Placer Dome announces first quarter 2005 results (United States ("U.S.") dollars, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")) VANCOUVER, April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Placer Dome Inc. (NYSE, TSX, ASX: PDG) announces first quarter earnings of $31 million ($0.07 per share). Before the effect of the adoption of a new accounting policy related to accounting for projected post closure personnel termination obligations, earnings were $45 million ($0.10 per share). During the quarter, Placer Dome produced 911,000 ounces of gold at cash costs of $275 per ounce. Mine operating earnings totalled $104 million and cash from operations before changes in non-cash working capital was $99 million for the quarter. President and CEO Peter Tomsett said Placer Dome's first quarter production was in line with expectations, with the majority of operations meeting targeted output levels. "A number of our operations delivered improvements in production and cost performance from the fourth quarter of 2004," he said. "However, cost pressures remain challenging." Tomsett said Placer Dome's first quarter financial results showed improvement from the previous quarter, with mine operating earnings up 33% and cash from operations before changes in non-cash working capital up 50%. "We expect performance to continue to trend upwards throughout the remainder of the year." MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (United States ("U.S.") dollars, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")) Throughout this document, "Placer Dome" is defined to be collectively Placer Dome Inc., its consolidated subsidiaries and its proportionate share of unincorporated joint venture interests. Placer Dome's share is defined to exclude minority shareholders' interests. The "Corporation" refers to Placer Dome Inc. This Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") was made as of April 26, 2005. Highlights Placer Dome's share of production was 911,000 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2005, a decrease of 2% over both the first and fourth quarters of 2004. Copper production was 91 million pounds, a decrease of 17% from the same quarter in 2004 and 3% from the fourth quarter of 2004. Consolidated net earnings in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the first quarter of 2005 were $31 million ($0.07 per share), compared with $64 million ($0.16 per share) for the same period in 2004 and $39 million ($0.09 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2004. Mine operating earnings were $104 million for the quarter, a 34% decrease over the first quarter in 2004 and a 33% increase over the fourth quarter of 2004. Cash from operations before the change in non-cash working capital was $99 million, a decrease of 28% from the same quarter in 2004 and an increase of 50% over the fourth quarter of 2004. Placer Dome's share of cash and total production costs per ounce of gold for the quarter were $275 and $342, respectively, compared with $231 and $286 in the prior year period and $264 and $330 in the fourth quarter of the year. Cash and total production costs per pound of copper for the period were $0.65 and $0.78, respectively, compared with $0.52 and $0.66, respectively, in the prior year period and $0.64 and $0.82, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2004. March 31 ---------------- For the three months ended ---------------- 2005 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial ($ millions, except per share amounts) Sales 491 508 Mine operating earnings Gold 56 95 Copper 52 67 Other (4) (4) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 104 158 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings 31 64 Per share 0.07 0.16 Cash from operations 68 134 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operations - Gold (000s ozs) Production (Placer Dome's share) 911 929 Production (consolidated) 889 905 Sales (consolidated) 889 915 Cash production costs ($/oz) (Placer Dome's share)(i) 275 231 Total production cost ($/oz) (Placer Dome's share)(i) 342 286 Sales price realized ($/oz) 416 398 London spot price ($/oz) 427 408 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operations - Copper (millions lbs) Production 91 109 Sales 96 124 Cash production costs ($/lb)(i) 0.65 0.52 Total production cost ($/lb)(i) 0.78 0.66 Sales price realized ($/lb) 1.32 1.19 London spot price ($/lb) 1.48 1.24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Cash and total production costs per ounce and pound are non-GAAP measures that do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Please refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section for further detail. (ii) During the first quarter of 2005, Placer Dome changed its accounting policy with respect to termination obligations, whereby the liability accrued represents the obligation to date for all employees at mine sites (see note 2 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for more details). The cumulative effect of this change was a non-cash reduction in earnings on a pre-tax and after-tax basis of $21 million and $14 million ($0.03 per share), respectively. The first quarter of 2004 earnings included the effect of a change in accounting policy, with respect to deferred stripping to exclude the recording of liabilities on the balance sheet. The cumulative effect of this change through December 31, 2003, was to increase earnings on an after-tax basis by $4 million ($0.01 per share). Outlook Placer Dome's gold production guidance range for 2005 has been decreased by 50,000 ounces to 3.6 to 3.7 million ounces. This is primarily the result of lower forecast production from Porgera as a result of increased erosion and slides on the west wall of Stage 5 of the open pit. Primarily as a result of lower production at Porgera, gold cash and total costs are now forecast at between $260 and $270 per ounce and $330 to $340 per ounce, respectively, an increase from between $250 and $260 per ounce and $315 to $325 per ounce, respectively. Placer Dome's copper production and cost guidance ranges remain unchanged at 410 to 420 million pounds with cash and total costs of $0.60 to $0.65 and $0.75 to $0.80 per pound, respectively. Capital expenditures, excluding deferred stripping expenditures of $35 million, remain forecast at $260 million. Exploration expenditures are still forecast to be approximately $90 million in 2005. The 2005 Canadian federal budget proposed phased in reductions of the general corporate tax rate of 2% from January 1, 2008 through January 1, 2010 and the elimination of the federal corporate surtax effective January 1, 2008. These changes are currently being debated within the Canadian House of Commons and may or may not become law given the current minority government. Should the changes be enacted, the estimated income tax impact to Placer Dome would be a charge to deferred income tax expense of approximately $24 million and an equivalent