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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the fiscal year ended | |
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the transition period from to | |
Commission file number
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | |
Non-accelerated filer ☐ | Smaller reporting company |
Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C 7262 (b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
As of June 30, 2022 (the last business day of the registrant’s second fiscal quarter), the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated into Part III, Items 10 through 14 of this report.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Descriptions of agreements or other documents in this report are intended as summaries and are not necessarily complete. Please refer to the agreements or other documents filed or incorporated herein by reference as exhibits. Please see Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules in this report for a complete list of those exhibits.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Please see the note under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for a description of special factors potentially affecting forward-looking statements included in this report.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING DISCLOSURE OF MINERAL PROPERTIES
Mineral Reserves and Resources
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and applicable Canadian securities laws, and as a result, we have reported our mineral reserves and mineral resources according to two different standards. U.S. reporting requirements are governed by Item 1300 of Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”), as issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Canadian reporting requirements for disclosure of mineral properties are governed by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), as adopted from the definitions provided by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Both sets of reporting standards have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the disclosures being reported, but the standards embody slightly different approaches and definitions. All disclosure of mineral resources and mineral reserves in this report are reported in accordance with S-K 1300.
Investors should be aware that the estimation of measured and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves, and therefore investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves that conform to S-K 1300 guidelines. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the inferred mineral resource could be upgraded to an indicated mineral resource with continued exploration. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically.
Technical Report Summaries and Qualified Persons
The technical information concerning our mineral projects in this Form 10-K have been reviewed and approved by William Shaver, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer, and Luke Willis, P.Geo, Director, Resource Modeling, each a “qualified person” under S-K 1300. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources included in this Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please review the Technical Report Summaries for each of our material properties which are included as exhibits to the 2021 Form 10-K.
RELIABILITY OF INFORMATION
Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”), the owner of the San José mine, is responsible for and has supplied to us all reported results from the San José mine. The technical information contained herein with regard to the San José mine is, with few exceptions as noted, based entirely on information provided to us by MSC. Our joint venture partner, a subsidiary of Hochschild Mining plc, and its affiliates other than MSC do not accept responsibility for the use of project data or the adequacy or accuracy of this information.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
History and Organization
McEwen Mining Inc. (the “Company”) is a gold and silver mining production and exploration company with an advanced copper development project, focused on the Americas. We were incorporated under the laws of the state of Colorado in 1979 as US Gold Corp. In September 2011, US Gold Corp. acquired Minera Andes Inc., and was renamed McEwen Mining Inc. We own 100% of the Froome mine and Stock mill in Ontario, Canada, a 100% interest in the Gold Bar mine in Nevada, 100% of the Fenix Project in Sinaloa, Mexico, 68.1% of McEwen Copper Inc., the owner of the Los Azules copper project (“Los Azules”) in San Juan, Argentina, and a 49% interest in MSC, the owner and operator of the San José mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina. MSC is controlled by the majority owner of the joint venture, Hochschild Mining plc (“Hochschild”). In addition to the above, we hold interests in advanced-stage and exploration-stage properties and projects in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina.
Our commencement of Canadian operations in 2017 was facilitated by the acquisition of Lexam VG Gold Inc. (“Lexam”) in April 2017, followed by the acquisition of the Black Fox Property and Stock Property from Primero Mining Corp. in October 2017. These two acquisitions provided us with an operating mine, mill and significant land interests in the historic Timmins mining district of Ontario (collectively, the “Fox Complex”). On September 19, 2021, our currently operating Froome mine, located within the Black Fox Property, reached commercial production.
In the United States, construction began on our 100% owned Gold Bar mine in Nevada in 2017. The Gold Bar mine poured its first gold ingot on February 16, 2019 and achieved commercial production on May 23, 2019. Current production is from our Pick and Ridge deposits, and in December 2022 we began mining from our Gold Bar South (“GBS”) deposit.
At the El Gallo mine in Sinaloa, Mexico, mining and crushing activities ceased during the second quarter of 2018, with production activities since that time limited to residual leaching up to the third quarter of 2022. The Company is currently reviewing reprocessing heap leach material at the El Gallo mine (“HLM”) as well as new silver processing operations (“El Gallo Silver”) in the immediate vicinity as part of its Fenix Project.
In July 2021, we announced the creation of McEwen Copper Inc. (“McEwen Copper”), through which we hold an indirect interest in Los Azules in the province of San Juan, Argentina and the Elder Creek exploration property in Nevada. During 2021 and 2022, we closed a $81.9 million private placement offering for a 31.9% interest in McEwen Copper, which included a $40 million investment by an affiliate of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert McEwen.
Our objective is to increase shareholder value through the exploration for and economic extraction of gold, silver and other valuable minerals. Other than the San José mine in Argentina, we generally conduct our activities as the sole operator, but we may enter into strategic arrangements with other companies through joint venture or similar agreements. We hold our mineral property interests and operate our business through various subsidiary companies, each of which is owned directly, or indirectly, by us.
Our principal executive office is located at 150 King Street West, Suite 2800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1J9 and our telephone number is (866) 441-0690. We also maintain offices in Elko, Nevada (U.S.), Matheson, Canada, Guamúchil, Mexico, and San Juan, Argentina. Our website is www.mcewenmining.com. We make available at no cost our periodic reports including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and news releases and certain of our corporate governance documents, including our Code of Ethics, on our website. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “MUX.”
In this report, unless otherwise noted, “Au” represents gold; “Ag” represents silver; “Cu” represents copper; “oz” represents troy ounce; “lb” represents pound; “g/t” represents grams per metric tonne; “o/t” represents troy ounces per short ton; “ft” represents feet; “m” represents meter; “sq” represents square; and C$ refers to Canadian dollars. All our financial information is reported in United States (U.S.) dollars, unless otherwise noted. References to our company include, where the context requires, all of our subsidiaries, including our 68.1% interest in McEwen Copper Inc.
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Segment Information
Our operating segments include Canada, United States, Mexico, MSC and McEwen Copper. Financial information for each of our reportable segments can be found under Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3, Operating Segment Reporting.
Products
The end product at our gold and silver operations is generally in the form of doré or concentrate. Doré is an alloy consisting primarily of gold and silver but may also contain other trace elements. Doré is sent to third party refiners to produce saleable bullion. Ore concentrate, or simply concentrate, is raw mineralized material that has been finely ground into a powdery product from which gangue (waste) is removed, thus concentrating the metal component. Concentrate, as well as slag and fine carbons (which are by-products of the gold production process), are sent to third party smelters for further recovery of gold and silver.
During 2022, production consisted of 100% doré from the Gold Bar mine, 99% doré and 1% slag and fine carbon from the Fox Complex, and 92% doré and 8% slag and fine carbon from the El Gallo mine. Production from the San José mine consisted of 55% doré and 45% concentrate.
During 2022, we reported the following consolidated production attributable to us:
| Gold |
| Silver |
| Gold equivalent | |
Consolidated Production | ounces | ounces | ounces(1) | |||
Fox Complex |
| 36,652 |
| — |
| 36,652 |
Gold Bar mine | 26,611 | 684 | 26,619 | |||
El Gallo mine | 844 | 616 | 851 | |||
San José mine (49% attributable basis) |
| 38,613 |
| 2,593,304 |
| 69,129 |
Total Production | 102,720 | 2,594,604 | 133,252 |
| (1) | Calculated using an average silver to gold ratio of 84:1. |
Gold and silver contained in our end products are generally sold at the prevailing spot market price per ounce at the time of sale. Concentrates produced by the San José mine are provisionally priced, whereby the selling price is subject to final adjustments at the end of a period ranging from 30 to 90 days after delivery to the customer. The final price is based on the market price of the contained metals at the relevant quotation period stipulated in the contract. Due to the time elapsed between shipment and the final settlement with the buyer, MSC estimates the prices at which sales of metals will be settled. At the end of each financial reporting period, previously recorded provisional sales are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices based on relevant forward market prices until final settlement with the buyer.
During 2022, revenues from gold and silver sales were $47.9 million from the Gold Bar mine, $60.8 million from the Fox Complex, $1.6 million from the El Gallo mine, and $124.8 million from the San José mine on a 49% basis. Revenue from the San José mine is not included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) as we use the equity method of accounting for MSC. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information regarding production and operating results for our properties, and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Investments and Note 9, Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”) – San José Mine for additional information regarding the equity method of accounting.
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Like all metal producers, our operations are affected by fluctuations in metal prices. The following table presents the annual high, low and average daily London P.M. Fix prices per ounce for gold and London Fix prices per ounce for silver over the past three years and 2023 to the most recent practical date on the London Bullion Market:
Gold | Silver |
| |||||||||||||||||
Year | High | Low | Average | High | Low | Average |
| ||||||||||||
(in dollars per ounce) |
| ||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
| 2,067 | 1,474 | 1,770 | 28.90 | 12.00 | 20.50 | ||||||||||||
2021 | 1,943 | 1,684 | 1,799 | 29.59 | 21.53 | 25.14 | |||||||||||||
2022 | 2,039 | 1,629 | 1,800 | 26.18 | 17.77 | 21.71 | |||||||||||||
2023 (through March 10, 2023) | 1,861 | 1,816 | 1,838 | 21.09 | 20.09 | 20.65 | |||||||||||||
On March 10, 2023, the London P.M. Fix for gold was $1,861.25 per ounce and the London Fix for silver was $20.09 per ounce.
Processing Methods
At our operations, gold and silver are extracted from mineralized material by either milling or heap leaching depending on, among other things, the amount of gold and silver contained in the material, whether the material is naturally oxidized or not, and the amenability of the material to treatment.
At our Froome mine in Canada, mineralized material from the underground mine is transported to our Stock mill and fed to a crushing circuit. Final sized product is then leached with cyanide, and gold-cyanide in solution is recovered to activated carbon. The gold is stripped from the carbon and recovered with electrowinning cells, after which the gold is poured into doré bars.
At the Gold Bar mine and the previously operating El Gallo mine, both open pit operations, the mineralized material is processed using heap leaching methods. Heap leaching consists of stacking crushed, oxidized material on impermeable pads, where a diluted cyanide solution is applied to the surface of the heap to extract the contained gold and silver content. The gold and silver-bearing solution is then recovered through adsorption onto activated carbon, followed by desorption, electrowinning, retorting and finally smelting into doré bars.
At the San José mine, mineralized material from the underground mine is processed initially using a conventional crushing-grinding-flotation mill. A portion of the flotation concentrate is cyanide leached followed by an electrowinning which produces a precipitate. This precipitate is then smelted and poured into silver and gold doré bars. The remainder of the concentrate is shipped to third-party smelters for toll processing.
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves
We had attributable estimated proven and probable gold reserves of 0.3 million ounces of gold at our Gold Bar mine and the San José mine, and 5.1 million ounces of proven and probable silver reserves at the San José mine at December 31, 2022.
A “mineral reserve” is an estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of measured and indicated mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted. The term “economically viable,” as used in the definition of reserve, means that the qualified person has analytically determined that extraction of the mineral reserve is economically viable under reasonable investment and market assumptions.
The term “proven reserves” means the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource and can only result from conversion of a measured mineral resource. The term “probable reserves” means reserves for which quantity and grade are computed from information similar to that used for proven reserves, but the sites for sampling are farther apart or are otherwise less closely spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven reserves, is high enough
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to assume continuity between points of observation. Proven and probable reserves include gold and silver attributable to our ownership or economic interest.
The proven and probable reserve figures presented herein are estimates based on information available at the time of calculation. No assurance can be given that the indicated levels of recovery of gold or silver will be realized. Reserve estimates may require revision based on actual production. Market fluctuations in the price of gold or silver, as well as increased production costs or reduced metallurgical recovery rates, could render certain proven and probable reserves containing higher cost reserves uneconomic to exploit and might result in a reduction of reserves.
Proven and probable reserves are based on extensive drilling, sampling, mine modeling and metallurgical testing from which we determined economic feasibility. The price sensitivity of reserves depends upon several factors including grade, metallurgical recovery, operating cost, waste-to-ore ratio and ore type. Metallurgical recovery rates vary depending on the metallurgical properties of each deposit and the production process used.
Proven and probable reserves disclosed at December 31, 2022 and 2021 have been prepared in accordance with the Regulation S-K 1300 requirements of the SEC.
The following tables summarize the estimated proven and probable gold and silver reserves attributable to our ownership or economic interest as of December 31, 2022:
Gold Reserves at December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||
Proven | Probable | Proven and Probable | |||||||||
Tonnes | Gold | Gold | Tonnes | Gold | Gold | Tonnes | Gold | Gold | |||
(kt) | (g/t) | (koz) | (kt) | (g/t) | (koz) | (kt) | (g/t) | (koz) | |||
Gold Bar mine (1) | - | - | - | 5,943 | 1.07 | 204 | 5,943 | 1.07 | 204 | ||
San José mine (2) | 251 | 5.95 | 48 | 209 | 6.88 | 46 | 461 | 6.37 | 94 | ||
Silver Reserves at December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||
Proven | Probable | Proven and Probable | |||||||||
Tonnes | Silver | Silver | Tonnes | Silver | Silver | Tonnes | Silver | Silver | |||
(kt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (kt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (kt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | |||
San José mine (2) | 251 | 337 | 2.7 | 209 | 346 | 2.3 | 461 | 341 | 5.1 | ||
| (1) | The reserve estimate for the Gold Bar mine as at December 31, 2022 is based on November 30, 2022 topography prepared by Joseph McNaughton, P.E., Senior Mining Engineers, Partner, Independent Mining Consultants. |
| (2) | The reserve estimate for the San José mine as at December 31, 2022, presented on a 49% basis, was prepared by Hochschild and audited by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. (“P&E”). |
The following tables summarize the estimated proven and probable gold and silver reserves attributable to our ownership or economic interest as of December 31, 2021:
Gold Reserves at December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
Proven | Probable | Proven and Probable | |||||||||
Tonnes | Gold | Gold | Tonnes | Gold | Gold | Tonnes | Gold | Gold | |||
(kt) | (g/t) | (koz) | (kt) | (g/t) | (koz) | (kt) | (g/t) | (koz) | |||
Gold Bar mine | - | - | - | 14,053 | 0.82 | 370 | 14,053 | 0.82 | 370 | ||
San José mine | 381 | 5.69 | 70 | 351 | 5.68 | 64 | 733 | 5.69 | 134 | ||
Silver Reserves at December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
Proven | Probable | Proven and Probable | |||||||||
Tonnes | Silver | Silver | Tonnes | Silver | Silver | Tonnes | Silver | Silver | |||
(kt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (kt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (kt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | |||
San José mine | 381 | 368 | 4.5 | 351 | 314 | 3.5 | 733 | 342 | 8.1 | ||
| (1) | The reserve estimate for the Gold Bar mine as at December 31, 2021 was prepared by Joseph McNaughton, P.E., Senior Mining Engineers, Partner, Independent Mining Consultants. |
| (2) | The reserve estimate for the San José mine as at December 31, 2021, presented on a 49% basis, was prepared by Hochschild and audited by P&E. |
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Notes to the 2022 Mineral Reserve tables
Gold Bar mine
Mineral reserves equal the total ore planned for processing from the mine plan based on a $1,650/oz gold price. Mineral reserves are based on the following economic input parameters: $4.97/ average ore tonne mining cost, $3.35/ average waste tonne mining cost, $5.41/ore tonne crushed process cost, $4.13/ average ore tonne run-of-mine (“ROM”) process cost, $3.06/ average ore tonne general and administrative (“G&A”) cost, $0.475/oz gold refining charge, $1.538/oz transport & sales cost, 99.95% payable gold, and a 1% royalty at GBS only.
The stated mineral reserves are based on a variable cut-off grade (“COG”) based on rock type, mining area, carbon content, clay content and process response. The grades reported from Pick and Ridge include a mining dilution based on the surrounding block grades. Mineral reserves are contained within an engineered pit design between the $1,250/oz and $1,400/oz gold sales price Lerchs-Grossman pit shells, based on end of November 2022 topography.
The metal price used ($1,650) for mineral reserves reflects a conservative combination of a recent trailing average sourced from Kitco’s Historic Price data and a consensus forecast via Bloomberg. Recoveries are variable and as follows: 78% crushed oxide recovery at Pick and Ridge, 72% ROM oxide recovery at Pick and Ridge, 61% ROM oxide recovery at Gold Bar South, and 0% ROM mid-carbon recovery. COGs are variable and based on the presence or not of clay content, carbon content and recoveries and range from 0.0065 o/t to 0.0121 o/t. The reference point for the mineral reserves is at the primary crusher.
The following changes have impacted mineral reserves during 2022: Mining depletion at Pick and Gold Bar South; operating costs increase largely driven by an increase in mining costs; revised interpretation of the mineralization and geological model, project costs were re-estimated based on current mining activity and new contractor quotes; an update to the mining schedule based on the costs.
San José mine
Mineral reserves are reported at McEwen’s 49% attributable interest. Hochschild hold a 51% interest in San José.
COG is reported in silver equivalent grams per tonne, calculated using a ratio of 75:1 Ag:Au. For mineral reserves, the silver equivalent COG is: cut & fill 311 g/t silver equivalent, long hole 250 g/t silver equivalent.
Mineral reserves as presented are in place and include average internal dilution of 6%, average mining and geotechnical dilution of 51%, and mine extraction of 29%, but do not include allowances for mill or smelter recoveries. For the 2022 mineral reserves estimate, inaccessible mineral resources that contained insufficient tonnages to permit the development of local infrastructure, mineral resources in mined out/isolated areas, mineral resources located in sill and rib pillars and operationally lost mineral resources were not included in the mineral reserves estimate.
The December 31, 2022 mineral reserves estimate was based on a gold price of $1,650/oz and a silver price of $22/oz. P&E determined that these metal prices are suitable to be utilized for mineral reserve estimation since they are based on recognized consensus forecast metal prices.
Ongoing definition, delineation and mine exploration drilling will lead to better definition of existing resources or extensions of known veins that will be reflected on the year-on-year comparison of both mineral reserves. Mine depletion, commodity price changes and equivalents leading to cut-off grade changes will also have an effect on the comparative data.
Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Mineral Resources
We had attributable estimated measured and indicated mineral resources of 3.3 million ounces of gold, 58.9 million ounces of silver, and 3.1 million tonnes (or 6.9 billion pounds) of copper at December 31, 2022. We had attributable estimated inferred mineral resources of 3.3 million ounces of gold, 105.6 million ounces of silver, and 5.9 million tonnes (or 13.1 billion pounds) of copper at December 31, 2022.
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The measured, indicated, and inferred resource figures presented herein are estimates based on information available at the time of calculation and are exclusive of reserves. A “mineral resource” is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade, or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling. The reference point for mineral resources is in situ. Mineral resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into inferred, indicated and measured categories. Ounces of gold and silver or pounds of copper and molybdenum included in the measured, indicated and inferred resources are those contained prior to losses during metallurgical treatment. The terms "measured resource," "indicated resource," and "inferred resource" mean that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of geological evidence and sampling that is considered to be comprehensive, adequate, or limited, respectively.
We publish measured, indicated and inferred resources annually, considering metal prices, changes, if any, to future production and capital costs, divestments and depletion as well as any acquisitions and additions. Measured, indicated, and inferred resources disclosed at December 31, 2022 have been prepared in accordance with the new Regulation S-K 1300 requirements of the SEC.
The following tables summarize measured, indicated and inferred resources, exclusive of reserves attributable to our ownership or economic interest as of December 31, 2022:
Canada
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2022:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG Au gt | Met Rec % | |
Froome mine | 744 | 4.14 | 99 | 270 | 4.10 | 36 | 1,014 | 4.13 | 135 | 218 | 3.26 | 23 | 2.35 | 87 |
Grey Fox | - | - | - | 7,566 | 4.80 | 1,168 | 7,566 | 4.80 | 1,168 | 1,685 | 4.35 | 236 | 2.30 | 85 |
Stock West | - | - | - | 1,280 | 3.67 | 151 | 1,280 | 3.67 | 151 | 1,041 | 3.20 | 107 | 1.95 | 94 |
Fuller | - | - | - | 1,149 | 4.25 | 157 | 1,149 | 4.25 | 157 | 693 | 3.41 | 76 | 2.30 | 88 |
Stock East | - | - | - | 1,232 | 2.41 | 95 | 1,232 | 2.40 | 95 | 21 | 2.32 | 2 | 1.67 | 94 |
Others | 504 | 6.42 | 104 | 1,221 | 2.19 | 86 | 1,725 | 3.43 | 190 | 254 | 5.02 | 41 | ||
Total | 1,248 | 5.06 | 203 | 12,718 | 4.14 | 1,693 | 13,966 | 4.22 | 1,896 | 3,912 | 3.86 | 485 | ||
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2021:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG Au gt | Met Rec % | |
Froome mine | 790 | 4.47 | 113 | 641 | 3.92 | 81 | 1,432 | 4.22 | 194 | 276 | 3.32 | 29 | 2.35 | 87 |
Grey Fox | - | - | - | 7,566 | 4.80 | 1,168 | 7,566 | 4.80 | 1,168 | 1,685 | 4.35 | 236 | 2.30 | 85 |
Stock West | - | - | - | 1,171 | 3.83 | 144 | 1,171 | 3.82 | 144 | 1,049 | 3.30 | 111 | 1.95 | 94 |
Fuller | - | - | - | 1,149 | 4.25 | 157 | 1,149 | 4.25 | 157 | 693 | 3.41 | 76 | 2.30 | 88 |
Stock East | - | - | - | 1,232 | 2.41 | 95 | 1,232 | 2.40 | 95 | 21 | 2.32 | 2 | 1.67 | 94 |
Others | 484 | 6.30 | 98 | 1,227 | 2.18 | 86 | 1,711 | 3.34 | 184 | 309 | 5.13 | 51 | ||
Total | 1,274 | 5.15 | 211 | 12,986 | 4.15 | 1,731 | 14,261 | 4.24 | 1,942 | 4,033 | 3.89 | 505 | ||
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United States
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2022:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG Au g/t | Met Rec % | |
Gold Bar mine | - | - | - | 3,339 | 0.78 | 83.9 | 3,339 | 0.78 | 83.9 | 1,391 | 1.41 | 63 | 0.0065 - 0.0121 | var (1) |
Total | - | - | - | 3,339 | 0.78 | 83.9 | 3,339 | 0.78 | 83.9 | 1,391 | 1.41 | 63 | ||
| (1) | 78% crushed oxide recovery at Pick & Ridge, 50% mid-carbon recovery at Pick & Ridge, 72% ROM oxide recovery at Pick & Ridge, 61% ROM oxide recovery at GBS, 0% ROM mid-carbon recovery. |
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2021:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG Au g/t | Met Rec % | |
Gold Bar mine | - | - | - | 1,342 | 1.92 | 82.4 | 1,342 | 1.92 | 82.4 | 1,774 | 0.79 | 44.4 | 0.0065 - 0.0121 | var (1) |
Total | - | - | - | 1,342 | 1.92 | 82.4 | 1,342 | 1.92 | 82.4 | 1,774 | 0.79 | 44.4 | ||
| (1) | 78% crushed oxide recovery at Pick & Ridge, 50% mid-carbon recovery at Pick & Ridge, 72% ROM oxide recovery at Pick & Ridge, 61% ROM oxide recovery at GBS, 0% ROM mid-carbon recovery. |
Mexico
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2022:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG | Met Rec % | |
Fenix Project | 9,800 | 0.46 | 145 | 4,700 | 0.23 | 34 | 14,500 | 0.39 | 182 | 200 | 0.31 | 2 | var (1) | var (2) |
Total | 9,800 | 0.46 | 145 | 4,700 | 0.23 | 34 | 14,500 | 0.39 | 182 | 200 | 0.31 | 2 | ||
Silver | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | COG | Met Rec % |
Fenix Project | 9,800 | 17 | 5.2 | 4,700 | 95 | 14.3 | 14,500 | 42 | 19.5 | 200 | 40 | 0.3 | var (1) | var (2) |
Total | 9,800 | 17 | 5.2 | 4,700 | 95 | 14.3 | 14,500 | 42 | 19.5 | 200 | 40 | 0.3 |
| (1) | The El Gallo mine HLM has no COG as the entire heap is processed with zero selectivity. El Gallo Silver’s COG is 58 g/t Ag. |
| (2) | The El Gallo mine’s HLM recoveries are 85% Au and 60% Ag. El Gallo Silver’s recoveries are 86% Au and 75% Ag. |
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2021:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG | Met Rec % | |
Fenix Project | 9,800 | 0.46 | 146 | 4,700 | 0.23 | 35 | 14,500 | 0.39 | 182 | 200 | 0.31 | 2 | var (1) | var (2) |
Total | 9,800 | 0.46 | 146 | 4,700 | 0.23 | 35 | 14,500 | 0.39 | 182 | 200 | 0.31 | 2 | ||
Silver | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | COG | Met Rec % |
Fenix Project | 9,800 | 17 | 5.2 | 4,700 | 95 | 14.3 | 14,500 | 42 | 19.5 | 200 | 40 | 0.3 | var (1) | var (2) |
Total | 9,800 | 17 | 5.2 | 4,700 | 95 | 14.3 | 14,500 | 42 | 19.5 | 200 | 40 | 0.3 |
| (1) | The El Gallo mine HLM has no COG as the entire heap is processed with zero selectivity. El Gallo Silver’s COG is 58 g/t Ag. |
| (2) | The El Gallo mine’s HLM recoveries are 85% Au and 60% Ag. El Gallo Silver’s recoveries are 86% Au and 75% Ag. |
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MSC
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2022:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG | Met Rec % | |
San José (49% attrib.) | 110 | 4.52 | 16 | 100 | 2.82 | 9 | 210 | 3.70 | 25 | 1,010 | 5.99 | 194 | 293gpt AgEq | 90 |
Total | 110 | 4.52 | 16 | 100 | 2.82 | 9 | 210 | 3.70 | 25 | 1,010 | 5.99 | 194 | ||
Silver | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | COG | Met Rec % |
San José (49% attrib.) | 110 | 259 | 0.9 | 100 | 168 | 0.5 | 210 | 216 | 1.5 | 1,010 | 404 | 13.1 | 293gpt AgEq | 90 |
Total | 110 | 259 | 0.9 | 100 | 168 | 0.5 | 210 | 216 | 1.5 | 1,010 | 404 | 13.1 |
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2021:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG | Met Rec % | |
San José (49% attrib.) | 56 | 5.09 | 9.2 | 49 | 2.41 | 3.8 | 106 | 3.84 | 13.2 | 901 | 5.22 | 151.1 | 240g/t AgEq | 90 |
Total | 56 | 5.09 | 9.2 | 49 | 2.41 | 3.8 | 106 | 3.84 | 13.2 | 901 | 5.22 | 151.1 | ||
Silver | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | COG | Met Rec % |
San José (49% attrib.) | 56 | 310 | 0.6 | 49 | 204 | 0.3 | 106 | 260 | 0.9 | 901 | 332 | 9.6 | 240g/t AgEq | 90 |
Total | 56 | 310 | 0.6 | 49 | 204 | 0.3 | 106 | 260 | 0.9 | 901 | 332 | 9.6 |
McEwen Copper
Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2022:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG | Met Rec % | |
Los Azules (68.1% attrib.) | - | - | - | 655,122 | 0.06 | 1,158 | 655,122 | 0.06 | 1,158 | 1,815,546 | 0.04 | 2,588 | 0.2%Cu | 90 |
Total | - | - | - | 655,122 | 0.06 | 1,158 | 655,122 | 0.06 | 1,158 | 1,815,546 | 0.04 | 2,588 | ||
Silver | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | COG | Met Rec % |
Los Azules (68.1% attrib.) | - | - | - | 655,122 | 2 | 37.9 | 655,122 | 2 | 37.9 | 1,815,546 | 2 | 92.2 | 0.2%Cu | 90 |
Total | - | - | - | 655,122 | 2 | 37.9 | 655,122 | 2 | 37.9 | 1,815,546 | 2 | 92.2 |
Copper | Tonnes (000s) | Cu Grade (%) | Contained Cu (Blbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Cu Grade (%) | Contained Cu (Blbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Cu Grade (%) | Contained Cu (Blbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Cu Grade (%) | Contained Cu (Blbs) | COG | Met Rec % |
Los Azules (68.1% attrib.) | - | - | - | 655,122 | 0.48 | 6.9 | 655,122 | 0.48 | 6.9 | 1,815,546 | 0.33 | 13.1 | 0.2% Cu | 90 |
Total | - | - | - | 655,122 | 0.48 | 6.9 | 655,122 | 0.48 | 6.9 | 1,815,546 | 0.33 | 13.1 |
Molybdenum | Tonnes (000s) | Mo Grade (%) | Contained Mo (Mlbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Mo Grade (%) | Contained Mo (Mlbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Mo Grade (%) | Contained Mo (Mlbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Mo Grade (%) | Contained Mo (Mlbs) | COG | Met Rec % |
Los Azules (68.1% attrib.) | - | - | - | 655,122 | 0.003 | 39 | 655,122 | 0.003 | 39 | 1,815,546 | 0.003 | 132.1 | 0.2%Cu | 90 |
Total | - | - | - | 655,122 | 0.003 | 39 | 655,122 | 0.003 | 39 | 1,815,546 | 0.003 | 132.1 |
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Mineral resources, exclusive of reserves, as at December 31, 2021:
Gold | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||||
Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | Tonnes (000s) | Au Grade (g/t) | Contained Au (000s oz) | COG | Met Rec % | |
Los Azules (82% attrib.) | - | - | - | 788,800 | 0.06 | 1,394 | 788,800 | 0.06 | 1,394 | 2,186,000 | 0.04 | 3,116 | 0.2%Cu | 90 |
Total | - | - | - | 788,800 | 0.06 | 1,394 | 788,800 | 0.06 | 1,394 | 2,186,000 | 0.04 | 3,116 | ||
Silver | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | Tonnes (000s) | Ag Grade (g/t) | Contained Ag (Moz) | COG | Met Rec % |
Los Azules (82% attrib.) | - | - | - | 788,840 | 1.8 | 45.7 | 788,800 | 1.8 | 45.7 | 2,186,000 | 1.6 | 111 | 0.2%Cu | 90 |
Total | - | - | - | 788,840 | 1.8 | 45.7 | 788,800 | 1.8 | 45.7 | 2,186,000 | 1.6 | 111 |
Copper | Tonnes (000s) | Cu Grade (%) | Contained Cu (Blbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Cu Grade (%) | Contained Cu (Blbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Cu Grade (%) | Contained Cu (Blbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Cu Grade (%) | Contained Cu (Blbs) | COG | Met Rec % |
Los Azules (82% attrib.) | - | - | - | 788,800 | 0.48 | 8.4 | 788,800 | 0.48 | 8.4 | 2,186,000 | 0.33 | 15.8 | 0.22% Cu | 90 |
Total | - | - | - | 788,800 | 0.48 | 8.4 | 788,800 | 0.48 | 8.4 | 2,186,000 | 0.33 | 15.8 |
Molybdenum | Tonnes (000s) | Mo Grade (%) | Contained Mo (Mlbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Mo Grade (%) | Contained Mo (Mlbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Mo Grade (%) | Contained Mo (Mlbs) | Tonnes (000s) | Mo Grade (%) | Contained Mo (Mlbs) | COG | Met Rec % |
Los Azules (82% attrib.) | - | - | - | 788,800 | 0.003 | 47 | 788,800 | 0.003 | 47 | 2,186,000 | 0.003 | 159.1 | 0.2%Cu | 90 |
Total | - | - | - | 788,800 | 0.003 | 47 | 788,800 | 0.003 | 47 | 2,186,000 | 0.003 | 159.1 |
The following table is a variance of the mineral resources from December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022:
Property | Measured | Indicated | Measured & Indicated | Inferred | ||||||||
Mass % | Grade % | Metal % | Mass % | Grade % | Metal % | Mass % | Grade % | Metal % | Mass % | Grade % | Metal % | |
Froome | -5.8 | -7.4 | -12.4 | -57.9 | 4.6 | -55.6 | -29.2 | -2.1 | -30.4 | -21 | -1.8 | -20.7 |
Grey Fox | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Stock West | - | - | - | 9.3 | -4.2 | 4.9 | 9.3 | -4.2 | 4.9 | -0.8 | -3 | -3.6 |
Stock East | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Fuller | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Gold Bar mine | - | - | - | 148.9 | -59.4 | 1.8 | 148.9 | -59.4 | 1.8 | -21.6 | 78.8 | 41.9 |
Los Azules | - | - | - | -16.9 | - | -16.9 | -16.9 | - | -16.9 | -16.9 | - | -16.9 |
Fenix Project | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Notes to the 2022 Mineral Resource tables
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that any part of the mineral resources estimated will be converted into a mineral reserves estimate. The numbers in the tables have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimates and may not sum due to rounding. The inferred mineral resource in these estimates has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the inferred mineral resource could be upgraded to an indicated mineral resource with continued exploration.
Underground mineral resources include the ‘must take’ minor material below cut-off grade within the potentially mineable shape optimizer stopes that are generated by above-cut-off grade blocks.
Canada – Fox Complex
Mineral resources for the Froome mine are reported above an economic cut-off grade of 2.35 g/t gold assuming underground extraction methods and based on a mining cost of C$80/t, process cost of C$24.34/t, G&A cost of C$10.50/t, haulage cost of C$4.70/t, refining cost of C$1.82/oz, metallurgical recovery of 87%, royalty buyout of C$1.21/t, dilution of 15%, and realized gold price of $1,632/oz (after considering the impact of our gold stream with Sandstorm Gold Ltd.).
Mineral resources for Grey Fox are reported above an economic cut-off grade of 2.30 g/t gold assuming underground extraction methods and based on a mining cost of C$80/t, process cost of C$24.34/t, G&A cost of C$10.50/t, haulage cost of C$5.64/t, refining cost of C$1.82/oz, metallurgical recovery of 85%, royalty NSR of 2.65%, dilution of 15%, and gold price of $1,725/oz.
