(All amounts are expressed in US dollars, tabular amounts in millions, unless
otherwise stated)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortuna Silver
Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM) (TSX: FVI) ("Fortuna" or the "Company") today reported
its financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2024.
First Quarter 2024 highlights
Financial
* Attributable net income of $26.3 million or $0.09 per share, compared to a
$92.3 million attributable net loss or $0.30 per share in Q4 2023
* Adjusted attributable net income(1) of $26.7 million or $0.09 per share,
compared to $20.6 million or $0.07 per share in Q4 2023
* Generated $84.3 million of cash flow from operations before working capital
changes, and free cash flow from ongoing operations(1) of $12.1 million,
compared to $105.4 million and $66.2 million, respectively, in Q4 2023
* The Company paid down $40.0 million of its revolving credit facility. At the
close of the quarter total net debt was $83.0 million and the total net debt
to adjusted EBITDA ratio(1) was 0.2:1
* Liquidity as of March 31, 2024 was $212.7 million(2), compared to $213.1
million at the end of Q4 2023
Return to Shareholders
* Returned $3.5 million of capital to shareholders during the quarter through
the Company's normal course issuer bid ("NCIB") program
* On April 30, 2024 Fortuna announced that the TSX had approved the renewal of
the Company's NCIB program to purchase 5% of its outstanding common shares.
Operational
* Gold equivalent(3) production of 112,543 ounces, compared to 136,154 ounces
in Q4 2023
* Gold production of 89,678 ounces, compared to 107,376 ounces in Q4 2023
* Silver production of 1,074,571 ounces, compared to 1,354,003 ounces in Q4
2023
* Consolidated cash costs(1) per ounce of gold equivalent sold of $879,
compared to $840 in Q4 2023; adjusting for San Jose, which is mining its
last year of Mineral Reserves, consolidated cash costs was $744
* Consolidated all-in sustaining cash costs (AISC)(1) per ounce of gold
equivalent sold of $1,495, compared to $1,509 in Q4 2023; adjusting for San
Jose, consolidated AISC was $1,412
* Year to date Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 1.13 and Total
Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 3.10
Growth and Development
* At Séguéla, mill throughput for the quarter averaged 195 tonnes per hour
(t/hr), versus name plate design capacity of 154 t/hr. Mill constraints
continued to be tested with throughputs of up to 220 t/hr being recorded
over a seven-day period.
* The Kingfisher prospect was identified at Séguéla which continues the
identification of new prospects at the site. Refer to the News Release
"Fortuna discovers new Kingfisher prospect at Séguéla Mine and provides
exploration update at the Diamba Sud Gold Project" dated March 11, 2024.
* Exploration continued at the Yessi Vein at San Jose including an intercept
of 1kg silver equivalent over an estimated true width of 8.1 meters
highlighting the potential for high-grade shoots. Refer to the News Release
"Fortuna intersects 1kg Ag Eq over an estimated true width of 8.1m at the
Yessi vein, San Jose Mine, Mexico" dated April 15, 2024.
"Our operations performed in line with expectations for the first quarter with
112,543 of gold equivalent production, $84.3 million in cash from operations
before working capital changes and earnings per share of $0.09." said Jorge
Ganoza, Fortuna's President and CEO. Mr. Ganoza continued "Coming off a record
fourth quarter, lower production was in line with plan as Séguéla prepared the
Ancien pit for mining, a maintenance shutdown was completed at Yaramoko and San
Jose focused on underground preparation with site production weighted to the
second half of the year." Mr. Ganoza concluded, "We also executed on our capital
priorities by paying down an additional $40 million in debt and advancing
exciting exploration opportunities at Séguéla and Diamba Sud while also
returning capital to shareholders through our share buyback program."
First Quarter 2024 Consolidated Results
Three months ended March 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
(Expressed in
millions) 2024 2023 % Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 224.9 175.7 28 %
Mine operating income 69.9 40.4 73 %
Operating income 47.1 23.9 97 %
Attributable net
income 26.3 10.9 141 %
Attributable income
per share - basic 0.09 0.04 132 %
Adjusted attributable
net income(1) 26.7 12.2 119 %
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 95.2 65.3 46 %
Net cash provided by
operating activities 48.9 41.8 17 %
Free cash flow from
ongoing operations(1) 12.1 8.5 42 %
Cash cost ($/oz Au
Eq)(1) 879 916 (4 %)
All-in sustaining
cash cost ($/oz Au
Eq)(1) 1,495 1,514 (1 %)
Capital
expenditures(2)
Sustaining 25.8 27.9 (8 %)
Non-sustaining(3) 8.8 1.2 633 %
Séguéla construction - 25.7 (100 %)
Brownfields 6.7 4.9 37 %
December
As at March 31, 2024 31, 2023 % Change
Cash and cash
equivalents 87.7 128.1 (32 %)
Net liquidity
position (excluding
letters of credit) 212.7 213.1 (0 %)
Shareholder's equity
attributable to
Fortuna shareholders 1,260.8 1,238.4 2 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1 )Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures section at the end of this news
release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company's financial statements filed
on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of the calculation of these
measures.
