Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. press release
Fortuna Reports Results for the First Quarter of 2025
TSXV - TSX Venture Exchange · Silver · Cobalt · Nickel · Gold · Copper · Rare Earth Elements · Platinum · Lithium · Cesium · Tantalum · Canada
(All amounts are expressed in US dollars, tabular amounts in millions, unless otherwise stated)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI) (“Fortuna” or the “Company”) today reported its financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2025. (Results from the Company’s San Jose Mine have been excluded from its Q1 2025 continuing results, along with the comparative figures due to the classification of the asset as held for sale as at March 31, 2025.)
First Quarter 2025 Highlights
Cash and Cashflow
Record free cash flow 1 from ongoing operations of $111.3 million in Q1, a quarter over quarter (“QoQ”) increase of 30%. QoQ free cash flow margin over sales improved to 38% from 31% Net cash from operations before working capital of $138.1 million or $0.45 per share. Adjusting for cash outflows related to discontinued operations of $8.6 million, net cash from operations before working capital was $146.7 million, a QoQ increase of 4% Quarter-end cash and short-term investments of $309.4 million, a QoQ increase of $78.1 million from strong growth in free cash flow Liquidity was $459.4 million, and the Company increased its positive net cash 1 position to $136.9 million (including short-term investments), from $58.8 million in Q4 2024
Profitability
Attributable net income from continuing operations of $61.7 million or $0.20 per share, a QoQ increase of $0.13 per share Attributable adjusted net income 1 of $62.1 million or $0.20 per share, a QoQ increase of $0.08 per share
Return to Shareholders
Returned $4.2 million to shareholders in Q1 through the repurchase of 0.9 million shares
Operational
Gold equivalent production (“GEO”) of 103,459 ounces 3 in Q1 Consolidated cash cost per GEO 1 from continuing operations of $929 in Q1, down from $1,015 in Q4 2024 (excluding San Jose from the comparative period cash cost is up from $888 in Q4 2024) Consolidated AISC per GEO 1 from continuing operations of $1,640 for Q1 down from $1,772 in Q4 2024 (excluding San Jose from the comparative period AISC is down from $1,690 in Q4 2024) Safety performance indicator for TRIFR down to 0.98 compared to 1.33 in Q4 2024. The Company had zero lost time injuries. Despite sustained improvement in safety indicators, the Company reported the fatal accident of a sub-contractor employee at the Séguéla Mine in February. Fortuna remains fully committed to a zero-harm work environment
Growth and Business Development
At the Kingfisher prospect at the Séguéla Mine the Company intersected 7.2 g/t gold over 31.5 meters. For full details refer to our News Release titled “Fortuna intersects 7.2g/t Au over 31.5 meter at Kingfisher , Séguéla Mine, Côte d’Ivoire” dated March 13, 2025” In April the Company closed the sale of the San Jose Mine in Mexico and announced entering into a share purchase agreement to sell its interest in Roxgold Sanu SA, owner of the Yaramoko mine in Burkina Faso. The sale of the Yaramoko Mine provides for cash consideration of $70 million and is subject to the payment of a cash dividend by Roxgold Sanu to Fortuna in the amount of $57.5 million prior to closing. Taken together, these two sales allow us to reallocate approximately $50 million in capital and management focus away from mine closures and toward higher-value opportunities that align more closely with our long-term strategy
Jorge A. Ganoza, President and CEO, commented, “Following a strong end to 2024, the Company delivered a new record quarter of free cash-flow from operations at $111.3 million. Quarter over quarter, we realized 8% higher gold prices with lower all-in-sustaining-costs, leading to an expanded free cash flow margin from ongoing operations of 38% compared to 31%.” Mr. Ganoza continued, “Furthermore, we are streamlining our portfolio by divesting high cost, short-life assets allowing us to direct capital and management’s focus towards higher-value opportunities, such as growing production at our most profitable mines.”
