Mali, the definition of satellite deposits at Loulo, and geological modelling and resource
conversion at the Kibali gold deposit in the DRC.
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At Gounkoto, we announced a new, high grade multi-million ounce gold discovery during
the year and progressed the project to a positive scoping study. By the end of 2009, the
prefeasibility drilling had been completed. Mineralization is open in all directions. To
the north, the last drill hole GKDH145 returned 4.55 meters at 7.48g/t, to the south
GKDH018 returned 18.7 meters at 9.12g/t, while at depth GKDH029 returned 49.6 meters at
13.73g/t and GKDH105 returned 67.4 meters at 5.76g/t. |
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At Loulo, drilling at the Loulo 3 target joined three small deposits (Southwest, Center
and North) into one larger deposit and a 1.1 kilometer single open pit containing reserves
of 1.00 million tonnes at 2.94/t for 94,605 ounces following mining depletion in 2009.
Drilling has intersected mineralization a further 650 meters to the north and this is
currently the focus of evaluation drilling. Mineralization is also open at depth. |
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We progressed the Massawa project from a positive scoping study to a positive
prefeasibility study by the end of 2009, following the completion of 60,000 meters of
drilling along a four kilometer strike of an eight kilometer mineralized system. Along the
Massawa system, a high grade south plunging shoot has been identified in North 2 with an
average grade of plus 7g/t and in the Central Zone, narrow silicified structures within a
broader low grade envelope contain bonanza style grades with coarse visible gold. |
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Following the successful determination of reserves at Tongon the exploration emphasis
has shifted to the discovery of new ounces close to the existing ore bodies, as well as the
development of targets further afield. |
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In Burkina Faso, the sale of Kiaka to Volta Resources Inc was completed and the team is
now working on the identification of new opportunities. A first pass review has been
completed over the southwest corner of the country and includes the greenstone belts of
Loumana, Banfora, Hounde and Boromo. |
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Following the acquisition of Moto Goldmines, we quickly established a geological team on
site at Kibali. The primary objective was to complete a detailed geological analysis of
the Karagba-Chauffeur-Durba (KCD) deposit, to ultimately understand the geology, structure,
alteration and mineralization and to construct a geological model to support the updated
ore reserves, as well as to look at the possibility of a lateral link, between the KCD and
Gorumbwa deposits. |
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We made a strategic decision to stop exploration activities at Morila and in the
countries of Ghana and Tanzania. |
During 2010 exploration will concentrate on five strategic areas:
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Delivering the final feasibility study on Massawa. |
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Delivering the final feasibility study on Gounkoto. |
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Maintaining open pit mining flexibility at Loulo through the definition of additional
ounces from satellite deposits. |
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Adding to the ore reserve at Tongon through the evaluation of satellite targets in the
Nielle permit. |
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Reserve determination at Kibali and generative studies within the greater lease area. |
While the acquisition of Moto Goldmines was an opportunity to acquire one of the worlds
largest undeveloped gold reserves at good value, it does not diminish our strategic focus on
organic growth through exploration success and our primary objective remains the creation of value
through the discovery and development of profitable mining projects.
MALI
Loulo
During 2009, the exploration team delivered on two key strategies:
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Provision of above Run Of Mine grade, open pittable, oxide ounces inside a 10 kilometer
radius of the plant site. |
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Evaluation of targets within the greater lease area (372km2) and district to make the
new Gounkoto discovery. |
Loulo 3
At Loulo 3, two small oxide ore reserves (Southwest 11,264 ounces at 3.32g/t and Central
7,894 ounces at 3.45g/t) were mined in 2008. A further 43 RC holes for a total of 3,103 meters
were also drilled, testing areas along strike to the north together with infill drilling within the
pit and the down dip extensions below the pit.
Loulo 3 North Extension
Nineteen holes for 1,411 meters were drilled and the lithologies present consist of a
hangingwall coarse-grained greywacke, a quartz-tourmaline unit, and a footwall coarse-grained
greywacke. Results from this drilling are encouraging and define a continuation of mineralization
650 meters to the north of the current open pit. Drilling continues to fully delineate the
potential of the Loulo 3 deposit.
Loulo 2
The Loulo 2 target includes three approximately 100 meter to 300 meter long dilation zones
over a 2 kilometer strike and has been the focus of evaluation drilling during 2009. This resulted
in the delineation of mineralized material of 140,000 tonnes at 3.94g/t for 17,874 ounces of which
15,000 ounces was subsequently mined from Loulo 2 North. Mineralization is associated with
haematization of tourmaline sediments.
In the Central Zone work returned a number of good but narrow intersections: 3 meters at
6.31g/t; 5 meters at 3.03g/t; and 4 meters at 5.56g/t. Additional follow-up work is required.
Further to the south, low grade mineralization was encountered.
Yalea structure
The Yalea structure, on which Loulo 2 and Loulo 3 are located, is a significant mineralized
structure and, as well as surface work, deeper conceptual holes targeting blind mineralization will
be motivated in 2010.
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Additional targets
The exploration team has been providing the mine with critical ounces from satellite deposits,
which have enabled the mine to meet its budget in spite of the slower than anticipated underground
build up, and this type of target remains a priority for exploration. A range of targets at
various stages of development exists around the Loulo plant and exploration will focus on those
with the highest potential to deliver surface ounces, following the completion of the current work
at Loulo 3. These include: Loulo 1, PQ10, Bolibanta, Baboto and Yalea Structure/L3-P125 Gap.
Gounkoto
In May 2009, we announced the discovery of a new multi-million ounce gold deposit at Gounkoto,
in the southern half of the Loulo mining permit. The target was initially identified from an
airborne electromagnetic survey. Subsequent soil sampling returned a two kilometer long,
north-northwest trending plus 30ppb gold in soil anomaly. Initial follow-up work consisted of
lithosampling which returned a number of strongly mineralized results (24.6g/t, 83.8g/t, 48.6g/t
and 7.3g/t). These locations were subsequently trenched and results confirmed the prospectivity of
the target (FRT03 9.70 meters at 15.26g/t and FRT05 35.75 meters at 10.66g/t). Two
reconnaissance diamond drill holes were completed, one kilometer apart, with the first being the
discovery hole, FRDH01, drilled under FRT05, which intersected 46.60 meters at 13.63g/t from 65.70
meters.
We moved quickly to progress the project and a further seven diamond drill holes were drilled,
confirming Gounkoto as a significant new discovery. This was followed up with a third phase of
drilling (nine RC holes and 12 diamond drill holes) and provided sufficient data to calculate
mineralized material of 13.1 million tonnes at a grade of 6.29g/t for 2.65 million ounces. A
positive scoping study was subsequently completed and our board approved its progress to
prefeasibility. In the fourth quarter of 2009 a total of 58 diamond drill holes for 12,878 meters
and 18 RC holes for 1,300 meters were completed, reducing the inter hole spacing to 50 meters by 50
meters. The preparation of a prefeasibility study is in progress and due for completion by the end
of the first quarter of 2010.
The host rocks to the Gounkoto mineralization are a sequence of fine grained arkoses which
have suffered an early silica carbonate alteration event. A suite of Rare Earth Elements (REE) at
Gounkoto suggests a similar fluid to Gara with a possible magmatic component. More than 95% of the
sulfide is pyrite (with minor arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite) and additionally gold tellurides are
present. These tellurides also exist at Faraba and other southern targets. Mineralization is
bounded by a hangingwall shear and footwall mylonite. In the hangingwall there is a prominent
limestone unit which is a good marker horizon.
Mineralization, which trends north-northwest, has been confirmed over a strike length of 1.3
kilometers and down to vertical depths of 255 meters. The geometry varies along the strike; in the
south it shallows near surface and fingers out, while at depth the dip steepens; at the inflexion
point, high grade mineralization concentrates. Towards the center of the deposit mineralization
steepens to an almost vertical dip and the hangingwall and footwall structures close up before
dilating again in the north. To the north, mineralization links from one north-northwest
structure, to a second sub-parallel structure. Mineralization is open in all directions. To the
north the last drill hole GKDH145 returned 4.55 meters at 7.48g/t, to the south GKDH018 returned
18.7 meters at 9.12g/t, while at depth GKDH029 returned 49.6 meters at 13.73g/t and GKDH105
returned 67.4 meters at 5.76g/t.
Gounkoto region
The southern half of the Loulo mining permit is developing into a new significantly
mineralized district. The P64 target, located 300 meters to the northwest of Gounkoto, where
previous work, including trenching, diamond core and RC drilling, identified a 145 meter long,
strongly mineralized zone with the following intercepts: P64C13 26 meters at 6.29g/t; P64C4 -
34.45 meters at 8.85g/t; P64C5 21 meters at 4.87g/t (including 10 meters at 8.38g/t); P64C6 24
meters at 2.81g/t; P64C7 25 meters at 2.40g/t (including 9 meters at 3.88g/t); P64RC05 71
meters at 1.67g/t (including 14 meters at 5.45g/t); and P64RC06 81 meters at 1.75g/t (including 4
meters at 12.60g/t and 5 meters at 6.86g/t). Mineralization is open in all directions.
Petrography from drill samples showed that the mineralization is hosted in a tourmalinized
greywacke with weak chlorite alteration, whereas the footwall is dominated by chlorite, biotite and
weak sericite alteration. Structurally the target is complex with the intersection of north-south,
040 and 070 structures together with folding in the best area of mineralization.
Gounkoto and P64 are located on different trending structures. However the intersection of
these two mineralized structures and coincident folding are viewed as a high priority for follow-up
work in 2010.
Gounkoto and P64 are part of a 10 kilometer long anomalous (gold in soil) trend which also
hosts the Faraba and Toronto targets. Two kilometers to the southeast of Gounkoto is Faraba, where
mineralized material of 567,000 ounces at 2.6g/t has previously been delineated. This mineralized
material is part of a much bigger system, which includes the Bandankoto, Faraba Gap and Faraba
North targets, together covering approximately three kilometers of strike length. Geologically the
target comprises sheared, folded rocks with shear structures dominantly dipping east and
lithological layering of coarse and fine grained clastic sediments dipping west. Mineralization in
the Faraba target mainly occurs where the north-south striking shear system intersects favorable
coarse grained
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lithological layers. The resulting mineralization occurs as sub-horizontal to gently plunging
shoots with blade-like shapes having their narrowest dimensions east-west, and intermediate
vertical dimension and maximum dimension north-south.
In the north of the Faraba district (four kilometers along strike from Faraba) a third target
called Toronto features a number of artisanal workings along a one kilometer mineralized structure
which has been tested with trenching and drilling (28 meters at 1.25g/t). Mineralization is hosted
in pink, altered quartzites and shear-breccias which dip at a low angle (40o) to the east. The
main structure, which strikes between 350o and 020o, is intersected by both northeast and northwest
structures and there are prominent quartz-tourmaline units within the corridor.
Additionally a further three conceptual targets, identified from the airborne electromagnetic
survey exist across the Faraba district, which have yet to be tested.
On the Bambadji joint venture in Senegal, but part of the Loulo district, a 9,122 meter Rotary
Air Blast (RAB) and 827 meter RC drilling program was completed in the first half of the year.
Positive results were returned from Kolya, Kabetea and Baquata targets, where both RAB and RC
drilling intersected altered and mineralized rocks over considerable strike lengths. At Kolya, for
example, a tourmalinized sandstone has returned anomalous lithosamples and RAB intersections over a
five kilometer strike. In the north of the target, RC drill holes returned 7 meters at 3.12g/t and
17 meters at 7.58g/t. The Mananord and Kabewest targets have been eliminated from the resource
triangle.
The discovery of Gounkoto and the continued success at Loulo 3 demonstrates the potential to
add ounces from areas surrounding the mine, as well as in the Loulo district. Loulo has
historically shown the ability to increase the mineralized material year on year and replace the
ounces mined. The companys objective has not only been to increase mineral reserves and
mineralized material at Loulo but to use it as a center for regional exploration programs.
Objectives for 2010 at Loulo include the completion of a feasibility study at Gounkoto, the
definition of additional mineralized material from satellite deposits and the development of
targets in the Bambadji joint venture in Senegal.
Morila exploitation lease
Following extensive exploration over the Life of Mine, including a final drilling program in
the first quarter of 2009, on four conceptual targets which failed to intersect economic
mineralization, we determined to halt further exploration on the mining lease.
Southern Mali
The newly acquired Mena permit, which is located to the southeast of the Morila mine, features
a similar structural architecture to Morila with splays from the Banifin Shear Zone passing through
the permit. Work highlighted a small enclave of flat lying, high metamorphic grade sediments, in
the southwest of the permit. A program of five oriented diamond drill holes was completed, and
while not intersecting gold mineralization, it did confirm the flat lying nature of the sediments,
a plagioclase-quartz-biotite-muscovite schist (metamorphosed semipelitic sediment), metamorphosed
to lower amphibolite facies and intruded by a complex igneous suite comprising granodiorite,
tonalite, dolerite, granite, diorite, monzonite, and syenite. This information is being integrated
with the data from adjacent permits and gravity data to drive future programs.
Generative work focused on interpreting regional radiometric data, integrating regional soil
geochemistry, geology and knowledge from the research at Morila to develop a new geotectonic
architecture for the region.
SENEGAL
In Senegal the primary focus was on the evaluation of Massawa. The project was progressed
from a positive scoping study to a successful prefeasibility study by year end, including mineral
reserves of 10.03 million tonnes at 4.64g/t for 1.50 million ounces.
Massawa
The Massawa gold project is located within the Kounemba permit in Eastern Senegal which
geologically lies within the 150 kilometer long Mako belt, itself part of the Kedougou-Kéniéba
Inlier (KKI), the westernmost exposed part of the Paleoproterozoic Birimian terrain. The
granite-greenstone assemblage of the KKI, is dated between 2.213 and 2.198 Ga, and was intruded by
granitoids yielding ages between 2.160 and 2.070 Ga. The volcanic belt and sedimentary basin rocks
are divided into the Mako supergroup in the west and the Dialé-Daléma supergroups in the east. The
Mako supergroup, comprises mafic-ultramafic and felsic volcanic rocks intruded by granitoids that
form the Kakadian batholith. A regional crustal scale shear zone, the Main Transcurrent Shear Zone
(MTZ) with northeast-southwest trend exploits the lithological contact between the Mako and the
Dialé-Daléma Supergroups and is the host structure to mineralization at Massawa.
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At Massawa a total strike length of 8.5 kilometers has been drill tested, but only a four
kilometer portion of this has been evaluated for the present mineral resource modelling and has
been drill tested to a 50 meter by 50 meter spacing to vertical depths of 250 meters. In 2009, a
total of 220 diamond holes for 53,820 meters and 84 RC holes for 6,272 meters were drilled.
The 4 kilometer strike at Massawa currently being evaluated contains three zones of
mineralization: North 2 (830 meters strike length), North 1 (1,049 meters strike length) and
Central (1,532 meters strike length). They are part of the same northeast trending mineralized
structure, which has been offset by north-south belt discordant structures. Geological logging of
core and interpretation confirms that the mineralized system occurs at a volcanic/sedimentary
contact, where a prominent and continuous lapilli tuff unit acts as a marker horizon. The average
bedding strikes 020 and dips 60° to 76° to the west. Graded-bedding is common and suggests the
sequence is overturned. The host sequences have been intruded by felsic dykes, gabbros and
granitic bodies. Both sediment and volcaniclastics have been sheared and intruded by a suite of
igneous rocks including gabbros and porphyries. These intrusives create competency contrasts and
can act as rigid bodies which then influence the geometry of structures and subsequent gold
mineralization. Mineralization is hosted in a variety of rocks including: greywackes,
volcaniclastics and both mafic (gabbros) and felsic intrusives. The mineralized system is however
structurally controlled and deformation is essentially brittle-ductile. The alteration assemblage
is composed of sericite, silica, carbonate, pyrite, arsenopyrite and locally hematite. Along the
Massawa system, a high grade south plunging shoot has been identified in North 2 with an average
grade of plus 7g/t and in the Central Zone narrow silicified structures within a broader low grade
envelope contain bonanza style grades with coarse visible gold.
North 2
The gold mineralization at North 2 is bounded by two carbonaceous shears and is associated
with the brittle fracturing of a greywacke host and disseminated arsenopyrite. A high grade
(+7g/t) southerly plunging shoot has been defined by drilling and is the result of the bedding and
shear plane intersection. The up plunge continuity was tested in Lion Extension to the north and
has been confirmed over an additional strike length of 255 meters, before being offset by a
north-south structure. Extensions to the northeast are viewed as a high priority target. In the
southern end of the North 2 zone, where there was an apparent gap in the mineralization towards
North 1, a deeper hole (MDH232) was drilled to test 250 meters below the surface and returned a
good intersection: 44.88 meters at 3.42g/t. This was drilled below an earlier hole MWDH042, which
returned only 10.66 meters at 0.57g/t, and further enhances the potential of Massawa at depth as
well as along strike.
North 1
North 1 is structurally more complex than North 2, where north-south structures cause
discontinuities in the northeast trending mineralization. Mineralization occurs in three to four
bands with the highest grade and more continuous zone hosted within a greywacke, displaying similar
characteristics (alterations and deformation) to the North 2 mineralization. The two other bands
are irregular and lower grade, hosted along the volcanic/sedimentary contact or within narrow
porphyry bodies intruding the volcaniclastics.
Although, near surface, the mineralization in North 1 is narrow and of erratic weak grade,
previous drilling did highlight the potential at depth (MWDDH139: 20.68 meters at 7.35g/t). A
further five bore holes were drilled to test the depth potential of North 1. Drill results from
this phase confirmed and enhanced the potential at depth, especially towards the north, which may
be the continuation of the south dipping high grade shoot in North 2. Intersections from this zone
include: MWDDH258 10.40 meters at 5.22g/t; MWDDH259 17.95 meters at 2.21g/t and 10.50 meters at
2.80g/t intersected at plus 285 meters vertical depth. However, in the center of this zone results
returned low grades (6.30 meters at 1.45g/t) before the structure dilates in the south with 16.19
meters at 3.87g/t.
Central Zone 1 & 2
The Central Zone is defined by a large altered envelope containing numerous mineralized bands
which occur on deformed and altered intrusive margins and along sheared bands within greywackes.
Although mineralization is structurally controlled, gold is related to strongly brittle-ductile
zones, associated with strong pyrite, arsenopyrite and hematite veins occurring within greywacke,
gabbro, porphyries and volcaniclastics.
The Central Zone has been divided into two based on the host lithologies: Central 1 and 2. In
Central 1, mineralization locates within the volcaniclastic package while in Central 2, the
structure transgresses the contact and is hosted by sediments.
In Central 1 the drilling has highlighted one main mineralized envelope, termed 1, together
with 3 to 4 footwall envelopes. Within envelope 1, two to three discreet anastomising shears have
been logged, varying in width from 1 to 20 meters. These shears occur along the upper and lower
contacts of the gabbro and can also wander in and out of the contact zones into the surrounding
sediments. These shears are silicified and contain abundant quartz carbonate and haematite
together with coarse visible gold generating bonanza style grades: MWDDH172 16.55 meters at
5.38g/t; MWDDH178 15 meters at 10.9g/t; MWDDH193 9.1 meters at 6.75g/t; MWDDH184 4.1 meters
at 33.78g/t; MWDDH195 14.9 meters at 7.8g/t; MWDDH198 10.3 meters at 76g/t
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including 0.8 meters at 947g/t; MWDDH201 11.1 meters at 49.9g/t including 4 meters at
133.73g/t; MWDDH207 18 meters at 12.67g/t; and MWDDH171 11.5 meters at 9.7g/t. This gold forms
a distinctive population above 13g/t in the statistics of the Massawa deposit and averages 30g/t.
In Central 1 these shears are continuous over 800 meters before either wrapping around or
penetrating a large porphyry intrusion. The shears then appear to link across to another structure
in Central 2 which locates on the volcanic/sedimentary contact and have been confirmed over a
strike of 400 meters.
In order to confirm the continuity of these shears in the Central Zone and aid the evaluation
process a program of 11 priority holes was drilled on 25 meter centers, both on section and between
sections. All holes intersected these shears but the grade was variable. However, one hole
returned exceptionally high grade: MWDDH398 32.2 meters at 51.6g/t including 5.8 meters at
278.2g/t and 1 meter at 1,568g/t. These shears are currently being modelled separately in order to
better constrain the influence of the high grade zones and develop a more accurate evaluation of
the deposit.
Massawa South
At Massawa South, a linear northeast trending, detailed gold in soil anomaly (3.4 kilometers
by 50 to 350 meters, plus 20ppb up to 360ppb) was defined. The soil anomaly was initially tested
by 11 RAB lines (200 to 500 meters spacing), totalling 5 175 meters. The RAB results confirm the
soil trend, and include: MWRAB180 17 meters at 2g/t; MWRAB200 3 meters at 10.1g/t; MWRAB208 9
meters at 0.69g/t; MWRAB209 21 meters at 1.32g/t; MWRAB227 6 meters at 1.33g/t; MWRAB239 -
21 meters at 1.35g/t; MWRAB288 9 meters at 1.99g/t; MWRAB290 3 meters at 1.2g/t; and
MWRAB291 3 meters at 9.4g/t.
Lithologies were encountered in the south similar to the Central Zone with an alternating
sequence of sheared and silicified mafic volcanic, volcaniclastics and quartz porphyry dykes,
N020-030° sheared gossans, north-south ductile deformed schist and gabbro intrusives.
The mineralization correlates with gossan bands, silicified mafic volcanic, volcaniclastics
and strongly altered quartz feldspar porphyry dykes associated with disseminated sulfides. Eight
widely spaced (400 to 600 meters) reconnaissance diamond drill holes testing beneath the RAB lines
grid, intersected narrow low grade gold mineralization (see adjacent table for results). Drilling
was restricted to the volcaniclastic unit and did not test the contact with the sediments, which
controls mineralization in the Northern Zones.
Massawa South remains a high priority target for follow-up drilling and an area to further
increase the mineralized material of the deposit. Additional drilling will be motivated in 2010.
Satellite targets
As well as Massawa, there are a number of targets which have had varying degrees of follow-up
work completed on them, from trenching through to RAB and diamond drilling, and all highlight the
possibility of providing additional ounces within a 15 kilometer radius of Massawa. These are
summarized below:
Bakan Corridor
The Bakan Corridor groups together a number of anomalous gold in soil targets (Bakan, Tizia,
Khosa, Tiwana and Tina) along a 10 kilometer segment of the northeast trending Kossanto structural
corridor which is sub-parallel to the MTZ. The geology of the corridor comprises a northeast
sequence of ultramafic units, felsic and intermediate volcanics (andesites, dacites and
rhyodacites), cherts and igneous rocks ranging from diorite to monzonite.
Extensive lithosampling carried out across the corridor has revealed mineralization to be
associated with deformed and altered felsic intrusives. Follow-up trenching has confirmed bedrock
mineralization at Bakan: BKTR002 38.00 meters at 2.00g/t; BKTR005 4.00 meters at 2.38g/t and 4
meters at 1.80g/t; and BKTR006 69.70 meters at 1.89g/t; and at Tina: TNTR002 24.00 meters at
1.50g/t; and TNTR003 20.80 meters at 1.76g/t. At Tiwana, seven lines of RAB holes, testing a 3.5
kilometer by 200 meter plus 20ppb gold in soil anomaly, returned encouraging results, defining a
125 meter wide anomalous zone (plus 0.3g/t) including: TWRAB03 18 meters at 1.40g/t; TWRAB06 -
36 meters at 0.63g/t including 6 meters at 2.60g/t; TWRAB020 18 meters at 1.27g/t; and TWRAB064
- 9 meters at 2.54g/t.
Delaya
Delaya is defined by a 6 kilometer by 100 meter plus 20ppb gold in soil anomaly. Bedrock
mineralization was previously delineated over a 700 meter strike extent by trenching results
including: DLT003 11.15 meters at 9.60g/t; DLT004 4 meters at 1.60g/t; DLT005 4.5 meters at
7.54g/t; DLT006 7.45 meters at 1.98g/t and 6.2 meters at 7.59g/t; DLT008 18 meters at 0.68g/t;
and DLT009 2 meters at 5.69g/t. This was confirmed by an initial five hole, 1 000 meter diamond
drill core program which returned the following results: DLD001 9.83 meters at 1.80g/t (from 77
meters); DLD002 12.44 meters at 5.07g/t (from 177 meters)
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including 7.00 meters at 8.19g/t; DLD003 3.00 meters at 1.80g/t; and DLD004 3.8 meters at
4.80g/t. Mineralization is hosted within a package of schists, strongly sheared and altered by
silica-sericite-iron and disseminated pyrite and arsenopyrite.
Additional RAB drilling returned positive results: Firstly on a line 200 meters north of
diamond drill hole DLD002, DLRB005 returned 6 meters at 2.49g/t, DLRB006 6 meters at 1.98g/t and
DLRB010.3 meters at 3.00g/t. The second line was drilled approximately two kilometers to the south
of the known mineralization testing a plus 250ppb gold in soil anomaly. RAB hole DLRB030 returned
21 meters at 4.87g/t. The target will be remodelled and a drill motivation prepared to further
test Delaya.
Sofia
Sofia is part of a 7 kilometer anomalous north-south structural corridor which also hosts the
Mikona, Majiva and Matiba targets within ground held by us. This system continues to the north for
an additional 10 kilometers and hosts the Niakafiri deposit owned by Oromin and the Sabodala
deposit (MDL). So far 3.4 kilometers of strike have been tested by drilling. Results have returned
both broad low grade (44 meters at 2g/t) mineralization and narrow high grade (6 meters at 9.5g/t)
intercepts. At present the inter-hole spacing is 400 to 600 meters which will be infilled during
the next round of drilling.
Bambaraya
At Bambaraya, trenching and early stage drilling has defined two sub-parallel zones of
mineralization at surface, over a strike length of one kilometer. The best trench intersections
returned are: BBTR001 13.2 meters at 3.59g/t; BBTR002 18 meters at 2.93g/t; BBTR003 8 meters
at 4.5g/t; BBTR004 12 meters at 4.06g/t and 4 meters at 5.48g/t; BBTR006 14 meters at 2.01g/t
and 9.5 meters at 1.13g/t; BBTR010 16 meters at 1.70g/t; and BBTR007 18 meters at 2.26g/t. To
date only three diamond drill holes have tested this zone, with BBDDH002 returning the best
intersection of 12 meters at 3.17g/t. Mineralization is hosted within northeast trending pillow
basalts and is associated with silica-sericite-tourmaline-iron carbonate-pyrite alteration.
Exploration work has been completed to the northeast of the known mineralization where a
felsic intrusive has intruded the structure. Rock chip samples returned 38.6g/t from the
intrusives and 105.0g/t, 2.12g/t, 1.86g/t, 1.29g/t, 1.15g/t and 0.6g/t from quartz veins within the
intrusive. This target will be reviewed in light of its location relative to Massawa.
CÔTE DIVOIRE
In the Côte dIvoire, a complete review of all layers of data (Landsat, Aster, airborne
geophysics, geology, regolith, geochemistry and drilling) was integrated to formulate a new
geological interpretation of the Nielle permit together with a prospectivity analysis and
reprioritization of targets.
Nielle
In broad terms, the Nielle permit is underlain by a north-northeast trending Birimian
volcanisedimentary belt, known as the Senoufo Belt. The margins of this belt are variably
tectonized granitoid bodies referred to as granitoid gneisses. The western contact between the
granitoid gneiss basement and the volcanisedimentary belt is marked by a large scale arcuate
terrane boundary. Several gabbros have intruded along this boundary, annealing the contact. The
eastern contact is represented by a very strong mylonitic shear, termed the Oleo Shear, which can
be traced for several hundred kilometers.
The belt is cored, in the central area, by buttresses of competent, structurally dissected
and rheologically diverse lithologies which collectively form the Competent Core. Lithologically
this comprises a fold and thrust package of basalt and tuff, porphyritic andesite and mafic
agglomerate. Weakly deformed felsic-intermediate and mafic intrusives including syn-tectonic
granodiorite, late syn-tectonic porphyritic diorite, and gabbro also occur, and commonly intrude
between competency contrasting lithologies that appear to be structurally juxtaposed against one
another. Shearing and thrusting is present on both a regional and local scale and is accompanied
by abundant silicification, quartz veining, and felsic intrusive activity. In most instances these
structures are either bedding parallel or locate along the contact between volcanisedimentary units
and intrusive felsic bodies. Widespread ductile and brittle mineralization is frequently
associated with this shearing as seen with the Tongon orebodies. Following the completion of the
geological interpretation, a prospectivity analysis was completed to prioritize targets for
follow-up work programs.
