Mr. Paul Huet reports

KARORA RESOURCES REPORTS RECORD PRODUCTION, REVENUE AND CASH FLOW FOR 2023

Karora Resources Inc. has released its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter (Q4 2023) and full-year of 2023. The company's audited condensed interim financial statements, and management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) are available on SEDAR+ and on the company's website.

Record 2023 gold production:

• 2023 production was a record 160,492 ounces, increased 20 per cent from 133,887 ounces for 2023, driven by a 37-per-cent increase in gold produced from the Beta Hunt mine. The company exceeded 2023 production guidance of 145,000 ounces to 160,000 oz.
• Q4 2023 production of 40,295 increased 8 per cent from 37,309 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2022, was up 2 per cent compared with production of 39,547 ounces in the third quarter of 2023, due to a 57-per-cent improvement in production from Beta Hunt partially offset by lower production at HGO (Higginsville mining operations).

AISC (all-in sustaining costs) in line with 2023 guidance:

• Cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold averaged $1,128 (U.S.) and $1,248 (U.S.), respectively, in 2023 compared with $1,099 (U.S.) and $1,174 (U.S.), respectively, in 2022. Operating costs in the second half of 2023 were impacted primarily by a higher royalty expense due to higher gold realized prices and a crusher bridge failure at HGO, resulting in the temporary use of higher-cost contract crushing services. Repair of the crusher bridge was completed in the first quarter of 2024. Specifically, the contract crushing required during the crusher bridge remediation contributed $21 (U.S.) to AISC per ounce in 2023. Additionally, the 2023 nickel byproduct credit was $24 (U.S.) per ounce sold compared with $40 (U.S.) per ounce sold in 2022, reflecting reduced nickel sales during the second half of 2023. Full-year 2023 AISC per ounce sold in line with full-year 2023 guidance of $1,100 (U.S.) to $1,250 (U.S.).
• Cash operating costs and AISC per ounce sold for Q4 2023 averaged $1,272 (U.S.) and $1,435 (U.S.), respectively, versus $1,034 (U.S.) and $1,110 (U.S.), respectively, for Q4 2022. Higher AISC in Q4 2023 were driven primarily by temporary higher processing costs and lower grades at Higginsville, offsetting strong performance at Beta Hunt. Operating costs were primarily impacted by the above-noted higher royalty expense and temporary factors, now resolved, including crusher bridge failure resulting in the use of higher-cost contract crushing for the entire quarter. Specifically, the contract crushing required during the crusher bridge remediation contributed $51 (U.S.) to AISC per ounce. Repairs to the crusher bridge were completed during the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, the Q4 2023 nickel byproduct credit was $6 (U.S.) per ounce sold compared with $56 (U.S.) per ounce sold for Q4 2022, reflecting reduced nickel sales during the quarter.

Record 2023 revenue:

• 2023 revenue was a record $416.3-million, 31 per cent higher than $317-million in 2022, mainly reflecting a 19-per-cent increase in gold sales and a realized gold price that was $133 (U.S.) per ounce higher than in 2022.
• Revenue in Q3 2023 of $101.8-million, increased 5 per cent from Q4 2022, and was slightly lower than the previous quarter due to timing of sales.

Solid operating cash flow generation:

• Record 2023 cash flow provided by operating activities of $132.7-million was a 50-per-cent increase compared with $88.2-million in 2022.
• Q4 2023 cash flow provided by operating activities was $32.1-million compared with $36.5-million in Q4 2023.
• Cash at Dec. 31, 2023, of $82.5-million increased $13.7-million, or 20 per cent, from $68.8-million at Dec. 31, 2022.

Earnings performance:

