Barrick Gold Corp. produced more of the precious metal with lower costs in the fourth quarter than the previous period as it met its full-year gold guidance amid the global pandemic.
Production in the quarter matched analysts’ expectations, while all-in sustaining costs are expected to be 3 per cent to 5 per cent lower than the third quarter, Toronto-based Barrick said Thursday in a statement.
Key Insights
- Gold production in the quarter was 1.21 million ounces, based on preliminary data, the company said. Output rose from the third quarter largely because of strong performance from its Pueblo Viejo mine, a ramp-up of operations in Bulyanhulu and improvements at Turquoise Ridge.
- The world’s second-largest gold miner lowered its 2020 guidance in May to a range of 4.6 million to 5 million ounces because of a conflict with Papua New Guinea’s government that halted production at Porgera mine in April. Barrick’s full-year output was 4.8 million ounces, the midpoint of its annual forecast.
- Gold prices have been strengthening in the past two years, helping lift miners’ cash flow and stock prices. Spot gold prices were up 26 per cent on average in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, and in August they breached the record set in September 2011.
Market Reaction
- Barrick shares climbed 23 per cent last year in New York, lagging the 46 per cent gain of a Bloomberg Intelligence index of senior gold miners.
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