Teranga Gold Delivers Strong Q2 Production Led by Wahgnion; Increases 2020 Gold Production Guidance to 375,000-400,000 Ounces

2020-08-07 / @nasdaq

 

(All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)

TORONTO, Aug. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teranga Gold Corporation ("Teranga" or the "Company") (TSX:TGZ; OTCQX:TGCDF) today reported financial, operating and development results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.


  SECOND QUARTER 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

  Three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to three months ended June 30, 2019
  • 40% increase in consolidated gold production to 89,011 ounces, driven by a strong second quarter operations at Wahgnion.

  • 96% increase in revenue to $164.2 million.

  • 209% increase in gross profit to $56.4 million.

  • Increase in consolidated net profit attributable to shareholders to $2.4 million, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $7.6 million or $0.07 per share.

  • Increase in adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders1 to $27.7 million, or $0.17 per share, compared to $2.9 million or $0.03 per share.

  • 135% increase in EBITDA1 and 137% increase in adjusted EBITDA1.

  • 187% increase in operating cash flows before changes in working capital, excluding inventories.

  • 121% increase in operating cash flows.

  • Unsold gold bullion inventory of $36.3 million (using a period-end spot gold price) due to a lengthened time-frame between shipments related to the coronavirus pandemic.

  • 2020 production guidance updated to 375,000 to 400,000 ounces of gold from earlier guidance of 345,000 to 355,000 ounces.

  • New five-year production and cost guidance (2021 – 2025): Companywide production is expected to average 533,000 ounces of gold per year2 at all-in sustaining cost of $785 per ounce1.

“It’s been a good year so far despite the challenges and cost of maintaining operations during a pandemic,” said Richard Young, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Following the recent pre-feasibility study results for the integrated Sabodala-Massawa complex and Wahgnion’s updated mine plan, Teranga now has a flagship top-tier gold asset and a solid second operation. Our quality asset base is the foundation of the Company’s transformation into a mid-tier gold producer.”

Mr. Young added, “We are significantly increasing 2020 production guidance while our five-year production guidance for the period 2021 to 2025 is expected to average 533,000 ounces of gold per year2 at all-in sustaining costs of $785 per ounce1, establishing Teranga as one of the lowest cost producers globally with significant cash flows, particularly at current gold prices.”

“As expected, Wahgnion’s strong results for the quarter offset softer production at Sabodala where we mined at lower grade areas and diverted equipment and resources to commence mining at Sofia, the first of the Massawa higher grade deposits,” stated Paul Chawrun, Chief Operating Officer. “As demonstrated in the new Sabodala-Massawa mine plan, we are shifting our focus to ramp up mining at Massawa in the third quarter, and processing higher grade free-milling ore from Sofia through the Sabodala plant.”


2020 GUIDANCE UPDATE

 2020 Guidance
Sabodala-Massawa
2020 Guidance
Wahgnion
2020 Guidance
Consolidated
    
     
 Total mined(‘000t)30,000 - 33,000 24,000 - 26,000 
 Ore mined(‘000t) 4,500 - 5,500 3,000 - 3,500 
 Grade mined(g/t) 1.90 - 2.101.60 - 1.70 
 Strip ratiowaste/ore 5.0 - 6.0 6.0 - 7.0 
 Ore milled(‘000t) 4,000 - 4,200 3,000 - 3,200 
 Head grade(g/t)1.90 - 2.101.60 - 1.80 
 Recovery rate%88 - 9091 - 93 
 Gold produced A(oz)225,000 - 235,000 150,000 - 165,000 375,000 - 400,000
     
 Cost of sales$/oz sold 1,050 - 1,150 1,025 - 1,175 1,075 - 1,200
 Total cash costs B$/oz sold 750 - 800 775 - 850 
 All-in sustaining costs C$/oz sold 875 - 950 900 - 1,000 975 - 1,100
 Cash/(non-cash) inventory movements and amortized advanced royalty costs C$/oz sold25(50)(25)
 All-in sustaining costs (excluding cash/(non-cash) inventory movements and amortized advanced royalty costs) C$/oz sold900 - 975850 - 950 950 - 1,075
     