• Net earnings for 2023 of $8.9-million (five cents per share) compared with net earnings of $9.9-million (six cents per share) for 2022, reflecting the impact of a non-cash impairment charge and foreign exchange loss.
• Adjusted earnings for 2023 totalled $36.1-million (21 cents per share), a 71-per-cent increase from $21.1-million (13 cents per share) for 2022. The main differences between net earnings and adjusted net earnings in 2023 were the exclusion from adjusted earnings of non-cash share-based payments, $9.2-million impairment charges (on the carrying value of a small HGO mine), non-cash losses on derivatives, unrealized losses on the revaluation of marketable securities and the impact of foreign exchange losses.
• Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for 2023 was $129.3-million, 41 per cent higher than $91.5-million in 2022, reflecting the 19-per-cent increase in gold sold and 7-per-cent increase in the United-States-dollar realized gold price.
• Net loss for Q4 2023 of $1.7-million (one cent per share) compared with net earnings of $9.6-million (six cents per share) in Q4 2022 and net earnings of $6.9-million (four cents per share) in Q3 2023. Q4 2023 was impacted by a non-cash $9.2-million impairment charge and a $3.1-million NRV (net realizable value) adjustment to historic stockpiles.
• Adjusted earnings for Q4 2023 of $3.3-million (two cents per share) compared with $8.7-million (five cents per share) in Q4 2022 and $14-million (eight cents per share) the previous quarter.
• Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2023 was $24.9-million, 15 per cent lower than $29.2-million in Q4 2022.

Growth plan highlights

Beta Hunt expansion to two million tonnes per annum (Mtpa):

• The expansion project at Beta Hunt continued to advance during the final quarter of 2023 with significant improvements to the mine's primary ventilation circuit to accommodate the increasing mining fleet. Orders were placed for the supply, installation and commissioning of new permanent primary ventilation fans late in the third quarter of 2024. The current temporary primary fan arrangement successfully incorporated the three completed ventilation raises during Q4 2023. The expansion of the new mining fleet continued with the delivery of five underground trucks and three underground loaders in 2023, with further fleet expansion planned in 2024. Once completed, the Beta Hunt expansion project is expected to increase the mine's annualized production run-rate to two Mtpa by the end of 2024.

Robust mineral resource and mineral reserve growth:

• The annual mineral resource and reserve update was highlighted by strong increases in the Beta Hunt gold mineral resource and reserves. On Nov. 21, 2023, the company reported an 18-per-cent increase to the Beta Hunt gold measured and indicated (M&I) to 1.6 million ounces (Moz) and a 12-per-cent increase in grade from 2.6 grams per tonne (g/t) to 2.9 g/t at Western Flanks, Beta Hunt's largest mineral resource. Gold proven and probable mineral reserve increased by 6 per cent to 573,000 ounces. Consolidated (Beta Hunt plus Higginsville) gold measured and indicated mineral resource inventory increased by 9 per cent to 3.2 million ounces. Consolidated proven and probable mineral reserves now total 1.3 million ounces.

Development commenced toward strong drill results from Fletcher shear zone:

• Drill results from Beta Hunt's Fletcher zone continue to support the existence of a large mineralized system west of Western Flanks. The first set of assay results from the stage 2 infill program were released on Feb. 22, 2024. Assays from four drill holes were released which included intersections of strong mineralization in targeted areas. Significant results included 3.8 g/t over 33 metres, 15.2 g/t over 3.3 metres and 34.6 g/t over two metres, and reinforce the existence of a significant mineralized system west of Western Flanks with potential for the Fletcher shear zone to extend up to two kilometres of strike, and be the third major gold system in the Hunt block after the Western Flanks and A zone.
• Development of an exploration drive toward the Fletcher shear zone has commenced, with initial cuts into the zone anticipated in H2 2024.

New high-grade nickel intercepts from Beta Hunt:

• High-grade results from the 50C nickel infill and extensional drill program were reported on Feb. 26, 2024. The first six drill holes of the 50C infill drill program delivered some of the highest-grade nickel intersections recorded from this area to date, highlighting the potential to upgrade and extend the existing nickel mineral resource. Significant results included 8.2 per cent nickel (Ni) over 5.1 metres, including 13.7 per cent Ni over 2.6 metres and 12 per cent Ni over 2.9 metres.

Kali Metals lithium spin-off:

• The Kali Metals lithium transaction was completed in December, 2023, and Kali began trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on Jan. 4, 2024, following its successful initial public offering. Karora and Kalamazoo Resources Ltd. vended certain lithium exploration projects into the newly created Kali Metals Ltd., creating a new, separately run, lithium-focused, ASX-listed exploration company. Karora owns an approximate 22-per-cent interest in Kali Metals.

Karora will host a call/webcast on March 22, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the 2023 results. North American callers please dial: 1-888-664-6383; Local and international callers please dial: 416-764-8650. To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number at the callback link to receive an instant automated call back and be placed into the call. Access the webcast of this event on-line (replay access information is provided below).

