(All dollar amounts are in thousands of
United States dollars unless
otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share
amounts)
TSXV: MTA
NYSE American: MTA
VANCOUVER,
BC, Aug. 11, 2023 /CNW/ - Metalla
Royalty & Streaming Ltd. ("Metalla" or the
"Company") (TSXV: MTA) (NYSE American: MTA) announces its
operating and financial results for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2023. For complete details
of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and
accompanying management's discussion and analysis for the three and
six months ended June 30, 2023,
please see the Company's filings on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or EDGAR
(www.sec.gov). Shareholders are encouraged to visit the Company's
website at www.metallaroyalty.com.
Brett Heath,
President, and CEO of Metalla, commented, "In the second quarter of
2023, we strengthened our balance sheet through the completion of
the amendment to expand and extend our convertible loan facility
with Beedie Capital and through the sale of the JR mineral claims
for $5.0 million. Production from
El Realito and La Encantada was stronger than expected during
the quarter, and we look forward to the balance of 2023."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, and the subsequent period up to
the date of this news release, the Company:
- Acquired 1 stream and 5 royalties, to bring the total held as
at the date of this press release to 82 precious metals assets,
through the following transactions:
-
- Acquired an existing 2.5%-3.75% sliding scale Gross Proceeds
("GP") royalty over gold, together with a 0.25%-3.0% Net
Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty on all non-gold and silver
metals on the majority of Barrick Gold Corporation's
("Barrick") world-class Lama project in Argentina, from an arm's length seller for
aggregate consideration of $7.5
million. The transaction closed on March 9, 2023, at which time the Company paid the
$2.5 million in cash, and issued
466,827 common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") to
the seller (valued at $5.3553 per
share). The remaining $2.5 million,
to be paid in cash or Common Shares, is payable within 90 days upon
the earlier of a 2 Moz gold Mineral Reserve estimate on the royalty
area or 36 months after the closing date;
- Acquired one silver stream and three royalties from Alamos Gold
Corp. ("Alamos") for
$5.0 million in Common Shares valued
at $5.3228 per share, representing
the 20-day Volume-Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of shares
of Metalla traded on the NYSE prior to the announcement of the
transaction. The transaction closed on February 23, 2023, at which time the Company
issued 939,355 Common Shares to Alamos. The stream and royalties acquired in
this transaction include:
- a 20% silver stream over the Esperanza project located in
Morales, Mexico owned by Zacatecas
Silver Corp.;
- a 1.4% NSR royalty on the Fenn Gibb South project located
in Timmins, Ontario owned by
Mayfair Gold Corp.;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Ronda project located in Shining
Tree, Ontario owned by Platinex
Inc.; and
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Northshore West property located
in Thunder Bay, Ontario owned by
New Path Resources Inc.
- Sold the JR mineral claims that make up the Pine Valley
property, which is part of the Cortez complex in Nevada, to Nevada Gold Mines LLC
("NGM"), an entity formed by Barrick and Newmont Corporation
("Newmont"), for $5.0 million
in cash. The Company will retain a 3.0% NSR royalty on the
property. Sold the Conmee mineral claims that make up the Tower
Mountain property to Thunder Gold Corp. ("Thunder Gold") for
4,000,000 common shares of Thunder Gold, valued at $0.1 million upon closing. The Company will
retain a 2.0% NSR royalty on the property;
- Announced a special dividend payment on the Common Shares, in
the amount of C$0.03 per share, with
a declaration date of July 10, 2023,
a record date of August 1, 2023, and
a payment date of September 15,
2023;
- For the three months ended June 30,
2023, received or accrued payments on 856 attributable Gold
Equivalent Ounces ("GEOs") at an average realized price of
$1,945 and an average cash cost of
$8 per attributable GEO. For the six
months ended June 30, 2023, received
or accrued payments on 1,783 attributable GEOs at an average
realized price of $1,888 and an
average cash cost of $7 per
attributable GEO (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended June 30,
2023, recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests,
including fixed royalty payments, of $1.0
million, net loss of $0.5
million, and Adjusted EBITDA of negative $0.2 million. For the six months ended
June 30, 2023, recognized revenue
from royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty
payments, of $1.9 million, net loss
of $1.8 million, and Adjusted EBITDA
of $0.4 million. (see Non-IFRS
Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended June 30,
2023, generated operating cash margin of $1,937 per attributable GEO, and for the six
months ended June 30, 2023, generated
operating cash margin of $1,881 per
attributable GEO from the Wharf, El
Realito, La Encantada, the
New Luika Gold Mine ("NLGM") stream held by Silverback Ltd.
