Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE: EXK) (TSX: EDR) reports production of 1,305,399 silver ounces (oz) and 10,541 gold oz in Q3, 2021, for silver equivalent ("AgEq") production of 2.1 million oz at an 80:1 silver:gold ratio, totaling 6.1 million AgEq oz for the 9 months ended September 30, 2021. Read More >>
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Release - Endeavour Silver Produces 1305399 Oz Silver And 10541 Oz Gold For 2.1 Million Oz Silver Equivalents In Q3, 2021
News Provided by Channelchek via QuoteMedia
ASX Silver Stocks: 5 Biggest Companies in 2024
The precious metal silver is often compared to gold due to its importance in jewellery and as a safe haven investment.
However, silver has many industrial applications too, including in electronics, automobiles, medicine and photography, and, of course, silverware.
Energy transition applications are a growing demand sector for silver — the metal is valued for its conductive capacity, which makes it particularly useful in the production of photovoltaic panels.
Silver supply has tightened in recent years as industrial demand rises. This was one of several factors that helped the silver price break through the US$30 per ounce mark in May for the first time since 2013. At that time, it also broke AU$48, setting a new all time high in Australian dollars.
Silver has seen high volatility since then, falling below the US$27 per ounce mark in August before pulling back above US$30 the next month.
In late October, during the lead up to the US election on November 5, the silver price reached its highest point of 2024, moving above US$34 and AU$52 per ounce. While it has since pulled back slightly, the silver price is still holding above US$30 and AU$46.
In this silver price environment, it's a good time to learn about the largest primary silver companies on the ASX. These ASX silver stocks are sorted by market cap, and data was gathered using TradingView’s stock screener on November 26, 2024.
1. Adriatic Metals (ASX:ADT)
Market cap: AU$1.36 billion
Share price: AU$4.10
Adriatic Metals is a precious and base metals miner in South-Central Europe that is now producing silver from the Rupice mine at its Vareš project, located near Vareš, a historic mining town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In late February, Adriatic produced its first silver-lead concentrate and zinc concentrate at the Vareš processing plant.
Adriatic’s mining efforts at Vareš are focused on the Rupice deposit, for which it released an ore reserve estimate in December 2023. The estimate indicates an 18 year mine life and probable reserves of 83 million ounces of silver, 640,000 ounces of gold, 723,000 tonnes of zinc, 457,000 tonnes of lead, 64,000 tonnes of copper and 24,000 tonnes of antimony.
In its Q3 update released on October 28, the company indicated that the ramp-up at Vareš continued, with commercial production on track for Q4. Adriatic noted that it had started producing five days per week and would increase operations to a 24/7 schedule beginning in November.
Additionally, the company said silver production increased to 95,535 ounces in Q3, up from 21,591 ounces in Q2.
2. Andean Silver (ASX:ASL)
Market cap: AU$158.34 million
Share price: AU$0.99
Andean Silver is a precious metals exploration and development company focused on advancing the Cerro Bayo silver and gold project in Southern Chile. The company took ownership of Cerro Bayo in early 2024.
The land package consists of 70 exploration concessions covering a total of 285 square kilometres and hosts a past-producing mine that was in operation for more than 15 years and produced 45 million ounces of silver and 650,000 ounces of gold before being placed on care and maintenance in 2022.
In its most recent mineral resource estimate for the project released on September 19, the company reported an 80 percent upgrade on silver equivalent ounces to 91 million at a grade of 342 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent. The resource includes indicated and inferred quantities of 39 million ounces of silver and 628,000 ounces of gold from 8.2 million tonnes of ore with average grades of 146 g/t silver and 2.4 g/t of gold.
The company said it was engaged in a 12 month exploration strategy and has deployed two drilling rigs to the site. Its aggressive drilling program is focused on growing the Cerro Bayo resource and near-mine drilling targets as well as making new discoveries.
Its most recent exploration update came on October 31, when Andean announced it had extended mineralization outside the known resource. Highlighted assays from the drill program included 584 g/t silver equivalent over 4.5 metres at the Cristal target, as well as 864 g/t silver equivalent over 3.2 metres, including 1,871 g/t silver equivalent over 1.4 metres, at Pegaso.
3. Silver Mines (ASX:SVL)
Market cap: AU$143.26 million
Share price: AU$0.093
Silver Mines is an advanced-stage silver exploration and development company focused on its Bowdens silver project, which is located in Central New South Wales, 26 kilometres east of Mudgee.
Bowdens is made up of 2,115 square kilometres of titles, covers 80 kilometres of strike and represents the largest-known undeveloped silver resource in Australia. In its latest resource estimate, released in March 2023, the company reported 169 million ounces of silver and 96,000 ounces of gold in the measured and indicated categories, with an additional inferred resource of 20 million ounces of silver and 96,000 ounces of gold.
The project was approved to proceed to the development and production stage in April 2023. However, the company faced a setback following an appeals court decision on August 18 that reversed earlier court proceedings and the development of the project was halted. In the release, the company said the appeal was primarily centred on the potential impact of transmission lines to provide electricity for the project.
Silver Mines followed up on August 20, saying it was committed to the progression of the project and obtaining all relevant permits and development consents. Additionally, it reported that the optimization study for Bowdens was on track for completion by the end of the year and said it had the potential for operating with less environmental impact than the original 2018 feasibility study indicated.
The most recent update came on October 15, when Silver Mines reported receiving advice suggesting that its development application was "alive and on foot" and had not received a final determination by the Independent Planning Commission. The company said it would now work through the steps required to reinstate the consent to address concerns over the proposed transmission lines to the site.
4. Sun Silver (ASX:SS1)
Market cap: AU$100.17 million
Share price: AU$0.665
Sun Silver is a development and exploration company working to advance its Maverick Springs silver-gold project in Nevada, US, which it acquired from Element79 Gold (CSE:ELEM,OTC Pink:ELMGF) in May 2024. Sun Silver completed its initial public offering and began trading on the ASX that month.
On August 28, the company announced it had increased the inferred mineral resource by 45 percent to 423 million ounces of silver equivalent. This includes 253.3 million ounces of silver and 2 million ounces of gold from 195.74 million tonnes of ore with average grades of 40.25 g/t silver and 0.32 g/t gold.
The update was based on a review of historical drill data and re-modelling of the resource. It did not include data from the company's ongoing inaugural drill program, which had encountered high-grade silver in the northwest section of Maverick Springs, an area outside of the existing resource where historic drilling identified grades up to 6,216 g/t silver.
On November 13, Sun Silver announced it had expanded its land holdings at Maverick Springs by acquiring 80 additional lode claims, increasing the property size by 34 percent to 26.28 square kilometres. The new claims are to the north and along strike of the established mineralized zone.
The most recent assays from Maverick Springs' inaugural drill program were released on November 19, and included a highlighted drill hole with 43.9 g/t silver over 50.29 metres, including an intersection of 398 g/t silver over 3.05 metres. The company plans to update the mineral resource again early next year using the data from the drill program, which repeatedly intersected thick, high-grade mineralization outside the existing mineral resource.
5. Unico Silver (ASX:USL)
Market cap: AU$96.35 million
Share price: AU$0.20
Unico Metals is focused on the development of assets in Southern Argentina. Its flagship project is Cerro Leon, which consists of two vein fields — the greenfield Conserrat project, in which Unico has an 80 percent stake, and the more advanced Pingüino project.
A May 2023 resource estimate for Cerro Leon outlines indicated and inferred resources of 40.9 million ounces of silver, 344,200 ounces of gold, 332 million pounds of zinc and 129 million pounds of lead.
On July 24, Unico completed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 100 percent interest in the Sierra Blanca silver-gold project from Austral Gold (ASX:AGD,OTCQB:AGLDF) and Capella Metals (TSXV:CMIL,OTCQB:CMILF). The acquisition will allow Unico to expand Cerro Leon and consolidate the Pingüino vein into a single entity.
Unico followed this acquisition with news on August 20 that it had entered into an agreement with Pan American Silver (TSX:PAAS,NYSE:PAAS) to purchase a 100 percent interest in the Joaquin and Cerro Puntundo projects. The projects are located 60 kilometres away from the Cerro Leon project, enhancing the overall scale and economics of the regional portfolio.
