Our opinion on the current state of PAN-AF(PAN)Pan African Resources (PAN) is a London- and JSE-listed re-treatment gold producer. With its Elikhulu plant, it will be able to produce about 700,000 ounces of gold a year at a cost of about R450,564 per kilogram, against a current gold price of close to R1 million. This means that over its life, it will produce revenue of approximately R15 billion, of which R5.3 billion will go back into the economy in the form of mine expenses, creating a highly profitable entity with minimal risks. It will also employ 350 people. The company has approved the construction of a 10 MW solar power plant.
In its results for the six months to 31st December 2023, the company reported gold production up 6.7% and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $1287 per ounce (against a gold price of just over $2000). Headline earnings were up 46.4% and earnings per share (EPS) was up 46.1%. The company said, "Liquidity remains healthy, with access to immediately available cash of US$31.3 million (2022: US$33.9 million) and undrawn facilities of US$86.4 million (2022: US$52.1 million) at the reporting period-end."
In a revised production guidance for the year to 30th June 2024, the company said it expected to produce between 186,000 and 190,000 ounces at an all-in-sustaining cost of between $1325 and $1350 per ounce. On 4th June 2024, the company announced that it signed a five-year wage deal with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) for an increase of 5.3% per annum over the period.
Technically, the share has been in an upward trend since its low of 288c in June 2023. We see this as a good operation, but volatile, which means considerable risk. We would advise investors to be cautious, but with the gold price having broken convincingly above long-term resistance at $2060, it could be a good speculation.