Form 10-Q

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-12284

 

 

GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Canada   98-0101955

(State or other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

10901 West Toller Drive, Suite 300

Littleton, Colorado

  80127-6312
(Address of Principal Executive Office)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (303) 830-9000

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. (See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one):

Large accelerated filer:  x    Accelerated filer:  ¨    Non-accelerated filer:  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of Common Shares outstanding as at August 4, 2008: 235,945,311

 

 

 


REPORTING CURRENCY, FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

All amounts in this report are expressed in United States (“US”) dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Canadian currency is denoted as “Cdn$.”

Financial information is presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (“Cdn GAAP” or “Canadian GAAP”). Differences between accounting principles generally accepted in the US (“US GAAP”) and those applied in Canada, as applicable to Golden Star Resources Ltd., are explained in Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

References to “Golden Star,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” mean Golden Star Resources Ltd., its predecessors and consolidated subsidiaries, or any one or more of them, as the context requires.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In this Form 10-Q, we use the terms “total cash cost per ounce” and “cash operating cost per ounce” which are considered Non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation S-K Item 10 and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with Cdn or US GAAP. See Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a definition of these measures as used in this Form 10-Q.

STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, business prospects, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, capital expenditures, and exploration and development efforts. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot be certain that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q.

These statements include comments regarding, anticipated production and cash operating cost estimates for 2008, our expectations regarding future improved results at the Bogoso sulfide processing plant; fluctuations in power costs and the impact on cash costs; anticipated commencement dates of mining and production, including at Prestea South and the HBB Properties; estimated development costs for the Benso portion of the HBB Properties in 2008; timing and outcome of the government review of French Guiana gold exploration areas and the expected impact on our activities at Paul Isnard; production capacity, production rates, and production costs; cash operating costs generally; gold sales; mining operations and recovery rates; ore type, delivery and ore processing; potential mine life; permitting; establishment and estimates of mineral reserves and resources; geological, environmental, community and engineering studies; exploration efforts and activities; identification of acquisition and growth opportunities; completion of construction of the Bogoso power plant; and access to the power plant, and our ability to meet 2008 cash requirements.

The following, in addition to the factors described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A below, are among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements:

 

   

significant increases or decreases in gold prices;

 

   

failure to expand mineral reserves around our existing mines or decreases in mineral reserves;

 

   

unexpected changes in business and economic conditions;

 

   

inaccuracies in mineral reserves and non-reserves estimates;

 

   

changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates;

 

   

timing and amount of gold production;

 

   

unanticipated variations in ore grade, tonnes mined and/or tonnes processed;

 

   

unanticipated recovery or production problems;

 

   

effects of illegal mining on our properties;

 

   

changes in mining and processing costs, including changes to costs of raw materials, power, fuel, supplies, services and personnel;

 

   

changes in metallurgical properties of ore;

 

   

availability of skilled personnel, contractors, materials, equipment, supplies, power and water;

 

1


   

changes in project parameters or mine plans;

 

   

costs and timing of development of new mineral reserves;

 

   

adverse changes in weather and climate;

 

   

results of current and future exploration activities;

 

   

results of pending and future feasibility studies;

 

   

acquisitions and joint venture relationships;

 

   

political or economic instability, either globally or in the countries in which we operate;

 

   

changes in regulations affecting our operations, particularly in Ghana, where our principal producing properties are located;

 

   

local and community impacts and issues;

 

   

availability and cost of replacing mineral reserves;

 

   

timing of receipt and maintenance of government approvals and permits;

 

   

unanticipated transportation costs and shipping incidents and losses;

 

   

accidents, labor disputes and other operational hazards;

 

   

environmental costs and risks;

 

   

unanticipated title issues;

 

   

competitive factors, including competition for property acquisitions;

 

   

possible litigation; and

 

   

availability of capital at reasonable rates or at all.

These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the general or specific factors that could affect us. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

 

2


GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Stated in thousands of US dollars except shares issued and outstanding)

(Unaudited)

 

     As of
June 30,
2008
    As of
December 31,
2007
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 37,147     $ 75,754  

Accounts receivable

     8,884       8,369  

Inventories (Note 3)

     68,310       55,966  

Deposits (Note 4)

     9,944       4,513  

Prepaids and other

     2,461       1,224  
                

Total Current Assets

     126,746       145,826  

RESTRICTED CASH (Note 23)

     5,152       1,510  

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENTS (Note 5)

     7,755       5,121  

DEFERRED EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS (Note 6)

     32,774       29,203  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Note 7)

     275,518       284,077  

MINING PROPERTIES (Note 8)

     338,609       326,811  
                

Total Assets

   $ 786,554     $ 792,548  
                

LIABILITIES

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 26,477     $ 26,457  

Accrued liabilities

     28,980       28,394  

Fair value of derivatives (Note 11)

     194       248  

Asset retirement obligations (Note 12)

     2,013       2,013  

Current debt (Note 10)

     13,691       17,125  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     71,355       74,237  

LONG TERM DEBT (Note 10)

     106,719       107,929  

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Note 12)

     16,947       16,906  

FUTURE TAX LIABILITY

     42,154       42,154  
                

Total Liabilities

     237,175       241,226  

MINORITY INTEREST

     5,135       6,150  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 23)

     —         —    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

SHARE CAPITAL (Note 15)

    

Common shares, without par value, unlimited shares authorized. Shares issued and outstanding: 235,945,311 at June 30, 2008 and 233,703,681 at December 31, 2007 (Note 15)

     615,358       609,103  

CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS

     14,369       13,230  

EQUITY COMPONENT OF CONVERTIBLE NOTES

     34,542       34,620  

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Note 17)

     5,797       3,192  

DEFICIT

     (125,822 )     (114,973 )
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     544,244       545,172  
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 786,554     $ 792,548  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

 

3


GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Stated in thousands of US dollars except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     June 30,
2008
    June 30,
2007
    June 30,
2008
    June 30,
2007
 

Gold revenue

   $ 70,431     $ 28,118     $ 123,614     $ 57,979  

Cost of sales (Note 9)

     (71,703 )     (30,636 )     ($120,827 )     (63,962 )
                                

Mine operating margin (loss)

     (1,272 )     (2,518 )     2,787       (5,983 )

OTHER EXPENSES, (GAINS) AND LOSSES

        

Exploration expense

     558       286       947       1,070  

General and administrative expense

     3,870       2,692       8,209       7,372  

Derivative mark-to-market - (gain)/loss (Note 11)

     (199 )     172       243       466  

Foreign exchange loss/(gain)

     341       (10 )     (21 )     219  

Interest expense

     3,719       425       7,412       852  

Interest and other income

     (255 )     (760 )     (635 )     (1,265 )

Abandonment and impairment of mineral properties

     —         88       —         88  

Gain on sale of investments

     (1,505 )     —         (1,505 )     (3,543 )
                                

Loss before minority interest

     (7,801 )     (5,411 )     (11,863 )     (11,242 )

Minority interest

     866       159       1,014       222  
                                

Net loss before income tax

     (6,935 )     (5,252 )     (10,849 )     (11,020 )

Income tax benefit

     —         2,963       —         5,166  
                                

Net loss for the period

   $ (6,935 )   $ (2,289 )   $ (10,849 )   $ (5,854 )
                                

Other comprehensive income – unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     31       (86 )     2,605       (551 )
                                

Comprehensive loss

   $ (6,904 )   $ (2,375 )   $ (8,244 )   $ (6,405 )
                                

Deficit, beginning of period

     (118,887 )     (78,981 )     (114,973 )     (75,416 )
                                

Deficit, end of period

     (125,822 )     (81,270 )     (125,822 )     (81,270 )
                                

Net loss per common share - basic and diluted (Note 19)

   $ (0.029 )   $ (0.010 )   $ (0.046 )   $ (0.026 )

Weighted average shares outstanding (millions)

     235.9       233.2       235.4       224.7  
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

 

4


GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Stated in thousands of US dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     June 30,
2008
    June 30,
2007
    June 30,
2008
    June 30,
2007
 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Net loss for the period

   $ (6,935 )   $ (2,289 )   $ (10,849 )   $ (5,854 )

Reconciliation of net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

     —          

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     12,152       5,360       23,124       13,046  

Amortization of loan acquisition cost

     110       98       275       162  

Abandonment and impairment of mineral properties

     —         88       —         88  

Gain on sale of equity investments

     (1,505 )     —         (1,505 )     (3,543 )

Stock compensation

     450       203       1,139       2,222  

Income tax benefit

     —         (2,963 )     —         (5,166 )

Reclamation expenditures

     (259 )     (151 )     (322 )     (313 )

Fair value of derivatives

     (129 )     172       35       (327 )

Accretion of convertible debt

     1,540       179       3,047       357  

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

     146       258       363       571  

Minority interests

     (866 )     (159 )     (1,014 )     (222 )

Other

     (1 )     —         (1 )     —    
                                
     4,703       796       14,292       1,021  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

     (4,162 )     512       188       342  

Inventories

     3,141       (3,148 )     (12,344 )     (9,988 )

Prepaids and other

     (791 )     —         (1,004 )     —    

Deposits

     2,749       966       315       (318 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     4,051       5,039       3,206       4,496  

Other

     —         163       —         454  
                                

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

     9,691       4,328       4,653       (3,993 )

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

        

Expenditures on deferred exploration and development

     (1,970 )     (1,032 )     (3,922 )     (2,018 )

Expenditures on mining properties

     (13,231 )     (3,801 )     (20,946 )     (8,315 )

Expenditures on property, plant and equipment

     (3,164 )     (2,906 )     (5,417 )     (9,401 )

Expenditures on mine construction in progress

     —         (26,759 )     —         (46,226 )

Expenditures to acquire short term investments

     —         —         —         (47,000 )

Proceeds from sale of short term investments

     —         24,619       —         24,619  

Decrease/(increase) in restricted cash

     —         60       —         60  

Cash used to secure letter of credit

     18       —         (3,642 )     —    

Proceeds from sale of equity investment

     802       —         802       3,543  

Change in payable on capital expenditures

     (6,314 )     256       (8,346 )     (3,020 )

Purchase of long term investments

     —         —         —         (169 )

Deposits on mine equipment and material

     —         (3,640 )     —         (5,121 )

Other

     —         (773 )     —         (773 )
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (23,859 )     (13,976 )     (41,471 )     (93,821 )

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Issuance of share capital, net of issue costs (Note 15)

     7       202       6,255       83,836  

Principal payments on debt

     (4,542 )     (3,349 )     (8,885 )     (5,988 )

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     1,114       8,987       1,114       8,987  

Payment of loan fees

     (31 )     —         (273 )     —    

Other

     90       —         —         —    
                                

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

     (3,362 )     5,840       (1,789 )     86,835  

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (17,530 )     (3,808 )     (38,607 )     (10,979 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   $ 54,677     $ 19,937     $ 75,754     $ 27,108  
                                

Cash and cash equivalents end of period

   $ 37,147     $ 16,129     $ 37,147     $ 16,129  

(See Note 20 for supplemental cash flow information)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

 

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GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(All amounts in tables are in thousands of US Dollars unless noted otherwise)

(unaudited)

The consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 on file with Securities and Exchange Commission and with the Canadian securities commissions. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (“Cdn GAAP”). For reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”), see Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements.

In management’s opinion, the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2008 contained herein reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring items, which are necessary for the fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a basis consistent with that of our prior audited consolidated financial statements except for the change in accounting policies subsequent to December 31, 2007 as discussed in Note 2 below.

1. Nature of operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations

Through our subsidiaries we own a controlling interest in four gold properties in southern Ghana in West Africa:

 

   

The Bogoso/Prestea property, which is comprised of the adjoining Bogoso and Prestea surface mining leases (“Bogoso/Prestea”),

 

   

The Wassa property (“Wassa”),

 

   

The Prestea Underground property (“Prestea Underground”), and

 

   

The Hwini-Butre and Benso concessions (“HBB Properties”).

In addition to these gold properties, we hold various other exploration rights and interests and are actively exploring for gold in several locations in West Africa and South America.

Bogoso/Prestea is owned by our 90% owned subsidiary Golden Star (Bogoso/Prestea) Limited (“GSBPL”) which was acquired in 1999.

Through another 90% owned subsidiary, Golden Star (Wassa) Limited (“GSWL”), we own the Wassa gold mine located some 35 kilometers east of Bogoso/Prestea.

The Prestea Underground is located on the Prestea property and consists of a currently inactive underground gold mine and associated support facilities. GSBPL owns a 90% operating interest in the Prestea Underground. We are currently reconditioning certain shafts to allow better access to the underground workings. We are also conducting exploration and engineering studies to determine if the underground mine or portions of it can be reactivated on a profitable basis.

GSWL owns a 90% interest in the HBB Properties in southwest Ghana and the Government of Ghana holds a 10% carried interest. Development activities were initiated in late 2007, and we expect to begin moving Benso ore to the Wassa plant in the third quarter of 2008. The Hwini-Butre and Benso concessions are located approximately 70 and 40 kilometers south of Wassa, respectively.

We hold interests in several gold exploration projects in Ghana and elsewhere in West Africa including Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Niger and Cote d’Ivoire. We also hold and manage exploration properties in Suriname and French Guiana in South America.

