Mr. Graeme Jennings reports

IAMGOLD REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END 2023 RESULTS; PROVIDES 2024 OUTLOOK

Iamgold Corp. has released its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2023. The company also provided updated outlook and operating guidance for 2024. Preliminary operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended 2023 were disclosed on Jan. 22, 2024. All monetary amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

"In 2023, IAMGOLD made significant strides towards its goal of becoming a leading mid-tier gold producer with a long life, cornerstone asset in Canada," said Renaud Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer of IAMGOLD. "Last year saw significant changes in leadership across the organization to allow for a reinforced focus on operations as IAMGOLD prioritizes operational excellence, positions Cote Gold for success, and fosters the talent within the company. Operationally, 2023 was a strong year with attributable gold production from continuing operations of 465,000 ounces, which was at the top end of the guidance range of 410,000 to 470,000 ounces. We congratulate the Essakane team who achieved their targets while facing considerable challenges within the region, and the Westwood team who continue to execute on the plan to ramp up underground operations while employing industry-leading underground seismic monitoring and management."

"Cote Gold construction saw remarkable progress last year," continued Mr. Adams. "The project entered 2023 with construction approximately 64% complete and finished the year at 98% complete. This progress entailed significant advancement across the project scope, including the mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation of the plant, electrification of the site to the provincial hydro grid, initiation and ramp up of mining activities and continued heavy lifting to raise the tailings management facility. Mining activities advanced very well through the year with the successful roll out of Ontario's first autonomous haulage fleet and stockpiling of approximately 5 million tonnes of ore. During this period, project costs tracked in line with the 2022 updated budget estimate."

"Cote Gold is poised to begin production next month. While first gold is on the horizon, our primary focus and efforts are on positioning the project for a steady ramp up of gold production through the year to achieve commercial production in the third quarter. We are now executing and ramping up commissioning activities, with crushing and screening successfully commissioned, and pre-commissioning ongoing on the HPGR and wet side of the plant. At steady run-rate, Cote Gold will be the third largest gold mine in Canada with an expected mine life exceeding 18 years and significant opportunities for growth."

HIGHLIGHTS:

Operating and Financial

Attributable gold production from continuing operations was 136,000 ounces for the fourth quarter and 465,000 ounces for the year, at the top end of the guidance range of 410,000 to 470,000 ounces. Essakane had a strong fourth quarter with attributable production of 108,000 ounces and year to date attributable production of 372,000 ounces, which was near the top end of the guidance range of 340,000 to 380,000 ounces. Westwood exceeded the top end of its guidance range of 70,000 to 90,000 ounces with 93,000 ounces produced for the year, including 12,400 ounces produced in December, a record since the mine restarted.

In health and safety, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company reported a TRIFR (total recordable injuries frequency rate) of 0.69, an improved trend since last year. Revenues from continuing operations were $297.6 million in the fourth quarter from sales of 147,000 ounces (136,000 ounces on an attributable basis) at an average realized gold price1 of $2,005 per ounce and $987.1 million for the year from sales of 503,000 ounces (462,000 ounces on an attributable basis) at an average realized gold price of $1,955 per ounce.

Cost of sales per ounce sold in the fourth quarter was $1,201, cash cost1 per ounce sold was $1,197 and all-in-sustaining-cost1 ("AISC") per ounce sold was $1,735. Cash cost per ounce sold of $1,261 for the year was at the bottom end of the revised guidance range of $1,250 to $1,325 per ounce sold, and AISC per ounce sold of $1,783 for 2023 was within the revised guidance range of $1,750 to $1,825 per ounce sold.

Net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders1 of $(0.02) and $0.06 for the fourth quarter, respectively. Net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders1 of $0.18 and $0.09 for the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.Net cash from operating activities was $69.9 million for the fourth quarter and $144.0 million for the year. Net cash from operating activities, before movements in non-cash working capital and non-current ore stockpiles1 was $52.1 million for the fourth quarter and $158.9 million for the year.

Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")1 from continuing operations was $70.2 million during the fourth quarter and $366.6 million for the year, and adjusted EBITDA1 was $110.6 million for the fourth quarter and $315.1 million for the year.

