managed service provider santa cruz

Santacruz Silver Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SCZ) (FSE: 1SZ) (the "Company" or "Santacruz") reports on operating and financial results of the Zimapan Mine in Zimapan Hidalgo Mexico and the Rosario Project in San Luis Potosi, Mexico for the third quarter of 2020. The full version of the financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis can be viewed on the Company's website at www.santacruzsilver.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All amounts are in thousands of US dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Q3 2020 Highlights (compared to Q3 2019)

  • Gross profit from mining operations of $1,259 ($102 in Q3 2019);
  • Net loss of $163 or $0.00/share (net loss of $886 or $0.00/share in Q3 2019);
  • Consolidated cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold decreased by 13% and AISC decreased by 12% to $18.38/oz and $19.85/oz respectively; and,
  • Cash cost per tonne decreased 13% to $43.06/t ($49.58/t in Q3 2019).

Carlos Silva, CEO of Santacruz stated, "Management's focus for 2020 is to return the Zimapan Mine to historical production levels while reaching our budgeted efficiencies and conclude the acquisition of the mine. At the Rosario Project, our focus is to further increase mill throughput tonnage from the already improved level achieved in October 2020 to 400 tpd by the end of Q4 2020 which should result in positive cashflows in Q4 2020." Mr. Silva continued, "The arrival of additional underground equipment at both Zimapan and Rosario during mid-October has been essential to our month over month increased production and cost efficiencies which should allow us to reach budgeted operational levels during Q4 2020."

Financial Results

Selected financial information for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 is presented below:


2020 Q32020 Q22019 Q3




Revenue - Mining Operations9,4375,93911,439
Revenue - Mining Services--293
Gross Profit (Loss) (1)1,259796102
Debt forgiveness-412-
Net Loss (163)(636)(886)
Net Loss Per Share - Basic ($/share)(0.00)(0.00)(0.00)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)1212(705)

 

(1)The Company reports additional non-IFRS measures which include Gross Profit (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA. These additional financial disclosure measures are intended to provide additional information. See the Company's MD&A filed on SEDAR or its website for a reconciliation of these amounts to the unaudited interim financial statements for the respective periods.
(2) Financial results from the Zimapan Mine have been recorded on a 100% basis in the Q3 and Q2 2020 figures and as to 50% in Q3 2019 as the Company did not acquire 100% of the lease rights to the Zimapan Mine until October 2019.

The Company realized an average silver price of $21.18 per ounce during Q3 2020, which represents a 21% increase from Q3 2019 and a 28% increase from Q2 2020.

The Company recorded a net loss of $163 ($0.00 per share) for the three-month period ended September 30, 2020 compared to a net loss of $886 ($0.00 loss per share) for the same period in 2019.

Silver equivalent production for Q3 2020 increased by 3% to 977,678 ounces as compared to 952,826 ounces in Q3 2019. This modest increase is largely due to the Company including 100% of the production from the Zimapan Mine in Q3 2020 as compared to 50% in Q3 2019 offset by nil production from the Veta Grande Project in Q3 2020.

Operational Results and Costs

Selected operating information for the three-month periods ended September 30, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 is presented below:


20202019
Q3Q2Q3
Material Processed (tonnes milled)


Zimapan Mine (5)164,846106,725 82,242
Veta Grande Project--43,999
Rosario Project11,79410,074 22,048
Consolidated176,640116,799148,289
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) (4)


Zimapan Mine (5)920,985639,021 606,583
Veta Grande Project--214,282
Rosario Project56,69370,744131,961
Consolidated977,678709,765 952,826
Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) (2)


Zimapan Mine (5)625,036461,324 350,571
Veta Grande Project - - 114,705
Rosario Project36,62830,01865,139
Consolidated661,664491,341530,415
Cash Cost of Production per Tonne (3)


Zimapan Mine39.91 40.67 41.89
Veta Grande Project- - 47.67
Rosario Project87.08 49.53 82.10
Consolidated43.0641.44 49.58
Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce (3)


Zimapan Mine17.45 14.88 15.70
Veta Grande Project- - 19.79
Rosario Project34.13 21.45 27.96
Consolidated18.38 15.25 18.52
All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Oz (3)


