Santacruz Silver Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results
TSX-V: SCZ
FSE: 1SZ
November 30, 2021
Santacruz Silver Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Vancouver, B.C. – Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX-V:SCZ) (“the Company” or “Santacruz”) reports its
financial and operating results for the third quarter (“Q3”) of 2021. The full version of the consolidated
financial statements and accompanying management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) can be viewed on the
Company’s website at www.santacruzsilver.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All financial information is
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and all dollar amounts are
expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per unit amounts, unless otherwise indicated.
• Revenues increased by 55% to $14.6 million during Q3 2021 (Q3 2020 - $9.4 million)
• Gross profit increased by 190% to $3.7 million during Q3 2021 (Q3 2020 - $1.3 million)
• On October 13, 2021, the Company announced it had entered into a definitive share purchase agreement
with Glencore plc whereby Santacruz has the right to acquire a portfolio of Bolivian silver-base metal assets
from Glencore plc.
Carlos Silva, CEO of Santacruz, stated; “We continue to increase our mine production and revenue for the third
and fifth consecutive quarter respectively. Production costs were impacted as a result of a Mexican labour reform
that came into effect during the quarter. This labour reform required the Company to recognize certain labour
liability accruals for their employees, including but not limited to vac ation, holiday bonuses, annual bonuses,
savings funds, and seniority departure payments which totaled approximately $1.3 million. In addition, a non-
recurring charge to administrative expense s of $0.4 million related to severance payments resulting from the
decision to place the Rosario mine on care and maintenance , various non -recurring costs associated with the
Zimapan Mine acquisition and other non-cash charges also impacted the quarter-end results.”
Financial Results
Selected financial information for the three-month periods ended September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2021
and December 31 and September 30, 2020 is presented below:
2021 2020 Q3 2021 % Change vs
Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 2021 Q3 2020
Revenue – Mining Operations 14,601 13,744 11,168 9,905 9,437 6% 55%
Gross Profit (Loss) (1) 3,656 3,840 2,181 807 1,259 -5% 190%
Net (Loss) Income (3,849) (3,784) 6,518 (607) (163) 2% 2,261%
Net (Loss) Earnings Per Share –
Basic ($/share) (0.01) (0.01) 0.02 0.00 0.00 - -
Adjusted EBITDA (1) 1,263 2,270 1,649 1,090 1,046 -44% 21%
Working Capital Deficiency (12,671) (11,665) (16,478) (22,514) (31,038) 9% -59%
(1) The Company reports additional non-IFRS measures which include Gross Profit (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA. These additional financial
disclosure measures are intended to provide additional information. See the Company’s MD&A filed on SEDAR or its website fo r a
reconciliation of these amounts to the unaudited interim financial statements for the respective periods.
As compared to Q2 2021, the Q3 2021 working capital deficiency has increased by 9%. The Company has
capital management processes in place to manage liquidity risk.
Selected financial information for the Zimapan Mine and Rosario Project for the three months ended September
30, June 30 and March 31, 2021 and December 31 and September 30, 2020 is presented below:
2021 2020 Q3 2021 % Change vs
Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 2021 Q3 2020
Revenue - Zimapan Mine 14,419 13,022 10,442 8,772 8,982 11% 61%
- Rosario Project 182 410 1,011 1,445 642 -56% -72%
Gross profit (loss) - Zimapan Mine 3,928 4,401 2,581 496 1,964 -11% 100%
- Rosario Project (272) (873) (115) 220 (705) -69% -61%
Operating Results
Selected operating results for the Zimapan Mine and Rosario Project for the three months ended September
30, June 30 and March 31, 2021 and December 31 and September 30, 2020 is presented below:
(1) Silver equivalent ounces produced in 2021 have been calculated using prices of $25.00/oz, $1,925/oz, $0.85/lb, $1.05/lb , and $3.00/lb
for silver, gold, lead, zinc and copper respectively applied to the metal content of the concentrates produced by the Rosario Project and
the Zimapan Mine. Silver equivalent ounces produced in 2020 have been calculated using prices of $17.85/ oz, $1,480/oz, $0.92/lb,
$1.09/lb and $2.80/lb for silver, gold, lead, zinc and copper respectively applied to the metal content of the concentrates produced by the
Rosario Project and the Zimapan Mine.
(2) Silver equivalent sold ounces have been calculated using the realized silver prices stated in the table above, applied to the payable metal
content of the concentrates sold from the Zimapan Mine and Rosario Project in 2021 and 2020.
