Matthew Murphy

Matthew Murphy asked about the implications of Newmont's restructuring, which grants more autonomy to sites, for the executive team and if any key appointments are still pending. He also requested an update on the ramp-up of the Ahafo North project, its commercial production status, and the outlook for Q4.

Answer

Natascha Viljoen, President and COO, confirmed that the CFO position is a key appointment Newmont is focusing on, with Peter Wexler currently serving as interim CFO. She highlighted a deep operational bench, with two strong Managing Directors leading two business units and dedicated Group Heads for Projects and Health, Safety, Security, and Environment. Regarding Ahafo North, Ms. Viljoen announced that commercial production would be declared by the end of the day, noting that the ramp-up is on schedule, having run for 30 days at over 65% of design capacity.

Matthew Murphy asked about the implications of Newmont's restructuring, particularly the increased autonomy given to sites, for the executive team and any key appointments still needed. He also sought an update on the ramp-up and commercial production declaration for the Ahafo North mine, including its Q4 outlook.

Answer

Natascha Viljoen, President and COO of Newmont Corporation, noted the ongoing search for a permanent CFO, with Peter Wexler capably serving as Interim CFO. She detailed the new structure with two business units led by strong Managing Directors, and Group Heads for Projects and Health, Safety, Security, and Environment, expressing confidence in the capable team. Regarding Ahafo North, Ms. Viljoen confirmed commercial production would be declared by the end of the day, indicating the ramp-up is on schedule, having run for 30 days at over 65% of design capacity.

Matt Murphy from BMO Capital Markets asked about the Lihir operation, highlighting its strong performance and questioning how the planned capital spend in the second half will position the asset for 2026.

Answer

President and COO Natascha Viljoen detailed operational improvements in mine design, water management, and stockpile strategy that have boosted productivity. President and CEO Tom Palmer added that these are deliberate, long-term investments to stabilize the asset, which now benefits from being part of a larger, peer-supported portfolio.

Matthew Murphy inquired about the significant drop in cash costs at the Lihir mine, the progress of the 'mining for margin' program, and the company's strategy regarding the pace of its share buyback program, particularly in relation to asset divestiture proceeds.

Answer

Executive Tom Palmer explained that the focus at Lihir is on stabilizing the mine and processing plant for long-term performance. CFO Karyn Ovelmen clarified that a non-cash $100 million inventory adjustment impacted Q1 costs, which will normalize, and Lihir is expected to meet full-year cost guidance. Ovelmen also stated that the robust share buyback program will continue, funded by both the over-performance on divestiture proceeds and strong cash flow from the elevated gold price.

Matthew Murphy from Jefferies inquired about the long-term outlook beyond 2025, asking if the previous forecast of production growing over 6 million ounces with costs falling to the mid-$1200s/oz range is still achievable, or if Newmont is now fundamentally a 5.5 million ounce, $1500/oz AISC company. He also asked for a timeline for more detailed multi-year guidance.

Answer

Executive Tom Palmer stated that while previous outlooks excluded cost escalation, the company's portfolio can produce an average of around 6 million ounces of gold long-term, aided by projects coming online in 2026-2027. He stressed a focus on margins over volume. CFO Karyn Ovelmen noted assets like Boddington and Lihir are in investment phases and will contribute more later. More granular guidance is planned for next year after divestments are clearer.

Matthew Murphy of BMO Capital Markets sought clarification on the order of funding sources for the Copper World project, including the Wheaton stream, project finance, and JV capital. He also asked for an update on the status of exploration programs in Manitoba and Peru, given recent disruptions.

Answer

CFO Eugene Lei detailed the funding waterfall: first, the $600M in JV proceeds from Mitsubishi; second, the Wheaton stream payments; third, project financing arranged at sanction; and lastly, the 70/30 equity contributions from Hudbay and Mitsubishi. President and CEO Peter Kukielski and COO Andre Lauzon noted that Manitoba exploration was paused by wildfires but is partially resuming, while Peru exploration awaits the completion of the government's Consulta Previa process.

Matthew Murphy from BMO Capital Markets asked about the drivers behind the strong cost performance at the Stall mill in Manitoba and whether there were any one-time factors. He also inquired if there were any new developments from the stripping at Pampacancha that might alter its depletion timeline.

Answer

President & CEO Peter Kukielski attributed the Manitoba performance to disciplined operations, specifically reduced mine dilution and improved ore recovery, which led to a positive 10% gold reconciliation versus the reserve model in 2024. Regarding Pampacancha, Kukielski confirmed it is depleting as expected by the end of 2025, emphasizing that Constancia will remain a strong producer post-depletion, with future growth tied to the Maria Reyna and Caballito satellite deposits.

Matt Murphy requested elaboration on the Cote royalty acquisition, including the due diligence process for the profits-based royalty, and asked for the outlook on the Permian oil and gas assets for the second half of the year.

Answer

Chief Investment Officer Eaun Gray stated that direct due diligence with IAMGOLD provided confidence in the Cote asset's resource scale, expansion potential, and cost profile. SVP of Diversified, Jason O'Connell, noted that Permian performance was strong but expects activity to remain consistent or soften slightly depending on oil prices.

Matt Murphy questioned the company's view on the Cote royalty acquisition, particularly the confidence in a profits-based royalty, and asked for the outlook on the Permian oil and gas assets for the rest of the year.

Answer

Chief Investment Officer Eaun Gray stated that direct due diligence with IAMGOLD provided unique insight and confidence in the Cote asset's scale, expansion potential, and cost profile. SVP of Diversified, Jason O'Connell, commented that Permian performance was strong but expects activity to remain consistent or soften slightly in the second half, contingent on oil prices.

