The company reported attributable gold production of 882,000 ounces for 2018, towards the higher end of its 850,000-900,000oz guidance.

However it expected gold production to decrease to 810,000-870,000oz in 2019 as owner-operator production remained flat, Sadiola depleted stockpiles in the first half, ramp-up continued at Westwood but production increased at Rosebel.

It also expected lower production at Essakane, after two years of record output, due to lower availability of high-grade zones, which would be partially offset by higher recoveries due to the new oxygen plant.

The miner said its 2018 all-in sustaining costs were expected to be "near the high end" of guidance of US$990-$1,070/oz sold.

This was expected to increase to $1,030-$1,080/oz in 2019 as it continued "initiatives to improve productivity and optimise performance".

It said AISC was expected to trend lower in the second half as Saramacca started adding to Rosebel production.

IAMGOLD said it had about $734 million in cash and equivalents at the end of December.

It also entered a $170 million gold prepay arrangement this week to support its growth strategy.

Under the arrangement with a syndicate of banks, it will receive prepayment in exchange for the delivery of 150,000oz in 2022 with a price range of $1,300-$1,500/oz.

The company plans to release its fourth quarter and 2018 financial results on February 20.

Its shares had traded close to C$8 in the first half of 2018 but fell to a 52-week low of $3.63 in November after a strike cut an analyst tour of Rosebel in Suriname.
 
Its share price had started to slide in August as the gold price weakened and in the wake of second quarter results that outlined improved earnings but revenues below average analyst forecasts.
 
It lost 10.55% or 50c yesterday to close at $4.24, capitalising it at $1.98 billion.