Karora Resources Inc. (TSX: KRR) announced financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2023. The Company’s full unaudited condensed interim financial statements and management discussion & analysis are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company’s website at www.karoraresources.com. All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.

RECORD QUARTERLY PRODUCTION

• Production of 39,827 ounces exceeded target levels and increased 45% from the first quarter of 2022 reflecting growth of 27% in tonnes processed and a 13% improvement in average grade; Production ended the quarter on track to achieve full-year 2023 guidance of 145,000 – 160,000 ounces.

UNIT COSTS ON TRACK TO ACHIEVE 2023 GUIDANCE

• Cash operating costs¹ and all-in sustaining costs¹ per ounce sold averaged US$1,124 and US$1,213, respectively, compared to US$1,310 and US$1,396, respectively, for same period a year earlier; AISC¹ per ounce sold was in line with full-year 2023 guidance of US$1,100 – US$1,250.

REVENUE MATCHES QUARTERLY RECORD SET IN Q4 2022

• Revenue totalled $96.8 million, 48% higher than in Q1 2022 reflecting a 38% increase in gold ounces sold, to 36,145 ounces, and was largely unchanged from the quarterly record set in the fourth quarter of 2022.

STRONG IMPROVEMENT IN OPERATING EARNINGS FROM Q1 2022 AND Q4 2022  

• Operating earnings of $8.6 million improved from a Q1 2022 operating loss of $2.3 million and increased 31% from Q4 2022.

SOLID OPERATING CASH FLOW GENERATION

• Cash flow provided by operating activities before change in non-cash working capital of $28.6 million more than doubled from the Q1 2022 level of $12.2 million and increased 2% from $28.2 million in Q4 2022.

EARNINGS PERFORMANCE REFLECTS NON-CASH, OTHER EXPENSES

• Net loss of $2.9 million ($0.02 per share) improved from a net loss of $3.7 million ($0.02 per share) in Q1 2022 and largely reflected non-cash, unrealized losses of $6.2 million and $3.9 million related to derivatives³ and foreign exchange, respectively; Adjusted earnings totalled $4.8 million ($0.03 per share) versus $1.1 million ($0.01 per share) in Q1 2022 and $8.7 million ($0.05 per share) in Q4 2022.

CONTINUED PROGRESS WITH GROWTH PLAN

• Development of second (west) decline and first of three ventilation raises at Beta Hunt completed on schedule and budget in Q1 2023; Expansion of Beta Hunt remains on track to support growth to annualized production rate of 2.0 Mtpa during 2024.

ADDITONAL EXPLORATION SUCCESS HIGHLIGHTS FUTURE POTENTIAL OF BETA HUNT

• Drilling at Beta Hunt continued to extend mineralization at both Western Flanks and the A Zone and to demonstrate the significant potential of the Mason and Cowcill zones to emerge as important new mining opportunities; Subsequent to the end of Q1 2023, new high-grade gold intersections, including 6.5 g/t over 26 metres and 46.5 g/t over 7.0 metres, were released extending the drill-supported strike potential of the Fletcher Shear Zone by 900 metres for a total potential strike length of 1.4 km.

SOLID GROWTH IN RESERVES AND RESOURCES³

• Gold Mineral Reserves at Beta Hunt increased 12% to 538,000 ounces, with growth in gold Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 20% to 1.35 million ounces; Nickel Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources were increased 8% to 21,100 tonnes.
  • Non-IFRS: the definition and reconciliation of these measures are included in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this news release and in the MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
  • Relates to the Company’s Morgan Stanley royalty agreement (see Note 11 of the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023 for more information).
  • For a full review of the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates at Beta Hunt released during Q1 2023 and effective as of September 30, 2022, please see the technical report filed at www.sedar.com.

Paul Andre Huet, Chairman and CEO, commented: “We are off to a strong start in 2023, with record quarterly production exceeding target levels driven by grade outperformance and higher than expected tonnes mined and processed. Our unit costs are tracking in line with our 2023 plan and guidance and improved 14% from last year’s first quarter. We also continued to advance our capital programs on schedule and budget, with the second decline and first of three ventilation raises at Beta Hunt completed during the quarter. Overall, the expansion project remains on track to support the mine’s growth to an annualized production rate of 2.0 Mtpa over the course of 2024 and we sit well positioned to achieve all of our production, cost and capital expenditure guidance for full-year 2023.

