Fortuna reports consolidated financial results for full year 2020

(All amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM) (TSX: FVI) today reported full year 2020 net income of $21.6 million, adjusted net income of $31.8 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $112.6 million.

Jorge A. Ganoza, President and CEO, commented, "Fourth quarter marks a continuation of very strong financial results in the second half of 2020 driven by favourable metal prices, sustained production, and cost containment in spite of a challenging operating environment." Mr. Ganoza concluded, "With the Lindero Mine starting to contribute to our margins and free cash flow through early recognition of sales in the fourth quarter, we look forward to a progressively higher impact on our operational and financial results as the mine continues to gradually ramp-up production according to our 2021 guidance. Lindero will contribute 140,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold to our estimated guidance range of 178,000 to 202,000 ounces of gold for 2021, which is in addition to the estimated guidance of 6.8 million to 7.6 million ounces of silver from the San Jose and Caylloma mines. "

Fourth quarter 2020 highlights

  • Sales of $103.5 million, compared to $69.0 million in 2019
  • Net income of $18.6 million, compared to $19.0 million in 2019
  • Adjusted net income of $23.0 million, compared to $10.9 million in 2019
  • Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $44.8 million, compared to $25.1 million in 2019
  • Free cash flow 1 from ongoing operations of $34.5 million, compared to $6.4 million in 2019
  • Silver and gold production of 1,912,737 ounces and 25,357 ounces, respectively
  • AISC/oz Ag Eq 1,2 for the San Jose Mine and the Caylloma Mine was $14.5 and $19.5, respectively

Full year 2020 highlights

  • Sales of $279.0 million, compared to $257.2 million in 2019
  • Net income of $21.6 million, compared to $23.8 million in 2019
  • Adjusted net income of $31.8 million, compared to $28.4 million in 2019
  • Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $112.6 million, compared to $95.4 million in 2019
  • Free cash flow 1 from ongoing operations 1 of $78.9 million, compared to $34.5 million in 2019
  • Cash and cash equivalents as at December 31, 2020 was $131.9 million
  • Silver and gold production of 7,133,717 ounces and 55,349 ounces, respectively
  • AISC/oz Ag Eq 1,3 for the San Jose Mine and the Caylloma Mine was $12.2 and $17.8, respectively

Notes:

  1. Refer to non-GAAP financial measures and Forward-Looking Statements at the end of this news release
  2. AISC/oz Ag Eq calculated at realized metal prices of $1,864/oz Au, $24.43/oz Ag, $0.9/lb Pb, and $1.2/lb Zn
  3. AISC oz Ag Eq calculated at realized metal prices of $1,805/oz Au, $21.18/oz Ag, $0.8/lb Pb, and $1.0/lb Zn

Fourth quarter 2020 and Full Year 2020 Consolidated results

Three months ended Years ended
December 31, December 31,
Consolidated Metrics 2020 2019 2020 2019
(Expressed in $ millions except per share information)
Sales 103.5 69.0 279.0 257.2
Mine operating income 46.9 23.4 110.2 84.6
Operating income 28.2 9.0 57.2 34.2
Net income 18.6 19.0 21.6 23.8
Earnings per share - basic 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.15
Adjusted net income 1 23.0 10.9 31.8 28.4
Adjusted EBITDA 1 44.8 25.1 112.6 95.4
Net cash provided by operating activities 31.3 16.4 93.4 60.2
Free cash flow from ongoing operations 1 34.5 6.4 78.9 34.5
CAPEX
Sustaining 8.8 6.2 19.5 20.4
Non-sustaining 1.0 0.9 1.2 2.0
Lindero 10.5 26.8 46.8 188.3
Brownfields 1.0 0.9 3.8 4.8
Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents 131.9 83.4
Note
1. Refer to n   on-GAAP financial measures and Forward-Looking   Statements at the end of this news release

Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

Sales for the quarter were $103.5 million, a 50% increase from the $69.0 million reported in the same period in 2019. The increase was driven by a 41% and 26% increase in the prices of silver and gold and $20.3 million from the sale of 10,935 ounces of gold from the Lindero Mine. The Company recognized gold sales and related production costs from the Lindero Mine after the Company elected to early adopt amendments to IAS 16, " Property, Plant and Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use ", which is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Under this amended standard, a company is required to recognize sales proceeds and related cost of items produced in the income statement while the company is preparing the asset for its intended use.

Mine operating income for the quarter was $46.9 million, a $23.5 million increase from the $23.4 million reported in the same period in 2019. Higher precious metal prices and commissioning activities at the Lindero Mine that generated $10.2 million of mine operating income were the primary factors for the increase.

Operating income for the quarter was $28.2 million, a $19.2 million increase from the $9.0 million reported in the same period in 2019. The higher mine operating income, as discussed above, was partially offset by a $4.7 million foreign exchange loss mainly from the devaluation of the Argentine Peso compared to a $1.4 million loss in 2019, as well as higher general and administrative expenses of $2.6 million related mostly to the impact of an increase in the Company's share price on the value of the cash-settled share awards.

Net income for the quarter was $18.6 million, a $0.4 million decrease from the $19.0 million reported in the same period in 2019. The comparable period in 2019 included an investment gain of $11.0 million compared to $nil in the quarter ended December 31, 2020 and a $7.2 million deferred tax recovery which resulted in a 5% effective rate compared to 33% for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Adjusted net income for the quarter was $23.0 million compared to $10.9 million reported in the same period in 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $44.8 million compared to $25.1 million reported in the same period in 2019.

Full Year 2020 Results

Sales for the year increased 8% to $279.0 million compared to $257.2 million reported for the same period in 2019. The increase was driven by a 31% and 30% increase in the prices of silver and gold, and $20.3 million from the sale of 10,935 ounces of gold from the Lindero Mine. These effects were partially offset by lower sales volume at San Jose which was impacted by a 54-day government mandated temporary suspension of operations in the second quarter of 2020.

Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $57.2 million, a $23.0 million increase from the $34.2 million reported in the same period in 2019. The higher operating income was driven by higher precious metal prices and the contribution of $10.2 million of mine operating income from Lindero in the fourth quarter of 2020. During the year the Company recorded $12.2 million of foreign exchange losses related mostly to the construction VAT receivable in Argentina, compared to $13.3 million of foreign exchange losses in 2019. These were partially offset by investment gains from Argentine Peso denominated cross border trades of $3.3 million in 2020 and $11.0 million in 2019. General and administrative expenses for the year were $5.3 million higher than 2019 related mainly to an increase in share-based payments expense of $6.4 million over 2019 due to a 98% year-over-year increase in the Company's share price which directly impacts the value of the outstanding cash-settled share units.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $21.6 million, a $2.2 million decrease from the $23.8 million reported in 2019 as higher operating income was offset by lower investment gains in 2020 of $7.7 million, lower deferred tax credit of $11.0 million, and higher current taxes of $6.2 million.

Adjusted net income (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures) for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $31.8 million compared to $28.4 million in 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures) for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $112.6 million compared to $95.4 million in 2019. As explained above, the increase was due primarily to the increases in the prices of silver and gold and the recognition of gold sales from the Lindero Mine as the Company elected to early adopt amendments to IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use.

Cash flow and liquidity

Free cash flow from ongoing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $34.5 million compared to $6.4 million in the same period in 2019. The increased free cashflow was driven mainly by higher precious metal prices and positive changes in working capital at the San Jose Mine related to trade receivables and recovery of value-added tax.

Free cash flow from ongoing operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $78.9 million compared to $34.5 million in 2019.

Total liquidity available to the Company as at December 31, 2020 was $131.9 million and is comprised of cash and cash equivalents. The Company's $120 million non-revolving and revolving credit facilities were fully drawn at the end of December 2020.

Lindero Mine, Argentina

The following table shows the key metrics used to measure the operating performance of the Lindero Mine for the fourth quarter of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2020: throughput, head grade, recovery, and gold production:

Three months ended Years ended
December 31, December 31,
2020 2019 2020 2019
Mine Production
Tonnes of ore placed on the leach pad 950,000 - 1,610,000 -
Average crushing throughput (tpd) 10,406 - 8,831 -
Gold
Grade (g/t) 1.13 - 1.00 -
Recovery (%) 50 - 50 -
Production (oz) 13,435 - 13,435 -
Metal sold (oz) 10,935 - 10,935 -
Realized price ($/oz) 1,853 - 1,853 -
Capital expenditures ($000's)
Sustaining 1,410 - 1,410 -

The Company produced 13,435 ounces of gold at the Lindero Mine in 2020, which is in line with its revised production forecast of between 13,000 to 15,000 ounces (refer to Fortuna news release dated November 12, 2020 ). Gold sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 and for the year totaled 10,935 ounces. The Company elected to early adopt amendments to IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment – Proceeds before intended use . As a result, the Company recognized gold sales of $20.3 million and related cost of sales of $10.1 million for the year in the income statement.

Construction at Lindero was substantially complete as of the end of December 2020 with total construction cost projected to be within the $320 million guidance (refer to Fortuna news release dated May 8, 2020 ), including remaining capital expenditures of $2.0 million to be allocated to finalize construction of ancillary facilities and to commissioning activities. During 2020, sustaining capital of $1.7 million was spent mainly on the purchase of spare parts for major equipment.

At the end of the first quarter of 2021, the Company will provide an assessment on the status of the ramp-up to commercial production.

Lindero construction capital expenditures and total spending

The following table summarizes the spending on construction and pre-production costs at the Lindero Mine for the year ended December 31, 2020:

Cumulative to Twelve months ended
(Expressed in $ millions) December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 Total
Construction capital expenditures 268.2 46.8 315.0
Contractor advances and deposits on equipment, net of transfers 10.5 (9.8 ) 0.7
Total construction spending 278.7 37.0 315.7
Preproduction costs 10.8 21.8 32.6
Spare parts, supplies and materials inventory 6.2 12.9 19.1
Other costs 1 4.5 0.2 4.7
Total Lindero Mine Costs 300.2 71.9 372.1

Note 1: Consists of Argentina financial transaction taxes, deposits, and other costs

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company adopted amendments to IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use on a modified retrospective basis. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified $21.9 million (December 31, 2019 - $2.8 million) of pre-production costs related to the production of stock pile ore and operating supplies spent during the construction period to September 30, 2020.

San Jose Mine, Mexico

The following table shows the key metrics used to measure the operating performance of the San Jose Mine for the fourth quarter of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2020: throughput, head grade, recovery, gold and silver production and unit costs:

Three months ended Years ended
December 31, December 31,
2020 2019 2020 2019
Mine Production
Tonnes milled 272,179 273,066 934,381 1,068,722
Average tonnes milled per day 3,024 3,034 2,647 3,028
Silver
Grade (g/t) 206 249 224 252
Recovery (%) 91 91 92 91
Production (oz) 1,648,816 2,002,633 6,165,606 7,868,478
Metal sold (oz) 1,721,697 1,968,550 6,225,433 7,849,438
Realized price ($/oz) 24.45 17.34 21.26 16.20
Gold
Grade (g/t) 1.26 1.50 1.38 1.57
Recovery (%) 91 91 91 91
Production (oz) 10,095 11,993 37,805 48,880
Metal sold (oz) 10,594 11,870 38,391 48,731
Realized price ($/oz) 1,875 1,483 1,786 1,393
Unit Costs
Production cash cost ($/t) 71.45 70.19 69.38 69.60
Production cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq) 1,2 8.91 6.82 7.62 6.74
Unit net smelter return ($/t) 203.80 181.85 199.22 172.04
AISC ($/oz Ag Eq) 1,2 14.52 10.54 12.15 9.83
Notes:
1. Production cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq) and AISC ($/oz Ag Eq) are calculated using realized metal prices for each period respectively
2. Production cash cost ($/t), Production cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq), and AISC ($/oz Ag Eq) are Non-GAAP Financial Measures ; refer to Non-GAAP financial
measures in the associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures

Quarterly and Annual Results

The San Jose Mine produced 1,648,816 ounces of silver and 10,095 ounces of gold during the three months ended December 31, 2020, which represents an 18% and 16% decrease, respectively over the same period in 2019. The decrease in production was due to lower head grades which were consistent with the adjusted mine sequencing after the restart of production at the end of May 2020 following the Mexican government mandated suspension of operations to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The cash cost per tonne for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $71.45 per tonne compared to $70.19 per tonne in the same period in 2019. COVID-19 related expenses in the quarter were $0.40 per tonne. Cash cost per tonne for the full year 2020 was consistent year-over-year at $69.38 per tonne compared to $69.60 per tonne for 2019. COVID- 19 related expenses for the full year were $0.70 per tonne. Cash costs incurred during the government mandated temporary suspension in the second quarter of 2020 totaled $2.1 million and were recorded as care and maintenance costs.

The all-in sustaining cash cost of payable silver equivalent for the full year 2020 increased 24% to $12.15 per ounce due primarily to lower production as a result of the COVID-19 related temporary suspension of mining operations, higher sustaining capital expenditures, and higher royalty and mining taxes related to higher metal prices.

Caylloma Mine, Peru

The following table shows the key metrics used to measure the operating performance of the Caylloma Mine for the fourth quarter of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2020: throughput, head grade, recovery, silver, lead and zinc production and unit costs:

Three months ended Years ended
December 31, December 31,
2020 2019 2020 2019
Mine Production
Tonnes milled 136,132 133,271 510,047 531,307
Average tonnes milled per day 1,530 1,481 1,433 1,497
Silver
Grade (g/t) 73 71 72 66
Recovery (%) 82 82 82 83
Production (oz) 263,921 249,284 968,111 941,289
Metal sold (oz) 262,356 252,780 967,199 948,616
Realized price ($/oz) 24.30 17.31 20.63 16.23
Lead
Grade (%) 3.16 2.84 3.00 2.72
Recovery (%) 89 89 88 90
Production (000's lbs) 8,426 7,441 29,628 28,746
Metal sold (000's lbs) 8,386 7,559 29,582 28,969
Realized price ($/lb) 0.86 0.92 0.83 0.91
Zinc
Grade (%) 4.69 4.48 4.61 4.36
Recovery (%) 88 88 88 89
Production (000's lbs) 12,434 11,614 45,545 45,600
Metal sold (000's lbs) 12,154 11,974 45,154 45,781
Realized price ($/lb) 1.18 1.08 1.03 1.15
Unit Costs
Production cash cost ($/t) 87.02 85.86 81.29 86.15
Production cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq) 1,2 15.38 11.67 14.57 10.92
Unit net smelter return ($/t) 163.57 138.07 131.40 137.77
AISC ($/oz Ag Eq) 1,2 19.51 15.40 17.79 14.30
Notes:
1. Production cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq) and AISC ($/oz Ag Eq) are calculated using realized metal prices for each period respectively
2. Production cash cost ($/t), production cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq), and AISC ($/oz Ag Eq) are non-GAAP financial measures ; refer to non-GAAP financial
measures in the associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures

Quarterly and Annual Results

The Caylloma Mine produced 263,921 ounces of silver, 8.4 million pounds of lead and 12.4 million pounds of zinc during the three months ended December 31, 2020, which were 6%, 13%, and 7% respectively, higher than the same period in 2019. The increased metal production was due mainly to higher head grades. Gold production totaled 1,827 ounces with an average head grade of 0.60 g/t.

The cash cost per tonne of processed ore for the three months ended December 31, 2020 increased 1% to $87.02 compared to $85.86 in the same period in 2019. COVID-19 related expenses in the quarter were $5.30 per tonne. The cash cost per tonne of processed ore for the full year 2020 decreased 6% to $81.29 compared to $86.15 for the full year 2019 and reflects cost reduction initiatives the Company implemented during the second and third quarter to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations. COVID-19 related expenses for the full year were $3.10 per tonne. Cash costs incurred during the voluntary suspension of operations in the third quarter of 2020 (refer to Fortuna news release dated July 28, 2020 ), totaled $0.9 million and was recorded as care and maintenance costs.

The all-in sustaining cash cost for the full year 2020 increased 24% to $17.79 per ounce compared to $14.30 per ounce in 2019 due to the changes in the prices of lead and zinc relative to the silver price, which affects the silver equivalent calculation. As a result of the changes in relative prices, the ounces of payable silver equivalent decreased 18% to 4,308,239 ounces compared to 5,252,643 ounces in 2019 despite a 13% and 7% increase in the annual production of lead and zinc.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following tables represent the calculation of certain non-GAAP financial measures as referenced in this news release.

Income Statement Reconciliation to Adjusted Net Income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

(Expressed in $ millions) Q4 2020 Adjust. Q4 2020
Adjusted
Q4 2019 Adjust. Q4 2019
Adjusted
Sales 103.5 - 103.5 69.0 - 69.0
Cost of sales 56.6 (0.1 ) 56.5 45.5 (1.1 ) 44.4
Mine operating income 46.9 0.1 47.0 23.4 1.1 24.6
General and administration 12.1 - 12.1 9.4 - 9.4
Exploration and evaluation 0.6 - 0.6 0.4 - 0.4
Share of loss from associates - - - 0.1 (0.1 ) -
Foreign exchange loss 4.7 (3.2 ) 1.5 1.4 (1.0 ) 0.4
Other expenses, net 1.3 (1.4 ) (0.1 ) 3.2 (3.0 ) 0.2
Operating Income 28.2 4.7 32.9 9.0 5.2 14.2
Investment income - - - 11.0 (11.0 ) -
Interest income and finance costs, net (0.3 ) - (0.3 ) - 0.1 0.1
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments (0.2 ) 0.2 - - - -
Income before taxes 27.7 4.9 32.6 20.1 (5.7 ) 14.3
Income taxes 9.1 0.4 9.6 1.1 2.3 3.4
Net income and adjusted net income 18.6 4.5 23.0 19.0 (8.0 ) 10.9

