With 11,735 ounces of gold produced, it is on the average of the last 2 years which is now at 11,787 per quarter. The stripping work on several areas carried out in 2021-2022, thus allows a continuous supply of the plant and a better predictability of the results. In the context of business growth, the predictability of results is important and makes it possible to respect the timetable set for the construction of the Kiniero plant.
Regarding the cost of petroleum products, it is an increase of $1,992,816 compared to 2022-Q1, and a decrease of $564,509 compared to 2022-Q4. Considering that the price per liter was $1.40 in 2022-Q1 to an average of $1.59 in 2022, and now $1.91, we can admit that despite the pressure exerted on costs, the situation is under control and that the choice of the solar power plant was a good decision.
Concerning the increase in administrative expenses, they are the consequence of a preparation for the growth of activities, in particular the integration of Sycamore; the creation of the technical service established in London; and all the additional activities required for the construction of the new Kiniero plant. The organization must first adapt...and increased revenue will follow. The opposite is not possible.
Regarding my favorite financial indicator, EBITDA, it is $14,000,000 in 2023-Q1 and it is an increase of $8,000,000 on 2022-Q4. The moving average of EBITDA over the last 4 quarters is now $50,000,000 and demonstrates that Nampala is doing the job we expect, by financially supporting the construction of the Kiniero plant, to multiply production capacity from 4 to 5 times in 2024.
The amount of ore processed by Nampala at 2023-Q1 is 524,728 tons, the second best performance ever. Considering that there is a downtime for maintenance at Q1, unlike the 2019-T4's record of 539,127 tons, the performance of 2023-T1 is probably the best.
In summary, Nampala continues to participate in the success of the Kiniero project through this financial contribution, in combination with the acquisition of the permit by equity, and through the financial support of Taurus mining.