“A highlight of the quarter was the continued emergence of Beta Hunt as a world-class mine with gold production of 26,577 ounces exceeding planned levels and increasing by 55% from a year ago and 27% from last quarter. The mine’s cost performance was excellent, with cash operating costs of $967 per ounce improving from both prior periods. In addition to solid operating performance and effective execution of its growth plan, Beta Hunt also continued to generate very encouraging exploration results. We increased our gold mineral reserves and mineral resources during the first quarter and, with the drilling results we are getting, we are very confident that we will continue to grow reserves and resources going forward. We are equally confident that, within this world-class gold mine, we are well on our way to establishing a profitable, long-term nickel mining operation that will support further improvement in gold unit costs through higher byproduct credits. The “mine within a mine” concept provides Beta Hunt with an important competitive advantage and, with the growth in nickel mineral resources being achieved and the drill results being generated, we fully expect that nickel will become a more substantial component of the Beta Hunt story.

“Turning to HGO, production of 13,250 ounces at HGO exceeded plan and increased 28% from last year’s first quarter. Cash operating costs improved from a year ago and are expected to trend lower, particularly later in the year when we commence open-pit mining at our Pioneer project.

“Finally, our financial performance in the first quarter was solid, with revenue matching the record level we reported last quarter, operating earnings improving from both prior periods and adjusted earnings more than tripling from a year ago. Operating cash flow was strong and, while we recorded a slight decline in our cash position (primarily related to reducing accounts payable), we saw an improvement in working capital from $38.0 million at year end to $43.9 million at the end of the first quarter. We expect to see cash growth resume over the course of the year as we execute our expansion plan and deliver operationally into the current strong gold price environment.”

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Table 1. Results of Operations

Consolidated Operations

Consolidated gold production in the first quarter of 2023 totalled 39,827 ounces, a 45% increase from the first quarter of 2022 and 7% higher than 37,309 ounces the previous quarter. The increase from the first quarter of 2022 resulted from a 27% increase in tonnes milled and a 13% improvement in the average grade.

Cash operating costs¹ per ounce sold for the first quarter of 2023 averaged US$1,124, a 14% improvement from $1,310 for the same period in 2022 when the Company’s operations were impacted by disruptions caused by record COVID-19 cases in Western Australia. Cash operating costs¹ per ounce sold in the first quarter of 2023 increased 9% from the previous quarter reflecting higher unit costs at HGO due to the impact of mine sequencing and costs related to stockpiled material processed during the quarter. AISC¹ per ounce sold in the first quarter of 2023 averaged $1,213 compared to $1,396 in the first quarter of 2022 and $1,110 the fourth quarter of 2022, with the changes from the prior periods mainly related to changes in cash operating costs.¹

Beta Hunt

During the first quarter of 2023, Beta Hunt mined 299,900 tonnes at an average grade of 2.81 g/t containing 27,100 ounces of gold. Mine production during the first quarter of 2023 increased 32% from 228,000 tonnes mined in the first quarter of 2022 at an average grade of 2.45 g/t and was 19% higher than 252,500 tonnes at an average grade of 2.84 g/t in the fourth quarter of 2022. The majority of the scheduled mined tonnes during the first quarter came from the A Zone and central section of Western Flanks with the 15% increase in grade compared to the first quarter of 2022 mainly reflecting mining high-grade ore from the A Zone 17 Level.

Gold production from Beta Hunt in the first quarter of 2023 totalled 26,577 ounces based on milling 298,300 tonnes at an average grade of 2.92 g/t. Production for the quarter increased 55% and 27%, respectively, from the first quarter of 2022 and the previous quarter due to higher tonnes processed and an increase in the average grade from both prior periods.

Cash operating costs¹ per ounce sold at Beta Hunt averaged US$967 in the first quarter of 2023, a 15% improvement from the first quarter of 2022 and 3% lower than the previous quarter. Contributing to the improvement in cash operating costs per ounce sold from both prior periods was a higher average grade, which increased 21% and 6% from the same period a year earlier and the previous quarter, respectively.

