(all amounts expressed in thousands of U.S.
dollars unless otherwise stated)
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA, Feb. 20,
2023 /CNW/ - Mineros S.A. (TSX: MSA) (CB: MINEROS)
("Mineros" or the "Company") today reported its
financial and operational results for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2022. For further information, please see
the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and
management's discussion and analysis filed under Mineros' SEDAR
profile on www.sedar.com.
Andrés Restrepo, President and CEO of Mineros, commented, "I am
pleased to report that the Company has had another strong quarter
with respect to operational results, exceeding the higher end of
the production guidance range. In the fourth quarter of 2022,
Mineros produced 72,568 ounces of gold, an 11% increase from the
same quarter in 2021. Along with increased production, the Company
has seen reductions in both the all-in sustaining cost per ounce of
gold sold and the cash cost per ounce of gold sold compared to the
same period in 2021. Net profit for the year was mainly lower as a
result of the $36,542 impairment of
the Gualcamayo Property."
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER
2022
Gold Production
- 72,568 ounces of gold produced.
- An 11% increase in gold production compared to the same period
in 2021 (Q4/21: 65,133 ounces of gold produced).
Cash Cost1 and All-in Sustaining Cost
("AISC")1
- Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold1 of US$1,073 (Q4/21: US$1,227), representing a 13% decrease relative
to the same period in 2021.
- AISC per ounce of gold sold1 of US$1,359 (Q4/21: US$1,463), representing a 7% decrease in the AISC
per ounce of gold sold relative to the same period in 2021.
____________________________________
|
1 Cash Cost,
AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, net free cash flow and average price
realized per ounce of gold sold are non-IFRS financial measures,
and Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold, AISC per ounce of gold sold,
ROCE and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio are non-IFRS ratios,
with no standardized meaning under IFRS, and therefore they may not
be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For
further information and detailed reconciliations of non-IFRS
financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures,
see Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures in this news
release.
|
|
Dividend Payment
- $4,862 in dividends paid.
- An increase of 21% in dividends paid compared to the same
period in 2021 (Q4/21: $4,014).
Revenue
- Revenue of $131,192.
- An increase of 7% compared to the same period in 2021 (Q4/21:
$122,218).
Profitability
- Gross profit increased by 44% to $38,294 compared to the same period in 2021
(Q4/21: $26,612).
- Net profit for the period down 281% to $(19,994) (US$(0.07)/share) compared to the same period in
2021 (Q4/21: $11,060 (US$0.04/share)), explained by the impairment of
the Gualcamayo Property ($36,542).
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio2
- Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio2 of (0.02)x as at
December 31, 2022.
- The Company has continued to have a low Net Debt to Adjusted
EBITDA ratio, even with a 70% increase compared to (0.05)x as at
December 31, 2021.
____________________________________
|
2 Cash Cost,
AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, net free cash flow and average price
realized per ounce of gold sold are non-IFRS financial measures,
and Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold, AISC per ounce of gold sold,
ROCE and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio are non-IFRS ratios,
with no standardized meaning under IFRS, and therefore they may not
be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For
further information and detailed reconciliations of non-IFRS
financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures,
see Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures in this news
release.
|
|
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2022
Gold Production
- 287,152 ounces of gold produced.
- A 10% increase in gold production compared to the same period
in 2021 (FY/21: 261,767 ounces of gold produced).
- Production was 2,152 ounces of gold above the upper limit of
2022 guidance.
Cash Cost and AISC
- Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold of $1,124 (FY/21: $1,178), representing a 5% decrease in the Cash
Cost per ounce of gold sold relative to 2021.
- AISC per ounce of gold sold of $1,365 (FY/21: $1,492), representing a 9% decrease in the AISC
per ounce of gold sold relative to 2021.
- Cash Cost and AISC per ounce of gold were within the range of
2022 cost guidance.
Dividend Payment
- $22,990 in dividends paid.
- An increase of 30% in dividends paid compared to 2021 (FY/21:
$17,670).
Revenue
- Revenue of $529,001.
- An increase of 7% compared to 2021 (FY/21: $496,247).
Financial and Operating Highlights.
(All numbers in $000's unless otherwise noted)
|
Three Months
Ended
December 31,
|
Change
|
Year ended
December
31,
|
Change
|
2022
|
2021
|
$
|
%
|
2022
|
2021
|
$
|
%
|
Financial
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
131,192
|
122,218
|
8,974
|
7 %
|
529,001
|
496,247
|
32,754
|
7 %
|
Gross
Profit
|
38,294
|
26,612
|
11,682
|
44 %
|
141,100
|
124,963
|
16,137
|
13 %
|
Net Profit For The
Year
|
(19,994)
|
11,060
|
(31,054)
|
(281) %
|
4,487
|
43,387
|
(38,900)
|
(90 %)
|
Basic and diluted
earnings
per share
|
$(0.07)
|
$0.04
|
$(0.10)
|
(281) %
|
$0.01
|
$0.16
|
$(0.15)
|
(91 %)
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(1)
|
45,987
|
35,449
|
10,538
|
30 %
|
176,969
|
154,703
|
22,266
|
14 %
|
Net cash flows
generated
by operating activities
|
36,602
|
19,643
|
16,959
|
86 %
|
82,607
|
87,340
|
(4,733)
|
(5 %)
|
Net free cash
flow(1)
|
20,006
|
8,332
|
11,674
|
140 %
|
22,213
|
17,046
|
5,167
|
30 %
|
ROCE(1)
|
26 %
|
24 %
|
2 %
|
9 %
|
26 %
|
24 %
|
3 %
|
11 %
|
Net Debt to
Adjusted
EBITDA ratio(1)
|
(0.02)x
|
(0.05)x
|
0.04x
|
(70 %)
|
(0.02)x
|
(0.05)x
|
0.04x
|
(70 %)
|
Dividends
paid
|
(4,862)
|
(4,014)
|
848
|
21 %
|
(22,990)
|
(17,670)
|
5,320
|
30 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average realized price
per
ounce of gold sold ($/oz)
|
1,780
|
1,802
|
(22)
|
(1 %)
|
1,802
|
1,803
|
(1)
|
0 %
|
Total Gold Produced
(oz)
|
72,568
|
65,133
|
7,435
|
11 %
|
287,152
|
261,767
|
25,385
|
10 %
|
Gold sold
(oz)
|
72,257
|
64,969
|
7,288
|
11 %
|
287,686
|
265,806
|
21,880
|
8 %
|
Silver sold
(oz)
|
93,528
|
108,959
|
(15,431)
|
(14 %)
|
379,392
|
400,562
|
(21,170)
|
(5) %
|
Cash Cost per ounce
of
gold sold ($/oz) 1
|
$1,073
|
$1,227
|
$(154)
|
(13 %)
|
$1,124
|
$1,178
|
$(54)
|
(5 %)
|
AISC per ounce of
gold
sold ($/oz) 1
|
$1,359
|
$1,463
|
$(104)
|
(7 %)
|
$1,365
|
$1,492
|
$(127)
|
(9 %)
|
1.