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Mineral resources for Stock West are reported above an economic cut-off grade of 1.95 g/t gold assuming underground extraction methods and based on a mining cost of C$80/t, process cost of C$24.34/t, G&A cost of C$10.50/t, refining cost of C$1.82/oz, metallurgical recovery of 94%, dilution of 15%, and gold price of $1,725/oz.
Mineral Resources for Fuller are reported above an economic cut-off grade of 2.30 g/t gold assuming underground extraction methods and based on a mining cost of C$90/t, process cost of C$24.55/t, G&A cost of C$10.50/t, haulage cost of C$6.64/t, metallurgical recovery of 88%, 10% Net Profits Interest (NPI) royalty, dilution of 10% and gold price of $1,725/oz.
Mineral resources for Stock East are reported above an economic cut-off grade of 1.67 g/t gold assuming underground extraction methods and based on a mining cost of $60.61/t, process cost of $18.60/t, G&A cost of $7.95/t, metallurgical recovery of 94%, and gold price of $1,725/oz.
The gold price used in estimating mineral resources of $1,725 was based on long-term consensus pricing forecasts published in late 2022. Resources are stated as in-situ. In addition, underground constraining shapes were used to better define reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The Froome mine and Stock West used improvements to modeling and estimation methodology and updates based on drilling results. The Froome mine also included changes due to mining depletion.
United States - Gold Bar mine
Mineral resources are based on the following economic input parameters: $3.19/ore ton mining cost, $1.99/waste ton mining cost, $4.91/ore ton crushed process cost, $3.77/ore ton ROM process cost, $3.16/ore ton G&A cost, $0.475/oz gold refining charge, $1.538/oz transport & sales cost, 99.95% payable gold, and a 1% royalty (Gold Bar South only). Mineral resources stated are contained within a $1,725/oz gold sales price Lerchs-Grossmann pits based on end of November 2022 topography.
The gold price used in estimating mineral resources of $1,725 was based on long-term consensus pricing forecasts published in late 2022. Resources are reported as in-situ. Recoveries are variable and as follows: 78% crushed oxide recovery at Pick and Ridge, 50% mid-carbon recovery at Pick and Ridge, 72% ROM oxide recovery at Pick and Ridge, 61% ROM oxide recovery at Gold Bar South, 0% ROM mid-carbon recovery. Cut-off grades are variable and based on the presence or not of clay content, carbon content and recoveries.
Changes in mineral resources are due to mining depletion during 2022. The following changes have impacted the project mineral resources: Mining depletion at Pick and Gold Bar South; operating costs increase largely driven by an increase in mining costs; project costs were re-estimated based on current mining activity and new contractor quotes; an update to the mining schedule based on the costs.
Mexico – Fenix Project
Gold and silver mineral resources were calculated using metal prices of $1,300/oz and $16/oz, respectively. These prices were based off the 3-year trailing average of the London Closing Fix for 2017-2019 ($1,306 and $16.32) sourced from Kitco’s Historical Data charts.
Mineral resources are stated as in situ for El Gallo Silver, and as crushed and stacked, ready for hauling and processing for the El Gallo mine HLM.
El Gallo Silver: Milling recovery assumptions of 86% (sulfide) and 75% (oxide) for silver and 86% gold. Mining costs of $1.95/t, processing and G&A costs of $26.15/t milled were used. Mineral resources are stated within an optimized pit shell indicating reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
HLM: Because of the unconsolidated nature of the heap leach material, the mine schedule plans to mine the entire heap without the benefit of selectivity. Sub-cut-off leach pad material will inherently have potential acid generating sulfide liabilities if placed in our waste dumps and so it will be prudent to process the entire leach pad and place tailings in a previously mined pit at an overall environmental and economic benefit. Metallurgical recovery assumptions for the HLM are 85% gold and 60% silver.
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The differences in annual mineral resources at the El Gallo mine are attributed to the heap leach operation. Residual leaching continued through 2022. There was a minor amount of metal recovered of 844 ounces of gold and 616 ounces of silver at the operation in 2022.
MSC - San José mine
Mineral resources are reported at McEwen’s 49% attributable interest. Hochschild has a 51% interest in San José. Mineral resources are in situ.
Cut-off grades are reported in silver equivalent grams per tonne, calculated using a ratio of 75:1 Ag:Au. For mineral resources, the silver equivalent cut-off grades are: 293 g/t silver equivalent.
The December 31, 2022 mineral resource estimate was based on a gold price of $1,800/oz and a silver price of $24/oz. P&E determined that these metal prices are suitable to be utilized for mineral resource estimation since they are based on recognized consensus forecast prices.
Ongoing definition, delineation and mine exploration drilling will lead to better definition of existing resources or extensions of known veins that will be reflected on the year-on-year comparison of both mineral resources. Mine depletion, commodity price changes and equivalents leading to cut-off grade changes will also have an effect on the comparative data.
McEwen Copper - Los Azules
The mineral resources estimate for Los Azules is reported inside of a pit shell. The parameters assumed are a copper price of $2.75/lb, operating costs of $1.70/t mining, $5.00/t for processing and $1.00/t for G&A, and copper metallurgical recovery of 90%. The mineral resources estimate is reported with a cut-off grade of 0.20% Cu.
Mineral resources are in-situ and are reported at McEwen’s 68.1% attributable interest.
Competitive Business Conditions
We compete with many companies in the mining and mineral exploration and production industry, including large, established mining companies with substantial capabilities, personnel, and financial resources. There is a limited supply of desirable mineral lands available for claim-staking, lease, or acquisition in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and other areas where we may conduct our mining or exploration activities. We may be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring mineral properties, since we compete with these individuals and companies, many of which have significantly greater financial resources and larger technical staffs than we do. From time to time, specific properties or areas that would otherwise be attractive to us for exploration or acquisition may be unavailable due to their previous acquisition by other companies or our lack of financial resources.
Competition in the industry is not limited to the acquisition of mineral properties, but also extends to the technical expertise to find, advance, and operate such properties; the labor to operate the properties; and the capital for the purpose of funding such exploration and development. Many competitors not only explore for and mine precious and base metals but conduct refining and marketing operations on a world-wide basis. Such competition may result in our company not only being unable to acquire desired properties, but to recruit or retain qualified employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund our operation and advance our properties. Our inability to compete with other companies for these resources would have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, financial condition and cash flows.
General Government Regulations
In the United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, we are subject to various governmental laws and regulations, including environmental regulations. Other than operating licenses for our mining and processing facilities and concessions
13
granted under contracts with the host government, there are no third-party patents, licenses or franchises material to our business. The applicable laws and regulations applicable to us include but are not limited to:
| ● | mineral concession rights. |
| ● | surface rights. |
| ● | water rights. |
| ● | mining royalties. |
| ● | environmental laws. |
| ● | mining permits. |
| ● | mining and income taxes. |
| ● | health and safety laws and regulations. |
| ● | labor laws and regulations. |
| ● | export regulations. |
We believe that all of our properties are operated in compliance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations.
Reclamation Obligations
Under applicable laws in the jurisdictions where our properties are located, we are required to reclaim disturbances caused by our mining activities. Accordingly, we have recorded estimates in our financial statements for our reclamation obligations, in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP” or “GAAP”) the most significant of which are related to our properties in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Estimated future reclamation costs are based primarily on legal and regulatory requirements. At December 31, 2022, we accrued $41.8 million for reclamation costs relating to currently developed and producing properties. These amounts are included in Asset Retirement Obligation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
U.S. Environmental Laws
We are subject to extensive environmental regulation under the laws of the U.S. and the state of Nevada, where our U.S. operations are conducted. For example, certain mining wastes resulting from the extraction and processing of ores would be considered hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) and state law equivalents, but we are currently exempt from the extensive set of Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulations governing hazardous waste. If our mine wastes were treated as hazardous waste under RCRA or such wastes resulted in operations being designated as “Superfund” sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or state law equivalents for cleanup, significant expenditures could be required for the construction of additional waste disposal facilities, for other remediation expenditures, or for natural resource damages. Under CERCLA, any present or past owners or operators of a Superfund site generally may be held liable and may be forced to undertake remedial cleanup action or to pay for the government’s cleanup efforts. Such owners or operators may also be liable to governmental entities for the cost of damages to natural resources, which may be substantial. Additional regulations or requirements may also be imposed upon our operations, tailings, and waste disposal areas, as well as upon mine closure under federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including, without limitation, CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act and state law equivalents. See Note 12 to our consolidation financial statements, Reclamation and Remediation Liabilities, for information on reclamation obligations under governmental environmental laws.
We have reviewed and considered current federal legislation relating to climate change and do not believe it to have a material effect on our operations. Future changes in U.S. federal or state laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect upon us and our results of operations.
14
Foreign Government Regulations
Canada, where the Fox Complex is located, and Mexico, where the El Gallo mine and Fenix Project are located, have both adopted laws and guidelines for environmental permitting that are similar to those in effect in the U.S. The permitting process requires a thorough study to determine the baseline condition of the mining site and surrounding area, an environmental impact analysis, and proposed mitigation measures to minimize and offset the environmental impact of exploration and mining operation activities. We have received all permits required to operate our current activities in Canada and Mexico and have received all permits necessary for the exploration activities being conducted at our non-U.S. properties.
Customers
Production from the Gold Bar mine, the Froome mine, and the El Gallo mine is sold as refined metal on the spot market or doré under the terms set out in doré purchase agreements.
We have doré purchase agreements with Canadian financial institutions, Asahi Refining (“Asahi”), and with metals trading companies. Under the terms of our doré purchase agreements, we have the option to sell approximately 90% of the gold and silver contained in doré bars produced at the Gold Bar, Froome and El Gallo mines prior to the completion of refining. On July 27, 2022, we entered into a precious metals purchase agreement with Auramet International LLC (“Auramet”). Under this agreement, we have the option to sell the gold on a Spot Basis, on a Forward Basis and on a Supplier Advance basis. During the year ended December 31, 2022, in respect of our 100% owned mines, 52% of our sales were made to Asahi, and 46% of our sales were made to Auramet.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, 92% of the total sales from the San José mine were made to three companies: Aurubis AG, a German company, accounted for 15% of the total sales; LS Nikko Copper, a Korean company, accounted for 35% of the total sales and Argor-Heraeus, a Swiss company, accounted for 42% of the total sales. MSC has sales agreements with each of these purchasers. The remaining 8% of San José’s sales are made to a number of customers under smaller contract quantities.
In the event that our customer relationships or MSC’s customer relationships were interrupted for any reason, we believe that we or MSC could locate other purchasers for our products. However, any interruption may temporarily disrupt the sale of our products and may affect our operating results.
Human Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2022, we had 520 employees, including 75 in the United States, 25 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 193 in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, 84 in Mexico, and 143 in Argentina. All our employees based in Toronto work in an executive, technical or administrative position, while our employees in the United States, Timmins, Mexico, and Argentina include management, laborers, craftsmen, miners, geologists, environmental specialists, information technologists, and various other support roles. As of December 31, 2022, MSC had 1,348 employees in Argentina. We also frequently engage independent contractors in connection with certain administrative matters and the exploration of our properties, such as drillers, geophysicists, geologists, and other specialty technical disciplines. For Canada and United States, we also engage independent contractors for technical and professional expertise as well as extractive and exploration activities such as drilling, geophysics, hauling and crushing. Of our employees in Mexico, 35 are covered by union labor contracts and we believe we have good relations with them.
As part of our fundamental need to attract and retain talent, we regularly evaluate our compensation, benefits and employee wellness offerings. We have determined that our compensation arrangements are competitive in the industry. Over 93% of our U.S. employees are enrolled in our medical benefit plan, over 90% of U.S. employees contribute to our 401(k) plan and 94% of employees in Canada contribute to our Deferred Profit Share Plan. Supplemental healthcare is provided above government requirements in both Canada and Mexico.
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Risk Factor Summary
Our business and operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which you should be aware of prior to making a decision to invest in our common stock. Listed below is a summary of these risks, which are described more fully immediately following in the section titled “Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.”
Risks Related to Our Financial Condition, Results of Operation and Cash Flows
| ● | Our results of operations, cash flows and the value of our properties are highly dependent on the market prices of gold, silver, and copper and these prices can be volatile, which may cause volatility in the price of our common stock. |
| ● | We have incurred substantial losses in recent years and may never be profitable. |
| ● | Our current operations require substantial capital investment from outside sources, and we may be unable to raise additional funding on favorable terms to develop additional mining operations. |
| ● | Our ongoing reliance on equity funding will result in continued dilution to our existing shareholders. |
| ● | Our indebtedness adversely affects our cash flow and may adversely affect our ability to operate our business. |
| ● | Any failure to meet our debt obligations could harm our business and financial condition and may require us to sell assets or take other steps to satisfy the debt. |
| ● | Restrictive debt covenants contained in our debt agreement could limit our growth and our ability to finance our operations, fund our capital needs, respond to changing conditions, and engage in other business activities that may be in our best interests. |
| ● | Increased operating and capital costs could adversely affect our results of operations. |
| ● | If we do not hedge our exposure to reductions in gold and silver prices, we may be subject to significant reductions in the price we receive for our products. |
| ● | Estimates relating to new development projects and mine plans of existing operations are uncertain and we may incur higher costs and lower economic returns than estimated. |
| ● | We are subject to foreign currency risks which may increase our costs and affect our results of operation. |
| ● | Our continuing reclamation obligations at Tonkin, Gold Bar, Fox Complex, El Gallo, and other properties could require significant additional expenditures. |
| ● | There is no guarantee that we will declare distributions to shareholders. |
Risks Relating to our Operations as a Mining Company
| ● | Our estimates of proven and probable mineral reserves and resources are based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production than is currently estimated or may result in additional impairment charges to our operations. |
| ● | We may be unable to replace gold and silver reserves as they become depleted. |
| ● | Our acquisitions may not achieve their intended results. |
| ● | We own our 49% interest in the San José mine under the terms of an option and joint venture agreement and are therefore unable to control all aspects of the exploration and development of, and production from, this property. |
| ● | The development of the Los Azules project presents challenges that may negatively affect, if not completely negate, the feasibility for development of the property. |
| ● | We may acquire additional exploration-stage properties on which reserves may never be discovered. |
| ● | The nature of mineral exploration and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility of uninsured losses that could adversely and materially affect our operations. |
| ● | Our operations are subject to permitting requirements which could require us to delay, suspend or terminate our operations on our mining properties. |
| ● | Our operations in Argentina, Mexico and Canada subject us to political and social risks. |
| ● | Our operations face substantial regulation of health and safety. |
| ● | Reform of the General Mining Law in the United States could adversely affect our results of operations. |
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| ● | Title to mineral properties can be uncertain, and we may be at risk of loss of ownership of one or more of our properties. |
| ● | We cannot ensure that we will have an adequate supply of water to complete desired exploration or development of our mining properties. |
| ● | Our ongoing operations and past mining activities are subject to environmental risks, which could expose us to significant liability and delay, suspension or termination of our operations. |
| ● | Our industry is highly competitive, attractive mineral lands are scarce, and we may not be able to obtain quality properties. |
| ● | We rely on contractors to conduct a significant portion of our operations and construction projects. |
| ● | If our employees or contractors engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown, we could experience business disruptions and/or increased costs. |
| ● | Our business is sensitive to nature and climate conditions. |
| ● | Mining companies are increasingly required to consider and provide benefits to the communities and countries in which they operate in order to maintain operations. |
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
| ● | A small number of existing shareholders own a significant portion of McEwen Mining common stock, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of any shareholder vote. |
| ● | Our stock price may be volatile, and as a result you could lose all or part of your investment. |
| ● | Failure of the Company to maintain compliance with the NYSE listing requirements could result in delisting of our common stock, which in turn could adversely affect our future financial condition and the market for our common stock. |
| ● | The future issuances of our common stock will dilute current shareholders and may reduce the market price of our common stock. |
General Risks
| ● | The Coronavirus pandemic could result in adverse operating results due to workforce reductions, supply and/or demand interruptions and travel restrictions. |
| ● | We do not insure against all risks to which we may be subject in our operations. |
| ● | Our business is subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws, a breach or violation of which could lead to civil and criminal fines and penalties, loss of licenses or permits and reputational harm. |
| ● | We conduct operations in a number of foreign countries and are exposed to legal, political and social risks associated with those operations. |
| ● | Our business depends on good relations with our employees, and if we are unable to attract and retain additional highly skilled employees, our business and future operations may be adversely affected. |
| ● | Our business could be negatively impacted by security threats, including cybersecurity threats, and other disruptions. |
| ● | Several of our directors and officers are residents outside of the United States, and it may be difficult for shareholders to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against such directors or officers. |
| ● | The laws of the State of Colorado, our Articles of Incorporation and agreements with certain officers and directors may protect our directors from certain types of lawsuits. |
| ● | We may be required to write down certain long-lived assets, due to metal prices, operational challenges or other factors. Such write- downs may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. |
| ● | A significant delay or disruption in sales of concentrates or doré as a result of the unexpected disruption in services provided by smelters or refiners or other third parties could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. |
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our operations and financial condition are subject to significant risks, including those described below. You should carefully consider these risks. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operation could be adversely affected. This report, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward looking statements that may be affected by several risk factors, including those set forth below. The following information summarizes all material risks known to us as of the date of filing this report:
Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition, Results of Operation and Cash Flows
Our results of operations, cash flows and the value of our properties are highly dependent on the market prices of gold, silver, and copper and these prices can be volatile.
The profitability of our gold and silver mining operations and the value of our mining properties are directly related to the market price of gold, silver and copper. The price of gold, silver and copper may also have a significant influence on the market price of our common stock. Historically, the market price of gold and silver has fluctuated significantly and is affected by numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include supply and demand fundamentals, global or national political or economic conditions, expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, interest rates, gold and silver sales and loans by central banks, forward sales by metal producers, accumulation and divestiture by exchange traded funds, and a number of other factors such as industrial and commercial demand. The volatility of mineral prices represents a substantial risk which no amount of planning or technical expertise can fully eliminate. This is especially true since we do not hedge any of our sales.
We derive all of our revenue from the sale of gold and silver and our results of operations will fluctuate as the prices of these metals change. A period of significant and sustained lower gold and silver prices would materially and adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. In the event metal prices decline or remain low for prolonged periods of time, our existing producing properties may become uneconomic, and we might be unable to develop our undeveloped properties, which may further adversely affect our results of operations, financial performance and cash flows. An asset impairment charge may also result from the occurrence of unexpected adverse events that impact our estimates of expected cash flows generated from our producing properties or the market value of our non-producing properties, including a material diminution in the price of gold and/or silver.
During 2022, the price of gold, as measured by the London PM fix, fluctuated between $1,629 and $2,039 per ounce, while the price of silver fluctuated between $17.77 and $26.18 per ounce. As at March 10, 2023, gold, silver and copper prices were $1,861.25/oz, $20.09/oz, and $3.86/lb, respectively.
We have incurred substantial losses in recent years and may never return to profitability.
During the three years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we have incurred pre-tax losses on an annual basis of $80.3 million $64.2 million and $153.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, our accumulated deficit, which includes historic non-cash impairment charges, was $1.3 billion. In the future, our ability to become profitable will depend on the profitability of the Gold Bar mine, the Fox Complex, including the Froome mine and Stock deposits, and the San José mine, our ability to generate revenue sufficient to cover our costs and expenses, and our ability to advance, sell or otherwise monetize our other properties and our interest in the Los Azules copper project. In pursuit of profitability, we will seek to identify additional mineralization that can be extracted economically at operating and exploration properties. For our non-operating properties that we believe demonstrate economic potential, we need to either develop our properties, locate and enter into agreements with third party operators, or sell the properties. We may suffer significant additional losses in the future and may not be profitable again. Even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.
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Our business requires substantial capital investment from outside sources, and we may be unable to raise additional funding on favorable terms to develop additional mining operations. In addition, our ongoing reliance on equity funding will result in continued dilution to our existing shareholders.
We have in the past and will likely in the future require significant capital to develop our exploration projects. A significant portion of that funding in the past has come in the form of sales of our common stock. We continue to evaluate capital and development expenditure requirements as well as other options to monetize certain assets in the Company’s portfolio including Los Azules, Grey Fox, Stock West and the Fenix Project. If we make a positive decision to develop one or more of these initiatives, the expenditures incurred may significantly exceed our working capital. Our ability to obtain necessary funding, in turn, depends upon a number of factors, including the state of the economy, our operating results and applicable commodity prices. We may not be successful in obtaining the required financing to advance our projects or for other purposes, on terms that are favorable to us or at all, in which case, our ability to replace reserves and continue operating would be adversely affected. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration or potential development and in the possible partial or total loss of our interest in certain properties. Even if we are successful in obtaining additional equity capital, it will result in dilution to existing shareholders.
Our indebtedness adversely affects our cash flow and may adversely affect our ability to operate our business.
As of December 31, 2022, we had an outstanding long term, secured debt with a principal amount of $50.0 million and an outstanding long term, unsecured subordinated promissory note with a principal amount of $15.0 million. Repayment of the debt is secured by a lien on certain of our and our subsidiaries’ assets. This debt requires us to make monthly principal payments of $2.0 million beginning on August 31, 2023 for 18 months, with a final $12.0 million principal payment on March 31, 2025. The promissory note is payable in full on or before September 25, 2025, and interest on the promissory note is payable monthly at a rate of 8% per annum.
We cannot be certain that our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to allow us to pay the principal and interest on our debt and meet our other obligations. Even if we have sufficient cash flow to retire the debt, those payments will affect the amount of cash we have available for capital investment, exploration, ongoing operations and other purposes. Payments on our debt may also inhibit our ability to react to changing business conditions.
Any failure to meet our debt obligations could harm our business and financial condition and may require us to sell assets or take other steps to satisfy the debt.
Our ability to make payments on and/or to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or financing in the future. We cannot assure that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings, or other financing will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Decreases in precious metal prices, in addition to our ability to execute our mine plans at existing operations, may adversely affect our ability to generate cash flow from operations. If our cash flow and existing capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt obligations, we may be forced to reduce our planned capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional equity or debt capital, or restructure our debt, and any of these actions, if completed, could adversely affect our business and/or the holders of our securities. We cannot assure that any of these remedies could, if necessary, be completed on commercially reasonable terms, in a timely manner or at all. In addition, any failure to make scheduled payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness could result in the immediate acceleration of the debt and foreclosure of our assets.
Restrictive debt covenants could limit our growth and our ability to finance our operations, fund our capital needs, respond to changing conditions, and engage in other business activities that may be in our best interests.
Our credit facility contains covenants that restrict or limit our ability to:
| ● | Pay dividends or distributions on our capital stock; |
| ● | Borrow additional funds; |
| ● | Repurchase, redeem, or retire our capital stock; |
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| ● | Make certain loans and investments; |
| ● | Sell assets; |
| ● | Enter into certain transactions with affiliates; |
| ● | Create or assume certain liens on our assets; |
| ● | Make certain acquisitions; or |
| ● | Engage in certain other corporate activities. |
As part of our facility, the debt can be called in certain circumstances, including on demand in the event of a material adverse change in our business or our inability to satisfy certain financial tests on an ongoing basis. Our ability to comply with these requirements may be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will satisfy them in the future. In addition, these requirements could limit our ability to obtain future financings, make needed capital expenditures, withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general, or otherwise conduct necessary corporate activities. We may also be prevented from taking advantage of potential business opportunities that arise because of the restrictive covenants under our debt agreement. A breach of any of the covenants in our debt agreements could result in a default under the agreement.
Increased operating and capital costs could adversely affect our results of operations.
Costs at any particular mining location are subject to variation due to a number of factors, such as variable ore grade, changing metallurgy and revisions to mine plans in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body, as well as the age and utilization rates for the mining and processing- related facilities and equipment. In addition, costs are affected by the price and availability of input commodities, such as fuel, electricity, labor, chemical reagents, explosives, steel, concrete and mining and processing related equipment and facilities. Commodity costs are, at times, subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable. Further, changes in laws and regulations can affect commodity prices, uses and transport. Reported costs may also be affected by changes in accounting standards. A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operation and operating cash flow.
We could have significant increases in capital and operating costs over the next several years in connection with the development of new projects in challenging jurisdictions and in the sustaining and/or expansion of existing mining and processing operations. Costs associated with capital expenditures may increase in the future as a result of factors beyond our control. Increased capital expenditures may have an adverse effect on the results of operation and cash flow generated from existing operations, as well as the economic returns anticipated from new projects.
If we do not hedge our exposure to reductions in gold and silver prices, we may be subject to significant reductions in price.
We do not use hedging transactions with respect to any of our gold and silver production. Accordingly, we may be exposed to more significant price fluctuations if gold and/or silver prices decline. While the use of hedging transactions limits the downside risk of price declines, their use also may limit future revenues from price increases. Hedging transactions also involve the risk that the counterparty may be unable to satisfy its obligations.
Estimates relating to new development projects and mine plans of existing operations are uncertain and we may incur higher costs and lower economic returns than estimated.
Our decision to develop a project is typically based on the results of feasibility studies, which estimate the anticipated economic returns of a project. However, the actual project profitability or economic feasibility may differ from such estimates as a result of any of the following factors, among others:
| ● | Changes in metals prices; |
| ● | Changes in tonnage, grades and metallurgical characteristics of mineralized material to be mined and processed; |
| ● | Changes in input commodity and labor costs; |
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| ● | The quality of the data on which engineering assumptions were made; |
| ● | Adverse geotechnical conditions; |
| ● | Availability of an adequate and skilled labor force; |
| ● | Availability, supply and cost of utilities such as water and power; |
| ● | Fluctuations in inflation and currency exchange rates; or |
| ● | Changes in tax laws, the laws and/or regulations around royalties and other taxes due to the regional and national governments and royalty agreements. |
Our recent development activities, including at our Gold Bar mine and at the Fox Complex, may not result in the expansion or replacement of past production with new production, or one or more of these new production sites or facilities may be less profitable than currently anticipated or may not be profitable at all, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.
For our existing operations, we base our mine plans on geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, financial projections and commodity price estimates. These estimates are periodically updated to reflect changes in our operations, including modifications to our proven and probable reserves and measured, indicated and inferred resources, revisions to environmental obligations, changes in legislation and/or our political or economic environment, and other significant events associated with mining operations. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and qualities of gold, silver and copper and costs to mine recoverable reserves, including many factors beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected financial and operating results or result in future impairment charges.
We are subject to foreign currency risks which may increase our costs and affect our results of operation.
While we transact most of our business in U.S. dollars, certain expenses, such as labor, operating supplies, and property and equipment, may be denominated in Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos or Argentine pesos. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations and foreign exchange regulations may impact our operating costs. The appreciation of non-U.S. dollar currencies against the U.S. dollar increases costs and the cost of purchasing property and equipment in U.S. dollar terms in Canada, Mexico and Argentina, which can adversely impact our operating results and cash flows.
The value of cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies also fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. Appreciation of non-U.S. dollar currencies results in a foreign currency gain on such investments and a depreciation in non-U.S. dollar currencies results in a loss. We have not utilized market risk sensitive instruments to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates but may do so in the future. We also hold portions of our cash reserves in Canadian, Mexican and Argentine currency.
Our continuing reclamation obligations at Tonkin, Gold Bar, Fox Complex, El Gallo, and other properties could require significant additional expenditures.
We are responsible for the reclamation obligations related to disturbances on all our properties. In Canada and the United States, we are required to post bonds to ensure performance of our reclamation obligations. As of December 31, 2022, we have accrued $41.8 million in estimated reclamation costs for our properties, including $39.4 million covered by surety bonds for projects in the United States and Canada. We have not posted a bond in Mexico as none is required by the current legislation; however, we have recorded a liability of $10.5 million based on the estimated amount of our reclamation obligations in that jurisdiction.
There is a risk that any surety bond or recorded liability, even if increased based on the analysis and work performed to update the reclamation obligations, could be inadequate to cover the actual costs of reclamation when actually carried out. The satisfaction of bonding requirements and continuing reclamation obligations will require a significant amount of capital. Further, it is possible that the United States Bureau of Land Management may request that we provide additional long-term financing supported by a long-term trust for an amount that cannot be determined at present. There is a risk that we will be unable to fund any additional bonding requirements or that the surety bonds may no longer be accepted by the governmental agencies as satisfactory reclamation coverage, in which case we would be required to replace the surety bonding with cash, and further, that the regulatory authorities may increase reclamation and bonding requirements to such
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a degree that it would not be commercially reasonable to continue exploration activities, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial performance and cash flows.
There is no guarantee that we will declare distributions to shareholders.
From June 2015 to September 2018, we paid a distribution to holders of our common stock on a semi-annual basis. Those distributions were suspended in March 2019. Any determination to reinstate this distribution on our common stock will be based primarily upon covenants in outstanding debt instruments, our financial condition, results of operations and capital requirements, including for capital expenditures and acquisitions, and our Board of Directors’ determination that the distribution to shareholders is in the best interest of our shareholders and in compliance with all laws and agreements applicable to the Company. The provisions of our outstanding secured debt prohibit us from paying dividends, even if our operations might warrant such payment.
Risks Relating to Our Operations as a Mining Company
Our estimates of proven and probable mineral reserves and resources are based on interpretation and assumptions and, under actual conditions, may yield less mineral production than is currently estimated or may result in additional impairment charges to our operations.
Unless otherwise disclosed, proven and probable reserves and measured, indicated and inferred resources figures presented in our filings with securities regulatory authorities, including the SEC, in our news releases and other public statements that may be made from time to time, are based upon estimates made by both independent and our own internal professionals. Estimates of proven and probable reserves and measured, indicated and inferred resources are subject to considerable uncertainty and are based, to a large extent, on the prices of gold and silver and interpretations of geologic data obtained from drill holes and other exploration techniques. These prices and interpretations are subject to change. If we determine that certain of our estimated reserves or resources have become uneconomic, we may be forced to reduce our estimates. Actual production may be significantly less than we expect and such reductions may result in impairment charges such as we experienced in 2020.
When making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we rely upon such estimated calculations as to the mineralized material and grades of mineralization on our properties. Until ore is mined and processed, mineralized material and grades of mineralization must be considered as estimates only. We cannot ensure that these estimates will be accurate, or this mineralization can be mined or processed profitably.
Any material changes in mineral estimates and grades of mineralization may affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and such property’s return on capital. There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small scale tests will be recovered in large-scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale. Extended declines in market prices for gold and/or silver may render portions of our mineralization estimates uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect the commercial viability of one or more of our properties. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of our ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Investors should also be aware that calculations of “reserves” and “resources” differ under SEC reporting standards and those under other international standards, such as Canada. Investors should also be aware that resources may not be converted into reserves. Please also see, CAUTIONARY NOTE TO UNITED STATES INVESTORS-INFORMATION CONCERNING PREPARATION OF RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES.
We may be unable to replace gold and silver reserves as they become depleted.
Like all metal producers, we must continually replace reserves depleted by production to maintain production levels over the long term and provide a return on invested capital. Depleted reserves can be replaced in several ways, including expanding known ore bodies, locating new deposits or acquiring interests in reserves from third parties. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and uncertainties and is frequently unsuccessful in discovering significant mineralization. Accordingly, our current or future exploration programs may not result in new mineral producing
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operations. Even if significant mineralization is discovered, it will likely take many years from the initial phases of exploration to commencement of production, during which time the economic feasibility of production may change.
From time to time, we may acquire reserves from other parties, as we did in 2017. Such acquisitions are based on an analysis of a variety of factors including historical operating results, estimates and assumptions on the extent of ore reserves, the timing of production from such reserves, cash and other operating costs. In addition, we may rely on data and reports prepared by third parties (including in relation to the ability to permit and comply with existing regulations), which may contain information or data that we are unable to independently verify or confirm in advance. Other than historical operating results, these factors are uncertain, they may contribute to the uncertainties related to the process used to estimate ore reserves and have an impact on our revenue, our cash flow and other operating issues.
As a result of these uncertainties, our exploration programs and acquisitions may not result in the expansion or replacement of our current production with new ore reserves or operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial position.
Our acquisitions may not achieve their intended results.
Our acquisitions subject us to many risks. The Fox Complex acquired in 2017 was a distressed asset which has struggled to produce positive cash flows during its years of operation. We are working to improve the operations but without a reserve base, the success of this operation is dependent upon finding additional mineralization through exploration and there is no guarantee that we will be able to convert this mineralization into mineable reserves. We may discover title defects, adverse environmental or other conditions relating to the properties acquired of which we are currently unaware. Environmental, title, and other problems could reduce the value of the properties to us, and depending on the circumstances, we could have limited or no recourse to the sellers with respect to those problems. We have assumed substantially all of the liabilities associated with acquired properties, and such liabilities could be significant.
We own our 49% interest in the San José mine under the terms of an option and joint venture agreement (“OJVA”), and therefore we are unable to control all aspects of the exploration and development of, and production from, this property.
Our interest in the San José mine is subject to the risks normally associated with the conduct of joint ventures. A disagreement between joint venture partners on strategic decisions or how to conduct business efficiently, the inability of joint venture partners to meet their obligations to the joint venture or third parties, or litigation arising between joint venture partners regarding joint venture matters could have a material adverse effect on the viability of our interests held through the joint venture. Since all day-to-day decisions are made by the majority owner of the venture, we are unable to participate in those decisions, including whether and when to pay dividends to the venture partners.
Even if we are successful in achieving one or more of our strategic initiatives at the Los Azules project, its development presents challenges that may negatively affect, if not completely negate, the feasibility for development of the property.
Los Azules is located in a remote location, previously accessibly only by 75 miles of dirt road with eight river crossings and two mountain passes above 13,450 feet. An additional access road at lower altitude was completed in May 2022, which has one mountain pass above 11,000 feet. Even assuming that technical difficulties associated with this remote location can be overcome, the significant capital costs required to develop the project may make the project uneconomical. If the long-term price of copper decreased significantly below the current price or capital cost estimates increased significantly, Los Azules may not be feasible for development, and we may have to write off the remaining carrying value of the asset. Furthermore, the project’s economic feasibility has not yet been demonstrated through a full feasibility study. The Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) is preliminary in nature, includes S-K 1300 mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would allow them to be categorized as mineral reserves either under S-K 1300 or NI 43-101, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.
