Ero Copper Reports Second Quarter Results
Ero Copper Reports Second Quarter Results
(all amounts in US dollars, unless otherwise noted)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 13, 2018 -- Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO) (“Ero” or the “Company”) today is pleased to
announce its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. Management will host a conference call tomorrow,
Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern to discuss the results. Dial in details for the call can be found near the end of
this press release.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Second quarter copper production of 5,684 tonnes of copper;
• Second quarter C1 Cash Costs* of $1.49 per pound of copper produced;
• Generated $23.6 million in Adjusted EBITDA* during the three month period ended June 30, 2018;
• Cash flow from operations of $22.7 million during the three month period ended June 30, 2018;
• Adjusted net income* attributable to owners of the Company of $2.6 million, $0.03 per share on a diluted basis during the
three month period ended June 30, 2018;
• Ended the second quarter with cash position of $19.3 million; and,
• Reiterated full year production, capital and operating cost guidance for 2018.
“Our operational results from the second quarter of 2018 continue to be in line with our expectations. Overall, we saw quarter-on-
quarter increases in production volumes from both our Pilar underground and Surubim open pit operations. Continued effort on
optimizing production including the completion of underground maintenance and support facilities in the lower levels of the Pilar
mine resulted in an increase in productivity and improved our per tonne operating cost metrics from underground mining during the
quarter.
Open pit production was significantly higher quarter-on-quarter as Phase II production resumed to normalized levels following the
completion of waste stripping at the Surubim Mine during the first quarter of 2018.
At Vermelhos, our newest mine, underground development has continued to outpace forecast development rates with 1,261 meters
of total development completed during the quarter. Underground infrastructure, including ventilation raises, have now been
completed to the first four production levels of the main Vermelhos ore body and gallery development has commenced in those
areas. Blast-hole drilling in preparation for first production has commenced in the UG1 production area. While we are maintaining
our outlook for start-up of Vermelhos in the fourth quarter of 2018, we are advancing several opportunities to further accelerate this
timeline.
On exploration, we substantively concluded our resource upgrade programs in preparation for our mid-year resource update, and
our exploration programs are now shifting focus to previously announced targets in and around each of the mining operations –
including the West Limb of the Pilar Mine. In addition, our district-wide airborne geophysical survey designed to target high-grade
mineralization throughout the Curaçá Valley made excellent progress during the quarter and data collection for the program is
nearing completion. Data processing commenced contemporaneously with the start of the program and priority targeting in
preparation for drill testing is well underway,” commented David Strang, President & CEO of Ero Copper.
The Company’s financial statements for the period were impacted by non-cash adjustments related to movements of the Brazilian
Real (“BRL”) against the US dollar during the period, particularly as it relates to the translation of US dollar debt held by the
Company’s subsidiary, Mineração Caraíba (“MCSA”) into BRL – its functional currency. Accordingly, the Company believes that
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net gain (loss) are better reflections of the Company’s underlying performance.
*EBITDA, Adjusted net income (loss), and C1 Cash Cost of copper produced (per lb) are non-IFRS measures – see the Notes
section of this press release for a discussion on non-IFRS Measures
OPERATIONS & EXPLORATION HIGHLIGHTS
◾ Mining & Milling Operations – in line with expectations
• Quarter-on-quarter increase in total tonnes mined totalling 495.5 thousand tonnes (“kt”) grading 1.35% copper
compared to 318.7kt grading 1.74% copper mined during the first quarter of 2018;
• During the quarter, 501.0 kt of ore was processed at an average grade of 1.35% copper resulting in 5,684 tonnes of
copper production after metallurgical recoveries that averaged 84.1% over the period; and,
• 6,569 tonnes of copper in concentrate sold during the quarter.
◾ Vermelhos Mine Development – advancing first production
• During the second quarter, total development of 1,261 meters was completed, including 238 meters of primary ramp
development, 953 meters of secondary development and 70 meters of auxiliary ramp development accessing the UG1
production area; and,
• As at the end of July, the coarse-ore development stockpile at Vermelhos had reached 15,941 tonnes grading 4.24%
copper.