Tongon West
Mineralized structures from the Southern Zone appear to have been offset by a late regional
scale north-northwest trending dextral fault. Mineralization exists in two zones. These two zones
returned in a river diversion trench: 28 meters at 1.50g/t including 18 meters at 2.02g/t and 38
meters at 1.16g/t.
The main zone of Tongon West extends over 600 meters of strike length trending northeast, with
an average width of 25 meters. The mineralization is hosted in a volcaniclastic unit associated
with shearing (230° dipping variably between 30° and 79° to the northwest). Along strike to the
northeast the discreet mineralization terminates abruptly close to the granodiorite contact.
Diffuse anomalism occurs in the granodiorite as a result of brittle fracturing. The mineralization
is open to the southwest, albeit weak. The
40
footwall is marked by a unit of carbonaceous shale trending 230° dipping steeply to the
northwest and intruded by several porphyritic dykes.
Two new trenches placed either side of the diversion trench to test the current geological
model were completed in Q4-09. TNT091 collared above mineralized RAB holes and 100 meters
southwest of the mineralization intersected in the diversion trench confirmed the geological model,
with a tuff-volcaniclastic hangingwall, volcaniclastic mineralized zone and carbonaceous shale
footwall.
Results for this trench returned: 15 meters at 2.42g/t including 9.10 meters at 3.30g/t.
TNT092 collared in the granodiorite 50 meters northwest of the current wireframe appears massive
and only weakly altered (haematite), with north-south and northeast trending quartz veins dipping
60-70° to the southeast.
A smaller sub parallel zone covers a strike length of 200 meters. This zone is hosted within
an intercalated package of tuff and volcaniclastic crosscut by discrete shears trending 268°,
dipping 78° to the north and associated with a subvertical strongly silicified zone trending 140°.
A storm drain excavated to the west of this zone provided exposure and confirmed the northwest
trending silicified zone (STD001 6 meters at 0.39g/t).
Seydou
The Seydou target was a conceptual target from the prospectivity analysis. The regional
Soumo Shear was re-interpreted to be a sheared fold closure. Detailed soil sampling returned two
distinct, gold in soil anomalies (Seydou East and Seydou West).
Seydou East
The eastern anomaly is a 400 meter wide, 2 kilometer long plus 50ppb gold in soil anomaly.
Pitting identified a narrow (less than one meter) discrete silicified shear with selective litho
samples grading to a maximum value of 26.7g/t. All other results have been received and returned
values up to 0.15g/t from saprolite of shale. Work to date suggests that the soil anomaly may be
attributed to these narrow silicified shears. Follow-up work is in progress.
Seydou West
The western target is a 3.6 kilometer discontinuous, due to regolith, plus 100ppb gold in soil
anomaly trending north-northeast. Initial pitting has confirmed an in situ bedrock gold source.
The controlling structure appears to be the continuation of the Tongon Northern Zone orebody
bounding shear. Preliminary litho samples returned encouraging values: 0.15g/t, 2.45g/t and
18.10g/t from quartz and silicified material.
Following reconnaissance pitting, a 50 meter trench was excavated to observe the geology,
structure, alteration and potential mineralization. The trench returned strong gold mineralization
with an intersection of 19 meters at 5.32g/t including 11 meters at 7.87g/t associated with strong
to moderate silicification of volcaniclastic together with a quartz stockwork and boxworks
surrounding a main quartz vein which is 0.7 meters wide and trends 030/70.
Additional wide spaced (500 meters) trenching is planned over the entire 3.6 kilometer target
to provide a broad geological framework and, depending on results, a drilling motivation will be
prepared.
Jubula
Jubula is a new target identified from the prospectivity analysis. Soil sampling returned a
main northeast trending, 3.8 kilometer discontinuous gold in soil anomaly. Regional pitting
identified the occurrence of two volcaniclastic units separated by basalt and shale. The
duplication may represent part of a sheared out fold hinge. It locates approximately two
kilometers north of Seydou. A program of trenching will be completed as initial follow-up.
Bazou
Bazou is located nine kilometers north northeast of the Tongon mineralization and overlies the
contact between granodiorite, tuff and siltstone, cut by the dextral Main Shear Zone (MSZ). Bazou
was highlighted where the MSZ horsetails into several splays resulting in the development of an
extensional imbricate fan.
Detailed soil sampling covering a 6 square kilometer (200 meters by 50 meters) grid was
completed. The updated regolith map shows that much of the area is covered by lateritic gravel
with vast areas of lower laterite and a few isolated upper laterite plateaux. Sub-outcrop occurs
in the east of the grid where three lithosamples of chert with pyrite and pyrrhotite were taken
(results received returned values less than 0.1g/t).
Two zones of hummocky ground, 1.7 kilometers apart, were mapped in the center of the target
representing old artisanal workings. The south of the grid is truncated by a southwest flowing
river. Complete soil sampling results have been received, highlighting a
41
linear 040 trending 100ppb gold in soil anomaly measuring 3.8 kilometers by 100 meters with a
maximum value of 1 162ppb. The anomaly is truncated by alluvial cover and continues southwest into
Jubula. Pitting has been difficult due to the hard laterite cover and RAB drilling is proposed as
a method of primary follow-up.
Koro Northwest Extension
Geologically the target overlies the contact between tuff and granodiorite where the MSZ
intersects the Oleo Shear zone. Detailed soil sampling covering 14 square kilometer by a 200 meter
by 50 meter grid was completed. The regolith map was also updated and shows that much of the area
is covered by lateritic gravel, with a few isolated upper laterite plateaus and sub-crops on the
erosional slopes in the west of the sampling grid. A large west flowing river splits the target in
two and sandy soil was mapped in the southeast of the grid suggesting underlying granodiorite and
thus confirming the aeromagnetic interpretation. Soil sampling results are pending.
Generative studies
Preparations are currently underway to fly an airborne electromagnetic survey, not only over
the Nielle permit, which hosts the Tongon deposit, but also the adjacent Diouala and Fapoha permits
on the Senoufo Greenstone Belt. This data will be integrated with our existing layers to further
refine our targeting process in 2010. We secured an additional permit through its joint venture
with New Mining Côte dIvoire, Tengrela South, which is contiguous with the Boundiali permit.
Boundiali
The 1,314km2 Boundiali permit is located approximately 60 kilometers west of Nielle and hosts
numerous gold in soil anomalies, which have seen little follow-up exploration. During 2009, early
stage exploration validated previous results and reprioritized work for 2010.
BURKINA FASO
We made a strategic decision to sell the Kiaka project in the southeast of the country to
Volta Resources Inc in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Exploration is now focused on the identification of new opportunities. A first pass review
has been completed over the southwest corner of the country and includes the Greenstone Belts of
Loumana, Banfora, Hounde and Boromo. A more detailed generative study is being applied, with the
integration of our West African models to the geology, to identify areas of interest, in order to
highlight permit applications and/or joint venture opportunities.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Kibali
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, following the acquisition of Moto Goldmines at the
beginning of the 2009 fourth quarter, we established a geological team on site at Kibali. The
primary objective was to complete a detailed geological analysis of the KCD deposit, to understand
the geology, structure, alteration and mineralization and to construct a geological model to
support the resource conversion work, as well as to look at the possibility of a lateral link
between the KCD and Gorumbwa deposits.
Deposit geology
A geological analysis was completed to review the structural and lithological controls of the
KCD deposit as well as to look at the possibility of a lateral link between the KCD and Gorumbwa
deposits. Sixty core holes were validated and a geological map was produced. A geological
aeromagnetic interpretation was also completed.
Mineralization is controlled by zones of texturally destructive albite-carbonate-silica
alteration (syn D1) along faults with a similar orientation as S1. S1 is a regional shear fabric
and in general strikes northwest with a low dip to the northeast, hosted within a package of banded
iron formation (BIF), volcaniclastics and sediments. D1 is interpreted to be the results of
shortening from the northeast with the West Nile block thrust over the basalt-volcaniclastic
sequences, causing southwest verging folds and thrusts.
Gold mineralization was introduced during late D1 to D2 due to preferential fracturing of
the albite-carbonate-silica alteration zones. S2 is an axial plane cleavage and in general strikes
northeast with a moderate to steep dip northwest, explaining the northeast trending mineralized
corridors. D2 also causes the folding of S1, creating double plunging folds, as observed in the
KCD mineralized zones. A prominent stretching lineation, L1, was also observed. It has, in
general, a shallow plunge towards the northeast and appears to control high grade mineralization.
Post-mineralization D3 which produced a pervasive crenulation cleavage that in general
strikes southeast with a low dip to the southwest.
42
Airborne geophysics
Aeromagnetic and radiometric data over the Moto area, acquired during the Anglogold Ashanti
(Anglogold)-Barrick joint venture in the late 1990s, was received from Anglogold. A preliminary
interpretation of the aeromagnetic data revealed strongly magnetic units, which correspond to
banded iron formations (BIF) trending west-northwest. However, in the immediate vicinity of the
KCD area the strata change strike towards the northeast. Two generations of folding can be
observed on the imagery: one set with the fold axis striking west-northwest and the other with
fold axis strike northeast together with the development of brittle-ductile shears.
The radiometric survey results clearly indicated the presence of granites within the survey
area, and assisted in identifying the remaining geology. There is evidence that the Watsa dome is
composed of two different magmatic events, with the one (northeast portion) having a weak potassium
enrichment, and the other (southwest portion) having a weak thorium (with some uranium) enrichment.
In 2010 we are planning an airborne electromagnetic survey over the permit area to enhance our
geological understanding of the region and target new mineralized material opportunities.
Drilling
Forty four diamond drill holes were completed at KCD, targeting the definition of
pit/underground interface and infill drilling within the open pit boundary. All drilling results
are shown in the table below and confirm the geological model. The top grade cut is 50g/t; the
lower grade cut is 0.8g/t with up to a maximum of 4 meters internal dilution being incorporated
into the composite. At present the intersections recorded are down the hole lengths.
Strategic holes: KCD Gorumbwa gap drilling
Two holes were completed for 1,556.7 meters. The objectives were to:
|
|
|
Obtain a better understanding of the geology as there is little outcrop west of Durba hill; |
|
|
|
|
Test for additional alteration/structural corridors; and |
|
|
|
|
Evaluate the potential of linking mineralization between KCD and Gorumbwa. |
In DDD456 a 45 meter wide deformed and altered (Si and pyrite) zone was intersected from 515
to 560 meters. Within it, anomalous sections grade: 7 meters at 1.63g/t (515 to 522 meters), 8.05
meters at 3.43g/t (536.75 to 544.8 meters) and 4.2 meters at 1.15g/t. This zone may be linked with
Sessenge towards the southeast, which would extend Sessenge for about 150 meters further northwest,
while results for DDD457 returned multiple mineralized zones with a best intersection of 3.1 meters
at 4.75g/t from 450 meters. The data is being integrated into an updated geological model and
additional drill holes will be planned to further evaluate the potential of this area.
Regional soil sampling
The regional soil sampling program on the priority 1 area has progressed well. Four new
anomalous areas were identified based on gold in soil values above 9ppb. All are located within
the prospective volcaniclastic sediments which host the main Kibali mineralization. Anomaly 1
trends north while anomalies 2, 3 and 4 trend northeast. Anomaly 4 could be the extension of
Dembu. Strike lengths and widths are as follows: Anomaly 1 is 3 kilometer by 400 meters; Anomaly 2
is 3.5 kilometers by 200 meters; Anomaly 3 is 3 kilometers by 500 meters; and Anomaly 4 is 2.5
kilometers by 1.4 kilometers.
Objectives for 2010
Objectives in 2010 at Kibali include: continued resource conversion work, not only on the KCD
deposit but also satellite deposits; the identification of new near mine mineralized material; and
generative work on the wider lease area through the completion of soil sampling and an airborne
electro-magnetic survey.
GHANA
A strategic decision was made to stop active exploration in Ghana and return our portfolio of
four permits covering 1,841 square kilometers back to the government after five years of research.
During the five years from 2004 to 2009, the prospectivity of Ghana was continually assessed.
Seven mines were visited to understand the mineralization, structure, alteration and geology.
Eight advanced targets were assessed and eight promising junior exploration companies reviewed. In
addition, 43 exploration concessions offered for joint venture were analysed, while 60 open areas,
available for application, failed to meet the basic geological filters to proceed to the next
stage.
43
We actively explored eleven exploration permits covering a surface area of 7,770 square
kilometers over the five years but failed to find an advanced target for drilling.
While active exploration will cease in this country, our partnership will continue with Inter
Afrique in order for us to react should an opportunity meeting the companys criteria arise.
TANZANIA
All exploration activities have been suspended and we have returned the permits in our
portfolio to government. We do however retain a small office in Mwanza to keep track of
opportunities.
Work is now focused on understanding the Central African geological framework and more
importantly the geological model for the Kibali gold deposits in the northeast DRC.
MINERAL RIGHTS AND ORE RESERVES
Table of mineral rights at December 31, 2009
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Country |
|
Type |
|
Area (km2) |
|
Area (sq miles) |
|
Equity (%) |
MALI |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loulo |
|
EP |
|
|
372 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
Morila |
|
EP |
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
Bena |
|
EEP |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
Walia-Kenieko |
|
EEP |
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
Zaniena |
|
EEP |
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
Konyi |
|
EEP |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
CÔTE DIVOIRE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nielle |
|
EEP |
|
|
751 |
|
|
|
290 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
Boundiali |
|
EEP |
|
|
1,314 |
|
|
|
507 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Dabakala |
|
EEP |
|
|
191 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Dignago |
|
EEP |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
386 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Apouasso |
|
EEP |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
386 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Fapoha |
|
RP |
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Tengrela South |
|
RP |
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Diaouala |
|
EEP |
|
|
977 |
|
|
|
377 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Mankono |
|
RP |
|
|
704 |
|
|
|
272 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
SENEGAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kanoumering |
|
EEP |
|
|
303 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
Kounemba |
|
EEP |
|
|
305 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
Miko |
|
EEP |
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
Dalema |
|
EEP |
|
|
401 |
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
Tomboronkoto |
|
EEP |
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
Bambadji |
|
EEP |
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
BURKINA FASO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basgana |
|
EEP |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Bourou |
|
EEP |
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Tanema |
|
EEP |
|
|
247 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Yibogo |
|
EEP |
|
|
247 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Nakomgo |
|
EEP |
|
|
237 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Safoula |
|
EEP |
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Dawaro |
|
EP |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Tiakane |
|
EEP |
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kibali |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11447 |
|
EEP |
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
11467 |
|
EEP |
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
11468 |
|
EEP |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
11469 |
|
EEP |
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
11470 |
|
EEP |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
11471 |
|
EEP |
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
44
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Country |
|
Type |
|
Area (km2) |
|
Area (sq miles) |
|
Equity (%) |
11472 |
|
EEP |
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
5052 |
|
EEP |
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
5073 |
|
EEP |
|
|
399 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
5088 |
|
EEP |
|
|
292 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
TOTAL AREA |
|
|
|
|
13,624 |
|
|
|
5,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EP |
|
Exploitation Permit |
|
EEP |
|
Exclusive Exploration Permit |
|
RP |
|
Reconnaissance Permit |
Annual ore reserve declaration
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes |
|
Tonnes |
|
Grade |
|
Grade |
|
Gold |
|
Gold |
|
Attributable |
|
Attributable |
|
|
|
|
(Mt) |
|
(Mt) |
|
(g/t) |
|
(g/t) |
|
(Moz) |
|
(Moz) |
|
Gold (Moz) |
|
Gold (Moz) |
At December 31, |
|
Category |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kibali |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
|
63.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sub total |
|
Proven and probable |
|
|
63.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loulo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80 |
% |
|
|
80 |
% |
|
|
Proven |
|
|
5.55 |
|
|
|
7.08 |
|
|
|
3.48 |
|
|
|
3.38 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
0.77 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
Probable |
|
|
43.91 |
|
|
|
43.51 |
|
|
|
4.54 |
|
|
|
4.60 |
|
|
|
6.41 |
|
|
|
6.43 |
|
|
|
5.13 |
|
|
|
5.14 |
|
Sub total |
|
Proven and probable |
|
|
49.45 |
|
|
|
50.59 |
|
|
|
4.42 |
|
|
|
4.42 |
|
|
|
7.03 |
|
|
|
7.20 |
|
|
|
5.63 |
|
|
|
5.76 |
|
Gounkoto |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80 |
% |
|
|
80 |
% |
|
|
Proven |
|
|
7.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sub total |
|
Proven and probable |
|
|
7.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
Morila |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40 |
% |
|
|
40 |
% |
|
|
Proven |
|
|
9.85 |
|
|
|
13.74 |
|
|
|
1.74 |
|
|
|
2.02 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.89 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
Probable |
|
|
6.91 |
|
|
|
6.88 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
Sub total |
|
Proven and probable |
|
|
16.76 |
|
|
|
20.62 |
|
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
|
1.72 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
Tongon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89 |
% |
|
|
89 |
% |
|
|
Probable |
|
|
38.02 |
|
|
|
38.25 |
|
|
|
2.63 |
|
|
|
2.57 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
3.16 |
|
|
|
2.86 |
|
|
|
2.65 |
|
Sub total |
|
Proven and probable |
|
|
38.02 |
|
|
|
38.25 |
|
|
|
2.63 |
|
|
|
2.57 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
3.16 |
|
|
|
2.86 |
|
|
|
2.65 |
|
Massawa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
83 |
% |
|
|
83 |
% |
|
|
Probable |
|
|
10.51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sub total |
|
Proven and probable |
|
|
10.51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL RESERVES |
|
Proven and probable |
|
|
186.01 |
|
|
|
109.46 |
|
|
|
3.92 |
|
|
|
3.27 |
|
|
|
23.45 |
|
|
|
11.50 |
|
|
|
15.56 |
|
|
|
8.87 |
|
The reporting of Ore Reserves is in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7.
Pit optimization is carried out at a gold price of $700 per ounce; underground reserves are also
based on a gold price of $700 per ounce. Dilution and ore loss are incorporated into the
calculation of reserves.
Addition of individual line items may not sum to sub totals because of rounding off to two decimal
places.
The following map indicates the locations of Morila and Loulo within Mali:
Locality of the Loulo and Morila Mines in Mali
Mineral Rights and Permits
The following maps show the position of our current permits in West and Central Africa:
Location of our permits in West Africa
Location of our permits in Central Africa
Although we believe that our exploration permits will be renewed when they expire, based on
the current applicable laws in the respective countries in which we have obtained permits, we
cannot assure you that those permits will be renewed on the same or similar terms, or at all. In
addition, although the mining laws of Mali, Côte dIvoire, Senegal, Burkina Faso and DRC provide a
right
45
to mine should an economic orebody be discovered on a property held under an exploration
permit, we cannot assure you that the relevant government will issue a permit that would allow us
to mine. All mineral rights within the countries in which we are currently prospecting are
state-owned. Our interests effectively grant us the right to develop and participate in any mine
development on the permit areas.
NEW BUSINESS
In 2009, we highlighted our intention to broaden our exploration to the prospective rocks of
the Congo Craton. The subsequent acquisition of our joint venture position in the Kibali gold
project and its large ground holding in north eastern DRC was a significant step in executing this
strategy.
The Congo Craton, which ranges from the well known deposits of Tanzania through the east of
the DRC and the Central African Republic to Cameroon, has the potential to be the next significant
gold province in Africa and the world and our intention is to grow our presence in the area.
During the past year, we have reviewed the data from a number of junior explorers together
with the information now being generated from the Kibali project and are well placed to advance
this strategy, while building our exploration portfolio across four countries in West Africa. At
the same time, we will continue to review external opportunities which may have the potential to
meet our investment criteria.
Such external opportunities will be rated against our own organic growth prospects, which
provide an accurate means of measuring value. Our success in our own discoveries gives us the
ability to increase our production without having to buy in ounces, and our core goal therefore
remains the discovery and development of profitable mining opportunities, and the creation of value
through organic growth.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
We believe that a successful mining company is one which is profitable while meeting its
social responsibilities in the countries and communities in which it operates.
Strong local relationships are one of the foundation stones on which the company has been
built. For each new development, a process of assessment and engagement is undertaken to ensure
that the positive impacts of the operation are maximized and the negative impacts minimized.
Our general approach is guided by the IFC Guidelines on Environmental, Safety and Health and
specifically on IFC Guidelines related to Mining and Performance Standards on Social and
Environmental Sustainability OHSAS 18001, the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Services
occupational health and safety standards, and ISO 14001, the international environmental standards,
guide health, safety and environmental management practices on our operations. All social and
environmental assessments are reviewed by an independent party to ensure compliance to these codes.
During the early exploration stage our aim is to make as small a social impact as possible.
Once a target progresses to feasibility, full social, medical and environmental baseline studies
are conducted, which define the pre-mining conditions and are used as benchmarks while the project
develops and when it moves into production. Full environmental and social impact assessments are
generated including public participation programs with the local communities where the impacts,
both negative and positive, are communicated and considered. During the past year social, economic
and environmental baseline studies were completed on Massawa and Gounkoto, while previous studies
completed at Kibali were reviewed with the completion of gap analyses and implementation of
programs to ensure compliance to our standards.
Community liaison committees, consisting of a broad spectrum of community representatives, are
set up prior to production and provide a forum for regular, open dialogue where problems can be
tabled and mutually acceptable solutions found. Our exploration team represents our first interface
with the community and it is instrumental in allaying suspicions and conflicts, while building
relationships based on trust between future mines and the community.
To keep environmental and social issues in the forefront of our business, an executive
committee was formed during the year that meets quarterly to review all environmental and social
action plans. A summary of this review is presented at each group board meeting.
Our integrated social and environmental management process identifies potentially negative and
positive impacts. The implementation of sustainable environmental and social responsibility
strategies aim to minimize negative impacts and maximize the
positive impacts of our activities, commensurate with our business strategy and with national
and IFC standards. The implementation and effectiveness of these strategies is audited by
independent external consultants Digby Wells Associates (DWA) and monitored internally on a
quarterly basis by the groups environmental and social oversight committee.
46
Group environmental and social oversight committee
As highlighted above, a new group environmental and social oversight committee was set up
during the year in order to oversee and drive the companys policies in this regard, recognising
the importance of this area to our business. All the members are drawn from the groups executive
committee, including the CEO and the general manager: evaluation and environment. The committee
met three times last year and will meet quarterly or more often as required.
Environmental Management
Monthly monitoring programs incorporating dust fallout levels, physiochemical, cyanide, oil,
grease and bacteriological levels of surface and groundwater across the mine sites and tailings
storage facilities as well as surrounding water courses continued throughout the year. No
pollution or breach of World Bank guidelines occurred.
A Notice of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (NESIA) was approved by the National
Director of Sanitation and Control of Pollution and Nuisances for the mining of the Loulo 1, 2 and
3 areas on the Loulo permit as required by national legislation.
Morila is ISO 14001 certified and Loulo continues to proceed towards certification. This is
planned for 2010. As part of this procedure dust suppression has been improved by the installation
of a dust extractor at the screening plant and telescopic chutes on the crushed stockpiles.
Environmental management plans will be implemented in Tongon on start up of production which
will be in line with ISO 14001 to allow for the rapid accreditation of the mine.
Closure studies of the Morila Tailings Storage Facility have concentrated on looking at
various options available including a sampling exercise over the dam with full environmental leach
testwork. Based on results the optimum closure design will be identified. Closure plans at Loulo
continue to be updated with the changing mining environment to ensure appropriate reclamation costs
are allocated.
Community development
To survive and prosper, we must be an integral part of and benefit the communities of which it
is a corporate citizen. Establishing and maintaining good relations with the communities requires
constant and effective two-way communication and in pursuit of such relationships we have a
sustainable community development strategy backed by a budget and community development
departments. We believe we have been more successful in community endeavors than most other mining
companies operating in Africa. However, the need to stay focused and continually improve was
brought home to us when we suffered a setback in July 2009 in community relations at our Loulo
mine. Members of the community mainly but not exclusively young job seekers newly arrived in the
area became upset about the method of recruitment of the new surface mining contractor, which had
brought its mining team with it from Morila. The group disrupted operations which were suspended
for 36 hours, allowing the authorities to restore the situation to normal. We have had an
independent audit carried out and have implemented its recommendations, such as intensifying our
interaction with the communities surrounding our operations.
Projects
During the year community development spending on projects identified by the representatives
of the communities situated close to our operations was in excess of $2 million. This excludes the
direct community and social work undertaken by the group, including the RAP at Tongon, the
provision of medical care to villagers living close to our operations, the excellent community work
done on our exploration sites and the work at Kibali to carry out medical and other baseline
studies and social/economic/human rights and other impact studies.
The focus areas for our community development efforts have remained the creation of
sustainable employment opportunities, primary health care, education, food security, and potable
water provision.
Human Resources Report
Group manpower
Group manpower levels, inclusive of contractor labor, rose during the year by 1,927 to 5,808,
the most significant increases occurred at Tongon, where numbers employed, including contractor
staff, increased from 72 to 1,520. The increase at Loulo of 764
was also significant, given the ramp-up of the Yalea underground mine. Finally, the
acquisition of Kibali added another 320 people employed by the group.
During 2009, the edge was taken off the skills shortage by the international financial crisis
that forced many base metal miners to curtail operations or projects and retrench employees.
Professional, managerial and skilled employees became easier to recruit to meet
47
the demands of our
projects, and at more realistic salary levels. Therefore, we avoided labor cost inflation,
prevalent in the industry in recent years, and due to our remuneration structure we continued to
retain our core employees. Manning levels related to employees working on our operations and
projects are shown in the following tables.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec |
|
Dec |
|
|
Mine/function |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
Variance |
MORILA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine |
|
|
486 |
|
|
|
595 |
|
|
|
(109 |
) |
Contractors |
|
|
395 |
|
|
|
884 |
|
|
|
(489 |
) |
Total |
|
|
881 |
|
|
|
1,479 |
|
|
|
(598 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOULO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine |
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
397 |
|
|
|
(83 |
) |
Contractors |
|
|
2,550 |
|
|
|
1,703 |
|
|
|
847 |
|
Total |
|
|
2,864 |
|
|
|
2,100 |
|
|
|
764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TONGON |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
Project management |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Contractors |
|
|
1,502 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
1,439 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,520 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
1,448 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KIBALI |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Project |
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
245 |
|
Contractors |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75 |
|
Total |
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPLORATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Field |
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
Other |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CORPORATE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate and operational centers |
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
TOTAL GROUP |
|
|
5,808 |
|
|
|
3,881 |
|
|
|
1,927 |
|
Industrial relations
In Mali, negotiations for a new collective labor agreement for the mining industry were
concluded between the National Employers Association (CNPM) and national unions (UNTM) in the
latter part of 2009. The group and mine human resources managers formed a part of the CNPM team at
the discussions which have been underway since 2002. The current agreement dates from 1985 and the
aim of the industry was to obtain a replacement agreement that clarifies and simplifies the current
agreement, without any additional costs to the industry. The new agreement is scheduled for
signature in the first quarter of 2010, once all the parties are satisfied with the content of the
document.
Employee health
One of our key objectives is the reduced exposure to airborne contaminants and noise on our
sites. Personal protective equipment is supplied as required in the relevant areas. Malaria
remains the most significant health risk for our operations. We carried out annual entomological
surveys to determine the most effective insecticide to use in the spraying programs that are
carried out on site as well as in surrounding villages. This highlighted the increased resistance
of mosquitoes in the Loulo region which accounted for a rise in the annual incidence to 18 cases
per 100 employees. At Morila, the malaria incidence rate decreased from 2% in 2008 to 1.74% in
2009. An entomological study was carried out at Kibali during 2009 and its recommendations will be
followed up in 2010.
Awareness education of employees and local communities on HIV/AIDS and its prevention is
another important health issue addressed on all sites. This is generally conducted by our medical
departments in conjunction with NGOs.
Safety
During the year, a contracting mining company working in the underground mine at Loulo
experienced two separate serious accidents that resulted in four fatalities. The first occurred in
August on the conveyor belt section and involved one of the mining
48
contractors conveyor belt
maintenance employees. The second accident occurred in a stoping area when a block of ground fell
from the hanging wall resulting in the death of three contractor employees. Investigations into
the accidents were undertaken by Loulos joint management union safety committee and the relevant
government authorities. The recommendations resulting from each inquiry were implemented
immediately. During December 2009, the underground contractors contract was terminated partially
due to the poor safety performance.
