GODALMING, United Kingdom, Aug. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Condor Gold (AIM: CNR; TSX: COG) announces that it has today published its unaudited financial results for the six months ending 30 June 2022 and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the same period.
Both of the above have been posted on the Company’s website www.condorgold.com and are also available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Highlights for the three and six months to 30 June 2022:
Mark Child, Chairman and Chief Executive of Condor Gold, commented:
“Condor made significant advances during the 6 month period de-risking the fully permitted La India Project to a near construction ready status and completing all technical studies for a Feasibility Study on La India open pit. 99.6% of the land for the key areas has been purchased and 14 hectares of land have been cleared in the location of the processing plant facility. Drill results from infill drilling on Mestiza open pit of 6.3 m true width at 6.84 g/t gold from 31.45 m and 3.6 m true width at 29.1 g/t gold are both reassuring of the high-grade nature of the deposit and continuity of grade. The wide zones of mineralisation within the La India open pit, near surface of 34.1 m true width at 2.56 g/t gold amalgamated from 2.80 m drill depth are confirmatory in nature. The Company is on track with its strategic objective of constructing and operating a processing plant producing circa 100,000 oz gold per annum, then materially expanding the production capacity while demonstrating a potential 5M oz Gold District”.
Chairman’s Statement For The Three And Six Months to 30 June 2022
Dear Shareholder,
I am pleased to present Condor Gold Plc’s (“Condor”, the “Company” or the “Group”, www.condorgold.com or if you are viewing from Canada ca.condorgold.com) unaudited interim financial report for the three and six months ended 30 June 2022.
The focus during the 6 month period has been the finalisation of the technical studies at La India Project required for a Feasibility Level Study (“FS Study” or “Feasibility Study) on the La India open pit utilising the new SAG Mill package acquired by Condor in February 2021. La India Project has been materially de-risked and is nearing a construction ready status. A FS Study increases the confidence of the Project, incorporating a Feasibility Level engineering design, and +/- 15% capital and operating costs. This in turn will facilitate Project financing ahead of Project construction. Condor staff and our contractors at Hanlon Engineering, Tierra Group International and SRK Consulting (UK and USA) have been diligently pursuing the supporting work for the study for over 18 months and have made substantial headway in completion of that work, such that all technical studies are complete save the final analysis. There has been a slight delay in the delivery of the FS Study due to the requirement to undertake additional metallurgical testwork and finalise the designs on the processing plant.
On 4th August 2022, the Company announced the confirmatory metallurgical testwork demonstrated that gold recovery is independent of grade and a fixed gold recovery of 91% assuming a 75 micron grind size will be used in the project economics of the forthcoming Feasibility Study. Gold extraction from the 11 variability composites averaged 92.6% at the 75 micron grind size, which is reduced by 2% to allow for gold being locked up in the processing plant, which is sometimes referred to as inherent plant inefficiencies. Gold extraction from the four low grade composites averaged 93.8% at the 75 micron target grind, indicating a gold recovery of 91.8% after a 2% reduction to allow for gold being locked up in the processing plant. At a finer grind size of 53 microns an average gold extraction of 94.7% was achieved, indicating a potential upside gold recovery of about 93%. The selection of the composites by both grade and approximate year of production provides confirmation that the mill recovery will not be materially affected over the life of the La India Mine.
During the first half of 2022, the Company has been focused on de-risking La India Project by advancing and completing several technical and engineering studies for the FS Study, some of which are a condition of the Environmental Permit. The current status of the FS Study is:
The Company’s twin strategy remains the construction and operation of a base case processing plant with capacity of up to 2,800 tonnes per day (“tpd”) capable of producing approximately 100,000 oz of gold per annum using the complete new SAG Mill package already purchased, to materially increasing this production capacity, and proving a major Gold District of 5 M oz gold potential at the 588km² La India Project, in Nicaragua.
The Company continues to enhance its social engagement and activities in the community, thereby maintaining our social licence to operate. Condor has strengthened its community team and stepped up social activities and engagement. The main focus locally is the drinking water programme, implemented in April 2017. A total of 340 families are currently benefiting; they receive five-gallon water dispensers each week. The Company installed a water purification plant manufactured in Israel at a cost of approximately US$200,000 to double the drinking water supply capacity to the local communities. It was operational in May 2021.
