Fortuna reports strong gold equivalent production of 112,543 ounces
in the first quarter of 2024
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM)
(TSX: FVI) reports strong gold and gold equivalent
production for the first quarter of 2024 from its five operating
mines in West Africa and Latin America. Gold and silver production
for the quarter was 89,678 ounces and 1.1 million ounces,
respectively, or 112,543 gold equivalent ounces1, including lead
and zinc by-products.
Fortuna reiterates its 2024 annual production
guidance range of 343 to 385 thousand ounces of gold and 4.0 to 4.7
million ounces of silver or between 457 and 497 thousand ounces of
gold equivalent ounces2, including lead and zinc by-products (refer
to Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024). All amounts
expressed in this news release are in US dollars unless otherwise
stated.
Q1 2024 highlights
- $40 million was repaid on the
Company's credit facility in Q1 2024, resulting in a total of $121
million paid since Q3 2023.
- 1,030,375 shares were repurchased
under its normal course issuer bid program at an average price of
$3.42 per share totaling $3.52 million.
- On April 1, the Company exercised
its right to acquire 50 percent of the 1.2 percent net smelter
return (NSR) at the Séguéla Mine for AUD$10 million as per a
royalty agreement with Franco Nevada Corp. dated March 30,
2021.
- Gold equivalent production of
112,543 ounces; a 20 percent increase compared to Q1 2023 (94,110
oz Au Eq)4 and a 17 percent decrease compared to Q4 2023 (136,154
oz Au Eq)3.
- Gold production of 89,678 ounces; a
49 percent increase compared to Q1 2023 (60,092 oz Au)4. and a
decrease of 16 percent compared to Q4 2023 (107,376 oz Au)3.
- Silver production of 1,074,571
ounces; a 32 percent decrease compared to Q1 2023 (1,586,378 oz Ag)
and a decrease of 21 percent compared to Q4 2023 (1,354,003 oz
Ag)3.
- Total Recordable Injury Frequency
Rate (TRIFR) of 3.10 compared to 1.39 in Q1 2023.
Notes:
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead, and
zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $2,087/oz
Au, $23.43/oz Ag, $2,084/t Pb and $2,450/t Zn or Au:Ag =
1:89.08, Au:Pb = 1:1.00, Au:Zn = 1:0.85
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead and
zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $1,800/oz
Au, $22/oz Ag, $2,000/t Pb and $2,500/t Zn or Au:Ag = 1:81.82,
Au:Pb = 1:0.90, Au:Zn = 1:0.72
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
January 18, 2024, “Fortuna reports record 2023 production of 452
koz Au Eq and 2024 annual guidance of 457 to 497 koz Au Eq”
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
April 12, 2023, “Fortuna reports production of 94,110 gold
equivalent ounces for the first quarter of 2023”
Q1 2024 Consolidated Gold and Silver
Production
|
Gold Production (oz) |
Silver Production (oz) |
Q1 2024 |
Q1 2023 |
2024 Annual Guidance (koz) |
Q1 2024 |
Q1 2023 |
2024 Annual Guidance(Moz) |
Séguéla, Côte d’Ivoire |
34,556 |
- |
126 - 138 |
- |
- |
- |
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
27,177 |
26,437 |
105 - 119 |
- |
- |
- |
Lindero, Argentina |
23,262 |
25,258 |
93 - 105 |
- |
- |
- |
San Jose, Mexico |
4,533 |
8,231 |
19 - 23 |
759,111 |
1,303,312 |
3.1 - 3.6 |
Caylloma, Peru |
150 |
166 |
- |
315,460 |
283,066 |
0.9 - 1.1 |
Total |
89,678 |
60,092 |
343 - 385 |
1,074,571 |
1,586,378 |
4.0 - 4.7 |
West Africa Region
Séguéla Mine, Côte d’Ivoire: Solid
production with mill throughput above design capacity
|
Q1 2024 |
Q4 2023 |
Tonnes milled |
394,837 |
387,624 |
Average tpd milled |
4,339 |
4,123 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
2.79 |
3.62 |
Gold recovery (%) |
94.4 |
94.9 |
Gold production1 (oz) |
34,556 |
43,096 |
Note:
- Production includes doré only
Mining
In the first quarter of 2024, mine production
totaled 420,538 tonnes of ore, averaging 2.23 g/t Au, and
containing an estimated 30,192 ounces of gold from the Antenna and
Ancien pits. Movement of waste during the quarter totaled 2,538,067
tonnes, for a strip ratio of 6:1.