|
Average realized price
per ounce of gold sold, Adjusted EBITDA, and net free cash flow are
Non-IFRS financial measures, and ROCE and Net Debt to Adjusted
EBITDA ratio are Non-IFRS ratios, with no standardized meaning
under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures
presented by other issuers. For further information and detailed
reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS measures, see
Non-IFRS And Other Financial Measures in this press
release.
|
|
|
Operational Highlights by Material Property.
(All numbers in ounces unless otherwise noted)
|
Three Months
Ended
December 31,
|
Change
|
|
Year ended
December
31,
|
Change
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
ounces
|
%
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
ounces
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nechí Alluvial
Property
(Colombia)
|
24,986
|
15,524
|
9,462
|
61 %
|
|
92,385
|
73,129
|
19,256
|
26 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hemco
Property
|
9,828
|
5,885
|
3,943
|
67 %
|
|
40,677
|
30,917
|
9,760
|
32 %
|
Artisanal
Mining
|
23,783
|
26,316
|
(2,533)
|
(10 %)
|
|
91,843
|
96,234
|
(4,391)
|
(5 %)
|
Nicaragua
|
33,611
|
32,201
|
1,410
|
4 %
|
|
132,520
|
127,151
|
5,369
|
4 %
|
Gualcamayo
Property
(Argentina)
|
13,971
|
17,408
|
(3,437)
|
(20) %
|
|
62,247
|
61,487
|
760
|
1 %
|
Total Gold
Produced
(oz)
|
72,568
|
65,133
|
7,435
|
11 %
|
|
287,152
|
261,767
|
25,385
|
10 %
|
Total Silver
Produced
(oz)
|
93,528
|
108,959
|
(15,431)
|
(14 %)
|
|
379,392
|
400,562
|
(21,170)
|
(5) %
|
Annual production of 92,385 ounces of gold from the Nechí
Alluvial Property in Colombia was
slightly above 2022 guidance and 26% above 2021 production. The
increase in production in 2022 relative to the previous year is a
result of higher operational efficiencies, the receipt of
environmental permits that were delayed in 2021, and additional
gold production from our artisanal mining formalization
program.
In Nicaragua, total combined
annual production of 132,520 ounces of gold also exceeded our 2022
guidance and was 4% higher than 2021 annual production. Gold
production from the Panama and
Pioneer mines increased significantly after the resolution of
supply chain constraints during 2021.
Annual production of 62,247 ounces of gold from the Gualcamayo
Property in Argentina was near the
midpoint of guidance and 1% higher than in 2021.
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2022
Impairment of asset at the Gualcamayo Property
The Company recorded an impairment charge on non-current assets
of $36,542 (2021: $13,586) in respect of the Gualcamayo Mine. The
Company performed a review for indicators of impairment at each of
the cash generating units ("CGUs") and evaluated key assumptions
such as significant reviews to the mining plan including current
estimates of recoverable mineral reserves and resources, recent
operating results, future expected production based on the reserves
and appropriate discount rates, which led to an indicator for
impairment of the Gualcamayo Mine. This impairment charge does not
affect the cash position of the Company.
Luna Roja Deposit initial Mineral Resource
estimate
On July 7, 2022, the Company
announced an initial Mineral Resource estimate for the Luna Roja
Deposit, which included 1.164 million tonnes of Indicated Mineral
Resources averaging 2.46 grams of gold per tonne ("g/t Au"), for
approximately 92,000 ounces of gold and 0.504 million tonnes of
Inferred Mineral Resources averaging 2.31 g/t Au, for approximately
37,000 ounces of gold. The initial Mineral Resource estimate
assumes both open pit and underground mining and extends from
surface to a depth of 200 metres. See the Company's July 7, 2022 press release entitled, "Mineros
Announces Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Luna Roja
Deposit, Nicaragua".
Overturning of Floating Beneficiation Plant at Nechí Alluvial
Property
On May 28, 2022, a storm with
unusually heavy rains and strong winds hit the area where the Nechí
Alluvial Property is located and overturned the Llanuras Plant, a
floating beneficiation plant connected to the Llanuras suction
dredge. Immediately following the accident, the Company's emergency
protocols were activated, which included a rescue operation
followed by a coordinated search and subsequent recovery operation.
Investigations into this incident by the relevant Colombian
authorities are mostly in their final stage but the Company has not
yet received the final results of these investigations.
Investigations by independent investigators hired by the Company
have concluded without any material findings and the Company has
made some incremental adjustments to continue enhancing security at
its operations.