reduction in the deferred tax asset. The Chilean House of Representatives has passed a tax bill proposing a 5% tax on mine operating profits. At present, the bill is before the Chilean Senate. If enacted, the tax would take effect in 2006. The impact of the legislation on Placer Dome would depend on decisions regarding whether or not Zaldivar would opt out of the tax protection currently provided by its DL600 investment contract. The La Coipa mine does not have DL 600 tax protection and, as such, the tax, if approved, would have an impact on results. Placer Dome would also have to consider the impact of the legislation on the potential development of the Cerro Casale project. Exploration and Development Projects For details concerning mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates for the exploration and development projects set out below, please refer to the Corporation's mineral reserve and mineral resource tables and the notes thereto contained in the Corporation's December 31, 2004 Renewal Annual Information Form/Form 40-F. The Cortez Hills project, on the 60% owned Cortez Joint Venture property, encompasses a high-grade open pit exploration discovery made in 2003 combined with an adjacent lower grade deposit known as the Pediment deposit. At December 31, 2004, Placer Dome's share of proven and probable mineral reserves was estimated at 4.4 million ounces. During the first quarter of 2005, work continued on the feasibility study, with completion still expected in the second half of 2005. The Pueblo Viejo project contemplates the mining of a 15 million ounce refractory gold mineral resource from an historic mining area in the Dominican Republic. Placer Dome acquired 100% of the project through an agreement with the Dominican government in 2002. Work continued on the feasibility study which is anticipated to be completed in the second half of 2005. The Cerro Casale project contemplates mining a large gold-copper porphyry deposit in the Andean highlands in Chile. Cerro Casale is one of the world's largest undeveloped gold and copper deposits with Placer Dome's 51% share of measured and indicated mineral resources estimated at 13 million ounces of gold and 3.3 billion pounds of copper at December 31, 2004. Work is underway to complete an updated feasibility study expected in the second half of 2005. The Donlin Creek project contemplates an open pit operation mining a large refractory gold deposit in southwest Alaska. Placer Dome owns 30% of the project and is earning an additional 40%. Placer Dome's share of the project's measured and indicated gold mineral resource and inferred gold mineral resource, assuming 70% ownership, is 7.8 million ounces and 10.0 million ounces, respectively. During the quarter work continued on a pre-feasibility study. Placer Dome continues to focus on optimizing the use of its mines' infrastructure by exploring to expand mineral reserves at existing operations. During the first quarter of 2005, exploration expenditures totaled $18 million, $12 million of which related to existing mines with major focuses on the Campbell and Kalgoorlie West operations. In addition to the mine site focus, drill programs have been completed or are under way at 4 projects and drill target definition is proceeding on a further 14 properties. Detailed Review of Financial Results Earnings Consolidated net earnings in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the first quarter of 2005 were $31 million ($0.07 per share), compared with $64 million ($0.16 per share) for the same period in 2004. The first quarter of 2005 net earnings include the effect of the adoption of a new accounting policy relating to accounting for post closure termination obligations. The cumulative effect of this change was a non-cash decrease in after-tax earnings of $14 million. In the first quarter of 2005, Placer Dome's net earnings were impacted by unrealized non-hedge derivative after-tax losses of $nil (2004 - $5 million). Mine operating earnings for the first three months of 2005 were $104 million, a decrease of 34% or $54 million from 2004 due to lower contributions from both gold and copper. Gold operating earnings decreased by 41% to $56 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared with $95 million in 2004. Gold sales revenue for the quarter was $365 million compared with $361 million in the prior year period, reflecting an $18 per ounce increase in the average realized price, partially offset by a decrease in sales volume due to decreased production. The increase in the average realized sales price was primarily due to a 5% increase in the average market price. Placer Dome's realized price was $416 per ounce of gold versus a spot price average of $427 per ounce as Placer Dome delivered into all positions that matured in the quarter. The decrease in production was due to lower production at the Cortez, Kalgoorlie West and Porgera mines and the cessation of production at Misima in the second quarter of 2004. This was partially offset by the restart of the Golden Sunlight mine and higher production from the Granny Smith, Campbell and North Mara mines. Placer Dome's share of cash and total production costs per ounce for the period were $275 and $342, respectively, compared with $231 and $286 in the prior year period. The increase in cash costs per ounce was due to the appreciation of the South African rand, the Canadian and Australian dollars, the Papua New Guinean kina and the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar (cumulatively $7 per ounce), increased global energy prices, higher input commodity costs and various mine site specific issues, partially offset by a positive $5 million contribution from Placer Dome's currency hedging program. Copper operating earnings of $52 million in the first quarter of 2005 were 22% lower than 2004. Copper sales revenue for the quarter was $124 million compared with $145 million in the 2004 period, reflecting a 23% decrease in sales volumes and a negative contribution of $19 million from Placer Dome's copper hedging program, partially offset by a 19% increase in the average market price. Consolidated copper production in the first quarter of 2005 was 90.6 million pounds (41,100 tonnes), down 17% from the prior year period due to lower production at the Osborne and Zaldivar mines. Placer Dome's share of cash and total production costs per pound of copper for the period were $0.65 and $0.78, respectively, compared with $0.52 and $0.66, respectively, in 2004. The increase in unit production costs primarily reflects the lower production levels, appreciation of the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar, higher input costs and higher energy and shipping costs. Cash from Operations Cash from operations was $68 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared with $134 million in the corresponding period in 2004. Excluding the impact of non-cash working capital, cash from operations was $99 