As of the date of this document, the ability of the Company to operate has not been materially affected by the on-going Covid-19 pandemic. The situation is kept under close review by management and the Board; certain measures have and will be taken as appropriate to ensure the health and safety of employees and contractors in this regard and to reduce the potential spread of the virus within the local community.
In June 2022 the Company announced it had raised £3.25 million by way of a private placement of new ordinary shares. (See RNSfor details).
Turning to the financial results for the six months to end-June 2022, the Group’s total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period was £1,898,315 (six months to end-June 2021: £(1,638,488). The Company raised a total of £3.25 million through share issuances. The net cash balance of the Group at end-June 2022 was £2,453,607
To conclude, Condor made significant advances during the 6 month period de-risking the fully permitted La India Project to a near construction ready status and completing all technical studies for a Feasibility Study. 99.6% of the land for the key areas has been purchased and 14 hectares of land have been cleared in the location of the processing plant facility. Drill results from infill drilling on Mestiza open pit of 6.3 m true width at 6.84 g/t gold from 31.45 m and 3.6 m true width at 29.1 g/t gold are both reassuring of the high grade nature of the deposit and continuity of grade. The wide zones of mineralisation within the La India open pit, near surface of 34.1 m true width at 2.56 g/t gold amalgamated from 2.80 m drill depth are confirmatory in nature. The Company is on track with its strategic objective of constructing and operating a processing plant producing circa 100,000 oz gold per annum, then materially expanding the production capacity while demonstrating a 5M oz Gold District.
Mark Child
Chairman and CEO
CONDOR GOLD PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2022
Six months to 30.06.22 unaudited £ | Six months to 30.06.21 unaudited £ | Three months to 30.06.22 unaudited £ | Three months to 30.06.21 unaudited £ | ||||||||||
Revenue | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Share based payments | (288,906 | ) | (199,591 | ) | (126,747 | ) | (111,320 | ) | |||||
Administrative expenses | (1,085,069 | ) | (814,269 | ) | (579,094 | ) | (390,022 | ) | |||||
Operating loss | (1,373,975 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) | (705,841 | ) | (501,342 | ) | |||||
Finance income | 1,585 | - | 1,330 | - | |||||||||
Loss before income tax | (1,372,390 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) | (704,511 | ) | (501,342 | ) | |||||
Income tax expense | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Loss for the period | (1,372,390 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) | (704,511 | ) | (501,342 | ) | |||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss): | |||||||||||||
Currency translation differences | 3,270,705 | (624,628 | ) | 2,605,881 | (202,236 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period | 3,270,705 | (624,628 | ) | 2,605,881 | (202,236 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period | 1,898,315 | (1,638,488 | ) | 1,901,370 | (703,578 | ) | |||||||
Earnings per share expressed in pence per share: | |||||||||||||
Basic and diluted (in pence) | Note 7 | (0.92 | ) | (0.78 | ) | (0.48 | ) | (0.37 | ) | ||||
CONDOR GOLD PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 30 JUNE 2022
30.06.22 unaudited £ | 31.12.21 audited £ | 30.06.21 unaudited £ | ||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||
NON-CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 7,818,025 | 7,473,433 | 7,495,031 | |||||
Intangible assets | 32,752,758 | 28,100,980 | 24,096,294 | |||||
40,570,783 | 35,574,413 | 31,591,325 | ||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Trade and other receivables | 862,775 | 775,693 | 196,347 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 2,453,607 | 2,072,046 | 3,005,389 | |||||
3,316,382 | 2,847,739 | 3,201,736 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | 43,887,165 | 38,422,152 | 34,793,061 | |||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Trade and other payables | 221,966 | 248,176 | 134,519 | |||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 221,966 | 248,176 | 134,519 | |||||
NET CURRENT ASSETS | 3,094,416 | 2,599,563 | 3,067,217 | |||||
NET ASSETS | 43,665,199 | 38,173,976 | 34,658,542 | |||||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT | ||||||||
Called up share capital | 31,707,573 | 29,326,143 | 26,983,286 | |||||
Share premium | 43,451,199 | 42,528,627 | 40,858,206 | |||||
Exchange difference reserve | 788,667 | (2,482,038 | ) | (2,986,729 | ) | |||
Retained earnings | (32,282,240 | ) | (31,198,756 | ) | (30,196,221 | ) | ||
TOTAL EQUITY | 43,665,199 | 38,173,976 | 38,658,542 | |||||
CONDOR GOLD PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
AS AT 30 JUNE 2022
