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Eldorado Gold Corporation (TSX: ELD) today reports the Company’s financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. For further information please see the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company’s profile.
Q4 2024 and Full-Year Summary
Operations
Financial
“With the strong finish to the year, as anticipated, we delivered solid operational and financial performance in 2024,” said George Burns, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Gold production increased 7% to 520,293 ounces of gold above the mid-point of the tightened full year guidance range. Costs were also in line with the tightened guidance range, reflecting solid performance across our global operations. The strong operational performance combined with the robust gold price, resulted in a number of financial milestones in 2024, including a 31% increase in revenue, to $1,322.6 million, and increased cash flow from operating activities to $645.7 million a 69% increase compared to 2023. We also generated $342.0 million of free cash flow, excluding the capital invested at Skouries.”
“In 2024, we continued to focus on unlocking the full potential of our operating assets through continuous improvement. Highlights included record gold production at the Lamaque Complex of 196,538 ounces, and the declaration of an inaugural Mineral Reserve at Ormaque. Efemcukuru maintained consistent performance, marking its 10th consecutive year of meeting guidance, in addition to increasing Mineral Reserves by 23% to extend its mine life. A strong fourth quarter at Kisladag was driven by the implementation of optimization efforts. At Olympias, the successful labour negotiations coupled with productivity improvements supports the plant expansion from 500 ktpa to 650 ktpa which is expected to drive long-term profitability.
“At Skouries, we continued to advance the project through the year. However, as we announced on February 5, 2025, with a slower than expected ramp-up of personnel as a result of the tight labour market for construction workers within Greece, we have revised the schedule and construction project capital cost estimate for the Skouries Project. First production is expected in the first quarter of 2026 with commercial production expected in mid-2026. Once into production, we believe that Skouries will offer substantial long-term growth and deliver significant long-term value for shareholders and the Greek economy.
“I want to express my gratitude to our global team for their dedication and contributions this year. As we look ahead, we remain fully focused on driving long-term value as we continue to demonstrate our ability to grow our production profile, optimize our operations and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders, while maintaining our high standards of safety and environmental stewardship.”
Skouries Highlights
Capital Estimate and Schedule
On February 5, 2025, the Company announced an update to the project schedule and construction project capital cost estimate as a result of continued labour market tightness in Greece. The construction project capital cost incorporates an increase of approximately $143 million, to total $1.06 billion. In addition, the Company expects to complete additional pre-commercial production mining and has accelerated the purchase of higher capacity mobile mining equipment (originally expected to be purchased post commercial production), resulting in $154 million of accelerated operational capital prior to commercial production.
First production of the copper-gold concentrate is expected in Q1 2026, with 2026 gold production projected to be between 135,000 and 155,000 ounces and copper production of between 45 and 60 million pounds. Commercial production is expected in mid-2026.
Between the Term Facility related to the Skouries project and the strength of the balance sheet, the project remains fully funded.
Capital spend towards the second phase of construction totalled $97.6 million in Q4 2024, and $324.7 million in 2024.
Construction Activities
A progress update video link can be found here: https://youtu.be/yj92oFQgmzw
As at December 31, 2024 overall project progress was 60% complete for Phase 2 of construction.
Filtered Tailings Facility
Work continues to advance on the filtered tailings building, which is on the critical path. Piling has been completed for the filtered tailings building and concrete work is progressing to enable assembly and installation of the structural steel. All filter press components inclusive of fabricated frames have been delivered to the site. Structural steel pre-assembly continues to advance.
Primary Crusher Building
Progress continues on the foundation construction of the primary crusher with retaining walls and stabilized excavations completed. Construction of the crusher building structure has commenced. The fixed location construction crane has been mobilized for the crusher build.
Process Plant
Work in the process plant continues and re-lining of the flotation tanks was completed in Q3 2024 as planned and structural and mechanical work is advancing. Off-site pipe spool fabrication is progressing and delivery of high-density polyethylene piping to the site is ongoing. Electrical cable tray and mechanical installations have commenced and the contractor continues to ramp up to support increasing levels of activity. Work continues on the support infrastructure including the process control room building, process plant sub-station, water pump station, lime plant, flotation blowers building, compressor building and flotation reagent areas. Structural steel installation is complete at the water pump house and nearing completion for the lime plant building and flotation blowers building.
Thickeners
Construction of the three thickeners progressed on plan during Q4 2024. Concrete works for the first two thickeners have reached approximately 85% and 65% respectively, and construction of the third thickener has commenced.
Integrated Extractive Waste Management Facility
During Q4 2024, construction continued to progress at the coffer dam site with excavation of the spillway and foundation preparation. The coffer dam is expected to be completed at the end of Q1 2025. At the KL embankment the foundation placement preparation is expected to start in Q2 2025, once the coffer dam is in place. Fill placement for water management pond 2 is advancing with excavations for water management pond 1 continuing as planned along with the development of the low-grade ore stockpile.