Production was mainly focused on the Antenna pit
which produced 401,109 tonnes of ore, the remainder being mined at
the Ancien pit. A total of 700,229 tonnes of waste was also mined
at Ancien. Waste mining commenced at Koula during the quarter with
18,063 tonnes of waste being mined.Processing
At the processing plant, 394,837 tonnes of ore
were treated at an average grade of 2.79 g/t Au, producing 34,556
ounces of gold.
Throughput for the quarter averaged 195 tonnes
per hour (t/hr), versus name plate design capacity of 154. Mill
constraints continued to be tested with throughputs of up to 220
t/hr being recorded over a seven-day period. This was achieved with
a 60/20/20 blend of fresh, transitional and oxide ore respectively.
The Life of Mine (LOM) blend consists of 85 percent fresh rock. A
relining of the mill is planned in April, and further tests will
then be conducted with a blend more representative of the LOM
blend. Mine design and scheduling continues with the focus being on
the requirements to sustainably meet the expected higher throughput
rates.
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso: Continues
to meet targets
|
Q1 2024 |
Q4 2023 |
Tonnes milled |
107,719 |
110,445 |
Average tpd milled |
1,456 |
1,200 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
8.79 |
7.16 |
Gold recovery (%) |
98.2 |
98.3 |
Gold production (oz) |
27,177 |
28,235 |
Note:
- Production includes doré only
In the first quarter of 2024, Yaramoko produced
27,177 ounces of gold at an average head grade of 8.79 g/t Au,
a 4 percent decrease and 23 percent increase, respectively,
compared to the fourth quarter in 2023. A planned shutdown reduced
throughput in Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. During the quarter, the Company
identified further extensions to the mineralization in the western
and eastern extremities of the 55 Zone.
Drilling focused on infill grade control and
exploring for extensions beyond the mineralized resource envelope
in the deeper eastern and western portions of the 55 Zone.
Stoping operations at the QVP orebody
accelerated with batch mill tests confirming grade
expectations.
In total 123,877 tonnes of ore were mined from
underground at a grade of 8.30 g/t Au containing an estimated
33,053 ounces of gold.
Latin America Region
Lindero Mine,
Argentina: Steady gold production, on track to meet annual
guidance
|
Q1 2024 |
Q4 2023 |
Ore placed on pad (t) |
1,547,323 |
1,556,000 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
0.60 |
0.63 |
Gold production (oz)1 |
23,262 |
29,591 |
Note:
- Production includes doré, gold in
carbon, and gold in copper concentrate
During the first quarter of 2024, ore mined was
2 million tonnes, with a stripping ratio of 0.54:1. A total of 1.55
million tonnes of ore were placed on the leach pad at an average
gold grade of 0.60 g/t, containing an estimated 29,670 ounces.
Lindero’s gold production in the quarter was
23,262 ounces, comprised of 20,423 ounces in doré bars, 2,814
ounces of gold contained in fine carbon, and 25 ounces contained in
copper concentrate. This is 21 percent lower compared to the fourth
quarter of 2023, explained by the lower head grade of ore placed on
the leach pad and a reduction in the gold-rich carbon inventory.
Gold production is aligned with the mining sequence and the Mineral
Reserves estimates.
As of March 31, 2024, the $41 million leach pad
expansion project is approximately 35 percent complete. The
construction package of the project commenced in January 2024, and
is 18 percent complete, with contractors on site undertaking
earthworks and construction of the impulsion line. The procurement
and construction management (PCM) service was awarded to Knight
Piésold consultants, with the PCM project offices installed and
personnel onsite as of the third quarter of 2023. Procurement is 92
percent complete, with critical path items onsite. The final
shipments of geomembrane and geosynthetic clay liner are currently
in transit, and the pump manufacturing for the new impulsion line
are all on schedule. In addition to the current works, liner
installation and major mechanical works are expected to commence in
the second quarter of 2024. The project is scheduled to be
practically complete in the fourth quarter of 2024, with operations
beginning ore placement by the end of 2024 according to the
stacking plan for the year.
