Mineros S.A. press release
Mineros Reports Second Quarter 2022 Financial and Operational Results
TSX - Toronto Stock Exchange · Gold · Silver · Zinc · Colombia
Canada NewsWire
(all amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)
MEDELLIN, Colombia , Aug. 3, 2022 /CNW/ - Mineros S.A. (TSX: MSA) (CB: MINEROS) (" Mineros " or the " Company ") today reported its financial and operational results for the three months ended June 30, 2022 . For further information please see the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis filed under Mineros' profile on www.sedar.com .
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Andrés Restrepo, President and CEO of Mineros, commented, "I am pleased to report that the Company has had another strong quarter with respect to financial and operational results and remains on-track to achieve its annual guidance. In the second quarter of 2022, Mineros produced 74,062 ounces of gold, a 10% increase from the same quarter in 2021. Along with increased production, the Company has seen reductions in both the all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold and the cash cost per ounce of gold sold compared to the same period in 2021. The Company has a long track record of paying a strong quarterly dividend with a very attractive yield."
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2022
Gold Production
74,062 ounces of gold produced. A 10% increase in gold production compared to the same period in 2021 (Q2/21: 67,403 ounces of gold produced). A steady increase in gold production over the last four quarters.
Cash Cost 1 and All-in Sustaining Cost ("AISC") 1
Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold 1 of $1,131 (Q2/21: $1,163 ), representing a 3% decrease relative to the same period in 2021. AISC per ounce of gold sold 1 of $1,388 (Q2/21: $1,560 ), representing an 11% decrease in the AISC per ounce of gold sold relative to the same period in 2021.
| | | | | 1 | Cash Cost, AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, net free cash flow and average price realized per ounce of gold sold are non-IFRS financial measures, and Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold, AISC per ounce of gold sold, ROCE and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio are non-IFRS ratios, with no standardized meaning under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For further information and detailed reconciliations of non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures, see Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures in this news release. | |
Dividend Payment
$7.9 million in dividends paid. An increase of 30% in dividends paid compared to the same period in 2021 (Q2/21: $6.1 million ).
Revenue
Revenue of $137.3 million . An increase of 7% compared to the same period in 2021 (Q2/21: $128.4 million ). A steady increase in revenue over the last four quarters.
Profitability
Net profit for the period up 10% to $11.4 million ( $0.04 /share) compared to the same period in 2021 (Q2/21: $10.4 million ( $0.04 /share)). Gross profit up 5% to $37.8 million compared to the same period in 2021 (Q2/21: $35.9 million ).
Net Debt to Adjusted EBIDTA ratio 2
Net Debt to Adjusted EBIDTA ratio 2 of 0.11x as at June 30, 2022 . The Company has continued to have a low Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, with a 57% decrease compared to 0.26x as at June 30, 2021 , following repayment of project acquisition loans.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2022
Gold Production
140,071 ounces of gold produced. A 5% increase in gold production compared to the same period in 2021 (H1/21: 132,876 ounces of gold produced). On-track to achieve 2022 production guidance.
| | | | | | 2 | Cash Cost, AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, net free cash flow and average price realized per ounce of gold sold are non-IFRS financial measures, and Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold, AISC per ounce of gold sold, ROCE and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio are non-IFRS ratios, with no standardized meaning under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For further information and detailed reconciliations of non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures, see Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures in this news release. | | |
Cash Cost and AISC
Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold of $1,152 (H1/21: $1,127 ), representing a 2% increase in the Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold relative to the same period in 2021. AISC per ounce of gold sold of $1,383 (H1/21: $1,514 ), representing a 9% decrease in the AISC per ounce of gold sold relative to the same period in 2021. On-track to achieve 2022 cost guidance.
Dividend Payment
$12.5 million in dividends paid. An increase of 30% in dividends paid compared to the same period in 2021 (H1/21: $9.6 million ).
Revenue
Revenue of $261.9 million . An increase of 3% compared to the same period of 2021 (H1/21: $253.8 million ).
Table 1. Financial and Operating Highlights.
