Pan African Resources PLC unveiled an impressive operational update for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023, showcasing remarkable achievements in gold production, safety campaigns, and debt reduction.
Commitment to Safety Bears Fruit
Pan African Resources embarked on targeted safety campaigns during the reporting period, leading to a marked improvement in the Group’s safety metrics. The concerted efforts resulted in a reduction in the lost time injury frequency rate and reportable injury frequency rate. Notably, the total recordable injury frequency rate saw a positive decline, reaching 8.13 per million man hours, a commendable shift from the 2022 rate of 8.95. These safety initiatives underscore the Group’s dedication to maintaining a secure and productive work environment.
Strategic Gold Production Accomplishments
The operational update also unveiled significant strides in gold production, with Pan African Resources achieving an annual gold production of 175,209 ounces during the Reporting Period. This accomplishment is in line with the revised guidance announced in May 2023. The breakdown of gold production highlights the diverse contributions from various operational units:
| Operational Unit | Gold Production (oz) |
|---|---|
| Barberton Mines | 64,586 |
| Barberton Tailings Retreatment Plant (BTRP) | 19,875 |
| Elikhulu | 50,573 |
| Evander Mines | 40,175 |
The success of these operations sets a positive tone for Pan African Resources’ outlook for the coming year, with the FY2024 production guidance projected to range between 178,000 and 190,000 ounces. This forecast reinforces the Group’s commitment to delivering value to stakeholders through consistent and sustainable production.
Financial Resilience and Debt Reduction
In a significant achievement, Pan African Resources achieved a substantial reduction in its net senior debt, which plummeted to US$18.9 million from US$49.9 million as of December 2022. This impressive feat highlights the Group’s financial resilience and prudent management strategies, further solidifying its position as a well-managed and forward-thinking entity within the mining sector.
Moreover, the Group’s all-in sustaining costs (AISC) for the Reporting Period are anticipated to fall within the range of US$1,325/oz to US$1,350/oz, considering an average exchange rate of US$/ZAR: 17.77.
Cobus Loots, the CEO of Pan African Resources, expressed satisfaction with the Group’s performance, particularly noting the positive impact of continuous operations at Barberton underground mines and other operational enhancements. He further emphasized that increased production is expected in the upcoming year, showcasing the Group’s optimistic outlook.
The forthcoming comprehensive financial results presentation, along with operational and growth project updates, is scheduled for release on September 13, 2023. This anticipated event will provide a more detailed overview of Pan African Resources’ operations, projects, and strategic initiatives, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to value creation and operational excellence.