While low injury frequency rates do not always translate into low fatality rates the Lost Time
Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) (number of LTI per number of hours worked) x 1,000,000 was 2.71 at
Loulo and 0.92 at Morila. Daily toolbox meetings are held in workplaces across our mines to
constantly remind employees of the need for each to be safety conscious. These meetings are based
on the principle of personal responsibility with regard to safety where the onus is transferred to
the individual to practice a high level of safety in the workplace.
Training
Management and supervisory development programs continued on site and at African, American and
European universities.
The drive to enhance basic engineering skills, using a combination of competency testing, gap
identification and action learning to strengthen any weak areas continued during 2009. Employees
at both our operating mines and at the Tongon project attended induction and safety courses
throughout the year.
All new employees on our operations, both contractor and mine employees, are required to
attend work place induction and safety training courses before starting work.
Preparatory work started in 2009 at Tongon and Loulo towards the attainment of OHSAS 18001
certification.
REGULATORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Our business is subject to extensive government and environment-related controls and
regulations, including the regulation of the discharge of pollutants into the environment,
disturbance of and threats to endangered species and other environmental matters. Generally,
compliance with these regulations requires us to obtain permits issued by government agencies.
Some permits require periodic renewal or review of their conditions. We cannot predict
whether we will be able to renew those permits or whether material changes in permit conditions
will be imposed. To the extent that the countries in which we have exploration and mining permits
have no established environmental laws, we are currently working to ensure that our operations are
in compliance with environmental performance standards set by the IFC in relation to air emissions
and water discharges. In accordance with our stated policy, we provide for estimated environmental
rehabilitation costs based on the net present value of future rehabilitation cost estimates for
disturbance to date.
We carry out our operations within the guidelines outlined in our social responsibility policy
and in accordance with Equator Principles and IFC performance standards.
The Morila Mine maintained its International Standard Organization (ISO14001) certification
during 2007. In the third year of production at the Loulo mine, ISO14001 training procedures
continued with the aim of moving towards compliance.
We have established an environmental reporting committee comprising senior executives and
chaired by our CEO. The committee considers all issues affecting the environment.
MARKETING
We derive the majority of our income from the sale of gold produced by Morila and Loulo in the
form of dorè, which we sell under agreement to a refinery. Under these agreements, we receive the
ruling gold price on the day after dispatch, less refining and freight costs, for the gold content
of the dorè gold. We have only one customer with whom we have an agreement to sell all of our gold
production. The customer is chosen periodically on a tender basis from a selected pool of
accredited refineries and international banks to ensure competitive refining and freight costs.
Unlike other precious metal producers, gold mines do not compete to sell their product given that
the price is not controlled by the producers.
PROPERTY
Our operational mining area is comprised of Morila operations of 200 square kilometers and the
Loulo mining permit of 372 square kilometers. Our exploration permits are detailed above.
We also lease offices in London, Dakar, Abidjan, Bamako, Ouagadougou, Mwanza, Accra,
Johannesburg, Jersey, Kinshasa and Entebbe.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
49
In August 2004, we entered into a fixed lump sum turnkey contract for $63 million for the
design, supply, construction and commissioning of the Loulo processing plant and infrastructure
with MDM Ferroman (Pty) Ltd, or MDM. At the end of 2005, after making advances and additional
payments to MDM totaling $26 million in excess of the contract, we determined that MDM was unable
to perform its obligations under the MDM Contract, at which time we enforced a contractual remedy
which allowed us to act as our own general contractor and to complete the remaining work on the
Loulo project that was required under the MDM Contract.
We believe that we are entitled to recover $59.3 million from MDM. This comprises payments
totaling $32 million which have been capitalized as part of the cost of the project, $15.2 million
in respect of damages arising from the delayed completion of the project, and advances of $10.5
million (net of a present value and impairment provision of $1.1 million) (December 31, 2008: $12.1
million) included in receivables. Of this latter amount, $7 million is secured by performance
bonds and the remainder is secured by various personal guarantees and other assets.
As part of our efforts to recoup the monies owed to us, MDM was put into liquidation on
February 1, 2006. This resulted in a South African Companies Act Section 417 investigation into
the business and financial activities of MDM, its affiliated companies and their directors. This
investigation was completed in the last quarter of 2007 and the liquidators issued their report
that confirms that MDMs liabilities exceeded its assets.
The directors believe that the group will be able to recover the $10.5 million included in
Receivables. However, this is dependent on the amounts which can be recovered from the performance
bonds, personal guarantees and other assets provided as security. Any shortfall is expected to be
recovered from any free residue accruing to the insolvent estate. The recovery process has
commenced with summons being issued against creditors who received payment from MDM in terms of the
Insolvency and Companies Acts and against the insurance company which issued the performance bonds.
The aggregate amount which will ultimately be recovered cannot presently be determined.
Recovery of the other $47.2 million is dependent on the extent to which the groups claim is
accepted by the liquidators and the amount in the free residue. The ultimate outcome of this claim
cannot be determined at present. The financial statements do not reflect any adjustment to the
cost of the Loulo development that may arise from this claim, or any additional income that may
arise from the claim for damages, or any charge that may arise from MDMs inability to settle
amounts that are determined to be payable by MDM to the group in respect of the Loulo development.
As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately $589.6 million of cash and cash equivalents. In
addition, we had available-for-sale financial assets with a carrying value of approximately $29.0
million. The available-for-sale financial assets consists of ARS. In the third quarter of fiscal
year 2007, certain ARS with a cost value of $49 million failed at an auction due to the sudden and
unusual deterioration in the global credit and capital markets, and have since experienced multiple
failed auctions.
We believe that we have been the subject of a fraud committed by brokers working for a large
investment bank through material misrepresentations of the nature of the ARS in which we were
invested. Consequently, we engaged lawyers, and in October 2008, we commenced arbitration
proceedings against the bank and the brokers for their misconduct. The arbitration hearing is due
to commence in April 2010. These individuals are the subject of criminal proceedings instigated by
the US Government, in which we have cooperated with the Department of Justice, and regulatory
proceedings instigated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. In July 2009, one of the two
brokers pleaded guilty in the criminal proceeding, and in August 2009, a jury returned a guilty
verdict against the other broker. We believe the criminal and regulatory proceedings reinforce our
position.
Other than as disclosed above we are not party to any material legal or arbitration
proceedings, nor is any of our property the subject of pending material legal proceedings.
HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS
Morila and Loulo have a Hygiene and Security Committee made up of elected labor and specialist
management representatives, as outlined in the respective labor code. This committee designates,
from its members, a consultative technical sub-committee charged with the elaboration and
application of a concerted policy of improvement of health and security conditions at work. Its
composition, attributions and operational modalities are determined by legal provisions and
regulations.
The chairman of this committee coordinates monthly committee meetings, sets the agendas with
his secretariat, monitors resolutions and signs off on committee determinations.
The committees secretariat ensures under the supervision of the chairman that:
|
|
follow-up activities such as action resulting from the regular surveys and inspections are
carried out; and |
|
|
|
health and safety manuals and updates are distributed, posters are posted on notice boards
and safety committee minutes and reports are distributed. |
50
|
|
Each mines medical officer sits on the Hygiene and Security Committee and advises on the
following: |
|
|
working conditions improvements; |
|
|
general hygiene on the operation; |
|
|
protection of workers safety in the workplace; and |
|
|
medical checks and eye and ear testing. |
The Hygiene and Security Committee forms, from within its membership, two consultative
commissions, the Commission of Inquiry and the Educational Commission. The Commission of Inquiry:
|
|
investigates accidents and makes recommendations to avoid repetitions; |
|
|
ensures plant, machinery and equipment have adequate protection to avoid injury; and |
|
|
updates and revises safety and health manuals. |
The Educational Commission:
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|
provides information and training on safe practices and potential risks; |
|
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provides first aid training; |
|
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administers and promotes the safety suggestion scheme; and |
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|
explains, where necessary, the contents of the safety and health manual. |
All employees are covered by the states social security scheme and our medical reimbursement
scheme, that reimburses a large portion of expenses related to medical treatment and medicines.
Dental and optical expenses are also covered to 50%.
No post-employment medical aid liability exists for the group.
C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The following table identifies our subsidiaries and joint venture and our percentage ownership
in each subsidiary:
|
|
|
Countries of Incorporation |
|
|
Name of Company |
|
% effective ownership |
Jersey |
|
|
Randgold Resources Limited |
|
|
Randgold Resources (Burkina) Limited |
|
100 |
Randgold Resources (Côte dIvoire) Limited |
|
100 |
Randgold Resources (Kibali) Limited |
|
100 |
Randgold Resources (Mali) Limited |
|
100 |
Randgold Resources (Senegal) Limited |
|
100 |
Randgold Resources (Somilo) Limited |
|
100 |
Randgold Resources T1 Limited |
|
100 |
Randgold Resources T2 Limited |
|
100 |
Randgold Resources T3 Limited |
|
100 |
Mining Investments (Jersey) Limited |
|
100 |
Morila Limited |
|
50 |
RAL 1 Limited |
|
50 |
Kibali (Jersey) Limited |
|
50 |
Kibali 2 (Jersey) Limited |
|
50 |
Kibali Services Limited |
|
50 |
Australia |
|
|
Moto Goldmines Australia (Pty) Limited |
|
50 |
Border Energy (Pty) Limited |
|
50 |
Westmount Resources NL |
|
50 |
51
|
|
|
Countries of Incorporation |
|
|
Name of Company |
|
% effective ownership |
Border Resources NL |
|
50 |
Burkina Faso |
|
|
Randgold Resources Burkina Faso SARL |
|
100 |
Canada |
|
|
Moto Goldmines Limited |
|
50 |
0858065 B.C. Limited |
|
50 |
Côte dIvoire |
|
|
Randgold Resources (CôtedIvoire) SARL |
|
100 |
Société des Mines de Tongon SA |
|
89 |
Democratic Republic of Congo |
|
|
Kibali Goldmines S.P.R.L. |
|
45 |
Mali |
|
|
Randgold Resources Mali SARL |
|
100 |
Société des Mines de Morila SA |
|
40 |
Société des Mines de Loulo SA |
|
80 |
Kankou Moussa SARL |
|
75 |
South Africa |
|
|
Seven Bridges Trading 14 (Pty) Limited |
|
100 |
Tanzania |
|
|
Randgold Resources Tanzania (T) Limited |
|
100 |
The Netherlands |
|
|
Kibali Cooperatief UA |
|
50 |
Uganda |
|
|
Border Energy East Africa (Pty) Limited |
|
50 |
United Kingdom |
|
|
Randgold Resources (UK) Limited |
|
100 |
D. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
For a discussion of our principal properties, including mining rights and permits, see Item
4. Information on the Company A. History and Development of the Company and Item 4. Information
on the Company B. Business Overview. We have all material legal rights necessary to entitle us
to exploit such deposits in respect of the Morila mine in Mali to April 2022, and Loulo in Mali to
2029.
The exploration permits in Côte dIvoire, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and DRC give us the
exclusive right for a fixed time period, which is open to renewal, to prospect on the permit area.
Once a discovery is made, we, as the permit holder, then commence negotiations with the
respective governments as to the terms of the exploration or mining concession. Depending on the
country, some of the terms are more open to negotiation than others, but the critical areas which
can be agreed to are the governments interest in the mine, taxation rates and taxation holidays,
repatriation of profits and the employment of expatriates and local labor.
|
|
|
Item 4A. |
|
Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
|
|
|
Item 5. |
|
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
Statements in this Annual Report concerning our business outlook or future economic
performance; anticipated revenues, expenses or other financial items; and statements concerning
assumptions made or expectations as to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters,
are forward-looking statements as that term is defined under the United States Federal securities
laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could
cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. Factors that could
cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those set forth under
Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors in this Annual Report as well as those discussed
elsewhere in this Annual Report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
52
General
We earn substantially all of our revenues in US dollars and a large proportion of our costs
are denominated or based in US dollars, excluding the Morila mining contract which is partially
denominated in Euros. We also have South African Rand, Communauté Financière Africaine franc,
Congolese franc and Pound Sterling denominated costs, which are primarily wages and material
purchases.
Impact of Malian Economic and Political Environment
We are a Jersey incorporated company and are not subject to income taxes in Jersey. Our
current significant operations are located in Mali and are therefore subject to various economic,
fiscal, monetary and political policies and factors that affect companies operating in Mali, as
discussed under Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors Risks Relating to Our Operations.
Impact of Favorable Tax Treaties
We are not subject to income tax in Jersey. Morila SA benefited from a five year tax holiday
until November 14, 2005. Somilo SA also benefits from a five year tax holiday in Mali which
commenced on November 8, 2005. The benefit of the tax holiday to the group was to increase its net
profit by $26.7 million, $9 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007 respectively.
Under Malian tax law, income tax is based on the greater of 35% of taxable income or 0.75% of
gross revenue.
The Morila and Loulo operations have no assessable capital expenditure carry forwards or
assessable tax losses, as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively, for deduction against future
mining income.
Revenues
Substantially all of our revenues are derived from the sale of gold. As a result, our
operating results are directly related to the price of gold. Historically, the price of gold has
fluctuated widely. The gold price is affected by numerous factors over which we have no control.
See Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors Risks Relating to Our Operations The
profitability of our operations, and the cash flows generated by our operations, are affected by
changes in the market price for gold which in the past has fluctuated widely.
We have followed a hedging strategy the aim of which is to secure a minimum price which is
sufficient to protect us in periods of significant capital expenditure and debt finance, while at
the same time allowing significant exposure to the spot gold price. Accordingly, we have made use
of hedging arrangements. Under the terms of the Morila project loan, we were required to hedge 50%
of approximately 36% of Morilas first 5 years of production. The last remaining hedges were
closed out during 2004.
Our prior financing arrangements for the development of Loulo included provisions for gold
price protection. Although the facility was fully repaid in December 2007, these instruments are
still in place. At December 31, 2009, 41,748 ounces had been sold forward at an average price of
$500 per ounce. This represents approximately 10% of planned production at Loulo and 7% of the
groups production for the period ending December 2010.
Significant changes in the price of gold over a sustained period of time may lead us to
increase or decrease our production, which could have a material impact on our revenues.
53
Our Realized Gold Price
The following table sets out the average, high and low afternoon London Bullion Market fixing
price of gold and our average US dollar realized gold price during the years ended December 31,
2009, 2008 and 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Average |
|
|
972 |
|
|
|
871 |
|
|
|
695 |
|
High |
|
|
1,213 |
|
|
|
1,011 |
|
|
|
841 |
|
Low |
|
|
810 |
|
|
|
712 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
Average realized gold price |
|
|
893 |
(1) |
|
|
792 |
(1) |
|
|
636 |
(1) |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Our average realized gold price differs from the average gold price as a result of the timing
of our gold deliveries and different realized prices achieved on the hedge book. |
Costs and Expenses
Our operations currently comprise two operations. Mining operations at Loulo are being
conducted by contractors and managed by the company. Morila is currently processing stockpiles
only. Mining ceased in April 2009. Milling operations are undertaken by the groups own
employees. Total cash costs in the year ended December 31, 2009 as defined by guidance issued by
the Gold Institute made up approximately 76% of total costs and expenses and comprised mainly
mining and milling costs, including labor and consumable stores costs. Consumable stores costs
include diesel and reagent costs. Contractor costs represented 39% of total cash costs, with
diesel and reagent costs making up 25% of total cash costs. Direct labor costs accounted for
approximately 5% of total cash costs. For a definition of total cash costs, please refer to Item
3 Key Information.
The price of diesel acquired for the Morila and Loulo operations increased during the year
ended December 31, 2008 which negatively impacted total cash costs. In 2009, the price of diesel
has significantly declined. Should these prices increase again, this could significantly impact
total cash costs mainly as a result of the high volume of diesel consumed to generate power and to
run the mining fleet. A significant portion of the costs at Loulo and Morila are denominated in CFA
and therefore costs are exposed to fluctuations in the Euro/dollar exchange rate. The increase in
the Euro against the dollar during 2009 impacted negatively on our costs. The remainder of our
total costs and expenses consists primarily of amortization and depreciation, exploration costs,
exchange losses, interest expense and general administration or corporate charges.
Looking Forward
Loulos 2010 production is expected to be approximately 400,000 ounces. The underground
mining at Yalea is making steady progress and is expected to ramp up to full production during the
year. Development of the second underground mine at Gara has commenced and first ore is expected
to be produced by the end of 2010. At the same time we continue to explore in and around Loulo,
and as noted earlier, have identified a number of promising exploration targets, in addition to the
Gounkoto project located 25 kilometers to the south of Loulo.
The current mine plan at Morila anticipates production for 2010 to be approximately 225,000
ounces, with the lower grade stockpiles being processed until 2013. This will ensure the mine
continues to be a significant cash generator for the group, despite the fact that the reported cash
costs will be higher, owing to the accounting adjustment relating to the stockpiles.
Tongon is expected to come into production at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2010, and
annual production for 2010 is estimated at approximately 75,000 ounces.
Notwithstanding the additional non-cash adjustments relating to the Morila stockpiles,
management is targeting total cash costs per ounce for the group, after royalties and taxes, of
approximately $500/oz for the year, assuming current prevailing oil price and euro-dollar exchange
rates, which movements have a significant impact on operating costs. Following our success in our
exploration efforts, exploration expenditure in 2010 is expected to remain high, especially at
Gounkoto, where prefeasibility drilling is currently ongoing as part of the finalization of this
study at the end of the first quarter. We will also incur significant capital expenditure on the
Massawa feasibility project in Senegal, anticipated to be concluded by the end of the year, and at
Kibali in the DRC, where further work is ongoing to update the existing feasibility study
previously prepared by Moto. Assuming a successful prefeasibility study at Gounkoto, further
expenditure is anticipated after the first quarter and then capitalized expenditure during the
remainder of the year as part of the feasibility study which is expected to be completed by the end
of the year.
We continue to retain our focus on organic growth through discovery and development of world
class orebodies. Notwithstanding this core strategy, management will routinely engage in reviewing
corporate and asset acquisition opportunities, focused on gold in Africa.
54
Critical Accounting Policies
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in note 2 to our consolidated
financial statements. Some of our accounting policies require the application of significant
judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial
estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty and
are based on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, managements view on trends in
the gold mining industry and information from outside sources.
Management believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect the more
significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements and could potentially impact our financial results and future financial performance.
Joint Venture Accounting
We account for our investment in joint ventures by incorporating our proportionate share of
the joint ventures assets, liabilities, income, expenses and cash flows in the consolidated
financial statements under appropriate headings. Should this method of accounting not be permitted
in the future, the results of each joint venture would need to be equity accounted. This would
require the recognition in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, on a separate line,
of our share of the joint ventures profit or loss for the year. Our interest in the joint venture
would be carried on the statement of financial position at an amount which would reflect our share
of the net assets of the joint venture.
This would result in a presentation of our statement of financial position and statement of
comprehensive income that differs significantly from the current presentation, but would have no
impact on our net income or our net asset value.
Depreciation and Amortization of Mining Assets
Depreciation and amortization charges are calculated using the units of production method and
are based on tonnes processed through the plant as a percentage of total expected tonnes to be
processed over the lives of our mines. A unit is considered to be produced at the time it is
physically removed from the mine. The lives of the mines are based on proven and probable reserves
as determined in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commissions industry guide number 7.
The estimates of the total expected future lives of our mines could be materially different from
the actual amounts of gold mined in the future and the actual lives of the mines due to changes in
the factors used in determining our mineral reserves. These factors could include: (i) an
expansion of proven and probable reserves through exploration activities; (ii) differences between
estimated and actual cash costs of mining, due to differences in grade, metal recovery rates and
foreign currency exchange rates; and (iii) differences between actual gold prices and gold price
assumptions used in the estimation of reserves. Such changes in reserves could similarly impact
the useful lives of assets depreciated on a straight-line basis, where those lives are limited to
the life of the mine, which in turn is limited to the life of the proven and probable reserves.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
Management compares the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment to the recoverable
amount of the assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value
may not be recoverable. In determining if the asset can be recovered, we compare the recoverable
amount to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, we will
record an impairment charge in profit or loss to write down the asset to the recoverable amount.
The recoverable amount is assessed by reference to the higher of value in use (being the net
present value of expected future cash flows of the relevant case generating unit) and fair value
less cost to sell. To determine the value in use amount, management makes its best estimate of
the future cash inflows that will be obtained each year over the life of the mine and discounts the
cash flow by a rate that is based on the time value of money adjusted for the risk associated with
the applicable project. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level
for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from
other asset groups. With the exception of mine-related exploration potential, all assets at a
particular operation are considered together for purposes of estimating future cash flows.
These reviews are based on projections of anticipated future cash flows to be generated by
utilizing the long-lived assets. While management believes that these estimates of future cash
flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding projected gold prices and production costs as
discussed above under depreciation and amortization of mining assets could materially affect the
anticipated cash flows to be generated by the long-lived assets. The ability to achieve the
estimated quantities of recoverable minerals from exploration stage mineral interests involves
further risks in addition to those factors applicable to mineral interests where proven and
probable reserves have been identified, due to the lower level of confidence that the identified
mineralized material can ultimately be mined economically.
55
Hedging and Financial Derivatives
We account for our hedging and financial derivatives in accordance with International
Accounting Standard No. 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, or IAS 39. The
determination of the fair value of hedging instruments and financial derivatives, when
marked-to-market, takes into account estimates such as projected interest rates under prevailing
market conditions, depending on the nature of the hedging and financial derivatives.
These estimates may differ materially from actual gold prices, interest rates and foreign
currency exchange rates prevailing at the maturity dates of the hedging and financial derivatives
and, therefore, may materially influence the values assigned to the hedging and financial
derivatives, which may result in a charge to or an increase in our earnings at the maturity date of
the hedging and financial derivatives. Certain hedging and financial derivatives are accounted for
as cash flow hedges, whereby the effective portion of changes in fair market value of these
instruments are deferred in other reserves and will be recognized in profit or loss when the
underlying production designated as the hedged item is sold. All derivative contracts qualifying
for hedge accounting are designated against the applicable portion of future production from proven
and probable reserves, where management believes the forecasted transaction is probable of
occurring. To the extent that management determines that such future production is no longer
probable of occurring due to changes in the factors impacting the determination of reserves, as
discussed above under amortization of mining assets, gains and losses deferred in other reserves
would be reclassified to profit or loss immediately.
Environmental Rehabilitation Costs
We provide for environmental rehabilitation costs and related liabilities based on our
interpretations of current environmental and regulatory standards with reference to World Bank
guidelines. Final environmental rehabilitation obligations are estimated based on these
interpretations and in line with responsible programs undertaken by similar operations elsewhere in
the world. While management believes that the environmental rehabilitation provisions made are
adequate and that the interpretations applied are appropriate, the amounts estimated may differ
materially from the costs that will actually be incurred to rehabilitate our mine sites in the
future.
Exploration and evaluation costs
We expense all exploration and evaluation expenditures until the directors conclude that a
future economic benefit is more likely than not of being realized, i.e. probable. While the
criteria for concluding that an expenditure should be capitalized are always probable, the
information that the directors use to make that determination depends on the level of exploration.
Exploration and evaluation expenditure on greenfield sites, being those where we do not have
any mineral deposits which are already being mined or developed, is expensed until such time as our
directors have sufficient information to determine that future economic benefits are probable,
after which the expenditure is capitalized within development costs. The information required by
directors is typically a final feasibility study, however, a prefeasibility study may be deemed to
be sufficient where the additional work required to prepare a final feasibility study is not
significant.
Exploration and evaluation expenditure on brownfield sites, being those adjacent to mineral
deposits which are already being mined or developed, is expensed as incurred until our directors
are able to demonstrate that future economic benefits are probable through the completion of a
prefeasibility study, after which the expenditure is capitalized as a mine development cost. A
prefeasibility study consists of a comprehensive study of the viability of a mineral project that
has advanced to a stage where the mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit
configuration, in the case of an open pit, has been established, and which, if an effective method
of mineral processing has been determined, includes a financial analysis based on reasonable
assumptions of technical, engineering, operating economic factors and the evaluation of other
relevant factors. The prefeasibility study, when combined with existing knowledge of the mineral
property that is adjacent to mineral deposits that are already being mined or developed, allow the
directors to conclude that it is more likely than not that the group will obtain future economic
benefit from the expenditures.
Exploration and evaluation expenditure relating to extensions of mineral deposits which are
already being mined or developed, including expenditure on the definition of mineralization of such
mineral deposits, is capitalized as a mine development cost following the completion of an economic
evaluation equivalent to a prefeasibility study. This economic evaluation is distinguished from a
prefeasibility study in that some of the information that would normally be determined in a
prefeasibility study is instead obtained from the existing mine or development. This information
when combined with existing knowledge of the mineral property already being mined or developed
allow our directors to conclude that more likely than not we will obtain future economic benefit
from the expenditures. Costs relating to property acquisitions are also capitalized. These costs
are capitalized within development costs or mineral property intangible assets, as appropriate.
56
Receivables
Receivables are recognized initially at fair value. There is a rebuttable presumption that
the transaction price is fair value unless this could be refuted by reference to market indicators.
Subsequently, receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less
provision for impairment. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when
there is objective evidence that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the
original terms of receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that
the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization, and default or delinquency in
payments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired.
The amount of the provision is the difference between the assets carrying amount and the
present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate. The
amount of the provision is recognized in profit or loss.
Share-based payments
The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of options or
shares after November 7, 2002 is recognized as an expense. The total amount to be expensed over
the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the options or shares determined
at the grant date, excluding the impact of any non-market vesting conditions. Non-market vesting
conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become
exercisable or the number of shares that the employee will ultimately receive. This estimate is
revised at each reporting date and the difference is charged or credited to profit or loss, with a
corresponding adjustment to equity. The proceeds received on exercise of the options net of any
directly attributable transaction costs are credited to equity.
Classification and valuation methodology of auction rate securities (ARS)
The group has applied judgment in the classification of the ARS. These financial assets
consist of ARS with a par value of $49 million and a carrying value of $29 million at December 31,
2009. The trading market for these instruments has become substantially illiquid as a result of
unusual conditions in the credit markets. The company continues to receive interest payable on
these securities. As these investments have been illiquid for more than twelve months and there is
no certainty that they will become liquid within the next twelve months, the assets have been
reclassified into the non-current section of available-for-sale financial assets to more accurately
reflect their nature. Management estimates the fair value of these investments at each reporting
period. Management applies a mark to model valuation method and the model is based upon
observable market inputs. This method relies upon inputs from the ratings agencies in respect of
the underlying collateral, including credit ratings, likelihood of default and recoverability in
the event of default. Management considers the primary indication of the carrying value of the ARS
to be the credit rating and the continued receipt of interest. Where the ARS investments have been
down-graded below investment grade, this is deemed to be an indication of impairment.
Mineral properties
Mineral properties acquired are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Mineral
properties are tested annually for impairment on the same basis that property, plant and equipment
are when there is an indication of impairment. Mineral properties will be amortized on a units of
production basis when the related mine commences production.
Recent accounting pronouncements
The following standards and interpretations which have been recently issued or revised have
not been adopted early by us. Their expected impact is discussed below:
AMENDMENTS TO IFRIC 9 AND IAS 39: EMBEDDED DERIVATIVES (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON
OR AFTER JUNE 30, 2009).
This amendment clarifies the treatment of embedded derivatives in host contracts that are
reclassified out of fair value through profit or loss following the changes introduced by the
Amendments to IAS 39 and IFRS 7: Reclassification of Financial Instruments. We will apply
Amendments to IFRIC 9 and IAS 39 from January 1, 2010, but it is not expected to have any
significant impact on our accounts.
REVISED IFRS 3: BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JULY 1,
2009).
The basic approach of the existing IFRS 3 to apply acquisition accounting in all cases and identify
an acquirer is retained in this revised version of the standard. It also includes much of the
current guidance for the identification and recognition of intangible assets separately from
goodwill. However, in some respects the revised standard may result in very significant changes,
including: The requirement to write off all acquisition costs to profit or loss instead of
including them in the cost of investment; the requirement to recognize an intangible asset even if
it cannot be reliably measured; and, an option to gross up the statement of financial position for
57
goodwill attributable to minority interests (which are renamed non-controlling interests). The
revised standard does not require the restatement of previous business combinations. IFRS 3(R)
must be adopted at the same time as the Amendment to IAS 27. We will apply revised IFRS 3 from
January 1, 2010, but it is not expected to have any significant impact on our accounts.
AMENDMENT TO IAS 27: CONSOLIDATED AND SEPARATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS
BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2009).