Note: Certain figures may not add due to rounding

(Expressed in $ millions) Full Year
2020
Adjust. Full Year
2020
Adjusted
Full Year
2019
Adjust. Full Year
2019
Adjusted
Sales 279.0 - 279.0 257.2 - 257.2
Cost of sales 168.8 - 168.8 172.6 (0.9 ) 171.7
Mine operating income 110.2 - 110.2 84.6 0.9 85.5
General and administration 35.1 0.1 35.2 29.8 0.1 29.9
Exploration and evaluation 1.2 - 1.2 2.4 - 2.4
Share of loss from associates 0.1 (0.1 ) - 0.2 (0.2 ) -
Foreign exchange loss 12.2 (12.4 ) (0.2 ) 13.3 (11.5 ) 1.8
Other expenses, net 4.4 (1.6 ) 2.8 4.6 (4.3 ) 0.3
Operating Income 57.2 14.0 71.3 34.2 16.8 51.1
Investment income 3.3 (3.3 ) - 11.0 (11.0 ) -
Interest income and finance costs, net (1.4 ) 0.2 (1.2 ) - 0.4 0.4
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments (0.2 ) 0.2 - (1.2 ) 2.6 1.4
Income before taxes 59.0 11.1 70.1 44.0 8.8 52.9
Income tax 37.4 0.8 38.2 20.2 4.2 24.4
Net income and adjusted net income 21.6 10.3 31.8 23.8 4.6 28.4

Note: Certain figures may not add due to rounding

Reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

Three months ended Years ended
December 31, December 31,
(Expressed in $ millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net income 18.6 19.0 21.6 23.8
Adjustments:
Community support provision (0.4 ) (0.1 ) (0.4 ) (0.3 )
Inventory adjustment - 1.3 - 1.3
Foreign exchange loss, Lindero Mine 3.2 1.0 11.8 11.5
Net finance items 0.2 (0.1 ) 1.2 (0.3 )
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 13.9 11.6 45.7 46.0
Income taxes 9.1 1.1 37.4 20.2
Share of loss from associates - 0.1 0.1 0.2
Investment income - (11.0 ) (3.3 ) (11.0 )
Other non-cash items 0.2 2.2 (1.5 ) 4.0
Adjusted EBITDA 44.8 25.1 112.6 95.4

Reconciliation to free cash flow from ongoing operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

Three months ended Years ended
December 31, December 31,
(Expressed in $ millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Free Cash Flow
(Restated) (Restated)
Net cash provided by operating activities 31.3 16.4 93.4 60.2
Adjustments
Change in long-term receivables 0.9 (1.5 ) (0.1 ) (1.5 )
Additions to sustaining capital (9.2 ) (7.6 ) (23.0 ) (26.0 )
Contractor advances for plant and equipment - - - (0.6 )
Advances applied to plant and equipment - - - 0.7
Impact of adoption in IAS 16 21.9 2.8 21.9 2.8
Pre-production costs (2.7 ) - (2.7 ) -
Current income tax expense (13.3 ) (8.2 ) (38.8 ) (32.6 )
Income taxes paid 5.6 4.5 28.2 31.5
Free cash flow 1 from ongoing operations 34.5 6.4 78.9 34.5
Note:
1. From ongoing operations including San Jose and Caylloma and excludes Greenfields exploration

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company adopted the amendments to IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use on a modified retrospective basis. Prior to the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Lindero Mine was under construction and was not classified as an ongoing operation for the purposes of the free cash flow calculation. The addback considers $21.9 million of costs incurred during the construction period for the first nine months of 2020 and $2.8 million of costs incurred during the fourth quarter of 2019 related to the production of ore stockpile both of which were reclassified from capital works in progress to inventories under the amended standard and included in operating working capital.

The financial statements and MD&A are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website .

Conference call to review 2020 year-end financial and operational results

A conference call to discuss the financial and operational results will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time | 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. Hosting the call will be Jorge A. Ganoza, President and CEO, and Luis D. Ganoza, Chief Financial Officer.

Shareholders, analysts, media and interested investors are invited to listen to the live conference call by logging onto the webcast at: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1696/40043 or over the phone by dialing in just prior to the starting time.

Conference call details:

Date: Friday, March 12, 2021
Time: 9:00 a.m. Pacific time | 12:00 p.m. Eastern time

Dial in number (Toll Free): +1. 888.506.0062
Dial in number (International): +1.973.528.0011
Entry code: 217978

Replay number (Toll Free): +1.877.481.4010
Replay number (International): +1.919.882.2331
Replay Passcode: 40043

Playback of the earnings call will be available until Friday, March 26, 2021. Playback of the webcast will be available until Saturday, March 12, 2022. In addition, a transcript of the call will be archived on the Company's website .

Qualified Person

Eric Chapman, Vice President of Technical Services, is a Professional Geoscientist of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia (Registration Number 36328), and is the Company's Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). Mr. Chapman has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and has verified the underlying data.