Underground Development
Approximately 90% of the equipment and operator licenses have been received to date and development mining is ramping up. Access to the test stopes advanced ahead of plan at the upper level. The total metres of underground development for 2024 totaled 571 metres, compared to the expected 2,200 total metres, with the delay attributable to receiving all licenses and permits later than planned. The two test stopes are expected to be completed in 2025.
Engineering, Procurement, and Operational Readiness
Engineering
Engineering works were substantially complete at December 31, 2024. The focus has been on finalizing engineering to support the construction schedule. The release of structural steel for fabrication was substantially completed during Q4 2024.
Procurement
All major procurement is complete and the focus is on managing and expediting deliveries to support construction.
Operational Readiness
Operational readiness has been progressing with the addition of new staff for developing and executing key tasks in mining and processing. In-depth sessions have been conducted to ensure that detailed plans are in place to manage progress in all operational areas, including finalizing a fully integrated OR plan. Progress is being made by the OR asset management team, particularly in identifying critical spares. The Management Operating System (MOS) for the open pit mining function is being implemented. Workforce training is advancing and a training needs analysis is underway for the mining and processing departments. Furthermore, content creation and onboarding of internal and external service providers continues.
Workforce
In addition to the OR team, as at December 31, 2024, there were approximately 1,050 personnel working.
2024 Year in Review: Enabled for Growth
Notable Awards, Recognitions, and Milestones Across the Business:
2025 Exploration Guidance
Eldorado’s exploration activities in 2025 are focused on the regions in which the Company operates and are expected to include in-mine resource conversion and expansion drilling, drill testing a range of near-mine and early-stage targets, as well as generating new targets and projects through generative initiatives. Across the portfolio, approximately 220,000 metres of drilling are planned. This includes capitalized sustaining drilling of approximately 94,000 metres of resource conversion and extension drilling at the Lamaque Operations (Triangle and Ormaque), Efemcukuru and Olympias, capitalized growth drilling of approximately 63,000 metres of resource conversion and extension drilling at the Lamaque Operations (Ormaque) and Efemcukuru (Kokarpinar). Additionally, over 90,000 metres of drilling are planned to test early-stage targets across the portfolio and are expensed.
CANADA
Lamaque Complex and Near Mine Exploration
Triangle Mine: Resource expansion and resource conversion drilling at the Triangle Mine will focus on the C8 through C10 zones with approximately 45,500 metres planned. This is part of a multi-year plan that aims to convert resources at shallower veins in Triangle Deep while in parallel testing for extensions at deeper levels of the deposit.
Ormaque Deposit: The 2025 exploration program at Ormaque is expected to include approximately 48,700 metres of underground resource conversion drilling within existing Inferred Mineral Resources. This drilling will continue to test the upper portion of the deposit for further conversion from Inferred to Indicated Mineral Resource. In addition, approximately 18,000 metres of surface drilling testing step-outs to the east of and below the known deposit is planned.
Sigma-Lamaque early-stage targets: Approximately 13,000 metres of underground exploration drilling is planned from platforms along the Sigma-Triangle decline, testing multiple conceptual targets and step-outs from previous high-grade drill intercepts in the Sigma-Lamaque-Ormaque area. In addition, approximately 22,000 metres of surface drilling is planned to test targets in the same area but away from the decline. The drilling will target high-grade vein systems similar in geological setting and mineralization style to those historically mined at both Sigma and Lamaque, including testing new conceptual targets that have been developed in recent years and following up zones of interest tested during 2024.
Val d’Or district exploration: Eldorado is advancing multiple early to advanced-stage exploration targets in the Val-d’Or district that are expected to provide opportunities for resource growth for the Lamaque Complex.
Bourlamaque early-stage targets: Currently no drilling is planned, however the Exploration team has worked up several target areas that require incremental workup (modelling and/or field activities) ahead of prioritization for drill testing. Once this work is completed, drill metres will be proposed or re-assigned from elsewhere in the portfolio. Ongoing work and subsequent drilling will target high-grade vein systems similar in geological setting and mineralization style to those historically mined at the Beaufor mine and the mines in the Herbin area.
Uniacke-Perestroika: The Uniake-Perestroika properties, located approximately 45 kilometres northeast of the Lamaque Complex, are being explored under an option agreement with Val d’Or Mining Corp. Approximately 5,000 metres of drilling are planned to test a target in the Héva-Cadillac area that delivered encouraging results during 2024.
Abitibi Exploration
Eldorado’s early-stage exploration in Canada is currently focused on generating and testing target areas within the greater Abitibi region that offer opportunities for standalone development outside of the Lamaque Complex area. The Company’s current exploration portfolio includes the Montgolfier project located along the Harricana-Turgeon greenstone belt to the east of the Casa Berardi mine, and a group of licenses in the Kirkland Lake belt currently being explored under an option agreement with the license holder VZZ. At Montgolfier, a staged diamond drill program of up to 7,000 metres is currently underway which follows up 2024 drill results. In Ontario, following a winter geophysical survey, a summer drill program of approximately 4,000 metres is planned to test a target on the Baden Property. Other Kirkland Lake licenses are at the target definition stage, and targeting work activities are ongoing.
