Argonaut Gold Announces Second Quarter Production of 59,192 Gold Equivalent Ounces and Cash Flow(1) of $23.3 Million
![Argonaut Gold Announces Second Quarter Production of 59,192 Gold Equivalent Ounces and Cash Flow(1) of $23.3 Million](https://www.goldseiten.de/media/goldseiten-news.jpg)
TORONTO, Aug. 10, 2022 - Argonaut Gold Inc. (TSX: AR) (the "Company", "Argonaut Gold" or "Argonaut") is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. For the second quarter 2022, the Company reports production of 59,192 gold equivalent ounces2 ("GEO" or "GEOs"), revenue of $111.4 million, cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital and other items of $23.3 million, net income of $18.4 million or earnings per basic share of $0.06, and adjusted net income3 of $7.3 million or adjusted earning per basic share3 of $0.02. All dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise specified (C$ refers to Canadian dollars).
1 "Cash Flow" refers to "Cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital and other items". |
2 GEOs are based on a conversation ratio of 80:1 for silver to gold for 2022 and 85:1 for 2021. The silver to gold conversation ratio is based on the three-year trailing average silver to gold ratios. These are the referenced ratios for each year throughout this press release. |
3 This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please refer to the section entitled "Non-IFRS Measures" for a discussion of these Non-IFRS Measures. |
Larry Radford, President & CEO stated: "We were slightly ahead of our operational budget in terms of GEO production during the second quarter, which yielded over 59,000 GEOs, albeit at a slightly higher cost than budgeted due to inflationary pressures on input costs. We recently put a financing package together that we believe fully finances the Magino construction project. We are also tracking well against our most recent Magino capital estimate to completion of C$920 million. With the financing behind us and what I believe to the right team now in place, I feel Argonaut is in a much better position to execute on our business plan."
Key operating and financial statistics for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 are outlined in the following table:
3 Months Ended June 30 | 6 Months Ended June 30 | |||||
2022 | 2021 | Change | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
Financial Data (in millions except for | ||||||
Revenue | $111.4 | $120.2 | (7 %) | $217.2 | $225.5 | (4 %) |
Gross profit | $19.8 | $39.8 | (50 %) | $41.5 | $67.4 | (38 %) |
Net income (loss) | $18.4 | $21.8 | (16 %) | $24.0 | $48.8 | (51 %) |
Earnings (loss) per share - basic | $0.06 | $0.07 | (14 %) | $0.07 | $0.16 | (56 %) |
Adjusted net income1 | $7.3 | $22.7 | (68 %) | $15.5 | $29.7 | (48 %) |
Adjusted earnings per share - basic1 | $0.02 | $0.07 | (73 %) | $0.05 | $0.10 | (50 %) |
Cash flow from operating activities | $23.3 | $39.3 | (41 %) | $48.4 | $67.0 | (28 %) |
Cash and cash equivalents | $75.8 | $216.0 | (65 %) | $75.8 | $216.0 | (65 %) |
Net cash | $(4.2) | $216.0 | (102 %) | $(4.2) | $216.0 | (102 %) |
Gold Production and Cost Data | ||||||
GEOs loaded to the pads2 | 86,896 | 130,414 | (33 %) | 181,801 | 244,235 | (26 %) |
GEOs projected recoverable2,3 | 51,092 | 71,032 | (28 %) | 105,843 | 134,319 | (21 %) |
GEOs produced2,4 | 59,192 | 63,750 | (7 %) | 114,706 | 123,453 | (7 %) |
GEOs sold2 | 59,241 | 65,651 | (10 %) | 115,613 | 124,766 | (7 %) |
Average realized sales price | $1,884 | $1,812 | 4 % | $1,879 | $1,788 | 5 % |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold1 | $1,248 | $876 | 42 % | $1,202 | $936 | 28 % |
All-in sustaining cost per gold ounce | $1,474 | $1,203 | 23 % | $1,453 | $1,258 | 16 % |
1This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please refer to the section below entitled "Non-IFRS Measures" for a discussion of these Non-IFRS Measures. |
2GEOs are based on a conversion ratio of 80:1 for silver to gold for 2022 and 85:1 for 2021. The silver to gold conversion ratio is based on the three-year trailing average silver to gold ratio. |
3Expected recoverable GEOs are based on the assumptions and parameters as set forth in the El Castillo Gold Mine Technical Report dated February 14, 2022, the San Agustin Gold/Silver Mine Technical Report dated February 14, 2022, the La Colorada Gold/Silver Mine Technical Report dated February 14, 2022 and the Florida Canyon Technical Report dated July 8, 2020. In periods where the Company mines and processes material not specifically defined in a technical report (for example: low-grade stockpile material or run-of-mine ore), management uses its best estimate of recovery based on the information available. |
4Produced ounces are calculated as ounces loaded to carbon. |
- Corporate Highlights:
- GEO production of 59,192 GEOs.