Share capital | Share premium | Exchange difference reserve | Retained earnings | Total equity | |||||
£ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
At 1 January 2021 | 23,732,526 | 37,175,626 | (2,362,101 | ) | (29,381,952 | ) | 29,164,099 | ||
Loss for the period | - | - | - | (1,013,860 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) | ||
Other comprehensive income: | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
Currency translation differences | - | - | (624,628 | ) | - | (624,628 | ) | ||
Total comprehensive income | - | - | (624,628 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) | (1,638,488 | ) | |
New shares issued | 3,250,760 | 3,682,580 | - | - | 6,933,340 | ||||
Issue costs | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
Share based payment | - | - | - | 199,591 | 199,591 | ||||
Total contributions by & distributions to owners of the parent, recognised directly in equity | 3,250,760 | 3,682,580 | - | 199,591 | 7,132,931 | ||||
At 30 June 2021 | 26,983,286 | 40,858,206 | (2,986,729 | ) | (30,196,221 | ) | 34,658,542 |
At 1 January 2022 | 29,326,143 | 42,528,627 | (2,482,038 | ) | (31,199,756 | ) | 38,173,976 | |
Loss for the period | - | - | - | (1,372,390 | ) | (1,372,390 | ) | |
Other comprehensive income: | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Currency translation differences | - | - | 3,270,705 | - | 3,270,705 | |||
Total comprehensive income | - | - | 3,270,705 | (1,372,390 | ) | 1,898,315 | ||
New shares issued | 2,381,430 | 922,572 | - | - | 3,304,002 | |||
Issue costs | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Share based payment | - | - | - | 288,906 | 288,906 | |||
Total contributions by & distributions to owners of the parent, recognised directly in equity | 2,381,430 | 922,572 | - | 288,906 | 3,592,908 | |||
At 30 June 2022 | 31,707,573 | 43,451,199 | 788,607 | (32,282,240 | ) | 43,665,199 |
CONDOR GOLD PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2022
Six months to 30.06.22 unaudited £ | Six months to 30.06.21 unaudited £ | ||||
Loss before tax | (1,372,390 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) | |
Share based payment | 288,906 | 199,591 | |||
Depreciation charges | 34,301 | - | |||
Finance income | (1,585 | ) | - | ||
(1,050,768 | ) | (814,269 | ) | ||
Increase in trade and other receivables | (87,082 | ) | (81,938 | ) | |
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables | (26,210 | ) | (131,893 | ) | |
Net cash used in operating activities | (1,164,060 | ) | (1,028,100 | ) | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||||
Purchase of intangible fixed assets | (1,805,216 | ) | (2,662,661 | ) | |
Purchase of tangible fixed assets | (62,363 | ) | (4,494,661 | ) | |
Interest received | 1,585 | - | |||
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,865,994 | ) | (7,157,586 | ) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | |||||
Net proceeds from share issue | 3,304,002 | 6,933,340 | |||
Net cash generated from financing activities | 3,304,002 | 6,933,340 | |||
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 273,948 | (1,252,346 | ) | ||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 2,072,046 | 4,159,391 | |||
Exchange gains on cash and bank | 107,613 | 98,344 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 2,453,607 | 3,005,389 | |||
CONDOR GOLD PLC
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2022
1. COMPLIANCE WITH ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Basis of preparation
This condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union and also as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). It has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and as issued by the IASB.
The interim results for the three and six months to 30 June 2022 are unaudited and the accounts in this interim report do not therefore constitute statutory accounts in accordance with Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.
Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies and the auditor's report was unqualified and did not contain any statement under Section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts contained a material uncertainty in respect of going concern which referred to the Group’s need to raise further funding in order to progress exploration activity. There were no other matters drawn to the attention of the users of the financial statements in the auditor’s report.
The interim financial information for the three and six months ended 30 June 2022 was approved by the Board on 15 August 2021.
The directors do not propose an interim dividend.
While it is noted that the Company will require further finance within 12 months of the date of release of these financial statements, the Directors consider the going concern basis to be appropriate based on cash flow forecasts and projections and current levels of commitments, cash and cash equivalents, together with the ability of the Company to raise finance in May 2022. The comparative period presented is that of the six months ended 30 June 2021.