("Silverback"), the Higginsville derivative royalty asset,
and other royalty interests (see Non-IFRS Financial
Measures);
- For the three months ended June 30,
2023, recognized payments due or received (not included in
revenue) from the Higginsville derivative royalty asset of
$0.7 million, and for the six months
ended June 30, 2023, recognized
payments due or received (not included in revenue) from the
Higginsville derivative royalty asset of $1.4 million (see Non-IFRS Financial
Measures);
- On May 27, 2022, the Company
announced that it had entered into a new equity distribution
agreement with a syndicate of agents to establish an ATM equity
program (the "2022 ATM Program") under which the Company may
distribute up to $50.0 million (or
the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in Common Shares of the
Company. From inception to the date of this press release, the
Company distributed 1,328,078 Common Shares under the 2022 ATM
Program at an average price of $5.01
per share for gross proceeds of $6.6
million, of which 279,430 Common Shares were sold during the
three months ended June 30, 2023, at
an average price of $4.34 per share
for gross proceeds of $1.2
million;
- On May 19, 2023, the Company
closed a second supplemental loan agreement (the "Supplemental
Loan Agreement") to amend its loan facility by:
-
-
- extending the maturity date to May 9,
2027;
- increasing the loan facility by C$5.0 million from
C$20.0 million to C$25.0 million, of which C$21.0 million will be undrawn after giving
effect to the C$4.0 million
conversion described below;
- increasing the interest rate from 8.0% to 10.0% per annum;
- amending the conversion price of the fourth drawdown from
C$11.16 per share to C$8.67 per share, being a 30% premium to the
30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the
day prior to announcement of the amendment;
- amending the conversion price of C$4.0 million of the
third drawdown from C$14.30 per share
to C$7.33 per share, being the 5-day
VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day
prior to announcement of the amendment, and converting the
C$4.0 million into shares at the new
conversion price. Upon closing the Company issued Beedie 545,702
Common Shares for the conversion of the C$4.0 million;
- amending the conversion price of the remaining C$1.0
million of the Third Drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$8.67 per share, being to the 30-day VWAP of the
Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to
announcement of the amendment; and
- All other terms of the loan facility remain unchanged.
- On March 30, 2023, the Company
signed an amendment with the arm's length seller of the Castle
Mountain royalty to extend the maturity date of the $5.0 million loan from June 1, 2023, to April 1,
2024. As part of the amendment, on March 31, 2023, the Company paid all accrued
interest on the loan, and effective April 1,
2023, the interest rate increased to 12.0% per annum, and
the principal and accrued interest will be repaid no later than
April 1, 2024. On July 7, 2023, the Company paid all accrued
interest on the loan at the time and made a principal repayment of
$4.3 million.
ASSET UPDATES
Below are updates during the three months ended
June 30, 2023, and subsequent period
to certain of the Company's assets, based on information publicly
filed by the applicable project owner:
La Encantada
On July 20, 2023,
First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") announced
production of 76 ounces of gold and 0.8 Moz of silver from
La Encantada in the second quarter
of 2023 and provided 2023 guidance in the range of 3.1 - 3.3 Moz
silver. First Majestic also completed 1,950 meters of drilling on
the property with the use of two underground rigs during the
quarter.
Metalla received 233 GEOs from La Encantada for the second quarter of
2023.
Metalla holds a 100% GVR royalty on gold produced
at the La Encantada mine limited
to 1.0 Koz annually.
El Realito
On July 26, 2023,
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. ("Agnico") reported that gold
production from La India totaled 17,833 oz gold for the second
quarter of 2023. Mine production levels for the second quarter were
good with grades higher than target. An investigation is ongoing
for additional sulphide mineralization with a plan to drill 4,000
meters at the Chipriona target which is northwest and adjacent to
El Realito royalty boundary.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the
El Realito deposit which is
subject to a 1.0% buyback right for $4.0
million.
Wharf Royalty
On May 10, 2023,
Coeur Mining Inc. ("Coeur") reported first quarter
production of 15.5 Koz gold and reiterated the full year guidance
for Wharf. On February 16, 2022.
Coeur has guided 2023 production to be in the range of 85 – 95 Koz.
Successful exploration and infill drilling during the year allowed
for a 7% increase, net of depletion, at Wharf where Proven &
Probable Reserves totaled 908 Koz gold at 0.027 oz/t (0.84 g/t).
Additionally, a total of 293 Koz gold at 0.02 oz/t (0.62 g/t) of
Measured & Indicated Resources, and Inferred Resources stand at
63 Koz gold at 0.02 oz/t (0.62 g/t), were declared at Wharf.
Exploration efforts in 2023 will focus on geological modelling and
planning for 2024.
Metalla holds a 1.0% GVR royalty on the Wharf
mine.
New Luika Silver Stream
On July 20, 2023,
Shanta Gold Limited ("Shanta") reported that it produced
19.3 Koz of gold at its NLGM in Tanzania in the second quarter of 2023. Shanta
also reiterated their guidance of 66 – 72 Koz of gold from NLGM in
2023.