- Cash flow before changes in working capital and other items of $23.3 million.
- Executed a binding commitment with a syndicate of lenders for a $250 million debt facility, which is expected to close by the end of Q3 2022. Completed a C$195 million equity offering to fund the Magino construction project (see press release dated July 5, 2022).
- Entered into gold price protection through forward sales contracts at a price of $1,860/oz during the life of the term loan debt facility under the following terms:
- Beginning Q3 2023, 25,000 gold ounces per quarter for the first six quarters; and
- 15,000 gold ounces per quarter for the remaining 10 quarters over the life of the term loan.
- Social and Environmental Responsibility
- Hosted Magino site tours including a visit from Bishop Dowd and Father Asorgoe from Dubreuilville, and Maskwa Aviation, a joint venture partner of Missanabie Cree First Nation (MCFN).
- Participated in regular monthly meetings with Indigenous groups to provide project and environmental updates for Magino. Argonaut also provided sponsorships and donations to Métis Nation of Ontario and MCFN for their Annual General Meeting and Annual Gathering.
- Provided community funding including sponsorships and donations for the Wawa Music Festival, Wawa Golf Club, Wawa Public Library Summer Youth Program and Dubreuilville Magpie Walleye.
- Hosted a course in Durango for local small suppliers and entrepreneurs to provide resources and training for requirements to work in Mexico's mining industry.
- Collaborated with Coordinación Estatal de Protección Civil Durango to host a children's course on safety in the community of San Jan del Rio.
- Installed a new chlorinator for a main pipeline in La Colorada to provide improved water quality for the community.
- La Colorada Mine has been included into a pilot plan to be implemented by the United Nations ("UN") Economic Commission for Europe's Center of Excellence of the Extractive and Energies Sectors to align our sector to the UN standards and methodologies in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Economy.
- Hosted the health campaigns in the Cerro del Gallo communities of San Antón de las Minas and Las Lozas.
- Sponsored a local softball team in Winnemucca, Nevada.
- El Castillo
- Production of 12,178 GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold of $1,513 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).
- San Agustin
- Production of 19,135 GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold of $1,009 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).
- La Colorada
- Production of 13,390 GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold of $1,003 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).
- Florida Canyon
- Production of 14,489 GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold of $1,585 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).
- Magino
- Construction
- At June 30, 2022, the Magino construction project was estimated at approximately 54.8% complete. In Argonaut received a delay claim from Ausenco (process facility EPC contractor) that the substantial completion milestone will be delayed by 23 days due to the province-wide strike of several trades, including crane operators and carpenters, lasting 23 days. The actual impact of this delay claim on project completion has not yet been assessed. To date, this delay claim has neither been accepted nor captured in a definitive schedule, the estimated first gold pour has not yet been determined; however, indications are that first gold is expected to be delayed from March 2023 to April 2023.
- At June 30, 2022, of the C$920 million estimated cost to completion, C$510.1 million and C$688.1 million had been spent and committed at the Magino construction project. Recent major milestones included:
- Completed process plant building roof and wall cladding;
- Completed primary steel for gravity tower in the process plant;
- Completed baffle installation and structural steel for carbon in pulp tanks;
- Completed crusher foundation concrete;
- Completed upgrade of the access road to the air monitoring station;
- Completed installation of the building heaters;
- Continued hydro vac cleaning for liner placement at the Water Quality Control Pond;
- Completed hydro seeding at the Fish Habitat Compensation Area; commissioning has commenced;
- Completed construction of the bat hibernaculum;
- Continued construction of the Tailings Management Facility; and
- Continued surface water, groundwater and effluent sampling and monitoring.
- For recent highlights and photos of the Magino project, visit the Company's website at: https://www.argonautgold.com/English/assets/development/magino/default.aspx
Revenue for the second quarter of 2022 was $111.4 million, a decrease from $120.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company sold 57,344 gold ounces at an average realized price per ounce of $1,884, compared to 63,000 gold ounces sold at an average realized price per ounce of $1,812 during the same period of 2021. Gold ounces sold for the first quarter of 2022 decreased compared to the same period in 2021 primarily due to fewer ounces produced and sold at the La Colorada and El Castillo mines.