(2 )Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis
(3) Non-sustaining expenditures include greenfields exploration
Figures may not add due to rounding
First Quarter 2024 Results
Attributable Net Income and Adjusted Attributable Net Income
Net income attributable to Fortuna for the quarter was $26.3 million compared to
$10.9 million in Q1 2023. After adjusting for non-cash and non-recurring items,
adjusted attributable net income for the quarter was $26.7 million compared to
$12.2 million in Q1 2023. The increase in net income and adjusted net income is
explained mainly by increased gold sales volume and higher realized gold and
silver prices. Higher gold sales volume was primarily due to contributions from
Séguéla which was under construction in the comparable period. This was
partially offset by lower silver production at San Jose as the mine exhausts its
Mineral Reserves. The realized gold and silver prices were $2,087 and $23.43 per
ounce respectively compared to $1,893 and $22.52 per ounce, respectively, for
the comparable period in the prior year.
Other items impacting the adjusted net income for the quarter compared to Q1
2023 were higher G&A of $2.8 million, related to the addition of Séguéla G&A and
timing of execution on certain corporate G&A items; higher foreign exchange loss
of $2.5 million related mainly to our West African operations; and higher
interest expense of $3.6 million, explained by $2.8 million of capitalized
interest expense in the comparative period vs nil in Q1 2024 and higher
accretion of right of use lease liabilities.
Depreciation and Depletion
Depreciation and depletion for the first quarter of 2024 was $50.3 million
compared to $44.1 million in the comparable period. The increase in depreciation
and depletion was primarily the result of higher sales volume and the inclusion
of $15.8 million in depletion of the purchase price related to the acquisition
of Roxgold Inc. This was partially offset by lower depreciation and depletion at
San Jose as a result of an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Flow
Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $95.2 million, a margin of 42% over sales,
compared to $65.3 million and margin over sales of 37%, reported in the same
period in 2023. The main driver for the increase in EBITDA was the contribution
from Séguéla with EBITDA margin of 62% in Q1 2024, partially offset by nil
EBITDA at San Jose.
Net cash generated by operations for the quarter was $48.9 million compared to
$41.8 million in Q1 2023. The increase of $7.1 million reflects higher adjusted
EBITDA of $29.9 million and lower taxes paid of $7.0 million as Séguéla is
expected to start remittances to the government in the second quarter. This was
offset by negative changes in working capital in Q1 2024 of $35.3 million
compared to negative $10.8 million in Q1 2023.
The negative change in working capital of $35.3 million consisted of the
following:
* An increase in receivables of $7.3 million driven by an increase in VAT
receivables of $3.5 million at Séguéla and $5.8 million at Yaramoko
* An increase of inventories of $9.8 million due to a $3.2 million increase in
materials and supplies and a $4.9 million increase in metals inventory
* A $17.3 million decrease in accounts payable primarily at Lindero due to
$3.8 million to settle a deferred contract liability from the fourth quarter
of 2023 due to timing of production, $1.8 million to settle export loans
with local banks and $4.0 million related to timing of payments. Other
payables movements were related to timing.
In the first quarter of 2024 capital expenditures on a cash basis were $41.4
million consisting primarily of $25.8 million in sustaining capital, including
$6.7 million of brownfields exploration, and $8.8 million of non-sustaining
exploration including engineering and environmental studies at Diamba Sud.
Free cash flow from ongoing operations for the quarter was $12.1 million,
compared to $8.5 million in Q1 2023. The increase in free cash flow from
operations was primarily the result of contributions from Séguéla which was
under construction in Q1 2023 and was offset by negative working capital changes
as described above.
Cash Costs and AISC
Cash cost per equivalent gold ounce was $879, compared to $915 in Q1 2023. The
lower cash cost of sales per gold equivalent ounce was mainly due to the
contribution of low-cost production from Séguéla and lower cost of sales per
ounce of gold at Yaramoko related to higher grades. This was partially offset by
higher cash costs per gold equivalent ounce at San Jose as previously
capitalized costs are now expensed as the mine is in its last year of operations
and higher cash cost per gold ounce at Lindero related mainly to lower planned
head grades in 2024. Adjusting for San Jose, cash costs per gold equivalent
ounces was $744 for the quarter.
All-in sustaining costs per gold equivalent ounce was $1,495 for the first
quarter of 2024 compared to $1,514 for the first quarter of 2023. The decrease
was primarily the result of lower cash costs being offset by higher sustaining
capital expenditures primarily at Lindero due to the construction of the heap
leach pad expansion, increased brownfields exploration at Séguéla to advance
identified prospects and higher royalties in the period due to higher
production, metal prices and a change of the royalty regime in Burkina Faso.
