It comes after underlying free cashflow for the June quarter hit $64 million, boosting the total for the year to $224.2 million, a 21% jump over the previous year.

Northern Star’s five mines produced 558,143 ounces of gold at all-in sustaining costs of $1041 an ounce over the year, with production coming in within guidance and costs bettering the target range of $1050-1100/oz.

The company sold 561,153oz gold at an average price of $1578/oz.

Beament said the results said “everything about the business”.

“We do what we say we’re going to do,” he told investors and reporters on a teleconference.

Beament added that the company would maintain its focus on financial returns, rather than ounces produced, and said that investors were looking for return on equity above all else.

“I’m sure we’re going to pass that test with flying colours when we report our financials next month,” he said.

The big cash balance, which came even after a $50 million exploration spend, $36 million in dividend payments and $11 million in Central Tanami acquisition costs, has given Northern Star’s board something to consider ahead of the full-year results next month.

Beament said exploration expenditure would probably be boosted to around $62 million for FY17, and the company had the developments of the Millennium mine at Kundana, and Central Tanami to focus on.

“There’s probably a third thing that’s very, very close on the horizon that we’ll announce shortly,” he said.

Also expected on the news front shortly is an update on the progress of the potential Plutonic sale, as well as a resource and reserve upgrade and FY17 guidance.

Northern Star shares rose by 1.5% to $5.39. The stock last week hit an all-time high of $5.89, but the gold price has dropped since then.