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We may acquire additional exploration-stage properties on which reserves may never be discovered.
We have acquired in the past and may acquire in the future additional exploration-stage properties. There can be no assurance that we have completed or will be able to complete the acquisition of such properties at reasonable prices or on favorable terms and that reserves will be identified on any properties that we acquire. We may also experience negative reactions from the financial markets if we are unable to successfully complete acquisitions of additional properties or if reserves are not located on acquired properties. These factors may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock or our financial condition or results of operations.
The nature of mineral exploration and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility of uninsured losses that could adversely and materially affect our operations.
Exploration for and production of minerals is highly speculative and involves greater risk than many other businesses. Many exploration programs do not result in the discovery of mineralization, and any mineralization discovered may not be of sufficient quantity or quality to be profitably mined. Few properties that are explored are ultimately advanced to production. Our current exploration efforts, and future development and mining operations are subject to all of the operating hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for and developing mineral properties, such as, but not limited to:
| ● | economically insufficient mineralized material; |
| ● | fluctuations in production costs that may render mining uneconomical; |
| ● | availability of labor, contractors, engineers, power, transportation and infrastructure; |
| ● | labor disputes; |
| ● | potential delays related to social, public health, and community issues; |
| ● | negotiations with aboriginal groups or local populations affecting our efforts to explore, develop or produce gold and silver deposits; |
| ● | unanticipated variations in grade and other geological problems; |
| ● | environmental hazards; |
| ● | water conditions; |
| ● | difficult surface or underground conditions; |
| ● | metallurgical and other processing problems; |
| ● | mechanical and equipment performance problems; |
| ● | industrial accidents, personal injury, fire, flooding, cave-ins, landslides and other natural disasters; and |
| ● | decrease in reserves or resources due to a lower price of silver, gold or copper. |
Any of these risks can adversely and materially affect, among other things, the development of properties, production quantities and rates, costs and expenditures, potential revenues and production dates. We currently have no insurance to guard against any of these risks, except in very limited circumstances. If we determine that capitalized costs associated with any of our mineral interests are not likely to be recovered, we would incur a write-down of our investment in these interests. All of these factors may result in losses in relation to amounts spent and those amounts that would then not be recoverable.
Our operations are subject to permitting requirements which could require us to delay, suspend or terminate our operations on our mining properties.
Our mining operations, including ongoing exploration drilling programs and development efforts, require permits from various state and federal governments, including permits for the use of water and for drilling water wells. We may be unable to obtain these permits in a timely manner, on reasonable terms or on terms that provide us sufficient resources to develop our properties in any way. Even if we are able to obtain such permits, the time required by the permitting process can be significant. If we cannot obtain or maintain the necessary permits, or if there is a delay in receiving these permits, our timetable and business plan for exploration of our properties will be adversely affected, which may in turn adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and market price of our securities.
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Due to increased activity levels of non-governmental, aboriginal and local groups targeting the mining industry, the potential for the government or process instituted by non-governmental, aboriginal and local groups, to delay the issuance of permits or impose new requirements or conditions upon mining operations may be increased. Any changes in government policies may be costly to comply with and may delay mining operations. Future changes in such laws and regulations, if any, may adversely affect our operations, make them prohibitively expensive, or prohibit them altogether. If our interests are materially adversely affected as a result of a violation of applicable laws, regulations, permitting requirements or a change in applicable law or regulations, it would have a significant negative impact on the value of our company and could have a significant impact on our stock price.
Our operations in Argentina and Mexico are subject to political and social risks.
With respect to Los Azules and our affiliated company, Minera Santa Cruz S.A, which owns the San José mine, there are risks relating to an uncertain or unpredictable political and economic environment in Argentina, illustrated by the following:
| ● | Argentina defaulted on foreign debt repayments and on the repayment on a number of official loans to multinational organizations in 2002 and 2003, and defaulted again on its bonds in 2014. |
| ● | In 2012, Argentina’s President announced the nationalization of the majority stake of Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (“YPF”), Argentina’s largest oil company. |
| ● | In December 2017, Argentina enacted comprehensive tax reform (Law No. 27,430 (the “Law”)). Specifically, the Law introduces amendments to tax and other various laws, including a special regime comprising an optional revaluation of assets for income tax purposes. |
| ● | In 2018, Argentina’s federal government introduced a decree imposing a temporary tax on all exports from Argentina. The tax was introduced as an emergency measure due to the significant peso devaluation during the year. The estimated impact to MSC is a tax of approximately 7.5% of revenue. |
| ● | In September 2019, Argentine authorities implemented new foreign exchange regulations that impact the results of MSC. The main restrictions include, but are not limited to, full repatriation of proceeds of exports in cash bank savings to be denominated only in Argentine pesos and authorization from the Argentina Central Bank being required for dividend distributions abroad and intercompany loan payments. |
| ● | In October 2019, Alberto Fernández was elected to office. The prior president, Mr. Mauricio Macri, who assumed office in December 2015, implemented several significant economic and policy reforms, including reforms related to foreign exchange and trade, fiscal policy, labor laws and tax rules. The fiscal, monetary and currency adjustments undertaken by the Macri administration subdued growth in the short-term, and some measures, including the export tax, have negatively impacted Argentina sourced revenues. |
| ● | In December 2019, the Argentina federal government approved a decree delaying the corporate tax rate to change from 30% to 25% to the end of 2021 and extending the temporary export tax introduced in September 2018 to the end of 2021. Furthermore, the decree suspended the increase in the dividend withholding tax from 7% to 13% until January 2021. |
| ● | In 2020, the Alberto Fernández administration marked its first year in office, a year in which it faced numerous challenges including renegotiating Argentina’s foreign debt, managing currency crises, and, most difficult, designing Argentina’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| ● | In June 16, 2021, Law 27,630, which introduced amendments to the corporate income tax law, entered into force. Under prior law, the corporate income tax rate was 25%. As per the new law applicable to fiscal years starting on or after January 1, 2021, corporate income will be subject to tax at progressive rates ranging from 25% to 35%. Starting in January 2022, these brackets will be annually adjusted to account for inflation, as per the consumer price index published by relevant governmental agency. |
| ● | Under prior law, distribution of earnings attributable to fiscal year 2021 were subject to withholding tax at a 13% rate. The rate was tied to the prior income tax rate of 25%. The enacted Law 27,630 reduced the withholding tax rate on dividend distributions to non-residents from earnings obtained from the beginning of 2021 to 7%. |
With respect to the El Gallo mine in Mexico, there has been an ongoing level of violence and crime relating to drug cartels and gangs in Sinaloa State where we operate, and in other regions of Mexico. Our facility at the El Gallo mine was robbed
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in 2015. On December 17, 2019, the US State Department issued a Level 2 (“Increased caution”) warning with respect to five Mexican states, including Sinaloa State, due to violent crime. On September 8, 2020, the US State Department issued a Level 3 (“Reconsider travel”) warning with respect to five Mexican states, including Sinaloa State, due to violent crime and COVID-19. On April 20, 2021, the US State Department issued a Level 4 (“Do not travel”) warning with respect to six Mexican states, including Sinaloa State, due to violent crime and COVID-19. On January 5, 2023, the US State Department reiterated its caution against travel to Sinaloa State due to unrest resulting from the capture of Ovidio Guzmán López, a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel. These events may disrupt our ability to carry out exploration and mining activities and may affect the safety and security of our employees and contractors.
Our operations and properties in Canada expose us to additional political risks.
Our properties in Canada may be of particular interest or sensitivity to one or more interest groups, including aboriginal groups (which are generally referred to as "First Nations" and “Metis” groups). We have mineral projects in Ontario that are in areas with an aboriginal presence. It is our practice to work closely with and consult with First Nations in areas in which our projects are located or which could be impacted by our activities. However, there is no assurance that relationships with such groups will be positive. Accordingly, it is possible that our production, exploration or development activities on these properties could be interrupted or otherwise adversely affected in the future by political uncertainty, native land claims entitlements, expropriations of property, changes in applicable law, governmental policies and policies of relevant interest groups, including those of First Nations. Any changes in law or relations or shifts in political conditions may be beyond our control, or we may enter into agreements with First Nations, all of which may adversely affect our business and operations and if significant, may result in the impairment or loss of mineral concessions or other mineral rights, or may make it impossible to continue our mineral production, exploration or development activities in the applicable area, any of which could have an adverse effect on our financial conditions and results of operations.
Our operations face substantial regulation of health and safety.
Our operations are subject to extensive and complex laws and regulations governing worker health and safety across our projects and our failure to comply with applicable legal requirements can result in substantial penalties. Future changes in applicable laws, regulations, permits and approvals or changes in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation could substantially increase costs to achieve compliance, lead to the revocation of existing or future exploration or mining rights or otherwise have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position.
Our mines are inspected on a regular basis by government regulators who may issue citations and orders when they believe a violation has occurred under local mining regulations. If inspections result in an alleged violation, we may be subject to fines, penalties or sanctions and our mining operations could be subject to temporary or extended closures.
In addition to potential government restrictions and regulatory fines, penalties or sanctions, our ability to operate (including the effect of any impact on our workforce) and thus, our results of operations and our financial position, could be adversely affected by accidents, injuries, fatalities or events detrimental (or perceived to be detrimental) to the health and safety of our employees, the environment or the communities in which we operate.
Reform of the General Mining Law in the United States could adversely affect our results of operations.
Periodically, members of the U.S. Congress have introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the General Mining Law of 1872, which governs the unpatented claims that we control with respect to our U.S. properties. One such amendment has become law and has imposed a moratorium on the patenting of mining claims, which reduced the security of title provided by unpatented claims such as those on our U.S. properties. If additional legislation is enacted, it could substantially increase the cost of holding unpatented mining claims by requiring payment of royalties, and could significantly impair our ability to develop mineral estimates on unpatented mining claims. Such bills have proposed, among other things, to make permanent the patent moratorium, to impose a federal royalty on production from unpatented mining claims and to declare certain lands as unsuitable for mining. Although it is impossible to predict at this time what royalties may be imposed in the future, the imposition of such royalties could adversely affect the potential for development of such mining claims, and the economics of existing operating mines on federal unpatented mining claims. Passage of such legislation could adversely affect our business.
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Title to mineral properties can be uncertain, and we may be at risk of loss of ownership of one or more of our properties.
Our ability to explore and operate our properties depends on the validity of our title to those properties. Our U.S. mineral properties include leases of unpatented mining claims, as well as unpatented mining and mill site claims, which we control directly. Unpatented mining claims provide only possessory title and their validity is often subject to contest by third parties or the federal government, which makes the validity of unpatented mining claims uncertain and generally riskier. Similarly, Canadian mineral properties consist of patented and unpatented claims which each have their respective risks and uncertainties. Further, there may be title defects or additional rights that are not recorded on the title. Our concessions in Mexico are subject to continuing government regulation and failure to adhere to such regulations will result in termination of the concession. Similarly, under Argentine Law, failure to comply with applicable conditions may result in the termination of the concession. Uncertainties inherent in mineral properties relate to such things as the sufficiency of mineral discovery, proper posting and marking of boundaries, assessment work and possible conflicts with other claims not determinable from public record. We have not obtained title opinions covering our entire property, with the attendant risk that title to some claims, particularly title to undeveloped property, may be defective. There may be valid challenges to the title to our property which, if successful, could impair development and/or operations.
We cannot ensure that we will have an adequate supply of water to complete desired exploration or development of our mining properties.
Our mining operations require significant quantities of water for mining, ore processing and related support facilities. Our operations in the United States, Mexico and Argentina are in areas where water is scarce and competition among users for continuing access to water is significant. Continuous production at our mines is dependent on our ability to maintain our water rights and claims and to defeat claims adverse to our current water uses in legal proceedings. Although each of our operations currently has sufficient water rights and claims to cover its operational demands, we cannot predict the potential outcome of pending or future legal proceedings relating to our water rights, claims and uses. Water shortages may also result from weather or environmental and climate impacts out of the Company’s control.
Our ongoing operations and past mining activities are subject to environmental risks, which could expose us to significant liability and delay, suspension or termination of our operations.
All aspects of our operations are subject to United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina federal, state and local environmental regulation. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, including cyanide. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for us and our officers, directors and employees. Future changes in environmental regulation, if any, may adversely affect our operations, make our operations prohibitively expensive, or prohibit them altogether. Environmental hazards may exist on our properties that are unknown to us at the present and that have been caused by us, previous owners or operators, or that may have occurred naturally. We utilize explosives in our business, which could cause injury to our personnel, and damage to our equipment or assets. Mining properties from the companies we have acquired may cause us to be liable for remediating any damage that those companies may have caused. The liability could include response costs for removing or remediating the release and damage to natural resources, including ground water, as well as the payment of fines and penalties. Failure to comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations and permitting requirements may also result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities, causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.
Our industry is highly competitive, attractive mineral lands are scarce, and we may not be able to obtain quality properties.
We compete with many companies in the mining industry, including large, established mining companies with substantial capabilities, personnel and financial resources. There is a limited supply of desirable mineral lands available for claim staking, lease or acquisition in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, and other areas where we may conduct exploration activities. We may be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring mineral properties, since we compete with
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these individuals and companies, many of which have greater financial resources and larger technical staffs than we do. From time to time, specific properties or areas which would otherwise be attractive to us for exploration or acquisition may be unavailable to us due to their previous acquisition by other companies or our lack of financial resources. Competition in the industry is not limited to the acquisition of mineral properties but also extends to the technical expertise to find, advance, and operate such properties; the labor to operate the properties; and the capital for the purpose of funding such properties. Many competitors not only explore for and mine precious metals, but conduct refining and marketing operations on a world-wide basis. Such competition may result in our Company being unable not only to acquire desired properties, but to recruit or retain qualified employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund our operation and advance our properties. Our inability to compete with other companies for these resources would have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, financial condition and cash flows.
We rely on contractors to conduct a significant portion of our operations and construction projects.
A portion of our operations and construction projects are currently conducted in whole or in part by contractors, including our operations at the Gold Bar mine, Fox Complex and Los Azules. As a result, our operations are subject to a number of risks, some of which are outside our control, including:
| ● | Negotiating agreements with contractors on acceptable terms; |
| ● | The inability to replace a contractor and its operating equipment in the event that either party terminates the agreement; |
| ● | Reduced control and oversight over those aspects of operations which are the responsibility of the contractor; |
| ● | Failure of a contractor to perform under its agreement; |
| ● | Interruption of operations or increased costs in the event that a contractor ceases its business due to insolvency or other unforeseen events; |
| ● | Failure of a contractor to comply with our standards and policies, as well as with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, to the extent it is responsible for such compliance; and |
| ● | Problems of a contractor with managing its workforce, labor unrest or other related employment issues. |
In addition, we may incur liability to third parties as a result of the actions of our contractors. The occurrence of one or more of these risks could potentially adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.
If our employees or contractors engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown, we could experience business disruptions and/or increased costs.
As of December 31, 2022, a number of our employees were represented by different trade unions and work councils which subject us to employment arrangements very similar to collective bargaining agreements. Further, most of our employees are based in foreign locations. The laws of certain foreign countries may place restrictions on our ability to take certain employee-related actions or may require that we conduct additional negotiations with trade unions, works councils or other governmental authorities before we can take such actions.
If the employees or contractors at the Gold Bar mine, Fox Complex, or San José mine were to engage in a strike, work stoppage, or other slowdown in the future, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations. Such disruption could interfere with our business operations and could lead to decreased productivity, increased labor costs, and lost revenue.
We may not be successful in negotiating new collective bargaining agreements or other employment arrangements when the current ones expire. Furthermore, future labor negotiations could result in significant increases in our labor costs. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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Our business is sensitive to nature and climate conditions
A number of governments have introduced or are moving to introduce climate change legislation and treaties at the international, national, state/provincial and local levels. Regulations relating to emission levels (such as carbon taxes) and energy efficiency are becoming more stringent. If the current regulatory trend continues, this may result in increased costs at some or all of our project locations. In addition, the physical risks of climate change may also have an adverse effect on our operations and properties. Extreme weather events have the potential to disrupt our power supply, surface operations and exploration at our mines and may require us to make additional expenditures to mitigate the impact of such events.
Some of the countries in which we operate have implemented, and are developing, laws and regulations related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2009, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued an endangerment finding under the U.S. Clean Air Act that current and projected concentrations of certain mixed greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare. Additionally, the United States and China signed a bilateral agreement in November 2014 that committed the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an additional 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by the year 2025. The EPA in August 2015 issued final rules for the Clean Power Plan under Section 111 (d) of the Clean Air Act designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at electric utilities in line with reductions planned for the compliance with the Paris Agreement. As part of a regulatory review, on June 19, 2019, the EPA repealed the Clean Power Plan and replaced it with the Affordable Clean Energy rule which eliminates most of the emission reduction standards included in the Clean Power Plan. That rule is now the subject of challenges in the courts.
Legislation and increased regulation and requirements regarding climate change could impose increased costs on us, our venture partners and our suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations.
Mining companies are increasingly required to consider and provide benefits to the communities and countries in which they operate in order to maintain operations.
Greater scrutiny on the private sector broadly and multi-national companies specifically, to contribute to sustainable outcomes in the places where they operate, has led to a proliferation of standards and reporting initiatives focused on environmental stewardship, social performance and transparency. Extractive industries, and mining in particular, have seen significant increases in stakeholder expectations. These businesses are increasingly required to meaningfully engage with impacted stakeholders; understand and avoid or mitigate negative impacts while optimizing economic development and employment opportunities associated with their operations. The expectation is for companies to create shared value for shareholders, employees, governments, local communities and host countries. Such expectations tend to be particularly focused on companies whose activities are perceived to have high socio-economic and environmental impacts. In response, we have developed and continues to evolve a system of ESG management that includes standards, guidance, assurance, participation in international organizations focused on improved performance and outcomes for host communities and the environment. Despite the Company’s commitment to on-going engagement with communities and stakeholders, no assurances can be provided that increased stakeholder expectations will not result in adverse financial and operational impacts to the business, including, without limitation, operational disruption, increased costs, increased investment obligations and increased taxes and royalties payable to governments.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock
A small number of existing shareholders own a significant portion of McEwen Mining common stock, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of any shareholder vote.
As of March 13, 2023, Mr. McEwen beneficially owned approximately 17% of the 47.4 million shares of McEwen Mining common stock outstanding. Under our Articles of Incorporation and the laws of the State of Colorado, the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present is generally required to approve most shareholder action. As a result, Mr. McEwen will be able to significantly influence the outcome of shareholder votes for the foreseeable future, including votes concerning the election of directors, amendments to our Articles of Incorporation or proposed mergers, acquisitions or other significant corporate transactions.
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Our stock price may be volatile, and as a result you could lose all or part of your investment.
In addition to other risk factors identified herein and to volatility associated with equity securities in general, the value of your investment could decline due to the impact of any of the following factors upon the market price of our common stock:
| ● | Changes in the worldwide price for gold, silver and/or copper; |
| ● | Disappointing results from our exploration or production efforts; |
| ● | Producing at rates lower than targeted; |
| ● | Political and regulatory risks; |
| ● | Weather conditions, including unusually heavy rains, unusually light rains or drought; |
| ● | Failure to meet our revenue, profit goals or operating budget; |
| ● | Decline in demand for our common stock; |
| ● | Downward revisions in securities analysts’ estimates or changes in general market conditions; |
| ● | Technological innovations by competitors or in competing technologies; |
| ● | Investor perception of our industry or our prospects; |
| ● | Disruption of supply and demand and other economic factors due to virus and other disease; |
| ● | Actions by government central banks; and |
| ● | General economic trends. |
Stock markets in general have in the past and may in the future experience extreme price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations are often unrelated to operating performance and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Adverse price fluctuations may lead to threatened or actual delisting of our common stock from the NYSE. As a result, you may be unable to resell your shares at a desired price.
Failure of the Company to maintain compliance with the NYSE listing requirements could result in delisting of its common stock, which in turn could adversely affect its future financial condition and the market for its common stock.
If the common stock ultimately were to be delisted for any reason, it could negatively impact the Company by (i) reducing the liquidity and market price of the Company’s common stock; (ii) reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire the Company’s common stock, which could negatively impact the Company’s ability to raise equity financing; (iii) limiting the Company’s ability to use a registration statement to offer and sell freely tradable securities, adversely affecting the Company’s ability to access the public capital markets; and (iv) impairing the Company’s ability to provide equity incentives to its employees.
The future issuances of our common stock will dilute current shareholders and may reduce the market price of our common stock.
Under certain circumstances, our board of directors has the authority to authorize the offer and sale of additional securities without the vote of or notice to existing shareholders. We may issue equity in the future in connection with capital formation, acquisitions, strategic transactions or for other purposes. Based on the need for additional capital to fund expected growth, it is likely that we will issue additional securities to provide such capital and that such additional issuances may involve a significant number of shares of our common stock. Issuance of additional securities in the future will dilute the percentage interest of existing shareholders and may reduce the market price of our common stock and any other outstanding securities. Furthermore, the sale of a significant amount of our common stock by any selling security holders, including Mr. McEwen, may depress the price of our common stock. As a result, you may lose all or a portion of your investment.
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General Risks
The Coronavirus pandemic could result in adverse operating results due to workforce reductions, supply and/or demand interruptions and travel restrictions.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared the COVID-19 virus a global pandemic. During late March and early April, our operations were disrupted by temporary shutdowns to protect our workforce from the spread of the virus. During the shutdown periods, rigorous policies and procedures were implemented at each site to minimize potential health and safety risks to our workforce. We continue to experience periodic disruption in our operations both due to government policies around COVID-19 and due to incidents of illness due to the virus at our operations.
This continues to adversely impact cash flows and liquidity and is expected to continue to have adverse consequences to us beyond 2022. Previously, due to slowed ramp up in production and sales in 2021, our liquidity and financial condition have been adversely affected and we are at an increased risk of not having sufficient cash flow to fund our operations as well as an increased risk of default under our debt agreement. Achieving and maintaining normal operating capacity is also dependent on the continued availability and logistical delivery of supplies, which remains out of our control. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows will depend on future developments, including the endemic characteristics, duration and spread of the outbreak and related advisories and restrictions, and the viability and success of the ongoing treatment development and worldwide vaccination roll-out.
Illnesses or government restrictions, including the closure of national borders, related to COVID-19 also may disrupt the supply of raw goods, equipment, supplies and services upon which our operations rely. We also continue to monitor legislative initiatives in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Argentina related to COVID-19 to determine their potential impacts or benefits (if any) to our business.
Third parties with whom we conduct business, including the refiners and smelters that process and, in some cases, purchase the gold and silver doré and concentrate produced by our mines, are also subject to these risks and may be required to reduce or suspend operations, which could impact our ability to conduct our operations, advance exploration, development and expansion projects, sell our products and generate revenue. Management continues to actively monitor the global situation on our financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry and workforce.
We do not insure against all risks to which we may be subject in our operations.
While we currently maintain insurance policies to insure against general commercial liability claims and physical assets at our properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, we do not maintain insurance to cover all of the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to obtain insurance to cover other risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available, or may not be adequate to cover liabilities. We might also become subject to liability for environmental, pollution or other hazards associated with mineral exploration and production including bankruptcy of our refiners or other third party contractors which may not be insured against, which may exceed the limits of our insurance coverage or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could materially adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to fund activities on our property. A significant loss could force us to reduce, temporarily suspend or, in the worst case, terminate our operations.
Our business is subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws, a breach or violation of which could lead to civil and criminal fines and penalties, loss of licenses or permits and reputational harm.
We operate in certain jurisdictions that have experienced governmental and private sector corruption to some degree. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or other commercial advantage. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could lead to civil and criminal fines and penalties, litigation, and loss of operating licenses or permits, and may damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations. There can be no assurance that our internal control
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policies and procedures will always protect us from recklessness, fraudulent behavior, dishonesty or other inappropriate acts committed by our affiliates, employees or agents. As such, our corporate policies and processes may not prevent all potential breaches of law or other governance practices.
We may not be able to operate successfully if we are unable to recruit, hire, retain and develop key personnel and a qualified and diverse workforce. In addition, we are dependent upon our employees being able to perform their jobs in a safe and respectful work environment.
We depend upon the services of a number of key executives and management personnel. Our success is also dependent on the contributions of our highly skilled and experienced workforce. Our ability to achieve our operating goals depends upon our ability to recruit, hire, retain and develop qualified and diverse personnel to execute on our strategy. We are fundamentally committed to creating and maintaining a work environment in which employees are treated fairly, with dignity, decency, respect and in accordance with all applicable laws. We recognize that bullying, sexual harassment and harassment based on other protected categories, including race, have been prevalent in every industry, including the mining industry. Features of the mining industry, such as being a historically hierarchical and male-dominated culture, create risk factors for harmful workplace behavior. While we do not tolerate discrimination and harassment of any kind (including but not limited to sexual, gender identity, race, religion, ethnicity, age, or disability, among others), our policies and processes may not prevent or detect all potential harmful workplace behaviors. If we fail to maintain a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment, it could impact our ability to retain talent and maintain a diverse workforce and damage our reputation. There continues to be competition over highly skilled personnel in our industry. If we lose key personnel, or one or more members of our senior management team, and we fail to develop adequate succession plans, or if we fail to hire, retain and develop qualified and diverse employees, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be harmed.
Our business is dependent upon our workforce being able to safely perform their jobs, including the potential for physical injuries or illness. If we experience periods where our employees are unable to perform their jobs for any reason, including as a result of illness (such as COVID-19), our operations could be adversely affected. In addition to physical safety, protecting the psychological safety of our employees is necessary to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment. If the Company fails to maintain a safe environment that is free of harassment, discrimination or bullying, it could adversely impact employee engagement, performance and productivity, result in potential legal claims and/or damage the Company’s reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations or adversely affect the Company’s market value.
We conduct operations in a number of foreign countries and are exposed to legal, political and social risks associated with those operations.
A significant portion of our revenue in 2022 was generated by operations outside the United States. Exploration, development, production and closure activities in many countries are potentially subject to heightened political and social risks that are beyond our control and could result in increased costs, capacity constraints and potential disruptions to our business. These risks include the possible unilateral cancellation or forced renegotiation of contracts in which we may, directly or indirectly, have an interest, unfavorable changes in foreign laws and regulations, royalty and tax increases (including taxes associated with the import or export of goods), risks associated with consumption taxes in Mexico, Argentina, and Canada, income tax refund recovery and collection processes in Mexico and Argentina, changes in US legislation as applicable to foreign operations, claims by governmental entities or indigenous communities, expropriation or nationalization of property and other risks arising out of foreign sovereignty over areas in which we conduct our operations. The right to import and export gold and silver may depend on obtaining certain licenses and quotas, which could be delayed or denied at the discretion of the relevant regulatory authorities, or could become subject to new taxes or duties imposed by U.S. or foreign jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or future prospects. In addition, our rights under local law may be less secure in countries where the rule of law is less robust and judicial systems may be susceptible to manipulation or influence from government agencies, non-governmental organizations or civic groups.
Any of these developments could require us to curtail or terminate operations at our mines, incur significant costs in renegotiating contracts and meeting newly-imposed environmental or other standards, pay greater royalties or higher prices
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for labor or services and recognize higher taxes, or experience significant delays or obstacles in the recovery of consumption taxes or income tax refunds owed, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our ongoing and future success depends on developing and maintaining productive relationships with the communities, including indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders in our operating locations. Notwithstanding our ongoing efforts, local communities and stakeholders can become dissatisfied with our activities or the level of benefits provided, which may result in civil unrest, protests, direct action or campaigns against us. Any such occurrences could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our business could be negatively impacted by security threats, including cybersecurity threats, and other disruptions.
We face various security threats, including attempts by third parties to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or to render data or systems unusable; threats to the safety of our employees; threats to the security of our infrastructure; and threats from terrorist acts. There can be no assurance that the procedures and controls we use to monitor and mitigate our exposure to these threats will be sufficient in preventing them from materializing. If any of these events were to materialize, they could lead to losses of sensitive information, critical infrastructure, personnel or capabilities essential to our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Our business partners’ technologies, systems and networks may become the target of cyber-attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of proprietary and other information, theft of property or other disruption of our business operations. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, may remain undetected for an extended period. A cyber incident involving our business partners’ information systems and related infrastructure could disrupt our business plans and negatively impact our operations. Although to date we have not experienced any significant cyber-attacks, there can be no assurance that we will not be the target of such attacks in the future. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.
Several of our directors and officers are residents outside of the United States, and it may be difficult for shareholders to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against such directors or officers.
Several of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States, and all or a substantial portion of such persons’ assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on such directors and officers, or enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against such directors and officers, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof. Consequently, shareholders may be effectively prevented from pursuing remedies against such directors and officers under United States federal securities laws. In addition, shareholders may not be able to commence an action in a Canadian court predicated upon the civil liability provisions under United States federal securities laws. The foregoing risks also apply to those experts identified in this report that are not residents of the United States.
The laws of the State of Colorado, our Articles of Incorporation and agreements with certain officers and directors may protect our directors from certain types of lawsuits.
The laws of the State of Colorado provide that our directors will not be liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for all but certain types of conduct as directors of the Company. Our Articles of Incorporation permit us to indemnify our directors and officers against all damages incurred in connection with our business to the fullest extent provided or allowed by law, including through stand-alone indemnity agreements. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our executive officers and directors which require that we indemnify them against certain liabilities incurred by them in their capacity as such. The exculpation provisions may have the effect of preventing shareholders from recovering damages against our directors caused by their negligence, poor judgment or other
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circumstances. The indemnification provisions may require us to use our limited assets to defend our directors and officers against claims, including claims arising out of their negligence, poor judgment, or other circumstances.
We may be required to write down certain long-lived assets, due to metal prices, operational challenges or other factors. Such write- downs may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We review our long-lived assets for recoverability pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Section 360. Under that standard, we review the recoverability of our long-lived assets, such as our mining properties, quarterly or upon a triggering event. Such review involves estimating the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Impairment, measured by comparing an asset’s carrying value to its fair value, must be recognized when the carrying value of the asset exceeds these cash flows. We conduct a review of the financial performance of our mines in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for each reported period and determine whether any triggering events are indicated.
For example, during the first quarter of 2020, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the Gold Bar mine and the related long-lived assets and determined that indicators of impairment existed, and we ultimately concluded that the carrying value of the long-lived assets for the Gold Bar mine were impaired, and a non-cash impairment charge of $83.8 million was recorded during the first quarter of 2020. If there are further significant and sustained declines in relevant metal prices, or if we fail to control production and operating costs or realize the mineable ore reserves at our mining properties, we may terminate or suspend mining operations at one or more of our properties. These events could require a further write-down of the carrying value of our assets. Any such actions would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We may record other types of charges in the future if we sell a property or asset for a price less than its carrying value or have to increase reclamation liabilities in connection with the closure and reclamation of a property. Any additional write-downs of mining properties or other assets could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
A significant delay or disruption in sales of concentrates or doré as a result of the unexpected disruption in services provided by smelters or refiners or other third parties could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We rely on refiners and smelters to refine and process and, in some cases, purchase, the gold and silver doré and concentrate produced by our mines or the mines in which we have an interest. Access to refiners and smelters on economical terms is critical to our ability to sell our products to buyers and generate revenues. We have existing agreements with refiners and smelters, some of which operate their refining or smelting facilities outside the United States. We believe we currently have contractual arrangements with a sufficient number of refiners and smelters so that the loss of any one refiner or smelter would not significantly or materially impact our operations or our ability to generate revenues. Nevertheless, services provided by a refiner or smelter may be disrupted by new or increased tariffs, duties or other cross-border trade barriers, shipping delays, the bankruptcy or insolvency of one or more refiners or smelters or the inability to agree on acceptable commercial or legal terms with a refiner or smelter. Such an event or events may disrupt an existing relationship with a refiner or smelter or result in the inability to create (or the necessity to terminate) a contractual relationship with a refiner or smelter, which may leave us with limited, uneconomical or no access to refining or smelting services for short or long periods of time. Epidemics, pandemics or natural disasters may also impact refiners, smelters or other third parties with which we have contractual arrangements or have an indirect effect on our ability to obtain refining, smelting or other third-party services.
Any delay or loss of access to refiners or smelters may significantly impact our ability to sell doré and concentrate products and generate revenue. A default by a refiner or smelter on its contractual obligations to us or an insolvency event or bankruptcy filing by a refiner or smelter may result in the loss of all or part of our doré or concentrate in the possession of the refiner or smelter, and such a loss likely would not be insured by our insurance policies. We cannot ensure that alternative refiners or smelters would be available or offer comparable terms if the need for them were to arise or that it would not experience delays or disruptions in sales that would materially and adversely affect results of operations.
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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We classify our mineral properties into reportable segments consistent with the manner in which they are grouped in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3, Operating Segment Reporting and subdivide them within each segment by their respective stage of development: “production properties”, “advanced-stage properties” and “exploration properties.” Advanced-stage properties consist of properties for which advanced studies and reports have been completed indicating the presence of economically mineable mineralized material or in some cases, proven and probable reserves, and for which we have obtained or are in the process of obtaining the required permitting. Our designation of certain properties as “production properties” or “advanced-stage properties” should not suggest that we have proven or probable reserves at those properties as defined by S-K 1300. Our current operating or advanced stage properties are the following: the Fox Complex in Ontario, Canada; the Gold Bar mine in Nevada, United States; the Fenix Project in Sinaloa, Mexico; the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina; and the San José mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina.