Adjusting for San Jose, all-in sustaining costs per gold equivalent ounces was
$1,412 for the current quarter.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the quarter of $18.2 million were higher
than the same period in 2023 as Séguéla transitioned to operations and costs are
no longer being capitalized, and due to timing of corporate expenses. G&A is
comprised of the following items:
Three months ended March 31,
-----------------------------------------------
(Expressed in millions) 2024 2023 % Change
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mine G&A 7.5 6.0 25 %
Corporate G&A 8.4 6.7 25 %
Share-based payments 2.2 2.1 5 %
Workers' participation 0.1 0.1 0 %
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 18.2 14.9 22 %
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidity
The Company's total liquidity available as of March 31, 2024 was $212.7 million
comprised of $87.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $125.0 million
undrawn on the $250.0 million revolving credit facility (excluding letters of
credit).
Lindero Mine, Argentina
Three months ended March
31,
----------------------------
2024 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mine Production
Tonnes placed on the leach pad 1,547,323 1,478,148
Gold
Grade (g/t) 0.60 0.71
Production (oz) 23,262 25,258
Metal sold (oz) 21,719 26,812
Realized price ($/oz) 2,072 1,885
Unit Costs
Cash cost ($/oz Au)(1) 1,008 891
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Au)(1) 1,634 1,424
Capital Expenditures ($000's) (2)
Sustaining 9,807 7,745
Sustaining leases 598 598
Non-sustaining 154 187
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1 )Cash cost and All-in sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial measures;
refer to non-IFRS financial measures section at the end of this news release and
to the MD&A accompanying the Company's financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca (http://www.sedarplus.ca) for a description of the calculation
of these measures.
(2) Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.
Quarterly Operating and Financial Highlights
During the first quarter of 2024 total mined ore was 2.0 million tonnes at a
stripping ratio of 0.54:1. A total of 1,547,323 tonnes of ore was placed on the
heap leach pad at an average gold grade of 0.60 g/t, containing an estimated
29,670 ounces of gold. Gold production for Q1 2024 totaled 23,262 ounces, an 8%
decrease in total ounces from the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower
head grades. Lower mined grades are aligned with the mining sequence and the
Mineral Reserves estimates.
The cash cost per ounce of gold for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, was
$1,008 compared to $891, in the same period of 2023. The increase in cash cost
per ounce of gold was primarily related to higher ounces sold in the comparable
period due to higher production, timing of sales as 1,700 ounces of gold were
still in inventory at the end of the period and additional rental equipment.
The all-in sustaining cash cost per gold ounce sold during Q1 2024 was $1,634,
up from $1,424 in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in the quarter was
primarily due to increased cash costs, higher capital expenditures related to
the heap leach expansion and higher general and administrative costs.
As of March 31, 2024, the $51.8 million leach pad expansion project ($41.7
million capital investment in 2024) was approximately 35% complete. The
construction package of the project commenced in January 2024, and is 18%
complete, with contractors on site undertaking earthworks and construction of
the impulsion line. The procurement and construction management ("PCM") service
was awarded to Knight Piésold consultants, with the PCM project offices
installed and personnel onsite as of the third quarter of 2023. Procurement is
92% complete, with critical path items onsite. The final shipments of
geomembrane and geosynthetic clay liner are currently in transit, and the pump
manufacturing for the new impulsion line are all on schedule. In addition to the
current works, liner installation and major mechanical works are expected to
commence in the second quarter of 2024. The project is scheduled to be
substantially complete in the fourth quarter of 2024, with operations beginning
ore placement by the end of 2024 according to the stacking plan for the year.
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso
Three months ended
March 31,
------------------------
2024 2023
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mine Production
Tonnes milled 107,719 139,650
Gold
Grade (g/t) 8.79 5.94
Recovery (%) 98 97
Production (oz) 27,177 26,437
Metal sold (oz) 27,171 29,472
Realized price ($/oz) 2,095 1,899
Unit Costs
Cash cost ($/oz Au)(1) 752 819
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Au)(1) 1,373 1,509
Capital Expenditures ($000's) (2)
Sustaining 9,573 13,549
Sustaining leases 1,050 1,359
Brownfields 1,410 1,191
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Cash cost and All-in sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial measures;
refer to non-IFRS financial measures section at the end of this news release and
to the MD&A accompanying the Company's financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca for a description of the calculation of these measures.
(2 )Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.
In the first quarter of 2024, Yaramoko mined 123,877 tonnes of ore at an average
grade of 8.30 g/t Au containing an estimated 33,053 ounces of gold. Mill
production was 27,177 ounces of gold with an average gold head grade of 8.79
g/t. This represents a 3% and 48% increase when compared to the same period in
2023. A planned mill maintenance shutdown reduced mill throughput in the first
quarter of 2024.
