RE:Q1 resultsYes ITSTHELAW,..... it is indeed an important note that "these events are not expected to impact meeting (current) production guidance for 2021". This is not the first time that management has effectively planned or improvised on using grade as an overall optimization "strategic tool" in operating practices.... recall the planned grade reduction in Q3, 2020 during temporary capacity interruption while upgrading to Full stage 2.
Again recall the average grade for 2018 was 19.1 g/t ; Q1, 2020 20.8 g/t ; Q2, 2020 13.6 g/t ; Q3, 2020 11.3 g/t ; Q4, 2020 14.2 g/t ; the average for Year 2020 was 14.0 g/t .
Given the Covid issues in Q1, 2021 including Australian Government constraints on transport in and out of PNG of Australian workers and equipment the Q1, 2021 8.5 g/t using lower grade material which was already stock piled above ground for feed-mixing throughout the year, and as a "buffer insurance" we can anticipate that the next 3 quarters will have somewhat higher grade average than previously planned, so that the important note on "retained production guidance for 2021" above is credible and well managed,
Peace,
Good Decision-making to All,
ElJ