Metalla holds a 15% interest in Silverback, whose
sole business is receipt and distribution of a 100% silver stream
on NLGM at an ongoing cost of 10% of the spot silver price.
Wasamac
On July 26, 2023,
Agnico reported that during the quarter, it advanced internal
studies to assess potential production opportunities at Wasamac
along with alternative processing scenarios at either LaRonde and
Canadian Malartic mill. Agnico also stated that it was updating
studies that were previously completed at Wasamac and believes it
has the potential to be a low-cost mine with annual production of
150 – 200 Koz of gold with moderate capital outlays and initial
production commencing in 2029. The results of the Wasamac internal
evaluation will be reported through the first half of 2024.
Metalla holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Wasamac
project subject to a buy back of 0.5% for C$7.5 million.
Garrison
On April 11, 2023,
Moneta Gold Inc. ("Moneta") announced the results of assays
from historical drill core at Garrison. The sampling confirmed the
continuity and extension of gold mineralized zones not currently
included in the latest Mineral Resource estimate. Significant
results include 1.87 g/t over 18 meters and 1.58 g/t gold over 18.5
meters at Garrcon and 13.5 g/t gold over 3.2 meters and 4.79 g/t
gold over 3.75 meters at Jonpol.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Garrison
project.
Amalgamated Kirkland Property
On July 26,
2023, Agnico reported infill drill results from the
Amalgamated Kirkland deposit featuring highlights of 11.1 g/t gold
over 5.1 meters and 10.4 g/t gold over 2.5 meters. Agnico is
evaluating the opportunity to process near surface and AK ore at
the LaRonde complex. Average annual production from the near
surface deposit and AK deposit could be between 20 Koz and 40 Koz
of gold, commencing in 2024. The results of an internal evaluation
on the AK deposit will be reported in the first half of 2024.
Metalla holds a 0.45% NSR royalty on the
Amalgamated Kirkland property.
Endeavor
On July 21, 2023,
Polymetals Resources Inc ("Polymetals") released an amended
quarterly report reporting that significant progress has been made
in preparing for a decision to restart operations at Endeavor,
underpinned by a mine restart study scheduled for release during
the December 2023 quarter, with
targeted commencement of operations by mid-2024. In May 2023, Polymetals released an updated resource
estimate for the Upper Main lodes at Endeavor where total Measured,
Indicated and Inferred resources stand at 8.89 Moz silver at 528
g/t AgEq.
On March 28, 2023,
Polymetals announced the execution of a share sale and purchase
agreement in relation to the proposed acquisition of all of the
issued share capital of Orana Minerals Pty Ltd., which is the sole
shareholder of Cobar Metals Pty Ltd. ("Cobar Metals"). Cobar
Metals has in turn entered into an agreement to purchase the
Endeavor lead, zinc and silver mine in Australia via the acquisition of three project
companies, including Cobar Operations Pty Ltd. ("Cobar
Operations"). On May 12, 2023,
Polymetals announced the completion of Polymetals acquisition of
Orana Minerals Pty Ltd. was approved by Polymetals shareholders. As
part of Polymetals proposed acquisition of the Endeavor mine, the
Company entered into an agreement with the holder of the Endeavor
mining tenements, Cobar Operations, by which the Company converted
its 100% silver stream in the Endeavor mine to a 4.0% NSR royalty
on all lead, zinc and silver produced from those tenements.
Metalla holds a 4.0% NSR royalty on all lead,
zinc and silver produced from Endeavor.
Côté-Gosselin
On May 11, 2023,
IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") reported that it had
completed 79.8% of the construction at the Côté Gold Project. Drill
results reported in a new release on February 2, 2023, for the 2022 drill program
continue to highlight the resource expansion potential of the
Gosselin deposit both to the south of the recently declared 5 Moz
Resource estimate, and at depth. Significant intercepts included
1.99 g/t gold over 342.2 meters, 1.29 g/t gold over 313 meters, 1.5
g/t gold over 181 meters and 0.66 g/t gold over 388.5 meters.
Additional technical studies are planned to complete metallurgical
test work and mining and infrastructure studies to review
alternatives to optimize the inclusion of Gosselin into future Côté
life-of-mine plans. Approximately 15.5 Km of drilling is planned in
2023 to further delineate and expand the Gosselin mineral
resources.
Metalla holds a 1.35% NSR royalty that covers
less than 10% of the Côté Reserves and Resources estimate and
covers all of the 5 Moz gold Gosselin Resource estimate.
Fifteen Mile
Stream
On July 27, 2023,
St. Barbara Limited ("St Barbara") reported a revised
permitting timeline for Fifteen Mile Stream which targets
development in fiscal 2026. In addition, St. Barbara has
prioritized development of Fifteen Mile Stream with assessment of
the relocation of the Touquoy processing plant now confirmed to be
an attractive development option.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Fifteen
Mile Stream project, and 3.0% NSR royalty on the Plenty and Seloam
Brook deposits.
