Heliostar Announces 2024 Production Guidance for Acquired Mines
Heliostar Announces 2024 Production Guidance for
Acquired Mines
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Production guidance for July-December of 19,350 – 19,750 Gold Ounces and 20,000 –
20,250 Gold Equivalent Ounces
• Cash Cost guidance of US$1,500 – US$1,600 Cash Costs and ASIC guidance of US$1,650 –
US$1,750 per Gold Ounce
• Immediate objectives are to expand annual production and grow resources
• Five drill rigs turning across portfolio
Vancouver, Canada - November 14, 2024 – Heliostar Metals L td. (TSX.V: HSTR, OTCQX: HSTXF, FRA: RGG 1)
(“Heliostar” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that, upon completion of the acquisition of the San
Agustin Mine and the La Colorada Mine in Mexico (the “Projects”), it can provide gold production guidance for
July-December 2024. The Projects have operated for the commercial benefit of Heliostar Metals Limited since
July 11th, 2024.
Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, “Heliostar is now a cash flow positive gold producer with significant
potential and an under-explored portfolio of properties with significant resource growth potentia l. Today’s
guidance for the second half of 2024 shows strong cash flow margins. This cash flow is being re-invested in
our Mexican assets and represents the first significant investment these assets have received in many
years. The immediate focus is to add to the current production at La Colorada and to advance Ana Paula to a
production decision in 2025. The Company has five drill rigs turning across its portfolio with the objective to
grow the resource base to support our plans to grow into a mid-tier gold producer.”
Production Guidance
Total gold sales from the San Agustin Mine and the La Colorada Mine during the July to December 2024 period
(being the second and third quarters of the Company’s financial year) are expected to be 19,350 – 19,750
ounces (20,000 – 20,250 ounces) at a cash cost of US$1,500 - US$1,600 per ounce and an all-in sustaining cost
(“AISC”) of US$1,650-US$1,750 per ounce.
The La Colorada Mine continues to produce gold from leach pads after the previous operator paused mining
in September 2023. The Company has maintained an elevated staff level, adding to site costs, as it determines
the economic viability of re-starting mining operations using previously stockpiled material. Recent work has
identified a 4.2 million tonne stockpile as a possible ore source. The Company further plans to complete a Pre-
Feasibility Study in early Q1, 2025 with a view to restarting mining operations in the Creston Pit in mid-2025.
The San Agustin Mine recently ceased mining activities due to permit constraints and is producing gold from
existing leach pads. The Company has submitted a permit application to expand the open pit that would allow
TSX.V: HSTR
OTCQX: HSTXF
2
595 Burrard Street, Suite 1723, Vancouver BC, V7X 1J1, Canada -- Tel +1 236 429 9306
TSX.V: HSTR, OTCQX: HSTXF, FRA: RGG1
mining at San Agustin to recommence in 2025. Without approval, the San Agustin Mine will transition to care
and maintenance upon completion of leaching operations.
Drilling and technical trade-off studies continue at Ana Paula. The Company plans to complete a Feasibility
Study on Ana Paula by the end of 2025 to allow for a construction decision shortly thereafter.
Project Category Jul-Oct
Actual
Nov-Dec
Guidance
Total Jul-Dec
Guidance
La Colorada Mine
Gold Sold (Ounces) 3,800 900-1,000 4,700-4,800
Silver sold (Ounces) 10,300 3,000-4,000 13,300-14,300
GEO's sold (Ounces) 3,900 900-1,050 4,800-4950
Cash Cost (US$ per Gold Ounce) 1,200 2,200-2,300 1,350-1,450
AISC (US$ per Gold Ounce) 1,400 2,400-2,500 1,500-1,600
San Agustin Mine
Gold Sold (Ounces) 11,300 3,350-3,650 14,650-14,950
Silver sold (Ounces) 18,500 6,900-7,000 25,400-25,500
GEO's sold (Ounces) 11,600 3,600-3,700 15,200-15,300
Cash Cost (US$ per Gold Ounce) 1,650 1,200-1,300 1,500-1,600
AISC (US$ per Gold Ounce) 1,800 1,400-1,500 1,650-1,750
Consolidated
Gold Sold (Ounces) 15,100 4,250-4,650 19,350-19,750
Silver sold (Ounces) 28,800 9,900-11,000 38,700-39,800
GEO's sold (Ounces) 15,500 4,500-4,750 20,000-20,250
Cash Cost (US$ per Gold Ounce) 1,550 1,400-1,500 1,500-1,600
AISC (US$ per Gold Ounce) 1,700 1,500-1,600 1,650-1,750
Notes:
1. Forecast period from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
2. Cash costs and AISC are non -GAAP measures . Please refer to the “Non -GAAP Financial
Measures” section of this news release for further information on this measure.