Long-term power purchase agreement, critical step in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)

Subsequent to year-end, on Jan. 16, 2024, the company signed a long-term power purchase agreement, a critical first step in achieving its initial target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2030, compared with a 2024 forecasted business-as-usual baseline. The agreement involves the development of a power line to Higginsville and facilitate reduced carbon emissions from the site from early 2025.

Paul Andre Huet, chairman and chief executive officer, commented: "I am pleased with our 2023 performance, during which we produced over 160,000 gold ounces, achieving a new record and exceeding our full-year guidance range of 145,000 to 160,000 ounces for gold production. The strong production drove strong financial results, including adjusted earnings of $36.1-million (21 cents per share) and cash flow from operations of $132.7-million, beating our performance in 2022. Two thousand twenty-three AISC costs were $1,248 (U.S.) per ounce sold, within our guidance range of $1,100 (U.S.) to $1,250 (U.S.) per ounce for 2023, despite a crusher bridge failure during the second half of the year which has now been repaired and is back on-line. I would like to say well done to our team in getting this work done as quickly and as safely as possible.

"Our flagship Beta Hunt mine continues to be the engine room powering our growth in both production and mineral resources. Outstanding production results during the fourth quarter, totalling almost 35,000 ounces, drove continued strong cost performance at our flagship operation. At Higginsville, where the third quarter delivered strong production results at Aquarius, the fourth quarter production result of just under 6,000 ounces was in line with our mine plan as we set up the next phase of the Pioneer pit to deliver in Q2 2024.

"Overall operating costs were impacted in Q4 2023 by temporary factors that added nearly $100 (U.S.) per ounce to AISC. While our flagship Beta Hunt mine continued to deliver very strong results, the planned lower tonnes and grade at Higginsville were compounded by the crusher bridge failure. As previously mentioned, costs were impacted by the use of higher-cost temporary mobile crushing during the quarter, which increased AISC by $51 (U.S.) per ounce. The main HGO crushing unit underwent repairs throughout Q4 2023 following the bridge failure in Q3 2023. The repairs were completed earlier this month and normal crushing operations have resumed at HGO. Additionally, reduced nickel sales in Q4 2023 lowered nickel byproduct credits, which had a negative impact of $50 (U.S.) per ounce on consolidated AISC costs compared to Q4 2022. This was a result of renegotiating our improved nickel sales contract and we expect this situation to normalize in line with full-year 2024 AISC guidance of between $1,250 (U.S.) to $1,375 (U.S.) per ounce sold.

"Our 2023 drilling campaign was a big success. At Beta Hunt, our drilling campaign resulted in significant additions to our resource base, net of mining depletion, of 249,000 ounces (or an 18 per cent to gold M&I resources). Also significant was the 8-per-cent improvement in the Beta Hunt M&I mineral resource grade, and an 8-per-cent improvement to the mineral reserve grade. Karora's Beta Hunt mineral resource now totals 1.4 Moz in the M&I category and a further 1.1 Moz in the inferred category. We expect Beta Hunt to continue its rapid growth trajectory with very promising results being delivered from the new Fletcher shear zone, which we anticipate to be the next area added to our mineral resource inventory towards the end of this year. In the meantime, we have commenced development of an exploration drive towards the Fletcher shear zone and expect to take first exploration cuts in the second half of the year. We are certainly looking forward to the potential of this area as part of our 2024 mine plan, providing additional flexibility with new working faces as the mine ramps up towards 2.0 Mtpa.

"As we execute the final year of our growth plan in 2024, we are encouraged by several ongoing cost-reduction initiatives, including expected lower power costs at HGO beginning in 2025. Early next year, we will transition away from on site diesel power generation at HGO to grid power through a power purchase agreement we announced in January, 2024. This transition provides a dual benefit: reducing our cost per kWh [kilowatt-hour] while tackling the largest source of our GHG emissions on site, all part of our goal to reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2030. We are also advancing work to increase byproduct nickel production in the coming years, particularly in the new Gamma area as we transition away from mining in historic remnant nickel areas. Both gold and nickel production are poised to benefit from the investments in our growth plan that have upgraded all aspects of Beta Hunt's infrastructure, including the completion in 2023 of a new second decline, three new ventilation raises and mining equipment additions.