Net income for the second quarter of 2022 was $18.4 million or earnings per basic share of $0.06, compared with net income of $21.8 million or earnings per basic share of $0.07 for the second quarter of 2021.
Adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2022 was $7.3 million or $0.02 per basic share, a decrease from adjusted net income of $22.7 million or $0.07 per basic share for the second quarter of 2021 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).
Cash flows from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital and other items totaled $23.3 million during the second quarter of 2022, a decrease from $39.3 million in the second quarter of 2021, primarily due to fewer gold ounces sold and higher operating costs.
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was $217.2 million, a decrease from $225.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. During the first half of June 30, 2022, gold ounces sold totaled 111,450 at an average realized price per ounce of $1,879, compared to 119,727 gold ounces sold at an average realized price per ounce of $1,788 during the same period of 2021. Gold ounces sold for the six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased compared to the same period of 2021 primarily due to the reduction in gold ounces sold from the La Colorada and El Castillo mines.
Net income for the first half of 2022 was $24.0 million or $0.07 per basic or diluted share for the first half of 2022 compared to net income of $48.8 million or $0.16 per basic or diluted share in the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Adjusted net income for the first half of 2022 was $15.5 million or $0.05 per basic share, a decrease from adjusted net income of $29.7 million or $0.10 per basic share for the first half of 2021 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).
Cash flows from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital and other items totaled $48.4 million during the first half of 2022, a decrease from $67.0 million in the first half of 2021, primarily due to fewer gold ounces sold and higher operating costs.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company achieved production of 59,192 GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold of $1,248 and all-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold ("AISC") of $1,474 compared to 63,750 GEOs at a cash cost of $876 per gold ounce sold and an AISC of $1,203 during the second quarter 2021 (These are Non-IFRS Measures. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section). The 7% decrease in GEO production was primarily related to lower ore tonnes mined, lower grades in both gold and silver, and lower gold recoveries at the La Colorada mine. Higher cash costs were primarily related to higher mining rates at El Castillo, La Colorada and Florida Canyon due to higher strip ratios, higher key consumable costs across all operations and lower gold ounces sold.
3 Months Ended June 30 | 6 Months Ended June 30 | |||||
2022 | 2021 | Change | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
Mining (in 000s except | ||||||
Tonnes ore El Castillo | 1,471 | 2,496 | (41 %) | 2,982 | 4,900 | (39 %) |
Tonnes ore San Agustin | 2,954 | 2,718 | 9 % | 5,771 | 5,588 | 3 % |
Tonnes ore | 4,425 | 5,214 | (15 %) | 8,753 | 10,488 | (17 %) |
Tonnes waste El Castillo | 2,804 | 2,473 | 13 % | 5,732 | 5,610 | 2 % |
Tonnes waste San Agustin | 1,978 | 1,738 | 14 % | 3,905 | 3,512 | 11 % |
Tonnes waste | 4,782 | 4,211 | 14 % | 9,637 | 9,122 | 6 % |
Tonnes mined El Castillo | 4,275 | 4,969 | (14 %) | 8,714 | 10,510 | (17 %) |
Tonnes mined San Agustin | 4,932 | 4,456 | 11 % | 9,676 | 9,100 | 6 % |
Tonnes mined | 9,207 | 9,425 | (2 %) | 18,390 | 19,610 | (6 %) |
Tonnes per day El Castillo | 47 | 55 | (14 %) | 48 | 58 | (17 %) |
Tonnes per day San Agustin | 54 | 49 | 11 % | 54 | 51 | 6 % |
Tonnes per day | 101 | 104 | (2 %) | 102 | 109 | (6 %) |
Waste/ore ratio El Castillo | 1.91 | 0.99 | 93 % | 1.92 | 1.14 | 68 % |
Waste/ore ratio San Agustin | 0.67 | 0.64 | 5 % | 0.68 | 0.63 | 8 % |
Waste/ore ratio | 1.08 | 0.81 | 34 % | 1.10 | 0.87 | 27 % |
Leach Pads (in 000s) | ||||||
Tonnes direct to leach pads El | 1,471 | 2,488 | (41 %) | 2,982 | 4,890 | (39 %) |
