BVC: MINEROS 1 Mineros Reports Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial and Operational Results
(all dollar amounts - other than per share amounts - are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)
Medellin, Colombia – February 15, 2024 – Mineros S.A. (TSX:MSA, MINEROS:CB) (“Mineros” or the “Company”) today reported its financial and operational results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2023. For further information, please see the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis filed under its Mineros’ profile on www.sedarplus.com.
Andrés Restrepo, President and CEO of Mineros, commented: “We had a strong operational fourth quarter and demonstrated resilience throughout the year. We were able to meet our 2023 production guidance, overcoming the disruptions we had in March at our Nechí Alluvial Property and in July at our Hemco Property. Additionally, even though the Colombian peso appreciated by approximately 20% against the US Dollar in 2023, we were able to meet our 2023 cost guidance helped by implementing effective cost cutting measures during the year.
As we move forward, the Company will continue to focus on being a reliable and profitable operator.”
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER 2023
Gold Production
- 62,039 ounces of gold produced.
- A 6% increase in gold production compared to the same period in 2022 (Q4/22: 58,597 ounces of gold produced), explained by higher average gold grade at the Nechí Alluvial Property.
Cost of Sales, Cash Cost1 and All-in Sustaining Cost (“AISC”)1 from continuing operations
- Cost of sales of $82,663, a 17% increase when compared to the same period in 2022 (Q4/22: $70,677).
- Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold of $1,051 (Q4/22: $993), a 6% increase relative to the same period in 2022.
- AISC per ounce of gold sold of $1,316 (Q4/22: $1,228), a 7% increase relative to the AISC per ounce of gold sold during the same period in 2022.
Dividend Payment
- $5,228 in dividends paid.
- An 8% increase in dividends paid compared to the same period in 2022 (Q4/22: $4,862).
Revenue
- Revenue of $130,427.
- Revenue increased by 24% compared to the same period in 2022 (Q4/22: $105,059).
1 Cash Cost, AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, net free cash flow, Net Debt and average price realized per ounce of gold sold are non-IFRS financial
Profitability
- Gross profit from continuing operations increased by 39% to $47,764 compared to the same period in 2022 (Q4/22: $34,382).
- Net profit for the period from continuing operations up 26% to $22,808 ($0.08/share) compared to the same period in 2022 (Q4/22: $18,136 or $0.06/share).
- Loss for the period from discontinued operations up (97)% to $1,043 compared to the same period in 2022 (Q4/22: $38,130).
Net Debt2
- Net Debt of $(24,316) as at December 31, 2023, mainly explained by lower loans and other borrowing and a higher cash and cash equivalents balance.
- The Company continues to have low Net Debt levels, with a 239% decrease compared to $17,517 as at December 31, 2022.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Gold Production
- 219,708 ounces of gold produced.
- A 2% decrease in gold production compared to the same period in 2022 (Year ended December 31, 2022: 224,905 ounces of gold produced).
Cost of Sales, Cash Cost and AISC1
- Cost of sales of $301,888, a 7% increase when compared to the same period in 2022 (Year ended December 31, 2022: $282,918)
- Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold of $1,090 (Year ended December 31, 2022: $1,022), a 7% increase relative to the same period in 2022, mainly explained by the increase in cost of sales.
- AISC per ounce of gold sold1 of $1,299 (Year ended December 31, 2022: $1,219), a 7% increase relative to the AISC per ounce of gold sold during the same period in 2022.
Dividend Payment
- $20,519 in dividends paid.
- An 11% decrease in dividends paid compared to the same period in 2022 (Year ended December 31, 2022: $22,990), explained by an extraordinary dividend of $0.01 per share paid in April of 2022.
Revenue
- Revenue of $447,290.
2 Cash Cost, AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, net free cash flow, Net Debt and average price realized per ounce of gold sold are non-IFRS financial • Revenue increased by 8% when compared to the same period in 2022 (Year ended December 31, 2022: $414,937).
Profitability
- Gross profit from continuing operations increased by10% , to $145,402 compared to the same period in 2022 (Year ended December 31, 2022: $132,019).
- Net profit for the period from continuing operations up by 33% to $74,538 ($0.25/share) compared to the same period in 2022 (Year ended December 31, 2022: $56,097 or $0.19/share).
- Loss for the period from discontinued operations up by 11%, to $57,324 compared to the same period in 2022 (Year ended December 31, 2022: $51,610).