Under the terms of the deal, Unico will provide a US$2 million upfront acquisition cost with an additional payment of US$2 million on the publication of a feasibility study and US$8 million on first production from the site. Unico announced the completion of the deal on October 20.
On November 6, Unico reported closing on a significant funding package, raising AU$22.5 million through the sale of 83.33 million ordinary shares at AU$0.27 per share. The company said it will use the funding to conduct a 50,000 metre exploration program at the Cerro Leon and Joaquin projects and update the mineral resource estimate in late 2025.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Australiafor real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
David Morgan: Silver to US$40 in 2025, Then Blow-off Top in 2026?
David Morgan, publisher of the Morgan Report, shared his outlook for silver in 2025 and beyond, saying that the white metal may reach US$40 per ounce next year with the possibility of a blow-off top in 2026 or so.
He also discussed his ongoing concerns about central bank digital currencies, both in the US and globally.
"If you could use one word to define my purpose, the way I see it, it's 'freedom.' I like the silver and the gold, and all the stories behind them and the monetary purposes thereof," Morgan said.
"But when it gets down to it, the way the system's going, the amount of gold and silver you have is going to be pretty much meaningless if you do not fit into the social credit system like the Chinese (have)."
Watch the interview above for more from Morgan on silver, as well as gold and the overall market. You can also click here to view the Investing News Network's New Orleans Investment Conference playlist on YouTube.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
SilverCrest Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Strong Free Cash Flow Continues, Supporting 29% Growth in Treasury Assets
TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV
SilverCrest Metals Inc. ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024 ("Q3 2024"). This release provides additional operational results to supplement the October 10, 2024 release of Q3 2024 operational highlights from the Company's Las Chispas Operation ("Las Chispas" or "Las Chispas Operation") located in Sonora, Mexico . All amounts herein are presented in United States Dollars ("US$"), unless otherwise stated.
N. Eric Fier , CEO, commented, "We are pleased to deliver another quarterly record for both revenue and mine operating earnings, as well as one of our best quarters to date for both operating and free cash flow. Our results were supported by strong metal prices, impressive sales quantities and all-in sustaining costs that were well below the low end of our 2024 guidance. Mining rates continued to benefit from having two underground contractors, a dynamic we plan to maintain into Q1 2025 as part of our strategy to manage single asset risk and create additional operational flexibility. These results once again showcase the quality and consistency of our asset and operating team.
Free cash flow per share remains a strong testament of our performance, increasing 49% to $0.24 per share (1) from already strong levels in Q2 2024. This performance led to a 29%, or $35.9 million , increase in treasury assets (1) to end the quarter with $158.2 million . With this exceptional quarter, we remain firmly on track to perform inline or better than our 2024 annual guidance for sales, cash costs, and all-in sustaining costs."
Q3 2024 Highlights
- Recovered 14,928 ounces ("oz") gold ("Au") and 1.4 million oz silver ("Ag"), or 2.6 million oz silver equivalent ("AgEq") (2) .
- Sold 15,204 oz Au and 1.5 million oz Ag (2.7 million oz AgEq) at average realized prices of $2,472 per oz Au (1) and $29.48 per oz Ag (1) . Total sales of 7.9 million oz AgEq for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 ("YTD") positions the Company to meet or exceed the top end of 2024 sales guidance of 10.0 million to 10.3 million oz AgEq.
- Record quarterly revenue of $80.4 million which exceeded Q2 2024 revenue of $72.7 million .
- Record mine operating earnings of $47.0 million representing a 59% operating margin (1) , exceeded the $41.5 million and 57% operating margin achieved in Q2 2024.
- Adjusted earnings (1) of $26.3 million , or $0.18 per share, which is largely consistent with the $24.9 million , or $0.17 per share in Q2 2024. Adjustments were largely related to deferred taxes, unrealized losses on derivative currency contracts, and transaction and integration costs.
- Net earnings were $9.5 million , or $0.06 per share, compared to $6.5 million , or $0.04 per share, in Q2 2024.
- Cash costs of $8.85 per oz AgEq (1) in Q3 2024 decreased from $8.87 in Q2 largely due to increased sales volume. Cash costs of $8.28 per oz AgEq YTD were below 2024 guidance of $9.25 to $9.75 per oz AgEq.
- All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $13.72 per oz AgEq (1) decreased from Q2 2024, due largely to planned lower sustaining capital expenditures. AISC of $14.50 per oz AgEq (1) YTD is below the low end of guidance of $14.90 to $15.75 per oz AgEq.
- Mining rates increased to 1,350 tonnes per day ("tpd"), a 23% increase from Q2 2024, benefiting from the ongoing engagement of two mining contractors at site throughout the quarter.
- Average daily mill throughput increased to 1,324 tpd due to capacity testing performed in the quarter. With testing complete in August, throughput has returned to the range of 1,200 tonnes per day for the remainder of the year.
- Operating cash flow of $44.2 million , or $0.30 per share, increased from $39.6 million , or $0.27 per share, in Q2 2024 largely from higher metal prices. Operating cash flow before changes in working capital in the quarter was $37.8 million or $0.25 per share (1) . Both figures are net of the payment of taxes and duties, which totaled $12.1 million .
- Free cash flow generation of $36.2 million , or $0.24 per share (1) , for the quarter increased by $11.9 million from $24.3 million , or $0.16 per share, in Q2 2024.
- Ended the quarter with total treasury assets of $158.2 million (1) ( $120.9 million cash and $37.4 million in bullion), an increase of 29% from $122.3 million at the end of Q2 2024. Gold and silver continued to be the best performing currencies in our treasury assets with a mark to market increase of $3.0 million in the quarter.
(1) | Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" disclosure at the end of this press release and associated MD&A for a description and calculation of these measures. |
(2) | Silver equivalent ("AgEq") ratio used in this news release of 79.51:1 based on the Las Chispas Operation Technical Report dated September 5, 2023, with an effective date of July 19, 2023 (the "2023 Technical Report"). |
Third Quarter Operating Performance
The following operating performance refers to adjusted earnings, operating cash flow per share (basic), free cash flow, free cash flow per share (basic), cash costs, AISC, and treasury assets which are described in more detail in the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this news release.
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||
OPERATIONAL | Unit | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Ore mined | tonnes | 124,229 | 83,800 | 309,985 | 222,300 |
Underground development | kilometres ("km") | 4.4 | 3.3 | 13.3 | 9.6 |
Ore milled (1) | tonnes | 121,775 | 114,500 | 325,793 | 326,900 |
Average daily mill throughput | tpd | 1,324 | 1,245 | 1,193 | 1,197 |
Gold | |||||
Average grade | grams per tonne ("gpt") | 3.87 | 4.35 | 4.35 | 4.42 |
Recovery | % | 98.5 % | 98.3 % | 98.5 % | 98.1 % |
Recovered | oz | 14,928 | 15,700 | 44,950 | 45,600 |
Sold | oz | 15,204 | 14,500 | 44,704 | 42,100 |
Silver | |||||
Average grade | gpt | 366 | 413 | 416 | 427 |
Recovery | % | 98.3 % | 98.1 % | 98.2 % | 96.1 % |
Recovered | million oz | 1.41 | 1.49 | 4.28 | 4.31 |
Sold | million oz | 1.45 | 1.53 | 4.30 | 4.34 |
Silver equivalent | |||||
Average grade | gpt | 674 | 759 | 762 | 778 |
Recovery | % | 98.4 % | 98.2 % | 98.4 % | 97.0 % |
Recovered | million oz | 2.60 | 2.74 | 7.85 | 7.93 |
Sold | million oz | 2.66 | 2.68 | 7.85 | 7.69 |
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||
FINANCIAL | Unit | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Revenue | $ millions | $ 80.4 | $ 63.8 | $ 216.8 | $ 183.8 |
Cost of sales | $ millions | $ (33.3) | $ (26.4) | $ (90.8) | $ (72.5) |
Mine operating earnings | $ millions | $ 47.0 | $ 37.5 | $ 126.0 | $ 111.4 |
Earnings for the period | $ millions | $ 9.5 | $ 29.9 | $ 49.9 | $ 80.8 |
Earnings per share (basic) | $/share | $ 0.06 | $ 0.20 | $ 0.34 | $ 0.55 |
Adjusted earnings for the period | $ millions | $ 26.3 | $ 28.5 | $ 88.9 | $ 82.8 |
Adjusted earnings per share (basic) | $ millions | $ 0.18 | $ 0.19 | $ 0.60 | $ 0.56 |
Operating cash flow | $ millions | $ 44.2 | $ 43.8 | $ 82.6 | $ 122.2 |
Operating cash flow per share (basic) | $/share | $ 0.30 | $ 0.30 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.83 |
Free cash flow | $ millions | $ 36.2 | $ 34.0 | $ 49.2 | $ 97.0 |
Free cash flow per share (basic) | $/share | $ 0.24 | $ 0.23 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.66 |
Cash costs (2) | $/oz AgEq | $ 8.85 | $ 7.47 | $ 8.28 | $ 7.43 |
AISC (2) | $/oz AgEq | $ 13.72 | $ 12.23 | $ 14.50 | $ 11.94 |
September | December | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ millions | $ 120.9 | $ 86.0 | ||
Bullion | $ millions | $ 37.4 | $ 19.2 | ||
Treasury assets | $ millions | $ 158.2 | $ 105.2 |
(1) | Ore milled includes material from stockpiles and ore mined. |
(2) | Q3 2023 figures have been recast to align with the presentation of the current period. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash costs increased by $2.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, from the exclusion of adjustments for corporate salaries and other expenses, and changes in inventories. |
Mine
In the quarter, a total of 124,229 tonnes were mined from the underground. Mining rates in Q3 2024 averaged 1,350 tpd, a 23% increase from Q2 2024, and above the originally targeted 2024 exit rate of 1,050 tpd. The Company completed 4.4 km of horizontal and vertical underground development, 0.7 km ahead of plan. Mining rates continued to benefit from having two mining contractors working simultaneously at site, a dynamic the Company plans to maintain through the end of Q1 2025 as part of a continued strategy to manage single asset risk and create additional operational flexibility.
