Endeavour Mining Corporation : Endeavour Reports Strong FY-2018 Results

ENDEAVOUR REPORTS STRONG FY-2018 RESULTS

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Q4 AND FY-2018 HIGHLIGHTS (for continuing operations)

• Q4-2018 production up 25% over Q3-2018 to 174koz and AISC down 14% to $707/oz
• FY-2018 production up 52% over the prior year to 612koz, beating the top end of the 555-590koz guidance
• FY-2018 AISC down $25/oz over the prior year to $744/oz, well below the guidance range of $760-810/oz
• All-in Margin up $17m in Q4 over Q3 to $40m; FY-2018 up 80% over 2017 to $184m
• Operating Cash Flow before non-cash working capital of $53m or $0.49/share in Q4; FY-2018 up 64% over 2017 to $261m or 2.43/share 
• Adjusted Net Earnings up from $(1)m in Q3 to $16m in Q4 or $0.15/share, amounting to $0.49/share for FY-2018
• Net Debt of $536m at year end, up from $232m at the end of 2017, due to the accelerated construction of Ity CIL project
• Group M&I resources up 0.9Moz year-over-year to 14Moz; P&P reserves down 0.6Moz to 8Moz as 1Moz Kari Pump maiden Indicated resource is expected to be converted to reserves by mid-year

2019 OUTLOOK

• FY-2019 production expected to increase to 615-695koz and AISC expected to remain low at $760-810/oz
• Ity CIL construction progressing on-budget and ahead of schedule with the first gold pour expected in early Q2-2019
• Significant exploration investment of $45-50m, mainly focused on our Houndé and Ity flagship mines

George Town, March 5, 2019 - Endeavour Mining (TSX:EDV) (OTCQX:EDVMF) is pleased to announce its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2018, with highlights provided in the table below.

Table 1: Key Operational and Financial Highlights

	QUARTER ENDED				YEAR ENDED
For continuing operations	Dec. 31,	Sep. 30,	Dec. 31,		Dec. 31,	Dec. 31,	Variance
(in US$ million)	2018	2018	2017		2018	2017
PRODUCTION AND AISC HIGHLIGHTS
Gold Production, koz	174	139	151		612	403	+52%
Realized Gold Price2, $/oz	1,198	1,161	1,228		1,228	1,199	+2%
All-in Sustaining Cost1, $/oz	707	820	649		744	769	(3%)
All-in Sustaining Margin1,3, $/oz	490	341	581		484	436	+11%
CASH FLOW HIGHLIGHTS 1
All-in Sustaining Margin4, $m	85	46	81		296	171	+73%
All-in Margin5, $m	40	23	57		184	102	+80%
Operating Cash Flow Before Non-Cash Working Capital, $m	53	45	39		261	159	+64%
Cash Flow per Share, $/share	0.49	0.42	0.36		2.43	1.49	+63%
PROFITABILITY HIGHLIGHTS
Revenues, $m	208	156	171		752	471	+60%
Adjusted EBITDA1, $m	56	49	84		265	172	+54%
Net Earnings Attr. to Shareholders1, $m	(32)	15	(15)		(0)	27	n.a.
Net Earnings1, $/share	(0.29)	0.14	(0.15)		(0.00)	0.27	n.a.
Adjusted Net Earnings Attr. to Shareholders1, $m	16	(1)	53		53	54	n.a.
Adjusted Net Earnings per Share1, $/share	0.15	(0.01)	0.49		0.49	0.51	n.a.
BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS
Net Debt1, $m	536	535	232		536	232	+131%

¹This is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to the non-GAAP measure section of the MD&A. ²Realized Gold Price inclusive of Karma stream; ³Realized Gold Price less AISC per ounce; ⁴Net revenue less All-in Sustaining Cost; ⁵Net revenue less All-in Sustaining Costs and Non-Sustaining capital; ⁶Adjusted EBITDA divided by Revenues.

Sébastien deMontessus, President & CEO, stated: "2018 was a successful year for Endeavour during which we beat our production guidance and ended with AISC lower than the guided range, all while maintaining a strong safety record. The first full-year contribution from Houndé, coupled with the successful management of our portfolio, has sustainably decreased our all-in sustaining costs to below our strategic target of $800/oz.

2019 is expected to be another strong year as we look forward to the first gold pour at the Ity CIL plant in the coming weeks, where construction continues to progress ahead of schedule and on budget. Over the past two years, we have transformed our portfolio, investing nearly $1 billion into the business. Once Ity CIL commences production, we expect to enter a period of sustained strong free cash flow generation with a continued focus on return on capital employed.

The maiden resource at Houndé's
Kari Pump discovery was our most notable exploration achievement in 2018. In 2019 we look forward to converting this discovery into reserves. We will maintain an aggressive exploration program focused specifically at Houndé where we expect further maiden resources on new discoveries. In addition, we will look to further grow the resource in the Le Plaque area at Ity and advance exploration at our greenfield properties.

I would like to thank our entire team for their dedication and contribution to our success in 2018 and for their efforts in positioning Endeavour for continued success in 2019 and beyond."

2018 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND 2019 CATALYSTS

In 2018, Endeavour continued to deliver against its strategy, with good progress made across its four strategic levers:

1. Operational Excellence - reinforced track record as Group Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate ("LTIFR") decreased from 0.29 to 0.16 year on year, remaining below industry benchmarks. Production and AISC guidance was met or beaten for the 6th consecutive year.
2. Project Development - remained a key focus area with the successful progress at the Ity CIL project.
3. Unlocking Exploration Value - continued to deliver against our 5-year discovery target, with 1.9Moz of M&I resources discovered in 2018, totaling 4.2Moz at a discovery cost of circa $13/oz since the strategy was set in late 2016. In 2018, notable successes include the maiden Indicated resource Kari Pump target at Houndé and at the greenfield Fetekro property of respectively 1.0Moz and 0.5Moz, good results at the Le Plaque area at Ity which are soon expected to yield an increased resource, and greater confidence in the Kalana Main deposit resource. 
4. Active Portfolio & Balance Sheet Management - in line with its aim to focus on long-life and low-cost high-quality assets, following the sale of its non-core Youga mine and Nzema mines in 2016 and 2017 respectively, Endeavour sold its Tabakoto mine in 2018. On the balance sheet front, Endeavour finished the year with strong liquidity sources despite the accelerated construction of its Ity CIL project.

2019 is expected to be another pivotal year for Endeavour with the following notable catalysts:

• Ity CIL project first gold pour expected in early Q2-2019, following which the Group is expected to be net cash flow positive.
• Maiden reserve for the Kari Pump discovery at Houndé expected by mid-year.
• Maiden resource for the Kari West and Kari center discoveries, and further resource delineation for the Kari Pump deposit at Houndé expected in Q4-2019.
• Increased resource at the Le Plaque discovery at Ity expected in Q2-2019.
• Resource increase at the Fetekro greenfield exploration project expected in Q2-2019 and further results on Kalana in H2-2019.

STRONG Q4-2018 PERFORMANCE; BEATING FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE

• Continued strong safety record in 2018 with a low LTIFR of 0.16 across the group.
• The Tabakoto sale closed on December 24, 2018 and was deconsolidated in the financial statements.
• Q4-2018 group production from continuing operations increased by 25% over the previous quarter to 174koz and AISC declined by 14% to $707/oz due to a strong quarter at all mines.
• Full-year 2018 production from continuing operations increased by 52% over the prior year to 612koz, beating the top end of the 555-590koz guidance, while AISC from continuing operations decreased by $25/oz from prior year to $744/oz, well below the guidance range of $760-810/oz. 2018 benefited from a full-year of production at Houndé, and  better production and AISC performance at Ity and Karma, which more than compensated for the expected lower performance at Agbaou.