About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with operations in Peru, Mexico and Argentina. Sustainability is integral to all our operations and relationships. We produce silver and gold and generate shared value over the long-term for our shareholders and stakeholders through efficient production, environmental protection, and social responsibility.  For more information, please visit our website at www.fortunasilver.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jorge A. Ganoza
President, CEO, and Director
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Trading symbols: NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI

Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca
T (Peru): +51.1.616.6060, ext. 0
E: info@fortunasilver.com

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "Forward-looking Statements"). All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the Forward-looking Statements. The Forward-looking Statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements about the Company's plans for its mines and mineral properties;   the Company's anticipated performance in 2021; estimated production forecasts and sales for 2021; estimated production costs and all-in sustaining cash costs for 2021; estimated capital expenditures in 2021; estimated Brownfields and Greenfields expenditures in 2021; the future estimated impact of COVID-19 on the Company's production, workforce, business, operations and financial condition;   metal price estimates; estimated metal grades in 2021; the estimated amount of ore to be placed on the leach pad at the Lindero Mine in 2021, the grade of gold and the amount of gold estimated to be contained therein; the timing of the commencement of steady state production at the Lindero Mine;   the Company's business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Company's mines and mineral properties;   mineral resource and reserve estimates; production costs; timelines; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; expenditures; approvals and other matters.   Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimated", "expected", "anticipated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "planned", "reflecting", "will", "containing", "remaining", "to be", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking Statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's mining operations and construction activities; the duration and impacts of COVID-19 on the Company's production, workforce, business, operations and financial condition, and the risks relating to a global pandemic, which unless contained could cause a prolonged slowdown in global economic growth; uncertainties related to the impacts of COVID-19 which may include: changing market conditions, changing restrictions on the mining industry in the countries in which the Company operates, the ability to operate as a result of government imposed restrictions, including restrictions on travel, the transportation of concentrates and doré, access to refineries, the impact of additional waves of the pandemic or increases in incidents of COVID-19 in the countries in which we operate; the duration of any suspension of operations at the Company's mines as a result of COVID-19 which may affect production and the Company' business operations and financial condition; changes in prices for gold, silver and other metals;   fluctuation in currencies and foreign exchange rates; inflation;   the imposition of capital controls in countries in which the Company operates;   any extension of the currency controls in Argentina;   changes in the prices of key supplies; technological and operational hazards in Fortuna's mining and mine development activities;   delays in the completion of the commissioning at Lindero which may cause delays in the commencement of commercial production;   risks inherent in mineral exploration; uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral reserves, mineral resources, and metal recoveries; changes to current estimates of mineral reserves and resources; changes to production and cost estimates; governmental and other approvals; changes in government, political unrest or instability in countries where Fortuna is active; labor relations issues; as well as those factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended   .

Forward-looking Statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to expectations regarding the Company's plans for its mines and mineral properties; the world-wide economic and social impact of COVID-19, and the duration and extent of the impact of the pandemic and related restrictions on the Company's workforce, suppliers and the effect that any adverse changes would have on the Company's business; the effect that any further suspensions of operations as a result of the pandemic would have on the Company's business and financial and operational results; mine production costs; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource and reserve estimates; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained; that there will be no significant disruptions affecting operations and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that Forward-looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking Statements.

This news release also refers to non-GAAP financial measures, such as cash cost per tonne of processed ore; cash cost per payable ounce of silver; total production cost per tonne; all-in sustaining cash cost; all-in cash cost; adjusted net (loss) income; operating cash flow per share before changes in working capital, income taxes, and interest income; and adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have a standardized meaning or method of calculation, even though the descriptions of such measures may be similar. These performance measures have no meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies.





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Silver Outlook

Silver Price Forecast - What Happened And Where Do We Go From Here?

Silver Outlook

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This forward-thinking document will arm you with the insights needed to make well-informed decisions for 2025 and beyond.

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Silver Price Forecast: Top Trends for Silver in 2025

The silver price reached highs not seen since 2012 this past year, supported by an ongoing deficit and increasing interest from investors as geopolitical concerns prompted safe-haven buying.

The white metal reached its highest point for the year in October, breaking through US$34 per ounce on the back of a shifting post-pandemic landscape and geopolitical tensions. However, Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election just a few weeks later buoyed bond yields and the US dollar while weighing on silver and gold.

What will 2025 hold for silver? As the new year approaches, investors are closely watching how Trump's policies and actions could impact the precious metal, along with supply and demand trends in the space.

Here's what experts see coming for silver in 2025.

How will Trump's presidency impact silver?

As Trump's inauguration approaches, speculation is rife about how he could affect the resource industry.

The president-elect ran on a policy of “drill, baby, drill," and while his focus was largely on oil and gas companies, mining sector participants have taken it as a positive sign for exploration and development.

Trump's promise to reduce permitting timelines for anyone making an investment of US$1 billion or more in the US has excited sector members, and could end up being a boon to silver companies in the country.

However, part of the help Trump has promised to mining companies comes from reneging on environmental commitments, including the Paris Agreement. This could end up weighing on silver.

Current President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits and deductions for solar projects, and there's some concern that the incoming administration and the new Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could impose reversals or have the entire act gutted, hurting the solar market.

However, Peter Krauth, author of "The Great Silver Bull" and editor of the Silver Stock Investor, told the Investing News Network (INN) that Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Musk could end up keeping solar safe.

“Tesla bought SolarCity, which became Tesla Energy. They are an important provider of solar panels. Again, Musk’s new role heading DOGE and obvious close connection to Trump just might help mitigate risks to Tesla and its solar panel/power storage business. If that happens, in whatever form it may take, it could shelter solar panel production and sales in the US to a considerable degree,” Krauth explained via email.

He also noted that Trump's presidency isn't without risks and that much uncertainty still remains.

Mind Money CEO Julia Khandoshko also isn't worried about solar demand in the US.

“Rolling back ESG policies and returning to carbon-based technologies could slow the green energy transition in the US. However, Europe and China, the main drivers of the green transition, remain committed to clean energy, which increases silver demand. Thus, global trends will continue to support silver use in renewable energy technologies,” she told INN.

Silver deficit expected to continue

Industrial segments have been critical for silver demand in recent years.

As of November, the Silver Institute was forecasting total industrial demand of 702 million ounces of silver for 2024, an increase of 7 percent over the 655 million ounces recorded in 2023.

The institute attributes much of this increase to energy transition sectors, highlighting photovoltaics in particular.

However, these gains are coming alongside flat mine production, which is expected to grow only 1 percent to 837 million ounces during 2024. Once factored in, secondary supply from recycling pushes total supply of silver to 1.03 billion ounces for the year, a considerable gap from the 1.21 billion ounces of total demand.

