METALLA REPORTS FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2024 AND PROVIDES ASSET UPDATES
(All dollar amounts are in thousands of
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Below are key Company highlights for the three and nine months ended
- For the three months ended
September 30, 2024 , the Company received or accrued payments on 648 attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEOs") at an average realized price of$2,481 and an average cash cost of$9 per attributable GEO (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures). For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2024 , the Company received or accrued payments on 1,673 attributable GEOs at an average realized price of$2,292 and an average cash cost of$11 per attributable GEO (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures); - For the three months ended
September 30, 2024 , the Company recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty payments, of$1.6 million , net loss of$1.2 million , and Adjusted EBITDA of$0.9 million (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures). For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2024 , the Company recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty payments, of$3.8 million , net loss of$4.4 million , and Adjusted EBITDA of$1.2 million (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures); - For the three months ended
September 30, 2024 , the Company generated operating cash margin of$2,472 per attributable GEO, and for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2024 , the Company generated operating cash margin of$2,281 per attributable GEO from the Wharf, Tocantinzinho, El Realito, Aranzazu, La Encantada, La Guitarra, theNew Luika Gold Mine ("NLGM") stream held bySilverback Ltd. , and other royalty interests (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures); - On
September 3, 2024 , G Mining Ventures Corp. ("G Mining") announced it had achieved commercial production at Tocantinzinho with the mill operating at 76% of nameplate throughput (9,817 tonnes per day ("tpd")), processing a total of 304 kilotonnes ("Kt") of ore at a recovery rate of 88%. G Mining expects to continue to ramp up production through H2-2024, targeting nameplate throughput of 12,890 tpd by Q1-2025. G Mining disclosed that commercial production was reached at Tocantinzinho on time and on budget; - On
July 30, 2024 , Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd. ("Sierra Madre") announced the first shipments of silver and gold concentrates from La Guitarra; - On
July 24, 2024 , the Company announced the appointment ofJason Cho as President of the Company. Concurrently with his appointment,Mr. Cho made aC$1.0 million equity investment into the Company, for the acquisition of 250,000 common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") atC$4.00 per Common Share by way of private placement which closed onAugust 9, 2024 ; - On
July 15, 2024 , Metalla published its inaugural Asset Handbook outlining the Company's gold, silver, and copper royalties and streams. The Asset Handbook is available on the Company's website; - On
June 28, 2024 , the Company filed a new final short form base shelf prospectus and a corresponding registration statement on Form F-10 that replaced the base shelf prospectus and Form F-10 registration statement previously filed by the Company in 2022; and - Effective
August 8, 2024 , the Company adopted a minimum share ownership policy applicable to directors and officers of the Company in order to further align the financial interest of Metalla's leadership with the Company's shareholders. The policy requires, subject to various provisions, that: (i) the CEO own Common Shares with a fair market value equal to five times his annual base salary; (ii) the CFO and other officers own Common Shares with a fair market value equal to two times their annual base salary; and (iii) non-executive directors own Common Shares with a fair market value equal to two times their annual cash retainer. Directors and officers will have three years to ensure they are in compliance with the newly adopted policy.
ASSET UPDATES
Below are updates for the three months ended
Tocantinzinho
On
Metalla accrued 67 GEOs from Tocantinzinho for the third quarter of 2024.
Metalla holds a 0.75% GVR royalty on Tocantinzinho.
Wharf
On
Metalla accrued 268 GEOs from Wharf for the third quarter of 2024.
Metalla holds a 1.0% GVR royalty on the Wharf mine.
Aranzazu
On
During the third quarter, Aura reported a total of 8,405 meters of drilling was completed in the Glory Hole, Esperanza, and La Apuesta zones. At Glory Hole, exploration focused on resource conversion drilling to upgrade Mineral Resources from Inferred to Indicated, with highlight results of 0.86% copper and 0.26 g/t gold over 6 meters. At Esperanza, drilling continued to extend mineralization down dip of the skarn body with highlight intercept of 0.75% copper and 0.32 g/t gold over 30 meters.
Metalla accrued 196 GEOs from Aranzazu for the third quarter of 2024.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Aranzazu mine.
El Realito
On
Metalla accrued 36 GEOs from El Realito for the third quarter of 2024.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the El Realito deposit which is subject to a 1.0% buyback right for
La Guitarra
On
On
Metalla accrued 20 GEOs from La Guitarra for the third quarter of 2024.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR Royalty on La Guitarra, subject to a 1.0% buyback for
La Encantada
On
Metalla accrued 34 GEOs from La Encantada for the third quarter of 2024.