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared with $137 million in the prior year period. The decrease of 28% primarily reflects a decrease in cash mine operating earnings, partially offset by an increase in investment and other business income. Expenditures on property, plant and equipment in the first three months of 2005 amounted to $57 million, a decrease of $12 million compared with the corresponding prior period. The expenditures included $10 million primarily for mobile equipment and development at Cortez, $8 million at North Mara primarily for pre-stripping of the Gokona pit, $7 million at Porcupine for the Pamour pit and underground development at Hoyle Pond and $5 million at South Deep for underground development and infrastructure. Financing activities in the first three months of 2005 included net debt additions of $6 million and an increase of $11 million in restricted cash. In the first quarter of 2004, financing activities included proceeds of $15 million on the exercise of common share options and $1 million of net debt additions. Consolidated short and long-term debt balances at March 31, 2005, were $1,273 million, compared with $1,267 million at December 31, 2004. On March 31, 2005, consolidated cash and short-term investments amounted to $1,037 million, an increase of $6 million from the beginning of the year. Of the consolidated balance of cash and short-term investments, $1,024 million was held by Placer Dome and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition to cash and short-term investments, Placer Dome had $133 million of restricted cash, primarily related to the North Mara demand loan, which requires cash to be placed on deposit with the lender in an amount equal to drawdowns. Forward Sales and Options During the first quarter of 2005, Placer Dome reduced the maximum committed ounces under its precious metals sales program by 0.3 million ounces to 8.7 million ounces. Committed ounces were reduced during the period by delivering into forward sales contracts. This represents maximum committed ounces as a percentage of reserves at December 31, 2004 of just under 15% at an average expected realized price of approximately $394 per ounce for delivery over 12 years. Looking forward, Placer Dome expects to reduce its maximum committed ounces to 7.5 million by December 31, 2005 by delivering into maturing contracts. This would represent a cumulative decrease in maximum committed ounces of approximately 16% for the year. See note 7 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for detailed allocation of the metals sales and currency programs. On March 31, 2005, based on spot prices of $427.50 per ounce for gold, $7.18 per ounce for silver and an Australian to U.S. dollar ("AUD/USD") exchange rate of $1.2937, the mark-to-market value of Placer Dome's precious metal sales program was negative $698 million, a decrease of $77 million from the negative $775 million at December 31, 2004 (at the then spot prices of $438 per ounce of gold, $6.80 per ounce of silver and an AUD/USD exchange rate of $1.2814). The amount reflects the value that would have been paid to counterparties if the contracts were closed out on March 31, 2005 under prevailing market conditions without allowance for market illiquidity. The period-over-period change in the mark-to-market value of Placer Dome's precious metals sales program and the reconciliation to the unrealized mark-to-market value are detailed as follows: --------- $ million ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark-to-market value at December 31, 2004 (775) Cash value cost 12 Change in spot price ($427.50 / oz. versus $438.00 / oz.) 83 Accrued contango 34 Change in the AUD/USD exchange rate, volatility, interest rates and gold lease rates (52) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark-to-market value at March 31, 2005 (698) Provision included in Deferred Commodity and Currency Sales Contracts and Derivatives liability relating primarily to the value of the AurionGold and East African Gold precious metal hedge books remaining from the acquisitions by Placer Dome 160 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net unrealized mark-to-market value at March 31, 2005 (538) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The net unrealized mark-to-market value of negative $538 million reflects the income statement effect that Placer Dome could expect to incur had it closed out its contracts at March 31, 2005 under metal price, foreign exchange rates, interest rates and volatilities prevailing at that time. This amount is the mark-to-market balance of negative $698 million less the remaining amount of the deferred commodity derivative provision of $160 million recorded on Placer Dome's balance sheet at March 31, 2005 primarily related to the fair value of the AurionGold and East African Gold precious metal hedge books on the dates that Placer Dome acquired control of those companies. The mark-to-market and unrealized mark-to-market amounts are not estimates of future losses which depend on various factors including contango and interest rates, gold lease rates and the then prevailing spot price. The copper sales program mark-to-market value of forward and option contracts on March 31, 2005, was negative $28 million based on a spot copper price of $1.546 per pound (December 31, 2004 - negative $38 million based on a spot copper price of $1.488 per pound). The currency derivative program's mark-to-market on March 31, 2005 was positive $44 million based on an AUD/USD foreign exchange rate of 1.2937 and a Canadian to U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate of $1.2096 (December 31, 2004 - positive $51 million based on an AUD/USD foreign exchange rate of 1.2814 and a Canadian to U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate of $1.2036), respectively. Other Income Statement Items Costs related to general and administrative, exploration, technology, resource development and other totalled $49 million in the first quarter of 2005, $4 million greater than in the prior year period. The $2 million increase in exploration was due to additional mine site exploration primarily in the Kalgoorlie region and precious metals exploration activity in South Africa. The increase in general and administration costs was primarily due to the weakening U.S. dollar and costs associated with increased corporate activities. Pre-tax non-hedge derivative losses in the first three months of 2005 were $1 million (2004 - loss of $7 million). Included in this amount are net unrealized non-cash losses of $nil (2004 -$5 million). Investment and other business income for the first three months of 2005 was $22 million (2004 - $2 million). The 2005 balance includes insurance recoveries of $6 million, gains on the disposal of assets of $3 million and an increase in interest income of $5 million due to higher cash balances. The 2004 balance included foreign exchange losses of $5 million. Interest and