Notwithstanding that the Company was not able to recover or
repair the Llanuras Plant and an impairment was recognized for
$4,822 as of December 31, 2022, the Company has been able to
adjust its production plan to compensate for the lost production
resulting from the incident.
Appointment of Vice President, Nicaragua
On July 11, 2022, Mineros
announced the appointment of Mr. Luis
Villa as Vice President, Nicaragua, effective as of October 1, 2022. Mr. Villa has been with the
Company and its subsidiaries for 16 years, most recently in the
position of Manager of Projects and Supply Chain for Mineros
Alluvial S.A.S. BIC. Mr. Villa
succeeds Mr. Carlos Mario Gomez, who
retired effective September 30, 2022,
following 14 years of service with the Company.
Appointment of Vice President, Business Development and
Strategy
On August 26, 2022, Mineros
announced the appointment of Ms. Ana María Ríos as Vice President,
Business Development and Strategy, effective as of October 1, 2022. Ms. Ríos has 17 years of
professional experience, of which the last 14 have been at Mineros,
most recently as Corporate Finance Manager, where she played a
strategic role in Mineros' listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange
and initial public offering in Canada and in the concurrent public offering
in Colombia in November 2021. Ms. Ríos succeeded Eduardo Flores Zelaya.
Workforce reduction in Argentina
On September 9, 2022, Mineros
announced that over the next six months, the Company would start
downsizing its operations at its Gualcamayo Property, reducing its
workforce in Argentina by up to
30%, as a result of the natural depletion of the deposit. The
Company incurred costs of $3.0
million in connection with the workforce reduction, which
did not impact its ability to meet its previously-disclosed 2022
production and cost guidance for the Gualcamayo Property.
OFAC Sanctions Imposed on General Directorate of Mines of
Nicaragua
On October 24, 2022, the United
States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets
Controls ("OFAC") imposed economic sanctions on General Directorate
of Mines of Nicaragua ("DGM"), a
subordinate office within the Nicaraguan Ministry of Energy and
Mines, pursuant to Executive Order ("EO") 13851 of the U.S.
President. As such, all properties and interests in property of the
DGM are now blocked, and all transactions by U.S. persons or
transiting the U.S. that involves blocked property are prohibited.
All property or interest in property of any entity that is owned,
directly or indirectly, 50% or more by the DGM are also blocked.
Concurrently, the U.S. President also issued EO 14088 (together
with EO 13851, the "Nicaragua Sanctions Measures"), which
authorizes the U.S. government to promptly apply further sanctions
to various sectors of the Nicaraguan economy such as the gold
sector. As of the date of this press release, OFAC has designated
the state-run gold mining company Empressa Nicaraguense de Minas
(ENIMINAS), the Nicaraguan National Police Force, the DGM and
various officials of the Government of Nicaragua under the Nicaragua Sanctions
Measures.
The Company remains committed to complying with applicable legal
and regulatory requirements, including sanctions, and is evaluating
the actual and potential impacts of the U.S. sanctions on its
current and planned business and operations in coordination with
its advisors. As at the date of this press release, U.S. sanctions
measures adopted on October 24, 2022
have not resulted in any material impacts on its operations in
Nicaragua, and the Company is
continuing to evaluate their potential impact on its commercial
relationships.
Election Not To Exercise Second Option at La Pepa
Project
On October 25, 2022, the Company
determined not to exercise its second option under the agreement
executed on December 14, 2018, and
effective as of July 2, 2019, between
the Company, Yamana Gold Inc., and their respective affiliates to
earn an additional 31% interest in the La Pepa Project. As a
result, the Company holds a 20% interest in the La Pepa Project and
has ceased to be the operator of the project. Plans for further
exploration of the La Pepa Project moving forward remain subject to
discussion and have not been finalized at this time.
GROWTH AND EXPLORATION PROJECT UPDATES
The Company's exploration and growth is focused on the
replacement and expansion of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
by completing further work at or near our operating mines, at our
growth projects and at early-stage exploration targets on our
under-explored property interests. We are achieving our goals
through systematic exploration programs, which include surface
mapping and sampling, geochemical data collection surveys,
geophysical surveys and drilling.
A core component of the business strategy of the Company is to
explore new targets and develop existing deposits at or near the
operating mines or on third party properties that have been
optioned by Mineros, with the objective of increasing Mineral
Resources and Mineral Reserves and advancing promising deposits
towards development.
Three key growth and exploration projects the Company is
advancing are:
a.
|
The Porvenir Project at
the Hemco Property in Nicaragua;
|
b.
|
The Luna Roja Deposit,
forming part of the Hemco Property in Nicaragua; and
|
c.
|
The Deep Carbonates
Project at the Gualcamayo Property in Argentina.
|
|
|
Through two strategic alliance agreements, the Company is
collaborating with Royal Road to actively explore (i) in
Nicaragua, subject to an alliance
agreement between Hemco Nicaragua S.A., a direct subsidiary of
Mineros and Royal Road (the "Royal Road Nicaragua Alliance
Agreement"), and (ii) in Colombia,
subject to an alliance agreement between the Company, Royal Road,
and its Colombian affiliate (the "Royal Road Colombia Alliance
Agreement") and Royal Road's GNM Exploration Target.
As at December 31, 2022,
exploration activities under the Royal Road Colombia Alliance
Agreement were temporarily suspended.
Porvenir Project, Nicaragua: Ongoing studies are being
completed to assess processing and mining scenarios for the
Porvenir Project. The Company will complete its pre-feasibility
study in the first quarter of 2023. A 6,000 metre diamond drilling
campaign is planned for 2023 with the objective of providing
material for metallurgical test work.
