VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAG Silver Corp. (TSX / NYSE American: MAG) (“MAG”, or the “Company”) announces the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (“Q1 2024”). For details of the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (“Q1 2024 Financial Statements”) and management’s discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (“Q1 2024 MD&A”), please see the Company’s filings on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval Plus (“SEDAR+”) at (www.sedarplus.ca) or on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (“EDGAR”) at (www.sec.gov).
All amounts herein are reported in $000s of United States dollars (“US$”) unless otherwise specified (C$ refers to Canadian dollars).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS (on a 100% basis unless otherwise noted)
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1 Adjusted EBITDA, total cash costs, cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining costs, all-in sustaining cost per ounce and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures, please see below ‘Non-IFRS Measures’ section and section 12 of the Q1 2024 MD&A for a detailed reconciliation of these measures to the Q1 2024 Financial Statements.
2 Equivalent silver head grade and equivalent silver production have been calculated using the following price assumptions to translate gold, lead and zinc to “equivalent” silver head grade and “equivalent” silver production: $23/oz silver, $1,950/oz gold, $0.95/lb lead and $1.15/lb zinc.
3 Equivalent silver ounces sold have been calculated using realized price assumptions to translate gold, lead and zinc to “equivalent” silver ounces sold (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Q1 2024 realized prices of $23.73/oz silver, $2,112.27/oz gold, $0.92/lb lead and $1.08/lb zinc.
CORPORATE
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4 Information contained in or otherwise accessible through the Company’s website, including the 2022 sustainability report and MAG Silver 2022 ESG Data Table, do not form part of this News Release and are not incorporated into this News Release by reference.
EXPLORATION
Table 1: 2024 Larder Drillholes Highlights
Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Length (m)1 | Gold (g/t) | Lithology | Target/Zone |
GAT-24-024NB | 1233.7 | 1244.0 | 10.3 | 2.3 | Komatiites with Syenite Intrusions | North Bear Zone |
Including | 1234.1 | 1236.3 | 2.2 | 9.4 | Syenite | North Bear Zone |
and | 1415.5 | 1419.7 | 4.2 | 1.6 | South Volcanics | South Bear Zone |
GAT-24-026 | 1127.0 | 1143.0 | 16.0 | 3.9 | Green Komatiites with Albite dykes | North Cheminis Zone |
Including | 1134.3 | 1135.5 | 1.2 | 9.1 | Green Komatiite with Albite dykes | North Cheminis Zone |
Including | 1137.4 | 1139.0 | 1.6 | 8.1 | Green Komatiite with Albite dykes | North Cheminis Zone |
JUANICIPIO RESULTS
All results of Juanicipio in this section are on a 100% basis, unless otherwise noted.
Operating Performance
The following table and subsequent discussion provide a summary of the operating performance of Juanicipio for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, unless otherwise noted.
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
Key mine performance data of Juanicipio (100% basis) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Metres developed (m) | 4,069 | 3,450 | ||
Material mined (t) | 325,081 | 223,632 | ||
Material processed (t) | 325,683 | 222,023 | ||
Silver head grade (g/t) | 476 | 363 | ||
Gold head grade (g/t) | 1.33 | 1.07 | ||
Lead head grade (%) | 1.35 | % | 0.74 | % |
Zinc head grade (%) | 2.50 | % | 1.45 | % |
Equivalent silver head grade (g/t) (1) | 713 | 530 | ||
Silver payable ounces (koz) | 3,995 | 2,001 | ||
Gold payable ounces (koz) | 8.90 | 5.29 | ||
Lead payable pounds (klb) | 7,747 | 2,825 | ||
Zinc payable pounds (klb) | 11,846 | 3,650 | ||
Equivalent silver payable ounces (koz) (2) | 5,627 | 2,796 | ||
(1) Equivalent silver head grades have been calculated using the following price assumptions to translate gold, lead and zinc to “equivalent” silver head grade: $23/oz silver, $1,950/oz gold, $0.95/lb lead and $1.15/lb zinc (Q1 2023: $21.85/oz silver, $1,775/oz gold, $0.915/lb lead and $1.30/lb zinc).