financing expenses were $23 million and $19 million in the first quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase relates to higher average debt levels in the 2005 period. The effective tax rate during the period decreased to 25% compared to 36% in the prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to the reversal of previously booked tax contingencies which were no longer required. On April 21, 2005 the Supreme Court of Canada granted leave for the Ontario Ministry of Finance to appeal a decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal which reversed a reassessment of a subsidiary of the Corporation for Ontario mining taxes. Management is of the view that Placer Dome will ultimately prevail, accordingly, Placer Dome has not recorded a liability for this contingency. See note 8(c) to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for more details. The first quarter 2005 net earnings include the effect of a change in accounting policy with respect to termination obligations, whereby the liability accrued represents the obligation to date for all employees at mine sites (see note 2 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for more details). The cumulative effect of this change was a non-cash reduction in earnings on a pre-tax and after-tax basis of $21 million and $14 million ($0.03 per share), respectively. The first quarter of 2004 earnings included the effect of a change in accounting policy, with respect to deferred stripping to exclude the recording of liabilities on the balance sheet. The cumulative effect of this change through December 31, 2003, was to increase earnings on an after-tax basis by $4 million ($0.01 per share). Share Capital As at April 22, 2005, the Corporation had 436,498,366 common shares outstanding. As at the same date, it had $230 million in convertible debentures outstanding, none of which were in a position to be converted on April 22, 2005. If conversion were possible, the total number of common shares the Corporation would have to issue on conversion on that date would be 10,991,631. As at April 22, 2005, the Corporation had 14,856,464 share options outstanding under its stock based incentive plans. If all of these options were exercised on that date, the Corporation would have to issue 14,856,464 common shares. Recent Accounting Pronouncements On March 30, 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ratified the consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") of the FASB Issue 04-6 that stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that should be included in the costs of the inventory produced during the period that the stripping costs are incurred. This consensus is effective for the first reporting period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005, with early adoption permitted. The consensus can be adopted either prospectively through a cumulative-effect adjustment or retrospectively by restating prior period financial statements. Placer Dome currently capitalizes stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine to the deferred stripping account. Amortization, which is calculated using the units of production method based on recovered ounces of gold or pounds of copper, is charged to cost of sales as gold or copper is produced and sold, using a stripping ratio calculated as the ratio of total tonnes of rock to be moved to total ounces of gold or total pounds of copper expected to be recovered over the life of open pits. This policy results in the expensing of stripping costs over the lives of the open pits as gold or copper is produced and sold. At March 31, 2005, Placer Dome's deferred stripping amount on its unaudited interim consolidated balance sheet was $180 million. In addition to this, smaller deferred stripping balances were present in various product inventory accounts such as metal in circuit and ore stockpiles. Placer Dome is currently evaluating the impact of this consensus. On April 15, 2005, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") announced that it would provide for a phased-in implementation process for FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment ("SFAS 123(R)"). The SEC would require that registrants adopt SFAS 123(R)'s fair value method of accounting for share-based payments to employees no later than the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. Placer Dome now plans to adopt SFAS 123(R) effective January 1, 2006. Canadian GAAP Pursuant to an exemption order obtained from Canadian securities regulatory authorities in July 2003, Placer Dome was permitted to file its annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements prepared in US GAAP rather than Canadian GAAP provided that, among other things, the notes to the first two sets of annual financial statements filed after the date of the order and the notes to the interim financial statements filed during such period include a reconciliation highlighting the material differences between such financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP as compared to the financial statements being prepared in Canadian GAAP, as well as a management's discussion and analysis focusing on these differences. In accordance with the terms of the order, Placer Dome is no longer required to include the reconciliation in the notes to its interim financial statements. Pursuant to the Regulations under the Canada Business Corporations Act, Placer Dome will be required to include the reconciliation between US GAAP and Canadian GAAP described above in the notes to its annual financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2005. After such date, Placer Dome will no longer be required to include this reconciliation in the notes to its annual financial statements. Review of Mining Operations ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRODUCTION AND OPERATING SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the three months ended March 31 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Placer Dome's Share Placer Mine ---------------------------------- Dome's share operating Millfeed Mine (% of mine earnings (000s Grade Recovery production) (1) tonnes) (g/t,%) (%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOLD Canada Campbell 100% 2005 $ 3 118 15.5 95.8 2004 $ 1 98 14.4 95.6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Musselwhite 68% 2005 2 242 6.0 95.5 2004 2 248 5.0 94.6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Porcupine 51% 2005 6 548 3.1 92.1 2004 6 502 3.7 91.6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States Bald Mountain(3) 100% 2005 (1) 360 1.1 - 2004 2 216 1.3 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cortez(3)(4) 60% 2005 28 5,332 1.1 - 2004 31 6,074 1.2 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Golden Sunlight(5) 100% 2005 (1) 529 1.5 72.3 2004 1 - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turquoise Ridge(6) 75% 2005 (2) 91 13.1 91.0 100% 2004 4 106 14.6 93.9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Australia Granny Smith 100% 2005 (7) 974 3.3 92.2 2004 (4) 1,041 1.7 89.