Table 2: Group Production, koz

(All amounts in koz, on a 100% basis)	THREE MONTHS ENDED				YEAR ENDED
	Dec. 31,	Sep. 30,	Dec. 31,		Dec. 31,	Dec. 31,	2018 FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE
	2018	2018	2017		2018	2017
Agbaou	44	31	43		141	177	140	-	150
Ity	21	21	17		85	59	60	-	65
Karma	33	26	21		109	98	105	-	115
Houndé	76	61	69		277	69	250	-	260
PRODUCTION FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	174	139	151		612	403	555	-	590
Tabakoto (divested in December 2018)	30	26	28		115	144	115	-	130
Nzema (divested in December 2017)	-	-	25		-	116	n.a.	-	n.a.
TOTAL PRODUCTION	204	165	204		727	663	670	-	720

 

Table 3: Group All-In Sustaining Costs, US$/oz

(All amounts in US$/oz)	THREE MONTHS ENDED				YEAR ENDED
	Dec. 31,	Sep. 30,	Dec. 31,		Dec. 31,	Dec. 31,	2018 FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE
	2018	2018	2017		2018	2017
Agbaou	776	954	690		819	647	860	-	900
Ity	622	730	869		719	906	790	-	850
Karma	697	841	918		813	834	780	-	830
Houndé	588	638	335		564	335	580	-	630
Corporate G&A	46	44	46		43	43	30	-	30
Sustaining Exploration	0	14	4		12	19	10	-	10
GROUP AISC FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	707	820	649		744	769	760	-	810
Tabakoto (divested in December 2018)	1,470	1,420	1,411		1,369	1,148	1,200	-	1,250
Nzema (divested in December 2017)	-	-	855		-	859	n.a.	-	n.a
GROUP AISC	818	917	785		843	869	840	-	890

 

HOUNDÉ MINE

Q4 vs Q3-2018 Insights

A record quarter was achieved as production increased, mainly due to significantly higher grades following the end of the rainy season.

• Tonnes of ore mined increased as mining activities ramped up following the end of the rainy season. Mining continued to focus on the Vindaloo Main and Vindaloo Central pits. The strip ratio was lower than initially planned due to a shift in the mine plan which delayed stripping to 2019.
• Tonnes milled increased slightly, continuing to perform nearly 30% above nameplate capacity. The ore blend continued to be mainly transitional/fresh ore. Oxide ore represented 34% of the mill feed, up from 32% in Q3-2018.
• Processed grades markedly improved as higher-grade areas of both the Vindaloo Main and Vindaloo Central pits became accessible following the end of the rainy season. In addition, the higher-grade ore mined was selectively processed while the lower-grade ore was stockpiled.
• Recovery rates decreased slightly but remained at the level assumed in the Optimized Study.

AISC decreased due to higher production, lower unit mining costs associated with reduced water pumping requirements following the end of the rainy season, as well as the reduction in sustaining capital expenditures.

• Mining unit costs decreased from $2.14 to $1.92 per tonne due to increased volumes mined following the rainy season.
• Processing unit costs decreased from $12.71 to $11.84 per tonne due to the reduction in fresh ore processed in the period when compared to Q3-2017 along with increased throughput volumes.
• Sustaining capital decreased from $2.7 million to $1.1 million following a reduction in waste capitalization in the period.
• There was $3.0 million of non-sustaining capex incurred during the quarter relating to waste capitalization.

FY-2018 vs FY-2017 Insights

Production increased significantly as 2018 benefited from a full year of production since commercial production began in Q4-2017.

As guided, AISC increased as last year's production benefited from processing primarily high-grade oxide material.

Stockpiles grew in 2018, amounting to 2.0Mt at 1.1g/t containing 70koz at year-end.

2018 Performance vs Guidance

Production totaled 277koz, significantly exceeding full-year guidance of 250-260koz due mainly to both the mining activities and the process plant performing above their nameplate capacities.

AISC amounted to $564/oz, well below the guided $580-630/oz range due to the outperformance of the operation and a lower than planned strip ratio in the second of half the year following a shift in the mine plan which delayed higher stripping to 2019.

Table 4: Houndé Quarterly Performance Indicators

For The Quarter Ended	Q4-2018	Q3-2018	Q4-2017
Tonnes ore mined, kt	1,736	1,413	663
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	5.87	6.00	13.78
Tonnes milled, kt	1,062	1,006	813
Grade, g/t	2.38	2.02	2.75
Recovery rate, %	93%	94%	95%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	76	61	69
Cash cost/oz	508	519	194
AISC/OZ	588	638	335

 

Table 5: Houndé Yearly Performance Indicator

For The Year Ended	Dec. 31,	Dec. 31,
	2018	2017
Tonnes ore mined, kt	5,822	1,222
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	6.13	13.13
Tonnes milled, kt	3,948	813
Grade, g/t	2.29	2.75
Recovery rate, %	94%	95%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	277	69
Cash cost/oz	459	194
AISC/OZ	564	335

 

2019 Outlook

Houndé is expected to produce between 230-250koz in 2019, continuing to out-perform its feasibility study estimates, at an AISC of $720-790/oz. 

• Mining is expected to continue in the Vindaloo deposit, while ore extraction at the Bouéré deposit is expected to start in late H1-2019. The strip ratio is expected to increase in 2019, due to both the mine plan sequence and to the carry-over of stripping delayed from 2018.
• Throughput is expected to remain above nameplate capacity while the ore blend is expected to shift from the current mix of ~30% oxide ore and ~70 % transitional/fresh ore feed to mainly fresh ore by year-end, resulting in higher operating costs.  
• Despite the expected higher grades mined, the average processed grade is expected to decline due to the use of lower-grade stockpiles. This marks a change compared to the previous mine plan due to the company's strategic focus on reducing working capital.
• Sustaining costs are expected to total circa $35 million mainly due to the increased strip ratio, a planned raise in the TSF and the purchase of components for fleet maintenance. 

Approximately $7 million of non-sustaining expenditure is planned for 2019, mainly for the Bouéré pre-strip, road, and resettlement.

2018 Exploration Program

The 2018 exploration program amounted to $14 million, totaling approximately 165,700 meters of drilling, focused mainly on the Kari gold-in-soil anomaly which covers a 6km-long by 2.5km-wide area, resulting in:  

• The identification of a maiden Indicated resource at the Kari Pump target totaling 11.3Mt at 2.71 g/t Au containing 987koz, as published on November 15, 2018. The maiden resource covers an area 1.3km-long by 0.8km-wide and remains open in various directions. The mineralization is amenable to open pit mining and 45% of the Indicated resource is located within the oxide and transition zones, compared to most of the Houndé Indicated resource located in fresh zones.
• The Kari Center discovery, which extends 1.2km along strike and across a width of over 200m and remains open in various directions.
• The Kari West discovery which extends at least 1.0km along strike and across a width of 500m and remains open in various directions.

2019 Exploration Program

In 2019, Houndé will continue to be the priority exploration focus for Endeavour with a budget of up to $17 million totaling approximately 195,000 meters of drilling with the aim of:

• Delineating additional resources at Kari Pump.
• Delineating a maiden resource at the Kari Centre and Kari West targets.
• Testing other targets such as Sia/Sianikoui, Grand Espoir and high-grade plunges at the Vindaloo deposit.

Reserve & Resource Evolution 

As shown in Appendix 3, the variance in P&P reserves compared to the previous year is primarily due to mining depletion at the Vindaloo deposit while the M&I resource increased due to the 987koz maiden resource outlined at the Kari Pump discovery.

Reserves are expected to increase in mid-year as the Kari Pump resource is expected to be converted to reserves following the completion of the on-going metallurgical tests.

Metallurgical tests are underway with Als Chemex Australia. Preliminary results are indicating good gold recovery rates, similar to the Vindaloo deposit currently being mined.

AGBAOU MINE

Q4 vs Q3-2018 Insights

Production increased as expected mainly due to a significant increase in milled grade following the waste extraction efforts over the course of the year which gave access to higher grade areas.

• Ore mined increased due to greater extraction at the South Pit as less stripping was necessary. Waste extraction efforts continued in the West pit, resulting in an increase in the overall strip ratio.
• Mill throughput increased as the proportion of fresh ore processed decreased from 15% to 12%.
• Processed grades increased due to the change in mining sequence giving access to higher grade ore.
• Recovery rates improved slightly due to a lower proportion of fresh ore processed.

All-in sustaining costs decreased, mainly due to increased gold sales, which were offset slightly by higher sustaining costs driven by increased waste capitalization activity.

• Mining unit costs decreased from $2.57 to $2.38 per tonne because of the increased volumes mined in the South Pit.
• Processing unit costs decreased from $7.77 to $7.66 per tonne due to the reduction in fresh ore processed.
• Sustaining capital increased from $3.6 million to $5.8 million following the increased waste capitalization in the West Pit.
• Non-sustaining capital increased from $0.1 million to $3.3 million due to the pre-stripping of the West pit.

FY-2018 vs FY-2017 Insights

Production decreased as guided, as low-grade stockpile feed supplemented the mine feed to allow waste capitalization activity to progress quicker in 2018. In addition, mining was constrained to lower grade areas.