(2) Equivalent silver payable ounces have been calculated using realized price assumptions to translate gold, lead and zinc to “equivalent” silver payable ounces (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Q1 2024 realized prices of $23.73/oz silver, $2,112.27/oz gold, $0.92/lb lead and $1.08/lb zinc (Q1 2023 realized prices of $22.93/oz silver, $1,959.50/oz gold, $0.94/lb lead and $1.43/lb zinc).
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 a total of 325,081 tonnes of ore were mined. This represents an increase of 45% over Q1 2023. Increases in mined tonnages at Juanicipio have been driven by the operational ramp up of the mine towards steady state targets.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 a total of 325,683 tonnes of ore were processed through the Juanicipio plant; no ore was processed at the nearby Fresnillo and Saucito processing plants (100% owned by Fresnillo). This represents an increase of 47% over Q1 2023. The increase in milled tonnage has been driven by the Juanicipio mill commissioning and operational ramp up to nameplate capacity over the course of 2023.
The silver head grade and equivalent silver head grade for the ore processed in the three months ended March 31, 2024 was 476 g/t and 713 g/t, respectively (three months ended March 31, 2023: 363 g/t and 530 g/t, respectively). Head grades in Q1 2023 were lower as low-grade commissioning stockpiles were processed through the Juanicipio plant. Silver metallurgical recovery during Q1 2024 was 89.1% (Q1 2023: 87.0%) reflecting ongoing optimizations in the processing plant.
The following table provides a summary of the total cash costs5 and all-in sustaining costs5 (“AISC”) of Juanicipio for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023.
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
Key mine performance data of Juanicipio (100% basis) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Total cash costs (5) | 9,973 | 22,439 | ||
Cash cost per silver ounce sold ($/oz) (5) | 2.50 | 11.21 | ||
Cash cost per equivalent silver ounce sold ($/oz) (5) | 8.66 | 14.55 | ||
All-in sustaining costs (5) | 24,393 | 32,902 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per silver ounce sold ($/oz) (5) | 6.11 | 16.44 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per equivalent silver ounce sold ($/oz) (5) | 11.22 | 18.29 | ||
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5 Total cash costs, cash cost per ounce, cash cost per equivalent ounce, all-in sustaining costs, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, and all-in sustaining cost per equivalent ounce are non-IFRS measures, please see the “Non-IFRS Measures” section below and section 12 of the Q1 2024 MD&A for a detailed reconciliation of these measures to the Q1 2024 Financial Statements. Equivalent silver ounces sold have been calculated using realized price assumptions to translate gold, lead and zinc to “equivalent” silver ounces sold (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Q1 2024 realized prices of $23.73/oz silver, $2,112.27/oz gold, $0.92/lb lead and $1.08/lb zinc (Q1 2023: $22.93/oz silver, $1,959.50/oz gold, $0.94/lb lead and $1.43/lb zinc).
Financial Results
The following table presents excerpts of the financial results of Juanicipio for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended | ||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | |||
$ | $ | |||
Sales | 123,689 | 51,482 | ||
Cost of sales: | ||||
Production cost | (36,787 | ) | (27,378 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | (22,038 | ) | (7,955 | ) |
Gross profit | 64,864 | 16,149 | ||
Consulting and administrative expenses | (4,189 | ) | (1,499 | ) |
Extraordinary mining and other duties | (1,392 | ) | (520 | ) |
Interest expense | (3,979 | ) | (3,816 | ) |
Exchange losses and other | (1,297 | ) | (2,864 | ) |
Net income before tax | 54,007 | 7,451 | ||
Income tax expense | (14,249 | ) | 6,731 | |
Net income (100% basis) | 39,758 | 14,182 | ||
MAG’s 44% portion of net income | 17,494 | 6,240 | ||
Interest on Juanicipio loans - MAG's 44% | 1,751 | 1,679 | ||
MAG’s 44% equity income | 19,244 | 7,919 |
Sales increased by $72,207 during the three months ended March 31, 2024, mainly due to 179% higher metal volumes and 2% higher realized metal prices.
Offsetting higher sales was higher production cost ($9,409) which was driven by higher sales and operational ramp-up in mining and processing, including $3,545 in inventory movements, and higher depreciation ($14,083) as the Juanicipio mill achieved commercial production and commenced depreciating the processing facility and associated equipment in June 2023. Operating margin increased by 21% to 52%, mainly due to operational leverage and the lower reliance on the nearby Fresnillo and Saucito processing facilities.