Zimapan Mine18.54 16.00 18.34
Veta Grande Project- - 26.77
Rosario Project42.07 31.91 38.25
Consolidated19.85 16.90 22.51
Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce (3)


Zimapan Mine21.01 16.47 17.51
Veta Grande Project -
17.64
Rosario Project24.08 16.89 17.65
Consolidated21.18 16.49 17.52

 

(1) Silver equivalent ounces produced in 2020 have been calculated using prices of $17.85/oz., $1,480/oz., $0.92/lb, $1.09/lb and $2.80/lb. for silver, gold, lead, zinc and copper respectively applied to the metal content of the concentrates produced by the Veta Grande Project, Rosario Project and the leased Zimapan Mine. Operations at the Vets Grande Project were suspended in Q1 2020 and to date have not resumed. Silver equivalent ounces produced in 2019 have been calculated using prices of $15.25/oz., $1,281/oz., $0.94/lb, $1.20/lb and $2.92/lb for silver, gold, lead, zinc and copper respectively applied to the metal content of the concentrates produced by the Veta Grande Project and the Rosario Project for all of 2019 as well as 50% and 100% of the metal content of the concentrates produced at the leased Zimapan Mine in Q3 and Q4 2019 respectively.
(2)Silver equivalent sold ounces have been calculated using the realized silver prices stated in the table above, applied to the payable metal content of the concentrates sold from the Veta Grande Project, Rosario Project and Zimapan Mine respectively.
(3) The Company reports non-IFRS measures which include Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent, All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent, Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, and Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See the Company's MD&A filed on SEDAR or its website for a reconciliation of these amounts to the unaudited interim financial statements for the respective periods.
(4)Amounts reported for the Zimapan Mine reflect the Company's proportionate interest in the mine which was 50% in Q3 2019 and 100% in Q4 2019 and thereafter.

Cash cost per tonne of mineralized material processed decreased by 13% in Q3 2020 to $43.06/t as compared to $49.58/t in Q3 2019. This positive change in unit costs reflects primarily a 5% decrease in unit costs at the Zimapan Mine and the impact on unit costs from the suspension of mining activities at the Veta Grande Project offset by a 6% increase in unit costs at the Rosario Project. The unit costs at both the Zimapan Mine and Rosario Project are expected to continue to decrease as a result of increased throughput tonnage at the respective milling facilities. As compared to the Q2 2020 unit costs, the Q3 2020 cash cost of production per tonne of mineralized material processed increased by 4%. This variance is due to a 25% decrease in unit costs at the Rosario project which in turn reflects low underground mining equipment availability during Q3 2020 quarter. This matter was resolved in October 2020 with the addition of two new scooptrams at the Rosario Project.

Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold was essentially unchanged in Q3 2020 at $18.38/oz as compared to Q3 2019. Compared to Q2 2020, the Q3 2020 unit costs increased 21%. This negative was also due to low underground mining equipment availability at both projects which was resolved in October 2020 with the delivery of new underground scooptrams at each project. As reported in the Company's press release on November 18, 2020, the consolidated mill throughput tonnage increased by 17% while silver equivalent ounces produced increased by 21% in October 2020 compared to the monthly averages for Q3 2020. Both of these increases were largely the result of increased underground equipment availability.

All-in sustaining cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold decreased by 12% in Q3 2020 to $19.85/oz as compared to $22.51/oz in Q3 2019. This change in unit costs largely reflects the suspension of mining activities at the Veta Grande Project. Compared to the Q2 2020-unit cost, Q3 saw a 17% increase to AISC. Again, with the expected improvement in underground equipment availability in Q4 2020 and beyond, management anticipates that AISC will decrease.

About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Santacruz is a Mexican focused silver company that currently owns and operates the Rosario Mine. The Company also owns 100% of Carrizal Mining S.A. de C.V. Carrizal Mining holds a 20% working interest in the Company's Veta Grande Project and has the right to operate the Zimapan Mine until December 31, 2020 under a mining lease agreement. On July 28, 2020 the Company announced that it had reached agreement with Minera Cedros, S.A. de C.V. ("Minera Cedros"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Industrias Peñoles, S.A.B. de C.V., to acquire outright the Zimapan Mine for US$20.0 million (plus applicable IVA of US$3.2 million), subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") to the transaction which will constitute a "Fundamental Acquisition" pursuant to TSXV Policy 5.3.

