Petropavlovsk plans to make cash savings and cost cuts in response to volatility in gold prices.
The Russia-focused miner said it has approved adjustments to its business plan this year including estimated cash savings of $160m to strengthen its financial position against falling commodity prices.
As part of the plan, a comprehensive cost-cutting programme has been implemented to reduce annual operating and central administration costs by about $10m to $15m.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The group is extending the development period of the pressure oxidation (POX) hub and the related flotation plant at Malomir, in the Amur region, by 12 to 18 months. It will defer $150m in capital expenditure that would have been incurred this year.
The company reiterated its 2013 gold production forecast of 760,000 to 780,000 ounces and expects similar output in 2014.
Exploration this year will focus on upgrading oxide resources into reserves for fast-tracking into the 2014 and 2015 production plans.
Petropavlovsk also announced the appointment of Dmitry Chekashkin as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director. He was previously the Group Head of Precious Metals and sat on the executive committee.
"We said in April that we were undertaking a review of capital and operational expenditure as a consequence of the volatility in the gold price," said Chairman, Peter Hambro.
"That review has concluded that we should delay the start-up of our POX Hub and the Malomir flotation plant and reduce our operating and administrative expenses.
"By promptly taking these important steps, we have ensured the group remains on a sound financial footing. The group expects, at current gold price levels, a reduction in its net debt position at the end of the current year on successful implementation of these measures."
Gold prices fell in Monday's European trading hours. Gold for June delivery dropped $8.60, or 0.6%, to $1,428 an ounce.
Shares in Petropavlovsk rose 0.48% to 146.80p at 11:26 Monday.
RD
-
The top stocks in the FTSE 100After a year of strong returns for the UK’s flagship index, which FTSE 100 stocks have posted the best performance in 2024?
-
A junior ISA could turn your child’s pocket money into thousands of poundsPersuading your child to put their pocket money in a junior ISA might be difficult, but the pennies could quickly grow into pounds – and teach them a valuable lesson about money
