Fortuna announces positive construction decision for its Séguéla gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire
Fortuna announces positive construction decision for its Séguéla gold Project
in Côte d’Ivoire
Vancouver, September 29, 2021 -- Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM) (TSX: FVI) is pleased to
announce that the Board of Directors of the company has made a decision to proceed with the
construction of an open pit mine at the Séguéla gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire. The company is ready to
immediately commence construction with long lead items procured, and development teams established
on the ground. In July 2021, Fortuna completed the acquisition of Roxgold Inc. which was advancing the
Séguéla Project (see Fortuna´s news release dated July 2, 2021, “ Fortuna and Roxgold complete
combination to create a global premier growth -oriented intermediate gold and silver producer ”). For
specific details on the Séguéla Project feasibility study, please refer to the technical report entitled “NI 43‐
101 Technical Report, Séguéla Project, Feasibility Study, Worodougou Region, Côte d’Ivoire ” dated May
26, 2021.
Jorge A. Ganoza, President and CEO of Fortuna , commented, “With a nine year mine life in reserves,
130,000 ounces of annual gold production in the initial six years, and compelling economics , Séguéla is
planned to become our fifth operating mine with first gold by mid-2023.” Mr. Ganoza added, “Fortuna is
in a solid financial position to fund the remaining $162 million initial capital investment and our teams in
West Africa are primed and ready to start.” Mr. Ganoza concluded, “Parallel to construction, the company
plans to continue with well funded drill programs to test multiple remaining targets on the Séguéla
property, where over the last 12 months, the exploration team has successfully delivered gold discoveries
at the Koula, Sunbird and Gabbro North prospects.”
Paul Criddle, COO - West Africa of Fortuna, commented, “The decision to commence construction of the
still growing Séguéla Project, marks an exciting milestone for the company.” Mr. Criddle continued, “The
team has further derisked the project by advancing detailed design and commencing procurement of long
lead items , including the SAG mill and the e xecution of critical path agreements including the EPC
agreement with Lycopodium for the processing plant. This has allowed Séguéla´s critical path to be
protected as well as managing the cost risk by locking in substantial components of the initial cap ex in
fixed price contracts. ” Mr. Criddle added, “B ulk earthworks contractors have been mobili zed and will
break ground at the plant site in October with the accommodation village expected to be completed in
November of 2021.”
The updated Séguéla Project total initial capital investment is $173.5 million. $11.5 million of this amount
has previously been approved by the Board for early works items. The anticipated construction schedule
is approximately 20 months, with ramp-up to name plate capacity expected in the third quarter of 2023.
NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI
www.fortunasilver.com NEWS RELEASE
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Séguéla Project feasibility study economic highlights1,5,6
The following table sets out the economic highlights from the Séguéla feasibility study:
Operating Metrics
Units Results
Life of mine Years 8.6
Total mineralized material mined Tonnes 12,064,000
Contained gold in mined resource Oz 1,088,000
Strip ratio waste to ore 13.9:1
Throughput @ start-up million tonnes per
annum (Mtpa)
1.25
Throughput @ peak Mtpa 1.57
Head grade g/t Au 2.8
Recoveries % 94.5%
Gold Production
Total production over life of mine (LOM) Oz 1,028,000
Annual production over LOM Oz 120,000
Annual production over first 6 years Oz 133,000
Operating Costs over LOM
Total mining costs $/t (mined) $2.79
Mining costs (sustaining capital) $/t (mined) $0.78
Mining costs (operating costs) $/t (mined) $2.01
Processing $/t (processed) $12.57
G&A $/t (processed) $5.30
Total operating costs
(excluding sustaining capital)
$/t (processed) $47.83
Financial Metrics
Units
Results
Cash costs2
Average cash costs over LOM $/oz
$567
Average cash costs over first 6 years $/oz
$528
AISC2
Average AISC2 over LOM $/oz
$832
Average AISC2 over first 6 years $/oz
$797
Valuation
Gold price $/oz $1,600 $1,800
NPV @ 5% discount rate (after-tax)(3) $M $380 478
After-tax IRR % 49% 58%
Payback period years 1.7 1.4
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Average EBITDA2 over LOM $M $107 $127
Average EBITDA2 over first 6 years $M $130 $153
Environmental Data
Units Results
Greenhouse gas emissions intensity
(scope 1+2)
tCO2e/oz
0.58
Energy intensity GJ/oz
4.39
Notes:
1. Please refer to the technical report entitled “ NI 43‐101 Technical Report, Séguéla Project, Feasibility Study, Worodougou
Region, Côte d’Ivoire” dated May 26, 2021 co-authored by Paul Criddle, FAusIMM, Hans Andersen, MAIG, Paul Weedon, MAI,
Dave Morgan, AIMM, CPEng, Geoff Bailey, FIEAust, CPEng, NPER -3, REPQ, Shane McLeay FAUSIMM and Niel Morrison Peng
filed on SEDAR under the Roxgold Inc. issuer profile
2. Cash costs, all-in sustaining cash costs and EBITDA are non-IFRS financial measures. Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures at
the end of this news release
3. Attributable to Fortuna’s 90% interest; the Government of Côte d’Ivoire holds a 10% carried interest