AISC increased, as guided, due to the higher sustaining costs associated with the waste capitalization activity, the impact of lower production, and higher operating costs related to mining and processing a greater volume of fresh and transitional ore.

Stockpiles declined in 2018, amounting to 1.6Mt at 0.6g/t containing 32koz at year-end.

2018 Performance vs Guidance

Production totaled 141koz, achieving the lower end of the guided 140-150koz range.

AISC amounted to $819/oz, well below the guided $860-900/oz range as a portion of the planned waste capitalization was shifted to 2019 and more oxide material was processed compared to the initial plan.

Table 6: Agbaou Quarterly Performance Indicators

For The Quarter Ended	Q4-2018	Q3-2018	Q4-2017
Tonnes ore mined, kt	481	625	826
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	13.65	10.11	7.74
Tonnes milled, kt	708	669	760
Grade, g/t	2.21	1.54	1.85
Recovery rate, %	95%	94%	93%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	44	31	43
Cash cost/oz	601	791	607
AISC/OZ	776	954	690

 

Table 7: Agbaou Yearly Performance Indicators

For The Year Ended	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Tonnes ore mined, kt	2,399	2,983
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	11.40	8.42
Tonnes milled, kt	2,830	2,906
Grade, g/t	1.70	2.02
Recovery rate, %	94%	94%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	141	177
Cash cost/oz	677	557
AISC/OZ	819	647

 

2019 Outlook

Agbaou is expected to produce between 120-130koz in 2019 at an AISC of $850-900/oz.

• Mining is expected to focus mainly on the West pit, with some contribution from the North and South pits. The strip ratio is expected to remain at a high-level as a portion of the planned 2018 waste capitalization was shifted to 2019.
• The plant throughput is expected to decline as the oxide ore blend is expected to reduce from approximately 80% in 2018 to 60%, with the remainder of the feed comprised of fresh and transitional ore.
• Despite plans to mine higher grade ore, the average processed grade is expected to remain fairly flat over 2019 due to the use of lower-grade stockpiles. This marks a change compared to the previous mine plan due to the company's strategic focus on maximizing free cash flow generation and reducing working capital.
• Sustaining costs are expected to increase from $13 million to circa $24 million mainly due to increased waste capitalization.

Approximately $8 million of non-sustaining expenditure is planned for 2019, mainly covering work to raise the TSF.

2018 Exploration Program

The 2018 exploration program amounted to $4 million, totaling approximately 27,800 meters of drilling, focused mainly on open pit targets, located along extensions of known deposits and on parallel trends, and on the at-depth potential of the North pit.

• Mineralization was confirmed at the extensions of several deposits including the MPN, North Pit Satellite 3, West Pit 5 and Beta. However, the mineralization intercepted was low-grade and lacked continuity, and therefore little follow-up drilling was done, with a focus instead on testing other higher potential targets.
• Mineralization was confirmed at-depth in the North Pit. However, in the short-term no follow-up drilling is planned for this target as the potential resource in this area may not be suitable for open pit operations. As such, the focus remains on testing other open pit targets.

2019 Exploration Program

An exploration program of up to $2 million is being considered for 2019 with the aim of continuing to test targets located along extensions of known deposits and on parallel trends.

Reserve & Resource Evolution 

As shown in Appendix 3, the variance in P&P reserves and M&I resources compared to the previous year mainly corresponds to mining depletion and an update in unit cost assumptions for the reserve calculation.

KARMA MINE

Q4 vs Q3-2018 Insights

Production increased due to a significant increase in ore stacked following the end of the rainy season.

• Tonnes of ore mined increased as mining activities ramped up following the end of the rainy season. Activities focused exclusively on mining oxide ore from the Kao pit.
• Mill throughput increased as operating conditions improved, with increased stacker utilization.
• Recovery rates remained high due to the improved leach characteristics of the oxide ore stacked.

AISC improved as the overall operating costs decreased, following the end of the rainy season, and due to an increase in ounces sold.  

• Mining unit costs decreased from $3.18 to $1.76 per tonne because of increased tonnages being mined following the wet season.
• Processing unit costs decreased from $8.46 to $7.41 per tonne due to higher stacked tonnes and lower reagent consumption for oxide material processed.
• Sustaining capital increased marginally from $1.0 million to $1.3 million due to spending on mining components.

Non-sustaining capital spend was consistent with Q3-2018, with $8.3 million spent. The Q4-2018 costs were mainly related to pre-stripping at the Kao deposit, as well as the resettlement costs associated to its development.

FY-2018 vs FY-2017 Insights

Production increased as guided, despite a lower processed grade, as the plant optimization work done in 2017 increased stacking capacity.

AISC decreased, specifically in the second half of the year when most of the ore stacked was oxide ore, while transitional ore from the GG2 pit impacted costs in the first half of the year.

Stockpiles grew in 2018, amounting to 0.7Mt at 0.6g/t containing 13koz at year-end.

2018 Performance vs Guidance

Production totaled 109koz, achieving the middle of the guided 105-115koz range.

AISC amounted to $840/oz, achieving the guided $780-830 range.

Table 8: Karma Quarterly Performance Indicators

For The Quarter Ended	Q4-2018	Q3-2018	Q4-2017
Tonnes ore mined, kt	788	755	1,184
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	5.54	3.01	2.14
Tonnes stacked, kt	1,037	981	1,026
Grade, g/t	0.98	1.02	1.06
Recovery rate, %	88%	89%	77%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	33	26	21
Cash cost/oz	592	729	798
AISC/OZ	697	841	918

 

Table 9: Karma Yearly Performance Indicators

For The Year Ended	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Tonnes ore mined, kt	4,715	3,862
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	2.59	2.96
Tonnes stacked, kt	4,097	3,552
Grade, g/t	0.95	1.07
Recovery rate, %	82%	83%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	109	98
Cash cost/oz	704	716
AISC/OZ	813	834

 

2019 Outlook

Karma is expected to produce between 105-115koz in 2019 at an AISC of $860-910/oz.

• Mining is expected to focus mainly on oxide and transitional ore from the Kao pit, which is expected to be mined out by mid-year, and on oxide ore from the North Kao pit where pre-stripping will begin in Q1-2019 and ore extraction in Q2-2019. The strip ratio is expected to increase in 2019 due to North Kao.
• Tonnes stacked and recovery rates are expected to remain fairly flat over 2018.
• The mine's performance is expected to be better in the second half of the year as the first half is expected to be impacted by the Kao pit transitional ore.
• Sustaining costs are expected to total circa $5 million with the main spending related to the waste capitalization at North Kao pit.
• Non-sustaining expenditure is expected to be relatively flat at $24 million, comprising mainly stacking line extension and lift preparation and lining, and pre-stripping for the North Kao deposit.

2018 Exploration Program

The 2018 exploration program amounted to $3 million, totaling approximately 23,600 meters of drilling, focused mainly on Yabonsgo and North Kao, resulting in:

• The identification of a maiden Indicated resource at the Yabonsgo target totalling 2.9Mt at 1.28 g/t Au containing 119koz.
• The continuity of mineralization at the North Kao deposit was confirmed along an 800m strike length, with additional lenses identified to the south east.
• Other targets such as
• Rambo West, Mogombouli, Zanna, and Rounga were also studied to prepare for the 2019 drilling campaign.

2019 Exploration Program

An exploration program of up to $2 million totaling approximately 27,000 meters has been planned for 2019, with the aim of delineating near-mill oxide targets, mainly focused on testing the extension of the North Kao deposit and the along strike and northern plunge extension of the Yabonsgo deposit.

Reserve & Resource Evolution

As shown in Appendix 3, the variance in P&P reserves and M&I resources compared to the previous year corresponds to mining depletion and a decreased for the GG2 and
Kao Main deposits, following changes in estimation parameters, which was partially offset by the addition of M&I resources and P&P reserves at the Yabongso deposit.

ITY MINE: HEAP LEACH OPERATION

Q4 vs Q3-2018 Insights

2018 was guided to be a transition year for the heap leach operation with greater priority given to the CIL construction activities, particularly in the second half of the year as the main goal was to stack ore from lower grade stockpiles. However, Ity's heap leach operation performed above expectations, particularly in Q4-2018, as mining was opportunistically conducted based on equipment availability and the good progress made on Ity CIL construction.

Production remained flat as a decrease in stacked grade was offset by a higher recovery rate.