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henty 100% 2005 4 74 16.7 96.3 2004 3 73 13.8 96.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kalgoorlie West 100% 2005 (3) 709 2.5 95.6 2004 7 794 3.1 96.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kanowna Belle 100% 2005 (3) 429 4.0 88.7 2004 5 473 3.9 89.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Osborne(7) 100% 2005 - 387 0.7 84.7 2004 - 375 1.0 82.7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Papua New Guinea Misima(8) 80% 2004 3 1,137 0.7 87.4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Porgera 75% 2005 33 1,112 5.4 91.3 2004 36 1,196 6.2 88.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chile La Coipa(9) 50% 2005 6 852 1.0 81.8 2004 5 797 1.4 82.4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Africa South Deep 50% 2005 (6) 261 5.5 97.1 2004 (3) 258 5.7 97.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tanzania North Mara 100% 2005 6 692 3.1 91.5 2004 6 499 3.3 93.4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Metal hedging loss 2005 (8) 2004 (10) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Currency hedging gain 2005 5 2004 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL GOLD 2005 $ 56 2004 $ 95 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- COPPER Osborne(7) 100% 2005 3 387 2.0 94.0 2004 10 375 2.9 96.4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zaldivar(3) 100% 2005 68 4,146 0.9 - 2004 65 4,544 1.4 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Metal hedging loss 2005 (19) 2004 (8) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL COPPER 2005 $ 52 2004 $ 67 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other(11) 2005 (4) 2004 (4) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED MINE OPERATING 2005 $ 104 EARNINGS(1) 2004 $ 158 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRODUCTION AND OPERATING SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the three months Estimated annual 2005/ ended March 31 Actual 2004 ---------------------------------------------------- Placer Placer Dome's Share Dome's ---------------------------------------------------- Share Production Cost per Cost per (% of -------------- unit(2) Production unit(10) mine (ozs, % ($/oz, $/lb) (ozs, ($/oz, $/lb) Mine production) 000s lbs) change Cash Total 000s lbs) Cash Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOLD Canada Campbell 100% 2005 59,379 +37% 299 371 200,000 285 365 2004 43,206 295 376 209,045 276 344 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Musselwhite 68% 2005 45,929 +23% 294 378 165,000 275 355 2004 37,413 289 369 163,386 269 345 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Porcupine 51% 2005 55,049 +2% 251 315 185,000 255 335 2004 53,984 243 312 201,710 236 310 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States Bald Mountain (3) 100% 2005 12,051 -7% 421 460 90,000 330 380 2004 12,912 211 232 46,685 349 379 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cortez (3)(4) 60% 2005 132,245 -22% 172 210 515,000 185 225 2004 169,507 150 190 630,801 162 201 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Golden Sunlight (5) 100% 2005 11,777 +431% 412 505 90,000 300 405 2004 2,219 - - 2,419 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turquoise Ridge(6) 75% 2005 34,889 -18% 361 397 150,000 310 350 100% 2004 42,494 260 267 126,921 343 352 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Australia Granny Smith 100% 2005 94,275 +89% 372 496 350,000 310 420 2004 49,812 372 461 267,267 354 440 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henty 100% 2005 35,317 +12% 187 289 110,000 210 335 2004 31,578 198 302 143,064 170 283 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kalgoorlie West 100% 2005 56,590 -30% 391 470 270,000 350 430 2004 80,318 292 340 262,553 335 418 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kanowna Belle 100% 2005 54,192 -3% 377 478 245,000 280 360 2004 55,625 264 331 237,291 254 316 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Osborne(7) 100% 2005 7,510 -24% - - 40,000 - 2004 9,863 - - 41,630 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Papua New Guinea Misima(8) 80% 2004 22,240 296 303 40,522 275 281 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Porgera 75% 2005 181,519 -6% 213 245 600,000 265 305 2004 193,237 180 213 764,809 192 228 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chile La Coipa(9) 50% 2005 21,920 -25% 258 323 100,000 245 325 2004 29,117 220 297 90,932 231 300 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Africa South Deep 50% 2005 45,467 -1% 478 549 215,000 370 435 2004 45,857 427 472 214,293 394 437 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tanzania North Mara 100% 2005 63,026 +28% 248 319 290,000 230 320 2004 49,420 245 301 208,484 230 289 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Metal hedging loss 2005 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Currency hedging gain 2005 (6) (6) 2004 (6) (6) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3,600,000 - 260- 330- TOTAL GOLD 2005 911,135 -2% 275 342 3,700,000 270 340 2004 928,802 231 286 3,651,812 240 298 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- COPPER Osborne(7) 100% 2005 16,256 -29% 1.10 1.26 80,000 0.91 1.04 2004 22,983 0.65 0.76 87,404 0.69 0.84 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zaldivar (3) 100% 2005 74,330 -13% 0.55 0.68 332,000 0.55 0.68 2004 85,850 0.49 0.64 325,406 0.51 0.66 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Metal hedging loss 2005 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 410,000 - 0.60- 0.75- TOTAL COPPER 2005 90,586 -17% 0.65 0.78 420,000 0.65 0.80 2004 108,833 0.52 0.66 412,810 0.55 0.70 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other(11) 2005 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED MINE 2005 OPERATING EARNINGS(1) 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to the Production and Operating Summary: (1) Mine operating earnings represent 100% of the results of mines owned by the Corporation and its subsidiaries and a pro-rata share of joint ventures. "Consolidated operating earnings", (and the related sub-totals), in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., exclude the pro-rata share of La Coipa, a non-controlled incorporated joint venture. Mine operating earnings comprises sales, at the spot price, less cost of sales including reclamation costs, depreciation and depletion for each mine, in millions of U.S. dollars. (2) Components of Placer Dome's share of cash and total production costs in accordance with the Gold Institute Standard: ---------------- For the three months ended March 31 ---------------- 2005 2004 $/oz $/oz -------------------------------------------------------------------- Direct mining expenses 275 219 Stripping and mine development