Matthew Murphy from BMO Capital Markets asked about Wheaton's stance on new deals given its strong organic growth and inquired about the timing of cash tax payments related to the Global Minimum Tax (GMT).

Answer

President Haytham Hodaly stated that Wheaton remains focused on accretive, well-structured transactions and is currently evaluating 12-15 opportunities. SVP & CFO Vincent Lau, with clarification from CEO Randy Smallwood, explained that the GMT for the 2024 period will be paid in 2026, as it is a staggered tax paid two years after the revenue is earned.

Matt Murphy from BMO Capital Markets asked about the operational performance of the HPGR (High-Pressure Grinding Rolls) at the Cote project and questioned whether any of the current temporary costs might persist into 2026.

Answer

COO Bruno Lemelin confirmed the HPGR is performing very well with high throughput, though tire wear is faster than anticipated, which is being addressed with new generation tires. CEO Renaud Adams added that most temporary costs, especially those for external contractors, are not expected to continue into 2026, as in-house systems will replace them after the new cone crusher is installed.

Matt Murphy from BMO Capital Markets requested more detail on which specific areas of the Tucumã mill require the most attention for preventative maintenance to ensure operational consistency.

Answer

President and CEO Makko Defilippo and EVP & COO Gelson Batista identified the filter press and the crushing and conveying systems as the primary areas of focus. They noted that these front-end and back-end plant areas require strengthened asset management and predictive maintenance, while the milling and flotation circuits have performed well.

Matthew Murphy of BMO Capital Markets asked for more specific details on the push for operational consistency at Tucuma, inquiring which areas of the mill require the most attention for preventative maintenance.

Answer

President and CEO Makko Defilippo identified the filter press and the crushing and conveying system as the primary areas of focus for preventative maintenance. EVP and COO Jelton Batista concurred, adding that strengthening asset management and predictive maintenance are key priorities for the entire plant to ensure consistent performance.

Matthew Murphy requested more specific details on which areas of the Tucumã mill require the most attention for preventative maintenance and achieving operational consistency.

Answer

President & CEO Makko Defilippo identified the filter presses and the crushing and conveying system as the primary areas of focus. EVP & COO Gelson Batista concurred, emphasizing the implementation of robust asset management and predictive maintenance programs for these key components to ensure consistent performance.

Matthew Murphy from BMO Capital Markets asked about the significant step-up in capital expenditures planned for the second half of the year, questioning the company's ability to execute the large spend and inquiring if a substantial portion of the tailings-related costs are yet to come.

Answer

EVP & CFO Crystal Prystai confirmed the H2 2025 CapEx run rate is higher, attributing it to the newly sanctioned Highland Valley Copper (HVC) mine life extension project, ongoing sustaining projects like the Antamina tailings lift, and the incremental costs for the QB TMF work. She expressed confidence in the spending plan, stating it is based on detailed project schedules.

Matthew Murphy of BMO Capital Markets inquired about the significant acceleration in CapEx spending required in the second half of 2025 to meet annual guidance and questioned the feasibility of executing such a large spend.

Answer

EVP & CFO Crystal Prystai confirmed the expected H2 CapEx run rate of around $1.6 billion. She explained the increase is driven by the newly sanctioned Highland Valley Copper (HVC) MLE project, ongoing QB TMF costs, and other sustaining projects like the Antamina tailings lift and QB truck shop. President & CEO Jonathan Price also noted the HVC sanction was a primary driver.

Matthew Murphy of BMO Capital Markets questioned the significant acceleration in capital expenditures planned for the second half of 2025, asking for confirmation of the figures and whether the company is confident in its ability to execute such a large spend in a short period.

Answer

President & CEO Jonathan Price and EVP & CFO Crystal Prystai confirmed the expected H2 CapEx step-up. Prystai explained it is driven by the newly sanctioned Highland Valley Copper (HVC) MLE project, ongoing QB TMF costs, and other sustaining projects like the Antamina tailings lift. They affirmed the run rate is reasonable based on detailed project schedules.

Matthew Murphy of BMO Capital Markets questioned the significant acceleration in capital expenditures planned for the second half of 2025, noting the large gap between H1 spending and the full-year guidance. He asked about the confidence in executing this spend and the timing of the tailings-related costs.

Answer

President & CEO Jonathan Price and EVP & CFO Crystal Prystai confirmed the expected H2 CapEx step-up. Prystai explained it's driven by the newly sanctioned Highland Valley Copper (HVC) mine life extension project, ongoing QB TMF development costs, and other sustaining projects like the Antamina tailings lift and QB truck shop construction. They affirmed confidence in the spending plan, stating it's based on a detailed project scrub and rigorous scheduling.

Matthew Murphy of BMO Capital Markets inquired about the significant increase in capital expenditure expected in the second half of 2025, questioning the feasibility of spending such a large amount in that timeframe.

Answer

EVP & CFO Crystal Prystai confirmed the H2 2025 CapEx run rate would be around $1.6 billion. She explained the increase is driven by the newly sanctioned Highland Valley Copper (HVC) MLE project, ongoing QB TMF costs, and other sustaining projects like the Antamina tailings lift. President & CEO Jonathan Price also highlighted the HVC sanction as a primary driver.

Matthew Murphy from BMO Capital Markets sought a deeper understanding of the QB2 tailings issue, asking for a definition of 'sand drainage' and whether it was related to weather. He also asked if the required maintenance shutdowns were due to a tailings capacity constraint.

Answer

CEO Jonathan Price clarified that 'sand drainage' is the time it takes for sand to dry for compaction, and the current slowness is due to clay and fines, not weather. He confirmed that the work on the tailings facility creates a production constraint, which necessitates the additional downtime, rather than issues at the mill itself.