• Tonnes of ore mined decreased, in line with the plan, as mining activity for the heap leach decreased to prioritize the construction of the CIL plant. Mining for the heap leach operation ceased in mid-December.
• Ore stacked decreased as the quantity of ore mined decreased with lower-grade stockpiles supplementing the stacked feed. Stacking at the heap leach operation ceased in mid-December.
• The stacked grade decreased as mining activity at the high-grade Bakatouo pit ceased for heap leach operations and low-grade ore stockpiles were used.
• Recovery rates increased due to improved leach characteristics associated with the ore stacked from the Bakatouo pit.

AISC decreased due to lower unit mining costs associated with reduced water pumping requirements, as well as a lower strip ratio, lower processing and G&A costs, and increased ounces of gold sold in the period.

• Mining unit costs decreased from $7.02 to $6.65 per tonne due to shorter haul distances as mining for the heap leach operations winds down.
• Processing unit costs decreased from $14.70 to $13.80 per tonne due to lower reagent usage.
• Sustaining capital decreased from $0.3 million to $0.07 million as the heap leach operation winds down.
• There was no non-sustaining capital spent in the quarter.
• Depreciation and depletion increased for the period due to accelerated depreciation taken on the heap leach assets as it nears the end of mine life.

FY-2018 vs FY-2017 Insights

Record production was achieved due to significantly higher grades stacked from the Bakatouo deposit and increased stacking. AISC decreased due to increased production and lower sustaining costs.

2018 Performance vs Guidance

Production totaled 85koz, significantly exceeding its full-year guidance of 60-65koz as opportunistic mining was carried-out in the second half of the year.

AISC amounted to $719/oz, well below the guided $790-850/oz range, due to the above-mentioned opportunistic mining.

Table 10: Ity Quarterly Performance Indicators

For The Quarter Ended	Q4-2018	Q3-2018	Q4-2017
Tonnes ore mined, kt	200	253	402
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	1.47	2.43	3.18
Tonnes stacked, kt	316	326	372
Grade, g/t	2.37	2.64	1.86
Recovery rate, %	87%	78%	78%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	21	21	17
Cash cost/oz	563	667	657
AISC/OZ	622	730	869

 

Table 11: Ity Yearly Performance Indicators

For The Year Ended	Dec. 31,	Dec. 31,
	2018	2017
Tonnes ore mined, kt	1,127	1,410
Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	2.58	3.71
Tonnes stacked, kt	1,307	1,194
Grade, g/t	2.49	1.85
Recovery rate, %	81%	83%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	85	59
Cash cost/oz	646	733
AISC/OZ	719	906

 

2019 Outlook

Mining and stacking activities for the heap leach operation ceased in mid-December. Residual gold from the heaps, of up to 5koz, is expected to be recovered in Q1-2019.

Transition preparation and training efforts are underway to shift to CIL production in early Q2-2019.

2018 Exploration Program

The 2018 exploration program amounted to $9 million, totaling 49,600 meters of drilling, focused mainly on the Le Plaque area and Daapleu deposit, resulting in:

• The identification of mineralization in the Le Plaque area where drilling is ongoing and a resource is expected to be delineated in Q2-2019.
• The validation of a high-grade at depth plunge at the Daapleu deposit.
• The identification of mineralization below the leach pad suggesting an extension of the Bakatouo deposit.

2019 Exploration Program

An exploration program of up to $11 million totaling approximately 71,000 meters has been planned for 2019, with the aim of delineating additional resources at the Le Plaque target, and testing other targets such as Floleu, Daapleu SW and Samuel.

Reserve & Resource Evolution 

As shown in Appendix 3, the increase in P&P reserves was a result of additional reserve conversion at the Bakatouo deposit, while the M&I resource decreased, albeit less than depletion, due to additional resource delineation.

TABAKOTO MINE (DISCONTINUED OPERATION)

Tabakoto Sale Insights

On December 24, 2018, Endeavour completed the sale of its interest in the non-core Tabakoto mine to Algom Resources Limited, a subsidiary of BCM International Ltd ("BCM").

The total sale price consideration is up to approximately US$70 million, comprised of an upfront cash consideration of US$35 million (which was received on December 24, 2018), a deferred cash consideration of US$10 million expected in 2019, subject to certain conditions, and a 10% net smelter royalty on the Dar Salaam deposit, capped at a maximum of 200,000 ounces of gold.

An impairment and loss-on sale totaling $41 million was recognized in 2018.

Q4 vs Q3-2018 Insights

Production increased mainly due to higher average head grades, despite a decrease in milled tonnage.

• Open pit production significantly decreased as the Tabakoto North pit neared its end of life.
• Underground tonnes mined increased due to the end of the rainy season, allowing for improved stope access and productivity. 
• Despite a decrease in total milled tonnage, processing activities continued to perform well with throughput rates remaining flat.
• The overall average grade processed increased as per the mine sequence.
• The recovery rate remained flat.

AISC increased, despite lower mining and processing costs, mainly due to higher costs associated with processed stockpiles and higher G&A costs.

• Open pit mining unit costs decreased from $5.36 to $5.15 per tonne because of a decrease in the open pit mining activity.
• Underground mining unit costs decreased from $85.92 to $72.10 per tonne due to reduced fleet maintenance costs.
• Processing unit costs decreased from $22.45 to $20.34 per tonne due to decreased reagent consumption.
• Sustaining capital decreased from $7.5 million to $6.1 million following the increased underground development at the site in Q3-2018.

Non-sustaining capital spend of $1.1 million, down from $8.1 million.

There was zero depreciation and depletion this quarter as the asset was classified as a discontinued operation under IFRS during the period.

FY-2018 vs FY-2017 Insights

Production decreased and AISC increased mainly due to a decrease in processed grades following the completion of the high-grade Kofi C pit in 2017 and Kofi B pit in H1-2018.

2018 Performance vs Guidance

Production totaled 115koz, achieving the bottom-end of the guided 115-130koz range, while the AISC finished above the guided range at $1,369/oz.

The lower than expected performance is mainly attributable to sub-optimal underground equipment availability and associated maintenance costs.

Table 12: Tabakoto Quarterly Performance Indicators

For The Quarter Ended	Q4-2018	Q3-2018	Q4-2017
OP Tonnes ore mined, kt	108	146	165
OP Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	3.81	5.25	10.33
UG tonnes ore mined, kt	164	143	157
Tonnes milled, kt	417	433	436
Grade, g/t	2.41	2.08	2.20
Recovery rate, %	92%	92%	92%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	30	26	28
Cash cost/oz	1,188	1,058	1,170
AISC/OZ	1,470	1,420	1,411

 

Table 13: Tabakoto Yearly Performance Indicators

For The Year Ended	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
OP Tonnes ore mined, kt	572	647
OP Strip ratio (incl. waste cap)	6.98	8.89
UG tonnes ore mined, kt	601	756
Tonnes milled, kt	1,714	1,640
Grade, g/t	2.28	2.90
Recovery rate, %	92%	94%
PRODUCTION, KOZ	115	144
Cash cost/oz	1,055	929
AISC/OZ	1,369	1,148

 

ITY CIL PROJECT CONSTRUCTION: AHEAD OF SCHEDULE and on-budgeT

Construction is progressing on-budget and two months ahead of schedule with the first gold pour expected in early Q2-2019.
Ity is expected to produce 160- 200koz in 2019 at an AISC of $525- 590/oz, with the bottom-end of production guidance corresponding to the nameplate capacity while the top-end factors in possible upsides from an earlier start date, a quicker than expected ramp-up and the plant producing above its nameplate.
The major milestones achieved to date include:

• Over 8 million man-hours have been worked without a lost time injury.
• Overall project completion stands at more than 98%, tracking approximately two months ahead of schedule.
• The project remains on-budget with the remaining cash outflow for 2019 amounting to $50.0 - 60.0 million. As at December 31, 2018, the total project spend to date for capital expenditure stands at $374 million, which includes approximately $308 million of cash outflow, $50 million of leased equipment and $16 million of non-cash working capital.
• The Ball and SAG mill commissioning has been completed and, in preparation for production, ore was introduced into the process plant milling circuit with all the CIL tanks filled and agitators commissioned.
• The dry plant has been successfully commissioned.
• The oxygen plant mechanical and piping installation is nearing completion and commissioning is expected to soon commence.
• The tailings storage facility construction is complete. 
• The 11kV switch room and 11kV overhead power line have been commissioned, the 90kV transmission line construction is nearly complete, and the back-up power station has been commissioned.
• The Daapleu haul bridge construction and river diversion have been completed. 
• The resettlement of Daapleu is complete and the official ceremony of handing over the houses took place on December 10, 2018.
• Construction of the 312-room permanent employee camp, messing, and staff recreation facilities is complete.
• Pre-stripping commenced at the Bakatouo and Ity Flat deposits in late 2018.
• Demobilization of construction personnel has begun following the completion of key construction milestones, and operating teams are in place with training programs well underway.