Tonnes crushed to leach pads | 2,949 | 2,962 | - % | 5,764 | 5,944 | (3 %) |
Tonnes to leach pads | 4,420 | 5,450 | (19 %) | 8,746 | 10,834 | (19 %) |
Production | ||||||
Gold grade loaded to leach pads | 0.30 | 0.25 | 20 % | 0.30 | 0.27 | 11 % |
Gold grade loaded to leach pads | 0.29 | 0.32 | (9 %) | 0.29 | 0.29 | - % |
Gold grade loaded to leach pads | 0.29 | 0.28 | 4 % | 0.29 | 0.28 | 4 % |
Gold loaded to leach pads El | 14,330 | 19,973 | (28 %) | 28,604 | 42,149 | (32 %) |
Gold loaded to leach pads San | 27,412 | 30,280 | (9 %) | 54,036 | 56,190 | (4 %) |
Gold loaded to leach pads (oz)2 | 41,742 | 50,253 | (17 %) | 82,640 | 98,339 | (16 %) |
Projected recoverable GEOs | 7,337 | 10,859 | (32 %) | 14,177 | 20,596 | (31 %) |
Projected recoverable GEOs | 18,958 | 21,454 | (12 %) | 37,254 | 40,342 | (8 %) |
Projected recoverable GEOs | 26,295 | 32,313 | (19 %) | 51,431 | 60,938 | (16 %) |
Gold produced El Castillo (oz)2,3 | 12,047 | 12,723 | (5 %) | 23,478 | 24,695 | (5 %) |
Gold produced San Agustin | 18,033 | 18,105 | - % | 36,433 | 35,376 | 3 % |
Gold produced (oz)2 | 30,080 | 30,828 | (2 %) | 59,911 | 60,071 | - % |
Silver produced El Castillo (oz)2,3 | 10,407 | 17,445 | (40 %) | 24,704 | 39,240 | (37 %) |
Silver produced San Agustin | 88,160 | 138,470 | (36 %) | 208,328 | 280,901 | (26 %) |
Silver produced (oz)2,3 | 98,567 | 155,915 | (37 %) | 233,032 | 320,141 | (27 %) |
GEOs produced El Castillo3 | 12,178 | 12,928 | (6 %) | 23,787 | 25,156 | (5 %) |
GEOs produced San Agustin3 | 19,135 | 19,734 | (3 %) | 39,037 | 38,681 | 1 % |
GEOs produced3 | 31,313 | 32,662 | (4 %) | 62,824 | 63,837 | (2 %) |
Gold sold El Castillo (oz)2 | 11,463 | 12,614 | (9 %) | 25,032 | 26,216 | (5 %) |
Gold sold San Agustin (oz)2 | 18,656 | 18,829 | (1 %) | 35,859 | 35,495 | 1 % |
Gold sold (oz)2 | 30,119 | 31,443 | (4 %) | 60,891 | 61,711 | (1 %) |
Silver sold El Castillo (oz)2 | 11,296 | 19,094 | (41 %) | 26,196 | 40,212 | (35 %) |
Silver sold San Agustin (oz)2 | 93,420 | 144,867 | (36 %) | 216,898 | 273,788 | (21 %) |
Silver sold (oz)2 | 104,716 | 163,961 | (36 %) | 243,094 | 314,000 | (23 %) |
GEOs sold El Castillo | 11,603 | 12,839 | (10 %) | 25,359 | 26,689 | (5 %) |
GEOs sold San Agustin | 19,824 | 20,534 | (3 %) | 38,570 | 38,716 | - % |
GEOs sold | 31,427 | 33,372 | (6 %) | 63,929 | 65,405 | (2 %) |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold El | $ 1,513 | $ 1,109 | 36 % | $ 1,357 | $ 1,077 | 26 % |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold | $ 1,009 | $ 801 | 26 % | $ 978 | $ 804 | 22 % |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold5 | $ 1,201 | $ 916 | 31 % | $ 1,134 | $ 916 | 24 % |
1 "g/t" refers to grams per tonne. |
2 "oz" refers to troy ounce. |
3 Produced ounces are calculated as ounces loaded to carbon. |
4 Expected recoverable GEOs are based on the assumptions and parameters as set forth in the El Castillo Gold Mine Technical Report dated February 14, 2022 and the San Agustin Gold/Silver Mine Technical Report dated February 14, 2022. In periods where the Company mines and processes material not specifically defined in a technical report (for example: run-of-mine ore), management uses its best estimate of recovery based on the information available. |
5 Please refer to the section below entitled "Non-IFRS Measures" for a discussion of this Non-IFRS Measure. |
During the second quarter of 2022, the El Castillo Complex produced 4% fewer GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 31% higher than during the second quarter of 2021 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section). El Castillo produced 6% fewer GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 36% higher (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section), primarily due to the El Castillo mine having a remaining mine life of less than one year, so mining waste is no longer capitalized as capitalized stripping but is included in production cost, along with increased maintenance and key consumable costs. San Agustin produced 3% fewer GEOs, at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 26% higher (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section), primarily due to lower gold grades processed and higher key consumable costs.