TURKIYE
2025 exploration in Turkiye is expected to be focused on resource expansion drilling at Efemcukuru and advancing several early-stage projects in highly prospective priority regions throughout Turkiye.
Efemcukuru
During 2025, approximately 6,500 metres of resource expansion drilling is planned at the Kokarpinar South vein system. Approximately 9,000 metres of drilling is also planned to test targets in the West Vein area. Geologic mapping and geophysical surveys are also planned as part of assessing the wider exploration potential on existing licenses, in addition to defining areas for follow-up resource drilling.
Early-Stage Exploration
The Company continues to explore regions of Turkiye that offer strong exploration potential for resource exploration and development. Current programs are focused in the Artvin (Hod Maden) district and along the Izmir-Ankara Suture Zone, where approximately 8,000 metres of drilling are planned for 2025 to test early-stage targets. Project generation activities and early-stage project work within the Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex are also being conducted with a Turkish joint venture partner.
GREECE
2025 Exploration activities in Greece are expected to be focused in testing targets in the Olympias mine area, along the Stratoni Corridor and at the Skouries Project, in addition to undertaking basic field activities to define targets for future drill testing across our exploration licenses.
Olympias
Approximately 8,800 metres of surface drilling is planned to test for extensions to known mineralization at the North Zone at Olympias, while 9,050 metres drilling is planned to test extensions from underground in the East and West Zones.
Stratoni Skarn
Surface drilling is planned, following up some 2024 results, to test for copper-gold skarn potential along the Stratoni Corridor at the Stratoni Skarn target. A 10,000 metre program is expected to commence in the first half of the year.
Skouries
Underground drilling has commenced at Skouries, with the objectives of converting and expanding resources. Currently approximately 5,000 metres of drilling is planned.
Consolidated Financial and Operational Highlights
Summarized Annual Financial Results
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Revenue | $1,322.6 | $1,008.5 | $872.0 | |||||
Gold produced (oz) | 520,293 | 485,139 | 453,916 | |||||
Gold sold (oz) | 517,926 | 483,978 | 452,953 | |||||
Average realized gold price ($/oz sold) (2) | $2,405 | $1,944 | $1,787 | |||||
Production costs | 564.2 | 478.9 | 459.6 | |||||
Total cash costs ($/oz sold) (2,3) | 940 | 850 | 878 | |||||
All-in sustaining costs ($/oz sold) (2,3) | 1,285 | 1,220 | 1,276 | |||||
Net earnings (loss) for the period (1) | 289.1 | 104.6 | (353.8 | ) | ||||
Net earnings (loss) per share – basic ($/share) (1) | 1.42 | 0.54 | (1.93 | ) | ||||
Net earnings (loss) per share – diluted ($/share) (1) | 1.41 | 0.54 | (1.93 | ) | ||||
Net earnings (loss) for the period continuing operations (1,4) | 300.9 | 106.2 | (49.2 | ) | ||||
Net earnings (loss) per share continuing operations – basic ($/share) (1,4) | 1.48 | 0.55 | (0.27 | ) | ||||
Net earnings (loss) per share continuing operations – diluted ($/share) (1,4) | 1.46 | 0.54 | (0.27 | ) | ||||
Adjusted net earnings continuing operations – basic (1,2,4) | 320.7 | 110.7 | 10.1 | |||||
Adjusted net earnings per share continuing operations – basic ($/share) (1,2,4) | 1.57 | 0.57 | 0.05 | |||||
Net cash generated from operating activities (4) | 645.7 | 382.9 | 211.2 | |||||
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital (2,4) | 635.5 | 411.2 | 239.5 | |||||
Free cash flow (2,4) | 6.8 | (47.2 | ) | (104.5 | ) | |||
Free cash flow excluding Skouries (2,4) | 342.0 | 112.6 | (69.4 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 856.8 | 540.5 | 279.7 | |||||
Total assets | 5,835.6 | 4,987.6 | 4,457.9 | |||||
Debt | 915.4 | 636.1 | 494.4 |
(1) | Attributable to shareholders of the Company. |
(2) | These financial measures or ratios are non-IFRS financial measures and ratios. Certain additional disclosures for non-IFRS financial measures and ratios have been incorporated by reference and additional detail can be found at the end of this press release and in the section ‘Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures and Ratios’ in Eldorado’s December 31, 2024 MD&A. |
(3) | Revenues from silver, lead and zinc sales are offset against total cash costs. |