3. AISC is based on World Gold Council definition.
4. Metal prices estimated at US$2,500 per ounce gold and $30 per ounce gold price.
5. Annual average exchange rate from all costs based on Mexican peso to US dollar (eighteen
pesos per one dollar).
During the interim period between execution of the share purchase agreement with Florida Canyon Gold Inc.
(“FCGI”) and closing of the acquisition , FCGI retained US$5 million in proceeds from the cash flow generated
from mining operations at the Projects.
Statement of Qualified Persons
Gregg Bush, P.Eng. and Mike Gingles, Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101
– Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information that
3
595 Burrard Street, Suite 1723, Vancouver BC, V7X 1J1, Canada -- Tel +1 236 429 9306
TSX.V: HSTR, OTCQX: HSTXF, FRA: RGG1
forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr Bush is employed as Chief
Operating Officer of the Company, and Mr Gingles is employed as Vice President of Corporate Development
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management believes that the following non-GAAP financial measures will enable certain investors to better
evaluate the Company's performance, liquidity, and ability to generate cash flow. These measures do not have
any standardized definition under IFRS, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures
differently.
Cautionary Production Disclosure
In the period between announcement of the transaction and the Company filing updated technical reports the
Company advises that a production decision on the Projects has not been based on a preliminary economic
assessment or a feasibility study of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability, and, as
a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the
cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit.
Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that
production at the Projects will continue as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be
achieved.
Failure to continue production at the Projects would have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability
to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs at
the Projects would have a material adverse impact on the Company's cash flow and future profitability.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no
certainty that the production scenarios set out in this news release will be realized.
About Heliostar Metals Ltd.
Heliostar is a gold producer with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La
Colorada Mine in Sonora and San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of
development projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro
del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur and the Unga project in Alaska, USA.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Charles Funk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 844-753-0045
Rob Grey
Investor Relations Manager
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 844-753-0045
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of
the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes certain "Forward–Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward –looking information" under applicable
4
595 Burrard Street, Suite 1723, Vancouver BC, V7X 1J1, Canada -- Tel +1 236 429 9306
TSX.V: HSTR, OTCQX: HSTXF, FRA: RGG1
Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate",
"expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or
expressions, identify forward–looking statements or in formation. These forward–looking statements or
information relate to, among other things, the Company’s plans, prospects and business strategies; the
Company’s guidance on the timing and amount of future production and its expectations regarding the
results of operations; the Company’s integration of acquisitions and any anticipated benefits thereof; the
completion of a Pre -Feasibility Study on the La Colorada Mine in 2025; the potential re -start of mining
operations at the Creston Pit; the potential approval of a permit application to expand the pit and restart
mining at the San Agustin Mine; the completion of Feasibility Study on Ana Paula; and expectations for
other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.
Forward-looking statements and forward–looking information relating to the terms and completion of the
Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management’s
reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectation s, analyses and opinions, which are based on
management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and
other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may
prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of
necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing
military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the est imated costs of development of
exploration projects; and the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability
to obtain financing on reasonable terms.
These statements reflect the Company’s respective current views with respect to future events and are
necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable
by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social
uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results,
performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements
that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward –looking statements or forward -looking
information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these
factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the
conduct of the Company’s mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting
delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company’s management team and outside contractors; risks
regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company’s inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks,
on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate
sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and
unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical
recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to p roperties, particularly
title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the
ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of
public health crises; the e conomic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military
conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection
with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company’s
interactions with surrounding communities; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired
assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing
quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and
officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under
the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against
attributing undue certainty to forward–looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the
Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially,
5
595 Burrard Street, Suite 1723, Vancouver BC, V7X 1J1, Canada -- Tel +1 236 429 9306
TSX.V: HSTR, OTCQX: HSTXF, FRA: RGG1
there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company
does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward –looking statements or
forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other
events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.