Other expenses increased by $2,159 mainly as a result of higher extraordinary mining and other duties ($872) in relation to higher precious metal revenues from the sale of concentrates and higher consulting and administrative expenses ($2,690) as an operator services agreement became effective upon initiation of commercial production (the “Operator Services Agreement”), offset by lower exchange losses and other costs ($1,566).
Taxes increased by $20,980 impacted by higher taxable profits generated during Q1 2024, and non-cash deferred tax credits related to the commencement of use of plant and equipment in Q1 2023.
Ore Processed at Juanicipio Plant (100% basis)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 (325,683 tonnes processed) | Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Amount $ | |||||||
Payable Metals | Quantity | Average Price $ | Amount $ | |||||
Silver | 3,994,614 ounces | 23.73 per oz | 94,810 | 45,875 | ||||
Gold | 8,904 ounces | 2,112 per oz | 18,807 | 10,367 | ||||
Lead | 3,514 tonnes | 0.92 per lb. | 7,100 | 2,661 | ||||
Zinc | 5,373 tonnes | 1.08 per lb. | 12,836 | 5,208 | ||||
Treatment, refining, and other processing costs (2) | (9,864 | ) | (12,629 | ) | ||||
Sales | 123,689 | 51,482 | ||||||
Production cost | (36,787 | ) | (27,378 | ) | ||||
Depreciation and amortization (1) | (22,038 | ) | (7,955 | ) | ||||
Gross Profit | 64,864 | 16,149 |
(1) The underground mine was considered readied for its intended use on January 1, 2022, whereas the Juanicipio processing facility started commissioning and ramp-up activities in January 2023, achieving commercial production status on June 1, 2023.
(2) Includes toll milling costs from processing mineralized material at the Saucito and Fresnillo plants for Q1 2023.
Sales and treatment charges are recorded on a provisional basis and are adjusted based on final assay and pricing adjustments in accordance with the offtake contracts.
MAG FINANCIAL RESULTS – THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024
As at March 31, 2024, MAG had working capital of $72,833 (December 31, 2023: $67,262) including cash of $74,683 (December 31, 2023: $68,707) and no long-term debt. As well, as at March 31, 2024, Juanicipio had working capital of $107,088 including cash of $30,991 (MAG’s attributable share is 44%).
The Company’s net income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 amounted to $14,895 (March 31, 2023: $4,713) or $0.14/share (March 31, 2023: $0.05/share). MAG recorded its 44% income from equity accounted investment in Juanicipio of $19,244 (March 31, 2023: $7,919) which included MAG’s 44% share of net income from operations as well as loan interest earned on loans advanced to Juanicipio (see above for MAG’s share of income from its equity accounted investment in Juanicipio).
For the three months ended | ||||
March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||
$ | $ | |||
Income from equity accounted investment in Juanicipio | 19,244 | 7,919 | ||
General and administrative expenses | (4,109 | ) | (3,272 | ) |
General exploration and business development | (357 | ) | (102 | ) |
Operating income | 14,778 | 4,545 | ||
Interest income | 827 | 564 | ||
Other income | 537 | 127 | ||
Foreign exchange loss | (163 | ) | (180 | ) |
Income before income tax | 15,979 | 5,056 | ||
Deferred income tax expense | (1,084 | ) | (343 | ) |
Net income | 14,895 | 4,713 |
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash cost per silver ounce of Juanicipio to production cost of Juanicipio on a 100% basis (the nearest IFRS measure) as presented in the notes to the Q1 2024 Financial Statements.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||
(in thousands of US$, except per ounce amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Production cost as reported | 36,787 | 27,378 | ||
Depreciation on inventory movements | 673 | 149 | ||
Adjusted production cost | 37,460 | 27,527 | ||
Treatment, refining, and other processing costs | 9,864 | 12,629 | ||
By-product revenues (2) | (38,743 | ) | (18,236 | ) |
Extraordinary mining and other duties | 1,392 | 520 | ||
Total cash costs (1) | 9,973 | 22,439 | ||
Silver ounces sold | 3,994,614 | 2,000,974 | ||
Equivalent silver ounces sold (3) | 5,626,959 | 2,796,391 | ||
Cash cost per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 2.50 | 11.21 | ||
Cash cost per equivalent silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 8.66 | 14.55 |
(1) As Q3 2023 represented the first full quarter of commercial production, information presented for total cash costs together with their associated per unit values are not directly comparable.