4. The Project economics are subject to the assumptions as detailed in the Feasibility Study
5. All references to dollar amounts in the table and in this news release are expressed in US dollars
6. The financial metrics in the table are based upon an initial capital expenditure of $142 million as set out in the Feasibility
Study
Construction at Séguéla will incorporate protocols to ensure the health and safety of employee s,
contractors and host communities in respect of COVID-19.
The company will continue to provide construction updates as progress is made at Séguéla in the
upcoming months.
Qualified Person
Paul Criddle, FAusIMM, Chief Operating Officer, West Africa for the company, is a Qualified Person as
defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects , and has reviewed
and approved the scientific and technical information pertaining to the Séguéla Project contained in this
news release and has verified the underlying data.
About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with four operating mines in
Argentina, Burkina Faso, Mexico and Peru, and an advanced development project in Côte d’Ivoire.
Sustainability is integral to all our operations and relationships. We produce gold and silver and generate
shared value over the long -term for our shareholders and stakeholders through efficient production,
environmental protection, and social responsibility. For more information, please visit our website.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jorge A. Ganoza
President, CEO, and Director
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.
Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca | [email protected]
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Forward-looking statements
This news release contains forward -looking statements which constitute “forward -looking information” within the meaning of
applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All statements included herein,
other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks
and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking
statements. The Forward -looking statements in this news release may include, without limitation, statements about the
company’s plans for the construction of an open pit mine at the Seguela project in Cote D’Ivoire; the economics for the construction
of the mine at the Seguela project as set out in the feasibility study; the estimated construction capex for the project; the timelines
and schedules for the construction of the m ine; the estimated internal rate of return on production; the estimated net present
value of the project and estimates of production; estimated EBITDA; the ability of the company to continue its exploration at the
Séguéla project; the company’s plans for its mines and mineral properties; the company’s anticipated performance in 2021;
estimated production forecasts; estimated production costs and all -in sustaining cash costs; the success of the company’s
exploration activities at its mines and development projects; the timing of the implementation and completion of sustaining capital
investment projects at the company’s mines; the duration and impacts of COVID -19 on the company’s construction plans at
Seguela, production, workforce, business, operations and financial condition; metal price estimates, estimated metal grades; the
timing of the signing of construction contracts for the Séguéla Project; the company’s business strategy, plans and outlook; the
merit of the company’s mines and mineral properties; min eral resource and reserve estimates; production costs; timelines; the
future financial or operating performance of the company; expenditures; approvals and other matters. Often, but not always,
these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “estimated”, “potential”, “open”, “future”,
“assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”, “gain”, “planned”, “reflecting”, “will”, “anticipated”, “estimated”
“containing”, “remaining”, “to be”, or statements that events, “coul d” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions,
including negative variations.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed
or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, changes in general economic
conditions and financial markets; changes in the construction schedule at Seguela; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the
company’s mining operations and construction activities; the duration and impacts of COVID -19 on the company’s production,
workforce, business, operations and financial condition, and the risks relating to a global pandemic, which unless contained could
cause a slowdown in global economic growth; uncertainties related to the impacts of COVID -19 which may include: changing
market conditions, changing restrictions on the mining industry in the countries in which the company operates, the ability to
operate as a result of government imposed restrictions, including restrictions on travel, the transportation of concentrates and
doré, access to refineries, the impact of additional waves of the pandemic or increases of incidents of COVID -19 in the countries
in which we operate; the duration of any suspension of operations at the company’s mines as a result of COVID -19 which may
affect production and the company’ business operations and financial condition; changes in prices for gold, silver and other metals;