◾ Exploration Activities – shifting to regional exploration
• Pilar District
◾ Exploration activities continue to be focused on extensions to the Deepening as well as extensions and infill of
the recently announced West Limb Discovery between the R22 Underground target and the mining area of
P1P2W (see the Company’s press release dated May 17, 2018 for additional detail on the West Limb
Discovery). All Pilar exploration targets are within or adjacent to existing Pilar underground mine
infrastructure. Currently, seven underground and three surface drill rigs are operating at Pilar.
• Surubim District
◾ Drilling activities are focused on evaluating new target areas adjacent to the Surubim open pit mine. Currently
two exploration drill rigs are operating within the District.
• Vermelhos District
◾ Exploration activity continues to focus on new targets as well as down-dip extensions of the main Vermelhos
ore bodies to the south and at depth. The copper oxide exploration program also remains ongoing. Currently
five exploration drill rigs are operating at Vermelhos.
• Regional Programs
◾ The Company’s airborne geophysical survey, comprised of both electromagnetic and gravity components had
been flown over approximately 50% and 80% of the planned survey area at the end of the period, respectively.
Data processing commenced contemporaneously with the start of the program and priority targeting in
preparation for drill testing is underway.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
3 months
ended
June 30,
2018
3 months
ended
March
31,
2018
6 months
ended
June 30,
2018
3 months
ended
June 30,
2017
6 months
ended
June 30,
2017(1)
Operating Highlights (MCSA Operations)
Ore Processed (tonnes) 500,952 316,126 817,078 502,216 777,956
Grade (% Cu) 1.35 1.76 1.51 1.30 1.34
Cu Production (tonnes) 5,684 4,845 10,530 5,651 9,006
Cu Production (000 lbs) 12,532 10,682 23,214 12,459 19,855
Cu Sold in Concentrate (tonnes) 6,569 4,096 10,665 6,233 8,378
Cu Sold in Concentrate (000 lbs) 14,482 9,030 23,512 13,741 18,470
C1 Cash cost of copper produced (per lb)(2)(3) 1.49 1.63 1.55 1.25 1.45
Financial Highlights ($millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues $ 47.3 $ 28.2 $ 75.5 $ 32.5 $ 44.7
Gross profit (loss) $ 11.6 $ 5.0 $ 16.6 $ 4.9 $ 2.1
EBITDA(2) $ (2.6) $ 7.1 $ 4.5 $ 1.4 $ 5.8
Adjusted EBITDA(2) $ 23.6 $ 6.2 $ 29.9 $ 9.4 $ 7.9
Cash flow from (used in) operations $ 22.7 $ 1.0 $ 23.7 $ 4.7 $ 3.2
Net loss attributable to owners of the Company $ (16.9) $ (4.1) $ (21.0) $ (10.5) $ (15.4)
Net loss per share attributable to owners of the Company – Basic &
diluted $ (0.20) $ (0.05) $ (0.25) $ (0.19) $ (0.32)
Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to owners of the Company(2) $ 2.6 $ (4.8) $ (2.2 ) $ (3.2) $ (13.4)
Adjusted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to owners of the
Company(2) – Basic & diluted $ 0.03 $ (0.06) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.06) $ (0.28)
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 17.1 $ 27.1 $ 17.1 $ 24.8 $ 24.8
Working Capital (Deficit)(2) $ (7.3) $ 22.2 $ (7.3) $ (23.1) $ (23.1)
Net Debt(2) $ (121.9) $ (110.7) $ (121.9) $ (138.6) $ (138.6)
Footnotes
[1] Ero was incorporated on May 16, 2016. MCSA was acquired December 12, 2016. Operations did not commence until the first
quarter of 2017
[2] EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income (loss), Adjusted net earnings (loss) per share, Net Debt, Working Capital and
C1 Cash Cost of copper produced (per lb) are non-IFRS measures – see the Notes section of this press release for a discussion on
non-IFRS Measures
[3] Starting in 2018, the Company included the costs of treatment, refining and sales costs and credits related to the sale of copper
concentrate in its C1 Cash Cost calculation
ADJUSTED EBITDA & NET INCOME (LOSS) RECONCILIATION
While the reporting currency of the Company is US dollars, and the majority of the Company’s debt is denominated in US dollars,
the US dollar denominated debt is held by MCSA whose functional currency is BRL. On consolidation, the quarter-on-quarter
translation of the US dollar debt into BRL results in a significant non-cash adjustment to the income statement, as detailed below:
2018 - Q2
Adjusted EBITDA $ 23,632
Adjustments:
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on USD denominated debt in MCSA $ (12,234)
Unrealized Foreign exchange loss on derivative contracts (7,356)
Realized Foreign exchange loss on derivative contracts (4,044)
Other (2,550)
EBITDA $ (2,552)
Adjusted net income (loss) $ 2,572
Adjustments for non-cash items (attributable to owners of the Company):
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on USD denominated debt in MCSA (12,137)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on derivative contracts (7,327)
Reported net loss attributable to owners of the Company $ (16,892)
OUTLOOK
The Company’s production, cash cost and capital expenditure guidance for 2018 remains unchanged. Additional information is
outlined below and further detailed in the Company’s press release dated January 9, 2018.