Fosterville
On July 26, 2023,
Agnico reported that gold production from Fosterville for the second quarter of 2023
totalled 81.8 Koz gold. Drilling during the second quarter of 2023
totaled 20.6 Km and mainly targeted the Lower Phoenix deep
extension drilling. During 2023, Agnico plans to spend $20.8 million for 105,300 meters of drilling, and
development of exploration drifts to replace Mineral Reserve
depletion and to add Mineral Resources in the Lower Phoenix, Cygnet
and Robbins Hills areas. Agnico will spend another $4.4 million for 11,300 meters of underground and
surface exploration with the aim of discovering additional
high-grade mineralization at Fosterville.
Metalla holds a 2.5% GVR royalty on the northern
and southern extensions of the Fosterville mining license and other areas in
the land package.
Tocantinzinho
On June 13, 2023, G
Mining Ventures ("G Mining") reported that the Tocantinzinho
project is 30% complete and remains on track and on budget for
commercial production in H2-2024.
Metalla holds a 0.75% GVR Royalty on
Tocantinzinho.
Lama
On August 8, 2023,
Barrick reported that a geological review of results received from
drilling in the first quarter of 2023 was ongoing to generate new
drill targets. Total exploration, evaluation and project expenses
for the whole Pascua-Lama project totaled $7
million for the second quarter of 2023.
Metalla holds a 2.5%-3.75% GP royalty on gold and
a 0.25%-3.0% NSR royalty on all other metals (other than gold and
silver) at Lama.
Castle Mountain
On August 2, 2023,
Equinox Gold Corp. ("Equinox") reported a surface
exploration program of geological mapping and channel sampling was
ongoing with the primary goal to sample previously identified
mineralization exposed on surface such that data can be used in
future Mineral Resource estimation. The mine permitting amendment
plan was submitted to the lead county and BLM agencies which
reviewed the plan for completeness in early 2023. Work on the
preliminary draft Environmental Impact Statement will begin in
2024. A total of $1.7 million was
spent on Phase 2 permitting and optimization for the quarter.
Metalla holds a 5.0% NSR royalty on the South
Domes area of the Castle Mountain mine.
Akasaba West
On July 26, 2023,
Agnico announced that the Akasaba West project remained on schedule
through the second quarter with achievement of commercial
production expected to occur in the first quarter of 2024.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Akasaba
West project subject to a 210 Koz gold exemption.
Del Carmen
The Company owned a 0.5% NSR royalty on the Del
Carmen project that was owned and operated by Barrick. In
July 2023, the Company was notified
that Barrick has terminated its agreement to explore and exploit
the Del Carmen property and as a result of the termination the 0.5%
NSR royalty owned by Metalla had also been terminated. The Company
considered the termination of the royalty as an indicator of
impairment on its Del Carmen royalty and conducted an impairment
analysis to estimate the recoverable amount. As a result of the
analysis, the Company fully impaired the royalty to $Nil as at
June 30, 2023, and recorded an
impairment charge of $1.3
million.
Camflo
On June 20, 2023,
Agnico reported that it completed more than 14,000 meters of
drilling on Camflo, which marks the first exploration drill program
since the 1.6 Moz past-producing deposit was closed in 1992.
Significant results reported over multiple zones include 1.5 g/t
gold over 81 meters, 3.3 g/t gold over 38.7 meters, 3.2 g/t gold
over 16.2 meters, 3.7 g/t gold over 7.1 meters, and 1.6 g/t gold
over 20.3 meters.
The second phase of exploration drilling at
Camflo will test for potential lateral extensions of mineralization
and infill known zones. Agnico believes the mineralization could be
mined via an open-pit and processed at the Canadian Malartic Mill, 4 Km away.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Camflo
mine, located ~1km northeast of the Canadian Malartic
operation.
Plomosas
On March 20, 2023,
GR Silver Mining announced an updated Mineral Resource estimate for
the Plomosas project. At the Plomosas Mine area, total Indicated
Resources are 31 Moz at 200 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq")
and Inferred Resources are 17 Moz at 175 g/t AgEq. The San Juan-La
Colorada Area has an Indicated Resource of 1 Moz at 204 g/t AgEq
and an Inferred Resource of 16 Moz at 180 g/t AgEq.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Plomosas
property subject to a buy back of 1.0% for $1.0 million.
Tower Mountain
On June 12, 2023,
Thunder Gold reported they expanded the footprint at Tower Mountain
adding 2,575 hectares. On May 15,
2023, Thunder Gold reported final results from the 4,000
meter phase one drilling program at Tower Mountain with significant
results of 0.59 g/t gold over 36.3 meters, 0.53 g/t gold over
24.5 meters and 0.56 g/t gold over 10.5 meters.
