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To: LoneClone who wrote (161407)11/24/2021 3:00:12 PM
From: LoneClone  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 192642
 
Sandstorm Gold Royalties Announces Results From Hod Maden Feasibility Study, Reaffirms Strong Project Economics with $1.05 Billion Post-Tax NPV5%


newswire.ca

Sandstorm Gold Ltd. Nov 24, 2021, 06:00 ET

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 24, 2021 /CNW/ - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. ("Sandstorm Gold Royalties", "Sandstorm" or the "Company") (NYSE: SAND) (TSX: SSL) is pleased to provide a summary of the results from the Hod Maden Feasibility Study ("FS"). All figures are in U.S. dollars and are on a 100% project basis unless otherwise stated. Sandstorm has a 30% interest in the Hod Maden project.

FEASIBILITY STUDY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Pre-tax net present value ("NPV") (5% discount rate) of $1.3 billion and an internal rate of return ("IRR") of 41%
  • Post-tax NPV (5% discount rate) of $1.05 billion and an IRR of 36%
  • Estimated all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $334 per ounce on a by-product basis1 and $595 per ounce on a co-product basis1
  • Upfront capital cost of $309 million
  • Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 2.45 million ounces of gold and 287 million pounds of copper
  • 13-year mine life with annual mill design capacity of 800,000 tonnes
  • Annual average production of approximately 195,000 gold equivalent ("AuEq") ounces
  • Average head grade of 11.1 grams per tonne ("g/t") AuEq
"The release of the Hod Maden Feasibility Study is a major turning point for not only the project, but for Sandstorm as well," commented Nolan Watson, President and CEO of the Company. "When we purchased the stake in Hod Maden back in 2017, we knew that it would be a major growth catalyst for Sandstorm, and the positive results of this study spell out just how transformational it will be once in production. Along with the granting of the Environmental Impact Assessment that was previously announced, the Feasibility Study launches Hod Maden into the next stage of development. As a management team we're excited to see this incredibly robust project make a big leap towards production."

KEY PARAMETERS & PROJECT ECONOMICS SUMMARY




Mill Design Capacity

800,000 tonnes per annum

Mine Life

13 years

Average Annual Production

Gold: 156,000 ounces

Copper: 19.6 million pounds

Total Production

Gold: 2,027,000 ounces

Copper: 255 million pounds

Average Recovery Rate

Gold: 85%

Copper: 93%

Average Head Grade

Gold: 8.8 g/t

Copper: 1.5%

All-in Sustaining Cost1

By-product1: $334/oz Au

Co-product1: $595/oz Au

Upfront Capital

$309 million

Base Case Commodity Prices

$1,599/oz Au

$3.19/lb Cu

NPV (5% discount rate)

Pre-tax: $1.3 billion

Post-tax: $1.05 billion

IRR

Pre-tax: 41%

Post-tax: 36%

Payback Period (from start of production)

Post-tax: 2.0 years




Mining & Processing

The FS contemplates Hod Maden as an underground mine divided into two distinct mining zones with a modified drift and fill ("DAF") technique applied to the upper mine area and a long hole stoping ("LHS") technique applied to the lower mine area. The bulk of the mineralization is located in the lower mine area, which will be accessed through a single portal north of the deposit. The upper mine will be accessed through two shallow shafts located north and south of the mineralization. The mine capacity is 800,000 tonnes per annum with a total of 8.7 million tonnes of ore produced during the 13-year mine life.

The ore to be processed is classified into two main categories: regular ore and a pyrite ore with a flowsheet reconfiguration when processing pyrite ore to maximize gold recovery. Ore processing contemplates a single stage crush, milling, a bulk flotation concentrate, regrind through a secondary milling and a secondary flotation, ultimately producing a saleable copper concentrate and a saleable pyrite concentrate. The concentrates will be transported to a port located on the Black Sea in Turkey for shipment to smelting facilities.

