VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) (TSX:FR) (FRANKFURT:FMV) ("First Majestic" or the "Company") announces total production in the second quarter of 2018 from its seven operating silver mines reached a new Company record of 5.1 million equivalent ounces of silver. Total production consisted of 2.8 million ounces of silver, 25,449 ounces of gold, 3.9 million pounds of lead and 1.4 million pounds of zinc.
The Company has increased its 2018 annual silver production to a new range of 12.0 to 13.2 million ounces, or 20.5 to 22.6 million silver equivalent ounces primarily due to the addition of the San Dimas Silver/Gold mine which was acquired on May 10, 2018. This compares to the previous annual production guidance of 10.6 to 11.8 million ounces of silver, or 15.7 to 17.5 million silver equivalent ounces.
“During the quarter, the integration of the newly acquired San Dimas mine into our Mexican portfolio was our primary focus,” said Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO. “The world-class San Dimas operation, which contributed only seven weeks of production in the second quarter, propelled the Company to a new quarterly production record of 5.1 million silver equivalent ounces and has become our cornerstone asset and will remain a major focus for the next several quarters as we optimize the operation. Short term, we are focused on reducing underground dilution and implementing mill automation processes, including the installation of high intensity grinding technologies in order to increase efficiencies and reduce production costs. In addition, under the new streaming agreement, we are going back to mine numerous high-grade silver veins that were previously deemed uneconomic by the previous operator. In 2018, all-in sustaining costs at San Dimas are projected to be between $6.99 to $8.19 per ounce, making it our lowest cost and our largest producing mine.”
Mr. Neumeyer continued, “At La Encantada, the construction of the new roaster is in its final stages. Commissioning and start up procedures are expected to begin in late August before ramping up to commercial production by the end of the year. These are exciting times for the Company, our employees and our stakeholders.”
PRODUCTION TABLE
Q2 | Q2 | Y/Y | Q1 | Q/Q | |||
2018 | 2017 | Change | 2018 | Change | |||
Ore processed/tonnes milled | 851,349 | 691,833 | 23% | 809,775 | 5% | ||
Total production - ounces of silver equivalent | 5,137,318 | 3,888,944 | 32% | 3,879,678 | 32% | ||
Silver ounces produced | 2,756,263 | 2,287,188 | 21% | 2,167,030 | 27% | ||
Gold ounces produced | 25,449 | 15,186 | 68% | 15,887 | 60% | ||
Pounds of lead produced | 3,949,410 | 7,625,328 | -48% | 4,448,378 | -11% | ||
Pounds of zinc produced | 1,382,760 | 860,939 | 61% | 1,611,699 | -14% |
QUARTERLY REVIEW
Total ore processed during the quarter at the Company's seven operating silver mines: San Dimas, Santa Elena, La Encantada, La Parrilla, Del Toro, San Martin and La Guitarra, amounted to 851,349 tonnes, representing a 5% increase compared to the previous quarter. The increase in tonnes compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to the addition of the San Dimas production, offset by a 14% decrease in throughput at La Encantada.
Consolidated silver grades in the quarter averaged 127 g/t compared to 111 g/t in the previous quarter. The 14% increase in silver grades was primarily the result of the addition of seven weeks of production from San Dimas.
Consolidated silver recoveries averaged 79%, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous quarter. The Company expects further improvements in recoveries with the anticipated installation and commissioning of the microbubble flotation columns at La Parrilla in the third quarter of 2018, followed by Del Toro in the first quarter of 2019. In addition, delivery and installation of the High Intensity Grinding (“HIG”) mills at Santa Elena and San Dimas are planned for October and November, respectively, followed by commissioning over the following quarter. The benefits of this new technology, most notably higher recoveries and lower operating costs, are expected to be realized after completing ramp up to commercial production in the first half of 2019.
The Company's underground development in the second quarter consisted of 17,838 metres, reflecting a 20% increase compared to 14,914 metres completed in the previous quarter. Additional development contractors were brought in during the second quarter at La Encantada and Del Toro to focus on increasing development rates to support production. Development remains focused on opening new production areas, exploring high potential zones and new stope preparation.