Picture 1: Process Plant

 

KALANA PROJECT UPDATE

The Kalana exploration program in 2018 amounted to $7 million comprised of approximately 48,000 metres of drilling, focused primarily on the Kalana Main deposit and to a lesser extent on the Kalanako deposit.
At the Kalana Main deposit, the in-fill drilling program improved the geological model and converted a portion of the previously classified Inferred Resource in the northeastern part of the deposit to the Indicated category. 
The 2016 Kalana Main Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) as prepared by Avnel (the previous owner) was updated following a rebuild of the geological model using a more conservative approach to incorporate tighter geological controls for the high-grade nugget effect, stacked vein sets and dilution.  
Endeavour considers the updated 2019 Kalana Main geological model to be a more robust and accurate model as:

• The geological model was updated with over 30,000 metres of in-fill drilling completed since the project was acquired in late 2017.  In total, more than 2,200 holes and more than 221,000 assays (including over 103,000 LeachWELL assays) were used to refine the geological model.
• A total of 135 veins within 61 vein packages were individually modelled as opposed to the previous approach of applying geostatistics to 56 grouped vein packages, and thereby provided an upgraded confidence in the vein packages/domain boundaries. 
• Mineralized intersections outside of the defined wireframes where continuity was not proven were excluded.
• The cut-off grade was lowered from 0.9 g/t Au to 0.5 g/t Au.

As illustrated in the below table, the M&I resource grade has been decreased from 4.14 g/t Au to 2.69 g/t Au based on the above-mentioned changes. For reference, the 2016 P&P reserve grade stood at 2.80 g/t Au.

Table 14:  Kalana Main Deposit M&I Resource Evolution (2016 Avnel vs. 2019 Snowden Estimates)

(on a 100% basis)	PREVIOUS 2016 M&I RESOURCE1		UPDATED 2019 M&I RESOURCE2
Cut-off grade (g/t Au)	0.9		0.9 (For comparative purpose)	0.5 (As reported)
Tonnage (Mt)	23		18	27
Grade (g/t Au)	4.14		3.70	2.69
Content ( Au Koz)	3,060		2,092	2,287

 

Mineral Reserve estimates follow the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves and have been completed in accordance with the Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as defined by National Instrument 43-101.  Reported tonnage and grade figures have been rounded from raw estimates to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.  Minor variations may occur during the addition of rounded numbers.  Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 1As per Avnel calculated resources as at March 2016, based on $1,400/oz.  For the notes related to the 2016 Resource Estimate, please consult the Kalana Technical Report dated March 30, 2016 available on the Endeavour website. 2 The Updated 2019 Mineral Resource has an effective date of February 8, 2019 and is constrained by a $1,500/oz conceptual Pit Shell.  For the notes relating to the 2019 Resource Estimate, please consult the section below entitled "Kalana Resource Modelling".  The Qualified Persons for the 2019 Updated Resource is Geoff Booth, FAusIMM, Mining Consulting Manager, Snowden Mining Consultants.

The Kalana Main resource estimate is robust based on a lower gold price pit shell, as shown in the table below.

Table 15:   2019 Kalana Main M&I Resource Sensitivity to Gold Price (0.5 g/t Au cut-off)

	BASED ON $1,250/ OZ PIT SHELL				BASED ON $1,500/ OZ PIT SHELL
(on a 100% basis)	Tonnage (Mt)	Grade (Au g/t)	Content (Au koz)		Tonnage (Mt)	Grade (Au g/t)	Content (Au koz)
Indicated Resources	25.4	2.71	2,204		26.6	2.69	2,287
Inferred Resources	4.9	2.83	443		6.4	2.75	564

 

Mineral Reserve Estimates follow the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves and have been completed in accordance with the Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as defined by National Instrument 43-101.  Reported tonnage and grade figures have been rounded from raw estimates to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.  Minor variations may occur during the addition of rounded numbers.  Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.  For notes relating to the Resource Estimate, please consult the section below entitled "Kalana Resource Modelling".

Endeavour updated the Mineral Resource Estimate for the nearby Kalanako deposit based on the additional drilling conducted, as presented in the table below.

Table 16:  2019 Kalana Project Consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate as at February 8, 2019

(on a 100% basis)	Tonnage (Mt)	Grade (Au g/t)	Content (Au koz)
Kalana Main
Measured Resources	-	-	-
Indicated Resources	26.6	2.69	2,290
M&I Resources	26.6	2.69	2,290
Inferred Resources	6.4	2.75	560
Kalanako
Measured Resources	-	-	-
Indicated Resources	2.1	2.27	150
M&I Resources	2.1	2.27	150
Inferred Resources	0.2	4.66	25
Tailings
Measured Resources	-	-	-
Indicated Resources	0.7	1.75	40
M&I Resources	0.7	1.7	40
Inferred Resources	-	-	-
Total Kalana Project
Measured Resources	-	-	-
Indicated Resources	29.4	2.62	2,480
M&I Resources	29.4	2.62	2,480
Inferred Resources	6.6	2.78	585

 

Mineral Reserve estimates follow the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves and have been completed in accordance with the Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as defined by National Instrument 43-101.  Reported tonnage and grade figures have been rounded from raw estimates to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.  Minor variations may occur during the addition of rounded numbers.  Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The 2019 Resource estimate is based on a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off grade.  The Updated 2019 Mineral Resource has an effective date of February 8, 2019 and is constrained by a conceptual $1,500/oz
Pit Shell.  The Qualified Person for the Kalana Main Resource Estimate is
Geoff Booth, FAusIMM, Mining Consulting Manager, Snowden Mining Consultants.  The Qualified Person for the Kalanako Estimate is
Helen Oliver, FGS, CGeol, Endeavour Mining.  The Qualified Person for the Tailings Resource is Ivor Jones FAusIMM, Principal, Denny Jones Pty Ltd.  For additional notes relating to the 2019 Resource Estimates, please consult the section below entitled "Kalana Resource Modelling".

An exploration programme of up to $4 million totaling approximately 23,000 metres is planned for 2019, with the aim of testing nearby targets and initiating work on the Fougadian licence.
The Updated 2019 Mineral Resource will be used as a basis for an updated feasibility study which is expected to be prepared for Q4-2019.
In parallel to working on the Kalana Feasibility Study and further testing of exploration potential, Endeavour intends to review its other available internal growth opportunities.  Based on Endeavour's capital allocation strategy, the Kalana project investment case will be reviewed against its other internal growth opportunities and uses of capital.

EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

2018 Exploration Activities
As shown in the table below, a total of $53 million of exploration expenditures were incurred in 2018 with details by asset provided in the above mine sections.
The 2018 exploration program mainly focused on delineating the potential at Endeavour's two flagship mines (Houndé and Ity) and on developing Endeavour's organic growth potential (Kalana, Fetekro, and other greenfield properties).  

Table 17: Exploration Expenditures, $m

In US$m	2018 ACTUALS	2019 GUIDANCE
Agbaou	4	~2	4%
Tabakoto	6	0	n.a.
Ity mine and trend	9	~11	23%
Karma	3	~2	5%
Kalana	7	~4	8%
Houndé	14	~17	37%
Fetekro	4	~7	16%
Other greenfield properties	5	~4	8%
TOTAL EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES*	53	45-50	100%

*Includes expensed, sustaining, and non-sustaining exploration expenditures

2019 Exploration Activities
Exploration will continue to be a strong focus in 2019 with a company-wide exploration program of $45-50 million, with approximately 20% expensed, 5% sustaining, and 75% non-sustaining.
The main focus is expected to continue to be near-mine exploration at Endeavour's two flagship mines (Houndé and Ity) and continue to develop organic growth opportunities such as Kalana, Fetekro, and other greenfield properties.