This amendment affects in particular the acquisition of subsidiaries achieved in stages and
disposals of interests, with significant differences in the accounting depending on whether or not
control is obtained as a result of the transaction, or where a transaction results only in a change
in the percentage of a controlling interest. The amendment does not require the restatement of
previous transactions. The Amendment to IAS 27 must be adopted at the same time as IFRS 3(R). We
will apply the Amendment to IAS 27 from January 1, 2010, but it is not expected to have any
significant impact on our accounts.
AMENDMENT TO IAS 39: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS RECOGNITION AND MEASUREMENT: ELIGIBLE HEDGED ITEMS
(EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2009).
This amendment clarifies how the principles that determine whether a hedged risk or portion of cash
flows is eligible for designation should be applied in the designation of a one-sided risk in a
hedged item, and inflation in a financial hedged item. We will apply the Amendment to IAS 39 from
January 1, 2010, but it is not expected to have any significant impact on our accounts.
IFRIC 17: DISTRIBUTIONS OF NON-CASH ASSETS TO OWNERS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR
AFTER JULY 1, 2009).
Prior to this interpretation, IFRSs did not address how an entity should measure distributions of
assets other than cash. Non-cash dividends payable were sometimes recognized at the carrying
amount of the assets to be distributed and sometimes at their fair value. The interpretation
clarifies that: (a) A dividend payable should be recognized when the dividend is appropriately
authorized and is no longer at the discretion of the entity; (b) that an entity should measure the
dividend payable at the fair value of the net assets to be distributed; and, (c) that an entity
should recognize the difference between the dividend paid and the carrying amount of the net assets
distributed in profit or loss. This interpretation also requires an entity to provide additional
disclosures if the net assets being held for distribution to owners meet the definition of a
discontinued operation. IFRIC 17 applies to pro rata distributions of non-cash assets except for
common control transactions. It does not have to be applied retrospectively. We will apply IFRIC
17 from January 1, 2010, but it is not expected to have any significant impact on our accounts.
IFRIC 18: TRANSFER OF ASSETS FROM CUSTOMERS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER
JULY 1, 2009).
This interpretation clarifies the treatment of agreements in which an entity receives from a
customer an item of property, plant and equipment (or cash which must be used only to acquire or
construct an item of property, plant and equipment) that the entity must then use either to connect
the customer to a network or to provide the customer with ongoing access to a supply of goods or
services. This interpretation clarifies whether and when an asset should be recognized, and how it
should be measured. It also clarifies how revenue arising from such a transaction should be
recognized. We will apply IFRIC 18 from January 1, 2010, but it is not expected to have any
significant impact on our accounts.
IMPROVEMENTS TO IFRSs: 2010 (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2010).
The improvements in this amendment clarify the requirements of IFRSs and eliminate inconsistencies
within and between standards. We will apply the improvements from January 1, 2010, but it is not
expected to have any significant impact on our accounts.
AMENDMENTS TO IFRS 2: GROUP CASH-SETTLED SHARE-BASED PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL
PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2010).
This amendment clarifies that, where a parent (or another group entity) has an obligation to make a
cash-settled share-based payment to another group entitys employees or suppliers, the entity
receiving the goods or services should account for the transaction as equity-settled. The
amendment also moves the IFRIC 11 requirements in respect of equity-settled share-based payment
transactions among group entities and the clarification of the scope of IFRS 2 contained within
IFRIC 8 into IFRS 2 itself. We will apply the Amendments to IFRS 2 from January 1, 2010, but it is
not expected to have any significant impact on our accounts.
AMENDMENTS TO IFRS 1: ADDITIONAL EXEMPTIONS FOR FIRST-TIME ADOPTERS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS
BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2010).
These amendments introduce two further transitional reliefs into IFRS 1: A first-time adopter
which under previous GAAP accounted for exploration and development costs for oil and gas
properties in the development or production phases in cost centers that include all properties in a
large geographical area may, subject to certain conditions, elect to measure oil and gas assets at
the date of transition
58
to IFRSs at the amount determined under its previous GAAP; and, where a first-time adopter made the
same determination of whether an arrangement contained a lease in accordance with previous GAAP as
that required by IFRIC 4 but at a date other than that required by IFRIC 4, it need not reassess
that determination when it adopts IFRSs. The amendments to IFRS 1 are not applicable to us, as we
already prepare our financial statements in accordance with IFRS.
AMENDMENT TO IAS 32: CLASSIFICATION OF RIGHTS ISSUES (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR
AFTER FEBRUARY 1, 2010).
This amendment addresses the accounting for rights issues (rights, options or warrants) that are
denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the issuer. Previously such rights
issues were accounted for as derivative liabilities. However, the amendment requires that,
provided the entity offers the rights, options or warrants pro rata to all of its existing owners
of the same class of its own non-derivative equity instruments, such rights issues are classified
as equity regardless of the currency in which the exercise price is denominated. We will apply the
Amendments to IFRS 32 from January 1, 2011, but it is not expected to have any significant impact
on our accounts.
IFRIC 19: EXTINGUISHING FINANCIAL LIABILITIES WITH EQUITY INSTRUMENTS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS
BEGINNING ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 2010).
This interpretation addresses transactions in which an entity issues equity instruments to a
creditor in return for the extinguishment of all or part of a financial liability. Broadly, it
applies to transactions where the two parties are acting only in their capacity as lender and
borrower. It does not address the appropriate treatment for the creditor and does not apply to
arrangements in which liabilities are extinguished in return for equity instruments in accordance
with the original terms of the financial liability. We will apply IFRIC 19 from January 1, 2011,
but it is not expected to have any significant impact on our accounts.
REVISED IAS 24: RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER
JANUARY 1, 2011).
The revision to IAS 24 is in response to concerns that the previous disclosure requirements and the
definition of a related party were too complex and difficult to apply in practice, especially in
environments where government control is pervasive. We will apply the revised IAS 24 from January
1, 2011, but it is not expected to have any significant impact on our accounts.
AMENDMENTS TO IFRIC 14 IAS 19: LIMIT ON A DEFINED BENEFIT ASSET, MINIMUM FUNDING REQUIREMENTS AND
THEIR INTERACTION (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2011).
These amendments apply in the limited circumstances when an entity is subject to minimum funding
requirements and makes an early payment of contributions to cover those requirements. The
amendments permit such an entity to treat the benefit of such an early payment as an asset. We are
currently assessing the impact and will apply the amendment to IFRIC 14 IAS 19 from January 1,
2011, but it is not expected to have any significant impact on our accounts.
IFRS 9: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2013).
IFRS 9 will eventually replace IAS 39 in its entirety. However, the process has been divided into
three main components: Classification and measurement; impairment; and, hedge accounting. As each
phase is completed, it will delete the relevant portions of IAS 39 and create new chapters in IFRS
9. We will apply the amendment to IFRS 9 from January 1, 2013 and we are currently assessing the
impact on our accounts.
We have adopted the following standards which are effective for the first time this year. The
impact is discussed below:
IFRS 8: OPERATING SEGMENTS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
IFRS 8 requires an entity to adopt a management approach in the identification of its operating
segments and its reporting on their financial performance. Generally, the information to be
reported would be what management uses internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding
how to allocate resources to operating segments. Such information may be different from that used
to prepare the statement of comprehensive income and statement of financial position. The standard
also requires an explanation of the basis on which the segment information is prepared and
reconciliations to the amounts recognized in the statement of comprehensive income and statement of
financial position. We have applied IFRS 8 and reviewed its disclosure of operating segments from
January 1, 2009, but it has not had any significant impact on our accounts.
REVISED IFRS 1: FIRST-TIME ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (EFFECTIVE FOR
ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
59
IFRS 1(R) has an improved structure but does not contain any technical changes. The revision is
not applicable to us, as we already prepares our financial statements under IFRS.
AMENDMENT TO IAS 23: BORROWING COSTS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1,
2009).
This amendment removes the option to immediately recognize as an expense borrowing costs that
relate to the construction of qualifying assets (assets that take a substantial period of time to
get ready for use or sale). Instead, an entity will be required to capitalize borrowing costs
whenever the conditions for capitalization are met. The provisions of this amendment are
applicable to borrowing costs relating to qualifying assets for which the commencement date for
capitalization is on or after the effective date of the amendment. We have applied the Amendment to
IAS 23 from January 1, 2009, but it has not had any impact on our accounts.
AMENDMENT TO IFRS 2: SHARE-BASED PAYMENT VESTING CONDITIONS AND CANCELLATIONS (EFFECTIVE FOR
ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
This amendment clarifies that vesting conditions are service conditions and performance conditions
only. Other features of a share-based payment are not vesting conditions. The purpose of making
this distinction is to enable an entity to address the accounting for non-vesting conditions, which
previously were not covered by IFRS 2. Non-vesting conditions must be taken into account when
estimating the fair value of the equity instruments granted; effectively this means that a
non-vesting condition will be treated in the same way as a market vesting condition. The guidance
in IFRS 2 covering the accounting for vesting conditions is not affected by the amendment. The
amendment also specifies that all cancellations, whether by the entity or by other parties, should
receive the same accounting treatment. We have applied IFRS 2 from January 1, 2009, but it has not
had any impact on our accounts.
AMENDMENTS TO IAS 1: PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A REVISED PRESENTATION (EFFECTIVE FOR
ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
The Amendment to IAS 1 principally affects the presentation of the primary statements. An entity
will be required to present, as a primary statement, a statement of changes in equity, in which all
owner changes in equity are included. Under this amendment, all non-owner changes in equity (i.e.
comprehensive income) are to be presented either in single primary statement (a statement of
comprehensive income) or in two separate primary statements (a statement of comprehensive income
and statement of other comprehensive income). An analysis of the tax effect of items recognized in
other comprehensive income must also be included either in the primary statement or as a note. In
addition, an opening comparative statement of financial position must be included when there is a
change in accounting policy. The amendment does not change the recognition or measurement of
transactions and balances in the financial statements. We have applied the amendment to IAS 1 from
January 1, 2009, but the only impact on our financial statements was presentational.
AMENDMENTS TO IAS 32 AND IAS 1: PUTTABLE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS ARISING ON
LIQUIDATION (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
These amendments result in certain types of financial instrument that meet the definition of a
liability, but represent the residual interest in the net assets of the entity, being classified as
equity. The amendments require entities to classify the following types of financial instruments
as equity, provided they have particular features and meet specific conditions: (a) Puttable
financial instruments; and, (b) instruments, or components of instruments, that impose on the
entity an obligation to deliver to another party a pro rata share of the net assets of the entity
only on liquidation. We have applied the Amendment to IAS 32 and IAS 1 from January 1,2009, but it
has not had any impact on our accounts.
AMENDMENTS OF IFRS 1 AND IAS 27: COST OF AN INVESTMENT IN A SUBSIDIARY, JOINTLY-CONTROLLED ENTITY
OR ASSOCIATE (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
These amendments allow a first-time adopter that, in its separate financial statements, elects to
measure its investments in subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities or associates at cost, to
initially recognize these investments either at cost determined in accordance with IAS 27 or deemed
cost (being either its fair value at the date of transition to IFRSs or its previous GAAP carrying
amount at that date). The amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 27 are not applicable to us as we already prepare our financial
statements in accordance with IFRS.
AMENDMENTS TO IFRS 7: IMPROVING DISCLOSURES ABOUT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL
PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
This amendment requires the analysis of each class of financial asset and financial liability that
is measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, into a three level fair value
measurement hierarchy. It requires additional disclosures in respect of those financial
instruments classified as Level Three (namely those that are measured using a valuation technique
which uses inputs that are not based on observable market data). It also implements some changes
to the definition of and disclosures associated with
60
liquidity risk. We have applied the amendment to IFRS 7 from January 1, 2009, as a result of which
additional disclosures are included in note 22 to the consolidated financial statements.
IMPROVEMENTS TO IFRSs: 2009 (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
The improvements in this amendment clarify the requirements of IFRSs and eliminate inconsistencies
between standards. The most significant changes cover the following issues: The classification of
assets and liabilities as held for sale where a non-controlling interest is retained; accounting by
companies that routinely sells assets previously held for rental to others; accounting for loans
given at a nil or below market rate of interest; the reversal of impairments against investments in
associates accounted for using the equity method; the timing of expense recognition for costs
incurred on advertising and other promotional activity; and, accounting for properties in the
course of construction. We have applied the improvements to the IFRSs from January 1, 2009, but it
has not had any significant impact on our accounts.
IFRIC 15: AGREEMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF REAL ESTATE (EFFECTIVE FOR ANNUAL PERIODS BEGINNING ON
OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009).
This Interpretation clarifies the definition of a construction contract, the interaction between
IAS 11 and IAS 18, and provides guidance on how to account for revenue when the agreement for the
construction of real estate falls within the scope of IAS 18. For some entities, the
interpretation may give rise to a shift from the recognition of revenue over the construction
period using, for example, the percentage of completion method to the recognition of revenue at a
single point in time (e.g. at completion, or on delivery). Affected agreements will mainly be
those accounted for in accordance with IAS 11 that do not meet the definition of a construction
contract as interpreted by the IFRIC and do not result in a continuous transfer (i.e. agreements
in which the entity transfers to the buyer control and the significant risks and rewards of
ownership of the work in progress in its current state as construction progresses). We have
applied IFRIC 15 from January 1, 2009, but it has not had any impact on our accounts.
Our operating and financial review and prospects should be read in conjunction with our
consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes thereto, and other financial information
appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
Total revenue
Total revenues from gold sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased by $94.2
million, or 28%, from $338.6 million to $432.8 million. This is mainly due to a 14% increase in
attributable production to 488,255 ounces year on year, as well as an increase in the average gold
price received of $101/oz from $792/oz in 2008 to $893/oz in 2009.
Other Income
Other income of $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $4.2 million for the
year ended December 31, 2008. Other income for 2009 included management fees received from Morila
($2 million net of eliminations) since we assumed operations of the mine from February 15, 2008
(2008: $2 million). Other income also included a profit of $10.7 million (2008: $0) realized on
the sale of the Kiaka project in Burkina Faso. This was partially offset by foreign exchange
losses included in other income during 2009.
Costs and Expenses
Total Cash Costs
The following table sets out our total ounces produced and total cash cost and production cost
per ounce for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
Ounces |
|
|
$ Per Ounce |
|
|
Ounces |
|
|
$ Per Ounce |
|
Morila (40% share) cash costs |
|
|
136,664 |
|
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
170,331 |
|
|
|
400 |
|
Loulo (100% share) cash costs |
|
|
351,591 |
|
|
|
522 |
|
|
|
258,095 |
|
|
|
511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total ounces (attributable production) |
|
|
488,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
428,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
Group total cash costs* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
467 |
|
Total production costs per ounce under IFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
569 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
For a definition of cash costs, please see Item 3. Key Information A. Selected Financial
Data. |
|
|
|
Total production cost includes total cash costs and also the depreciation and amortization
cost which is discussed below. |
61
Total cash costs for the year ended December 31, 2009 of $249.2 million increased by 25% from
2008, mainly due to the incremental increases associated with higher production, increased open
cast mining costs at Loulo and the full transitioning of Morila into a stockpile treatment
operation. The total cash costs per ounce of $510/oz increased by 9% year on year.
Royalties increased by $5.7 million, or 29%, to $25.4 million for the year ended December 31,
2009 from $19.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increased royalties reflect
increased gold sales and a higher gold price received.
Other mining and processing costs comprise various expenses associated with providing on mine
administration support services to the Morila and Loulo mine. These charges amounted to $19.1
million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $13.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2008. The increase in other mining and processing costs also reflect the increase in operating
activity at Loulo resulting from the development of the underground mines.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization of $28.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compares
to $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. This includes depreciation charged at both
operations. The increase in depreciation year on year is a result of the increase in capital
expenditure at Loulo as a result of the development of the underground mines and the amortization
of the capital items in use during 2009. Capital expenditure at Tongon has not attracted
depreciation during 2009, as the mine development is currently in the construction phase.
Exploration and Corporate Expenditure
Exploration and corporate expenditure was $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009,
and $45.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase during 2009 was due to the
increase in exploration expenditure during the year as a result of continued commitment to
exploration and prefeasibility drilling, especially at the Massawa project in Senegal.
Other expenses
Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 of $0.24 million and $0.36 million for the
year ended December 31, 2009 both consisted of an increase in the loss related to the ineffective
portion of hedging contracts.
Finance Income
Finance income amounts consist primarily of interest received on cash held at banks ($1.9
million), as well as exchange gains on financing activities ($1.6 million). Finance income of $3.4
million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $9.3 million for the year ended December
31, 2008. The decrease in finance income was due to a lower effective interest rate for 2009
(0.35%) compared to 2008 (2.7%). This was partially offset by higher cash balances during 2009
compared to 2008, resulting from the $329.7 million capital raising that was concluded in August
2009.
Finance costs
Finance costs for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $1.9 million compared to finance costs
for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $3.3 million. Finance costs for the year ended December 31,
2008 included net foreign exchange losses on financing activities of $1.3 million, while a net
foreign exchange gain of $1.6 million was achieved during the year ended December 31, 2009 and
included in finance income.
Provision for financial assets
At the end of 2007, we transferred $49.0 million from cash and cash equivalents to
available-for-sale financial assets which were attributable to our portfolio of ARS. The trading
market for these instruments has become substantially illiquid as a result of the current
conditions in the credit markets. During 2009, following the continued deterioration of the
underlying credit ratings of the collateral of certain of the ARS, we have provided $9.6 million
(2008: $10.4 million) against these assets, and the assets have been reclassified into the
non-current section of available-for-sale financial assets during 2008. We continue to receive
interest on all but one of the ARS instruments in which we are invested.
Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense amounted to $21.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and
$24.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease in the tax expense is the result
of a decrease in profit before tax at Morila. Morila SA benefited from a five year tax holiday
until November 14, 2005. Loulo SA also benefits from a five year tax holiday in Mali. The tax
holiday
62
commenced on November 8, 2005. Under Malian tax law, income tax is based on the greater of
35% taxable income or 0.75% of gross revenue.
Non-controlling interests
The non-controlling interests for the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 represent
the Malian Governments 20% share of the profits at Loulo since production commenced in November
2005 and Okimos share of Kibali. We have 45% interest in Kibali, but as we gross proportionally
consolidate our interest, as at December 31, 2009 we recognized 50% of Kibali and a 5%
non-controlling interest.
Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
Total revenue
Total revenues from gold sales for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased by $55.8
million, or 20%, from $282.8 million to $338.6 million. This was mainly due to a year on year
increase in the average gold price received of $156/oz from $636/oz in 2007 to $792/oz in 2008.
Other Income
Other income of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $1.0 million for
the year ended December 31, 2007. Other income for 2008 includes management fees received from
Morila ($2.0 million net of eliminations) since we assumed operations of the mine from February 15,
2008. Other income also included net exchange gains on operations of $1.3 million.
Costs and Expenses
Total Cash Costs
The following table sets out our total ounces produced and total cash cost and production cost
per ounce for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
Ounces |
|
|
$ Per Ounce |
|
|
Ounces |
|
|
$ Per Ounce |
|
Morila (40% share) cash costs |
|
|
170,331 |
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
179,926 |
|
|
|
332 |
|
Loulo (100% share) cash costs |
|
|
258,095 |
|
|
|
511 |
|
|
|
264,647 |
|
|
|
372 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total ounces (attributable production) |
|
|
428,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
444,573 |
|
|
|
|
|
Group total cash cost* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
467 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
356 |
|
Total production cost per ounce under IFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
403 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
For a definition of cash costs, please see Item 3. Key Information A. Selected Financial
Data. |
|
|
|
Total production cost includes total cash costs and also the depreciation and amortization
cost which is discussed below. |
Total cash costs for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $200 million increased by 26% from
2007, mainly due to cost pressures associated with the high consumable input prices, especially oil
prices, together with a stronger Euro/Dollar exchange rate as well as the increase in tonnes mined
at Loulo. The total cash cost per ounce of $467/oz increased by 31% year on year.
Royalties increased by $1.4 million, or 8%, to $19.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2008 from $18.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increased royalties reflect
increased gold sales and a higher gold price received.
Other mining and processing costs comprise various expenses associated with providing on mine
administration support services to the Morila and Loulo mine. These charges amounted to $13.7
million for the year ended December 31, 2008 and to $13.6 million for the year ended December 31,
2007.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization of $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared
to $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This includes depreciation charged at both
operations.
Exploration and Corporate Expenditure
Exploration and corporate expenditure was $45.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008,
and $35.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Drilling programs were undertaken in all
six African countries where we are active, but especially at the Massawa project in Senegal, where
a scoping study was being undertaken. The increase during 2008 was further due to executive
63
bonuses being higher than what was paid in 2007 as a result of the substantial growth in the
share price during the first quarter of 2008. Bonuses were paid in April each year and accrued
over the preceding April to March period. During 2008, the bonus accrual period was furthermore
changed to a calendar year basis.
Other expenses
Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $0.4 million consisted of an increase
in the loss related to the ineffective portion of hedging contracts. Other expenses of $5 million
for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily consisted of exchange losses and relate primarily to
Loulo and Morila and resulted from the weakening of the Dollar against other currencies in which
goods and services are denominated, as well as a tax adjustment mainly related to payroll and
withholding taxes at Morila of $3.2 million.
Finance Income
Finance income amounts consisted primarily of interest received on cash held at banks, as well
as exchange gains on financing activities. Finance income of $9.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2008 is in line with the $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The
effective interest rate for 2008 of 2.7% was lower than the 5.1% which was achieved in 2007,
however, cash balances were higher during 2008 compared to 2007, resulting from the $240 million
capital raising in November 2007.
Finance costs
Finance costs for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $3.3 million compared to the finance
cost for the year ended December 31, 2007 of $5.8 million, and the decrease year on year is mainly
the result of the full repayment of the corporate revolving credit facility of $40.8 million at the
beginning of December 2007. The $60 million corporate facility was cancelled during 2009. This
was partially offset by an increase in net foreign exchange losses on investment balances
denominated in Euro and South African Rand of $1.3 million, as a result of the weakening of the
Euro and South African Rand against the Dollar.
Provision for financial assets
At the end of 2007, we transferred $49.0 million from cash and cash equivalents to
available-for-sale financial assets which was attributable to our portfolio of ARS. The trading
market for these instruments has become substantially illiquid as a result of the unusual
conditions in the credit markets. During 2008, following the deterioration of the underlying
credit ratings of the collateral of certain of the ARS, we have provided $10.4 million (2007: $0)
against these assets. The ARS were reclassified during 2008 as non-current available-for-sale
financial assets. We received interest on all of the ARS investments during 2008.
Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense amounted to $24.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 and $21.3
million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase in the tax expense is the result of a
increase in profit before tax at Morila. Morila SA benefited from a five year tax holiday until
November 14, 2005. Loulo SA also benefits from a five year tax holiday in Mali. The tax holiday
commenced on November 8, 2005. Under Malian tax law, income tax is based on the greater of 35%
taxable income or 0.75% of gross revenue.
Non-controlling interests
The non-controlling interests for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
represented the Malian Governments 20% share of the profits at Loulo since production commenced in
November 2005.
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Resources
The group had $589.7 million cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2009
and $257.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Operating Activities
Net cash generated from operating activities was $63.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2009 and $57.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The $6.2 million increase was due
mainly to the changes in operating working capital items, offset by movements in the actual tax
paid for 2009 compared to 2008. Cash flows related to trade and other payables increased
significantly ($25.6 million) from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009, mainly due to the timing
of payments of creditors. Cash flows related to receivables decreased by $73.7 million during 2009
and increased by $8.6 million during 2008, mainly as a result of the timing of receipts of gold
sales and loans made to contractors.
64
Net cash provided by operating activities was $57.5 million for the year ended December 31,
2008 and $62.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The $4.7 million decrease was mainly
the result of the changes in operating working capital items, as well as movements in the actual
tax paid for 2008 compared to 2007
Investing
Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 utilized $82.4 million compared to
$85 million utilized for the year ended December 31, 2008. Investing activities in 2009 consisted
primarily of expenditures incurred on the underground development work at Loulo amounting to $74
million at Yalea and Gara, crusher upgrade stockpile reclaim facility, overland conveyer
expenditure, power plant expansion and the oxygen plant expansion at Loulo. Capital expenditure at
Tongon included costs related to earthworks, site establishment, infrastructure, design and
engineering, as well as progress payments on the mills, crushers and fleet amounting to $120
million. Investing activities also includes the acquisition of the Moto group as well as the
acquisition of a further 10% interest in the Kibali project amounting to $56 million. The overall
net cash inflow in respect of the acquisition of Moto and Kibali was $114 million as a result of
the joint agreement with AngloGold in which they paid cash for their share of the acquisition.
We believe that based on our current cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $589.7
million at December 31, 2009 and expected operating cash flows, the current conditions in the
credit and capital markets will not have a material impact on our liquidity or our ability to fund
our operations.
Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 utilized $85 million compared to
$96.9 million utilized for the year ended December 31, 2007 and consisted primarily of expenditures
incurred on the underground development work at Loulo amounting to $33.6 million, power plant
expansion of $4.2 million, upgrades to the crushing plant and expenditure on the overland conveyer,
stockpile and tailings facilities of $21.6 million, expenditures related to the Tongon project
amounting to $23 million and consisting primarily of down payments on the mills and mill motors, as
well as site establishment costs and infrastructure improvements.
Financing
Financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 generated $350.8 million. This
comprised mainly of the proceeds from our equity placement in July 2009 ($329.7 million) less a
payment of dividends to our shareholders amounting to $10 million. $32.6 million was further
received on the exercise of share options during 2009.
Financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 utilized $9 million. This comprised
$3.9 million received on exercise of share options offset by a dividend payment of $9 million and
repayment of long term loans of $3.7 million.
Credit and Loan Facilities
During the year ended December 31, 2000, Morila entered into a finance lease for five
Rolls-Royce generators under the terms of a Deferred Terms Agreement between Morila and
Rolls-Royce. The lease is repayable over ten years commencing April 1, 2001 and bears interest at
a variable rate which at December 31, 2009 was approximately 38% (2008: 33%) per annum. Our
attributable share of this finance lease obligation amounted to $1.1 million at December 31, 2009
and $1.8 million at December 31, 2008. We have guaranteed the repayment of the lease.
Morila also has a finance lease with Air Liquide relating to three oxygen generating units.
The lease is payable over 10 years commencing December 1, 2000 and bears interest at a variable
rate which at December 31, 2009 stood at approximately 3.09%. (2008: 3.09%).
Somilo SA has a $0.6 million loan from the Government of Mali. This loan is uncollateralized
and bears interest at the base rate of the Central Bank of West African States plus 2% per annum.
The accrual of interest ceased in the last quarter of 2005 per mutual agreement between
shareholders. This loan is repayable from cash flows of the Loulo mine after the repayment of all
other loans.
The Loulo project finance loan was arranged by NM Rothschild & Sons Limited and SG Corporate &
Investment Banking, who were joined in the facility by Absa Bank and HVB Group, and was repaid in
December 2007.
The Loulo project finance facility was replaced in May of 2007 with a $60 million corporate
revolving credit facility to Randgold Resources (Somilo) Limited. The facility was with NM
Rothschild, Société Générale, Fortis and Barclays. It carried interest at rates of between LIBOR +
1.4% and LIBOR + 1.6%. The facility was fully repaid in December 2007. The corporate facility was
cancelled during the year.
Loulo had a Euro denominated Caterpillar finance facility relating to fifteen 3512B HD
generator sets and ancillary equipment purchased from JA Delmas and financed by a loan from
Caterpillar Finance. The lease was payable quarterly over 42 months commencing on August 1, 2005,
and bore interest at a fixed rate of 6.03% per annum. Together with Randgold Resources (Somilo)
65
Limited, we jointly guaranteed the repayment of this lease. The average lease payments of
$0.5 million were payable in installments over the term of the lease.
Corporate, Exploration, Development and New Business Expenditures
Our expenditures on corporate, exploration, development and new business activities for the
past three years are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
$000 |
|
Area |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Rest of Africa |
|
|
430 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
194 |
|
Burkina Faso |
|
|
653 |
|
|
|
1,886 |
|
|
|
1,537 |
|
Mali |
|
|
3,484 |
|
|
|
4,334 |
|
|
|
5,544 |
|
Tanzania |
|
|
236 |
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
|
|
1,439 |
|
Côte dIvoire |
|
|
2,360 |
|
|
|
2,129 |
|
|
|
6,745 |
|
Senegal |
|
|
14,330 |
|
|
|
4,768 |
|
|
|
2,046 |
|
Ghana |
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
846 |
|
|
|
740 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total exploration expenditure |
|
|
21,829 |
|
|
|
15,268 |
|
|
|
18,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate expenditure |
|
|
29,282 |
|
|
|
29,895 |
|
|
|
17,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total exploration and corporate expenditure |
|
|
51,111 |
|
|
|
45,163 |
|
|
|
35,920 |
|
The Group has various exploration programs, ranging from substantial to early stage in Mali,
Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Working Capital
Management believes that our working capital resources, by way of internal sources are
sufficient to fund our currently foreseeable future business requirements.