 Mining($/t mined) 2.75 - 3.00 2.15 - 2.40 
 Mining long haul($/t hauled) 2.25 - 2.50  
 Milling($/t milled) 11.00 - 12.00 11.00 - 12.00 
 General and administration($/t milled) 6.00 - 7.00 6.00 - 7.00 
     
 Mine production costs - before COVID-19 incremental costs$ millions 160 - 170 110 - 115 
 COVID-19 incremental costs G$ millions~5~5 
 Total mine production costs$ millions 165 - 175 115 - 120 
     
Capital Expenditures    
 Sustaining capital D$ millions 15 - 20 20 - 25 
 Resettlement capital$ millions 10 - 15 10 - 15 
 Massawa development capital$ millions 20 - 25  
     
Corporate and Other    
 Corporate administration expense$ millions   16 - 17
 Share-based compensation expense E$ millions   ~13
 Regional administration costs$ millions   ~6
 Sustainability expense$ millions   10 - 12
 Exploration and evaluation F$ millions   30 - 35
Notes to Guidance Table Above:

A. Based on the 2020 guidance, 11,200 ounces of Sabodala gold production are to be sold to Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) at 20% of the spot gold price. All Wahgnion gold production is subject to a gold offtake payment agreement with Taurus Funds Management Pty Ltd. up to 1,075,000 ounces.

B. Total cash costs per ounce sold is a non-IFRS financial measure and does not have a standard meaning under IFRS.

C. All-in sustaining costs per ounce is a non-IFRS financial measure and does not have a standard meaning under IFRS. All-in sustaining costs per ounce sold calculated at the mine site level includes only total cash costs per ounce and sustaining capital expenditures. All-in sustaining costs for includes sustaining capital expenditures but excludes growth capital related to village resettlement expenditures. Corporate administration and share-based compensation expense are presented separately in this table and are not allocated to the mine site level costs. All-in sustaining costs presented on a consolidated basis includes corporate administration and share-based compensation expense. All-in sustaining costs also includes non-cash inventory movements and non-cash amortization of advanced royalties.

D. Excludes capitalized deferred stripping costs, included in mine production costs.

E. Share-based compensation expense assumes an average price of C$12.30 per Teranga share (share price as at close of June 30, 2020).

F. Exploration and evaluation costs includes both expensed exploration, primarily attributable to exploration work on exploration permits, and capitalized reserve development, which is work performed on mine licenses.

G. As a result of worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, our 2020 guidance has been updated to reflect unforeseen incremental costs primarily related to personnel, camp and transportation costs.

This outlook financial information is based on the following material assumptions for 2020: gold price: $1,600 per ounce; Brent Crude Oil: $45 per barrel; and Euro:USD exchange rate of 1:1.10.

The Company assumes a corporate income tax rate of 25% in Senegal and 17.5% in Burkina Faso.

Other important assumptions: there are no events, whether COVID-19 related or political, that will have an impact to operations, including movement of people, supplies and gold shipments; grades and recoveries is expected to remain consistent with the life-of-mine plan to achieve the forecast gold production; and no unplanned delays in or interruption of scheduled production.


2020 GOALS & MILESTONES

  • Sabodala-Massawa Complex
    • File the pre-feasibility study (the “PFS”) for the Sabodala-Massawa Complex in Q3 2020.
    • Begin processing Massawa ore through the Sabodala mill in August.
    • Continue resource definition drilling at several of the Massawa deposits in support of a definitive feasibility study to be released in 2021.
       
  • Wahgnion Updates
    • Continue Wahgnion exploration program with aim to increase reserves and extend mine life toward our goal of 15 years.
       
  • Progress Golden Hill Project Towards Feasibility Stage
    • File technical report in support of mine license application.
    • Continue resource expansion drill program.
       
  • Advancing Afema Exploration Targets in Cote d’Ivoire
    • Report early-stage trenching and drilling campaigns at the Woulo Woulo and Niamienlessa prospects at Afema.


SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL & OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Three and six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to three and six months ended June 30, 2019

  Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
Financial Data 2020 2019 Change  2020 2019 Change 
Revenue($000s)164,177 83,554 96% 298,291 175,681 70%
Cost of sales($000s)(107,798)(65,326)65% (202,451)(129,380)56%
Gross profit($000s)56,379 18,228 209% 95,840 46,301 107%
Net profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders of Teranga($000s)2,368 (7,581)N/A 18,554 (10,300)N/A
  Per share($)0.01 (0.07)N/A 0.13 (0.10)N/A
Adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders of Teranga1($000s)27,746 2,885 862% 34,484 5,115 574%
  Per share1($)0.17 0.03 467% 0.24 0.05 380%
EBITDA1($000s)52,751 22,471 135% 119,237 61,550 94%
Adjusted EBITDA1($000s)74,803 31,609 137% 128,936 71,655 80%
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital excluding inventories($000s)55,314 19,304 187% 84,054 45,586 84%
Operating cash flow($000s)42,512 19,266 121% 44,015 68,855 (36%)
Sustaining capital expenditures (excluding deferred stripping)3($000s)14,005 1,588 782% 25,081 3,938 537%
Capitalized deferred stripping - sustaining($000s)1,740 6,314 (72%) 7,161 19,770 (64%)
Growth capital expenditures3($000s)8,034 41,196 (80%) 11,413 92,408 (88%)


  Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
Operating Data 2020 2019 Change  2020 2019 Change 
Gold produced4(oz)89,011 63,436 40% 180,323 135,382 33%
Gold sold5(oz)94,429 64,322 47% 181,097 134,939 34%
Average realized price1($/oz sold)1,697 1,302 30% 1,631 1,305 25%
Cost of sales($/oz sold)1,142 1,016 12% 1,118 959 17%
Total cash costs1($/oz sold)750 679 10% 755 651 16%
All-in sustaining costs (excluding cash/(non-cash) inventory movements and amortized advanced royalty costs)1,3($/oz sold)988 804 23% 1,040 783 33%


Consolidated Financial Performance

  • Revenue of $164.2 million was 96% higher than the prior year period due to a 47% increase in ounces sold and 30% increase in average realized prices1. The higher gold sales were due to Wahgnion, which achieved commercial production on November 1, 2019.
  • Gross profit of $56.4 million was 209% higher than the prior year period mainly due to $34.9 million contribution from Wahgnion.
  • Consolidated net profit attributable to shareholders was $2.4 million ($0.01 earnings per share) for the second quarter 2020 compared to net loss attributable to shareholders of $7.6 million ($0.07 loss per share) in the prior year period. The increase was mainly due to higher gross profit of $38.2 million and a non-cash impairment reversal of $31.7 million, partially offset by non-cash losses on changes in fair values of share warrant liabilities, gold offtake payment liabilities, call-rights and contingent consideration of $42.1 million, higher share-based compensation expense of $5.1 million, higher expensed finance costs of $4.7 million and higher income tax expense of $4.7 million.
  • Adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders1 was $27.7 million ($0.17 per share) for the second quarter 2020 compared to $2.9 million ($0.03 per share) in the comparative period. The increase was mainly due to higher gross profit partially offset by higher share-based compensation expense, expensed finance costs, exploration and evaluation expenditures and sustainability expenses.
  • Operating cash flows before changes in working capital, excluding inventories, increased by 187% to $55.3 million mainly due to higher revenues net of mine operation expenses, partially offset by a build-up of supplies inventories as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Cash flows related to operating activities increased year-over-year by $23.2 million to $42.5 million due to higher revenues and gross profit, increase in advances received from a customer of $7.0 million, lower tax payments of $9.4 million and a build-up of stockpile inventory at Wahgnion in preparation for operations in the prior year period, partially offset by a $15.0 million advance waiver payment to the government of Senegal, higher royalty payments of $5.7 million, increased payments to suppliers and build-up of supplies inventories as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • EBITDA1 increased by 135% to $52.8 million from $22.5 million mainly due to higher revenues of $80.6 million and a non-cash impairment reversal of $31.7 million, partially offset by non-cash losses on changes in fair values of share warrant liabilities, gold offtake payment liabilities, call-rights and contingent consideration of $42.1 million and higher mine operation expenses of $32.6 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 increased by 137% to $74.8 million from $31.6 million mainly due to higher revenues of $80.6 million, partially offset by higher mine operation expenses (excluding incremental COVID-19 costs) of $27.7 million and higher share-based compensation expense of $5.1 million, exploration and evaluation expenditures of $2.3 million and sustainability expenses of $2.3 million.