"Two thousand twenty-three was a year of strategic growth and investment in which we either delivered against or exceeded our target objectives, including overcoming several challenges along the way. I am proud to say we ended the year in a very robust financial position with a cash balance of $82.5-million, placing us well to deliver on our aggressive growth objectives in 2024. We expect to reach our goal of a 2.0 Mtpa production rate at Beta Hunt before the end of 2024, with significant opportunities and levers for continued production growth emerging ahead of us. Two thousand twenty-four will certainly be another exciting year for Karora Resources."

Results of operations

Consolidated operations

Consolidated gold production in the fourth quarter of 2023 was 40,295 ounces, an 8-per-cent increase from the fourth quarter of 2022 (37,309 ounces) and 2-per-cent increase over the 39,547 ounces in the previous quarter. The increase from Q4 2022 resulted primarily from the 45-per-cent increase in tonnage and 14 per cent higher grade from Beta Hunt, offsetting lower tonnes and grade from HGO. Consolidated tonnage was 7 per cent and 6 per cent down on the comparative period in 2022 and prior quarter, respectively, due to a number of maintenance shutdowns at the two plants during the last quarter of 2023. Despite higher production versus comparable quarters, sales volume was 37,439 ounces for the quarter, being 6 per cent lower than the fourth quarter of 2022 and 9 per cent lower than the prior quarter.

Cash operating costs per ounce sold for the fourth quarter of 2023 averaged $1,272 (U.S.) compared with $1,034 (U.S.) for the same period in 2022, and $1,062 (U.S.) the previous quarter. The increase from the comparable quarters largely reflects temporary higher processing costs during the quarter due to three months contract crushing following the crusher bridge failure at HGO, and continued slightly elevated cost pressures in areas such as labour, contractors, power and fuel. Crusher bridge repairs were completed in March, 2024. In addition, due to a planned renegotiation of nickel sales agreements, nickel produced in the fourth quarter 2023 was held back and not sold during the quarter, reducing nickel byproduct credits to $6 (U.S.)/oz compared with $56 (U.S.)/oz in the same period in 2022. AISC per ounce sold in the fourth quarter of 2023 averaged $1,435 (U.S.) compared with $1,110 (U.S.) in the fourth quarter of 2022 and $1,196 (U.S.) the previous quarter, due to the lower comparable sales volume, impact of the higher cash operating costs per ounce sold and planned higher proportional sustaining capital for the final quarter of 2024.

For the 12 months of 2023, gold production totalled 160,492 ounces, 20 per cent higher than 133,887 ounces in the 12 months of 2022, reflecting a 6-per-cent increase in tonnes milled and a 12-per-cent improvement in the average grade. Higher tonnes milled reflected an increase in milling capacity following the acquisition of the Lakewood mill in August, 2022, and its subsequent ramp-up to maintaining a 1.0 Mtpa processing rate. This result represents an annual production record for the company and exceeded the top end of the 145,000 oz to 160,000 oz gold production guidance range for 2023.

Cash operating costs per ounce sold for the 12 months of 2023 averaged $1,128 (U.S.) compared with $1,099 (U.S.) for the same period in 2022, with volume and grade improvements offset by higher operating costs, particularly the additional costs incurred around contract crushing due to the HGO crusher bridge failure, now repaired. AISC per ounce sold averaged $1,248 (U.S.) for 2023, within the cost guidance range of $1,100 (U.S.) to $1,250 (U.S.) per ounce sold, compared with $1,174 (U.S.) in 2022, reflecting cash operating costs per ounce and planned higher sustainable capital for the year, composed primarily of engine replacement and rebuilds for Beta Hunt mining equipment.

Beta Hunt

During Q4 2023, 360,300 tonnes were mined at an average grade of 3.05 g/t containing 35,286 ounces of gold. This represented a 43-per-cent improvement compared with Q4 2022, reflecting progress in the continuing production ramp-up at the Beta Hunt mine. Gold mined was 52 per cent higher than Q4 2022 (252,500 tonnes at 2.84 g/t for 23,100 contained ounces) and 54 per cent higher than the prior quarter (357,200 tonnes at 2.00 g/t for 22,912 contained ounces) reflecting the mining of a planned higher-grade section of Beta Hunt during the fourth quarter. Most of the mined tonnes during Q4 2023 came from the central and southern section of Western flanks and scheduled higher-grade areas from A zone during December.