(All numbers in $000's unless otherwise noted)
| | Three Months Ended
June 30, | Change | Six Months Ended
June 30, | Change | | | | | | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | | | Financial | | | | | | | | | | Revenue | 137,286 | 128,449 | 8,837 | 7 % | 261,936 | 253,841 | 8,095 | 3 % | | Gross profit | 37,799 | 35,872 | 1,927 | 5 % | 70,444 | 72,932 | (2,488) | (3 %) | | Net profit for the period | 11,399 | 10,408 | 991 | 10 % | 21,871 | 24,177 | (2,306) | (10 %) | | Basic earnings per Share ($) | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0 | 0 % | 0.07 | 0.09 | (0.02) | (22 %) | | Adjusted EBITDA (1) | 46,710 | 41,759 | 4,951 | 12 % | 87,857 | 86,895 | 962 | 1 % | | Net cash flow generated by operating activities | 17,853 | 19,648 | (1,795) | (9 %) | 23,156 | 32,631 | (9,475) | (29 %) | | Net free cash flow (1) | 234 | (4,851) | 5,085 | 105 % | (5,545) | (15,013) | 9,468 | 63 % | | ROCE (1) | 22 % | 31 % | (10 %) | (31 %) | 22 % | 31 % | (10 %) | (31 %) | | Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio (1) | 0.11x | 0.26x | (0.15x) | (57 %) | 0.11x | 0.26x | (0.15x) | (57 %) | | Dividends paid | 7,875 | 6,076 | 1,799 | 30 % | 12,473 | 9,621 | 2,852 | 30 % | | | | | | | | | | | | Operating | | | | | | | | | | Average realized price per ounce of gold sold ($/oz) (1) | 1,837 | 1,848 | (11) | (1 %) | 1,859 | 1,817 | 43 | 2 % | | Gold produced (oz) | 74,062 | 67,403 | 6,659 | 10 % | 140,071 | 132,876 | 7,195 | 5 % | | Gold sold (oz) | 73,147 | 67,895 | 5,252 | 8 % | 137,684 | 135,518 | 2,166 | 2 % | | Silver sold (oz) | 93,528 | 95,559 | (2,031) | (2 %) | 195,001 | 176,546 | 18,455 | 10 % | | Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold ($/oz) (1) | 1,131 | 1,163 | (32) | (3 %) | 1,152 | 1,127 | 25 | 2 % | | AISC per ounce of gold sold ($/oz) (1) | 1,388 | 1,560 | (172) | (11 %) | 1,383 | 1,514 | (132) | (9 %) |
| (1) The definition and reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures and ratios is included in the section on Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures in this news release. |
Table 2. Operational Highlights by Material Property.
(All numbers in ounces unless otherwise noted)
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | Change | | Six Months Ended June 30, | Change | | | | | | 2022 | 2021 | ounces | % | | 2022 | 2021 | ounces | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nechí Alluvial Property (Colombia) | 23,394 | 19,738 | 3,656 | 19 % | | 42,679 | 40,520 | 2,159 | 5 % | | Hemco Property | | | | | | | | | | | Hemco Property | 10,808 | 8,455 | 2,353 | 28 % | | 19,931 | 15,083 | 4,848 | 32 % | | Artisanal Mining | 23,330 | 23,926 | (596) | (2 %) | | 46,768 | 47,339 | (571) | (1 %) | | Nicaragua | 34,138 | 32,381 | 1,757 | 5 % | | 66,699 | 62,422 | 4,277 | 7 % | | Gualcamayo Property (Argentina) | 16,530 | 15,284 | 1,246 | 8 % | | 30,693 | 29,934 | 759 | 3 % | | Total Gold Produced (oz) | 74,062 | 67,403 | 6,659 | 10 % | | 140,071 | 132,876 | 7,195 | 5 % | | Total Silver Produced (oz) | 93,528 | 95,559 | (2,031) | (2 %) | | 195,001 | 176,546 | 18,455 | 10 % |
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER 2022
Amendment of Nechí Alluvial Property Environmental Management Plan
By ANLA Resolution 812 of April 25, 2022 , the Colombian National Authority of Environmental Licenses ( _Autoridad Nacional de Licencias Ambientales _– ANLA) approved Mineros' application to amend the environmental management plan ("EMP") for the Nechí Alluvial Property, which was submitted on November 18, 2021 . The ordinary course amendment to the EMP grants environmental permits sufficient to support planned operations for a four year period, which is consistent with Mineros' expectations. Due to the mobile nature of alluvial mining operations, Mineros must periodically apply to ANLA to amend the EMP to cover planned operations in new or expanded operating areas. Mineros makes such applications and expects to receive amendments to the EMP in the ordinary course of business.