Mine-site free cash flow1 from continuing operations was $28.9 million for the fourth quarter and $48.2 million for the year.

The Company has available liquidity1 of $754.1 million comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $367.1 million and the available balance of the secured revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") of $387.0 million as at December 31, 2023.

Cote Gold

As of December 31, 2023, construction progress at Cote Gold was estimated to be 98% complete, while overall project progress was approximately 95.5% complete which includes demobilization of construction teams and facilities.

On a 100% basis at the UJV level, the Cote Gold Project incurred project expenditures1 of $242.9 million ($170.5 million at 70%) in the fourth quarter 2023 and $1,074.2 million ($752.3 million at 70%) for the full year. Since commencement of construction, $2.786 billion ($1.95 billion at 70%) of project expenditures has been incurred. The estimated remaining project expenditures, on a 100% basis, to achieve first gold is $179.0 million (plus or minus 5%) bringing total project expenditures up to first gold in line with the planned $2.965 billion ($2.08 billion at 70%) on an incurred basis. Post first gold, completion of certain infrastructure and earthworks projects are estimated to $40 million (plus or minus 5%). In addition to the project expenditures, an estimated $40 million (plus or minus 5%) of operating expenditures related to milling and surface costs are expected to be capitalized during commissioning and ramp-up until the project achieves commercial production. Production at Cote Gold, on a 100% basis, is expected to be between 220,000 and 290,000 ounces for the year. This estimate assumes that following initial gold production by the end of March, operations ramp-up in the second quarter 2024 and commercial production is achieved in the third quarter 2024. The Company expects Cote Gold operations to exit the year at a throughput rate of approximately 90% of nameplate. As Cote Gold achieves 90% of throughput, which is expected by the end of the year, the Company estimates cash costs at that time to be in the range of approximately $700 to $800 per ounce sold and AISC of $1,100 to $1,200 per ounce sold.The estimated capital expenditures related to operations for 2024, excluding capital waste stripping, total $145 million (plus or minus 5%). Capitalized waste stripping is estimated to be $50 million (plus or minus 5%) for the year. IAMGOLD will continue to fund 60.3% of the operating costs and capital expenditures and will receive 60.3% of the gold production.

Outlook - Essakane and Westwood

Consolidated 2024 attributable gold production for Essakane and Westwood is expected to be in the range of 430,000 to 490,000 ounces, with Essakane attributable gold production expected to be in the range of 330,000 to 370,000 ounces and Westwood gold production expected to be in the range of 100,000 to 120,000 ounces. Cash costs, excluding Cote Gold, are expected to be between $1,280 and $1,400 per ounce sold, and AISC per ounce sold, excluding Cote Gold, is expected to be in the range of $1,780 to $1,940 per ounce sold.

Mineral Reserves and Resources Subsequent to quarter end, on February 15, 2024, the Company announced its updated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources statement as at December 31, 2023.

Proven and Probable ("P&P") Mineral Reserves (100% basis) of current assets increased 12% to 11 million ounces of gold in 302 Mt at 1.14 g/t Au (7.8 million ounces attributable). Measured and Indicated ("M&I") Mineral Resources (100% basis) of current assets increased 16% to 25.9 million ounces of gold in 811.7 Mt at 0.99 g/t Au (18.3 million ounces attributable). Updated Gosselin Mineral Resource estimate (100% basis) of 4.4 million Indicated gold ounces in 161.3 million tonnes ("Mt") at 0.85 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au"), and 3.0 million Inferred ounces (123.9 Mt at 0.75 g/t Au). This represents an estimated increase of 1.1 million ounces in Indicated and 1.3 million ounces in Inferred, representing a 32% and 74% increase respectively.

Corporate

Subsequent to quarter end, on February 15, 2024, the Company announced that Murray Suey has been appointed to the Company's board of directors effective immediately. Mr. Suey has also been appointed as the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee.