2021 2020 Q3 2021 % Change vs
Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 2021 Q3 2020
Material Processed (tonnes milled) (4)
Zimapan Mine 186,642 155,407 156,433 180,003 164,846 20% 13%
Rosario Project (5) 2,306 16,917 19,806 21,582 11,794 -86% -80%
Consolidated 188,948 172,324 176,239 201,585 176,640 10% 7%
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces)
(1) (3) (4)
Zimapan Mine 867,215 757,937 646,085 909,379 920,985 14% -6%
Rosario Project (5) 5,698 41,120 60,893 90,863 56,693 -86% -90%
Consolidated 872,913 799,057 706,978 1,000,242 977,678 9% -11%
Silver Equivalent Sold (payable
ounces) (4)
Zimapan Mine 829,164 658,590 553,450 545,580 625,036 26% 33%
Rosario Project (5) 10,765 20,328 52,520 74,511 36,628 -47% -71%
Consolidated 839,929 678,918 605,970 620,091 661,664 24% 27%
Cash Cost of Production per Tonne (2)
(4)
Zimapan Mine 53.88 53.92 49.04 48.90 39.91 - 35%
Rosario Project (5) 173.04 69.81 57.86 59.68 87.08 148% 99%
Consolidated 55.33 55.48 50.03 50.06 43.06 - 29%
Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent
Ounce (2) (4)
Zimapan Mine 17,72 18.37 19.91 23.21 17.45 -4% 2%
Rosario Project (5) 42.81 68.58 27.19 21.82 34.13 -38% 25%
Consolidated 18.04 19.87 20.54 23.04 18.38 -9% -2%
All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver
Equivalent Oz (2) (4)
Zimapan Mine 21.33 21.35 21.03 24.95 18.54 - 15%
Rosario Project (5) 67.27 101.19 52.57 47.63 42.07 34% 60%
Consolidated 21.91 23.74 23.76 27.67 19.85 -8% 10%
Average Realized Silver Price per
Ounce (2) (4)
Zimapan Mine 22.81 25.67 25.07 23.98 21.01 -11% 9%
Rosario Project (5) 22.47 25.63 25.00 24.56 24.08 -12% -7%
Consolidated 22.81 25.67 25.06 24.05 21.18 -11% 8%
(3) The Company reports non -IFRS measures which include Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent, All -in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver
Equivalent, Cash Cost of Production per Tonne, and Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce. These measures are widely used in the
mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by oth er
companies with similar descriptions. See the Company’s MD&A filed on SEDAR or its website for a discussion of these amounts.
(4) The Company is not including production and unit cost results from the Veta Grande Project in this MD&A as operations at Veta Grande
were suspended during Q1 2020 and to date have not recommenced.
(5) Operations at the Rosario Project are suspended and there was minimal production in July 2021 and no production in August and
September 2021.
Discussion of Financial Results
The Company recorded a net loss of $3,849 for Q3 2021 (Q3 2020 - $163) and a gross operating profit of
$3,656 (Q3 2020 - $1,259). The gross profit increase reflects a 100% increase in gross profit at the Zimapan
Mine driven by a 61% increase in revenue that arose as a result of improved metal prices and significant
increases in production of silver, zinc and copper as compared to Q3 2020.
The increase in net loss resulted primarily from a $2,066 increase in operating expenses, a $1,163 increase in
net finance expense, a $1,014 increase in loss on foreign exchange , and a $1,836 unrealized loss on
marketable securities from Q3 2020. Operating expenses increased primarily due to the growth in the Company
in addition to non-recurring costs associated with the Zimapan Mine acquisition and a $431 charge in
administrative severance costs paid as a result of placing the Rosario Project on care and maintenance. Also
impacting operating expense is a $4 66 increase in share-based compensation as a result of additional stock
options granted compared to Q3 2020. The increase in net finance expense is primarily due to a $665 increase
IVA recovery inflationary loss which results from changes in the Mexican inflation rate, an additional $162 in
interest charges associated with the increased Trafigura loan balance compared to Q3 2020 and an additional
$169 of accretion of the Zimapan Mine decommissioning and restoration provision.
Also impacting the net loss for Q3 2021 are production costs resulting from a non-recurring charge of $1,294
due to a Mexican labour reform that became effective September 2021 . The Company was required to
recognize certain labour liability accruals for their employees, including but not limited to vacation, holiday
bonuses, annual bonuses, savings funds and seniority departure payments.
Discussion of Operational Results and Costs
Zimapan Mine
As compared to Q3 2020, the Q3 2021 silver equivalent production decreased by 6% due to the impact of using
different metal price decks for the respective 2021 and 2020 fiscal years. The Q3 2021 silver equivalent
production increased by 20% (after adjusting for the metal price deck) as compared to Q3 2020.
As compared to Q2 2021, the Q3 2021 silver equivalent production increased 14%. This increase arose primarily
as a result of a 20% increase in tonnes milled during the period.