Plant
Process plant throughput averaged 1,324 tpd in Q3 2024, benefiting from successful capacity testing of the plant in its current configuration at 1,500 tpd for 20 days.
Mill throughput returned to planned rates of 1,200 tpd by the end of the quarter and is expected to continue to run at this level for the remainder of the year. Process plant availability was 97.0% for the quarter, better than plan.
Average processed grades of 3.87 gpt Au and 366 gpt Ag, or 674 gpt AgEq compared to Q2 2024 grades of 4.36 gpt Au and 418 gpt Ag, or 765 gpt AgEq. As planned, grades in the quarter were lower than in Q2 2024 to balance increased throughput while maintaining consistent recovered ounces.
Average process recoveries in Q3 2024 were 98.5% Au and 98.3% Ag, or 98.4% AgEq, consistent with Q2 2024 and above design estimates.
Production
The Company produced 2.6 million oz AgEq in Q3 2024, largely in line with the 2.7 million oz AgEq in Q2 2024.
Sustaining Capital
Sustaining capital expenditures totaled $7.9 million in Q3 2024, which as expected, declined from $15.3 million in Q2 2024. Sustaining capital has totaled $33.4 million YTD and is expected to finish this year towards the top end of the 2024 guidance of $40.0 million to $44.0 million .
Cash Costs and AISC
During the quarter, cash costs averaged $8 .85 per oz AgEq, in line with Q2 2024 cash costs of $8 .87 per oz AgEq.
Cash costs YTD 2024 averaged $8.28 per oz AgEq, positioning the Company below the low end of 2024 cash cost guidance of $9.25 to $9.75 per oz AgEq.
AISC averaged $13.72 per oz AgEq in Q3 2024, 19% lower than in Q2 2024 ( $16.88 per oz AgEq) as a result of lower planned sustaining capital expenditures. AISC YTD of $14.50 per oz AgEq, positions the Company below the low end of annual AISC guidance of $14.90 to $15.75 per oz AgEq.
Exploration
During Q3 2024, the Company continued drilling activities at Las Chispas to support mineral resource growth with approximately 12,500 metres completed between conversion drilling (60%) and near mine targets (40%). In addition, efforts continued with regional field-based evaluation of greenfield targets.
Program expenditures of $2.5 million and $11.5 million for Q3 2024 and YTD 2024, respectively, put the Company in line to finish the year at the top end of the 2024 guidance range of $12.0 million to $14.0 million .
Selected Q3 2024 Financial Results
Revenue
During Q3 2024, the Company sold a total of 15,204 oz Au and 1.5 million oz Ag at average realized prices of $2 ,472 per oz Au and $29.48 per oz Ag, generating another quarter of record revenue of $80.4 million . During Q2 2024, the Company sold a total of 14,500 oz Au and 1.4 million oz Ag at average realized prices of $2,237 per oz Au and $27.84 per oz Ag, generating revenue of $72.7 million . The Company achieved record revenue in Q3 2024 due to higher metal prices and sales quantities relative to Q2 2024.
Net Earnings
Q3 2024 net earnings of $9.5 million , or $0.06 per share, increased compared to net earnings of $6.5 million , or $0.04 per share in Q2 2024. Similarly to Q2 2024, net earnings in the quarter were negatively impacted by declines in the Mexican peso. Income tax expense of $25.8 million recorded in the quarter was similar to $26.2 million in Q2 2024, with both quarters impacted by non-cash deferred tax expenses resulting from declines in the Mexican peso. Q3 2024 net earnings were also impacted by transaction and integration costs of $3.4 million .
Q3 2024 adjusted earnings of $26.3 million , or $0.18 per share, increased compared to adjusted earnings of $24.9 million or $0.17 per share in Q2 2024. This increase was primarily related to $5.5 million in higher mine operating earnings, partially offset by $4.4 million in higher current tax expense.
Cash Flow
In Q3 2024, cash flow generated by operating activities was $44.2 million , or $0.30 per share, an increase compared to $39.6 million , or $0.27 per share, in Q2 2024. Operating cash flow before changes in working capital was $37.8 million or $0.25 per share which compares to $31.8 million or $0.22 per share in Q2 2024.
During the quarter, the Company remitted $12.1 million in tax installments that will be attributable to 2024 payable income taxes. YTD tax payments totaled $52.7 million . Guidance for total tax payments in 2024 (including payments for 2023 taxes) was $56.0 to $63.0 million based on metal prices of $1,850 per oz Au and $22.80 per oz Ag and Mexican peso to US dollar of 17:1. With higher realized metal prices throughout the year, the Company expects total tax payments to be in the upper end or exceed this guidance.
During the quarter, the Company made payments of $10.4 million for mineral properties, plant and equipment, of which $7.9 million was related to sustaining capital expenditures and the remainder related to non-sustaining brownfield exploration capital expenditures at Las Chispas. This compares with $19.5 million of payments made for mineral property, plant and equipment in Q2 2024.
Q3 2024 free cash flow of $36.2 million , or $0.24 per share, increased 49% from $24.3 million , or $0.16 per share, in Q2 2024 as a result of increased operating cash flow and a planned reduction in sustaining capital expenditures.
Financial Position
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had treasury assets of $158.2 million ( $120.9 million cash and $37.4 million in bullion), an increase of $35.9 million from $122.3 million at the end of Q2 2024 ( $98.3 million cash and $24.0 million bullion). The Company remains debt free with access to an undrawn $70.0 million revolving facility.
Bullion assets increased by $13.3 million , or 56%, during the quarter as a result of $10.3 million in bullion purchases plus $3.0 million in mark-to-market increases from improved metal pricing.
The Company's working capital was $190.4 million on September 30, 2024, reflecting a $22.3 million increase from June 30 , 2024. This growth is attributed to continued increases of cash and bullion balances, driven by strong operating cash flow resulting from strong operating performance.
Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG")
In Q3 2024, SilverCrest completed the latest phase of the reconstruction of the local sewage system in Arizpe with a total of 700 meters of new pipe installed. Work on other water related infrastructure projects in communities local to Las Chispas was paused, as planned, during the quarter due to seasonable rain and has since resumed.
During the quarter, the Company released its second annual ESG Report. The 2023 ESG Report offered further insight into SilverCrest's continued commitment to working with stakeholders to identify areas where contribution and Company lead initiatives can make the most meaningful impact.