3 Months Ended June 30 | 6 Months Ended June 30 | |||||
2022 | 2021 | Change | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
Mining (in 000s except for | ||||||
Tonnes ore | 976 | 1,150 | (15 %) | 2,101 | 2,377 | (12 %) |
Tonnes waste | 5,711 | 2,173 | 163 % | 11,048 | 6,187 | 79 % |
Tonnes mined | 6,687 | 3,323 | 101 % | 13,149 | 8,564 | 54 % |
Tonnes per day | 73 | 37 | 101 % | 73 | 48 | 54 % |
Waste/ore ratio | 5.85 | 1.89 | 210 % | 5.26 | 2.6 | 102 % |
Leach Pads (in 000s) | ||||||
Tonnes crushed to leach pads | 1,063 | 1,247 | (15 %) | 2,183 | 2,513 | (13 %) |
Production | ||||||
Gold loaded to leach pads (g/t)1 | 0.44 | 0.76 | (42 %) | 0.44 | 0.65 | (32 %) |
Gold loaded to leach pads (oz)2 | 14,902 | 30,320 | (51 %) | 31,186 | 52,411 | (40 %) |
Projected recoverable GEOs | 11,573 | 24,101 | (52 %) | 23,887 | 41,735 | (43 %) |
Gold produced (oz)2,3 | 12,950 | 16,721 | (23 %) | 26,291 | 32,615 | (19 %) |
Silver produced (oz)2,3 | 35,191 | 48,145 | (27 %) | 70,559 | 101,057 | (30 %) |
GEOs produced3 | 13,390 | 17,288 | (23 %) | 27,173 | 33,804 | (20 %) |
Gold sold (oz)2 | 13,322 | 17,699 | (25 %) | 26,402 | 31,329 | (16 %) |
Silver sold (oz)2 | 38,194 | 53,153 | (28 %) | 73,479 | 97,591 | (25 %) |
GEOs sold | 13,799 | 18,324 | (25 %) | 27,320 | 32,477 | (16 %) |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold5 | $ 1,003 | $ 608 | 65 % | $ 980 | $ 676 | 45 % |
1 "g/t" refers to grams per tonne. |
2 "oz" refers to troy ounce. |
3 Produced ounces are calculated as ounces loaded to carbon. |
4 Expected recoverable GEOs are based on the assumptions and parameters as set forth in the La Colorada Gold/Silver Mine Technical Report dated February 14, 2022. In periods where the Company mines material not specifically defined in a technical report (for example: low-grade stockpile material), management uses its best estimate of recovery based on the information available. |
5 Please refer to the section below entitled "Non-IFRS Measures" for a discussion of this Non-IFRS Measure. |
During the second quarter of 2022, the La Colorada mine produced 23% fewer GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 65% more than during the second quarter of 2021 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section). Lower GEO production and higher costs were primarily due to lower ore tonnes mined, lower grade and recoveries, and higher key consumable costs.
3 Months Ended June 30 | 6 Months Ended June 30 | |||||
2022 | 2021 | % Change | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
Mining (in 000s except for | ||||||
Tonnes ore | 1,984 | 2,496 | (21 %) | 4,170 | 4,699 | (11 %) |
Tonnes waste | 3,985 | 3,194 | 25 % | 6,798 | 6,422 | 6 % |
Tonnes mined | 5,969 | 5,690 | 5 % | 10,968 | 11,121 | (1 %) |
Tonnes per day | 64 | 61 | 5 % | 59 | 60 | (1 %) |
Waste/ore ratio | 2.01 | 1.28 | 57 % | 1.63 | 1.37 | 19 % |
Leach Pads (in 000s) | ||||||
Tonnes direct to leach pads | 160 | 711 | (78 %) | 761 | 1,123 | (32 %) |
Tonnes crushed to leach pads | 1,836 | 1,796 | 2 % | 3,520 | 3,591 | (2 %) |
Production | ||||||
Gold grade loaded to leach pads | 0.33 | 0.31 | 6 % | 0.36 | 0.32 | 13 % |
Gold loaded to leach pads (oz)2 | 20,976 | 25,313 | (17 %) | 49,346 | 49,228 | - % |
Projected recoverable GEOs | 13,224 | 14,619 | (10 %) | 30,526 | 31,646 | (4 %) |
Gold produced (oz)2,3 | 14,380 | 13,726 | 5 % | 24,472 | 25,654 | (5 %) |
Silver produced (oz)2,3 | 8,733 | 6,117 | 43 % | 18,956 | 13,349 | 42 % |
GEOs produced3 | 14,489 | 13,798 | 5 % | 24,709 | 25,811 | (4 %) |