The cash cost per ounce of gold sold for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, was
$752, compared to $819 in the same period in 2023. The decrease for the quarter
is mainly attributed to higher head grades, which demand lower direct costs per
ounce. This was partially offset by higher royalties due to higher metal prices
and a change in the royalty regime in Burkina Faso which increased the royalty
rate from 5% to 7% when the gold price is over $2,000 per ounce.
The all-in sustaining cash cost per gold ounce sold was $1,373 for the quarter
ended March 31, 2024, compared to $1,509 in the same period of 2023. The change
in the quarter was primarily due to the decreased cash cost described above, and
reduced capital expenditures.
Drilling focused on infill grade control and exploring for extensions beyond the
mineralized resource envelope in the deeper eastern and western portions of the
55 Zone. Stoping operations at the QVP orebody accelerated with batch mill tests
confirming grade expectations.
In early April, the Government of Ghana issued a directive which stopped the
export of electricity to its neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso. As
a consequence, Yaramoko has supplemented electricity used in its operations from
the national grid with self-generated backup power. Production at Yaramoko has
not been affected; however, Management is currently monitoring the increase in
costs of the alternative energy supplies.
Séguéla Mine, Côte d'Ivoire
Three months ended March 31,
----------------------------------------
2024 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mine Production
Tonnes milled 394,837 -
Average tonnes crushed per day 4,339 -
Gold
Grade (g/t) 2.79 -
Recovery (%) 94 -
Production (oz) 34,556 -
Metal sold (oz) 34,450 -
Realized price ($/oz) 2,095 -
Unit Costs
Cash cost ($/oz Au)(1) 459 -
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz
Au)(1) 948 -
Capital Expenditures ($000's) (2)
Sustaining 3,027 -
Sustaining leases 2,265 -
Non-sustaining 1,035 -
Brownfields 4,896 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1 )Cash cost and All-in sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial measures.
Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures.
(2) Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis
In the first quarter of 2024, mined material totaled 420,538 tonnes of ore,
averaging 2.23 g/t Au, and containing an estimated 30,192 ounces of gold from
the Antenna and Ancien pits. Movement of waste during the quarter totaled
2,538,067 tonnes, for a strip ratio of 6:1.
Production was mainly focused on the Antenna pit which produced 401,109 tonnes
of ore, the remainder being mined at the Ancien pit. A total of 700,229 tonnes
of waste was also mined at Ancien. Waste mining commenced at Koula during the
quarter with 18,063 tonnes of waste being mined.
Séguéla processed 394,837 tonnes in the quarter, producing 34,556 ounces of
gold, at an average head grade of 2.79 g/t Au.
Throughput for the quarter averaged 195 tonnes per hour (t/hr), versus name
plate design capacity of 154 t/hr. Mill constraints continued to be tested with
throughputs of up to 220 t/hr being recorded over a seven-day period. This was
achieved with a 60/20/20 blend of fresh, transitional and oxide ore
respectively. The Life of Mine (LOM) blend consists of 85% fresh rock. A
relining of the mill is planned in April, and further tests will then be
conducted with a blend more representative of the LOM blend. Mine design and
scheduling continue with the focus being on the requirements to sustainably meet
the expected higher throughput rates.
Cash cost per gold ounce sold was $459, and all-in sustaining cash cost per gold
ounce sold was $948 for Q1 2024. Both were within plan and guidance.
Côte d'Ivoire has been experiencing a shortage of electricity to the national
grid since mid-April, due to failures at two private power generation plants,
which supply approximately 25% of the electricity to the national grid. This has
led to powercuts in neighborhoods, load shedding during peak hours, and
electricity rationing to industries. Power output from one of the plants
(CIPREL)has now been restored; however, restoration of supply from the second
plant (AZITO) is not expected until July. The Séguéla mine continues to receive
energy on a daily basis from the grid with interruptions. The operation has
emergency backup power generation capacity to sustain critical processes only.
Management is implementing various short-and medium-term mitigating measures
which include operating the mill at 25% higher throughput, adjusting mine plans
to prioritize higher grade Mineral Reserves, and sourcing a power backup
solution for the entire operation, expected to be available on-site in July.
Production in April has been only marginally affected. Management has not
modified annual guidance for the Séguéla mine at this time but continues to
monitor the situation closely.
San Jose Mine, Mexico
Three months ended March
31,
--------------------------
2024 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mine Production
Tonnes milled 181,103 246,736
Average tonnes milled per day 2,182 2,869
Silver
Grade (g/t) 147 181
Recovery (%) 89 91
Production (oz) 759,111 1,303,312
Metal sold (oz) 746,607 1,328,333
Realized price ($/oz) 23.47 22.58
Gold
Grade (g/t) 0.90 1.15
Recovery (%) 87 90
Production (oz) 4,533 8,231
Metal sold (oz) 4,460 8,355
Realized price ($/oz) 2,074 1,900
Unit Costs
Cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq)(1,2) 21.98 11.35
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq)(1,2) 24.24 15.51
Capital Expenditures ($000's) (3)
Sustaining - 3,772
Sustaining leases 261 162
Non-sustaining 3,477 269
Brownfields - 1,088
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1 )Cash cost per ounce of silver equivalent and All-in sustaining cash cost per
ounce of silver equivalent are calculated using realized metal prices for each
period respectively.