Luna Roja Deposit, Nicaragua: During 2022, Mineros
completed 96% of the planned drilling campaign, totaling 2,883
metres of diamond drilling in 20 holes. For 2023, the Company has
planned a 5,000 metre diamond drill campaign, where 2,500 metres
will be focused on expanding the main deposit and 2,500 metres will
be directed to evaluate unexplored areas near the deposit.
Deep Carbonates Project, Argentina: During 2022, the Company
concluded 92% of the original drilling plan, as a consequence of
general difficulties with deep drilling, totaling 4,908 metres of
diamond drilling in 10 holes (111 metres of diamond drilling in 1
hole in the fourth quarter of 2022). This drilling program was
focused on expanding the current Mineral Resources at the Rodado
deposit. The Company is expecting to update the current DCP Mineral
Resources as at December 31, 2022,
but is not planning additional drilling at DCP for 2023.
2023 GUIDANCE
The Company announces 2023 production guidance of 264,000 -
292,000 ounces of gold, an increase of between 0% and 3% from 2022
production as set out in the following table.
2023 Production and Cost Guidance
|
|
Actual
|
Guidance
|
|
|
|
2022
|
2022
|
2023
|
Change
|
Colombia (Nechí
Alluvial Property)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
production
|
oz
|
92,385
|
82,000 -
92,000
|
84,000 -
94,000
|
2,000 -
2,000
|
2% - 3%
|
Cash Cost per ounce of
gold sold
|
$/oz
|
944
|
910 - 1,010
|
1,010 -
1,110
|
100 - 100
|
10% - 11%
|
AISC per ounce of gold
sold
|
$/oz
|
1,059
|
1,100 -1,200
|
1,170 -
1,280
|
70 - 80
|
6% - 7%
|
Nicaragua (Hemco
Property & Artisanal)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hemco Property
production
|
oz
|
40,677
|
34,000 -
37,000
|
35,000 -
37,800
|
800 - 1,000
|
2% - 3%
|
Artisanal
production
|
oz
|
91,843
|
87,000 -
90,000
|
90,000 -
97,200
|
3,000 -
7,200
|
3% - 8%
|
Total gold
production
|
oz
|
132,520
|
121,000 -
128,000
|
125,000 -
135,000
|
4,000 -
7,000
|
3% - 5%
|
Cash Cost per ounce of
gold sold
|
$/oz
|
1,161
|
1,080 -
1,180
|
1,170 -
1,250
|
70 - 90
|
6% - 8%
|
AISC per ounce of gold
sold
|
$/oz
|
1,323
|
1,210 -
1,310
|
1,350 -
1,430
|
120 - 140
|
9% - 12%
|
Argentina
(Gualcamayo Property)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
production
|
oz
|
62,247
|
59,000 -
66,000
|
55,000 -
63,000
|
(3,000 -
4,000)
|
(5% - 7%)
|
Cash Cost per ounce of
gold sold
|
$/oz
|
1,444
|
1,450 -
1,550
|
1,530 -
1,630
|
80 - 80
|
5% - 6%
|
AISC per ounce of gold
sold
|
$/oz
|
1,843
|
1,890 -
1,990
|
1,840 -
1,940
|
50 - 50
|
2% - 3%
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
production
|
oz
|
287,152
|
262,000 -
285,000
|
264,000 -
292,000
|
2,000 -
7,000
|
1% -
3%
|
Cash Cost per ounce of
gold sold
|
$/oz
|
1,124
|
1,090 -
1,180
|
1,160 -
1,250
|
70 -
70
|
6% -
6%
|
AISC per ounce of gold
sold
|
$/oz
|
1,365
|
1,350 -
1,450
|
1,400 -
1,490
|
50 -
50
|
3% -
4%
|
Annual gold production for 2023 at the Nechí Alluvial Property
in Colombia is expected to
increase to 84,000 to 94,000 ounces, an increase of 2% - 3% from
2022 production guidance. At the Nechí Alluvial Property in
Colombia, the Company anticipates
Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold to increase by 10% - 11% in 2023
and AISC per ounce of gold sold to increase between 6% - 7%, in
2023 as compared with 2022 guidance.
At the Hemco Property in Nicaragua, the Company anticipates annual
production in 2023 of 125,000 to 135,000 ounces of gold, including
90,000 - 97,200 ounces of gold from artisanal production, which is
slightly above its 2022 production. Our relationship with the
artisanal mining community has grown strong throughout the years
bringing consistency to mineral purchasing and predictability in
our guidance. The Company anticipates Cash Cost per ounce of gold
sold to increase by 6% - 8%, and AISC per ounce of gold sold to
increase by 9% - 12% in 2023, as compared to 2022 guidance.
Annual gold production guidance of 55,000 to 63,000 ounces for
2023 at the Gualcamayo Property in Argentina is lower to 2022 production, which
reflects the existing oxide gold mine approaching its end of life.
The Company anticipates Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold to
increase by 5% - 6% and AISC per ounce of gold sold to increase by
2% - 3%, in 2023 as compared with 2022 guidance. Such increases are
attributable to expected lower gold recovery.
UPDATE ON GUALCAMAYO PROPERTY
While the Company continues to review strategic options for the
Gualcamayo Mine, consistent with the life of mine plan disclosed in
the current technical report in respect of the Gualcamayo Property
and the impairment recorded as of December
31,2022, the Company has determined to wind-down its open
pit and underground oxide gold mining operations at the Gualcamayo
Mine during 2023. The Company is in the process of finalizing the
schedule for the wind-down but currently anticipates that
operations, primarily processing of ore located in heap leach piles
will continue to produce gold after the cessation of active mining
activities, with production expected to end sometime in 2025.