Acquisition of Additional 25% Interest in the Guintar-Niverango-Margaritas ("GNM") Exploration Target ( Colombia )
On April 6, 2022 , Mineros exercised its second option to acquire an additional 25% interest in the GNM Exploration Target from Royal Road Minerals Limited ("Royal Road") under the terms of the Mineros' alliance agreement with Royal Road, bringing its total interest in the GNM Exploration Target to 50%.
International Organization for Standardization ("ISO") Certification at the Hemco Property ( Nicaragua )
In the second quarter of 2022 the Company received ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management) certification at its Hemco Property. These certifications are issued for an initial period of three years. Operations at all three of the Company's Material Properties are now ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001 certified.
Mineros Strengthens Commitment to Sustainability
In the second quarter of 2022, the Company created the new executive role of Vice President, Legal and Sustainability to reflect the Company's commitment to sustainability at all of its operations and exploration projects. As a result, Ms. Ana Isabel Gaviria's title changed from General Counsel to Vice President, Legal and Sustainability. Ms. Gaviria continues as Corporate Secretary.
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS – SUBSEQUENT TO JUNE 30 , 2022
Luna Roja Deposit Initial Mineral Resource Estimate
On July 7, 2022 , the Company announced an initial mineral resource estimate for the Luna Roja Deposit, which included 1.164 million tonnes of indicated mineral resources averaging 2.46 grams of gold per tonne ("g/t Au"), for approximately 92,000 ounces of gold and 0.504 million tonnes of inferred mineral resources averaging 2.31 g/t Au, for approximately 37,000 ounces of gold. See the Company's July 7, 2022 press release entitled, "Mineros Announces Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Luna Roja Deposit, Nicaragua ".
Appointment of Vice President, Nicaragua
On July 11, 2022 , Mineros announced the appointment of Mr. Luis Villa as Vice President, Nicaragua , effective October 1, 2022 . Mr. Villa has been with the Company and its subsidiaries for sixteen years, most recently in the position of Manager of Projects and Supply Chain for Mineros Alluvial S.A.S. BIC .
Mr. Villa will replace Mr. Carlos Mario Gomez , who will be retiring later this year following 14 years of service with the Company.
GROWTH PROJECT UPDATES
Porvenir Project, Nicaragua : Ongoing studies are being completed to assess processing and mining scenarios for the Porvenir Project. Based on a project re-evaluation, which included a review of economic parameters and the timeline to complete environmental baseline studies, and building on the work completed to date, the Company now anticipates completing a pre-feasibility study in the second half of 2022 and not a feasibility study, as previously announced.
Luna Roja Deposit, Nicaragua : A 3,000 metre diamond drill campaign originally planned to commence in the second quarter of 2022 is currently planned for the second half of 2022. This campaign will include a series of short, near-surface drill holes into the deposit, designed to increase the confidence level in areas previously tested with channel samples, as well as an initial drill testing of three geophysical anomalies.
Gualcamayo Property Expansion, Argentina : In 2022, Mineros is planning to complete 17,000 metres of diamond and reverse circulation drilling in proximity to existing mining operations. The objective of this campaign is to upgrade mineral resources, provide material for metallurgical test work, resource expansion and evaluation of the remaining gold in the heap leach pads.
Deep Carbonates Project, Argentina : In the first quarter of 2022 Mineros announced plans to conduct a 7,750 metre diamond drill program with the objective of expanding the current mineral resources at the Rodado deposit. A total of 3,050 metres has been drilled in the first half of 2022 and the Company is re-evaluating plans for the next stage of drilling. Metallurgical test work to support advancement of the Deep Carbonates Project is underway. The Company expects to use the preliminary results from the test work to make a determination as to whether it will move forward with a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") in respect of the Deep Carbonates Project.