• At Houndé, additional resource delineation is expected, notably at the Kari Pump, Kari Center and Kari West targets. 
• At Ity, additional resource delineation is expected, notably at the Le Plaque target.
• Greenfield exploration efforts are expected to be primarily focused on delineating additional resources at the Fetekro property. In addition, work will also be conducted on other exploration licenses in Côte d'Ivoire (such as on the Bondoukou cluster and the Mankono-Sissedougou JV with Barrick), on the Siguiri license in Guinea, and on the Kofi North and Netekoto licenses in Mali.

GROUP RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Measured and Indicated ("M&I") resources amounted to 14Moz at year-end 2018, up 0.9Moz or 7% over the previous year, as mine depletion was more than offset by the maiden resources delineated.
Proven and Probable (P&P) reserves for continuing operations amounted to 8Moz at year-end 2018, down 0.6Moz or 7% over the previous year, mainly due to the time lag between resource delineation and reserve conversion. An updated reserve is expected to be published for the Houndé mine in mid-2019 following the 987koz maiden Indicated resource outlined at the Kari Pump discovery. 
Detailed year-over-year reserve and resource variances are available in Appendix 3 with details for each asset provided in the above mine sections.

Table 18: Reserve and Resource Evolution

In Moz, on a 100% basis	AS AT DEC. 31, 2017			AS AT DEC. 31, 2018	Variance (for continuing operations)
	Including discontinued Tabakoto mine	For continuing operations		For continuing operations
P&P Reserves	9.1	8.6		8.0	(0.6)	(7%)
M&I Resources (inclusive of Reserves)	14.9	12.9		13.9	0.9	+7%
Inferred Resources	3.1	2.3		2.4	0.1	+6%

Notes available in Appendix 3 for the 2018 Mineral Reserves and Resources. For 2017 Reserves and Resource notes, please consult Company's press releases dated March 13, 2018 available on the Company's website.

CASH FLOW BASED ON ALL-IN MARGIN APPROACH

The table below presents the cash flow for the 12 months ended December 31st, based on the All-In Margin approach with accompanying notes below.

Table 19: Simplified Cash Flow Statement

			YEAR ENDED,
			Dec. 31,	Dec. 31,
(in US$ million)			2018	2017
GOLD SOLD FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, koz		(Note 1)	612	393
Gold Price, $/oz		(Note 2)	1,228	1,199
REVENUE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS			752	471
Total cash costs			(355)	(222)
Royalties		(Note 3)	(41)	(23)
Corporate costs			(27)	(23)
Sustaining capex		(Note 4)	(26)	(23)
Sustaining exploration			(7)	(8)
ALL-IN SUSTAINING MARGIN FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		(Note 5)	296	171
Less: Non-sustaining capital		(Note 6)	(70)	(44)
Less: Non-sustaining exploration		(Note 7)	(42)	(25)
ALL-IN MARGIN FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS			184	102
Working capital		(Note 8)	(10)	(2)
Changes in long-term inventories		(Note 9)	(30)	0
Changes in long-term receivables		(Note 10)	(13)	0
Taxes paid			(24)	(14)
Interest paid and financing fees		(Note 11)	(48)	(14)
Cash settlements on hedge programs and gold collar premiums		(Note 12)	6	(4)
NET FREE CASH FLOW FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS			64	69
Growth project capital		(Note 13)	(267)	(317)
Greenfield exploration expense			(8)	(5)
M&A activities		(Note 14)	33	(54)
Cash paid on settlement of share appreciation rights, DSUs and PSUs			(8)	(4)
Net equity proceeds			(1)	108
Restructuring costs			0	(7)
Other (foreign exchange gains/losses and other)		(Note 15)	(25)	(9)
Convertible senior bond		(Note 16)	330	0
Proceeds (repayment) of long-term debt		(Note 17)	(70)	160
Cashflows used by discontinued operations		(Note 18)	(47)	58
CASH INFLOW (OUTFLOW) FOR THE PERIOD			1	(2)

Certain line items in the table above are NON-GAAP measures. For more information and notes, please consult the Company's MD&A.

NOTES:

1. Gold sales from continuing operations increased mainly due to the commissioning of Houndé in Q4-2017, which had its first full-year of production in 2018.
2. The 2018 realized gold price was $1,228/oz compared to $1,199/oz in 2017. Both these amounts include the impact of the Karma stream, amounting to 23,750 ounces sold in 2018 and 20,000 in 2017, at 20% of spot prices.
3. Royalties paid increased due to both greater gold sales and a higher realized gold price, representing approximately $67/oz sold for 2018 compared to $59/oz for 2017. 
4. Sustaining capital for continuing operations for 2018 increased compared to the corresponding period of 2017 due to the addition of Houndé and an increase at Agbaou, which were offset by a decrease at Ity as illustrated in the below table. Further details by assets are provided in the above mine sections. 

Table 20: Sustaining Capital for Continuing Operations

(in US$ million)	THREE MONTHS ENDED				YEAR ENDED
	Dec. 31,	Sep. 30,	Dec. 31,		Dec. 31,	Dec. 31,
	2018	2018	2017		2018	2017
Agbaou	6	4	1		13	8
Ity Heap Leach	0	0	3		2	7
Karma	1	1	1		4	4
Houndé	1	3	4		7	4
Total	8	8	9		26	23

 

5. The All-In Sustaining Margin from continuing operations increased due the inclusion of Houndé for the full-year, higher realized gold prices, and an increase in gold sold at Ity, which offset the decrease in revenue generated by Agbaou.
6. Non-sustaining capital spending from continuing operations increased by $26 million in 2018 over 2017 mainly due to an increase at Agbaou for waste capitalization activities and the addition of the Houndé mine.
7. Non-sustaining exploration capital increased in line with Endeavour's strategic objective of unlocking exploration value.
8. As expected, there was a working capital cash inflow in Q4-2018, amounting to $79 million, reducing the total outflow to $10 million for the year. The main components for the full year outflow were:
   Receivables were a 2018 outflow of $5 million. The 2018 outflow primarily related to an increase in VAT receivables at the Burkina Faso mine sites (Karma and Houndé) of $5 million and the recognition of $9 million for the current portion of the Tabakoto sale receivable. This was offset partly by a reduction in other receivable balances during the year across the Corporation. Inventories were a 2018 outflow of $17 million relating primarily to a build up of stockpiles at Houndé which totalled $29 million at year end. This was offset by a decrease at Ity where mining operations is winding down, as well as Karma where inventory levels are being reduced to optimised levels. Prepayments are a 2018 $5 million inflow due to a prepayment for strategic spares at Houndé that was in place at year end 2017. These were received in 2018 and are accounted for as part of consumable inventory.Trade and other payables are a $7 million inflow 2018. At year end there was a $12 million outflow at Karma due to a change in supplier terms from last year and $13 million outflow in payables at Agbaou which was the result of the site having a logistical issue in paying a key supplier in the prior period. This was offset against an inflow in trade payables of $22 million across Ity and Houndé.
9. The changes in long-term inventories is a new policy adopted by the group whereby stockpiled material that will not be processed within 12 months is treated as a non-current asset. The outflow in the year represents the build-up of this newly classified item.
10. Changes in long-term assets relates to the recognition of the long-term receivable for NSR on the sale of the Tabakoto mine.
11. Interest and financing fees paid increased due to the increase in debt outstanding related to the construction of Houndé and Ity CIL.
12. The revenue protection program, based on a collar with a floor at $1,300/oz and a ceiling of $1,500/oz, generated a cash inflow, net of the premium, of $5 million in Q4-2018 amounting to $6 million for the year. 
13. Growth project for 2018 was comprised mainly of:  $235m for the Ity CIL project, $13m on TSF construction and other at Houndé, $11m on Kalana, $7m on aviation equipment purchased to reduce travel costs and improve efficiency
14. $33m was received upon closing of the Tabakoto sale in Q4-2018, net of transaction fees, while the 2017 outflow mainly relates to the purchase of an additional 25% stake in the Ity mine which was netted against proceeded received from the Nzema sale.
15. A foreign exchange loss, mainly on the settlement of euro denominated supplier payments, occurred because of a stronger US dollar.
16. $330 million was received in Q1-2018 from the convertible notes issuance.
17. $280 million was repaid on the revolving credit facility ("RCF") in Q1-2018, while $70 million, $80 million and $60 million were subsequently redrawn in respectively Q2, Q3, and Q4-2018, mainly to fund the Ity CIL construction.
18. For 2018, the discontinued operation represents the Tabakoto mine, while for 2017 it also includes the Nzema mine.