During the quarter, up to 29 diamond drill rigs were active across the Company’s properties. A total of 298 drill holes were completed for a total of 73,899 metres on the seven producing assets as well as the Plomosas Silver Project, representing a 65% increase in drilled metres compared to the previous quarter. Primary exploration activities focused on replacement deposits at the Quebradillas mine and the epithermal vein system at Cerro de Santiago at La Parrilla, exploring extensions of the main Santa Elena vein, vein splays of Santa Elena and at the Ermitaño-West project at Santa Elena, exploring Santa Jessica, Santa Regina and Alexa veins in the Central block and Sinaloa Graben at San Dimas and exploring vein mineralization at the San Juan mine at the Plomosas Silver Project.
MINE BY MINE PRODUCTION TABLE
Mine | Ore Processed | Tonnes per Day | Silver Oz Produced | Gold Oz Produced | Pounds of Lead | Pounds of Zinc | Equivalent Silver Ounces |
San Dimas(1) | 85,765 | 1,649 | 808,923 | 11,348 | - | - | 1,698,382 |
Santa Elena | 228,054 | 2,506 | 535,015 | 11,040 | - | - | 1,407,880 |
La Encantada | 237,862 | 2,614 | 325,603 | 23 | - | - | 327,458 |
La Parrilla | 123,642 | 1,359 | 360,862 | 235 | 1,653,868 | 1,382,760 | 605,826 |
Del Toro | 65,879 | 724 | 167,591 | 73 | 2,295,542 | - | 323,714 |
San Martin | 74,431 | 818 | 419,815 | 1,331 | - | - | 524,843 |
La Guitarra | 35,715 | 392 | 138,454 | 1,399 | - | - | 249,214 |
Total | 851,349 | 9,355 | 2,756,263 | 25,449 | 3,949,410 | 1,382,760 | 5,137,318 |
1) San Dimas production was over the period May 10, 2018 to June 30, 2018, or 52 days.
*Certain amounts shown may not add exactly to the total amount due to rounding differences.
*The following prices were used in the calculation of silver equivalent ounces: Silver: $16.52 per ounce; Gold: $1,300 per ounce; Lead: $1.08 per pound; Zinc: $1.41 per pound.
At the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine:
At the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine:
At the La Encantada Silver Mine:
At the La Parrilla Silver Mine:
At the Del Toro Silver Mine:
At the San Martin Silver Mine:
At the La Guitarra Silver Mine:
SAN DIMAS OPTIMIZATION PLANS
Given its extensive 250-year production history in Mexico, San Dimas is one of the country’s most prominent silver and gold mines as well as the largest producing underground mine in the state of Durango. However, due to poor economic conditions over recent years caused by weak metal prices and the previous streaming agreement, the operation suffered from a lack of investment. Under the new streaming arrangement as of May 10th, the operation is now generating significant cash flows allowing First Majestic to deploy capital towards exploration and underground development in areas of the mine that were previously deemed uneconomic.
Since the acquisition announcement in January 2018, First Majestic has been developing a long-term mine and mill automation plan for the future of the operation. The Company has identified numerous projects that will be implemented over the next 12 to 18 months to improve production costs at the mine and processing plant, including:
In the second half of the 2018, production rates at San Dimas are expected to average 1,700 tpd with estimated average silver and gold grades of 345 g/t and 3.9 g/t, respectively. It should be noted that many of the anticipated benefits from these mine and mill modifications are not yet reflected in the forecasted operating results below and is expected to take several operating quarters to materialize.
OUTLOOK
Following the transformational acquisition of the San Dimas operation, the Company will be implementing various cost saving programs and operational modifications in order to improve profitability across the portfolio of assets. The Company has revised its annual production guidance to incorporate the following operational adjustments:
As a result of these operational modifications, our 2018 annual silver production has been increased to an estimated range of 12.0 to 13.2 million ounces, or 20.5 to 22.6 million silver equivalent ounces. This compares to the previous annual production guidance of 10.6 to 11.8 million ounces of silver, or 15.7 to 17.5 million silver equivalent ounces.
The Company is also providing guidance for the second half of 2018 on a mine-by-mine basis below. Cash cost and AISC guidance is shown per payable silver ounce. Metal price and foreign currency assumptions for calculating silver equivalent ounces were unchanged compared to the previous budget; silver: $16.50/oz, gold: $1,250/oz, lead: $1.10/lb, zinc: $1.40/lb, MXN:USD 19:1.