Infrastructure & Capital Costs

The majority of the proposed project infrastructure, including the process plant, paste plant, water treatment facility, transformer station and mining offices, will be located in the Maden Valley near the deposit. The tailings facility, mining waste dump, and quarry will be located to the north in the Salicor Valley. A tunnel will be constructed to connect the Maden Valley to the Salicor Valley. Grid power is available on site and some workforce can be based out of Artvin city nearby.

The upfront capital cost estimate of $309 million includes a contingency of $31 million.





US$ Million

Mining Predevelopment Costs

$63

Mining Surface Infrastructure

2

Other Site Infrastructure

78

Process Plant Infrastructure

56

EPCM Fees, Indirect Costs & Construction Facilities

37

Owners' Costs

42

Project Contingency

31

Total Upfront Capital Expenditure

$309




Economics

The post-tax NPV of $1.05 billion, using a 5% discount rate, has an IRR of 36% and payback period of 2 years. The AISC1 for gold with copper as a by-product credit is $334 per ounce.





By-Product Basis US$/oz

Mining Operating Cost

$230

Processing Operating Cost

104

TC/RCs (net of credits & penalties) & Transport Costs

95

G&A Operating Cost & Other

55

Revenue from Sales of Payable Copper

(401)

C1 Cost1

$84

Royalties

172

Sustaining Capital Depreciation

57

Corporate Costs

13

Closure Costs

8

AISC1

$334




Timeline

With the release of the FS, the Hod Maden project moves into the next stage of development. The operator, Lidya Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. ("Lidya"), commenced the application process for the forestry permit after receiving the final approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Turkey in November 2021. Production from Hod Maden is currently expected in the second half of 2024.

MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Mr. Simon Kusabs of AMC Consultants Pty Ltd is the Qualified Person for reporting of the Mineral Reserve estimates. The Mineral Reserve is reported in accordance with the disclosure standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (2014).









CONTAINED METAL

Reserve
Classification



Tonnes
(kt)


AuEq
(g/t)


Au
(g/t)


Cu
(%)


AuEq
(koz)


Au
(koz)


Cu
(Mlb)


Proven

1,899

19.4

16.7

1.7%

1,186

1,021

71

Probable

6,798

8.8

6.5

1.4%

1,928

1,431

216

Proven & Probable

8,696

11.1

8.8

1.5%

3,114

2,452

287








Notes

1)

CIM Definitions Standards (2014) were used in the preparation of the Mineral Reserve estimates.

2)

The Mineral Reserve is estimated using metal prices of US$1,300 per oz Au and US$3.00 per lb Cu.

3)

Effective Date of Mineral Reserve is 31 July 2020.

4)

Errors in the totals are due to rounding.

5)

Mineral Reserves are reported on the basis of mined ore to be delivered to the plant as mill feed.

6)

The estimation was carried out using a breakeven cut-off value of USD82/t and incremental cut-of values of USD63/t for stopes and USD40/t for development.

7)

The average mining recovery and dilution factors applied were 94% and 10% respectively.

8)

Process recovery and payable factors averaged 85% and 98% respectively for gold and 93% and 95% respectively for copper.

9)

Probable reserve gold grade and contained metal is higher than the indicated resource grade and contained metal due to the inclusion of measured resource from the modified DAF mining area above the 783m elevation.

10)

Calculation of the gold equivalent grade (AuEq) is by the following formula: AuEq = [(Au Ounces + (Cu Pounds x 3/1300)) x 31.10348]/Tonnes




Mr. Chris Arnold of AMC Consultants Pty Ltd is the Qualified Person for reporting of the Mineral Resource estimates. The Mineral Resource is reported in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (2014). The Mineral Resource estimate, reported above an NSR cut-off of $63/tonne, is shown below.