The Directors are of the opinion that due to the nature of the Group’s activities and the events during that period these are the most appropriate comparatives for the current period. Copies of these financial statements are available on the Company’s website and on www.Sedar.com.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The interim financial information for the three and six months ended 30 June 2022 has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the most recently published financial statements for the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021, which are available on the Company’s website www.condorgold.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, as the Company does not anticipate the addition of new standards to the Group’s results for the year ended 31 December 2021 would materially impact the results.
3. REVENUE AND SEGMENTAL REPORTING
The Group has not generated any revenue during the period. The Group’s operations are located in the United Kingdom and Nicaragua.
The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of segment assets, and additions to plant and equipment, analysed by geographical area in which the assets are located.
3. REVENUE AND SEGMENTAL REPORTING - continued
The Group’s results by reportable segment for the six-month period ended 30 June 2022 are as follows:
UK Six months to 30.06.2022 £ | Nicaragua Six months to 30.06.2022 £ | Consolidation Six months to 30.06.2022 £ | ||||||
RESULTS | ||||||||
Operating loss | (1,288,746 | ) | (85,229 | ) | (1,373,975 | ) | ||
Finance income | 1,585 | - | 1,585 | |||||
Income tax | - | - | - | |||||
Loss for period | (1,287,161 | ) | (85,229 | ) | (1,372,390 | ) |
The Group’s results by reportable segment for the three-month period ended 30 June 2022 are as follows:
UK Three months to 30.06.2022 £ | Nicaragua Three months to 30.06.2022 £ | Consolidation Three months to 30.06.2022 £ | ||||||
RESULTS | ||||||||
Operating loss | (646,250 | ) | (59,591 | ) | (705,841 | ) | ||
Interest income | 1,330 | - | 1,330 | |||||
Income tax | - | - | - | |||||
Loss for period | (644,920 | ) | (59,591 | ) | (704,511 | ) |
Assets
All transactions between each reportable segment are accounted for using the same accounting policies as the Group uses.
UK 30.06.2022 £ | Nicaragua 30.06.2022 £ | Consolidation 30.06.2022 £ | |||
ASSETS | |||||
Total assets | 7,531,696 | 37,025,917 | 44,557,613 |
UK 30.06.2022 £ | Nicaragua 30.06.2022 £ | Consolidation 30.06.2022 £ | |||
LIABILITIES | |||||
Total liabilities | (343,663) | 121,697 | (221,966) |
3. REVENUE AND SEGMENTAL REPORTING - continued
The Group’s results by reportable segment for the six-month period ended 30 June 2021 are as follows:
UK Six months to 30.06.2021 £ | Nicaragua Six months to 30.06.2021 £ | Consolidation Six months to 30.06.2021 £ | ||||||
RESULTS | ||||||||
Operating loss | (907,876 | ) | (105,984 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) | ||
Finance income | - | - | - | |||||
Income tax | - | - | - | |||||
Loss for period | (907,876 | ) | (105,984 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) |
The Group’s results by reportable segment for the three-month period ended 30 June 2021 are as follows:
UK Three months to 30.06.2021 £ | Nicaragua Three months to 30.06.2021 £ | Consolidation Three months to 30.06.2021 £ | ||||||
RESULTS | ||||||||
Operating loss | (461,202 | ) | (40,140 | ) | (501,342 | ) | ||
Interest income | - | - | - | |||||
Income tax | - | - | - | |||||
Loss for period | (461,202 | ) | (40,140 | ) | (510,342 | ) |
Assets and liabilities
All transactions between each reportable segment are accounted for using the same accounting policies as the Group uses.
UK 30.06.2021 £ | Nicaragua 30.06.2021 £ | Consolidation 30.06.2021 £ | |||
ASSETS | |||||
Total assets | 7,969,350 | 26,689,192 | 34,658,542 |
UK 30.06.2021 £ | Nicaragua 30.06.2021 £ | Consolidation 30.06.2021 £ | ||||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Total liabilities | (94,896 | ) | (233,404 | ) | (328,300 | ) |
4. TAXATION
There is no current tax charge/(credit) for the period. The condensed financial statements do not include a deferred tax asset in respect of unused tax losses as the Directors are unable to assess that there will be probable future taxable profits available against which the unused tax losses can be utilised.
5. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
During the six months ended 30 June 2022, the Group acquired assets with a cost of £1,805,216 (six months ended 30 June 2021: £2,662,661).
During the three months ended 30 June 2022, the Group acquired assets with a cost of £798,268 (three months ended 30 June 2021: £1,729,641).
6. EQUITY-SETTLED SHARE OPTION SCHEME AND WARRANTS
The estimated fair value of the options and warrants granted and charged to profit or loss in the period was;
Six months to 30.06.2022 unaudited £ | Six months to 30.06.2021 unaudited £ | Three Months to 30.06.2022 unaudited £ | Three Months to 30.06.2021 unaudited £ | ||||
Share options charge | 288,906 | 199,591 | 126,747 | 111,320 |
The fair value of options has been recognised within profit or loss, on a pro-rata basis over the vesting period. This fair value has been calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The latest inputs into the model were as follows:
2022 | 2021 | |||
Share price | 25.5 | 48p | ||
Exercise price | 33p | 48p | ||
Expected volatility | 35.6% | 35.6% | ||
Expected life (yrs.) | 5 | 5 | ||
Risk free rate | 0.5% | 0.5% | ||
Expected dividend yield | - | - | ||
7. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
A reconciliation is set out below:
Six months to 30.06.22 | Six months to 30.06.21 | |||||
Basic EPS | ||||||
Loss for the period | (1,372,390 | ) | (1,013,860 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares | 147,667,937 | 129,714,411 | ||||
Earnings per share (in pence) | (0.92 | ) | (0.78 | ) | ||
Three months to 30.06.22 | Three months to 30.06.21 | |||||
Basic EPS | ||||||
Loss for the period | (704,511 | ) | (501,342 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares | 147,757,526 | 134,825,204 | ||||
Earnings per share (in pence) | (0.48 | ) | (0.37 | ) | ||
In accordance with IAS 33, as the Group has reported a loss for the period, diluted earnings per share are not included. | ||||||
8. CALLED-UP SHARE CAPITAL | ||||||
30.06.22 £ | 30.06.21 £ | |||||
Allotted and fully paid | ||||||
158,916,429 Ordinary shares of 20p each (30 June 2021: 134,916,429 ordinary shares of 20p each) | 31,707,573 | 26,983,286 | ||||
Share issuances in the six months ended 30 June 2021 were as follows:
Nature of issuance | Issue price per Ordinary share | Date of share issuance | Number of shares issued | Total Cumulative number of ordinary shares issued |
Opening | 1 January 2022 | 146,630,715 | ||
Option exercise | 20 pence | 13 January 2022 | 300,000 | 146,930,715 |
Private placement | 28 pence | 17 June 2022 | 11,607,149 | 158,537,864 |
On 1 January 2022, 300,000 ordinary shares were issued at a price of 20 pence per share, further to exercise of employee share options. On 17 June 2022, 11,607,149 ordinary shares were issued at a price of 28 pence further to a private placement. On 18 July 2022, 91,666 ordinary shares were issued at a price of 25 pence per share further to an exercise of warrants.
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the half year the Company received consultancy advice from the following related parties:
Company | Related party | Six months to 30.06.2022 £ | Six months to 30.06.2021 £ | Three months to 30.06.2022 £ | Three months to 30.06.2021 £ |
Axial Associates Limited | Mark Child | - | - | - | - |
Burnbrae Limited | Jim Mellon | 12,500 | 12,500 | 6,250 | 6,250 |
Promaco Limited AMC Geological Advisory | Ian Stalker Andrew Cheatle | 20,400 4,167 | 23,156 - | 8,700 4,167 | 25,500 - |
10. SEASONALITY OF THE GROUPS OPERATIONS
There are no seasonal factors which affect the trade of any company in the Group.
For further information please visit www.condorgold.com or contact:
Condor Gold plc | Mark Child, Chairman and CEO +44 (0) 20 7493 2784 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited | Roland Cornish and James Biddle +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 |
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP H&P Advisory Limited | Ewan Leggat +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 Andrew Chubb and Nelish Patel +44 (0) 20 7907 8500 |
BlytheRay | Tim Blythe and Megan Ray +44 (0) 20 7138 3204 |
About Condor Gold plc:
Condor Gold plc was admitted to AIM in May 2006 and dual listed on the TSX in January 2018. The Company is a gold exploration and development company with a focus on Nicaragua.
