TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Apr 16, 2013) - Richard Young, the President and CEO of Teranga Gold Corporation ("Teranga" or the "Company") (TGZ.TO)(TGZ.AX), will speak at the 2013 European Gold Forum in Zurich Thursday where he will be providing an update on the progress being made by the Company to generate free cash flow in 2013. Mr. Young will emphasize the key to building a strong financial position is the elimination of the hedge book to allow the Company to sell all of its production at higher spot gold prices and the reduction of discretionary spending. Highlights of the presentation will include:
| Hedge book eliminated - now 100% hedge free: |
- The Company eliminated its "out of the money" hedge book on April 15th (average 2013 hedge price was $803 per ounce).
- Approximately 45,000 ounces were delivered out of production in the first quarter and the balance of 14,500 ounces was closed out earlier this week, making the Company 100 percent hedge free for the first time in its history.
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| Cash balance rises in first quarter: |
- The Company's cash balance increased by $11 million in the first quarter of 2013.
- Cash and cash equivalents totaled $51 million at March 31st.
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| Reducing 2013 discretionary spending: |
- Sustaining and development capital expenditures have been significantly reduced without impacting the timeline for the development of the Company's first satellite deposit at Gora, permits expected in 2013 and production in the first half of 2014.
- Exploration on the Mine License has been reduced while exploration drilling on the Regional Land Package is being minimized at current gold prices - the Agreement in Principal signed with the Government of Senegal earlier this month provides for the extension of five key regional exploration licenses that allow the Company to defer regional exploration activity.
- General and administrative expenses have been reduced but still provide for the necessary support of operations and development.
- The Company will provide updated discretionary cost guidance with its first quarter results.
"We increased our cash balance in the first quarter and even at current gold prices, we are positioned to maintain our current cash balance in 2013 through the elimination of our hedge book and a reduction in discretionary spending. The combination of selling 100 percent of production at spot gold prices and development of Gora should help generate strong cash flows in 2014 and beyond," said Mr. Young, President and CEO.
About TERANGA
Teranga is a Canadian-based gold company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TGZ.TO) and Australian Securities Exchange (TGZ.AX). Teranga is principally engaged in the production and sale of gold, as well as related activities such as exploration and mine development.
The Company's mission is to create value for all of its stakeholders through responsible mining. Its vision is to explore, discover and develop gold mines in West Africa, in accordance with the highest international standards, and to be a catalyst for sustainable economic, environmental and community development. All of its actions from exploration, through development, operations and closure will be based on the best available techniques.