Our administrative offices are located in Littleton, Colorado, USA and we also maintain a regional corporate office in Accra, Ghana.

Basis of Presentation

The Company has incurred recurring losses from operations accumulating to $126 million at June 30, 2008. It is expected that Wassa will continue to generate cash from operations and that improvements in gold recovery and plant through-put at the Bogoso sulfide plant will result in improved cash flows. These operational cash flows, along with the $37.1 million of cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2008 and equipment financing facility currently in place, are expected to be sufficient to cover capital and operating needs during the balance of 2008. Management believes that the Company will generate sufficient revenues to fund operations. The Company has periodically depended on the issuance of equity and debt financing to fund development when required and will utilize these options in the future if deemed necessary. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.

 

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2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)

In 2006, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) published a new strategic plan that will significantly affect financial reporting requirements for Canadian companies. The AcSB strategic plan outlines the convergence of Canadian GAAP with IFRS over an expected five year transitional period. In February 2008 the AcSB announced that 2011 is the changeover date for publicly-listed companies to use IFRS, replacing Canadian GAAP. This date is for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The transition date of January 1, 2011 will require the restatement for comparative purposes of amounts reported by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2010. In July 2008 AcSB announced that early adoption will be allowed in 2009 subject to seeking exemptive relief. We are currently assessing the financial reporting impact of the transition to IFRS and the changeover date.

Changes in Accounting Policies

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the following accounting standards updates issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA”). These new standards have been adopted on a prospective basis with no restatement to prior period financial statements.

(a) Capital Disclosures (Section 1535)

This standard requires disclosure of an entity’s objectives, policies and processes for managing capital, quantitative data about what the entity regards as capital and whether the entity has complied with any capital requirements and, if it has not complied, the consequences of such noncompliance. The Company’s objective when managing capital is to ensure the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders.

The Company considers the items included in the consolidated statement of shareholder’s equity and its debt facilities as capital. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements. See footnotes 10, 15 and 18.

(b) Inventories (Section 3031)

This standard replaces the existing Section 3030 with the same title and harmonizes accounting for inventories under Canadian GAAP with IFRS. This standard requires that inventories be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, and includes guidance on the determination of cost, including allocation of overheads and other costs. The standard also requires that similar inventories within a consolidated group be measured using the same method of either first-in, first-out (FIFO) or weighted average cost formula to measure the cost of other inventories. It also requires the reversal of previous write-downs to net realizable value when there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories. The adoption of this statement resulted in the reclassification of $2.0 million and $0.8 million from inventory to property, plant and equipment at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 respectively.

(c) Going Concern – Amendments to Section 1400

CICA 1400, General Standards of Financial Statement Presentation, was amended to include requirements to assess and disclose an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new requirements are effective for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

(d) Financial Instruments – Disclosure (Section 3862) and Presentation (Section 3863)

These standards replace CICA 3861, Financial Instruments – Disclosure and Presentation. They increase the disclosures currently required, which will enable users to evaluate the significance of financial instruments for an entity’s financial position and performance, including disclosures about fair value. In addition, disclosure is required of qualitative and quantitative information about exposure to risks arising from financial instruments, including specified minimum disclosures about credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. The quantitative disclosures must provide information about the extent to which the entity is exposed to risk, based on information provided internally to the entity’s key management personnel. See Note 13.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Section 3064)

In February 2008, the CICA issued Section 3064, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”, which replaces Section 3062, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” and CICA Section 3450, “Research and Development Costs,” and amendments to Accounting Guideline (AcG) 11, “Enterprises in the Development Stage,” and EIC-27, “Revenues and Expenditures During the Pre-operating Period” and CICA Section 1000, “Financial Statement Concepts.” The standard intends to reduce the differences with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) in the accounting for intangible assets and results in closer alignment with U.S. GAAP. Under current Canadian standards, more items are recognized as assets than under IFRS or U.S. GAAP. The objectives of CICA Section 3064 are to reinforce the principle-based approach to the recognition of assets only in accordance with the definition of an asset and the criteria

 

7


for asset recognition; and clarify the application of the concept of matching revenues and expenses such that the current practice of recognizing assets that do not meet the definition and recognition criteria are eliminated. The standard will also provide guidance for the recognition of internally developed intangible assets (including research and development activities), ensuring consistent treatment of all intangible assets, whether separately acquired or internally developed. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard in 2009.

3. Inventories

 

     As of
     June 30, 2008    December 31, 2007

Stockpiled ore

   $ 26,900    $ 21,518

In–process

     13,711      8,878

Materials and supplies

     27,699      25,570
             

Total

   $ 68,310    $ 55,966
             

There were approximately 88,820 and 80,000 recoverable ounces of gold in metal inventories at June, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Stockpile inventories are short-term surge piles which will be processed in the next 12 months or less. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 the company recognized a $1.5 and $4.3 million write-down to net realizable value respectively. No adjustment to net realizable value was incurred during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007.

4. Deposits

Represents short term cash advances and payments for material purchases by our mines which are not yet delivered on-site.

5. Available-for-Sale Investments

 

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2008  
     Mineral IRL    EURO Resources     Riverstone    Total  
     Fair
Value
   Shares    Fair
Value
    Shares     Fair
Value
    Shares    Investments  

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 3,084    5,012,800    $ 2,037     1,483,967     $ —       —      $ 5,121  

Acquisitions

     —      —        —       —         118     300,000      118  

Dispositions

     —      —        (89 )   (60,000 )     —       —        (89 )

OCI 1 - realized gain / (loss)

     —      —        (1,505 )   (1,000,000 )     —       —        (1,505 )

OCI 1 - unrealized gain / (loss)

     3,903         222         (15 )   —        4,110  
                                               

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 6,987    5,012,800    $ 665     423,967     $ 103     300,000    $ 7,755  
                                               

 

1

Denotes other comprehensive income

 

8


6. Deferred Exploration and Development Costs

Consolidated property expenditures on our exploration projects for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 were as follows:

 

     Deferred Exploration &
Development
December 31, 2007
   Capitalized
Exploration
Expenditures
   Other     Deferred Exploration &
Development June 30,
2008

AFRICAN PROJECTS

          

Akropong trend and other Ghana

   $ 1,519    $ 1,282    $ —       $ 2,801

Mano River—Sierra Leone

     1,486      501      —         1,987

Afema & others — Ivory Coast

     1,539      9      —         1,548

Goulagou—Burkina Faso

     19,273      —        (387 )     18,886

Other Africa

     1,518      1,131      —         2,649

SOUTH AMERICAN PROJECTS

          

Saramacca—Suriname

     781      —        —         781

Other South American Projects

     3,087      1,035      —         4,122
                            

Total

   $ 29,203    $ 3,958    $ (387 )   $ 32,774
                            

7. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

     June 30, 2008    December 31, 2007
     Property,
Plant &
Equipment
at Cost
   Accumulated
Depreciation
    Property,
Plant &
Equipment
at Net
Book
Value
   Property,
Plant &
Equipment
at Cost
   Accumulated
Depreciation
    Property,
Plant &
Equipment
at Net
Book
Value

Bogoso/Prestea

   $ 69,997    $ (25,816 )   $ 44,181    $ 67,556    $ (20,850 )   $ 46,706

Bogoso sulfide plant

     197,598      (8,330 )     189,268      197,598      (2,602 )     194,996

Capital Spares

     1,971      —         1,971      773      —         773

Prestea underground

     238      —         238      238      —         238

Wassa

     57,471      (18,140 )     39,331      55,802      (14,963 )     40,839

Corporate & other

     1000      (471 )     529      891      (366 )     525
                                           

Total

   $ 328,275    $ (52,757 )   $ 275,518    $ 322,858    $ (38,781 )   $ 284,077
                                           

8. Mining Properties

 

     June 30, 2008    December 31, 2007
     Mining
Properties
at Cost
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Mining
Properties
at Net
Book
Value
   Mining
Properties
at Cost
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Mining
Properties
at Net
Book
Value

Bogoso/Prestea

   $ 53,101    $ (33,798 )   $ 19,303    $ 52,708    $ (33,584 )   $ 19,124

Prestea Underground

     36,437      —         36,437      33,166      —         33,166

Wassa

     86,540      (32,664 )     53,876      70,657      (26,227 )     44,430

Bogoso Sulfide

     52,854      (2,389 )     50,465      52,774      (1,562 )     51,212

Mampon

     15,666      —         15,666      15,957      —         15,957

Hwini-Butre and Benso

     148,674      —         148,674      147,215      —         147,215

Bondaye

     8,056      (1,448 )     6,608      8,026    $ —         8,026

Pampe

     9,580      (2,000 )     7,580      9,459    $ (1,778 )     7,681
                                           
   $ 410,908    $ (72,299 )   $ 338,609    $ 389,962    $ (63,151 )   $ 326,811
                                           

 

9


9. Cost of Sales

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
    Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2008    2007     2008     2007  

Mining operations

   $ 56,922    $ 28,510     $ 107,649     $ 55,122  

Change in inventories (costs from / (to) metals inventory)

     2,324      (3,472 )     (10,976 )     (4,728 )

Mining related depreciation and amortization

     12,312      5,340       23,792       12,997  

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

     146      258       363       571  
                               

Total Cost of Sales

   $ 71,703    $ 30,636     $ 120,827     $ 63,962  
                               

10. Debt

 

     As of
     June 30, 2008    December 31, 2007

Current debt:

     

Debt facility

   $ 4,375    $ 7,642

Equipment financing loans

     9,316      9,483
             

Total current debt

   $ 13,691    $ 17,125
             

Long term debt:

     

Debt facility

   $ —      $ 626

Equipment financing loans

     16,521      20,232

Convertible debentures

     90,198      87,071
             

Total long term debt

   $ 106,719    $ 107,929
             

Debt Facility

On October 11, 2006, GSBPL entered into an agreement for a $15.0 million debt facility with two Ghana-based banks. The $15.0 million is repayable over a term of 2 years at US prime plus 1% (5.0% at June 30, 2008). Loan fees totaled 1% of the facility amount. The debt is secured by the non-mobile assets of the Bogoso sulfide processing plant. Proceeds from the debt facility were used for the construction of the Bogoso sulfide expansion project. A total of $0.9 million of interest on the debt facility was capitalized to the Bogoso sulfide expansion project during 2006 and 2007. The debt is carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

Equipment Financing Loans

We maintain an equipment financing facility between Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, GSBPL and GSWL, with Golden Star as the guarantor of all amounts borrowed. The facility provides credit for new and used mining equipment and is secured by the mobile equipment. Amounts drawn under this facility are repayable over five years for new equipment and over two years for used equipment. The interest rate for each draw-down is fixed at the date of the draw-down using the Federal Reserve Bank 2-year or 5-year swap rate or LIBOR plus 2.38%. During 2007 we increased the limit on the equipment financing facility from $25.0 million to $40.0 million. At June 30, 2008, $14.2 million was available for future financing under this facility. The average interest rate on the outstanding loans was approximately 7.83% at June 30, 2008.

Convertible Debentures

On November 8, 2007 we completed the sale of $125 million aggregate principal amount of 4.0% Convertible Senior Unsecured Debentures due November 30, 2012 (the “Debentures”). Interest on the Debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 31 and November 30 of each year, beginning May 31, 2008. Each Debenture is, subject to certain limitations, convertible into common shares at a conversion rate of 200 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures (equal to an initial conversion price of $5.00 per share) subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The Debentures are not redeemable at our option.

On maturity, we may, at our option, satisfy our repayment obligation by paying the principal amount of the Debentures in cash or, subject to certain limitations, by issuing that number of our common shares obtained by dividing the principal amount of the Debentures outstanding by 95% of the weighted average trading price of our common shares on the American Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days ending five trading days preceding the maturity date. Upon the occurrence of certain change in control transactions, the holders of the Debentures may require us to purchase the Debentures for cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. If 10% or more of the fair market value of any such change in control consideration consists of cash, the holders may convert their Debentures and receive a number of additional common shares, which number is determined as set forth in the trust indenture for the Debentures.

 

10


The Debentures are direct senior unsecured indebtedness of Golden Star Resources Ltd., ranking equally and ratably with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness, and senior to all our subordinated indebtedness. None of our subsidiaries have guaranteed the Debentures and the Debentures do not limit the amount of debt that we or our subsidiaries may incur.

The Debentures have been accounted for in accordance with EIC 164, “Convertible and other Debt Instruments with Embedded Derivatives”. Under this statement, the fair value of the conversion feature is recorded as equity. The issuance date fair value of Golden Star’s obligation to make principal and interest payments was estimated at $89.1 million and was recorded as “Convertible Senior Unsecured Debentures”. The issuance date fair value of the holder’s conversion option was estimated at $35.9 million and was recorded as the “equity portion of convertible senior unsecured Debentures”. The fees totaling $4.7 million related to the issuance of these Debentures has been allocated pro-rata between deferred financing fees of $3.4 million and equity of $1.3 million.