(2) By-product revenues relates to the sale of other metals namely gold, lead, and zinc.
(3) Equivalent silver payable ounces have been calculated using realized prices to translate gold, lead and zinc to “equivalent” silver payable ounces (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Q1 2024 realized prices: $23.73/oz silver, $2,112.27/oz gold, $0.92/lb lead and $1.08/lb zinc (Q1 2023: $22.93/oz silver, $1,959.50/oz gold, $0.94/lb lead and $1.43/lb zinc).
The following table provides a reconciliation of AISC of Juanicipio to production cost and various operating expenses of Juanicipio on a 100% basis (the nearest IFRS measure), as presented in the notes to the Q1 2024 Financial Statements.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||
(in thousands of US$, except per ounce amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Total cash costs | 9,973 | 22,439 | ||
General and administrative expenses | 4,189 | 1,499 | ||
Exploration | 1,368 | 2,133 | ||
Sustaining capital expenditures | 8,598 | 6,598 | ||
Sustaining lease payments | 208 | 179 | ||
Interest on lease liabilities | (16 | ) | (6 | ) |
Accretion on closure and reclamation costs | 72 | 59 | ||
All-in sustaining costs (1) | 24,393 | 32,902 | ||
Silver ounces sold | 3,994,614 | 2,000,974 | ||
Equivalent silver ounces sold (2) | 5,626,959 | 2,796,391 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 6.11 | 16.44 | ||
All-in sustaining cost per equivalent silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 11.22 | 18.29 | ||
Average realized price per silver ounce sold ($/ounce) | 23.73 | 22.93 | ||
All-in sustaining margin ($/ounce) | 17.63 | 6.48 | ||
All-in sustaining margin ($/equivalent ounce) | 12.51 | 4.64 | ||
All-in sustaining margin | 70,417 | 12,973 |
(1) As Q3 2023 represented the first full quarter of commercial production, information presented for all-in sustaining costs and all-in sustaining margin together with their associated per unit values are not directly comparable.
(2) Equivalent silver payable ounces have been calculated using realized prices to translate gold, lead and zinc to “equivalent” silver payable ounces (metal quantity, multiplied by metal price, divided by silver price). Q1 2024 realized prices: $23.73/oz silver, $2,112.27/oz gold, $0.92/lb lead and $1.08/lb zinc, (Q1 2023 realized prices: $22.93/oz silver, $1,959.50/oz gold, $0.94/lb lead and $1.43/lb zinc).
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 the Company incurred corporate G&A expenses of $3,964 (three months ended March 31, 2023: $3,262), which exclude depreciation expense.
The Company’s attributable silver ounces sold and equivalent silver ounces sold for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were 1,757,630 and 2,475,862 respectively (three months ended March 31, 2023: 880,429 and 1,230,412 respectively), resulting in additional all‐in sustaining cost for the Company of $2.26/oz and $1.60/oz respectively (three months ended March 31, 2023: $3.71/oz and $2.65/oz respectively), in addition to Juanicipio’s all-in-sustaining costs presented in the above table.
The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the Company based on its economic interest in Juanicipio to net income (the nearest IFRS measure) of the Company per the Q1 2024 Financial Statements. All adjustments are shown net of estimated income tax.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||
(in thousands of US$) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Net income after tax | 14,895 | 4,713 | ||
Add back (deduct): | ||||
Taxes | 1,084 | 343 | ||
Depreciation and depletion | 145 | 10 | ||
Finance costs (income and expenses) | (1,201 | ) | (511 | ) |
EBITDA (1) | 14,923 | 4,555 | ||
Add back (deduct): | ||||
Adjustment for non-cash share-based compensation | 966 | 763 | ||
Share of net earnings related to Juanicipio | (19,244 | ) | (7,919 | ) |
MAG attributable interest in Junicipio Adjusted EBITDA | 35,802 | 9,718 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA (1) | 32,447 | 7,117 |
(1) As Q3 2023 represents the first full quarter of commercial production, information presented for EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is not directly comparable.
