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To: LoneClone who wrote (190173)8/20/2025 2:47:19 PM
From: LoneClone  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 192410
 
Atico Reports Consolidated Financial Results for Second Quarter of 2025

globenewswire.com

August 19, 2025 16:30 ET | Source: Atico Mining Corporation

(All amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atico Mining Corporation (the “Company” or “Atico”) (TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF) today announced its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2025, posting income from mining operations of $4.5 million and a net income of $2.7 million for the quarter. Production for the quarter at Atico’s El Roble mine totaled 2.2 million pounds (“lbs”) of copper and 2,385 ounces (“oz”) of gold in concentrate at a cash cost (1) of $1.73 per payable pound of copper (2).

Fernando E. Ganoza, CEO and Director, commented, “During the period, production results, increased concentrate sales and strong metal prices led to improved financial performance. We anticipate gradual operational improvements will continue through the remainder of the year which should drive financial results.” Mr. Ganoza continued, “For the second half of the year, we will continue the planned development and preparation pace into the upper higher-grade zones at El Roble. In parallel, we are conducting a 6,000 meter near-mine drill program at El Roble to replenish resources and extend the mine's life.”

Second Quarter Financial Highlights

  • Sales for the quarter increased 94% to $21.1 million when compared with $10.9 million in Q2-2024. Copper (“Cu”) and gold (“Au”) accounted for 55% and 45% of the 7,842 (Q2-2024 – 5,603) dry metric tonnes (“DMT”) sold during Q2-2025.
  • The average realized price per metal was $4.47 (Q2-2024 - $4.34) per pound of copper and $3,406 (Q2-2024 - $2,303) per ounce of gold.
  • Net income for the quarter amounted to $2.7 million, compared with $0.4 million net loss for the comparative quarter of last year, while cash flows from operations, before changes in working capital, was $4.9 million (Q2-2024 – $2.5 million). Cash used for investing activities amounted to $5.4 million (Q2-2024 – $5.1 million).
  • Ending working capital deficit was $13.7 million (December 31, 2024 – $11.3 million), while the Company had $6.0 million (December 31, 2024 – $7.1 million) in long-term loans payable and $4.6 million (December 31, 2024 – $8.5 million) payable to the National Mining Agency that is due beyond one year.
  • Cash costs (1) were $164.26 per tonne of processed ore and $1.73 per pound of payable copper produced (2), which was an increase of 25% and 17% over Q2-2024, respectively. The increase in cash cost per tonne was primarily driven by lower ore production in Q2-2025, which led to underutilization of capacity. The transition to the new upper zones in the El Roble mine require more costs in terms of preparations and ground support. Cash costs per pound of payable copper produced (net of by-product credits) also increased due to lower copper output due to the lower grade. The Company expects a gradual improvement in tonnage and grade towards the second half of the year as planned development and preparation pace recovers and more ore is mined from these new zones which contain higher grades.
  • Cash margin was $2.74 per pound of payable copper produced(1), which was a decrease of 4% over Q2-2024, due to an increase in cash cost per pound (net of by-product credits), partially offset by an increase in realized copper price.
  • All-in sustaining cash cost per payable pound of copper produced(1) was $3.91, up from $2.32 in Q2-2024 (refer to non-GAAP Financial Measures). This increase was primarily due to lower copper output due to lower grade and higher sustaining capital expenditures on mine development, mine infrastructure, and ramp construction, to increase ore extraction from the new upper zones which contain higher grade.
  • On May 23, 2025, the Company and the National Mining Agency of Colombia executed a new 30-year mining agreement and related title for the El Roble mine. Additionally, the metal concentrate inventory previously pledged as security in favor of the National Mining Agency of Colombia was released from the pledge and sold by the Company in June 2025.
  • On June 30, 2025, the Company amended the credit agreement, pursuant to the term sheet, which the Principal Amount will be repaid in two instalments of $2,700,000 on July 25, 2025 (PAID) and $6,000,000 on December 30, 2026.
Second Quarter Summary of Financial Results