CONTAINED METAL

Resource
Category



Tonnes
(kt)


AuEq
(g/t)


Au
(g/t)


Cu
(%)


AuEq
(koz)


Au
(koz)


Cu
(Mlb)


Measured

2,461

24.3

20.7

2.3%

1,920

1,634

124

Indicated

5,683

8.8

6.2

1.7%

1,608

1,133

206

Measured & Indicated

8,143

13.5

10.6

1.8%

3,530

2,768

330







Notes

1)

CIM Definitions Standards (2014) were followed for Mineral Resources.

2)

Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.

3)

Effective Date of Mineral Resource is 27 July 2019.

4)

Mineral Resources are estimated at NSR cut-offs of $63/t for gold/copper zones.

5)

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

6)

Totals may not match due to rounding.

7)

Metal prices used as input into the NSR cut-off calculation are US$1,300/oz for gold, and US$6,614/tonne for copper.

8)

Calculation of the gold equivalent grade (AuEq) is by the following formula: AuEq = [(Au Ounces + (Cu Pounds x 3/1300)) x 31.10348]/Tonnes




DETAILED SCHEDULES2

Mill Feed





YR1

YR2

YR3

YR4

YR5

YR6

YR7

YR8

YR9

YR10

YR11

YR12

YR13

Total

Mill Feed















Ore processed (kt)

449

560

800

800

802

800

800

787

722

720

599

480

378

8,696

Copper grade (%)

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.4

1.6

1.4

1.8

1.5

1.5

Gold grade (g/t)

12.6

13.0

8.7

7.5

6.4

5.9

5.3

7.7

8.3

9.5

9.6

13.9

13.4

8.8

Copper Concentrate















Concentrate mass (kt, dmt)

26

33

47

48

47

46

44

48

41

43

34

30

21

508

Copper grade (%)

24

23

23

23

24

23

23

25

24

24

23

26

25

24

Gold grade (g/t)

158

176

108

96

81

81

70

98

118

123

137

169

182

115

Pyrite Concentrate















Concentrate mass (kt, dmt)

31

23

41

35

47

32

41

41

27

39

20

54

33

461

Gold grade (g/t)

17

15

15

15

13

13

13

14

13

15

14

15

11

14

Payable Metal















Copper (Mlb)

13

16

23

23

24

22

22

25

21

22

16

17

11

255

Gold (koz)

147

193

178

159

135

127

110

162

162

184

154

184

132

2,027




Site Cost (Life of Mine Average)




Mining

$53.71/t

Processing

$24.26/t

G&A

$11.04/t

Site subtotal

$89.01/t




OffSite Cost (Life of Mine Average)





COPPER
CONCENTRATE


PYRITE
CONCENTRATE


Freight

$62.50/wmt

$35.50/wmt

Treatment charge

$90.00/dmt

$125.00/dmt

Copper refining

$0.09/lb

-

Gold refining

$6.50/oz

$8.00/oz




Capital Expenditures




CAPEX BREAKDOWN

INITIAL

SUSTAINING

CLOSURE

TOTAL

Year -2

$71M

-

-

$71M

Year -1

$151M

-

-

$151M

Year 0

$87M

-

-

$87M

Years 1-5

-

$80M

-

$80M

Years 6-10

-

$35M

-

$35M

Years 11+

-

$9M

$16M

$25M

Total

$309M

$124M

$16M

$449M




The Hod Maden FS was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by GR Engineering Services Limited (Perth, Australia), AMC Consultants Pty Ltd. (Perth, Australia), and Hacettepe Mineral Teknolojileri Ltd. Sti. (Ankara, Turkey).

Sandstorm will file or furnish, as applicable, a Technical Report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 for the FS entitled "Hod Maden Project Feasibility Study NI 43-101 Technical Report" (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report will be filed within 45 days on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on Sandstorm's website at www.sandstormgold.com, in accordance with NI 43-101. Readers are encouraged to read the Technical Report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the details summarized in this press release. The Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Mr. Simon Kusabs of AMC Consultants Pty Ltd is a Fellow (FAusIMM (Mining)) of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the Mineral Reserves and scientific and technical information in this press release.