Financial and Operating Highlights.
| Three Months Ended | Year ended | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change | Change | ||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | $ | % | 2023 | 2022 | # | % |
Financial
| Revenue | 130,427 | 105,059 | 25,368 | 24% | 447,290 414,937 | 32,353 | 8% |
| Cost of sales | (82,663) | (70,677) | 11,986 | 17% (301,888) (282,918) | 18,970 | 7% | |
| Gross Profit | 47,764 | 34,382 | 13,382 | 39% | 145,402 132,019 | 13,383 | 10% |
Profit for the period from 22,808 18,136 4,672 26% 74,538 56,097 18,441 33% continuing operations Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing $0.08 $0.06 $0.02 26% $0.25 $0.19 $0.06 33% operations Loss for the year from (1,043) (38,130) 37,087 (97)% (57,324) (51,610) (5,714) 11% discontinued operations Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing and $0.07 $(0.07) $0.14 (209)% $0.06 $0.01 $0.04 284% discontinued operations Adjusted EBITDA1 53,364 40,117 13,247 33% 172,146 156,156 15,990 10% Net cash flows generated by 52,932 36,602 16,330 45% 89,908 82,607 7,301 9% operating activities
| Net free cash flow1 | 36,761 | 32,210 | 4,551 | 14% | 49,202 | 35,611 | 13,591 | 38% |
| ROCE1 | 30% | 25% | 5% | 21% | 30% | 25% | 5% | 21% |
| Net Debt1 | (24,316) | 17,517 | (41,833) (239)% (24,316) | 17,517 | (41,833) | (239)% | ||
| Dividends paid | 5,228 | 4,862 | 366 | 8% | 20,519 | 22,990 | (2,471) | (11)% |
Operating
Average realized price per ounce of gold sold from 1,975 1,751 224 13% 1,937 1,800 137 8% continuing operations ($/oz)1 Total Gold Produced from 62,039 58,597 3,442 6% 219,708 224,905 (5,197) (2)% continuing operations (oz)
Silver sold (oz) from continuing 198,427 88,591 109,836 124% 614,756 358,046 256,710 72% operations Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold from continuing $1,051 $993 $58 6% $1,090 $1,022 $68 7% operations ($/oz) 1 2 AISC per ounce of gold sold from continuing operations $1,316 $1,228 $88 7% $1,299 $1,219 $79 7% ($/oz) 1 2
1. Cash Cost, AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, net free cash flow, Net Debt and average realized price per ounce of gold sold, are non-IFRS financial measures, and Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold, AISC per ounce of gold sold and ROCE 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.
2. In Q4 of 2023, the Company restated AISC and Cash Cost to capture cash outflows related to asset retirement obligations and environmental and rehabilitation costs. 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.
Operational Highlights by Material Property.
(All numbers in ounces unless otherwise noted)
| Three Months | Change | Nine Months | Change | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ended September | Ended | ||||||
| 30, | September 30, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ounces | % | 2023 | 2022 | # | % |
| Nechí Alluvial Property (Colombia) | 27,920 | 24,986 | 2,934 | 12% | 93,757 | 92,385 | 1,372 | 1% |
| Hemco Property | 9,480 | 9,828 | (348) | (4)% | 32,732 | 40,677 | (7,945) | (20)% |
| Artisanal Mining | 24,639 | 23,783 | 856 | 4% | 93,219 | 91,843 | 1,376 | 1% |
| Nicaragua | 34,119 | 33,611 | 508 | 2% | 125,951 | 132,520 | (6,569) | (5)% |
Total Gold Produced (oz) from 62,039 58,597 3,442 6% 219,708 224,905 (5,197) (2)% Continuing Operations
Gualcamayo Property (Argentina) — 13,971 (13,971) (100)% 31,061 62,247 (31,186) (50)%
Total Gold Produced (oz) from
- 13,971 (13,971) (100)% 31,061 62,247 (31,186) (50)%
Discontinued Operations Total Gold Produced (oz) 62,039 72,568 (10,529) (15)% 250,769 287,152 (36,383) (13)% Total Silver Produced (oz) 198,427 93,528 104,899 112% 623,976 379,392 244,584 64%
For the three months ended December 31, 2023, gold production from continuing operations increased by 6%, with 62,039 ounces of gold produced, compared to 58,597 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2022, summarized in the table above. The increase in production relative to the comparative quarter in 2022 is explained mainly by higher average gold grade at the Nechí Alluvial Property in Colombia.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, gold production from continuing operations was down 2%, with 219,708 ounces of gold produced during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 224,905 ounces in the same period of 2022. The lower production relative to the comparative period in 2022 is explained mainly by a twoweek suspension of operations at the Hemco Property in Nicaragua during the third quarter.
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Disposition of Minas Argentinas S.A.