NET CASHFLOW, NET DEBT AND LIQUIDITY SOURCES

At year-end, Endeavour's available sources of financing and liquidity remained strong at $244 million, which included its $124 million cash position and $120 million undrawn on the RCF. In addition to these liquidity sources, Endeavour also has strong cash flow generation and the remaining proceeds from the Tabakoto and Nzema sales.
The below table summarizes operating, investing, and financing activities, main balance sheet items and the resulting impact on the company's Net Debt position, with notes provide below. 

Table 21: Cash Flow and Net Debt Position

			THREE MONTHS ENDED				YEAR ENDED
			Dec. 31,	Sep. 30,	Dec. 31,		Dec. 31,	Dec. 31,
(in US$ million unless stated otherwise)			2018	2018	2017		2018	2017
Net cash from (used in), as per cash flow statement:
Operating activities	(Note 19)		131	12	82		251	223
Investing activities	(Note 20)		(87)	(120)	(123)		(453)	(479)
Financing activities	(Note 21)		43	64	33		204	252
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			(1)	(1)	4		(1)	4
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH			86	(45)	(3)		1	(2)
Cash position at beginning of period			38	82	125		123	124
Cash position discontinued operation			-	(4)	-		-	-
CASH POSITION AT END OF PERIOD			124	37	123		124	123
Equipment financing	(Note 22)		(100)	(69)	(54)		(100)	(54)
Convertible senior bond	(Note 23)		(330)	(330)	0		(330)	0
Drawn portion of revolving credit facility			(230)	(170)	(300)		(230)	(300)
NET DEBT POSITION	(Note 24)		536	535	232		536	232
Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM) ratio			1.97	1.79	1.05		1.97	1.05

Net Debt and Adjusted EBITDA are NON-GAAP measures. For a discussion regarding the company's use of NON-GAAP Measures, please see "note regarding certain measures of performance" in the MD&A.

NOTES:

19. Net cash flow from operating activities during 2018 was $251 million, up $28 million over 2017, mainly due to an increase in revenues (related to more ounces sold at a higher gold price) which were offset by a $10 million outflow of non-cash working capital.
20. Net cash used in investing activities during 2018 was $453 million, down $26 million over 2017. Investing activities remained high due to the $267 million growth project capital spend (mainly for Ity CIL construction - reference Note 12 above), increased in sustaining, non-sustaining capital spend and changes in long-term inventories (reference respectively Notes 4, 6 and 9 above), which were partially offset by proceeds received from the sale of Tabakoto (reference Note 13 above).
21. Net cash generated in financing activities during 2018 was $204 million, which was mainly related to the $330 million convertible bond issuance which was offset by $70 million in net repayment on the RCF and $24 million in interest payments. 
22. Equipment lease financing stood at $100 million as at year end, up $46 million due to an increase in equipment financing relating to the backup CAT power generators and Komatsu mine fleet for the Ity CIL project.
23. In 2018, Endeavour issued a $330 million convertible note and subsequently downsized its $500 million revolving credit facility to $350 million.   
24. As anticipated, net debt increased from $232 million to $536 million over the past year mainly due to the Ity construction. Net debt is expected to decline in 2019 once the Ity CIL project is commissioned due to the project's low production costs and quick payback.

OPERATING CASH FLOW PER SHARE

The increase in operating cash flows from continuing operations was due to more ounces sold, due to a full year of Houndé production, at a higher gold price, resulting in operating cash flow before non-cash working capital increasing by 64% over 2017 to $261 million for 2018, representing $2.43/share.

Table 22: Operating Cash Flow Per Share

All amounts are from continuing operations, in US$ million unless stated otherwise	THREE MONTHS ENDED				YEAR ENDED
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sept 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	131	12	84		251	223
Add back changes in non-cash working capital	79	(34)	4		(10)	(2)
OPERATING CASH FLOWS BEFORE NON-CASH WORKING CAPITAL	53	45	14		261	159
Divided by weighted average number of O/S shares, in millions	108	108	9		108	107
OPERATING CASH FLOW PER SHARE	0.49	0.42	1.47		2.43	1.49

Operating Cash Flow Per Share is a NON-GAAP measure. For a discussion regarding the company's use of NON-GAAP Measures, please see "note regarding certain measures of performance" in the MD&A.

ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations amounted to $75 million for 2018, an increase of $7 million over 2017, mainly due to the higher revenue which was offset an $80 million increase in depreciation and depletion, a $56 million increase in current income taxes expense and higher finance costs.
In 2018, total adjustments of $212 million were made related mainly to:

• A $155 million adjustment of the loss from the discontinued operation at Tabakoto.
• In addition, adjustments were made for acquisitions and restructuring costs, deferred income tax expense, stock-based expenses, gains/loss on financial instruments and other non-cash adjustments.

Table 23:  Net Earnings and Adjusted Net Earnings

	Three months ended				YEAR ended
(in US$ million unless stated otherwise)	Dec 31, 2018	Sept.30, 2018	Dec 31, 2017		Dec 31, 2018	Dec 31, 2017
TOTAL NET EARNINGS	(130)	(20)	(134)		(138)	(177)
Less adjustments (see MD&A)	151	20	190		212	246
ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	22	(0)	56		75	68
Less portion attributable to non-controlling interests	6	1	3		21	14
ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS	16	(1)	53		53	54
Divided by weighted average number of O/S shares	108	108	108		108	107
ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (BASIC) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	0.15	(0.01)	0.49		0.49	0.51

Adjusted Net Earnings is a NON-GAAP measure. For a discussion regarding the company's use of NON-GAAP Measures, please see "Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance" in the MD&A.

2019 OUTLOOK

Group production from continuing operations is expected to increase to 615-695koz in 2019 and AISC is expected to be between $760-810/oz due to the benefit of the Ity CIL project coming online in early Q2-2019. More details on individual mine guidance have been provided in the above sections.

Table 24: Production Guidance from Continuing Operations, koz

	2018 ACTUALS	2019 FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE
(All amounts in koz, on a 100% basis)
Agbaou	141	120	-	130
Ity	85	160	-	200
Karma	109	105	-	115
Houndé	277	230	-	250
GROUP PRODUCTION	612	615	-	695

 

Table 25: AISC Guidance from Continuing Operations, $/oz

	2018 ACTUALS	2019 FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE
(All amounts in US$/oz)
Agbaou	819	850	-	900
Ity	719	525	-	590
Karma	840	860	-	910
Houndé	564	720	-	790
Corporate G&A	43	35	-	35
Sustaining exploration	12	5	-	5
GROUP AISC	744	760	-	810

 

As detailed in the table below, sustaining and non-sustaining capital allocations for 2019 amount to $68 million and $83 million respectively. Growth projects amount to $64 million, mainly for the completion of the Ity CIL project construction. More details on individual mine capital expenditures have been provided in the above sections.

Table 26: Capital Expenditure Guidance, $m

	SUSTAINING CAPITAL	NON-SUSTAINING CAPITAL	GROWTH  PROJECTS
(All amounts in US$m)
Agbaou	24	8
Ity	1	2	55
Karma	5	24
Houndé	35	7
Kalana	0	0	9
Exploration	3	36
Corporate (mainly comprised IT systems across the Group)	0	6
TOTAL	68	83	64

 

Exploration will continue to be a strong focus in 2019 with a company-wide exploration program of $45-50 million, with approximately 20% expensed, 5% sustaining, and 75% non-sustaining.

A short-term Gold Revenue Protection Strategy was entered into in early 2018 to protect the company's cash generation during the Ity CIL construction period, beginning on February 1, 2018 and ending on April 30, 2019. The program consists of a deferred premium collar strategy using written call options and bought put options with a floor price of $1,300/oz and a ceiling price of $1,500/oz. The program initially covered a total of 400,000 ounces and as at December 31, 2018, a total of 107,000 ounces remained. Once these contracts expire, Endeavour will return to a position where its gold production is fully exposed to spot gold prices.

CONFERENCE CALL AND LIVE WEBCAST

Management will host a conference call and live webcast today at 8:30amToronto time (EST) to discuss the Company's financial results.

The conference call and live webcast are scheduled at:
5:30am in Vancouver
8:30am in Toronto and New York
1:30pm in London
9:30pm in Hong Kong and Perth 

The live webcast can be accessed through the following link:
https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/n759ggdv

Analysts and investors are also invited to participate and ask questions using the dial-in numbers below:
International: +16315107495
North American toll-free: + 18669661396
UK toll-free: 08003767922

Confirmation Code: 5693456

The conference call and webcast will be available for playback on Endeavour's website.