(4) | Amounts presented are from continuing operations only and exclude the Romania segment. See Note 6 of our consolidated financial statements. |
Summarized Quarterly Financial Results
2024 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | 2024 | |||||||||
Revenue | $258.0 | $297.1 | $331.8 | $435.7 | $1,322.6 | |||||||||
Gold produced (oz) (6) | 117,111 | 122,319 | 125,195 | 155,668 | 520,293 | |||||||||
Gold sold (oz) | 116,008 | 121,226 | 123,828 | 156,864 | 517,926 | |||||||||
Average realized gold price ($/oz sold) (2) | $2,086 | $2,336 | $2,492 | $2,625 | $2,405 | |||||||||
Production costs | 123.0 | 127.8 | 141.2 | 172.1 | 564.2 | |||||||||
Total cash cost ($/oz sold) (2,3) | 922 | 940 | 953 | 944 | 940 | |||||||||
All-in sustaining cost ($/oz sold) (2,3) | 1,262 | 1,331 | 1,335 | 1,226 | 1,285 | |||||||||
Net earnings (4) | 33.6 | 55.5 | 95.0 | 105.1 | 289.1 | |||||||||
Net earnings per share – basic ($/share) (4) | 0.17 | 0.27 | 0.46 | 0.51 | 1.42 | |||||||||
Net earnings per share – diluted ($/share) (4) | 0.16 | 0.27 | 0.46 | 0.51 | 1.41 | |||||||||
Net earnings for the period continuing operations (1,4) | 35.2 | 56.4 | 101.1 | 108.2 | 300.9 | |||||||||
Net earnings per share continuing operations – basic ($/share) (1,4) | 0.17 | 0.28 | 0.49 | 0.53 | 1.48 | |||||||||
Net earnings per share continuing operations – diluted ($/share) (1,4) | 0.17 | 0.27 | 0.49 | 0.52 | 1.46 | |||||||||
Adjusted net earnings continuing operations (1,2,4) | 55.2 | 66.6 | 71.0 | 127.8 | 320.7 | |||||||||
Adjusted net earnings per share continuing operations – basic ($/share) (1,2,4) |
0.27 | 0.33 | 0.35 | 0.62 | 1.57 | |||||||||
Net cash generated from operating activities (1) | 95.3 | 112.2 | 180.9 | 257.3 | 645.7 | |||||||||
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital (1,2) | 108.3 | 132.2 | 166.5 | 228.5 | 635.5 | |||||||||
Free cash flow (1,2) | (30.9 | ) | (32.0 | ) | (4.8 | ) | 74.6 | 6.8 | ||||||
Free cash flow excluding Skouries (1,2) | 33.7 | 33.9 | 98.3 | 176.2 | 342.0 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 514.7 | 595.1 | 676.6 | 856.8 | 856.8 | |||||||||
Total assets | 5,065.5 | 5,280.6 | 5,565.1 | 5,835.6 | 5,835.6 | |||||||||
Debt | 643.8 | 748.0 | 849.2 | 915.4 | 915.4 | |||||||||
2023 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | 2023 | |||||||||
Revenue (6) | $227.8 | $229.0 | $244.8 | $306.9 | $1,008.5 | |||||||||
Gold produced (oz) (5) | 111,509 | 109,435 | 121,030 | 143,166 | 485,139 | |||||||||
Gold sold (oz) | 109,817 | 110,134 | 119,200 | 144,827 | 483,978 | |||||||||
Average realized gold price ($/oz sold) (2,3) | $1,932 | $1,953 | $1,879 | $1,999 | $1,944 | |||||||||
Production costs (5,6) | 109.7 | 116.1 | 115.5 | 137.6 | 478.9 | |||||||||
Total cash cost ($/oz sold) (2,3,6) | 857 | 928 | 794 | 830 | 850 | |||||||||
All-in sustaining cost ($/oz sold) (2,3,6) | 1,207 | 1,296 | 1,177 | 1,207 | 1,220 | |||||||||
Net (loss) earnings (4,5,6) | 19.3 | 0.9 | (8.0 | ) | 92.4 | 104.6 | ||||||||
Net (loss) earnings per share – basic ($/share) (4,5,6) | 0.10 | — | (0.04 | ) | 0.46 | 0.54 | ||||||||
Net (loss) earnings per share – diluted ($/share) (4,5,6) | 0.10 | — | (0.04 | ) | 0.45 | 0.54 | ||||||||
Net (loss) earnings for the period continuing operations (1,4,5,6) | 19.4 | 1.5 | (6.6 | ) | 91.8 | 106.2 | ||||||||
Net (loss) earnings per share continuing operations – basic ($/share) (1,4,5,6) |
0.11 | 0.01 | (0.03 | ) | 0.45 | 0.55 | ||||||||
Net (loss) earnings per share continuing operations – diluted ($/share) (1,4,5,6) |
0.10 | 0.01 | (0.03 | ) | 0.45 | 0.54 | ||||||||
Adjusted net earnings continuing operations (1,2,4,5,6) | 16.7 | 9.7 | 35.0 | 49.3 | 110.7 | |||||||||
Adjusted net earnings per share continuing operations – basic ($/share) (1,2,4,5,6) |
0.09 | 0.05 | 0.17 | 0.24 | 0.57 | |||||||||
Net cash flow from operating activities (1) | 41.0 | 74.6 | 107.7 | 159.6 | 382.9 | |||||||||
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital (1,2,6) | 93.2 | 82.4 | 97.5 | 138.0 | 411.2 | |||||||||
Free cash flow (1,2) | (34.4 | ) | (22.4 | ) | (19.7 | ) | 29.3 | (47.2 | ) | |||||
Free cash flow excluding Skouries (1,2) | (19.2 | ) | 13.0 | 36.8 | 82.0 | 112.6 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 262.3 | 456.6 | 476.6 | 540.5 | 540.5 | |||||||||
Total assets | 4,501.0 | 4,742.1 | 4,812.2 | 4,987.6 | 4,987.6 | |||||||||
