Arch Resources Reports Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

Arch Resources Reports Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

Achieves record net income in 2022 of more than $1.3 billion , or $63.88 per diluted share
Achieves a 13-percent sequential improvement in average metallurgical segment unit cost in Q4
Declares a quarterly cash dividend of $58.0 million , or $3.11 per share
Deploys $160.2 million to repurchase 689,593 shares and settle incremental convertible debt

ARCH Resources, Inc. (NYSE: ARCH) today reported net income of $470.5 million or $23.18 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2022, which included an income tax benefit of $253.3 million primarily associated with the release of a valuation allowance on the company's deferred tax assets, compared with net income of $226.6 million or $11.92 per diluted share, in the prior-year period.  ARCH had adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, accretion on asset retirement obligations (ARO), and non-operating expenses ("adjusted EBITDA") [1] of $256.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, which included a $3.9 million non-cash mark-to-market gain associated with its coal-hedging activities.  This compares to $304.4 million of adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2021, which included a $31.3 million non-cash mark-to-market gain associated with its coal-hedging activities.  Revenues totaled $859.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 versus $805.7 million in the prior-year quarter.

Arch Resources Logo (PRNewsfoto/Arch Resources, Inc.)

In the fourth quarter and full year 2022, Arch made significant progress on numerous strategic priorities and objectives, as the company:

  • Capped off 2022 with Q4 net income of $470.5 million , resulting in record net income for the full year of $1.3 billion , or $63.88 per share
  • Generated adjusted EBITDA of $256.5 million in Q4, representing a 15-percent sequential improvement over Q3, and finished full year 2022 with record adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion
  • Deployed a total of $160.2 million in Q4 to repurchase 689,593 shares of common stock as well as to extinguish incremental convertible debt and thus limit future dilution
  • Increased the aggregate amount deployed in the capital return program since its February 2022 relaunch to $881.3 million , inclusive of the just announced March 2023 dividend
  • Ended 2022 with a net positive cash position of $95.8 million , compared to a net debt position of $265.4 million at the beginning of 2022






1 Adjusted EBITDA is defined and reconciled in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures" in this release.

"The Arch team capped off a record-setting 2022 with another strong quarter of operating momentum, cash generation and shareholder returns," said Paul A. Lang , Arch's CEO and president.  "In Q4, our core metallurgical segment delivered significantly improved sales volumes, unit costs, and cash margins, reflecting ongoing progress in both operating conditions and productivity rates at Leer South.  Just as importantly, we continued to lay the foundation for still further operating improvements in the segment as we proceed through 2023."

"In addition to these strong operating results, Arch once again demonstrated the powerful value-driving capabilities of its recently relaunched capital return program," Lang added.  "Including today's dividend declaration, Arch has now returned a total of $881.3 million to shareholders since the relaunch of the program in February 2022 , including $514.4 million in dividends and $366.9 million in share buybacks and convertible debt settlements."

Arch ended 2022 with 17.6 million shares of common stock outstanding and only 8.5 percent of its original convertible security balance – or approximately $13.2 million in principal-yet-to-be-settled.  In total, Arch has used the "second 50 percent" of discretionary cash generated since the relaunch of the shareholder return program to reduce dilution by approximately 2.9 million shares.  Notably, by prioritizing settlement of the convertible securities over share buybacks, Arch avoided incremental dilution of nearly 600,000 shares that would have resulted from increases in the conversion rate stemming from the 2022 dividend payments.

Since the beginning of 2022, Arch has generated more than $1.2 billion in cash provided by operating activities; deployed a total of $881.3 million under its capital return program inclusive of the $58.0 million dividend payable in March 2023 ; fortified the balance sheet via the reduction of $427.8 million of indebtedness; contributed $116.0 million to its industry-first thermal mine reclamation fund, increasing the balance to $136.0 million ; and returned the balance sheet to a net positive cash position of $95.8 million .

"In short, the team's strong results validate our clear, consistent and actionable plan for value creation," Lang said.

Financial and Liquidity Update

Based on the continuing strength in Arch's operating performance and in keeping with its capital return formula, the board has declared a total quarterly dividend of $58.0 million , or $3.11 per share, which is equivalent to 50 percent of Arch's fourth quarter discretionary cash flow.  The board intends to continuously evaluate – and drive forward with – the most value-creating uses for the "other 50 percent" of the company's discretionary cash flow, including additional share buybacks.

Arch ended 2022 with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $273.1 million, total liquidity of $400.8 million, and a net positive cash position of $95.8 million .

As indicated, Arch invested $101.3 million during the quarter to repurchase 689,593 shares at an average price of $146.89 per share.  In addition, the company deployed $58.9 million to repurchase convertible debt securities with an aggregate principal amount of $12.0 million , thus reducing future dilution by 377,937 shares.  In total, Arch has now extinguished approximately 91.5 percent – or $142.1 million in principal – of its convertible debt securities, leaving just $13.2 million in principal outstanding.

"We are pleased with the tremendous progress we have made – over a very short timeframe – in driving significant incremental value for our shareholders via our multi-faceted capital return program," said Matthew C. Giljum , Arch's chief financial officer.  "This progress serves to further underscore Arch's substantial cash-generating capabilities since the expansion of our coking coal portfolio."

As previously discussed, Arch has created a thermal mine reclamation fund that it is using to pre-fund and defease the long-term mine closure and reclamation obligations of its Powder River Basin operations.  Inclusive of a $6.0 million contribution to this fund in the fourth quarter, the company has reached its approximate initial target funding level of $136.0 million .

Reaffirmation of Capital Allocation Model

In February 2022, Arch announced a new capital allocation model that includes the return to stockholders of 50 percent of the prior quarter's discretionary cash flow – defined as cash flow from operating activities after contributions to the thermal mine reclamation fund and less capital expenditures – via a variable quarterly cash dividend in conjunction with a fixed quarterly cash dividend.  The company plans to deploy the remaining discretionary cash flow for use in share buybacks, the repurchase of potentially dilutive securities, special dividends, and/or capital preservation.

Arch generated $194.3 million in cash provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter, reflecting strong operating results in its core metallurgical segment, logistical challenges at its legacy thermal assets, a significant increase in working capital related principally to timing issues, and a $6.0 million contribution to its thermal mine reclamation fund.  The company deployed $78.2 million for capital expenditures, resulting in total discretionary cash flow for the quarter of $116.1 million .  The fourth quarter dividend payment of $3.11 per share – which includes a fixed component of $0.25 per share and a variable component of $2.86 per share – is payable on March 15, 2023 to stockholders of record on February 28, 2023.