Click here to add Webcast reminder to Outlook Calendar

Access the live and On-Demand version of the webcast from mobile devices running iOS and Android:

KALANA PROJECT RESOURCE MODELLING

The
Kalana Main geological model was prepared by
Helen Oliver.  Ms Oliver FGS, CGeol is Endeavour Mining's Group Resource Geologist and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The 2019 Kalana Main Resource Estimate was prepared by
Geoff Booth, FAusIMM, Mining Consulting Manager for Snowden Mining Industry Consultants Pty Ltd and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

The 2019 Kalanko geological model and resource estimation was prepared by
Helen Oliver.  Ms Oliver FGS, CGeol is Endeavour Mining's Group Resource Geologist and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

The tailings MRE is unchanged from the 2016 Resource Estimate prepared by Ivor Jones FAusIMM, Principal, Denny Jones Pty Ltd and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

The MREs for
Kalana Main and Kalanako have been updated with the recent Endeavour exploration results.  The MREs have utilised the IAMGOLD (2010-12) and SOMIKA (2012-15) exploration results.  The drilling and sampling protocols are largely the same and are considered to be suitable for use in a MRE.

Kalana Main gold mineralisation has been modelled at a threshold of 0.2 ppm Au to 0.3 ppm Au with a thickness of three metres down-the hole (DTH, equivalent to two metres vertically).  One hundred and thirty-five (135) veins have been modelled within 61 Vein Packages, grouped into eight types or domains based on geometry, orientation and/or location.  The veins have a typical thickness of four to five metres (DTH), but may exceed 40 m.  There is no gold enrichment or depletion in the saprolite. 

Gold mineralisation at Kalanako has been modelled at a threshold of 0.2 ppm Au with a minimum thickness of three metres down-the hole (equivalent to two metres vertically) into 34 wireframes (of which six represent two-thirds of the total mineralised volume).  The mineralised wireframes are considered to be a single domain and have an average thickness of seven metres. 

Specific gravities of 1.66 g/cm3 for the Saprolite, 2.19 g/cm3 Saprock and 2.69 g/cm3 Fresh Rock at Kalana have been used derived from results of the Archimedes Method.  Specific gravities of 1.70 g/cm3 for the Mottled Zone, 1.76 g/cm3 Saprolite, 2.09 g/cm3 Saprock and 2.64 g/cm3 Fresh Rock at Kalanako have been used.

KALANA MAIN

The February 2019 Kalana Main Mineral Resource Estimate utilises data and geological interpretations used by Denny Jones (2016) to estimate the Mineral Resource, plus geological interpretation and drill data compiled by EDV in 2018. 

The Kalana Mineral Resource was estimated utilising Categorical Kriging to reduce internal dilution within the mineralised wireframes and Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK) with dynamic anisotropy to estimate the grade in Datamine Studio 3.  One metre composites were used and no capping was applied.

The Kalana Main MRE is constrained within a US$1,500/oz gold Whittle pit shell as a limit of economic extraction, defined using the following parameters (all costs are in US dollars):

• Slope angles - Oxide 32°, Transition 45°, Fresh 54°
• Au recovery - Oxide 96.2%, Transition - 88.5%, Fresh - 89%
• Gold price = US$1,500/oz
• Mining cost (Oxide base cost at 380 mRL) = Bulk $1.97/t, semi-selective $2.06/t, selective $2.34/t
• Mining cost (Transition base cost at 380 mRL) = Bulk $1.79/t, semi-selective $1.98/t, selective $2.18/t
• Mining cost (Fresh base cost at 380 mRL) = Bulk $2.41/t, semi-selective $3.08/t, selective $3.37/t
• Mining cost (depth cost below 380 mRL) = 0.005/t/m
• Processing cost - Oxide $16.64/t, Transition $20.37/t, Fresh $21.40/t
• Selling cost - $58/oz.

KALANAKO

One metre composites and a top cap of 90 g/t Au have been applied.  The average grade of the encapsulated samples is 1.42 g/t Au and the average grade of the capped composites is 1.30 g/t Au.  There is no gold enrichment or depletion in the saprolite. 

The Kalanako gold grades have been estimated by Ordinary Kriging into a Geovia Surpac block model with 10 m x 10 m x 5 m blocks subdivided into 2.5 m x 2.5 m x 1.25 m blocks.

The criteria for classification follows the CIM Definition Standards 2014 and is based on a minimum of five samples within 50 m from at least three holes for Indicated Mineral Resources and three samples in 100 m from at least three holes for Inferred Mineral Resources. 

The Kalanako MRE is constrained by a conceptual (Whittle) pit based on a gold price of US$1,500/oz, mining cost of US$2.00/t, processing and G&A cost of US$21 for oxide, US$26 for transition and US$25 for fresh, 92 % gold recovery and a pit slope of 40o.

DRILLING AND ASSAY PROCEDURES

The Reverse Circulation (RC) drill programme samples were collected on one metre intervals using dual tube, percussion hammer and drop centre bit.  The material passed through a cyclone which was thoroughly cleaned after every sample by flushing the hole.  Samples were split at the drill site using a three-tier riffle splitter with both bulk and laboratory sample weights and moisture recorded.  Samples sent to the laboratory are between four and five kilograms in weight.  Representative samples for each interval were collected with a spear, sieved into chip trays and retained for reference.  Washed chips were also glued onto display boards.

Drill core (PQ, HQ and NQ size) samples were selected by Endeavour geologists and sawn in half with a diamond blade at the project site.  Half of the core was retained at the site for reference purposes. Sample intervals were generally one metre in length.

All samples were transported by road to ALS in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso or in Kumasi, Ghana, or to the BIGS Global Burkina SARL Laboratory in Ouagadougou in secured, poly-woven bags. 

On arrival, the RC and DD samples were weighed and crushed to 6 mm (70% passing), and a two-kilogram me sample taken by a rotary split which was pulverised to 75 micrometers (85% passing).

The two kilogramme pulverised samples were analysed for gold using the LeachWELL (LW) method.  LW tails were further analysed by Fire Assay (50 g charge) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish when returning an assay of over 0.3 ppm Au.

QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES

The sampling and assaying at Kalana and Kalanako were monitored through the implementation of a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) programme with the use of Certified Reference Materials ("standards"), blanks and duplicates inserted into the sample stream by Endeavour geologists.

QA/QC results are reviewed on a certificate basis and "failed" samples are identified and re-assayed according to the Endeavour QA/QC protocol.

The Kalana exploration database is held within a propriety electronic secure database system with a dedicated Database Manager.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Gérard de Hert, EurGeol, Senior VP Exploration for Endeavour Mining, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.
Gérard de Hert has more than 20 years of mineral exploration and mining experience and is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

CONTACT INFORMATION

ABOUT ENDEAVOUR MINING CORPORATION

Endeavour Mining is a TSX listed intermediate African gold producer with a solid track record of operational excellence, project development and exploration in the highly prospective Birimian greenstone belt in West Africa. Endeavour is focused on offering both near-term and long-term growth opportunities with its project pipeline and its exploration strategy, while generating immediate cash flow from its operations.

Endeavour operates 4 mines across Côte d'Ivoire (Agbaou and Ity) and Burkina Faso (Houndé, Karma) which are expected to produce 615-695koz in 2019 at an AISC of $760-810/oz. 

For more information, please visit www.endeavourmining.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to, statements with respect to Endeavour's plans and operating performance, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of future production, future capital expenditures, and the success of exploration activities. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", and "anticipates". Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the successful integration of acquisitions; risks related to international operations; risks related to general economic conditions and credit availability, actual results of current exploration activities, unanticipated reclamation expenses; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, increases in market prices of mining consumables, possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations, and political and economic developments in countries in which Endeavour operates. Although Endeavour has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Please refer to Endeavour's most recent Annual Information Form filed under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting Endeavour and its business. AISC, all-in sustaining costs at the mine level, cash costs, operating EBITDA, all-in sustaining margin, free cash flow, net free cash flow, free cash flow per share, net debt, and adjusted earnings are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standard meaning under IFRS, further discussed in the section Non-GAAP Measures in the most recently filed Management Discussion and Analysis.

Corporate Office: 5 Young St, Kensington, London W8 5EH, UK   

 

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Attachments

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• View Presentation.pdf
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