Debt | 493.4 | 546.0 | 596.5 | 636.1 | 636.1 |
(1) | Amounts presented are from continuing operations only and exclude the Romania segment. See Note 6 of our consolidated financial statements. |
(2) | These financial measures or ratios are non-IFRS financial measures and ratios. Certain additional disclosures for non-IFRS financial measures and ratios have been incorporated by reference and additional detail can be found at the end of this press release and in the section ‘Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures and Ratios’ in Eldorado’s December 31, 2024 MD&A. |
(3) | By-product revenues are off-set against total cash costs. |
(4) | Attributable to shareholders of the Company. |
(5) | A concentrate weight-scale calibration correction at Olympias has resulted in an adjustment to ending inventory as at March 31, 2023 of 1,024 gold ounces. Gold production in Q1 2023 has been reduced by this amount, resulting in additional production costs of $1.3 million and additional depreciation expense of $0.7 million for Q1 2023. |
(6) | Q1-Q3 2023 revenues and production costs have been adjusted to reclassify freight-related concentrate sales pricing adjustments from selling expenses to revenues. The reclassification was $1.5 million for Q1 2023, $0.9 million for Q2 2023, and $0.4 million for Q3 2023, and has no impact on net income. |
Gold sales in 2024 totaled 517,926 ounces, an increase of 7% from 483,978 ounces in 2023. The higher sales volume in 2024 compared with the prior year primarily reflected higher production at Kisladag and Lamaque, with increases of 18,668 and 18,175 ounces sold, respectively, as well as slightly higher production and timely concentrate sales at Olympias with an increase of 3,181 ounces. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of 6,076 ounces sold at Efemcukuru due largely to lower production as a result of lower average gold grade. Gold sales were 156,864 ounces in Q4 2024, an increase of 8% from 144,827 ounces in Q4 2023, primarily due to increased production at Kisladag and Lamaque in the quarter.
The average realized gold price(3) was $2,405 per ounce sold in 2024, an increase from $1,944 per ounce sold in 2023, as strong prices continued throughout the year. The average realized gold price was $2,625 per ounce sold in Q4 2024 (compared to $1,999 per ounce sold in Q4 2023).
Total revenue was $1,322.6 million in 2024, an increase of 31% from revenue of $1,008.5 million in 2023. The increase was due primarily to both higher sales volumes and the average realized gold price. Total revenue was $435.7 million in Q4 2024, an increase of 42% from revenue of $306.9 million in Q4 2023, for the same reasons.
Production costs of $564.2 million in 2024 increased from $478.9 million in 2023 and production costs of $172.1 million in Q4 2024 increased from $137.6 million in Q4 2023. Increases in both periods were the result of both higher sales volumes and higher cash costs, the latter impacted by increased royalties (due to higher gold sales and average gold price), as well as increases in labour costs.
Production costs include royalty expense, which increased to $79.4 million in 2024 from $51.8 million in 2023, and increased to $26.4 million in Q4 2024 from $16.5 million in Q4 2023, primarily reflecting higher average gold prices combined with higher sales volumes. In Turkiye, royalties are paid on revenue less certain costs associated with ore haulage, mineral processing and related depreciation and are calculated on the basis of a sliding scale according to the average London Metal Exchange gold price during the calendar year. In Greece, royalties are paid on revenue and calculated on a sliding scale tied to international gold and base metal prices and the EUR:USD exchange rate.
Total cash costs(3) averaged $940 per ounce sold in 2024, an increase from $850 per ounce sold in 2023. In Q4 2024, total cash costs averaged $944 per ounce sold, an increase from $830 per ounce sold in Q4 2023. The increase in both periods was primarily due to higher royalties (driven by higher gold prices) and labour costs.
AISC per ounce sold(3) increased slightly to $1,285 in 2024 from $1,220 in 2023, and to $1,226 in Q4 2024 from $1,207 in Q4 2023. Increases in both periods primarily reflect higher total cash costs per ounce sold as discussed above, and the year-over-year comparison was also impacted by higher sustaining capital expenditures.