  • Cash and cash equivalents totalled $49.4 million, an increase of $9.4 million from the first quarter 2020 balance of $40.0 million. The increase was mainly due to higher revenues and gross profit, advances received from a customer of $8.6 million, lower tax payments of $9.4 million and lower build-up of inventories at Wahgnion in preparation for operations in the prior year period, partially offset by capital expenditures of $23.8 million, interest payments of $8.9 million and higher suppliers and royalty payments.

  • On May 28, 2020, the Company completed a restructuring transaction to terminate 25,500 ounces of gold forward sales contracts originally settling in the second and third quarters 2020 at forward prices averaging $1,326 per ounce (the "Restructuring") and crystallized losses on 25,500 ounces of gold forward sales contracts at $1,714 per ounce. Concurrently, the Company deferred settlement of the Restructuring to the fourth quarter 2020 and first quarter 2021 by entering into 25,500 ounces of collars, with a floor price of $1,500 per ounce and ceiling price of $1,962 per ounce. The total crystallized loss amount of $10.3 million is repayable in three monthly installments beginning November 2020 and ending January 2021 and has been recognized as a realized loss and derivative financial liability. This Restructuring has allowed the Company to realize higher gold prices on its gold sales during the second quarter, and by crystallizing the loss at $1,714 per ounce, mitigated further mark-to-market losses as gold prices rose above $1,714 per ounce. Using the ceiling price on the collars of $1,962 per ounce, this represents approximate savings of $6 million.

  • The Company and Franco-Nevada are in advanced discussions to amend the gold stream arrangement to a proposed fixed delivery schedule of 783.33 ounces per month, up to October 31, 2031 based on the Sabodala standalone life of mine plan.

Consolidated Operating Highlights

  • Gold production for the second quarter 2020 was 89,011 ounces, 40% higher than prior year period.

  • Consolidated cost of sales per ounce was $1,142, an increase of 12% compared to the prior year period mainly due to lower grades processed, as well as, lower capitalized deferred stripping costs between periods, partially offset by lower mine production costs, net inventory movements and lower depreciation and amortization expense at Sabodala.

  • Consolidated total cash costs per ounce1 were $750, an increase of 10% compared to the prior year period due to lower grades processed, as well as, lower capitalized deferred stripping costs between periods, partially offset by lower mine production costs and net inventory movements at Sabodala.

  • Consolidated all-in sustaining costs (excluding cash/(non-cash) inventory movements and amortized advanced royalty costs) per ounce1 were $988, an increase of 23% mainly due to lower grades processed at Sabodala, higher capital expenditures and higher share-based compensation expense.

  • The Company’s 2020 guidance has been updated to include mining and processing of high-grade ore from the first of the Massawa deposits, Sofia, which commenced mining activities in mid-July, as well as increases in total material movement for mining and processing at Wahgnion resulting from better than expected performance of the Wahgnion processing plant, when compared to its original design. The Company now expects to produce between 375,000 and 400,000 ounces of gold in 2020, an increase of 30,000 to 45,000 when compared to the Company's original guidance. 


REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

Sabodala Gold Operations

  Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
Operating Results 2020 2019 % Change  2020 2019 % Change 
 Ore mined (‘000t)841 555 52% 1,947 1,004 94%
 Waste mined - operating (‘000t)4,804 4,875 (1%) 11,661 10,175 15%
 Waste mined - capitalized (‘000t)475 1,795 (74%) 1,603 4,919 (67%)
 Total mined (‘000t)6,120 7,225 (15%) 15,211 16,098 (6%)
 Grade mined (g/t)1.83 2.77 (34%) 1.62 2.53 (36%)
 Ounces mined (oz)49,491 49,497 0% 101,443 81,633 24%
 Strip ratio (waste/ore)6.3 12.0 (48%) 6.8 15.0 (55%)
 Ore milled (‘000t)1,048 1,083 (3%) 2,039 2,127 (4%)
 Head grade (g/t)1.53 2.01 (24%) 1.49 2.16 (31%)
 Recovery rate (%)88.7 90.6 (2%) 88.1 91.4 (4%)
 Gold produced6 (oz)45,826 63,436 (28%) 85,832 135,382 (37%)
 Gold sold (oz)44,677 64,322 (31%) 86,719 134,939 (36%)
         