(2) Cash cost per ounce of silver equivalent, and all-in sustaining cash cost
per ounce of silver equivalent are non-IFRS financial measures, refer to non-
IFRS financial measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A
accompanying the Company's financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca for a description of the calculation of these measures.
(3 )Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis
In the first quarter of 2024, San Jose produced 759,111 ounces of silver and
4,533 ounces of gold, 42% and 45% decreases respectively, at average head grades
for silver and gold of 147 g/t and 0.90 g/t, 19% and 22% decreases respectively,
when compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease in silver and gold
production, when compared to the first quarter of 2023, is explained by lower
tonnes extracted and lower grades, which is consistent with the annual plan and
guidance. During the first quarter, the processing plant milled 181,103 tonnes
at an average of 2,182 tonnes per day, in line with the plan for the period.
The cash cost per silver equivalent ounce for the three months ending March
31, 2024, was $21.98, an increase from $11.42 in the same period of 2023. The
San Jose Mine has less operational flexibility in 2024 compared to 2023, due to
the reduced and more dispersed Mineral Reserves associated with the Trinidad
deposit, which also increase mine costs. Production areas contain lower head
grades and a higher presence of ferrous oxides in the upper levels, which
impacted recoveries by approximately 2% in the quarter. Ore processed decreased
by 27% due to lower tonnes mined.
The all-in sustaining cash cost per payable silver equivalent ounce for the
three months ended March 31, 2024, increased by 56% to $24.24. This compares to
$15.51 per ounce for the same period in 2023. These increases were mainly driven
by higher cash costs and lower production, slightly mitigated by lower capital
expenditure. The operation is experiencing further cost pressures driven by the
continued appreciation of the Mexican peso. The Company conducts regular
assessments and trade-offs between maintaining operations and opting for a care
and maintenance option.
Sustaining capital expenditure has decreased as we near the anticipated closure
of the mine. Drilling in 2024 was higher due to the drilling campaign at the
Yessi vein, which was discovered in the third quarter of 2023. Exploration at
the Yessi vein is ongoing.
Caylloma Mine, Peru
Three months ended
March 31,
------------------------
2024 2023
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mine Production
Tonnes milled 137,096 125,995
Average tonnes milled per day 1,540 1,448
Silver
Grade (g/t) 87 85
Recovery (%) 82 82
Production (oz) 315,460 283,066
Metal sold (oz) 325,483 263,570
Realized price ($/oz) 23.34 22.24
Gold
Grade (g/t) 0.12 0.15
Recovery (%) 29 27
Production (oz) 150 166
Metal sold (oz) 63 22
Realized price ($/oz) 2,024 1,895
Lead
Grade (%) 3.48 3.74
Recovery (%) 91 92
Production (000's lbs) 9,531 9,509
Metal sold (000's lbs) 9,825 8,782
Realized price ($/lb) 0.95 1.02
Zinc
Grade (%) 4.46 5.21
Recovery (%) 90 90
Production (000's lbs) 12,183 13,051
Metal sold (000's lbs) 12,466 13,815
Realized price ($/lb) 1.11 1.45
Unit Costs
Cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq)(1,2) 11.61 12.74
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq)(1,2) 17.18 16.88
Capital Expenditures ($000's) (3)
Sustaining 3,377 2,810
Sustaining leases 906 856
Brownfields 358 204
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1 )Cash cost per ounce of silver equivalent and All-in sustaining cash cost per
ounce of silver equivalent are calculated using realized metal prices for each
period respectively.
(2) Cash cost per ounce of silver equivalent, and all-in sustaining cash cost
per ounce of silver equivalent are non-IFRS financial measures, refer to non-
IFRS financial measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A
accompanying the Company's financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca for a description of the calculation of these measures.
(3 )Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.
In the first quarter, the Caylloma Mine produced 315,460 ounces of silver, 11%
higher compared to the first quarter 2023, at an average head grade of 87 g/t
Ag.
Lead and zinc production for the quarter was 9.5 million pounds of lead, and
12.2 million pounds of zinc. Lead production was in line and zinc production
decreased by 7% compared to the same period in 2023. Head grades averaged
3.48%, and 4.46%, a 7% and 14% decrease, respectively, when compared to the
first quarter of 2023.
Lower metal production compared to the previous quarter was due to lower grades,
which are in line with the Mineral Reserves estimates and production guidance
for the year.
The cash cost per silver equivalent ounces for the three months ended March
31, 2024 was $11.61, a 12% decrease compared to the comparable period in 2023.
This was primarily due to lower treatment and refining charges.