adjustment (17) (6) Third party smelting, refining and transportation 1 1 By-product credits (1) (2) -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash operating costs per ounce 258 212 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Royalties 15 15 Production taxes 2 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total cash costs per ounce 275 231 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation 35 34 Depletion and amortization 25 17 Reclamation and mine closure 7 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total production costs per ounce 342 286 -------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Recovery percentage is difficult to accurately measure at heap leach operations. (4) The Cortez mine processes material by way of carbon-in-leach ("CIL") and heap leaching. ----------------------------------- For the three months ended March 31 ----------------------------------- Millfeed Produc- (000's Grade Recovery tion tonnes) (g/t) (%) (ozs) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Carbon in leach 2005 494 4.8 87.9 64,381 2004 469 6.1 88.9% 82,073 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Heap leach 2005 4,813 0.7 Note 3 62,308 2004 5,547 0.8 Note 3 78,124 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sale of carbonaceous ore 2005 25 7.3 87.3 5,556 2004 58 5.9 85.2% 9,310 -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 2005 5,332 1.1 Note 3 132,245 2004 6,074 1.2 Note 3 169,507 -------------------------------------------------------------------- (5) Production from Golden Sunlight was suspended in December 2003 and recommenced when ore was delivered to the mill from stage 2B in January 2005. (6) Production from Turquoise Ridge relates to third party ore sales. The mine's cash and total cost per ounce balances do not include the cost of processing the ore and are not included in Placer Dome's cash and total cost per ounce balances. (7) Osborne produces copper concentrate with gold as a by-product. Therefore, gold unit costs are not applicable. (8) Silver is a by-product at the Misima mine. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, Misima produced 117,000 ounces of silver. Mining was completed at Misima in May 2001, but processing of stockpiled ore continued until May 2004. (9) Gold and silver are accounted for as co products at La Coipa. Gold equivalent ounces are calculated using a ratio of the silver market price to gold market price for purposes of calculating costs per equivalent ounce of gold. The equivalent ounces of gold produced at La Coipa were 33,970 ounces and 40,550 ounces for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 respectively. At La Coipa, production for silver was 0.7 million ounces for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 0.7 million ounces for the prior year period. (10) Estimated 2005 annual unit costs for the Canadian, Australian, Papua New Guinean, Chilean and South Deep mines are based on Canadian and Australian dollar, Papua New Guinean kina, Chilean peso and South African rand exchange rates to the U.S. dollar of 1.2048, 1.2821, 3.00, 600, and 6.00 to 1, respectively. Any change from these exchange rates would have an impact on the unit costs. At March 31, 2005 these exchange rates were 1.2096, 1.2965, 3.08, 584, and 6.25 to 1, respectively. (11) Pursuant to SFAS 109 - Accounting for Income Taxes, on business acquisitions, where differences between assigned values and tax bases of property, plant and equipment acquired exist, Placer Dome grosses up the property, plant and equipment values to reflect the recognition of the deferred tax liabilities for the tax effect of such differences. Other mine operating earnings includes a charge of $4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2005 (2004 - $2 million) related to the amortization of the property, plant and equipment allocation. The amortization of these amounts includes $1 million (2004 - nil) for Kalgoorlie West, $1 million (2004 - $1 million) for Porgera, $1 million (2004 - $1 million) for North Mara and $1 million (2004 - nil) for Henty. Review of Mining Operations Canada On average, the Canadian dollar appreciated 7% against the U.S. dollar in the first quarter of 2005 compared to the first quarter of 2004. Production at the Campbell mine in the first three months of 2005 increased by 37% over the prior year period. The increase was the result of improved mine productivity, mill throughput and headgrade. Cash costs per ounce were similar to the prior year period as the impact of the increased production was offset by the appreciation of Canadian dollar, increased development activity, higher maintenance expenses and costs related to the implementation of the SAP enterprise resource planning system which went live in April of 2005. Cash costs during the first quarter were 16% below those of the fourth quarter of 2004, but above annual guidance for 2005. Costs are expected to decrease over the remainder of 2005 primarily due to an anticipated reduction in maintenance expenditures. The mine's Reid shaft will be taken out of service for maintenance for approximately five days during the second quarter, this may result in an adverse impact on quarterly production. At the Musselwhite mine, Placer Dome's share of production for the first quarter was 23% higher than the prior year period and 5% higher than the fourth quarter of 2004 as the underground mine delivered 4,000 tonnes per day to the mill. Grades during the quarter were improved due to the combination of no lower grade open pit material being needed to meet mill capacity, higher than expected grades from the PQ Deeps development and stope sequencing. Cash costs per ounce were approximately the same as the prior year period as the increased production offset the appreciation of the Canadian dollar and increased short-term development activities and other operating costs. Cash costs were marginally above those of the fourth quarter of 2004 and are expected to decline over the remainder of 2005 due primarily to a reduction in contractor costs. Placer Dome's share of production in the first quarter for the Porcupine Joint Venture was approximately the same as the prior year period as higher throughput due to the mill expansion completed in the fourth quarter of 2004 was offset by lower grades resulting from the closure of the Dome underground mine in May of 2004. Following the mill expansion, production in the first quarter of 2005 was 21% greater than in the fourth quarter of 2004. Cash costs per ounce were slightly higher than the first quarter of 2004 due to the continued appreciation of the Canadian dollar, partially offset by lower operating costs. Overburden removal at the Pamour pit continued throughout the quarter, with gold production expected to commence in the third quarter of this year to coincide with the closure of the Dome open pit. United States Placer Dome's share of production from the Cortez mine in the first three