(All dollar amounts are United
States dollars unless otherwise stated)
VANCOUVER, BC, July 8, 2022
/PRNewswire/ - Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the
"Company") (TSX: GAU) (AMEX: GAU) provides an update on
metallurgical test work and plant recoveries at the Asanko Gold
Mine ("AGM"), located in Ghana,
West Africa. The AGM is a 50:50
joint venture ("JV") with Gold Fields Ltd (JSE: GFI) (NYSE:
GFI) which is managed and operated by Galiano. The Company expects
to release its full Q2 financial and operational results after the
market closes on August 11, 2022.
Metallurgy Update
As previously announced on February 25,
2022, the Company reported that the AGM experienced lower
than expected recoveries in Q1 2022 (see news release "Galiano Gold
Reports Lower than Expected Gold Recovery at the Asanko Gold
Mine"). Subsequent to the announcement, an extensive drilling
campaign was completed to provide representative samples for
metallurgical testing. The objective of the program was aimed at
further defining metallurgical recoveries at Esaase, and to add to
the extensive metallurgical test work previously carried out on the
Esaase deposit.
During Q2, sixteen diamond drill holes were completed, along
strike through both the Esaase Main and South pits. The resulting
2,221 meter increments were tested individually at the AGM
laboratory as a preliminary recovery assessment.
Encouraging results have been received from the initial site
assessment which determined the cyanide soluble gold content of
pulverized intervals via Bulk Leach Extractable Gold ("BLEG")
technique followed by fire assay of solid residue. Results to date
indicate alignment with the historical metallurgical testwork
previously carried out on the Esaase deposit.
The metallurgical testing performed at the AGM was conducted on
half core material, while the corresponding retained halves have
been dispatched to Bureau Veritas in Vancouver for independent 3rd party
testing. Results of the independent laboratory testing are expected
late in Q3 2022.
Q2 Operational Update
During Q2, significant work took place to optimize the AGM's
plant performance this included revising the mill feed blend
regime, increasing the mass pull in the gravity circuit and
adjusting operating parameters and reagent additions in the
carbon-in-leach circuit. The optimizations resulted in recoveries
increasing quarter on quarter, averaging 84% in Q2. Consequently,
gold production was positively impacted with preliminary production
of approximately 50,000 ounces during the quarter.
"Although work continues to further define metallurgical
recoveries at Esaase, we are pleased with the initial laboratory
recovery results", said Matt Badylak
President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are additionally
encouraged by the strong performance in the plant during the
quarter which resulted in preliminary production of 92,300 ounces
for the first half of 2022. On the back of improving recoveries and
robust production in H1, we expect to provide an update to full
year guidance in our upcoming Q2 disclosures."
About Galiano Gold Inc.
Galiano's vision is to build a sustainable business capable of
long-term value creation for its stakeholders through a combination
of exploration, accretive M&A activities and the disciplined
deployment of its financial resources. The Company currently
operates and manages the Asanko Gold Mine, located in Ghana, West
Africa which is jointly owned with Gold Fields Ltd.
The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for
environmental management, social responsibility, and health and
safety for its employees and neighbouring communities. For more
information, please visit www.galianogold.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements and information contained in this news
release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking
information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking
statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and
information regarding possible events, conditions or results of
operations that are based upon assumptions about future conditions
and courses of action. All statements and information other than
statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. In
some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use
of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan",
"estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict",
"potential", "target", "vision", "indicate", "encouraging",
"preliminary", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar
words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future
outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but
are not limited to statements regarding: the timing of the
Company's release of its full financial and operational results;
interpretation of the metallurgical testing results received to
date and alignment with the metallurgical recovery model; the
expected timing for receipt of the results from the independent
laboratory testing; the optimization of the AGM's plant
performance; the positive impact on preliminary gold production;
the Company's plans and expectations for the plant and the AGM; and
activities to be completed at the AGM. Such forward-looking
statements are based on a number of material factors and
assumptions, including, but not limited to: the accuracy of the
metallurgical testing results received to date; preliminary gold
production being indicative of future production; that the
independent laboratory test results will be consistent with the
Company's test results; that the Company will be able to determine
the cause of the lower recoveries; that the Company and Gold Fields
will agree on the manner in which the JV will operate the AGM,
including agreement on development plans and capital expenditures;
the price of gold will not decline significantly or for a
protracted period of time; the accuracy of the estimates and
assumptions underlying Mineral Resources estimates; the ability of
the AGM to continue to operate, produce and ship doré from the AGM
site to be refined during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other
infectious disease outbreak; the Company's ability to raise
sufficient funds from future equity financings to support its
operations, and general business and economic conditions; the
global financial markets and general economic conditions will be
stable and prosperous in the future; the ability of the JV and the
Company to comply with applicable governmental regulations and
standards; the mining laws, tax laws and other laws in Ghana applicable to the AGM and the JV will
not change, and there will be no imposition of additional exchange
controls in Ghana; the success of
the JV and the Company in implementing its development strategies
and achieving its business objectives; the JV will have sufficient
working capital necessary to sustain its operations on an ongoing
basis and the Company will continue to have sufficient working
capital to fund its operations and contributions to the JV; and the
key personnel of the Company and the JV will continue their
employment.