Gold sold (oz)2 | 13,903 | 13,858 | - % | 24,157 | 26,687 | (9 %) |
Silver sold (oz)2 | 8,889 | 8,217 | 8 % | 16,532 | 16,752 | (1 %) |
GEOs sold | 14,015 | 13,954 | - % | 24,364 | 26,884 | (9 %) |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold5 | $1,585 | $1,110 | 43 % | $1,615 | $1,279 | 26 % |
1 "g/t" refers to grams per tonne. |
2 "oz" refers to troy ounce. |
3 Produced ounces are calculated as ounces loaded to carbon. |
4 Expected recoverable GEOs are based on the assumptions and parameters as set forth in the Florida Canyon Mine Technical Report dated July 8, 2020. In periods where the Company mines material not specifically defined in a technical report (for example: run-of-mine or low-grade stockpile material), management uses its best estimate of recovery based on the information available. |
5 Please refer to the section below entitled "Non-IFRS Measures" for a discussion of this Non-IFRS Measure. |
During the second quarter of 2022, the Florida Canyon mine produced 5% more GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 43% higher than during the second quarter of 2021 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section). Higher GEO production was primarily related to higher recoveries and higher costs were primarily related to lower ore tonnes and ounces mined and placed in previous months and higher key consumable costs.
Argonaut maintains its 2022 GEO production guidance and, primarily due to inflationary pressures on key consumable costs, is adjusting its cost guidance higher as outlined in the table below.
H1 2022 (Actual) | Original Full Year | Revised Full Year | ||
GEO production | In 000s | 114,706 | 200 - 230 | 200 - 230 |
Cash costs1 | $ per oz Au | 1,202 | 1,100 - 1,190 | 1,200 - 1,300 |
AISC1 | $ per oz Au | 1,453 | 1,415 - 1,525 | 1,500 - 1,600 |
1This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section. |
Following the Magino construction, equity raise and Committed Credit Facilities, Argonaut is providing 2022 capital guidance. Through June 30, 2022, Argonaut had invested approximately $207 million in capital expenditures or approximately 46% of its estimated 2022 capital spend.
El Castillo | San Agustin | La Colorada | Florida | Magino | Cerro del | Exploration | Consolidated | |
Capital | 1 | 3-5 | 3-4 | 17 - 20 | 400 - 423 | 1-2 | 11-12 | 436 - 467 |
Stripping | 3 | 12-13 | 2-3 | 17 - 19 | ||||
Total | 4 | 3-5 | 15 - 17 | 19 - 23 | 400 - 423 | 1-2 | 11-12 | 453 - 486 |
1Assumes exchange rates of MXN:USD of 20:1 and CAD:USD of 1.25:1. |
Argonaut advises that Dan Symons, Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations has resigned from his position to pursue other opportunities. A search for a replacement is in progress. Larry Radford, President & CEO commented "With more than six years of service, we want to thank Dan for his contributions to the growth of Argonaut Gold."
The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its second quarter ended June 30, 2022 operating and financial results at 9:00 am EDT on August 11, 2022.
Q2 2022 Conference Call Information
Toll Free (North America): | 1-888-664-6392 |
International: | 1-416-764-8659 |
Conference ID: | 90653330 |
Webcast: | www.argonautgold.com |
Q2 2022 Conference Call Replay
Toll Free Replay Call (North America): | 1-888-390-0541 |
International Replay Call: | 1-416-764-8677 |
Replay Entry Code: | 653330# |
The conference call and replay will be available from 12:00 pm EDT on August 11, 2022 until 11:59 pm EDT on August 18, 2022.