Over the past 25 quarters – and inclusive of the program's first phase – Arch has now deployed a total of more than $1.8 billion under its capital return program.

"While the board continuously evaluates the optimal use of discretionary cash flow, we view the current capital return program and allocation model as appropriate, durable and well-aligned with shareholder interests and preferences, and expect the capital return program to remain the centerpiece of our value proposition going forward," Lang said.

As of December 31, 2022 , Arch had $341.2 million of remaining authorization under its existing $500.0 million share repurchase program.

Operational Update

"As expected, the Leer South mine executed at much-improved productivity levels during Q4 as the longwall advanced into progressively more advantageous geologic conditions," said John T. Drexler , Arch's chief operating officer.  "Due in large part to this improved performance, Arch's core metallurgical segment as a whole achieved a greater than 15 percent sequential increase in coking coal sales volumes in Q4 and comparable improvements in both unit costs and operating margins.  The team expects to build upon this significant progress in 2023, with further increases in our quarterly production volumes as well as incremental improvements in our average unit cost."






Metallurgical







4Q22



3Q22



4Q21












Tons sold (in millions)


2.3



1.9



2.0


Coking


2.1



1.8



1.9


Thermal


0.1



0.1



0.1


Coal sales per ton sold


$179.98



$181.34



$198.26


Coking


$187.77



$189.50



$206.28


Thermal


$74.92



$23.87



$24.99


Cash cost per ton sold


$86.83



$100.27



$86.38


Cash margin per ton


$93.15



$81.07



$111.88












Coal sales per ton sold and cash cost per ton sold are defined and reconciled under "Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures."

Mining complexes included in this segment are Leer, Leer South, Beckley and Mountain Laurel.


Even with a small decline in its average realization, Arch's metallurgical segment achieved a 15-percent sequential increase in its per-ton cash margin during the fourth quarter, due largely to a 13-percent improvement in its average unit cost.  Arch expects coking coal shipments to remain relatively flat in the first quarter of 2023, followed by incremental increases in subsequent quarters.  Arch expects overall coking coal sales volumes to be in the range of 8.9 to 9.7 million tons for full year 2023.



Thermal



4Q22



3Q22



4Q21










Tons sold (in millions)


16.1



18.4



18.8

Coal sales per ton sold


$19.58



$19.94



$15.41

Cash cost per ton sold


$15.73



$14.76



$11.84

Cash margin per ton


$3.85



$5.18



$3.57










Coal sales per ton sold and cash cost per ton sold are defined and reconciled under "Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures."

Mining complexes included in this segment are Black Thunder, Coal Creek and West Elk.

Arch's legacy thermal segment experienced a significant step-down in shipping volumes during Q4 primarily due to further deterioration in already poor western rail service.  Reduced volumes also served to drive the segment's unit costs higher, leading to a 26-percent sequential decline in average margin for the quarter.  During 2022, the legacy thermal segment generated a total of $353.9 million in adjusted EBITDA while expending just $28.6 million in capital.

ESG Update

During the fourth quarter, Arch maintained its exemplary environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.  Arch's subsidiary operations achieved an aggregate total lost-time incident rate of 0.44 per 200,000 employee-hours worked during Q4, which was approximately five times better than the industry average, and recorded zero environmental violations and zero water quality exceedances.  In total, Arch's subsidiary operations have now operated a total of nearly three years without a single water quality exceedance.

During 2021 and 2022, Arch completed approximately 75 percent of the final reclamation work at its Coal Creek operation in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming , leaving only a small disturbed area related to that mine's still-active pit.  As previously discussed, Arch reached the initial targeted balance for its industry-first thermal mine reclamation fund, which ensures that the necessary cash will be on hand to perform final reclamation work when active mining ceases.  As a result of the extensive work performed at Coal Creek in recent quarters, the State of Wyoming awarded the operation its highest reclamation honor – the 2022 Excellence in Reclamation Award.  In addition, Arch increased its financial support of the University of Wyoming's School of Energy Resources, including the important work that institution is doing in the reclamation science arena.

Market Update

Global metallurgical markets remain well-supported at present even as broader macro-pressures continue to weigh on the global steel sector.  Global hot metal output in the world excluding China declined nearly 9 percent in 2022, according to the World Steel Association, due in large part to the idling of global steelmaking assets in the face of weak demand and soft pricing.  However, steel prices have improved around 30 percent in key steelmaking regions since bottoming in Q4, and a number of previously idled mills are now in the process of restarting.  In keeping with these improving market dynamics, the price of High-Vol A coking coal on the U.S. East Coast is currently being assessed at $325 per metric ton.

Global thermal markets also remain constructive, even in the wake of a significant correction since the start of Q4.  In the Pacific region, the prompt price for thermal coal loaded into a vessel in New South Wales stands at around $220 per metric ton, and thermal coal delivered into northern Europe is being marked at approximately $135 per metric ton.

Arch continues to view under-investment in new and replacement coal supply as the single most important driver behind persistently constructive coal market dynamics.  In 2022, Australian coking coal exports were down more than 5 percent, or nearly 9 million tons, when compared to the already weak levels of 2021.  Meanwhile, coking coal output in the U.S. and Canada increased only slightly on a year-over-year basis, and ongoing hostilities in Ukraine continue to constrain Russian supplies while injecting still greater uncertainty into the overall global coal supply equation.  The supply story is much the same in thermal coal markets.

In short, while broader macro-concerns represent a question mark in near-term market dynamics, Arch views the intermediate to long-term market outlook for global steel, metallurgical coal and thermal coal markets as positive and constructive.

Looking Ahead

"With our highly competitive coking coal portfolio, expanding customer base in the world's fastest growing steel markets, cash-generating legacy thermal assets, and demonstrated ESG leadership, Arch is exceptionally well-positioned to continue to generate significant amounts of discretionary cash through 2023 and beyond, and to use that cash to reward stockholders via the clearly articulated tenets of our capital return formula," Lang said.