The following table summarizes our properties (other than the Gold Bar mine and the Elder Creek exploration property) in the State of Nevada, United States:
Project Name | County | Type of Interest | Acres | Hectares | Claimant or Owner | Agreement Status |
Tonkin Springs | Eureka County | 1390 Unpatented Claims | 27708 | 11213 | Held By Tonkin Springs LLC | Not currently under agreement. |
Cornerstone | Eureka County | 50 Unpatented Claims | 1015 | 411 | Held by Nevada Pacific Gold LLC | Not currently under agreement. |
Patty JV | Eureka County | Total of 616 claims | 12644 | 5117 | McEwen Mining Nevada Inc. | Joint Venture with Nevada Gold Mines (60% as Manager) |
New Pass | Churchill County | 107 Unpatented Claims | 2211 | 895 | Held by McEwen Mining Nevada Inc. | Under a 50/50 JV with Bonaventure (Iconic) |
South Midas | Elko County | 151 Unpatented Claims | 3096 | 1253 | Held by McEwen Mining Nevada Inc. | Under a 50/50 JV with Bonaventure (Iconic) |
Slaven Canyon | Lander County | 68 Unpatented Claims | 1382 | 559 | Held by WKGUS LLC | Currently in an Exploration Agreement with Option to Lease with Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC, set to expire 5/7/2023 |
Keystone and O'Dair | Eureka County | 2 Patented Claims | 16.52 | 6.7 | Owned by: | Not currently under agreement. |
The following table summarizes our properties (other than the Fox Complex) in Canada in the Province of Ontario:
Property name | Municipality | Type of Interest | Acres / Hectares | Stage | Conditions | Ownership |
Buffalo Ankerite | Timmins | 11 Patented claims | 432 / 175 | Exploration | NPI agreement with Summit | Held by McEwen Mining via Lexam VG |
Paymaster | Timmins | 15 Patented claims | 1730 / 700 | Exploration | None | 60% JV interest with Newmont (40%) |
Black Fox North | Black River-Matheson | 50 Unpatented claims | 1608 / 651 | Exploration | None | 100% McEwen Mining |
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The location of our significant production, advanced-stage and exploration properties is shown below:
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SEGMENT: UNITED STATES
The following map depicts the location of our major properties in the United States segment, including the Gold Bar mine and exploration properties which are fully owned by us or subject to joint venture agreements. The Gold Bar mine is located in the southern Roberts Creek Mountains along the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka-Cortez gold trend in central Nevada. Approximately 25 miles northwest of the Gold Bar property is the Cortez gold mine owned by Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick Gold Corporation and Newmont Corporation joint venture), and 25 miles southeast is the producing Ruby Hill mine:
The following table summarizes the land position of our properties in Nevada as of December 31, 2022:
| Number of |
| Square | |
USA Mineral Property Interest | Claims | Miles | ||
Gold Bar |
| 3,016 |
| 97 |
Tonkin |
| 1,390 |
| 45 |
Other Properties |
| 994 |
| 32 |
Total United States Properties |
| 5,400 |
| 174 |
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Production Properties
Gold Bar mine, Nevada (100% owned)
For detailed information on the Gold Bar mine production statistics and financial results, refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview and History
The Gold Bar mine is an open pit, oxide gold mine with a processing facility, heap leach pad and gold recovery plant. The mine is located primarily on public lands managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management. We commenced construction in November 2017 following receipt of the signed Record of Decision from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Gold Bar mine achieved commercial production on May 23, 2019. Mining occurs at the Pick and Ridge pits, as well as the Gold Bar South pit, where we received permitting on in April 2022 and began mining in December 2022.
The property is located within the Battle Mountain-Eureka-Cortez gold trend in Eureka County, Nevada. The property was previously mined from 1987 to 1994 by Atlas Precious Metals Inc.
Location and Access
The Gold Bar mine is located in the Southern Roberts Creek Mountains, in Eureka County, Nevada, approximately 30 miles northwest of the town of Eureka, Nevada, primarily in Township 22 North, Range 50 East (N39°48’16.5”; W116°21’09.65”). The mine site is accessed from US Highway 50 by travelling north on Robert’s Creek Road, an unimproved dirt road maintained by the Company. The mine area is approximately 15 miles from U.S. Highway 50.
Geology and Mineralization
The mine is located in the Battle Mountain-Eureka mineral belt in a large window of lower-plate carbonate rocks surrounded by upper-plate rocks. The lower-plate carbonates consist of (from oldest to youngest) an east-dipping section of Silurian Lone Mountain Dolomite, Devonian McColley Canyon Formation, Devonian Denay Formation, Devonian Devils Gate Limestone and siliceous Horse Canyon. Gold mineralization is hosted primarily in the Bartine Member of the McColley Canyon Formation, which consists of carbonate wackestones and packstones approximately 250 to 380 feet thick. Minor amounts of mineralization are found in the underlying dolomitic limestone Kobeh Member of the McColley Canyon Formation where it is adjacent to apparent feeder structures. The project is in an area with “Carlin-Type” sediment-hosted gold mineralization characteristics with typical associated alteration (decalcification, silicification).
At Ridge, extensive alteration (silicification) and gold mineralization occurs at surface and at depth proximal to three historical open pits. Drilling is ongoing to extend mineralization beyond the currently defined resource.
At Pick, strong alteration and gold mineralization is strata-bound in the Bartine member of the McColley Canyon Formation and controlled by high-angle north to northeast faults. Mineralization is typically associated with strong decalcification of the host limestone and local pods of remobilized carbon.
At Gold Bar South, oxide gold mineralization is stratigraphically hosted in the lower Devonian Horse Canyon overlying the Devonian Devils Gate Limestone. Mineralization occurs along the crest of a broad fold with higher-grade mineralization focused along the intersection of northwest and northeast faults. The alteration footprint significantly extends to the north and south of the deposit with future drilling planned to expand the current footprint.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Gold Bar mine construction began in November 2017 with key site facilities and infrastructure completed by the end of 2018. Commercial production was declared on May 23, 2019. The Gold Bar mine has well developed infrastructure including on-site power generation and transmission lines, water, natural gas and related supply utilities as well as buildings which support the operations and administration. The water supply for the Gold Bar mine and processing
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facilities comes from production wells located approximately two miles southeast from the site and powered by a diesel generator. The mining of the open pits, carried out by a contractor, progressed during 2022. Mineralized material from the mine is transported to the crusher and conveyor system with the crushed and agglomerated material transported to the heap leach pad via an overland conveyor.
The mineralized material is stacked onto the heap using a radial stacker and then leached with a diluted cyanide solution to extract the precious metal values. The gold is then recovered from the pregnant solution in the carbon plant by adsorbing the dissolved gold onto activated carbon followed by desorption, electrowinning, retorting and smelting to recover the gold as a final doré product.
Exploration Activities
Exploration activities in 2022 included drilling 16,924 feet of core and reverse circulation (“RC”) drilling focused on targets around the Gold Bar mine, including near-mine extensions at Cabin North, Pick and potential extensions at the Atlas Pit. A concerted effort was placed on fieldwork and new target development in the Cabin South and Wall Fault Corridor areas. At Cabin South, we completed 12 shallow rotary air blast holes for a total of 990 feet, the results of which provided three intercepts in early 2023 that we are following up on with a phase one core drilling campaign. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for more details. With multiple near-surface targets identified, we expect to continue similar drilling around the Gold Bar mine in 2023.
Exploration Properties
Tonkin property (100% owned)
The Tonkin property represents our second largest holding within the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend in Eureka County, Nevada with approximately 45 square miles of claims. The Tonkin property consists of the Tonkin deposit and the previously operating Tonkin mine.
From 1985 through 1989, the Tonkin mine produced approximately 30,000 ounces of gold utilizing an oxide heap leach and a separate ball mill involving bio-oxidation to treat refractory sulfide mineralized material. Due to cost escalation and recovery issues, the operation was shut down. The mine site is currently on care and maintenance, and we continue to advance the reclamation program. We also continue evaluation work with respect to the Tonkin deposit.
Other exploration properties
We hold other exploration stage properties throughout Nevada which are not considered material at this time.
SEGMENT: CANADA
The following map depicts the location of our major properties forming the Canada segment of our operations. The properties within the Canada segment are located in the well-established Timmins Gold Mining district in Northern Ontario, Canada. The segment consists of the Black Fox and Stock properties and various exploration and advanced stage properties (the “Fox Complex”), comprising 5,100 hectares of land packages intersecting nine miles of the Destor-Porcupine Fault, which is known as the ‘Golden Highway’. The Destor-Porcupine Fault has a total strike length of approximately 124 miles and hosts many of Ontario and Quebec’s prolific gold mines.
The Black Fox property includes the Black Fox mine and surrounding properties, including the advanced-stage Grey Fox property and Froome mine, the latter of which declared commercial production during the third quarter of 2021. The Stock property, the site of former Stock mine, is located approximately 17 miles from the Black Fox mine. The Stock property includes the Stock mill where mineralized material from the Froome mine is transported to and processed, and the Stock West advanced development project. In addition, the Canada segment includes other exploration properties such as Fuller, Davidson-Tisdale, Buffalo Ankerite and Paymaster.
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The location of the various properties is shown below:
The following table summarizes the Canada land position of our company as of December 31, 2022:
Number of | Number of | Square | ||||
Canada Mineral Property Interest | PINs (1) | Claims | Miles | |||
Black Fox property |
| 32 |
| 53 |
| 10 |
Stock property | 25 | 108 | 10 | |||
Davidson-Tisdale | 11 | 1 | 2 | |||
Fuller | 4 | — | 1 | |||
Paymaster |
| 15 |
| — |
| 1 |
Buffalo Ankerite |
| 7 |
| 1 |
| 3 |
Total Canada Properties |
| 94 |
| 163 |
| 27 |
| (1) | Parcel Identification Number (“PIN”) is a unique number assigned to each automated parcel in the Ontario Land Registry. |
Production Properties
Fox Complex, Canada (100% owned)
For detailed information on the Fox Complex production statistics and financial results, refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
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Overview and History
We acquired the properties comprising the Fox Complex during 2017. These properties are located in the well-established Timmins Gold Mining district in Northern Ontario, Canada. Given the proximity to communities in a region with primary industries of mining and forestry, local supplies and services are easily available and can be delivered in a timely manner to our operations.
The Black Fox property includes the Froome mine, the Grey Fox deposit, as well as the Black Fox mine which is currently under care and maintenance. The Black Fox mine initially produced gold from 1997 to 2001, operated by Exall Resources Limited. Re-commissioned by Brigus Gold Corporation (“Brigus”), the mine restarted in early 2009. Primero Mining Corp. (“Primero”) acquired Brigus on March 5, 2014, and continued to operate the mine. We acquired the property on October 3, 2017 and continued commercial operations. During 2021, mining transitioned to the Froome mine where we have been operating since.
Our Stock property hosts the Stock mill and is the site of the former Stock mine previously operated until 2005 by St Andrews Goldfields. Exploration initiated by us in 2018 and continuing in 2022 has defined two mineralized zones at Stock East and Stock West, within a 2-mile mineralized trend along the Destor-Porcupine Fault.
The Fox Complex contains 118 parcels representing patents and leases and 163 unpatented mining claims totaling 27 square miles in mining rights, as well as 11 square miles in surface rights. All land parcels are located within the Beatty, Hislop, Stock, Bond, German, townships in the municipality of Black River-Matheson as well as within the Deloro, and Tisdale townships in the City of Timmins.
Location and Access
The Black Fox and Froome mines are located six miles east of Matheson, Ontario, and accessed directly from Highway 101 East. Matheson, in turn, is located approximately 45 miles east of Timmins, which has a commercial airport. Timmins is approximately 342 miles north of Toronto by air. The approximate coordinates of the Black Fox Mine are N48°32'2" and W80°20'2".
The Stock mill is located approximately 17 miles from the Black Fox and Froome mines. Mineralized material is trucked to the mill from the Froome mine and previously from the Black Fox mine before mining ceased. The approximate coordinates for the geographic center for the Stock property are N48°33'0" and W80°45'1".
Geology and Mineralization
All of our properties in the Timmins-Matheson region are located within the Archean aged, Abitibi greenstone belt. Gold mineralization at the Black Fox and Froome mines occurs in different geological environments within a complex system of structurally-prepared pathways (conduits) that host economic quantities of gold mineralization as: (1) free gold grains associated with shallow dipping quartz veins (aka ‘flats’) and stockworks within green carbonate and ankerite-altered ultramafic rocks; (2) gold associated with the development and distribution of pyrite, and (3) free gold carried within steeply dipping sigmoidal/sheared quartz veins.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Black Fox property has well developed infrastructure including electricity, roads, water supply and high-speed internet access. There are seven fully serviced modular buildings supporting various functions of the underground mine, including a maintenance shop, warehouse, compressed air plant, backfill plant and water management facilities. Mineralized material from the Froome mine is transported to, and processed at, the Stock mill, which has a nominal processing capacity of 1,200 tonnes per day.
The primary water supply for the Black Fox property comes from an on-site fresh water well and water produced from dewatering activities. Current water supplies are adequate to sustain current and planned future operations.
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The Stock property, the site of our Stock mill, also has well developed infrastructure including electricity, roads, water supply and high-speed internet access. Two buildings support security and administration of the mill. There is an assay lab and several other buildings to support operations and milling, including a hoist house, warehouse and maintenance shop, mine dry building, crusher and conveyor systems and the mill building itself. The site also houses various support structures including storage and generator buildings.
Underground Mine Development
Froome mine, Canada (100% Owned)
The Froome mine, which is part of the overall Fox Complex, is accessed from two declines from the bottom of the Black Fox pit and is situated approximately one-half mile west of the Black Fox mine. The mineralized material from Froome is hauled approximately 20 miles to the Stock mill, where it is processed. Based on the PEA announced on January 26, 2022 and effective December 31, 2021, the life of mine of the Froome mine is expected to total four years. Low cost, bulk mining will be used to bridge gold production and provide cash flow while we continue to drill and assess potential additional resources at the Black Fox property, Grey Fox, Stock and Lexam projects for future development towards expanded production.
Development of the underground access to the Froome mine was completed during 2021 and commercial production was achieved in Q3 2021. The Froome mine offers several benefits compared to the Black Fox mine such as a straighter, more efficient haulage route and wider, more consistent mineralization that is amenable to lower cost bulk mining methods. We are targeting an average annualized production rate of 40,000 - 45,000 gold equivalent ounces (“GEO”) from Froome over its life of mine.
Advanced-Stage Properties
Stock West, Canada (100% owned)
The Stock West project is located approximately one mile west of the historic Stock mine shaft and 0.6 mile southwest of the Stock mill. The Stock property is easily accessible via an access road from Highway 101 located approximately one mile to the south. The approximate coordinates for the geographic center for the Stock property are N48°33'0" and W80°45'1".
The Stock property is the site of the former Stock mine, which produced 137,000 ounces of gold from an underground operation between 1989 and 2005.
Exploration activities (primarily diamond drilling and geophysical surveys) were initiated at the Stock property in early 2018, and continued at a steady pace throughout 2019. These efforts led to growth of mineralized material at Stock East, and the discovery of a new source of potentially economic bulk mineralization known as Stock West sitting approximately 0.5 miles west of the existing mine workings. We resumed exploration at Stock West in late August 2020. In early 2021 and continuing into 2022, a diamond drill program totaling 94 holes and 107,375 feet (2022) were initiated in close proximity to the former producing Stock Mine which was designed to identify zones of mineralization meant to enhance the PEA for the Fox Complex, including for Stock West.
Grey Fox, Canada (100% owned)
The Grey Fox project is located 2.2 miles southeast of Black Fox mine and adjacent to Agnico Eagle’s former Hislop mine. Access is either by paved or well maintained, two-way, dirt roads. The approximate coordinates of Grey Fox are N48°30'20.0” and W80°18'20.0”.
An internal feasibility-level study completed on the Grey Fox project in early 2015 by Primero, recommended further development of the deposit. Further advanced project work continued until 2016, when Primero ceased all non-essential expenditures.
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In 2021, we undertook a substantial surface exploration program of 185 holes and nearly 255,000 feet of core drilling that focused on the Stock and Grey Fox properties in support of a planned preliminary economic assessment. This was published in January 2022 as both NI 43-101 (PEA) and S-K 1300 Technical Reports (Initial Assessment). Diamond drilling operations at Grey Fox continued in 2022 with the primary goal being to identify new lenses of mineralization at two of the select zones (Gibson and Whiskey Jack) present at this project.
Exploration Properties
Other exploration properties acquired in connection with our acquisition of Lexam VG Gold Inc. in 2017 include Davidson-Tisdale, Fuller, Paymaster, and Buffalo Ankerite. No exploration work was performed at these properties in 2022.
SEGMENT: MEXICO
The following map depicts the location of our property forming the Mexico segment, of which the El Gallo mine and the advanced-stage Fenix Project are described in the sections below:
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The following table summarizes the Company’s land position in Mexico as of December 31, 2022:
Mexico Mineral Property Interest | Number of Claims | Square Miles | ||
Fenix Project (including the El Gallo mine) |
| 45 | 204 | |
Other Mexico properties | 1 | 2 | ||
Total Mexico Properties |
| 46 | 206 |
Mexico Properties
El Gallo mine, Mexico (100% owned)
For detailed information on the El Gallo mine production statistics and financial results, refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview and History
We own 100% of the El Gallo mine, originally known as the Magistral mine. The El Gallo mine was an open pit gold mine and heap leach operation that we operated from September 2012 to June 2018, when we ceased active mining. Residual leaching production and ongoing closure and reclamation activities continued through 2022.
The El Gallo mine consists of 8 square miles of concessions. Concession titles are granted under Mexican mining law. Mining concessions are subject to annual work requirements and payment of annual surface taxes that are assessed and levied on a semi-annual basis in accordance with Mexican law. An annual lease agreement for surface access to the El Gallo mine is currently in place.
Location and Access
The El Gallo mine and the surrounding properties are in northwestern Mexico in the western foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, within the State of Sinaloa in the Mocorito Municipality, approximately 60 miles by air northwest of Culiacan, the capital city of Sinaloa State. Access is by paved and well maintained, two-way dirt roads. The concession area is located approximately 20 miles by road from the village of Mocorito, approximately 30 miles from the town of Guamúchil. The approximate coordinates for the center of the district are longitude W107°51’ and latitude N25°38’.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The El Gallo mine has well-developed infrastructure including electricity, roads, water supply and high-speed internet access. There is a truck shop, a warehouse, a fuel depot, core logging facilities, an explosives magazine, heap leach pads, process ponds, an assay laboratory, a three-stage crushing plant, an adsorption-desorption-recovery (“ADR”) process plant with a sulfidation-acidification recovery (“SAR”) circuit added in the first quarter of 2018 and an administrative office. The laboratory is equipped to process all assay samples from the mine, core, chips and soil. The metallurgical lab is capable of determining cyanide leaching amenability and gold and silver recoveries of mineralized material amenable to cyanide leaching.
Advanced-Stage Properties
Fenix Project, Mexico (100% owned)
Overview and History
Two areas of interest located inside of our property are currently considered for the Fenix Project and are the basis of the resource estimate included in the feasibility study released on February 16, 2021.
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The Fenix Project, which is currently under consideration but has not been approved for development, contemplates a two-phase development process. Phase 1 includes the reprocessing of material from the heap leach pad at the existing El Gallo mine, which we refer to as HLM. Phase 2 includes the processing of open pit silver mineralization from the nearby El Gallo Silver deposit, with our existing process plant.
The process plant is expected to use conventional and proven mineral processing and precious metals recovery technologies. Phase 1 is envisioned to have a throughput rate of 5,000 tonnes per day. During Phase 2, mineralized material from the El Gallo Silver deposit would be processed at a maximum of 3,250 tonnes per day. The difference in treatment rate is due to the finer grind sizes targeted, and the difference in grinding characteristics of the El Gallo Silver mineralized material.
Tailings produced during the operation would be stored in the mined-out Samaniego open pit at the El Gallo mine. As part of this process, tailings deposition would include a delivery system designed to maximize tailings consolidation and water recovery. Utilizing the in-pit tailings storage technology is expected to be cost effective and environmentally friendly as it would reduce the disturbance footprint and construction material, eliminate the construction of a tailings dam, recycle process water, and reduce closure obligations by removing the leach pad.
During 2019, we received an environmental permit approval for in-pit tailings storage in the Samaniego pit as well as approval for the process plant for Phase 1, which entails the construction of the Carbon-In-Leach (“CIL”) mill circuit. During 2022, we executed an agreement to purchase a secondhand gold processing plant and associated equipment for a purchase price of $2.8 million. This package includes substantially all of the major components required for Phase 1 of the Fenix Project, in addition to surplus equipment which can be sold or used at our other operations. This purchase is expected to materially reduce the estimated capital expenditure required in Phase 1 as contemplated by our feasibility study.
A decision to pursue the project remains under review.
Access and Location
The Fenix Project is located adjacent to the El Gallo mine and is similarly accessible.
Facilities and Infrastructure
In addition to the El Gallo mine infrastructure described above, which would support the Fenix Project if a positive production decision is made, we purchased a secondhand gold processing plant and associated equipment in September 2022, which includes substantially all of the major components contemplated in Phase 1 of our Fenix Project feasibility study. As of the end of 2022, this equipment was in the process of being mobilized from the Los Mochis port to the Fenix Project site.
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SEGMENT: MCEWEN COPPER
Exploration Properties
Our McEwen Copper segment contains the Los Azules copper project in the province of San Juan, Argentina as well as the Elder Creek exploration property in the state of Nevada, United States.
The following map depicts the location of the Los Azules project. Los Azules is located in the Andean Copper Belt in Northern Argentina, which hosts many of the world’s largest copper deposits.
The following table summarizes the land position related to the McEwen Copper segment as of December 31, 2022:
| Number of |
| Square | |
McEwen Copper Mineral Property Interest | Claims | Miles | ||
Los Azules project |
| 21 |
| 126 |
Elder Creek exploration property |
| 573 |
| 18 |
Other Argentina properties |
| 17 |
| 180 |
Total McEwen Copper Properties |
| 611 |
| 324 |
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Los Azules Copper Project, Argentina (100% owned by McEwen Copper)
Overview and History
The Los Azules copper project is an advanced-stage porphyry copper exploration project located in the cordilleran region in the province of San Juan, Argentina near the border with Chile. In 1994, Minera Andes acquired lands in the southern portion of the Los Azules area. Over the years, additional exploration was performed by Minera Andes and other companies who owned adjacent properties around Los Azules. We acquired Minera Andes in January 2012.
The environmental baseline monitoring work continued as well as other works, which were identified as necessary to develop a conforming Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) submission. The environmental work included the geological mapping of the tailings dam design.
Location and Access
The project is located at approximately S31o13’30” and W70o13’50” and abuts the border of Chile and Argentina. The elevation at the site ranges between 11,500 feet to 14,750 feet above sea level (“ASL”). A new low altitude access road (max. 11,155 feet ASL) was completed in early 2022, which has only one high mountain pass, and successfully used to extend our drilling season to May 2022. We share part of the new access road with other mining projects, including El Pachón (Glencore) and Altar (Sibanye-Stillwater and Aldebaran Resources). We expect the road will be further upgraded and adapted for winter operating conditions. In addition, work is being done on the initial access road, extending road widths, improving berms and primarily working on the switchback both in the Totora as well as the Cabeza de Leon passes to allow the passage of semi-trailer transport. It is anticipated that these efforts will result in safer operations, reduced costs and logistics efficiencies, in addition to providing year-round access to support our current phase of work on Los Azules.
Geology and Mineralization
The deposit is located within a copper porphyry belt that hosts some of the world’s largest copper mines. The upper part of the system consists of a barren leached cap, which is underlain by a high-grade secondary enrichment blanket. Primary mineralization below the secondary enrichment zone has been intersected in drilling up to a depth of more than 3,700 feet below surface.
Exploration Activities
During Q4/22, we completed 28,920 feet of diamond and sonic drilling, comprised substantially of diamond drilling in an effort to upgrade our existing mineral resource categorization through increasing our drill hole density. Geotechnical drilling was also completed during Q4/22 to facilitate mine design. Step out exploration activities during Q4/22 were performed to test for potential extensions to our mineral resource both laterally and at depth, and as a result of our current findings, deep diamond drilling is planned for 2023. Drilling is being conducted by established and well-recognized drilling contractors employing the local workforce.
Our study teams continued to work on an updated PEA to include all drill information, assay information and metallurgical testing of core obtained during the 2017, 2018 and 2022 exploration seasons. Work on trade-off studies related to power supply and the potential for renewables, mining methods and processing options, an updated glacier study, and initial geotechnical field of work for the design of the tailing and waste storage facilities were continued during the quarter. Hydro-geological holes have commenced and complement the works on the assessments of historical information and the re-establishment of existing water monitoring locations.
Hyperspectral scanning of all available core has been completed for new and historic core. Data from this initiative will ensure a refined and improved geological and resource model. By the end of Q4/22, over 220,000 feet of current and historical drilling has been scanned and processed. Hyperspectral data is expected to be used for geotechnical, metallurgical and resource modelling.
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A preliminary optimization study was completed in Q1/22 using existing information and was further refined during the remainder of the year. The study focused on the following objectives: value improvement, scale and capital requirement optimization, reduction in complexity, risk minimization and to enable fast trade-off analysis of environmentally friendly and regenerative solutions. Currently, we are developing a scenario for Los Azules as an open pit mine that initially processes leachable copper content in a heap leach, with a solvent extraction and electrowinning (“SX/EW”) facility to produce LME Grade A copper cathodes for export or consumption in Argentina. This scenario would greatly reduce capital expenditures as compared to using concentrator technology, and in addition, would be more environmentally friendly due to a lower carbon footprint. The project design makes use of renewable energy, reduces overall complexity while still conceived as a long-life asset with upside opportunity further enhancing the life of mine and financial attractiveness.
Metallurgical studies continue, utilizing international certified laboratories as well as additional confirmation work with the Institute of Mining Investigations, part of the engineering faculty of the University of San Juan and our partners from Nuton, the Rio Tinto venture specialized in heap leaching of copper ore. Initial results show promising recoveries and reduced acid consumption for the scenario described above.
The preparation of the Exploitation Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”), the basis for environmental permitting in Argentina, has been awarded to Knight Piesold and the drafting of the report is underway and on track for presentation to San Juan authorities by April 2023.
Facilities and Infrastructure
As described above, construction was completed on a new access road that, together with continued improvements to both access roads, will provide year-round access to the project. As part of our ongoing involvement with local communities and entrepreneurs, local contractors are being sourced for our road improvements.
Elder Creek property
On October 24, 2022, McEwen Copper signed an agreement whereby Kennecott Exploration Company (“KEX”), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, for KEX to earn a 60% interest in the Elder Creek property by investing $18 million over up to seven years (the “Expenditure Commitment”). If and when the Expenditure Commitment is completed, KEX and McEwen Copper will form an unincorporated 60:40 joint venture.
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SEGMENT: MINERA SANTA CRUZ (“MSC”), ARGENTINA
The following map depicts the location in the northwest corner of the Deseado Massif region of the San José mine land package, which forms the Minera Santa Cruz segment. The land package surrounds Newmont’s Cerro Negro property and the San José mine is located approximately 12 miles north of the Cerro Negro mine.
Production Properties
San José mine, Argentina (49% owned)
For detailed information on the San José mine production statistics and financial results, refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview and History
The San José mine is an underground gold and silver mining operation located in Santa Cruz, Argentina. We acquired our interest in the San José mine in connection with our acquisition of Minera Andes in January 2012. The property is owned and operated under an option and joint venture agreement (“OJVA”) between Minera Andes (49%) and Hochschild (51%) in the name of MSC. The property was acquired by Minera Andes in 1997, followed by an extensive exploration program from 1997 to 2001, leading to the discovery of the Huevos Verdes and Saavedra West Zones. A feasibility study was completed in October 2005 under the direction of MSC and, following construction, commercial production was declared on January 1, 2008.
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The mine is part of a larger property which covers a total area of approximately 1,004 sq. miles and consists of 141 mining concessions.
MSC has purchased the land and the corresponding occupation rights necessary to conduct its operations.
Location and Access
The San José property is in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, lying approximately between latitude S46°41’ and S46°47’ and longitude W70°17’ and W70°00’. The mine is 1,087 miles south-southwest of the city of Buenos Aires and 217 miles southwest of the Atlantic port city of Comodoro Rivadavia. The principal access route to the San José property is a paved highway from Comodoro Rivadavia followed by a 20 mile two-lane dirt road to the mine. Comodoro Rivadavia has regularly scheduled air services to Buenos Aires. The nearest town is Perito Moreno, which is approximately 19 miles west of the San José property.
Geology and Mineralization
The San José property is in the Deseado Massif, which consists of Paleozoic metamorphic basement rocks unconformably overlain by Middle to Upper Jurassic bimodal andesitic and rhyolitic volcanics and volcaniclastics. Cretaceous sediments and Tertiary to Quaternary basalts overlie the Jurassic volcanics. The Jurassic Bajo Pobre Formation is the main host of gold and silver vein mineralization at the mine. The formation is comprised of a lower andesite volcaniclastic unit and an upper andesite lava flow and has a maximum thickness of 394 ft. Mineralization in the San José area occurs as low sulfidation epithermal quartz veins, breccias and stockwork systems accompanying normal sinistral faults.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Infrastructure at the property consists of camp facilities that can accommodate up to approximately 1,100 personnel, a medical clinic, a security building, a maintenance shop, a laboratory, processing facilities, a mine and process facility warehouse, a surface tailings impoundment, support buildings and mine portals, a change house, a core warehouse, an administration building and offices. The laboratory is equipped to process all assays (core, chips and soil). MSC has installed a satellite-based telephone/data/internet communication system.
Electricity is provided by an 81-mile 132 kV electric transmission line, which connects the San José mine processing facility to the national power grid.
The San José mine is a ramp access underground mining operation.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings. To the best of our knowledge, no such proceeding is threatened, the results of which would have a material impact on our properties, results of operations, or financial condition. Nor, to the best of our knowledge, are any of our officers or directors involved in any legal proceedings in which we are an adverse party.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
At McEwen Mining, safety is a core value, and we strive for superior performance. Our health and safety management system, which includes detailed standards and procedures for safe operations, addresses topics such as employee training, risk management, workplace inspection, emergency response, accident investigation and program auditing. Based on strong leadership and involvement from all levels of the organization, these programs and procedures form the cornerstone of safety at McEwen Mining, ensuring that employees are provided a safe and healthy environment and are intended to reduce workplace accidents, incidents and losses, comply with all mining-related regulations and provide support for both regulators and the industry to improve mine safety.
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The operation of our Gold Bar mine is subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). MSHA inspects our Gold Bar mine on a regular basis and may issue citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. While we assign most of the mining operations at Gold Bar to an independent contractor, we may be considered an “operator” for purposes of the Mine Act and may be issued notices or citations if MSHA believes that we are responsible for violations.
We are required to report certain mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, and that required information is included in Exhibit 95 filed with this report.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
On January 24, 2012, our common stock commenced trading on the NYSE and TSX under the symbol “MUX”, subsequent to the completion of the acquisition of Minera Andes. As of March 13, 2023, there were 47,427,584 shares of our common stock outstanding, which were held by approximately 3,000 stockholders of record.
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent for our common stock. The principal office of Computershare is 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021 and its telephone number is (303) 262-0600. The transfer agent in Canada is Computershare Trust Company of Canada at 100 University Ave., 8th Floor, Toronto ON, M5J 2Y1 and its telephone number is 1-800-564-6253.
Performance Graph
The above graph compares our cumulative total shareholder return for the five years ended December 31, 2022, with (i) the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index, which is an index of companies involved in the gold industry and (ii) the NYSE Composite Index, which is a performance indicator of the overall stock market. The graph assumes a $100 investment on December 31, 2017, in our common stock and the two other stock market indices, and assumes the reinvestment of dividends, if any.
December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| |||||||
McEwen Mining (MUX) | $ | 100 | $ | 80 | $ | 56 | $ | 43 | $ | 39 | $ | 26 | |||||||
NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index |
| 100 |
| 84 |
| 126 |
| 156 |
| 135 |
| 119 | |||||||
NYSE Composite Index |
| 100 |
| 89 |
| 109 |
| 113 |
| 134 |
| 119 | |||||||
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Introduction
This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses fiscal 2022 and 2021 items including our results of operations and financial condition, and year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021 with a particular emphasis on 2022. In each case, we discuss factors that we believe have affected our operating results and financial condition and may do so in the future. For a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for 2021 compared to 2020, please refer to Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on March 7, 2022.
Regarding properties and projects that are not in production, we provide some details of our plan of operation. This section provides information up to the date of filing this report.
The discussion contains financial performance measures that are not prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP” or “GAAP”). Each of the following is a non-GAAP measure: cash gross profit, cash costs, cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”), all-in sustaining cost per ounce, average realized price per ounce, and liquid assets. These non-GAAP measures are used by management in running the business and we believe they provide useful information that can be used by investors to evaluate our performance and our ability to generate cash flows. These measures do not have standardized definitions and should not be relied upon in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Cash Costs equals Production Costs Applicable to Sales and is used interchangeably throughout the document. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the amounts included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 and to our Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and certain limitations inherent in such measures, please see the discussion under “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures”, beginning on page 70.
This discussion also includes references to advanced-stage properties, which are defined as properties for which advanced studies and reports have been completed indicating the presence of mineralized material or proven or probable reserves, or that have obtained or are in the process of obtaining the required permitting. Our designation of certain properties as “advanced-stage properties” should not suggest that we have or will have proven or probable reserves at those properties as defined by S-K 1300. This section provides information up to the date of the filing of this report.
The information in this section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MDA”), the reporting periods for the three months ended on December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are abbreviated as Q4/22 and Q4/21, the reporting for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are abbreviated as the full year 2022 and the full year 2021 respectively. All financial quarterly and other interim results are unaudited.