Q2
2025
Q2
2024
%
Change
Sales$21,108,812 $10,860,467 94%
Cost of sales(16,620,250) (8,308,719) 100%
Income from mining operations4,488,562 2,551,748 76%
As a % of revenue21% 23%
General and administrative expenses(2,042,495) (1,585,615) 29%
Income from operations2,318,744 891,086 160%
As a % of revenue11% 8%
Income (loss) before income taxes2,039,888 (730,559) (379%)
Net income (loss)2,721,126 (424,612) (741%)
As a % of revenue13% (4%)
Operating cash flow before changes in non-cash operating working capital items(1)4,933,208 2,472,955 99%


Second Quarter Consolidated Operational Details

In Q2-2025, the Company produced 2.2 million lbs of copper, 2,385 oz of gold, and 10,766 oz of silver. Copper production decreased by 42% and gold production by 16% for gold, when compared to Q2-2024, primarily due to lower ore throughput as well as lower copper head-grades.






Q2
2025
Q2
2024
%
Change
Production (Contained metals)(3)
Copper (000s lbs) 2,161 3,710 (42%)
Gold (oz) 2,385 2,850 (16%)
Silver (oz) 10,766 9,972 8%
Mine
Tonnes of material mined 60,633 70,826 (14%)
Mill
Tonnes processed 62,007 71,079 (13%)
Tonnes processed per day 830 852 (3%)
Copper grade (%) 1.74 2.57 (33%)
Gold grade (g/t) 2.08 1.95 7%
Silver grade (g/t) 11.01 9.30 18%
Recoveries
Copper (%) 91.1 92.0 (1%)
Gold (%) 57.6 64.2 (10%)
Silver (%) 39.3 47.3 (17%)
Concentrates
Copper Concentrates (DMT) 5,590 9,197 (39%)
Copper (%) 17.5 18.3 (4%)
Gold (g/t) 13.3 9.6 38%
Silver (g/t) 48.0 33.7 42%
Payable copper produced (000s lbs) 2,019 3,487 (42%)
Cash cost per pound of payable copper ($/lbs)(1)(2) 1.73 1.48 17%


The financial statements and MD&A are available on SEDAR+ and have also been posted on the company's website at globenewswire.com

(1) Alternative performance measures; please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” at the end of this release.
(2) Net of by-product credits
(3) Subject to adjustments on final settlement

Change of Management

Alain Bureau, President of the Company, stepped down from his position effective August 15, 2025, to seek new professional opportunities. Mr. Bureau was instrumental in driving the La Plata project in Ecuador from exploration through to feasibility and permitting, delivering major milestones in the project’s development. He will continue with the Company as a government relations consultant.

Qualified Person

Mr. Thomas Kelly (SME Registered Member 1696580), advisor to the Company and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 standards, is responsible for ensuring that the technical information contained in this news release is an accurate summary of the original reports and data provided to or developed by Atico.

About Atico Mining Corporation

Atico is a growth-oriented Company, focused on exploring, developing and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America. The Company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing it’s high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. The Company is also pursuing additional acquisition of advanced stage opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aticomining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fernando E. Ganoza
CEO
Atico Mining Corporation

Trading symbols: TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF

Investor Relations
Igor Dutina
Tel: +1.604.633.9022

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘‘U.S. Securities Act’’), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This announcement includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation statements regarding improving cost efficiencies at El Roble, taking advantage of the favorable metal price environment, and possible outcomes of any pending arbitration, consultation, litigation, negotiation or regulatory investigation, and the timing and amount of the future construction of the La Plata project, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The assumptions upon which the forward-looking statements herein are based, include, but are not limited to, that all required third party contractual, regulatory and governmental approvals will be obtained for the development, construction and production of its properties, there being no significant disruptions affecting operation, permitting, development, expansion and power supply proceeding on a basis consistent with the Company’s current expectations, currency exchange rates being approximately consistent with current levels, certain price assumptions for copper, gold and silver, prices for and availability of fuel oil, electricity, parts and equipment and other key supplies remaining consistent with current levels, production forecasts meeting expectations, the accuracy of the Company’s current mineral resource and reserves estimates, labor and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with the Company’s current expectations, assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, that additional financing sources will be available on reasonable commercial terms in order for the Company to make scheduled repayments of principal, interest, and any applicable premiums on its outstanding indebtedness. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include risks associated with the Company’s outstanding debt, including the Company’s ability to successfully secure additional funds through debt or equity issuances to meet these obligations, or successfully negotiate to amend or extend their terms uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs of the Company’s projects; the need to obtain additional financing to maintain its interest in and/or explore and develop the Company’s mineral projects; uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for the Company’s mineral projects; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”) dated September 4, 2024, filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.com and as available on the Company's website for further details.