 Average realized price1 ($/oz)1,694 1,302 30% 1,620 1,305 24%
 Cost of sales ($/oz sold)1,293 1,016 27% 1,247 959 30%
 Total cash costs1 ($/oz sold)842 679 24% 834 651 28%
 All-in sustaining costs1,3 ($/oz sold)976 801 22% 1,058 827 28%
 All-in sustaining costs (excluding cash/(non-cash) inventory movements and amortized advanced royalty costs)1,3 ($/oz sold)1,007 733 37% 1,145 707 62%
         
 Mining ($/t mined)3.33 3.18 5% 3.01 2.86 5%
 Mining long haul ($/t hauled)1.38 1.39 (1%) 1.41 1.40 1%
 Milling ($/t milled)9.61 11.47 (16%) 10.01 11.50 (13%)
 G&A($/t milled)6.80 4.67 46% 5.97 4.72 26%


  Three months ended June 30, 2020 Six months ended June 30, 2020
  Golouma West Sabodala Maki
Medina
 Goumbati Kourouloulou Total  Golouma West Sabodala Maki
Medina
 Goumbati Kourouloulou Total 
Ore mined(‘000t)536 62 186 42 15 841  1,059 199 632 42 15 1,947 
Waste mined - operating(‘000t)2,670 364 706 323 741 4,804  6,290 1,317 2,990 323 741 11,661 
Waste mined - capitalized(‘000t) 475    475   1,603    1,603 
Total mined(‘000t)3,206 901 892 365 756 6,120  7,349 3,119 3,622 365 756 15,211 
Grade mined(g/t)2.15 1.08 1.18 1.15 3.60 1.83  1.99 1.05 1.17 1.15 3.60 1.62 
Ounces mined(oz)37,001 2,160 7,035 1,557 1,738 49,491  67,642 6,735 23,771 1,557 1,738 101,443 


  Three months ended June 30, 2019 Six months ended June 30, 2019
  Golouma West Kerekounda Sabodala Total  Golouma West Kerekounda Sabodala Koulouqwinde Total 
Ore mined(‘000t)408 84 63 555  658 133 146 67 1,004 
Waste mined - operating(‘000t)3,807 402 666 4,875  6,211 749 2,888 327 10,175 
Waste mined - capitalized(‘000t)578  1,217 1,795  1,506  3,413  4,919 
Total mined(‘000t)4,793 486 1,946 7,225  8,375 882 6,447 394 16,098 
Grade mined(g/t)2.47 5.58 0.99 2.77  2.39 5.21 0.98 1.95 2.53 
Ounces mined(oz)32,420 15,063 2,014 49,497  50,575 22,263 4,593 4,202 81,633 


COVID-19 Update

Due to restrictions put in place for travel within Senegal as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sabodala implemented isolation protocols in mid-March and continued to operate throughout the second quarter. Freedom of movement within Senegal has since been re-allowed, however, Sabodala is still maintaining certain isolation protocols to limit the risk of the virus coming on site and placing employees and the operation at risk; namely an isolation period for incoming employees, which is at present a duration of one week, with the addition of serological testing.

Shift patterns remained reduced to allow for fatigue management that impacted the availability of operating personnel, however, this impact will be reduced during third quarter through the implementation of a new roster for employees.

Consumables and supplies represented a challenge during second quarter 2020, however with the build-up of inventory in first quarter 2020 and diligent work from the site team, no noticeable operational effects eventuated.