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
We are not involved in any research and development and have no registered patents or
licenses.
D. TREND INFORMATION
Our financial results are subject to the movement in gold prices. In the past fiscal year,
the general trend has been upwards and this has had an impact on revenues. However it should be
noted that fluctuations in the price of gold remain a distinct risk to us.
Gold Market
The gold market is relatively liquid compared with many other commodity markets, with the
price of gold generally quoted in US dollars. The physical demand for gold is primarily for
fabrication purposes, and gold is traded on a world-wide basis. Fabricated gold has a variety of
uses, including jewelry, electronics, dentistry, decorations, medals and official coins. In
addition, central banks, financial institutions and private individuals buy, sell and hold gold
bullion as an investment and as a store of value.
Historically, gold has been used as a store of value because it tends to retain its value in
relative terms against basic goods in times of inflation and monetary crisis. Therefore, large
quantities of gold in relation to annual mine production are held for this purpose. This has meant
that, historically, the potential total supply of gold has been far greater than annual demand.
Thus, while current supply and demand play some part in determining the price of gold, this does
not occur to the same extent as for other commodities.
Instead, gold prices have been significantly affected, from time to time, by macro-economic
factors such as expectations of inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, changes in reserve
policy by central banks, and global or regional political and economic crises. In times of
inflation, currency devaluation, and political and economic crises, gold has traditionally been
seen as refuge, leading to increased purchases of gold and a support for the price of gold.
Interest rates affect the price of gold on several levels. High real interest rates increase
the cost of holding gold, and discourage physical buying in developed economies. High Dollar
interest rates also make hedging by forward selling attractive because of the higher contango
premiums (differential between LIBOR and gold lease rates) obtained in the forward prices.
Increased forward selling in turn has an impact on the spot price at the time of sale.
Changes in reserve policies of central banks have affected the gold market and gold price on
two levels. On the physical level, a decision by a central bank to decrease or to increase the
percentage of gold in bank reserves leads to either sales or purchases of gold, which in turn has a
direct impact on the physical market for the metal. In practice, sales or purchases by central
banks have often involved substantial tonnages within a short period of time and this
selling/buying can place strong pressure on the markets at the time
66
they occur. As important as the physical impact to official sales, announcements of rumors of
changes in central bank policies which might lead to the sale of gold reserves historically had an
effect on market sentiment and encouraged large speculative positions against gold in the futures
market for the metal.
The volatility of gold prices is illustrated in the following table, which shows the
approximate annual high, low and average of the afternoon London Bullion Market fixing price of
gold in Dollars for the past ten years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price Per Ounce ($) |
|
Year |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
|
Average |
|
2000 |
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
2001 |
|
|
293 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
271 |
|
2002 |
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
2003 |
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
363 |
|
2004 |
|
|
454 |
|
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
409 |
|
2005 |
|
|
537 |
|
|
|
411 |
|
|
|
444 |
|
2006 |
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
604 |
|
2007 |
|
|
841 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
|
|
695 |
|
2008 |
|
|
1,011 |
|
|
|
712 |
|
|
|
871 |
|
2009 |
|
|
1,213 |
|
|
|
810 |
|
|
|
972 |
|
2010 (through February) |
|
|
1,153 |
|
|
|
1,058 |
|
|
|
1107 |
|
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
None.
F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments consist primarily of credit facilities, as
described below. The related obligations as at December 31, 2009 are set out below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
than 1 |
|
|
1-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
More than |
|
Contractual Obligations |
|
Total |
|
|
Year |
|
Years |
|
3-5 Years |
|
|
5 Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital lease obligations(1) |
|
|
1,780 |
|
|
|
1,446 |
|
|
|
334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease obligations |
|
|
2,394 |
|
|
|
342 |
|
|
|
684 |
|
|
|
684 |
|
|
|
684 |
|
Financial liabilities forward gold sales |
|
|
25,312 |
|
|
|
25,312 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Environmental rehabilitation |
|
|
16,916 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
823 |
|
|
|
4,890 |
|
|
|
11,167 |
|
Loans from minority shareholders in subsidiaries |
|
|
2,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations |
|
|
49,347 |
|
|
|
27,136 |
|
|
|
1,841 |
|
|
|
5,574 |
|
|
|
14,796 |
|
Contracts for capital expenditure |
|
|
135,810 |
|
|
|
135,810 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes total interest of $0.5 million calculated at the interest rate existing at year end. |
67
|
|
|
Item 6. |
|
Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Our Articles of Association provide that the board must consist of no less than two and no
more than 20 directors at any time. During 2009, Mr. C.L. Coleman and Mr. J.K. Walden were
re-elected as non-executive directors, and in January 2010 Dr. K. Dagdelen was appointed as a
non-executive director. The board currently consists of 9 directors.
Our Articles of Association provide that any new director should be re-elected by the
shareholders at the annual general meeting following the date of the directors appointment. As a
result of his appointment in January 2010, Dr. K. Dagdelen will be the subject of an ordinary
resolution to be re-elected at the annual general meeting to be held on May 4, 2010, as required by
our Articles of Association. At the 2009 annual general meeting Mr. B.H. Asher and Dr. A.L. Paverd
retired from the board.
According to the Articles of Association, the board meets at intervals determined by the board
from time to time.
The address of each of our executive directors and non-executive directors is the address of
our principal executive offices, La Motte Chambers, La Motte Street, St. Helier, Jersey, JE1 1BJ,
Channel Islands.
Executive Directors
D. Mark Bristow (51) Chief Executive Officer. Chief executive since its incorporation of
Randgold, which was founded on his pioneering exploration work in West Africa. He has subsequently
led our growth through the discovery and development of world-class assets into a major gold mining
business with a market capitalization of more than $6.5 billion. He also played a significant part
in promoting the emergence of a sustainable mining industry in West Africa. A geologist with more
than 27 years experience in the mining industry and a PhD from Natal University, South Africa, he
has held board positions at a number of global mining companies and is currently a non-executive
director of Rockwell Resources International.
Graham P. Shuttleworth (41) Chief Financial Officer; Financial Director. Mr. Shuttleworth
joined us as Chief Financial Officer and Financial Director in July 2007 but has been associated
with the company since its inception, initially as part of the management team involved in our
listing on the London Stock Exchange in 1997, and subsequently as an advisor. A chartered
accountant, he was a managing director and the New York-based head of metals and mining for the
Americas in the global investment banking division of HSBC before taking his new position with us.
At HSBC he led or was involved in a wide range of major mining industry transactions, including our
Nasdaq listing, and subsequent equity offerings.
Non-Executive Directors
Philippe Liétard (61) Non-Executive Chairman; Chairman of the nomination and governance
committee. Mr. Liétard was managing director of the Global Natural Resources Fund from 2000 to
2003. Prior to July 2000, he was director of the Oil, Gas and Mining Department of the
International Finance Corporation. His experience in corporate and project finance with UBS, IFC
and the World Bank extends over 30 years, most of them in the minerals business and in Africa. Mr.
Liétard is now an independent consultant and a promoter of mining and energy investments. He was
appointed a director in February 1998 and chairman in November 2004.
Norborne P. Cole (68) Senior Independent Non-Executive Director. Chairman of the remuneration
committee and member of the nomination and governance committee. Mr. Cole started working for the
Coca-Cola Company as a field representative in the USA in 1996 and advanced steadily through the
organization, becoming chief executive of Coca-Cola Amatil in Australia in 1994, a position he held
until 1998. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola Amatil grew into the second largest Coca-Cola bottler
in the world. Now based in San Antonio, Texas, he serves on the boards of a number of US
companies. He was appointed a director of Randgold in May 2006.
Christopher L. Coleman (41) Non-Executive Director; member of the nomination and governance,
remuneration and audit committees. Mr. Coleman is co-head of banking at NM Rothschild, a director
of NM Rothschild & Sons, chairman of Rothschild Bank International in the Channel Islands and
serves on a number of other boards and committees of the Rothschild Group, which he joined in 1989.
A BSc (Econ) graduate from the London School of Economics, he served as a non-executive director
of the Merchant Bank of Central Africa from 2001 to 2008. He was appointed a director in November
2008.
Kadri Dagdelen (55) Non-Executive Director; Member of the audit committee. Dr. Dagdelen is a
professor and head of the Department of Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines in the
US. He began his professional career as a mining engineer at Homestake Mining Co (now Barrick Gold
Corporation) and was the technical services manager when he left for academia in 1992. He holds a
PhD in Mining Engineering and an ME in Geostatistics and has been involved in numerous research and
consulting projects worldwide, also serving on the board of directors of the Society of Mining,
Exploration and Metallurgy in the US for six years and chairing other professional societies that
support the mining industry. He was appointed a director in January 2010.
Robert I. Israel (60) Non-Executive Director; Member of the nomination and governance
committee. Until April 2000, a managing director of Schroder & Co Inc and head of its energy
department, he is now partner at Compass Advisers, LLP. He holds a
68
BA from Middlebury College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His experience in
corporate finance, especially in the natural resources sector, extends over 30 years. He was
appointed a director in June 1997.
Karl Voltaire (59) Non-Executive Director; Chairman of the audit committee since May 5, 2009
and member of the remuneration committee. A graduate in mineral resources engineering from the
Ecole des Mines in Paris, he holds an MBA and a PhD in economics and finance from the University of
Chicago. He started his career as a mining engineer in Haiti and subsequently spent 23 years in the
World Bank Group in Washington DC, the bulk of these at the International Finance Corporation (IFC)
where his last position was that of director of global financial markets. Subsequently he was
director of the Office of President at the African Development Bank. He was the CEO of the Nelson
Mandela Institution from 2005 to 2009, and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the
African University of Science and Technology. He was appointed a director in May 2006.
Jonathan K. Walden (56) Non-Executive Director; Member of the audit committee. A chartered
accountant, he is the senior independent director at Morgan Sindall plc and chairman of HR Owen
plc. He was formerly the managing director of Lex, the UKs leading vehicle leasing company and a
subsidiary of HBOS, and was a former main board director of RAC plc, where he held a number of
senior positions during his executive career. He was appointed to the Randgold board in November
2008.
Executive Officers
Luiz Correia (48) General Manager Tongon. A metallurgist with 24 years experience in the
gold mining industry, he has a BSc Eng as well as a BCom degree. He joined Randgold in 2005 and in
2006 was appointed operations manager responsible for the mining, planning, processing, maintenance
and engineering functions at Loulo. He was recently appointed general manager of the Tongon mine
in Côte dIvoire, which is scheduled to be commissioned in the last quarter of 2010.
David Haddon (52) General Counsel and Secretary. Having overseen our administrative
obligations from our incorporation in 1995, Mr. Haddon assumed full secretarial responsibility when
we became listed on the London Stock Exchange in July 1997. He has over 25 years of legal and
administrative experience. He assumed the responsibility as general counsel in January 2004. He
is a director of Seven Bridges Trading 14 (Pty) Limited.
Paul Harbidge (40) General Manager Exploration. Mr. Harbidge is a geologist with 16 years
experience, mainly in West Africa. He joined us in 2000 and was appointed exploration manager in
2004 and general manager exploration in November 2006.
Bill Houston (62) General Manager Human Capital and Social Responsibility. Mr. Houston
joined us in 1992 as group training and development manager and currently heads the human resources
function. He has 29 years of human resources experience. He is a director of Morila Ltd, Somilo
SA and Seven Bridges Trading 14 (Pty) Limited.
Willem Jacobs (51) General Manager Operations Central and East Africa. With a BPL(Hons) and
DCom he is a seasoned executive. Having served as a director of listed and private companies in
the areas of mining, engineering and manufacturing in Southern, Central and Eastern Africa for the
past 15 years, he joined the group in January 2010.
Amadou Konta (52) General Manager Loulo. Mr. Konta has a degree in civil engineering as well
as several management and project management qualifications. He was appointed mine foreman and
superintendent at Syama mine and served as mine manager from 1997. In 2001 he was promoted as our
construction manager in Mali and was appointed Loulo general manager on October 1, 2004.
Victor Matfield (45) General Manager Corporate Finance. Mr. Matfield is a chartered
accountant with 17 years experience in the mining industry. He was appointed corporate finance
manager in August 2001, prior to that he served as financial manager of the Syama mine and of the
Morila capital project. He is a director of Seven Bridges Trading 14 (Pty) Limited.
Philip Pretorius (46) Human Resources Executive. Joined Randgold in 2008, bringing with him 21
years of human resources experience of which the last 14 years were spent exclusively dealing with
the West African gold mining industry. With a post-graduate diploma in management practice, he has
been involved in establishing various gold mining projects in Mali.
Chris Prinsloo (59) General Manager Commercial and Operations. Mr. Prinsloo was appointed
general manager commercial and operations in April 2009 and prior to that he was group commercial
and financial manager. He has 37 years of experience in the mining industry. He is a director of
Somilo SA, Morila SA, Tongon SA, Kankou Moussa SARL, RAL 1 Limited and Randgold Resources (UK) Ltd.
Rodney Quick (38) General Manager Evaluation and Environment. Mr. Quick is a geologist with
16 years experience in the gold mining industry. Since joining us in 1996, he has been involved
in the exploration, evaluation and production phases of the Morila, Loulo and Tongon deposits and
was appointed the Somilo resource manager in 2006. He is now responsible for all project
development, evaluation and environmental issues.
69
Mahamadou Samaké (62) General Manager West Africa. Mr. Samaké is the general manager for
West Africa and is a director of our Malian subsidiaries. He was a professor of company law at the
University of Mali.
Ngolo Sanogo (47) General Manager Mali. Has a masters degree in economics from the
National School of Administration of Bamako as well as several management, accounting and financial
qualifications. Qualified as an auditor in 1992 before joining BHP Mali in 1995. Appointed
material manager in 1998 and management accountant in 2001 at the Syama mine. Following the sale of
Somisy SA in 2004, joined Randgold as Mali financial controller. He was appointed Mali general
manager in March 2009.
John Steele (49) Technical and Capital Projects Executive. Mr. Steele has overseen the
capital expansion program at the Syama mine, and at the beginning of July 1998, assumed the
position of general manager capital projects for the Randgold Resources Group, overseeing the
construction of Morila. He is a director of Somilo SA and Morila Limited and is currently leading
the Tongon construction project.
Samba Touré (56) General Manager Operations: West Africa. Mr. Touré has a masters degree
in chemical engineering and geochemistry and was part of the team that set up Malis first research
laboratory for the mining and petroleum industries in 1985. As country manager for BHP Minerals,
he oversaw that companys exploration programs in West Africa. He joined Morila in 2000 and was
promoted to operations manager in 2004 and general manager in 2007.
Tania de Welzim (34) Chief Accounting Officer; Group Financial Manager. Ms. de Welzim was
appointed group financial manager in April 2009 and prior to that she was group financial
controller. She is a chartered accountant with 11 years experience in finance including nine
years in the mining industry. She is responsible for financial reporting in the group as well as
internal control procedures.
Lois Wark (54) Group Corporate Communications Manager. A member of our team since our
inception who assumed management of the cartography department in 1995, Ms. Wark is responsible for
the coordination of the groups communication and investor relations programs as well as for the
management of its South African subsidiary, Seven Bridges. She holds a diploma in land surveying:
cadastral and topographical.
Louis Watum (47) General Manager Kibali Gold Project; Country Manager DRC. A metallurgist
with 20 years experience in base metals, coal and gold processing, he has an MSc in Chemical
Engineering. He joined Randgold Resources in 2009 and was appointed general manager and country
manager responsible for: Building and leading the Kibali team; communicating with the DRC
government and local authorities; directing and managing Kibali business; and, delivering on
strategies, objectives and the Kibali business plan.
Our Articles of Association provide that the longest serving one-third of directors retire
from office at each annual general meeting. Retiring directors normally make themselves available
for re-election and are re-elected at the annual general meeting on which they retire. Our
officers who are also directors retire as directors in terms of the Articles of Association, but
their service as officers is regulated by standard industry employment agreements.
The date of appointment, date of expiration and length of service for each of our directors is
set forth in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date of |
|
|
Expiration of |
|
|
Number of |
|
Director |
|
Appointment |
|
|
Term |
|
|
Years Served |
|
Executive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D.M. Bristow |
|
|
8/05/95 |
|
|
|
4/28/11 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
G.P. Shuttleworth |
|
|
7/01/07 |
|
|
|
4/28/11 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Non-Executive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B.H. Asher |
|
|
6/12/97 |
|
|
|
5/05/09 |
* |
|
|
11 |
|
R.I. Israel |
|
|
6/12/97 |
|
|
|
5/04/10 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
P. Liétard |
|
|
2/11/98 |
|
|
|
5/04/10 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
A.L. Paverd |
|
|
7/29/95 |
|
|
|
5/05/09 |
* |
|
|
13 |
|
N.P. Cole |
|
|
5/03/06 |
|
|
|
5/04/10 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
K. Voltaire |
|
|
5/03/06 |
|
|
|
5/04/10 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
C.L. Coleman |
|
|
11/03/08 |
|
|
|
5/05/12 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
J.K. Walden |
|
|
11/03/08 |
|
|
|
5/05/12 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
K. Dagdelen# |
|
|
1/29/10 |
|
|
|
5/04/10 |
** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Mr. B.H Asher and Dr A.L. Paverd retired from our board at our annual general meeting held on
May 5, 2009. |
|
# |
|
Dr. K. Dagdelen was appointed director in January 2010. |
70
|
|
|
** |
|
Dr. K. Dagdelen will be available for re-election at the annual general meeting to be held on
May 4, 2010. |
None of our directors and executive officers was selected under any arrangements or
understandings between that director or executive officer and any other person. All of our
non-Executive directors are considered independent directors.
B. COMPENSATION
Our objective is to provide senior management, including executive directors, with a
competitive remuneration package which will attract and retain executives of the highest caliber
and will encourage and reward superior performance in the manner consistent with the interests of
our shareholders. The remuneration committees policies are designed to meet these objectives and
to ensure that the individual directors are fairly and responsibly rewarded for their respective
contributions to our performance.
We have no liability in respect of retirement provisions for executive directors. We do,
however, provide a vehicle in the form of a defined contribution fund into which employees,
including executive directors, may contribute for the purpose of providing for retirement. While
we make an annual contribution on behalf of our employees, we do not do so on behalf of our
executive directors.
Each executive director receives a basic salary. Executive directors do not receive any fees.
Executive directors are paid an annual bonus which is determined in accordance with set
performance criteria agreed between the executive directors and the board.
The fees paid to non-executive directors have remained unchanged since the 2009 annual general
meeting save for the next award of restricted shares, and are:
|
|
A general retainer to all non-executive directors of $50,000; |
|
|
An annual committee assignment fee per committee served: |
|
|
|
Audit committee $35,000; |
|
|
|
|
Remuneration committee $25,000; and |
|
|
|
|
Nomination and governance committee $10,000. |
|
|
The chairman of a board committee to receive an additional premium to the committee
assignment fee of $15,000; |
|
|
The senior independent director, in addition to the general annual retainer but in lieu of
any committee assignment fee, to receive an additional $85,000; |
|
|
The non-executive chairman, in addition to the general annual retainer but in lieu of any
committee assignment fee, to receive an additional $170,000; |
|
|
An award to each director of restricted shares being 1,200 ordinary shares per year. The
shares are to vest over a three year period from the date of the award, being January 1, 2010.
Vesting would accelerate on the following conditions: |
|
|
|
Termination other than resignation or dismissal; |
|
|
|
|
Voluntary retirement after the age of 65 with a minimum of three years service as a
director; and |
|
|
|
|
Change in control of the company. |
A director must hold shares at least equal in value (as at the beginning of the year) to the
general annual retainer. A director would be granted three years in which to acquire the required
shareholding and this period could be extended by the unanimous approval of the uninterested
directors. If the number of shares were to fall below the threshold due to a fall in the share
price, no additional purchase of shares would be required. Except for Dr. K. Dagdelen, who was
appointed to the board in January 2010 and will only obtain his first restricted shares with effect
from January 1, 2011, the remaining non-executive directors hold shares equal to the value of the
general annual retainer.
There is now a requirement for executive directors to hold shares in the company at least
equal in value (as at the beginning of the year) to $50,000. Both Dr. D.M. Bristow and Mr. G.P.
Shuttleworth hold shares at least equal in value to $50,000.
In
the past non-executive directors have been granted options to purchase our ordinary shares.
However, all options have been exercised by the respective non-executive directors. Details of the
options exercised by the non-executive directors are shown below.
On May 11, 2005 the first $30,000 award was allocated to each of the non-executive directors
for the purpose of acquiring restricted stock. The price of the restricted stock calculation was
the Nasdaq National Market closing price on May 10, 2005, being $12.78. In terms of the policy,
783 shares were issued directly to each non-executive director and 1,565 shares were held as
restricted stock. Non-executive directors were issued the second tranche of 782 ordinary shares on
February 13, 2006 and the final balance was issued January 3, 2007.
71
On February 13, 2006 the second $30,000 award was allocated to each of the non-executive
directors for the purpose of acquiring restricted stock. The price of the restricted stock
calculation was the Nasdaq National Market closing price on February 10, 2006, or $17.11. In terms
of the policy, 584 shares were issued directly to each non-executive director and 1,169 shares were
held as restricted stock. Non-executive directors were issued the second tranche of 584 ordinary
shares on January 3, 2007 and the final balance was issued on January 1, 2008.
On January 3, 2007 the third $30,000 award was allocated to each of the non-executive
directors for the purpose of acquiring restricted stock. The price of the restricted stock
calculation was the Nasdaq Global Select Market closing price on January 3, 2007, or $22.37. In
terms of the policy 447 shares were issued directly to each non-executive director and 894 shares
were held as restricted stock. Non-executive directors were issued the second and third tranches
on January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2009, respectively.
On January 3, 2008, the fourth $30,000 award was allocated to each of the non-executive
directors for the purpose of acquiring restricted stock. The price of the restricted stock
calculation was the Nasdaq Global Select Market closing price on January 2, 2008, or $38.15. In
terms of the policy 262 shares were issued directly to each non-executive director and 524 shares
were held as restricted stock. Non-executive directors were issued the second tranche and the
third tranches on January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2010 respectively.
On January 1, 2009, the first award of 1,200 restricted shares was allocated to the
non-executive directors as approved by shareholders at our 2008 annual general meeting. The price
of the restricted stock calculation was the Nasdaq Global Select market closing price on January 2,
2009, or $43.92. In terms of the policy, 400 shares were issued directly to each non-executive
director and 800 shares were held as restricted stock. Non-executive directors were issued the
second tranche on January 1, 2010 and subject to agreed conditions, the final tranche will be
issued on and January 1, 2011.
On January 1, 2010, the second award of 1,200 restricted shares was allocated to the
non-executive directors as approved by shareholders at our 2009 annual general meeting. The price
of the restricted stock calculation was the Nasdaq Global Select market closing price on January 4,
2010 or $82.25. In terms of the policy, 400 shares were issued directly to each non-executive
director and 800 shares are held as restricted stock. Non-executive directors will be issued the
second and third tranches subject to agreed conditions on January 1, 2011 and January 1, 2012
respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the aggregate compensation paid or payable to our
directors and executive officers as a group was approximately $14.96 million, of which $10.48
million was payable to directors and recognized as a remuneration expense.
The remuneration of the executive directors comprises:
|
|
|
Basic salary and benefits (fixed remuneration). |
|
|
|
An annual bonus opportunity. |
|
|
|
Participation in the Restricted Share Scheme, measuring performance over the longer
term. |
The total executive directors remuneration for the year ended December 31, 2009, was $9.3
million (2008: $14.1 million).
Fixed remuneration comprises a basic salary, from which executive directors can elect to
contribute into a defined contribution pension scheme, and pay for certain other benefits such as
medical aid. Fixed remuneration normally represents less than 50% of the individuals remuneration
package (based on target performance and expected values of share awards).
Base salaries are determined by the committee, taking into account the performance of the
individual and pay practice among a comparable group of FTSE 100 companies as well as individual
companies in the mining industry. When setting base salaries, the committee also takes into
consideration executives personal commitment to extensive travel and time spent at the companys
operations overseas. This is considered critical in effective management of the companys business.
Executive directors can elect to sacrifice up to 20% of their base salary to contribute to a
defined contribution provident fund. The company does not make any contribution to the fund.
Executive directors can elect to receive other benefits including, medical aid and group life
insurance. All such benefits are funded out of the executives base salary and are nonpensionable.
Where appropriate, executive directors may be provided with other benefits such as security
services for executives while travelling for work, social club fees to facilitate the entertainment
of business associates and professional association membership costs. All such benefits authorized
by the board are paid for by the company and end when the employee leaves the companys service,
for whatever reason.
Executive directors are eligible to receive an annual bonus, subject to the achievement of
stretching performance criteria. The performance criteria for 2010 focus on achieving challenging
strategic and financial targets that contribute to the creation of sustainable shareholder value.
The committee may make adjustments to the criteria used for measuring performance on an annual
basis taking into account the strategic objectives of the company for the year.
72
Based on exceptional performance achieved against all targets during the 2009 financial year,
the remuneration committee determined that both Dr. D.M. Bristow and Mr. G.P. Shuttleworth should
receive their maximum annual bonus of $3.75 million and $400,000 respectively.
The companys policy is to incentivize executives over the long term by awarding shares under
the Restricted Share Scheme. Neither Dr. D.M. Bristow nor Mr. G.P. Shuttleworth participate in the
companys share option scheme. The Restricted Share Scheme was approved by shareholders on July 28,
2008. Awards are made periodically, generally not every year, at the discretion of the committee.
The companys policy is that the shares awarded are normally expressed as a specific number of
shares, rather than a percentage of salary. The CEO received an award of 40,000 shares on January
1, 2010. The CFO will not receive an award in 2010. (Both executive directors received awards in
2009, as described below). Shares awarded under the scheme generally vest in three equal tranches
over a relevant three year period as specified at the date of award.
In 2009, the CEO received the following restricted share awards:
|
|
|
40,000 restricted shares with an award date of January 1, 2009, two thirds vesting on
January 1, 2010 and the remaining third vesting on January 1, 2011. The issue price of
these shares was $43.26. |
|
|
|
40,000 restricted shares with an award date of January 1, 2009, one third vesting on
January 1, 2010, one third vesting on January 1, 2011 and the remaining third vesting on
January 1, 2012. The issue price of these shares was $43.26. |
In 2009, the CFO received 54,000 restricted shares at an issue price of $56.99. The first
tranche of the restricted shares vests on September 2, 2011, with the second and third tranches
vesting on September 2, 2012 and September 2, 2013, respectively.
