Solid Q1 puts Barrick on track to achieve 2021 production targets

Toronto — Barrick Gold Corporation has reported preliminary Q1 sales of 1.09 million ounces of gold and 113 million pounds of copper, as well as preliminary Q1 production of 1.10 million ounces of gold and 93 million pounds of copper, in line with its plan. It remains on track to achieve 2021 guidance.

The average market price for gold in Q1 was $1,794 per ounce, while the average market price for copper in Q1 was $3.86 per pound.

As expected, preliminary Q1 gold production was lower than Q4 2020 mainly due to mine sequencing at Carlin and Cortez as well as lower grades at Pueblo Viejo, in line with the mine and stockpile processing plan as the development of the expansion project advances.

Lower grades and production from Tongon, consistent with the updated extension of the mine life to 2023, were offset by higher grades at Loulo-Gounkoto. As previously guided, the Company’s gold production in the second half of 2021 is expected to be higher than the first half.

Accordingly, Q1 2021 gold cost of sales per ounce² is expected to be slightly higher, total cash costs per ounce³ are expected to be 2 to 4% higher and all-in sustaining costs per ounce³ are expected to be 8 to 10% higher than Q4 2020.

Preliminary Q1 2021 copper production was 22% lower than Q4 2020 as expected. Copper sales were 5% higher than the previous quarter as Lumwana sold a portion of its stockpiled concentrate. Barrick continues to expect the Company’s copper production in the second half of 2021 to be stronger than the first half, mainly driven by higher grades from Lumwana. Q1 copper cost of sales per pound is expected to be 1 to 3% higher and C1 cash costs per pound³ are expected to be in line with the prior quarter.

Copper all-in sustaining costs per pound are expected to be 6 to 8% lower than Q4 2020, largely due to the increased sales.

All amounts expressed in US dollars