Gold production from Beta Hunt in Q4 2023 totalled 34,486 recovered ounces based on milling 362,500 tonnes at an average grade of 3.13 g/t and 94.4-per-cent plant recovery. The higher mined grade contributed to 65 per cent higher gold production for the quarter compared with Q4 2022 (20,870 ounces) and 57 per cent higher than the prior quarter (21,926 ounces).

Cash operating costs per ounce sold at Beta Hunt averaged $1,123 (U.S.) in Q4 2023, which compared with $992 (U.S.) in Q4 2022, and $1,233 (U.S.) the previous quarter. The reduction in cash operating costs from the previous quarter of 2023 reflects the impact of higher-grade more than offsetting the higher final quarter operating costs. The increase compared with the 2022 fourth quarter reflects higher 2023 costs and a reduction in byproduct credits of $88 (U.S.) per Beta Hunt ounce, from lower comparable nickel sales for the quarter compared with 2022 (no nickel production was sold in the final quarter of 2024 as a new nickel sales arrangement was negotiated).

For 2023, 1,314,600 tonnes were mined at an average grade of 2.69 g/t containing 113,726 ounces of gold, compared with 1,081,500 tonnes mined at an average grade of 2.45 g/t containing 85,208 ounces of gold in 2022. Full-year 2023 gold production from Beta Hunt totalled 108,698 ounces, a 37-per-cent increase from production of 79,125 ounces in 2022, which resulted from 21 per cent higher Beta Hunt ore mill throughput and 13 per cent higher grade for the full year. Cash operating costs per ounce sold averaged $1,088 (U.S.) broadly in line with $1,045 (U.S.) in 2022.

In addition to gold production, Beta Hunt mined 5,253 tonnes of nickel ore at an estimated grade of 2.3 per cent nickel during Q4 2023, compared with 5,755 tonnes of nickel ore mined at an estimated grade of 2.0 per cent nickel for the same period in 2022, and 5,193 tonnes of nickel ore at an estimated grade of 1.7 per cent nickel the previous quarter. For 2023, 23,288 tonnes of nickel ore were mined at an estimated grade of 2.2 per cent nickel, which compared with 24,604 tonnes mined at an estimated average grade of 1.7 per cent nickel a year earlier.

Higginsville mining operations

During Q4 2023, 90,400 tonnes were mined at an average grade of 1.76 g/t containing 5,129 ounces, which compared with 106,000 tonnes mined at an average grade of 3.34 g/t containing 11,370 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 96,400 tonnes at an average grade of 5.16 g/t containing 15,994 ounces the previous quarter. During Q4 2023, mining at the Pioneer open pit continued and mining commenced at the Two Boys underground mine.

Gold production at HGO in Q4 2023 totalled 5,809 ounces (122,800 tonnes milled at an average grade of 1.61 g/t), 65 per cent lower compared with 16,439 ounces in Q4 2022 (272,600 tonnes milled at 2.01 g/t), reflecting 55 per cent lower tonnes processed and 20 per cent lower grade processed, and was 67 per cent lower than the previous quarter (182,500 tonnes at 3.13 g/t for 17,621 ounces), again reflecting the 33 per cent lower tonnes processed and 49 per cent lower grade compared with the previous quarter, where final stoping from the Aquarius underground mine was completed. Tonnes processed were lower in both comparisons due to mill maintenance down time, reduced crusher throughput resulting from the crusher bridge failure and reduced satellite feed sources with increased reliance on the ramp-up tonnes from Beta Hunt.

Cash operating costs per ounce sold at HGO averaged $2,112 (U.S.) in Q4 2023 versus $1,088 (U.S.) for Q4 2022, with the increase reflecting the previously discussed temporary higher contract crushing costs, higher operating costs incurred on new short-term mining projects, and lower processing grade and ounces sold for the period. Cash operating costs per ounce sold in Q4 2023 increased from $832 (U.S.) the previous quarter, which had benefited from higher-grade Aquarius ore, and associated higher produced and sold ounces. Pioneer open pit commenced in Q4 2023 to contribute to production, particularly in Q2 2024. Early development at Two Boys underground contributed to higher operating costs in Q4 2023 with ounces to be delivered into 2024. At Dec. 31, 2023, nickel stocks were 10,871 tonnes at 2 per cent, with sale of this material expected to be completed in Q1 2024.