We reported net earnings attributable to shareholders from continuing operations of $300.9 million ($1.48 basic earnings per share) in 2024, compared to net earnings of $106.2 million ($0.55 basic earnings per share) in 2023 and net earnings of $108.2 million ($0.53 basic earnings per share) in Q4 2024, compared to net earnings of $91.8 million ($0.45 basic earnings per share) in Q4 2023. Net earnings increased in 2024 and Q4 2024 primarily due to higher revenue, partially offset by higher production costs and income tax expense.
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(4) were $320.7 million ($1.57 per share) in 2024, compared to $110.7 million ($0.57 per share) in 2023. Adjusted net earnings in 2024 removes a $14.6 million loss on foreign exchange due to the translation of deferred tax balances, net of a gain on deferred income taxes due to the Turkiye inflationary tax basis, a $51.8 million unrealized loss on derivative instruments, and a $50.1 million after-tax gain related to deferred consideration from the sale of the Tocantinzinho property to G Mining Ventures in 2021, among other things. Adjusted net earnings were $127.8 million ($0.62 per share) in Q4 2024 after adjusting for a $26.5 million loss on foreign exchange due to the translation of deferred tax balances, a $5.1 million loss on the non-cash revaluation of the derivative related to redemption options in the debt, and a $10.2 million unrealized gain on derivative instruments.
Higher sales volumes in 2024, combined with higher average realized prices, resulted in EBITDA(4) of $689.5 million, including $257.2 million in Q4 2024. Adjusted EBITDA(4) of $691.6 million in 2024 and $246.7 million in Q4 2024 exclude, among other things, share-based payments, gain on deferred consideration, and gains and losses on derivative instruments.
Operations Update
Gold Operations
3 months ended December 31, | 12 months ended December 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
Total | ||||||||
Ounces produced | 155,668 | 143,166 | 520,293 | 485,139 | ||||
Ounces sold | 156,864 | 144,827 | 517,926 | 483,978 | ||||
Production costs | $172.1 | $137.6 | $564.2 | $478.9 | ||||
Total cash costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $944 | $830 | $940 | $850 | ||||
All-in sustaining costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $1,226 | $1,207 | $1,285 | $1,220 | ||||
Sustaining capital expenditures (2) | $31.0 | $37.9 | $124.3 | $121.8 | ||||
Kisladag | ||||||||
Ounces produced | 56,483 | 46,291 | 174,080 | 154,849 | ||||
Ounces sold | 56,056 | 46,051 | 173,124 | 154,456 | ||||
Production costs | $56.1 | $36.1 | $162.7 | $122.8 | ||||
Total cash costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $978 | $767 | $918 | $775 | ||||
All-in sustaining costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $1,073 | $909 | $1,025 | $900 | ||||
Sustaining capital expenditures (2) | $3.8 | $5.6 | $12.7 | $16.0 | ||||
Lamaque | ||||||||
Ounces produced | 63,742 | 56,619 | 196,538 | 177,069 | ||||
Ounces sold | 61,894 | 57,040 | 194,670 | 176,495 | ||||
Production costs | $38.7 | $35.1 | $140.3 | $119.5 | ||||
Total cash costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $615 | $606 | $711 | $667 | ||||
All-in sustaining costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $933 | $977 | $1,134 | $1,089 | ||||
Sustaining capital expenditures (2) | $19.2 | $20.7 | $80.3 | $72.7 | ||||
Efemcukuru | ||||||||
Ounces produced | 19,451 | 22,374 | 80,143 | 86,088 | ||||
Ounces sold | 19,185 | 22,497 | 80,002 | 86,078 | ||||
Production costs | $26.9 | $21.4 | $99.9 | $80.1 | ||||
Total cash costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $1,376 | $973 | $1,231 | $954 | ||||
All-in sustaining costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $1,650 | $1,201 | $1,411 | $1,154 | ||||
Sustaining capital expenditures (2) | $5.1 | $4.4 | $15.9 | $14.0 | ||||
Olympias | ||||||||
Ounces produced | 15,992 | 17,882 | 69,532 | 67,133 | ||||
Ounces sold | 19,729 | 19,239 | 70,130 | 66,949 | ||||
Production costs | $50.4 | $44.9 | $161.3 | $156.5 | ||||
Total cash costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $1,463 | $1,478 | $1,304 | $1,369 | ||||
All-in sustaining costs ($/oz sold) (1,2) | $1,669 | $1,872 | $1,562 | $1,688 | ||||
Sustaining capital expenditures (2) | $2.9 | $7.2 | $15.4 | $19.0 |
(1) | Revenues from silver, lead and zinc sales are off-set against total cash costs. |
(2) | These financial measures or ratios are non-IFRS financial measures and ratios. Certain additional disclosures for non-IFRS financial measures and ratios have been incorporated by reference and additional detail can be found at the end of this press release and in the section ‘Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures and Ratios’ in Eldorado’s December 31, 2024 MD&A. |
Kisladag
Kisladag produced 174,080 ounces of gold in 2024, a 12% increase from 154,849 ounces in 2023 benefiting from both a higher average grade and higher stacking rates from earlier in the year. Gold production of 56,483 ounces in the quarter increased 22% from 46,291 ounces in Q4 2023, as a result of drawdown from previously stacked ounces. For the year, the average grade increased to 0.81 grams per tonne, from an average grade of 0.78 grams per tonne in 2023 while throughput remained consistent with the prior year.