Both Krauth and Khandoshko think the gap between silver supply and demand will continue.

Krauth suggested that companies have been dipping into aboveground inventories to narrow the gap, which has helped to keep the price of silver from exploding over the past year. "That supply is quickly drying up, so I expect to see renewed upward price pressure since silver miners are unable to grow output," he told INN.

Khandoshko expressed a similar sentiment, saying demand is likely to keep outpacing supply.

However, she also sees geopolitics and a global macroeconomic situation that could constrain both demand and supply growth in 2025. For example, economic difficulties in Europe and China could slow energy transition demand.

"The problem is that silver production is mainly concentrated in geopolitically challenging areas, such as Russia and Kazakhstan, where securing funding for supply expansion is quite difficult" — Julia Khandoshko, Mind Money

When it comes to supply, Khandoshko told INN that she sees a different scenario.

“The problem is that silver production is mainly concentrated in geopolitically challenging areas, such as Russia and Kazakhstan, where securing funding for supply expansion is quite difficult," she explained.

"These factors limit silver’s growth potential compared to gold, which in turn benefits from its role as a safe-haven asset during times of economic uncertainty."

Silver M&A set to heat up in 2025

As silver supply becomes increasingly stressed, experts are eyeing projects that are ramping up.

Krauth highlighted Aya Gold and Silver’s (TSX:AYA:OTCQX:AYASF) Zgounder mine expansion. Its first pour was at the end of November, and it is expected to ramp up to full annual output of 8 million ounces in 2025.

Endeavour Silver’s (TSX:EDR,NYSE:EXK) Terronera mine is also nearing completion. Once complete, the operation is expected to produce 15.5 million silver equivalent ounces per year.

For its part, Skeena Resources (TSX:SKE,NYSE:SKE) is working to develop its Eskay Creek project. It is set to come online in 2027, and is expected to bring 9.5 million ounces of silver per year to market in its first five years.

Krauth said a rising silver price is likely good news for mergers and acquisitions in 2025.

“Higher prices, since they translate into higher share prices, meaning acquirers can use their more valuable shares as a currency to acquire others … I think 2024 will bring deals between mid-tiers and between juniors," he said.

Krauth added, "The truth is that many mid-tier producers have not been spending on exploration. Something has to give, so I think we’ll see this space heat up."

Investor takeaway

Khandoshko and Krauth have similar silver outlooks for 2025, suggesting a possible pullback.

“Due to supply shortages and increasing demand in the coming months, silver is expected to reach US$35. After this, a slight pullback to US$30 would be possible,” Khandoshko said.

However, after that happens she projects another rise, with silver potentially passing US$50.

Krauth was looking for silver to reach US$35 in 2024, which happened in Q4. Looking forward to 2025, he thinks the white metal will revisit that level in the first quarter, with US$40 or more possible later in the year.

However, he suggested that investors should be cautious of wider economic trends affecting silver.

“There is a serious risk of significant correction in the broader markets and of a recession. A broad market selloff could bleed into silver stocks, even if only temporarily,” Krauth said.

In the case of a recession, a lack of industrial demand could create headwinds for silver. Still, Krauth thinks that could be tempered by government stimulus efforts for green energy and infrastructure.

Overall, 2025 could be a significant year for silver investors. However, geopolitical and economic instability may provide headwinds across the resource sector and could stymie silver's upward momentum.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editorial Disclosure: Prismo Metals is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.

The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.

Silver Price Update: Q1 2025 in Review

Gold may be grabbing headlines with record-breaking highs in 2025, but silver is quietly making its own impressive climb, rising 17 percent since the start of the year.

Long supported by industrial demand, the silver market is also benefiting from its reputation as a safe-haven asset. However, mounting economic uncertainty has rattled investors in recent months.

While there are many driving forces behind this uncertainty, the ongoing tariff threats from US President Donald Trump and his administration have spooked equity markets worldwide.

What happened to the silver price in Q1?

After reaching a year-to-date high of US$34.72 per ounce in October 2024, the price of silver spent the rest of the year in decline, bottoming out at US$28.94 on December 30.

A momentum shift at the start of the year caused it to rise. Opening at US$29.53 on January 2, silver quickly broke through the US$30 barrier on January 7, eventually reaching US$31.28 by January 31.

Silver price, January 2 to April 4, 2025

Silver price, January 2 to April 4, 2025

Chart via Trading Economics.

Silver's gains continued through much of February, with the white metal climbing to US$32.94 on February 20 before retreating to US$31.13 on February 28. Silver rose again in March, surpassing the US$32 mark on March 5 and closing above US$32 on March 12. It peaked at its quarterly high of US$34.43 on March 27.

Heading into April, silver slumped back to US$33.67 on the first day of the month; it then declined sharply to below US$30 following Trump's tariff announcements on April 2.

Tariff fears lift silver, but industrial demand uncertainty looms

Precious metals, including silver, have benefited from the volatility created by the Trump administration’s constant tariff threats since the beginning of the year. These threats have caused chaos throughout global equity and financial markets, prompting more investors to seek safe-haven assets to stabilize their portfolios.

However, there are concerns that the threat of tariffs could weaken industrial demand, which could cool price gains in the silver market. In an email to the Investing News Network (INN), Peter Krauth, editor of the Silver Stock Investor and author of "The Great Silver Bull," said it's too soon to tell how tariffs may affect silver.

“We don’t really have any indication yet that industrial demand has weakened. There is, of course, a lot of concern regarding industrial demand, as tariffs could cause demand destruction as costs go up,” he said.

Krauth noted that for solar panels there is an argument that tariffs could positively affect industrial demand if countries have a greater desire for self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on energy imports.

He referenced research by Heraeus Precious Metals about a possible slowdown in demand from China, which accounts for 80 percent of solar panel capacity. However, any slowdown would coincide with a transition from older PERC technology to newer TOPCon cells, which require significantly more silver inputs.