months of 2005 decreased by 22% compared with the 2004 period. This was due primarily to planned lower grades in the CIL process and planned lower production from the heap leach operations due to decreased tonnes placed on the leach pads as a result of a higher stripping ratio in the quarter. Cash costs per ounce were 15% higher than in the prior year period, primarily due to the lower production, but 5% below those of the fourth quarter of 2004. Placer Dome's share of production from Turquoise Ridge in the first three months of 2005 was 18% lower than the prior year period due to lower shipments. This was due to stockpile buildup at the end of 2003 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2004. Ounces mined during the first quarter of 2005 were 7% higher than the prior year period due to a doubling of production from the Turquoise Ridge mine, partially offset by a 17% reduction in ounces from the Getchell mine. Production from the Turquoise Ridge mine is expected to continue to increase throughout 2005. Cash costs per ounce, excluding the cost of processing, were 39% higher than the period year period due to increased contractor, consultant and input prices. Cash costs per ounce were $45 below the fourth quarter of 2004, but still in excess of 2005 guidance. Cost experience in the first quarter, partially offset by the anticipated production increases from first quarter levels, has resulted in cash and total costs per ounce forecasts for 2005 increasing to $310 and $350 per ounce from $280 and $300 per ounce, respectively. Australia and Papua New Guinea At the Porgera mine, Placer Dome's share of production in the first three months of 2005 was 6% below prior year first quarter levels and 11% below that of the fourth quarter of 2004. Production decreased due to impacts on the mining schedule from increased erosion and slides on the west wall of the open pit. The issue affected access to higher-grade stage 5 ore and impacted mining rates. Cash costs per ounce were $213 or 18% higher than the first quarter of 2004, primarily due to the decrease in production, the appreciation of the Papua New Guinean kina and higher fuel prices. The mine has been experiencing minor failures of the west pit wall since 2002. To date the impacts have been manageable without a significant impact on production. Due to heavy rainfall conditions in the first quarter of 2005, the failures have accelerated and are having a more significant impact on production as material falling into the pit requires removal to access mining faces and is restricting access to certain areas. The situation is being evaluated to determine a long-term solution and this study will be completed by June. In the interim, temporary measures have been taken to direct as much surface water as possible away from these areas. Based on estimated impacts and pending the completion of the evaluation, Placer Dome has decreased its share of forecast production for 2005 by 120,000 ounces to 600,000 ounces and increased its forecast cash and total costs per ounce to $265 and $305 from $255 and $295, respectively. This issue is expected to have no impact on reserves. At the Granny Smith mine, production for the first quarter was 89% above that of the prior year period. This was primarily due to higher than planned grades, mill throughput and recoveries during the first quarter of 2005. Results for the first quarter of 2004 were negatively impacted by the processing of low-grade stockpiled ore. As a result of the positive production experience, 2005 forecast production has been increased by 25,000 ounces to 350,000 ounces. Cash costs per ounce were similar to the comparative prior year period as the impact of the increased production was offset by higher fuel prices, maintenance costs, stripping costs and underground trial mining costs. Cash costs per ounce decreased $27 from the fourth quarter of 2004, but remain above 2005 annual guidance. Ongoing cost reduction efforts, including a reduction in rental equipment and staffing levels, a decrease in stripping activity and the increased production estimate have combined to result in no change in previously forecast cash and total costs per ounce. During the quarter work continued on the Wallaby underground with a feasibility study expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2005. Production from Kalgoorlie West during the quarter was 30% below that of the prior year period primarily due to lower mined grades and decreased throughput as a result of the closure of the Kundana mill in 2004, but similar to the fourth quarter of 2004. Cash costs per ounce in the quarter increased by 34% compared to the prior year period due to the lower production levels and stripping costs for several small open pit mines which will be mined later in 2005. Cash costs per ounce were marginally below those of the fourth quarter of 2004, but remain above 2005 forecast levels. As a result of higher grades encountered at Raleigh North during development and contributions from the above mentioned small open pit mines, the production forecast for 2005 has been increased by 20,000 ounces to 270,000 ounces with no change to previously forecast cash and total costs per ounce. At the Kanowna Belle mine, production for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was in line with the comparative prior year period but 18% below the fourth quarter of 2004. Positive production experience for much of the period was offset by the failure of two stopes due to ground control issues. Cash costs per ounce of $377 were approximately 45% higher than the first and fourth quarters of 2004 due primarily to additional costs associated with the stope failures and processing of higher cost stockpiled ore to replace the deferred underground feed. During the quarter, additional development work was carried out to open up stopes in other areas to ensure flexibility in the mine plan over the remainder of 2005. There is no change to previously forecast production and unit cost guidance. The management of Placer Dome's Kalgoorlie operations -- Kalgoorie West and Kanowna Belle -- is being realigned with all operations under one general manager and all regional development responsibilities including exploration, project development and joint venture and third party relationships under a separate general manager. As a result of this management change, commencing in the second quarter, the reporting for Kalgoorlie West and Kanowna Belle will be consolidated in a single Kalgoorlie operation. At the Osborne mine, copper and gold production in the first quarter of 2005 were 16.3 million pounds and 7,510 ounces, a decrease of 29% and 24%, respectively, from the prior year period due primarily to lower grades. Cash costs per pound of copper (Osborne produces copper concentrate with gold as a by-product) of $1.10 were 69% above prior period levels due to the decreased production and maintenance and development costs. Previously issued