Lucara’S Q1 2022 Revenue of $68.2 Million Reflective of a Strong Start to 2022
May 5, 2022
NEWS RELEASE
LUCARA’S Q1 2022 REVENUE OF $68.2 MILLION REFLECTIVE OF A STRONG START TO 2022
VANCOUVER, May 5, 2022 /CNW/ (LUC – TSX, LUC – BSE, LUC – Nasdaq Stockholm)
Lucara Diamond Corp. (“Lucara” or the “Company”) today reports its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Q1 2022 HIGHLIGHTS:
• Revenue in Q1 2022 increased by 28% to $68.2 million from $53.1 million in Q1 2021 a reflection of strong
rough and polished diamond market fundamentals into the first quarter.
• The combination of a strong diamond market, combined with the sale of several higher value rough
diamonds in Q1 2022 generated an average price per carat (excluding top-up payments) of $690 for Karowe
diamonds sold during the quarter (Q1 2021: $480 per carat).
• A total of 186 Specials (single diamonds in excess of 10.8 carats) were recovered, representing 6.9% weight
percent Specials (Q1 2021: 6.8%).
• Sales volumes transacted on Clara during Q1 2022 totalled $7.0 million, a 17% increase from the $6.0 million
in sales volume transacted in Q1 2021. A third-party producer will commence a series of trial sales beginning
in Q2 of 2022.
• A total project investment of $31.1 million into the Karowe UGP during Q1 2022 focused on shaft pre-sinking
activities and construction of a new 29km 132kV transmission line.
Eira Thomas, President & CEO comm ented: “Lucara begins the year on a positive trajectory, having fully financed
and significantly de-risked our growth plans for the underground expansion in 2021 and delivered another strong
quarter of operating and financial results in Q1, reflecting solid performance at the mine combined with continued
buoyancy in diamond prices. Preparation for main shaft sinking is well underway and anticipated to begin in Q2. Our
multi-channel approach to sales through tenders, Clara and HB continues to mature, creating alignment along the
value chain, delivering efficiencies and higher margins. Despite current geo -political challenges, Lucara r emains
optimistic about diamond prices as natural rough diamond supply constraints continue to manifest globally. ”
REVIEW FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2022
• Operational highlights from the Karowe Mine for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included:
o Mined 0.8 million tonnes (Q1 2021: 1.0) and 0.5 million (Q1 2021: 0.8) of ore and waste, respectively.
o Processed 0.7 million tonnes of ore (Q1 2021: 0.7) and r ecovered 83,917 carats (Q1 2021: 80,014
carats), achieving a recovered grade of 12.6 carats per hundred tonnes (Q1 2021: 11.9 cpht).
o A total of 10 diamonds greater than 100 carats were recovered during the quarter.
o Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate ( "TRIFR") of 0. 23 in Q1 2022 reflects one medical treatment
case reported (Q1 2021: zero).
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• Financial highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included:
o Revenues from the sale of 80,295 carats recovered from the Karowe Mine were $67.2 million (Q1
2021: $53.0 million from the sale of 91,734 carats from Karowe). The sales agreement with HB Trading
BV (“HB”) accounted for 66% (Q1 2021: 72%) of total revenues recognized in the quarter.
o Operating cash costs of $29.30 per tonne processed (1) (Q1 2021: $29.24 per tonne processed)
remained consistent with the comparative period. Q1 2022 costs are inclusive of the impact of higher
power, labour and insurance costs, partially offset by a comparatively stronger U.S. Dollar.
o Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $36.0 million increased by 62% from $ 22.2 million for the same period in 2021,
attributed primarily to higher revenues.
o Net income for the quarter increased to $19.0 million ($0.04 basic earnings per share) from $3.4
million ($0.01 basic earnings per share) in Q1 2021.
(1) Operating cash cost per tonne processed and adjusted EBITDA are non -IFRS measures (See “Use of Non -IFRS
Financial Performance Measures”).
• Cash position and liquidity:
o As at March 31, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $39.1 million.
o The Company drew an additional $20. 0 million from the $170.0 million project loan facility in the
quarter for a total drawn amount of $45.0 million.
o Strong cash flow from operations allowed for a reduction to the outstanding balance on the working
capital facility, from $23.0 to $12.0 million as at March 31, 2022.