“This, along with the gradual replacement of older PERC solar panels with TOPCon panels, should support silver demand at or near recent levels,” Krauth said.

Recession could provide headwinds

Another potential headwind for silver is the looming prospect of a recession in the US.

At the beginning of 2024, analysts had largely reached a consensus that some form of recession was inevitable.

While real GDP in the US rose 2.8 percent year-on-year for 2024, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s GDPNow tool shows a projected -2.8 percent growth rate for the first quarter.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis won't release official real GDP figures until April 30, but the Atlanta Fed’s numbers suggest a troubling fall in GDP that could signal an impending recession.

In comments to INN, Mind Money CEO Julia Khandoshko indicated that a recession may negatively impact the silver market due to the growing demand for silver from energy transition markets.

“When the economy slows down, demand for manufactured goods, including silver, decreases, which means that buying in the next six months is unlikely to be a wise decision,” she said.

Solar panels account for significant demand, with considerable amounts also used in electric vehicles. Tariffs on US vehicle imports and a possible recession could create added pressure for silver.

"In my view, there’s a strong possibility of witnessing a shock from a severe supply shortage in the silver market within the next six months or so" — Peter Krauth, Silver Stock Investor

“Another important factor is silver’s connection to the electric vehicle market. Previously, this sector supported demand for the metal, but now its growth has slowed down. In Europe and China, interest in electric cars is no longer so active, and against the background of economic problems, sales may even decline,” Khandoshko said.

Silver demand from solar panel production stands at 232 million ounces annually, with an additional 80 million ounces used by the electric vehicle sector. A recession could lead consumers to postpone major purchases, such as home improvements or new vehicles, particularly if coupled with the extra costs of tariffs.

Although the impact of tariffs on the economy — and ultimately demand for silver — remains uncertain, the Silver Institute’s latest news release on March 3 indicates a fifth consecutive annual supply deficit.

Silver price forecast for 2025

“I think silver will hold up well and rise on balance over the rest of this year,” Krauth said.

He also noted that, like gold, there have been shipments of physical silver out of vaults in the UK to New York as market participants try to avoid any direct tariffs that may be coming.

“In my view, there’s a strong possibility of witnessing a shock from a severe supply shortage in the silver market within the next six months or so,” Krauth explained to INN.

Khandoshko suggested silver's outlook is more closely tied to consumer sentiment. “The situation may also change when the news stops discussing the high probability of a recession in the US,” she remarked.

With Trump announcing a sweeping 10 percent global tariff along with dozens of specific reciprocal tariffs on April 2, there appears to be more instability and uncertainty ahead for the world’s financial systems.

This uncertainty has spread to precious metals, with silver trading lower on April 3 and retreating back toward the US$31 mark. Investors might be taking profits, but it could also be a broader pullback as they determine how to respond in a more aggressively tariffed world. In either scenario, the market may be nearing opportunities.

“There is some risk that we could see a near-term correction in the silver price. I don’t see silver as currently overbought, but gold does appear to be. I think we could get a correction in the gold price, which would likely pull silver lower. I could see silver retreating to the US$29 to US$30 level. That would be an excellent entry point. In that scenario, I’d be a buyer of both the physical metal and the silver miners,” Krauth said.

With increased industrial demand and its traditional safe-haven status, silver may present a more ideological challenge for investors in 2025 as competing forces exert their influence. Ultimately, supply and demand will likely be what drives investors to pursue opportunities more than its safe-haven appeal.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.

Top 5 Canadian Silver Stocks of 2025

Silver-mining companies and juniors have seen support from a strong silver price in 2025. Since the start of the year, the price of silver has increased by over 11 percent as of April 11, and it reached a year-to-date high of US$34.38 per ounce on March 27.

Silver’s dual function as a monetary and industrial metal offers great upside. Demand from energy transition sectors, especially for use in the production of solar panels, has created tight supply and demand forces.

Demand is already outpacing mine supply, making for a positive situation for silver-producing companies.

So far, aboveground stockpiles have been keeping the price in check, but the expectation is those stocks will be depleted in 2025 or 2026, further restricting the supply side of the market.

How has silver's price movement benefited Canadian silver stocks on the TSX, TSXV and CSE? The five companies listed below have seen the best performances since the start of the year. Data was gathered using TradingView's stock screener on February 12, 2025, and all companies listed had market caps over C$10 million at that time.

1. Discovery Silver (TSX:DSV)

Year-to-date gain: 185.92 percent
Market cap: C$848.98 million
Share price: C$2.03

Discovery Silver is a precious metals development company focused on advancing its Cordero silver project in Mexico. Additionally, it is looking to become a gold producer with its recently announced acquisition of the producing Porcupine Complex in Ontario, Canada.

Cordero is located in Mexico’s Chihuahua State and is composed of 26 titled mining concessions covering approximately 35,000 hectares in a prolific silver and gold mining district.

A 2024 feasibility study for the project outlines proven and probable reserves of 327 million metric tons of ore containing 302 million ounces of silver at an average grade of 29 grams per metric ton (g/t) silver, and 840,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.08 g/t gold. The site also hosts significant zinc and lead reserves.

The report also indicated favorable economics for development. At a base case scenario of US$22 per ounce of silver and US$1,600 per ounce of gold, the project has an after-tax net present value of US$1.18 billion, an internal rate of return of 22 percent and a payback period of 5.2 years.

Discovery's shares gained significantly on January 27, after the company announced it had entered into a deal to acquire the Porcupine Complex in Canada from Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM).

The Porcupine Complex is made up of four mines including two that are already in production: Hoyle Pond and Borden. Additionally, a significant portion of the complex is located in the Timmins Gold Camp, a region known for historic gold production.

Discovery anticipates production of 285,000 ounces of gold annually over the next 10 years and has a mine life of 22 years. Inferred resources at the site point to significant expansion, with 12.49 million ounces of gold, from 254.5 million metric tons of ore with an average grade of 1.53 g/t.