2023



Tons

$ per ton

Sales Volume (in millions of tons)







Coking


8.9

-

9.7



Thermal


66.0

-

74.0



Total


74.9


83.7










Metallurgical (in millions of tons)







Committed, Priced Coking North American




1.0


$188.48

Committed, Unpriced Coking North American




0.3



Committed, Priced Coking Seaborne




0.2


$166.47

Committed, Unpriced Coking Seaborne




4.1



Total Committed Coking




5.6










Committed, Priced Thermal Byproduct




0.1


$81.64

Committed, Unpriced Thermal Byproduct




0.1



Total Committed Thermal Byproduct




0.2










Average Metallurgical Cash Cost





$79.00 - $89.00








Thermal (in millions of tons)







Committed, Priced




68.2


$17.50

Committed, Unpriced




2.1



Total Committed Thermal




70.3



Average Thermal Cash Cost





$13.50 - $15.00















Corporate (in $ millions)







D,D&A


$155.0

-

$165.0



ARO Accretion


$17.0

-

$21.0



S,G&A - Cash


$72.0

-

$76.0



S,G&A - Non-cash


$24.0

-

$28.0



Net Interest Expense


$0.0

-

$5.0



Capital Expenditures


$150.0

-

$160.0



Cash Tax Payment (%)


0.0

-

5.0



Income Tax Provision (%)


10.0

-

15.0



Note: The company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of its forward-looking non-GAAP Segment cash cost per ton sold financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying with reasonable accuracy significant items required for the reconciliation. The most directly comparable GAAP measure, GAAP cost of sales, is not accessible without unreasonable efforts on a forward-looking basis. The reconciling items include transportation costs, which are a component of GAAP cost of sales. Management is unable to predict without unreasonable efforts transportation costs due to uncertainty as to the end market and FOB point for uncommitted sales volumes and the final shipping point for export shipments. In addition, the impact of hedging activity related to commodity purchases that do not receive hedge accounting and idle and administrative costs that are not included in a reportable segment are additional reconciling items for Segment cash cost per ton sold. Management is unable to predict without unreasonable efforts the impact of hedging activity related to commodity purchases that do not receive hedge accounting due to fluctuations in commodity prices, which are difficult to forecast due to their inherent volatility. These amounts have historically varied and may continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter and material changes to these items could have a significant effect on our future GAAP results. Idle and administrative costs that are not included in a reportable segment are expected to be between $15 million and $20 million in 2023.

Arch Resources is a premier producer of high-quality metallurgical products for the global steel industry.  The company operates large, modern and highly efficient mines that consistently set the industry standard for both mine safety and environmental stewardship.  Arch Resources from time to time utilizes its website – www.archrsc.com – as a channel of distribution for material company information.  To learn more about us and our premium metallurgical products, go to www.archrsc.com .

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and future plans, and often contain words such as "should," "could," "appears," "estimates," "projects," "targets," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "may," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "strives," "will" or variations of such words or similar words. Actual results or outcomes may vary significantly, and adversely, from those anticipated due to many factors, including: continuing or further deterioration, lack or loss of availability, reliability and cost-effectiveness of rail service, terminal usage, or other transportation facilities and fluctuations in transportation costs; inflationary pressures and availability and price of mining and other industrial supplies; changes in coal prices, which may be caused by numerous factors beyond our control, including changes in the domestic and foreign supply of and demand for coal and the domestic and foreign demand for steel and electricity; volatile economic and market conditions; operating risks beyond our control, including risks related to mining conditions, mining, processing and plant equipment failures or maintenance problems; weather and natural disasters; the unavailability of raw materials, equipment or other critical supplies, mining accidents, and other inherent risks of coal mining that are beyond our control; the effects of foreign and domestic trade policies, actions or disputes on the level of trade among the countries and regions in which we operate, the competitiveness of our exports, or our ability to export; competition, both within our industry and with producers of competing energy sources, including the effects from any current or future legislation or regulations designed to support, promote or mandate renewable energy sources; alternative steel production technologies that may reduce demand for our coal; the impact of changes in coal industry purchasing patterns on our ability to secure new coal supply arrangements or to renew existing coal supply arrangements; the loss of, or significant reduction in, purchases by our largest customers; disruptions in the supply of coal from third parties; risks related to our international growth; the availability and cost of surety bonds, including potential collateral requirements; the availability, cost, and adequacy of insurance coverage for our business risks; our relationships with, and other conditions affecting our customers and our ability to collect payments from our customers; additional demands for credit support by third parties and decisions by banks, surety bond providers, or other counterparties to reduce or eliminate their exposure to the coal industry; inaccuracies in our estimates of our coal reserves; defects in title or the loss of a leasehold interest; losses as a result of certain marketing and asset optimization strategies; cyber-attacks or other security breaches that disrupt our operations, or that result in the unauthorized release of proprietary, confidential or personally identifiable information; our ability to acquire or develop coal reserves in an economically feasible manner; our ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock in accordance with our announced intent or at all; the loss of key personnel or the failure to attract additional qualified personnel and the availability of skilled employees and other workforce factors; impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; existing, proposed and future legislation and regulations affecting our business or our customers' coal usage, including those increasing requirements to fund or provide security for liabilities or other obligations; governmental policies and taxes, including those aimed at reducing emissions of elements such as mercury, sulfur dioxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter or greenhouse gases; increased pressure from political and regulatory authorities, along with environmental and climate change activist groups, and lending and investment policies adopted by financial institutions and insurance companies to address concerns about the environmental impacts of coal combustion; increased attention to environmental, social or governance matters; our ability to obtain and renew various permits necessary for our mining operations; risks related to regulatory agencies ordering certain of our mines to be temporarily or permanently closed under certain circumstances; risks related to extensive environmental regulations that impose significant costs on our mining operations, and could result in litigation or material liabilities; the accuracy of our estimates of reclamation and other mine closure obligations; the existence of hazardous substances or other environmental contamination on property owned or used by us; and risks related to tax legislation. All forward-looking statements in this press release, as well as all other written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this section and elsewhere in this press release. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to vary significantly, and adversely, from those anticipated at the time such statements were first made. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks of which we are not aware or which we currently do not believe to be material, may cause our actual future results and outcomes to be materially, and adversely, different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. For these reasons, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements were made, and we do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by the federal securities laws. For a description of some of the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future results, you should see the risk factors described from time to time in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Arch Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)














Three Months Ended
December 31,


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


2022

2021


2022

2021


(Unaudited)


(Unaudited)








Revenues

$859,464

$805,697


$3,724,593

$2,208,042







Costs, expenses and other operating






Cost of sales (exclusive of items shown separately below)