On April 25, 2023,
Thunder Gold announced they intersected 941 g/t over 1.5 meters
with visible gold in the core at the Thunder Gold property.
Additional highlights include 0.77 g/t gold over 23 meters and 1.26
g/t gold over 17.5 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Tower
Mountain property.
Montclerg
On June 27, 2023,
GFG Resources Inc. reported high grade intervals at the Montclerg
Gold Project located 48 km east of the Timmins Gold District.
Significant intercepts include 9.97 g/t gold over 8.1 meters and
4.09 g/t gold over 4.1 meters. Additionally, 1 Km east of the main
MC Central Zone, multiple zones of mineralization were intersected
with a highlight of 1.93 g/t gold over 10.6 meters.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Montclerg
property.
Detour DNA
On July 26, 2023,
Agnico reported a drill hole two kilometers west of the open pit
mineral reserves with a highlight of 2.8 g/t gold over 14.4 meters,
further demonstrating continuity of mineralization along the Detour
horizon past the area identified for underground mining
potential.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Detour
DNA property which is approximately 7 km west of the Detour West
reserve pit margin.
Green Springs
On July 27, 2023,
Contact Gold Corp. announced the first drill results from the 2023
drill program where significant step-out results include 5.06 g/t
gold over 10.7 meters within 1.97 g/t gold over 35.05 meters and
1.14 g/t gold over 27.43 meters at the X-Ray Zone.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Green
Springs project.
QUALIFIED PERSON
The technical information contained in this news
release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, geologist M.Sc., member of the
Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and of the Ordre des Géologues du
Québec and a director of Metalla. Mr. Beaudry is a QP as defined in
National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects ("NI 43-101").
ABOUT METALLA
Metalla is a precious metals royalty and
streaming company. Metalla provides shareholders with leveraged
precious metal exposure through a diversified and growing portfolio
of royalties and streams. Our strong foundation of current and
future cash-generating asset base, combined with an experienced
team gives Metalla a path to become one of the leading gold and
silver companies for the next commodities cycle.
For further information, please visit our website
at www.metallaroyalty.com
ON BEHALF OF METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING
LTD.
(signed) "Brett Heath"
President and CEO
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV)
accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
Metalla has included certain performance
measures in this press release that do not have any standardized
meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) including (a) attributable gold equivalent ounces (GEOs),
(b) average cash cost per attributable GEO, (c) average realized
price per attributable GEO, (d) operating cash margin per
attributable GEO, and (e) adjusted EBITDA. The Company believes
that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance
with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the
Company's performance and ability to generate cash
flow.
(a) Attributable GEOs
Attributable GEOs are a non-IFRS financial measure that is
composed of gold ounces attributable to the Company, plus an amount
calculated by taking the revenue earned by the Company in the
period from payable silver ounces attributable to the Company
divided by the average London fix
price of gold for the relevant period, plus an amount calculated by
taking the cash received or accrued by the Company in the period
from the derivative royalty asset divided by the average
London fix gold price for the
relevant period. Included in the calculation of attributable GEOs
is any cash received from the Higginsville price participation
royalty, which is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as
such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a
reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the Company's
statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the
Company's statement of profit and loss. However, operationally as
the Company receives payment similar to the Company's other royalty
interests, the results have been included for more accurate
comparability and to allow the reader to accurately analyze the
operations of the Company. The Company presents
attributable GEOs as it believes that certain investors use
this information to evaluate the Company's performance in
comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious
metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. The
Company's attributable GEOs for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2023, were as
follows:
|
Three
months
|
|
Six
months
|
|
ended
|
|
ended
|
Attributable GEOs
during the period from:
|
June 30,
2023
|
|
June 30,
2023
|
Higginsville
|
377
|
|
730
|
Wharf
|
159
|
|
511
|
El
Realito
|
233
|
|
401
|
La
Encantada
|
55
|
|
81
|
NLGM
|
32
|
|
60
|
Total attributable
GEOs
|
856
|
|
1,783
|
(b) Average cash cost per attributable
GEO
Average cash cost per attributable GEO is a
non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by dividing the
Company's total cash cost of sales, excluding depletion by the
number of attributable GEOs. The Company presents average
cash cost per attributable GEO as it believes that certain
investors use this information to evaluate the Company's
performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies
in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a
similar basis. The Company's average cash cost per attributable GEO
for three and six months ended June 30,
2023, was:
|
Three
months
|
|
Six
months
|
|
ended
|
|
ended
|
|
June 30,
2023
|
|
June 30,
2023
|
Cost of sales for
NLGM
|
$7
|
|
$12
|
Total cash cost of
sales
|
7
|
|
12
|
Total attributable
GEOs
|
856
|
|
1,783
|
Average cash cost
per attributable GEO
|
$8
|
|
$7
|
(c) Average realized price per attributable
GEO
Average realized price per attributable GEO is
a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by dividing the
Company's revenue, excluding any revenue earned from fixed royalty
payments, and including cash received or accrued in the period from
derivative royalty assets, by the number of attributable GEOs sold.