For 2023, HGO mined 437,100 tonnes at an average grade of 3.27 g/t containing 45,854 contained ounces of gold, which was 7 per cent lower than the 469,800 tonnes mined at an average grade of 3.09 g/t containing 46,767 ounces of gold in 2022. Two thousand twenty-three production totalled 51,794 ounces from 725,800 tonnes processed at an average grade of 2.36 g/t versus gold production of 54,763 ounces from 841,200 tonnes at an average grade of 2.18 g/t for 2022. Cash operating costs per ounce sold in 2023 averaged $1,209 (U.S.) compared with $1,179 (U.S.) in 2022, with the higher cash costs largely due to the crusher bridge failure and associated contract crushing costs incurred in the Q4.

Processing operations

A total of 485,300 tonnes were milled at an average grade of 2.75 g/t with average recoveries of 94 per cent for production of 40,295 ounces during Q4 2023.

Beta Hunt contributed 100 per cent of the throughput at the Lakewood mill during Q4 2023, totalling 211,100 tonnes at an average grade of 3.46 g/t. Recovered gold during the quarter totalled 22,352 ounces. The balance of Beta Hunt was dedicated to the Higginsville processing plant, with Beta Hunt contributing 55 per cent of the mill throughput and HGO providing the remaining 45 per cent. At Higginsville, 274,200 tonnes of material were processed at an average grade of 2.18 g/t for a recovered gold of 17,944 ounces.

For 2023, throughput at the Lakewood mill totalled 759,7002 tonnes (98 per cent from Beta Hunt and 2 per cent from HGO) at an average grade of 2.39 g/t. Recovered gold during the 12-month period totalled 55,344 ounces. A total of 1,279,700 tonnes were milled at the Higginsville (with 45 per cent of mill feed coming from Beta Hunt and 55 per cent from HGO) at an average grade of 2.70 g/t. Recovered gold totalled 105,428 ounces.

Financial review

For Q4 2023, the company generated revenue of $101.8-million, a $4.9-million, or 5-per-cent, increase from the fourth quarter of 2022. Gold revenue totalled $101.4-million, $7.7-million, or 8 per cent, higher than the 2022 fourth quarter, with the increase reflecting $13.5-million from rate factors, including the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, as well as a 15-per-cent increase in the average U.S. realized gold price, partially offset by the lower gold volume sold for the quarter. Beta Hunt contributed $86.2-million of total gold revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023, with HGO contributing $15.2-million. During the comparable period in 2022, Beta Hunt contributed $52.5-million of gold revenue, with the remaining $41.2-million coming from HGO.

For 2023, revenue totalled $416.3-million, $99.3-million, or 31 per cent, higher than $317-million for the same period in 2022. Gold revenue for the 12 months of 2023 totalled $408.3-million, a $98.9-million, or 32-per-cent, increase from a year earlier. Of the increase, $58.4-million related to a 19-per-cent increase in gold ounces sold, with rate factors contributing the remaining $40.5-million of revenue growth, reflecting the 7-per-cent improvement in the average realized U.S. gold price and the impact of a significantly stronger U.S. dollar. Beta Hunt contributed $273.2-million of 2023 gold revenue, with HGO contributing $135.1-million. During 2022, Beta Hunt contributed $183.7-million of gold revenue, with $125.7-million coming from HGO.

Net loss for Q4 2023 totalled $1.7-million (one cent per basic share) compared with $9.6-million (six cents per basic share) for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2022. The net earnings performance compared with the fourth quarter of 2022 is impacted by a non-cash $9.2-million impairment charge and $3.1-million inventory adjustment related to the non-cash writedown of historic stockpiles, along with the impact of higher production and processing costs (particularly in relation to contract crushing while the HGO crusher bridge is repaired), general and administrative, depreciation and amortization, royalty, and other and income tax expenses.

Net earnings for the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2023, were $8.9-million (five cents per basic share) compared with net earnings of $9.9-million (six cents per basic share) in the 12 months of 2022, despite a 37-per-cent, or $44.4-million, increase in operating margin more than offsetting the impact of higher general and administrative, depreciation and amortization, royalty, and other and income tax expenses.