On September 8, 2023, Mineros announced that it had signed a share purchase and sale agreement with Eris LLC to sell all of the outstanding shares of Mineros’ subsidiary, Minas Argentinas S.A. (“MASA”). MASA holds a 100% interest in the Gualcamayo Property in Argentina, (the “Gualcamayo Property”). The transaction was completed on September 21, 2023. The disposed business, MASA (including its main asset, the Gualcamayo Property), has been presented as a discontinued operation in the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2023.
Temporary suspension of the main processing plant at the Hemco Property in Nicaragua
On July 31, 2023, Mineros suspended operations at the Hemco Plant, its main processing plant at the Hemco Property for two weeks. The Hemco Plant processes 89% of the material and disposal of tailings at the Hemco Property. The suspension was precautionary in nature, to allow for the swift completion of tailings detoxification capacity enhancements at the San José Tailings Dam, the primary tailings processing facility at the Hemco Property, prior to hurricane season in Nicaragua. Mineros resumed full operations at the Hemco Property on August 15, 2023 after making significant enhancements to its tailings detoxification capacity.
New collective agreement in Colombia
On June 8, 2023, Mineros announced the signature of a collective agreement for operations at the Nechí Alluvial Property in Colombia, covering a two year period, starting May 1, 2023.
Termination of strategic alliance with Royal Road Minerals Limited
Effective May 29, 2023, Mineros announced that it terminated and, where applicable, settled all outstanding obligations under all of its agreements with Royal Road Minerals Limited (“Royal Road”).
Mineros and Royal Road terminated their strategic alliance agreements for exploration of their respective properties in Nicaragua and Colombia, and related joint ventures in respect of the Caribe Exploration Target, and the Guintar-Niverengo-Margaritas (“GNM”) Exploration Target, located in the Anzá Province, Colombia.
Royal Road relinquished its 50% joint venture interest in Caribe Exploration Target to Mineros’ subsidiary Hemco Nicaragua S.A. (“Hemco”), which now owns 100% of the Caribe Exploration Target. The 1.25% net smelter returns royalty applicable to the two concessions that host the Luna Roja Deposit, which was granted to Royal Road on May 2021 in connection with Mineros’ acquisition of Royal Road’s 50% joint venture interest in those concessions, was terminated, and provisions under the related asset purchase agreement in respect of exploration expenditures to be incurred at the Hemco Property have been released. Mineros has also relinquished its 50% joint venture interest in the GNM Exploration Target to Royal Road. Mineros and Royal Road also annulled a cooperation agreement relating to Mineros’ Gualcamayo Property in Argentina.
Positive Prefeasibility Study Results for the Porvenir Project - Hemco Property, Nicaragua
On March 16, 2023, the Company announced a new technical report on the Hemco Property, which included positive prefeasibility study (“PFS”) results for its Porvenir Project updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates for other deposits, significantly increasing the mine life of the Hemco Property Mineral Reserves from five to thirteen years. Highlights of the PFS results included:
- Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates for the Porvenir Project, effective December 31, 2022.
- 270 kt of proven mineral reserves averaging 2.70 g/t Au, 13.6 g/t Ag and 3.14% Zn, containing 23 koz Au, 118 koz Ag, and 19 Mlb Zn;
- 5,524 kt of probable mineral reserves averaging 3.09 g/t Au, 10.2 g/t Ag and 2.96% Zn, containing 549 koz Au, 1,804 koz Ag, and 360 Mlb Zn;
- Porvenir Project base case economics include an after-tax net present value (using a 10% discount rate)
of approximately $42 million, an after-tax internal rate of return (“IRR”) of approximately 16% and a payback period of approximately 4 years from start of production in 2027, assuming $1,500/oz Au, $19.00/oz Ag, and $1.27/lb Zn;
- The Porvenir Project will add average annual production over its nine-year mine life of 56,700 oz Au per year, along with 112,300 oz Ag per year and 38.5 Mlb Zn per year to the Hemco Property;
- After-tax net present value (using a 5% discount rate) of $160 million at $1,650/oz Au, $20.90/oz Ag, and $1.40/lb Zn; increasing to $216 million at $1,800/oz Au, $22.80/oz Ag, and $1.52/lb Zn; and
- IRR of 21% and after-tax payback period of 3.5-years from start of production at $1,650/oz Au, $20.90/oz Ag, and $1.40/lb Zn.