The all-in sustaining cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent for the
three months ended March 31, 2024, increased 2% to $17.18, compared to $16.88
for the same period in 2023. The decrease in cash costs per ounce was offset by
higher capital expenditure, as well as the impact of increasing silver prices on
the calculation of silver equivalent ounces resulting in lower equivalent silver
ounces sold.
Underground development for the quarter was mainly focused on mine levels
15, 16, 17, and 18. The increase in Brownfields expenditures is primarily
attributable to greater footage, additional diamond drilling, and cost
inflation.
Qualified Person
Eric Chapman, Senior Vice President of Technical Services, is a Professional
Geoscientist of the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia
(Registration Number 36328), and is the Company's Qualified Person (as defined
by National Instrument 43-101). Mr. Chapman has reviewed and approved the
scientific and technical information contained in this news release and has
verified the underlying data.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
The Company has disclosed certain financial measures and ratios in this news
release which are not defined under the International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRS"), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board,
and are not disclosed in the Company's financial statements, including but not
limited to: cash cost per ounce of gold sold; all-in sustaining cash cost per
ounce of gold sold; all-in sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold equivalent
sold; all-in cash cost per ounce of gold sold; production cash cost per ounce of
gold equivalent; cash cost per payable ounce of silver equivalent sold; all-in
sustaining cash cost per payable ounce of silver equivalent sold; all-in cash
cost per payable ounce of silver equivalent sold; free cash flow from ongoing
operations; adjusted net income; adjusted attributable net income; adjusted
EBITDA and working capital.
These non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios are widely reported in the
mining industry as benchmarks for performance and are used by management to
monitor and evaluate the Company's operating performance and ability to generate
cash. The Company believes that, in addition to financial measures and ratios
prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use these non-IFRS financial
measures and ratios to evaluate the Company's performance. However, the measures
do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to
similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. Accordingly, non-IFRS
financial measures and non-IFRS ratios should not be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for measures and ratios of the Company's performance prepared in
accordance with IFRS. The Company has calculated these measures consistently for
all periods presented.
To facilitate a better understanding of these measures and ratios as calculated
by the Company, descriptions are provided below. In addition see "Non-IFRS
Financial Measures" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for
the three months ended March 31, 2024 ("Q1 2024 MDA"), which section is
incorporated by reference in this news release, for additional information
regarding each non-IFRS financial measure and non-IFRS ratio disclosed in this
news release, including an explanation of their composition; an explanation of
how such measures and ratios provide useful information to an investor; and the
additional purposes, if any, for which management of the Company uses such
measures and ratio. The Q1 2024 MD&A may be accessed on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca (http://www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's profile.
Except as otherwise described in the Q1 2024 MD&A, the Company has calculated
these measures consistently for all periods presented.
Reconciliation of Debt to total net debt and net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio
for March 31, 2024
(Expressed in millions except Total net debt to
Adjusted EBITDA ratio) As at March 31, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit facility $ 125.0
Convertible debenture 45.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt 170.7
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents (87.7 )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net debt(1) $ 83.0
Adjusted EBITDA (last four quarters) $ 335.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio 0.2:1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1 )Excluding letters of credit
Reconciliation of net income to adjusted attributable net income for the three
months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Three months ended
March 31,
-----------------------
(Expressed in millions) 2024 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income attributable to shareholders 26.3 10.9
Adjustments, net of tax:
Community support provision and accruals(1) (0.2 ) -
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives - 1.0
Accretion on right of use assets 0.9 0.6
Other non-cash/non-recurring items (0.3 ) (0.3 )
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted attributable net income 26.7 12.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(1 )Amounts are recorded in Cost of sales
Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA for the three ended March
31, 2024 and 2023
Three months ended March 31,
-------------------------------
Consolidated (in millions of US dollars) 2024 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 29.1 11.9
Adjustments:
Community support provision and accruals (0.3 ) (0.1 )
Net finance items 6.2 2.6
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 50.3 44.4
Income taxes 14.5 7.9
Other non-cash/non-recurring items (4.6 ) (1.4 )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted EBITDA 95.2 65.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Figures may not add due to rounding
Reconciliation of net cash from operating activities to free cash flow from
ongoing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
In 2022, the Company changed the method for calculating free cash flow from
ongoing operations. The calculation now uses taxes paid as opposed to the
previous method which used current income taxes. While this may create larger
quarter over quarter fluctuations due to the timing of income tax payments,
management believes the revised method is a better representation of the free
cash flow generated by the Company's ongoing operations.