In addition, in this report, gold equivalent ounces (“GEO”) includes gold and silver ounces calculated based on a silver to gold ratio of 78:1 for Q1/22, 83:1 for Q2/22, 90:1 for Q3/22, and 85:1 for Q4/22. Beginning with Q2/19, we adopted a variable silver to gold ratio for reporting that approximates the average price during each fiscal quarter.
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Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
We are continuing to closely monitor and respond, as possible, to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, ensuring the health and safety of the Company’s employees and contractors is one of our top priorities.
The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, variants of the COVID-19 virus, related advisories and restrictions and the success and acceptance of various vaccines, and other adverse effects caused (or contributed to) by pandemic, such as supply chain constraints, labor shortages and inflationary pressures. Management is actively monitoring the global situation and its effect on our financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry and workforce.
In response to the need to protect our employees and our company, we formed our COVID-19 Task Team. The Task Team consists of management members from each operating site and office and has coordinated steps to prevent a wider spread of the virus, while exchanging information with associations, governments, and industry peers. We have implemented preventative measures to ensure a safe working environment for our employees and contractors and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including facilitating access to vaccinations at our sites by coordinating with local health authorities and continue to maintain these systems and safety protocols through 2023.
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Index to Management’s Discussion and Analysis:
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2022 AND Q4/22 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2022 are summarized below and discussed further in the section entitled “Consolidated Performance”:
Corporate Developments
| ● | Mr. William (Bill) Shaver, P. Eng., who is currently serving on our Board of Directors, was appointed as Interim Chief Operating Officer of the Company on May 6, 2022. |
| ● | Mr. Perry Ing, CA, CPA, CFA, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company from 2012 to 2015, was appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer on May 6, 2022. |
| ● | In June and August 2022, we raised $41.9 million through private placement offerings for McEwen Copper Inc. (“McEwen Copper”). Rio Tinto, through its copper leaching technology venture Nuton LLC (“Nuton”), now owns 9.7% of McEwen Copper, as a result of its investment of $25.0 million. Nuton, as our collaborative partner, is testing the Los Azules copper mineralization to see if it can accelerate and increase copper recoveries using its proprietary technologies. |
| ● | In August 2022, we entered into a binding term sheet with Kennecott Exploration, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, for an option to earn a 60% interest in the Elder Creek exploration project, by spending $18.0 million on exploration within seven years. On October 21, 2022, we signed the definitive Elder Creek option and joint venture agreement. Elder Creek is held by McEwen Copper and is located in Nevada. |
| ● | Subsequent to December 31, 2022, we announced the closing of an ARS $30 billion investment by FCA Argentina S.A., a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V. (“Stellantis”) to acquire shares of McEwen Copper in a two-part transaction that closed on February 24, 2023. The transaction consisted of: 1. Private placement of 2,850,000 common shares, and 2. Purchase of 1,250,000 common shares indirectly owned by McEwen Mining in a secondary sale. The proceeds of the private placement will be used to advance development of the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina, and for general corporate purposes. After the closing of the Transaction, McEwen Mining was separately compensated for the secondary sale by McEwen Copper in U.S. dollars. Subsequent to the transaction, the Stellantis companies and Nuton both hold approximately 14.2% of the outstanding shares of McEwen Copper, while McEwen Mining reduced its ownership to 51.9% of the outstanding shares. |
Operational Highlights
| ● | Production improved during Q4/22 compared to prior quarters in 2022. We produced 37,279 GEOs in Q4/22, including 19,417 attributable GEOs from the San José mine(1), bringing our full year 2022 production to 133,300 GEOs, including 69,129 GEOs from the San José mine(1). We met revised production guidance at our Gold Bar and San José mines and our production was slightly below our revised guidance at the Fox Complex. Our 2022 production compares to 40,153 GEOs produced in Q4/21 and 154,391 GEOs produced in full year 2021. |
| ● | Decrease in GEO’s sold during 2022 over 2021. We sold 36,724 GEOs in Q4/22, including 19,278 attributable GEOs from the San José mine(1), bringing our total sales in full year 2022 to 132,186 GEOs, including 68,360 attributable GEOs from the San José mine(1). This compares to 40,184 GEOs sold in Q4/21 and 153,415 GEOs sold in full year 2021. |
| ● | Our Froome mine reached its 2022 mining tonnage target, stockpiling 120,000 tonnes of mineralized material at the end of 2022, ready for processing in 2023. |
| ● | Change in pastefill methodology at Froome mine lowered cash costs. Our operations optimized backfill and used waste rock for pastefill underground, reducing mining costs in 2022. |
| ● | Safety record improved at Fox Complex. We lowered our total recordable injury frequency rate (“TRIFR”) to 1 during 2022, below industry standard of 4. |
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| ● | At our Gold Bar mine, we addressed challenges related to carbonaceous ore impacting production during 2022. New deposits were identified, including Gold Bar South (“GBS”) which does not contain carbonaceous ore. In addition, GBS has a much lower waste stripping ratio, oxide mineralization with no carbonaceous material, and a higher average gold grade compared to currently mined areas at the Gold Bar mine. Our 2023 mine production is expected to be primarily from GBS. Additionally, we successfully transitioned to a new mining contractor within Q4/22 which is expected to drive improved production efficiencies in 2023. |
| ● | Our Gold Bar mine reached a record safety milestone, operating for over 1,000 days without a lost-time incident. |
| ● | Operations at the San José mine remained consistent. Despite a slow start to 2022 due to COVID-19 impacts and mill availability, we met revised production guidance at the San José mine. |
Financial Highlights
| ● | We reported cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $43.6 million as at December 31, 2022, of which $36.8 million is to be used toward McEwen Copper for the advancement of the Los Azules Copper project. |
| ● | On March 2, 2022, the Company closed the private placement offering of 1,450,000 flow-through common shares priced at $10.40 for gross proceeds of $15.1 million. |
| ● | We reported gross loss of $0.5 million and cash gross profit(2) of $19.2 million for full year 2022 compared with gross loss of $6.5 million and cash gross profit(2) of $17.3 million for full year 2021. |
| ● | We reported a net loss of $81.1 million, or $1.71 per diluted share for full year 2022 compared with net loss of $56.7 million, or $1.25 per diluted share for full year 2021. |
Exploration and Mineral Resources and Reserves
| ● | Our exploration and advanced projects spend of $81.7 million in 2022 focused on advancing the Los Azules Copper Project in Argentina and expanding the resource base at the Stock West deposit within the Fox Complex and at the Gold Bar mine. |
| ● | At Los Azules, our drill program focused on increasing drill hole density to upgrade our copper mineral resource classification to measured and indicated and to better understand the payback pit design; providing metallurgical, hydrological and geotechnical data to support mine design; and testing potential extensions of the copper resource to the north, south and at depth. We ended the 2022 year with 6 drill rigs on site, adding 3 more in early 2023. We continue to work on updating our PEA for the Los Azules project and expect to publish results in early Q2/23. |
| ● | On January 26, 2022, we announced a PEA for the Fox Complex effective December 31, 2021. The PEA estimates positive economics for an expansion project, where subsequent to the depletion of Froome mine, production could continue for another 9 years at an average production of 80,800 oz gold per year. Overall, the PEA estimates an IRR of 21% at a gold price of $1,650/oz, at average cash costs and AISC of $769/oz and $1,246/oz, respectively. |
| ● | During 2022, we concentrated on resource delineation and exploration expansion at both our Stock and Grey Fox properties, drilling a total of 181,145 feet at the Fox Complex. At our Stock property, the principal aim of the diamond drilling during 2022 was to enhance our PEA by identifying additional resources in proximity to the proposed ramp to Stock West. |
| ● | During 2022, exploration activities at the Gold Bar mine were primarily focused on field activities and target development with RC and core drilling at the Cabin North Pit, Atlas Pit, and Pick Pit for an aggregate of 16,924 feet. We also continued exploration activities on our Cabin South deposit, trenching approximately 3,550 feet and drilling 12 rotary air blast holes totaling 990 feet. |
| (1) | At our 49% attributable interest. |
| (2) | As used here and elsewhere in this report, this is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” beginning on page 70. |
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS
The following tables present selected financial and operating results of our company for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020:
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||||
(in thousands, except per share) | |||||||||||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales(1) | $ | 28,240 | $ | 34,966 | $ | 110,417 | $ | 136,541 | $ | 104,789 | |||||
Production costs applicable to sales | $ | (20,321) | $ | (33,742) | $ | (91,260) | $ | (119,223) | $ | (108,827) | |||||
Loss before income and mining taxes | $ | (34,937) | $ | (24,465) | $ | (80,288) | $ | (64,199) | $ | (153,715) | |||||
Net loss | $ | (37,364) | $ | (20,856) | $ | (81,076) | $ | (56,712) | $ | (152,325) | |||||
Net loss per share | $ | (0.79) | $ | (0.46) | $ | (1.71) | $ | (1.25) | $ | (3.78) | |||||
Cash used in operating activities | $ | (8,057) | $ | (1,147) | $ | (58,609) | $ | (20,223) | $ | (27,873) | |||||
Cash additions to mineral property interests and plant and equipment | $ | (7,047) | $ | (6,405) | $ | (24,187) | $ | (34,888) | $ | (13,373) | |||||
| (1) | Excludes revenue from the San José mine, which is accounted for under the equity method. |
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||||
(in thousands, except per ounce) | |||||||||||||||
Produced - gold equivalent ounces(1) | 37.3 | 40.2 | 133.3 | 154.4 | 114.8 | ||||||||||
100% owned operations | 17.9 | 20.0 | 64.2 | 77.6 | 60.3 | ||||||||||
San José mine (49% attributable) | 19.4 | 20.2 | 69.1 | 76.8 | 54.5 | ||||||||||
Sold - gold equivalent ounces(1) | 36.7 | 40.2 | 132.2 | 153.4 | 115.6 | ||||||||||
100% owned operations | 17.4 | 19.9 | 63.8 | 77.3 | 60.7 | ||||||||||
San José mine (49% attributable) | 19.3 | 20.3 | 68.4 | 76.1 | 54.9 | ||||||||||
Average realized price ($/GEO)(2)(3) | $ | 1,674 | $ | 1,806 | $ | 1,788 | $ | 1,803 | $ | 1,771 | |||||
P.M. Fix Gold ($/oz)(4) | $ | 1,726 | $ | 1,795 | $ | 1,800 | $ | 1,799 | $ | 1,735 | |||||
Cash cost per ounce ($/GEO):(2) | |||||||||||||||
100% owned operations | $ | 1,112 | $ | 1,601 | $ | 1,276 | $ | 1,453 | $ | 1,772 | |||||
San José mine (49% attributable) | $ | 1,321 | $ | 1,708 | $ | 1,306 | $ | 1,262 | $ | 1,233 | |||||
AISC per ounce ($/GEO):(2) | |||||||||||||||
100% owned operations | $ | 1,509 | $ | 1,940 | $ | 1,688 | $ | 1,635 | $ | 2,077 | |||||
San José mine (49% attributable) | $ | 1,701 | $ | 2,043 | $ | 1,714 | $ | 1,603 | $ | 1,514 | |||||
Cash gross profit (loss) (2) | $ | 7,919 | $ | 1,224 | $ | 19,157 | $ | 17,318 | (4,038) | ||||||
Gross profit (loss) | $ | (288) | $ | (5,898) | $ | (544) | $ | (6,481) | (26,948) | ||||||
Silver : Gold ratio(1) | 85 : 1 | 77 : 1 | 84 : 1 | 72 : 1 | 86 : 1 | ||||||||||
| (1) | Silver production is presented as a gold equivalent; the silver to gold ratio used is 84:1 for 2022 and 72:1 for 2021 and 86:1 for 2020; 85:1 for Q4/22 and 77:1 for Q4/21. |
| (2) | As used here and elsewhere in this report, this is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” beginning on page 70. |
| (3) | On sales from 100% owned operations only, excluding streaming arrangement. |
| (4) | Average for the quarter or year as presented. |
CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE
For the year ended December 31, 2022, we reported a net loss of $81.1 million (or $1.71 per share) compared to a net loss of $56.7 million (or $1.25 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2021. The current net loss includes $81.7 million of expenditures on exploration activities and advanced projects, of which $61.1 million was related to expenditures for the Los Azules project and $14.9 million on the continued exploration at our Canadian, US and Mexico operating sites. In addition, our revenues decreased by $26.1 million, driven by a 13.8% decrease in GEOs sold and a slightly lower average realized price compared to 2021. Partially offsetting these impacts were a $27.8 million decrease in our cost of sales as we improved our operating margins, and a $12.8 million improvement in the operating results of our attributable interest in MSC.
Cash gross profit of $19.2 million for 2022 increased by $1.9 million compared to a cash gross profit of $17.3 million in
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2021, driven by our improved operating margin despite decreases in production and revenue. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” for a reconciliation to gross (loss) profit, which we consider to be the nearest GAAP measure.
Production from our 100% owned mines of 64,171 GEOs in full year 2022 decreased by 13,381 GEOs as compared to full year 2021. We had 39% lower production at our Gold Bar mine due to the impacts of carbonaceous ore and the transition to a new mining contractor, as well as lower residual leach production from the El Gallo mine as it ramps down. Production at the Fox Complex improved by 22% year over year, partially offsetting these decreases.
Our share of the San José mine production of 69,129 GEO in 2022 was 7,709 lower than in 2021. This decrease was attributable to lower processed tonnes due to COVID-19 impacts and mill availability issues in early 2022.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REVIEW
Year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 2021
Revenue from gold and silver sales in full year 2022 of $110.4 million decreased by 19% compared to full year 2021. This decrease was driven by lower sales of 13,478 GEOs from our 100% owned mines in 2022 compared to 2021 as well as a slightly lower average realized price of $1,788 per GEO or a $15 per GEO decrease compared to 2021. The decrease in GEOs sold for the full year 2022 consists of an increase of 6,377 GEOs sold from the Black Fox mine, a decrease of 17,043 GEOs sold from the Gold Bar mine, and a decrease of 2,812 GEOs sold from the El Gallo mine.
Production costs applicable to sales in full year 2022 decreased by 23% to $91.3 million compared to full year 2021. The decrease was partially due to lower sales, as well as improved operational efficiencies resulting in margin improvements at both our Gold Bar and Froome mines.
Advanced projects of $66.7 million in full year 2022 increased by $54.3 million compared to full year 2021. We spent $61.2 million at our Los Azules project in Argentina, continuing to advance our project to feasibility. Expenditures included in advanced projects also related to the construction of the Gold Bar South haul road in Nevada.
Exploration costs of $15.0 million in full year 2022 decreased by $7.6 million compared to full year 2021. Exploration activities decreased in 2022, as we limited our spending to funding received from our flow-through share issuances closed in December 2020 and March 2022. Flow-through funds are being used to expand high potential target areas at our Fox Complex and exploration activities are expected to continue through the end of 2023.
General and administrative of $11.9 million in full year 2022 increased slightly by $0.5 million compared to full year 2021, due to higher insurance premiums, corporate fees and other employee costs.
Gain from investment in MSC of $2.8 million in full year 2022 represents a $10.3 million improvement from the $7.5 million loss recognized in 2021. The gain from investment in MSC includes the amortization of fair value increments arising from the initial purchase price allocation and its related income tax recovery. This is discussed further in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revision of estimates and accretion of reclamation and remediation obligations of $3.3 million in full year 2022, decreased by $0.2 million from full year 2021. This year over year decrease was driven by cost estimate updates for our properties in Nevada. This is discussed further in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other income was $22.9 million for 2022 compared to $6.3 million for 2021. Other income in 2022 includes realized gains from our Blue Chip Swap transactions. This is discussed further in Notes 4 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income and mining tax expense of $5.8 million for 2022 increased by $13.1 million from the $7.3 million recovery recognized in 2021. The increase in tax expense was primarily due to the taxable gains in Argentine entities partly offset by flow-through share premium amortization and by a change in the valuation allowance mainly caused by the fluctuating Argentine and Mexican pesos against the U.S. dollar, causing fluctuations to the Company’s deferred tax liabilities denominated in the respective foreign currency.
59
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our cash and cash equivalents balance as at December 31, 2022 of $43.6 million decreased by $17.1 million from $60.6 million as at December 31, 2021. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily driven by our increased exploration and advanced project expenditures of $29.1 million as well as additions to our mineral property, plant, and equipment of $8.1 million, which were partially offset by forward gold sales and an increase in liabilities, as well as our equity and debt financings in 2022.
Cash used in investing activities of $23.9 million in 2022 decreased slightly from $24.6 million from 2021. Our additions to mineral property interests, plant and equipment were lower by $10.7 million due to lower capital development required at the Froome mine. This was largely offset by a decrease of $9.5 million in dividends received from MSC during 2022 as a result of commodity price and production impacts at MSC.
Cash provided by financing activities provided $65.5 million in 2022 compared to $81.0 million in 2021. Cash provided by financing activities were derived from three primary sources during 2022: private placements related to McEwen Copper to support the continued development of Los Azules; a flow-through share sale; and a loan received from Evanachan Limited, a related party.
We closed two tranches of our private placement offering for McEwen Copper during June and August 2022, receiving gross proceeds of $41.9 million and net proceeds of $41.3 million. The proceeds received from the private placements will be used to advance the Los Azules project in Argentina.
In March 2022, the Company closed a private placement totaling $14.4 million (gross proceeds of $15.5 million) from the issuance of Canadian Development Expenditures (“CDE”) flow-through shares. We are required to spend the flow-through share proceeds on CDE flow-through eligible expenditures as defined by subsection 66.2(5) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). For more details on our flow-through share financing, refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Shareholders’ Equity.
In addition, during March 2022, the Company issued into a $15 million Promissory Note to Evanachan Limited maturing on September 30, 2025. The Promissory Note bears interest of 8% payable monthly in arrears and can be repaid by the Company at any time without penalty. The proceeds of the Promissory Note were used for working capital purposes.
Working capital as at December 31, 2022 of ($2.5) million decreased by $35.2 million over 2022. The change in working capital is primarily attributable to the decrease in cash and cash equivalents as discussed above, an increase in our current debt payable of $10.0 million and current contract liabilities of $6.2 million.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company and its subsidiary McEwen Copper completed two transactions that substantially improved the working capital position of each entity and entered into two binding letters of intent (“LOIs”) that, if completed, would further enhance each entities’ liquidity and capital position.
On February 23, 2023, the Company and McEwen Copper announced the closing of an ARS $30.0 billion investment by FCA Argentina S.A., a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V. (“Stellantis”) to acquire shares of McEwen Copper in a two-part transaction that closed on February 23, 2023. The transaction consisted of: 1. Private placement of 2,850,000 common shares, and 2. Purchase of 1,250,000 common shares indirectly owned by McEwen Mining in a secondary sale. The proceeds of the private placement will be used to advance development of the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina, and for general corporate purposes.
Also on March 9, 2023, McEwen Copper and Nuton LLC, a current shareholder of McEwen Copper and subsidiary of Rio Tinto (“Nuton”), consummated the agreement pursuant to which Nuton exercised its preemptive rights under an existing shareholder agreement and agreed to purchase 350,000 shares of McEwen Copper common stock directly from McEwen Copper for aggregate proceeds of $6.6 million. On the same date, Nuton and the Company consummated the agreement pursuant to which Nuton purchased 1,250,000 shares of McEwen Copper common stock from the Company through its subsidiary for an aggregate purchase price of $23.4 million.
60
Upon consummation of each of the Nuton transactions discussed above, the Company owns 51.9% of McEwen Copper common stock on a fully diluted basis, and each of Nuton and Stellantis own 14.2%.
Funds received by McEwen Copper are expected to be used to advance the Los Azules project, while funds received by the Company are expected to be used to repay third-party debt as well as for general corporate purposes. The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity along with funds generated from ongoing operations to fund anticipated cash requirements for operations, capital expenditures and working capital purposes for the next 12 months.
OPERATIONS REVIEW
United States Segment
The United States segment is comprised of the Gold Bar mine and our exploration properties in the State of Nevada.
Gold Bar mine
The following table sets out operating results for the Gold Bar mine for the three months ended December 31,2022 and 2021 and year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| ||||||
Operating Results | (in thousands, unless otherwise indicated) |
| ||||||||||||||
Mined mineralized material (t) |
| 87 |
| 511 |
| 1,382 |
| 2,227 |
| 1,072 | ||||||
Average grade (g/t Au) |
| 0.49 |
| 0.39 |
| 0.65 |
| 0.63 |
| 0.72 | ||||||
Processed mineralized material (t) |
| 140 |
| 529 |
| 1,336 |
| 2,296 |
| 1,164 | ||||||
Average grade (g/t Au) |
| 0.64 |
| 0.41 |
| 0.67 |
| 0.64 |
| 0.69 | ||||||
Gold ounces: | ||||||||||||||||
Produced |
| 7.9 |
| 10.0 |
| 26.6 |
| 43.9 |
| 27.9 | ||||||
Sold |
| 8.0 |
| 10.1 |
| 26.8 |
| 43.9 |
| 27.8 | ||||||
Silver ounces: | ||||||||||||||||
Produced |
| 0.1 |
| 0.1 |
| 0.7 |
| 1.1 |
| 0.7 | ||||||
Sold |
| — |
| — |
| 0.6 |
| — |
| 0.6 | ||||||
Gold equivalent ounces: | ||||||||||||||||
Produced |
| 8.0 |
| 10.0 |
| 26.6 |
| 43.9 |
| 27.9 | ||||||
Sold |
| 8.0 |
| 10.1 |
| 26.8 |
| 43.9 |
| 27.8 | ||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | 13,592 | $ | 18,286 | $ | 47,926 | $ | 79,205 | $ | 48,884 | ||||||
Cash costs(1) | $ | 8,666 | $ | 20,615 | $ | 43,500 | $ | 73,991 | $ | 58,465 | ||||||
Cash cost per ounce ($/GEO)(1) | $ | 1,083 | $ | 2,038 | $ | 1,622 | $ | 1,687 | $ | 2,106 | ||||||
All‑in sustaining costs(1) | $ | 11,156 | $ | 21,286 | $ | 53,328 | $ | 76,870 | $ | 68,272 | ||||||
AISC per ounce ($/GEO)(1) | $ | 1,395 | $ | 2,104 | $ | 1,989 | $ | 1,753 | $ | 2,459 | ||||||
Silver : gold ratio |
| 85 : 1 |
| 77 : 1 |
| 84 : 1 |
| 72 : 1 |
| 86 : 1 | ||||||
| (1) | As used here and elsewhere in this report, this is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure. Cash costs for the Company’s 100% owned operations equal Production costs applicable to sales. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” beginning on page 70 for additional information. |
2022 compared to 2021
The Gold Bar mine produced 7,943 and 26,619 GEOs in Q4/22 and the full year 2022, respectively. This represents a 20% and 39% decrease from the 9,965 and 43,849 GEOs produced in Q4/21 and the full year 2021, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by lower tonnes mined and processed, due to the presence of carbonaceous ore mined in Q2/22 and Q3/22 which was classified as waste. During Q4/22, mining activities also slowed during a transition period while we mobilized a new mining contractor.
Revenue from gold and silver sales was $13.6 million in Q4/22 compared to $18.3 million in Q4/21. The decrease in revenue was due to a decrease in GEOs sold during Q4/22 together with a lower average realized gold price ($1,642 per GEO in Q4/22 compared with $1,806 per GEO in Q4/21). Revenue from gold and silver sales was $47.9 million for the
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full year 2022 compared to $79.2 million for the full year 2021, with the decrease driven by both lower volumes sold and lower gold prices.
Production costs applicable to sales were $8.7 million in Q4/22 compared to $20.6 million in Q4/21. The decrease is due to lower sales as described above, in addition to lower costs realized while awaiting the mobilization of a new mining contractor at the end of Q4/22. Production costs applicable to sales were $43.5 million for full year 2022, compared to $74.0 million for the full year 2021. A higher proportion of operational costs were in respect of development capital during 2022 in respect of managing carbonaceous ore.
Cash cost and AISC per GEO sold were $1,083 and $1,395 in Q4/22 respectively compared to $2,038 and $2,104 in Q4/21 respectively. The decrease in cash cost per ounce was lower due to reduced contract mining costs coupled with lower ounces sold. AISC was lower as a result of lower production costs and lower sustaining exploration costs.
Cash cost and AISC per GEO sold were $1,622 and $1,989 for full year 2022 respectively compared to $1,687 and $1,753 for full year 2021 respectively. The year-over-year decrease in cash costs was primarily a result of reduced contract mining costs. AISC for full year 2022 was higher due to higher capital spend such as reclamation activity, capital exploration, plant and equipment, and securing environmental credits for the Gold Bar South project.
Exploration Activities – Nevada
In Q4/22 activities were focused on the Cabin South deposit, where we trenched approximately 3,550 feet and drilled 12 shallow RAB drill holes for a total of 990 feet. Positive results on three of these holes were received in early 2023 and we are planning a phase one drill program to expand on interesting intercepts. This compares with Q4/21 core drilling of 3,684 ft at the Cabin North and Pick Pits.
For 2022, exploration activities were primarily focused on field activities and target development with RC and core drilling at the Cabin North Pit, Atlas Pit, and Pick Pit for an aggregate of 16,924 feet. This compares to 2021 RC and core drilling of 27,698 feet at the Pick Pit, Atlas Pit, North Ridge deposit, and Tonkin property.
Aggressive drill programs are planned in 2023 at numerous exploration targets with the primary focus on oxide targets within the existing Gold Bar Mine Plan of Operations (“MPO”). Additional targets within and outside of the MPO will be tested to determine the potential for large, high-grade mineralized zones.
Canada Segment
The Canada segment is comprised of the Fox Complex properties, which includes the Black Fox mine, currently on care and maintenance; our currently operating Froome underground mine; the Grey Fox and Stock West advanced-stage projects; the Stock mill; and a number of exploration properties located near the city of Timmins, Ontario, Canada.
Fox Complex
On January 26, 2022, we announced the results of our PEA on the Fox Complex, effective December 31, 2021. The PEA estimates positive economics for our expansion project at the Fox Complex, where after depletion of Froome, production could continue for another 9 years, at an average production of 80,800 gold ounces per year. Overall, we predict an IRR
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of 21% at a gold price of $1,650/oz, at average cash costs and AISC of $769/oz and $1,246/oz, respectively. We continue to review opportunities to shorten the payback period of the Fox Complex.
The following table sets out operating results for the Fox Complex mines for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020:
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| ||||||
Operating Results | (in thousands, unless otherwise indicated) |
| ||||||||||||||
Mined mineralized material (t) |
| 95 |
| 122 |
| 419 |
| 307 |
| 200 | ||||||
Average grade (g/t Au) |
| 3.33 |
| 3.05 |
| 3.49 |
| 3.38 |
| 3.51 | ||||||
Processed mineralized material (t) |
| 88 |
| 92 |
| 345 |
| 303 |
| 235 | ||||||
Average grade (g/t Au) |
| 3.74 |
| 3.41 |
| 3.77 |
| 3.24 |
| 3.19 | ||||||
Gold equivalent ounces: | ||||||||||||||||
Produced |
| 9.9 |
| 9.5 |
| 36.7 |
| 30.0 |
| 24.4 | ||||||
Sold | 9.4 | 9.2 | 36.1 | 29.7 | 24.8 | |||||||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | 14,648 | $ | 15,738 | $ | 60,848 | $ | 50,704 | $ | 41,452 | ||||||
Cash costs(1) | $ | 10,742 | $ | 10,339 | $ | 36,845 | $ | 32,961 | $ | 34,639 | ||||||
Cash cost per ounce ($/GEO)(1) | $ | 1,137 | $ | 1,122 | $ | 1,020 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 1,397 | ||||||
All‑in sustaining costs(1) | $ | 15,169 | $ | 16,221 | $ | 52,912 | $ | 43,457 | $ | 40,904 | ||||||
AISC per ounce ($/GEO)(1) | $ | 1,606 | $ | 1,760 | $ | 1,465 | $ | 1,461 | $ | 1,650 | ||||||
Silver : gold ratio |
| 85 : 1 |
| 77 : 1 |
| 84 : 1 |
| 72 : 1 |
| 86 : 1 | ||||||
| (1) | As used here and elsewhere in this report, this is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure. Cash costs for the Company’s 100% owned operations equal Production costs applicable to sales. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” beginning on page 70 for additional information. |
2022 compared to 2021
The Froome mine produced 9,869 and 36,652 GEOs in Q4/22 and full year 2022, respectively. This represents a 4% change and a 22% increase from the 9,458 and 30,016 GEOs produced in Q4/21 and full year 2021, respectively. We wound down production from the Black Fox mine during 2021 and began production from the Froome mine in Q4/21, which improved the Fox Complex production profile for 2022.
Revenue from gold and silver sales was $14.6 million in Q4/22 compared to $15.7 million in Q4/21. The decrease was primarily due to a lower average realized gold price per ounce ($1,674/oz gold in Q4/22 compared with $1,806/oz gold in Q4/21). Revenue from gold and silver sales was $60.8 million for full year 2022 compared to $50.7 million for full year 2021, driven by higher ounces sold and slightly offset by lower realized prices.
Production costs applicable to sales were $10.7 million and $37.0 million in Q4/22 and full year 2022, respectively, compared to $10.3 million and $33.0 million in Q4/21 and full year 2021, respectively. Production costs in Q4/22 were consistent with Q4/21. During 2022, we processed 14% more tonnes at lower cost as a result of productivity improvements compared with 2021.
Cash cost and AISC per GEO sold were $1,137 and $1,606 in Q4/22, respectively, compared to $1,122 and $1,760 in Q4/21, respectively. Cash cost per GEO sold in Q4/22 was consistent with Q4/21. The decrease in AISC per GEO sold in Q4/22 was primarily due to lower capitalized underground development associated with the mine plan.
For full year 2022, cash cost and AISC per GEO sold were $1,020 and $1,465, respectively compared to $1,108 and $1,461 for full year 2021. The decrease in cash cost per GEO sold was driven by mining and milling efficiency gains in 2022. AISC was similar year over year.
Exploration Activities
During 2022, we concentrated on resource delineation and exploration expansion at both our Stock and Grey Fox
63
properties. The principle aim of the diamond drilling was to enhance the initial PEA for Stock West by identifying additional resources in proximity to the proposed ramp to Stock West. As a result of our exploration results, longer term exploration targets were identified at Stock.
During Q4/22, we incurred $3.3 million in exploration expenses at Stock West and Grey Fox, which included 43,232 feet of diamond drilling over 28 holes (25 at the Stock property and 3 at Grey Fox) using 5 surface drill rigs. During full year 2022, we incurred $11.4 million in exploration expenses, completing 181,148 feet of drilling over 139 holes (125 holes at the Stock property and 14 at Grey Fox). We also completed scanning of diamond drill core using a hyperspectral scanning device; a total of 39,370 feet of core was scanned during Q4/22 for both the Stock and Grey Fox properties. All expenditures were considered flow-through expenditures.
Encouraging intercepts were drilled at the Fox Complex during Q4/22 including SM22-110, which returned an intercept of 6.5 g/t gold over 34.4 feet true width and is located just southwest of the proposed ramp system to Stock West, and S22-255W1, which returned 4 g/t gold over 32.8 feet true width and is located approximately 200 feet down plunge of the current Stock West resource. Drilling at Grey Fox successfully identified at least 4 new C-1 oriented vein systems at the Gibson zone. We are optimistic that these vein systems will continue in the southwest direction towards the historic Goldpost ramp which opens nearly 1,640 feet of generally untested ground for additional drilling.
Mexico Segment
The Mexico segment includes the El Gallo mine and the related advanced-stage Fenix Project, both located in Sinaloa state.
El Gallo mine
Activities at the El Gallo mine in 2022 were limited to residual leaching as part of closure and reclamation plans.
The following table summarizes certain operating results at the El Gallo mine for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020:
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | 2020 |
| |||||||
Operating Results | (in thousands, unless otherwise indicated) |
| ||||||||||||||
Gold ounces: | ||||||||||||||||
Produced |
| — |
| 0.5 |
| 0.8 |
| 3.5 | 8.0 | |||||||
Sold |
| — |
| 0.5 |
| 0.9 |
| 3.6 | 8.1 | |||||||
Silver ounces: | ||||||||||||||||
Produced |
| — |
| 2.0 |
| 0.6 |
| 7.0 | 4.9 | |||||||
Sold |
| — |
| 1.9 |
| 0.9 |
| 7.8 | 5.0 | |||||||
Gold equivalent ounces: | ||||||||||||||||
Produced |
| — |
| 0.5 |
| 0.9 |
| 3.6 | 8.1 | |||||||
Sold |
| — |
| 0.5 |
| 0.9 |
| 3.7 | 8.1 | |||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | — | $ | 942 | $ | 1,643 | $ | 6,632 | $ | 14,453 | ||||||
Silver : gold ratio |
| 85 : 1 |
| 77 : 1 |
| 84 : 1 | 72 : 1 | 86 : 1 | ||||||||
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Cash costs and All-in-sustaining costs
The residual leaching activities of the El Gallo mine ceased in Q3/22, and remaining costs are recognized as general and administrative expenses.
2022 compared to 2021
Production and revenue decreased in Q4/22 and full year 2022 compared to Q4/21 and full year 2021, as we ceased our residual heap leach operation.
Advanced-Stage Properties – Fenix Project
We announced on December 31, 2020 the results of a feasibility study for the development of our 100%-owned Fenix Project, which includes HLM at the El Gallo mine and the El Gallo Silver deposit.
The study envisions a 9.5-year mine life with an after-tax IRR of 28% at a commodity price of using $1,500/oz gold and $17/oz silver, with an estimated initial capital expenditure of $41.6 million for Phase 1 and $24 million for Phase 2. The project implementation is envisioned in two distinct phases: Phase 1 (years 1 to 6) - gold production from heap leach reprocessing, and Phase 2 (years 7 to 10) - silver production from open pit mining. The Fenix Project feasibility study was published on February 16, 2021 and is available on our website and SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
Key environmental permits for Phase 1 were received in 2019, including the approval for an in-pit tailings storage facility and process plant construction.