Production in the fourth quarter benefited from the North ADR facility commencing operations, which enables optimization of carbon loading, recovery and regeneration. In addition, the North ADR facility has a higher capacity for carbon management compared to the South ADR facility, The commencement of the North ADR operations was combined with steady performance in stacking and leaching, which in turn was aided by irrigation optimization activities that have been implemented to address the longer than planned leach cycles.
It is expected, as in prior years, that the first quarter of 2025 will be a lower production quarter as leach kinetics slow during the colder months. In addition, a planned 6-day HPGR roll change was completed during January 2025. Throughout 2025, the wear components of the HPGR rolls will continue to be monitored and optimized.
Additionally, as previously discussed, an engineering study has commenced with drilling continuing through the fourth quarter in addition to geometallurgical characterization testwork. The study is expected to be completed in mid-2025.
Revenue increased to $423.5 million in 2024 from $304.8 million in 2023 and increased to $150.3 million from $92.9 million in Q4 2023, reflecting a combination of higher gold sales and higher average realized prices in the current year and quarter.
Production costs increased to $162.7 million in 2024 from $122.8 million in 2023 primarily due to increased sales volume, higher royalties due to higher average gold prices, and higher labour costs. Production costs during the quarter increased to $56.1 million from $36.1 million in Q4 2023 also as a result of higher gold production and ounces sold, and higher labour costs. Local cost inflation was not fully offset by the depreciation of the Lira against the U.S. dollar. As a result, total cash costs per ounce sold increased to $918 in 2024 from $775 in 2023 and $978 in Q4 2024 from $767 in Q4 2023.
Depreciation expense increased to $93.7 million in 2024 from $79.9 million in 2023 in line with higher ounces produced and sold during the year. This expense increased due to a higher depreciable base of assets since the NHLP and North ADR plant were put into use. In addition, accelerated depreciation of the South Heap Leach Pad was recorded in 2024 as this leach pad is approaching the end of its useful life.
AISC per ounce sold increased to $1,025 in 2024 from $900 in 2023 and in the quarter increased to $1,073 from $909 in Q4 2023 primarily due to higher total cash costs per ounce sold, partly offset by lower sustaining capital expenditure.
Sustaining capital expenditure was $12.7 million in 2024, including $3.8 million in Q4 2024, primarily related to equipment rebuilds, and processing and infrastructure improvements. Growth capital investment was $107.3 million in 2024, including $22.2 million in Q4 2024, primarily for waste stripping and associated equipment costs to support the mine life extension, continued construction of the second phase of the NHLP and North ADR plant infrastructure, and preparation work for building relocation due to pit expansion.
Lamaque
Lamaque produced 196,538 ounces of gold in 2024, an 11% increase from 177,069 ounces in 2023 as a result of higher mining rates and ore throughput during the year. Gold production of 63,742 ounces in the quarter was higher compared to 56,619 ounces in Q4 2023 due to higher throughput rates, higher grade, and the processing of additional ore from the Ormaque bulk sample. The average grade of 8.05 grams per tonne in the quarter was higher compared to Q4 2023 due to the high-grade Ormaque bulk sample, while the average grade of 6.74 grams per tonne in 2024 was comparable to that of the prior year.
Revenue increased to $473.0 million in 2024 from $346.3 million in 2023 and increased to $165.2 million from $114.9 million in Q4 2023. The increase in both periods primarily reflects a higher average realized gold price as well as higher sales volumes.
Production costs increased to $140.3 million in 2024 from $119.5 million in 2023, and to $38.7 million in the quarter from $35.1 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to higher gold sales, as well as additional costs incurred for labour, contractors, and equipment rentals. As a result, total cash costs per ounce sold increased to $711 in 2024 from $667 in 2023. However, in Q4 2024, total cash costs per ounce sold only slightly increased to $615 from $606 in Q4 2023, as the impact of higher production costs were almost entirely offset by higher ounces sold.
AISC per ounce sold increased to $1,134 in 2024 from $1,089 in 2023 primarily reflecting higher total cash costs per ounce sold and higher sustaining capital expenditure during the year, partially offset by higher ounces sold. AISC per ounce sold decreased to $933 in Q4 2024 from $977 in Q4 2023, primarily due to lower sustaining capital expenditures and higher ounces sold, partially offset by higher production costs.