Efforts to integrate renewable solar power at Las Chispas are progressing. With the permitting process underway SilverCrest expects to transition to using solar power in Q1 2025.
Subsequent Events
On October 4, 2024 , SilverCrest and Coeur Mining Inc. ("Coeur") announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Coeur will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of SilverCrest pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the "Transaction"). Pursuant to the Transaction, SilverCrest shareholders will receive 1.6022 Coeur common shares for each SilverCrest common share. The special meeting and management information circular relating to the Transaction is expected to be available in Q4 2024, with the Transaction expected to close in late Q1 2025.
As a result of the Transaction and quarter end reporting, a blackout was in place which prevented the exercise of some expiring options, including 149,800 held by executives and Board of Directors. It is expected that these options, along with 163,750 expiring in late December 2024 , will be exercised and the maximum number of shares sold will be those needed to cover the cost of the options and any tax obligations. with the remainder locked up as per the Transaction.
Q3 2024 Conference Call
A conference call to discuss the Company's Q3 2024 operational and financial results will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET . To participate in the conference call, please dial the numbers below.
Date & Time: Wednesday November 13, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET
Telephone: North America Toll Free: 1-800-274-8461
Conference ID: SILVER (745837)
Webcast: https://silvercrestmetals.com/investors/presentations/
ABOUT SILVERCREST METALS INC.
SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals producer headquartered in Vancouver , BC. The Company's principal focus is its Las Chispas Operation in Sonora , Mexico. SilverCrest has an ongoing initiative to increase its asset base by expanding current resources and reserves, acquiring, discovering, and developing high value precious metals projects and ultimately operating multiple silver-gold mines in the Americas. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector, including taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management believes that the following non-GAAP financial measures will enable certain investors to better evaluate the Company's performance, liquidity, and ability to generate cash flow. These measures do not have any standardized definition under IFRS, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.
Average realized gold and silver price
Average realized gold and silver price per ounce is calculated by dividing the Company's gross revenue from gold or silver sales for the relevant period by the gold or silver ounces sold, respectively. The Company believes the measure is useful in understanding the metal prices realized by the Company throughout the period. The following table reconciles revenue and metal sold during the period with average realized prices:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
Gold revenue | 37,580 | 28,005 | 100,935 | 81,361 |
Gold ounces sold during the period | 15,204 | 14,500 | 44,704 | 42,100 |
Average realized gold price (per oz sold) | $ 2,472 | $ 1,931 | $ 2,258 | $ 1,933 |
Silver revenue | 42,791 | 35,823 | 115,823 | 102,449 |
Silver ounces sold during the period | 1,451,493 | 1,530,000 | 4,299,493 | 4,341,000 |
Average realized silver price (per oz sold) | $ 29.48 | $ 23.41 | $ 26.94 | $ 23.60 |
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures are classified into sustaining capital expenditures or non-sustaining capital expenditures depending on the nature of the expenditure. Sustaining capital expenditures are those required to support current production levels. Non-sustaining capital expenditures represent the capital spending at new projects and major, discrete projects at existing operations intended to increase production or extend mine life. Management believes this to be a useful indicator of the purpose of capital expenditures and this distinction is an input into the calculation of AISC.
The following table reconciles payments for mineral properties, plant and equipment, and equipment leases to sustaining and non-sustaining capital expenditures:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
Payments for mineral properties, plant and equipment | $ 10,449 | $ 13,081 | $ 44,797 | $ 33,930 |
Payments for equipment leases | 37 | 11 | 84 | 82 |
Total capital expenditures | 10,486 | 13,092 | 44,881 | 34,012 |
Less: Non-sustaining capital expenditures | (2,543) | (3,256) | (11,455) | (8,892) |
Sustaining capital expenditures | $ 7,943 | $ 9,836 | $ 33,426 | $ 25,120 |
Free cash flow
Free cash flow subtracts sustaining capital expenditures from net cash provided by operating activities, serving as a valuable indicator of our capacity to generate cash from operations post-sustaining capital investments. The following table reconciles this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable IFRS measure:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
Operating cash flow (1) | $ 44,166 | $ 43,801 | $ 82,618 | $ 122,165 |
Less: sustaining capital expenditures | (7,943) | (9,836) | (33,426) | (25,120) |
Free cash flow | $ 36,223 | $ 33,965 | $ 49,192 | $ 97,045 |
Free cash flow per share (basic) | $ 0.24 | $ 0.23 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.66 |
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) | 148,585 | 146,776 | 147,759 | 147,067 |
(1) | For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, operating cash flow has been adjusted to include $0.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in interest paid and $0.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, in interest received which was previously presented in financing and investing activities, respectively. |
Working capital
Working capital is calculated as current assets less current liabilities. The Company uses working capital as a measure of the Company's operational efficiency and short-term financial health.
Operating margin
Operating margin is calculated as mine operating earnings divided by revenue. The Company uses Operating Margin as a measure of the Company's profitability. The following table reconciles this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standard measure:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
Revenue | $ 80,371 | $ 63,828 | $ 216,758 | $ 183,810 |
Mine operating earnings | 47,033 | 37,460 | 125,998 | 111,359 |
Operating margin | 59 % | 59 % | 58 % | 61 % |
Operating cash flow before change in working capital
The Company uses operating cash flow before change in working capital to determine the Company's ability to generate cash flow from operations, and is calculated by adding back the change in working capital to operating cash flow as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
Operating cash flow (1) | $ 44,166 | $ 43,801 | $ 82,618 | $ 122,165 |
Less: change in working capital | (6,394) | (4,268) | 4,539 | (4,106) |
Operating cash flow before change in working capital | $ 37,772 | $ 39,533 | $ 87,157 | $ 118,059 |
Operating cash flow per share (basic) | $ 0.30 | $ 0.30 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.83 |
Operating cash flow before change in working capital per share (basic) | $ 0.25 | $ 0.27 | $ 0.59 | $ 0.80 |
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) | 148,585 | 146,776 | 147,759 | 147,067 |
(1) | For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, operating cash flow has been adjusted to include $0.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in interest paid and $0.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, in interest received which was previously presented in financing and investing activities, respectively. |
Treasury assets
SilverCrest calculates treasury assets as cash and cash equivalents plus bullion as reported in the consolidated statements of financial position. Management believes that treasury assets provide a useful measure of the Company's most liquid assets that can be used to settle short-term obligations or provide liquidity. Treasury assets are calculated as follows:
September 30 | December 31 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 120,864 | $ 85,964 |
Bullion | 37,374 | 19,191 |
Treasury assets | $ 158,238 | $ 105,155 |
Cash costs
Cash costs include production costs, and government royalties. Management uses this measure to monitor the performance of its mining operation and ability to generate positive cash flow on a site basis.
AISC
All-in sustaining costs, a non-GAAP financial measure, starts with cash costs and includes general and administrative costs, reclamation accretion expense and sustaining capital expenditures. Management uses this measure to monitor the performance of its mining operation and ability to generate positive cash flow on an overall company basis.
Cash costs and AISC are calculated as follows:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
Production costs | $ 23,153 | $ 19,728 | $ 64,036 | $ 56,168 |
Government royalties | 404 | 319 | 980 | 927 |
Total cash costs (1) | 23,557 | 20,047 | 65,016 | 57,095 |
General and administrative expenses | 4,885 | 2,808 | 15,017 | 9,222 |
Reclamation accretion expense | 126 | 132 | 402 | 355 |
Sustaining capital expenditures | 7,943 | 9,836 | 33,426 | 25,120 |
Total AISC | $ 36,511 | $ 32,823 | $ 113,861 | $ 91,792 |
Silver equivalent ounces sold (koz) | 2,660 | 2,683 | 7,854 | 7,688 |
Cash costs (per AgEq sold) | $ 8.85 | $ 7.47 | $ 8.28 | $ 7.43 |
AISC (per AgEq sold) | $ 13.72 | $ 12.23 | $ 14.50 | $ 11.94 |
(1) | 2023 Figures have been recast to align with the current period's presentation. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash costs increased by $2.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, from the exclusion of adjustments for corporate salaries and other expenses, and changes in inventories. |
Adjusted earnings
Adjusted earnings and adjusted basic earnings per share (collectively, "Adjusted Earnings") are presented to remove items that are unrelated to ongoing operations. These metrics do not have a standardized definition under IFRS Accounting Standards and should not be considered as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. Other companies may calculate Adjusted Earnings differently. Adjusted Earnings excludes the tax-effected impact of transaction and integration costs, unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency derivative contracts, gains or losses from the disposal of mineral properties, plant and equipment, and deferred taxes.