DIAMOND SALES
Consistent with the Company’s approach through 2021, diamond sales continued to be held through a combination
of regular tenders, and the Clara platform, for diamonds less than 10.8 carats, and through HB under the sales
agreement for those gem and near-gem diamonds greater than 10.8 carats which are to be manufactured and sold
as polished. All other diamonds are sold in quarterly tenders. The Company recognized revenue of $68.2 million in
the first quarter of 2022 from the sale of 80,295 carats from Karowe . This amount included top-up payments of
$11.7 million as well as $1.0 million from the sale of third -party goods on the Clara platform. In comparison, the
Company achieved revenues of $53.1 million from sales of 91,760 carats in the first quarter of 2021 which included
top-up payments of $ 9.1 million as well as $0.1 million in revenue from third -party goods sold through the Clara
platform.
The exceptionally strong performance throughout 2021 was driven by higher diamond prices which were reflective
of the impact of strong demand for both rough and polished diamonds, combined with supply constraints in certain
size classes. This strength continued into Q1 2022. Beginning in Q2 2020, all +10.8 carat diamonds mined from
Karowe were delivered to HB pursuant to the terms of the diamond sales agreeme nt described below.
HB SALES AGREEMENT FOR +10.8 CARAT DIAMOND PRODUCTION FROM KAROWE
Karowe’s large, high value diamonds have historically accounted for approximately 60% to 70% of Lucara’s annual
revenues. In 2020, Lucara announced a partnership agreeme nt with HB, entering into a definitive sales agreement
for diamonds recovered that exceed +10.8 carats from the Company’s 100% owned Karowe Diamond mine in
Botswana. This agreement was subsequently amended and extended to December 31, 2022 . The mechanisms of
the agreement result in complete transparency within the value chain and create important alignment between the
producer and the manufacturer for the first time.
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Under the amended sales agreement, +10.8 carat gem and near gem diamonds from the Karowe Mine of qualities
that can directly enter the manufacturing stream are being sold to HB at prices based on the estimated polished
outcome of each diamond. The estimated polished v alue is determined through state -of-the-art scanning and
planning technology, with an adjusted amount payable on actual achieved polished sales, less a fee and the cost of
manufacturing. Following the extension of the HB Agreement in 2021, all +10.8 carat non-gem quality diamonds and
all diamonds less than 10.8 carats in weight which did not meet the criteria for sale on Clara are being sold as rough
through the quarterly tender. In the agreement extension, payment terms were amended to better reflect the timing
of mine production and the manufacturing process. This unique pricing mechanism delivers regular cash flow for
this important segment of our production profile.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recorded revenue of $45.2 million from the HB
agreement (inclusive of top -up payments of $11. 7 million), as compared to revenue of $38.0 million in Q1 2021
(inclusive of top-up payments of $9.1 million). In Q1 2021, all +10.8 carat stones were sold through HB. Beginning
in April 2021 when the HB agreement was extended, any +10.8 carat stones not earmarked for manufacturing by HB
were sold through the Company’s quarterly tender process. The increase in revenue in Q1 2022 is attributed to
higher prices achieved, despite lower sale volumes. This reflects a significant improvement in diamond market
fundamentals between the two comparative quarters. Due to natural variability in the quality profile of the +10.8ct
production in any production period or fiscal quarter, the recorded revenue and associated top ups will fluctuate.
This is expected and reflects a combination of current diamond market prices as well as variability in the quality of
Karowe’s production profile in any given period.
As a result of the sales agreement with HB, the Company also participated in polished diamond price increases during
Q1 2022 as rough diamonds sold to HB in previous quarters were polished and sold. In Q1 2022, top-up payments
of $11.7 million (Q1 2021: $ 9.1 million) were included in revenue for the quarter . At March 31, 2022 a number of
higher value and more technically complex stones that take longer to manufacture had not fully completed the
manufacturing and sales process. These stones were delivered to HB in 2021 and Q1 2022. As these stones finish
the manufacturing process and are sold, the Company’s may record additional revenue in the form of “top -up”
payments from these sales.
CLARA SALES PLATFORM
Clara, Lucara’s 100% owned proprietary, secure, web -based digital sales platform, continues to gain scale and
interest. Interest in Clara continues to grow as the benefits of purchasing rough diamonds in an innovative way
become evident. In Q1 2022, three sales (Q1 2021: six sales) took place with a total sales volume transacted of $7.0
million, a 17% increase from the $6.0 million transacted in Q1 2021, reflecting a strong upward price trend observed
on Clara during Q1 2022. The number of buyers on the platform increased to 92 at March 31, 2022 with the Company
maintaining a waiting list to manage supply and demand.
