(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, Nov. 10,
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 nine months ended September 30, 2023. For complete details of the
condensed interim consolidated financial statements and
accompanying management's discussion and analysis for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2023,
please see the Company's filings on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) 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 third quarter of 2023 we
announced the largest transaction in the Company's history,
to merge with Nova
Royalty, creating one of the most robust growth
portfolios in the royalty sector. Financially, we saw strong
production led by El
Realito and expect to meet or exceed the
upper range of guidance for the year. The merger is expected
to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, and
we look forward to building the combined
company into an intermediate royalty
company that will deliver long-term value for our
shareholders."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the nine months ended September
30, 2023, and the subsequent period up to the date of this
news release, the Company:
- Announced that it had entered into an arrangement agreement
dated September 7, 2023, whereby, the
Company would acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Nova Royalty Corp. (TSX-V: NOVR) ("Nova") pursuant to a plan
of arrangement (the "Nova Transaction"). Pursuant to the
Nova Transaction, Nova shareholders will receive 0.36 of a Metalla
common share (the "Common Shares") per common share of Nova
(For additional details see Nova Royalty Acquisition);
- On September 8, 2023, announced a
strategic partnership with Beedie Capital ("Beedie"),
whereby concurrent with closing of the Nova Transaction, Beedie,
has agreed to: (i) subscribe for an equity placement into Metalla
for C$15.0 million at C$5.29 per unit; (ii) amend the convertible loan
facility (the "Beedie Loan Facility") between Metalla and
Beedie from to increase the principal amount C$25.0 million to C$50.0
million; (iii) amend the conversion price of the
C$4.2 million outstanding under the
Beedie Loan Facility to C$6.00 per
share; and (iv) drawdown from the Beedie Loan Facility, at closing
of the Nova Transaction, an amount equal to the principal and
unpaid interest and fees outstanding under the convertible loan
agreement with Nova (the "Nova Loan Facility") to refinance
and retire the Nova Loan Facility (For additional details see
Nova Royalty Acquisition);
- 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 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. Additionally, 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;
- Paid a special dividend payment in the amount of C$0.03 per share on September 15, 2023, with a record date of
August 1, 2023;
- For the three months ended September 30,
2023, received or accrued payments on 1,095 attributable
Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEOs") at an average realized price
of $1,901 and an average cash cost of
$5 per attributable GEO. For the nine
months ended September 30, 2023,
received or accrued payments on 2,878 attributable GEOs at an
average realized price of $1,893 and
an average cash cost of $6 per
attributable GEO (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended September 30,
2023, recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests,
including fixed royalty payments, of $1.4
million, net loss of $2.1
million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $0.5
million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, recognized revenue from
royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty payments, of
$3.3 million, net loss of
$4.0 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of
$0.9 million (see Non-IFRS
Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended September 30,
2023, generated operating cash margin of $1,896 per attributable GEO, and for the nine
months ended September 30, 2023,
generated operating cash margin of $1,887 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 September 30,
2023, recognized payments due or received (not included in
revenue) from the Higginsville derivative royalty asset of
$0.7 million, and for the nine months
ended September 30, 2023, recognized
payments due or received (not included in revenue) from the
Higginsville derivative royalty asset of $2.1 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 none were sold during the three months
ended September 30, 2023; and
- 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.
NOVA ROYALTY ACQUISITION
On September 7, 2023, the Company
entered into an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement
Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company agreed, subject to
certain terms and conditions, to acquire all of the issued and
outstanding common shares of Nova. Pursuant to the Arrangement
Agreement, Nova shareholders will receive 0.36 of a Metalla Common
Share for each Nova common share held prior to the Nova Transaction
(other than with respect to holders of Nova common shares
exercising dissent rights). In accordance with the Arrangement
Agreement, each Nova restricted share unit will vest into a Nova
common share at the close of the Nova Transaction and will be
exchanged for 0.36 of a Metalla Common Share, and each Nova stock
option will be replaced with a fully vested replacement option. All
replacement options will be adjusted as per the terms of the
Arrangement Agreement and be exercisable into Metalla Common
Shares.
Based on the assumptions set out above, upon completion of the
Nova Transaction, the Company expects that existing Metalla and
Nova shareholders would own approximately 60.41% and 39.59% of the
combined company, respectively, on a fully diluted basis. The Nova
Transaction is subject to approval at a special meeting of Nova
shareholders which is scheduled for November
27, 2023. Additionally, the Nova Transaction is also subject
to certain approvals of the British Columbia Supreme Court, the
TSX-V, the NYSE, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and
third-party approvals, and other customary conditions.
Nova Royalty
Nova is a royalty and streaming company that is focused on
acquiring copper royalties and as at the date of this press
release, has a portfolio of 23 royalties including the following
key royalties:
- 0.42% NSR royalty on Taca Taca
operated by First Quantum Minerals Ltd.;
- 0.315% NSR royalty on the Copper World Complex operated by
Hudbay Minerals Inc.;
- 1.0% NSR royalty on Aranzazu operated by Aura Minerals
Inc.;
- 0.08% NPI royalty on Josemaria operated by Lundin Mining
Corp.;
- 0.98% NSR royalty on open pit operations and 0.49% NSR royalty
on underground operations on Vizcachitas operated by Los Andes
Copper Ltd.;
- 0.25% NSR royalty on Tatogga operated by Newmont Corp.;
- 2.0% NSR royalty on NuevaUnion operated as a 50/50 joint
venture between Teck Resources Ltd. and Newmont Corp.; and
- 1.0% NPR royalty on West Wall operated as a 50/50 joint venture
between Anglo American plc and
Glencore plc.
Beedie Capital Strategic Partnership
Beedie has agreed, concurrent with closing of the Nova
Transaction, to:
- subscribe to C$15.0 million in an
equity placement into Metalla;
- amend and increase the existing Beedie Loan Facility; and
- repay and terminate the Nova Loan Facility.
Equity Placement
Beedie entered into a subscription agreement to complete a
C$15.0 million equity placement
(the "Equity Placement") in Metalla, pursuant to which it
agreed, subject to certain conditions, to subscribe for 2.8 million
subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") of
Metalla, at a price of C$5.29 per
Subscription Receipt, which was the closing price of the Metalla
Common Shares on the TSX-Venture Exchange on September 7, 2023, the day prior to the
announcement of the Nova Transaction. Beedie completed funding of
the Equity Placement into escrow on October
23, 2023. Upon closing of the Nova Transaction, and
subject to certain customary conversion conditions for a
transaction of this nature, each Subscription Receipt will convert
into one Metalla Common Share, without payment of additional
consideration or further action and the subscription funds will be
released to the Company from escrow. The Company expects that the
proceeds of the Equity Placement will be used for the future
acquisition of royalties and streams, and general and
administrative expenses.
Metalla Convertible Loan
Metalla and Beedie have entered into an amended and restated
convertible loan facility agreement (the "A&R
Loan Facility") to amend and restate the Beedie
Loan Facility dated July 28, 2020,
between Metalla and Beedie. The A&R Loan Facility will be
effective as of the closing of the Nova Transaction, provided that
certain conditions have been satisfied. Pursuant to the A&R
Loan Facility, the parties agreed to:
-
- increase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the loan
from C$25.0 million to C$50.0 million;
- drawdown C$4.2 million from the A&R Loan Facility with a
conversion price of C$6.00 per share
to refinance the principal amount due under the Beedie Loan
Facility;
- drawdown C$12.2 million from the
A&R Loan Facility with a conversion price of C$6.00 per share to refinance the principal
amount due under the Nova Loan Facility;
- drawdown an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid interest
outstanding under the Nova Loan Facility at the close of the Nova
Transaction, to refinance such amount, with a conversion price
equal to the market price of the shares of Metalla at the time of
conversion. As at September 30, 2023,
the accrued and unpaid interest due under the Nova Loan Facility
was C$1.8 million;
- drawdown an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid fees
outstanding under the Nova Loan Facility at the close of the Nova
Transaction, to refinance such amount, which will not be
convertible into shares of Metalla. As at September 30, 2023, the accrued and unpaid fees
due under the Nova Loan Facility were C$0.7
million;
- establish for an 18-month period, paid-in-kind interest of a
cash 10.0% per annum compounded monthly to the principal
effective at closing of the Nova Transaction, and thereafter
reverting to interest payment of 10.0% on a monthly basis;
- payment of an amendment fee of C$0.1
million and any outstanding costs and expenses payable by
Metalla; and
- update the existing security arrangements to include
security to be provided by Nova and certain other subsidiaries of
Metalla and Nova for the A&R Loan Facility.
Nova Convertible Loan
As per the A&R Loan Facility and as discussed above,
concurrent with closing of the Nova Transaction, Metalla will draw
down on the A&R Loan Facility and pay out and discharge all
obligations under the Nova Loan Facility, which will be terminated
concurrently.
ASSET UPDATES
Below are updates during the three months ended September 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 October 12, 2023, First
Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") announced
production of 94 ounces of gold and 0.6 Moz of silver from
La Encantada in the third quarter
of 2023. On July 20, 2023, First
Majestic provided 2023 guidance in the range of 3.1 - 3.3 Moz
silver.
Metalla received 99 GEOs from La
Encantada for the third 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 October 25, 2023, Agnico Eagle
Mines Ltd. ("Agnico") reported that gold production from La
India totaled 22,269 oz gold for the third quarter of 2023. As
reported by Agnico on July 26, 2023,
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 received 398 GEOs from El
Realito for the third quarter of 2023.
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 November 8, 2023, Coeur Mining
Inc. ("Coeur") reported third quarter production of 22.7 Koz
gold and updated the full year guidance for Wharf to 88 – 95 Koz
gold. Exploration efforts in 2023 will focus on geological
modelling and planning for 2024.
Metalla received 192 GEOs from Wharf for the third quarter of
2023.
Metalla holds a 1.0% GVR royalty on the Wharf mine.
New Luika Silver Stream
On October 23, 2023, Shanta Gold
Limited ("Shanta") reported that it produced 18.3 Koz of
gold and 27.2 Koz of silver at NLGM in Tanzania in the third 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.
Côté-Gosselin
On October 23, 2023, IAMGOLD
Corporation ("IAMGOLD") reported that it had completed 90.6%
of the construction at the Côté Gold Project. IAMGOLD also
announced the completion of another successful drill campaign at
Gosselin and reported additional results. IAMGOLD stated that
recent drilling at Gosselin provides evidence that the 5 Moz gold
Gosselin deposit is approaching similar dimensions to the adjacent
14 Moz gold Côté deposit. IAMGOLD expects to incorporate recent
drill results into an updated resource estimate for Gosselin in the
IAMGOLD year end Mineral Resources disclosure. In addition, IAMGOLD
continues to advance technical studies on Gosselin, including
metallurgical testing, mining, and infrastructure studies to review
alternatives to optimize the possible inclusion of the Gosselin
deposit into a future Côté Gold life-of-mine plan. Significant
intervals from the Gosselin drilling program include:
- 0.65 g/t gold over 472 meters including 1.59 g/t gold over 51
meters;
- 0.82 g/t gold over 356 meters including 1.09 g/t gold over 132
meters;
- 1.40 g/t gold over 300.8 meters including 1.71 g/t gold over
207.3 meters;
- 1.53 g/t gold over 240 meters including 2.26 g/t gold over 120
meters; and
- 0.72 g/t gold over 500.8 meters.
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.
Endeavor
On October 16, 2023, Polymetals
Resources Inc ("Polymetals") released a robust mine restart
study at Endeavor. Polymetals declared an initial 10-year mine life
producing 9.8 Moz silver, 210 kt zinc and 62 kt lead over life of
mine with first concentrate production targeted for H2-2024. The
study produced A$201 million in
pre-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate and an internal
rate of return of 91%, with expenditures estimated to be
A$23.7 million.
In addition, Polymetals released an updated ore Reserve estimate
at Endeavor where Proven and Probable Reserves totaled 14 Moz
silver, 226 kt zinc and 100 kt lead at grades of 78 g/t, 4.04% and
1.79%, respectively.
Metalla holds a 4.0% NSR royalty on all lead, zinc and silver
produced from Endeavor.
Amalgamated Kirkland Property
On October 25, 2023, Agnico
announced that it is evaluating the opportunity to process near
surface and Amalgamated Kirkland 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.
Fifteen Mile
Stream
On October 10, 2023, St. Barbara
Limited ("St. Barbara") reported results of an updated
pre-feasibility study ("PFS") for Fifteen Mile Stream as a
standalone project via the relocation of the Touquoy processing
plant. The PFS proposes an eleven-year mine life producing an
average of 55-60 Koz per annum at a cash cost of $992/oz. The PFS results include strong project
economics including a post-tax net present value at 5% of
C$174 million and post-tax internal
rate of return of 20.3%, from a capital outlay of C$182 million. As part of the PFS, an updated
Proven and Probable Reserve estimate was declared, including the
149 deposit, with a total of 618 Koz at 1 g/t gold and a total
Measured and Indicated Resource estimate of 739 Koz at 1 g/t gold
and a total Inferred Resource estimate of 98 Koz at 1.3 g/t gold.
St. Barbara will focus on the preparation of an updated
environmental and social impact assessment for the new project
design and stated that development could begin as early as
FY2026.
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.
Tocantinzinho
On September 12, 2023, G Mining
Ventures ("G Mining") reported that the Tocantinzinho
project is 51% complete and remains on track for commercial
production in H2-2024. G Mining also reported that the project
remains on budget and is fully funded through completion and
ramp-up to commercial production.