The Company is managed by a technical team of professionals with proven track records in developing, operating and discovering silver mines in Mexico. Our corporate objective is to become a mid-tier silver producer.

'signed'

Arturo Préstamo Elizondo,
Executive Chairman

For further information please contact:

Arturo Prestamo
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Email: info@santacruzsilver.com
Telephone: (604) 569-1609

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward looking information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws, including the agreement with Minera Cedros and the acquisition of the Zimapan Mine by the Company. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions. In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, that the Company will receive all required regulatory approvals and that future metal prices and the demand and market outlook for metals will remain stable or improve. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, unanticipated delays in obtaining or failure to obtain regulatory or stock exchange approvals; the risk that any of the assumptions referred to above prove not to be valid or reliable; there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in completing the acquisition of the Zimapan Mine (including obtaining the necessary funding); risk of delays or inability to obtain the approval of the TSXV to the acquisition of the Zimapan Mine; market conditions and volatility and global economic conditions, including increased volatility and potentially negative capital raising conditions resulting from the continued COVID-19 pandemic and risks relating to the extent and duration of such pandemic and its impact on global markets; risk of delay and/or cessation in planned work or changes in the Company's financial condition and development plans; risks associated with the interpretation of data (including in respect of the third party mineralized material) regarding the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the uncertainty of the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade and/or recovery rates; risks related to gold, silver, base metal and other commodity price fluctuations; risks relating to environmental regulation and liability; the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.

Rosario Project

The decisions to commence production at the Rosario Mine, Cinco Estrellas Property and Membrillo Prospect were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, but rather on a more preliminary estimate of inferred mineral resources. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with this production decision. Production and economic variables may vary considerably, due to the absence of a complete and detailed site analysis according to and in accordance with NI 43-101.

Zimapan Mine

Production at the Zimapan Mine is not supported by a feasibility study on mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability or any other independent economic study under NI 43-101. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with production operations at the Zimapan Mine. Production and economic variables may vary considerably due to the absence of a complete and detailed site analysis according to and in accordance with NI 43-101. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in negotiating and completing any acquisition of the Zimapan Mine. Any transaction to acquire the Zimapan Mine will be subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including Santacruz obtaining the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/69151

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MAG Silver Corp. (TSX NYSE American: MAG) ("MAG", or the "Company") announces the Company's consolidated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023. For details of the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023 ("2023 Financial Statements") and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 ("2023 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 Canadian dollars).

KEY HIGHLIGHTS (on a 100% basis unless otherwise noted)

  • MAG reported net income of $48,659 ($0.47 per share) driven by income from Juanicipio (equity accounted) of $65,099 and Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $97,480 for the year ended December 31, 2023.

  • MAG reported net income of $15,694 ($0.15 per share) driven by income from Juanicipio (equity accounted) of $21,069 and Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $29,787 for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

  • A total of 346,766 tonnes of mineralized material at a silver head grade of 467 grams per tonne ("g/t") was processed at Juanicipio during the fourth quarter. Milling performance for 2023 totalled 1,268,757 tonnes at a head grade of 472 g/t.

  • Juanicipio achieved silver production of 4.5 million ounces during the fourth quarter. Silver production for 2023 totalled 16.8 million ounces.

  • Juanicipio continued to capitalize on available milling capacity at the Saucito plant (100% Fresnillo owned) to maintain processing rates during periods of maintenance. Approximately 5% of the material processed during the fourth quarter was processed through the Saucito plant.

  • Juanicipio delivered robust cost performance with cash cost 2 of $3.76 per silver ounce sold and all-in sustaining cost 2 of $9.17 per silver ounce sold in the fourth quarter.
  • Juanicipio generated strong operating cash flow of $84,038 and free cash flow 2 of $61,993 in the fourth quarter. Operating cash flow and free cash flow 2 for 2023 totalled $145,064 and $60,814, respectively.

  • At the end of the year, Juanicipio held cash balances of $42,913, representing an increase of $41,811 over 2022, driven by strong operating cash flows.

  • Juanicipio returned a total of $18,765 in interest and loan principal repayments to MAG during the fourth quarter. Interest and loan principal repayments returned to MAG during 2023 totalled $33,354.

  • MAG concluded a $40,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with the Bank of Montreal on October 4, 2023.