On December 18, 2023, the Company announced that it entered into a forward gold sale arrangement and a partial amendment to one of its existing gold prepay arrangements. The net result of these arrangements is the effective transition of current gold delivery obligations out of the first quarter of 2024 into the following year, increasing cashflow in the first quarter 2024 by approximately $72.5 million assuming current gold prices.On November 9, 2023, the Company entered into a one year extension of its Credit Facility extending its maturity to January 31, 2026. As part of the extension, the Credit Facility was reduced to $425 million based on the Company's requirements for a senior revolving facility for its overall business. On November 9, 2023, the Company announced the retirement of Ian Ashby from the board of directors and the appointment of Anne Marie Toutant as an independent director. On September 21, 2023, the Company announced the retirement of Maryse Belanger from the board of directors for personal reasons and other commitments. Immediately following Ms. Belanger's retirement, the board appointed David Smith as Chair of the Board.

QUARTERLY REVIEW

The following table summarizes certain operating and financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2023 (Q4 2023) and December 31, 2022 (Q4 2022) and the years ended December 31 for 2023, 2022 and 2021 and certain measures of the Company's financial position as at December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021. Financial results of Rosebel include the one month period ended January 31, 2023, prior to the closing of the sale to Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. ("Zijin") that was announced on October 18, 2022.

OUTLOOK

Cote Gold (100% basis)

Production

Production at Cote Gold is expected to be between 220,000 and 290,000 ounces for the year. This estimate assumes that following initial gold production, operations ramp-up early in the second quarter 2024 and commercial production is achieved in the third quarter 2024. The Company defines commercial production as an average throughput of the mill of 60% over a period of 30 days. The Company expects Cote Gold operations to exit the year at a throughput rate of approximately 90% of nameplate.

Costs

During the ramp up period and prior to achieving near nameplate production rates, operating and capitalized waste stripping unit costs are expected to be higher than the expected life of mine average as outlined in the existing 43-101 technical report (dated August 12, 2022) as fixed costs are absorbed by lower volumes, increases in certain cost inputs from the impact of inflation since completion of the technical report, and higher royalty costs due to higher gold prices. As Cote Gold achieves 90% throughput, which is expected by the end of the year, the Company estimates cash costs at that time to be in the range of approximately $700 to $800 per ounce sold and AISC of $1,100 to $1,200 per ounce sold. For accounting purposes, revenue and cost of sales will be recognized from the commencement of production.

Capital Expenditures

The estimated remaining project expenditures to achieve first gold is $179.0 (plus or minus 5%) bringing the total project expenditures up to first gold to $2.965 billion on an incurred basis. Post first gold, completion of certain infrastructure and earthworks projects are estimated to be $40 million (plus or minus 5%).

In addition to the project expenditures, an estimated $40.0 million (plus or minus 5%) of operating expenditures related to milling and surface costs are expected to be capitalized during commissioning and ramp until the project achieves commercial production.

The estimated capital expenditures related to operations for 2024, excluding capital waste stripping, total $145 million (plus or minus 5%). These expenditures will be incurred from January to December and include: $60 million (plus or minus 5%) for the expansion of the tailings management facility as part of phase 2. $50 million (plus or minus 5%) for equipment purchases that includes four additional haulage trucks, drills and other mobile equipment.$35 million (plus or minus 5%) for capital projects that includes owners' costs.

Capitalized waste stripping is estimated to be $50 million (plus or minus 5%) for the year.

Cote Gold's capital expenditures in 2024 are expected to be higher than the life-of-mine average as the mine progresses the completion of the construction of the full tailings dam footprint to support the life of mine. The classification of capital expenditures as either sustaining or expansion during 2024 will be dependent on the timing of achieving first gold and the nature of the expenditure.

The Company will continue to fund 60.3% of the operating costs and capital expenditures and will receive 60.3% of the gold production.

The full year guidance is based on the following 2024 full year assumptions, before the impact of hedging: average realized gold price of $1,900 per ounce, USDCAD exchange rate of 1.32, EURUSD exchange rate of 1.10 and average crude oil price of $83 per barrel. Consists of Essakane and Westwood on an attributable basis of 90% and 100%, respectively. This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".The income taxes paid guidance does not include the cash tax obligation arising as part of the Bambouk sales process. See "West Africa - Bambouk assets" for additional details.

