8-KOther Events

NEWMONT Corp /DE/ 8-K Report (Oct 1, 2002)

Filed October 1, 2002For Securities:NEMNEMCL

Summary

This 8-K filing from Newmont Mining Corporation, filed on October 1, 2002, provides an update on the company's pro forma proven and probable reserve information as of December 31, 2001. This information reflects the significant acquisitions of Normandy Mining Limited and Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited earlier in 2002. The filing details the breakdown of these reserves by geographic region and commodity, offering investors a clear view of the scale and composition of Newmont's mineral assets post-acquisition. The pro forma reserve figures indicate a substantial increase in Newmont's gold reserves, totaling 87.3 million equity ounces as of December 31, 2001. The report also quantifies pro forma copper and zinc reserves. Investors should note the definitions provided for "equity ounces," "reserve," "economically," "legally," "proven reserves," and "probable reserves," which are crucial for understanding the context of these figures. The filing also includes important disclaimers regarding the estimation of reserves and potential risks associated with market price fluctuations, production costs, and recovery rates.

Key Highlights

  • 1Pro forma gold reserves totaled 87.3 million equity ounces as of December 31, 2001, following the acquisitions of Normandy and Franco-Nevada.
  • 2Significant gold reserves are held across North America (33.6 million ounces), South America (18.2 million ounces), Australia/Oceania (17.0 million ounces), Asia and Europe (11.1 million ounces), and Africa (3.3 million ounces).
  • 3Pro forma copper reserves stand at 6.8 billion pounds, primarily from the Phoenix (Nevada) and Batu Hijau (Indonesia) operations.
  • 4Pro forma zinc reserves are reported at 375 million pounds, predominantly from the Golden Grove operation in Western Australia.
  • 5The filing provides detailed breakdowns of reserves by specific mine sites, including equity ownership percentages, tonnage, grade, and metallurgical recovery rates.
  • 6Key definitions for reserve terminology are included to clarify the basis of the reported figures.
  • 7The report includes forward-looking statement disclaimers, highlighting risks such as gold price volatility, production costs, and recovery rate variances.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to provide investors with an updated view of Newmont's pro forma proven and probable mineral reserves as of December 31, 2001, incorporating the recently completed acquisitions of Normandy Mining Limited and Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited. It details the quantity and location of these reserves.

The acquisitions of Normandy Mining Limited and Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited significantly increased Newmont's reserve base. The pro forma figures show total worldwide gold reserves of 87.3 million equity ounces as of December 31, 2001, which is a substantial addition compared to its standalone reserves prior to these transactions.

The reserve figures are based on various assumptions, including a gold price of US$300 per ounce for most reserves, with specific exceptions noted for certain Australian properties (A$475/oz and A$425/oz) and the Phoenix mine (US$350/oz). The definitions of 'economically' and 'legally' extractable reserves are also critical to understanding the basis of these estimates.

The filing explicitly states that reserve estimates are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These include market price volatility (especially for gold), increased production costs, variances in ore grade or recovery rates, and political or operational risks. There is no guarantee that the indicated levels of recovery will be realized, and estimates may require revision based on actual production and market conditions.