580,851

490,775


2,338,863

1,579,836

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

34,352

35,886


133,300

120,327

Accretion on asset retirement obligations

4,431

5,437


17,721

21,748

Change in fair value of coal derivatives and coal trading activities, net

(3,870)

(31,323)


1,274

(2,392)

Selling, general and administrative expenses

26,084

25,663


105,355

92,342

Loss on divestitures

-

24,225


-

24,225

Other operating expense (income), net

(127)

16,169


18,669

4,826


641,721

566,832


2,615,182

1,840,912







Income from operations

217,743

238,865


1,109,411

367,130







Interest expense, net






Interest expense

(4,216)

(10,752)


(20,461)

(23,972)

Interest and investment income

4,523

154


7,299

628


307

(10,598)


(13,162)

(23,344)







Income before nonoperating expenses

218,050

228,267


1,096,249

343,786







Nonoperating expenses






Non-service related pension and postretirement benefit costs

(652)

(1,087)


(2,841)

(4,339)

Net loss resulting from early retirement of debt

(277)

-


(14,420)

-


(929)

(1,087)


(17,261)

(4,339)







Income before income taxes

217,121

227,180


1,078,988

339,447

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

(253,349)

574


(251,926)

1,874







Net income

$470,470

$226,606


$1,330,914

$   337,573







Net income per common share






Basic earnings per share

$    26.28

$    14.72


$       77.67

$       22.04

Diluted earnings per share

$    23.18

$    11.92


$       63.88

$       19.20







Weighted average shares outstanding






Basic weighted average shares outstanding

17,900

15,392


17,136

15,318

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

20,310

19,015


20,985

17,579







Dividends declared per common share

$    10.75

$     0.25


$       25.11

$        0.25







Adjusted EBITDA (A)

$256,526

$304,413


$1,260,432

$   533,430


(A) Adjusted EBITDA is defined and reconciled under "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" later in this release.

Arch Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)








December 31,

December 31,


2022

2021


(Unaudited)


Assets



Current assets



Cash and cash equivalents

$    236,059

$    325,194

Short-term investments

36,993

14,463

Restricted cash

1,100

1,101

Trade accounts receivable

236,999

324,304

Other receivables

18,301

8,271

Inventories

223,015

156,734

Other current assets

71,384

52,804

Total current assets

823,851

882,871




Property, plant and equipment, net

1,187,028

1,120,043




Other assets



Deferred income taxes

209,470

-

Equity investments

17,267

15,403

Fund for asset retirement obligations

135,993

20,000

Other noncurrent assets

59,499

78,843

Total other assets

422,229

114,246

Total assets

$ 2,433,108

$ 2,117,160




Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity



Current liabilities



Accounts payable

$    211,848

$    131,986

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

157,043

167,304

Current maturities of debt

57,988

223,050

Total current liabilities

426,879

522,340

Long-term debt

116,288

337,623

Asset retirement obligations

235,736

192,672

Accrued pension benefits

1,101

1,300

Accrued postretirement benefits other than pension

49,674

73,565

Accrued workers' compensation

155,756

224,105

Other noncurrent liabilities

82,094

81,689

Total liabilities

1,067,528

1,433,294




Stockholders' equity



Common Stock

288

255

Paid-in capital

724,660

784,356

Retained earnings

1,565,374

712,478

Treasury stock, at cost

(986,171)

(827,381)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

61,429

14,158

Total stockholders' equity

1,365,580

683,866

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$ 2,433,108

$ 2,117,160

Arch Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)








Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


2022

2021


(Unaudited)


Operating activities



Net income

$1,330,914

$337,573

Adjustments to reconcile to cash from operating activities:



Depreciation, depletion and amortization

133,300

120,327

Accretion on asset retirement obligations

17,721

21,748

Deferred income taxes

(222,023)

8

Employee stock-based compensation expense

27,383

20,539

Amortization relating to financing activities

2,459

6,549

(Gain) loss on disposals and divestitures, net

(997)

23,276

Reclamation work completed

(13,720)

(39,047)

Contribution to fund asset retirement obligations

(115,993)

(20,000)

Changes in:



Receivables

77,274

(212,950)

Inventories

(66,281)

(30,726)

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

84,947

45,547

Income taxes, net

(30,507)

1,820

Coal derivative assets and liabilities, including margin account

1,274

(2,072)

Other

(16,211)

(34,308)

Cash provided by operating activities

1,209,540

238,284




Investing activities



Capital expenditures

(172,728)

(245,440)

Minimum royalty payments

(1,069)

(1,186)

Proceeds from disposals and divestitures

1,972

21,228

Purchases of short-term investments

(39,731)

-

Proceeds from sales of short-term investments

17,337

87,486

Investments in and advances to affiliates, net

(9,575)

(3,303)

Cash used in investing activities

(203,794)

(141,215)




Financing activities



Payments on term loan due 2024

(273,788)

(7,895)

Proceeds from equipment financing

-

19,438

Proceeds from tax exempt bonds

-

44,985

Payments on convertible debt

(208,130)

-

Net payments on other debt

(11,235)

(11,195)

Debt financing costs

(1,035)

(2,057)

Purchase of treasury stock

(156,790)

-

Dividends paid

(456,392)

(3,830)

Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards

(7,052)

(4,840)

Proceeds from warrants exercised

19,540

1,175

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(1,094,882)

35,781




(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash

(89,136)

132,850

Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, beginning of period

326,295

193,445




Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, end of period

$   237,159

$326,295




Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, end of period



Cash and cash equivalents

$   236,059

$325,194

Restricted cash

1,100

1,101





$   237,159

$326,295

Arch Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule of Consolidated Debt

(In thousands)







December 31,

December 31,



2022

2021



(Unaudited)





Term loan due 2024 ($6.5 million face value)


$       6,502

$    280,353

Tax exempt bonds ($98.1 million face value)


98,075

98,075

Convertible Debt ($13.2 million face value)


13,156

121,617

Other


59,472

70,836

Debt issuance costs


(2,929)

(10,208)



174,276

560,673

Less: current maturities of debt


57,988

223,050

Long-term debt


$    116,288

$    337,623





Calculation of net (cash) debt




Total debt (excluding debt issuance costs)


$    177,205

$    570,881

Less liquid assets:




Cash and cash equivalents


236,059

325,194

Short term investments


36,993

14,463



273,052

339,657

Net (cash) debt


$     (95,847)

$    231,224

Arch Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Operational Performance

(In millions, except per ton data)
















Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2022

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2021


(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Metallurgical







Tons Sold

2.3


1.9


2.0









Segment Sales

$     408.0

$     179.98

$     346.0

$181.34

$     393.4

$     198.26

Segment Cash Cost of Sales

196.8

86.83

191.3

100.27

171.4

86.38

Segment Cash Margin

211.2

93.15

154.7

81.07

222.0

111.88








Thermal







Tons Sold

16.1


18.4


18.8









Segment Sales

$     315.0

$     19.58

$     366.2

$  19.94

$     289.0

$     15.41

Segment Cash Cost of Sales

253.1

15.73

271.0

14.76

222.1

11.84

Segment Cash Margin

61.9

3.85

95.2

5.18

66.9

3.57








Total Segment Cash Margin

$     273.0


$     249.9


$     288.9









Selling, general and administrative expenses

(26.1)


(26.1)


(25.7)


Other

9.6


(0.8)


41.2









Adjusted EBITDA

$     256.5


$     223.0


$     304.4


Arch Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of NON-GAAP Measures

(In thousands, except per ton data)






Included in the accompanying release, we have disclosed certain non-GAAP measures as defined by Regulation G.
The following reconciles these items to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.






Non-GAAP Segment coal sales per ton sold






Non-GAAP Segment coal sales per ton sold is calculated as segment coal sales revenues divided by segment tons sold.
Segment coal sales revenues are adjusted for transportation costs, and may be adjusted for other items that, due to
generally accepted accounting principles, are classified in "other income" on the consolidated Income Statements, but
relate to price protection on the sale of coal. Segment coal sales per ton sold is not a measure of financial performance
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We believe segment coal sales per ton sold provides useful
information to investors as it better reflects our revenue for the quality of coal sold and our operating results by including
all income from coal sales. The adjustments made to arrive at these measures are significant in understanding and
assessing our financial condition. Therefore, segment coal sales revenues should not be considered in isolation, nor as
an alternative to coal sales revenues under generally accepted accounting principles.






Quarter ended December 31, 2022

Metallurgical

Thermal

All Other

Consolidated

(In thousands)





GAAP Revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

$        516,742

$342,722

$         -

$         859,464

Less: Adjustments to reconcile to Non-GAAP Segment coal sales revenue





Coal risk management derivative settlements classified in "other income"

-

909

-

909

Transportation costs

108,785

26,834

-

135,619

Non-GAAP Segment coal sales revenues

$        407,957

$314,979

$         -

$         722,936

Tons sold

2,267

16,091



Coal sales per ton sold

$          179.98

$    19.58













Quarter ended September 30, 2022

Metallurgical

Thermal

All Other

Consolidated

(In thousands)





GAAP Revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

$        444,306

$419,529

$         -

$         863,835

Less: Adjustments to reconcile to Non-GAAP Segment coal sales revenue





Coal risk management derivative settlements classified in "other income"

-

14,701

-

14,701

Transportation costs

98,292

38,595

-

136,887

Non-GAAP Segment coal sales revenues

$        346,014

$366,233

$         -

$         712,247

Tons sold

1,908

18,365



Coal sales per ton sold

$          181.34

$    19.94













Quarter ended December 31, 2021

Metallurgical

Thermal

All Other

Consolidated

(In thousands)





GAAP Revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

$        455,610

$350,087

$         -

$         805,697

Less: Adjustments to reconcile to Non-GAAP Segment coal sales revenue





Coal risk management derivative settlements classified in "other income"

-

20,456

-

20,456

Coal sales revenues from idled or otherwise disposed operations

-

-

1

1

Transportation costs

62,235

40,639

(1)

102,873

Non-GAAP Segment coal sales revenues

$        393,375

$288,992

$         -

$         682,367

Tons sold

1,984

18,759



Coal sales per ton sold

$          198.26

$    15.41



Arch Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of NON-GAAP Measures

(In thousands, except per ton data)






Non-GAAP Segment cash cost per ton sold






Non-GAAP Segment cash cost per ton sold is calculated as segment cash cost of coal sales divided by segment tons sold.
Segment cash cost of coal sales is adjusted for transportation costs, and may be adjusted for other items that, due to
generally accepted accounting principles, are classified in "other income" on the consolidated Income Statements, but
relate directly to the costs incurred to produce coal. Segment cash cost per ton sold is not a measure of financial performance
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We believe segment cash cost per ton sold better reflects our
controllable costs and our operating results by including all costs incurred to produce coal. The adjustments made to arrive
at these measures are significant in understanding and assessing our financial condition. Therefore, segment cash cost of
coal sales should not be considered in isolation, nor as an alternative to cost of sales under generally accepted accounting
principles.






Quarter ended December 31, 2022

Metallurgical

Thermal

All Other

Consolidated

(In thousands)





GAAP Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

$        305,597

$282,117

$   (6,863)

$         580,851

Less: Adjustments to reconcile to Non-GAAP Segment cash cost of coal sales





Diesel fuel risk management derivative settlements classified in "other income"

-

2,165

-

2,165

Transportation costs

108,785

26,834

-

135,619

Cost of coal sales from idled or otherwise disposed operations

-

-

(9,702)

(9,702)

Other (operating overhead, certain actuarial, etc.)

-

-

2,839

2,839

Non-GAAP Segment cash cost of coal sales

$        196,812

$253,118

$          -

$         449,930

Tons sold

2,267

16,091



Cash cost per ton sold

$           86.83

$    15.73













Quarter ended September 30, 2022

Metallurgical

Thermal

All Other

Consolidated

(In thousands)





GAAP Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

$        289,610

$313,430

$    6,987

$         610,027

Less: Adjustments to reconcile to Non-GAAP Segment cash cost of coal sales





Diesel fuel risk management derivative settlements classified in "other income"

-

3,825

-

3,825

Transportation costs

98,292

38,595

-

136,887

Cost of coal sales from idled or otherwise disposed operations

-

-

4,277

4,277

Other (operating overhead, certain actuarial, etc.)

-

-

2,710

2,710

Non-GAAP Segment cash cost of coal sales

$        191,318

$271,010

$          -

$         462,328

Tons sold

1,908

18,365



Cash cost per ton sold

$          100.27

$    14.76













Quarter ended December 31, 2021

Metallurgical

Thermal

All Other

Consolidated

(In thousands)





GAAP Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

$        233,626

$262,726

$   (5,577)

$         490,775

Less: Adjustments to reconcile to Non-GAAP Segment cash cost of coal sales





Transportation costs

62,235

40,639

(1)

102,873

Cost of coal sales from idled or otherwise disposed operations

-

-

(7,746)

(7,746)

Other (operating overhead, certain actuarial, etc.)