Production Outlook

Attributable gold production, excluding Cote Gold, for 2024 is expected to be in the range of 430,000 to 490,000 ounces: Essakane attributable gold production is expected to be in the range of 330,000 to 370,000 ounces. Production is expected to remain relatively stable throughout the year with mill throughput expected to operate at nameplate capacity and head grades are expected to decrease compared to the prior year as the mill feed is supplemented with stockpiled ore to sustain throughput rates as mining continues through Phase 5 and Phase 6 and into the initial benches of Phase 7.Westwood gold production is expected to be in the range of 100,000 to 120,000 ounces in 2024, with an increasing proportion of underground material milled as the underground mine continues to access higher grade areas. Production levels are expected to be higher in the first half of 2024 due to mine sequencing in the underground mine and as supplementary mill feed from the Fayolle open pit is replaced with lower grade material from Grand Duc in the second half of the year.

Costs Outlook

Consolidated cash costs per ounce sold for Essakane and Westwood are estimated to be between $1,280 and $1,400 per ounce sold and AISC estimated to be in the range of $1,780 to $1,940 per ounce sold. Unit costs at Westwood are expected to decrease from 2023 levels due to increasing production levels, a planned reduction in rehabilitation costs in the underground mine, and lower development expenses at the short life Fayolle satellite deposit. This is expected to be offset by an increase in unit costs at Essakane due to higher planned maintenance activities, the continued pressures on the landed cost of fuel at the operation, and the application of increased royalty rates announced by the Burkina Faso government in the fourth quarter 2023, while production levels are expected to remain the same with an increase in mill throughput offset by a slightly lower grade mill feed.

While inflationary pressures are easing, pricing for certain main consumables including cyanide and explosives are expected to remain in line with the levels of 2023, while the price of certain other consumables such as grinding media are expected to decrease.

Capital Expenditures

Sustaining capital expenditures Superscript 1 for 2024 are expected to be approximately $215 million (plus or minus 5%) of which the majority is related to capitalized stripping at Essakane and underground development at Westwood, with an additional $5 million (plus or minus 5%) in expansion capital Superscript 1 expected at Essakane.

100% basis, unless otherwise stated. Capital expenditures guidance (plus or minus5%) at Essakane and Westwood.

Sustaining capital includes capitalized stripping of (i) $32.3 million for Essakane and $1.7 million for Westwood in the fourth quarter 2023, (ii) $73.8 million for Essakane and $5.8 million for Westwood for 2023, and (iii) $100 million for Essakane and $4 million for Westwood for the full year guidance. See "Outlook" sections below.Includes $3 million of capitalized exploration and evaluation expenditures also included in the Exploration Outlook guidance table.

Exploration Outlook

Exploration expenditures for 2024 are expected to be approximately $20 million, including $5 million on the Gosselin resource delineation drilling program, as well as other near-mine and greenfield programs.

The full year guidance does not include expenditures for the Bambouk Assets sales currently held for sale. See "West Africa - Bambouk Assets" for additional details.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE

IAMGOLD is committed to maintaining its culture of accountable mining through high standards of ESG practices and the principle of Zero Harm(TM) in every aspect of its business, with particular emphasis on respecting the natural environment, building strong community partnerships and putting the health and safety of the Company's employees, contractors and consultants first.

The Company issued its 16th annual Sustainability Report on October 16, 2023, highlighting progress and achievements in 2022 across a range of material topics and indicators. ESG policies, systems and practices are embedded throughout the business and the Company reports annually on its ESG performance via its Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI") and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") aligned Sustainability Report. The Company has also released its inaugural Climate Action Report in accordance with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD") recommendations on December 14, 2023. The Climate Action Report focuses on the Company's target of achieving a 30% absolute reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions by 2030.

Health and Safety

Health and safety are core to the Company's relentless pursuit of its Zero Harm(TM) vision. Through various prevention programs, the Company continuously promotes a safe work environment and a wellness program at all sites. The DARTFR (days away, restricted, transferred duty frequency rate) was 0.39 as of the end of 2023 (compared to 0.31 as of the end of 2022). The TRIFR (total recordable injuries frequency rate) was 0.69 as of the end of 2023 (compared to 0.76 as of the end of 2022). At Cote Gold, total project hours worked reached 14.8 million hours with a LTIFR (lost time injury frequency rate) of 0.12.

The Essakane team achieved historical Health & Safety performance in 2023, with a level of 0.06 for DARTFR and 0.18 for TRIFR. The results, which matched (TRIFR) and surpassed (LTIFR) the site's best-ever results, were supported by exceptional performance of proactive or 'leading' H&S activities such as safety and management inspections.