Notwithstanding the winding down of activities and in addition to
the continuing production, the Company continues to analyze mining
and processing scenarios for its sulphide gold Deep Carbonates
Project and is expecting to make an announcement in this regard
during 2023. The Company is also continuing to evaluate prospective
greenfield exploration targets at the Gualcamayo Property. Much of
the infrastructure that currently services the Gualcamayo Mine is
expected to be amenable to adaptation and reuse for any future
mining operation.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST DETAILS
The Company will host a conference call on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 8:00 am ET (8:00 am
COT) to discuss the results. The conference call will be in Spanish
with simultaneous translation in English.
A live webcast of the conference all will be available at:
https://app.webinar.net/yjGgrk021JY
Live webcast requires previous registration, and interested
parties are advised to access the webcast approximately ten minutes
prior to the start of the call. The webcast will be archived on the
Company's website at www.mineros.com.co for approximately 30 days
following the call.
Participants may also dial in (charges may apply):
US:
|
+1
720-527-5937
|
Colombia
|
+57
601-485-0334
|
Pin for
English:
|
6918884#
|
Pin for
Spanish:
|
10178681#
|
|
|
The list of all local and international dial in numbers can be
found at the end of this document or at
https://fccdl.in/i/webcastatmedios.
ABOUT MINEROS S.A.
Mineros is a gold mining company headquartered in Medellin, Colombia. The Company has a
diversified asset base, with mines in Colombia, Nicaragua and Argentina and a pipeline of development and
exploration projects throughout the region.
The board of directors and management of Mineros have extensive
experience in mining, corporate development, finance and
sustainability. Mineros has a long track record of maximizing
shareholder value and delivering solid annual dividends. For almost
50 years, Mineros has operated with a focus on safety and
sustainability at all its operations.
Mineros' common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol "MSA", and on the Colombia Stock Exchange under
the symbol "MINEROS".
The Company has been granted an exemption from the individual
voting and majority voting requirements applicable to listed
issuers under Toronto Stock Exchange policies, on grounds that
compliance with such requirements would constitute a breach of
Colombian laws and regulations which require the directors to be
elected on the basis of a slate of nominees proposed for election
pursuant to an electoral quotient system. For further information,
please see the Company's most recent annual information form filed
on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
QUALIFIED PERSON
The scientific and technical information contained in this news
release has been reviewed and approved by Jorge Aceituno, a Registered Member of the
Chilean Mining Commission and the Planning Manager, Resources and
Reserves for Mineros and a qualified person within the meaning of
National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains "forward looking information" within
the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking
information includes statements that use forward looking
terminology such as "may", "could", "would", "will", "should",
"intend", "target", "plan", "expect", "budget", "estimate",
"forecast", "schedule", "anticipate", "believe", "continue",
"potential", "view" or the negative or grammatical variation
thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such
forward looking information includes, without limitation,
statements with respect to the Company's outlook for 2023;
timing, completion and results of a pre-feasibility study on the
Porvenir Project; Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates;
estimates for future mineral production and sales; the Company's
expectations, strategies and plans for the Material Properties;
plans in respect of the wind-down its open pit and underground
oxide gold mining operations at the Gualcamayo Property; the
Company's planned exploration, development and production
activities; statements regarding the projected exploration and
development of the Company's projects, including the Porvenir
Project, the Luna Roja Deposit and the Deep Carbonates Project;
adding or upgrading Mineral Resources and developing new mineral
deposits; estimates of future capital and operating costs; the
costs and timing of future exploration and development; the timing,
receipt and maintenance of necessary approvals, licenses and
permits from applicable governments, regulators or third parties;
estimates for future prices of gold and other minerals; the impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business; future
financial or operating performance and condition of the Company and
its business, operations and properties, including expectations
regarding liquidity, capital structure, competitive position and
payment of dividends; expectations regarding future currency
exchange rates; and any other statement that may predict, forecast,
indicate or imply future plans, intentions, levels of activity,
results, performance or achievements.
Forward looking information is based upon estimates and
assumptions of management in light of management's experience and
perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments,
as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant
and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news
release including, without limitation, assumptions about:
favourable equity and debt capital markets; the ability to raise
any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to advance the
production, development and exploration of the Company's properties
and assets; future prices of gold and other metal prices; the
timing and results of exploration and drilling programs, and
technical and economic studies; the accuracy of any Mineral Reserve
and Mineral Resource estimates; the geology of the Material
Properties being as described in the applicable technical reports;
production costs; the accuracy of budgeted exploration and
development costs and expenditures; the orderly wind-down its open
pit and underground oxide gold mining operations at the Gualcamayo
Property; the price of other commodities such as fuel; future
currency exchange rates and interest rates; operating conditions
being favourable such that the Company is able to operate in a
safe, efficient and effective manner; political and regulatory
stability; the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third party
approvals, licenses and permits on favourable terms; obtaining
required renewals for existing approvals, licenses and permits on
favourable terms; requirements under applicable laws; sustained
labour stability; stability in financial and capital goods markets;
inflation rates; availability of labour and equipment; positive
relations with local groups, including artisanal mining
cooperatives in Nicaragua, and the
Company's ability to meet its obligations under its agreements with
such groups; and satisfying the terms and conditions of the
Company's current loan arrangements. While the Company considers
these assumptions to be reasonable, the assumptions are inherently
subject to significant business, social, economic, political,
regulatory, competitive and other risks and uncertainties,
contingencies and other factors that could cause actual actions,
events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to be
materially different from those projected in the forward looking
information. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that
are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance
they will prove to be correct.
For further information of these and other risk factors, please
see the ''Risk Factors" section of the Company's annual information
form dated March 31, 2022 (as it may be updated or
replaced from time to time), available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com.
The Company cautions that the foregoing lists of important
assumptions and factors are not exhaustive. Other events or
circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from
those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the
forward looking information contained herein. There can be no
assurance that forward looking information will prove to be
accurate, as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly,
readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking
information.