Metalla holds a 100% GVR royalty on gold produced at the La Encantada mine limited to 1.0 Koz annually.
Côté-Gosselin
On
On
Metalla holds a 1.35% NSR royalty that covers less than 10% of the Côté Reserves and Resources estimate and covers all of the Gosselin Resource estimate.
On
The press release stated that First Quantum expressed that the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI) is timely and beneficial, as it establishes a regulatory framework that encourages and increases investment flows into
On
Metalla holds a 0.42% NSR royalty on Taca Taca subject to a buyback based on the amount of Proven Reserves in a feasibility study multiplied by the prevailing market prices of all applicable commodities.
Endeavor
On
Polymetals reiterated that the Endeavor mine is on track to be restarted with first cashflows expected in H1-2025. Polymetals announced an updated Endeavor mine plan on
On
Metalla holds a 4.0% NSR royalty on lead, zinc and silver produced from Endeavor.
On
With receipt of the Aquifer Permit, Hudbay plans to commence activities related to the preparation of definitive feasibility studies for
Metalla holds a 0.315% NSR royalty on
Joaquin
On
Joaquin contains a historic foreign estimate in the Measured and Indicated categories of 70.1 Moz AgEq at 138 g/t and in the Inferred category of 3.3 Moz AgEq at 110 g/t in the La Negra and La Marocha deposits. Unico is planning a comprehensive exploration program on four advanced prospects, aiming to publish an initial JORC (2012) Mineral Resource Estimate in H1-2025.2
Unico outlined there are several historical drill holes that fall outside the historic resource with highlighted intercepts of 1,699 g/t silver & 22 g/t gold over 4.5 meters and 99 g/t silver & 0.4 g/t gold over 8.6 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on Joaquin.
Amalgamated
On
Metalla holds a 0.45% NSR royalty on the Amalgamated Kirkland and North AK properties.
CentroGold
On
G Mining disclosed that it intends to build on CentroGold's existing geological model and redesign CentroGold from first principles to better align with permitting requirements and economic landscape. G Mining also intends to update CentroGold's JORC historic estimate, of 1.7 million ounces of indicated and 0.6 million ounces of inferred, to NI 43-101 disclosure standards shortly after closing, which is expected to take place in Q1-2025 following regulatory approvals.3
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the first 500 koz of production, 2.0% NSR royalty on the next 1 Moz, and 1.0% NSR royalty thereafter on the CentroGold project.
On
Metalla holds a 2.5% GVR royalty on the northern and southern extensions of the
Fifteen
On
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Fifteen
On
Metalla holds a 5.0% NSR royalty on the South Domes area of the
Notes
1: For more information, please view the Salta Gobierno's |
2: For more information, please view Unico's |
3: For more information, please view G Mining's |
QUALIFIED PERSON
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by
ABOUT METALLA
Metalla is a precious and base metals royalty and streaming company with a focus on gold, silver, and copper royalties and streams. Metalla provides shareholders with leveraged metal exposure through a diversified and growing portfolio of royalties and streams. Our strong foundation of current and future cash-generating asset base, combined with an experienced team gives Metalla a path to become one of the leading gold, silver, and copper companies for the next commodities cycle.
For further information, please visit our website at www.metallaroyalty.com
ON
(signed) "Brett Heath"
CEO
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
Metalla has included certain performance measures in this press release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including (a) attributable gold equivalent ounces (GEOs), (b) average cash cost per attributable GEO, (c) average realized price per attributable GEO, (d) operating cash margin per attributable GEO, and (e) Adjusted EBITDA. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow.
(a) Attributable GEOs
Attributable GEOs are a non-IFRS financial measure that is composed of gold ounces attributable to the Company, calculated by taking the revenue earned by the Company in the period from payable gold, silver, copper and other metal ounces attributable to the Company divided by the average
|
Three months |
|
Nine months |
|
ended |
|
ended |
Attributable GEOs during the period from: |
|
|
|
Wharf |
268 |
|
542 |
El Realito |
36 |
|
273 |
La Encantada |
34 |
|
98 |
Aranzazu |
196 |
|
593 |
Tocantinzinho |
67 |
|
67 |
La Guitarra |
20 |
|
20 |
NLGM |
27 |
|
80 |
Total attributable GEOs |
648 |
|
1,673 |
(b) Average cash cost per attributable GEO
Average cash cost per attributable GEO is a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by dividing the Company's total cash cost of sales, excluding depletion by the number of attributable GEOs.