Gold shipment logistics continued to be a challenge throughout the second quarter 2020, however since early April, regular shipments to our refineries in Europe have resumed, albeit at higher costs. It is expected during the course of third quarter 2020, as commercial airline operations re-commence, our gold shipment contractor will be able to ensure standard shipments take place.

Mining

In the second quarter 2020, mining activities were focused primarily on Golouma West, Maki Medina, Sabodala Phase 4, Goumbati and Kourouloulou (a small surface pit not included in reserves). In the prior year period, mining activities were focused primarily on Golouma West, Sabodala Phase 4, and the narrow lower benches of Kerekounda. Total tonnes mined in the second quarter were 15% lower than the prior year period due to reduced operating hours as a result of fatigue management protocols and the deployment of shovels and excavators used in the construction of the haul road to Sofia, the first of the Massawa deposits to be mined, at various points through the second quarter 2020.

Ore tonnes mined were 52% higher in the second quarter 2020 compared with the prior year period due primarily to a concentration of mining activities at low strip ratio pits: Golouma West and Maki Medina, and the overall positive reconciliation to the reserve models. Mined ore grades were 34% lower than the prior year period due primarily to the completion of the highest-grade, lower benches of Kerekounda in the prior year period.

Fatigue management protocols are expected to remain in place through September, and could possibly be extended should the isolation protocols and global travel limitations continue. As a result, the planned mining of high-grade ore at both Golouma West and Kourouloulou will now be completed during first quarter 2021 due to the reduced pit advancement rate in the second quarter. Mining activities commenced at Massawa's Sofia starter-pit in mid-July, with ore delivery to the process plant scheduled to commence in August.

Processing

Ore tonnes milled in the second quarter 2020 decreased by 3% compared with the prior year period mainly due to slightly harder ore than in the previous period.

Head grade decreased by 24% in the second quarter 2020 due to depletion of high-grade Gora stockpiled material in the prior year period and pit sequencing in the current period in lower grade areas of several pits.

Gold production decreased by 28% to 45,826 ounces in the second quarter 2020 compared to the prior year period due to lower average head grades, lower ore tonnes milled and slightly lower recovery rates from ore in Golouma West. The lower recovery rates were expected based on metallurgical test work, which showed lower recovery rates in certain areas of the Golouma West pit, and is reflected in the recovery rate guidance in 2020.


Wahgnion Gold Operations

Operating Results Three months ended June 30, 2020  Six months ended June 30, 2020 
 Ore mined (‘000t)692  1,503 
 Waste mined - operating (‘000t)4,190  9,988 
 Waste mined - capitalized (‘000t)107  474 
 Total mined (‘000t)4,989  11,965 
 Grade mined (g/t)1.92  1.86 
 Ounces mined (oz)42,823  89,775 
 Strip ratio (waste/ore)6.2  7.0 
 Ore milled (‘000t)911  1,806 
 Head grade (g/t)1.57  1.72 
 Recovery rate (%)93.9  94.6 
 Gold produced6 (oz)43,185  94,491 
 Gold sold (oz)49,752  94,378 
     
 Average realized price1 ($/oz)1,700  1,641 
 Cost of sales ($/oz sold)1,005  999 
 Total cash costs1 ($/oz sold)667  682 
 All-in sustaining costs1 ($/oz sold)862  817 
 All-in sustaining costs (excluding non-cash inventory movements)1 ($/oz sold)764  767 
     
 Mining ($/t mined)2.59  2.31 
 Milling ($/t milled)8.96  9.30 
 G&A($/t milled)6.03  5.53 


  Three months ended June 30, 2020 Six months ended June 30, 2020
  Nogbele Total  Nangolo Nogbele Total 
Ore mined(‘000t)692 692  31 1,472 1,503 
Waste mined - operating(‘000t)4,190 4,190  63 9,925 9,988 
Waste mined - capitalized(‘000t)107 107   474 474 
Total mined(‘000t)4,989 4,989  94 11,871 11,965 
Grade mined(g/t)1.92 1.92  3.43 1.82 1.86 
Ounces mined(oz)42,823 42,823  3,457 86,318 89,775 