Forward looking information contained herein is made as of the
date of this press release and the Company disclaims any obligation
to update or revise any forward looking information, whether as a
result of new information, future events or results or otherwise,
except as and to the extent required by applicable securities
laws.
NON-IFRS AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company has included certain Non-IFRS financial measures and
Non-IFRS ratios in this press release. Management believes that
Non-IFRS financial measures and Non-IFRS ratios, when supplementing
measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with
an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the
Company. Non-IFRS financial measures and Non-IFRS ratios do not
have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore
they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other
companies. This data is intended to provide additional information
and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For a
discussion of the use of Non-IFRS financial measures and
reconciliations thereof to the most directly comparable IFRS
measures, see below.
EBIT, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures
prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use the
earnings before interest and tax ("EBIT"), earnings before
interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), and
adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"), which excludes certain
non-operating income and expenses, such as financial income or
expenses, hedging operations, exploration expenses, impairment of
assets, foreign currency exchange differences, and other expenses
(principally, donations, corporate projects and taxes incurred).
The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful
information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating
our operating results because it is consistent with the indicators
management uses internally to measure the Company's performance,
and is an indicator of the performance of the Company's mining
operations.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the Adjusted
EBITDA for the three months and years ended December 31, 2022
and 2021:
|
Three Months Ended
December
31,
|
Year ended December
31,
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
Profit for the
Period
|
(19,994)
|
11,060
|
4,487
|
43,387
|
Less: Interest
income
|
(1,618)
|
(445)
|
(2,186)
|
(1,392)
|
Add: Interest
expense
|
1,964
|
1,346
|
5,799
|
4,950
|
Add: Current tax
1
|
8,480
|
4,843
|
37,409
|
28,355
|
Add/less: Deferred tax
1
|
(3,636)
|
327
|
3,422
|
5,385
|
EBIT
|
(14,804)
|
17,131
|
48,931
|
80,685
|
Add: Depreciation and
amortization
|
13,524
|
13,502
|
57,280
|
49,108
|
EBITDA
|
(1,280)
|
30,633
|
106,211
|
129,793
|
Less: Other
income
|
(1,030)
|
(465)
|
(2,030)
|
(2,506)
|
Less: Share of results
investments in associates
|
2
|
(5,287)
|
2
|
(5,287)
|
Less: Finance income
(excluding interest income)
|
(5,511)
|
(31)
|
(5,642)
|
(172)
|
Add: Finance expense
(excluding interest expense)
|
1,085
|
1,110
|
5,320
|
4,238
|
Add: Other expenses
2
|
5,902
|
7,875
|
15,178
|
19,128
|
Add: Exploration
expenses 3
|
10,320
|
4,984
|
20,358
|
12,535
|
Add: (Impairment)
reversal of Assets
|
36,573
|
(1,901)
|
41,364
|
(1,901)
|
Less: Foreign exchange
differences
|
(74)
|
(1,469)
|
(3,792)
|
(1,125)
|
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
45,987
|
35,449
|
176,969
|
154,703
|
1.
|
For additional
information regarding taxes, see Note 21 of the audited
consolidated financial statements, for the years ended December 31,
2022 and 2021.
|
2.
|
For additional
information regarding other expenses, see Note 12 of the audited
consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2022 and 2021.
|
3.
|
For additional
information regarding exploration expenses, see Note 13 of the
audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021.
|
|
|
Cash Cost
The objective of Cash Cost is to provide stakeholders with a key
indicator that reflects as close as possible the direct cost of
producing and selling an ounce of gold.
The Company reports Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold which is
calculated by deducting revenue from silver sales and depreciation
and amortization from Cost of sales, and dividing the difference by
the number of gold ounces sold. Production Cash Cost includes
mining, milling, mine site security, royalties, and mine site
administration costs, and excludes non-cash operating expenses.
Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold is a Non-IFRS financial measure
used to monitor the performance of our gold mining operations and
their ability to generate profit, and is consistent with the
guidance methodology set out by the World Gold Council.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash Cost per
ounce of gold sold on a by-product basis to cost of sales
for the three months and years months ended December 31,
2022 and 2021:
|
Three Months
Ended
December 31,
|
Year ended December
31,
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
Cost of
sales
|
92,898
|
95,606
|
387,901
|
371,284
|
Less: Cost of sales of
non-mining operations 1
|
(125)
|
(141)
|
(603)
|
(563)
|
Less: Depreciation and
amortization
|
(13,142)
|
(13,221)
|
(55,809)
|
(47,729)
|
Less: Sales of
silver
|
(2,080)
|
(2,528)
|
(8,260)
|
(9,875)
|
Cash
Cost
|
77,551
|
79,716
|
323,229
|
313,117
|
Gold sold
(oz)
|
72,257
|
64,969
|
287,686
|
265,806
|
Cash Cost per ounce
of gold sold ($/oz)
|
1,073
|
1,227
|
1,124
|
1,178
|
1.
|
Refers to cost of sales
incurred in the Company's "Others" segment. See Note 6 to the
Company's audited consolidated financial statements for year ended
months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The majority of this
amount relates to the cost of sales of latex.
|
|
|
All-in Sustaining Costs
The objective of AISC is to provide stakeholders with a key
indicator that reflects as close as possible the full cost of
producing and selling an ounce of gold. AISC per ounce of gold sold
is a Non-IFRS ratio that is intended to provide investors with
transparency regarding the total costs of producing one ounce of
gold in the relevant period.