While most of the stones transacted through the platform are supplied from the Karowe Mine, secondary market
stones continued to be offere d for sale through the platform with good results. Additional supply is required to
meet existing demand and drive the platform’s growth and the Company expects to commence a series of trial sales
on the Clara platform with a third -party producer in Q2 2022. The Company intends to continue to seek additional
supply in 2022, both from third-party producers and the secondary market.
KAROWE UNDERGROUND EXPANSION UPDATE
The Karowe UGP is expected to extend the mine life to at least 2040, with underground carat production
predominantly from the highest value EM/PK(S) unit and is forecast to contribute approximately $4 billion in
additional revenues, using conservative diamond prices. The Karowe UGP has an estimated $534 million capital cost
and a five -year construction period. Mine ramp up is expected in Q1 2026 with full production from the UGP
expected in H2 2026. The Company is financing the Karowe UGP through a combination of cash flow from operations
and project debt.
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During the three months ended March 31, 2022, a total of $31.1 million was spent on the Karowe UGP development,
primarily in relation to engineering, procurement of long lead items and ongoing construction activities, including:
• Pre-sink activities for both the production and ventilation shafts continued with a focus on the setup and
transition to main sinking.
• Placement of the ventilation shaft main sinking stage into the shaft column along with placement of the
ventilation shaft headgear over the shaft collar.
• Assembly of the production shaft main sink stage with outfitting planned for Q2 in preparation for its
installation in the shaft column, while pre-assembly of the production shaft headgear steel continued.
• Cold commissioning of the ventilation shaft kibble winder was completed, with progress on the ventilation
shaft stage winder in preparation for winder rope -ups in April, while installation of the production shaft
stage winder commenced.
• Completed construction of all 88 tower foundations for the 29 km 132kV transmiss ion line bulk power
upgrade and commenced construction at both Letlhakane and Karowe substations.
Activities for the UGP in the upcoming quarters of 2022 are expected to include the following:
• Execution of the main sinking contract for the production and ventilation shafts
• Completion of the steel headgear structure for the production and ventilation shafts.
• Commissioning of the four main sinking winders.
• Commencement of main sinking for the production and ventilation shafts.
• Continuation of detailed design and engineering of the underground mine infrastructure and layout.
• Commissioning of the 29 km 132kV bulk power supply powerline by December 2022.
DIAMOND MARKET
A strong rebound in diamond jewelry demand, combined with growing global natural rough diamo nd supply
constraints, contributed to a healthy recovery in diamond prices in 2021. This price strength continued into the first
quarter of 2022 where increases were observed across most sizes, qualities and colors of diamonds.
Current pricing trends have been impacted by uncertainty triggered by geopolitical events, including the conflict in
Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, however, we continue to observe healthy market fundamentals overall, and
our longer-term outlook remains positive for diamond prices. The diamond price impact of sanctions on Russian
diamond supply, which accounts for a significant portion of global reserves, cannot be predicted at this time.
The benefits of the committed sales agreement with HB continued to be realized during the first quarter of 2022 as
the Company participated in polished diamond price increases during Q1 2022 for diamonds delivered in previous
quarters. The integrated approach, using state of the art scanning and planning technology has further enhanced
the final achieved polished outcome for very large (+50 carat polished) and high value diamonds, a critical production
segment for the Company.
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QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months ended
March 31
In millions of U.S. dollars, except carats or
otherwise noted
2022 2021
Revenues $ 68.2 $ 53.1
Operating expenses (18.0) (19.7)
Net income for the period $ 19.0 $ 3.4
Earnings per share (basic and diluted) $ 0.04 $ 0.01
Operating cash flow per share1 $ 0.08 $ 0.06
Cash on hand $ 39.1 $ 27.9
Amounts drawn on working capital facility $ 12.0 $ 50.0
Amounts drawn on project finance capital
facility
$ 45.0 $ –
Average price per carat sold ($/carat)2 $ 690 $ 480
Carats sold 80,295 91,734
1 Operating cash flow per share before working capital adjustments is a non-IFRS measures. See “Use of Non -IFRS Financial Performance
Measures”.
2 The Company’s revenue is primarily generated from the sale of Karowe diamonds. The average price per carat sold presented in this table
relates exclusively to the sale of Karowe diamonds and excludes top-up payment received during the quarter. Also exclud ed is the value of
diamonds purchased from third parties and sold by the Company through Clara. See Table 2 in the Q1 2022 MD&A for additional information.