-

-

2,170

2,170

Non-GAAP Segment cash cost of coal sales

$        171,391

$222,087

$          -

$         393,478

Tons sold

1,984

18,759



Cash cost per ton sold

$           86.38

$    11.84



Arch Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

(In thousands)


Adjusted EBITDA


Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to the Company before the effect of net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation,
depletion and amortization, accretion on asset retirement obligations and nonoperating expenses. Adjusted EBITDA may also be adjusted for
items that may not reflect the trend of future results by excluding transactions that are not indicative of the Company's core operating
performance.


Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and items excluded from
Adjusted EBITDA are significant in understanding and assessing our financial condition. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in
isolation, nor as an alternative to net income, income from operations, cash flows from operations or as a measure of our profitability, liquidity or
performance under generally accepted accounting principles. The Company uses adjusted EBITDA to measure the operating performance of its
segments and allocate resources to the segments. Furthermore, analogous measures are used by industry analysts and investors to evaluate our
operating performance. Investors should be aware that our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
used by other companies. The table below shows how we calculate Adjusted EBITDA.



Three Months Ended
December 31,


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


2022

2021


2022

2021


(Unaudited)


(Unaudited)

Net income

$      470,470

$     226,606


$    1,330,914

$     337,573

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

(253,349)

574


(251,926)

1,874

Interest expense, net

(307)

10,598


13,162

23,344

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

34,352

35,886


133,300

120,327

Accretion on asset retirement obligations

4,431

5,437


17,721

21,748

Loss on divestitures

-

24,225


-

24,225

Non-service related pension and postretirement benefit costs

652

1,087


2,841

4,339

Net loss resulting from early retirement of debt

277

-


14,420

-







Adjusted EBITDA

$       256,526

$     304,413


$     1,260,432

$     533,430

EBITDA from idled or otherwise disposed operations

(10,800)

(8,168)


(828)

2,469

Selling, general and administrative expenses

26,084

25,663


105,355

92,342

Other

2,743

(32,349)


10,857

(9,702)







Segment Adjusted EBITDA from coal operations

$       274,553

$     289,559


$     1,375,816

$     618,539







Segment Adjusted EBITDA






Metallurgical

211,317

221,439


1,021,932

442,830

Thermal

63,236

68,120


353,884

175,709







Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA

$       274,553

$     289,559


$     1,375,816

$     618,539













Discretionary cash flow







Three
Months
Ended
December
31,



Twelve
Months
Ended
December
31,



2022



2022



(Unaudited)



(Unaudited)


Cash flow from operating activities

$        194,309



$     1,209,540


Less: Capital expenditures

(78,211)



(172,728)


Discretionary cash flow

$        116,098



$     1,036,812


Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arch-resources-reports-fourth-quarter-2022-results-301748364.html

SOURCE Arch Resources, Inc.

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia

ARCH
The Conversation (0)
Nickel Creek Platinum Announces Positive PFS for its Nickel Shäw Project

Nickel Creek Platinum Announces Positive PFS for its Nickel Shäw Project

 Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP) (OTCQB: NCPCF) ("Nickel Creek" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of a positive pre-feasibility study ("PFS") at its 100%-owned Nickel Shäw Project (the "Project") located in the Yukon Canada. The PFS has been prepared by AGP Consultants Inc. ("AGP"). The estimated Project after-tax net present value ("NPV") at a 5% discount rate is $143 million with an after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 5.8%. All dollars are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. logo (CNW Group/Nickel Creek Platinum Corp.)

Stuart Harshaw , President and CEO of Nickel Creek commented: "The PFS is an important milestone in realizing the opportunity the Nickel Shäw Project represents in the critical mineral space where it can provide nickel and copper to take advantage of the strong nickel market for EV batteries. The sensitivity to energy costs illustrates how working with the different levels of government can lead to a significant improvement in value, especially when combined with the previously announced intention of the Federal government to provide a tax incentive for critical mineral projects such as Nickel Shäw.  Moving forward, our focus will be to continue to add value to the project through work on identified key economic areas of opportunity and continued mineral exploration success while advancing towards a feasibility study."

Project PFS Highlights
  • $143 million after-tax NPV using a 5% discount rate and an IRR of 5.8% at the following commodity prices: nickel - US$11.00 /pound ("lb"); copper – US$4.00 /lb; palladium – US$2,100 /troy ounce ("troy oz"); platinum – US$1,000 /troy oz; cobalt – US$23 /lb; and gold – US$1,800 /troy oz, each using a 0.75 Canadian to US exchange rate.
  • Life of mine ("LOM") after-tax cash flow of approximately $1.7 billion with an after-tax payback period of 12.7 years.
  • Pre-production capital cost of approximately $1.7 billion , with a construction period of 3.0 years.
Project Opportunities
  • If paying Yukon grid rates of $0.11 /kWhr, the after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate increases by $324 million to $467 million (see NPV sensitivities section below for additional information).
  • The Company's after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate increases from $143 million to $336 million if the Canadian tax incentive for critical mineral companies is enacted (see Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing section below for additional information).
  • The Company plans to further investigate the opportunity of carbon tax offsets associated with carbon sequestration in the tailings facility with ongoing testwork and analysis.
Mineral Resource

On June 1, 2023 , the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of April 3, 2023 :



Metal Grades



Ni

Cu

Co

Pd

Pt

Au

Mg

S

Class

Ktonnes

%

%

%

g/t

g/t

g/t

%

%

Measured

122,363

0.25

0.15

0.014

0.23

0.24

0.05

16.03

0.78

Indicated

314,332

0.26

0.13

0.014

0.24

0.22

0.04

17.26

0.64

Total M+I

436,695

0.26

0.13

0.014

0.23

0.22

0.04

16.92

0.68

Inferred

114,016

0.27

0.13

0.015

0.25

0.20

0.04

17.46

0.69



Contained Metal





Ni

Cu

Co

Pd

Pt

Au



Class

Ktonnes

M Lbs

M Lbs

M Lbs

k Ozs

k Ozs

k Ozs



Measured

122,363

679

411

38

905

944

184



Indicated

314,332

1,792

871

99

2,385

2,197

361



Total M+I

436,695

2,471

1,281

137

3,290

3,141

545



Inferred

114,016

668

339

37

916

733

128




Notes:

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Summation errors may occur due to rounding.