San Jose Mine, Mexico: Production in
line with mine plan
|
Q1 2024 |
Q4 2023 |
Tonnes milled |
181,103 |
241,035 |
Average tpd milled |
2,182 |
2,678 |
Silver grade (g/t) |
147 |
145 |
Silver recovery (%) |
88.73 |
90.78 |
Silver production (oz) |
759,111 |
1,023,525 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
0.90 |
0.91 |
Gold recovery (%) |
86.76 |
89.64 |
Gold production (oz) |
4,533 |
6,345 |
|
The San Jose Mine produced 759,111 ounces of
silver at an average head grade of 147 g/t Ag and 4,533 ounces of
gold at an average head grade of 0.90 g/t Au. The decrease in
silver and gold production for the first quarter of 2024 when
compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, is explained by lower
tonnage extracted, which is consistent with the annual plan and
guidance. The processing plant milled 181,103 tonnes at an average
of 2,182 tonnes per day, in line with the plan for the period.
The San Jose Mine has less operational
flexibility in 2024 compared to 2023 due to the reduced and more
dispersed Mineral Reserves associated with the Trinidad deposit.
Production areas contain lower head grades and a higher presence of
ferrous oxides in the upper levels, which impacted recoveries by
approximately 2 percent in the quarter. The operation is
experiencing cost pressures, mainly driven by a continued
appreciation of the Mexican peso. The Company conducts regular
assessments and trade-offs between maintaining operations and a
care and maintenance option.
Caylloma Mine, Peru: Consistent
performer
|
Q1 2024 |
Q4 2023 |
Tonnes milled |
137,096 |
140,800 |
Average tpd milled |
1,540 |
1,564 |
Silver grade (g/t) |
87 |
88 |
Silver recovery (%) |
82.08 |
83.40 |
Silver production (oz) |
315,460 |
330,478 |
Lead grade (%) |
3.48 |
3.84 |
Lead recovery (%) |
90.55 |
90.58 |
Lead production (lbs) |
9,530,584 |
10,798,242 |
Zinc grade (%) |
4.46 |
5.00 |
Zinc recovery (%) |
90.32 |
89.86 |
Zinc production (lbs) |
12,182,745 |
13,933,215 |
Note:
- Metallurgical recovery for silver
is calculated based on silver content in lead concentrate
In the first quarter 2024, the Caylloma Mine
produced 315,460 ounces of silver, 5 percent lower compared to the
fourth quarter 2023, at an average head grade of 87 g/t Ag.
Zinc and lead production was 12.2 and 9.5
million pounds, respectively, which represents a 13 and 12 percent
decrease from the fourth quarter 2023, respectively. Zinc and lead
average head grades were 4.46 % and 3.48 %, an 11 and 9 percent
decrease, respectively, against the fourth quarter of 2023.
Lower metal production compared to the previous
quarter was due to lower grades, which are in line with the Mineral
Reserves estimates and production guidance for the year.
Qualified Person
Eric Chapman, Senior Vice President of Technical
Services of Fortuna, is a Professional Geoscientist registered with
Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (Registration Number
36328) and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument
43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Chapman
has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information
contained in this news release and has verified the underlying
data.
About Fortuna Silver Mines
Inc.
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is a Canadian precious
metals mining company with five operating mines in Argentina,
Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru. Sustainability is
integral to all our operations and relationships. We produce gold
and silver and generate shared value over the long-term for our
stakeholders through efficient production, environmental
protection, and social responsibility. For more information, please
visit our website.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jorge A. Ganoza President, CEO,
and DirectorFortuna Silver Mines Inc.
Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca |
info@fortunasilver.com | www.fortunasilver.com |
Twitter | LinkedIn |
YouTube
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking
statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within
the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe
harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All
statements included herein, other than statements of historical
fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety
of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause
actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected
in the Forward-looking Statements. The Forward-looking Statements
in this news release may include, without limitation, statements
about the Company’s plans for its mines and mineral properties;
changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the
impact of inflationary pressures on the Company’s business and
operations; statements reiterating the Company’s 2024 annual
production guidance and the likelihood of the Company meeting such
annual production guidance, including that gold production at the
Lindero Mine is on-track to meet annual guidance; the expected
timing for completion of the leach pad expansion project at the
Lindero Mine and the timing for the operations to begin ore
placement; the Company’s expectations regarding the mill at the
Séguéla Mine, including the timing for the relining of the mill and
for further testing; the Company’s business strategy, plans and
outlook; the merit of the Company’s mines and mineral properties;
the future financial or operating performance of the Company; the
Company’s ability to comply with contractual and permitting or
other regulatory requirements; approvals and other matters. Often,
but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified
by the use of words such as “estimated”, “potential”, “open”,
“future”, “assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”,
“gain”, “planned”, “reflecting”, “will”, “anticipated”, “estimated”
“containing”, “remaining”, “to be”, or statements that events,
“could” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions,
including negative variations.