Operations during Q2 2021 reflect reduced milling availability with operations negatively impacted by challenges
with the dewatering circuit. This was remedied in early Q3 as a result of replacing the original drum filters with a
filter press. The impact of this change in equipment was immediate as production for July 2021 improved to over
60,000 tonnes of material processed at the milling facility with August and September seeing further production
improvements.
The cash cost of production per tonne of mineralized material processed increased by 35% in Q3 2021 to $53.88/t
as compared to Q3 2020. This resulted from a 53% increase in the cash cost of production which included a
non-recurring charge of $6.93/t due to a Mexican labour reform that came into effect during the quarter, offset by a 13%
increase in the tonnes of mineralized material processed.
As compared to Q2 2021, the cash cost of production per tonne of mineralized material processed decreased by
$0.04/t. This result reflects a 20% increase in the cash cost of production offset by a 20% increase in the tonnes
of mineralized material processed during Q3 2021.
The cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce sold increased by 2% to $17.72/oz in Q3 2021 compared
to Q3 2020. This resulted from a 35% increase in the cash cost of sales of silver equivalent ounces which
included a non-recurring charge of $1.56/oz due to the Mexican labour reform that came into effect during the quarter,
while the silver equivalent payable ounce produced increased by 33%.
As compared to Q2 2021, the cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce sold in Q3 2021 decreased by
4%. This resulted from a 21% increase in the cash cost of sales of silver equivalent ounces while the silver
equivalent payable ounces produced increased by 26%. As noted earlier, the increase in silver equivalent
production arose primarily as a result of a 20% increase in tonnes milled during the period.
All-in sustaining cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce sold increased by 15% to $21.33/oz as
compared to Q3 2020. This resulted from a 51% increase in the cash cost of sales which included a non-recurring
charge of $ 1.56/oz due to the Mexican labour reform that came into effect during the quarter , while the silver
equivalent payable ounces produced increased by 33%.
As compared to Q2 2021, the AISC in Q3 2021 decreased by $0.02/oz. This resulted from a 24% increase in the
cash cost of sales of silver equivalent ounces while the silver equivalent payable ounces sold increased by 26%.
This change occurred largely for the same reasons as referenced above in the discussion regarding cash cost of
silver equivalent ounces sold.
Production at the Zimapan Mine is not supported by a feasibility study on mineral reserves demonstrating
economic and technical viability or any other independent economic study under NI 43-101. Accordingly, there is
increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with production operations at the
Zimapan Mine. Production and economic variables may vary considerably due to the absence of a complete and
detailed site analysis in accordance with NI 43-101.
Rosario Project
As compared to Q2 2021, the Q3 2021 silver equivalent production decreased by 86%. This decrease occurred
due to an 86% decrease in mineralized material processed at the milling facility and in part from processing lower
grade material. As noted above, subsequent to Q3 2021, the Company announced it had suspended operations
at the Rosario Mine and placed the asset on care and maintenance. As a consequence of the minimal production
during Q3 2021, reflective of the suspension of operations, no comparative analysis of Q3 2021 to Q3 2020 and
Q2 2021 is provided.
About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Santacruz is a Mexican focused silver company with one producing silver project , the Zimapan Mine and two
exploration properties, the La Pechuga property and Santa Gorgonia prospect. The Company is managed by a
technical team of professionals with proven track records in developing, operating and discovering silver mines
in Mexico. Our corporate objective is to become a mid-tier silver producer.
‘signed’
Arturo Préstamo Elizondo,
Executive Chairman
For further information please contact:
Mars Investor Relations
Telephone: (778) 999 4653
Arturo Prestamo
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (528) 183 785707
Neither the 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.
Forward looking information
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward -looking information" as such term is used
in applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements relating to production at the Zimapan Mine and
Rosario Project and the Company's plans to grow it. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations
and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and
assumptions. In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied
several material assumptions, including that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not
change as a result of unforeseen events and that future metal prices and the deman d and market outlook for
metals will remain stable or improve. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties
and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in
such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward -looking information in this news release
to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to above
prove not to be valid or reliable; market conditions and volatility and global economic conditions, including
increased volatility and potentially negative capital raising conditions resulting from the continued COVID -19
pandemic and risks relating to the extent and duration of such pandemic and its impact on global markets; risk of
delay and/or cessation in planned work or changes in the Company's financial condition and development plans;
risks associated with the interpretation of data (including in respect of third party miner alized material) regarding
the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the uncertainty of the geology, grade and continuity of
mineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade and/or recovery rates; risks
related to gold, silver, base metal and other commodity price fluctuations; risks relating to environmental
regulation and liability; the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well
as the other risks and uncertaintie s applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the
Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at
www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that any forward -looking information will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly,
the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward -looking information or statements. The Company
undertakes no obligation to update forward -looking information or statements, other than as required by
applicable law.