La Pepa Project, Chile : At the La Pepa Project, the Company is focused on developing and expanding the Cavancha deposit, a porphyry-style gold system. The progress and timeline for completion of a PEA at the La Pepa Project is still under review.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST DETAILS
The Company will host a conference call on Thursday August 4, 2022 , at 9:00 am ET ( 8:00 am COT) to discuss the results. The conference call will be in Spanish with simultaneous translation in English.
Participant conference call dial in:
| Canada Toll Free: | 1 (866) 455-3403 | | US Toll Free: | 1 (888) 374-5140 | | Pin for English: | 13926178 # | | Pin for Spanish: | 11955143 # |
The list of all local and international dial in numbers can be found at the end of this document. A live webcast of the conference all will be available at: https://onlinexperiences.com/scripts/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:QS!10100&ShowUUID=E47A39AB-2A3F-4268-9ECD-438B1ECE896D&LangLocaleID=1034
Live webcast requires previous registration, and interested parties are advised to access the webcast approximately ten minutes prior to the start of the call. The webcast will be archived on the Company's website at www.mineros.com.co for approximately 30 days following the call.
ABOUT MINEROS S.A.
Mineros is a gold mining company headquartered in Medellin, Colombia . The Company has a diversified asset base, with mines in Colombia , Nicaragua and Argentina and a pipeline of development and exploration projects throughout the region.
The board of directors and management of Mineros have extensive experience in mining, corporate development, finance and sustainability. Mineros has a long track record of maximizing shareholder value and delivering solid annual dividends. For almost 50 years Mineros has operated with a focus on safety and sustainability at all its operations.
Mineros' common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MSA", and on the Colombia Stock Exchange under the symbol "MINEROS".
The Company has been granted an exemption from the individual voting and majority voting requirements applicable to listed issuers under Toronto Stock Exchange policies, on grounds that compliance with such requirements would constitute a breach of Colombian laws and regulations which require the directors to be elected on the basis of a slate of nominees proposed for election pursuant to an electoral quotient system. For further information, please see the Company's most recent annual information form filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .
QUALIFIED PERSON
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jorge Aceituno , a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and the Planning Manager, Resources and Reserves for Mineros and a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 – _Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects _("NI 43-101").
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "could", "would", "will", "should", "intend", "target", "plan", "expect", "budget", "estimate", "forecast", "schedule", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential", "view" or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's outlook for 2022; timing, completion and results of a pre-feasibility study on the Porvenir Project; timing for the completion of a PEA on the La Pepa Project; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; the Company's planned exploration, development and production activities; statements regarding the projected exploration and development of the Company's growth projects, including the Porvenir Project, Deep Carbonates Project, and the La Pepa Project; timing, completion and results of mineral resource estimates and mining studies; estimates of future capital and operating costs; future financial or operating performance and condition of the Company and its business, operations and properties; expectations regarding future currency exchange rates; and any other statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future plans, intentions, levels of activity, results, performance or achievements.
Forward-looking information is based upon estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news release including, without limitation, assumptions about: favourable equity and debt capital markets; the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms; future prices of gold and other metal prices; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs, and technical and economic studies; the accuracy of any mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; the geology of the Company's material properties being as described in the applicable NI 43-101 technical reports; production costs; the accuracy of budgeted exploration and development costs and expenditures; the price of other commodities such as fuel; future currency exchange rates and interest rates; operating conditions being favourable such that the Company is able to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third party approvals, licenses and permits on favourable terms; obtaining required renewals for existing approvals, licenses and permits on favourable terms; requirements under applicable laws; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital goods markets; availability of equipment; positive relations with local groups, including artisanal mining cooperatives in Nicaragua , and the Company's ability to meet its obligations under its agreements with such groups; and satisfying the terms and conditions of the Company's current loan arrangements. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, the assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, social, economic, political, regulatory, competitive and other risks and uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those projected in the forward-looking information. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. For further information of these and other risk factors, please see the ''Risk Factors" section of the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2022 , available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .