Gulf starts at Sheikh Adi-2 25/05/2012
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Canadian miner Kirkland Lake Gold (KGI) says technical constraints resulted in below-target third-quarter output of 20,231 oz of gold. Based in Ontario and listed in Toronto and on AIM, the company increased gold sales 215 per cent to 18,280 oz in the three months to January, taking the nine-month production total to 58,394 oz, and turned a C$4.9 million (£1.3 million) net loss into $4.2 million net profits.
However, Kirkland Lake says this level of production is below its target and means it will not meet its objective of producing 90,000 to 100,000 oz of gold for the full year to April. The company blames this on hoisting constraints, curbing short-term production to give priority to longer term objectives, and to lower than expected grades in some areas.
Such impediments are common in the type of gold deposit Kirkland Lake is mining, argues the company, which insists its overall expansion to an annual output rate of 180,000 to 200,000 oz by November, is going to plan. Entrepreneurial chairman Harry Dobson declares 'we remain on track to achieve the target rate of production' and points out the company had cash of C$47.4 million at the end of January.
Total cash costs in the third quarter were C$794 an ounce, down from C$866 in the second quarter, compared with a current $1,400 gold price. Kirkland Lake shares, highlighted by Growth Company Investor at 517p last July, now trade at 835p, down 7.25p this morning (with a 30p spread).
Profit-taking looks prudent, with longer-term investors keeping a chunk for future improvement.
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arenaClick here
Advertisement
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena. Sign up NOW!
This unique study analyses the shareholdings of companies listed on AIM, extracting trends including rankings of the value and number of their investments.
Please click here to order your copy of the report or call 0207 250 7056.
Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.
If you're interested in business tax updates visit our specialist tax guide website.
Daily coverage of small-cap company stocks on London's junior markets AIM and PLUS, breaking news, stock research and latest share price information for investors. Full sector coverage with all the latest news on smaller listed companies, updated several times a day with financial reports, trading statements and links to further web resources.
Advertisement
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Oil giant Shell is extending its offer period for Mozambique-focused Cove Energy (COV) after having its bid trumped by Thai government-owned PTT Exploration & Production.
Kazakhstan-focused Roxi Petroleum (RXP) has declared that its NK7 well in the Galaz aea has drilled to a depth of 1,360 metres.
Steered by sector veteran Algy Cluff, North-Sea focused cash shell Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has joined AIM.
Somalia-focused oil explorer Red Emperor Resources (RMP) has exercised its option to take part in the drilling of the Shabeel North well.
Oil concern Heritage Oil (HOIL) has reported its Miran West-3 well in Iraq could deliver 1,000 barrels per day of condensate.