Except as required by law, the Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this announcement or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The items marked with a "(1)" are alternative performance measures and readers should refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed on SEDAR+ and as available on the Company's website for further details.



To: LoneClone who wrote (190173)8/20/2025 3:10:47 PM
From: LoneClone  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 192410
 
Q2 Metals Metallurgy Confirms Cisco Lithium Project Suitability for DMS Processing

globenewswire.com

August 20, 2025 07:00 ET | Source: Q2 Metals Corp

Highlights

  • Three (3) composite samples were provided to SGS Canada Inc. for Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS) testing to assess the suitability of large-scale Dense Media Separation (DMS) processing.
  • Composite 18 achieved a 74.1% recovery to produce a 5.69% Li2O concentrate with low iron of 0.42% Fe2O3.
  • Composite 21 achieved a 69.6% recovery to produce a 5.08% Li2O concentrate with low iron of 0.55% Fe2O3.
  • Composite 23 achieved a 71.6% recovery to produce a 5.60% Li2O concentrate with low iron of 0.46% Fe2O3.
  • The next phase of metallurgy work will include additional HLS test work on other areas of the main mineralized zone at the Cisco Project.



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Q2 Metals Corp. (TSX.V: QTWO | OTCQB: QUEXF | FSE: 458) (“Q2” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the successful results of the first phase of metallurgical test work on drill core samples collected from the 2024 drill program at the Cisco Lithium Project (the "Project" or the "Cisco Project"), located within the greater Nemaska traditional territory of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec, Canada.

The objective of the preliminary test program was to achieve a spodumene concentrate at ~70% recovery with Heavy Liquid Separation (“HLS”) test work to confirm the potential suitability of a Dense Media Separation (“DMS”) process. The results of this test work confirms that strong recoveries can be achieved with a DMS circuit and as expected, the low iron content of the head samples continues through to the concentrate.

"We’re extremely encouraged with the results of this first round of metallurgical testing that confirms that DMS driven processing can be implemented at Cisco. Magnetic or flotation treatments were not utilized in this round due to the success of the HLS tests. The strong recovery combined with low iron content are the highlights so far," stated Neil McCallum, Q2 Metals VP of Exploration. "The next phase of metallurgy test work will be designed to expand upon these positive results and to maximize the concentrate grade and recovery rates at increased scale."

The metallurgical test program for the Cisco Project was completed by SGS Canada Inc. (“SGS”) at their laboratory in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada and is focused on industry standard and cost-effective processing techniques applicable to spodumene pegmatite.

Sample Description:

Each of the three composite samples consisted of approximately 45 Kg of material derived from quarter-split drill core material (Table 1). The composite samples were selected from approximately 43 metres of continuous mineralization from drill holes CS24-018, 21 and 23. The material from each composite was blended prior to performing the test work.




Table 1. Composite Sample Description

Test Work Description:

A five-kilogram subset of the blended composite material was further crushed to -9.5 millimetres (“mm”) and -6.3 mm to test the applicability of DMS. The -6.3mm was found to be an optimal crush size, and the results of which are summarized below.

A series of sink/float HLS tests were performed on each sample. No magnetic separation was performed on the samples.