Effective Date is April 3, 2023.

Mineral Resources amenable to open pit extraction are reported within an optimized containing shell.

Average grade calculations on this table are impacted by rounding.

Tonnages are reported in units of 1,000 metric tonnes (Ktonnes).

Contained Base Metal reported in units of 1,000,000 lbs, M Lbs.

Contained Precious Metal reported in units of 1,000 troy ounces, K Ozs.

Metal Prices for Resource Determination in US$

Nickel: $12.10/lb; Copper: $4.45/lb; Cobalt: $25.30/lb; Palladium: $2,415/troy oz; Platinum: $1,150/troy oz; Gold: $2,015/troy oz.

Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut-off grades range from $17.30 to $17.61 Canadian dollars depending on Bulk Con and Split Con

Mining costs, vary by bench, separately for ore and waste:


Base waste mining cost @1330m = C$2.26/t, 10 m bench incremental cost above = C$0.004/t, 10 m bench incremental cost below = C$0.02/t


Base ore mining cost @1330m = C$1.99/t, 10 m bench incremental cost above = C$0.019/t, 10 m bench incremental cost below = C$0.015/t

Process and G&A costs: Bulk con – C$17.30/t; Split con = C$17.61/t

Calculated process recoveries by concentrate type:












Ni

Cu

Co

Pd

Pt

Au







Bulk con:

Eq1

Eq2

57.0 %

54.0 %

47.8 %

74.4 %







Cu con:

Eq3

Eq4

3.36 %

3.19 %

0.91 %

23.58 %







Ni con:

Eq5

Eq6

53.64 %

50.81 %

46.89 %

50.82 %








where:

Eq1 = Ni recovery to Bulk Con = MIN (23.21*LN(X)+30.362,88)








where

X = (%S-%Cu)/%Ni Capped at 12.0%








Eq2 = Cu recovery to Bulk Con = ((Cu-0.06)/Cu)) *100, Constant tail at 0.06% Cu




Eq3 = Ni recovery to Cu Con=Ni recovery to achieve 25.6% Cu and 1.1% Ni grades in Cu Con




Eq4 = Cu recovery to Cu Con = Cu recovery to Bulk Con * 0.623




Eq5 = Ni recovery to Bulk Con – Ni recovery to Cu Con




Eq6 = Cu recovery to Bulk Con – Cu recovery to Cu Con


Capping of grades varies based on lithology for each metal.


The density is assigned based on lithology and varies between 2.76 g/cm 3 and 3.38 g/cm 3 .

Project Description

The Company's flagship asset is its 100%-owned Nickel Shäw Ni-Cu-Co-PGM Project, located in southwestern Yukon, Canada . The Nickel Shäw Project contains the Company's core Ni-Cu-Co-PGM Wellgreen deposit, as well as the Arch, Burwash, Formula, Musk and Quill claims. The Wellgreen deposit is a polymetallic deposit with mineralization that includes the significant co-occurrence of nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum group metals ("PGMs") and gold.

The Nickel Shäw property contains an extensive Ni-Cu-Co-PGM mineralized system hosted by mafic/ultramafic intrusions related to Triassic-age flood basalts. With over 2.4 billion pounds of nickel, 1.2 billion pounds of copper, 6.9 million ounces of PGMs and 137 million pounds of cobalt in the measured and indicated mineral resource categories, Nickel Shäw is one of the largest undeveloped nickel projects in North America not controlled by a major mining company.

The PFS contemplates that the Nickel Shäw open pit would be mined using conventional open pit methods, with a LOM of over 19 years. From the open pit the ore would be trucked to a primary crusher located adjacent to the pit and conveyed out of the valley to a concentrator designed to process 45,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") of ore. The ore would be fed into a conventional Ni-Cu-PGM flotation concentrator designed to produce a bulk Ni-Cu-PGM concentrate "Bulk conc" or alternatively into split concentrates. The split concentrates would be a Ni concentrate "Ni conc" and a Cu concentrate "Cu conc", as economics dictate. Average annual LOM concentrates production ("dmt") is expected to be 103,100 dmt of Bulk conc, 95,000 dmt of Ni conc and 19,600 of dmt Cu conc. Total LOM payable metal production includes the following:

  • 614.3M lbs nickel;
  • 281.5M lbs copper;
  • 21.5 M lbs cobalt;
  • 626,500 troy ounces platinum;
  • 743,400 troy ounces palladium; and
  • 174,400 troy ounces gold.

The tailings would be stored in a tailings storage facility adjacent to the concentrator. Concentrate would be transported by truck 480 km to the Port of Skagway Ore Terminal. Power will be primarily sourced from a liquified natural gas ("LNG") power plant.

Social & Environmental

The Nickel Shäw Project lies within the Kluane First Nation ("KFN") core area as defined under the Umbrella Final Agreement between the Government of Canada , Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations. Effective August 1, 2012 , an Exploration Cooperation Agreement was signed between the KFN and the Company. The KFN and the government of the Yukon Territory have provided very good support for the Nickel Shäw Project.

Ultramafic rocks from the project (in the form of tailings and waste rock) are being assessed for their ability to capture and store carbon. Test work conducted in 2022 confirmed the presence of brucite (a magnesium-rich mineral known to react quickly with CO2 in air) in a subset of samples. On a mass basis, from the achieved reactivity in the testwork, this may enable maximum sequestration of 2.1 kt CO2 per Mt tailings. The Company is evaluating further work which will include the creation of a mineralogy model based on the project's geochemical database to assess the spatial distribution of rocks within the Wellgreen deposit that have high potential to sequester carbon (see news release dated December 15, 2022 for additional details).

Summary of PFS Results

Pre-Tax NPV (5%), IRR

$547 million, 7.7%

After-Tax NPV (5%), IRR

$143 million, 5.8%

Undiscounted After-Tax Cash Flow (LOM)

$1.65 billion

After-Tax Payback Period

12.7 years

Life of Mine (LOM)

19.1 years

Capital Cost

- Initial

- Sustaining

- Total LOM

$1.7 billion

$0.6 billion

$2.3 billion

Operating Cost

$30.22 /mt milled

Mill Throughput

45,000 tpd

Initial 5 Year Annual Average Metal
Production

- Nickel

- Copper

- Cobalt

- Platinum

- Palladium

- Gold


29.1 M lbs

9.1 M lbs

1.1 M lbs

27,400 troy oz

36,200 troy oz

7,700 troy oz

Life of Mine Strip Ratio (W:O)

1.93

Based on the assumed commodity prices noted above, the LOM revenue by metal is as follows: nickel – 62%; palladium – 14%; copper – 10%; platinum 6%; cobalt – 5% and gold – 3%.