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – KAROWE MINE, BOTSWANA
UNIT Q1-22 Q4-21 Q3-21 Q2-21 Q1-21
Sales
Revenues generated from the sale of Karowe
diamonds in the quarter
US$M 67.2 56.5 72.5 45.9 53.0
Carats recovered from Karowe sold for
revenues recognized during the period
Carats 80,295 102,791 117,162 68,806 91,734
Average price per carat for proceeds received
during the period, excluding top-up payments
US$ 690 418 588 522 480
Production
Tonnes mined (ore) Tonnes 811,947 610,072 1,190,856 900,660 967,089
Tonnes mined (waste) Tonnes 482,104 276,263 696,907 787,227 859,347
Tonnes processed Tonnes 666,488 705,877 738,986 726,379 673,646
Average grade processed cpht (*) 12.6 12.8 13.2 13.9 11.9
Carats recovered Carats 83,917 90,634 97,412 101,330 80,014
Costs
Operating expense per carat sold US$ 224 217 198 219 215
Sustaining capital expenditures US$M 0.8 9.1 3.4 2.4 0.4
Underground expansion project(1) US$M 31.1 21.8 32.0 22.6 9.9
(*) carats per hundred tonnes
(1) Excludes qualifying borrowing cost capitalized in Q1 2022 and Q4 2021.
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2022 OUTLOOK
This section of the press release provides management's production and cost estimates for 2022. These are
“forward-looking statements” and subject to the cautionary note regarding the risks associated with forward-looking
statements. In February 2022, based on updated expectations for revenue in 2022, the diamond revenue guidance
issued was increased to between $195.0 million and $225.0 million (from $185.0 million to $215.0 million). Diamond
revenue guidance does not include revenue related to the sale of exceptional stones (an individual rough diamond
which sells for more than $10 million), or the Sethunya.
Karowe Diamond Mine Full Year – 2022
In millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted
Diamond revenue (millions) (revised as of February 2022) $195 to $225
Diamond sales (thousands of carats) 300 to 340
Diamonds recovered (thousands of carats) 300 to 340
Ore tonnes mined (millions) 3.1 to 3.5
Waste tonnes mined (millions) 1.5 to 2.1
Ore tonnes processed (millions) 2.6 to 2.8
Total operating cash costs(1) including waste mined(2) (per tonne processed) $29.50 to $33.50
Botswana general & administrative expenses including marketing costs (per tonne
processed)
$3.50 to $4.00
Tax rate(3) 0%
Average exchange rate – USD/Pula 11.0
(1) Operating cash costs are a non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures”.
(2) Includes ore and waste mined cash costs of $5.75 to $6.25 (per tonne mined) and processing cash costs of $12.00 to $13.00 (per tonne
processed).
(3) The Company is subject to a variable tax rate in Botswana based on a profit and revenue ratio which increases as profit as a percentage of
revenue increases. The lowest variable tax rate is 22% while the highest variable tax rate is 55% (only if taxable income wer e equal to
revenue). Capital expenditures are deductible when incurred. With planned capital expenditures of up to $110 million for the UGP, a tax
rate of 0% is forecast for 2022. Should capital expenditures vary from plan, the Company could be subject to current tax.
In 2022, the Company's revenue forecast assumes that 100% of the carats recovered will come from the higher value
M/PK(S) and EM/PK(S) units within the South Lobe in accordance with the mine plan.
The assumptions for carats recovered and sold are consistent with achieved performance in recent years. The
number of tonnes processed is also consistent with recent achievements, noting that actual tonnes processed in
2021 was about 6% higher than 2020 due to improving plant reliability because of the success of the preventative
maintenance plan that has been implemented.
Waste tonnes that were deferred in 2021 as other mining areas in the open -pit were prioritized are expected to be
caught up in between 2022 and 2024. The estimated processing cost per tonne processed is higher than previous
years, reflecting expected inflationary pressure on labour and commodity costs.
In 2022, capital costs for the underground expansion are expected to be up to $110 million and will focus on the
commencement of main shaft sinking activities, the commissioning of the bulk power supply 132 kV line and
substations and detailed engineering for the underground development. Sustaining capital and project expenditures
are expected to be up to $17 million with a focus on completion of a community sports facility, dewatering activities
and an expansion of the tailings storage facility.