Environment

At Essakane, progress continued on Falagountou's Closure Plan, including collaborative work with INERA (Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research) on the best practice phytoremediation of the closed mine site. Essakane conducted a quarterly review of the Asset Retirement Obligation with the corporate team and is also working on a water management study as part of the Essakane Closure Plan.

The 2021 Closure Plan update at Westwood was reviewed by the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry ("MRNF") and IAMGOLD submitted an amended Closure Plan on September 8, 2023, following this review process. Water recycling projects have been initiated to reduce water withdrawal from the Bousquet River. Westwood is continuing to implement a biodiversity project to develop snake hibernacula and swallows' nests.

At Cote Gold, biodiversity monitoring studies were completed for birds and bats. At Mattagami Lake, a fish population study was also conducted as part of the Project's Fisheries Offsetting Plan. The first cycle of environmental effects monitoring was completed per the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations.

Social and Economic Development

The Company is continuously exploring opportunities for investing in and partnering with the communities impacted by its continuing operations.

At Essakane, the Company continued its participation in the Mining Fund for Local Development in Burkina Faso, a program established by the government, pursuant to which the Company committed to contribute 1% of its annual revenues. To support local communities in the fight against the latest Dengue fever outbreak, the Company supported the distribution of test kits and supplies to surrounding medical clinics. In December, Essakane provided donated food kits to 1,000 vulnerable households in the Essakane mine impact zone. The Company also invested in several agricultural projects during the quarter in the communes of Falagountou and Gorom-Gorom.

At Cote Gold, various meetings were held in support of Impact Benefit Agreement ("IBA") implementation with First Nation Partners ("FNP") Mattagami and Flying Post and the Metis Nation of Ontario, Region 3. Cote Gold supported several events and initiatives during the quarter through community investments, donations, and sponsorships.

The Westwood team supported seven community initiatives during the quarter. This included support for lodging for people attending cancer treatments, scholarships for CEGEP Abitibi and UQAT, as well as support for various cultural and sporting events.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Company unequivocally condemns inequity, discrimination and hatred in all its forms. One of the Company's values is to conduct itself with respect and to embrace diversity. The Company has established an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ("EDI") Steering Committee to further enhance the Company's strong commitment to these important values through data collection, education, awareness and action planning at the enterprise level. The Company completed a diagnostic evaluation of its EDI status, and the findings and recommendations (global and site specific) were rolled out across the Company to develop action plans. The Company is a sponsor of various initiatives aimed at promoting female business owners and entrepreneurs in the mining sector, in addition to hiring under-represented groups within IAMGOLD. The Company is also an active contributor to the Mining Association of Canada's TSM protocol on EDI and is working closely with Mining HR Canada on various initiatives, including with the representation of a member of management as Chair of the "Safe Workplaces for All" council.

In addition, IAMGOLD was recognized as a GTA Top 100 Employer for its efforts on various inclusion, engagement and culture work.

Governance

The Board of Directors of IAMGOLD (the "Board") adopted new diversity and renewal guidelines in 2021, reflecting governance best practices. Regarding diversity, the Board agreed that its membership should comprise, at a minimum, the greater of (i) two and (ii) 30% female directors. Highlights from the fourth quarter include:On November 9, 2023, the Company announced the retirement of Ian Ashby from the Board and the appointment of Anne Marie Toutant as an independent director. On December 31, 2023, Craig MacDougall, Executive Vice President Growth and Oumar Toguyeni, Senior Vice President External Affairs and Sustainability, retired from their positions at the Corporation. On February 15, 2024, the Company announced that Murray Suey has been appointed to the Company's board of directors effective immediately. Mr. Suey has also been appointed as the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee.

Currently, women represent 44% of the directors and 50% of the independent directors. The average tenure of directors on the Board is less than two years.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As at December 31, 2023, the Company had $367.1 million in cash and cash equivalents at its continuing operations and net debt of $649.5 million. Approximately $387.0 million was available under the Company's Credit Facility resulting in liquidity at December 31, 2023, of approximately $754.1 million.