The foregoing list of assumptions cannot be considered
exhaustive.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those
anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company
believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these
expectations will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained
herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements contained in this news release, include,
but are not limited to: that the results of the independent
laboratory testing may not be as expected; that the preliminary
gold production may not be indicative of future production; that
recoveries may be lower in the future and may have an impact on the
Company's financial results; that the Company may not be able to
ascertain the cause of the lower recoveries; that the Company may
not be able to remedy the cause of the lower recoveries; that the
lower recoveries may persist and may be detrimental to the AGM and
the Company; the mineral resource estimates may change and may
prove to be inaccurate; mineral reserves may not be reinstated;
metallurgical recoveries may not be economically viable; risks
associated with the Company ceasing its mining operations during
2022; the Company does not currently have a LOM estimate for the
AGM due to the withdrawal of the mineral reserve; actual
production, costs, returns and other economic and financial
performance may vary from the Company's estimates in response to a
variety of factors, many of which are not within the Company's
control; AGM has a limited operating history and is subject to
risks associated with establishing new mining operations; sustained
increases in costs, or decreases in the availability, of
commodities consumed or otherwise used by the Company may adversely
affect the Company; adverse geotechnical and geological conditions
(including geotechnical failures) may result in operating delays
and lower throughput or recovery, closures or damage to mine
infrastructure; the ability of the Company to treat the number of
tonnes planned, recover valuable materials, remove deleterious
materials and process ore, concentrate and tailings as planned is
dependent on a number of factors and assumptions which may not be
present or occur as expected; the Company's operations may
encounter delays in or losses of production due to equipment delays
or the availability of equipment; outbreaks of COVID-19 and other
infectious diseases may have a negative impact on global financial
conditions, demand for commodities and supply chains and could
adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations and the market price of the common shares of
the Company; the Company's operations are subject to continuously
evolving legislation, compliance with which may be difficult,
uneconomic or require significant expenditures; the Company may be
unsuccessful in attracting and retaining key personnel; labour
disruptions could adversely affect the Company's operations; the
Company's business is subject to risks associated with operating in
a foreign country; risks related to the Company's use of
contractors; the hazards and risks normally encountered in the
exploration, development and production of gold; the Company's
operations are subject to environmental hazards and compliance with
applicable environmental laws and regulations; the effects of
climate change or extreme weather events may cause prolonged
disruption to the delivery of essential commodities which could
negatively affect production efficiency; the Company's operations
and workforce are exposed to health and safety risks; unexpected
costs and delays related to, or the failure of the Company to
obtain, necessary permits could impede the Company's operations;
the Company's title to exploration, development and mining
interests can be uncertain and may be contested; geotechnical risks
associated with the design and operation of a mine and related
civil structures; the Company's properties may be subject to claims
by various community stakeholders; risks related to limited access
to infrastructure and water; the Company's exploration programs may
not successfully reinstate mineral reserves; risks associated with
establishing new mining operations; the Company's common shares may
experience price and trading volume volatility; the Company has
never paid dividends; the Company's revenues are dependent on the
market prices for gold, which have experienced significant recent
fluctuations; the Company may not be able to secure additional
financing when needed or on acceptable terms; Company shareholders
may be subject to future dilution; risks related to the control of
AGM cashflows and operation through a joint venture; risks related
to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates;
risks relating to credit rating downgrades; changes to taxation
laws applicable to the Company may affect the Company's
profitability and ability to repatriate funds; ability to
repatriate funds; risks related to the Company's internal controls
over financial reporting and compliance with applicable accounting
regulations and securities laws; non-compliance with public
disclosure obligations could have an adverse effect on the
Company's stock price; the carrying value of the Company's assets
may change and these assets may be subject to impairment charges;
risks associated with changes in reporting standards; the Company's
primary asset is held through a joint venture, which exposes the
Company to risks inherent to joint ventures, including
disagreements with joint venture partners and similar risks; the
Company may be liable for uninsured or partially insured losses;
the Company may be subject to litigation; damage to the Company's
reputation could result in decreased investor confidence and
increased challenges in developing and maintaining community
relations which may have adverse effects on the business, results
of operations and financial conditions of the joint venture and the
Company and the Company's share price; the Company may be
unsuccessful in identifying targets for acquisition or completing
suitable corporate transactions, and any such transactions may not
be beneficial to the Company or its shareholders; the Company must
compete with other mining companies and individuals for mining
interests; risks related to information systems security threats;
the Company's growth, future profitability and ability to obtain
financing may be impacted by global financial conditions; and the
risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the
Company's Annual Information Form.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important
factors that could cause actual results or events to differ
materially from those described in the forward-looking statements,
you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be
other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the
Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by
reference in, this news release if these beliefs, estimates and
opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise
required by applicable law.
Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry
Regulatory Organization of Canada
accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
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SOURCE Galiano Gold Inc.