In addition to gold production, Beta Hunt mined 7,331 tonnes of nickel ore at an estimated nickel grade of 2.22% during the first quarter of 2023 compared to 5,243 tonnes of nickel ore mined at an estimated nickel grade of 2.13% for the same period in 2022 and 5,755 tonnes of nickel ore at an estimated nickel grade of 2.00% the previous quarter.

Higginsville Mining Operations

During the first quarter of 2023, HGO mined 72,200 tonnes at an average grade of 3.85 g/t, which compared to 86,900 tonnes mined in the first quarter of 2022 at an average grade of 2.67 g/t and 106,000 tonnes the previous quarter at an average grade of 3.34 g/t.  The level of tonnes mined during the first quarter of 2023 largely reflected the completion of mining from the Spargos open pit late in 2022 and the transition to underground mining, primarily at Aquarius, as well as a minor delay in development of the Mouse Hollow open pit, with production from this target having commenced during the second quarter of 2023.

Production at HGO in the first quarter of 2023 totalled 13,250 ounces based on milling 203,600 tonnes at an average grade of 2.18 g/t. Production in the first quarter of 2023 compared to production of 10,380 ounces based on milling 160,800 tonnes at an average grade of 2.12 g/t in the first quarter of 2022 and 16,439 ounces based on milling 272,600 tonnes at an average grade of 2.01 g/t the previous quarter.

Cash operating costs¹ per ounce sold at HGO averaged US$1,402 in the first quarter of 2023 versus US$1,586 for the same period in 2022 and US$1,088 the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase from the previous quarter reflected a planned transition to a higher-cost production profile (during the period after the completion of mining from the Spargos open pit and prior to the commencement of production at the Pioneer open pit later in 2023) as well as the impact of costs related to stockpiled tonnes processed during the first quarter of 2023.

Processing Operations

A total of 380,900 tonnes were milled at the Higginsville mill during the first quarter of 2023 (with 51% of mill feed coming from Beta Hunt and 49% from HGO) at an average grade of 2.86 g/t. Recovered gold totalled 33,148 ounces. Throughput at the Lakewood Mill during the first quarter of 2023 totalled 121,000 tonnes (87% from Beta Hunt and 13% from HGO) at an average grade of 1.82 g/t. Recovered gold during the quarter totalled 6,679 ounces.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Table 2. Financial Overview

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company generated revenue of $96.8 million, a $31.5 million or 48% increase from the first quarter of 2022. Of total revenue in the first quarter of 2023, $91.6 million was gold revenue, which compared to $62.8 million in the first quarter a year earlier. Contributing to the increase in gold revenue was a $23.6 million favourable impact from a 38% increase in gold sales, to 36,145 ounces. Rate factors, including changes in the gold price and exchange rates, contributed an additional $5.2 million to revenue growth as the impact of a significantly stronger US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar more than offset a slightly lower average realized gold price compared to the first quarter of 2022.  Beta Hunt contributed $58.1 million of total gold revenue in the first quarter of 2023, with HGO contributing $33.5 million. During the comparable period in 2022, Beta Hunt contributed $38.6 million of gold revenue, with the remaining $24.2 million coming from HGO.

Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 totalled $2.9 million ($0.02 per share) compared to a net loss of $3.7 million ($0.02 per share) for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The improved net earnings performance compared to the first quarter of 2022 reflected an 85% higher gross operating margin (revenue less production and processing costs), which more than offset the impact of increased deprecation and amortization expense, higher royalty expense as well as the impact of $10.3 million of other expenses, net versus other income, net of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2022.

Adjusted earnings¹ for the three months ended March 31, 2023 totalled $4.8 million ($0.03 per share) versus $1.1 million ($0.01 per share) in the first quarter of 2022. The year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings reflected a $19.6 increase in operating margin (revenue less production and processing costs), partially offset by higher royalty and general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization costs. The difference between net earnings and adjusted earnings¹ in the first quarter of 2023 resulted from the exclusion from adjusted earnings¹ of the after-tax impact of losses on derivatives and foreign exchange, non-cash share-based payments of $1.7 million as well as an unrealized gain on the revaluation of marketable securities.

Table 3. Highlights of Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash provided by operating activities, prior to changes in non-cash working capital, totalled $28.6 million compared to cash provided of $12.2 million for the same period in 2022. The increase compared to the first quarter of 2022 reflected significantly higher earnings after giving affect to expenses not impacting cash such as depreciation and amortization and losses on derivative instruments and foreign exchange. Changes in non-cash working capital represented a net use of cash totalling $7.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023, mainly reflecting a $8.9 million reduction in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and a $1.9 million increase in inventories, partially offset by a $3.1 million reduction in trade and accounts receivables.