Three months ended
March 31,
--------------------
(Expressed in millions) 2024 2023
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 48.9 41.8
Additions to mineral properties, plant and equipment (32.4 ) (30.4 )
Gain on blue chip swap investments 2.6 -
Right of use payments (4.9 ) (3.0 )
Other adjustments (2.1 ) 0.1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free cash flow from ongoing operations 12.1 8.5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Figures may not add due to rounding
Reconciliation of cost of sales to cash cost per ounce of gold equivalent sold
for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Cash Cost Per
Gold
Equivalent
Ounce Sold - GEO Cash
Q1 2024 Lindero Yaramoko Séguéla San Jose Caylloma Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of sales 34,049 34,951 45,209 23,724 17,105 155,040
Depletion,
depreciation,
and
amortization (11,580 ) (10,215 ) (23,916 ) (391 ) (3,824 ) (49,926 )
Royalties and
taxes (253 ) (4,293 ) (5,472 ) (704 ) (354 ) (11,076 )
By-product
credits (424 ) - - - - (424 )
Other - - - 6 (331 ) (325 )
Treatment and
refining
charges - - - 973 1,231 2,204
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost
applicable
per gold
equivalent
ounce sold 21,792 20,443 15,821 23,608 13,827 95,491
Ounces of
gold
equivalent
sold 21,628 27,171 34,450 12,090 13,330 108,670
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost per
ounce of gold
equivalent
sold ($/oz) 1,008 752 459 1,953 1,037 879
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold equivalent was calculated using the realized prices for gold of $2,087/oz Au, $23.4/oz
Ag, $2,084/t Pb, and $2,450/t Zn for Q1 2024.
Figures may not add due to rounding
Cash Cost Per
Gold
Equivalent
Ounce Sold - GEO Cash
Q1 2023 Lindero Yaramoko Séguéla San Jose Caylloma Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of sales 41,725 44,863 - 32,523 16,108 135,219
Depletion,
depreciation,
and
amortization (13,192 ) (17,368 ) - (9,912 ) (3,483 ) (43,955 )
Royalties and
taxes (3,926 ) (3,362 ) - (1,257 ) (166 ) (8,711 )
By-product
credits (799 ) - - - - (799 )
Other 15 - - (17 ) (471 ) (473 )
Treatment and
refining
charges - - - 724 5,506 6,230
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost
applicable
per gold
equivalent
ounce sold 23,823 24,133 - 22,061 17,494 87,511
Ounces of
gold
equivalent
sold 26,763 29,472 - 23,127 16,179 95,541
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost per
ounce of gold
equivalent
sold ($/oz) 891 819 - 954 1,081 916
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold equivalent was calculated using the realized prices for gold of $1,893/oz Au, $22.5/oz
Ag, $2,256/t Pb, and $3,197/t Zn for Q1 2023.
Figures may not add due to rounding
Reconciliation of cost of sales to all-in sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold
equivalent sold for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
AISC Per Gold
Equivalent
Ounce Sold - San GEO
Q1 2024 Lindero Yaramoko Séguéla Jose Caylloma Corporate AISC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost
applicable per
gold
equivalent
ounce sold 21,792 20,443 15,821 23,608 13,827 - 95,491
Royalties and
taxes 253 4,293 5,472 704 354 - 11,076
Worker's
participation - - - - 417 - 417
General and
administration 2,879 550 1,168 1,458 1,219 10,649 17,923
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash
costs 24,924 25,286 22,461 25,770 15,817 10,649 124,907
Sustaining
capital(1) 10,405 12,033 10,188 261 4,641 - 37,528
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All-in
sustaining
costs 35,329 37,319 32,649 26,031 20,458 10,649 162,435
Gold
equivalent
ounces sold 21,628 27,171 34,450 12,090 13,330 - 108,670
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All-in
sustaining
costs per
ounce 1,634 1,373 948 2,153 1,535 - 1,495------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold equivalent was calculated using the realized prices for gold of $2,087/oz Au, $23.4/oz Ag, $2,084/t Pb, and
$2,450/t Zn for Q1 2024.
Figures may not add due to rounding
(1) Presented on a cash basis
AISC Per Gold
Equivalent
Ounce Sold - San GEO
Q1 2023 Lindero Yaramoko Séguéla Jose Caylloma Corporate AISC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost
applicable per
gold
equivalent
ounce sold 23,823 24,133 - 22,061 17,494 - 87,511
Royalties and
taxes 3,926 3,362 - 1,257 166 - 8,711
Worker's
participation - - - 21 517 - 538
General and
administration 1,992 889 - 1,802 1,144 8,681 14,508
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash
costs 29,741 28,384 - 25,141 19,321 8,681 111,268
Sustaining
capital(3) 8,343 16,099 - 5,022 3,870 - 33,334
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All-in
sustaining
costs 38,084 44,483 - 30,163 23,191 8,681 144,602
Gold
equivalent
ounces sold 26,763 29,472 - 23,127 16,179 - 95,541
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All-in
sustaining
costs per
ounce 1,424 1,509 - 1,304 1,433 - 1,514
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold equivalent was calculated using the realized prices for gold of $1,893/oz Au, $22.5/oz Ag, $2,256/t Pb, and
$3,197/t Zn for Q1 2023.