Mr. Chris Arnold of AMC Consultants Pty Ltd is a Chartered Professional (FAusIMM CP (Geology)) of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the Mineral Resources in this press release.

Mr. Peter Allen of GR Engineering Services Ltd is a Member (MAusIMM CP) of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

Dr. Zafir Ekmekçi of Hacettepe Mineral Teknolojileri Ltd. Sti. is a Registered Member (418810RM) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

Mr. Stan Kagiannis formerly of GR Engineering Services Ltd. is a Fellow (FAusIMM (Processing)) of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the Operating Cost Estimate in this press release.

DATA VERIFICATION

The Qualified Persons noted above have verified that the data disclosed have a reasonable basis, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information contained in this news release. This includes geological studies, mine engineering, metallurgical results, and among other things, the life of mine plan, and capital and operating costs.

Additional supporting details regarding the information in this release, will be provided in the new technical report which will be available on SEDAR within 45 days of this release, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the Feasibility Study.




Note 1

Sandstorm has included certain measures in this press release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). With respect to the Hod Maden project, these measures include (i) all-in sustaining cost ("AISC") per gold ounce on a co-product basis and AISC per gold ounce on a by-product basis, (ii) C1 costs on a by-product basis, and (iii) attributable gold equivalent ounce. As Sandstorm's operations are primarily focused on precious metals, the Company presents these measures as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other mining companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. Other companies may calculate these measures differently as a result of differences in the underlying accounting principles, policies applied and in accounting frameworks, such as in IFRS. The presentation of these 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.


1)

With respect to the Hod Maden project, AISC has been calculated on a co-product basis for gold and copper. The calculation for each metal is based on adding costs specific to each metal to costs allocated to each metal on a proportionate value basis. For gold, AISC per gold ounce on a co-product basis is calculated by summing certain costs (operating costs, royalties, treatment, refining & transport costs, sustaining capital depreciation, G&A, and other costs) associated with the gold produced. The resulting figure is then divided by the payable gold ounces produced. AISC per gold ounce on a by-product basis is calculated by deducting copper revenue from the summation of certain costs (operating costs, royalties, treatment, refining & transport costs, sustaining capital depreciation, G&A, and other costs). The resulting figure is then divided by the payable gold ounces produced.




AISC Co-Product Basis: [(Operating Costs ($543 million) + Royalties ($296 million) + Treatment, Refining and Transport Costs ($151 million) + Sustaining Capital Depreciation ($93 million) + G&A ($77 million) + Other Costs ($46 million)] / Payable Gold Ounces (2,027,000 oz) = $595 AISC per ounce].




AISC By-Product Basis: [(Operating Costs ($678 million) + Royalties ($349 million) + Treatment, Refining and Transport Costs ($193 million) + Sustaining Capital Depreciation ($116 million) + G&A ($96 million) + Other Costs ($57 million) - Copper Revenue ($812m)] / Payable Gold Ounces (2,027k oz) = $334 AISC per ounce].




2)

With respect to the Hod Maden project, C1 Cash Cost on a by-product basis is calculated by deducting copper revenue from the summation of certain costs (operating costs, treatment, refining & transport costs, G&A, and other costs) associated with the gold produced. The resulting figure is then divided by the payable gold ounces produced.



3)

The Company's estimated royalty and other commodity stream income is converted to an attributable gold equivalent ounce basis by dividing the estimated royalty and other commodity stream income for the period by the estimated gold price per ounce for the same respective period. These attributable gold equivalent ounces when combined with the estimated gold ounces from the Company's gold streams equal total attributable gold equivalent ounces and may be subject to change.







Note 2


Numbers may not sum due to rounding.




CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information about Sandstorm Gold Royalties, please visit our website at www.sandstormgold.com or email us at info@sandstormgold.com.