  • Effective June 20, 2023, MAG was included in the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index which is tracked by the VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF.

CORPORATE

  • In September the Company published its second annual sustainability report underscoring its commitment to transparency with its stakeholders while providing a comprehensive overview of the Company's environmental, social and governance ("ESG") commitments, practices and performance for the 2022 year. The 2022 sustainability report is supported by the MAG Silver 2022 ESG Data Table which discloses MAG's historical ESG performance data.

  • During early 2024, as part of the Company's longer term succession planning, Dr. Lex Lambeck was promoted to the position of Vice President, Exploration. Lex has been the project manager for the Deer Trail Project in Utah since it was acquired by MAG in 2019, led by Dr. Peter Megaw. Lex's leadership was instrumental in the application of the "Hub and Spoke" thesis at Deer Trail as well as the Carissa discovery demonstrating his strong skills in generative exploration in district scale settings which will be invaluable in overseeing the Company's portfolio of exploration properties, including exploration at Juanicipio.

  • Marc Turcotte, with his almost 10 years experience at MAG as Vice President, Corporate Development, was promoted to the position of Chief Development Officer. In this broader executive role, Marc will leverage his proven track record in identifying unique situations to zero-in-on and assess inorganic growth opportunities aligned with the Company's commitment to continued Tier-1 growth and expansion. Marc was the architect of the consolidation of the Deer Trail project in Utah as well as the catalyst behind the acquisition of Gatling Exploration which brought the Larder project into MAG's portfolio of high quality, high impact exploration properties.

  • Tom Peregoodoff was appointed to the Board of Directors of MAG effective January 1, 2024. Mr. Peregoodoff will fill the vacancy to be created by the planned retirement in June 2024 of Dan MacInnis, who does not plan to seek re-election at the Company's 2024 annual general meeting of shareholders. Tom brings with him over 30 years of industry knowledge and leadership and has extensive experience in all aspects and stages of the global mining business, specializing in mineral exploration.

EXPLORATION

  • Juanicipio:
    • Infill drilling at Juanicipio continued in 2023, with one rig on surface and one underground with the goal of upgrading and expanding the Valdecañas Vein System at depth and further defining areas to be mined in the near to mid-term.
    • During 2023, 13,273 metres (three months ended December 31, 2023: nil metres) and 22,015 metres (three months ended December 31, 2023: 6,686 metres), were drilled from surface and underground respectively. Drilling for the year, both surface and underground, was infill in nature and continues to confirm defined mineralization.

  • Deer Trail Project, Utah:
    • Results from the 12,157 metres in surface-based Phase 2 drilling on the Deer Trail Carbonate Replacement Deposit project were reported on January 17, 2023 and August 3, 2023 (see news releases dated January 17, 2023 and August 3, 2023 available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca ).
    • On May 29, 2023 MAG started a Phase 3 drilling program focused on up to three porphyry "hub" targets thought to be the source of the manto, skarn and epithermal mineralization and extensive alteration throughout the project area including that at the Deer Trail and Carissa zones. An early onset of winter snowfall impacted the commencement of the third porphyry "hub" target which is expected to be drilled next season and drilling has shifted to offset the Carissa discovery and test other high-potential targets.
    • During 2023, 5,525 metres (three months ended December 31, 2023: 1,609 metres) were drilled at high elevation with final results and interpretation pending.

  • Larder Project, Ontario:
    • On July 12, 2023 drilling resumed at the Larder Project to test additional targets by the end of the year on the Cheminis and Bear areas. During 2023 17,504 metres were drilled at Swansea, Cheminis and Bear.
    • Cheminis Success: The magnetotellurics survey carried out in the summer of 2023 enabled modelling of the south volcanic gold zone at Cheminis and is proving to be applicable elsewhere across the property. Drilling in three successive Cheminis drillholes (GAT-23-019, 020A, and 021B, see Table 1 below) intersected grades of 1.1 to 20.3 g/t gold over core lengths of 0.6 - 11.1 metres demonstrating continuity. This also extended the gold-hosting mine sequence down to 700 metres below surface, more than 370 metres below the deepest workings in this portion of the Cadillac-Larder Break. Incorporating these results into the model should enhance predictability in follow-up drilling.
    • Bear Success: Increased predictability has led to continued success and further definition of the North Bear zone, especially in hole GAT-23-022NA (see Table 1 below) which cut 5.1 metres grading 4.6 g/t gold (including a high-grade zone of 1.4 metre grading 16.2 g/t gold). These intercepts extend gold mineralization to 650 metres below surface, and it remains open in all directions.