An agreement to purchase a second-hand gold processing plant and associated equipment was executed in September 2022 for a purchase price of $2.8 million. This package includes substantially all the major components required for Phase 1 of the anticipated Fenix Project as well as surplus items that can be sold or used at our other operations. This equipment purchase materially reduces the Phase 1 capital investment required which, for the process plant, was $25.3 million out of the $41.6 million total estimate in our Fenix Project feasibility study.
Multiple strategic alternatives continue to be evaluated for the project including financing options, lower capital costs, potential base metal evaluation and the possible divestiture of our Mexican business unit. No development decision has been made on the Fenix Project as we evaluate these alternatives.
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MSC Segment, Argentina
The MSC segment is comprised of a 49% interest in the San José mine, located in Santa Cruz, Argentina.
MSC – Operating Results
The following table sets out operating results for the San José mine for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 (on a 100% basis):
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||||
Operating Results | (in thousands, except otherwise indicated) | ||||||||||||||
San José Mine—100% basis | |||||||||||||||
Mined mineralized material (t) |
| 150 |
| 144 |
| 555 |
| 532 |
| 400 | |||||
Average grade mined (g/t) | |||||||||||||||
Gold |
| 5.0 |
| 5.7 |
| 5.0 |
| 5.4 |
| 5.7 | |||||
Silver |
| 320 |
| 358 |
| 345 |
| 353 |
| 389 | |||||
Processed mineralized material (t) |
| 153 |
| 143 |
| 507 |
| 539 |
| 401 | |||||
Average grade processed (g/t) | |||||||||||||||
Gold |
| 5.4 |
| 5.8 |
| 5.6 |
| 5.5 |
| 5.6 | |||||
Silver |
| 332 |
| 346 |
| 369 |
| 344 |
| 357 | |||||
Average recovery (%): | |||||||||||||||
Gold |
| 86.3 |
| 86.9 |
| 87.0 |
| 88.1 |
| 89.4 | |||||
Silver |
| 87.8 |
| 87.3 |
| 88.0 |
| 88.0 |
| 89.1 | |||||
Gold ounces: | |||||||||||||||
Produced |
| 22.8 |
| 23.1 |
| 78.8 |
| 83.6 |
| 65.0 | |||||
Sold |
| 22.5 |
| 22.7 |
| 77.2 |
| 81.8 |
| 65.3 | |||||
Silver ounces: | |||||||||||||||
Produced |
| 1,430 |
| 1,393 |
| 5,292 |
| 5,250 |
| 4,108 | |||||
Sold |
| 1,435 |
| 1,392 |
| 5,303 |
| 5,229 |
| 4,172 | |||||
Gold equivalent ounces: | |||||||||||||||
Produced |
| 39.6 |
| 41.2 |
| 141.1 |
| 156.8 |
| 111.2 | |||||
Sold |
| 39.3 |
| 41.5 |
| 139.5 |
| 155.3 |
| 112.1 | |||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | 77,890 | $ | 76,065 | $ | 254,698 | $ | 271,863 | $ | 219,020 | |||||
Average realized price: | |||||||||||||||
Gold ($/Au oz) | $ | 1,988 | $ | 1,869 | $ | 1,826 | $ | 1,760 | $ | 1,842 | |||||
Silver ($/Ag oz) | $ | 23.16 | $ | 24.12 | $ | 21.45 | $ | 24.45 | $ | 23.67 | |||||
Cash costs(1) | $ | 51,963 | $ | 70,866 | $ | 182,195 | $ | 196,032 | $ | 138,182 | |||||
Cash cost per ounce ($/GEO)(1) | $ | 1,321 | $ | 1,708 | $ | 1,306 | $ | 1,262 | $ | 1,233 | |||||
All‑in sustaining costs(1) | $ | 66,939 | $ | 84,761 | $ | 239,146 | $ | 249,018 | $ | 169,715 | |||||
AISC per ounce ($/GEO)(1) | $ | 1,701 | $ | 2,043 | $ | 1,714 | $ | 1,603 | $ | 1,514 | |||||
Silver : gold ratio | 85 : 1 |
| 77 : 1 |
| 84 : 1 |
| 72 : 1 | 89 : 1 | |||||||
| (1) | As used here and elsewhere in this report, this is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure. Cash costs for the Company’s 100% owned operations equal Production costs applicable to sales. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” beginning on page 70 for additional information. |
The comparative analysis below compares the operating and financial results of MSC on a 100% basis.
2022 compared to 2021
GEOs produced decreased by 4% in Q4/22 compared to Q4/21, driven by lower gold and silver grades processed as well as lower recoveries. GEOs produced decreased by 10% in full year 2022, compared to full year 2021 primarily as a result of a 6% decrease in processed mineralized material and a 1% decrease in gold recovery. As previously discussed, production at the San José mine was impacted in early 2022 due to COVID-19 impacts and mill availability.
Revenue from gold and silver sales increased by 2% in Q4/22 compared to Q4/21 as a result of provisional sales adjustments on concentrate sales contributing to an increased average realized gold price per ounce over the comparative
66
period. Revenue decreased by 6% in full year 2022 compared to full year 2021, driven by lower GEOs sold in full year 2022 compared to full year 2021.
Cash costs per GEO in Q4/22 decreased by 23% compared to Q4/21, driven by $18.9 million lower production costs applicable to sales as a result of costs related to COVID-19 impacts in 2021. Cash costs per GEO in full year 2022 increased by 3% compared to full year 2021 as a result of lower GEOs sold as described above, and partially offset by $13.8 million lower production costs.
AISC per GEO in Q4/22 decreased by 17% compared to Q4/21. AISC per GEO for full year 2022 increased by 7% compared to full year 2021. Changes in AISC per GEO resulted largely from the same issues described in changes in cash costs per GEO, discussed above.
Investment in MSC
We recognized a gain of $5.3 million in full year 2022 attributable to our 49% share of operations from our investment in MSC, compared to a loss of $7.5 million recognized in full year 2021. MSC recognized higher net income in full year 2022 compared to full year 2021 primarily driven by a decrease in year over year current and deferred tax expenses.
MSC Dividend Distribution (49%)
We received $0.3 million in dividends from MSC for full year 2022, compared to $9.8 million received during 2021. The decrease in 2022 was predominately related to a significant decrease in metal prices compared to 2021. Additionally, the operation was impacted by COVID-19 and mill availability in Q1 2022 which have since been resolved.
McEwen Copper Inc.
We own a 68.1% interest in McEwen Copper Inc. (“McEwen Copper”), which owns a 100% interest in the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina, and the Elder Creek exploration project in Nevada, USA.
On August 23, 2021, McEwen Copper successfully closed the first tranche of the proposed $81.9 million private placement (the “Offering”), with a $40.0 million investment by Robert McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner. A second tranche offering was closed on June 21, 2022, with a $10.0 million investment by the Victor Smorgon Group and $5 million from other investors, for total gross proceeds of $15.0 million. On August 31, 2022, a final tranche of $26.9 million was raised, with an investment by Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture, completing the Offering.
McEwen Copper continues to use the proceeds from the Offering to conduct exploration drilling, complete a new resource model, continue baseline monitoring for environmental permitting, continue community development and relations, and for other technical work partially focused on the publication of an updated PEA and to advance to Feasibility Study (“FS”) level of confidence. As described below, our team is continuing to work on an updated PEA on the Los Azules copper project targeting early Q2/23.
On October 21, 2022, McEwen Copper signed an agreement whereby Kennecott Exploration Company (“KEX”), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, for KEX to earn a 60% interest in the Elder Creek property by investing $18 million over up to seven years (the “Expenditure Commitment”). If and when the Expenditure Commitment is completed, KEX and McEwen Copper will form an unincorporated 60:40 joint venture.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, we announced the closing of an ARS $30.0 billion investment by FCA Argentina S.A., a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V. (“Stellantis”) to acquire shares of McEwen Copper in a two-part transaction that closed on February 24, 2023. The transaction consisted of: 1. Private placement of 2,850,000 common shares, and 2. Purchase of 1,250,000 common shares indirectly owned by McEwen Mining in a secondary sale. The proceeds of the private placement will be used to advance development of the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina, and for general corporate purposes. After the closing of the Transaction, McEwen Mining was separately compensated for the secondary sale by McEwen Copper in U.S. dollars. Subsequent to the transaction, the Stellantis companies and Nuton both hold
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approximately 14.2% of the outstanding shares of McEwen Copper, while McEwen Mining reduced its ownership to 51.9% of the outstanding shares.
Los Azules, San Juan, Argentina
The Los Azules project is one of the world’s largest undeveloped open-pit copper porphyry deposits and is located in the Province of San Juan, Argentina. The total indicated and inferred resources were estimated at 6.9 and 13.1 billion lbs. of copper, respectively, as defined in our 2017 PEA. Since that time, extensive enterprise optimization work has been completed on potential larger scale, lower cost and lower carbon footprint options compared with the 2017 PEA.
McEwen Copper spent $28.2 million dollars in Q4/22 on the activities below:
Drilling Program
Several drilling contractors were secured for the 2022-2023 drilling season. We began mobilizing drill rigs in September 2022, with six rigs on site by year end and another three in early 2023. Drilling began in the first week of October 2022, when our exploration road reopened subsequent to seasonal closures.
The drilling program aims to:
1. Increase drill hole density in an effort to upgrade our copper mineral resource classification and better understand our payback pit design;
2. Provide metallurgical, hydrological and geotechnical data to facilitate mine design; and
3. Test for potential extensions of the resource to the north, south and at depth to determine how much larger the identified deposit could be.
Road Construction
A new low altitude access road (max. 11,155 feet ASL) was completed in 2022, which has only one high mountain pass and we share part of the road with other mining projects, including El Pachón (Glencore) and Altar (Stillwater-Sibanye and Aldebaran Resources). We expect the new road will be further upgraded and adapted for winter operating conditions. It was successfully used for demobilization and allowed the drilling season to be extended until May 2022. In addition, work is being done on the initial exploration access road, extending road widths, improving berms and primarily working on the switchback both in the Totora as well as the Cabeza de Leon passes to allow the passage of semi-trailer transport. As we advance, this will allow for safer operation and more cost and logistics efficiencies. It is anticipated that the two existing roads to the site will provide almost year-round access to adequately support the current phase of work.
Technical Studies
Our study teams continued to work on an updated PEA to include all available drill information, assay information and metallurgical testing of core obtained during the 2017, 2018 and 2022 exploration seasons. Work on trade-off studies related to power supply and the potential for renewables, mining methods and processing options, an updated glacier study, and initial geotechnical field of work for the design of the tailing and waste storage facilities were continued during the quarter. Hydro-geological holes have commenced and complement the works on the assessments of historical information and the re-establishment of existing water monitoring locations.
Hyperspectral scanning of all available core has been completed for new and historic core. Data from this initiative will ensure a refined and improved geological and resource model. By the end of Q4/22, over 220,000 feet of current and historic drilling has been scanned and processed. Hyperspectral data is expected to be used for geotechnical, metallurgical and resource modelling.
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A preliminary optimization study was completed in Q1/22 using existing information and was further refined during the remainder of the year. The study focused on the following objectives: value improvement, scale and capital requirement optimization, reduction in complexity, risk minimization and to enable fast trade-off analysis of environmentally friendly and regenerative solutions. Currently, we are developing a scenario for Los Azules as an open pit mine that initially processes leachable copper content in a heap leach, with a solvent extraction and electrowinning (“SX/EW”) facility to produce LME Grade A copper cathodes for export or consumption in Argentina. This scenario is would greatly reduce capital expenditures as compared to using concentrator technology, and in addition, would be more environmentally friendly due to a lower carbon footprint. The project design makes use of renewable energy, reduces overall complexity while still conceived as a long-life asset with upside opportunity further enhancing the life of mine and financial attractiveness.
Metallurgical studies continue, utilizing international certified laboratories as well as additional confirmation work with the Institute of Mining Investigations, part of the engineering faculty of the University of San Juan and our partners from Nuton, the Rio Tinto venture specialized in heap leaching of copper ore. Initial results show promising recoveries and reduced acid consumption for the scenario described above.
The preparation of the Exploitation Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”), the basis for environmental permitting in Argentina, has been awarded to Knight Piesold and the drafting of the report is underway and on track for presenting to San Juan authorities by April 2023.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
As of December 31, 2022, we have the following consolidated contractual obligations:
Payments due by period | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||
Mining and surface rights | $ | 1,555 | $ | 1,401 | $ | 607 | $ | 600 | $ | 52 | $ | 4,215 | |||||
Exploration - Los Azules | 29,428 | — | — | — | — | 29,428 | |||||||||||
Exploration - Other | 13,155 | — | — | — | — | 13,155 | |||||||||||
Reclamation costs(1) | 12,815 | 1,400 | 1,744 | 3,068 | 32,821 | 51,849 | |||||||||||
Long-term debt | 14,712 | 26,833 | 16,337 | — | — | 57,882 | |||||||||||
Lease obligations | 1,572 | 689 | 272 | 147 | — | 2,680 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 73,237 | $ | 30,324 | $ | 18,960 | $ | 3,815 | $ | 32,873 | $ | 159,209 | |||||
| (1) | Amounts presented represent the undiscounted uninflated future payments. |
With respect to reclamation cost commitments disclosed above, we have surety bonds outstanding to provide bonding for our obligations in the United States and Canada. These surety bonds are available for draw down in the event we do not perform our reclamation obligations. If the bond is drawn, we would be obligated to reimburse the surety. When the specific reclamation requirements are met, the beneficiary of the surety bonds will cancel and/or return the instrument to the issuing entity. As of December 31, 2022, no additional liability has been recognized for our surety bonds of $39.4 million.
Lease obligations disclosed above include long term leases covering office space, exploration expenditures, option payments and option payments on properties.
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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES
We have included in this report certain non-GAAP performance measures as detailed below. In the gold mining industry, these are common performance measures but do not have any standardized meaning and are considered non-GAAP measures. We use these measures to evaluate our business on an ongoing basis and believe that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, certain investors use such non-GAAP measures to evaluate our performance and ability to generate cash flow. We also report these measures to provide investors and analysts with useful information about our underlying costs of operations and clarity over our ability to finance operations. Accordingly, they are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations associated with the use of such non-GAAP measures. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our US GAAP results and using the non-GAAP measures supplementally.
The non-GAAP measures are presented for our wholly owned mines and our interest in the San José mine. The GAAP information used for the reconciliation to the non-GAAP measures for our minority interest in the San José mine may be found in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 9, Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”) – San José Mine. The amounts in the reconciliation tables labeled “49% basis” were derived by applying to each financial statement line item the ownership percentage interest used to arrive at our share of net income or loss during the period when applying the equity method of accounting. We do not control the interest in or operations of MSC and the presentations of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses of MSC do not represent our legal claim to such items. The amount of cash we receive is based upon specific provisions of the Option and Joint Venture Agreement (“OJVA”) and varies depending on factors including the profitability of the operations.
The presentation of these measures, including the minority interest in the San José, has limitations as an analytical tool. Some of these limitations include:
| ● | The amounts shown on the individual line items were derived by applying our overall economic ownership interest percentage determined when applying the equity method of accounting and do not represent our legal claim to the assets and liabilities, or the revenues and expenses; and |
| ● | Other companies in our industry may calculate their cash gross profit, cash costs, cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining costs, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, average realized price per ounce, and liquid assets differently than we do, limiting the usefulness as a comparative measure. |
Cash Gross Profit
Cash gross profit is a non-GAAP financial measure and does not have any standardized meaning. We use cash gross profit to evaluate our operating performance and ability to generate cash flow from mining operations; we disclose cash gross profit or loss as we believe this measure provides valuable assistance to investors and analysts in evaluating our ability to finance our ongoing business and capital activities. The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with GAAP is gross profit or loss. Cash gross profit or loss is calculated by adding depletion and depreciation to gross profit or loss.
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The following tables present a reconciliation of cash gross profit or loss to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, gross profit or loss:
Year ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Gold Bar |
| Fox Complex |
| El Gallo |
| Total (100% | ||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Gross profit (loss) | $ | (311) | $ | 9,039 | $ | (9,272) | $ | (544) | |||||
Add: Depreciation and depletion | 4,737 | 14,964 | — | 19,701 | |||||||||
Cash gross profit (loss) | $ | 4,426 | $ | 24,003 | $ | (9,272) | $ | 19,157 | |||||
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
San José mine cash gross profit (100% basis) | |||||||||||||||
Gross profit (loss) | $ | 15,356 | $ | (6,327) | $ | 40,303 | $ | 35,882 | $ | 51,029 | |||||
Add: Depreciation and depletion | 10,571 | 11,527 | 32,200 | 39,948 | 29,809 | ||||||||||
Cash gross profit | $ | 25,927 | $ | 5,200 | $ | 72,503 | $ | 75,830 | $ | 80,838 | |||||
Year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Gold Bar |
| Fox Complex |
| El Gallo |
| Total (100% owned) | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Gross (loss) profit | $ | (3,287) | $ | 2,447 | $ | (5,640) | $ | (6,480) | ||||
Add: Depreciation and depletion | 8,502 | 15,296 | — | 23,798 | ||||||||
Cash gross (loss) profit | $ | 5,215 | $ | 17,743 | $ | (5,640) | $ | 17,318 | ||||
Year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Gold Bar |
| Fox Complex |
| El Gallo |
| Total (100% owned) | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Gross (loss) profit | $ | (21,366) | $ | (4,070) | $ | (1,512) | $ | (26,948) | ||||
Add: Depreciation and depletion | 11,785 | 10,883 | 242 | 22,910 | ||||||||
Cash gross (loss) profit | $ | (9,581) | $ | 6,813 | $ | (1,270) | $ | (4,038) | ||||
Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs
The terms cash costs, cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”), and all-in sustaining cost per ounce used in this report are non-GAAP financial measures. We report these measures to provide additional information regarding operational efficiencies on an individual mine basis, and believe these measures provide investors and analysts with useful information about our underlying costs of operations.
Cash costs consist of mining, processing, on-site general and administrative expenses, community and permitting costs related to current operations, royalty costs, refining and treatment charges (for both doré and concentrate products), sales costs, export taxes and operational stripping costs, but exclude depreciation and amortization (non-cash items). The sum of these costs is divided by the corresponding gold equivalent ounces sold to determine a per ounce amount.
All-in sustaining costs consist of cash costs (as described above), plus accretion of retirement obligations and amortization of the asset retirement costs related to operating sites, environmental rehabilitation costs for mines with no reserves, sustaining exploration and development costs, sustaining capital expenditures and sustaining lease payments. Our all-in sustaining costs exclude the allocation of corporate general and administrative costs. The following is additional information regarding our all-in sustaining costs:
| ● | Sustaining operating costs represent expenditures incurred at current operations that are considered necessary to maintain current annual production at the mine site and include mine development costs and ongoing replacement of mine equipment and other capital facilities. Sustaining capital costs do not include costs of expanding the |
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| project that would result in improved productivity of the existing asset, increased existing capacity or extended useful life. |
| ● | Sustaining exploration and development costs include expenditures incurred to sustain current operations and to replace reserves and/or resources extracted as part of the ongoing production. Exploration activity performed near-mine (brownfield) or new exploration projects (greenfield) are classified as non-sustaining. |
The sum of all-in sustaining costs is divided by the corresponding gold equivalent ounces sold to determine a per ounce amount.
Costs excluded from cash costs and all-in sustaining costs, in addition to depreciation and depletion, are income and mining tax expenses, all corporate financing charges, costs related to business combinations, asset acquisitions and asset disposal, and any items that are deducted for the purpose of normalizing items.
The following tables reconcile these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, production costs applicable to sales; the El Gallo mine results are excluded from this reconciliation for 2021 and 2020 as the economics of residual leaching operations are measured by incremental revenue exceeding incremental costs. Residual leaching costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $0.7 million compared to $9.3 million for the year ended in 2021. As a result, we have ceased using cash cost and all-in sustaining cost per gold equivalent ounce to evaluate the El Gallo mine on an ongoing basis and have therefore ceased disclosure of such metric:
Three months ended December 31, 2022 | Year ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| Gold Bar |
| Fox Complex |
| Total |
| Gold Bar |
| Fox Complex |
| Total | |||||||
(in thousands, except per ounce) | (in thousands, except per ounce) | |||||||||||||||||
Production costs applicable to sales - Cash costs (100% owned) |
| $ | 8,666 | $ | 10,742 | $ | 19,408 | $ | 43,500 | $ | 36,845 | $ | 80,345 | |||||
Mine site reclamation, accretion and amortization | 218 | — | 218 | 1,654 | — | 1,654 | ||||||||||||
In‑mine exploration | 505 | — | 505 | 3,335 | — | 3,335 | ||||||||||||
Capitalized underground mine development (sustaining) | — | 4,317 | 4,317 | — | 15,448 | 15,448 | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures on plant and equipment (sustaining) | 1,576 | — | 1,576 | 3,084 | — | 3,084 | ||||||||||||
Sustaining leases | 191 | 110 | 301 | 1,754 | 619 | 2,373 | ||||||||||||
All‑in sustaining costs | $ | 11,156 | $ | 15,169 | $ | 26,325 | $ | 53,327 | $ | 52,912 | $ | 106,239 | ||||||
Ounces sold, including stream (GEO)(1) | 8.0 | 9.4 | 17.4 | 26.8 | 36.1 | 62.9 | ||||||||||||
Cash cost per ounce ($/GEO sold) | $ | 1,083 | $ | 1,137 | $ | 1,112 | $ | 1,622 | $ | 1,020 | $ | 1,276 | ||||||
AISC per ounce ($/GEO sold) | $ | 1,395 | $ | 1,606 | $ | 1,509 | $ | 1,989 | $ | 1,465 | $ | 1,688 | ||||||
| (1) | Total gold equivalent ounces sold for Q4/22 and 2022 is 36,724 and 132,186 respectively and includes gold equivalent ounces sold from 49% interest in MSC and 100% owned operating mines of 17,446 and 62,942, as disclosed above, and 0 and 883 gold equivalent ounces sold from the El Gallo mine for Q4/22 and 2022, respectively. |
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Three months ended December 31, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Gold Bar |
| Fox Complex |
| Total |
| Gold Bar |
| Fox Complex |
| Total | |||||||
(in thousands, except per ounce) | (in thousands, except per ounce) | |||||||||||||||||
Production costs applicable to sales - Cash costs (100% owned) | $ | 20,615 | $ | 10,339 | $ | 30,954 | $ | 73,990 | $ | 32,961 | $ | 106,951 | ||||||
Mine site reclamation, accretion and amortization | 167 | 152 | 320 | 651 | 906 | 1,557 | ||||||||||||
In‑mine exploration | 40 | 436 | 476 | 921 | 2,248 | 3,168 | ||||||||||||
Capitalized underground mine development (sustaining) | — | 4,969 | 4,969 | — | 5,771 | 5,771 | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures on plant and equipment (sustaining) | 29 | 110 | 139 | 29 | 836 | 865 | ||||||||||||
Sustaining leases | 435 | 215 | 650 | 1,279 | 735 | 2,014 | ||||||||||||
All‑in sustaining costs | $ | 21,286 | $ | 16,221 | $ | 37,507 | $ | 76,870 | $ | 43,456 | $ | 120,326 | ||||||
Ounces sold, including stream (GEO)(1) | 10.1 | 9.2 | 19.3 | 43.9 | 29.7 | 73.6 | ||||||||||||
Cash cost per ounce ($/GEO sold) | $ | 2,038 | $ | 1,122 | $ | 1,601 | $ | 1,687 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 1,453 | ||||||
AISC per ounce ($/GEO sold) | $ | 2,104 | $ | 1,760 | $ | 1,940 | $ | 1,753 | $ | 1,461 | $ | 1,635 | ||||||
Year ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||||
Gold Bar | Fox Complex | Total | |||||||
(in thousands, except ounces and per ounce) | |||||||||
Production costs applicable to sales - Cash costs (100% owned) | $ | 58,465 | $ | 34,639 | $ | 93,104 | |||
Mine site reclamation, accretion and amortization | 1,223 | 414 | 1,637 | ||||||
In‑mine exploration | 1,923 | 1,280 | 3,203 | ||||||
Capitalized underground mine development (sustaining) | — | 3,646 | 3,646 | ||||||
Capital expenditures on plant and equipment (sustaining) | 4,739 | 601 | 5,340 | ||||||
Sustaining leases | 1,922 | 324 | 2,246 | ||||||
All‑in sustaining costs | $ | 68,272 | $ | 40,904 | $ | 109,176 | |||
Ounces sold, including stream (GEO) | 27.8 | 24.8 | 52.6 | ||||||
Cash cost per ounce ($/GEO sold) | $ | 2,106 | $ | 1,397 | $ | 1,772 | |||
AISC per ounce ($/GEO sold) | $ | 2,459 | $ | 1,650 | $ | 2,077 | |||
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
San José mine cash costs (100% basis) | (in thousands, except per ounce) | ||||||||||||||
Production costs applicable to sales - Cash costs | $ | 51,963 | $ | 70,866 | $ | 182,195 | $ | 196,032 | $ | 138,182 | |||||
Mine site reclamation, accretion and amortization | 111 | 118 | 400 | 451 | 635 | ||||||||||
Site exploration expenses |
| 2,158 | 2,715 | 8,946 | 11,207 | 9,183 | |||||||||
Capitalized underground mine development (sustaining) |
| 10,201 | 9,509 | 37,959 | 27,548 | 16,782 | |||||||||
Less: Depreciation | (499) | (647) | (1,990) | (1,971) | (1,184) | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures (sustaining) |
| 3,006 | 2,199 | 11,636 | 15,751 | 6,117 | |||||||||
All‑in sustaining costs | $ | 66,939 | $ | 84,761 | $ | 239,146 | $ | 249,018 | $ | 169,715 | |||||
Ounces sold (GEO) | 39.3 | 41.5 | 139.5 | 155.3 | 112.1 | ||||||||||
Cash cost per ounce ($/GEO sold) | $ | 1,321 | $ | 1,708 | $ | 1,306 | $ | 1,262 | $ | 1,233 | |||||
AISC per ounce ($/GEO sold) | $ | 1,701 | $ | 2,043 | $ | 1,714 | $ | 1,603 | $ | 1,514 | |||||
Average realized prices
The term average realized price per ounce used in this report is also a non-GAAP financial measure. We prepare this measure to evaluate our performance against market (London P.M. Fix). Average realized price is calculated as gross sales of gold and silver, less streaming revenue, divided by the number of net ounces sold in the period, less ounces sold under the streaming agreement.
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The following table reconciles this non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, revenue from gold and silver sales. Ounces of gold and silver sold for the San José mine are provided to us by MSC.
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||||
Average realized price - 100% owned | (in thousands, except per ounce) | ||||||||||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | 28,240 | $ | 34,966 | $ | 110,417 | $ | 136,541 | $ | 104,789 | |||||
Less: revenue from gold sales, stream | 512 | 413 | 1,748 | 1,309 | 1,194 | ||||||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales, excluding stream | $ | 27,728 | $ | 34,553 | $ | 108,669 | $ | 135,232 | $ | 103,595 | |||||
Gold equivalent ounces sold | 17.4 | 19.9 | 63.8 | 77.3 | 60.6 | ||||||||||
Less: gold ounces sold, stream | 0.9 | 0.7 | 3.0 | 2.3 | 2.1 | ||||||||||
Gold equivalent ounces sold, excluding stream | 16.6 | 19.1 | 60.8 | 75.0 | 58.5 | ||||||||||
Average realized price per GEO sold, excluding stream | $ | 1,674 | $ | 1,806 | $ | 1,788 | $ | 1,803 | $ | 1,771 | |||||
Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||||
Average realized price - San José mine (100% basis) | (in thousands, except per ounce) | ||||||||||||||
Gold sales | $ | 44,648 | $ | 42,484 | $ | 140,948 | $ | 144,024 | $ | 120,258 | |||||
Silver sales | 33,242 |
| 33,581 | 113,750 |
| 127,839 | 98,762 | ||||||||
Gold and silver sales | $ | 77,890 | $ | 76,065 | $ | 254,698 | $ | 271,863 | $ | 219,020 | |||||
Gold ounces sold |
| 22.5 |
| 22.7 | 77.2 |
| 81.8 |
| 65.3 | ||||||
Silver ounces sold |
| 1,435 |
| 1,392 | 5,303 |
| 5,229 |
| 4,172 | ||||||
Gold equivalent ounces sold |
| 39.3 |
| 41.5 | 139.5 |
| 155.3 |
| 112.1 | ||||||
Average realized price per gold ounce sold | $ | 1,988 | $ | 1,869 | $ | 1,826 | $ | 1,760 | $ | 1,842 | |||||
Average realized price per silver ounce sold | $ | 23.2 | $ | 24.12 | $ | 21.5 | $ | 24.45 | $ | 23.67 | |||||
Average realized price per gold equivalent ounce sold | $ | 1,980 | $ | 1,834 | $ | 1,826 | $ | 1,750 | $ | 1,954 | |||||
Liquid assets
The term liquid assets used in this report is also a non-GAAP financial measure. We report this measure to better understand our liquidity in each reporting period.
Liquid assets are calculated as the sum of the Balance Sheet line items of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, plus ounces of doré held in precious metals inventories valued at the London PM Fix spot price at the corresponding period. The following table summarizes the calculation of liquid assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
December 31, | ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
(in thousands) | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 39,782 | $ | 54,287 | ||
Restricted cash | 3,797 | 6,347 | ||||
Investments | 1,295 | 1,806 | ||||
Precious metals valued at market value (1)(2) | 1,982 | 1,018 | ||||
Total liquid assets | $ | 46,856 | $ | 63,458 | ||
| (1) | As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 we held 1,100 and 560 gold equivalent ounces in inventory, valued at $1,800 and $1,799 per ounce, respectively, net of our streaming agreement. |
| (2) | Precious metals valued at cost on December 31, 2022 and 2021 equals $2,119 and $1,819 respectively. |
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with US GAAP. The preparation of these statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We base these estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we consider reasonable under the circumstances; however, reported results could differ from those based on the current estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The summary of our significant accounting policies is detailed in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We believe that significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to environmental reclamation and closure obligations; asset useful lives utilized for depletion, depreciation, amortization and accretion calculations; the fair value of equity investments and asset groups used in impairment testing; recoverable gold in leach pad inventory; current and long-term inventory and mine development capitalization costs; the collectability of value added taxes receivable; fair values of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations; reserves; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; income and mining tax provisions and reserves for contingencies and litigation. There are other items within our financial statements that require estimation but are not deemed to be critical. However, changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements. In the section below we identify estimates critical to the understanding of our financial condition and results of operations and that require the application of significant management judgment.
Asset Retirement Obligation, Reclamation and Remediation Costs: The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) in the period that it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The Company prepares estimates of the timing and amounts of expected cash flows when an ARO is incurred, which are updated to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. Estimation of the fair value of AROs requires significant judgment, including amount of cash flows, timing of reclamation, inflation rate and credit risk. Accrued reclamation and closure costs can represent a significant and variable liability on our balance sheet. The company has estimated its liabilities under appropriate accounting guidance and reviews its liabilities on at least an annual basis. However, the ranges of liability could exceed the liabilities recognized. If substantial damages were awarded, claims were settled, or remediation costs were incurred in excess of our accruals, our financial results or condition could be materially adversely affected.
Mineral Property Interests, Plant and Equipment and Mine Development Costs: The Company amortizes its mineral property interests, plant and equipment, and mine development costs using the most appropriate method, which includes the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the mine or ore body based on recoverable ounces to be mined from proven and probable reserves, or the straight-line method over the useful life. The accounting estimates related to amortization are critical accounting estimates because (1) the determination of reserves involves uncertainties with respect to the ultimate geology of its reserves and the assumptions used in determining the economic feasibility of mining those reserves and (2) changes in estimated proven and probable reserves and asset useful lives can have a material impact on net (loss) income.
Estimates regarding mine development capitalization costs involve the determination of proven and probable reserves.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets: The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Once it is determined that impairment exists, an impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the asset carrying value exceeds its fair value.
For asset groups where an impairment loss is determined using the discounted future net cash flows method or discounted future net cash flows method, future cash flows are estimated based on quantities of recoverable mineralized material, expected gold and silver prices (considering current and historical prices, trends and related factors), production levels, operating costs, capital requirements and reclamation costs, all based on life-of-mine plans. The term “recoverable mineralized material” refers to the estimated amount of gold or other commodities that will be obtained after considering losses during processing and treatment. The Company’s estimates of future cash flows are based on numerous assumptions and uncertainties. It is possible that actual future cash flows will be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of recoverable minerals, gold, silver and other commodity prices, production levels and costs of capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties.
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Stockpiles, Material on Leach Pads, In-process Inventory, Precious Metals Inventory and Materials and Supplies: Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tonnes added and removed from the stockpile, an estimate of the contained metals (based on assay data) and the estimated metallurgical recovery rates. Costs are allocated to stockpiles based on current mining costs incurred including applicable overhead relating to mining operations.
Costs are attributed to the mineralized material on leach pads based on current mining costs incurred up to the point of placing the ore on the pad. Costs are removed from the leach pad inventory based on the average cost per estimated recoverable ounce of gold on the leach pad as the gold is recovered. The estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pads are calculated from the quantities of mineralized material placed on the leach pads (measured tonnes added to the leach pads), the grade of mineralized material placed on the leach pads (based on assay data) and a recovery percentage.
Although the quantities of recoverable gold placed on the leach pads are reconciled by comparing the grades of ore placed on the pads to the quantities of gold recovered (metallurgical balancing), the nature of the leaching process inherently limits the ability to precisely monitor inventory levels. As a result, the metallurgical balancing process is constantly monitored, and the engineering estimates are refined based on actual results over time.
In-process material is measured based on assays of the material from the various stages of processing. Costs are allocated to in-process inventories based on the costs of the material fed into the process attributable to the source material coming from the mines, stockpiles and/or leach pads plus the in-process conversion costs incurred to that point in the process.