ABOUT SANDSTORM GOLD ROYALTIES

Sandstorm Gold Royalties is a gold royalty company that provides upfront financing to gold mining companies that are looking for capital and in return, receives the right to a percentage of the gold produced from a mine, for the life of the mine. The Company has acquired a portfolio of 229 royalties, of which 28 of the underlying mines are producing. Sandstorm Gold Royalties plans to grow and diversify its low cost production profile through the acquisition of additional gold royalties. For more information visit: www.sandstormgold.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS TO U.S. SECURITYHOLDERS

The financial information included or incorporated by reference in this press release or the documents referenced herein has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which differs from US generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP") in certain material respects, and thus are not directly comparable to financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

The disclosure and information contained or referenced herein uses mineral reserve and mineral resource classification terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada, and mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates are made in accordance with Canadian NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum — CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Definition Standards"). These standards differ significantly from the mineral reserve disclosure requirements of the United States Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC") set forth in Industry Guide 7. Consequently, information regarding mineralization contained or referenced herein is not comparable to similar information that would generally be disclosed by U.S. companies under Industry Guide 7 in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Further, the SEC has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"). These amendments became effective February 25, 2019 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") and, commencing for registrants with their first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021, the SEC Modernization Rules replaced the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a foreign private issuer that files its annual report on Form 40-F with the SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Definition Standards. The SEC Modernization Rules include the adoption of terms describing mineral reserves and mineral resources that are "substantially similar" to the corresponding terms under the CIM Definition, but there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the mineral reserve or mineral resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. U.S. investors are also cautioned that while the SEC recognizes "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under the Modernization Rules, investors should not assume that any part or all of the mineralization in these categories will ever be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral reserves. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, U.S. investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the "inferred mineral resources" exist. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. For the above reasons, information contained or referenced herein regarding descriptions of our mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates is not comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC under either Industry Guide 7 or SEC Modernization Rules.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Sandstorm Gold Royalties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the future price of gold, silver, copper, iron ore and other metals, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, realization of mineral reserve estimates, capital expenditures, the timing of development of the Hod Maden Project, the timing and amount of estimated future production, including the increases to production guidance, the offer and sale of Common Shares under the at-the-market equity program (the "ATM Program"), including the timing and amounts thereof, the use of any proceeds from the ATM Program, and statements with respect to the Company's proposed normal course issuer bid ("NCIB") and the number of Common Shares that may be purchased under the NCIB. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans", or similar terminology.

Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Sandstorm Gold Royalties to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Sandstorm Gold Royalties will operate in the future, including the receipt of all required approvals, the price of gold and copper and anticipated costs. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, failure to receive necessary approvals, changes in business plans and strategies, market conditions, share price, best use of available cash, gold and other commodity price volatility, discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, mining operational and development risks relating to the parties which produce the gold or other commodity the Company will purchase, regulatory restrictions, activities by governmental authorities (including changes in taxation), currency fluctuations, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility and competition.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over mining operations from which the Company will purchase gold, other commodities or receive royalties from, and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, risks in the marketability of minerals, fluctuations in the price of gold and other commodities, fluctuation in foreign exchange rates and interest rates, stock market volatility, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risks to Sandstorm" in the Company's annual report for the financial year ended December 31, 2020 and the section entitled "Risk Factors" contained in the Company's annual information form dated March 30, 2021 available at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such 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. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained or incorporated by reference, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Sandstorm Gold Ltd.