1 Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of the calculation of these measures. 2 Excluding letters of credit 3 Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead and zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $2,882/oz Au, $31.8/oz Ag, $1,971/t Pb, and $2,841/t Zn for Q1 2025.; $2,490/oz Au, $29.4/oz Ag, $2,040/t Pb, and $2,782/t Zn for Q4 2024; $1,990/oz Au, $23.3/oz Ag, $2,137/t Pb, and $2,499/t Zn for Q1 2024
First Quarter 2025 Consolidated Results
| | | Three months ended | | | | | | | | | (Expressed in millions) | | December 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2025 | | March 31, 2024 | | % Change | | | Sales | | 274.0 | | 290.1 | | 200.9 | | 44 | % | | Mine operating income | | 107.2 | | 115.9 | | 69.6 | | 67 | % | | Operating income | | 62.1 | | 91.9 | | 48.3 | | 90 | % | | Attributable net income | | 11.3 | | 58.5 | | 26.3 | | 122 | % | | Net income from continuing operations | | 24.8 | | 68.0 | | 29.6 | | 130 | % | | Attributable net income from continuing operations | | 21.1 | | 61.7 | | 26.7 | | 131 | % | | Attributable earnings per share from continuing operations - basic | | 0.07 | | 0.20 | | 0.09 | | 122 | % | | Attributable earnings per share - basic | | 0.04 | | 0.19 | | 0.09 | | 111 | % | | Adjusted attributable net income 1 | | 37.9 | | 62.1 | | 27.5 | | 126 | % | | Adjusted EBITDA 1 | | 136.0 | | 150.1 | | 96.3 | | 56 | % | | Net cash provided by operating activities | | 150.3 | | 126.4 | | 48.9 | | 158 | % | | Free cash flow from ongoing operations 1 | | 85.5 | | 111.3 | | 17.3 | | 545 | % | | Cash cost ($/oz Au Eq) 1 | | 888 | | 929 | | 744 | | 25 | % | | All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Au Eq) 1,2 | | 1,690 | | 1,640 | | 1,385 | | 18 | % | | Capital expenditures 2 | | | | | | | | | | | Sustaining | | 49.5 | | 24.1 | | 32.4 | | (26 | %) | | Sustaining leases | | 5.7 | | 5.8 | | 4.8 | | 21 | % | | Growth capital | | 12.1 | | 15.4 | | 5.4 | | 185 | % | | | | | | March 31, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 | | % Change | | | Cash and cash equivalents and short term investments | | 309.4 | | 231.3 | | 34 | % | | | | Net liquidity position (excluding letters of credit) | | | | 459.4 | | 381.3 | | 20 | % | | Shareholder's equity attributable to Fortuna shareholders | | | | 1,460.2 | | 1,403.9 | | 4 | % | | 1 Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of the calculation of these measures. | | | | | | | | | | | 2 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis | | | | | | | | | | | Figures may not add due to rounding | | | | | | | | | | | Discontinued operations have been removed where applicable | | | | | | | | | |
First Quarter 2025 Results
Q1 2025 vs Q4 2024
Cash cost per ounce and AISC Cash cost per GEO sold from continuing operations was $929 in Q1 2025, an increase compared to $888 in Q4 2024. The increase is related to higher cost per ounce at Yaramoko due to lower head grades and higher cost per ounce at Lindero associated with lower production.
All-in sustaining costs per GEO from continuing operations was $1,640 in Q1 2025 compared to $1,690 in Q4 2024. AISC decreased $50 per GEO quarter over quarter mainly due to lower capital expenditures, partially offset by higher royalties from higher gold prices and higher share-based compensation driven by the increase in our share price in Q1 2025.
Attributable Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Attributable net income from continuing operations for the period was $61.7 million compared to $21.1 million in Q4 2024. The fourth quarter of 2024 was impacted by non-cash charges of $26.3 million related to a write-down of the Boussoura mineral property in Burkina Faso and a write-down of low-grade stockpiles at the Lindero Mine.
After adjusting for impairment charges and other non-recurring items, adjusted attributable net income was $62.1 million or $0.20 per share compared to $37.9 million or $0.12 per share in Q4 2024. The increase was explained mainly by higher metal prices and a lower effective tax rate (“ETR”). The realized gold price in Q1 2025 was $2,883 per ounce compared to $2,662 in Q4 2024. The ETR for the quarter was 25% compared to 46% in Q4 2024 due to a 4% appreciation of the Euro vs the US Dollar in Q1 2025 compared to an 8% devaluation in Q4 2024. Other items impacting the quarter compared to Q4 2024 were higher general and administration expenses of $5.8 million, explained by an increase in share-based payments related to a 42% rise in our share price in Q1 2025. This was offset by a foreign exchange gain of $2.1 million compared to a loss of $10.4 million in Q4 2024.
Cash flow Net cash generated by operations before working capital adjustments was $138.1 million or $0.45 per share. After adjusting for changes in working capital, net cash generated by operations for the quarter was $126.4 million compared to $150.3 million in Q4 2024. The decrease is mainly explained by negative changes in working capital in Q1 2025 of $11.6 million compared to positive $8.6 million in Q4 2024, total cash outflows associated with discontinued operations at San Jose in Q1 2025 of $9.9 million and higher taxes paid in Q1 2025.
Free cash flow from ongoing operations in Q1 2025 was $111.3 million, an increase of $25.8 million over the $85.5 million reported in Q4 2024. The increase was mainly due to lower sustaining capital expenditures of $20 million. Free cash flow, which includes growth capital and other one-time items was, $80.8 million.
Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
Cash cost per ounce and AISC Consolidated cash cost per GEO increased to $929, compared to $744 in Q1 2024. This increase was mainly driven by higher cash costs at Séguéla and Yaramoko. The increase in cash cost at Séguéla was primarily due to higher stripping costs, consistent with the mine plan. At Yaramoko, the increase was mainly attributable to lower head grades. Additionally, cash costs rose at Lindero due to lower production volumes and the impact of the Argentine peso's appreciation over 2024.
All-in sustaining costs per gold equivalent ounce from continuing operations increased to $1,640 in Q1 2025 from $1,385 in Q1 2024. This increase primarily resulted from the higher cash cost per ounce discussed above, increased royalties due to the higher gold price, and higher share-based compensation driven by the rise in our share price in Q1 2025. These increases were partially offset by lower sustaining capital.
Attributable Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Attributable net income from continuing operations for the period was $61.7 million or $0.20 per share, compared to $26.7 million or $0.09 per share in Q1 2024.
The increase was primarily due to higher realized gold prices, which averaged $2,883 per ounce in Q1 2025 compared to $2,089 per ounce in Q1 2024, and higher sales volumes at Séguéla (up 12%) and Yaramoko (up 22%), driven by increased processed ore at both mines. This positive impact was partially offset by higher cash cost per ounce, mainly at Séguéla and Yaramoko.
Other factors influencing the net income compared to Q1 2024 included higher depletion per ounce at Séguéla and Yaramoko, and higher general and administration expenses of $8.5 million, which were driven by an increase in share-based payments related to a 42% rise in our share price during Q1 2025.
Depreciation and Depletion Depreciation and depletion increased by $11.8 million to $61.3 million compared to $49.5 million in the comparable period of 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher ounces sold at Séguéla and Yaramoko. Depreciation and depletion in the period included $18.5 million related to the purchase price allocation from the Roxgold acquisition.
Cash Flow Net cash generated by operations for the quarter was $126.4 million compared to $48.9 million in Q1 2024. The increase is mainly explained by higher gold prices and higher volume sold at Séguéla and Yaramoko, and a lower negative change in working capital in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024.
Free cash flow from ongoing operations in Q1 2025 was $111.3 million, compared to $17.3 million reported in Q1 2024. The increase was mainly due to higher net cash from operations as discussed above and lower sustaining capital expenditures of $7.6 million which reflect lower sustaining capital requirements in 2025.
Séguéla Mine, Côte d’Ivoire
| | | | Three months ended March 31, | | | | | | | | | 2025 | | | 2024 | | | Mine Production | | | | | | | | | Tonnes milled | | | 444,004 | | | 394,837 | | | Average tonnes crushed per day | | | 4,933 | | | 4,339 | | | | | | | | | | | | Gold | | | | | | | | | Grade (g/t) | | | 2.76 | | | 2.79 | | | Recovery (%) | | | 93 | | | 94 | | | Production (oz) | | | 38,500 | | | 34,556 | | | Metal sold (oz) | | | 38,439 | | | 34,450 | | | Realized price ($/oz) | | | 2,888 | | | 2,095 | | | | | | | | | | | | Unit Costs | | | | | | | | | Cash cost ($/oz Au) 1 | | | 650 | | | 459 | | | All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Au) 1 | | | 1,290 | | | 948 | | | | | | | | | | | | Capital Expenditures ($000's) 2 | | | | | | | | | Sustaining | | | 8,613 | | | 7,923 | | | Sustaining leases | | | 3,639 | | | 2,265 | | | Growth capital | | | 9,207 | | | 1,035 | | | 1 Cash cost and All-in sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial measures. Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures. | | | | | | | | | 2 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis | | | | | | | |
_ Quarterly Operating and Financial Highlights _
During the first quarter of 2025, mine production totaled 477,333 tonnes of ore, averaging 2.53 g/t Au, and containing an estimated 38,869 ounces of gold from the Antenna, Ancien, and Koula pits. Movement of waste during the quarter totaled 5,467,358 tonnes, for a strip ratio of 11.5:1. Mining continued to be focused on the Antenna, Koula, and Ancien Pits.
In the first quarter of 2025, Séguéla processed 444,004 tonnes of ore, producing 38,500 ounces of gold, at an average head grade of 2.76 g/t Au, a 12% increase and a 1% decrease, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2024. Higher gold production was the result of higher tonnes processed due to throughput achievements in previous quarters. Mill throughput averaged 216 t/hr, 40% above name plate capacity.
Cash cost per gold ounce sold was $650 for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $459 for the first quarter of 2024. The increase in cash costs was a result of higher mining costs due to higher stripping requirements in line with the mine plan, and higher processing costs incurred.