Table 1: 2023 Larder Drillholes Highlights

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) 1 Gold (g/t) Lithology Target/Zone
GAT-23-019 767.00 776.50 9.50 2.1 Mafic Volcanics South Cheminis Mine Sequence Zone
Including 767.40 768.80 1.40 5.1 South Volcanics South Cheminis Mine Sequence Zone
Including 767.80 768.00 0.30 11.0 South Volcanics South Cheminis Mine Sequence Zone
and 945.00 955.00 10.00 1.1 Green Komatiites North Cheminis Zone
Including 946.00 949.50 3.50 2.1 Green Komatiites North Cheminis Zone
GAT-23-020A 605.30 605.90 0.60 9.4 Quartz Vein & South Volcanics South Cheminis Zone
and 672.90 678.80 5.90 3.5 Komatiite-Syenite Contact North Cheminis Zone
Including 676.30 678.80 2.50 6.3 Komatiite-Syenite Contact North Cheminis Zone
Including 678.30 678.80 0.50 20.3 Green Komatiite-Syenite Contact North Cheminis Zone
GAT-23-021B 757.40 768.50 11.10 3.2 Brecciated South Volcanics with Graphite South Cheminis Mine Sequence Zone
Including 766.00 768.00 2.00 10.2 South Volcanics South Cheminis Mine Sequence Zone
GAT-23-022NA 784.60 785.50 0.90 6.0 Green Komatiites North Bear Zone
and 789.50 794.60 5.10 4.6 Green Komatiite with Graphite North Bear Zone
Including 790.30 791.70 1.40 16.2 Quartz Vein with Graphite North Bear Zone
Including 791.20 793.70 0.50 33.8 Quartz Vein with Graphite North Bear Zone
and 939.50 940.20 0.70 5.7 South Volcanics South Bear Zone


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 years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, unless otherwise noted.

Key mine performance data of Juanicipio (100% basis) Year ended
December 31, December 31,
2023 2022
Metres developed (m) 14,864 12,999
Material mined (t) 1,097,289 792,693
Material processed (t) 1,268,757 646,148
Silver head grade (g/t) 472 520
Gold head grade (g/t) 1.27 1.39
Lead head grade (%) 1.14 % 0.90 %
Zinc head grade (%) 2.05 % 1.72 %
Silver payable ounces (koz) 15,318 8,697
Gold payable ounces (koz) 31.73 20.27
Lead payable pounds (klb) 25,862 9,892
Zinc payable pounds (klb) 36,881 14,898

During the year ended December 31, 2023 a total of 1,097,289 tonnes of mineralized material were mined. This represents an increase of 38% over 2022. Increases in mined tonnages at Juanicipio have been driven by the operational ramp up of the milling facility.

During the year ended December 31, 2023 a total of 1,268,757 tonnes of mineralized material were processed through the Juanicipio, Saucito and Fresnillo plants. This represents an increase of 96% over 2022. The increase in milled tonnage has been driven by the Juanicipio mill commissioning and operational ramp up. As reported by the operator, Fresnillo, the Juanicipio processing facility achieved nameplate capacity of 4,000 tpd during September 2023 with silver recovery consistently above 88%. Juanicipio continued to capitalize on available milling capacity at the Saucito plant (100% Fresnillo owned) to maintain processing rates during periods of maintenance. Approximately 5% of the material processed during the fourth quarter of 2023 was processed through the Saucito plant.

The average silver head grade for the mineralized material processed in the year ended December 31, 2023 was 472 g/t (year ended December 31, 2022: 520 g/t).

The following table provides a summary of the total cash costs (1) and all-in-sustaining costs ("AISC") (1) of Juanicipio for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022.

Key mine performance data of Juanicipio (100% basis) Year ended
December 31, December 31,
2023 2022
Total operating cash costs (1) 88,080 40,522
Operating cash cost per silver ounce sold ($/oz) (1) 5.75 4.66
Total cash costs (1) 93,025 40,871
Cash cost per silver ounce sold ($/oz) (1) 6.07 4.70
All-in sustaining costs (1) 158,151 83,463
All-in sustaining cost per silver ounce sold ($/oz) (1) 10.32 9.60

(1) Total operating cash costs, operating cash cost per ounce, total cash costs, cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining costs, and all-in sustaining cost per ounce are non-IFRS measures, please see below ‘ Non-IFRS Measures ' section and section 12 of the 2023 MD&A dated March 18, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a detailed reconciliation of these measures to the 2023 Financial Statements.


Financial Results

The following table presents excerpts of the financial results of Juanicipio for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (MAG's share of income from its equity accounted investment in Juanicipio).

Year ended
December 31, December 31,
2023 2022
$ $
Sales 442,288 215,736
Cost of sales:
Production cost (171,830 ) (61,985 )
Depreciation and amortization (68,475 ) (20,913 )
Gross profit 201,983 132,838
Consulting and administrative expenses (18,768 ) (8,436 )
Extraordinary mining and other duties (4,945 ) (349 )
Interest expense (18,524 ) (2,298 )
Exchange losses and other (2,937 ) (5,160 )
Net income before tax 156,809 116,595
Income tax expense (27,381 ) (26,348 )
Net income (100% basis) 129,428 90,247
MAG's 44% portion of net income 56,948 39,709
Interest on Juanicipio loans - MAG's 44% 8,150 1,058
MAG's 44% equity income 65,099 40,767

Sales increased by $226,552 during the year ended December 31, 2023, mainly due to 84% higher metal volumes and 5% higher realized metal prices.

Offsetting higher sales was higher depreciation ($47,561) as the Juanicipio mill achieved commercial production and commenced depreciating the processing facility and associated equipment, and higher production cost ($109,845) which was driven by higher sales and operational ramp-up in mining and processing, including $44,027 in inventory movements as commissioning stockpiles were drawn down.

Other expenses increased by $28,932 mainly as a result of higher extraordinary mining and other duties ($4,596) related to higher precious metal revenues from the sale of concentrates, higher consulting and administrative expenses ($10,332) as an operator services agreement became effective upon initiation of commercial production whereby Fresnillo and its affiliates continue to operate the mine, and higher interest incurred on shareholder loans ($16,227) which were completely expensed during 2023, whereas being only partly expensed with the rest capitalized to construction in progress during 2022.

Taxes increased by $1,033 impacted by deferred tax charges associated with fixed assets as well as higher taxable profits generated during the period.

Mineralized Material Processed at Juanicipio, Saucito and Fresnillo Plants (100% basis)

Year Ended December 31, 2023 (1,268,757 tonnes processed) Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Amount

$
Payable Metals Quantity Average Price
$
Amount
$
Silver 15,317,765 ounces 23.66 per oz 362,457 188,722
Gold 31,735 ounces 1,978.07 per oz 62,774 36,958
Lead 11,731 tonnes 0.96 per lb. 24,746 9,380
Zinc 16,729 tonnes 1.15 per lb. 42,496 23,398
Treatment, refining, and other processing costs ( 2 ) (50,185 ) (42,722 )
Sales 442,288 215,736
Production cost (171,830 ) (61,985 )
Depreciation and amortization (1) (68,475 ) (20,913 )
Gross Profit 201,983 132,838

(1) The underground mine was considered readied for its intended use on January 1, 2022, whereas the Juanicipio processing facility started commissioning and ramp-up activities in January 2023, achieving commercial production status on June 1, 2023.
(2) Includes toll milling costs from processing mineralized material at the Saucito and Fresnillo plants.


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 – YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023

As at December 31, 2023, MAG had working capital of $67,262 (December 31, 2022: $29,232) including cash of $68,707 (December 31, 2022: $29,955) and no long-term debt. As well, as at December 31, 2023, Juanicipio had working capital of $86,336 including cash of $42,913 (MAG's attributable share is 44%).

The Company's net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 amounted to $48,659 (December 31, 2022: $17,644) or $0.47/share (December 31, 2022: $0.18/share). MAG recorded its 44% income from equity accounted investment in Juanicipio of $65,099 (December 31, 2022: $40,767) 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 MAG's share of income from its equity accounted investment in Juanicipio).