11. Derivatives

 

     Three months ended
June, 30
   Six months ended
June 30
     2008     2007    2008     2007
     (thousands $000)

Riverstonne Resources, Inc. - Warrants

   $ (55 )   $ —      $ (55 )   $ —  

Forward Currency Agreements - Africian Rand

     (124 )     —        124       —  

Euro Resources S.A. Shares

     (20 )     —        174       466

Gold Put / Call Options

     —         172      —         —  
                             

Derivative (gain) loss

   $ (199 )   $ 172    $ 243     $ 466
                             

Riverstone Resources Inc - Warrants

In the first quarter of 2008, we received 2 million warrants from Riverstone Resources Inc. (“Riverstone”). These warrants are exercisable at prices between Cdn $ 0.30 and Cdn $ 0.45, depending on the timing of exercise. The original value of the warrants was $0.3 million as of the issuance on Jan 11, 2008. The value of the warrants at June 30, 2008 was $0.2 million.

Forward Currency Agreements – African Rand

In the fourth quarter of 2007 we entered into a series of forward currency agreements totaling $5.1 million for contracts to purchase South African Rand (“Rand”). These contracts were taken out to secure known US dollar costs of a purchase contract stated in Rand. These forward contracts mature ratably between October 28, 2007 and April 25, 2008 at rates between 6.994 and 7.184 Rand to the US Dollar. At June 30, 2008 there were no remaining amounts under the agreements.

EURO Ressources S.A. Shares

In 2007, we renegotiated sections of certain agreements with EURO Ressources S.A. (“EURO”) including the timing and amounts of possible future royalty payments and the amount and timing of certain commitments under exploration property earn-ins. In addition, and as part of these renegotiations, we have agreed to make some of our remaining EURO shares available to EURO to deliver against certain options EURO has granted or plans to grant to its directors. This, plus existing options granted to GSR directors, brings the number of our shares in EURO that are subject to option agreements to 480,000.

As a result we recorded a derivative liability to recognize the cost of the EURO shares that we may make available in the future to members of EURO’s management who hold the options. At June 30, 2008 the derivative liability was $0.2 million based on the fair value of the outstanding options.

Gold Put / Call Options

In 2005 and 2006 we entered into a series of put and call options designed to provide gold price protection during the construction phase of the sulfide plant at Bogoso/Prestea. All of our 2006 gold price and foreign currency derivative agreements expired by the end of the first quarter in 2007.

12. Asset Retirement Obligations

At the end of each period, Asset Retirement Obligations (“ARO”) are equal to the present value of all estimated future costs required to remediate any environmental disturbances that exist as of the end of the period, using discount rates applicable at the time of initial recognition of each component of the liability. Included in this liability are the costs of closure, reclamation, demolition and stabilization of the mines, processing plants, infrastructure, tailings ponds and ongoing post-closure environmental monitoring costs. While the majority of these costs will be incurred near the end of the mines’ lives, it is expected that certain on–going reclamation costs will be incurred prior to mine closure. These costs are recorded against the asset retirement obligation liability as incurred. At June 30, 2008, the total, undiscounted amount of the estimated future cash needs is estimated to be $37.3 million.

 

11


The changes in the carrying amount of the ARO during the first half of 2008 are follows:

 

     June 30,
2008
 

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 18,919  

Accretion expense

     363  

Cost of reclamation work performed

     (322 )
        

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 18,960  

Current portion

   $ 2,013  

Long term portion

   $ 16,947  

13. Financial Instruments

Financial assets, financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments are classified into one of five categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, loans and receivables, other financial liabilities and held-for-trading.

All financial instruments classified as available-for-sale or held-for-trading, and derivative financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of financial instruments designated as held-for-trading and recognized derivative financial instruments are charged or credited to the statement of operations for the relevant period, while changes in the fair value of financial instruments designated as available-for-sale, excluding impairments, are charged or credited to other comprehensive income until the instrument is realized. All other financial assets and liabilities are accounted for at cost or at amortized cost depending upon the nature of the instrument. After their initial fair value measurement, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

Financial Assets

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets are as follows:

 

          June 30, 2008    December 31, 2007

Assets

  

Category

   Estimated
Fair Value
   Carrying
Value
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Carrying
Value

Cash and cash equivalents 1

  

Held-for-trading

   $ 37,147    $ 37,147    $ 75,754    $ 75,754

Restricted cash 1

  

Held-for -trading

     5,152      5,152      1,510      1,510

Accounts receivable 1

  

Loans and receivables

     8,884      8,884      8,369      8,369

Derivative instruments– Riverstone Warrants 4

  

Held-for-trading

     191      191      124      124

Long-term investments 4

  

Available-for-sale

     7,755      7,755      5,121      5,121
                              

Total financial assets

      $ 59,129    $ 59,129    $ 90,878    $ 90,878
                              

 

Financial Liabilities

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial liabilities are as follows:

 

          June 30, 2008    December 31, 2007

Liabilities

  

Category

   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Carrying
Value
   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Carrying
Value

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1

  

Other financial liabilities

   $ 55,457    $ 55,457    $ 54,851    $ 54,851

Derivative instruments – EURO shares 4

  

Held-for-trading

     194      194      248      248

Convertible senior unsecured debentures 2, 3

  

Other financial liabilities

     103,121      90,198      93,579      87,071

Debt facility 1

  

Other financial liabilities

     4,375      4,375      8,268      8,268

Equipment financing loans 2

  

Other financial liabilities

     24,029      25,837      29,715      29,715
                              

Total financial liabilities

      $ 187,176    $ 172,578    $ 186,712    $ 180,204
                              

 

1

Carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

 

12


2

The fair values of the convertible senior unsecured debentures and the equipment financing loans are determined by discounting the stream of future payments of interest and principal at the estimated prevailing market rates of comparable debt instruments.

 

3

The carrying values of the convertible senior unsecured debentures are being accreted to their maturity values through charges to income over their term based on the effective yield method. Financing costs allocated to the issuance of debt are deferred, amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective yield method and presented as a reduction of the related debt.

 

4

The fair value represents quoted market prices in an active market.

Financial Instrument Risk Exposure and Risk Management

The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. Management approves and monitors the risk management processes. The types of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows:

Credit Risk

The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its liquid financial assets. The Company limits exposure to credit risk on liquid financial assets through maintaining its cash and equivalents, restricted cash and deposits with high-credit quality financial institutions. The Company does not have financial assets that are invested in asset backed commercial paper.

Liquidity Risk

The Company ensures that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short term business requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and the Company’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents. The Company believes that these sources will be sufficient to cover the likely short and long term cash requirements. The Company’s cash and equivalents are invested in U.S. treasury notes and bonds.

Market Risk

The significant market risk exposures to which the Company is exposed are foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk. These are discussed further below.

Foreign exchange risk

The Company’s revenues from the production and sale of gold are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company’s operating expenses are primarily made in U.S. dollars. However a portion of our operating materials, supplies, services and equipment purchases are in non U.S currencies. Accordingly, the results of the Company’s operations are subject to currency transaction risk and currency translation risk. The operating results and financial position of the Company are reported in U.S. dollars in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The fluctuation of the US dollar in relation to the non U.S. currencies will consequently have an impact upon the profitability of the Company and may also affect the value of the Company’s assets and the amount of shareholders’ equity. Liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars.

Interest rate risk

In respect of financial assets, the Company’s policy is to invest cash at floating rates of interest and cash reserves are to be maintained in cash equivalents in order to maintain liquidity, while achieving a satisfactory return for shareholders. Fluctuations in interest rates therefore impact on the value of cash equivalents and short term investments. With respect to financial liabilities, the senior convertible unsecured debentures are not subject to interest rate risk since they bear interest at a fixed rate and not subject to fluctuations in interest rate. The equipment financing facilities are not subject to interest rate fluctuations as their interest rate is fixed.

Commodity price risk

The value of the Company’s mineral resource properties is related to the price of gold and the outlook for these minerals. The Company does not have any hedging or other commodity based derivative risks. Gold prices historically have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors outside of the Company’s control, including, but not limited to, industrial and retail demand, central bank lending, forward sales by producers and speculators, levels of worldwide production, short-term changes in supply and demand because of speculative hedging activities, and other factors. The profitability of the Company’s operations is highly dependent on the market price of gold. If gold prices decline for a prolonged period below the cost of production of the Company’s mines, it may not be economically feasible to continue production.

 

13


Our exposure to market risk includes, but is not limited to, the following risks: changes in interest rates on our investment portfolio and debt, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity price fluctuations and equity price risk.

Interest Rate Risk

We invest excess cash in high quality, short term debt instruments. The rates received on such investments may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions. As a result, our investment income may fall short of expectations during periods of lower interest rates. We estimate that, given the cash balances expected during the next 12 months a 1% change in interest rates would result in a $0.1 to $0.3 million change in annual interest income.

As of June 30, 2008 we had $4.4 million of a variable rate bank debt. This debt has an interest rate of US prime ( 5.0%) plus 1%. We have not entered into any agreements to hedge against unfavorable changes in interest rates, but may in the future actively manage our exposure to interest rate risk.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

While our major operating units transact most of their business in US dollars, many purchases of labor, operating supplies and capital assets are denominated in Euros, British pounds, Australian dollars, South African Rand and Ghanaian Cedis.

As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may affect the costs incurred at our operations. Gold is sold throughout the world based principally on the US dollar price, but portions of our operating expenses and some of our capital purchases are incurred in currencies other than the US dollar. The appreciation of non–US dollar currencies against the US dollar increases production costs and the cost of capital assets in US dollar terms at mines located outside the US, which can adversely impact our net income and cash flows. Conversely, a depreciation of non–US dollar currencies usually decreases production costs and capital asset purchases in US dollar terms.

The value of cash and cash equivalent investments denominated in foreign currencies also fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. Appreciation of non–US dollar currencies results in a foreign currency gain on such investments and a decrease in non–US dollar currencies results in a loss.

In the past from time to time we have entered into forward purchase contracts for South African Rand and Euros to hedge expected purchases of capital assets in South Africa and Europe. We maintain certain operating cash accounts in non–US dollar currencies. As of June 30, 2008 we had no currency related derivatives.

Commodity Price Risk

Gold is our primary product and, as a result, changes in the price of gold could significantly affect our results of operations and cash flows. According to current estimates, a $10 per ounce change in our average realized price of gold for the next 12 months would result in a $3.0 to $4.0 million change in expected pre–tax earnings and cash flows.

During the first quarter of 2007, to reduce the risk of unfavorable gold price fluctuations on our operating cash flows during the construction period of the Bogoso sulfide expansion project, we purchased puts to lock in minimum gold prices for portions of our expected gold sales in 2007. All of these instruments expired by the end of the first quarter in 2007.

Equity Price Risk

We have in the past and may in the future seek to acquire additional funding by sale of common shares. Movements in the price of our common shares have been volatile in the past and may also be volatile in the future. As a result, there is a risk that we may not be able to sell new common shares at an acceptable price should the need for new equity funding arise.

14. Warrants

As of June 30, 2008, we have 3,224,520 warrants outstanding which were issued as part of the St. Jude 2005 acquisition. These warrants have an exercise price of Cdn$4.17 and expire on November 20, 2008.

15. Share Capital

Changes in share capital during the six months ended June 30, 2008 are as follows:

 

     Shares    Amount

Balance as of December 31, 2007

   233,703,681    $ 609,103

Common shares issued:

     

Equity offering (net)

   1,881,630      5,353

Option exercises

   360,000      902
           

Balance as of June 30, 2008

   235,945,311    $ 615,358

 

14


Changes in share capital during the six months ended June 30, 2007 are as follows:

 

     Shares    Amount

Balance as of December 31, 2006

   207,891,358    $ 524,619

Common shares issued:

     

Equity offering (net)

   24,150,000      82,332

Option exercises

   1,067,500      1,334

Warrant exercises

   62,783      254

Bonus share grants

   50,683      175
           

Balance as of June 30, 2007

   233,222,324    $ 608,714

16. Stock Based Compensation

Stock Options – We have one stock option plan, the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), under which options are granted from time to time on the recommendations of the Compensation Committee. Options granted are non-assignable and are exercisable for a period of ten years or such other period as stipulated in a stock option agreement between Golden Star and the optionee. Under the Plan, we may grant options to employees, consultants and directors of the Company or its subsidiaries for up to 15,000,000 shares of common stock of which 3,269,057 are available for grant at June 30, 2008. Options take the form of non-qualified stock options, and the exercise price of each option may not be less than the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant. Options typically vest over periods ranging from immediately to four years from the date of grant. Vesting periods are determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

In addition to options issued under the Plan, 2,533,176 options were issued to various employees of St. Jude in exchange for St. Jude options in late 2005 of which 216,000 remain unexercised as of June 30, 2008. All of these remaining options are vested. All figures shown below include the options issued to St. Jude employees.

Non-cash employee compensation expense recognized in the statements of operations are as follows:

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
     2008    2007

Total stock compensation cost during the six month period ended June 30

   $ 450    $ 203
     Six months ended
June 30,
     2008    2007

Total stock compensation cost during the six month period ended June 30

   $ 1,139    $ 2,222

We granted 1,211,000 and 931,183 options during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We do not receive a tax deduction for the issuance of options. As a result we did not recognize any income tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense during the six month period June 30, 2008 and 2007.