Figures may not add due to rounding
(1) Presented on a cash basis
Reconciliation of cost of sales to cash cost per payable ounce of silver
equivalent sold for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Cash Cost Per Silver
Equivalent Ounce
Sold - Q1 2024 San Jose Caylloma SEO Cash Costs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of sales 23,724 17,105 40,829
Depletion,
depreciation, and
amortization (391 ) (3,824 ) (4,215 )
Royalties and taxes (704 ) (354 ) (1,058 )
Other 6 (331 ) (325 )
Treatment and
refining charges 973 1,231 2,204
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost applicable
per silver
equivalent sold 23,608 13,827 37,435
Ounces of silver
equivalent sold(1) 1,073,948 1,190,990 2,264,938
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost per ounce
of silver equivalent
sold ($/oz) 21.98 11.61 16.53
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Silver equivalent sold for Q1 2024 for San Jose is calculated using a silver
to gold ratio of 88.4:1. Silver equivalent sold for Q1 2024 for Caylloma is
calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 86.8:1, silver to lead ratio of
1:24.7 pounds, and silver to zinc ratio of 1:21.0 pounds.
(2) Silver equivalent is calculated using the realized prices for gold,
silver, lead, and zinc. Refer to Financial Results - Sales and Realized Prices
Figures may not add due to rounding
Cash Cost Per Silver
Equivalent Ounce
Sold - Q1 2023 San Jose Caylloma SEO Cash Costs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of sales 32,523 16,108 48,631
Depletion,
depreciation, and
amortization (9,912 ) (3,483 ) (13,395 )
Royalties and taxes (1,257 ) (166 ) (1,423 )
Other (17 ) (471 ) (488 )
Treatment and
refining charges 724 5,506 6,230
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost applicable
per silver
equivalent sold 22,061 17,494 39,555
Ounces of silver
equivalent sold(1) 1,944,265 1,373,699 3,317,964
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost per ounce
of silver equivalent
sold ($/oz) 11.35 12.74 11.92
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Silver equivalent sold for San Jose for Q1 2023 is 81.2:1.Silver equivalent
sold for Caylloma for Q1 2023 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of
0.0:1, silver to lead ratio of 1:22.3 pounds, and silver to zinc ratio 1:15.7.
(2) Silver equivalent is calculated using the realized prices for gold,
silver, lead, and zinc. Refer to Financial Results - Sales and Realized Prices
Figures have been restated to remove Right of Use
Figures may not add due to rounding
Reconciliation of all-in sustaining cash cost and all-in cash cost per payable
ounce of silver equivalent sold for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and
2023
AISC Per Silver
Equivalent Ounce Sold -
Q1 2024 San Jose Caylloma SEO AISC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost applicable
per silver equivalent
ounce sold 23,608 13,827 37,435
Royalties and taxes 704 354 1,058
Worker's participation - 417 417
General and
administration 1,458 1,219 2,677
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs 25,770 15,817 41,587
Sustaining capital(3) 261 4,641 4,902
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All-in sustaining costs 26,031 20,458 46,489
Silver equivalent
ounces sold(1) 1,073,948 1,190,990 2,264,938
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All-in sustaining costs
per ounce(2) 24.24 17.18 20.53
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Silver equivalent sold for Q1 2024 for San Jose is calculated using a silver
to gold ratio of 88.4:1. Silver equivalent sold for Q1 2024 for Caylloma is
calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 86.8:1, silver to lead ratio of
1:24.7 pounds, and silver to zinc ratio of 1:21.0 pounds.
2 Silver equivalent is calculated using the realized prices for gold, silver,
lead, and zinc. Refer to Financial Results - Sales and Realized Prices
3 Presented on a cash basis
AISC Per Silver
Equivalent Ounce Sold -
Q1 2023 San Jose Caylloma SEO AISC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash cost applicable
per silver equivalent
ounce sold 22,061 17,494 39,555
Royalties and taxes 1,257 166 1,423
Worker's participation 21 517 538
General and
administration 1,802 1,144 2,946
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash costs 25,141 19,321 44,462
Sustaining capital(3) 5,022 3,870 8,892
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All-in sustaining costs 30,163 23,191 53,354
Silver equivalent
ounces sold(1) 1,944,265 1,373,699 3,317,964
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All-in sustaining costs
per ounce(2) 15.51 16.88 16.08
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Silver equivalent sold for San Jose for Q1 2023 is 81.2:1.Silver equivalent
sold for Caylloma for Q1 2023 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of
0.0:1, silver to lead ratio of 1:22.3 pounds, and silver to zinc ratio 1:15.7.
2 Silver equivalent is calculated using the realized prices for gold, silver,
lead, and zinc. Refer to Financial Results - Sales and Realized Prices
3 Presented on a cash basis
Additional information regarding the Company's financial results and activities
underway are available in the Company's unaudited condensed interim consolidated
financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and
accompanying Q1 2024 MD&A, which are available for download on the Company's
website, www.fortunasilver.com, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at
www.sec.gov/edgar.
Conference