Adjusted earnings for Q4 2023 totalled $3.3-million (two cents per share) versus $8.7-million (five cents per share) in the fourth quarter of 2022. The difference between net earnings and adjusted earnings in the fourth quarter of 2023 resulted from the exclusion from adjusted earnings of the after-tax impact of $3.2-million related to non-cash share-based payments, $9.2-million impairment charges, and $2.6-million related to loss on derivatives, offset by the exclusion of $7.8-million foreign exchange gains.

For 2023, adjusted earnings totalled $36.1-million (21 cents per share) versus $21.1-million (13 cents per share) in the same period in 2022. The difference between net earnings and adjusted earnings in the fourth quarter of 2023 largely resulted from the exclusion from adjusted earnings of the after-tax impact of $10-million related to non-cash share-based payments, $9.2-million in impairment charges, $7.8-million related to loss on derivatives and $5.5-million in unrealized foreign exchange loss. The increase in adjusted earnings compared with the full year of 2022 mainly reflected the 37-per-cent increase in operating margin, driven by $98.9-million, or 32 per cent, higher gold revenue.

For Q4 2023, cash provided by operating activities, prior to changes in working capital, totalled $24.2-million compared with $28.2-million for the same period in 2022. The decrease compared with the fourth quarter of 2022 largely reflected lower sales volume due to year-end gold shipment timing, and increased processing costs related to the HGO contract crushing costs, general and administrative, and royalty expenses. Changes in working capital represented a net source of cash totalling $7.9-million during the three months ended Dec. 31, 2023, reflecting a $6.1-million increase in accounts payable due to increased operating and continuing growth capital activity, particularly in December, 2023.

For 2023, cash provided by operating activities, prior to changes in working capital, was $127.9-million compared with $90-million for the same period in 2022, with the increase mainly reflecting higher gold revenue and operating margin in the 12 months more than offsetting increases in royalty, and general and administration expenses. Changes in working capital represented a $4.8-million net source of cash during the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2023, of which $3.4-million relates to reduced trade and other receivables reflecting no Q4 2023 nickel production sold for the final half. Changes in working capital in the 12 months of 2022 used $700,000, mainly represented by an $8.1-million increase in inventories, and $2.7-million increase in trade and other receivables, substantially offset by an $8.7-million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The company had cash of $82.5-million as at Dec. 31, 2023, compared with $68.8-million as at Dec. 31, 2022.

Outlook

Guidance (2024)

The company updated 2024 production, cost and capital guidance on March 11, 2024. This outlook includes forward-looking information about the company's operations and financial expectations, and is based on management's expectations and outlook as of the date of this MD&A. This outlook, including expected results and targets, is subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which may impact future performance and the company's ability to achieve the results and targets discussed in this section. The company may update this outlook depending on changes in metal prices and other factors.

Conference call/webcast

Karora will be hosting a conference call and webcast today, March 22, 2024, beginning at 10 a.m. (Eastern Time). The accompanying presentation can be found on Karora's website.

Live conference call and webcast access information

North American callers please dial:  1-888-664-6383

Local and international callers please dial:  416-764-8650

A live webcast of the call will be available through Cision's website.

A recording of the conference call will be available for replay on-line, or for a one-week period beginning at approximately 1 p.m. (Eastern Time) on March 22, 2024, through the following dial-in numbers.

North American callers please dial:  1-888-390-0541

Local and international callers please dial:  416-764-8677

Pass code:  706165 followed by the pound key

Compliance statement (Joint Ore Reserve Committee (JORC) 2012 and National Instrument 43-101)

The technical and scientific information contained in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Steve Devlin, group geologist, Karora Resources, a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Karora Resources Inc.

Karora is focused on increasing gold production at its integrated Beta Hunt gold mine and Higginsville gold operations in Western Australia. The Higginsville treatment facility is a low-cost 1.6 Mtpa processing plant, which is fed at capacity from Karora's underground Beta Hunt mine and Higginsville mines. In July, 2022, Karora acquired the 1.0 Mtpa Lakewood mill in Western Australia. At Beta Hunt, a robust gold mineral resource and reserve are hosted in multiple gold shears, with gold intersections along a five km strike length remaining open in multiple directions. HGO has a substantial mineral gold resource and reserve, and prospective land package totalling approximately 1,900 square kilometres. Karora has a strong board and management team focused on delivering shareholder value and responsible mining, as demonstrated by Karora's commitment to reducing emissions across its operations.

We seek Safe Harbor.