changes in the prices of key supplies; technological and operational hazards in Fortuna’s mining and mine development activities;
risks inherent in mineral exploration; the ability of the current exploration programs to identify and or expand mineral resources,
operational risks in exploration and development; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects;
uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral reserves, mineral resources, and metal recoveries; changes to current estimates
of mineral reserves and resources; changes to production and cost estimates; governmental and other approvals; maintaining,
obtaining or renewing environmental permits; changes in government, political unrest or instability in countries where Fortuna is
active; fluctuations in currencies and exchange rates; the imposition of capital control in countries in which the company operates;
labor relations issues; as well as those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the company's Annual Information Form. Although
the company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially
from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from
those anticipated, estimated or intended.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management,
including but not limited to the accuracy of the company’s current mineral resource and reserve estimates; that the company’s
activities will be in accordance with the company’s public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse
change affecting the company or its properties; that the reconciliation of min eral reserves at the company’s mines remains
consistent with the mineral reserve model; changes to production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected ore grade,
mining rates, recovery timing, and recovery rate estimates and may be impacted by unsched uled maintenance, labor and
contractor availability and other operating or technical difficulties); the duration and impacts of COVID -19 on the company’s
production, workforce, business, operations and financial condition, and the risks relating to a global pandemic, which unles s
contained could cause a slowdown in global economic growth; government mandates in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Burkina Faso
and Côte d’Ivoire with respect to mining operations generally or auxiliary businesses or services required for the company’s
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operations; government and the company’s attempts to reduce the spread of COVID -19 which may affect may aspects of the
company’s operations, including transportation of personnel to and from site, contractor and supplier availability and the ability
to sell or deliver concentrate and doré; the expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; that the company’s
activities will be in accordance with the company’s public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse
change affecting the company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained for the company’s business and
operations; th at there will be no significant disruptions affecting operations and such other assumptions as set out herein.
Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-
looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There
can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could
differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-
looking statements.
For readers to fully understand the information in this news release, they should read the technical report entitled “ NI 43‐101
Technical Report, Séguéla Project, Feasibility Study, Worodougou Region, Côte d’Ivoire ” dated May 26, 2021 (the “Technical
Report” in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the information set out therein which
qualifies the technical information contained in the Technical Report. The Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and
sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Reserves and Resources
Reserve and resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43 -101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum
Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities
Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by a Canadian company of scientific and technical information
concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all mineral reserv e and mineral resource estimates contained in the
technical disclosure have been prepared in accordance with NI 43 -101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
and mineral reserve and resource information included in this news release may not be comparable to similar information
disclosed by U.S. companies.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This news release also refers to non -IFRS financial measures, such as cash cost s, all-in sustaining cash cost and EBITDA. These
measures do not have a standardized meaning or method of calculation, even though the descriptions of such measures may be
similar. These performance measures have no meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and therefore,
amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. For additional information
regarding non -IFRS measures, including reconciliations to the closest comparable IFRS measures, see "Non -GAAP Financial
Measures" in Fortuna’s annual MD&A, which is available under Fortuna's SEDAR profile.