NPV Sensitivities

The discount rate sensitivity is as follows:

Discount Rate

After-tax NPV

0 %

$1.7 billion

5% - base case

$143 million

10 %

($459) million

Sensitivity to Nickel and Copper Prices

The after-tax NPV ($Million's) at a 5% discount rate:


Nickel Price (US$)

Copper (US$)

$8.00

$9.00

$10.00

$11.00

$12.00

$13.00

$14.00

$              3.00

(1,003)

(633)

(306)

14

325

628

925

$              3.25

(961)

(599)

(273)

47

357

658

955

$              3.50

(918)

(566)

(240)

79

388

689

985

$              3.75

(876)

(532)

(207)

111

419

720

1,015

$              4.00

(834)

(498)

(174)

143

450

751

1,045

$              4.25

(796)

(465)

(141)

175

481

781

1,075

$              4.50

(762)

(431)

(108)

207

512

811

1,105

Sensitivity to Energy Power Costs

The pre-tax and after-tax NPV ($Million's) at a 5% discount rate:



Power Cost ($kWhr)








Base
case




$0.09

$0.11

$0.13

$0.15

$0.17

$0.194

$0.21

Pre-tax NPV
($Million's)

1,106

998

891

784

676

547

461

After-tax NPV
($Million's)

543

467

391

314

237

143

80

Pre-tax IRR

10.4 %

9.9 %

9.4 %

8.9 %

8.4 %

7.7 %

7.3 %

After-tax IRR

8.2 %

7.7 %

7.3 %

6.8 %

6.4 %

5.8 %

5.5 %

Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing

The Canadian 2023 federal budget proposed the introduction of a 30% refundable investment tax credit for investments in eligible property associated with eligible activities for clean technology manufacturing and processing, as well as critical mineral extraction and processing (the "Clean ITC"). The Clean ITC would apply to investments in certain depreciable property that is used all or substantially all for eligible activities. This would generally include machinery and equipment, including certain industrial vehicles and related control systems used in manufacturing, processing or critical mineral extraction. A portion of the Clean ITC would be recovered if eligible property is subject to a change in use or sold within a certain period of time.

As of this date, there are no specific details regarding the proposed Clean ITC and has not been legislated. Based on assumptions on the capital that could be eligible for the ITC, if the Company was able to utilize the 30% Clean ITC, the Company estimates that the after-tax NPV for the Project at a 5% discount rate would improve from $143 million to $336 million and the after-tax IRR would improve from 5.8% to 7.2%.

CAPEX and OPEX

The initial capital expenditure contemplated in the PFS, to be incurred over the three-year pre-production period of the Project, amounts to approximately $1.7 billion , with the sustaining capital over the remainder of LOM amounts to approximately $0.6 billion . The LOM capital expenditure is summarized as follows:

Capital ($Million's)


Pre-Production

Sustaining

Total LOM

Open Pit

399

205

604

Processing

510

5

515

Infrastructure

353

258

611

Indirects

245

58

303

Environmental

-

52

52

Contingency

180

60

240

Total

1,687

638

2,325

Operating Costs

The LOM operating costs are summarized as follows:


$/mt Milled

Processing

17.32

Mining

7.30

G&A

2.43

Sub-total

27.05

Concentrate Trucking

2.34

Carbon Tax

0.83

Total

30.22

Future Opportunities and Value Enhancements

The PFS also identified a number of potential optimizations to the Project. These include:

  • Working with energy providers and Yukon government and other stakeholders on an energy strategy to reduce the costs for the project;
  • Additional metallurgical testwork to improve overall recoveries of all payable metals where a 1% recovery improvement represents approximately an after-tax $111 M improvement to the NPV at a 5% discount rate; and
  • Continue drilling on the Arch target to define the potential resource which could provide the opportunity for an early project higher grade feed that may improve overall financial results.

Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP; OTCQB: NCPCF) is a Canadian mining exploration and development company advancing its 100%-owned Nickel Shäw Project ("Project"). The Project has exceptional access to infrastructure, located three hours west of Whitehorse via the paved Alaska Highway, which further offers year-round access to deep-sea shipping ports in southern Alaska.

The Company is led by a management team with a proven track record of successful discovery, development, financing and operation of large-scale projects. Our vision is to create value for our shareholders by becoming a leading North American nickel, copper, cobalt and PGM producer.

Qualified Persons

The PFS was overseen by AGP and the technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Gordon Zurowski of AGP. Mr. Zurowski is a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and an independent consultant to the Company. The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release in relation to metallurgical testing, including with respect to 2022-23 variability testwork, was reviewed and approved by Gordon Marrs , P. Eng., of XPS who is a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 and an independent consultant to the Company.

All other scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Cameron Bell , Nickel Creek's Geological Consultant and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101. Please see the technical report ( September 2018 ) filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com , for a description of the Company's data verification and QA/QC procedures.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information". Forward-looking information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology, or negative connotations thereof. All information in this release, other than information of historical facts, including, without limitation, regarding the results of  technical test work, the estimated mineral resource, the prospect of any future potential economic viability of the Project, future commodity prices and the potential for them to improve, that a feasibility study will ever be commenced and completed, the potential to identify additional mineralization beyond the known resource, timing of  further work on the Project, future demand for nickel and copper concentrates, future demand for battery products, statements concerning the availability and impact of the Clean ITC, the ability of the Company to identify additional opportunities to create shareholder value, and general future plans and objectives for the Company and the Project, are forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions, such expectations are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information.

This news release also contains references to estimates of mineral resources. The estimation of mineral resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in nickel, copper or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive or maintain required permits, approvals and licences.

For more information on the Company and the key assumptions, risks and challenges with respect to the forward-looking information discussed herein, and about our business in general, investors should review the Company's most recently filed annual information form, and other continuous disclosure filings which are available at www.sedar.com . Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickel-creek-platinum-announces-positive-pfs-for-its-nickel-shaw-project-301909571.html

SOURCE Nickel Creek Platinum Corp.

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2023/24/c1203.html

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