Forward-looking Statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such
uncertainties and factors include, among others, operational risks
associated with mining and mineral processing; uncertainty relating
to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; uncertainty
relating to capital and operating costs, production schedules and
economic returns; uncertainties related to new mining operations
such as the Séguéla Mine; risks relating to the Company’s ability
to replace its Mineral Reserves; risks associated with mineral
exploration and project development; uncertainty relating to the
repatriation of funds as a result of currency controls;
environmental matters including obtaining or renewing environmental
permits and potential liability claims; uncertainty relating to
nature and climate conditions; risks associated with political
instability and changes to the regulations governing the Company’s
business operations; changes in national and local government
legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or
economic developments in countries in which the Company does or may
carry on business; risks associated with war, hostilities or other
conflicts, such as the Ukrainian – Russian conflict and the Israel
– Hamas war, and the impacts such conflicts may have on global
economic activity; risks relating to the termination of the
Company’s mining concessions in certain circumstances; developing
and maintaining relationships with local communities and
stakeholders; risks associated with losing control of public
perception as a result of social media and other web-based
applications; potential opposition to the Company’s exploration,
development and operational activities; risks related to the
Company’s ability to obtain adequate financing for planned
exploration and development activities; property title matters;
risks relating to the integration of businesses and assets acquired
by the Company; impairments; risks associated with climate change
legislation; reliance on key personnel; adequacy of insurance
coverage; operational safety and security risks; legal proceedings
and potential legal proceedings; the possibility that the appeal in
respect of the ruling in favour of Compañia Minera Cuzcatlan S.A.
de C.V. reinstating the environmental impact authorization (the
“EIA”) at the San Jose Mine will be successful; uncertainties
relating to general economic conditions; risks relating to a global
pandemic, which could impact the Company’s business, operations,
financial condition and share price; competition; fluctuations in
metal prices; risks associated with entering into commodity forward
and option contracts for base metals production; fluctuations in
currency exchange rates and interest rates; tax audits and
reassessments; risks related to hedging; uncertainty relating to
concentrate treatment charges and transportation costs; sufficiency
of monies allotted by the Company for land reclamation; risks
associated with dependence upon information technology systems,
which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks with
implementation and integration; risks associated with climate
change legislation; labour relations issues; as well as those
factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual
Information Form. Although the Company has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual actions, events or
results to differ materially from those described in
Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause
actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated,
estimated or intended.
Forward-looking Statements contained herein are
based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of
management, including but not limited to the accuracy of the
Company’s current Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates;
that the Company’s activities will be conducted in accordance with
the Company’s public statements and stated goals; that there will
be no material adverse change affecting the Company, its properties
or its production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected
head grade, mining rates, recovery timing, and recovery rate
estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, labor and
contractor availability and other operating or technical
difficulties); the duration and effect of global and local
inflation; geo-political uncertainties on the Company’s production,
workforce, business, operations and financial condition; the
expected trends in mineral prices, inflation and currency exchange
rates; that the appeal filed in the Mexican Collegiate Court
challenging the reinstatement of the EIA will be unsuccessful; that
all required approvals and permits will be obtained for the
Company’s business and operations on acceptable terms; that there
will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company's
operations and such other assumptions as set out herein.
Forward-looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the
Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking
Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no
assurance that these Forward-looking Statements will prove to be
accurate, as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly,
investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking
Statements.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
Concerning Estimates of Reserves and Resources
Reserve and resource estimates included in this
news release have been prepared in accordance with National
Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI
43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities
Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by
a Canadian company of scientific and technical information
concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all
Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates contained in the
technical disclosure have been prepared in accordance with NI
43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and
Reserves.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ
significantly from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource information
included in this news release may not be comparable to similar
information disclosed by U.S. companies.
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