The Company reports AISC per ounce of gold sold on a by-product
basis. The methodology for calculating AISC per ounce of gold sold
is set out below and is consistent with the guidance methodology
set out by the World Gold Council. The World Gold Council
definition of AISC seeks to extend the definition of total Cash
Cost by deducting administrative expenses, cost of sales of
non-mining operations, sustaining exploration, sustaining leases
and leaseback, and sustaining capital expenditures. Non-sustaining
costs are primarily those related to new operations and major
projects at existing operations that are expected to materially
benefit the current operation. The determination of classification
of sustaining versus non-sustaining requires judgment by
management. AISC excludes current and deferred income tax payments,
finance expenses and other expenses. Consequently, these measures
are not representative of all of the Company's cash expenditures.
In addition, the calculation of AISC does not include depreciation
and amortization cost or expense as it does not reflect the impact
of expenditures incurred in prior periods. Therefore, it is not
indicative of the Company's overall profitability. Other companies
may quantify these measures differently because of different
underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also
occur due to different definitions of sustaining versus
non-sustaining.
The following table provides a reconciliation of AISC per ounce
of gold sold to cost of sales for the three months and years
ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
|
Three Months Ended
December
31,
|
Year ended December
31,
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
Cost of
sales
|
92,898
|
95,606
|
387,901
|
371,284
|
Less: Cost of sales of
non-mining operations 1
|
(125)
|
(141)
|
(603)
|
(563)
|
Less: Depreciation and
amortization
|
(13,142)
|
(13,221)
|
(55,809)
|
(47,729)
|
Less: Sales of
silver
|
(2,080)
|
(2,528)
|
(8,260)
|
(9,875)
|
Less: Sales of electric
energy
|
(1,099)
|
(1,134)
|
(3,895)
|
(4,495)
|
Add: Administrative
expenses
|
5,831
|
4,665
|
21,411
|
19,368
|
Less: Depreciation and
amortization of administrative
expenses 2
|
(382)
|
(281)
|
(1,471)
|
(1,379)
|
Add: Sustaining leases
and leaseback 3
|
3,299
|
3,612
|
11,290
|
12,260
|
Add: Sustaining
exploration 4
|
2,917
|
2,286
|
9,913
|
9,495
|
Add: Sustaining capital
expenditures 5
|
10,102
|
6,173
|
32,171
|
48,309
|
AISC
|
98,219
|
95,037
|
392,648
|
396,675
|
Gold sold
(oz)
|
72,257
|
64,969
|
287,686
|
265,806
|
All-in sustaining
costs per ounce of gold sold ($/oz)
|
$1,359
|
$1,463
|
$1,365
|
$1,492
|
1.
|
Cost of sales of
non-mining operations is the cost of sales excluding cost incurred
by non-mining operations and the majority of this cost comprises of
the cost of sales of latex.
|
2.
|
Depreciation and
amortization of administrative expenses is included in the
administrative expenses line on the audited consolidated financial
statements, and is mainly related to depreciation for corporate
office spaces and local administrative buildings at the Gualcamayo
Property and Hemco Property.
|
3.
|
Represents most lease
payments as reported on the audited consolidated financial
statements of cash flows and is made up of the principal component
of such cash payments, less non-sustaining lease payments. Lease
payments for new development projects and capacity projects are
classified as non-sustaining.
|
4.
|
Sustaining exploration:
Exploration expenses and exploration and evaluation projects as
reported on the audited consolidated financial statements, less
non-sustaining exploration. Explorations are classified as either
sustaining or non-sustaining based on a determination of the type
and location of the exploration expenditure. Exploration
expenditures within the footprint of operating mines are considered
costs required to sustain current operations and so are included in
sustaining costs. Exploration expenditures focused on new ore
bodies near existing mines (i.e. brownfield), new exploration
projects (i.e. greenfield) or for other generative exploration
activity not linked to existing mining operations are classified as
non- sustaining.
|
5.
|
Sustaining capital
expenditures: Represents the capital expenditures at existing
operations including, periodic capitalized stripping and
underground mine development costs, ongoing replacement of mine
equipment and overhaul of existing equipment, and is calculated as
total additions to property, plant and equipment (as reported on
the consolidated statements of cash flows), less non-sustaining
capital. Non-sustaining capital represents capital expenditures for
major projects, including projects at existing operations that are
expected to materially benefit the operation and provide a level of
growth, as well as enhancement capital for significant
infrastructure improvements at existing operations. Non-sustaining
capital expenditures during the three months and year ended
December 31, 2022 are primarily related to major projects at Hemco
Property, Nechí Alluvial Property and Gualcamayo Property. The sum
of sustaining capital expenditures and non-sustaining capital
expenditures is reported as the total of additions of property
plant and equipment in the audited consolidated financial
statements. The sum of sustaining capital expenditures and
non-sustaining capital expenditures is reported as the total of
additions of property, plant and equipment in the audited
consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
Net Free Cash Flow
The Company uses the financial measure "net free cash flow",
which is a Non-IFRS financial measure, to supplement information
regarding cash flows generated by operating activities. The Company
believes that in addition to IFRS financial measures, certain
investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the
Company's performance with respect to its operating cash flow
capacity to meet recurring outflows of cash.
Net free cash flow is calculated as cash flows generated by
operating activities less non-discretionary sustaining capital
expenditures and interest and dividends paid related to the
relevant period.