The following tables set forth the aggregate compensation for each of the directors, firstly
the executive directors and secondly the non-executive directors:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Salary |
|
|
Annual Bonus* |
|
|
Other Payments** |
|
|
Total*** |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 ($) |
|
|
2008 ($) |
|
|
2009 ($) |
|
|
2008 ($) |
|
|
2009 ($) |
|
|
2008 ($) |
|
|
2009 ($) |
|
|
2008 ($) |
|
Executive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D.M. Bristow
(CEO) |
|
|
1,250,000 |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,750,000 |
|
|
|
8,422,860 |
|
|
|
2,626,000 |
|
|
|
3,695,600 |
|
|
|
7,626,000 |
|
|
|
13,118,460 |
|
G.P. Shuttleworth
(CFO) |
|
|
424,047 |
|
|
|
444,353 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
324,520 |
|
|
|
821,933 |
|
|
|
266,280 |
|
|
|
1,645,980 |
|
|
|
1,035,153 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
1,674,047 |
|
|
|
1,444,353 |
|
|
|
4,150,000 |
|
|
|
8,747,380 |
|
|
|
3,447,933 |
|
|
|
3,961,880 |
|
|
|
9,271,980 |
|
|
|
14,153,613 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The remuneration disclosed above represents the total compensation approved by the board for
the executive directors in respect of the periods shown. As disclosed in our Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, $1.725 million of the 2008 bonus was not
accrued in the 2008 year, but subsequently expensed in 2009; $1.5 million of which was payable
to Dr. D.M. Bristow and $225,000 payable to Mr. G.P. Shuttleworth. |
|
** |
|
Other payments relate to the value of the restricted shares awarded to the executive
directors, and in 2008, included a one-time payment of $2 million to Dr. D.M. Bristow as part
of his new contract entered into during that year. |
|
*** |
|
The total remuneration disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended
December 31, 2008 was therefore $12,428,613. The total remuneration of $9,271,980 stated
above for 2009 excluded the 2008 bonus of $1.725 million paid in 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees |
|
|
Other Payments* |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 ($) |
|
|
2008 ($) |
|
|
2009 ($) |
|
|
2008 ($) |
|
|
2009 ($) |
|
|
2008 ($) |
|
Non-Executive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. Liétard |
|
|
220,000 |
|
|
|
220,000 |
|
|
|
52,704 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
272,704 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
B.H. Asher** |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
52,704 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
97,704 |
|
|
|
165,000 |
|
R.I. Israel |
|
|
65,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
52,704 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
117,704 |
|
|
|
115,000 |
|
A.L. Paverd** |
|
|
28,334 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
52,704 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
81,083 |
|
|
|
115,000 |
|
N.P. Cole Jr. |
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
97,500 |
|
|
|
52,704 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
177,704 |
|
|
|
127,500 |
|
K. Voltaire |
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
105,800 |
|
|
|
52,704 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
172,704 |
|
|
|
135,800 |
|
C.L. Coleman |
|
|
98,333 |
# |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
52,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
151,037 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
J.K. Walden |
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
14,166 |
|
|
|
52,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137,704 |
|
|
|
14,166 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
786,667 |
|
|
|
752,466 |
|
|
|
421,632 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
1,208,299 |
|
|
|
932,466 |
|
73
|
|
|
* |
|
Other payments The award in 2008 of $30,000 which translated into share grants and 1,200
restricted shares awarded on January 1, 2009, vest over a three year period from the date of
the award. |
|
** |
|
Dr. A.L. Paverd and Mr. B.H Asher retired from the board on May 5, 2009. |
|
# |
|
Based on proration of standard fees. |
The executive directors do not receive any benefits in kind and the only long term incentive
scheme in which they are anticipated to participate is our Restricted Share Scheme.
Share options exercised by the directors during 2009 and up to December 31, 2009 are detailed
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Market |
|
|
|
Number of Options |
|
|
Average Exercise |
|
|
Price at date of |
|
Name |
|
Exercised |
|
|
Price ($) |
|
|
exercise ($) |
|
B.H. Asher |
|
|
25,400 |
|
|
|
1.65 |
|
|
|
66.66 |
|
The high and low share prices for our ordinary shares for the year on the London Stock
Exchange were (pounds sterling) £54.50 and (pounds sterling) £27.60, respectively, and our high and
low price for our ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Select Market were $90.30 and $36.24, respectively.
The ordinary share price on the London Stock Exchange and the price of an ADS on the Nasdaq Global
Select Market at December 31, 2009, the last day of trading, were (pounds sterling) £50.00 and
$79.14, respectively.
74
Share options outstanding at February 28, 2010 and held by directors and executive officers
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options to Purchase |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares |
|
|
Expiration Date |
|
|
Exercise Prices ($) |
|
Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
L.C. Correia |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
D.J. Haddon |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
8/05/14 |
|
|
|
8.05 |
|
D.J. Haddon |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
P.D. Harbidge |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
11/30/16 |
|
|
|
22.50 |
|
P.D. Harbidge |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
W.R.A. Houston |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
8/05/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
A. Konta |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
8/05/14 |
|
|
|
8.05 |
|
A. Konta |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
V. Matfield |
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
8/05/14 |
|
|
|
8.05 |
|
V. Matfield |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
P. Pretorius |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
5/22/18 |
|
|
|
45.27 |
|
C.J. Prinsloo |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
8/05/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
R.B. Quick |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
M. Samaké |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
N. Sanogo |
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
J. Steele |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
S. Touré |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
5/22/18 |
|
|
|
45.27 |
|
L.V. Wark |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
11/30/16 |
|
|
|
22.50 |
|
L.V. Wark |
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
T. de Welzim |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
11/30/16 |
|
|
|
22.50 |
|
T. de Welzim |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
8/20/17 |
|
|
|
22.19 |
|
C. BOARD PRACTICES
Directors Terms of Employment
We have entered into contracts of employment with Dr. D.M. Bristow and Mr. G.P. Shuttleworth
with the period of employment set as one year.
We currently do not have service agreements with our non-executive directors. However, each
director is subject to reelection by our shareholders in accordance with our Articles of
Association.
Board of Directors Committees
In order to ensure good corporate governance, the board has formed an audit committee, a
remuneration committee and a governance and nomination committee. The audit, remuneration, and
governance and nomination committees are comprised of a majority of non-executive directors.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee charter, which defines the terms of reference for the audit committee
members, sets out the framework through which the audit committee reviews our annual results, the
effectiveness of our systems of internal control, internal audit procedures and legal and
regulatory compliance and the cost effectiveness of the services provided by the external auditors.
The audit committee also reviews the scope of work carried out by our external auditors and holds
discussions with the external auditors at least twice a year. The audit committee is comprised of
three independent non-executive directors. The members of the audit committee are Dr. K. Voltaire
(chairman), Mr. J.K. Walden and Mr. C.L. Coleman. Dr. K. Dagdelen was appointed a member of the
audit committee on January 29, 2010.
Remuneration Committee
The remuneration committee reviews the remuneration of directors and senior management and
determines the structure and content of the senior executives remuneration packages by reference
to a number of factors including current business practice and our prevailing business conditions
and the mining and exploration industry. The members of the remuneration committee are Mr. N.P.
Cole Jr. (chairman), Dr. K. Voltaire and Mr. C.L. Coleman.
75
Governance and Nomination Committee
The governance and nomination committee reviews our corporate governance and sets out the
framework in which such policies are established to guide our operations and activities. In
addition, the committee at the instance of the board interviews and recruits any future board
members. The members of the governance and nomination committee are Messrs. P. Liétard (chairman),
N.P. Cole, Jr., C.L. Coleman and R.I. Israel.
D. EMPLOYEES
At the end of each of the past three years, the breakdown of employees, including our
subsidiaries by main categories of activity was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
Category of Activity |
|
2009(1) |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Mining and related engineering |
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
Processing and related engineering |
|
|
631 |
|
|
|
668 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
Management and technical |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
Exploration |
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
Administration |
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
TOTAL* |
|
|
1,294 |
|
|
|
1,426 |
|
|
|
617 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The last quarter of 2009 was notable for the takeover of the Kibali project from Moto Goldmines
as well as the continued conversion of Morila into a stockpile treatment operation due to the
ceasing of mining activities. At Tongon, we began recruiting operational staff for the mine. |
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
See Item 7 Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.
Employee Share Option Scheme
Since 1996, we have operated a share option scheme under which senior management may be
offered options to purchase our ordinary shares. The aggregate number of shares available for
issuance under the option scheme may not exceed 15% of our issued share capital. Share options
granted since 2007 are subject to performance criteria for individual employees. Any options
provided to an individual employee as defined by the rules of the scheme, are subject to an upper
limit of 2% of our issued ordinary share capital.
The exercise price of any new share options is determined as the closing price of the share on
the trading day preceding that on which the person was granted the option. Under the rules of the
share option scheme, all option holders, inclusive of executive and non-executive directors, were
granted additional options to subscribe for shares in the open offer which was concluded in
November 1998. These additional options are exercisable at the open offer price and otherwise on
the same terms as the initial grant.
The scheme provides for the early exercise of all options in the event of an acquisition of a
number of shares that would require an offer to be made to all of our other shareholders.
Restricted Share Scheme
On July 28, 2008, our shareholders approved the creation of a restricted share scheme for
employees and executive directors. At that time, the Board elected to limit eligibility for awards
to executive directors. The Board has subsequently decided that all employees would be eligible to
receive restricted shares in the future. The aggregate number of shares available for issuance
under the restricted share scheme may not exceed 5% of our issued share capital. The awards of
shares under the restricted share scheme are subject to the attainment of performance criteria
agreed between the remuneration committee and the individual executive director on an annual basis.
|
|
|
Item 7. |
|
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions |
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
As of February 28, 2010, our issued share capital consisted of 90,157,267 ordinary shares with
a par value of $0.05 per share. To our knowledge we are not, directly or indirectly, owned or
controlled by another corporation, any foreign government or other person.
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary
shares as of February 28, 2010, by:
|
|
Any person of whom the directors are aware that is interested directly or indirectly in 3% or
more of our ordinary shares;
|
76
|
|
Each of our directors; and |
|
|
All of our executive officers and directors as a group. |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally
includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Ordinary shares issuable pursuant
to options, to the extent the options are currently exercisable or convertible within 60 days of
February 28, 2010, are treated as outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding
these securities but are not treated as outstanding for computing the percentage of any other
person.
Unless otherwise noted, each person or group identified possesses sole voting and investment power
with respect to the shares, subject to community property laws where applicable. Unless indicated
otherwise, the business address of the beneficial owners is: Randgold Resources Limited, La Motte
Chambers, La Motte Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1BJ, Channel Islands.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
Holder |
|
Number |
|
|
% |
|
D.M. Bristow |
|
|
677,584 |
|
|
|
0.75 |
|
G.P. Shuttleworth |
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
N.P. Cole Jr. |
|
|
3,372 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
C. Coleman |
|
|
2,600 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
K. Dagdelen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
R.I. Israel |
|
|
41,263 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
P. Liétard |
|
|
33,827 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
K. Voltaire |
|
|
3,372 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
J.K. Walden |
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
BNY (Nominees) Limited (1)
30 Cannon Street
London
EC4M XH |
|
|
58,685,087 |
|
|
|
76.53 |
|
Wells Fargo & Company (2)
420 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104 |
|
|
4,563,676 |
|
|
|
5.07 |
|
FMR LLC(3)
82 Devonshire Street,
Boston, MA 02109 |
|
|
13,436,365 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
BlackRock Inc.(4)
40 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022 |
|
|
11,188,315 |
|
|
|
11.55 |
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation(5)
335 Madison Ave, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10017 |
|
|
6,825,244 |
|
|
|
7.6 |
|
Directors and executive officers (6) |
|
|
959,120 |
|
|
|
1.06 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Shares held by BNY (Nominees) Limited are held for and on behalf of our ADS holders. |
77
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Wells Fargo & Company reported in its Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 3, 2010 that its beneficial ownership in us amounted to 4,563,676
ordinary shares (5.07%) on a consolidated basis. These shares are included in the shares held
by BNY (Nominees) Limited. |
|
(3) |
|
FMR LLC reported in its Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that
as at February 16, 2010 its beneficial ownership in us amounted to 13,436,365 ordinary shares
(15%) on a consolidated basis. These shares are included in the shares held by BNY (Nominees)
Limited. |
|
(4) |
|
BlackRock Inc. reported in its Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on January 8, 2010 that its beneficial ownership in us amounted to 11,188,315 ordinary shares
(11.55%) on a consolidated basis. These shares are included in the shares held by BNY
(Nominees) Limited. |
|
(5) |
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation reported in its Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on February 17, 2010 that its beneficial ownership in us amounted to
6,825,244 ordinary shares (7.6%) on a consolidated basis. These shares are included in the
shares held by BNY (Nominees) Limited. |
|
(6) |
|
No executive officer beneficially owns in excess of 1% of the outstanding ordinary shares. |
To the knowledge of management, none of the above shareholders hold voting rights which are
different from those held by our other shareholders.
As of February 28, 2010, there were 4 record holders of our ordinary shares in the United
States, holding an aggregate of 34,372 ordinary shares or 0.04%.
As of February 28, 2010, there were 43 record holders of our ADSs in the United States,
holding an aggregate of 62,260,618 ADSs or 100%.
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
None of our directors, officers or major shareholders or, to our knowledge, their families,
had any interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction during the last fiscal year or in any
proposed transaction which has affected or will materially affect us or our investment interests or
subsidiaries, other than as stated below.
The Randgold Name
Under an agreement dated June 26, 1997, Randgold & Exploration Group has licensed us to carry
on business under the name Randgold. The license has been provided to us on a royalty free
perpetual basis. The U.K. Trademark Registry granted a registration certificate to us for
Randgold on February 16, 2001.
C. INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
|
|
|
Item 8. |
|
Financial Information |
See Item 18.
|
|
|
Item 9. |
|
The Offer and Listing |
A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices
of our ordinary shares, as reported by the London Stock Exchange, and of our ADSs, as reported by
the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Effective March 10, 2003, we changed the ratio of ordinary shares
to ADSs from two ordinary shares per ADS to one ordinary share per ADS, so that each ADS now
represents one ordinary share. In March 2003 we changed the currency in which the price of our
ordinary shares that are traded on the London Stock Exchange are quoted. The ordinary shares are
now quoted in pound sterling and not in US dollars. The ADSs continue to be quoted on the London
Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Global Select Market in US dollars.
78
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price Per Ordinary Share |
|
Price Per ADS |
Financial Period Ended |
|
High (£) |
|
Low (£) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
54.50 |
|
|
|
24.25 |
|
|
|
90.30 |
|
|
|
36.24 |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
30.00 |
|
|
|
15.57 |
|
|
|
55.65 |
|
|
|
23.45 |
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
19.50 |
|
|
|
10.53 |
|
|
|
38.86 |
|
|
|
21.04 |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
14.08 |
|
|
|
9.09 |
|
|
|
26.32 |
|
|
|
15.88 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
9.67 |
|
|
|
5.31 |
|
|
|
18.69 |
|
|
|
10.13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price Per Ordinary Share |
|
Price Per ADS |
Calendar Period |
|
High (£) |
|
Low (£) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter (through February 28, 2010) |
|
|
54.00 |
|
|
|
41.26 |
|
|
|
86.63 |
|
|
|
64.91 |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
54.50 |
|
|
|
39.30 |
|
|
|
90.30 |
|
|
|
63.57 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
46.49 |
|
|
|
33.51 |
|
|
|
76.08 |
|
|
|
55.06 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
44.49 |
|
|
|
28.23 |
|
|
|
73.96 |
|
|
|
41.59 |
|
First Quarter |
|
|
37.76 |
|
|
|
25.10 |
|
|
|
54.35 |
|
|
|
36.65 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
30.00 |
|
|
|
15.57 |
|
|
|
44.68 |
|
|
|
23.45 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
27.47 |
|
|
|
18.00 |
|
|
|
54.73 |
|
|
|
32.47 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
28.03 |
|
|
|
19.19 |
|
|
|
55.26 |
|
|
|
37.28 |
|
First Quarter |
|
|
27.59 |
|
|
|
18.62 |
|
|
|
55.65 |
|
|
|
37.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price Per Ordinary Share |
|
Price Per ADS |
Calendar Month |
|
High (£ ) |
|
Low (£) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February |
|
|
47.79 |
|
|
|
41.26 |
|
|
|
74.81 |
|
|
|
64.91 |
|
January |
|
|
54.00 |
|
|
|
43.23 |
|
|
|
86.63 |
|
|
|
68.59 |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December |
|
|
54.50 |
|
|
|
48.34 |
|
|
|
90.30 |
|
|
|
77.78 |
|
November |
|
|
52.25 |
|
|
|
39.76 |
|
|
|
87.90 |
|
|
|
66.50 |
|
October |
|
|
47.34 |
|
|
|
39.30 |
|
|
|
76.97 |
|
|
|
63.57 |
|
September |
|
|
46.49 |
|
|
|
34.72 |
|
|
|
76.08 |
|
|
|
56.78 |
|
B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Not applicable.
C. MARKETS
Our ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange, which currently constitutes the
principal non-United States trading market for those shares, under the symbol RRS and our ADSs
trade in the United States on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol GOLD, in the
form of American Depositary Receipts. The American Depositary Receipts are issued by The Bank of
New York Mellon, as Depositary. Each American Depositary Receipt represents one American
Depositary Share. Each American Depositary Share represents one of our ordinary shares.
D. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
Not applicable.
E. DILUTION
Not applicable.
F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
Not applicable.
Item 10. Additional Information
A. SHARE CAPITAL
Not applicable.
79
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
General
We are a company organized with limited liability under the laws of Jersey, Channel Islands.
Our registered number is 62686.
The authorized share capital is $5,000,000 divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares of $0.05
each, of which 90,157,267 were issued as of February 28, 2010 and 9,842,733 were available for
issue.
At the annual general meeting held on April 28, 2008, shareholders approved a resolution which
authorized an increase in the authorized share capital of the company from $4,000,000 divided into
80,000,000 ordinary shares of $0.05 each to $5,000,000 divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares of
$0.05 each.
At the annual general meeting held on April 26, 2004, shareholders approved a resolution which
authorized a share split which amended our authorized share capital from $4,000,000 divided into
40,000,000 ordinary shares of $0.10 each to $4,000,000 divided into 80,000,000 ordinary shares of
$0.05 each. The issued share capital therefore increased from 29,263,385 to 58,526,770 ordinary
shares with effect from June 11, 2004. None of our shares have any redemption rights.
Memorandum of Association
Clause 2 of our Memorandum of Association provides that we shall have all the powers of a
natural person including but not limited to the power to carry on mining, exploration or
prospecting.
Changes in Capital or Objects and Powers
Subject to the 1991 Law and our Articles of Association, we may by special resolution at a
general meeting:
|
|
increase our authorized or paid up share capital; |
|
|
|
consolidate and divide all or any part of our shares into shares of a larger amount; |
|
|
|
sub-divide all or any part of our shares having a par value; |
|
|
|
convert any of our issued or unissued shares into shares of another class; |
|
|
|
convert any of our paid-up shares into stock, and reconvert any stock into any number of
paid-up shares of any denomination; |
|
|
|
convert any of our issued shares into redeemable shares which can be redeemed; |
|
|
|
cancel shares which, at the date of passing of the resolution, have not been taken or agreed
to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of the authorized share capital by the
amount of the shares so cancelled; |
|
|
|
reduce the authorized share capital; |
|
|
|
reduce our issued share capital; or |
|
|
|
alter our Memorandum or Articles of Association. |
80
Articles of Association
We adopted our Articles of Association by special resolution passed on June 24, 1997. Our
Articles of Association include provisions to the following effect:
General Meeting of Shareholders
We may at any time convene general meetings of shareholders. We hold an annual general
meeting for each fiscal year within nine months of the end of each fiscal year. No more than
eighteen months may elapse between the date of one annual general meeting and the next.
Annual general meetings and meetings calling for the passing of a special resolution require
twenty-one days notice of the place, day and time of the meeting in writing to our shareholders.
Any other general meeting requires no less than fourteen days notice in writing. Our business may
be transacted at a general meeting only when a quorum of shareholders is present. Two persons
entitled to attend and to vote on the business to be transacted, each being a member or a proxy for
a member or a duly authorized representative of a corporation which is a member, constitute a
quorum. Nasdaqs marketplace rules, which apply to all companies listed on the Nasdaq Global
Select Market, state in Rule 4350(f) that the minimum quorum for any meeting of holders of a
companys common stock is 33 1/3% of the outstanding shares.
As a result, we requested, and Nasdaq granted to us, an exemption from compliance with the Rule
4350(f) requirement.
The annual general meetings deal with and dispose of all matters prescribed by our Articles of
Association and by the 1991 Law including:
|
|
the consideration of our annual financial statements and report of our independent
accountants; |
|
|
|
the election of directors; and |
|
|
|
the appointment of independent auditors. |
Voting Rights
Subject to any special terms as to voting on which any shares may have been issued or may from
time to time be held, at a general meeting, every shareholder who is present in person (including
any corporation present by its duly authorized representative) shall on a show of hands have one
vote and every shareholder present in person or by proxy shall on a poll have one vote for each
share of which he is a holder. In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a
vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other
joint holders.
Unless we otherwise determine, no shareholder is entitled to vote at a general meeting or at a
separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares, either in person or by proxy, or to
exercise any other right or privilege as a shareholder in respect of any share held by him unless
all calls presently payable by him in respect of that share, whether alone or jointly with any
other person, together with interest and expenses, if any, have been paid to us.
Dividends
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law and of the Articles of Association, we may, by
ordinary resolution, declare dividends to be paid to shareholders according to their respective
rights and interests in our profits. However, no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by
us. Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law, we may pay an interim dividend, including a
dividend payable at a fixed rate, if an interim dividend appears to us to be justified by our
profits available for distribution.
Except as otherwise provided by the rights attached to any shares, all dividends shall be
declared and paid according to the amounts paid up, otherwise than in advance of calls, on the
shares on which the dividend is paid. All dividends unclaimed for a period of 12 years after
having been declared or become due for payment shall, if we so resolve, be forfeited and shall
cease to remain owing by us.
We may, with the authority of an ordinary resolution, direct that payment of any dividend
declared may be satisfied wholly or partly by the distribution of assets, and in particular of paid
up shares or debentures of any other company, or in any one or more of those ways.
We may also with the prior authority of an ordinary resolution, and subject to such conditions
as we may determine, offer to holders of shares the right to elect to receive shares, credited as
fully paid, instead of the whole, or some part, to be determined by us, of any dividend specified
by the ordinary resolution.
Ownership Limitations
81
Our Articles of Association and the 1991 Law do not contain limits on the number of shares
that a shareholder may own.
Distribution of Assets on a Winding-Up
If we are wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution and any
other sanction required by law, divide among the shareholders in specie the whole or any part of
our assets and may, for that purpose, value any assets and determine how the dividend shall be
carried out as between the shareholders or vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees on
such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as he with the like sanction shall determine but no
shareholder shall be compelled to accept any assets on which there is a liability.
Transfer of Shares
Every shareholder may transfer all or any of his shares by instrument of transfer in writing
in any usual form or in any form approved by us. The instrument must be executed by or on behalf
of the transferor and, in the case of a transfer of a share which is not fully paid up, by or on
behalf of the transferee. The transferor is deemed to remain the holder until the transferees
name is entered in the register of shareholders.
We may, in our absolute discretion and without giving any reason, refuse to register any
transfer of a share or renunciation of a renounceable letter of allotment unless:
|
|
it is in respect of a share which is fully paid up; |
|
|
|
it is in respect of only one class of shares; |
|
|
|
it is in favor of a single transferee or not more than four joint transferees; |
|
|
|
it is duly stamped, if so required; and |
|
|
|
it is delivered for registration to our registered office for the time being or another place
that we may from time to time determine accompanied by the certificate for the shares to which
it relates and any other evidence as we may reasonably require to prove the title of the
transferor or person renouncing and the due execution of the transfer or renunciation by him
or, if the transfer or renunciation is executed by some other person on his behalf, the
authority of that person to do so; provided that we shall not refuse to register any transfer
of partly paid shares which are listed on the grounds they are partly paid shares in
circumstances where our refusal would prevent dealings in those shares from taking place on an
open and proper basis. |
Variation of Rights
If at any time our share capital is divided into shares of different classes, any of the
rights for the time being attached to any share or class of shares may be varied or abrogated in
the manner, if any, that is provided by the rights or, in the absence of any such provision, either
with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-quarters in nominal value of the
issued shares of the class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by the holders of not less
than three-quarters in nominal value of the issued shares of that class at a separate general
meeting of the holders of shares of the class. The quorum at that meeting shall be not less than
two persons holding or representing by proxy at least one-third of the nominal amount paid up on
the issued shares of the class in question and at an adjourned meeting not less than one person
holding shares of the class in question or his proxy.
Subject to the terms of issue of or rights attached to any shares, the rights or privileges
attached to any class of shares shall be deemed not to be varied or abrogated by the creation or
issue of any new shares ranking equally in all respects, except as to the date from which those new
shares shall rank for dividend, with or subsequent to those already issued or by the reduction of
the capital paid up on those shares or by the purchase or redemption by us of our own shares in
accordance with the provisions of the 1991 Law and the Articles.
Capital Calls
Subject to the terms of allotment of shares, we may from time to time make calls on the
members in respect of any monies unpaid on the shares, whether in respect of nominal value or
premium, and not payable on a fixed date. A member must receive fourteen days notice of any call
and any call is deemed to be made when the resolution of the board authorizing such call was
passed.
If any call is not paid on or before the date appointed for payment, the person liable to pay
that call shall pay all costs, charges and expenses of ours in connection with the non-payment,
including interest on the unpaid amount, if requested by us.
Unless we otherwise determine, no member shall be entitled to receive any dividend or to be
present and vote at any general meeting, or be included in a quorum, or to exercise any other right
or privilege as a shareholder unless and until any outstanding calls in respect of his shares are
paid.
82
Borrowing Powers
We may exercise all of our powers to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of
our undertaking, property and assets, present and future, and uncalled capital and, subject to the
provisions of the 1991 Law, to create and issue debenture and other loan stock and other
securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of
ours or of any third party.
Issue of Shares and Preemptive Rights
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law and to any special rights attached to any shares, we
may allot or issue shares with those preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions
regarding dividends, voting, transfer, return of capital or other matters as we may from time to
time determine by ordinary resolution, or if no ordinary resolution has been passed or an ordinary
resolution does not make specific provision, as we may determine. We may issue shares that are
redeemable or are liable to be redeemed at our option or the option of the holder in accordance
with our Articles of Association. Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law the unissued shares at
the date of adoption of the Articles of Association and shares created thereafter shall be at our
disposal. We cannot issue shares at a discount.
There are no pre-emptive rights for the transfer of our shares either within the 1991 Law or
our Articles of Association.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
Any director may, and the secretary at the request of a director shall, call a board meeting
at any time on reasonable notice. A director may waive this notice requirement.
Subject to our Articles of Association our board of directors may meet for the conducting of
business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its proceedings as it sees fit. The quorum necessary for
the transaction of business may be determined by the board of directors and unless otherwise
determined shall be two persons, each being a director or an alternate director. A duly convened
meeting of the board of directors at which a quorum is present is necessary to exercise all or any
of the boards authorities, powers and discretions.
Our board of directors may delegate or entrust to and confer on any director holding an
executive office any of its powers, authorities and discretions for such time, on such terms and
subject to such conditions as it sees fit. Our board of directors may also delegate any of its
powers, authorities and discretions for such time and on such terms and subject to such conditions
as it sees fit to any committee consisting of one or more directors and one or more other persons,
provided that a majority of the members of the committee should be directors.
Remuneration of Directors
Our directors (other than alternate directors) shall be entitled to receive by way of fees for
their services as directors any sum that we may from time to time determine, not exceeding in
aggregate $300,000 per annum or any other sum as we, by ordinary resolution in a general meeting,
shall from time to time determine. That sum, unless otherwise directed by ordinary resolution of
us by which it is voted, shall be divided among the directors in the proportions and in the manner
that the board determines or, if the board has not made a determination, equally. The directors
are entitled to be repaid all traveling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in or
about the performance of their duties as directors.
The salary or remuneration of any director appointed to hold any employment or executive
office may be either a fixed sum of money, or may altogether or in part be governed by business
done or profits made or otherwise determined by us, and may be in addition to or in lieu of any fee
payable to him for his services as director.
Pensions and Gratuities for Directors
We may exercise all of our powers to provide and maintain pensions, other retirement or
superannuation benefits, death or disability benefits or other allowances or gratuities for persons
who are or were directors of any company in our group and their relatives or dependants.
Directors Interests in Contracts
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law and provided that his interest is disclosed as soon
as practicable after a director becomes aware of the circumstances which gave rise to his duty to
disclose in accordance with the Articles of Association, a director, notwithstanding his office,
may enter into or otherwise be interested in any contract, arrangement, transaction or proposal
with us, or in which we are otherwise interested, may hold any other office or place of profit
under us (except that of auditor of, or of a subsidiary of ours) in conjunction with the office of
director and may act by himself or through his firm in a professional capacity for us, and in any
such case on such terms as to remuneration and otherwise as we may arrange, and may be a director
or other officer of, or
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employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in,
any company promoted by us or in which we are otherwise interested and shall not be liable to
account to us for any profit, remuneration or other benefit realized by any such office,
employment, contract, arrangement, transaction or proposal.
No such contract, arrangement, transaction or proposal shall be avoided on the grounds of any
such interest or benefit.
