OceanaGold provides update on Philippines operations

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MELBOURNE, Oct. 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Following its news release on September 27, 2016, OceanaGold Corporation (TSX/ASX/NZX: OGC) (the "Company") wishes to provide an update on the status of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) audit "findings" related to the Didipio Gold-Copper Mine ("Didipio Mine").

Over the past several days following the DENR press conference, the Company has engaged directly with the DENR Secretary Gina Lopez and other senior government officials to gain clarity on the findings identified with respect to the Didipio operation. Discussions with government officials including Sec. Lopez have been constructive and the Company will continue to engage with all stakeholders to demonstrate the many achievements and attributes of its operations in country and the significant benefits the mine has delivered thus far to its communities. 

Mick Wilkes, President and CEO commented from Manila, "I am highly confident that our Didipio operations will continue to operate without interruption as the Didipio Mine sets the benchmark for responsible mining based on international best practices and serves as the template for the type of operation that President Duterte and his administration are seeking for all mining operations in the Philippines as they advance a responsible mining sector."

The Didipio operation continues to operate without interruption and the Company firmly maintains its 2016 production and cost guidance for the operation.

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold Corporation is a mid-tier, low-cost, multinational gold producer with assets located in the Philippines, New Zealand and the United States. The Company's assets encompass its flagship operation, the Didipio Gold-Copper Mine located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. On the north island of New Zealand, the Company operates the high-grade Waihi Gold Mine while on the south island of New Zealand, the Company operates the largest gold mine in the country at the Macraes Goldfield which is made up of a series of open pit mines and the Frasers underground mine. In the United States, the Company is currently constructing the Haile Gold Mine, a top-tier asset located in South Carolina along the Carolina Terrane. The Company expects the Haile Gold Mine to commence commercial production in early 2017. OceanaGold also has a significant pipeline of organic growth and exploration opportunities in the Australasia and Americas regions.

OceanaGold has operated sustainably over the past 25 years with a proven track record for environmental management and community and social engagement. The Company has a strong social license to operate and works collaboratively with its valued stakeholders to identify and invest in social programs that are designed to build capacity and not dependency.

In 2016, the Company expects to produce 385,000 to 425,000 ounces of gold from the combined New Zealand and Didipio operations and 19,000 to 21,000 tonnes of copper from the Didipio operation at All-In Sustaining Costs of US$700 to US$750 per ounce.

Cautionary Statement for Public Release

Certain information contained in this public release may be deemed "forward-looking" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information relate to future performance and reflect the Company's expectations regarding the outcome of the DENR audit and its impact on the Didipio operation, generation of free cash flow, execution of business strategy, future production, estimated costs, results of operations, business prospects and opportunities of OceanaGold Corporation and its related subsidiaries. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information. They include, among others, the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and related assumptions, inherent operating risks and those risk factors identified in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form prepared and filed with securities regulators which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company's name. There are no assurances the Company can fulfil forward-looking statements and information. Such forward-looking statements and information are only predictions based on current information available to management as of the date that such predictions are made; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company, some of which are beyond the Company's control.  Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release is based on reasonable assumptions, readers cannot be assured that actual outcomes or results will be consistent with such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The information contained in this release is not investment or financial product advice.

SOURCE OceanaGold Corporation

Investor Relations: Sam Pazuki, Tel: [phone]; Jeffrey Sansom, Tel: [phone]; Media Relations: Jill Thomas, Tel: [phone]; [email protected]; www.oceanagold.com; Twitter: @OceanaGold