Within cash and cash equivalents, $81.7 million was held by Cote Gold and $70.9 million was held by Essakane. The Cote Gold UJV requires its joint venture partners to fund, in advance, two months of future expenditures and cash calls are made at the beginning of each month, resulting in the month end cash balance approximating the following month's expenditure.

On February 15, 2024, the Company completed a private placement of 1.9 million flow-through common shares of the Company (the "Flow-Through Shares") that will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)). The Flow-Through shares were issued at a price of C$4.20 per Flow-Through Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$8.0 million.

The Company uses dividends and intercompany loans to repatriate funds from its operations and the timing of dividends may impact the timing and amount of required financing at the corporate level, including the Company's drawdowns under the Credit Facility. Excess cash at Essakane is mainly repatriated through dividend payments, of which the Company will receive its 90% share, net of dividend taxes. Essakane declared a dividend of $120.0 million during 2023, which was received by IAMGOLD in the third quarter, net of minority interest and withholding taxes. During the remainder of construction and commissioning, the Company will fund its portion of the Cote UJV funding of $142.0 million from available cash balances.

Restricted cash in support of environmental closure costs obligations related to Essakane, Doyon division and Cote Gold Project totaled $66.1 million, with an additional $24.4 million held in escrow pending the closing of the EURO Ressources transaction. The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding long-term debt:

Long-term debt does not include leases in place at continuing operations of $121.3 million as at December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022 - $73.8 million, December 31, 2021 - $11.4 million).

Credit Facility

The Company has a $425million secured revolving Credit Facility, which was entered into in December 2017 and was amended for various items including to obtain consent to the sale of Rosebel, the sale of the Bambouk assets, for entering into the SMM funding arrangement and for entering into the second lien term loan. On November 9, 2023, the Company entered into a one year extension of its Credit Facility extending its maturity to January 31, 2026. As part of the extension, the Credit Facility was reduced from $490 million to $425 million based on the Company's requirements for a senior revolving facility for its overall business. The Company has commitments for the full $425 million facility up to January 31, 2025, and for $372 million up to January 31, 2026.

As at December 31, 2023, the Credit Facility was undrawn and the Company issued letters of credit under the Credit Facility in the amount of $22.6 million as collateral for surety bonds issued, $11.3 million as guarantees for certain environmental indemnities to government agencies, and $4.1 million as a supplier payment guarantee, with $387.0 million remaining available under the Credit Facility.

5.75% Senior notes

In September 2020, the Company completed the issuance of $450 million of senior notes at face value with an interest rate of 5.75% per annum (the "Notes"). The Notes are denominated in U.S. dollars and mature on October 15, 2028. Interest is payable in arrears in equal semi-annual installments on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on April 15, 2021, in the amount of approximately $12.9 million for each payment. The Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries.

The Company incurred transaction costs of $7.5 million which have been capitalized and offset against the carrying amount of the Notes within long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method.

Term Loan

On May 16, 2023, the Company entered into the $400.0 million Term Loan. The Term Loan has a 3% original issue discount, bears interest at a floating interest rate of either one month or three month SOFR + 8.25% per annum and matures on May 16, 2028. The Term Loan is denominated in U.S. dollars and interest is payable upon each SOFR maturity date. The Term Loan notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries, subordinated to the Credit Facility.

The Company incurred transaction costs of $11.0 million, in addition to the 3% discount, which has been capitalized and offset against the carrying amount of the Term Loan within long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets and is being amortized using the effective interest rate method. The Term Loan can be repaid in $20 million tranches at any time and has a make-whole premium if repaid in the first two years, a 104% premium if repaid after year two, a 101% premium if repaid after year three and 100% thereafter.

The Term Loan has a minimum liquidity requirement of $150 million and an interest coverage ratio (1.5x trailing consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense) covenants and has no mandatory requirements for gold or other forms of hedging, cost overrun reserves or cash sweeps.

Leases

At December 31, 2023, the Company had lease obligations of $121.3 million at a weighted average borrowing rate of 7.20%.

On April 29, 2022, the Company, on behalf of the Cote Gold UJV, entered into a master lease agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services Limited to lease certain mobile equipment, which have been delivered through 2023 and will continue to be delivered through 2024, with a value of approximately $125 million. In connection therewith, SMM entered into a guarantee of 30% of the obligations under such agreement.