The Company presents average realized price per attributable GEO as
it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate
the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and
royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry that
present results on a similar basis. The Company's average realized
price per attributable GEO for three and six months ended
June 30, 2023, was:
|
Three
months
|
|
Six
months
|
|
ended
|
|
ended
|
|
June 30,
2023
|
|
June 30,
2023
|
Royalty revenue
(excluding fixed royalty payments)
|
$859
|
|
$1,840
|
Payments from
derivative assets
|
742
|
|
1,411
|
Revenue from
NLGM
|
64
|
|
116
|
Sales from stream
and royalty interests
|
1,665
|
|
3,367
|
Total attributable
GEOs sold
|
856
|
|
1,783
|
Average realized
price per attributable GEO
|
$1,945
|
|
$1,888
|
(d) Operating cash margin per attributable
GEO
Operating cash margin per attributable GEO is
a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by subtracting the
average cast cost price per attributable GEO from the average
realized price per attributable GEO. The Company presents operating
cash margin per attributable GEO as it believes that certain
investors use this information to evaluate the Company's
performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies
in the precious metals mining industry that present results on a
similar basis.
(e) Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial
measure which excludes from net income taxes, finance costs,
depletion, impairment charges, foreign currency gains/losses, share
based payments, and non-recurring items. Management uses
Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the Company's operating performance, to
plan and forecast its operations, and assess leverage levels and
liquidity measures. The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA as it
believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate
the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and
royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who
present results on a similar basis. However, Adjusted EBITDA does
not represent, and should not be considered an alternative to net
income (loss) or cash flow provided by operating activities as
determined under IFRS. The Company's adjusted EBITDA for three and
six months ended June 30, 2023,
was:
|
Three
months
|
|
Six
months
|
|
ended
|
|
ended
|
|
June 30,
2023
|
|
June 30,
2023
|
Net
loss
|
$(487)
|
|
$(1,843)
|
Adjusted
for:
|
|
|
|
Royalty interest
impairment
|
1,302
|
|
1,302
|
Gain on sales of
mineral claims
|
(5,093)
|
|
(5,093)
|
Interest
expense
|
342
|
|
657
|
Finance
charges
|
45
|
|
78
|
Loss on
extinguishment of loan payable
|
1,417
|
|
1,417
|
Income tax
provision
|
1,044
|
|
1,243
|
Depletion
|
514
|
|
913
|
Foreign exchange
loss
|
154
|
|
222
|
Share-based
payments
|
570
|
|
1,467
|
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
$(192)
|
|
$363
|
Refer the Company's MD&A for the three and
six months ended June 30, 2023, which
is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, for a numerical
reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial measures described above.
The presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures 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. Other companies may calculate these
non-IFRS financial measures differently.
Technical and Third-Party Information
Metalla has limited, if any, access to the
properties on which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other
interest. Metalla is dependent on (i) the operators of the mines or
properties and their qualified persons to provide technical or
other information to Metalla, or (ii) publicly available
information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and
operations on the mines or properties on which Metalla holds a
royalty, stream or other interest, and generally has limited or no
ability to independently verify such information. Although Metalla
does not have any knowledge that such information may not be
accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party
information is complete or accurate. Some information publicly
reported by operators may relate to a larger property than the area
covered by Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests. Metalla's
royalty, stream or other interests can cover less than 100% and
sometimes only a portion of the publicly reported mineral reserves,
resources and production of a property.
Unless otherwise indicated, the technical and
scientific disclosure contained or referenced in this press
release, including any references to
mineral resources or mineral reserves, was prepared in accordance
with Canadian NI 43-101, which
differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") applicable to U.S.
domestic issuers. Accordingly, the scientific and technical
information contained or referenced in this press
release may not be comparable to similar information
made public by U.S. companies subject to the
reporting and disclosure requirements of the
SEC.
"Inferred mineral
resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as
to their existence and great uncertainty as to
their economic and legal feasibility. It
cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral
resource will ever be upgraded to a
higher category. Historical results or feasibility models presented
herein are not guarantees or expectations of
future performance.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking
information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively,
"forward-looking statements") within the meaning of
applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements
herein are made as of the date of this press release only and the
Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to
update or revise them except as required by applicable law.