   Three months ended June 30, 2020  Six months ended June 30, 2020 
Total mined (as above)(‘000t) 4,989  11,965 
Capitalized pre-stripping(‘000t) 310  310 
Total mined (including pre-strip tonnes)(‘000t) 5,299  12,275 


COVID-19 Update

Due to restrictions put into place for travel within Burkina Faso as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wahgnion implemented isolation protocols in mid-March. Travel restrictions within Burkina Faso in place since late March were lifted the first week of May. All key management positions and sufficient operating personnel have been in place since the isolation commenced and the Company is now taking advantage of the opportunity to bring in reinforcements and leveraging a number of local facilities to create temporary isolation sites to enable a workforce rotation without compromising operations. Although no longer a requirement by the government of Burkina Faso, the operation chose to maintain quarantine for all employees returning to site from their rotational break as well as conduct testing on all of them. Consumables and supplies continue to arrive as required. In addition, to mitigate the risk of potential supply disruptions, the site's strategy has been to increase inventory on site as much as is practical.

Gold shipments were a challenge at the onset of the pandemic in mid-March, however, since early April, regular shipments have resumed to the refineries in Europe.

Mining

In the second quarter 2020, mining capacity consisted of an owner-operated fleet, supplemented by two mining contractor fleets. The first contractor fleet was dedicated to waste removal from Nogbele North and construction of a lift to the tailings storage facility ("TSF"), while the second contractor fleet has been assisting mining operations in maintaining an accelerated ore delivery schedule due to better than expected performance from the processing plant. Currently, the first contractor fleet is scheduled to complete work on the TSF by November 2020. To accommodate longer than usual rosters and additional days off for fatigue management, as well as to accelerate mining production for a higher than planned plant throughput, the second contractor fleet is now expected to be extended until at least the end of the year.

During the second quarter 2020, mining activities were focused primarily on the Nogbele North and South pits. In total, 5.0 million tonnes were mined during the quarter, consisting of 0.7 million ore tonnes, at an average mine grade of 1.92 g/t, and 4.3 million waste tonnes. Total tonnes mined were 8% higher than plan mainly due to the extension of contract mining activities and ore tonnes were 37% higher than anticipated mainly due to changes in mining sequence and increased ore tonnes identified against the resource model through in-pit geological delineation.

Reconciliation to reserves for the Nogbele South pit, where mining started in first quarter 2020, is showing a slightly positive reconciliation. The overall reconciliation in the Nogbele North pit has also been positive to reserves below the impact of artisanal activities in the first several benches

Processing

Ore tonnes milled in second quarter 2020 was 0.9 million tonnes, approximately 36% higher than planned due to higher leach kinetics allowing for debottlenecking to realize higher mill throughput rates, higher mill operating time, less severe inclement weather than anticipated and a higher than average component of oxide to fresh blend ratio. During the second quarter 2020, the crusher feed blend was comprised of 65% oxide ore and 35% fresh hard rock.

Wahgnion's gold production during the second quarter 2020 was 43,185 ounces, which was higher than planned due to higher throughput rates and gold recoveries.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A copy of Teranga’s consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion & analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 are available on the Company’s website at www.terangagold.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on the OTC Markets’ website at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/TGCDF.

Q2 2020 CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST

Teranga will host a conference call and audio webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET, during which management will review the highlights for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. Those wishing to listen can access the live conference call and webcast as follows:

Date & Time:Friday, August 7, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. ET

Telephone:Toll-free +1-877-291-4570
Local or International +1-647-788-4919
Please allow 10 minutes to be connected to the conference call.

Webcast:Available on Teranga’s website at is www.terangagold.com/Q12020

Replay:The conference call replay will be accessible for two weeks after the call by dialling +1-416-621-4642 or toll-free at +1-800-585-8367 and entering the conference ID 7526159.

Note:The slide presentation will be available for download at www.terangagold.com for simultaneous viewing during the call.

ENDNOTES

(1)This is a non-IFRS financial measure and does not have a standard meaning under IFRS. Please refer to the sections titled, “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and “Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

(2)This production target is based on proven and probable minerals reserves for the Sabodala-Massawa Project and the Wahgnion Gold Operation as at December 31, 2019 as disclosed on the Company’s website at www.terangagold.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The estimated reserves underpinning this production target have been prepared by a competent and qualified person or persons (see Competent and Qualified Persons Statement in Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020).