Equipment loans

At December 31, 2023, the Company had equipment loans with a carrying value of $7.3 million secured by certain mobile equipment, with interest rates between 5.23% and 5.95% which mature in 2026. The equipment loans are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets.

Gold prepay arrangements

During 2021, the Company entered into gold sale prepayment arrangements (the "2022 Prepay Arrangements") at a weighted average cost of 4.45% per annum in respect of 150,000 gold ounces. These arrangements have an average forward contract pre-funded price of $1,753 per ounce on 50,000 gold ounces and an outstanding collar range of $1,700 to $2,100 per ounce on 100,000 gold ounces. The Company received $236.0 million in 2022 and is to physically deliver 150,000 ounces over the course of 2024.

In December 2023, the Company entered into a forward gold sale arrangement ("2025 Q1 Prepay Arrangement") and a partial amendment to one of its existing gold prepay arrangements ("Deferral Prepay Arrangement"). Under the 2025 Q1 Prepay Arrangement, the Company will receive a prepayment amount of $59.9 million during first quarter 2024 at an effective gold price of $1,916 per ounce and paid equally in three monthly increments for physical delivery of 31,250 ounces of gold over the period of January 2025 to March 2025. The Deferral Prepay Arrangement allows for the deferral of 6,250 ounces that were previously scheduled for delivery in the first quarter 2024 under the existing gold prepay arrangements entered into in 2022 to now be delivered in the first quarter 2025. The Company will make a cash payment of $0.5 million in total at the time of delivery in consideration for the deferral. The net result of these arrangements is the effective transition of current gold delivery obligations out of the first quarter of 2024 into the first quarter of 2025, increasing cashflow in the first quarter 2024 by approximately $72.5 million assuming gold prices at the time of entering into the arrangement.

Liquidity Outlook

At December 31, 2023, the Company had available liquidity of $754.1 million comprised of $367.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $387.0 million available under the Credit Facility.

IAMGOLD is expected to fund $142.0 million on project expenditures and working capital during the remainder of construction and commissioning based on its 60.3% interest in Cote Gold UJV.

On April 25, 2023, the Company completed the sale of its 90% interest in the Boto Gold Project in Senegal and its 100% interest in the early-stage exploration properties of Boto West, Senala West, Daorala and the vested interest in the Senala Option Earn-in Joint Venture, also in Senegal for aggregate gross cash proceeds of $197.6 million. The gross proceeds include deferred payments of $32.0 million that was received on October 26, 2023. The expected gross proceeds for the remainder of the transactions, in respect to the assets in Guinea and Mali, are approximately $84.4 million.

The Company also has to deliver 150,000 ounces of its 2024 production into the 2022 Prepay Arrangements. During December 2023, the Company entered into a further gold sale prepayment arrangement that effectively deferred the gold prepay deliveries from the first quarter 2024 to the first quarter 2025.

Based on the current construction and commissioning schedule of Cote Gold Project as well as prevailing market conditions which could impact the Cote Gold Project, commissioning and ramp-up expenditures and operating cash flows from the Company's existing operations, the Company believes that its available liquidity at December 31, 2023, combined with cash flows from operations, the expected proceeds from the sale of the remaining Bambouk Assets and available liquidity provided by the undrawn amounts under the Credit Facility, is sufficient to fund the Cote UJV to complete the construction, commissioning and ramp-up of the Cote Gold Project.

The Company's financial results are highly dependent on the price of gold, oil and foreign exchange rates and future changes in these prices will, therefore, impact performance. The Company's ability to draw down on the Credit Facility is dependent on its ability to meet net debt to EBITDA and interest ratio covenants.

Income Statement

Revenues - Revenues from continuing operations were $297.6 million in the fourth quarter 2023 from sales of 147,000 ounces (136,000 ounces on an attributable basis) at an average realized gold price of $2,005 per ounce, higher by $90.4 million or 44% than the prior year period, due to higher sales volumes and a higher realized gold price.

Cost of sales - Cost of sales excluding depreciation was $176.7 million in the fourth quarter 2023, higher by $33.2 million or 23% than the prior year period. Cost of sales excluding depreciation was $647.0 million for the year, higher by $76.6 million or 13% than the prior year period.