Restrictions on Directors Voting
Except as provided in our Articles of Association, a director shall not vote on, or be counted
in the quorum in relation to, any resolution of the board or of a committee of the board concerning
any contract, arrangement, transaction or any other proposal whatsoever to which we are or will be
a party and in which he has an interest which (together with an interest of any person connected
with him) is to his knowledge a material interest otherwise than by virtue of his interests in
shares or debentures or other securities of or otherwise in or through us, unless the resolution
concerns any of the following matters:
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the giving of any guarantee, security, or indemnity in respect of money lent or obligations
incurred by him or any other person at the request of or for the benefit of us or any of our
subsidiary undertakings; |
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the giving of any guarantee, security or indemnity in respect of a debt or obligation of ours
or any of our subsidiary undertakings for which he himself has assumed responsibility in whole
or in part under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security; |
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any proposal concerning an offer of shares or debentures or other securities of or by us or
any of our subsidiary undertakings in which offer he is or may be entitled to participate as a
holder of securities or in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of which he is to participate; |
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any proposal concerning any other body corporate in which he (together with persons connected
with him) does not to his knowledge have an interest in 1% or more of the issued equity share
capital of any class of that body corporate or of the voting rights available to shareholders
of that body corporate; |
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any proposal relating to an arrangement for the benefit of our employees or the employees of
any of our subsidiary undertakings which does not award him any privilege or benefit not
generally awarded to the employees to whom the arrangement relates; or |
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any proposal concerning insurance which we propose to maintain or purchase for the benefit of
directors or for the benefit of persons who include directors. |
A director shall not vote or be counted in the quorum for any resolution of the board or
committee of the board concerning his own appointment (including fixing or varying the terms of his
appointment or termination) as the holder of any office or place of profit with us or any company
in which we are interested.
Number of Directors
Unless and until otherwise determined by a special resolution, the number of directors shall
be not less than two or more than 20.
Directors Appointment and Retirement by Rotation
Directors may be appointed by ordinary shareholder resolution or by the board. If appointed
by ordinary resolution, a director holds office only until the next annual general meeting and
shall not be taken into account in determining the number of directors who are to retire by
rotation. A director shall not be required to hold any of our shares.
At each annual general meeting, one-third of the directors who are subject to retirement by
rotation will retire by rotation and be eligible for re-election. Subject to the provisions of the
1991 Law and to the Articles, the directors to retire will, first, be any director who wishes to
retire and not offer himself for re-election and secondly, will be those who have been longest in
office since their last appointment or re-appointment, but as between those who have been in office
an equal length of time, those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree) be determined by lot.
There is no age limit imposed upon directors.
Untraced Shareholders
Subject to the Articles, we may sell any of our shares registered in the name of a shareholder
remaining untraced for 12 years who fails to communicate with us following advertisement of an
intention to make such a disposal. Until we can account to the shareholder, the net proceeds of
sale will be available for use in our business or for investment, in either case at our discretion.
The proceeds will not carry interest.
CREST
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The Companies (Amendment No. 4) (Jersey) Law 1998 and the Companies (Uncertificated
Securities) (Jersey) Order 1999 allow the holding and transfer of shares under CREST, the
electronic system for settlement of securities in the United Kingdom. Our Articles of Association
already provide for our shares to be held in uncertificated form under the CREST system.
Purchase of Shares
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law, we may purchase any of our own shares of any class.
The 1991 Law provides that we may, by special resolution approve the acquisition of our own shares
from any source, but only if they are fully paid.
Non-Jersey Shareholders
There are no limitations imposed by Jersey law or by our Articles of Association on the rights
of non-Jersey shareholders to hold or vote on our ordinary shares or securities convertible into
our ordinary shares.
Rights of Minority Shareholders and Fiduciary Duties
Majority shareholders of Jersey companies have no fiduciary obligations under Jersey law to
minority shareholders. However, under the 1991 Law, a shareholder may, under some circumstances,
seek relief from the court if he has been unfairly prejudiced by us. The provisions of the 1991
Law are designed to provide relief from oppressed shareholders without necessarily overriding the
majoritys decision. There may also be common law personal actions available to our shareholders.
Jersey Law and Our Memorandum and Articles of Association
The content of our Memorandum and Articles of Association is largely derived from an
established body of corporate law and therefore they mirror the 1991 Law. Jersey company law draws
very heavily from company law in England and there are various similarities between the 1991 Law
and the English Companies Act 1985 (as amended). However, the 1991 Law is considerably shorter in
content than the English Companies Act 1985 and there are some notable differences between English
and Jersey company law. There are, for example, no provisions under Jersey law (as there are under
English law):
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controlling possible conflicts of interests between us and our directors, such as loans by us
or directors, and contracts between us and our directors other than a duty on directors to
disclose an interest in any transaction to be entered into by us or any of our subsidiaries
which to a material extent conflicts with our interest; |
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specifically requiring particulars to be shown in our accounts of the amount of loans to
officers or directors emoluments and pensions, although these would probably be required to
be shown in our accounts in conformity to the requirement that accounts must be prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
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requiring us to file details of charges other than charges of Jersey realty; or |
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as regards statutory preemption provisions in relation to further issues of shares. |
Under Article 143 of the 1991 Law, the court may make an order giving relief, including
regulation of our affairs requiring us to refrain from doing or continuing to do an act complained
of, authorizing civil proceedings and providing for the purchase of shares by any of our other
shareholders.
The court has wide powers within its inherent jurisdiction and a shareholder could
successfully bring an action in a variety of circumstances. Although there is no statutory
definition of unfairly prejudicial conduct, authority suggests that it includes oppression and
discrimination and that the test is objective.
There are no provisions in our Memorandum or Articles of Association concerning changes of
capital where these provisions would be considered more restrictive than that required by the 1991
Law.
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
1. Arrangement Agreement dated August 5, 2009 between Randgold Resources Limited, 0858065 B.C.
Limited and Moto Goldmines Limited.
We entered into the arrangement agreement in connection with the acquisition of Moto Goldmines
Limited.
2. Protocole dAccord dated October 31, 2009 between Randgold Resources Limited, AngloGold
Ashanti Limited, Moto Goldmines Limited, Kibali Goldmines S.P.R.L. and the Government of the
Democratic Republic of The Congo.
We entered into the Protocole dAccord in connection with the development of the Moto Gold
Project.
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3. Share Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 2009 between LOffice des Mines de Kilo-Moto,
Randgold Resources Limited, AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Moto Goldmines Limited, Border Energy Pty
Limited, Kibali (Jersey) Limited and Kibali Goldmines S.P.R.L.
We entered into a share purchase agreement for the indirect acquisition of 10% of the issued
share capital of Kibali Goldmines S.P.R.L.
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
There are currently no Jersey or United Kingdom foreign exchange control restrictions on the
payment of dividends on our ordinary shares or on the conduct of our operations. Jersey is in a
monetary union with the United Kingdom. There are currently no limitations under Jersey law or our
Articles of Association prohibiting persons who are not residents or nationals of the United
Kingdom from freely holding, voting or transferring our ordinary shares in the same manner as
United Kingdom residents or nationals.
E. TAXATION
Material Jersey Tax Consequences
General
The following summary of the anticipated tax treatment in Jersey in relation to the payments
on the ordinary shares and ADSs is based on the taxation law and practice in force at the date of
this Annual Report, and does not constitute legal or tax advice and prospective investors should be
aware that the relevant fiscal rules and practice and their interpretation may change. We
encourage you to consult your own professional advisers on the implications of subscribing or
buying, holding, selling, redeeming or disposing of ordinary shares or ADSs and the receipt of
interest and distributions, whether or not on a winding-up, with respect to the ordinary shares or
ADSs under the laws of the jurisdictions in which they may be taxed.
Following amendments to the Income Tax (Jersey) Law 1961 (the Income Tax Law), our tax
position (along with all other companies incorporated in Jersey) has changed. Up until December
31, 2008, we were an exempt company within the meaning of Article 123A of the Income Tax Law. As
an exempt company we were not liable for Jersey income tax other than on Jersey source income,
except by concession bank deposit interest on Jersey bank accounts. For as long as we were an
exempt company, payments in respect of the ordinary shares and ADSs were not subject to any
taxation unless a shareholder was resident in Jersey, and no withholding in respect of taxation was
required on those payments to any holder of the ordinary shares or ADSs.
We are now subject to Jersey income tax at the rate of zero percent in accordance with Article
123C of the Income Tax Law with effect from January 1, 2009.
The Income Tax Law now provides that the standard rate of income tax on profits of a
non-financial service company regarded as resident in Jersey or having a permanent establishment in
Jersey will be zero percent. The Income Tax Law also provides that the new tax regime will apply
for the year of assessment 2008 in relation to non-financial service companies which are first
regarded as resident in Jersey or which have a permanent establishment in Jersey on or after June
3, 2008.
As a non-financial service company subject to tax at the rate of zero percent, we will not be
liable for Jersey income tax other than on income arising from Jersey land or property. For so
long as we are subject to tax at the rate of zero percent, payments in respect of the ordinary
shares and ADSs will not be subject to any taxation in Jersey and no withholding in respect of
taxation will be required on those payments to any holder of the ordinary shares or ADSs.
Currently, there is no double tax treaty or similar convention between the US and Jersey.
Taxation of Dividends
Dividends are declared and paid gross in US dollars. Under the existing Jersey law, payments
in respect of the ordinary shares and ADSs, whether by dividend or other distribution paid to
shareholders (other than to residents in Jersey), will not be subject to any taxation in Jersey and
no withholding in respect of taxation will be required on those payments to any holder of our
ordinary shares or ADSs.
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Taxation of Capital Gains and Estate and Gift Tax
Under current Jersey law, there are no death or estate duties, capital gains, gift, wealth,
inheritance or capital transfer taxes. No stamp duty is levied in Jersey on the issue or transfer
of ordinary shares or ADSs. In the event of the death of an individual sole shareholder, duty at
rates of up to 0.75% of the value of the ordinary shares or ADSs held may be payable on the
registration of Jersey probate or letters of administration which may be required in order to
transfer or otherwise deal with ordinary shares or ADSs held by the deceased individual sole
shareholder.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary describes the material US Federal income tax consequences to US holders
(as defined below) arising from the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares or
ADSs. This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
which we refer to as the Code, final, temporary and proposed US Treasury Regulations promulgated
under the Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations of the Code and the US Treasury
Regulations, all as in effect as of the date of this summary, and all of which are subject to
change, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, this discussion assumes that the
representations contained in the deposit agreement are true and that the obligations in the deposit
agreement and any related agreement have been and will be complied with in accordance with their
terms.
This summary has no binding effect or official status of any kind; we cannot assure holders
that the conclusions reached below would be sustained by a court if challenged by the Internal
Revenue Service.
For purposes of this discussion, a US holder is a holder of our ordinary shares or ADSs that
is a beneficial owner of such shares or ADSs and is:
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a US citizen; |
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an individual resident in the United States for US Federal income tax purposes; |
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a domestic corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, organized under the laws of
the United States or of any US state or the District of Columbia; |
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an estate the income of which is includible in its gross income for US Federal income tax
purposes without regard to its source; or |
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a trust, if either: a US court is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust and one or more US persons have the authority to control all the
substantial decisions of the trust, or the trust has a valid election in effect under
applicable US Treasury regulations to be treated as a US person. |
This summary does not address all aspects of US Federal income taxation that may be relevant
to particular US holders in light of their particular circumstances, or to US holders subject to
special rules, including, without limitation:
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retirement plans; |
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insurance companies; |
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persons that hold ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a straddle, synthetic security,
hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment; |
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persons that enter into constructive sales involving our ordinary shares or ADSs or
substantially identical property with other transactions; |
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persons whose functional currency is not the US Dollar; |
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expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States; |
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financial institutions; |
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dealers in securities or currencies; |
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tax-exempt organizations; |
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persons that own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of our outstanding voting stock; |
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persons subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
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regulated investment companies; |
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real estate investment trusts; |
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persons who trade in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting; and |
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persons who acquired their shares or ADSs pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options
or otherwise as compensation. |
In addition, this summary does not address the effect of any applicable US state, local or
non-US tax laws or any federal, estate or gift tax consequences, does not consider the tax
treatment of persons who own our ordinary shares or ADSs through a partnership or other
pass-through entity, and deals only with ordinary shares or ADSs held by US holders as capital
assets as defined in Section 1221 of the Code. If a partnership (including for this purpose, any
entity treated as a partnership for US Federal income tax purposes) holds shares or ADSs, the tax
treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of
the partnership. If a US holder is a partner in a partnership that holds shares or ADSs, the holder
is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences of the ownership
and disposition of the shares or ADSs.
We encourage US holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs to consult with their own tax advisors
with respect to the US Federal, state and local tax consequences, as well as the tax consequences
in other jurisdictions, of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares or ADSs
applicable in their particular tax situations.
Ownership of Ordinary Shares or ADSs
For purposes of the Code, US holders of ADSs should be treated for US Federal income tax
purposes as the owner of the ordinary shares represented by those ADSs. Accordingly, exchanges of
ordinary shares for ADSs and ADSs for ordinary shares generally should not be subject to US Federal
income tax. The US Treasury has, however, expressed concerns that intermediaries in the chain of
ownership between the US holder of an ADS and the issuer of the security underlying the ADS may, in
some circumstances, be taking actions that are inconsistent with the beneficial ownership of the
underlying security (for example, pre-releasing ADSs to persons that do not have the beneficial
ownership of the securities underlying the ADSs). Accordingly, the availability of the reduced tax
rate (as discussed below) for dividends received by certain non-corporate US holders, including US
holders who are individuals, could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the US
Treasury and/or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the US holders of ADSs and us.
Subject to the discussion below under the heading Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,
for US Federal income tax purposes, distributions with respect to our ordinary shares or ADSs,
other than distributions in liquidation and distributions in redemption of stock that are treated
as exchanges, will be taxed to US holders as ordinary dividend income to the extent that the
distributions do not exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined for
federal income tax purposes. Distributions, if any, in excess of our current and accumulated
earnings and profits will constitute a non-taxable return of capital and will be applied against
and reduce the holders basis in our ordinary shares or ADSs. To the extent that these
distributions exceed the US holders tax basis in our ordinary shares or ADSs, as applicable, the
excess generally will be treated as capital gain. We do not, however, intend to calculate our
earnings and profits under US federal income tax principles. Therefore, you should expect that any
distribution from us generally will be treated for US federal income tax purposes as a dividend.
Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to a US
corporation under Section 243 of the Code.
Individual US holders are eligible for reduced rates of US Federal income tax (currently a
maximum of 15%) in respect of qualified dividend income received in taxable years beginning
before January 1, 2011. For this purpose, qualified dividend income generally includes dividends
paid by non-US corporations if, among other things, certain minimum holding periods are met and
either (i) the ordinary shares (or ADSs) with respect to which the dividend has been paid are
readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, or (ii) the non-US
corporation is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive US income tax treaty which provides for
the exchange of information. For this purpose, ADSs listed on the Nasdaq exchange are considered to
be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Therefore, we
currently believe that dividends paid with respect to our ordinary shares and ADSs will constitute
qualified dividend income for US federal income tax purposes, provided the individual US holders of
our shares and ADSs meet certain holding period requirements. However, if we are a passive foreign
investment company, as discussed below under the heading Passive Foreign Investment Company
Rules, in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding tax year, the dividends paid with
respect to our ADSs will not constitute qualified dividend income. US holders are urged to consult
their own tax advisors regarding the classification of any distributions from us as qualified
dividend income.
Dividends from us generally will constitute non-US-source income for foreign tax credit
limitation purposes. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately
with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends distributed by us generally
will be treated as passive category income or, in the case of certain US holders, as general
category income.
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Sale or Other Disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADSs
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules, if a US
holder sells or otherwise disposes of its ordinary shares or ADSs in a taxable transaction, it will
generally recognize gain or loss for US Federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the
difference between the amount realized on the sale or other taxable disposition and its tax basis
in the ordinary shares or ADSs. Such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will
be long-term capital gain or loss if the US holder has held the ordinary shares or ADSs for more
than one year at the time of the sale or other taxable disposition. In general, any gain that US
holders recognize on the sale or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs will be US
source income for purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation and any losses recognized will
generally be allocated against US source income. Deduction of capital losses is subject to
limitations under the Code.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
A special and adverse set of US Federal income tax rules apply to a US holder that holds stock
in a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC. In general, we will be a PFIC if 75% or more of
our gross income in a taxable year is passive income. Alternatively, we will be considered to be a
PFIC if at least 50% of our assets in a taxable year, averaged over the year and determined based
on fair market value, are held for the production of, or produce, passive income.
In determining whether a non-US corporation is a PFIC, a proportionate share of the income and
assets of each corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, at least a 25% interest (by
value) is taken into account.
We believe that we currently are not a PFIC and do not expect to become a PFIC in 2010.
However, there is significant uncertainty in the application of the PFIC rules to mining
enterprises such as ourselves as a result of the interplay of several sets of tax rules. In
addition, because the tests for determining PFIC status are applied as of the end of each taxable
year and are dependent upon a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including
the value of our assets, the market price of our ordinary shares, and the amount and type of our
gross income, we cannot assure you that we will not become a PFIC in the future or that the US
Internal Revenue Service will agree with our conclusion that we are not a PFIC now.
If we are a PFIC for US Federal income tax purposes for any year during a US holders holding
period of our ADSs or ordinary shares and the US holder does not make a mark-to-market election
or a QEF election, both as described below:
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any gain recognized by a US holder upon the sale of ADSs or ordinary shares, or the receipt
of some types of distributions, would be treated as ordinary income; |
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this income generally would be allocated ratably over a US holders holding period with
respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares; and |
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the amount allocated to prior years, with certain exceptions, will be subject to tax at the
highest tax rate in effect for those years and an interest charge would be imposed on the
amount of deferred tax on the income allocated to the prior taxable years. |
We generally will be treated as a PFIC as to any US holder if we are a PFIC for any year
during such holders holding period. However, if we cease to satisfy the requirements for PFIC
classification, a US holder may avoid PFIC classification for subsequent years if such holder
elects to recognize gain based on the unrealized appreciation in the ADSs or ordinary shares
through the close of the tax year in which we cease to be a PFIC. Additionally, if we are a PFIC, a
US holder who acquires ADSs or ordinary shares from a decedent would be denied the normally
available step-up in tax basis for our ADSs or ordinary shares to fair market value at the date of
death and instead would have a tax basis equal to the lower of the fair market value or the
decedents tax basis.
Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (the HIRE Act), which was signed into
law on March 18, 2010, a US holder who beneficially owns stock in a PFIC is required to file an
annual information return with the Internal Revenue Service, reporting information set forth as
required under applicable Treasury Regulations. As of the date of this Annual Report, however,
such Treasury Regulations have not yet been promulgated. US holders are urged to consult their own
tax advisors regarding this new reporting obligation and how it may apply to their particular
circumstances. (Prior to the HIRE Act, a US holder who beneficially owned stock in a PFIC was
required to file Form 8621 (Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or
Qualified Electing Fund) with the Internal Revenue Service in most years such US holder held stock
in a PFIC.)
A US holder generally may be able to avoid the imposition of the special tax and interest
charge described above by electing to mark its ADSs or ordinary shares to market annually, and,
therefore, recognize for each taxable year, subject to certain limitations, ordinary income or loss
equal to the difference, as of the close of taxable year, between the fair market value of its ADSs
or ordinary shares and the adjusted tax basis of his or its ADSs or ordinary shares. Losses would
be allowed only to the extent of the net mark-to-market gain previously included by the US holder
under the election in prior taxable years. If a mark-to-market election with respect to ADSs or
ordinary shares is in effect on the date of a US holders death, the tax basis of the ADSs or
ordinary shares in the hands of a US holder who acquired them from a decedent will be the lesser of
the decedents tax basis or the fair market value of the ADSs or ordinary shares. A mark-to-market
election is available only if the ADSs or ordinary shares, as the case may be, are considered
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marketable stock. Generally, stock will be considered marketable stock if it is regularly
traded on a qualified exchange within the meaning of applicable US Treasury regulations. A class
of stock is regularly traded during any calendar year during which such class of stock is traded,
other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. The Nasdaq
constitutes a qualified exchange, and a non-US securities exchange constitutes a qualified exchange
if it is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the securities
exchange is located and meets certain trading, listing, financial disclosure and other requirements
set forth in US Treasury regulations.
In certain circumstances a holder of stock or ADSs in a PFIC may avoid taxation under the
rules described above by making a qualified electing fund, or QEF, election to include in
income its share of a PFICs annual income on a current basis. However, a QEF election is only
available if the PFIC annually provides its stockholders with certain tax information, and we
currently do not intend to prepare or provide such information. Accordingly, you should assume that
a QEF election is unavailable.
Rules relating to a PFIC are very complex. US holders are encouraged to consult their own tax
advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to their investments in our ADSs or our
ordinary shares.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Payments to US holders in respect of our ordinary shares or ADSs may be subject to information
reporting to the US Internal Revenue Service and to backup withholding tax, currently imposed at a
rate of 28%.
However, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to a US holder that is a
corporation or comes within an exempt category, and demonstrates the fact when so required, or
furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and makes any other required certification. US
holders who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide such certification
on Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding
rules will be allowed as a refund or credit against a US holders US Federal income tax liability,
provided that the required procedures are followed.
United Kingdom Tax Considerations
The following statements do not constitute tax advice and are intended as a general guide only
to the U.K. tax position under current U.K. tax legislation, case law and published HM Revenue &
Customs (HMRC) practice as at the date of this document, both of which is subject to change at
any time, possibly with retrospective effect. These statements deal only with the position of
shareholders who are resident (and, in the case of individuals only, ordinarily resident and
domiciled) solely in the U.K. for tax purposes (except where the position of a non-U.K. tax
resident shareholder is expressly referred to), who hold their ordinary shares or ADSs as an
investment and who are the absolute beneficial owners of the ordinary shares or ADSs and of all
dividends of any kind paid in respect of them in circumstances where the dividends paid are
regarded for U.K. tax purposes as that persons own income (and not the income of some other
person). The tax position of certain categories of shareholders who are subject to special rules
(such as persons acquiring their shares or ADSs (or deemed to acquire their shares or ADSs) in
connection with an employment or office, dealers in securities, insurance companies and collective
investment schemes and shareholders owning 10% or more of the ordinary shares or voting power,
rights to profit or capital of the company) is not considered. Any shareholder who is in doubt as
to their tax position regarding the acquisition, ownership or disposal of their ordinary shares or
ADSs, or who are subject to tax in a jurisdiction other than the U.K., should consult their own
independent tax adviser.
Dividends
A person having an interest in ADSs or ordinary shares who is not a resident in the U.K. will
not be subject to tax in the U.K. on dividends paid on ordinary shares, unless that person carries
on a trade, profession or vocation in the U.K. (and, if that person is a company, does so through a
permanent establishment) to which the ordinary shares or ADSs in question are attributable.
A person having an interest in ADSs or ordinary shares who is resident in the U.K. and is not
a body corporate will, in general, be subject to U.K. income tax on dividends paid by us.
A U.K. resident body corporate holding an interest in ADSs or ordinary shares should not
generally be taxable on dividends paid by us after July 1, 2009. Dividends paid before this date
were, in general, subject to U.K. corporation tax.
A U.K. resident individual shareholder will be entitled to a tax credit, which may be set off
against the shareholders total income tax liability on the dividend. The value of the tax credit
is currently 10% of the aggregate of the dividend and the tax credit (the Gross Dividend), which
is also equal to one -ninth of the cash dividend received.
Such an individual U.K. resident shareholder who is liable to income tax at the basic rate
will be subject to tax on the dividend at the rate of 10% of the Gross Dividend, so that any tax
credit will satisfy in full such shareholders liability to income tax on the dividend.
90
An individual shareholder who is liable to income tax at the 40% tax rate will be taxed at the
rate of 32.5% on the Gross Dividend. Any tax credit will be set against, but not fully match, the
shareholders tax liability on the Gross Dividend and such shareholder will have to account for
additional income tax equal to 22.5% of the Gross Dividend (which is equal to 25% of the cash
dividend received) to the extent that the Gross Dividend, falls within the 40% tax band.
From April 6, 2010 there is a new highest tax rate of 50% for taxable income above £150,000.
Dividends which are taxable at the new 50% rate would be liable to income tax at a new rate of
42.5% of the Gross Dividend. Any tax credit will be set against, but not fully match, the
shareholders tax liability on the Gross Dividend and such shareholder will have to account for
additional income tax equal to 32.5% of the Gross Dividend (this equates to 36.1% of the cash
dividend received) to the extent that the Gross Dividend, when treated as the top slice of the
shareholders income, falls above the threshold for the 50% rate of tax.
An individual shareholder will not generally be able to claim repayment from HMRC of any part
of the tax credit attaching to dividends paid by us.
Each shareholder resident outside the U.K. may also be subject to foreign taxation on dividend
income under the local law of the country(ies) in which they reside/are resident.
We are subject to tax at the rate of zero percent for the purposes of Article 123C of the
Income Tax (Jersey) Law 1961 and therefore we are taxed in Jersey at the rate of 0% on our
worldwide income. We are not required to make any deduction or withholding in respect of Jersey
taxation on any dividend we may pay. In addition, we are not required to make any deduction from
payments of dividends for or on account of U.K. tax.
Capital Gains
A person having an interest in ADSs or ordinary shares who is neither resident nor, in the
case of an individual shareholder, ordinarily resident in the U.K. will generally not be subject to
tax in the U.K. on gains arising on a disposal of our ordinary shares or interests in the ADSs.
However, individuals who left the U.K. on or after March 17, 1998, who were resident in the
U.K. for four out of seven tax years prior to departure, and who return to the U.K. before five
complete tax years following departure will be subject to U.K. capital gains tax on any gains
realized on the disposal during the period of absence of any assets which were owned before taking
up residence abroad.
Persons having an interest in ADSs or ordinary shares who are resident and/or, in the case of
an individual shareholder, ordinarily resident in the U.K. or who hold their ordinary shares or
interests in ADSs through a U.K. trading branch or agency (or, if that person is a company, a
permanent establishment) will, in general, be subject to U.K. taxation on gains arising on a
disposal of ordinary shares or interests in ADSs. An individual shareholder will currently be
subject to capital gains tax on any gains arising at a rate of 18% (subject to any available
reliefs and exemptions). A body corporate will generally be subject to U.K. corporation tax on
chargeable gains at the standard rate of U.K. corporation tax (which is currently 28%).
Inheritance Tax
Liability to U.K. inheritance tax may arise on the death of an individual having an interest
in ADSs or ordinary shares, or on a gift (or disposal at an undervalue) of ordinary shares or ADSs
by an individual, who is domiciled, or deemed to be domiciled, in the U.K.
Where ordinary shares or interests in ADSs are held by an individual who is neither domiciled
nor deemed to be domiciled in the U.K., no liability to U.K. inheritance tax will arise in respect
of them.
Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax
No U.K. stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax should be payable on the issue of the ordinary
shares or ADSs, or on the delivery of the ADSs into DTC.
No U.K. stamp duty should in practice be payable on the transfer of ordinary shares or ADSs
provided any instrument of transfer is executed and retained outside of the U.K. and no U.K. stamp
duty will arise in respect of any dealings in the ordinary shares or ADSs within a clearance
service, where such dealings are effected in book entry form in accordance with the procedures of
the clearance service and not by written instrument.
Stamp duty reserve tax will not be payable on an agreement to transfer ADSs or ordinary
shares, provided there is no register in the United Kingdom in respect of the ordinary shares or
ADSs.
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
91
G. STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS
Not applicable.
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
You may request a copy of our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings, at no cost, by
writing or calling us at Randgold Resources Limited, La Motte Chambers, St. Helier, Jersey, JE1
1BJ, Channel Islands. Attention: D. J. Haddon, Telephone: (011 44) 1534-735-333. A copy of each
report submitted in accordance with applicable United States law is available for public review at
our principal executive offices at La Motte Chambers, St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.
A copy of each document (or a translation thereof to the extent not in English) concerning us
that is referred to in this Annual Report, is available for public view at our principal executive
offices at La Motte Chambers, St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. Attention: D. J. Haddon,
Telephone: (011 44) 1534-735-333.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Hedge Policy
Although, in general, it is not our policy to hedge our gold sales, we believe it is prudent
to hedge during times of significant capital expansion and debt and we are sometimes required to do
so under debt financing arrangements. The market price of gold has a significant effect on our
results of operations, our ability to pay dividends and undertake capital expenditures, and the
market price of our ordinary shares. Gold prices have historically fluctuated widely and are
affected by numerous industry factors over which we have no control. The aggregate effect of these
factors is impossible for us to predict.
We use hedging instruments to protect the selling price of some of our anticipated gold
production. These hedging instruments have been required by the terms of our Morila and Loulo
loans.
The Morila hedge book was closed out in 2004.
The Loulo project finance loan was entered into in 2004 with a consortium of financial
lenders, namely, Rothschild, SG Corporate and Investment Bank, ABSA Bank and HVB Group, and had as
a requirement that some hedging be put in place. The intended effect of the hedging transactions
was to lock in a fixed sale price for some of our future gold production, and reduce the adverse
impact of a future fall in gold prices.