The fair value of options granted during the six months period ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were estimated at the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the assumptions noted in the following table:

 

     Six months ended June 30,
     2008    2007

Expected volatility

   49.52 to 59.34%    66.66 to 67.13%

Risk–free interest rate

   2.89 to 3.32%    3.92% to 3.95%

Expected lives

   4 to 6.5 years    6 to 7 years

Dividend yield

   0%    0%

 

15


Golden Star uses historical data to estimate share option exercise and employee departure behavior used in the Black–Scholes model; groups of employees that have dissimilar historical behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected term of the options granted represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding; the range given above results from certain groups of employees exhibiting different post–vesting behaviors. The risk–free rate for periods within the contractual term of the option is based on the Canadian Chartered Bank Administered Interest rates in effect at the time of the grant.

A summary of option activity under the Plan as of June 30, 2008 and changes during the six month period is presented below:

 

     Options(000’)     Weighted–Average
Exercise price
(Cdn$)
   Weighted–Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)

Outstanding as of December 31, 2007

   6,624     $ 3.46    6.30

Granted

   1,211       3.65    9.71

Exercised

   (360 )     2.50    —  

Forfeited

   (450 )     5.03    —  
                 

Outstanding as of June 30, 2008

   7,025     $ 3.44    6.70

Exercisable at June 30, 2008

   5,930     $ 3.43    5.46

Stock Bonus Plan—In December 1992, we established an Employees’ Stock Bonus Plan (the “Bonus Plan”) for any full-time or part-time employee (whether or not a director) of the Company or any of our subsidiaries who has rendered meritorious services which contributed to the success of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Bonus Plan provides that a specifically designated committee of the Board of Directors may grant bonus common shares on terms that it might determine, within the limitations of the Bonus Plan and subject to the rules of applicable regulatory authorities. The Bonus Plan, as amended, provides for the issuance of 900,000 common shares of bonus stock of which 545,845 common shares had been issued as of June 30, 2008.

During the six month period ended June 30, 2008, no shares were issued under the Plan. For the six month period ended June 30, 2007, 50,683 shares were issued to employees at a cost of $0.2 million.

17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

     Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Other comprehensive income—Balance, December 31:

   $ 3,192     $ —    

Transition adjustment on change in accounting policy - January 1, 2007

     —         8,479  

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments

     4,110       (551 )

Recognition of realized gain on sale of available-for-sale investments

     (1,505 )     (3,331 )
                

Other comprehensive income - Balance June 30:

   $ 5,797     $ 4,597  
                

18. Capital

The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of the Company’s working capital requirements. In order to maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Company, upon approval from its Board of Directors, may issue or repay long-term debt, issue shares or undertake other activities as deemed appropriate under the specific circumstances. The Board of Directors reviews and approves any material transactions out of the ordinary course of business, including proposals on acquisitions or other major investments or divestitures, as well as capital and operating budgets. See note 10 for debt financing information

19. Earnings per Common share

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
    Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net income/(loss)

   $ (6,935 )   $ (2,289 )   $ (10,849 )   $ (5,854 )

Weighted average number of common shares (millions)

     235.9       233.2       235.4       224.7  
                                

Basic and diluted loss per share

   $ (0.029 )   $ (0.010 )   $ (0.046 )   $ (0.026 )

 

16


20. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following is a summary of significant non-cash transactions:

 

     Six months ended
June 30
     2008    2007

Available-for-sale investment acquired in exchange for property rights

   $ 118    $ —  

Warrants acquired in exchange for property rights

   $ 233    $ —  

Transfer of EURO shares

   $ 89    $ —  

The following is a summary of interest and income tax payments:

 

     Six months ended
June 30,
     2008    2007

Interest paid

   $ 4,200    $ 2,700

21. Operations by segment and geographic area

The following segment and geographic data includes revenues based on product shipment origin and long-lived assets based on physical location.

 

     Africa                    

As of and three months ended June 30,

   Bogoso/
Prestea
    Wassa     Other     South
America
    Corporate     Total  

2008

            

Revenues

   $ 42,202     $ 28,229     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 70,431  

Net (loss) income

     (6,075 )     3,578       (369 )     (326 )     (3,743 )     (6,935 )

Total assets

     443,686       158,323       141,666       12,084       30,795       786,554  

2007

            

Revenues

   $ 9,270     $ 18,848     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 28,118  

Net loss

     (1,261 )     (1,055 )     (104 )     (39 )     (1,940 )     (2,289 )

Total assets

     435,264       107,633       169,540       8,825       29,849       751,111  
     Africa                    

As of and six months ended June 30,

   Bogoso/
Prestea
    Wassa     Other     South
America
    Corporate     Total  

2008

            

Revenues

   $ 71,243     $ 52,371     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 123,614  

Net (loss) income

     (8,783 )     10,665       (541 )     (539 )     (11,651 )     (10,849 )

Total assets

     443,686       158,323       141,666       12,084       30,795       786,554  

2007

            

Revenues

   $ 20,850     $ 37,128     $     $     $     $ 57,979  

Net loss

     (1,638 )     (357 )     (593 )     (254 )     (3,012 )     (5,854 )

Total assets

     435,264       107,633       169,540       8,825       29,849       751,111  

22. Related parties

During the second quarter, we obtained legal services from a firm where our Chairman is of counsel. The cost of services incurred from this firm during the six month period ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Our Chairman did not personally perform any legal services to the Company during the six month period ended June 30, 2008 or 2007 nor did he benefit directly or indirectly from payments for the services performed by the firm.

 

17


23. Commitments and Contingencies

Our commitments and contingencies include the following items:

Environmental and Governmental Regulation

All phases of our operations are subject to environmental regulations in the various jurisdictions where we operate. These regulations may define, among other things, air and water quality standards, waste management requirements, and land rehabilitation obligations. In general, environmental legislation is evolving to require stricter operating standards, more detailed social and environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors, and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulations, if any, will not adversely affect our operations.

We use hazardous chemicals in our gold recovery activities that results in the generation of environmental contaminants that may adversely affect air and water quality. To mitigate the impacts associated with our activities, we have established objectives in meeting, or surpassing, regulatory requirements in all of our exploration, development, mining, and closure activities so that the local environment and communities are protected and that the post-closure land use contributes to the sustainability of the local economy. In order to meet our objectives, we have:

 

   

Educated our leaders and managers so that they are committed to creating a culture that makes social and environmental matters an integral part of the short- and long-term operations and performance management systems;

 

   

Worked with our employees so that they understand and accept environmental and social policies and procedures as a fundamental part of the business;

 

   

Signed the International Cyanide Management Code (“the Code”);

 

   

Implemented the Code aiming to ensure that established policies and procedures adhere to the Code’s best practices;

 

   

Established or are in the process of establishing operating standards and procedures that aim to meet or exceed requirements in relevant laws and regulations, the commitments made in our environmental impact statements, environmental management plans, rehabilitation and closure plans; and any international protocols to which we are a signatory;

 

   

Incorporated environmental performance requirements into all relvant contracts;

 

   

Provided training to employees and contractors in environmental matters;

 

   

Regularly prepared, reviewed and updated site-specific environmental management and closure plans;

 

   

Worked to progressively rehabilitate disturbed areas in conformance with the site-specific environmental management and closure plans;

 

   

Consulted local communities and regulators to provide us with input to our environmental management policies and procedures;

 

   

Regularly reviewed our environmental performance; and

 

   

Publicly reported our social, health, safety, and environmental performance.

Governmental approvals and permits are currently required, and will likely continue to be required in the future in connection with the our operations. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, we could be curtailed or prohibited from continuing our mining operations or from proceeding with planned exploration or development of mineral properties.

Our mining, processing, development and mineral exploration activities of the Company are subject to various laws governing prospecting, development, production, taxes, labor standards and occupational health, mine safety, land claims of local people and other matters. New rules and regulations may be enacted or that existing rules and regulations may be applied in a manner which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Environmental Bonding in Ghana

In 2005, pursuant to a reclamation bonding agreement between the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and GSWL, we bonded $3.0 million to cover future reclamation obligations at Wassa. To meet the bonding requirements, we established a $2.85 million letter of credit and deposited $0.15 million of cash with the EPA. In addition, pursuant to a bonding agreement between the EPA and GSBPL we bonded $9.5 million in early 2006 to cover our future obligations at Bogoso/Prestea. To meet these requirements we deposited $1.5 million of cash with the EPA with the balance covered by a letter of credit. The cash deposits are recorded as Restricted Cash in our balance sheet.

 

18


Royalties –

 

   

Dunkwa Properties: As part of the acquisition of the Dunkwa properties in August 2003, we agreed to pay the seller a net smelter return royalty on future gold production from the Mansiso and Asikuma properties. As per the acquisition agreement, there will be no royalty due on the first 200,000 ounces produced from Mampon which is located on the Asikuma property. The amount of the royalty is based on a sliding scale which ranges from 2% of net smelter return at gold prices at or below $300 per ounce and progressively increases to 3.5% for gold prices in excess of $400 per ounce.

 

   

Government of Ghana: Under the laws of Ghana, a holder of a mining lease is required to pay an annual royalty of not less than 3% and not more than 6% of the total revenues earned from the lease area. The royalty is payable on a quarterly basis. We currently pay a 3% annual royalty on gold production from Bogoso/Prestea and Wassa. The Ghana Minerals Commission recently announced that they are reviewing mineral royalty rates charged to mineral producers. The Minerals Commission review is at an early stage and it is not possible at this stage to predict the outcome.

 

   

Benso: Benso is subject to a 1.5% net smelter return royalty and a $1.00 per ounce gold production royalty.

 

   

Pampe: Portions of the Pampe deposit are subject to a 7.5% net smelter return royalty.

 

   

Prestea Underground – Areas of the Prestea Underground below a point 150 meters below sea level, are subject to a 2.5% net profits interest on future income. Ownership of the 2.5% net profit interest is currently held by the bankruptcy trustee overseeing liquidation of our former joint venture partner in the Prestea Underground. While we believe that the joint venture agreement provides for the 2.5% net profit interest, confirmation of this position has not been received from the bankruptcy trustee.

Afema Project – On March 29, 2005 we entered into an agreement with Société d’Etat pour le Development Minier de la Cote d’Ivoire (“SO.DE.MI.”), the Cote d’Ivoire state mining and exploration company, to acquire its 90% interest in the Afema gold property in south–east Cote d’Ivoire and the net profits interest is subject to final confirmation in such process. Golden Star has the right to complete the transaction to acquire 100% of SO.DE.MI.’s rights in the Afema property for $1.5 million. If we exercise the option, we would, in addition to the acquisition payment, pay SO.DE.MI. a royalty on any future gold production from the Afema property. The royalty is indexed to the gold price and ranges from 2% of net smelter returns at gold prices below $300 per ounce and progressively increases to 3.5% of net smelter returns for gold prices exceeding $525 per ounce.

Hwini-Butre – As part of the agreement for the purchase of the HBB Properties, Golden Star agreed to pay B.D. Goldfields Ltd $1.0 million if at least one million ounces of gold are produced and recovered in the first five years of production from the area covered by the Hwini-Butre prospecting license.

Obuom – In October 2007, we entered into agreement with AMI Resources Inc. (“AMI”), which gives AMI the right to earn our 54% ownership position in the Obuom property in Ghana. Should AMI eventually obtain full rights to our position on the property and develop a gold mining operation at Obuom, we would receive from AMI a 2% net smelter return royalty on 54% of the property’s gold production.

Goulagou and Rounga – In October 2007, we entered into an option agreement with Riverstone Resources Inc. (“Riverstone”) whereby Riverstone has the right to acquire our 90% interest in the Goulagou and Rounga properties in Burkina Faso. To exercise the option, Riverstone is required to spend Cdn$4 million on exploration programs on the Goulagou and Rounga properties over the next four years, and may then purchase our interest for $18.6 million in cash or Riverstone common shares. We are entitled to receive up to two million shares of Riverstone over the term of the option of which 300,000 shares have been received as of June 30, 2008. In addition we also received two million in the first quarter of 2008 common share purchase warrants of Riverstone with exercise prices that range from Cdn$0.30 to Cdn$0.45.

 

19


Paul Isnard – Golden Star has agreed to pay a royalty to EURO on all future gold production, if any, from the Paul Isnard property up to 5.0 million ounces. Gold production in excess of 5.0 million ounces will not be subject to the royalty. The royalty varies from ten percent (10%) of the difference between the market price of gold per ounce and $400, for all gold sales up to 2.0 million ounces and five percent (5%) of the same for gold sales between 2.0 million and 5.0 million ounces. Furthermore, we have agreed, subject to completion of a positive feasibility study, to pay an annual $1.0 million advance royalty to EURO beginning September 2010 and continuing until such time as the Paul Isnard property begins mining and selling gold. The total advanced royalty payments will be deducted from royalties payable during the production period on the first 2.0 million ounces.

In February 2008 EURO applied for renewal of its prospecting permits for portions of the Paul Isnard property. In connection with the permit, renewal we guaranteed the French mining authorities that we would spend at least € 0.6 million on the Paul Isnard property before 2010. At any time during the three years we can elect to drop the prospecting permits and forego the spending.

We have temporarily suspended exploration activities at our Paul Isnard project in French Guiana following the government’s recent announcement that it has suspended granting mining licenses pending the outcome of an environmental review of all French Guiana gold exploration areas. We expect this review to be completed by the end of 2008 and we anticipate that Golden Star’s exploration activities will be allowed to continue at Paul Isnard once this study is completed.