All-in sustaining cash cost per gold ounce sold was $1,290 for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $948 in the same period of the previous year. The increase for the quarter was primarily the result of higher cash costs and higher sustaining capital from stripping and advancement of the stage 3 tailings lift to support higher production at Séguéla, as well as higher royalties due to higher gold prices and a 2% increase in the royalty rate effective January 10, 2025.
Higher growth capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily the result of relocation of a government communications antenna on the property at the mine site.
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso
| | | | Three months ended March 31, | | | | | | | | | 2025 | | | 2024 | | | Mine Production | | | | | | | | | Tonnes milled | | | 134,692 | | | 107,719 | | | | | | | | | | | | Gold | | | | | | | | | Grade (g/t) | | | 7.81 | | | 8.79 | | | Recovery (%) | | | 97 | | | 98 | | | Production (oz) | | | 33,073 | | | 27,177 | | | Metal sold (oz) | | | 33,013 | | | 27,171 | | | Realized price ($/oz) | | | 2,881 | | | 2,095 | | | | | | | | | | | | Unit Costs | | | | | | | | | Cash cost ($/oz Au) 1 | | | 1,059 | | | 752 | | | All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Au) 1 | | | 1,411 | | | 1,373 | | | | | | | | | | | | Capital Expenditures ($000's) 2 | | | | | | | | | Sustaining | | | 1,517 | | | 10,983 | | | Sustaining leases | | | 982 | | | 1,050 | |
1 Cash cost and All-in sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial measures; refer to non-IFRS financial measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of the calculation of these measures. 2 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.
_ Quarterly Operating and Financial Highlights _
In the first quarter of 2025, the Yaramoko Mine treated 134,692 tonnes of ore and produced 33,073 ounces of gold with an average gold head grade of 7.81 g/t, a 22% increase and 11% decrease, respectively, when compared to the same period in 2024. Lower grades were the result of stope sequencing which was offset by higher tonnes from increased underground production and the start of mining at the 109 Zone open pit.
The cash cost per ounce of gold sold for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was $1,059 compared to $752 in the same period in 2024. Higher cash costs were the result of stripping and underground development costs being expensed as the mine is in its last year of production.
The all-in sustaining cash cost per gold ounce sold was $1,411 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1,373 in the same period of 2024, the increase is mainly due to higher cash costs and an increase in royalties from higher gold prices.
Subsequent to quarter end, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement to sell the Yaramoko Mine. The sale is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.
Lindero Mine, Argentina
| | | | Three months ended March 31, | | | | | | | | | 2025 | | | 2024 | | | Mine Production | | | | | | | | | Tonnes placed on the leach pad | | | 1,753,016 | | | 1,547,323 | | | | | | | | | | | | Gold | | | | | | | | | Grade (g/t) | | | 0.55 | | | 0.60 | | | Production (oz) | | | 20,320 | | | 23,262 | | | Metal sold (oz) | | | 18,655 | | | 21,719 | | | Realized price ($/oz) | | | 2,877 | | | 2,072 | | | | | | | | | | | | Unit Costs | | | | | | | | | Cash cost ($/oz Au) 1 | | | 1,147 | | | 1,008 | | | All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Au) 1,3 | | | 1,911 | | | 1,511 | | | | | | | | | | | | Capital Expenditures ($000's) 2 | | | | | | | | | Sustaining | | | 12,362 | | | 9,807 | | | Sustaining leases | | | 582 | | | 598 | | | Growth Capital | | | 307 | | | 154 | |
1 Cash cost and All-in sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial measures; refer to non-IFRS financial measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of the calculation of these measures. 2 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.
_ Quarterly Operating and Financial Highlights _
In the first quarter of 2025, a total of 1,753,016 tonnes of ore were placed on the heap leach pad, with an average gold grade of 0.55 g/t, containing an estimated 30,943 ounces of gold. Ore mined was 1.46 million tonnes, with a stripping ratio of 1.8:1.
Lindero’s gold production for the quarter was 20,320 ounces, comprised of 18,983 ounces in doré bars, 615 ounces contained in rich fine carbon, 39 ounces contained in copper precipitate, and 683 ounces contained in precipitated sludge. The 13% decrease in production compared to Q1 2024 was a result of lower grades and timing of leach kinetics.
The cash cost per ounce of gold for the quarter was $1,147 compared to $1,008 in the same period of 2024. The increase in cash cost per ounce of gold for the quarter was primarily due to the impact on operating costs of the appreciation of the Argentine peso over 2024 and lower ounces sold.
AISC per gold ounce sold during Q1 2025 was $1,911, compared to $1,511 in Q1 2024. Higher AISC was the result of higher cash costs as described above and higher sustaining capital as the site completed work on the leach pad expansion. AISC includes a $1.3 million investment gain (Q1 2024: $2.6 million) from cross border Argentine pesos denominated bond trades.