Metalla holds a 0.75% GVR Royalty on Tocantinzinho.
La Guitarra
On November 1, 2023, Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd
("Sierra Madre") reported an
updated resource estimate at the La
Guitarra silver-gold mine where Indicated Resources totaled
27.2 Moz AgEq at 220 g/t AgEq and Inferred Resources totaled 20.2
Moz AgEq at 153 g/t AgEq. Sierra
Madre plan to release a mine restart study on the
La Guitarra mine in Q1 2024.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR Royalty on La
Guitarra, subject to a 1.0% buy back for $2.0 million.
Fosterville
On August 25, 2023, Agnico
reported that gold production from Fosterville for the third quarter of 2023
totalled 59.8 Koz gold. Drilling during the quarter targeted the
Lower Phoenix where a key target called the Cardinal fault, a
hanging wall splay of the Swan structure, returned a highlight
intercept of 10.8 g/t gold over 10 meters including 96.4 g/t over
0.4 meters.
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.
Wasamac
On October 26, 2023, Agnico
reported that during the quarter, it further advanced internal
studies to assess potential production opportunities at Wasamac
along with alternative processing scenarios at either LaRonde or
the 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.
Lama
On November 2, 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 for the fourth quarter of 2023. Total exploration,
evaluation and project expenses for the whole Pascua-Lama project
totaled $5 million for the third
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 October 31, 2023, Equinox Gold
Corp. ("Equinox") reported that 8,411 meters of exploration
drilling was completed during the quarter to infill drill at the
South Overburden and JSLA dumps. In addition, 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 occur throughout 2024. A total
of $4.4 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.
La Parrilla
On August 14, 2023, Silver Storm
Mining Ltd. ("Silver Storm") reported an updated resource
estimate for the La Parrilla silver mine complex. Total Indicated
Resources were 5.19 Moz at 263 g/t AgEq and Inferred Resources
totaled 10.3 Moz at 256 g/t AgEq. On November 2, 2023, Silver Storm extended
mineralization beyond the mineral resources with highlight
intercepts of 206 g/t AgEq over 5.2 meters, 414 g/t AgEq over 0.8
meters and 225 g/t AgEq over 1.5 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on La Parrilla.
Akasaba West
On October 26, 2023, Agnico
announced that the Akasaba West project remained on schedule
through the third 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.
Beaufor
On November 3, 2023, Monarch
Mining Corporation ("Monarch") announced that one of its
creditors, that is owed C$10.1
million, had provided notice of its intention to exercise
certain rights in respect of the security for its loan, with the
loan secured by all assets of Monarch. The Beaufor mine was put on
care and maintenance in September
2022, and Monarch's financial statements for the year ended
June 30, 2023, released on
September 28, 2023, noted a material
uncertainty that may cast significant doubt upon Monarch's ability
to continue as a going concern. The Company considered the serving
of notice by one of its creditors, and the disclosure by Monarch
about its ability to continue as a going concern, as indicators of
impairment on Beaufor and fully impaired the royalty to $Nil, and
for the nine months ended September 30,
2023, recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Beaufor mine, and while
it has written down the royalty to $Nil for accounting purposes, it
will continue to monitor the project, and if the project is
restarted or sold to an entity with a plan to restart mining and
processing activities, the Company will do a further analysis to
see if any part of the impairment can be reversed in the
future.
Montclerg
On September 6, 2023, GFG
Resources Inc. reported the deepest high-grade lower footwall
intercept at the Montclerg gold project yielding 10.21 g/t gold
over 2.7 meters Additional holes included highlight intercepts of
0.92 g/t gold over 33 meters and 5.78 g/t gold over 1.1 meters.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Montclerg property.
Camflo
On October 26, 2023, Agnico
reported that the next phase of exploration drilling began at the
Camflo property. On June 20, 2023,
Agnico reported that it completed more than 14,000 meters of
drilling, 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
~4km northeast of the Canadian Malartic operation.
Green Springs
On August 17, 2023, and
September 6, 2023, Contact Gold Corp
announced the results from step out drilling at Green Springs.
Highlight intercepts from the X-ray zone include 1.9 g/t gold over
25.91 meters, 1.41 g/t gold over 12.19 meters and 0.86 g/t gold
over 35.05 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Green Springs
project.
Tower Mountain
On June 12, 2023, Thunder Gold
reported they expanded the footprint at Tower Mountain adding 565
hectares from Metalla. 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.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Tower Mountain
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.
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
Website: www.metallaroyalty.com
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 nine months
ended September 30, 2023, were as
follows:
|
Three
months
|
|
Nine
months
|
|
ended
|
|
ended
|
Attributable GEOs
during the period from:
|
September 30,
2023
|
|
September 30,
2023
|
Higginsville
|
375
|
|
1,105
|
Wharf
|
192
|
|
703
|
El
Realito
|
398
|
|
799
|
La
Encantada
|
99
|
|
180
|
NLGM
|
31
|
|
91
|
Total attributable
GEOs
|
1,095
|
|
2,878
|
(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 nine months ended September 30, 2023, was:
|
Three
months
|
|
Nine
months
|
|
ended
|
|
ended
|
|
September 30,
2023
|
|
September 30,
2023
|
Cost of sales for
NLGM
|
$6
|
|
$18
|
Total cash cost of
sales
|
6
|
|
18
|
Total attributable
GEOs
|
1,095
|
|
2,878
|
Average cash cost
per attributable GEO
|
$5
|
|
$6
|
(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 nine months ended
September 30, 2023, was:
|
Three
months
|
|
Nine
months
|
|
ended
|
|
ended
|
|
September 30,
2023
|
|
September 30,
2023
|
Royalty revenue
(excluding fixed royalty payments)
|
$1,299
|
|
$3,139
|
Payments from
derivative assets
|
723
|
|
2,134
|
Revenue from
NLGM
|
60
|
|
176
|
Sales from stream
and royalty interests
|
2,082
|
|
5,449
|
Total attributable
GEOs sold
|
1,095
|
|
2,878
|
Average realized
price per attributable GEO
|
$1,901
|
|
$1,893
|
(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 nine months ended September
30, 2023, was:
|
Three
months
|
|
Nine
months
|
|
ended
|
|
ended
|
|
September 30,
2023
|
|
September 30,
2023
|
Net
loss
|
$(2,127)
|
|
$(3,970)
|
Adjusted
for:
|
|
|
|
Royalty interest
impairment
|
1,053
|
|
2,355
|
Gain on sales of
mineral claims
|
-
|
|
(5,093)
|
Interest
expense
|
128
|
|
785
|
Finance
charges
|
59
|
|
137
|
Loss (gain) on
modification of loan payable
|
-
|
|
1,417
|
Income tax
provision
|
27
|
|
1,270
|
Depletion
|
787
|
|
1,700
|
Foreign exchange
loss (gain)
|
89
|
|
311
|
Share-based
payments
|
501
|
|
1,968
|
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
$517
|
|
$880
|
Refer the Company's MD&A for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2023, which is
available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, 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: the completion of
the Nova Transaction, including the receipt of the necessary
approvals and satisfaction of the closing conditions; the
conversion of Subscription Receipts into Common Shares; the use of
proceeds of the Equity Placement; the amendment of the Beedie Loan
Facility at closing of the Nova Transaction, including the
satisfaction of the conditions to effectiveness of the A&R Loan
Facility; the amendment of the conversion price of the C$4.2 million outstanding under the Beedie Loan
Facility to C$6.00 per share; the
completion of the drawdowns of the Beedie Loan Facility to
refinance the principal amount due under the Beedie Loan Facility
and refinance and retire the Nova Loan Facility; the termination of
the Nova Loan Facility; ; 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 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 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 expectations regarding the dimensions of the
Gosselin deposit; 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; the expected production and the reserves
estimates for Endeavor; 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 expected production and the reserves estimates
for Fifteen Mile Stream; the updated environmental and
social impact assessment for Fifteen Mile Stream; St.
Barbara's plans regarding development of Fifteen Mile Stream
including the timing
thereof; the start of commercial
production at Tocantinzinho and the anticipated timing thereof; the
resource estimate for La
Guitarra; the release of a mine restart study on
the La Guitarra mine and
anticipated timing thereof; 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; the ongoing review of results received
from drilling by Barrick and the generation of new drill targets;
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; 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 the Nova
Transaction, including the failure to receive the required
shareholder, court, regulatory and other approvals necessary to
effect the Nova Transaction and the potential for a third party to
make a superior proposal to the Nova Transaction; that the combined
company and its shareholders will not realize the anticipated
benefits following the completion of the Nova Transaction; risks
related to the completion of the A&R Loan Facility, including
the failure to satisfy the required conditions to effectiveness and
the risk that the drawdowns under the A&R Loan Facility will
not occur as expected; that the Nova Loan Facility will not be
terminated; that the Subscription Receipts will not be converted
into Common Shares; that the proceeds of the Equity Placement will
not be used as anticipated; 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.