Karora’s cash position at March 31, 2023, totalled $65.9 million compared to $68.8 million as at December 31, 2022 with the reduction mainly reflecting changes in working capital levels.

OUTLOOK

TWO-YEAR GUIDANCE (2023 – 2024)

The Company is maintaining its 2023 and 2024 production and cost guidance. The targets included in the Company’s outlook relate only to the 2023 to 2024 period. This outlook includes forward-looking information about the Company’s operations and financial expectations and is based on management’s expectations and outlook as of the date of this MD&A. This outlook, including expected results and targets, is subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which may impact future performance and the Company’s ability to achieve the results and targets discussed in this section. The Company may update its outlook depending on changes in metal prices and other factors.

Table 4. Two-Year Guidance (2023 – 2024)

Non-IFRS Measures

This news release refers to cash operating cost, cash operating cost per ounce, all-in sustaining cost, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA per share, adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share and working capital which are not recognized measures under IFRS. Such non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management uses these measures internally. The use of these measures enables management to better assess performance trends. Management understands that a number of investors and others who follow the Corporation’s performance assess performance in this way. Management believes that these measures better reflect the Corporation’s performance and are better indications of its expected performance in future periods. This data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

In November 2018, the World Gold Council published its guidelines for reporting all-in sustaining costs and all-in costs. The WGC is a market development organization for the gold industry and is an association whose membership comprises leading gold mining companies. Although the WGC is not a mining industry regulatory organization, it worked closely with its member companies to develop these non-IFRS measures. Adoption of the all-in sustaining cost and all-in cost metrics is voluntary and not necessarily standard, and therefore, these measures presented by the Corporation may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

The following tables reconcile these non-IFRS measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures:

MINING OPERATIONS

Cash Operating and All-in Sustaining Costs

The Company uses these measures internally to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Australian Operations. Management believes that providing cash operating cost data allows the reader the ability to better evaluate the results of the underlying operations.

CONSOLIDATED

BETA HUNT

HGO

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings

Management believes that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings are valuable indicators of the Company’s ability to generate operating cash flows to fund working capital needs, service debt obligations, and fund exploration and evaluation, and capital expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings exclude the impact of certain items and therefore is not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flows from operating activities as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings differently.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure, which excludes the following from comprehensive earnings (loss); income tax expense (recovery); interest expense and other finance-related costs; depreciation and amortization; non-cash other expenses, net; non-cash impairment charges and reversals; non-cash portion of share-based payments; acquisition costs; derivatives and foreign exchange loss; sustainability initiatives.

Adjusted earnings is a non-IFRS measure, which excludes the following from comprehensive earnings (loss): non-cash portion of share-based payments; revaluation of marketable securities; derivatives and foreign exchange loss; tax effects of adjustments; sustainability initiatives.

Working Capital

Working capital is calculated as current assets (including cash and cash equivalents) less current liabilities.

Compliance Statement (JORC 2012 and NI 43-101)

The technical and scientific information contained in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Steve Devlin, Group Geologist, Karora Resources Inc., and a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Karora Resources

Karora is focused on increasing gold production to a targeted range of 170,000-195,000 ounces by 2024 at its integrated Beta Hunt Gold Mine and Higginsville Gold Operations  in Western Australia. The Higginsville treatment facility is a low-cost 1.6 Mtpa processing plant, which is fed at capacity from Karora’s underground Beta Hunt mine and Higginsville mines. In July 2022, Karora acquired the 1.0 Mtpa Lakewood Mill in Western Australia. At Beta Hunt, a robust gold Mineral Resource and Reserve are hosted in multiple gold shears, with gold intersections along a 4 km strike length remaining open in multiple directions. HGO has a substantial gold Mineral Resource and Reserve and prospective land package totaling approximately 1,900 square kilometers. The Company also owns the high-grade Spargos Reward project, which came into production in 2021. Karora has a strong Board and management team focused on delivering shareholder value and responsible mining, as demonstrated by Karora’s commitment to reducing emissions across its operations.