The following table provides a reconciliation of free cash flow of Juanicipio to its cash flow from operating activities on a 100% basis (the nearest IFRS measure), as presented in the notes to the Q1 2024 Financial Statements.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||
(in thousands of US$) | 2024 | 2023 | ||
Cash flow from operating activities | 42,521 | (29,910 | ) | |
Less: | ||||
Cash flow used in investing activities | (14,492 | ) | (19,004 | ) |
Sustaining lease payments | (208 | ) | (179 | ) |
Juanicipio free cash flow (1) | 27,820 | (49,093 | ) |
(1) As Q3 2023 represents the first full quarter of commercial production, comparative information presented for free cash flow of Juanicipio is not directly comparable.
Qualified Persons: All scientific or technical information in this press release including assay results referred to, and mineral resource estimates, if applicable, is based upon information prepared by or under the supervision of, or has been approved by Gary Methven, P.Eng., Vice President, Technical Services and Lyle Hansen, P.Geo, Geotechnical Director; both are “Qualified Persons” for purposes of National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About MAG Silver Corp.
MAG Silver Corp. is a growth-oriented Canadian exploration company focused on advancing high-grade, district scale precious metals projects in the Americas. MAG is emerging as a top-tier primary silver mining company through its (44%) joint venture interest in the 4,000 tonnes per day Juanicipio Mine, operated by Fresnillo plc (56%). The mine is located in the Fresnillo Silver Trend in Mexico, the world's premier silver mining camp, where in addition to underground mine production and processing of high-grade mineralised material, an expanded exploration program is in place targeting multiple highly prospective targets. MAG is also executing multi-phase exploration programs at the 100% earn-in Deer Trail Project in Utah and the 100% owned Larder Project, located in the historically prolific Abitibi region of Canada.
Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the NYSE American has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.
Certain information contained in this release, including any information relating to MAG’s future oriented financial information, are “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively herein referred as “forward-looking statements”), including the “safe harbour” provisions of provincial securities legislation, the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
When used in this release, any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events of performance (often but not always using words or phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “project”, “potential” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions), as they relate to the Company or management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. Assumptions underlying the Company’s expectations regarding forward-looking statements contained in this release include, among others: MAG’s ability to carry on its various exploration and development activities including project development timelines, the timely receipt of required approvals and permits, the price of the minerals produced, the costs of operating, exploration and development expenditures, the impact on operations of the Mexican tax and legal regimes, MAG’s ability to obtain adequate financing, outbreaks or threat of an outbreak of a virus or other contagions or epidemic disease will be adequately responded to locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.
Although MAG believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including amongst others: commodities prices; changes in expected mineral production performance; unexpected increases in capital costs or cost overruns; exploitation and exploration results; continued availability of capital and financing; general economic, market or business conditions; risks relating to the Company’s business operations; risks relating to the financing of the Company’s business operations; risks related to the Company’s ability to comply with restrictive covenants and maintain financial covenants pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility; the expected use of the Credit Facility; risks relating to the development of Juanicipio and the minority interest investment in the same; risks relating to the Company’s property titles; risks related to receipt of required regulatory approvals; pandemic risks; supply chain constraints and general costs escalation in the current inflationary environment heightened by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the events relating to the Israel-Hamas war; risks relating to the Company’s financial and other instruments; operational risk; environmental risk; political risk; currency risk; market risk; capital cost inflation risk; risk relating to construction delays; the risk that data is incomplete or inaccurate; the risks relating to the limitations and assumptions within drilling, engineering and socio-economic studies relied upon in preparing economic assessments and estimates, including the 2017 PEA; as well as those risks more particularly described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2023 available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. The Company’s forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not attribute undue certainty to or place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Please Note: Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosures in MAG's annual and quarterly reports and other public filings, accessible through the Internet at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov.
LEI: 254900LGL904N7F3EL14
For further information on behalf of MAG Silver Corp. Contact Michael J. Curlook, Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications Phone: (604) 630-1399 Toll Free: (866) 630-1399 Email:info@magsilver.com