Lucara Botswana’s progressive tax rate computation allows for the immediate deduction of operating costs,
including capital expenditures, in the year in which they are incurred. Based on the updated 2022 revenue guidance
of $195 million to $225 million and assuming the underground development expenditures are incurred, the expected
tax rate will be 0% for 2022.
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CONFERENCE CALL
CONFERENCE CALL
The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on Friday, May 6, 2022 at
7:00 a.m. Pacific, 10:00 a.m. Eastern, 3:00 p.m. UK, 4:00 p.m. CET.
Please call in 10 minutes before the conference call starts and stay on the line (an operator will be available to assist
you).
Conference ID:
39751892 / Lucara Diamond
Dial-In Numbers:
Toll-Free Participant Dial-In North America (+1) 888 390 0546
UK Toll free 0 800 652 2435
All Other International Participant Dial-In (+1) 778 383 7413
Webcast:
To view the live webcast presentation, please log on using this direct link:
https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1544386&tp_key=18045919de
The presentation slideshow will also be available in PDF format for download from the Lucara website ( Link t o
presentation).
Conference Replay:
A replay of the telephone conference will be available two hours after the completion of the call until
May 13, 2022.
Replay number (Toll Free North America) (+1) 888 390 0541
Replay number (International) (+1) 416 764 8677
The pass code for the replay is: 044225 #.
On behalf of the Board,
Eira Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
Follow Lucara Diamond on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
For further information, please contact:
Tetiana Konstantynivska Investor Relations & Communications
+1 604 674 0272| [email protected]
Sweden Robert Eriksson, Investor Relations & Public Relations
+46 701 112615 | [email protected]
UK Public Relations Charles Vivian / Jos Simson, Tavistock
+44 778 855 4035 | [email protected]
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ABOUT LUCARA
Lucara is a leading independent producer of large exceptional quality Type IIa diamonds fro m its 100% owned
Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana. The Karowe Mine has been in production since 2012 and is the focus of the
Company’s operations and development activities. Clara Diamond Solutions Limited Partnership (“Clara”), a wholly -
owned subsidiary of Lucara, has developed a secure, digital sales platform that uses proprietary analytics together
with cloud and blockchain technologies to modernize the existing diamond supply chain, driving efficiencies,
unlocking value and ensuring diamond provenance fr om mine to finger. Lucara has an experienced board and
management team with extensive diamond development and operations expertise. Lucara and its subsidiaries
operate transparently and in accordance with international best practices in the areas of sust ainability, health and
safety, environment, and community relations. Lucara has adopted the IFC Performance Standards and the World
Bank Group’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Mining (2007). Accordingly, the development of the
Karowe underground expansion project (“UGP”) adheres to the Equator Principles. Lucara is committed to upholding
high standards while striving to deliver long-term economic benefits to Botswana and the communities in which the
Company operates.
The information is information that Lucara is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation
and the Swedish Securities Markets Act. This information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the
contact person set out above, on May 5, 2022 at 3:30pm Pacific Time.
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES
This news release refers to certain financial measures, such as adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating earnings,
operating cash flow per share, operating margin per carat sold and operating cost per tonne of ore processed, which
are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. These
measures may differ from those made by other corporations and accordingly may not be comparable to such
measures as r eported by other corporations. These measures have been derived from the Company’s financial
statements, and applied on a consistent basis, because the Company believes they are of assistance in the
understanding of the results of operations and financial position. Please refer to the Company’s MD&A for the three
months ended March 31, 2022 for an explanation of non-IFRS measures used.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain of the statements made and contained herein and elsewhere cons titute forward -looking statements as
defined in applicable securities laws. Generally, these forward -looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "poten tial",
"possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should"
occur or be achieved.
Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements
are made, and they are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may
cause the actual results, perfo rmance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward -looking statements. The Company
believes that expectations reflected in this forward -looking informati on are reasonable, but no assurance can be
given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and such forward-looking information included herein should
not be unduly relied upon.
In particular, forward-looking information and forward-looking statements in this news release may include, but are
not limited to, information or statements with respect to the equity and project debt financings, the intended use
of proceeds, the Company’s ability to comply with the terms of the Facilities which are required to construct the
Karowe UGP, that expected cash flow from operations, combined with external financing will be sufficient to
complete construction of the UGP, the economic potential of a mineralized area, the size and tonnage of a
mineralized area, anticipated sample grades or bulk sample diamond content, future production activity, the future
price and demand for diamonds, future forecasts of revenue and variable consideration in determining revenue,