Sustaining capital expenditures were $80.3 million in 2024, including $19.2 million in Q4 2024, primarily related to underground development, equipment rebuilds, and expenditures on the expansion of the tailings management facility. Growth capital investments totalled $23.0 million in 2024, including $4.1 million in Q4 2024, primarily related to development at Ormaque.
Efemcukuru
Efemcukuru produced 80,143 payable ounces of gold in 2024, a 7% decrease from 86,088 payable ounces in 2023, reflecting lower grades and recoveries in the year, while throughput also decreased slightly. Gold production of 19,451 payable ounces in the quarter was 13% lower than 22,374 payable ounces produced in Q4 2023, for the same reasons.
Revenue increased to $199.9 million in 2024 from $170.5 million in 2023 and to $51.0 million in Q4 2024 from $46.7 million in Q4 2023. Increases in both periods were driven primarily by higher average realized gold prices, partially offset by lower sales volumes.
Production costs increased to $99.9 million in 2024 from $80.1 million in 2023 and to $26.9 million in Q4 2024 from $21.4 million in Q4 2023, primarily driven by rising costs of labour and increased royalties due to higher average realized gold prices. Local cost inflation was not fully offset by the depreciation of the Lira against the U.S. dollar. Operating cost increases and lower gold production in the year resulted in an increase in total cash costs per ounce sold in the year to $1,231 in 2024, from $954 in 2023 and similarly in the quarter to $1,376 in Q4 2024 from $973 in Q4 2023.
AISC per ounce sold increased to $1,411 in 2024 from $1,154 in 2023 and to $1,650 in Q4 2024 from $1,201 in Q4 2023, primarily reflecting higher total cash costs per ounce sold and higher sustaining capital expenditures.
Sustaining capital expenditure was $15.9 million in 2024, including $5.1 million in Q4 2024, related primarily to underground development and equipment rebuilds. Growth capital investment was $4.6 million in 2024, including $1.2 million in Q4 2024 to support underground development at Kokarpinar.
Olympias
Olympias produced 69,532 ounces of gold in 2024, a 4% increase from 67,133 ounces in 2023, primarily reflecting a higher average gold grade during the year. Throughput in 2024 was slightly lower than in 2023 due to plant equipment downtime in Q4 2024 and work stoppages experienced in Q2 2024, but this was almost completely offset by more efficient production. Gold production of 15,992 ounces in Q4 2024 decreased from 17,882 ounces in Q4 2023 as a result of slightly lower throughput and lower gold grades in the quarter. Lower throughput was a result of planned equipment downtime and unplanned maintenance related to the gold concentrate filter presses which negatively impacted the mill throughput. Lead and silver production increased in the period compared to Q4 2023, primarily reflecting higher grades.
Revenue increased to $226.2 million in 2024 from $186.8 million in 2023 and increased to $69.3 million in Q4 2024 from $52.4 million in Q4 2023, as a result of a higher average realized gold price and slightly higher sales volumes in both periods.
Production costs increased slightly to $161.3 million in 2024 from $156.5 million in 2023 and to $50.4 million in Q4 2024 from $44.9 million in Q4 2023. Increases in both periods reflect higher labour costs and higher royalty expenses as a result of higher realized gold prices, as well as higher gold ounces sold. However, higher base metals revenues partially offset the higher unit costs and as a result, total cash cost per ounce sold has decreased slightly in the year and the quarter compared to 2023.
Sustaining capital expenditure decreased to $15.4 million in 2024 from $19.0 million in 2023 and to $2.9 million in Q4 2024 from $7.2 million in Q4 2023. Spending in both periods primarily included underground development and underground infrastructure improvements. Growth capital investments in 2024 relate to long-lead items for the 650 ktpa expansion and capital development underground.
For further information on the Company’s operating results for the year-end and fourth quarter of 2024, please see the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company’s profile.
Conference Call
A conference call to discuss the details of the Company’s Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Results will be held by senior management on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 8:30 AM PT (11:30 AM ET). The call will be webcast and can be accessed at Eldorado Gold’s website: www.eldoradogold.com and via this link: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=dSeOP9wo.
Participants may elect to pre-register for the conference call via this link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10195094/fe1e08e6f4.
Upon registration, participants will receive a calendar invitation by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This will allow participants to bypass the operator queue and connect directly to the conference. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.
Conference Call Details | Replay (available until March 28, 2025) | |||
Date: | February 21, 2025 | Toronto: | +1 412 317 0088 | |
Time: | 8:30 am PT (11:30 am ET) | Toll Free: | +1 855 669 9658 | |
Dial in: | +1 647 484 8814 | Access code: | 4253753 | |
Toll free: | 1 844 763 8274 |
About Eldorado Gold
Eldorado is a gold and base metals producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkiye, Canada and Greece. The Company has a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with local communities. Eldorado’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO).
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