Bogoso Power Plant – Construction was initiated in the first quarter of 2008 on a nominal 20 megawatt power plant at Bogoso following completion of a construction letter of credit. As collateral for the letter of credit, we restricted $3.6 million of cash as required by the bank providing the letter. The provider of the power plant will construct, operate and maintain the plant on our behalf. This is a stand-by power facility that would be utilized only in the event of an emergency or when there is insufficient power available from the Ghana national power grid. Completion of construction is scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2008

The initial amount of the letter of credit was $2.0 million increasing each month after initiation of construction reaching a maximum of approximately $7.0 million in the seventh month. The letter of credit will progressively decrease over the subsequent months until it reaches nil at the end of the 30 months following the initiation of construction. At any point in the first 30 months we can terminate the contract by making a payment to Genser equal to the remaining balance on the letter of credit. If such payment is made, Genser will return the letter of credit and the title to the power plant will be transferred to us. If the contract is terminated after 30 months, title to the plant will transfer to us for no consideration.

24. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada, which differ from US GAAP. The effect of applying US GAAP to our financial statements is shown below.

 

20


(a) Consolidated Balance Sheets in U.S. GAAP

 

     June 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 37,147     $ 75,754  

Accounts receivable

     8,884       8,369  

Inventories

     68,310       55,966  

Deposits

     9,944       4,513  

Other current assets

     2,461       1,224  
                

Total current assets

     126,746       145,826  

Restricted cash

     5,152       1,510  

Available-for-sale and long term investments

     7,755       5,121  

Property, plant and equipment (Note d3)

     274,804       283,363  

Mining properties (Notes d2 and d3)

     297,916       288,795  

Other assets

     4,147       4,362  
                

Total assets

   $ 716,520     $ 728,977  
                

LIABILITIES

    

Current liabilities (Note d5)

   $ 71,357     $ 75,192  

Long term debt (Note d6)

     139,035       145,324  

Asset retirement obligations

     16,947       16,906  

Fair value of long term derivatives (Note d5)

     184       —    

Future tax liability (Note d4)

     40,640       40,640  
                

Total liabilities

     268,163       278,062  

Minority interest

     703       1,637  

Commitments and contingencies

     —         —    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Share capital (Note d7)

     614,992       608,737  

Contributed surplus (Note d5)

     13,377       12,238  

Accumulated comprehensive income and other (Note d8)

     8,570       5,965  

Deficit

     (189,285 )     (177,662 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     447,654       449,278  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 716,520     $ 728,977  
                

 

21


(b) Consolidated Statements of Operations under US GAAP

 

     Three months ended
June 30
    Six months ended
June 30
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net loss under Cdn GAAP

   $ (6,935 )   $ (2,289 )   $ (10,849 )   $ (5,854 )

Deferred exploration expenditures expensed per US GAAP (Note d1 and d2)

     (2,006 )     (2,403 )     (6,214 )     (4,637 )

Depreciation and amortization differences – Wassa (Note d3)

     1,650       536       (35 )     1,169  

Derivative gain/(loss) (Note d5)

     1,157       2,085       770       (581 )

Loan derivative - gain (Note d6)

     17,695       —         1,887       —    

Change in loan fee amortization

     (73 )     —         (148 )     —    

Write-off of deferred exploration properties (Note d3)

     —         88       —         88  

Other (Notes d6)

     1,536       (5 )     3,047       (7 )
                                

Net income/(loss) before minority interest under US GAAP

     13,024       (1,988 )     (11,542 )     (9,822 )

Minority interest, as adjusted

     (23 )     4       (81 )     4  
                                

Net income/(loss) before income tax under US GAAP

     13,001       (1,984 )     (11,623 )     (9,818 )

Income tax benefit, as adjusted (Note d4)

     —         12,176       —         12,176  
                                

Net income (loss) under US GAAP

   $ 13,001     $ 10,192     $ (11,623 )   $ 2,358  

Other comprehensive income – gain (loss) on marketable securities (Note d8)

     4,030       —         6,604       (4,261 )
                                

Comprehensive income/(loss)

   $ 17,031     $ 10,192     $ (5,019 )   $ (1,903 )
                                

Basic and diluted net income/(loss) per share under US GAAP before cumulative effect of change in accounting method

   $ 0.055     $ 0.044       ($0.050 )   $ 0.010  

(c) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows under US GAAP

 

     Three months ended
June 30
    Six months ended
June 30
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Cash provided by/(used in):

        

Operating activities

   $ 7,685     $ 1,833     $ (1,561 )   $ (8,722 )

Investing activities

     (21,853 )     (11,481 )     (35,257 )     (89,092 )

Financing activities

     (3,362 )     5,840       (1,789 )     86,835  
                                

Increase/(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (17,530 )     (3,808 )     (38,607 )     (10,979 )

Cash and cash equivalent beginning of period

     54,677       19,937       75,754       27,108  
                                

Cash and cash equivalents end of period

   $ 37,147     $ 16,129     $ 37,147     $ 16,129  
                                

(d) Notes:

 

(1) Under US GAAP, exploration, acquisition (except for property purchase costs), and general and administrative costs related to exploration projects are charged to expense as incurred. Under Cdn GAAP, exploration, acquisition and direct general and administrative costs related to exploration projects are capitalized. In each subsequent period, the exploration, engineering, financial and market information for each exploration project is reviewed by management to determine if any of the capitalized costs are impaired. If found impaired, the asset’s cost basis is reduced in accordance with Cdn GAAP provisions.

 

(2) Under US GAAP, the initial purchase cost of mining properties is capitalized. Pre-acquisition costs and subsequent development costs incurred, until a final feasibility study is completed, are expensed in the period incurred. Under Cdn GAAP, the purchase costs of new mining properties as well as all development costs incurred after acquisition are capitalized and subsequently reviewed each period for impairment. If found impaired, the asset’s cost basis is reduced in accordance with Cdn GAAP provisions.

 

(3) Under US GAAP new production facilities are placed in service once the facility has been constructed and fully tested to the point where it is available for regular and sustained use. Under Cdn GAAP, new production facilities are placed in service when output reaches a significant portion of the facility’s design capacity.

 

22


(4) While tax accounting rules are essentially the same under both US and Cdn GAAP, tax account differences can arise from differing treatment of various assets and liabilities. For example, most exploration expenditures and certain mine developments cost are capitalized under Cdn GAAP and expensed under US GAAP, as explained in notes 1 and 2 above. An analysis of these differences indicates that there are larger potential tax benefits under US GAAP than under Cdn GAAP in the GSBPL and GSWL tax jurisdiction, but a valuation allowance has been applied to all amounts as of June 30, 2008. On January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48 for US GAAP purposes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that we recognize in our consolidated financial statements, only those tax positions that are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained as of the adoption date, based on the technical merits of the position. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we performed a comprehensive review of our material tax positions in accordance with recognition and measurement standards established by FIN 48. Based on this review the provisions of FIN 48 had no effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations at either December 31, 2007 or June 30, 2008.

We and our subsidiaries are subject to the following material taxing jurisdictions: Ghana, Canada and Burkina Faso. The tax years that remain open to examination by the Ghana Internal Revenue Service are years 1999 through 2007. The tax years that remain open to examination by Revenue Canada are years 2003 through 2007. All tax years remain open to examination in Burkina Faso. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits in income tax expense. We have no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2007 or June 30, 2008.

 

(5) Under US GAAP the fair value of warrants denominated in currencies other than the company’s functional currency are treated as a derivative liability. The derivative liability of such warrants is marked to market at the end of each period and the change in fair value is recorded in the statement of operations. Under Cdn GAAP the issue-date fair values of all warrants is treated as a component of shareholders’ equity and are recorded as contributed surplus and are not subsequently marked to their fair value.

 

(6) Under Cdn GAAP, the fair value of the conversion feature of convertible debt is classified as equity and the balance is classified as a liability. The liability portion is accreted each period in amounts which will increase the liability to its full face amount of the convertible instrument as of the maturity date. Accretion is recorded as interest expense. For US GAAP purposes, the entire amount of convertible debt is classified as a liability and recorded at fair value at the end of each period, with the change in fair value recorded in the statement of operations in accordance with FAS 155.

 

(7) Numerous transactions since the Company’s organization in 1992 have contributed to the difference in share capital versus the Cdn GAAP balance, including: (i) under US GAAP, compensation expense was recorded for the difference between quoted market prices and the strike price of options granted to employees and directors under stock option plans while under Cdn GAAP, recognition of compensation expense was not required; (ii) in May 1992 our accumulated deficit was eliminated through an amalgamation (defined as a quasi-reorganization under US GAAP)—under US GAAP the cumulative deficit was greater than the deficit under Cdn GAAP due to the past write-offs of certain deferred exploration costs; and (iii) gains recognized in Cdn GAAP upon issuances of subsidiaries’ shares are not allowed under US GAAP.

 

(8) There is a difference in the basis of investments between US GAAP and Canadian GAAP due to the accounting treatment relating to exploration costs. Under U.S. GAAP exploration costs are expensed as incurred. Under Canadian GAAP exploration costs are capitalized as deferred exploration. This difference is reflected in other comprehensive income. In addition, the company has differences related to cumulative translation adjustments that relate to historical activity prior to 1999.

 

(9) Impact of recently issued Accounting Standards

In May 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Statement 162 is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent frame work, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. It is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411. We do not believe that the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Positions (FSP) APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (including Partial Cash Settlements)”. This FSP clarifies that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) are not addressed by paragraph 12 of APB Opinion No. 14, Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants. Additionally, this FSP specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods with those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted.

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the financial statements.

 

23


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (“Cdn GAAP”). For reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”), see Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations include information available to August 4, 2008. All financial amounts are in thousands of US dollars unless stated otherwise.

OUR BUSINESS

Through our subsidiaries we own a controlling interest in four gold properties in southern Ghana, West Africa:

 

   

Bogoso/Prestea property, which is comprised of the adjoining Bogoso and Prestea surface mining leases (“Bogoso/Prestea”),

 

   

Wassa property (“Wassa”),

 

   

Prestea Underground property (“Prestea Underground”), and

 

   

Hwini-Butre and Benso concessions (“HBB Properties”).

In addition to these gold properties, we hold various other exploration rights and interests and are actively exploring for gold in several locations in West Africa and South America.

Bogoso/Prestea is owned by our 90% owned subsidiary Golden Star (Bogoso/Prestea) Limited (“GSBPL”) which was acquired in 1999.

Through another 90% owned subsidiary, Golden Star (Wassa) Limited (“GSWL”), we own the Wassa gold mine located some 35 kilometers east of Bogoso/Prestea.

The Prestea Underground is located on the Prestea property and consists of a currently inactive underground gold mine and associated support facilities. GSBPL owns a 90% operating interest in the Prestea Underground. We are currently reconditioning certain shafts to allow better access to the underground workings. We are also conducting exploration and engineering studies to determine if the underground mine or portions of it can be reactivated on a profitable basis.

GSWL owns a 90% interest in the HBB Properties in southwest Ghana and the Government of Ghana holds a 10% carried interest. Development activities were initiated in late 2007, and we expect to begin moving Benso ore to the Wassa plant in the third quarter of 2008. The Hwini-Butre and Benso concessions are located approximately 70 and 40 kilometers south of Wassa, respectively.

We hold interests in several gold exploration projects in Ghana and elsewhere in West Africa including Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Niger and Cote d’Ivoire. We also hold and manage exploration properties in Suriname and French Guiana in South America.

Our administrative offices are located in Littleton, Colorado, USA and we also maintain a regional corporate office in Accra, Ghana.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In this Form 10-Q, we use the terms “total operating cost per ounce,” “total cash cost per ounce” and “cash operating cost per ounce.”

Total operating cost per ounce is equal to “Total Cost of Sales” for the period, as found in footnote 9 to our consolidated financial statements, divided by the ounces of gold sold in the period. Total cost of sales include all mine-site operating costs, including the costs of mining, processing, maintenance, work-in-process inventory changes, mine-site overhead, production taxes and royalties, mine site depreciation, depletion, amortization, asset retirement obligations and by-product credits but does not include exploration costs, corporate general and administrative expenses, impairment charges, corporate business development costs, gains and losses on asset sales, interest expense, mark-to-market gains and losses on derivatives, foreign currency gains and losses, gains and losses on investments and income tax.

Total cash cost per ounce for a period is equal to “Cost of Sales” less “Mining related depreciation and amortization” and “Accretion of asset retirement obligations” costs for the period, as found in footnote 9 to our consolidated statements of operations, divided by the number of ounces of gold sold during the period.

Cash operating cost per ounce for a period is equal to “total cash costs” for the period less production royalties and production taxes, divided by the number of ounces of gold sold during the period.

 

24


The calculations of total cash cost per ounce and cash operating cost per ounce are in compliance with an industry standard for such measures established in 1996 by the Gold Institute, a non-profit industry group.

The following table shows the derivation of these measures and a reconciliation of “total cash cost per ounce” and “cash operating cost per ounce.”