Three months ended | Nine months ended | Three months ended | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | |
Net earnings | $ 9,508 | $ 29,936 | $ 49,866 | $ 80,803 | $ 6,494 |
Increase (decrease) due to: | |||||
Transaction and integration costs | 3,435 | — | 3,435 | — | — |
Unrealized losses on foreign currency derivative contracts | 4,218 | — | 7,732 | — | 4,062 |
Mineral properties, plant and equipment gains | — | — | (20) | — | (20) |
Current tax effect from adjusting items | (380) | — | (380) | — | — |
Deferred tax (recovery) expense | 9,503 | (1,389) | 28,306 | 1,998 | 14,335 |
Adjusted earnings | 26,284 | 28,547 | 88,939 | 82,801 | 24,871 |
Weighted average shares outstanding (in 000's) Basic | 148,585 | 146,776 | 147,759 | 147,067 | 147,728 |
Adjusted basic earnings per share | $ 0.18 | $ 0.19 | $ 0.60 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.17 |
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the proposed Transaction, including the terms of the Transaction, anticipated completion of the Transaction, the receipt of required approvals, and the satisfaction of closing conditions; the Company's 2024 guidance and outlook; the amount of future production of gold and silver over any period; the strategic plans and expectations for the Company's operation, exploration program and ESG related projects; working capital requirements; expected recoveries; expected cash costs and outflows, Au and Ag prices and currency exchange rates. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: present and future business strategies; continued commercial operations at the Las Chispas Operation; the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of gold and silver; estimates of capital and operating costs; production estimates; estimates of mineral resources, mineral reserves and metallurgical recoveries and mining operational risk; the reliability of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; mining and development costs; the conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to exploration programs; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies and changes in Mexican mining legislation. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; fluctuations in gold and silver prices and currency exchange rates; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Qualified Persons Statement
The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier , CPG, P.Eng, CEO for SilverCrest, who has reviewed and approved its contents.
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SOURCE SilverCrest Metals Inc.
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Silver47 Commences Trading on the TSXV
Silver47 Exploration Corp. (TSXV: AGA) ("Silver47" or the "Company), is pleased to announce the commencement of trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") under the new symbol "AGA", effective at the open of trading on November 14, 2024.
Silver47's listing on the TSXV marks a major milestone for the Company as it advances its strategy to continue to develop its exploration projects, including its flagship Red Mountain VMS project located in central Alaska, USA. The Red Mountain VMS project is detailed in the technical report titled "Technical Report on the Red Mountain VMS Property, Bonnifield Mining District, Alaska, USA" commissioned by the Company and completed by Apex Geoscience Ltd. and has been filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.caand is available on the Company's website www.silver47.ca. Additional information about the Company can be found in Silver47's long form prospectus dated October 25, 2024 available at www.sedarplus.ca.
Gary R. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are excited to bring Silver47 to the market at a time when silver and gold prices have made tremendous moves higher this year. Silver47 is well positioned to capitalize on this rising demand trend in metals. The objective of the Company is to rapidly grow its resource base toward a milestone development decision while generating new discoveries."
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
About Silver47 Exploration Corp.
Silver47 is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing its mining projects. Silver47 wholly-owns three exploration projects: the flagship Red Mountain VMS silver-zinc-lead-copper-gold project located in south central Alaska, USA; the Adams Plateau silver-zinc-lead-copper Project located in southern British Columbia; and the Michelle silver-lead-zinc-gallium-antimony Project located in the Yukon Territory. For more information about Silver47, please visit our website at www.silver47.ca.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Director and CEO
info@silver47.ca
No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, including statements relating to the Company, its future plans and strategy relating to its properties or other similar expressions, the market for gold and silver and the Company's ability to capitalize on same, the Company's objectives, and all statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the securities herein. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; regulatory risks; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the Company's disclosure filed under its issuer profile on SEDAR+ or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.
MAG Silver Reports Third Quarter Financial Results
MAG Silver Corp. (TSX NYSE American: MAG) ("MAG", or the "Company") announces the Company's unaudited consolidated financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024 ("Q3 2024"). For details of the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 ("Q3 2024 Financial Statements") and management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 ("Q3 2024 MD&A"), please see the Company's filings on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval Plus ("SEDAR+") at ( www.sedarplus.ca ) or on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval ("EDGAR") at ( www.sec.gov ).
All amounts herein are reported in $000s of United States dollars ("US$") unless otherwise specified (C$ refers to thousands of Canadian dollars).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR Q3 2024 (on a 100% basis unless otherwise noted)
- MAG reported net income of $22,292 ($0.22 per share) driven by income from Juanicipio (equity accounted) of $25,552, and adjusted EBITDA 1 (as defined herein) of $55,720.
- A total of 332,290 tonnes of ore at a silver head grade of 481 grams per tonne ("g/t") (equivalent silver head grade 2 735 g/t) was processed at Juanicipio.
- Juanicipio achieved silver production and equivalent silver production 2 of 4.9 and 7.1 million ounces, respectively.
- Juanicipio generated strong operating cash flow of $109,836 and free cash flow 1 of $96,948.
- Building on the robust cost performance of the first half of 2024, Juanicipio continued to improve delivering negative cash cost 1 of $0.12 per silver ounce sold ($8.38 per equivalent silver ounce sold 3 ) and all-in sustaining cost 1 of $3.28 per silver ounce sold ($10.83 per equivalent silver ounce sold 3 ).
- With continued operational outperformance, as reported by Fresnillo, silver grades are expected to be at the top end of the revised grade guidance range (420g/t to 460g/t) for 2024.
- Juanicipio returned a total of $22,649 in interest and loan principal repayments to MAG further augmenting MAG's cash position to $113,491 at the end of the quarter.
CORPORATE
- The Company published its 2023 sustainability report on July 18, 2024, underscoring its continued commitment to transparency with its stakeholders while providing a comprehensive overview of the Company's environmental, social and governance ("ESG") performance for 2023. A copy of MAG's 2023 sustainability report and 2023 ESG Data Table are available on the Company's website at https://magsilver.com/esg/reports 4 .
- On September 20, 2024, MAG and Apollo Silver Corp. ("Apollo") entered into an exploration, earn-in and option agreement (the "Option") pursuant to which Apollo has the option to acquire the Cinco de Mayo Project ("Cinco"). In order for Apollo to exercise the Option, Apollo is required to obtain the necessary licensing to access and conduct exploration activities on Cinco, and subsequently complete no less than 20,000 metres of drilling, all within a five-year period, and then finally issue consideration shares equivalent to 19.9% of the then issued and outstanding common shares of Apollo to MAG.
EXPLORATION
- Juanicipio:
- Underground infill drilling at Juanicipio continued in Q3 2024, primarily focused on upgrading mineralization in areas expected to be mined in the near to mid-term. During Q3 2024, 8,248 metres were drilled from underground. Results to date (mainly first half of 2024) focus on infill and confirm vein continuity including grade and thicknesses.
- Surface drilling started in April 2024 and is currently focused on the Cañada-Honda structure with three rigs turning. Since the beginning of the program, nine holes have been completed, with three in progress. During Q3 2024, 9,768 metres were drilled from surface.
- Results from three holes are showing thin mineralized epithermal veins with vein textures and negligible base metals consistent with being at high level and possibly above a productive boiling zone. Some holes were drilled deep enough to intercept the Juanicipio vein previous deepest holes including a 0.7 metre, base metal rich intercept extending the Juanicipio vein by 450 metres downdip.
- Deer Trail Project, Utah:
- During Q3 2024, 1,745 metres have been drilled from surface. During the first nine months of the year, three holes have been completed, two at Carrisa and one in the Deer Trail Mine Corridor. One hole is currently in progress at Carissa.