production and unit cost guidance remains unchanged due primarily to anticipated higher grades for the remainder of 2005. South Africa and Tanzania At the South Deep mine, Placer Dome's share of production for the first quarter of 2005 was 45,467 ounces, similar to the prior year comparative period, but 24% below that of the fourth quarter of 2004. The first quarter of 2005 was a challenging one for the mine as it encountered a number of infrastructure related problems, many of which were related to power outages due to lightning strikes. The problems were principally associated with pumping infrastructure contained in the older South Shaft complex. Pump failures and water column failures caused flooding in certain sections of the mine and restricted production. In total during the quarter 25 days of production were impacted to some degree by these issues. Steps are being taken to make the operation less susceptible to power and water recirculation failures. Unit cash costs increased by 12% compared to the prior year period primarily due to a 12% appreciation in the rand relative to the U.S. dollar. Relative to the fourth quarter of 2004, unit cash costs increased dramatically due to the production shortfalls. As a result of first quarter performance, Placer Dome's share of forecast production for 2005 has been decreased by 15,000 ounces to 215,000 ounces and forecast cash and total costs per ounce have been increased to $370 and $435 per ounce from $350 and $400 per ounce, respectively. Production from the North Mara mine during the quarter was 28% greater than in the prior year period due primarily to increased throughput as a result of the mill expansion completed in the fourth quarter of 2004. Cash costs per ounce were similar to the first quarter of 2004 as the impact of the increased production was offset by higher fuel and steel costs and startup costs associated with the transfer to owner mining from contract mining. Development of the Gokona pit commenced in the first quarter of 2005 with production scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter. Due to redirecting mining equipment to Gokona for development activities, production will be largely from stockpiles until scheduled delivery of mining equipment for Gokona. The 2005 production guidance of 290,000 ounces at cash and total costs of $230 and $320 per ounce is dependent on delivery and fabrication schedules for identified second hand mining equipment for the Gokona pit. Should these schedules not be met, production and unit cost guidance would be negatively impacted. Chile At the Zaldivar mine, copper production for the first quarter of 2005 was 74.3 million pounds, a decrease of 13% from the prior year period due to mining in a lower grade section of the pit and operational problems in the ore conveying and stacking systems resulting in less tonnes being placed on the leach pad. Cash costs per pound during the period were $0.55, an increase of 12% from the prior year period due to lower production and higher fuel, tire and acid costs. Non-GAAP Measures Placer Dome has included certain non-GAAP performance measures throughout this document. These non-GAAP performance measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and, therefore, are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Placer Dome believes that, in addition to conventional measures, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, certain investors use this information to evaluate Placer Dome's performance and its ability to generate cash flow for use in investing and other activities. Accordingly, they are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Set out below are definitions for these performance measures and reconciliations of the non-GAAP measures to reported GAAP measures. Unit costs A reconciliation of costs per ounce of gold produced, calculated in accordance with the Gold Institute Standard, and costs per pound of copper produced to the Cost of Sales and Depreciation and Depletion is included below: --------------------------------------------------------------- For the three month ended March 31 --------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 --------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Copper Gold Copper --------------------------------------------------------------- Cost Cost Cost Cost of Depre- of Depre- of Depre- of Depre- Sales ciation Sales ciation Sales ciation Sales ciation ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reported 319 68 - - 287 63 - - Copper (64) (12) 64 12 (66) (17) 66 17 Corporate(ii) 1 (4) - - (2) (4) - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related to metals produced 256 52 64 12 219 42 66 17 Add La Coipa 9 3 - - 8 3 - - Deduct minority interest - - - - (2) - - - By-product (1) - (3) - (2) - (5) - Reclamation (6) 6 (1) 1 (4) 4 - - Ore sales costs (13) - - - (13) - - - Inventories 1 - (3) (1) (4) (2) (8) (2) Other (iii) (5) (2) 2 - - 1 4 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 241 59 59 12 202 48 57 15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Production reported(i) 911 911 91 91 929 929 109 109 Osborne gold ozs. (8) (8) - - (10) (10) - - Ore sales ozs. (40) (40) - - (52) (52) - - Golden Sunlight ozs. - - - - (2) (2) - - La Coipa au equivalents ozs. 12 12 - - 11 11 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Production base for calculation 875 875 91 91 876 876 109 109 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unit costs(i) 275 67 0.65 0.13 231 55 0.52 0.14 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Gold production is in thousands of ounces, and unit costs for gold are in $/oz. Copper production is in millions of pounds, and unit costs for copper are in $/lb. (ii) Corporate depreciation includes the amortization of tax gross ups (see note 4(b)(iii) to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements). (iii) Other consists of management fees and unusual costs such as significant severance or costs incurred during a temporary mine shut down, which are excluded from the determination of unit costs and smelting charges which are netted against sales revenue but included in the determination of unit costs. DATASOURCE: Placer Dome Inc. CONTACT: on this report please contact: Investor Relations: Greg Martin, (604) 661-3795, Meghan Brown, (604) 661-1577, or ; Media Relations: Gayle Stewart, (604) 661-1911; Toll-free within North America, (800) 565-5815; On the internet: http://www.placerdome.com/; For enquiries related to shares, transfers and dividends please contact: CIBC Mellon Trust Company, Toll-free within North America, (800) 387-0825; Collect calls accepted from outside North America, (416) 643-5500; Head Office, Suite 1600, Bentall IV, 1055 Dunsmuir Street, (PO Box 49330, Bentall Postal Station), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7X 1P1, Tel: (604) 682-7082, Fax: (604) 682-7092 /FIRST AND FINAL ADD TO FOLLOW

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