 

25


Derivation of Cost per Ounce Measures 1

 

     For the three months ended
June 30, 2008
 
     Wassa     Bogoso/
Prestea
    Combined  

Mining operations

   $ 17,663     $ 39,260     $ 56,923  

Change in inventory (costs from / (to) metals inventory)

     742       1,581       2,324  

Mining related depreciation and amortization

     5,356       6,956       12,312  

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

     43       101       145  
                        

Total cost of sales

   $ 23,805     $ 47,898     $ 71,703  

Ounces sold

     31,379       46,934       78,313  

Derivation of cost per ounce:

      

Total operating costs - GAAP ($/oz)

   $ 759     $ 1,021     $ 916  

Less depreciation and amortization ($/oz)

     171       148       157  

Less accretion of asset retirement obligations ($/oz)

     1       2       2  
                        

Total cash cost per ounce

     587       870       757  

Less royalties and production taxes per ounce

     27       27       27  
                        

Cash operating cost per ounce

   $ 560     $ 843     $ 730  
                        
     For the three months ended
June 30, 2007
 
     Wassa     Bogoso/
Prestea
    Combined  

Mining operations

   $ 14,972     $ 13,538     $ 28,510  

Change in inventory (costs to metals inventory)

     (1,027 )     (2,445 )     (3,472 )

Mining related depreciation and amortization

     3,415       1,925       5,340  

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

     85       173       258  
                        

Total cost of sales

   $ 17,445     $ 13,191     $ 30,636  

Ounces sold

     28,383       13,910       42,295  

Derivation of cost per ounce:

      

Total operating costs - GAAP ($/oz)

   $ 615     $ 948     $ 724  

Less depreciation and amortization ($/oz)

     120       138       126  

Less accretion of asset retirement obligations ($/oz)

     3       12       6  
                        

Total cash cost per ounce

     491       798       592  

Less royalties and production taxes per ounce

     20       20       20  
                        

Cash operating cost per ounce

   $ 471     $ 778     $ 572  
                        
     For the six months ended
June 30, 2008
 
     Wassa     Bogoso/
Prestea
    Combined  

Mining operations

   $ 32,342     $ 75,307     $ 107,649  

Change in inventory (costs from / (to) metals inventory)

     (1,545 )     (9,431 )     (10,976 )

Mining related depreciation and amortization

     10,114       13,678       23,792  

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

     157       206       363  
                        

Total cost of sales

   $ 41,067     $ 79,760     $ 120,827  

Ounces sold

     57,392       78,348       135,740  

Derivation of cost per ounce:

      

Total operating costs—GAAP ($/oz)

   $ 716     $ 1,018     $ 890  

Less depreciation and amortization ($/oz)

     176       175       175  

Less accretion of asset retirement obligations ($/oz)

     3       3       3  
                        

Total cash cost per ounce

     537       841       712  

Less royalties and production taxes per ounce

     27       27       27  
                        

Cash operating cost per ounce

   $ 509     $ 814     $ 685  
                        

 

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     For the six months ended
June 30, 2007
 
     Wassa     Bogoso/
Prestea
    Combined  

Mining operations

   $ 28,376     $ 26,746     $ 55,122  

Change in inventory (costs to metals inventory)

     (705 )     (4,023 )     (4,728 )

Mining related depreciation and amortization

     9,114       3,883       12,997  

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

     170       401       571  
                        

Total cost of sales

   $ 36,955     $ 27,007     $ 63,962  

Ounces sold

     56,488       31,631       88,119  

Derivation of cost per ounce:

      

Total operating costs - GAAP ($/oz)

   $ 654     $ 854     $ 726  

Less depreciation and amortization ($/oz)

     161       123       147  

Less accretion of asset retirement obligations ($/oz)

     3       13       6  
                        

Total cash cost per ounce

     4900       718       572  

Less royalties and production taxes per ounce

     20       19       20  
                        

Cash operating cost per ounce

   $ 470     $ 699     $ 552  
                        

 

1

See note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Total cash cost per ounce and cash operating cost per ounce should be considered as non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation S-K Item 10 and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are material limitations associated with the use of such non-GAAP measures. Since these measures do not incorporate revenues, changes in working capital and non-operating cash costs, they are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP. Changes in numerous factors including, but not limited to, mining rates, milling rates, gold grade, gold recovery, costs of labor, consumables and mine site general and administrative activities can cause these measures to increase or decrease. We believe that these measures are the same as, or similar to the measures of other gold mining companies, but may not be comparable to similarly titled measures in every instance.

Ownership - All figures and amounts in this Item 2 are shown on a 100% basis, which represents our current beneficial interest in gold production and revenues. The Government of Ghana would receive 10% of the dividends distributed from the subsidiaries owning the Bogoso/Prestea and Wassa mines once all capital costs have been repaid to the parent companies.

BUSINESS STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT

Since 1999, our business and development strategy has been focused primarily on the acquisition of producing and development-stage gold properties in Ghana and on the exploration, development and operation of these properties. Since 1999, our exploration efforts have been focused on Ghana, other West African countries and South America.

In line with our business strategy, we acquired Bogoso in 1999 and have operated a nominal 5,000 tonne per day carbon-in-leach (“CIL”) processing plant since that time to process oxide and other non-refractory ores (“Bogoso oxide plant”). In 2001, we acquired Prestea and mined surface deposits at Prestea from late 2001 to late 2006. In late 2002, we acquired Wassa, and constructed a new nominal 10,000 tonne per day CIL processing plant at Wassa which began commercial operation in April 2005.

In 2007 we completed construction and development of a new nominal 3.5 million tonnes per annum processing facility at Bogoso/Prestea that uses bio-oxidation technology to treat refractory sulfide ore (“Bogoso sulfide plant”). This facility was placed in commercial service on July 1, 2007.

GSWL owns a 90% interest in the HBB Properties in southwest Ghana and the Government of Ghana holds a 10% carried interest. Development activities were initiated in late 2007, and we expect to begin moving Benso ore to the Wassa plant in the third quarter of 2008. The Hwini-Butre and Benso concessions are located approximately 70 and 40 kilometers south of Wassa, respectively.

 

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Our overall objective since 1999 has been to grow our business to become a mid-tier gold producer with an annualized production rate in excess of 500,000 ounces. With the new sulfide plant at Bogoso and development of the HBB Properties in 2008, we expect to reach this goal in 2009. We continue to evaluate potential acquisition and merger opportunities that could further increase our annual gold production. However, we presently have no agreement or understanding with respect to any specific potential transaction.

SIGNIFICANT TRENDS AND EVENTS DURING THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008

Bogoso Sulfide Plant

The Bogoso sulfide plant continued to treat predominately transition sulfide ores from the Bogoso sulfide pits (Buesichem, Chujah) during the second quarter of 2008 and has achieved overall recoveries in line with what was expected from transition ores. As mining progresses to deeper levels in the sulfide pits we expect to mine fresh sulfides where metallurgical testing indicates higher gold recoveries in flotation.

Energy Price Increase

In June 2008, the Public Utilities Regulatory Committee (“PURC”) of Ghana announced a pending power rate increase to high voltage electric power customers effective July 1, 2008. While the new rate has not yet been announced, PURC has indicated that high voltage customers should expect to a pay significantly higher rate than the $0.10/kWh paid in the past. The Ghana Chamber of Mines and affected mining companies are actively negotiating with the Ghanaian power agencies to seek a reasonable rate. While it is not possible to evaluate the impact of the increase on our operations until the final rate is announced, the increase in our cash operating costs will most likely be significant.

Gold Prices

Gold prices have generally trended upward during the last seven years, from a low of $260 per ounce in 2001 to a high of $1,023 per ounce in March 2008. The realized gold price for our shipments during the first six months of 2008 averaged $911 per ounce, as compared to $658 per ounce in the same period of 2007.

Prestea South

During 2008 we expect to obtain permits for several open pits, collectively known as the Prestea South project, on the southern portion of the Prestea property. Following receipt of final permits, we expect to begin developing Prestea South in late 2008 or early 2009 and plan to commence mining in the first half of 2009. The Prestea South oxide ore will be transported to Bogoso where it will be processed through the Bogoso oxide plant.

Management Changes

In March 2008, Mr. Tom Mair was appointed President and CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Mair previously served as Interim President and CEO since January 1, 2008 and as Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer from February 2007 to December 2007. In April Mr. Scott Barr was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Ghana Stock Exchange Listing and Share Offering

In February 2008, our common shares were listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange in Accra, to support the further growth of the Ghana Stock Exchange and to allow our employees and stakeholders in Ghana an opportunity to invest in Golden Star. In conjunction with the listing we completed an offering of 1,869,020 Golden Star common shares to investors in Ghana and Europe at a price of $3.10 (3.0 Cedis) per share. All shares issued are tradable on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange as well as on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

Government Royalties

In early 2008 the Ghana Minerals Commission announced that it was reviewing mineral royalty rates charged to mineral producers. Under current Ghanaian mining law, the royalty rate for gold mining ranges between 3% and 6% based on a mine’s operating margin. Under this law our mines have historically paid a 3% royalty. The Minerals Commission’s review has not been completed and it is not possible at this time to predict its outcome. Since the gold royalty is codified in Ghanaian mineral law, a change in the royalty rate structure would require a change in the law which would involve ratification by the Ghana parliament.

Illegal Mining

While illegal mining activities on our properties were minimal in 2007, there has been an increase in such activity in recent quarters throughout Ghana, including at our properties. Illegal mining is evident at our Prestea South project and in recent months there has been a significant increase in such activity at our HBB Properties. We have brought this situation to the attention of the local and national governmental authorities. While illegal mining has had minimal impact on our recent operations, such activity could result in access issues at the Prestea South and Hwini-Butre areas when we initiate development activities later this year and in 2009.

 

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Bogoso Power Plant

Construction was initiated in the first quarter of 2008 on a nominal 20 megawatt power plant at Bogoso following completion of a construction letter of credit. As collateral for the letter of credit, we restricted $3.6 million of cash as required by the bank providing the letter. The provider of the power plant will construct, operate and maintain the plant on our behalf. This is a stand-by power facility that would be utilized only in the event of an emergency or when there is insufficient power available from the Ghana national power grid. Completion of construction is scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2008.

International Financial Reporting Standards

The Canadian Accounting Standards Board (“CICA” ) recently confirmed January 1, 2011 as the date International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) will replace current Canadian GAAP for publicly traded companies. The CICA has also made provisions for early adoption of IFRS as soon as 2009.

We are currently developing an IFRS change-over plan and if approval is obtained from the Canadian Securities Administrators, we plan to adopt IFRS as of January 1, 2009. Towards this end we have retained a qualified consulting team to oversee and effect the conversion process. To date the consultants have prepared a detailed scoping study and conversion plan . Changing from Canadian GAAP to IFRS will be a significant undertaking that may materially affect reported financial position and results of operations and certain business functions. The transition may also cause volatility in earnings and changes to the depreciable asset base.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

   For the three months ended
June 30,
    For the six months ended
June 30,
 
   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Gold sold (oz)

   78,313     42,295 1.   135,740 .   88,119 2.

Average realized price ($/oz)

   900     665     911     658  

Total cash cost ($/oz)

   757     592     712     572  

Gold revenues (in $ thousands)

   70,431     28,118     123,614     57,979  

Cash flow provided by operations (in $ thousands)

   9,691     4,328     4,653     (3,993 )

Net income/(loss) (in $ thousands)

   (6,935 )   (2,289 )   (10,849 )   (5,854 )

Comprehensive net income/(loss) (in $ thousands)

   (6,904 )   (2,375 )   (8,244 )   (6,405 )

Net income/(loss) per share – basic ($)

   (0.029 )   (0.010 )   (0.046 )   (0.026 )

 

1. Excludes 6,016 ounces from the new sulfide plant. These ounces are not included in sales revenues.

 

2. Excludes 7,803 ounces from the new sulfide plant. These ounces are not included in sales revenues.

Three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to three months ended June 30, 2007

During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we incurred a net loss of $6.9 million or $0.029 per share on revenues of $70.4 million, versus a net loss of $2.3 million or $0.010 per share on gold revenues of $28.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007. The significant current year increase in revenues reflects the incremental ounces in the second quarter of 2008 from the Bogoso sulfide operation which was not yet in service in the second quarter of 2007. Higher gold prices ($900/oz vs $665/oz) also contributed

 

29


to the revenue improvement. The increase in cost of sales versus the second quarter of 2007 reflects recognition of operating and depreciation costs of the Bogoso sulfide operation in periods subsequent to its July 1, 2007 in-service date. In addition, price increases in many of the operating consumables including power, fuel, labor, parts and supplies, have added to the cost of sales versus a year ago.

While progress was made in resolving various operational issues at the Bogoso sulfide plant, gold out-put remained below expectations. Second quarter 2008 gold shipments exceeded first quarter 2008 shipments by 36%, but second quarter output was 1,100 ounces lower than in the fourth quart of 2007. Wassa performed well shipping 10.5% more gold than it did in the second quarter of 2007.

Interest expense was higher in the current quarter based on the increased amount of debt versus a year ago also because most of our interest expense was capitalized as part of the Bogoso sulfide plant construction costs in the second quarter of 2007.

Six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to six months ended June 30, 2007

During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we incurred a net loss of $10.8 million or $0.046 per share on revenues of $123.6 million, versus a net loss of $5.9 million or $0.026 per share on gold revenues of $58.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007. As in the quarter, discussed above, the significant current year increase in revenues and cost of sales reflects the incremental ounces and costs in the first six months of 2008 from the Bogoso sulfide operation which was not yet in service in the first half of 2007. Higher gold prices ($911/oz vs $658/oz) also contributed to the revenue improvement. Price increases in a many of the operating consumables including power, fuel, labor, parts and supplies, also added to the cost of sales versus a year ago.