Somilos hedging is administered by our finance department which acts upon the recommendations
of a hedging committee within the guidelines of a policy set by our board. The hedging was entered
into in terms of a requirement of the Loulo Loan. The Loulo loan and our hedging arrangements were
with a consortium of financial lenders: NM Rothschild, SG Corporate and Investment Bank, ABSA Bank
and HVB Group. The Loulo Loan had in early May 2007 been replaced by a Revolving Credit Facility,
which was terminated in 2009.
All of Somilos derivative transactions previously had to be in compliance with the terms and
conditions of the Loulo loan agreement. That agreement placed a limit on derivative transactions
of 70% of Loulos forecast production for a given year. Our board agreed as part of the financing
arrangements for the development of Loulo that some gold price protection be secured. At December
31, 2009, 41,748 ounces remained, sold forward at an average forward price of $500 per ounce. At
December 31, 2008, 126,744 ounces had been sold forward at an average price of $456 per ounce.
These derivatives are accounted for in accordance with International Accounting Standard 39,
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. Under IAS 39, all these derivatives are
recognized on the consolidated statement of financial position at their fair value.
On the date a derivative contract is entered into, we designate the derivative for accounting
purposes as either a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or a firm
commitment (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge). The
derivatives held as at December 31, 2009 were all being accounted for as cash flow hedges.
We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well
as our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This
process includes linking derivatives designed as hedges to specific assets and liabilities or to
specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. We formally assess, both at the hedge
inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions
are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.
92
Foreign Currency and Commodity Price Sensitivity
In the normal course of business, the group enters into transactions denominated in foreign
currencies (primarily Euro, South African Rand, Congolese franc and Communauté Financière Africaine
Franc). As a result, the group is subject to exposure from fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates. In general, the group does not enter into derivatives to manage these currency
risks. Generally, the group does not hedge its exposure to gold price fluctuation risk and sells
at market spot prices. Gold sales are disclosed in US dollars and do not expose the group to any
currency fluctuation risk. However, during periods of capital expenditure or loan finance, the
company may use forward contracts or options to reduce the exposure to price movements, while
maintaining significant exposure to spot prices. These derivatives may establish a fixed price for
a portion of future production while the group maintains the ability to benefit from increases in
the spot gold price for the majority of future gold production. The group is also exposed to
fluctuations in the price of consumables, such as fuel, steel, rubber, cyanide and lime, mainly due
to changes in the price of oil, as well as fluctuations in exchange rates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$000 |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Level of exposure of foreign currency risk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying value of foreign currency balances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents includes balances denominated in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Communauté Financière Africaine franc (CFA) |
|
|
7,506 |
|
|
|
(2,609 |
) |
Euro (EUR) |
|
|
10,987 |
|
|
|
11,556 |
|
South African rand (ZAR) |
|
|
(668 |
) |
|
|
8,830 |
|
British pound (GBP) |
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
335 |
|
Australian dollar (AUD) |
|
|
3,617 |
|
|
|
|
|
Canadian dollar (CAD) |
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable and prepayments include balances denominated in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Communauté Financière Africaine franc (CFA) |
|
|
51,435 |
|
|
|
24,151 |
|
Euro (EUR) |
|
|
3,956 |
|
|
|
377 |
|
South African rand (ZAR) |
|
|
6,564 |
|
|
|
571 |
|
British pound (GBP) |
|
|
159 |
|
|
|
1,302 |
|
Australian dollar (AUD) |
|
|
1,171 |
|
|
|
|
|
Canadian dollar (CAD) |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable includes balances denominated in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Communauté Financière Africaine franc (CFA) |
|
|
(28,264 |
) |
|
|
(25,380 |
) |
Euro (EUR) |
|
|
(5,895 |
) |
|
|
(782 |
) |
South African rand (ZAR) |
|
|
(3,489 |
) |
|
|
(362 |
) |
British pound (GBP) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(394 |
) |
Australian dollar (AUD) |
|
|
(3,487 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Canadian dollar (CAD) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The groups exposure to foreign currency arises where a company holds monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in a currency different to the functional currency of the group which is
the US dollar. Set out below is the impact of a 10.0% change in the US dollar on profit and equity
arising as a result of the revaluation of the groups foreign currency financial instruments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of 10.0% |
|
|
|
Closing |
|
|
strengthening |
|
|
|
exchange |
|
|
of US dollar on net earnings |
|
Level of exposure of foreign currency risk (continued) |
|
Rate |
|
|
and equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$000 |
|
At December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Euro (EUR) |
|
|
0.6977 |
|
|
|
905 |
|
British pound (GBP) |
|
|
0.6279 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
Communauté Financière Africaine franc (CFA) |
|
|
457.66 |
|
|
|
2,600 |
|
South African rand (ZAR) |
|
|
7.4174 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
Australian dollar (AUD) |
|
|
1.1199 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
Canadian dollar (CAD) |
|
|
1.0494 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
At December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Euro (EUR) |
|
|
0.7095 |
|
|
|
1,115 |
|
British pound (GBP) |
|
|
0.6910 |
|
|
|
203 |
|
Communauté Financière Africaine franc (CFA) |
|
|
465.40 |
|
|
|
(874 |
) |
South African rand (ZAR) |
|
|
9.4649 |
|
|
|
976 |
|
Australian dollar (AUD) |
|
|
1.4487 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
Canadian dollar (CAD) |
|
|
1.2228 |
|
|
|
|
|
93
The sensitivities are based on financial assets and liabilities held at December 31 where
balances were not denominated in the functional currency of the group. The sensitivities do not
take into account the groups sales and costs and the results of the sensitivities could change due
to other factors such as changes in the value of financial assets and liabilities as a result of
non-foreign exchange influenced factors.
The market price of gold has a significant effect on our results of operations, our ability to
pay dividends and undertake capital expenditures and the market prices of our ordinary shares.
Gold prices have historically fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous industry factors
over which we have no control. The aggregate effect of these factors is not possible for us to
predict.
Details of the derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2009 are:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hedging instruments |
|
Maturity Dates |
|
Forward Sales of Gold |
|
Loulo (100%) |
|
Ounces |
|
|
$/oz |
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
|
41,748 |
|
|
|
500 |
|
And at December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hedging instruments |
|
Maturity Dates |
|
Forward Sales of Gold |
|
Loulo (100%) |
|
Ounces |
|
|
$/oz |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
84,996 |
|
|
|
435 |
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
|
41,748 |
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loulo (100%) |
|
|
126,744 |
|
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The forward price of gold is sensitive to fluctuations in the gold spot price, interest rates
and the gold lease rate. The following table sets forth a sensitivity analysis of the
mark-to-market valuations of our hedges as at December 31, 2009:
Sensitivity to Change in Gold Price at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loulo (100%): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in $ gold price |
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
($2 |
) |
|
|
($5 |
) |
|
|
($10 |
) |
|
|
($20 |
) |
Mark-to-market valuation ($ million) |
|
|
(26.1 |
) |
|
|
(25.7 |
) |
|
|
(25.5 |
) |
|
|
(25.4 |
) |
|
|
(25.3 |
) |
|
|
(25.2 |
) |
|
|
(25.1 |
) |
|
|
(24.9 |
) |
|
|
(24.5 |
) |
Sensitivity to Change in Average $ Interest Rate at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loulo (100%): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in rate |
|
|
1.00 |
% |
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.20 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
(0.20 |
%) |
|
|
(0.50 |
%) |
|
|
(1.00 |
%) |
Mark-to-market valuation* ($ million) |
|
|
(25.4 |
) |
|
|
(25.4 |
) |
|
|
(25.3 |
) |
|
|
(25.3 |
) |
|
|
(25.3 |
) |
|
|
(25.2 |
) |
|
|
(25.2 |
) |
Sensitivity to Change in Gold Lease Rate at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loulo (100%): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in rate |
|
|
1.00 |
% |
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.20 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
(0.20 |
%) |
|
|
(0.50 |
%) |
|
|
(1.00 |
%) |
Mark-to-market valuation* ($ million) |
|
|
(25.0 |
) |
|
|
(25.2 |
) |
|
|
(25.3 |
) |
|
|
(25.3 |
) |
|
|
(25.4 |
) |
|
|
(25.5 |
) |
|
|
(25.6 |
) |
|
|
|
* |
|
The actual mark-to-market valuation at December 31, 2009 was negative $25.3 million. |
94
These movements will affect profits when the relevant forward contracts expire. There will be
a corresponding impact on equity.
Effect of Change in Gold Price on Profit and Loss for the year ended December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in rate |
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
(10 |
%) |
|
|
(20 |
%) |
Mark-to-market valuation ($ million) |
|
|
81.2 |
|
|
|
40.6 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
(40.6 |
) |
|
|
(81.2 |
) |
During 2004, a hedging program totaling 365,000 ounces was put in place in terms of a
requirement of the Loulo loan. We have used four counterparties for our current hedge book. These
counterparties are international banks which have not failed to perform as required under our
hedging arrangements.
During January 2006, 10,000 ounces previously sold in even amounts over the period January
2006 to June 2006 at $430 per ounce were rolled forward into the period January 2009 to June 2009,
with a new forward price of $489 per ounce. In the same month, 6,667 ounces from the January 2006
forward sales, previously priced at $430 per ounce, were rolled forward into May and June 2006 at a
price of $437 per ounce. In February 2006, we moved 20,000 ounces previously sold forward over the
period February 2006 to April 2006 at a price of $430 per ounce, into the period June 2006 to
December 2006 at a price of $441 per ounce.
In August 2006, 5,999 ounces previously sold forward at $425.91 were rolled out in equal
quantities into January 2007 and April 2007 at prices of $431.81 and $434.06, respectively.
In December 2006, we moved 10,580 ounces previously sold forward at $435.33 in equal
quantities into February and March 2007 at new forward prices of $437.90 and $438.18, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2007, 10,752 ounces previously sold forward at $444.81 were rolled
out to the second and third quarters of 2007, 3,583 ounces at $454.51 into the second quarter and
7,168 ounces at $456.09 into the third quarter.
The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the Loulo Loan in May 2007. As the HVB Group, which
previously participated in the Loulo Loan, is not a lender in the Revolving Credit Facility, the
40,248 ounces of the remaining 2007, 2008 and 2009 hedged ounces which pertained to the HVB Group
was novated to other counterparties in May 2007. The 11,748 ounces at an average forward price of
$436.69 per ounce due for delivery in 2007 were novated and subsequently rolled forward to 2010 at
$472 per ounce. The new price is net of any novation charges. The 28,500 ounces at a previous
average forward price of $429.95 due for delivery in 2008 and 2009 were novated at $418.58, the
lower price being the result of novation charges pertaining to these ounces. Also in May 2007,
30,000 ounces previously sold forward in 2007 at an average price of $447.29 per ounce, were rolled
into 2010 at a new average forward price of $511.28 per ounce. The revolving credit facility was
cancelled during 2009.
The accounting effects of our hedging activities are as follows:
The total fair value of the above financial instruments as at December 31, 2009 was a
liability of $25.3 million (December 31, 2008: liability of $53.1 million).
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we sold 444,573 ounces of gold at an average price of
$636 per ounce. At the average spot gold price for the year of approximately $695 per ounce,
product sales would have amounted to approximately $309 million for the year, an increase of
approximately $26.2 million in sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we sold 427,713 ounces of gold at an average price of
$792 per ounce. At the average spot gold price for the year of approximately $871 per ounce,
product sales would have amounted to approximately $373 million for the year, an increase of
approximately $34 million in sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we sold 488,255 ounces of gold at an average price of
$893 per ounce. At the average spot gold price for the year of approximately $973 per ounce,
product sales would have amounted to approximately $475 million for the year, an increase of
approximately $41 million in sales.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
We generally do not undertake any specific actions to cover our exposure to interest rate risk
and at December 31, 2009 were not party to any interest rate risk management transactions.
At December 31, 2008 the fair value of our borrowings, including the short-term portion of
these liabilities, excluding loans from outside shareholders in subsidiaries, was estimated at $2.8
million. The aggregate hypothetical loss in earnings on an annual basis from a hypothetical
increase of 10% of the three month LIBOR rate is negligible.
95
At December 31, 2009 the fair value of our borrowings, including the short-term portion of
these liabilities, excluding loans from outside shareholders in subsidiaries, was estimated at $1.3
million. The aggregate hypothetical loss in earnings on an annual basis from a hypothetical
increase of 10% of the three month LIBOR rate is negligible.
As our net earnings exposure with respect of debt instruments was mostly to the one month
LIBOR, the hypothetical loss was modeled by calculating the 10% adverse change in one month LIBOR
multiplied by the fair value of the respective debt instrument.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
A. DEBT SECURITIES
Not Applicable.
B. WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
Not Applicable.
C. OTHER SECURITIES
Not Applicable.
D. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Fees Payable by ADS Holders
Our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, each representing the right to receive one of our
ordinary shares, are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol GOLD. A copy of
our Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon (the
Depositary) was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to our Form F-6 filed on October 7, 2009 (the
Deposit Agreement). Pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, holders of our ADSs may have to pay to
the Depositary, either directly or indirectly, fees or charges up to the amounts set forth in the
table below:
|
|
|
Associated Fee |
|
Depositary Action |
$5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof).
|
|
Execution and delivery of ADRs and the surrender of ADRs
pursuant to the Deposit Agreement. |
|
|
|
$0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof).
|
|
Any cash distribution made pursuant to the Deposit Agreement,
including, among other things: |
|
|
|
|
|
cash distributions or dividends, |
|
|
|
|
|
distributions other than cash, shares or rights, |
|
|
|
|
|
distributions in shares, and |
|
|
|
|
|
rights of any other nature, including rights to subscribe
for additional shares. |
|
|
|
Taxes and other governmental charges.
|
|
As applicable. |
|
|
|
Registration fees in effect for the
registration of transfers of shares generally
on the share register of the Company or foreign
registrar and applicable to transfers of shares
to or from the name of the Depositary or its
nominee or the custodian or its nominee on the
making of deposits or withdrawals.
|
|
As applicable. |
|
|
|
A fee equal to the fee for the execution and
delivery of ADSs which would have been charged
as a result of the deposit of such securities.
|
|
Distributions of securities other than cash, shares or rights. |
|
|
|
Any other charges payable by the Depositary,
any of its agents (and their agents), including
the custodian (by billing such owners for such
charge or by deducting such charge from one or
more cash dividends or other cash
distributions).
|
|
Servicing of shares or other deposited securities. |
|
|
|
Expenses incurred by the Depositary.
|
|
Cable, telex and facsimile transmission (where expressly
provided for in the Deposit Agreement) |
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency conversion into U.S. dollars |
96
Depositary Payments for 2009
For the year ended December 31, 2009, our Depositary made no payments on our behalf in
relation to our ADR program.
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
There have been no material defaults in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking fund or
purchase fund installment or any other material default with respect to any of our indebtedness.
Item 14. Material Modification to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Effective on June 11, 2004, we undertook a subdivision of our ordinary shares, which increased
our issued share capital from 29,273,685 to 58,547,370 ordinary shares. In connection with this
share split, our ordinary shareholders of record on June 11, 2004 received two additional $0.05
ordinary shares for every one $0.10 ordinary share they held. Following the share split, each
shareholder held the same percentage interest in us, however, the trading price of each share was
adjusted to reflect the share split. ADS holders were affected the same way as shareholders and
the ADS ratio remains one ADS to one ordinary share.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures: Our management, with the participation of our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness
of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation,
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the
period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures, including controls and
procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the
reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is accumulated and
communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure, are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in
reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 are recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the required time periods.
(b) Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting: Our management
is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 defines internal control over financial reporting in Rule
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys
principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the companys board of
directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies
and procedures that:
|
|
|
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect
the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; |
|
|
|
|
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in
accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and |
|
|
|
|
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on
the consolidated financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent
or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods
are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework.
97
Based upon its assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, our
internal control over financial reporting is effective based upon those criteria.
BDO LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated
financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F, has issued an attestation report
on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.
(c) See report of BDO LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included under
Item 18 Financial Statements, on page F-1.
(d) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: There were no changes in our
internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2009
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control
over financial reporting.
Item 16. Reserved
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our board determined that Mr. B.H. Asher, the former chairman of the audit committee (through
May 5, 2009), was an audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F. Dr. K.
Voltaire, the current chairman of the audit committee, has been determined by the board to be an
audit committee financial expert. Dr. Voltaire and each of the other members of the audit
committee (being Mr. J.K. Walden, Mr. C.L. Coleman and Dr. K. Dagdelen) are independent directors.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
Our board has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Chief Executive Officer, Financial
Director and all financial officers. This code of ethics is posted on our website,
www.randgoldresources.com.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
BDO LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the financial
years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services and other services
rendered by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to us in 2009 and 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
Audit-related Fees (2) |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees (3) |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1.2 |
|
|
$ |
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Audit Fees consist of fees billed for the annual audit services engagement and other
audit services, which are those services that only the external auditor reasonably can
provide, and include our audit and statutory audits. |
|
(2) |
|
Audit-related fees include fees billed relating to comfort letters and consents; attest
services; and assistance with and review of documents filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and UK Listing Authority. |
|
(3) |
|
Other fees relate to other work performed in respect of the documents filed with the UK
Listing Authority. |
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Below is a summary of the Audit Committees pre-approved policies and procedures:
The Audit Committee comprises only independent non-executive directors and its mandate covers
the sphere of duties relating to accounting policies, internal control, financial reporting
practices, identification of exposure to significant risks and all corporate governance issues.
98
The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, removal and oversight of the
activities of the external auditors. In addition, the Audit Committee sets the principles for
recommending the use of external auditors for non-audit services. The Audit Committee approves all
external consulting services and other charges levied by the external auditors.
The Audit Committee met seven times during 2009. At some of these meetings the committee met
with the external audit partner and the finance director, to review the audit plans of the external
auditors, to ascertain the extent to which the scope of the audit can be relied upon to detect
weaknesses in internal controls and to review the quarterly and half-yearly financial results, the
preliminary announcement of the annual results and the annual financial statements, as well as all
statutory submissions of a financial nature, prior to approval by the board.
During 2009, all Audit-related Fees provided to us by BDO LLP were approved by the Audit
Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception to the pre-approval requirement provided by
paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
No work was performed by persons other than BDO LLPs full-time, permanent employees on the
BDO LLPs engagement to audit our financial statements for 2009 and 2008.
During 2009, the Audit Committee has overseen work undertaken to ensure compliance with the
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not Applicable.
Item 16E. Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Neither the issuer nor any affiliate of the issuer purchased any of our shares during 2009.
Item 16F. Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant
Not Applicable.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
We are subject to a variety of corporate governance guidelines and requirements of Nasdaq, the
London Stock Exchange and the SEC. We believe that we comply with the applicable corporate
governance requirements. Although we are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, we are not
required to comply with all of Nasdaqs corporate governance rules which are applicable to US
companies. The significant ways in which the Nasdaq corporate governance rules differ for us, as a
foreign company, are a reduced quorum requirement for shareholder meetings.
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements
Not Applicable.
Item 18. Financial Statements
Reference is made to the financial statements, commencing on page F-1, and the financial
statement schedule on page S-1.
99
Item 19. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report:
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Exhibit |
1.1*
|
|
Memorandum of Association of Randgold Resources Limited, as amended. |
|
|
|
1.2*
|
|
Articles of Association of Randgold Resources Limited, as amended. |
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Memorandum of Association of Randgold Resources Limited, as amended (see Exhibit 1.1). |
|
|
|
2.2+++
|
|
Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of October 14, 2009 among Randgold Resources Limited, The Bank of New York as
Depositary, and owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary receipts issued thereunder. |
|
|
|
2.3+++
|
|
Form of American Depositary Receipt. |
|
|
|
2.4*
|
|
Excerpts of relevant provisions of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. |
|
|
|
2.5*
|
|
Shareholders Agreement (English translation), dated June 23, 2000, between the Government of Mali and
Morila Limited. |
|
|
|
4.1*
|
|
Deed Governing the Relationship Between the Parties Upon Admission between Randgold & Exploration Company
Limited and Randgold Resources Limited, dated June 26, 1997 (Relationship Agreement). |
|
|
|
4.2*
|
|
License Agreement, dated June 26, 1997, between Randgold & Exploration Company Limited and Randgold
Resources Limited. |
|
|
|
4.3*
|
|
Agreement, dated December 21, 1999, between Société des Mines de Morila SA, Randgold Resources Limited
and Morila Limited (loan from Randgold Resources Limited to Morila Limited). |
|
|
|
4.4*
|
|
Sale of Shares Agreement, dated May 29, 2000, between AngloGold Limited, Randgold Resources Limited and
Randgold Resources (Morila) Limited. |
|
|
|
4.5*
|
|
Joint Venture Agreement, dated May 29, 2000, between AngloGold Limited and Randgold Resources Limited. |
|
|
|
4.6*
|
|
Operator Agreement, dated May 29, 2000, between Société des Mines de Morila SA and AngloGold Services
Mali SA. |
|
|
|
4.7*
|
|
Cession of Shareholders Loan Memorandum of Agreement, dated July 3, 2000, between Randgold Resources
Limited and AngloGold Morila Holdings Limited. |
|
|
|
4.8*
|
|
Deferred Terms Agreement by and between Société des Mines de Morila SA and Rolls-Royce Power Ventures
Limited, dated February 25, 2000. |
|
|
|
4.9*
|
|
Deed of Guarantee, dated August 25, 2000, between Randgold Resources Limited, Randgold & Exploration
Company Limited and SYPPS. |
|
|
|
4.10*
|
|
Deferred Terms Agreement by and between Société des Mines de Morila SA and Rolls-Royce Power Ventures
Limited, dated December 9, 1999. |
|
|
|
4.11*
|
|
Deed of Guarantee given under the Morila Deferred Terms Agreement, dated March 3, 2000, between Randgold
Resources Limited, Randgold & Exploration Company Limited and Mopps. |
|
|
|
4.12*
|
|
Morila Exploitation Permit (English translation). |
|
|
|
4.13*
|
|
Transfer of Morila Exploitation Permit from Randgold Resources Limited to Morila SA. |
|
|
|
4.14*
|
|
Randgold Resources Limited Share Option Scheme. |
|
|
|
4.15+
|
|
Structured Precious Metals Option and Loan Confirmation, dated August 30, 2002, between Randgold
Resources Limited and NM Rothschild & Sons Limited. |
|
|
|
4.16+
|
|
Third Contract of Employment between Randgold Resources Limited and Roger Ainsley Ralph Kebble. |
|
|
|
4.17+
|
|
Services Agreement between Randgold & Exploration Company Limited and Randgold Resources Limited, dated
February 2, 2003. |
100
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Exhibit |
4.18++
|
|
Shareholder Loan Agreement dated August 1, 2004, between Randgold Resources Limited and Randgold
Resources (Somilo) Limited. |
|
|
|
4.19++
|
|
Termination Agreement, dated November 9, 2004, between Randgold Resources Limited and Mr. R.A.R. Kebble. |
|
|
|
4.20++
|
|
Deed of Assignment, dated December 20, 2004, between Randgold Resources Limited and Société des Mines de
Loulo S.A. |
|
|
|
4.21++
|
|
International Swap Dealers Association Inc. Master Agreement, dated December 21, 2004, between Randgold
Resources Limited and Absa Bank Limited. |
|
|
|
4.22++
|
|
Amendment to Shareholders Loan Agreement, between Randgold Resources Limited and Randgold Resources
(Somilo) Limited. |
|
|
|
4.23#
|
|
Fifth Contract of Employment, dated January 31, 2005, between Randgold Resources Limited and Dennis Mark
Bristow. |
|
|
|
4.24§
|
|
Mining Contract Agreement, dated February 15, 2005, between Société des Mine de Loulo S.A and BCM Mali
S.A. |
|
|
|
4.25§
|
|
Third Contract of Employment, dated April 20, 2006, between Randgold Resources Limited and Roger A.
Williams. |
|
|
|
4.26#
|
|
International Swap Dealers Association Inc. Master Agreement and Schedule thereto, dated April 23, 2007,
between Fortis Bank NV/SA Limited and Randgold Resources Limited. |
|
|
|
4.27#
|
|
International Swap Dealers Association Inc. Novation Agreement, dated April 23, 2007, between Randgold
Resources Limited, Société Générale and Fortis Bank NV/SA. |
|
|
|
4.28#
|
|
Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated May 1, 2007, among Randgold Resources (Somilo) Limited,
Randgold Resources Limited, various Banks and Other Financial Institutions and NM Rothschild & Sons
Limited. |
|
|
|
4.29#
|
|
Charge Over Shares, dated May 8, 2007, between Randgold Resources Limited and NM Rothschild & Sons
Limited. |
|
|
|
4.30#
|
|
Charge Over Shares, dated May 8, 2007, between Mining Investments (Jersey) Limited and NM Rothschild &
Sons Limited. |
|
|
|
4.31#
|
|
Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity, dated May 8, 2007, between Randgold Resources Limited and NM Rothschild
& Sons Limited. |
|
|
|
4.32#
|
|
Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity, dated May 8, 2007, between Société des Mines de Loulo S.A. and NM
Rothschild & Sons Limited. |
|
|
|
4.33#
|
|
Deed of Assignment, dated May 8, 2007, between Randgold Resources Limited and NM Rothschild & Sons
Limited. |
|
|
|
4.34#
|
|
Registered Share Pledge Agreement, dated May 9, 2007, between Randgold Resources (Somilo) Limited and NM
Rothschild & Sons Limited. |
|
|
|
4.35##
|
|
Joint Venture Agreement, dated April 4, 2008, between New Mining CI and Randgold Resources (Côte
dIvoire) Limited. |
|
|
|
4.36###
|
|
Addendum to the Joint Venture Agreement, dated April 4, 2008, between New Mining CI and Randgold
Resources (Côte dIvoire) Limited. |
|
|
|
4.37###
|
|
Employment Contract, dated April 28, 2008, between Randgold Resources Limited and Dennis Mark Bristow. |
|
|
|
4.38###
|
|
First Contract of Employment, dated April 28, 2007, between Randgold Resources Limited and Graham P.
Shuttleworth. |
|
|
|
4.39###
|
|
Addendum to the Joint Venture Agreement, dated April 22, 2008, between AngloGold Ashanti Limited and
Randgold Resources Limited. |
|
|
|
4.40###
|
|
Addendum to the Operatorship Agreement, dated April 22, 2008, between AngloGold Ashanti Limited,
AngloGold Services Mali SA, Société des Mines de Morila SA and Mining Investments Jersey Limited. |
|
|
|
4.41%
|
|
Project Management Agreement between La Société dOpération Ivoirienne dÉlectricité (SOPIE) and Randgold
Resources C.I. SARL, dated March 2009. |
|
|
|
4.42%
|
|
Letter Agreement, dated September 18, 2008, between Randgold Resources (Côte dIvoire) Limited and New
Mining Côte dIvoire SARL. |
|
|
|
4.43%
|
|
Rules of the Randgold Resources Limited Restricted Share Scheme. |
101
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Exhibit |
4.44%
|
|
Contract of Employment, dated July 1, 2008, between Randgold Resources Limited and Graham P. Shuttleworth. |
|
|
|
4.45%% |
|
Agreement between Randgold Resources Limited and AngloGold
Ashanti Limited dated July 16, 2009. |
|
|
|
4.46%% |
|
Amendment dated July 27, 2009 to Agreement between Randgold
Resources Limited and AngloGold Ashanti Limited, dated July
16, 2009. |
|
|
|
4.47%% |
|
Irrevocable Commitment from Randgold Resources Limited to Moto
Goldmines Limited, dated July 27, 2009. |
|
|
|
4.48**
|
|
Arrangement Agreement, dated August 5, 2009, between Randgold Resources Limited, 0858065 B.C. Limited and
Moto Goldmines Limited. |
|
|
|
4.49**
|
|
Protocole dAccord, dated October 31, 2009, between Randgold Resources Limited, AngloGold Ashanti
Limited, Moto Goldmines Limited, Kibali Goldmines S.P.R.L. and the Government of the Democratic Republic
of The Congo. |
|
|
|
4.50**
|
|
Share Purchase Agreement, dated October 31, 2009, between LOffice des Mines de Kilo-Moto, Randgold
Resources Limited, AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Moto Goldmines Limited, Border Energy Pty Limited, Kibali
(Jersey) Limited and Kibali Goldmines S.P.R.L. |
|
|
|
8.1**
|
|
List of Subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
12.1**
|
|
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
12.2**
|
|
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
13.1**
|
|
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
13.2**
|
|
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
15.1**
|
|
Consent of BDO LLP. |
|
|
|
15.2**
|
|
Consent of SRK Consulting. |
  |