Production & Cash Costs:
2018[1]
Tonnes Processed Sulphides 2,000,000
Copper Grade (% Cu) 1.50%
Copper Recovery (%) 86.0%
Cu Production Guidance (tonnes) 25,500 – 27,500
C1 Cash Cost Guidance (US$/lb)[1] $1.30 – $1.40
Footnotes:
[1] Guidance is based on certain estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to, mineral reserve estimates, grade and
continuity of interpreted geological formations and metallurgical performance. Please refer to the Company’s SEDAR filings for
complete risk factors.
[2] C1 Cash Costs of copper produced (per lb.) is a non-IFRS measures – see the Notes section of this press release for a
discussion of non-IFRS measures.
Production for the year is weighted towards the second half of the year in part due to the commissioning of the Vermelhos Mine,
currently anticipated during the fourth quarter, as well as Pilar and Surubim mine resequencing. Cash cost guidance for 2018
assumes a USD:BRL foreign exchange rate of 3.20, gold price of US$1,250 per ounce and silver price of US$17.50 per ounce. C1
Cash Cost guidance for 2018 has been updated to include treatment and refining charges (“TC/RCs”), offsite transportation costs
and certain tax benefits that are passed through to customers on invoicing. These adjustments were not included in prior C1 Cash
Cost disclosure.
Capital Expenditures:
The Company’s capital expenditure guidance for 2018 reflects an acceleration of the Vermelhos mine and a significant expansion of
the Company’s 2017 exploration programs. Additional investments in the Pilar underground mine and supporting infrastructure are
being made during 2018 in preparation for a longer mine life than previously envisioned.
($US millions) 2018
Pilar Mine 39.0
Vermelhos 36.0
Exploration & Drilling[1] 20.0
Boa Esperanҫa 1.0
Capital Expenditure Guidance 96.0
Footnotes:
[1] Exploration & drilling capital expenditure guidance is dependent, in part, on future exploration success and subject to further
review and revision
NOTES
Non-IFRS measures
Financial results of the Company are prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Company utilizes certain non-IFRS
measures, including C1 cash cost of copper produced (per lb), EBITDA, Adjusted net income (loss), Adjusted
earnings (loss) per share, net debt and working capital, which are not measures recognized under IFRS. The
Company believes that these measures, together with measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide
investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not
have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar
measures employed by other companies. The 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.
C1 Cash Cost of copper produced (per lb.)
C1 Cash cost of copper produced (per lb) is the sum of production costs, net of capital expenditure development
costs and by-product credits, divided by the copper pounds produced. C1 cash costs reported by the Company
include treatment, refining charges, offsite costs, and certain tax credits relating to sales invoiced to the Company’s
Brazilian customer on sales. By-product credits are calculated based on actual precious metal sales (net of
treatment costs) during the period divided by the total pounds of copper produced during the period. C1 cash cost of
copper produced per pound is a non-IFRS measure used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating
performance of the Company’s operating mining unit, and is widely reported in the mining industry as benchmarks for
performance, but does not have a standardized meaning and is disclosed in addition to IFRS measures.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted
EBITDA includes further adjustments for non-recurring items and items not indicative to the future operating
performance of the Company. The Company believes EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are appropriate supplemental
measures of debt service capacity and performance of its operations.