The following table sets out the calculation of the Company's
net free cash flow to net cash flows generated by operating
activities for the three months and years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021:
|
|
Three Months
Ended
December 31,
|
Year ended December
31,
|
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
Net cash flows
generated by operating activities
|
|
36,602
|
19,643
|
82,607
|
87,340
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-discretionary
items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sustaining capital
expenditures
|
|
(10,102)
|
(6,173)
|
(32,171)
|
(48,309)
|
Interest
paid
|
|
(1,632)
|
(1,124)
|
(5,233)
|
(4,315)
|
Dividends
paid
|
|
(4,862)
|
(4,014)
|
(22,990)
|
(17,670)
|
Net free cash
flow
|
|
20,006
|
8,332
|
22,213
|
17,046
|
Return on Capital Employed
The Company uses ROCE as a measure of long-term operating
performance to measure how effectively management utilizes the
capital it has provided. This Non-IFRS ratio is intended to provide
additional information and should not be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance
with IFRS. The calculation of ROCE, expressed as a percentage, is
Adjusted EBIT (calculated in the manner set out in the table below)
divided by the average of the opening and closing capital employed
for the 12 months preceding the period end. Capital employed for a
period is calculated as total assets at the beginning of that
period less total current liabilities. The following sets out the
calculation of ROCE as at December 31, 2022 and 2021.
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
Adjusted EBITDA (Last
12 months)
|
|
176,969
|
154,703
|
Less: Depreciation and
amortization (Last 12 months)
|
|
(57,280)
|
(49,108)
|
Adjusted EBIT
(A)
|
|
119,689.00
|
105,595.00
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets at the
beginning of the Period
|
|
580,046
|
542,235
|
Less: Total current
liabilities at the beginning of the Period
|
|
(110,601)
|
(128,813)
|
Opening Capital
Employed (B)
|
|
469,445
|
413,422
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets at the end
of the Period
|
|
569,543
|
580,046
|
Less: Current
Liabilities at the end of the Period
|
|
(134,581)
|
(110,601)
|
Closing Capital
employed (C)
|
|
434,962
|
469,445
|
|
|
|
|
Average Capital
employed (D)= (B) + (C) /2
|
|
452,204
|
441,434
|
|
|
|
|
ROCE
(A/D)
|
|
26 %
|
24 %
|
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio is a Non-IFRS ratio that
provides the liquidity position of the Company. The calculation of
net debt shown below is calculated as nominal undiscounted debt
including leases, less cash and cash equivalents. The following
sets out the calculation of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio as
at December 31, 2022 and 2021.
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
Loans and other
borrowings
|
|
47,020
|
55,110
|
Less: Cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
(49,791)
|
(63,130)
|
Net
Debt
|
|
(2,771)
|
(8,020)
|
Adjusted EBITDA (Last
12 months)
|
|
176,969
|
154,703
|
Net Debt to Adjusted
EBITDA ratio
|
|
(0.02)x
|
(0.05)x
|
Average Realized Price
The Company uses "average realized price per ounce of gold" and
"average realized price per ounce of silver", which are Non-IFRS
financial measures. Average realized metal price represents the
revenue from the sale of the underlying metal as per the statement
of operations, adjusted to reflect the effect of trading at holding
level (parent Company) on the sales of gold purchased from
subsidiaries. Average realized prices are calculated as the revenue
related to gold and silver sales divided by the number of ounces of
metal sold. The following table sets out the reconciliation of
average realized metal prices to sales of gold and sales of silver
for the three months and years ended December 31, 2022
and 2021:
|
Three Months
Ended
December 31,
|
Year ended December
31,
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
Sales of
gold
|
128,602
|
117,053
|
518,457
|
479,363
|
Gold sold
(oz)
|
72,257
|
64,969
|
287,686
|
265,806
|
Average realized
price per ounce of gold sold
($/oz)
|
1.780
|
1.802
|
1.802
|
1.803
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales of
silver
|
2,080
|
2,528
|
8,260
|
9,875
|
Silver sold
(oz)
|
93,528
|
108,959
|
379,392
|
400,562
|
Average realized
price per ounce of silver sold
($/oz)
|
22
|
23
|
22
|
25
|
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Americas
United States +1
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Panama +507 833-6967
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829-946-1727
EMEA
Afganistán +93 72 989 0544
Albania +355 4 454 1728
Germany +49 221 98203406
Austria +43 1 2650591
Bahrain +973 6500 9110
Belgium +32 480 20 10 08
Bosnia and Herzegovina
+387 32 911-211
Bulgaria +359 2 437 2538
Cameron +237 2 42 24 10 10
Cyprus +357 77 788645
Croatia +385 1 7757 417
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Slovakia +421 2/333 252 15
Slovenia +386 828 06520
Spain +34 872 50 31 69
Estonia +372 614 8067
Finland +358 9 31525040
France +33 6 44 65 85 55
Georgia +995 706 770 403
Greece +30 21 0300 6468
Hungary +36 1 323 7160
Ireland +353 1 437 2292
Iceland +354 539 0354
Israel +972 76-599-0003
Italy +39 06 4520 0640
Kazakhstan +7 727 310 0518
Kenya +254 20 7904310
Latvia +371 25 893 119
Lithuania +370 37 248948
Luxembourg +352 20 30 10 04
Malawi +265 212 342 029
Malta +356 2031 0052
Monaco +377 93 10 82 23
Montenegro +382 78 907 010
Nigeria +234 1 227 8520
Norway +47 21 93 06 47
The Netherlands +31 97 05 500 1887
Pakistan +92 21 37132336
Poland +48 12 395 08 46
Portugal +351 21 005 1199
UK +44 330 390 2135
Czech Republic +420 225 989 126
Romania +40 31 780 7009
Serbia +381 67 7892838
Sri Lanka +94 115 322 970
South Africa +27 10 109 5459
Sweden +46 70 194 00 04
Switzerland +41 44 513 30 08
Turkey +90 212 988 17 22
Ukraine +380 89 324 0681
Uganda +256 206 301003
Asia Pacific
Australia +61 2 4022 9113
Cambodia +855 96 696 7625
Indonesia +62 21 39702915
Japan +81 3-5050-5062
Mongolia +976 7049 7620
New Zealand +64 9-884 4767
SOURCE Mineros S.A.