 

30


BOGOSO/PRESTEA OPERATIONS

 

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

   For the three months ended
June 30,
    For the six months ended
June 30,
 
   2008    2007     2008    2007  

Mining

          

Ore mined - refractory (t)

   224,467    46,514     1,077,542    161,816  

Ore mined – non-refractory (t)

   360,187    241,326     385,304    466,821  

Total ore mined (t)

   584,654    287,840     1,462,846    628,637  

Waste mined (t)

   5,012,584    2,580,407     10,505,635    8,362,475  

Bogoso Sulfide Plant Results (4)

          

Refractory ore processed (t)

   438,487    187,060     1,022,795    309,021  

Refractory ore grade processed (g/t)

   2.94    2.82     2.79    2.87  

Gold recovery refractory ore (%)

   69.7    57.23     63.5    52  

Bogoso Oxide Plant Results (3)

          

Ore processed (t)

   267,430    284,959     512,803    848,128  

Ore grade processed (g/t)

   2.85    2.4     2.76    1.93  

Gold recovery (%)

   66.9    77.37     64.0    69.9  

Total Bogoso gold sold (oz)

   46,934    13,910 (1)   78,348    31,631 (2)

Cash operating cost ($/oz)

   843    778     814    699  

Royalties ($/oz)

   27    20     27    19  

Total cash cost ($/oz)

   870    798     841    718  

 

1. Excludes 6,016 ounces from the new sulfide plant. These ounces are not included in sales revenues.

 

2. Excludes 7,803 ounces from the new sulfide plant. These ounces are not included in sales revenues.

 

3. While the Bogoso oxide plant was configured to process oxide ores, subsequent modifications has given it the ability to process sulfide, transition, non-refractory sulfide and oxide ores. Accordingly, the statistical information presented above is the average of several ore types processed in the first six months of 2008.

 

4. In the first six months of 2007 the Bogoso sulfide plant was in the start-up phase and had not reached full capacity.

Three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to three months ended June 30, 2007

Bogoso/Prestea’s second quarter gold shipments more than tripled to 46,934 ounces, up from 13,910 ounces shipped in the same quarter of 2007. Second quarter 2008 gold output from the new Bogoso sulfide plant, which was not yet completed and in-service in the second quarter of 2007, was the major factor responsible for the increase. Quarterly gold revenues totaled $42.2 million, up from $9.3 million a year earlier, with output from the Bogoso sulfide plant output again the major factor in the improvement. Higher gold prices also contributed to the improved revenues.

While second quarter gold output was significantly higher than a year earlier, additional operating costs of the new sulfide plant offset the increase in revenues resulting in a $5.7 million operating margin loss at Bogoso/Prestea, up from a $3.9 million operating margin loss in the second quarter of 2007. Bogoso/Prestea’s second quarter average cash operating costs rose to $843 per ounce, up from $778 per ounce a year earlier reflecting both the increased number of ounces and increased operating costs from the sulfide plant as well as increases in labor, fuel, power and other consumables at the Bogoso oxide plant.

The new Bogoso sulfide plant operated throughout the second quarter processing transition sulfide ores from the sulfide pits at Bogoso, achieving 70% gold recovery as was expected from the transition sulfide ores. The 70% recovery was a substantial improvement from the 59% recovery in the first quarter of 2008 and from the 57% recovery reported in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The increase in gold recovery was the result of a revised operating plan that matches sulfide plant feed rates to the number of bio-oxidation tanks available. Matching the concentrate feed rate to the number of bio-oxidation tanks available allowed optimal oxidation to occur which lead to increased overall gold recoveries. Following agitator shaft and gear box repairs in the first quarter of 2008, the average number of bio-oxidation tanks available increased to 11 in the second quarter, up from 8 in the first quarter. Once all of the on-going agitator shaft and gear box replacements are finalized, we expect to eventually have 13 of the 14 total tanks running on a regular basis. Improvements in the cooling water system and bio-oxidation tank air supply systems also contributed to the improved gold recovery as did changes in flotation reagents and start-up of the regrind system.

Metallurgical testing of the Bogoso sulfide ores have shown that the sulfide plant should achieve better gold recoveries from fresh sulfide ores found deeper in the sulfide pits. As mining progresses to deeper levels over the next few quarters and increased quantities of fresh ore are mined, we expect to see further improvements in overall gold recoveries.

 

31


The sulfide plant’s CIL circuit performed well and demonstrated that if the flotation concentrate are fully oxidized, the leach recovery circuit will efficiently recover the available gold. Carbon stripping and elution systems improved performance over the first quarter and handled increased throughput from the sulfide and the oxide plants.

The Bogoso oxide plant demonstrated its flexibility during the second quarter by processing several ore types as they became available including oxide ores, siliceous ores, refractory ores and refractory leachable ores at various times. A sulfide float concentrate was recovered from the transition ore which was sent to the Sulfide plant’s bio-oxidation tanks. During the remainder of 2008, the Bogoso oxide plant may be idle for periods of time when there is insufficient ore for it to process. If there are periods when the Bogoso sulfide plant is short sulfide flotation concentrate, the Bogoso oxide plant can be restarted to provide sufficient supplemental sulfide flotation concentrate to keep the sulfide plant’s bio-oxidation circuit filled.

Six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to six months ended June 30, 2007

In the first six months of 2008, Bogoso/Prestea shipped 78,348 ounces of gold, up from 31,631 in the first half of 2007. As with the quarter, the major factor in the increase was output from the new Bogoso sulfide plant which was not in-service during the first half of 2007. Bogoso/Prestea produced $71.2 million in gold revenues in the six months and a $8.5 million operating margin loss, as compared to $20.8 million of revenues and a $6.2 million operating margin loss in the first half of 2007. While the operating margin losses were similar in both periods, operations were significantly different. During the first six months of 2007, the Bogoso oxide plant processed oxide ore and the Bogoso sulfide plant was still under construction and did not contribute to the operating margin loss. During the first six months of 2008, the Bogoso oxide plant processed a variety of different ore types as explained above and the Bogoso sulfide plant was in-service processing refractory transition ores from the Bogoso pits.

While Bogoso/Prestea gold output increased significantly over the first half of 2007, as with the second quarter, the additional operating costs of the new sulfide plant offset the increase in revenues resulting in an operating margin loss at Bogoso/Prestea similar to the same period of the prior year.

Cash operating costs rose to $814 per ounce for the six months ended June 30 2008, up from $699 per ounce from the same period in 2007. The increase in cost per ounce reflects both the increased number of ounces and increased operating costs from the sulfide plant as well as increases in labor, fuel, power and other consumables at the Bogoso oxide plant.

WASSA OPERATIONS

 

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

   For the three months ended
June 30,
   For the six months ended
June 30,
   2008    2007    2008    2007

Mining:

           

Ore mined (t)

   688,537    757,166    1,706,885    1,422,313

Waste mined (t)

   1,309,242    2,594,919    2,565,772    4,305,923

Wassa Plant Results

           

Ore processed (t)

   856,238    879,560    1,783,011    1,886,728

Grade processed (g/t)

   1.20    1.13    1.17    1.03

Recovery (%)

   92.9    89.7    93.1    90.5

Gold sold (oz)

   31,379    28,385    57,392    56,489

Cash operating cost ($/oz)

   560    471    509    470

Royalties ($/oz)

   27    20    27    20

Total cash cost ($/oz)

   587    491    537    490

 

32


Three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to three months ended June 30, 2007

Wassa

Wassa plant processed an average of 9,409 tonnes of ore per day in the second quarter at an average grade of 1.2 grams per tonne yielding 31,379 ounces compared to an rate of 9,665 tonnes per day at an average grade of 1.13 gram per tonne and 28,385 ounces in the same period of 2007. The increase in output reflects higher grades which were expected from deeper levels in the Wassa pits. Wassa generated $4.3 million of operating margin in the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to an operating margin of $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The improvement in operating margin was a function of higher gold prices, better grade and higher recoveries. Increases in the cost of power, labor, royalties and equipment maintenance costs and depreciation resulted in an increase in cost of sales to $23.8 million in the second quarter, up from $17.4 million a year earlier. The cash operating cost for the quarter was $560 per ounce, up from $471 per ounce a year earlier. While ounces sold were higher than in the second quarter of 2007, increases in cash operating costs resulted in over-all higher unit costs.

In the third quarter of 2008 Wassa expects to begin receiving shipments of ore from the new Benso deposit located 40 km south of Wassa. At that time Wassa plans to reduce the mining rate in the Wassa pits and supplement plant feed with the higher grade Benso ore. A significant increase in Wassa gold output is expected from this new ore source which is expected to average approximately 3.29 grams per tonne.

Six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to six months ended June 30, 2007

Wassa generated $11.3 million of operating margin in the six months ended June 30, 2008 on sales of 57,392 ounces of gold, compared to an operating margin loss of $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 on sales of 56,489 ounces. During the six months ended June 30, 2008 the Wassa plant processed an average of 9,797 tonnes per day at an average grade of 1.17 g/t with a gold recovery of 93.1%, compared to 10,423 tonnes per day at an average grade of 1.03 g/t with a 90.5% recovery in the same period of 2007. The improvement in operating margin was a function of higher gold prices, better grade and higher recoveries. As with the second quarter, increases in the cost of power, labor, royalties and equipment maintenance costs resulted in an increase in cost of sales to $41.1 million in the second quarter, up from $37.0 million a year earlier. The cash operating cost for the first half of 2008 averaged $509 per ounce, up from $470 per ounce a year earlier. While ounces sold were marginally higher than in the first six months of 2007, higher cash operating costs resulted in the increase in unit costs. Improved grade-control practices and higher grade ore zones deeper in the Wassa pits contributed to the improved grade. Also increases in crushing and grinding efficiencies allowed processing of more pit ore and less of the lower grade heap leach material, contributing to the improvement in feed grade.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Prestea South Properties

The Prestea South Project is located along the Ashanti trend, to the southwest of the town of Prestea and approximately 20 km southwest of the Bogoso processing plants. Gold mineralization is associated with the same Ashanti Trend fault structure that continues to the north through our Bogoso property. While various sections of the resources at Prestea South were mined by prior owners using underground methods, the surface oxide resources have not been extensively mined and there are also sulfide resources accessible by open pit mining.

We are in the process of obtaining permits for several open pits, collectively known as the Prestea South project, on the southern portion of the Prestea property. In March 2008 an environmental impact statement (“EIS”) was submitted to the EPA and initial public consultations were completed. During the second quarter, formal approval of the mining permit was received from the Ghana Minerals Commission. Further discussions and involvement with the EPA prior to their approval have led to Bogoso restarting the backfilling of Plant North pit. The EPA has requested another public consultation on their final analysis and decree which should be completed within the 4th quarter allowing final receipt of permits from the EPA by year-end or early in 2009.

 

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Following receipt of final permits, we expect to begin developing Prestea South in late 2008 or early 2009 with construction of an access and haul road to the mining properties with renewed drilling and exploration followed by mining with production starting in 2009. The Prestea South oxide ore will be transported to Bogoso, where it may be blended with Pampe oxide ore, and processed through the Bogoso oxide plant. The Prestea South sulfide ore will be processed through the Bogoso sulfide plant. We expect the Prestea South pits to furnish approximately 0.6 million tonnes of oxide ore per year and 0.5 million tonnes of refractory ore per year over an expected 3.5 year life.

HBB Properties

Significant progress was made in construction of the access road to the Benso property located 40 km south of Wassa. The entire route has been cleared by mid-June and the road bed is approximately 75% complete. Completion of road surfacing and drainage, and maintenance facilities at the Benso site is expected before the end of 2008. Limited mining has begun to prepare an oxide ore stockpile at Benso. Equipment procurement is nearing completion. Benso ore is expected to be hauled in the third quarter of 2008 to Wassa for processing. The higher ore grade at Benso should contribute to improved performance at the Wassa operation.

The initial Benso ore will be softer and have a higher clay content than recent ores from the Wassa pits. While the soft Benso ore will be blended with the harder Wassa pit ore, the difference in Benso ore characteristics may result in a period of reduced Wassa plant throughput until the plant is optimized for the new ore blend.

Capital expenditure for the Benso development in the first six months of 2008 was $13.1 million. Capital expenditure spending totaled $5.8 million in 2007. Total estimated capital expenditures for 2008 is approximately $37.4 million which is comprised of the following:

 

Capital Item

   (in millions)

Mining equipment

   $ 12.8

Haul road construction

     6.6

Wassa plant update

     4.2

Infrastructure

     7.3

Compensation for haul road

     4.9

Ownership payment

     1.4

Contingency

     0.2
      

Total

   $ 37.4
      

In 2009, prior to completion of mining at Benso, we expect to extend the haul road 30 km south to the Hwini-Butre ore deposit and its ore will also be hauled to Wassa for processing.

Prestea Underground

During 2008 we expect to obtain permits for several open pits, collectively known as the Prestea South project, on the southern portion of the Prestea property. Following receipt of final permits, we expect to begin developing Prestea South in late 2008 or early 2009 and plan to commence mining in the first half of 2009. The Prestea South oxide ore will be transported to Bogoso where it will be processed through the Bogoso oxide plant.