For further information: NOLAN WATSON, PRESIDENT & CEO, 604 689 0234; KIM BERGEN, CAPITAL MARKETS, 604 628 1164

Related Links sandstormgold.com



To: LoneClone who wrote (161407)11/25/2021 1:21:45 PM
From: LoneClone  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 192642
 
First Majestic Reports Third Quarter Financial Results and Quarterly Dividend Payment

newsfilecorp.com

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2021) - FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP. (NYSE: AG) (TSX: FR) (the "Company" or "First Majestic") is pleased to announce the unaudited interim consolidated financial results of the Company for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021. The full version of the financial statements and the management discussion and analysis can be viewed on the Company's website at www.firstmajestic.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless stated otherwise.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

(compared to Q3 2020)

  • Generated revenues of $124.6 million, representing a 1% decrease due to the decision to withhold 1.4 million ounces of silver in inventory in an effort to maximize future profits. Had the Company sold these ounces at the end of the quarter it would have generated approximately $33.2 million in additional revenue using the quarterly average realized price of $23.10 per ounce
  • Cash costs increased to $14.09 per AgEq ounce due to the addition of Jerritt Canyon
  • All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") increased to $19.93 per AgEq ounce primarily due to an increase in sustaining capital costs related to the $12.3 million Tailings Storage Facility 2 ("TSF2") lift project at Jerritt Canyon
  • Mine operating earnings of $3.5 million during the quarter, compared to earnings of $48.0 million in Q3 2020, the decrease in earnings was primarily attributed to lower silver ounces sold due to the holdback of 1.4 million ounces of silver along with higher costs attributed to the first full quarter of operations at Jerritt Canyon
  • Net earnings of ($18.4) million attributed to the reduction in revenue as a result of withholding 1.4 million ounces of silver from sales at quarter end
  • Adjusted EPS of ($0.07) after excluding non-cash and non-recurring items
  • Cash flow per share of $0.09 (non-GAAP)
  • Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2021 were $192.8 million with strong working capital of $262.5 million
  • Declared a third quarter cash dividend payment of $0.0049 per common share for shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 17, 2021 which will be distributed on or about November 30, 2021


  • "Our decision to inventory a significant amount of silver during the quarter obviously impacted our third quarter financial results but those additional revenues and cash flows are expected to be realized in the coming quarters as prices improve," stated Keith Neumeyer, President and CEO. "During the quarter, we also invested in two significant capital projects at Jerritt Canyon which temporarily increased our all-in sustaining costs at the site. With the majority of these investments now complete, we expect a reduction in costs starting in the fourth quarter driven by higher production, reduced capital costs and continued improvements in operating efficiencies. At San Dimas, AISC costs decreased by 19% to $11.58 per ounce due to higher production and higher consumption rates of low-cost energy from our hydro dam when compared to diesel or grid power. At Santa Elena, the mill is preparing to begin test batching low-grade stockpiles from the Ermitaño deposit which is expected to further drive down costs and increase overall production. Finally, the Company declared its third quarter dividend which was also impacted by the lower quarterly revenues due to the withholding of the 1.4 million unsold ounces of silver, however, the upcoming future quarter dividends are expected to increase as this large inventory is divested."

    OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    Key Performance Metrics
    2021-Q3
    2021-Q2 Change
    Q3 vs Q2
    2020-Q3Change
    Q3 vs Q3

    2021-YTD
    Operational










    Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled
    943,126
    826,213 14 % 655,920 44 %
    2,383,584
    Silver Ounces Produced
    3,302,086
    3,274,026 1 % 3,158,866 5 %
    9,484,135
    Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced
    7,319,441
    6,435,023 14 % 5,201,085 41 %
    18,294,760
    Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1)
    $14.09
    $13.89 1 % $9.48 49 %
    $13.65
    All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1)
    $19.93
    $19.42 3 % $14.01 42 %
    $19.60
    Total Production Cost per Tonne (1)
    $106.52
    $104.94 2 % $71.56 49 %
    $101.73
    Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce (1)
    $23.10
    $27.32 (15 %) $22.58 2 %
    $25.74












    Financial (in $millions)










    Revenues
    $124.6
    $154.1 (19 %) $125.9 (1 %)
    $379.2
    Mine Operating Earnings
    $3.5
    $29.4 (88 %) $48.0 (93 %)
    $61.1
    Net (Loss) Earnings
    ($18.4)
    $15.6 NM
    $30.9 NM