At a crush size of -6.3mm, the lithium recovery ranged between 70% and 74% with a concentrate grade between 5.08% and 5.96% Li2O:

  • Composite 18 achieved a 74.1% recovery with a specific gravity (“SG”) cut point of 2.80 to produce a 5.69% Li2O concentrate with low iron of 0.42% Fe2O3.
  • Composite 21 achieved a 69.6% recovery with a cut point of 2.80 SG to produce a 5.08% Li2O concentrate with low iron of 0.55% Fe2O3.
  • Composite 23 achieved a 71.6% recovery with a cut point of 2.80 SG to produce a 5.60% Li2O concentrate with a low iron of 0.46% Fe2O3.




Table 2. Summary of HLS Testing




Figure 1. Image of HLS sink/float products from Comp 18

Next Steps:

Further work by SGS will test both the necessity of magnetic separation to treat any wall-rock that may or may not be included in the processing stream as well as assess the potential for a flotation circuit to the processing scenario to maximize recovery of the fine material and the rejected middlings of the material of the primary DMS circuit.

Additional HLS test work will be completed on other areas of the main mineralized zone at the Cisco Project to confirm the recoveries in other regions.

Qualified Person

Neil McCallum, B.Sc., P.Geol, a registered permit holder with the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 (“QP”) has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Mr. McCallum is a director and the Vice President Exploration for Q2.

ABOUT Q2 METALS CORP.

Q2 Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the Cisco Lithium Project located within the greater Nemaska traditional territory of the Eeyou Istchee, James Bay, Quebec, Canada.

The Cisco Project is comprised of 801 claims, totaling 41,253 hectares, with the main mineralized zone just 6.5 km from the Billy Diamond Highway, which transects the Project. The Town of Matagami, rail head of the Canadian National Railway, is approximately 150 km to the south.

The Cisco Project has district-scale potential with an initial Exploration Target estimating a range of potential lithium mineralization and grade of 215 to 329 million tonnes at a grade ranging from 1.0 to 1.38% Li2O, based only on the first 40 holes drilled.

Drill testing continues with mineralization open at depth and along strike with potential for significant expansion at the Cisco Mineralized Zone. The 2025 Summer Program is ongoing, with rolling assay results anticipated in the coming weeks and months as the Company works towards an initial resource estimate.

ABOUT SGS:

SGS is the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 99,500 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,500 labs and business facilities combining the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:



Alicia MilneJason McBrideChris Ackerman
President & CEOInvestor Relations ManagerCorporate Development
Alicia@Q2metals.com Jason@Q2metals.com Chris@Q2metals.com



Telephone: 1 (800) 482-7560
E-mail: info@Q2metals.com

WWW.Q2Metals.com

Follow the Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram

Sampling, Analytical Methods and QA/QC Protocols

All drilling is conducted using a diamond drill rig with NQ sized core and all drill core samples are shipped to SGS Canada’s preparation facility in Val D’Or, Quebec, for standard sample preparation (code PRP92) which includes drying at 105°C, crushing to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle split 500 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. The pulps are then shipped by air to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where the samples are homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish (code GE_ICM91A50). The reported Li grade will be multiplied by the standard conversion factor of 2.153 which results in an equivalent Li2O grade. Drill core was saw-cut with half-core sent for geochemical analysis and half-core remaining in the box for reference. The same side of the core was sampled to maintain representativeness.

A Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol following industry best practices has been incorporated into the sampling program. Measures include the systematic insertion of quartz blanks and certified reference materials (CRMs) into sample batches at a rate of approximately 5% each. Additionally, analysis of pulp-split and reject-split duplicates was completed to assess analytical precision. The QP has verified the QA/QC results of the analytical work.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “will”, “potential”, “scheduled” or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Accordingly, all statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future including, without limitation, any statements or plans regard the geological prospects of the Company’s properties and the future exploration endeavors of the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date specified in such statement. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the the objective of the metallurgy test work, the next phase of metallurgical test work on other areas of the main mineralized zone at the Cisco Project, the potential scale of the Cisco Project, the focus of the Company’s current and future exploration and drill programs, the scale, scope and location of future exploration and drilling activities, the Company's expectations in connection with the projects and exploration programs being met, the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, reallocation of proposed use of funds, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same. Readers are cautioned that mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business and accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors are discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis for its recently completed fiscal period, which is available under Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.com.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

globenewswire.com

globenewswire.com

globenewswire.com