(3)Comparative amounts have been restated to reflect all-in sustaining costs per ounce and all-in sustaining costs (excluding cash/(non-cash) inventory movements and amortized advanced royalty costs) per ounce of Sabodala on a standalone basis, exclusive of resettlement capital expenditures related to the Niakafiri deposit.

(4)During the three months ended June 30, 2020, gold ounces produced from Sabodala and Wahgnion were 45,826 ounces and 43,185 ounces, respectively (2019: 63,436 ounces and nil, respectively). During the six months ended June 30, 2020, gold ounces produced from Sabodala and Wahgnion were 85,832 ounces and 94,491 ounces, respectively (2019: 135,382 ounces and nil, respectively).

(5)During the three months ended June 30, 2020, gold ounces sold from Sabodala and Wahgnion were 44,677 ounces and 49,752 ounces, respectively (2019: 64,322 ounces and nil, respectively). During the six months ended June 30, 2020, gold ounces sold from Sabodala and Wahgnion were 86,719 ounces and 94,378 ounces, respectively (2019: 134,939 ounces and nil, respectively).

(6)Gold produced represents change in gold in circuit inventory plus gold recovered during the period.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), which reflects management's expectations regarding Teranga’s future growth opportunities, results of operations, performance (both operational and financial) and business prospects (including the timing and development of new deposits and the success of exploration activities) and other opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "scheduled", "trends", "indications", "potential", "estimates", "predicts", "anticipate", “to establish”, "does not anticipate", "believe", "intend", "ability to" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", or are "likely" to be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify such forward looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, forecasting gold production of between 225,000 and 235,000 ounces of gold at Sabodala-Massawa and between 150,000 and 165,000 ounces at Wahgnion in 2020, the results of the Sabodala-Massawa PFS and the anticipated capital and operating costs, the timeline for completing a definitive feasibility study, sustaining costs, net present value, process capacity, average annual gold production, average process recoveries, anticipated mining and processing methods, proposed PFS production schedule and gold production profile, anticipated construction, anticipated mine life, expected recoveries and grades, anticipated production rates, infrastructure, future financial or operating performance of the Company and its projects, estimation of mineral resources, exploration results, opportunities for exploration, development and expansion of the Massawa Project, its potential mineralization, the future price of gold, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, costs and timing of future exploration, and the timing of the development of new deposits. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release reflect management's current beliefs based upon information currently available to management and based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Teranga cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments that management believe to be reasonable and relevant but that may prove to be incorrect. These assumptions include, among other things, the closing and timing of financing, the ability to obtain any requisite governmental approvals, the accuracy of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, gold price, exchange rates, fuel and energy costs, future economic conditions, anticipated future estimates of free cash flow, and courses of action. Teranga cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements.

The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including government approvals and permitting, changes in economic conditions, changes in the worldwide price of gold and other key inputs, changes in mine plans and other factors, such as project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of Teranga, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in Teranga's 2019 Annual Information Form dated March 30, 2020, and in other filings of Teranga with securities and regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Teranga does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. Nothing in this document should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell Teranga securities. All references to Teranga include its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise.

ABOUT TERANGA

Teranga Gold is transitioning into a mid-tier gold producer operating long-life, low-cost mines and advancing prospective exploration properties across West Africa, one of the world’s fastest growing gold jurisdictions. The top-tier gold complex created by integrating the high-grade Massawa Project with the Company’s Sabodala mine, the successful commissioning of Wahgnion, Teranga’s second gold mine, and a strong pipeline of early to advanced-stage exploration assets support the continued growth of Teranga’s reserves, production and cash flow. Through its continued success and commitment to responsible mining, Teranga creates sustainable value for all stakeholders and acts as a catalyst for social, economic, and environmental development.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Richard Young
President & CEO
T: +1 416-594-0000 | E: ryoung@terangagold.com 
Trish Moran
Vice President, IR & Corporate Communications
T: +1 416-607-4507 | E: tmoran@terangagold.com

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