    ($1.0)
    Operating Cash Flows before Movements in Working Capital and Taxes
    $22.6
    $51.2 (56 %) $52.2 (57 %)
    $104.9
    Cash and Cash Equivalents
    $192.8
    $227.1 (15 %) $232.4 (17 %)
    $192.8
    Working Capital (1)
    $262.5
    $276.3 (5 %) $266.7 (2 %)
    $262.5












    Shareholders










    (Loss) Earnings per Share ("EPS") - Basic
    ($0.07)
    $0.06 NM
    $0.14 NM

    $0.00
    Adjusted EPS (1)
    ($0.07)
    $0.05 NM
    $0.12 NM

    $0.01
    Cash Flow per Share (1)
    $0.09
    $0.21 (58 %) $0.24 (64 %)
    $0.44


    NM - Not meaningful

  • The Company reports non-GAAP measures which include cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, total production cost per ounce, total production cost per tonne, average realized silver price per ounce, working capital, adjusted EPS and cash flow per share. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See "Non-GAAP Measures" in the Company's MD&A for a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.



  • Q3 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS

    The Company realized an average silver price of $23.10 per ounce during the third quarter of 2021, representing a 2% increase compared to $22.58 per ounce in the third quarter of 2020.

    Revenues generated in the third quarter totaled $124.6 million compared to $125.9 million in the third quarter of 2020. Revenues in the quarter were impacted primarily due to the temporary withholding of 1.4 million ounces of silver, which remained in the inventory at quarter end. Had the Company sold the withheld inventory, the Company would have generated approximately $33.2 million in additional revenue using the quarterly average realized price of $23.10 per ounce.

    The Company realized mine operating earnings of $3.5 million compared with mine operating earnings of $48.0 million in the third quarter of 2020. The decrease in mine operating earnings was primarily attributed to the decision to withhold 1.4 million silver ounces from sale along with higher costs primarily attributed to the first full quarter of operations of Jerritt Canyon.

    Earnings for the quarter was ($18.4) million (EPS of ($0.07)) compared to $30.9 million (EPS of $0.14) in the third quarter of 2020.

    Adjusted net earnings for the quarter was ($18.1) million (Adjusted EPS of ($0.07)) compared to $25.7 million (Adjusted EPS of $0.12) in the third quarter of 2020, after excluding non-cash and non-recurring items.

    Cash flow from operations before movements in working capital and income taxes in the quarter was $22.6 million ($0.09 per share) compared to operating cash flow from operations of $52.2 million ($0.24 per share) in the third quarter of 2020.

    Ended the quarter with $192.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2021. In addition, the Company has a strong working capital position of $262.5 million and total available liquidity of $272.5 million, including a $10 million of available undrawn revolving credit facility.

    OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

    The table below represents the quarterly operating and cost parameters at each of the Company's four producing silver and gold mines.

    Third Quarter Production SummarySan DimasSanta ElenaLa EncantadaJerritt CanyonConsolidated
    Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled214,205
    234,862
    263,645
    230,415
    943,126
    Silver Ounces Produced1,888,371
    508,641
    905,074
    -
    3,302,086
    Gold Ounces Produced20,767
    7,498
    114
    26,145
    54,525
    Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced3,422,032
    1,061,657
    913,481
    1,922,270
    7,319,441
    Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce$8.29
    $17.09
    $12.25
    N/A$14.09
    All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce$11.58
    $21.10
    $15.28
    N/A$19.93
    Cash cost per AuEq OunceN/AN/AN/A$1,735
    N/A
    All-In sustaining costs per AuEq OunceN/AN/AN/A$2,286
    N/A
    Total Production Cost per Tonne$128.67
    $75.76
    $41.08
    $192.17
    $106.52