EXPLORATION PROJECTS

Suriname

Saramacca Project: Work continued throughout he second quarter of 2008 at the Newmont/Golden Star Saramacca joint venture. During the quarter drilling continued to test geochemical and geophysical anomalies identified by our earlier work. In general, results from the areas drilled during the quarter were inconclusive and suggest a group of smaller discontinuous vein structures rather than a large contiguous mineralized zone as originally targeted. However, several new drill targets have been defined by ongoing soil and auger geochemical sampling around the known gold areas and these are currently being prioritized for scout drilling later in the year.

Deeper core drilling was refocused at the end of April, 2008 on the Anomaly ‘M’ target initially where we completed 27 holes in 2005 for 1,300 meters. This geochem anomaly extends for over four kilometers in strike length and was the site of extensive Newmont sponsored ground geophysical work (IP – gradient and chargeability) in 2007 with the resulting development of a number of interesting anomalies selected for testing. Deeper drilling at Anomaly ‘M’ late in the second quarter produced mixed results. As a consequence drilling has been temporarily put on hold to allow adequate time for the compilation of results and return of assays, as well as the implementation of additional geologic and structural mapping to aid defining drill sites for the restart of the program in August.

 

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Ghana

In Ghana second quarter exploration efforts continued to focus on drilling at Hwini Butre, Manso and Chichiwelli along previously outlined soil anomalies with a goal of establishing inferred mineral resources in these areas. This drilling program, using reverse circulation and core drilling, began at the end of the second quarter and will continue into the third quarter.

Following the completion of drilling programs at Chujah South, Bogoso, the Prestea Main Reef and Footwall Reef structures in the second quarter, activity was refocused on modeling and resource estimation at these deposits. In Prestea’s case, this modeling exercise will be incorporated into updated mineral resource estimates incorporated in to the Prestea underground pre-feasibility study while at Chujah South drill data will be used for re-optimization of the current pit outlines.

Regional exploration programs in Ghana focused on soil sampling along three properties located in the south of Ghana, namely the Abura, Hotopo and Takoradi North concessions. Regional exploration programs were still on-going at the end of the second quarter.

Sierra Leone

Drilling continued during the second quarter at the Sonfon concessions in Sierra Leone testing previously outlined soil anomalies. The drilling program is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2008. A core drilling program was also undertaken at the end of the second quarter to test at depth the previously intersected anomalous gold structures.

Niger

Field work continued during the second quarter at the Tialkam and Deba concessions in Niger. A drilling program was carried out on Tialkam to test anomalies outlined during the soil geochemical program and the ground geophysical survey. Drill results were still pending at the end of the second quarter.

Exploration field work at Deba focused mainly on a soil geochemistry program as well as a mapping program. Assays were still pending at the end of the second quarter. A drilling program is budgeted for the fourth quarter following the end of the rainy season if soil geochemistry results justify the program.

Ivory Coast

Exploration programs continued at the Amelekia and Abengourou concessions in the Ivory Coast during the second quarter. Results from the soil geochemistry program conducted over previously outlined stream sediment anomalies were received during the second quarter and have outlined gold anomalous zones. An infill soil sampling program is planned to follow-up the anomalies beginning early in the third quarter.

French Guiana

Suspension of exploration activities continued during the second quarter at our Paul Isnard project in French Guiana following the government’s announcement earlier in the year that it has temporarily suspended granting of new mining licenses pending the outcome of an environmental review of all French Guiana gold exploration areas. We continue to expect that this review will be completed by the end of 2008 and we anticipate that Golden Star’s exploration activities will be allowed to continue at Paul Isnard once this study is completed.

Brazil

During the second quarter we acquired 100% of the Sao Bartholomeu gold project in southern portion of the Quadrilitero Ferrifero belt of mineralization in Minas Gerais. A chip-channel sampling and geochemical work program has been initiated on the concession. To date several soil geochem anomalies in excess of two kilometers in strike extent have been defined which justify further evaluation.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At June 30, 2008, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $37.1 million, down from $75.8 million at December 31, 2007. All of our cash equivalents were invested in a fund that holds only US treasury notes and bonds. Operations generated $4.7 million of cash in the first six months of 2008, compared to a use of $4.0 million in the same period of 2007. The improvement in cash from operations is primarily related to an increase in revenues on higher gold prices.

Net investing activities used $41.5 million of cash in the first six months of 2008. Expenditures on mining properties consumed $20.9 million in cash of which $13.1 million related to the Benso project. A total of $3.9 million of cash was used for deferred exploration projects and purchases of property, and equipment used $5.4 million. Lastly, $3.6 million was utilized to secure a letter of credit for construction of the Bogoso power plant.

Net financing activities used $1.8 million in the first six months of 2008. The issuance of stock in conjunction with the Ghana Stock Exchange listing netted $5.3 million, exercises of employee stock options totaled $0.9 million and proceeds from borrowings resulted in $1.1 million. These cash inflows were partially offset by $8.9 million of scheduled principal and loan payments on the equipment financing facility and short-term bank loans.

 

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Liquidity Outlook

It is expected that Wassa will continue to generate cash from operations during the remainder of the year and that improvements in gold recovery and plant throughput at the Bogoso sulfide plant will result in improved cash flows. These operational cash flows, along with the $37.1 million of cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2008 and the equipment financing debt facility currently in place, are expected to be sufficient to cover capital and operating needs during the balance of 2008 including costs of the HBB project.

LOOKING AHEAD

Our objectives for the remainder of 2008 include:

 

   

Continue optimizing the Bogoso sulfide plant to improve recoveries and availability;

 

   

Construction and development of the Benso portion of the HBB project, with first ore scheduled to be delivered to Wassa during the third quarter of 2008;

 

   

Permitting of Prestea South Project to provide oxide ore for the Bogoso oxide plant; and

 

   

Continued exploration drilling at Bogoso/Prestea, Wassa and the HBB Properties to further evaluate their resource potential.

Total 2008 gold production is estimated to be between 315,000 and 350,000 ounces at an average cash operating cost between $600 and $650 per ounce.

As more fully disclosed in the Risk Factors in Item 1A in our December 31, 2007 Form 10-K, numerous factors could cause our estimates and expectations to be wrong or could lead to changes in our plans. Under any of these circumstances, the above estimates could change materially.

Environmental and Governmental Regulation

All phases of our operations are subject to environmental regulations in the various jurisdictions where we operate. These regulations may define, among other things, air and water quality standards, waste management requirements, and land rehabilitation obligations. In general, environmental legislation is evolving to require stricter operating standards, more detailed social and environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors, and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulations, if any, will not adversely affect our operations.

We use hazardous chemicals in our gold recovery activities that results in the generation of environmental contaminants that may adversely affect air and water quality. To mitigate the impacts associated with our activities, we have established objectives in meeting, or surpassing, regulatory requirements in all of our exploration, development, mining, and closure activities so that the local environment and communities are protected and that the post-closure land use contributes to the sustainability of the local economy. In order to meet our objectives, we have:

 

   

Educated our leaders and managers so that they are committed to creating a culture that makes social and environmental matters an integral part of the short- and long-term operations and performance management systems;

 

   

Worked with our employees so that they understand and accept environmental and social policies and procedures as a fundamental part of the business;

 

   

Signed the International Cyanide Management Code (“the Code”);

 

   

Implemented the Code aiming to ensure that established policies and procedures adhere to the Code’s best practices;

 

   

Established or are in the process of establishing operating standards and procedures that aim to meet or exceed requirements in relevant laws and regulations, the commitments made in our environmental impact statements, environmental management plans, rehabilitation and closure plans; and any international protocols to which we are a signatory;

 

   

Incorporated environmental performance requirements into all relvant contracts;

 

   

Provided training to employees and contractors in environmental matters;

 

   

Regularly prepared, reviewed and updated site-specific environmental management and closure plans;

 

   

Worked to progressively rehabilitate disturbed areas in conformance with the site-specific environmental management and closure plans;

 

   

Consulted local communities and regulators to provide us with input to our environmental management policies and procedures;

 

   

Regularly reviewed our environmental performance; and

 

   

Publicly reported our social, health, safety, and environmental performance.

 

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Governmental approvals and permits are currently, required and will likely continue to be required in the future in connection with the our operations. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, we could be curtailed or prohibited from continuing our mining operations or from proceeding with planned exploration or development of mineral properties.

Our mining, processing, development and mineral exploration activities of the Company are subject to various laws governing prospecting, development, production, taxes, labor standards and occupational health, mine safety, land claims of local people and other matters. New rules and regulations may be enacted or that existing rules and regulations may be applied in a manner which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We obtained legal services from a legal firm to which our Chairman of the Board is of counsel. Total value of all services purchased from this law firm was $0.1 million during the first six months of 2008. Our Chairman did not personally perform any legal services for us during this time nor did he benefit directly or indirectly from payments for the services performed by the firm.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have no off balance sheet arrangements.

OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA

As of August 4, 2008, we had outstanding 235,945,311 common shares, options to acquire 7,024,837 common shares, warrants to acquire 3,224,520 common shares and convertible debentures which are currently convertible into 25,000,000 common shares.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our exposure to market risk includes, but is not limited to, the following risks: changes in interest rates on our investment portfolio and debt, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity price fluctuations and equity price risk.

Interest Rate Risk

We invest excess cash in high quality, short term debt instruments. The rates received on such investments may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions. As a result, our investment income may fall short of expectations during periods of lower interest rates. We estimate that, given the cash balances expected during the next 12 months a 1% change in interest rates would result in a $0.1 to $0.3 million change in annual interest income.

As of June 30, 2008 we had $4.4 million of a variable rate bank debt. This debt has an interest rate of US prime ( 5.0%) plus 1%. We have not entered into any agreements to hedge against unfavorable changes in interest rates, but may in the future actively manage our exposure to interest rate risk.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

While our major operating units transact most of their business in US dollars, many purchases of labor, operating supplies and capital assets are denominated in Euros, British pounds, Australian dollars, South African Rand and Ghanaian Cedis.

As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may affect the costs incurred at our operations. Gold is sold throughout the world based principally on the US dollar price, but portions of our operating expenses and some of our capital purchases are incurred in currencies other than the US dollar. The appreciation of non–US dollar currencies against the US dollar increases production costs and the cost of capital assets in US dollar terms at mines located outside the US, which can adversely impact our net income and cash flows. Conversely, a depreciation of non–US dollar currencies usually decreases production costs and capital asset purchases in US dollar terms.

The value of cash and cash equivalent investments denominated in foreign currencies also fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. Appreciation of non–US dollar currencies results in a foreign currency gain on such investments and a decrease in non–US dollar currencies results in a loss.

In the past from time to time we have entered into forward purchase contracts for South African Rand and Euros to hedge expected purchases of capital assets in South Africa and Europe. We maintain certain operating cash accounts in non–US dollar currencies. As of June 30, 2008 we had no currency related derivatives.

 

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Commodity Price Risk

Gold is our primary product and, as a result, changes in the price of gold could significantly affect our results of operations and cash flows. According to current estimates, a $10 per ounce change in our average realized price of gold for the next 12 months would result in a $3.0 to $4.0 million change in expected pre–tax earnings and cash flows.

During the first quarter of 2007, to reduce the risk of unfavorable gold price fluctuations on our operating cash flows during the construction period of the Bogoso sulfide expansion project, we purchased puts to lock in minimum gold prices for portions of our expected gold sales in 2007. All of these instruments expired by the end of the first quarter in 2007.

Equity Price Risk

We have in the past and may in the future seek to acquire additional funding by sale of common shares. Movements in the price of our common shares have been volatile in the past and may also be volatile in the future. As a result, there is a risk that we may not be able to sell new common shares at an acceptable price should the need for new equity funding arise.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

During the fiscal period covered by this report, the Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods and are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are engaged in routine litigation incidental to our business none of which is deemed to be material. No material legal proceedings, involving us or our business are pending, or, to our knowledge, contemplated, by any governmental authority.

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

The risk factors for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 are substantially the same as those disclosed and discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

 

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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The 2008 Annual General and Special Meeting of Common Shareholders was held on May 7, 2008 where two matters were voted upon with the following results:

 

  1. The following directors were elected to serve until the date of the 2009 annual meeting:

 

Director

   Number of Common shares Voted
   Affirmative    Withheld

James E. Askew

   122,756,101    2,768,417

Thomas Mair

   116,765,459    8,759,059

David K. Fagin

   99,512,972    26,011,546

Lars-Eric Johansson

   116,751,882    8,772,636

Ian MacGregor

   113,347,721    12,176,797

Michael P. Martineau

   116,757,045    8,767,473

Michael A. Terrell

   116,601,209    8,923,309

 

  2. The resolution to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the auditors of the Company and to authorize the Board of Directors to fix the auditors’ remuneration was approved as follows:

For: 117,252,115                         Withhold: 8,272,403

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certificate of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
32.2    Certificate of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

GOLDEN STAR RESOURCES LTD.

Registrant

By:

  /s/ Thomas G. Mair
 

Thomas G. Mair
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: August 4, 2008

By:

  /s/ Roger Palmer
 

Roger Palmer

Vice President Finance and Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: August 4, 2008

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certificate of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
32.2    Certificate of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

 

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