The Company presents average cash cost per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. The Company's average cash cost per attributable GEO for the three and nine months ended
|
Three months |
|
Nine months |
|
ended |
|
ended |
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales for NLGM |
|
|
|
Total cash cost of sales |
6 |
|
18 |
Total attributable GEOs |
648 |
|
1,673 |
Average cash cost per attributable GEO |
|
|
|
(c) Average realized price per attributable GEO
Average realized price per attributable GEO is a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by dividing the Company's revenue, excluding any revenue earned from fixed royalty payments, by the number of attributable GEOs. The Company presents average realized price per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry that present results on a similar basis. The Company's average realized price per attributable GEO for three and nine months ended
|
Three months |
|
Nine months |
|
ended |
|
ended |
|
|
|
|
Royalty revenue (excluding fixed royalty payments) |
|
|
|
Revenue from NLGM |
67 |
|
183 |
Sales from stream and royalty interests |
1,608 |
|
3,835 |
Total attributable GEOs sold |
648 |
|
1,673 |
Average realized price per attributable GEO |
|
|
|
(d) Operating cash margin per attributable GEO
Operating cash margin per attributable GEO is a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by subtracting the average cast cost price per attributable GEO from the average realized price per attributable GEO. The Company presents operating cash margin per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry that present results on a similar basis.
(e) Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure which excludes from net income taxes, finance costs, depletion, impairment charges, foreign currency gains/losses, share based payments, and non-recurring items.
Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the Company's operating performance, to plan and forecast its operations, and assess leverage levels and liquidity measures. The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. However, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent, and should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss) or cash flow provided by operating activities as determined under IFRS. The Company's adjusted EBITDA for three and nine months ended
|
Three months |
|
Nine months |
|
ended |
|
ended |
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
Adjusted for: |
|
|
|
Interest expense |
494 |
|
1,473 |
Finance charges |
85 |
|
255 |
Income tax provision |
138 |
|
162 |
Depletion |
578 |
|
1,862 |
Foreign exchange loss (gain) |
88 |
|
(92) |
Share-based payments |
716 |
|
1,905 |
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
|
(e) Adjusted working capital
Adjusted working capital is a non-IFRS measure which is calculated by taking the Company's current assets less its current liabilities, excluding the Convertible Loan Facility. The Company presents working capital, adjusted for the Convertible Loan Facility, as the classification of the Convertible Loan Facility as a current liability is driven by changes in classification requirements under IFRS and not because the Company expects that liability to be settled in cash within the next twelve months. The Company believes that the exclusion of the Convertible Loan Facility from adjusted working capital gives a more accurate picture of the liquidity of the Company. Adjusted working capital is not a standardized financial measure under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
The Company's adjusted working capital as at
|
As at |
|
|
Total current assets |
|
Less: |
|
Total current liabilities |
(13,760) |
Working capital |
(1,510) |
Adjusted for: |
|
Convertible loan facility |
13,123 |
Adjusted working capital |
|
Refer the Company's MD&A for the three and nine months ended
Future-Oriented Financial Information
This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") about Metalla's anticipated revenues from the Endeavor NSR which was prepared by Polymetals and is subject to the assumptions, risk factors, limitations and qualifications as set forth in this news release. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date of this news release and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about Metalla's anticipated future business operations. Metalla disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FOFI contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. FOFI contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
Technical and Third-Party Information
Metalla has limited, if any, access to the properties on which Metalla(or any of its subsidiaries) holds a royalty, stream or other interest. Metalla is dependent on (i) the operators of the mines or properties and their qualified persons to provide technical or other information to Metalla, or (ii) publicly available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and operations on the mines or properties on which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest, and generally has limited or no ability to independently verify such information. Although Metalla does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate. Some information publicly reported by operators may relate to a larger property than the area covered by Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests. Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests can cover less than 100% and sometimes only a portion of the publicly reported mineral reserves, resources and production of a property.
Unless otherwise indicated, the technical and scientific disclosure contained or referenced in this press release,
including any
references to mineral resources or mineral reserves, was prepared in accordance with Canadian
NI 43-101
, which differs significantly from the requirements of the
" Inferred mineral resources " have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only and the Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update or revise them except as required by applicable law.