A NI 43-101 technical report on the Hemco Property, entitled “Technical Report on the Hemco Property, Región Autónoma de la Costa Caribe Norte, Nicaragua Report for NI 43-101” dated March 24, 2023, with an effective date of December 31, 2022, prepared by Sean Horan, P.Geo., Varun Bhundhoo, ing., R. Dennis Bergen, P.Eng.
and Brenna J.Y. Scholey, P.Eng., all of SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., and Gerd Wiatzka, P.Eng. of Arcadis Canada Inc., was filed on SEDAR+ on March 31, 2023 and is available on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Temporary Suspension of Operations at the Nechí Alluvial Property in Colombia due to Protests
On March 10, 2023, the Company announced a temporary suspension of operations at its Nechí Alluvial Property due to protests by groups of informal miners not associated with the Company against measures taken by the national government of Colombia. On March 23, 2023, the Company announced the resumption of all temporarily suspended operations.
Subsequent events
Profit Distribution Proposal to the General Shareholders Assembly for the year ended December 31, 2023
On February 15, 2023, the Company announced the board of directors’ (the “Board”) proposal regarding profit distribution, which will be voted on at the General Shareholders Assembly,taking place on March 26, 2024 (the “Meeting”).
At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to consider and approve, with or without variation, the distribution of the Company’s profits by way of dividend proposed by the Board, as set out below:
Profit Distribution Proposal Fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
($) (COP$)4 Profit for the year 15,441,821 61,023,949,313
Minus: Transfer of profits for the year to new projects reserve 15,441,821 61,023,949,313 Plus: Release from non-taxable reserves from previous years 26,976,366 106,606,882,786 for payment of non-taxable dividends
Available for distribution to shareholders: 26,976,366 106,606,882,786
The following distribution is proposed:
Payment of untaxed dividend 26,976,366 106,606,882,786
Notes:
1. Payment of each dividend installment will be made for all outstanding shares on the applicable payment date to all registered shareholders within a specified ex dividend period.
2. Dividend payments do not include interest payments.
3. Dividend payments will be converted to Colombian pesos, based on the Representative Market Rate (Tasa Representativa del Mercado – TRM) on each payment date.
4. U.S. dollar amounts will be converted to Colombian pesos for informational purposes, based on the average monthly Representative Market Rate (Tasa Representativa del Mercado – TRM) published by the Colombian Superintendence of Finance for the year ended December 31, 2023 of $1.00 = approximately COP$3,951.86.
Based on the foregoing proposal, a shareholder would be entitled to receive payment of an ordinary dividend in respect of each common share held equal to four installments of $0.01875 ($0.075 in total), and an extraordinary dividend in respect of each common share held equal to four installments of $0.00375 ($0.015 in total), for a total quarterly dividend of $0.0225 ($0.090 total); payable quarterly on April 18, July 18, and October 17, 2024, and January 16, 2025.
The Board believes that the proposed profit distribution is in the best interest of the shareholders and will be voted on at the Meeting.
GROWTH AND EXPLORATION PROJECT UPDATES
The two key growth and exploration projects the Company is advancing are the Porvenir Project and the Luna Roja Deposit, both located at the Hemco Property.
| Porvenir Project, Nicaragua: | Mineros finished the 2023 drill campaign achieving approximately 100% of its | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| original plan, totaling 11,088 metres of diamond drilling in 60 holes | . | The analysis of the metallurgical campaign | |
| is ongoing, and the Company expects to receive analytical results, metallurgical test outcomes and also | |||
| complete the update of the geometallurgical model in the first half of 2024. |
The infill drilling campaign is confirming Mineros’ view that mineralization extends below the current resource estimate and that mineralization remains open at depth.
| Luna Roja Deposit, Nicaragua: | Mineros is still working on an internal Mineral Resources update of the Luna |
| Roja Deposit. In 2024, the Company plans to carry out geological mapping with a focus on geophysical | |
| anomalies and conduct internal metallurgical testing at the Hemco lab. No drilling activities are scheduled for | |
| the Luna Roja Deposit throughout the year. |
OUTLOOK
The following section represents forward looking information and users are cautioned that actual results may vary. We refer to the risks and assumptions contained later in this news release under “Forward-Looking Statements”.
Gold production guidance
The following table presents the Company’s gold production guidance for 2024 and actual production for the year ended December 31, 2023. The production guidance includes production from the Company’s Material Properties and production from artisanal mining.
| Actual (oz) | Guidance (oz) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 December 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Colombia (Nechí Alluvial) Nicaragua (Hemco) | 93,757 84,000 - 94,000 86,000 - 96,000 32,732 35,000 - 37,800 33,000 - 35,000 | ||
| Total Company Mines (1) | 157,550 172,000 - 194,800 118,500 - 131,000 | ||
| Nicaragua (Artisanal) | 93,219 90,000 - 97,200 90,000 - 98,000 | ||
| Total gold production (ounces) (1) | 250,769 239,000 - 262,000 209,000 - 229,000 |
(1) Total Company mines and total gold production for 2023 actual and 2023 guidance includes 31,061 ounces from the Gualcamayo Property, which was sold in September 2023.