- Larder Project, Ontario:
- Surface drilling at Twist, Swansea, Long Conglomerate and Kir Vit, totalled 12,661 metres in Q3 2024. Targets tested include:
- the central and western portions of the Twist zone;
- a large induced polarization ("IP") target at Swansea that coincides with the recent drill program results and historic green carbonate altered komatiite horizons believed to be a second order splay off the Cadillac-Larder Break ("CLB") at the Swansea zone;
- an approximately 4km long conglomerate zone (which runs through the central portion of the property), that is a second order structure coincident with a parallel unconformity; and
- the southeast extensions of the Kir Vit zone with four high priority geophysical targets to test in 2024.
- Regional and field programs at the recently acquired Goldstake property led to outcrop stripping programs that discovered high grade gold values in both channel and grab samples at the T trench, including 32.1 g/t gold, 16.7 g/t gold, and 14.8 g/t gold.
- Surface drilling at Twist, Swansea, Long Conglomerate and Kir Vit, totalled 12,661 metres in Q3 2024. Targets tested include:
_________________________________
1 Adjusted EBITDA, cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining cost per ounce and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures, please see below " Non-IFRS Measures " section and section 12 of the Q3 2024 MD&A for a detailed reconciliation of these measures to the Q3 2024 Financial Statements.
2 Equivalent silver head grade and equivalent silver production have been calculated using the following price assumptions to translate gold, lead and zinc to "equivalent" silver head grade and "equivalent" silver production: $23/oz silver, $1,950/oz gold, $0.95/lb lead and $1.15/lb zinc.
3 Equivalent silver ounces sold have been calculated using realized prices to translate gold, lead and zinc to "equivalent" silver ounces sold (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Three months ended September 30, 2024 realized prices: $30.16/oz silver, $2,587.65/oz gold, $0.91/lb lead and $1.29/lb zinc.
4 Information contained in or otherwise accessible through the Company's website, including the 2023 sustainability report and 2023 ESG Data Table, do not form part of this publication and are not incorporated into this publication by reference.
JUANICIPIO RESULTS
All results of Juanicipio in this section are on a 100% basis, unless otherwise noted.
Operating Performance
The following table and subsequent discussion provide a summary of the operating performance of Juanicipio for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, unless otherwise noted.
Key mine performance data of Juanicipio (100% basis) | Three months ended | |||
September 30, | September 30, | |||
2024 | 2023 | |||
Metres developed (m) | 3,278 | 4,105 | ||
Material mined (t) | 331,194 | 297,575 | ||
Material processed (t) | 332,290 | 322,249 | ||
Silver head grade (g/t) | 481 | 523 | ||
Gold head grade (g/t) | 1.32 | 1.32 | ||
Lead head grade (%) | 1.58 | % | 1.33 | % |
Zinc head grade (%) | 2.83 | % | 2.25 | % |
Equivalent silver head grade (g/t) (1) | 735 | 760 | ||
Silver ounces sold (koz) | 4,462 | 4,289 | ||
Gold ounces sold (koz) | 9.12 | 7.76 | ||
Lead pounds sold (klb) | 9,984 | 7,603 | ||
Zinc pounds sold (klb) | 15,426 | 9,596 | ||
Equivalent silver ounces sold (koz) (2) | 6,204 | 5,710 | ||
(1) | Equivalent silver head grades have been calculated using the following price assumptions to translate gold, lead and zinc to "equivalent" silver head grade in 2024: $23/oz silver, $1,950/oz gold, $0.95/lb lead and $1.15/lb zinc (2023: $21.85/oz silver, $1,775/oz gold, $0.915/lb lead and $1.30/lb zinc). |
(2) | Equivalent silver ounces sold have been calculated using realized prices to translate gold, lead and zinc to "equivalent" silver ounces sold (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Three months ended September 30, 2024 realized prices: $30.16/oz silver, $2,587.65/oz gold, $0.91/lb lead and $1.29/lb zinc (three months ended September 30, 2023 realized prices: $23.51/oz silver, $1,911.99/oz gold, $1.00/lb lead and $1.15/lb zinc). |
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, a total of 331,194 tonnes of ore were mined. This represents an increase of 11% over Q3 2023. Increases in mined tonnages at Juanicipio have been driven by the operational ramp-up of the mine towards steady state mining and milling targets.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, a total of 332,290 tonnes of ore were processed through the Juanicipio plant. The 3% increase over Q3 2023 was mainly attributable to the Juanicipio plant operating at nameplate per operating day during 2024.
The silver head grade and equivalent silver head grade for the ore processed in the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 481 g/t and 735 g/t, respectively (three months ended September 30, 2023: 523 g/t and 760 g/t, respectively). The higher silver head grade and lower lead and zinc head grades in Q3 2023 were the result of processing ore from the upper levels of the mine, characterized by higher silver grade, compared to deeper areas in Q3 2024. Silver metallurgical recovery during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 95% (three months ended September 30, 2023: 88%) reflecting the commencement of commercial pyrite and gravimetric concentrate production during Q2 2024 delivering incremental silver and gold recovery paired with ongoing optimizations in the processing plant.
The following table provides a summary of the total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of Juanicipio for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023.
Key mine performance data of Juanicipio (100% basis) | Three months ended | |||
September 30, | September 30, | |||
2024 | 2023 | |||
Total cash costs (1) | (555 | ) | 20,067 | |
Cash cost per silver ounce sold ($/oz) (1) | (0.12 | ) | 4.68 | |
Cash cost per equivalent silver ounce sold ($/oz) (1) | 8.38 | 9.37 | ||
All-in sustaining costs (1) | 14,631 | 39,411 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per silver ounce sold ($/oz) (1) | 3.28 | 9.19 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per equivalent silver ounce sold ($/oz) (1) | 10.83 | 12.75 | ||
(1) | Total cash costs, cash cost per ounce, cash cost per equivalent ounce, all-in sustaining costs, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, and all-in sustaining cost per equivalent ounce are non-IFRS measures, please see below "Non-IFRS Measures" section and section 12 of the Q3 2024 MD&A for a detailed reconciliation of these measures to the Q3 2024 Financial Statements. Equivalent silver ounces sold have been calculated using realized prices to translate gold, lead and zinc to "equivalent" silver ounces sold (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Three months ended September 30, 2024 realized prices: $30.16/oz silver, $2,587.65/oz gold, $0.91/lb lead and $1.29/lb zinc (three months ended September 30, 2023 realized prices: $23.51/oz silver, $1,911.99/oz gold, $1.00/lb lead and $1.15/lb zinc). |
Financial Results
The following table presents excerpts of the financial results of Juanicipio for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended | ||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||
2024 | 2023 | |||
$ | $ | |||
Sales | 176,393 | 125,046 | ||
Cost of sales: | ||||
Production cost | (38,596 | ) | (43,782 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | (23,440 | ) | (21,646 | ) |
Gross profit | 114,357 | 59,618 | ||
Consulting and administrative expenses | (2,497 | ) | (3,458 | ) |
Extraordinary mining and other duties | (2,810 | ) | (1,635 | ) |
Interest expense | (1,839 | ) | (5,214 | ) |
Exchange gains (losses) and other | 1,961 | 420 | ||
Net income before tax | 109,172 | 49,731 | ||
Income tax expense | (52,937 | ) | (23,824 | ) |
Net income (100% basis) | 56,235 | 25,907 | ||
MAG's 44% portion of net income | 24,743 | 11,399 | ||
Interest on Juanicipio loans - MAG's 44% | 809 | 2,293 | ||
MAG's 44% equity income | 25,552 | 13,692 |
Sales increased by $51,348 during the three months ended September 30, 2024, mainly due to 26% higher realized metal prices and 13% higher metal volumes.
Production costs decreased by $5,186 due to Juanicipio depleting higher-cost stockpiles in Q3 2023 ($2,085), resulting from the operational ramp-up and processing facility commissioning in the first half of 2023, and lower mining, milling and general and administrative expenses ("G&A expenses") ($3,101).
Depreciation increased by $1,794 impacted by an increased depreciable asset cost base as the Juanicipio mill achieved commercial production and commenced depreciating the processing facility and associated equipment in June 2023. In addition, Juanicipio processed 3% more tonnes during Q3 2024, impacting units of production depreciation.
Cash operating margin increased from 65% to 78%, mainly due to positive commodity price movements, reduced operating costs, as well as operational leverage.