All statements included herein that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the
future
are
forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as
"plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled",
"estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets",
"aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or
variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be
identified by statements
to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken,
occur or be
achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements
regarding: future events or future performance of Metalla;
the completion of the Company's royalty
purchase transactions;
the Company's plans and objectives;
the Company's future financial and
operational performance;
expectations regarding stream and royalty interests owned by the Company;
the satisfaction of future payment obligations, contractual commitments and contingent commitments by
Metalla;
management's statements regarding the start and increase of production at properties on which Metalla
holds royalties and streams, and the timing thereof; the expected ramp-up in production at
Tocantinzinho through H2-2024; the target nameplate throughput by Q1-2025 in Tocantinzinho; the
expected 2024 production guidance at Wharf; the expected 2024 production guidance at Aranzazu;
that production at El Realito will
come from residual leaching of heap leach pads and will continue
through year-
end 2024;
the expected shipments at La Guitarra; Sierra Madre's plans to increase production at La Guitarra, and the production goal by year-end; the exploration drilling at Gosselin for the remainder of 2024 and the target thereof; that First Quantum will take advantage of the RIGI; First Quantum's search for a minority shareholder for the
Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information
currently available to
management. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results,
estimates of amounts not yet determinable
and assumptions that, while believed by management to be
reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business,
economic and competitive uncertainties, and
contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various known and
unknown risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Metalla to control or predict, that may cause
Metalla's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or
implied thereby, and
are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other
factors set out herein, including but not
limited to: risks related to commodity price fluctuations; the absence of control over mining operations from which Metalla will purchase precious metals pursuant to gold streams, silver streams and other agreements or from which it will receive royalty payments pursuant to net smelter returns, gross overriding royalties, gross value royalties and other royalty agreements or interests and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans are refined; risks related to exchange rate fluctuations; that payments in respect of streams and royalties may be delayed or may never be made; risks related to Metalla's reliance on public disclosure and other information regarding the mines or projects underlying its streams and royalties; that some royalties or streams may be subject to confidentiality arrangements that limit or prohibit disclosure regarding those royalties and streams; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by, Metalla; that Metalla's cash flow is dependent on the activities of others; that Metalla has had negative cash flow from operating activities in the past; that some royalty and stream interests are subject to rights of other interest-holders; that Metalla's royalties and streams may have unknown defects; risks related to Metalla's two material assets, the Côté property and the Taca Taca property; risks related to general business and economic conditions; risks related to global financial conditions, geopolitical events and other uncertainties; risks related to epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens, and the potential impact thereof on Metalla's business, operations and financial condition; that Metalla is dependent on its key personnel; risks related to Metalla's financial controls; dividend policy and future payment of dividends; competition; that project operators may not respect contractual obligations; that Metalla's royalties and streams may be unenforceable; risks related to conflicts of interest of Metalla's directors and officers; that Metalla may not be able to obtain adequate financing in the future; risks related to Metalla's current credit facility and financing agreements; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Metalla holds, or may acquire, a royalty, stream or other interest; interpretation by government entities of tax laws or the implementation of new tax laws; changes in tax laws impacting Metalla; risks related to anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; credit and liquidity risk; risks related to Metalla's information systems and cyber security; risks posed by activist shareholders; that Metalla may suffer reputational damage in the ordinary course of business; risks related to acquiring, investing in or developing resource projects; risks applicable to owners and operators of properties in which Metalla holds an interest; exploration, development and operating risks; risks related to climate change; environmental risks; that the exploration and development activities related to mine operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations; that the operation of a mine or project is subject to the receipt and maintenance of permits from governmental authorities; risks associated with the acquisition and maintenance of mining infrastructure; that Metalla's success is dependent on the efforts of operators' employees; risks related to mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; that mining depletion may not be replaced by the discovery of new mineral reserves; that operators' mining operations are subject to risks that may not be able to be insured against; risks related to land title; risks related to international operations; risks related to operating in countries with developing economies; risks related to the construction, development and expansion of mines or projects; risks associated with operating in areas that are presently, or were formerly, inhabited or used by indigenous peoples; that Metalla is required, in certain jurisdictions, to allow individuals from that jurisdiction to hold nominal interests in Metalla's subsidiaries in that jurisdiction; the volatility of the stock market; that existing securityholders may be diluted; risks related to Metalla's public disclosure obligations; risks associated with future sales or issuances of debt or equity securities; risks associated with the Company's loan facility; that there can be no assurance that an active trading market for Metalla's securities will be sustained; risks related to the enforcement of civil judgments against Metalla; risks relating to Metalla potentially being a passive "foreign investment company" within the meaning of
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