All statements included herein that address
events or developments that we expect to occur in the
future are forward-looking
statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified
by the use of forward-looking terminology such
as "plans",
"expects", "is
expected", "budgets",
"scheduled",
"estimates",
"forecasts",
"predicts",
"projects",
"intends",
"targets",
"aims",
"anticipates" or
"believes" or variations (including
negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be
identified by statements to the effect
that certain actions "may",
"could",
"should",
"would",
"might" or
"will" be taken, occur
or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this
press release include, but are not limited to,
statements regarding: future events or future
performance of Metalla; the completion of the
Company's royalty purchase
transactions; the Company's plans and
objectives; the Company's future
financial and operational performance;
expectations regarding stream and royalty interests owned by the
Company; the satisfaction of future payment
obligations, contractual commitments and contingent commitments
by Metalla; the future
achievement of any milestones in respect of the payment or
satisfaction of contingent consideration by
Metalla; the payment of
the special dividend and the anticipated timing thereof; the future
sales of common shares under the 2022
ATM Program and the value of the gross proceeds to be
raised; the future availability
of funds, including drawdowns pursuant to the
Company's loan facility (as amended or
supplemented); the effective
interest rate of drawdowns under the Company's loan facility (as
amended or supplemented) and the life
expectancy thereof; the future conversion
of funds drawn down by Metalla under its loan
facility (as amended or
supplemented); the payment of the principal and
accrued interest on the Castle Mountain loan
; the completion by property owners
of announced drilling programs, capital expenditures, and
other planned activities in relation to
properties on which the Company and its subsidiaries
hold a royalty or streaming interest and the
expected timing thereof; production and
life of mine estimates or forecasts at the
properties on which the Company and its subsidiaries hold a
royalty or streaming
interest; future
disclosure by property owners and the expected
timing thereof; the completion by property
owners of announced capital expenditure
programs; the expected 2023 production guidance at
La
Encantada; the intended improvements for
the heap leach pads at El
Realito; the completion
of 4,000 meters of exploration
drilling by Agnico at the Chipriona deposit at El Realito; the
expected 2023 production at
Wharf; the focus of the exploration efforts at
Wharf in 2023; the expected 2023 production
guidance at NLGM; the assessment of the Wasamac
project by Agnico, and the reporting of the results of their
internal evaluation and the anticipated timing thereof; the
expected production potential at Wasamac and the expected timing of
commencement of production; expected activities at
the Tower Gold Project, and the timing
thereof; the production potential at the AK
deposit and the anticipated timing thereof; the
reporting of the results of an internal evaluation on the AK
deposit and the timing thereof; the release of
a mine restart study for Endeavor and the anticipated timing
thereof; the recommencing of operations at the
Endeavor mine and the anticipated timing
thereof; the completion of Polymetals
acquisition of Orana Minerals Pty
Ltd.; additional technical studies
planned to complete test work and studies to optimize inclusion of
Gosselin into future
Côté life-of-mine
plans; the planned drilling for 2023 at
Gosselin; St. Barbara's plans regarding development of Fifteen Mile
Stream including the timing thereof, the expected
expenses by Agnico at Fosterville,
and the completion of capitalized drilling, development
of exploration drifts, and underground and
surface exploration; the start of commercial
production at Tocantinzinho and the anticipated timing thereof;
phase two optimization, engineering and permitting, including the
timing and costs thereof at Castle Mountain; the beginning
of the preparation of a preliminary draft Environmental Impact
Statement for Castle Mountain and the timing thereof; the expected
timing of start of production at Akasaba
West; the second phase of
exploration drilling at Camflo, and test for potential lateral
extensions of mineralization and infill known
zones; Agnico's belief regarding open-pit mining and
location of processing at Camflo; the
anticipated drill program at Camflo property and the
anticipated timing thereof; results of
the 2023 drill program at Green Springs; the amount and
timing of the attributable GEOs expected by the Company in
2023; the availability of cash flows from the
Wharf, Higginsville, El Realito,
NLGM and La Encantada royalties
and streams; royalty payments to be
paid to Metalla by property owners or operators of mining
projects pursuant to each royalty
interest; the future outlook of Metalla and the
mineral reserves and resource estimates for the
properties with respect to which the
Metalla has or proposes to acquire an
interest; future gold and silver
prices; other potential developments relating
to, or achievements by, the counterparties for the
Company's stream and royalty agreements, and with
respect to the mines and other properties in which
the Company has, or may acquire, a stream or
royalty interest; costs and other
financial or economic
measures; prospective transactions;
growth and achievements; financing
and adequacy of capital; future
payment of dividends; future public and/or private
placements of equity, debt or hybrids thereof;
and the Company's ability to fund its
current operational requirements and capital
projects.
Such forward-looking statements reflect
management's current beliefs and are based on information
currently available to management.
Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future
results, estimates of amounts not yet
determinable and assumptions that, while believed by
management to be reasonable, are inherently subject
to significant business, economic and competitive
uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-looking
statements are subject to various known and unknown
risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond
the ability of Metalla to control or predict, that may cause
Metalla's actual results, performance or achievements
to be materially different from those expressed or
implied thereby, and are developed based
on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other
factors set out herein, including but not
limited to: risks related to commodity price
fluctuations; the absence of control over mining
operations from which Metalla will
purchase precious metals pursuant to gold
streams, silver streams and other agreements or from which it will
receive royalty payments pursuant to
net smelter returns, gross overriding royalties, gross
value royalties and other royalty
agreements or interests and risks related
to those mining operations, including risks related
to international operations, government
and environmental regulation, delays in mine
construction and operations, actual results of
mining and current exploration activities,
conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in
project parameters as plans are refined; risks related to
exchange rate fluctuations; that
payments in respect of streams and royalties may be delayed or may
never be made; risks related
to Metalla's reliance on public disclosure and
other information regarding the mines or
projects underlying its streams
and royalties; that some royalties or
streams may be subject to confidentiality
arrangements that limit or prohibit disclosure
regarding those royalties
and streams; business opportunities that become
available to, or are pursued by, Metalla; that
Metalla's cash flow is
dependent on the activities of others;
that Metalla has had negative cash flow from
operating activities in
the past; that some royalty and stream interests
are subject to rights of other
interest-holders; that
Metalla's royalties and
streams may have unknown defects; risks
related to Metalla's sole
material asset, the
Côté
property; risks related to general
business and economic
conditions; risks related to global
financial conditions, geopolitical events and other
uncertainties; risks
related to epidemics, pandemics or
other public health crises, including COVID-19 global
health pandemic, and the spread of
other viruses or pathogens, and
the potential impact thereof on
Metalla's business, operations and
financial condition; that Metalla is
dependent on its key personnel; risks
related to Metalla's financial
controls; dividend policy and
future payment of dividends;
competition; that project
operators may not respect contractual
obligations; that Metalla's
royalties and streams may be
unenforceable; risks related to
conflicts of interest of Metalla's
directors and officers; that
Metalla may not be able to obtain
adequate financing in the
future; risks associated with
Metalla's 2022 ATM
Program; risks related to
Metalla's current credit facility and
financing
agreements; litigation; title,
permit or license disputes related to
interests on any of the properties in which Metalla
holds, or may acquire, a royalty,
stream or other interest;
interpretation by government entities of tax laws
or the implementation of new tax
laws; changes in tax laws impacting
Metalla; risks related to
anti-bribery and anti-corruption
laws; credit and liquidity
risk; risks related to Metalla's
information systems and cyber
security; risks posed
by activist shareholders; that
Metalla may suffer reputational damage in the ordinary course
of business; risks
related to acquiring, investing in or developing
resource projects; risks applicable to
owners and operators of properties in
which Metalla holds an
interest; exploration, development and
operating risks; risks related to
climate change; environmental
risks; that the exploration and
development activities related to mine
operations are subject to extensive laws and
regulations; that the
operation of a mine or project is subject
to the receipt and maintenance of permits from
governmental authorities;
risks associated with the acquisition and
maintenance of mining infrastructure; that
Metalla's success is
dependent on the efforts of
operators' employees; risks
related to mineral resource and mineral reserve
estimates; that mining depletion may not
be replaced by the discovery of new mineral
reserves; that
operators' mining operations
are subject to risks that may not be able
to be insured against; risks
related to land title; risks related to
international operations; risks related to operating
in countries with developing
economies; risks related to the construction,
development and expansion of mines
or projects; risks associated
with operating in areas that are presently, or were formerly,
inhabited or used by
indigenous peoples; that Metalla is
required, in certain jurisdictions, to allow individuals from
that jurisdiction to hold
nominal interests in Metalla's
subsidiaries in that jurisdiction; the
volatility of the stock
market; that existing
securityholders may be diluted; risks
related to Metalla's public disclosure
obligations; risks associated with
future sales or issuances of debt or equity
securities; risks associated with the
Company's loan facility; that there
can be no assurance that an active trading market
for Metalla's securities will be
sustained; risks related to the enforcement of civil
judgments against Metalla; risks
relating to Metalla potentially being a passive
"foreign investment company" within
the meaning of U.S. federal tax
laws; and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed
under the heading "Risk
Factors" in the
Company's most recent Annual
Information Form, annual report on Form 40-F and other
documents filed with or submitted to the Canadian
securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR
website at www.sedar.com and the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission on the EDGAR website at
www.sec.gov. Although we have 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 not to be as anticipated,
estimated or intended. There can be no assurance
that forward-looking statements will prove to be
accurate, as actual results and future events could
differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements. Accordingly, readers should
not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are
under no obligation to update or
alter any forward-looking statements except as required
under applicable securities laws. For the reasons
set forth above, undue reliance should
not be placed on forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE Metalla Royalty and Streaming Ltd.