GUIDANCE FOR SECOND HALF OF 2018
Mine | Silver Oz (M) | Silver Eqv Oz (M) | Cash Costs ($) | AISC ($) |
San Dimas | 2.9 – 3.2 | 5.4 – 6.0 | 2.71 – 3.74 | 7.12 – 8.64 |
Santa Elena | 1.2 – 1.3 | 2.4 – 2.7 | 5.70 – 6.67 | 9.52 – 10.63 |
La Encantada | 1.4 – 1.6 | 1.4 – 1.6 | 11.74 – 12.52 | 15.47 – 16.58 |
La Parrilla | 0.7 – 0.8 | 1.2 – 1.3 | 8.65 – 9.29 | 14.71 – 15.76 |
Del Toro | 0.4 – 0.5 | 0.8 – 0.9 | 10.74 – 12.08 | 21.61 – 24.20 |
San Martin | 0.9 – 1.0 | 1.0 – 1.2 | 8.60 – 9.30 | 11.83 – 12.82 |
La Guitarra | 0.04 | 0.07 | 15.15 – 16.29 | 29.63 – 31.70 |
Consolidated | 7.6 – 8.4 | 12.4 – 13.8 | $6.63 - $7.54 | $13.28 - $14.84 |
*Certain amounts shown may not add exactly to the total amount due to rounding differences.
*Consolidated AISC includes general and administrative cost estimates and non-cash costs of $1.99 to $2.22 per payable silver ounce.
In the second half of 2018, the Company expects silver production to range between 7.6 – 8.4 million ounces, representing a 55% to 71% increase when compared to 4.9 million silver ounces produced in the first half of 2018. Additionally, total production is now expected to range between 12.4 – 13.8 million silver equivalent ounces in the second half of 2018, representing a 38% to 53% increase when compared to 9.0 million silver equivalent ounces produced in the first half of 2018.
A mine-by-mine breakdown of the revised full year 2018 production guidance is included in the table below and assumes the same metal prices and foreign currency assumptions as stated previously.
GUIDANCE FOR FULL YEAR 2018
Mine | Silver Oz (M) | Silver Eqv Oz (M) | Cash Costs ($) | AISC ($) |
San Dimas | 3.7 – 4.0 | 7.1 – 7.7 | 2.88 – 3.66 | 6.99 – 8.19 |
Santa Elena | 2.1 – 2.3 | 5.0 – 5.6 | 2.48 – 3.03 | 7.28 – 8.18 |
La Encantada | 2.1 – 2.3 | 2.1 – 2.4 | 14.25 – 14.79 | 18.52 – 19.47 |
La Parrilla | 1.4 – 1.5 | 2.3 – 2.5 | 9.67 – 10.08 | 15.77 – 16.70 |
Del Toro | 0.7 – 0.8 | 1.5 – 1.6 | 12.16 – 12.91 | 22.25 – 24.15 |
San Martin | 1.7 – 1.9 | 2.0 – 2.2 | 8.61 – 9.00 | 11.53 – 12.20 |
La Guitarra | 0.3 | 0.5 | 11.17 – 11.45 | 20.28 – 21.38 |
Consolidated | 12.0 – 13.2 | 20.5 – 22.6 | $7.18 - $7.75 | $14.53 - $15.83 |
*Certain amounts shown may not add exactly to the total amount due to rounding differences.
*Consolidated AISC includes general and administrative cost estimates and non-cash costs of $2.42 to $2.69 per payable silver ounce.
Annual cash costs are now expected to be within the range of $7.18 to $7.75 per ounce, compared to the previous guidance of $8.30 to $9.09 per ounce, primarily due to the addition of the low-cost San Dimas operation. In addition, annual all-in sustaining costs are now expected to be within a range of $14.53 to $15.83 per ounce, compared to the previous guidance of $15.21 to $16.56 per ounce.
REVISED CAPITAL BUDGET
The Company has updated its 2018 capital budget to include the San Dimas operation as well as the reallocation of capital for development and exploration across its operations. As a result, total capital investments for 2018 are now estimated at $148.7 million, consisting of $64.8 million for sustaining requirements and $83.9 million for expansionary projects. This represents a 19% increase compared to the original 2018 capital budget of $125.4 million primarily due to the inclusion of the San Dimas operation and additional investments related to corporate projects. The revised budget includes $59.2 million to be spent on underground development, $35.6 million towards property, plant and equipment, $27.4 million in exploration and $26.5 million towards corporate projects including mill automation and HIG mill technology. On a mine-by-mine basis, capital expenditures in the second half of 2018 are estimated to be $22.4 million at San Dimas, $11.4 million at Santa Elena, $11.1 million at La Encantada, $8.9 million at La Parrilla, $7.9 million at Del Toro, $5.8 million at San Martin and $2.6 million at La Guitarra.