Costs are allocated to precious metal inventories based on costs of the respective in-process inventories incurred prior to the refining process plus applicable refining costs.
The assumptions used by the Company to measure metal content during each stage of the inventory conversion process includes estimated recovery rates based on laboratory testing and assaying. The Company periodically reviews its estimates compared to actual experience and revises its estimates when appropriate. The ultimate recovery will not be known until leaching operations cease.
Proven and Probable Reserves: Critical estimates are inherent in the process of determining the Company’s reserves. The Company’s reserves are affected largely by our assessment of future metals prices, as well as by engineering and geological estimates of ore grade, accessibility and production cost. The Company’s assessment of reserves occurs at least annually, and periodically utilizes external audits.
Reserve estimates are used in determining appropriate rates of units-of-production depreciation, with net book value of many assets depreciated over remaining estimated reserves. Reserves are also a key component in forecasts, with which the Company compares future cash flows to current asset values to ensure that carrying values are reported appropriately. The Company’s forecasts are also used in determining the level of valuation allowances on the Company’s deferred tax assets. Reserves also play a key role in the valuation of certain assets in the determination of the purchase price allocations for acquisitions. Reserves involve many estimates and are not guarantees that the Company will recover the indicated quantities of metals. Changes in the estimates could result in material adjustments to the Company’s reserves and asset values.
Income and Mining Taxes: The Company accounts for income and mining taxes under ASC 740 using the liability method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of liabilities and assets and the related tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income and mining tax liability or asset for the Company, as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The Company derives the deferred income and mining tax charge or benefit by recording the change in either the net deferred income and mining tax liability or asset balance for the year. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income and mining tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred income and mining tax asset will not be realized.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements”, as that term is used in federal securities laws, about our financial condition, results of operations and business. These statements include, among others:
| ● | statements about our anticipated exploration results, cost and feasibility of production, production estimates, receipt of permits or other regulatory or government approvals and plans for the development of our properties; |
| ● | statements regarding the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, government responses to the continuing pandemic, and our response to those issues; |
| ● | statements regarding strategic alternatives that we are, or may in the future, evaluate in connection with our business; |
| ● | statements concerning the benefits or outcomes that we expect will result from our business activities and certain transactions that we contemplate or have completed, such as receipt of proceeds, increased revenues, decreased expenses and avoided expenses and expenditures; |
| ● | statements of our expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated developments and other matters that are not historical facts. |
These statements may be made expressly in this document or may be incorporated by reference to other documents that we will file with the SEC. Many of these statements can be found by looking for words such as “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates” or similar expressions used in this report or incorporated by reference in this report.
Forward-looking statements and information are based upon several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information.
Included among the forward-looking statements and information that we may provide is production guidance. From time to time the Company provides guidance on operations, based on stand-alone budgets for each operating mine. In developing the mine production portion of the budget, we evaluate several factors and assumptions, which include, but are not limited to:
| ● | gold and silver price forecasts. |
| ● | average gold and silver grade mined, using a resource model. |
| ● | average grade processed by the crushing facility (Gold Bar) or milling facility (San José mine and Fox Complex). |
| ● | expected tonnes moved and strip ratios. |
| ● | available stockpile material (grades, tonnes, and accessibility). |
| ● | estimates of in process inventory (either on the leach pad or plant for the El Gallo mine and Gold Bar, or in the mill facility for the San José mine and the Black Fox mine). |
| ● | estimated leach recovery rates and leach cycle times (the El Gallo mine and Gold Bar). |
| ● | estimated mill recovery rates (San José mine and Fox Complex). |
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| ● | dilution of material processed. |
| ● | internal and contractor equipment and labor availability. |
| ● | seasonal weather patterns. |
Actual production results are sensitive to variances in any of the key factors and assumptions noted above. As a result, we frequently evaluate and reconcile actual results to budgeted results to determine if key assumptions and estimates require modification. Any changes will, in turn, influence production guidance.
We caution you not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Further, the information contained in this document or incorporated herein by reference is a statement of our present intention and is based on present facts and assumptions, and may change at any time and without notice, based on changes in such facts or assumptions. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
RISK FACTORS IMPACTING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The important factors that could prevent us from achieving our stated goals and objectives include, but are not limited to, those set forth in other “Risk Factors” section in this report and the following:
| ● | our ability to raise funds required for the execution of our business strategy; |
| ● | the effects of pandemics such as COVID-19 on health in our operating jurisdictions and the worldwide, national, state and local responses to such pandemics, and direct and indirect effects of Covid-19 or other pandemics on our business plans and operations; |
| ● | our ability to secure permits or other regulatory and government approvals needed to operate, develop or explore our mineral properties and projects; |
| ● | our ability to maintain an on-going listing of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange or another national securities exchange in the U.S; |
| ● | decisions of foreign countries, banks and courts within those countries.; |
| ● | national and international geopolitical events and conflicts, and unexpected changes in business, economic, and political conditions; |
| ● | operating results of MSC; |
| ● | fluctuations in interest rates, inflation rates, currency exchange rates, or commodity prices; |
| ● | timing and amount of mine production; |
| ● | our ability to retain and attract key personnel; |
| ● | technological changes in the mining industry; |
| ● | changes in operating, exploration or overhead costs; |
| ● | access and availability of materials, equipment, supplies, labor and supervision, power and water; |
| ● | results of current and future exploration activities; |
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| ● | results of pending and future feasibility studies or the expansion or commencement of mining operations without feasibility studies having been completed; |
| ● | changes in our business strategy; |
| ● | interpretation of drill hole results and the geology, grade and continuity of mineralization; |
| ● | the uncertainty of reserve estimates and timing of development expenditures; |
| ● | litigation or regulatory investigations and procedures affecting us; |
| ● | changes in federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations; |
| ● | local and community impacts and issues including criminal activity and violent crimes; |
| ● | accidents, public health issues, and labor disputes; |
| ● | our continued listing on a public exchange; |
| ● | uncertainty relating to title to mineral properties; |
| ● | changes in relationships with the local communities in the areas in which we operate; |
| ● | changes in environmental laws and requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate; |
| ● | decisions by third parties over which we have no control. |
We undertake no responsibility or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, except as required by law and we may update these statements in the future in written or oral statements. Investors should take note of any future statements made by or on our behalf.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our exposure to market risks includes, but is not limited to, the following risks: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, equity price risks, commodity price fluctuations, credit risk and inflationary risk. We do not use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk.
Further, our participation in the joint venture with Hochschild for the 49% interest held at MSC creates additional risks because, among other things, we do not exercise decision-making power over the day-to-day activities at MSC; however, implications from our partner’s decisions may result in us having to provide additional funding to MSC or in a decrease in our percentage of ownership.
Foreign Currency Risk
In general, the devaluation of non-U.S. dollar currencies with respect to the U.S. dollar has a positive effect on our costs and liabilities which are incurred outside the U.S. while it has a negative effect on our assets denominated in non-U.S. dollar currency. Although we transact most of our business in U.S. dollars, some expenses, labor, operating supplies and property and equipment are denominated in Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos or Argentine pesos.
Since 2008, the Argentine peso has been steadily devaluing against the U.S. dollar by 10% to 53% on an annual basis. As noted in the graph below, during 2022 the Argentine peso devalued 41% compared to devaluations of 18% and 29% in 2021 and 2020 respectively. During 2022, the Mexican peso appreciated 12% against the US dollar, compared to a devaluation of 3% and 5% in 2021 and 2020 respectively.
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During 2022, the Canadian dollar devalued by 6% against the U.S. dollar, compared to a devaluation of 0.4% in 2021 and an increase in value of 2% in 2020.
The following chart illustrates changes in the value of these currencies compared to the U.S. dollar in the twelve months ended December 31, 2022:
The value of cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies also fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. Appreciation of non-U.S. dollar currencies results in a foreign currency gain on such investments and a depreciation in non-U.S. dollar currencies results in a loss. We have not utilized material market risk-sensitive instruments to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates but may do so in the future. We hold minor portions of our cash reserves in non-U.S. dollar currencies.
Based on our Canadian cash balance of $1.00 million (C$1.37 million) at December 31, 2022, a 1% change in the Canadian dollar would result in a gain/loss of $0.01 million in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Based on our Argentine peso balance of $2.14 million (ARG$379.77 million) at December 31, 2022, a 1% change in the Argentine peso would result in a gain/loss of $0.02 million in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. We also hold negligible portions of our cash reserves in Mexican pesos, with effect of a 1% change in this currency resulting in gains/losses immaterial for disclosure purposes.
Further, we are also subject to foreign currency risk on the fluctuation of the Mexican peso on our VAT receivable balance. As of December 31, 2022, our VAT receivable balance was MEX$19.95 million, equivalent to approximately $0.6 million, for which a 1% change in the Mexican peso would have resulted in a gain/loss of less than $0.01 million in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
MSC holds a portion of its local cash balances in Argentine pesos and is therefore exposed to the effects of this continued devaluation and also the risk that there may be a sudden severe devaluation of the Argentine peso. A severe devaluation could result in material foreign exchange losses as reported in U.S. dollars.
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Equity Price Risk
We have in the past sought and will likely in the future seek to acquire additional funding by sale of common stock or other equity securities. Movements in the price of our common stock have been volatile in the past and may also be volatile in the future. As a result, there is a risk that we may not be able to sell equity securities at an acceptable price to meet future funding requirements.
We have invested and may continue to invest in shares of common stock of other entities in the mining sector. Some of our investments may be highly volatile and lack liquidity caused by lower trading volumes. As a result, we are inherently exposed to fluctuations in the fair value of our investments, which may result in gains or losses upon their valuation.
Commodity Price Risk
We produce and sell gold and silver, therefore changes in the market price of gold and silver could significantly affect our results of operations and cash flows in the future. Change in the price of gold and silver could materially affect our revenues. Based on our revenues from gold and silver sales of $110.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, with all other variables held constant, a 10% change in the price of gold and silver would have had resulted in an additional income or loss before income and mining taxes of approximately $11.0 million. Changes in the price of gold and silver can also affect the provisionally priced sales that we make under agreements with refiners and other purchasers of our products. At December 31, 2022, we had no gold or silver sales subject to final pricing. Decreases in the market price of gold or silver can also significantly affect the value of our product inventory, stockpiles and leach pads, and it may be necessary to record a write-down to net realizable value.
We have in the past and may in the future hold a portion of our treasury in gold and silver bullion, where the value is recorded at the lower of cost or market. Gold and silver prices may affect the value of any bullion that we hold in treasury.
We do not hedge any of our sales and are therefore subject to all changes in commodity prices.
Credit Risk
We may be exposed to credit loss through our precious metals and doré sales agreements with Canadian and American financial institutions and refineries, should these customers be unable to make payment in accordance with the terms of the agreements. However, based on the history and financial condition of our counterparties, we do not anticipate any of the financial institutions or refineries to default on their obligation. As of December 31, 2022, we do not believe we have any significant credit exposure associated with precious metals and our doré sales agreements.
In Mexico, we are exposed to credit loss regarding our VAT taxes receivable if the Mexican tax authorities are unable or unwilling to make payments in accordance with our monthly filings. Timing of collection on VAT receivables is uncertain as VAT refund procedures require a significant amount of information and follow-up. The risk is mitigated to the extent that the VAT receivable balance can be applied against future income taxes payable. However, at this time we are uncertain when, if ever, our Mexican operations will generate sufficient taxable operating profits to offset this receivable against taxes payable. We continue to face risk on the collection of our VAT receivables, which amount to $0.6 million as at December 31, 2022.
In Nevada and Ontario, Canada we are required to provide security to cover our projected reclamation costs. As at December 31, 2022, we have surety bonds of $39.4 million in place to satisfy bonding requirements for this purpose. The bonds have an annual fee of 2.3% of their value and require a deposit of 11% of the amount of the bond. Although we do not believe we have any significant credit exposure associated with these bonds, we are exposed to the risk that the surety bonds may no longer be accepted by the governmental agencies as satisfactory reclamation coverage, in which case we would be required to replace the surety bonding with cash.
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Interest rate risk
Our outstanding debt consists of various equipment leases, a revolving gold prepayment facility, and the senior secured credit facility. The leases and senior secured facility are at fixed rates; the prepayment facility is subject to variable rates. Exposure to variable rates is very limited, (less than 30 days) and as the debt is at fixed rates, we consider our interest rate risk exposure to be insignificant at this time.
Inflationary Risk
Argentina has experienced a significant amount of inflation over the last ten years and has now been classified as a highly inflationary economy. ASC 830 defines a hyperinflationary economy as one where the cumulative inflation rate exceeds 100% over the last three years which precede the reporting period. In this scenario, ASC 830 requires companies to change the functional currency of its foreign subsidiaries operating in a highly inflationary economy, to match the company’s reporting currency. In our case, the functional currency of all our Argentine subsidiaries has always been our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. As such, we do not expect the classification of Argentina’s economy as a highly inflationary economy, to change our financial reporting methodology.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 defines internal control over financial reporting in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
| ● | Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; |
| ● | Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the board of directors of the Company; and |
| ● | Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Based upon its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based upon those criteria.
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of McEwen Mining Inc.
Opinion on the consolidated financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of McEwen Mining Inc. [the “Company”] as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes [collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”]. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and its results of operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) [the “PCAOB”], the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated March 13, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: [1] relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements; and [2] involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the
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consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation of Inventory at the Gold Bar mine | ||
Description of the Matter | On December 31, 2022, the carrying value of the Company’s inventory was $34.2 million, of which $7.6 million was for the leach pad inventory at the Gold Bar mine in Nevada, USA. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The net realizable value of the inventory is calculated based on the estimated amount of recoverable gold on the leach pads. The significant assumption used by management in the valuation of the leach pad inventory is the life of mine recovery rate, which is a subjective and complex estimate. Auditing management’s estimate of the expected amount of gold to be recovered was complex due to the subjective nature of the assumption used in the calculation. The estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pads are calculated from the quantities of mineralized material placed on the leach pads, the grade of mineralized material placed on the leach pads and a recovery rate. This significant assumption is subjected to high estimation uncertainty and required a high degree of auditor judgment given it could be affected by future economic and market conditions. | |
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the quantities of material placed on the pad, the grade determination, the recovery rate, and the calibration process to assess whether the recovery rate is appropriate. Our substantive audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the reasonableness of the above-noted significant assumption used in the recoverable gold calculation. As each of the key inputs were determined by management’s specialist, we also assessed the competence and objectivity of management’s specialist by evaluating their professional qualifications, experience, and their use of accepted industry practices. In addition, we evaluated the methodologies used by management’s specialist by understanding the life of mine plan for ore to be placed on the pad, timing of the leaching cycle and the grade determination. We also involved our internal mining specialist to assess the appropriateness of the Gold Bar mine’s gold recovery model and performed a sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of the recovery rate on the ending inventory balance. We reperformed management’s calculation of the leach pad inventory value to verify mathematical accuracy. We assessed the adequacy of the Company’s disclosure in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. |
/s/
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.
March 13, 2023 | |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of McEwen Mining Inc.
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited McEwen Mining Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) [the “COSO criteria”]. In our opinion, McEwen Mining Inc. [the “Company”] maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) [the “PCAOB”], the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and our report dated March 13, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that [1] pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; [2] provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and [3] provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP |
Chartered Professional Accountants |
Licensed Public Accountants |
Toronto, Canada | |
March 13, 2023 |
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MCEWEN MINING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
|
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Production costs applicable to sales |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Depreciation and depletion | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Gross loss | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
OTHER OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES): | ||||||||||
Advanced projects - Los Azules |
| ( |
| ( |
| — | ||||
Advanced projects - Other | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Exploration |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
General and administrative |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Gain (loss) from investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Note 9) |
| |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Reclamation and remediation (Note 12) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Impairment loss on mineral property interests and plant and equipment | — | — | ( | |||||||
Other operating | — | — | ( | |||||||
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | |||||
Operating loss |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): | ||||||||||
Interest and other finance expenses, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Other income (Note 4) | | | | |||||||
Total other income (expense) |
| | | ( | ||||||
Loss before income and mining taxes | ( |
| ( |
| ( | |||||
Income and mining tax (expense) recovery (Note 19) | ( |
| |
| | |||||
Net loss after income and mining taxes | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests (Note 20) | | | — | |||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to McEwen shareholders | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Net loss per share (Note 14): | ||||||||||
Basic and diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands) (Note 13): | ||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
| |
| |
| | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
88
MCEWEN MINING INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT DECEMBER 31,
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| |||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 18) | $ | | $ | | |||
Restricted cash (Note 18) | — | | |||||
Investments (Note 5) |
| |
| | |||
Receivables, prepaids and other assets (Note 6) |
| |
| | |||
Inventories (Note 7) |
| |
| | |||
Total current assets |
| |
| | |||
Mineral property interests and plant and equipment, net (Note 8) |
| |
| | |||
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Note 9) |
| |
| | |||
Inventories (Note 7) | | | |||||
Restricted cash (Note 18) | | | |||||
Other assets |
| |
| | |||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | | $ | | |||
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | | $ | | |||
Contract liability (Note 17) | | — | |||||
Flow-through share premium (Note 13) | | | |||||
Debt, current portion (Note 11) | | — | |||||
Lease liabilities (Note 10) | | | |||||
Reclamation and remediation liabilities (Note 12) |
| |
| | |||
Tax liabilities (Note 19) | | — | |||||
Other liabilities | — | | |||||
Total current liabilities |
| |
| | |||
Lease liabilities (Note 10) | | | |||||
Debt (Note 11) | | | |||||
Reclamation and remediation liabilities (Note 12) |
| |
| | |||
Other liabilities | | | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | | $ | | |||
Shareholders’ equity: | |||||||
Common shares: | $ | | $ | | |||
Non-controlling interests (Note 20) | | | |||||
Accumulated deficit |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Total shareholders’ equity |
| |
| | |||
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | | $ | | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Commitments and contingencies: Note 17
Subsequent event: Note 23
89
MCEWEN MINING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares)
Common Shares |
| ||||||||||||||
and Additional |
| ||||||||||||||
Paid-in Capital | Accumulated | Non-controlling |
| ||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount | Deficit | Interests | Total |
| ||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2019 | | $ | | $ | ( | — | $ | | |||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Sale of flow-through shares | | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Shares issued for debt refinancing | | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Shares issued for acquisition of mineral property interests | | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2020 |
| | $ | | $ | ( | $ | — | $ | | |||||
Stock-based compensation |
| — |
| |
| — | — |
| | ||||||
Sale of flow-through shares | | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Sale of shares for cash |
| |
| |
| — | — |
| | ||||||
Issuance of equity by subsidiary (Note 20) | — | | — | | | ||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 |
| | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | |||||
Stock-based compensation |
| — | | — | — | | |||||||||
Sale of flow-through shares | | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Shares issued for debt refinancing | | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Issuance of equity by subsidiary (Note 20) | — | | — | | | ||||||||||
Share repurchase (Note 13) | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | — | | — | — | | ||||||||||
Net loss |
| — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 |
| | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
90
MCEWEN MINING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2022 |
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from operating activities: | ||||||||
Impairment loss on mineral property interests and plant and equipment |
| — |
| — |
| | ||
(Income) loss from investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Note 9) |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Gain on sale of mineral property interests |
| — |
| ( |
| — | ||
Depreciation and amortization |
| |
| |
| | ||
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments (Note 5) | | ( | | |||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain and adjustment to estimate (Note 12) |
| |
| |
| | ||
Deferred income and mining tax recovery |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Stock-based compensation |
| |
| |
| | ||
Accretion of reclamation and remediation liability (Note 12) | | | | |||||
Change in non-cash working capital items: | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) in assets related to operations |
| ( |
| |
| | ||
Increase in liabilities related to operations | | | | |||||
Cash used in operating activities | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Additions to mineral property interests and plant and equipment | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment | — | | — | |||||
Proceeds from sale of investments |
| — |
| — |
| | ||
Dividends received from Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Note 9) |
| |
| |
| | ||
Cash used in investing activities | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary shares, net of issuance costs (Note 20) | $ | | $ | | $ | — | ||
Sale of flow-through common shares, net of issuance costs (Note 13) | | | | |||||
Proceeds from promissory note (Note 11 and Note 15) | | | — | |||||
Subscription proceeds received in advance (Note 20) | ( | | — | |||||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | | — | | |||||
Payment of finance lease obligations | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Cash provided by financing activities | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||
Decrease (increase) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
| ( |
| |
| ( | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year |
| |
| |
| | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year (Note 18) | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
91
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted)
NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS
McEwen Mining Inc. (the “Company”) was organized under the laws of the State of Colorado on July 24, 1979. The Company is engaged in the exploration, development, production and sale of gold and silver and exploration and development of copper.
The Company operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. The Company owns a
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates:
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in United States of America (“US GAAP”). The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to environmental reclamation and closure obligations; asset useful lives utilized for depletion, depreciation, amortization and accretion calculations; fair value of equity investment and the impairment test; recoverable gold in leach pad inventory; current and long-term inventory; mine development capitalization costs; the collectability of value added taxes receivable; the amount of mineral reserves; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; income and mining tax provisions; and reserves for contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates.
References to “C$” refer to Canadian dollar.
Basis of Consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments over which the Company exerts significant influence but does not control through majority ownership are accounted for using the equity method, as described in Investments, below.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash:
The Company considers cash in banks, deposits in transit, and highly liquid term deposits with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash and cash equivalents. Because of the short maturity of these instruments, the carrying amounts approximate their fair value. The Company classifies Restricted Cash between short term and long term based on the restrictions.
92
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Investments:
The Company accounts for investments over which it exerts significant influence but does not control through majority ownership using the equity method of accounting pursuant to ASC (“Accounting Standards Codification”) Topic 323, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Under the equity method, the Company’s investment is initially recognized at cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently increased or decreased to recognize the Company's share of income and losses of the investee, dividends received from the investee and for impairment losses after the initial recognition date. The Company's share of income and losses of the investee and impairment losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) (“Statement of Operations”) during the period. The Company evaluates the equity method investments for impairment under ASC 323-35-31 and ASC 323-35. An impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in operations when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary.
The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities and warrants are measured at fair value at each period end with changes in fair value recognized in net (loss) income in the Statement of Operations in accordance with ASU 2016-01 with reference to further updates in ASU 2018-03, ASU 2019-04, and ASU 2020-01.
Stockpiles, Material on Leach Pads, In-process Inventory, Precious Metals Inventory and Materials and Supplies:
Stockpiles, material on leach pads, in-process inventory, precious metals inventory and materials and supplies (collectively, “Inventories”) are accounted for using the weighted average cost method and are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value represents the estimated future sales price of the product based on current and long-term metals prices, less the estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to a saleable form. Write-downs of Inventories resulting from net realizable value impairments are reported as a component of production costs applicable to sales. The current portion of Inventories is determined based on the expected amounts to be processed and/or recovered within the next
Stockpiles represent mineralized material extracted from the mine and available for processing. Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tonnes added and removed from the stockpile, an estimate of the contained metals (based on assay data) and the estimated metallurgical recovery rates. Costs are allocated to stockpiles based on current mining costs incurred including applicable overhead relating to mining operations. Material is removed from the stockpile at an average cost per tonne.
Mineralized material on leach pads is the material that is placed on pads where it is treated with a chemical solution that dissolves the gold contained in the mineralized material over a period of time. Costs are attributed to the mineralized material on leach pads based on current mining costs and processing costs incurred related to the ore on the pad. Costs are removed from the leach pad inventory based on the average cost per estimated recoverable ounce of gold on the leach pad as the gold is recovered. The estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pads are calculated from the quantities of mineralized material placed on the leach pads (measured tonnes added to the leach pads), the grade of mineralized material placed on the leach pads (based on assay data) and a recovery percentage.
While the quantities of recoverable gold placed on the leach pads are periodically reconciled by comparing the grades of ore placed on the pads to the quantities of gold actually recovered (metallurgical balancing), the nature of the leaching process inherently limits the ability to precisely monitor inventory levels. As a result, the metallurgical balancing process is constantly monitored, and the engineering estimates are refined based on actual results over time.
In-process inventories represent materials that are currently in the process of being converted to a saleable product. In-process material is measured based on assays of the material from the various stages of processing. Costs are allocated to
93
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
in-process inventories based on the costs of the material fed into the process attributable to the source material coming from the mines, stockpiles and/or leach pads plus the in-process conversion costs incurred to that point in the process.
Precious metal inventories include gold and silver doré and bullion that is unsold and held at the Company’s or the refinery’s facilities. Costs are allocated to precious metal inventories based on costs of the respective in-process inventories incurred prior to the refining process plus applicable refining costs.
Materials and supplies inventories are comprised of chemicals, reagents, spare parts and consumable parts used in operating and other activities. Cost includes applicable taxes and freight.
Proven and Probable Reserves:
The definition of proven and probable reserves is set forth in SEC Regulation S-K Item 1300 (“S-K 1300”). Proven mineral reserves are the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource. For a proven mineral reserve, the qualified person has a high degree of confidence in the results obtained from the application of modifying factors and in the estimates of tonnage and grade or quality. A proven mineral reserve can only result from the conversion of a mineral resource. Probable mineral reserves are the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, measured mineral resource. For a probable mineral reserve, the qualified person’s confidence in the results obtained from the application of the modifying factors and in the estimates of tonnage and grade or quality is lower than what is sufficient for a classification as a proven mineral reserve, but is still sufficient to demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction of the mineral reserve is economically viable under reasonable investment and market assumptions. The lower level of confidence is due to higher geologic uncertainty when the qualified person converts an indicated mineral resource to a probable reserve or higher risk in the results of the application of modifying factors at the time when the qualified person converts a measured mineral resource to a probable mineral reserve. A qualified person must classify a measured mineral resource as a probable mineral reserve when his or her confidence in the results obtained from the application of the modifying factors to the measured mineral resource is lower than what is sufficient for a proven mineral reserve.
Mineral Property Interests and Plant and Equipment:
Mineral property interests: Mineral property interests represent capitalized expenditures related to the development of mineral properties and expenditures arising from property acquisitions. The amount capitalized for an acquired mineral property represents its fair value at the time of acquisition, either as an individual asset purchase or as a part of a business combination.
Development costs include engineering and metallurgical studies, drilling and other related costs to delineate an ore body, and the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body at open pit surface mines (“pre-stripping”) and building of access paths and other infrastructure to gain access to the ore body at underground mines. Development costs are charged to operations in the year incurred as Advanced Projects until proven and probable reserves as defined by S-K 1300 have been delineated, after which they are capitalized. Where multiple open pits exist at a mine, pre-stripping costs are capitalized separately to each pit. Production commences when saleable minerals, beyond a de minimis amount, are produced.
During the production phase of a mine, costs incurred to provide access to reserves and resources that will be produced in future periods that would not have otherwise been accessible are capitalized and included in the carrying amount of the related mineral property interest.
Drilling and related costs are capitalized for an ore body where proven and/or probable reserves exist and the activities are directed at obtaining additional information, providing greater definition of the ore body or converting non-reserve mineralization to proven and/or probable reserves and the benefit is expected to be realized over a period beyond
94
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
All other drilling and related costs are expensed as incurred as Exploration or Advanced Projects. Exploration costs include costs incurred to identify new mineral resources, evaluate potential resources, and convert mineral resources into proven and probable reserves. However, drilling costs specifically incurred for the purpose of operational ore control during the production stage rather than obtaining additional information on the ore body are expensed and allocated to inventory costs and then included as a component of production costs applicable to sales as the revenue from the sale of inventory is realized.
Mineral property interests are amortized upon commencement of production on a unit-of-production basis over proven and probable reserves, as defined by S-K 1300. When a property does not contain mineralized material that satisfies the definition of proven and probable reserves, the amortization of the capitalized costs is charged to expense based on the most appropriate method, which includes straight-line method and units-of-production method over the estimated useful life of the mine, as determined by internal mine plans.
Plant and Equipment: For properties where the Company has established proven and probable reserves as defined by S-K 1300, expenditures for plant and equipment and expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment are capitalized and recorded at cost. The cost capitalized for plant and equipment includes borrowing costs incurred that are attributable to qualifying plant and equipment. Plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated productive life of the asset.
For properties where the Company did not establish proven and probable reserves as defined by S-K 1300, substantially all costs, including design, engineering, construction, and installation of equipment are expensed as incurred, unless the equipment has alternative uses or significant salvage value, in which case the equipment is capitalized at cost.
Construction-in-progress costs: Assets under construction are capitalized as construction-in-progress until the asset is available for its intended use, at which point costs are transferred to the appropriate category of plant and equipment or mineral property interest and amortized. The cost of construction-in-progress comprises the purchase price of the asset and any costs directly attributable to bringing it into working condition for its intended use.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:
The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment on a quarterly basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Once it is determined that impairment exists, an impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the asset carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. For the purpose of recognition and measurement of impairment, the Company groups its long-lived assets by specific mine or project, as this represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist.
For asset groups where an impairment indicator is identified, an impairment loss is determined if the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the estimated recoverable amount as determined using the undiscounted future net cash flows. An impairment loss, if any, is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated discounted future net cash flows. It is possible that actual future cash flows will be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of recoverable minerals, gold, silver and other commodity prices, production levels and costs of capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties.
For asset groups where the Company is unable to determine a reliable estimate of future net cash flows, the Company adopts a market approach to estimate fair value by using a combination of observed market value per square mile and observed market value per ounce or pound of estimated mineralized material based on comparable transactions.
95
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Reclamation and Remediation Liabilities:
Provisions for environmental rehabilitation are made in respect of the estimated future costs of closure and restoration and rehabilitation costs (which include the dismantling and demolition of infrastructure, removal of residual materials and remediation of disturbed areas) in the accounting period when the related environmental disturbance occurs. The associated asset retirement costs, including periodic adjustments, if any, are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset when proven or probable reserves exist or if they relate to an acquired mineral property interest; otherwise, the costs are charged to the operations. Periodic accretion is recorded to reclamation and remediation liabilities and charged to operations.
The fair value of reclamation and remediation liabilities is measured by discounting the expected cash flows adjusted for inflation, using a credit-adjusted risk free rate of interest. The Company prepares estimates of the timing and amounts of expected cash flows when reclamation and remediation liabilities are incurred, which are updated to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. Estimation of the fair value of reclamation and remediation liabilities requires significant judgment, including the amount of cash flows, timing of reclamation, inflation rate and credit risk.
Lease Accounting:
Contracts are analyzed to identify whether the contract contains an operating or financing lease according to ASC 842, Lease Accounting. If a contract is determined to contain a lease, the Company will include lease payments (the lease liability) and the right-of-use asset (“ROU”) representing the right to the underlying asset for the lease term within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Lease liabilities are disclosed as a distinct line item within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, whereas, the ROU asset is included in mineral property interests and plant and equipment. Related depreciation and amortization expense and interest expense for finance leases, and rent expense for operating leases is recorded within the Statement of Operations. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, an accounting policy election is made to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The Company has elected to account for non-lease components as part of the lease component to which they relate.
ROU asset balances and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term. The Company utilizes the incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”) in determining the present value of the future lease payments. IBR represents the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term in a similar economic environment. IBR is determined by using the average bond yield ratings for comparable companies.
Revenue Recognition:
Revenue consists of proceeds received and expected to be received for the Company’s principal products, gold and silver. Revenue is recognized when title to gold and silver passes to the buyer and when collectability is reasonably assured. Title passes to the buyer based on terms of the sales contract, usually upon delivery of the product. Product pricing is determined under the sales agreements which are referenced against active and freely traded commodity markets, for example, the London Bullion Market for both gold and silver, in an identical form to the product sold.
In addition to selling refined bullion at spot, the Company has doré purchase agreements in place with financial institutions and refineries. Under the agreements, the Company has the option to sell approximately
96
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Revenue is recognized when the Company has provided irrevocable instructions to the refiner to transfer to the purchaser the refined ounces sold upon final processing, and when payment of the purchase price for the purchased doré or bullion has been made in full by the purchaser. There is no judgment involved in revenue recognition in connection with sale of bullion as revenue is recognized when payment has been made by the purchaser and the product has been delivered.
Foreign Currency:
The functional currency for the Company’s operations is the U.S. dollar. All monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency which is not the U.S. dollar are translated at current exchange rates at each balance sheet date and the resulting adjustments are included in a separate line item under other income (expense). Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are translated at the average monthly exchange rates for the corresponding period.
Stock-Based Compensation:
The Company accounts for stock options at fair value as prescribed in ASC 718, Stock-Based Compensation. The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option at the grant date by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and provides for expense recognition over the service period, if any, of the stock option. The Company’s estimates may be impacted by certain variables including, but not limited to, stock price volatility, employee stock option exercise behavior and estimates of forfeitures.
Flow-Through Common Shares:
Current Canadian tax legislation permits mining entities to issue flow-through common shares to investors by which the deductions for tax purposes related to resource exploration and evaluation expenditures may be claimed by investors instead of the entity, subject to a renouncement process. Under ASC 740, Income Taxes proceeds from the issuance of flow-through common shares are allocated first to the common stock based on the underlying quoted price of shares and the residual amount is allocated to the sale of tax benefits, which is classified as a liability. After the sale of the shares, as the Company incurs qualifying exploration and evaluation expenditures to fulfill its obligation, the liability is drawn down and the sale of tax benefits is recognized in the Statement of Operations as a reduction of deferred tax expense.
Income and Mining Taxes:
The Company accounts for income and mining taxes under ASC 740 using the liability method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of liabilities and assets and the related tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income and mining tax liability or asset for the Company, as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The Company derives the deferred income and mining tax charge or benefit by recording the change in either the net deferred income and mining tax liability or asset balance for the year. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income and mining tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income and mining tax asset will not be realized.
Comprehensive (Loss) Income:
In addition to net income or loss, comprehensive income or loss is included in changes in equity during a period.