Other expenses decreased by $4,701 mainly as a result of lower consulting and administrative expenses ($960), higher exchange gains ($1,542) and lower interest expense ($3,375) as Juanicipio reduced its outstanding shareholder loans balance by $223,192 ($206,712 loan repayments and $16,480 converted to equity) over the course of September 2023 to September 2024, offset by higher selling costs and other duties ($1,176) which were impacted by the commencement of commercial pyrite and gravimetric concentrate production during Q2 2024.
Taxes increased by $29,113 mainly due to higher taxable profits generated during Q3 2024, as well as non-cash deferred tax charges on fixed assets driven by a weakening in the Mexican peso versus the US dollar.
Gross Profit from Ore Processed at Juanicipio Plant (100% basis)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 (332,290 tonnes processed) | Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Amount $ | |||||||
Metals Sold | Quantity | Average Price $ | Amount $ | |||||
Silver | 4,461,644 ounces | 30.16 per oz | 134,580 | 100,841 | ||||
Gold | 9,118 ounces | 2,588 per oz | 23,594 | 14,839 | ||||
Lead | 4,529 tonnes | 0.91 per lb. | 9,067 | 7,571 | ||||
Zinc | 6,997 tonnes | 1.29 per lb. | 19,885 | 11,005 | ||||
Treatment, refining, and other processing costs ( 1 ) | (10,733 | ) | (9,211 | ) | ||||
Sales | 176,393 | 125,046 | ||||||
Production cost | (38,596 | ) | (43,782 | ) | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | (23,440 | ) | (24,646 | ) | ||||
Gross Profit | 114,357 | 59,618 |
(1) | Q3 2023 includes toll milling costs from processing mineralized material at the Saucito plant. |
Sales and treatment charges are recorded on a provisional basis and are adjusted based on final assay and pricing adjustments in accordance with the offtake contracts.
MAG FINANCIAL RESULTS – THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
As at September 30, 2024, MAG had working capital of $113,657 (December 31, 2023: $67,262) including cash of $113,491 (December 31, 2023: $68,707) and no long-term debt. As well, as at September 30, 2024, Juanicipio had working capital of $187,234 including cash of $96,782 (MAG's attributable share is 44%).
The Company's net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 amounted to $22,292 (September 30, 2023: $8,862) or $0.22/share (September 30, 2023: $0.09/share). MAG recorded its 44% income from equity accounted investment in Juanicipio of $25,552 (September 30, 2023: $13,692) which included MAG's 44% share of net income from operations as well as loan interest earned on loans advanced to Juanicipio (see above for a discussion of MAG's share of income from its equity accounted investment in Juanicipio).
For the three months ended | ||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||
2024 | 2023 | |||
$ | $ | |||
Income from equity accounted investment in Juanicipio | 25,552 | 13,692 | ||
General and administrative expenses | (3,529 | ) | (4,094 | ) |
General exploration and business development | (138 | ) | (468 | ) |
Operating Income | 21,885 | 9,130 | ||
Interest income | 1,336 | 663 | ||
Other income | 533 | 269 | ||
Financing costs | (211 | ) | - | |
Foreign exchange loss | (41 | ) | (192 | ) |
Income before income tax | 23,502 | 9,870 | ||
Deferred income tax expense | (1,210 | ) | (1,008 | ) |
Net income | 22,292 | 8,862 |
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash cost per silver ounce of Juanicipio to production cost of Juanicipio on a 100% basis (the nearest IFRS measure) as presented in the notes to the Q3 2024 Financial Statements.
Three months ended September 30, | ||||
(in thousands of US$, except per ounce amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Production cost as reported | 38,596 | 43,782 | ||
Depreciation on inventory movements | (147 | ) | (1,145 | ) |
Adjusted production cost | 38,448 | 42,637 | ||
Treatment, refining, and other processing costs | 10,733 | 9,211 | ||
By-product revenues (2) | (52,546 | ) | (33,415 | ) |
Extraordinary mining and other duties | 2,810 | 1,635 | ||
Total cash costs (1) | (555 | ) | 20,067 | |
Add back by-product revenues (2) | 52,546 | 33,415 | ||
Total cash costs for equivalent silver (1) | 51,992 | 53,482 | ||
Silver ounces sold | 4,461,644 | 4,288,747 | ||
Equivalent silver ounces sold (3) | 6,203,678 | 5,709,900 | ||
Cash cost per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | (0.12 | ) | 4.68 | |
Cash cost per equivalent silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 8.38 | 9.37 |
(1) | As Q3 2023 represented the first full quarter of commercial production, information presented for total cash costs and total cash costs for equivalent silver together with their associated per unit values are not directly comparable. |
(2) | By-product revenues relate to the sale of other metals namely gold, lead, and zinc. |
(3) | Equivalent silver ounces sold have been calculated using realized prices to translate gold, lead and zinc to "equivalent" silver ounces sold (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Three months ended September 30, 2024 realized prices: $30.16/oz silver, $2,587.65/oz gold, $0.91/lb lead and $1.29/lb zinc (three months ended September 30, 2023 realized prices: $23.51/oz silver, $1,911.99/oz gold, $1.00/lb lead and $1.15/lb zinc). |
The following table provides a reconciliation of AISC of Juanicipio to production cost and various operating expenses of Juanicipio on a 100% basis (the nearest IFRS measure), as presented in the notes to the Q3 2024 Financial Statements.
Three months ended September 30, | ||||
(in thousands of US$, except per ounce amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Total cash costs | (555 | ) | 20,067 | |
General and administrative expenses | 2,497 | 3,458 | ||
Exploration | 2,728 | 2,059 | ||
Sustaining capital expenditures | 9,676 | 13,604 | ||
Sustaining lease payments | 232 | 174 | ||
Interest on lease liabilities | (13 | ) | (15 | ) |
Accretion on closure and reclamation costs | 66 | 64 | ||
All-in sustaining costs (1) | 14,631 | 39,411 | ||
Add back by-product revenues (2) | 52,546 | 33,415 | ||
All-in sustaining costs for equivalent silver (1) | 67,177 | 72,827 | ||
Silver ounces sold | 4,461,644 | 4,288,747 | ||
Equivalent silver ounces sold (3) | 6,203,678 | 5,709,900 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 3.28 | 9.19 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per equivalent silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 10.83 | 12.75 | ||
Average realized price per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 30.16 | 23.51 | ||
All-in sustaining margin ($/ounce) | 26.88 | 14.32 | ||
All-in sustaining margin ($/equivalent ounce) | 19.34 | 10.76 | ||
All-in sustaining margin | 119,949 | 61,430 |
(1) | As Q3 2023 represented the first full quarter of commercial production, information presented for all-in sustaining costs, all-in sustaining costs for equivalent silver, and all-in sustaining margin together with their associated per unit values are not directly comparable. |
(2) | By-product revenues relate to the sale of other metals namely gold, lead, and zinc. |
(3) | Equivalent silver ounces sold have been calculated using realized prices to translate gold, lead and zinc to "equivalent" silver ounces sold (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Three months ended September 30, 2024 realized prices: $30.16/oz silver, $2,587.65/oz gold, $0.91/lb lead and $1.29/lb zinc (three months ended September 30, 2023 realized prices: $23.51/oz silver, $1,911.99/oz gold, $1.00/lb lead and $1.15/lb zinc). |
For the three months ended September 30, 2024 the Company incurred corporate G&A expenses of $3,429 (three months ended September 30, 2023: $3,961), which exclude depreciation expense.
The Company's attributable silver ounces sold and equivalent silver ounces sold for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were 1,963,123 and 2,729,618 respectively (three months ended September 30, 2023: 1,887,049 and 2,512,356 respectively), resulting in additional all‐in sustaining cost for the Company of $1.75/oz and $1.26/oz respectively (three months ended September 30, 2023: $2.10/oz and $1.58/oz respectively), in addition to Juanicipio's all-in-sustaining costs presented in the above table.
The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the Company based on its economic interest in Juanicipio to net income (the nearest IFRS measure) of the Company per the Q3 2024 Financial Statements. All adjustments are shown net of estimated income tax.