Revised 2018 Capital Budget ($millions) | Sustaining | Expansionary | Total | |||
Underground Development | 32.8 | 26.4 | 59.2 | |||
Exploration | 4.4 | 23.0 | 27.4 | |||
Property, Plant and Equipment | 23.9 | 11.7 | 35.6 | |||
Corporate Projects | 3.5 | 23.0 | 26.5 | |||
Total | $ | 64.8 | $ | 83.9 | $ | 148.7 |
*Certain amounts shown may not add exactly to the total amount due to rounding differences.
In the first half of 2018, the Company completed 32,752 metres of underground development and 118,726 metres of exploration drilling. Under the revised 2018 budget, the Company is now expecting to complete a total of 76,700 metres of underground development, representing a 6% increase compared the original budget of 72,477 metres. In addition, the Company is now planning to complete a total of 203,500 metres of exploration drilling in 2018, representing an 11% increase compared to the original budget of 183,000 metres, primarily due the addition of 33,400 metres of exploration drilling planned at San Dimas.
APPOINTMENT OF VP OF EXPLORATION
The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Kulla as Vice President of Exploration who will lead all exploration activities at the Company’s growing portfolio of projects in Mexico. Mr. Kulla has over 30 years of experience exploring and evaluating mineral deposits and resource estimates that support operating mines. Prior to joining First Majestic, Greg was with Amec Foster Wheeler (“Amec”), a multinational consultancy, engineering and project management company, for 13 years holding the position of Principal Geologist. Additionally, Mr. Kulla also has 18 years of experience as an exploration geologist prior to joining Amec covering a diverse set of base, precious metal and industrial mineral deposit types worldwide including vein-hosted silver, epithermal and orogenic gold, porphyry copper-gold-silver-molybdenum, polymetallic skarn, sediment-hosted copper and sulphide nickel projects. He has extensive experience in mineral exploration, resource estimation, data quality assurance and quality control evaluation, technical audits and due diligence reviews.
CONFERENCE CALL
The Company will be holding a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 8am PDT (11 am EDT).
To participate in the conference call, please dial the following:
Toll Free Canada & USA: | 1-800-319-4610 |
Outside of Canada & USA: | 1-604-638-5340 |
Toll Free Germany: | 0800 180 1954 |
Toll Free UK: | 0808 101 2791 |
Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the conference. Click on WEBCAST on the First Majestic homepage as a simultaneous audio webcast of the conference call will be posted at www.firstmajestic.com.
The conference call will be recorded and you can listen to an archive of the conference by calling:
Canada & USA Toll Free: | 1-800-319-6413 |
Outside Canada & USA: | 1-604-638-9010 |
Access Code: | 2450 followed by the # sign |
The replay will be available approximately one hour after the conference and will available for 7 days following the conference. The replay will also be available on the Company’s website for one month.
Q2 EARNINGS ANNOUNCEMENT
The Company is planning to release its second quarter 2018 unaudited financial results on Monday, August 13, 2018.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
First Majestic is a mining company focused on silver production in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing the development of its existing mineral property assets. The Company presently owns and operates seven producing silver mines; the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, the La Encantada Silver Mine, the La Parrilla Silver Mine, the San Martin Silver Mine, the Del Toro Silver Mine and the La Guitarra Silver Mine. Production from these seven mines is projected to be between 12.0 to 13.2 million ounces of pure silver or 20.5 to 22.6 million ounces of silver equivalents in 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll-free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
"signed"
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of First Majestic Silver Corp. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of silver and other metals, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, hedging practices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of First Majestic Silver Corp. to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the integration of acquisitions; risks related to international operations; risks related to joint venture operations; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of current reclamation activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business - Risk Factors" in First Majestic Silver Corp.'s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2017, available on www.sedar.com, and Form 40-F on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Although First Majestic Silver Corp. has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. First Majestic Silver Corp. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.