Per Share Amounts:
Basic income or loss per share is computed by dividing income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share reflects the potential dilution
97
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company and is computed in accordance with the treasury stock method based on the average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding. Only those instruments that result in a reduction in income per share are included in the calculation of diluted income per share.
As a result of the Company’s share consolidation (Note 13), all share and per share amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been retroactively restated to reflect the share consolidation.
Loans and Borrowings:
Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of financing costs incurred, and subsequently measured at amortized cost. Any difference between the amounts originally received and the redemption value of the debt is recognized in the Statements of Operations over the period to maturity using the effective interest method. Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset (i.e. an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale) are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period they occur.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; |
Level 2 | Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and |
Level 3 | Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity). |
NOTE 3 OPERATING SEGMENT REPORTING
McEwen Mining is a mining and minerals production and exploration company focused on precious and base metals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) reviews the operating results, assesses performance and makes decisions about allocation of resources to these segments at the geographic region level or major mine/project where the economic characteristics of the individual mines or projects within a geographic region are not alike. As a result, these operating segments also represent the Company’s reportable segments. The Company’s business activities that are not considered operating segments are included in General and administrative and other and are provided in this note for reconciliation purposes.
The CODM reviews segment income or loss, defined as gold and silver sales less production costs applicable to sales, depreciation and depletion, advanced projects, and exploration costs, for all segments except for the MSC segment which is evaluated based on the attributable equity income or loss pickup. Gold and silver sales and production costs applicable to sales for the reportable segments are reported net of intercompany transactions.
Capital expenditures include costs capitalized in mineral property interests and plant and equipment in the respective periods.
98
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Significant information relating to the Company’s reportable operating segments for the periods presented is summarized in the tables below:
Year ended December 31, 2022 |
| USA |
| Canada | Mexico | MSC |
| McEwen Copper |
| Total | ||||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | ||||||
Production costs applicable to sales | ( | ( | ( | — | — |
| ( | |||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | ( | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Gross profit (loss) | ( | | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Advanced projects | ( | ( | ( | — | $ | ( |
| ( | ||||||||||
Exploration | ( | ( | ( | — | ( |
| ( | |||||||||||
Gain from investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. | — | — | — | | — |
| | |||||||||||
Segment profit (loss) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||
General and administrative and other | ( | |||||||||||||||||
Loss before income and mining taxes | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Year ended December 31, 2021 |
| USA |
| Canada |
| Mexico |
| MSC |
| McEwen Copper |
| Total | ||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | ||||||
Production costs applicable to sales | ( | ( | ( | — | — |
| ( | |||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | ( | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Gross (loss) profit | ( | | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Advanced projects | ( | ( | ( | — | $ | ( |
| ( | ||||||||||
Exploration | ( | ( | ( | — | ( |
| ( | |||||||||||
Loss from investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. | — | — | — | ( | — |
| ( | |||||||||||
Segment loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||
General and administrative and other | ( | |||||||||||||||||
Loss before income and mining taxes | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | ||||||
0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| USA |
| Canada |
| Mexico |
| MSC |
| McEwen Copper |
| Total | ||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | ||||||
Production costs applicable to sales | ( | ( | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | ( | ( | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Gross loss | ( | ( | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Advanced projects | ( | ( | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Exploration | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
Impairment of mineral property interests and plant and equipment | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Loss from investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Other operating | ( | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||
Segment loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||
General and administrative and other | ( | |||||||||||||||||
Loss before income and mining taxes | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | ||||||
99
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Geographic information
Geographic information includes the following long-lived assets balances and revenues presented for the Company’s operating segments:
Non-current Assets | Revenue (1) | ||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
USA | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Canada | | | | | | ||||||||||
Mexico | | | | | | ||||||||||
Argentina (2) | | | — | — | — | ||||||||||
Total Consolidated (3) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
| (1) | Presented based on the location from which the product originated. |
| (2) | Includes Investment in MSC of $ |
| (3) | Total excludes $ |
As gold and silver can be sold through numerous gold and silver market traders worldwide, the Company is not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of its product. The following is a summary of revenue from gold and silver sales for significant customers for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||
Asahi Refining Inc. | $ | | $ | | $ | |
Auramet | | — | — | |||
Bank of Nova Scotia | — | — | | |||
Other | | | | |||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | | $ | | $ | |
NOTE 4 OTHER INCOME
The following is a summary of other income (expense) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2022 |
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
COVID-19 relief | $ | — | $ | | $ | | ||
Unrealized and realized gain (loss) on investments (Note 5) | ( | | ( | |||||
Foreign currency gain on Blue Chip Swap | | — | — | |||||
Foreign currency gain, other | | | | |||||
Other income (loss), net | ( | | | |||||
Total other income | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||
During the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $nil, $
Foreign currency gain on Blue Chip Swap represents the realized foreign exchange gain from the transfer of marketable securities to facilitate intragroup funding transfers between the US parent and its Argentine subsidiary (“Blue Chip Swap”).
100
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
The Blue Chip Swap transaction is the fund transfer vehicle provided by a financial institution, which utilizes the existing loan structure between the Company’s Canadian, Cayman Islands, and Argentina subsidiaries. The Company does not acquire marketable securities or engage in these transactions for speculative purposes.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company completed
NOTE 5 INVESTMENTS
The Company’s investment portfolio consisted of marketable equity securities and warrants of certain publicly-traded companies.
The following is a summary of the activity in investments for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
As at | Additions/ | Disposals/ | Unrealized | Fair value | ||||||||||||||
December 31, | transfers during | Net gain (loss) on | transfers during | loss on | December 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2021 |
| period |
| securities sold |
| year |
| securities held |
| 2022 | |||||||
Marketable equity securities | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||
Warrants |
| |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| | ||||||
Investments | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||
As at | Additions/ | Disposals/ | Unrealized | Fair value | ||||||||||||||
December 31, | transfers during | Net gain (loss) on | transfers during | gain on | December 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2020 |
| period |
| securities sold | year | securities held | 2021 | ||||||||||
Marketable equity securities | $ | — | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Warrants |
| — | | — | — | — | | |||||||||||
Investments | $ | — | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | $ | | ||||||
On June 23, 2021, the Company closed the sale of
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company sold marketable equity securities for proceeds of $nil, $nil and $
NOTE 6 RECEIVABLES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Receivables and other current assets as at December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2022 |
| December 31, 2021 | |||
Government sales tax receivable | | $ | | |||
Prepaids and other assets | | | ||||
Receivables and other current assets | $ | | $ | | ||
101
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Included in government sales tax receivable for the year ended December 31, 2022 is $
Government Sales Taxes Receivable:
In Mexico, Argentina, and Canada, value added taxes are assessed on purchases of materials and services and sales of products. Businesses are generally entitled to recover the taxes they have paid related to purchases of materials and services, either as a refund or as a credit against future taxes payable.
NOTE 7 INVENTORIES
Inventories at December 31, 2022 and 2021 consist of the following:
| December 31, 2022 |
| December 31, 2021 | |||
Material on leach pads | $ | | $ | | ||
In-process inventory |
| |
| | ||
Stockpiles |
| |
| | ||
Precious metals |
| |
| | ||
Materials and supplies |
| |
| | ||
$ | | $ | | |||
Less long-term portion | ( | ( | ||||
| | |||||
During the year ended December 31, 2022, inventory at the Fox Complex, El Gallo mine and Gold Bar Mine were written down to their estimated net realizable value by $
NOTE 8 MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The cost and carrying value of mineral property interests and plant and equipment at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
| December 31, 2022 |
| December 31, 2021 | |||
Mineral property interests, cost | $ | | $ | | ||
Less: accumulated depletion | ( | ( | ||||
Mineral property interests, carrying value | $ | | $ | | ||
Plant and equipment, cost | ||||||
Land | $ | | $ | | ||
Construction in progress | | | ||||
Plant and equipment | | | ||||
Subtotal | $ | | $ | | ||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
| ( | ( | |||
Plant and equipment, carrying value | $ | | $ | | ||
Mineral property interests and plant and equipment, carrying value | $ | | $ | | ||
102
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Mineral property interest carrying value at December 31, 2022 and 2021 includes the following:
Name of Property/Complex |
| State/Province |
| Country |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| ||
Fox Complex | Ontario | Canada | $ | | $ | | |||||
Lexam Exploration Properties | Ontario | Canada | | | |||||||
Los Azules Copper Project |
| San Juan |
| Argentina | | | |||||
Tonkin Properties |
| Nevada |
| United States |
| |
| | |||
Gold Bar Mine |
| Nevada |
| United States |
| |
| | |||
Elder Creek Exploration Property |
| Nevada |
| United States |
| |
| | |||
Fenix Project Properties |
| Sinaloa |
| Mexico |
| |
| | |||
Total mineral property interests | $ | | $ | | |||||||
Gold Bar mineral property interests are depleted based on the units of production method from the production commencement date over the estimated proven and probable reserves.
The El Gallo mine and Fox Complex are depleted and depreciated using the straight line or units-of-production method over the stated mine life, as the projects do not have proven and probable reserves compliant with S-K 1300.
The definition of proven and probable reserves is set forth in the S-K 1300. If proven and probable reserves exist at the Company’s properties, the relevant capitalized mineral property interests and asset retirement costs are charged to expense based on the units of production method upon commencement of production. The Company’s Gold Bar Mine and San José properties have proven and probable reserves estimated in accordance with S-K 1300.
The Company conducts a review of potential triggering events for impairment for all its mineral projects on a quarterly basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021,
NOTE 9 INVESTMENT IN MSC - SAN JOSÉ MINE
The Company accounts for investments over which it exerts significant influence but does not control through majority ownership using the equity method of accounting. In applying the equity method of accounting to the Company’s investment in MSC, MSC’s financial statements, which are originally prepared by MSC in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, have been adjusted to conform with US GAAP. As such, the summarized financial data presented under this heading is in accordance with US GAAP.
103
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
A summary of the operating results of MSC for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, is as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| |||||||
Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (100%) | ||||||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Production costs applicable to sales | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Depreciation and depletion | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Gross profit | | | | |||||||
Exploration | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Other expenses(1) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||
Net income before tax | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Current and deferred tax recovery (expense) | | ( | ( | |||||||
Net income | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Portion attributable to McEwen Mining Inc. (49%) | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Amortization of fair value increments |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Income tax recovery | | | | |||||||
Income (loss) from investment in MSC, net of amortization | $ | | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
| (1) | Other expenses include foreign exchange, accretion of asset retirement obligations and other finance related expenses. |
The income (loss) from investment in MSC attributable to the Company includes amortization of the fair value increments arising from the initial purchase price allocation and related income tax recovery. The income tax recovery reflects the impact of devaluation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar on the peso-denominated deferred tax liability recognized at the time of acquisition, as well as income tax rate changes over the periods.
Changes in the Company’s investment in MSC for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
December 31, 2022 |
| December 31, 2021 | |||
Investment in MSC, beginning of period | $ | | $ | | |
Attributable net income from MSC | | | |||
Amortization of fair value increments |
| ( |
| ( | |
Income tax recovery | | | |||
Dividend distribution received |
| ( |
| ( | |
Investment in MSC, end of period | $ | | $ | | |
A summary of the key assets and liabilities of MSC as at December 31, 2022 and 2021, before and after adjustments for fair value increments arising from the purchase price allocation, are as follows:
As at December 31, 2022 | Balance excluding FV increments | Adjustments | Balance including FV increments | ||||||
Current assets | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Total assets | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Current liabilities | $ | ( | $ | — | $ | ( | |||
Total liabilities | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
104
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
As at December 31, 2021 | Balance excluding FV increments | Adjustments | Balance including FV increments | ||||||
Current assets | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Total assets | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Current liabilities | $ | ( | $ | — | $ | ( | |||
Total liabilities | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
NOTE 10 LEASE LIABILITIES
The Company’s lease obligations include equipment, vehicles and office space. Leased assets are included in plant and equipment (Note 8). The terms and conditions contained in the Company’s leases do not contain variable components.
Lease liabilities as at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
Total discounted lease liabilities | ||||||
December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
$ | | $ | | |||
| | |||||
Lease liabilities | $ | | $ | | ||
Current portion | ( | ( | ||||
Long-term portion | $ | | $ | | ||
Lease liabilities as at December 31, 2022 are recorded using a weighted average discount rate of
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $
December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
Finance leases: | ||||||
Amortization of ROU assets | $ | | $ | | ||
Interest expense | | | ||||
Total | $ | | $ | | ||
Operating lease: | ||||||
Rent expense | $ | | $ | | ||
Future minimum undiscounted lease payments as at December 31, 2022 are as follows:
Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2025 |
| 2026 | Total | ||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Operating lease obligation | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Finance lease obligations |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||||
Total future minimum lease payments | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Less: Imputed interest | | |||||||||||||
Total | | |||||||||||||
105
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
NOTE 11 LONG-TERM DEBT
$
On August 10, 2018, the Company finalized a $
On June 25, 2020, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“ARCA”) which refinanced the outstanding $
| ● | Scheduled repayments were extended by |
| ● | Additionally, the minimum working capital maintenance requirement was reduced from $ |
| ● | The Company issued |
| ● | Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP replaced Royal Capital Management Corp. as the administrative agent and lender. An affiliate of Robert R. McEwen remained as a lender. The remaining principal terms of the original agreement remained unchanged. |
On March 31, 2022, further amendments were made to the ARCA which refinanced the outstanding $
| ● | Scheduled repayments of the principal were extended by |
| ● | The minimum working capital maintenance requirement was reduced from $ |
| ● | The Company issued shares of common stock valued at $ |
The remaining principal terms of the original agreement remained unchanged. The Company is currently in full compliance with all covenants under the ARCA.
$
On March 31, 2022, the Company issued a $
106
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
A reconciliation of the Company’s long-term debt for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
| Year ended December 31, 2022 |
| Year ended | |||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | | $ | | ||
Promissory note - initial recognition | | — | ||||
Interest expense |
| |
| | ||
Interest payments |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Financing fee | ( | — | ||||
Balance, end of period | $ | | $ | | ||
Less: current portion | | — | ||||
Long-term portion | $ | | $ | | ||
NOTE 12 RECLAMATION AND REMEDIATION LIABILITIES
The Company is responsible for reclamation of certain past and future disturbances at its properties. The most significant properties subject to these obligations are the Gold Bar and Tonkin properties in Nevada, the Fox Complex properties in Canada, and the El Gallo mine in Mexico.
A reconciliation of the Company’s asset retirement obligations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
December 31, 2022 |
| December 31, 2021 |
| |||
Reclamation and remediation liability, beginning balance | $ | | $ | | ||
Settlements |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Accretion of liability |
| |
| | ||
Revisions to estimates and discount rate |
| |
| | ||
Foreign exchange revaluation | ( | | ||||
Reclamation and remediation liability, ending balance | $ | | $ | | ||
Less: current portion | | | ||||
Long-term portion | $ | | $ | | ||
The adjustment reflecting updated estimates for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily relates to a $
Reclamation expense in the Statement of Operations includes adjustments for updates in the reclamation liability for properties that do not have reserves in compliance with S-K 1300. Reclamation accretion for all properties is as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
Reclamation adjustment reflecting updated estimates | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | ||
Reclamation accretion | | | | |||||
Total | $ | | | $ | | |||
107
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
NOTE 13 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share Consolidation and Articles of Amendment
Effective after the close of trading on July 27, 2022, the Company filed Articles of Amendment to its Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Colorado Secretary of State to, among other items, effect a
The Articles of Amendment also served to reduce the Company’s authorized capital from
Equity Issuances
Equity Financing
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company completed a registered direct offering of common stock and issued
Flow-Through Shares Issuance – Canadian Exploration Expenditures (“CEE”)
On March 2, 2022, the Company issued
On December 31, 2020, the Company issued
On September 10, 2020, the Company issued
The Company is required to spend these flow-through share proceeds on flow-through eligible CEE as defined by subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). As of December 31, 2022, the Company had incurred a total of $
108
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Flow-Through Shares Issuance – Canadian Development Expenses (“CDE”)
On January 29, 2021, the Company issued
The Company is required to spend these flow-through share proceeds on flow-through eligible CDE as defined by subsection 66.2(5) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company satisfied the total of $
November 2019 Offering
On November 20, 2019 (the “November Offering”), the Company issued
The Company concluded that both common stock and warrants are equity-linked financial instruments and should be accounted for permanently in the shareholders’ equity section in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with no requirement to subsequently revalue any of the instruments. Of the net proceeds of $
The Company used the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of warrants issued in connection with the November Offering using the following assumptions:
November 20, 2019 | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate | % | ||||||
Dividend yield | % | ||||||
Volatility factor of the expected market price of common stock | % | ||||||
Weighted-average expected life | |||||||
Weighted-average grant date fair value | $ | | |||||
As of December 31, 2022,
Stock Options
The Company’s Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”) allows for equity awards to be granted to employees, consultants, advisors, and directors. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Committee”), which determines the terms pursuant to which any award is granted. The Committee may delegate to certain officers the authority to grant awards to certain employees (other than such officers), consultants and advisors. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance thereunder is
109
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022,
Shareholder Distributions
Pursuant to the ARCA (Note 11), the Company is prevented from paying any dividends on its common stock, so long as the loan is outstanding.
Stock-Based Compensation
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding under the Plan at December 31, 2022:
|
|
| Weighted |
|
| ||||||
Weighted | Average |
| |||||||||
Average | Remaining |
| |||||||||
Number of | Exercise | Contractual | Intrinsic |
| |||||||
Shares | Price | Life (Years) | Value |
| |||||||
(in thousands, except per share and year data) |
| ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 |
| | $ | |
| $ | | ||||
Granted |
| | | — | — | ||||||
Exercised |
| ( | | — | | ||||||
Forfeited | ( | | — | | |||||||
Expired | ( | | — | — | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
| | $ | |
| $ | | ||||
Granted |
| | | — | — | ||||||
Exercised |
| — | — | — | | ||||||
Forfeited |
| ( | | — | | ||||||
Expired |
| ( | | — | — | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
| | $ | |
| $ | | ||||
Forfeited |
| ( | | — | | ||||||
Expired | ( | | — | — | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
| | $ | |
| $ | — | ||||
Exercisable at December 31, 2022 |
| | $ | |
| $ | — | ||||
Stock options have been granted to key employees, directors and consultants under the Plan. Options to purchase shares under the Plan were granted at or above the market value of the common stock as of the date of the grant. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company granted stock options to certain employees and directors for an aggregate of
The fair value of the options granted under the Plan was estimated at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the following weighted-average assumptions:
2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |||
Risk-free interest rate | - | ||||||
Dividend yield | - | ||||||
Volatility factor of the expected market price of common stock | - | ||||||
Weighted-average expected life of option | - | ||||||
Weighted-average grant date fair value | - | $ | $ |
110
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded stock option expense of $
As of December 31, 2022, there was $
The following table summarizes the status and activity of non-vested stock options for the year ended December 31, 2022, for the Company’s Plan and the replacement options from the acquisition of Lexam:
Weighted Average | |||||
Grant Date | |||||
Number of | Fair Value | ||||
| Shares |
| Per Share | ||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||
Non-vested, beginning of year | | $ | | ||
Granted | — | $ | - | ||
Cancelled/Forfeited | ( | $ | | ||
Vested | ( | $ | | ||
Non-vested, end of year | | $ | | ||
NOTE 14 NET LOSS PER SHARE
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income or (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed similarly except that the weighted average number of common shares is increased to reflect all dilutive instruments. Diluted net income per share is calculated using the treasury stock method. In applying the treasury stock method, employee stock options with an exercise price greater than the average quoted market price of the common shares for the period outstanding are not included in the calculation of diluted net income per share as the impact would be anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive instruments are not considered in calculating the diluted loss per share, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Below is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares and the computations for basic and diluted net (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |||||
(amounts in thousands, unless otherwise noted) | |||||||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||
| |||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | | ||||||||
Diluted shares outstanding | | | | ||||||||
Net loss per share - basic and diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, all outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock and share purchase warrants were excluded from the respective computations of diluted loss per share, as the Company was in a loss position, and all potentially dilutive instruments were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share.
111
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
NOTE 15 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company incurred the following expense in respect to the related parties outlined below during the periods presented:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||
Lexam L.P. | $ | — | $ | | $ | | ||
REVlaw | | | | |||||
The Company has the following outstanding accounts payable balance in respect to the related parties outlined below:
December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||
REVlaw | | | |||
REVlaw is a company owned by Ms. Carmen Diges, General Counsel of the Company. The legal services of Ms. Diges as General Counsel and other support staff, as needed, are provided by REVlaw in the normal course of business and have been recorded at their exchange amount.
An affiliate of Mr. McEwen participated as a lender in the $
On March 31, 2022, the Company issued a $
On August 23, 2021, an affiliate of Mr. McEwen participated in the Series B private placement offering conducted by McEwen Copper (Note 20).
NOTE 16 FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING
As required by accounting guidance, certain assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Warrants
Upon initial recognition, the warrants received as part of the asset sale to Nevgold (Note 4) were fair valued using the Black-Scholes valuation model as they are not quoted in an active market. Subsequently, the warrants have been accounted for as equity investment at cost. Average volatility of
112
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following tables identify the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) by level within the fair value hierarchy as at December 31, 2022 and 2021, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Fair value as at December 31, 2022 |
| Fair value as at December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Total |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Total | |||||||
Marketable equity securities | $ | | $ | — | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | | ||||||
Total investments | $ | | $ | — | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | | ||||||
The Company’s investments as at December 31, 2022 mainly consist of marketable equity securities which are exchange-traded and are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the investments is calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.
The fair value of other financial assets and liabilities were assumed to approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature and historically negligible credit losses.
NOTE 17 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
The following are minimum commitments of the Company as at December 31, 2022, and related payments due over the following five years:
Payments due by period | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||
Mining and surface rights | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Exploration - Los Azules | | — | — | — | — | | |||||||||||
Exploration - Other | | — | — | — | — | | |||||||||||
Reclamation costs(1) | | | | | | | |||||||||||
Long-term debt | | | | — | — | | |||||||||||
Lease obligations | | | | | — | | |||||||||||
Total | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
| (1) | Amounts presented represent the undiscounted uninflated future payments. |
Reclamation Bonds
As part of its ongoing business and operations, the Company is required to provide bonding for its environmental reclamation obligations of $
Surety Bonds
As at December 31, 2022, the Company had a surety facility in place to cover all its bonding obligations, which include $
113
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
carry an average annual financing fee of
Streaming Agreement
As part of the acquisition of the Fox Complex in 2017, the Company assumed a gold purchase agreement (streaming contract) related to production, if any, from certain claims. Under the streaming contract, the Company is obligated to sell
The Company records revenue on these shipments based on the contract price at the time of delivery to the customer. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded revenue of $
Flow-through Eligible Expenses
On March 2, 2022, the Company completed a flow-through share issuance for gross proceeds of $
Prepayment Agreement
On July 27, 2022, the Company entered into a precious metals purchase agreement with Auramet. Under this agreement, the Company may sell the gold on a Spot Basis, on a Forward Basis and on a Supplier Advance basis, i.e. the gold is priced and paid for while the gold is:
| (i) | at a mine for a maximum of 15 business days before shipment; or |
| (ii) | in-transit to a refinery; or |
| (iii) | while being refined at a refinery. |
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company received net proceeds of $
Other potential contingencies
The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and generally becoming more restrictive. The Company conducts its operations so as to protect public health and the environment, and believes its operations are materially in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations.
114
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
The Company and its predecessors have transferred their interest in several mining properties to third parties throughout its history. The Company could remain potentially liable for environmental enforcement actions related to its prior ownership of such properties. However, the Company has no reasonable belief that any violation of relevant environmental laws or regulations has occurred regarding these transferred properties.
NOTE 18 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | ||
Restricted cash - current | - | | ||||
Restricted cash - non-current | | | ||||
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | | $ | | ||
As of December 31, 2022, of $
NOTE 19 INCOME AND MINING TAXES
The Company’s income and mining tax (expense)/recovery consisted of:
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||
United States | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Foreign | | — | — | ||||||
Current tax expense | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | |||
United States | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Foreign | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Deferred tax recovery | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
United States | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Foreign | | ( | ( | ||||||
Total income and mining tax expense/(recovery) | $ | | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
The Company’s net loss before income and mining tax consisted of:
2022 |
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
United States | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Foreign | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Loss before income and mining taxes | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
115
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
A reconciliation of the tax provision for 2022, 2021 and 2020 at statutory U.S. Federal and State income tax rates to the actual tax provision recorded in the financial statements is computed as follows:
Expected tax recovery at |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |||
Loss before income and mining taxes | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Statutory tax rate | |||||||||
US Federal and State tax expense at statutory rate | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Reconciling items: | |||||||||
Equity pickup in MSC |
| ( |
| |
| | |||
Deferred foreign income inclusion |
| — |
| — |
| | |||
Realized flow-through expenditures | | | | ||||||
Realized flow-through premium | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Adjustment for foreign tax rates |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Deferred mining tax liability | | ||||||||
Permanent differences |
| |
| |
| ( | |||
NOL expires and revisions |
| — |
| |
| | |||
Valuation allowance |
| ( |
| ( |
| | |||
Income and mining tax expense (recovery) | $ | | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as at December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively are presented below:
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| |||
Deferred tax assets: | |||||||
Net operating loss carryforward | $ | | $ | | |||
Mineral Properties |
| |
| | |||
Other temporary differences |
| |
| | |||
Total gross deferred tax assets |
| |
| | |||
Less: valuation allowance |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Net deferred tax assets | $ | | $ | | |||
Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||||
Acquired mineral property interests | ( | ( | |||||
Total deferred tax liabilities | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Deferred income and mining tax liability | $ | ( | $ | — | |||
The Company reviews the measurement of its deferred tax assets at each balance sheet date. On the basis of available information at December 31, 2022, the Company has provided a valuation allowance for certain of its deferred assets where the Company believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of such assets will not be realized.
The table below summarizes changes to the valuation allowance:
For the year ended December 31, |
| Balance at |
| Additions(a) |
| Deductions(b) |
| Balance at | ||||
2022 | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ||||
2021 | | | ( | | ||||||||
2020 | | | ( | | ||||||||
| (a) | The additions to valuation allowance mainly result from the Company and its subsidiaries incurring losses and exploration expenses for tax purposes which do not meet the more-likely-than-not criterion for recognition of deferred tax assets. |
116
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
| (b) | The reductions to valuation allowance mainly result from release of valuation allowance, expiration of the Company’s tax attributes, foreign exchange reductions of tax attributes in Canada, Mexico and Argentina and inflationary adjustments to tax attributes in Argentina. |
As at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not have any income-tax related accrued interest and tax penalties.
The following table summarizes the Company’s losses that can be applied against future taxable profit:
Country |
| Type of Loss |
| Amount |
| Expiry Period | |
United States(a) | Net-operating losses | $ | | 2027-Unlimited | |||
Mexico | Net-operating losses | | 2023-2032 | ||||
Canada(a) | Net-operating losses | | 2025-2040 | ||||
Argentina(a) | Net-operating losses | | 2023-2027 | ||||
| (a) | The losses in the United States, Canada, and Argentina are part of multiple consolidating groups, and therefore, may be restricted in use to specific projects. |
The Company or its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina. These tax returns are subject to examination by local taxation authorities provided the tax years remain open to audit under the relevant statute of limitations. The following summarizes the open tax years by major jurisdiction:
United States: 2018 to 2022
Canada: 2014 to 2022
Mexico: 2017 to 2022
Argentina: 2017 to 2022
NOTE 20 NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
On August 23, 2021, the Company’s subsidiary, McEwen Copper, closed the first tranche of a Series B private placement offering in which McEwen Copper issued
As a result of the common shares issued, the Company’s
On June 21, 2022, McEwen Copper closed the second tranche of the Series B private placement offering in which McEwen Copper issued
As a result of the common shares issued, the Company’s
On August 31, 2022, McEwen Copper closed its third and final tranche of the Series B private placement offering under which McEwen Copper issued
117
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
As a result of the common shares issued, the Company’s
As of December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $
NOTE 21 UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY QUARTERLY INFORMATION
The following table summarizes unaudited supplementary quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Three months ended | ||||||||||||
| March 31, 2022 |
| June 30, 2022 |
| September 30, 2022 |
| December 31, 2022 | |||||
(unaudited) (in thousands, except per share) | ||||||||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Gross profit (loss) | ( | | | ( | ||||||||
Net loss attributable to McEwen shareholders | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
Net loss per share: | ||||||||||||
Basic and diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||
Basic and diluted | | | | | ||||||||
Three months ended |
| ||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 |
| June 30, 2021 |
| September 30, 2021 |
| December 31, 2021 |
| |||||
(unaudited) (in thousands, except per share) |
| ||||||||||||
Revenue from gold and silver sales | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Gross profit (loss) | ( | | | ( | |||||||||
Net loss attributable to McEwen shareholders | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||
Net loss per share: | |||||||||||||
Basic and diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
| | | |
| | |||||||
NOTE 22 COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Reclassified amounts were not material to the financial statements and relate to the presentation of Other Operating Expenses. Advanced projects in the Statement of Operations includes mine development costs, property holding and general and administrative costs associated with advanced stage projects. Exploration in the Statement of Operations includes exploration expenses, property holding and general and administrative costs associated with exploration stage projects. General and Administrative in the Statement of Operations include corporate (head office) general and administrative costs.
118
MCEWEN MINING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
NOTE 23 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 23, 2023, the Company and McEwen Copper consummated agreements pursuant to which a single investor purchased
The Stellantis Private Placement was concluded pursuant to the terms of a Private Placement Subscription Agreement between McEwen Copper and Stellantis dated as of February 23, 2023 (“Subscription Agreement”). The agreement to purchase the common stock of McEwen Copper in the Stellantis Secondary Transaction is embodied in an Offer Agreement of the same date between Stellantis, the Company, McEwen Copper and certain subsidiaries of McEwen Copper (“Offer”). Both the Stellantis Private Placement and Stellantis Secondary Transaction closed on February 24, 2023. The parties entered into certain ancillary agreements in conjunction with the two transactions.
Also on March 9, 2023, McEwen Copper and Nuton LLC, a current shareholder of McEwen Copper and subsidiary of Rio Tinto (“Nuton”), consummated the agreement pursuant to which Nuton exercised its preemptive rights under an existing shareholder agreement and agreed to purchase
Upon consummation of each of the Nuton transactions discussed above, the Company owns
119
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
During the fiscal period covered by this report, our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the attestation report of Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, are included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this annual report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to General Instruction G of Form 10-K, the information required to be included in this Item 10 is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, expected to be filed with the SEC on or before April 30, 2023.
The Company has a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of its employees, officers and directors. The code of business conduct and ethics is available on our website at www.mcewenmining.com and we will post any amendments to, or waivers, from, the code of ethics on that website.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Pursuant to General Instruction G of Form 10-K, the information required to be included in this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, expected to be filed with the SEC on or before April 30, 2023.
120
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Pursuant to General Instruction G of Form 10-K, the information required to be included in this Item 12 is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, expected to be filed with the SEC on or before April 30, 2023.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Pursuant to General Instruction G of Form 10-K, the information required to be included in this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, expected to be filed with the SEC on or before April 30, 2023.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Pursuant to General Instruction G of Form 10-K, the information required to be included in this Item 14 is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, expected to be filed with the SEC on or before April 30, 2023.
121
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The exhibits listed in this Item 15 are filed or furnished (except where otherwise indicated) as part of this report:
1.1 | ||||
3.1.1 | ||||
3.1.2 | ||||
3.1.3 | ||||
3.2 | ||||
4.1 | ||||
4.2 | ||||
10.1* | ||||
10.2 | ||||
10.3* | ||||
10.4 | ||||
10.5 | ||||
10.6* | ||||
10.7 | ||||
10.8 10.9 | ||||
10.10 | ||||
10.11 | ||||
10.12.1 | ||||
10.12.2 | ||||
10.12.3 | ||||
122
10.12.4 | ||||
10.12.5 | ||||
10.13 | ||||
10.14 | ||||
10.15+ | ||||
10.16+ | ||||
10.17+ | ||||
10.18+ | ||||
10.19+ | ||||
21+ | ||||
23.1+ | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |||
23.3+ | ||||
23.5+ | ||||
23.6+ | ||||
23.7+ | ||||
23.8+ | ||||
23.9+ | ||||
23.10+ | ||||
23.11+ | ||||
23.12+ | ||||
23.13+ | ||||
23.14+ | ||||
23.15+ | ||||
23.16+ | ||||
23.17+ | ||||
23.18+ | ||||
31.1+ | ||||
31.2+ | ||||
32+ | ||||
95+ | ||||
101+ | The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 are filed herewith, formatted in Inline XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Audited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, (ii) the Audited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, (iii) the Audited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, (iv) the Audited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, and (v) the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements | |||
104+ | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||
* | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
+ | Filed or furnished with this report. |
123
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MCEWEN MINING INC. | ||
By: | /s/ ROBERT R. MCEWEN | |
Dated: March 13, 2023 | Robert R. McEwen, | |
Chairman of the Board of Directors and | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ ROBERT R. MCEWEN |
| Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
| March 13, 2023 |
Robert R. McEwen | ||||
/s/ PERRY ING | Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | March 13, 2023 | ||
Perry Ing | ||||
/s/ ALLEN V. AMBROSE | Director | March 13, 2023 | ||
Allen V. Ambrose | ||||
/s/ RICHARD W. BRISSENDEN | Director | March 13, 2023 | ||
Richard W. Brissenden | ||||
/s/ WILLIAM SHAVER | Director | March 13, 2023 | ||
William Shaver | ||||
/s/ IAN J. BALL | Director | March 13, 2023 | ||
Ian Ball | ||||
/s/ MERRI SANCHEZ | Director | March 13, 2023 | ||
Merri Sanchez | ||||
/s/ ROBIN DUNBAR | Director | March 13, 2023 | ||
Robin Dunbar |
125