The Company has included certain non-IFRS measures including "Cash cost per gold ounce sold", "All-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold", "Adjusted net income", "Adjusted earnings per share - basic" and "Net cash" in this press release to supplement its financial statements, which are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Cash cost per gold ounce sold is equal to production costs less silver sales divided by gold ounces sold. All-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold is equal to production costs less silver sales plus general and administrative, exploration, accretion and other expenses and sustaining capital expenditures divided by gold ounces sold. Adjusted net income is equal to net income less foreign exchange impacts on deferred income taxes, foreign exchange (gains) losses, non-cash impairment write down (reversal) of work-in-process inventory, non-cash impairment write down (reversal) of mineral, properties, plant and equipment, unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives and care and maintenance expenses. Adjusted earnings per share - basic is equal to adjusted net income divided by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Net cash is calculated as the sum of the cash and cash equivalents balance net of debt as at the statement of financial position date. The net debt calculation excludes the convertible debentures and lease liabilities, due to the nature of the obligations, in order to show the nominal undiscounted debt. The Company believes that these measures provide investors with an alternative view to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The following table provides a reconciliation of production costs per the financial statements to cash cost per gold ounce sold:
El Castillo mine | Three months ended | Six months ended | ||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
Production costs, as reported ($000s) | $ 17,597 | $ 14,492 | $ 34,592 | $ 29,321 |
Less silver sales ($000s) | 251 | 509 | 614 | 1,074 |
Net cost of sales ($000s) | $ 17,346 | $ 13,983 | $ 33,978 | $ 28,247 |
Gold ounces sold | 11,463 | 12,614 | 25,032 | 26,216 |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold | $ 1,513 | $ 1,109 | $ 1,357 | $ 1,077 |
San Agustin mine | Three months ended | Six months ended | ||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
Production costs, as reported ($000s) | $ 20,899 | $ 18,969 | $ 40,159 | $ 35,853 |
Less silver sales ($000s) | 2,083 | 3,891 | 5,083 | 7,323 |
Net cost of sales ($000s) | $ 18,816 | $ 15,078 | $ 35,076 | $ 28,530 |
Gold ounces sold | 18,656 | 18,829 | 35,859 | 35,495 |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold | $ 1,009 | $ 801 | $ 978 | $ 804 |
La Colorada mine | Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
Production costs, as reported ($000s) | $ 14,212 | $ 12,176 | $ 27,593 | $ 23,772 |
Less silver sales ($000s) | 850 | 1,419 | 1,708 | 2,586 |
Net cost of sales ($000s) | $ 13,362 | $ 10,757 | $ 25,885 | $ 21,186 |
Gold ounces sold | 13,322 | 17,699 | 26,402 | 31,329 |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold | $ 1,003 | $ 608 | $ 980 | $ 676 |
Florida Canyon mine | Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
Production costs, as reported ($000s) | $ 22,235 | $ 15,604 | $ 39,388 | $ 34,590 |
Less silver sales ($000s) | 193 | 219 | 380 | 446 |
Net cost of sales ($000s) | $ 22,042 | $ 15,385 | $ 39,008 | $ 34,144 |
Gold ounces sold | 13,903 | 13,858 | 24,157 | 26,687 |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold | $ 1,585 | $ 1,110 | $ 1,615 | $ 1,279 |
All Mines | Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
Production costs, as reported ($000s) | $ 74,943 | $ 61,241 | $ 141,732 | $ 123,536 |
Less silver sales ($000s) | 3,377 | 6,038 | 7,785 | 11,429 |
Net cost of sales ($000s) | $ 71,566 | $ 55,203 | $ 133,947 | $ 112,107 |
Gold ounces sold | 57,344 | 63,000 | 111,450 | 119,727 |
Cash cost per gold ounce sold | $ 1,248 | $ 876 | $ 1,202 | $ 936 |
AISC includes net cost of sales at the Company's mining operations, which forms the basis of the Company's cash cost per gold ounce sold. Additionally, the Company includes general and administrative, exploration, accretion and other expenses, and sustaining capital expenditures. Sustaining capital expenditures exclude all expenditures at the Company's pre-production, development stage, and advanced exploration stage projects and certain expenditures at the Company's operating sites that are deemed expansionary in nature.
The following table provides a reconciliation of AISC per gold ounce sold to the consolidated financial statements:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
Net cost of sales ($000s) | $ 71,566 | $ 55,203 | $ 133,947 | $ 112,107 |
General and administrative expenses ($000s) | 4,571 | 3,705 | 9,592 | 8,471 |
Exploration expenses ($000s) | 425 | 1,070 | 792 | 1,691 |
Accretion and other expenses ($000s) | 3,385 | 2,927 | 6,680 | 5,606 |
Sustaining capital expenditures ($000s) | 4,589 | 12,886 | 10,902 | 22,694 |
AISC ($000s) | $ 84,536 | $ 75,791 | $ 161,913 | $ 150,569 |
Gold ounces sold | 57,344 | 63,000 | 111,450 | 119,727 |
AISC per gold ounce sold | $ 1,474 | $ 1,203 | $ 1,453 | $ 1,258 |
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share - basic exclude a number of temporary or one-time items described in the following table, which provides a reconciliation of adjusted net income to the consolidated financial statements:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
Net income, as reported ($000s) | $ 18,412 | $ 21,778 | $ 24,030 | $ 48,785 |
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives ($000s) | (13,525) | 5,335 | (12,060) | (14,445) |
Other non-operating expense (income), net of tax | 1,653 | (3,644) | 2,151 | (3,644) |
Foreign exchange loss, net of tax ($000s) | 870 | 547 | 1,825 | 525 |
Impact of foreign exchange on deferred income | (137) | (1,445) | (855) | (239) |
Inventory (reversal) write-down, net of tax ($000s) | (8) | 152 | (127) | (1,257) |
Loss on sale of marketable securities ($000s) | - | - | 534 | - |
Adjusted net income ($000s) | $ 7,265 | $ 22,723 | $ 15,498 | $ 29,725 |
Weighted average number of common shares | 332,786,743 | 310,318,903 | 325,416,876 | 304,934,741 |
Adjusted earnings per share - basic | $ 0.02 | $ 0.07 | $ 0.05 | $ 0.10 |
Net cash is calculated as the sum of the cash and cash equivalents balance net of debt as at the statement of financial position date. The net debt calculation excludes the convertible debentures and lease liabilities, due to the nature of the obligations, in order to show the nominal undiscounted debt.