December 31, December 31,
2023 2022
$ $
Income from equity accounted investment in Juanicipio 65,099 40,767
General and administrative expenses (13,594 ) (12,352 )
General exploration and business development (736 ) (193 )
Exploration and evaluation assets written down - (10,471 )
Operating Income 50,769 17,751
Interest income 2,594 630
Other income 1,017 -
Foreign exchange loss (144 ) (366 )
Income before income tax 54,236 18,015
Deferred income tax expense (5,577 ) (371 )
Net income 48,659 17,644

NON-IFRS MEASURES

The following table provides a reconciliation of operating cash cost and 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 2023 Financial Statements.

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands of US$, except per ounce amounts) 2023 2022
Production cost as reported 171,830 61,985
Depreciation on inventory movements (3,919 ) 5,551
Adjusted production cost 167,911 67,536
Treatment, refining, and other processing costs 50,185 42,722
By-product revenues (2) (130,016 ) (69,736 )
Total operating cash costs (1) 88,080 40,522
Extraordinary mining and other duties 4,945 349
Total cash costs (1) 93,025 40,871
Silver ounces sold 15,317,765 8,697,372
Operating cash cost per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) 5.75 4.66
Cash cost per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) 6.07 4.70

(1) As Q3 2023 represented the first full quarter of commercial production, information presented for total operating cash costs and total cash costs together with their associated per unit values are not directly comparable.
(2) By-product revenues relates to the sale of other metals contained in the lead and zinc concentrates produced and delivered, namely gold, lead, and 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 2023 Financial Statements.

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands of US$, except per ounce amounts) 2023 2022
Total cash costs 93,025 40,871
General and administrative expenses 18,768 8,436
Exploration 7,575 7,824
Sustaining capital expenditures 37,728 25,268
Sustaining lease payments 856 854
Interest on lease liabilities (48 ) (23 )
Accretion on closure and reclamation costs 247 232
All-in sustaining costs (1) 158,151 83,463
Silver ounces sold 15,317,765 8,697,372
All-in sustaining cost per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) 10.32 9.60
Average realized price per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) 23.66 21.70
All-in sustaining margin ($/ounce) 13.34 12.10
All-in sustaining margin 204,306 105,259

(1) As Q3 2023 represented the first full quarter of commercial production, information presented for all-in sustaining costs and all-in sustaining margin together with their associated per unit values are not directly comparable.


For the year ended December 31, 2023 the Company incurred corporate general and administrative expenses of $13,242 (year ended December 31, 2022: $12,216), which exclude depreciation expense.

The Company's attributable silver ounces sold for the year ended December 31, 2023 were 6,739,817 (year ended December 31, 2022: 3,826,844), resulting in additional AISC for the Company of $1.96/oz (year ended December 31, 2022: $3.19/oz), in addition to Juanicipio's AISC presented in the above table.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("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 2023 Financial Statements. All adjustments are shown net of estimated income tax.

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands of US$) 2023 2022
Net income after tax 48,659 17,644
Add back (deduct):
Taxes 5,577 371
Depreciation and depletion 352 136
Finance costs (income and expenses) (3,467 ) (264 )
EBITDA (1) 51,121 17,887
Add back (deduct):
Adjustment for non-cash share-based compensation 2,894 3,250
Exploration property write-down - 10,471
Share of net earnings related to Juanicipio (65,099 ) (40,767 )
MAG attributable interest in Junicipio Adjusted EBITDA 108,564 65,403
Adjusted EBITDA (1) 97,480 56,244

(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 2023 Financial Statements.

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands of US$) 2023 2022
Cash flow from operating activities 145,064 129,261
Less:
Cash flow used in investing activities (83,393 ) (155,758 )
Sustaining lease payments (856 ) (854 )
Juanicipio free cash flow (1) 60,814 (27,351 )

(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, and mineral resource estimates, if applicable, is based upon information prepared by or under the supervision of, or has been approved by Dr. Peter Megaw, Ph.D., CPG, MAG's Chief Exploration Officer and Gary Methven, P.Eng., Vice President, Technical Services; 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 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 achieving 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 additional information from future drill programs;
  • 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 Phase 3 drilling;
  • expected results from the Larder Project at the Cheminis zone;
  • expected capital requirements and sources of funding; 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 2017 PEA; as well as those risks more particularly described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2023 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

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