Cost outlook
The following table outlines the Company’s Cash Cost and AISC per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2023 and cost guidance 2024. The cost guidance includes the Company’s two Material Properties and production from artisanal mining.
| Actual Cash Cost ($/oz) | Cash Cost Guidance ($/oz) | Actual AISC | AISC ($/oz) Guidance ($/oz) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($/oz) | ||||||
| Country (principal mine) | 31 December 2023 | 2024 | 31 | 2023 | ||
| 2023 | December | 2024 | ||||
| 2023 | ||||||
| Colombia (Nechí Alluvial) | 1,046 | 1,010 - 1,110 | $1,090 - $1,190 | 1,188 | 1,170 - 1,280 | $1,280 - $1,390 |
| Nicaragua (Hemco) | 1,246 | 1,170 - 1,250 | $1,240 - $1,320 | 1,414 | 1,350 - 1,430 | $1,450 - $1,520 |
| Consolidated (1) | 1,216 | 1,170 - 1,270 | $1,180 - $1,270 | 1,441 | 1,440 - 1,540 | $1,430 - $1,530 |
(1) Consolidated Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold and AISC per ounce of gold sold include the Gualcamayo Property, which was sold in September 2023. During 2023, the Gualcamayo Property had Cash Cost per ounce of gold sold of $2,088 and AISC per ounce of gold sold of $2,423.
Cash Cost and AISC per ounce of gold sold outlook were prepared assuming an average selling price of gold of $1,980/oz and inflation of 10% in Colombia and 6% in Nicaragua.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST DETAILS
The Company will host a conference call on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 8:00 am EST (8:00 am COT) to discuss the results. The conference call will be in Spanish with simultaneous translation in English.
A live webcast of the conference all will be available at:
https://app.webinar.net/489vQdrA7nE
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 and Nicaragua 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”.
For further information, please contact:
Patricia Ospina Investor Relations Manager (+57) 42665757 [email protected] [email protected]
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.sedarplus.com.
QUALIFIED PERSON
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Luis Fernando Ferreira de Oliveira, MAusIMM CP (Geo), Mineral Resources and Reserves Manager for Mineros S.A., who is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains “forward looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian 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 2024; estimates for future mineral production and sales;
the Company’s expectations, strategies and plans for the Material Properties; the Company’s planned exploration, development and production activities; completion of the drilling program; statements regarding the projected exploration and development of the Company’s projects; adding or upgrading Mineral Resources and developing new mineral deposits; estimates of future capital and operating costs; the costs and timing of future exploration and development; the timing, receipt and maintenance of necessary approvals, licenses and permits form applicable governments, regulators or third parties; estimates for future prices of gold and other minerals;
future financial or operating performance and condition of the Company and its business, operations and properties, including, without limitation, expectations regarding liquidity, capital structure, competitive position and payment of dividends; 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 to advance the production, development and exploration of the Company’s properties and assets; 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 Material Properties being as described in the applicable 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; inflation rates; availability of labour and 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.
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 (as it may be updated or replaced from time to time), available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
The Company cautions that the foregoing lists of important assumptions and factors are not exhaustive. Other events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the forward looking information contained herein. There can be no assurance that forward looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information.
Forward looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as and to the extent required by applicable securities laws.
NON-IFRS AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company has included certain non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios in this news release.
Management believes that non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios, when supplementing measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. Non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. This data 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. For a discussion of the use of non-IFRS financial measures and reconciliations thereof to the most directly comparable IFRS measures, see below.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, in order to accommodate the transactions that occurred during the period, the Company aligned its definitions of non-IFRS measures to more accurately reflect the economic reality of its operations. Management implemented certain changes including the removal of the non-IFRS financial measure Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio and included Net Debt instead. This change aligns the non-IFRS financial measures to those used by the business to evaluate the performance of the Company. AISC and Cash Cost have been restated to capture cash outflows related to asset retirement obligations and environmental and rehabilitation costs. No other changes to the determination of the remaining non-IFRS financial measures have been made.
EBIT, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use the earnings before interest and tax (“EBIT”), earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), which excludes certain non-operating income and expenses, such as financial income or expenses, hedging operations, exploration expenses, impairment of assets, foreign currency exchange differences, and other expenses (principally, donations, corporate projects and taxes incurred). The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results because it is consistent with the indicators management uses internally to measure the Company’s performance, and is an indicator of the performance of the Company’s mining operations.