  • The Company reports non-GAAP measures which include cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, total production cost per ounce and total production cost per tonne. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See "Non-GAAP Measures" in the Company's MD&A for a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.
  • The Company produced 7.3 million silver equivalent ounces consisting of 3.3 million ounces of silver and 54,525 ounces of gold, representing an increase of 1% and 17%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter primarily due to a 39% increase in gold production from the Jerritt Canyon operation in Nevada. In the first nine months of 2021, the Company has produced 9.5 million ounces of silver and 124,942 ounces of gold for total production of 18.3 million silver equivalent ounces, or approximately 69% of the Company's 2021 guidance midpoint of producing 25.7 to 27.5 million ounces. Furthermore, the Company anticipates achieving its 2021 production guidance due to expected higher grades at San Dimas, Jerritt Canyon and Santa Elena in the fourth quarter.

    COSTS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

    Cash cost per ounce for the quarter was $14.09 per AgEq ounce, an increase of 1% from $13.89 per ounce in the previous quarter. The increase in cash cost per AgEq ounce was due to the addition of Jerritt Canyon which was producing at a higher cash cost compared to the previous quarter which was primarily affected by a 14-day planned semi-annual maintenance shutdown of the dual roasters.

    AISC in the second quarter was $19.93 per ounce compared to $19.42 per ounce in the previous quarter. The increase in AISC per AgEq ounce was primarily attributed to the TSF2 lift project at Jerritt Canyon. The increase in AISC was partially offset by lower costs at San Dimas and La Encantada as a result of increased rates of production.

    Total capital expenditures in the third quarter were $59.7 million, primarily consisting of $22.4 million at Jerritt Canyon, $14.2 million at San Dimas, $15.7 million at Santa Elena (including $9.3 million towards the Ermitaño project), $2.8 million at La Encantada and $4.6 million for strategic projects.

    Q3 2021 DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT

    The Company is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend payment in the amount of $0.0049 per common share for the third quarter of 2021. The third quarter cash dividend will be paid to holders of record of First Majestic's common shares as of the close of business on November 17, 2021 and will be distributed on or about November 30, 2021.

    Under the Company's dividend policy, the quarterly dividend per common share is targeted to equal approximately 1% of the Company's net quarterly revenues divided by the Company's then outstanding common shares on the record date.

    The amount and distribution dates of future dividends remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors. This dividend qualifies as an 'eligible dividend' for Canadian income tax purposes. Dividends paid to shareholders outside Canada (non-resident investors) may be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding taxes.

    ABOUT THE COMPANY

    First Majestic is a publicly traded mining company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the United States. The Company presently owns and operates the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine and the La Encantada Silver Mine.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll-free number 1.866.529.2807.

    FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
    "signed"
    Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; commercial mining operations; cash flow; budgets; the timing and amount of estimated future production; ore grades; recovery rates; mine plans and mine life; integration of operations; future sales and revenue; the future price of silver and other metals; costs of production; costs and timing of development at the Company's projects; commencement of initial batch test processing at the Santa Elena processing plant; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; and amount and timing of dividend payments. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, guidance cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon guidance and forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Statements concerning proven and probable mineral reserves and mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as and if the property is developed, and in the case of measured and indicated mineral resources or proven and probable mineral reserves, such statements reflect the conclusion based on certain assumptions that the mineral deposit can be economically exploited. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements".

    Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the duration and effects of the coronavirus and COVID-19, and any other pandemics on our operations and workforce, and the effects on global economies and society, risks related to the integration of acquisitions; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity prices; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; actual performance of plant, equipment or processes relative to specifications and expectations; accidents; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; actions by national and local governments and agencies; changes in applicable legislation or application thereof; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; exchange rate fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation; environmental risks; reclamation expenses; violence and other criminal activities in Mexico; outcomes of pending litigation; limitations on insurance coverage as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business - Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form, available on www.sedar.com, and Form 40-F on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Although First Majestic has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

    The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.