Auplata announces first semester 2015 raw gold production: 143 kg - Favourable decision of Environmental Authority for Dieu Merci cyanide processing plant project

Remire-Montjoly, (French Guiana) – 21 July 2015 - Auplata (Alternext - FR0010397760 - ALAUP), the first French gold producer, announces second quarter 2015 raw gold production of 72 kilogrammes, which is aligned with first quarter production of 71 kilogrammes. Total production for the first semester of 2015 thus totals 143 kilogrammes, lower than the comparable semester of 2014 production of 263 kilogrammes. This variation is attributable to the planned mining operations transition phase linked to the implementation of the industrial cyanide process.

As planned, the pilot-scale leaching unit at Remire-Montjoly was commissioned during the second quarter of 2015, with gold ore concentrate feed from Auplata's operations. Steady production rates were achieved at the end of June and the first loaded electrodes were delivered to our refining partner mid-July.

The Group also continued preparing the Dieu Merci mine site for the future cyanide processing plant. As such, production was interrupted this quarter to enable the construction of the industrial unit. Also, Auplata finalized the upgrading work carried out at the Élysée plant and re-started operations mid-May since gold production is concentrated at that facility during project construction. Finally, the mining sub-contractor portfolio review underway since the start of the exercise, aimed at selecting those providing the best returns, has lead Auplata to retain the services of a limited number of partners that demonstrated stable production rates during the second quarter.

Second quarter refined gold sales were at 70 kilogrammes, for a total of 132 kilogrammes for the first semester 2015. The favourable evolution of the foreign exchange rates – Euro/American dollar (on average 34,723 €/kg gold for the first semester 2015, against 30,253 € / kg on average for the first semester 2014 – Source: World Gold Council) had a positive impact bringing revenue to €3.1m for the second quarter, for a total of €6.0m for the semester (against respectively €5.0m and €9.2m in 2014).
 

Situation Update on the Dieu Merci Cyanide Processing Plant

The French environmental authorities (Direction de l'Environnement, de l'Aménagement et du Logement – DEAL) pursued the consideration procedure for the project. The environmental authority gave a favourable opinion on the project, concluding that “the impact assessment linked to the establishment of the Dieu Merci mine site processing plant correctly took into account current environmental considerations and proposed impact mitigation measures.”
As stated in the applicable regulations, a public consultation related to the plant project started on 6 July 2015 and will conclude on 7 August 2015. Beforehand, an initial contact occurred with the investigating commissioner on 2 July 2015. During this meeting, he was able to visit the pilot-scale leaching unit installations at Rémire-Montjoly, thus enabling him to better understand the topic and ascertain Auplata's perfect mastery of the cyanide process.

Jean-François Fourt, Auplata President and CEO states:

” We are quite pleased that we are maintaining a stable and productive operation through this transition phase and in challenging market conditions. These results speak volumes about the robustness of our business model and the experience of our management teams”.

About Auplata

Auplata is the first French gold producer in French Guiana. In total, Auplata has mining permits and licenses covering over 700 sq km. Auplata follows an innovative business and financial strategy, aimed at developing and exploiting French Guiana's gold resources through close collaboration with local players. The company's aim is to offer a sustainable alternative for the French Guiana gold-mining industry.

Since June 2015, Auplata holds a stake in OMCI, an Ivorian mining company that owns two mining projects in Côte d'Ivoire as well as mining permits in Cameroon.

Since June 2011, Auplata is also the largest shareholder of Columbus Gold Corporation, a Canadian gold exploration company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Canada).

Auplata is listed on NYSE Alternext Paris by NYSE Euronext. Auplata's share capital is made up of 37,463,881 shares. ISIN: FR0010397760 – ALAUP ; ICB : 1777 – Gold Mining.

Le capital social d'Auplata est composé de 37 463 881 actions cotées sur le marché Alternext à Paris (Euronext). ISIN : FR0010397760 – ALAUP ; ICB : 1777 – Gold Mining.

For more information about Auplata : www.auplata.fr.

Contacts :

France

ACTUS FINANCE

Mathieu Omnes - Investor Relations - +33 (0)1 53 67 36 92

Nicolas Bouchez - Media Relations - +33 (0)1 53 67 36 74

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