A reconciliation of net cash is provided below:
June 30, | March 31, 2022 | December 31, | |
Cash and cash equivalents ($000s) | $ 75,816 | $ 166,078 | $ 199,235 |
Debt ($000s) | (80,000) | (80,000) | (80,000) |
Net (debt) cash ($000s) | $ (4,184) | $ 86,078 | $ 119,235 |
This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and associated MD&A for the same period, which are available from the Company's website, www.argonautgold.com, in the "Investors" section under "Financial Filings", and under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Argonaut Gold. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to statements with respect to: the conditions precedent for the Committed Credit Facilities, independent engineer technical review, the availability and change in terms of financing, the Magino construction capital estimate; the ability to finance additional construction costs on terms acceptable to Argonaut; risks related to meeting the Magino construction project schedule; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; the impact of inflation on costs of exploration, development and production; estimated production and mine life of the various mineral projects of Argonaut; risk of employee and/or contractor strike actions; timing of approval for modifications to existing permits; permitting and legal processes in relation to mining permitting and approval; the benefits of the development potential of the properties of Argonaut; the future price of gold, copper, and silver; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; success of exploration activities; the impact of COVID-19, the response of governments to COVID-19 and the effectiveness of such responses; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Argonaut, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Argonaut and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.
Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the availability and changing terms of financing, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in inflation, risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; risks relating to international operations, fluctuating metal prices and currency exchange rates, changes in project parameters, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, the impact of COVID-19 and the impact and effectiveness of governmental responses to COVID-19, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.
These factors are discussed in greater detail in Argonaut's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Argonaut cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Argonaut believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release.
Although Argonaut has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Argonaut undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed. Comparative market information is as of a date prior to the date of this document.
Technical information included in this release was supervised and approved by Brian Arkell, Argonaut's Vice President, Exploration and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. For further information on the Company's material properties, please see the reports as listed below on the Company's website or on www.sedar.com:
El Castillo Gold | El Castillo Gold Mine, Durango, Mexico NI 43-101 Technical Report dated February 14, 2022 (effective date of October 1, 2021) |
San Agustin | San Agustin Gold/Silver Mine, Durango, Mexico, NI 43-101 Technical Report dated February 14, 2022 (effective date of August 1, 2021) |
La Colorada | La Colorada Gold/Silver Mine, Sonara, Mexico, NI 43-101 Technical Report dated February 14, 2022 (effective date of October 1, 2021) |
Florida Canyon | NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Florida Canyon Gold Mine Pershing County, Nevada, USA dated July 8, 2020 (effective date June 1, 2020) |
Magino Gold | NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Update dated March 3, 2022 (effective date February 14, 2022) |
Cerro del Gallo | Pre-Feasibility Study Technical Report on the Cerro del Gallo Project, Guanajuato, Mexico dated January 31, 2020 (effective date of October 24, 2019 |
Argonaut Gold is a Canadian gold company engaged in exploration, mine development and production. Its primary assets are the El Castillo mine and San Agustin mine, which together form the El Castillo Complex in Durango, Mexico, the La Colorada mine in Sonora, Mexico and the Florida Canyon mine in Nevada, USA. The Company also holds the construction stage Magino project, the advanced exploration stage Cerro del Gallo project and several other exploration stage projects, all of which are located in North America.
For more information, contact:
Argonaut Gold Inc.
Joanna Longo
Investor Relations
Phone: 416-575-6965
Email: info@argonautgold.com
SOURCE Argonaut Gold Inc.