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by removing the following income statement items:
• Gain on debt settlement
• Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
The Company uses the financial measure “Adjusted net income (loss)” and “Adjusted earnings per share” to
supplement information in its consolidated financial statements. The Company believes that, in addition to
conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and certain investors and analysts use this
information to evaluate the Company’s performance. The Company excludes non-cash and unusual items from net
earnings to provide a measure which allows the Company and investors to evaluate the operating results of the
underlying core operations.
During the period, the following non-cash or unusual adjustments to calculated adjusted net income (loss):
• Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on USD denominated debt in MCSA
• Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on derivatives contract
Working capital
Working capital is determined based on current assets and current liabilities as reported in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements. The Company uses working capital as a measure of the Company’s short-term
financial health and operating efficiency.
Net Debt
Net debt is determined based on cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and loans and borrowings as reported in
the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company uses net debt as a measure of the Company’s
ability to pay down its debt.
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
The Company will hold a conference call on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 11:30am Eastern time (8:30am Pacific time) to discuss
these results.
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Time: 11:30 am Eastern time (8:30 am Pacific time)
Dial in:
North America: 1-800-319-4610, International: +1-604-638-5340
please dial in 5-10 minutes prior and ask to join the call
Replay North America: 1-800-319-6413, International: +1-604-638-9010
Replay Passcode: 2493
This release should be read in conjunction with the complete condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and
six month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 and the management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the three month
period ended June 30, 2018, available on the Company’s website www.erocopper.com
ABOUT ERO COPPER CORP
Ero Copper Corp, headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., is focused on copper production growth from the Vale do Curaçá Property,
located in Bahia, Brazil. The Company’s primary asset is a 99.6% interest in the Brazilian copper mining company, MCSA, 100%
owner of the Vale do Curaçá Property with over 37 years of operating history in the region. The Company currently mines copper
ore from the Pilar underground and the Surubim open pit mines and is currently developing the new high-grade Vermelhos copper
mine. In addition to the Vale do Curaçá Property, MCSA owns 100% of the Boa Esperanҫa development project, an IOCG-type
copper project located in Pará, Brazil. Additional information on the Company and its operations, including Technical Reports on
both the Vale do Curaçá and Boa Esperanҫa properties, can be found on the Company’s website ( www.erocopper.com) and on
SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
Rubens Mendonça, MAusIMM, Chartered Professional – Mining, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information
contained in this news release. Mr. Mendonça is a Qualified Person and is independent of Ero Copper Corp. as defined by National
Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).
ERO COPPER CORP.
Signed: “David Strang” For further information contact:
David Strang, President & CEO Makko DeFilippo, Vice President, Corporate Development
(604) 429-9244
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS This Press 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 expected operations at the Pilar and Surubim mines, timing of production at the Vermelhos Mine, drilling plans,
plans for the Company’s exploration program, the Company’s ability to service its ongoing obligations, the Company’s future
capital resources and expenditures and the impact of new accounting standards and amendments on the Company’s financial
statements.
Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of 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 Press
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 copper and other metal prices; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs;
the accuracy of any mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; the geology of the Vale do Curaçá Property and the Boa
Esperanҫa Property being as described in the technical reports for these properties; 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 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.
Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which
may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different
from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
information. Such risks include, without limitation the risk factors listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Annual Information
Circular of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017, dated March 28, 2018.
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.
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 Press 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.
GENERAL Information of a scientific or technical nature in respect of the Vale do Curaçá Property included in this news release is
based upon the Vale do Curaçá Technical Report, dated September 7, 2017 with an effective date of June 1, 2017, prepared by
Rubens Mendonça, MAusIMM, of SRK Brazil as at the date of the report (now with Planaminas), and Porfirio Cabaleiro Rodrigues,
MAIG, Mário Conrado Reinhardt, MAIG, Fábio Valério Xavier, MAIG and Bernardo H.C. Viana, MAIG, all of GE21, who are
independent qualified persons under NI 43-101.
Please see the Vale do Curaçá Technical Report filed on the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com, for details regarding the data
verification undertaken with respect to the scientific and technical information included in this news release regarding the Vale do
Curaçá Property for additional details regarding the related exploration information, including interpretations, the QA/QC employed,
sample, analytical and testing results and for additional details regarding the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates
discussed herein.