On 25 October 2021 Condor announced the filing of a Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report (“PEA”) for its La India Project, Nicaragua on SEDAR https://www.sedar.com. The highlight of the technical study is a post-tax, post upfront capital expenditure NPV of US$418 million, with an IRR of 54% and 12 month pay-back period, assuming a US$1,700 per oz gold price, with average annual production of 150,000 oz gold per annum for the initial 9 years of gold production. The open pit mine schedules have been optimised from designed pits, bringing higher grade gold forward resulting in average annual production of 157,000 oz gold in the first 2 years from open pit material and underground mining funded out of cashflow.
In August 2018, the Company announced that the Ministry of the Environment in Nicaragua had granted the Environmental Permit (“EP”) for the development, construction and operation of a processing plant with capacity to process up to 2,800 tonnes per day at its wholly-owned La India gold Project (“La India Project”). The EP is considered the master permit for mining operations in Nicaragua. Condor has purchased a new SAG Mill, which has mainly arrived in Nicaragua. Site clearance and preparation is at an advanced stage.
Environmental Permits were granted in April and May 2020 for the Mestiza and America open pits respectively, both located close to La India. The Mestiza open pit hosts 92 Kt at a grade of 12.1 g/t gold (36,000 oz contained gold) in the Indicated Mineral Resource category and 341 Kt at a grade of 7.7 g/t gold (85,000 oz contained gold) in the Inferred Mineral Resource category. The America open pit hosts 114 Kt at a grade of 8.1 g/t gold (30,000 oz) in the Indicated Mineral Resource category and 677 Kt at a grade of 3.1 g/t gold (67,000 oz) in the Inferred Mineral Resource category. Following the permitting of the Mestiza and America open pits, together with the La India Open Pit Condor has 1.12 M oz gold open pit Mineral Resources permitted for extraction.
Disclaimer
Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
Qualified Persons
The technical and scientific information in this press release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Andrew Cheatle, P.Geo., who is a “qualified person” as defined by NI 43-101 and Gerald D. Crawford, P.E., who is a “qualified person” as defined by NI 43-101 and is the Chief Technical Officer of Condor Gold plc.
Technical Information
Certain disclosure contained in this news release of a scientific or technical nature has been summarised or extracted from the technical report entitled “Technical Report on the La India Gold Project, Nicaragua, October 2021”, dated October 22, 2021 with an effective date of September 9, 2021 (the “Technical Report”), prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. The Qualified Persons responsible for the Technical Report are Dr Tim Lucks of SRK Consulting (UK) Limited, and Mr Fernando Rodrigues, Mr Stephen Taylor and Mr Ben Parsons of SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. Mr Parsons assumes responsibility for the MRE, Mr Rodrigues the open pit mining aspects, Mr Taylor the underground mining aspects and Dr Lucks for the oversight of the remaining technical disciplines and compilation of the report.
Reference is made to the Company’s press release dated 23 May 2022, which contains the required National Instrument – 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects disclosure with respect to the New Drill Intercepts.
Forward Looking Statements
All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are ‘forward-looking information’ with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to: Development Plans for the La India Project, Mineral Reserves and Resources at La India Project. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as: "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", “strategies”, “estimate”, "expect", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intends", "believe", "potential", “could”, “might”, “will” and similar expressions. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made including, among others, assumptions regarding: future commodity prices and royalty regimes; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future currency exchange and interest rates; the impact of increasing competition; general conditions in economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; the receipt of required permits; royalty rates; future tax rates; future operating costs; availability of future sources of funding; ability to obtain financing and assumptions underlying estimates related to adjusted funds from operations. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.
Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, risks related to: mineral exploration, development and operating risks; estimation of mineralisation, resources and reserves; environmental, health and safety regulations of the resource industry; competitive conditions; operational risks; liquidity and financing risks; funding risk; exploration costs; uninsurable risks; conflicts of interest; risks of operating in Nicaragua; government policy changes; ownership risks; permitting and licencing risks; artisanal miners and community relations; difficulty in enforcement of judgments; market conditions; stress in the global economy; current global financial condition; exchange rate and currency risks; commodity prices; reliance on key personnel; dilution risk; payment of dividends; as well as those factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 dated March 31, 2021, available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.