Depreciation expense - Depreciation expense was $71.1 million in the fourth quarter 2023, higher by $27.4 million or 63% than the prior year period primarily due to higher production volumes and the amortization of deferred stripping assets as the mining activity sequences through Phase 5 at Essakane.

Exploration expense - Exploration expense was $3.6 million in the fourth quarter 2023, lower by $2.4 million or 40% than the prior year period due to the sale of certain exploration assets.

General and administrative expense - General and administrative expense was $10.7 million in the fourth quarter 2023, higher by $0.1 million or 1% than the prior year period, primarily due to prior year site support fees reclassified to discontinued operations of $0.8 million and higher consulting costs of $0.4 million, partially offset by lower bonus accruals of $0.8 million and share-based payments of $0.3 million.

Income tax expense - Income tax expense was $1.1 million in the fourth quarter 2023, lower by $9.9 million or 90% than the prior year period.

Operating Activities

Net cash flow from operating activities from continuing operations was $69.9 million for the fourth quarter 2023, higher by $57.6 million compared to the same prior year period, primarily due to higher cash earnings of $81.8 million due to higher sales volume and a higher realized gold price, an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $33.1 million primarily resulting from the timing of payment of supplies, and a decrease in trade and other receivable of $7.0 million, offset by net proceeds from the 2022 Prepay Arrangements of $59.0 million included in the fourth quarter 2022, and an increase in income tax paid of $6.6 million.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations for the fourth quarter 2023 was $272.2 million, an increase of $66.8 million from the same prior year period, primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures from property, plant and equipment of $63.8 million, mainly related to the Cote Gold construction, an increase in restricted cash contribution of $24.4 million as the company posted the security for the purchase of the minority interest of Euro Ressources, and an increase in capitalized borrowing costs of $7.3 million offset by net cash proceeds of $32.0 million received from the sale of the Senegal Assets.

Financing Activities

Net cash from financing activities from continuing operations for the fourth quarter 2023 was $16.9 million. Compared to the fourth quarter 2022, net cash from financing activities for continuing operations decreased by $51.7 million, primarily due to a draw of $75.0 million Credit Facility in the fourth quarter 2022, offset by the proceeds received through the SMM funding arrangement of $28.0 million during the fourth quarter 2023.

CONFERENCE CALL

A conference call will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) for a discussion with senior management regarding IAMGOLD's fourth quarter and year end 2023 operating performance and financial results.

Listeners may access the conference call via webcast from the events section of the Company's website (webcast link below), or through the following dial-in numbers:

Pre-register via: Chorus Call IAMGOLD Q4 Registration (recommended). Upon registering, you will receive a calendar booking by email with dial-in details and unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue.

Toll free (North America): 1 (800) 319-4610

International: +1 (604) 638-5340

An online archive of the webcast will be available by accessing the Company's website. A telephone replay will be available for one month following the call by dialing toll free 1 (800) 319-6413 within North America or +1 (604) 638-9010 from international locations and entering the passcode: 0518.

For more information, refer to the Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and unaudited consolidated interim Financial Statements as at and for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, that are available on the Company's website and on SEDAR. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial performance measures throughout this news release. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release and the MD&A for more information.

End Notes (excluding tables)

This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section below. Further information on these non-GAAP financial measures is included on pages 36 to 43 of the Company's Q4 2023 MD&A filed on SEDAR and on EDGAR.

ABOUT IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD is an intermediate gold producer and developer based in Canada with operating mines in North America and West Africa. The Company is building the large-scale, long life Cote Gold project in Canada in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd., which is expected to commence production in the first quarter of 2024. In addition, the Company has an established portfolio of early stage and advanced exploration projects within high potential mining districts in the Americas. IAMGOLD employs approximately 3,600 people and is committed to maintaining its culture of accountable mining through high standards of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") practices, including its commitment to Zero Harm(TM), in every aspect of its business. IAMGOLD is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IAG) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IMG) and is one of the companies on the Jantzi Social Index ("JSI"), a socially screened market capitalization-weighted consisting of companies which pass a set of broadly based environmental, social and governance rating criteria.

We seek Safe Harbor.