Upon the closing of the transaction, Discovery will pay Newmont US$200 million in cash and US$75 million in common shares, and US$150 million of deferred consideration will be paid in four payments beginning on December 31, 2027.

According to Discovery in its full-year 2024 financial results, the Porcupine acquisition will help support the financing, development and operation of Cordero. Discovery’s share price reached a year-to-date high of C$2.12 on March 31.

2. Almaden Minerals (TSX:AMM)

Year-to-date gain: 136.36 percent
Market cap: C$16.47 million
Share price: C$0.13

Almaden Minerals is a precious metals exploration company working to advance the Ixtaca gold and silver deposit in Puebla, Mexico. According to the company website, the deposit was discovered by Almaden’s team in 2010 and has seen more than 200,000 meters of drilling across 500 holes.

A July 2018 resource estimate shows measured resources of 862,000 ounces of gold and 50.59 million ounces of silver from 43.38 million metric tons of ore, and indicated resources of 1.15 million ounces of gold and 58.87 million ounces of silver from 80.76 million metric tons of ore with a 0.3 g/t cutoff.

In April 2022, Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN) ruled that the initial licenses issued in 2002 and 2003 would be reverted back to application status after the court found there had been insufficient consultation when the licenses were originally assigned.

Ultimately, the applications were denied in February 2023, effectively halting progress on the Ixtaca project. While subsequent court cases have preserved Almaden’s mineral rights, it has yet to restore the licenses to continue work on the project.

In June 2024, Almaden announced it had confirmed up to US$9.5 million in litigation financing that will be used to fund international arbitrations proceedings against Mexico under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

In a December update, the company announced that several milestones had been achieved, including the first session with the tribunal, at which the company was asked to submit memorial documents outlining its legal arguments by March 20, 2025. At that time, the company stated it would vigorously pursue the claim but preferred a constructive resolution with Mexico.

In its most recent update on March 21, the company indicated that it had submitted the requested documents, claiming US$1.06 billion in damages. The memorial document outlines how Mexico breached its obligations and unlawfully expropriated Almaden’s investments without compensation.

Shares in Almaden reached a year-to-date high of C$0.135 on February 24.

3. Avino Silver & Gold Mines (TSX:ASM)

Year-to-date gain: 98.43 percent
Market cap: C$373.48 million
Share price: C$2.52

Avino Silver and Gold Mines is a precious metals miner with two primary silver assets: the producing Avino silver mine and the neighboring La Preciosa project in Durango, Mexico.

The Avino mine is capable of processing 2,500 metric tons of ore per day ore, and according to its FY24 report released on January 21 the mine produced 1.1 million ounces of silver, 7,477 ounces of gold and 6.2 million pounds of copper last year. Overall, the company saw broad production increases with silver rising 19 percent, gold rising 2 percent and copper increasing 17 percent year over year.

In addition to its Avino mining operation, Avino is working to advance its La Preciosa project toward the production stage. The site covers 1,134 hectares, and according to a February 2023 resource estimate, hosts a measured and indicated resource of 98.59 million ounces of silver and 189,190 ounces of gold.

In a January 15 update, Avino announced it had received all necessary permits for mining at La Preciosa and begun underground development at La Preciosa. It is now developing a 350-meter mine access and haulage decline. The company said the first phase at the site is expected to be under C$5 million and will be funded from cash reserves.

The latest update from Avino occurred on March 11, when it announced its 2024 financial results. The company reported record revenue of $24.4 million, up 95 percent compared to 2023. Avino also reduced its costs per silver ounce sold.

Additionally, Avino reported a 19 percent increase in production in 2024, producing 1.11 million ounces of silver compared to 928,643 ounces in 2023. The company’s sales also increased, up by 23 percent to 2.56 million ounces of silver compared to 2.09 million ounces the previous year.

Avino's share price marked a year-to-date high of C$2.80 on March 27.

4. Highlander Silver (CSE:HSLV)

Year-to-date gain: 90 percent
Market cap: C$160.17 million
Share price: C$1.90

Highlander Silver is an exploration and development company advancing projects in South America.

Its primary focus has been the San Luis silver-gold project, which it acquired in a May 2024 deal from SSR Mining (TSX:SSRM,NASDAQ:SSRM) for US$5 million in upfront cash consideration and up to an additional US$37.5 million if Highlander meets certain production milestones.

The 23,098 hectare property, located in the Ancash department of Peru, hosts a historic measured and indicated mineral resource of 9 million ounces of silver, with an average grade of 578.1 g/t, and 348,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 22.4 g/t from 484,000 metric tons of ore.

In July 2024, the company said it was commencing field activities at the project; it has not provided results from the program. In its December 2024 management discussion and analysis, the company stated it was undertaking a review of prior exploration plans and targets, adding that it believes there is exceptional growth potential.

Highlander's most recent news came on March 11, when it announced it had closed an upsized bought deal private placement for gross proceeds of C$32 million. The company said it will use the funding to further exploration activities at San Luis and for general working capital.

Shares in Highlander reached a year-to-date high of C$1.96 on March 31.

5. Santacruz Silver Mining (TSXV:SCZ)

Year-to-date gain: 85.45 percent
Market cap: C$192.16 million
Share price: C$0.51

Santacruz Silver is an Americas-focused silver producer with operations in Bolivia and Mexico. Its producing assets include the Bolivar, Porco and Caballo Blanco Group mines in Bolivia, along with the Zimapan mine in Mexico.

In a production report released on January 30, the company disclosed consolidated silver production of 6.72 million ounces, marking a 4 percent decrease from the 7 million ounces produced in 2023. This decline was primarily attributed to a reduction in average grades across all its mining properties.

In addition to its producing assets, Santacruz also owns the greenfield Soracaya project. This 8,325-hectare land package is located in Potosi, Bolivia. According to an August 2024 technical report, the site hosts an inferred resource of 34.5 million ounces of silver derived from 4.14 million metric tons of ore with an average grade of 260 g/t.

Shares in Santacruz reached a year-to-date high of C$0.59 on March 18.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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