Three months ended September 30, | ||||
(in thousands of US$) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Net income after tax | 22,292 | 8,862 | ||
Add back (deduct): | ||||
Taxes | 1,210 | 1,008 | ||
Depreciation and depletion | 100 | 133 | ||
Finance costs (income and expenses) | (1,617 | ) | (740 | ) |
EBITDA (1) | 21,985 | 9,263 | ||
Add back (deduct): | ||||
Adjustment for non-cash share-based compensation | 991 | 822 | ||
Share of net earnings related to Juanicipio | (25,552 | ) | (13,692 | ) |
MAG attributable interest in Junicipio Adjusted EBITDA | 58,296 | 33,527 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA (1) | 55,720 | 29,920 |
(1) | As Q3 2023 represents the first full quarter of commercial production, information presented for EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is not directly comparable. |
The following table provides a reconciliation of free cash flow of Juanicipio to its cash flow from operating activities on a 100% basis (the nearest IFRS measure), as presented in the notes to the Q3 2024 Financial Statements.
Three months ended September 30, | ||||
(in thousands of US$) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Cash flow from operating activities | 109,836 | 57,271 | ||
Less: | ||||
Cash flow used in investing activities | (12,656 | ) | (16,524 | ) |
Sustaining lease payments | (232 | ) | (174 | ) |
Juanicipio free cash flow (1) | 96,948 | 40,573 |
(1) | As Q3 2023 represents the first full quarter of commercial production, comparative information presented for free cash flow of Juanicipio is not directly comparable. |
Qualified Persons: All scientific or technical information in this press release including assay results referred to, mineral resource estimates and mineralization, if applicable, is based upon information prepared by or under the supervision of, or has been approved by Gary Methven, P.Eng., Vice President, Technical Services and Lyle Hansen, P.Geo, Geotechnical Director; both are "Qualified Persons" for purposes of National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects .
About MAG Silver Corp.
MAG Silver Corp. is a growth-oriented Canadian mining and exploration company focused on advancing high-grade, district scale precious metals projects in the Americas. MAG is emerging as a top-tier primary silver mining company through its (44%) joint venture interest in the 4,000 tonnes per day Juanicipio Mine, operated by Fresnillo plc (56%). The mine is located in the Fresnillo Silver Trend in Mexico, the world's premier silver mining camp, where in addition to underground mine production and processing of high-grade mineralised material, an expanded exploration program is in place targeting multiple highly prospective targets. MAG is also executing multi-phase exploration programs at the 100% earn-in Deer Trail Project in Utah and the 100% owned Larder Project, located in the historically prolific Abitibi region of Canada.
Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the NYSE American has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.
Certain information contained in this release, including any information relating to MAG's future oriented financial information, are "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively herein referred as "forward-looking statements"), including the "safe harbour" provisions of provincial securities legislation, the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
- statements that address maintaining the nameplate 4,000 tpd milling rate at Juanicipio;
- statements that address our expectations regarding exploration and drilling;
- statements regarding production expectations and nameplate;
- statements regarding the Apollo Option and activities at Cinco;
- statements regarding additional information from future drill programs;
- estimated project economics, including but not limited to, plant or mill recoveries, metals produced, metal grades, metals sold, underground mining rates;
- estimated future exploration and development operations and corresponding expenditures and other expenses for specific operations;
- the expected capital, sustaining capital and working capital requirements at Juanicipio, including the potential for additional cash calls;
- expected upside from additional exploration;
- expected results from Deer Trail Project and Carissa zones drilling;
- expected results from Larder Project at the Fernland, Cheminis, Bear, Swansea, Long Conglomerate, Kir Vit, and Twist zones and other regional targets;
- expected capital requirements and sources of funding;
- the Company's ability to repatriate capital form the Juanicipio Mine, obtain financing through the joint venturing of projects and raise additional debt, equity or other sources of financing;
- the Company's participation in equity investments;
- statements regarding the Company's ability to meet business objectives and milestones;
- statements regarding the 2023 sustainability report, including the contents therein; and
- other future events or developments.
When used in this release, any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events of performance (often but not always using words or phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "project", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions), as they relate to the Company or management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. Assumptions underlying the Company's expectations regarding forward-looking statements contained in this release include, among others: MAG's ability to carry on its various exploration and development activities including project development timelines, the timely receipt of required approvals and permits, the price of the minerals produced, the costs of operating, exploration and development expenditures, the impact on operations of the Mexican tax and legal regimes, MAG's ability to obtain adequate financing, outbreaks or threat of an outbreak of a virus or other contagions or epidemic disease will be adequately responded to locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.
Although MAG believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including amongst others: commodities prices; changes in expected mineral production performance; unexpected increases in capital costs or cost overruns; exploitation and exploration results; continued availability of capital and financing; general economic, market or business conditions; risks relating to the Company's business operations; risks relating to the financing of the Company's business operations; risks related to the Company's ability to comply with restrictive covenants and maintain financial covenants pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility; the expected use of the Credit Facility; risks relating to the development of Juanicipio and the minority interest investment in the same; risks relating to the Company's property titles; risks related to receipt of required regulatory approvals; pandemic risks; supply chain constraints and general costs escalation in the current inflationary environment heightened by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the events relating to the Israel-Hamas war; risks relating to the Company's financial and other instruments; operational risk; environmental risk; political risk; currency risk; market risk; capital cost inflation risk; risk relating to construction delays; the risk that data is incomplete or inaccurate; the risks relating to the limitations and assumptions within drilling, engineering and socio-economic studies relied upon in preparing economic assessments and estimates, including the updated Technical Report filed on March 27, 2024; as well as those risks more particularly described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2024 available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not attribute undue certainty to or place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Please Note: Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosures in MAG's annual and quarterly reports and other public filings, accessible through the Internet at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov .
LEI: 254900LGL904N7F3EL14
For further information on behalf of MAG Silver Corp., please contact Fausto Di Trapani, Chief Financial Officer. Phone: (604) 630-1399 Toll Free: (866) 630-1399 Email: info@magsilver.com
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
Pan American Silver Releases Quarterly Results, Gets Canada's Approval for La Arena Sale
Pan American Silver (TSX:PAAS,NASDAQ:PAAS) said on Tuesday (November 5) that it has received final regulatory approval from the Canadian government for the sale of its La Arena assets in Peru.
The company is selling the La Arena gold mine and development-stage La Arena II copper-gold project to Jinteng (Singapore) Mining, a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group (OTC Pink:ZIJMF,HKEX:2899).
Under the terms of the deal, Zijin will pay US$245 million in cash for the properties. Pan American will also receive a 1.5 percent life-of-mine net smelter return royalty on gold production from La Arena II.
The agreement further provides a US$50 million contingent payment to Pan American once La Arena II starts commercial production. Pan American will also enter an offtake agreement with Zijin through which it will gain access to 60 percent of future copper concentrate supply from La Arena II on commercial terms for sale in North America.
The finalization of the La Arena sale is expected by the end of 2024.
Also on Tuesday, Pan American released its latest quarterly report, outlining record free cashflow of US$151.5 million.
President and CEO Michael Steinmann said higher silver and gold prices improved the company's operating margins during the period, noting that it is positioned to meet its 2024 production guidance. Pan American estimates it will produce between 21 million and 23 million ounces of silver and 880,000 to 1 million ounces of gold this year.
Steinmann also noted continued strength in production and cost management across various projects.
He noted that at the La Colorada mine in Mexico, new ventilation infrastructure led to a 59 percent increase in silver production and a 26 percent reduction in cash costs from the previous quarter.
Total throughput is expected to reach 2,000 metric tons per day by year end.
During Q3, the company directed an additional US$3.6 million in capital to the La Colorada skarn project, focusing on further exploration and completion of a ventilation system to support production scalability.
Regarding the Escobal mine in Guatemala, Pan American indicated it is still unclear when operations may resume.
The mine, which is one of the world’s largest silver deposits, has been inactive since 2017 due to a pending consultation process with the Xinka indigenous community. This process, governed by Guatemala’s constitutional court under International Labor Organization Convention 169, has experienced delays, and a new timeline has not been set.
Recently, the country’s energy and mines ministry appointed a deputy minister of sustainable development to oversee the consultation, but no significant progress has been reported.
The suspension at Escobal has limited Pan American’s production capabilities. The site previously produced approximately 20 million ounces of silver annually before the stoppage.
As it awaits an outcome, Pan American is keeping the property on care and maintenance.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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