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Bear Creek Mining Reports Q3 2024 Financial and Operating Results

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Bear Creek Mining reported Q3 2024 financial results, achieving a gross profit of $5.9 million and its first profit after operating expenses since acquiring Mercedes mine. The mine produced 10,751 ounces of gold and 76,939 ounces of silver during Q3 2024, with cash costs of $1,285 and AISC of $1,697 per gold ounce. Revenue reached $29.7 million, with comprehensive loss of $7.0 million ($0.03 per share). The company held $7.7 million in cash as of September 30, 2024. Operations at Mercedes showed improved efficiency with higher gold and silver production, benefiting from stronger metal prices. The company continues development at Corani Project, with a PEA expected by end of 2024.

Bear Creek Mining ha riportato i risultati finanziari del terzo trimestre del 2024, registrando un profitto lordo di 5,9 milioni di dollari e il suo primo utile dopo le spese operative dall'acquisizione della miniera di Mercedes. Durante il terzo trimestre del 2024, la miniera ha prodotto 10.751 once d’oro e 76.939 once d'argento, con costi in contante di 1.285 dollari e AISC di 1.697 dollari per oncia d'oro. I ricavi hanno raggiunto 29,7 milioni di dollari, con una perdita complessiva di 7,0 milioni di dollari (0,03 dollari per azione). L'azienda deteneva 7,7 milioni di dollari in contante al 30 settembre 2024. Le operazioni a Mercedes hanno mostrato una maggiore efficienza con una produzione di oro e argento aumentata, beneficiando di prezzi più elevati dei metalli. L'azienda prosegue lo sviluppo del progetto Corani, con un PEA previsto entro la fine del 2024.

Bear Creek Mining reportó los resultados financieros del tercer trimestre de 2024, logrando una ganancia bruta de 5.9 millones de dólares y su primer beneficio después de los gastos operativos desde la adquisición de la mina Mercedes. La mina produjo 10,751 onzas de oro y 76,939 onzas de plata durante el tercer trimestre de 2024, con costos en efectivo de 1,285 dólares y AISC de 1,697 dólares por onza de oro. Los ingresos alcanzaron 29.7 millones de dólares, con una pérdida integral de 7.0 millones de dólares (0.03 dólares por acción). La compañía tenía 7.7 millones de dólares en efectivo al 30 de septiembre de 2024. Las operaciones en Mercedes mostraron una eficiencia mejorada con una mayor producción de oro y plata, beneficiándose de precios de metales más altos. La empresa continúa el desarrollo del Proyecto Corani, con un PEA que se espera para finales de 2024.

Bear Creek Mining는 2024년 3분기 재무 결과를 발표하며 590만 달러의 총 이익을 기록했으며, 메르세데스 광산 인수 이후 운영 비용을 제외한 첫 이익을 달성했습니다. 이 광산은 2024년 3분기 동안 10,751온스의 금76,939온스의 은을 생산하였고, 현금 비용은 온스당 1,285달러, AISC는 1,697달러였습니다. 수익은 2,970만 달러에 달하며, 총 손실은 700만 달러(주당 0.03달러)로 나타났습니다. 회사는 2024년 9월 30일 현재 770만 달러의 현금을 보유하고 있었습니다. 메르세데스에서의 운영은 개선된 효율성을 보였고, 금과 은의 생산이 증가하며 더 높은 금속 가격을 반영했습니다. 회사는 코라니 프로젝트 개발을 계속 진행하고 있으며, 2024년 말에 PEA를 발표할 예정입니다.

Bear Creek Mining a publié les résultats financiers du troisième trimestre 2024, affichant un bénéfice brut de 5,9 millions de dollars et son premier bénéfice après les charges d'exploitation depuis l'acquisition de la mine de Mercedes. La mine a produit 10 751 onces d'or et 76 939 onces d'argent au troisième trimestre 2024, avec des coûts en espèces de 1 285 dollars et un AISC de 1 697 dollars par once d'or. Le chiffre d'affaires a atteint 29,7 millions de dollars, avec une perte globale de 7,0 millions de dollars (0,03 dollar par action). La société détenait 7,7 millions de dollars en liquidités au 30 septembre 2024. Les opérations à Mercedes ont montré une efficacité améliorée avec une production d'or et d'argent accrue, bénéficiant de prix des métaux plus élevés. L'entreprise poursuit le développement du projet Corani, avec une PEA attendue d'ici la fin 2024.

Bear Creek Mining berichtete über die finanziellen Ergebnisse des dritten Quartals 2024, mit einem Bruttogewinn von 5,9 Millionen Dollar und dem ersten Gewinn nach Betriebskosten seit der Übernahme der Mercedes-Mine. Die Mine produzierte 10.751 Unzen Gold und 76.939 Unzen Silber im dritten Quartal 2024, mit Barkosten von 1.285 Dollar und AISC von 1.697 Dollar pro Unze Gold. Der Umsatz erreichte 29,7 Millionen Dollar, mit einem umfassenden Verlust von 7,0 Millionen Dollar (0,03 Dollar pro Aktie). Das Unternehmen hielt am 30. September 2024 7,7 Millionen Dollar in bar. Die Abläufe in Mercedes zeigten eine verbesserte Effizienz mit einer höheren Gold- und Silberproduktion und profitierten von höheren Metallpreisen. Das Unternehmen setzt die Entwicklung des Corani-Projekts fort, mit einer PEA, die bis Ende 2024 erwartet wird.

Positive
  • Achieved first profit after operating expenses since Mercedes acquisition
  • Gross profit of $5.9 million in Q3 2024
  • Revenue increased to $29.7 million from $18.8 million year-over-year
  • Significant increase in silver production to 76,939 ounces
  • Cash position improved to $7.7 million, up from $3.9 million at end of 2023
  • Operating cash flow of $12.6 million for nine months ended September 30, 2024
Negative
  • Working capital deficiency of $93.2 million as of September 30, 2024
  • Comprehensive net loss of $7.0 million ($0.03 per share)
  • Adjusted loss of $2.2 million ($0.01 per share)
  • High AISC of $1,697 per gold ounce

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 26, 2024) - Bear Creek Mining Corporation (TSXV: BCM) (OTCQX: BCEKF) (BVL: BCM) ("Bear Creek" or the "Company") reports its interim condensed consolidated financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024 ("Q3 2024").

This news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's interim condensed consolidated financial statements and management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, which are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.bearcreekmining.com). Monetary amounts in this news release are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated and all capitalized terms herein have the same meaning as defined in the Q3 2024 financial statements.

Eric Caba, President & CEO, states, "We are very happy to report that Bear Creek recorded a gross profit of $5.9 million during the quarter, and for the first time since acquiring Mercedes, a profit after operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Our ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and our application of operational discipline resulted in an increase in gold and silver production during the quarter. Undoubtedly, the current strength in metal prices also had a positive impact on achieving this exciting financial milestone. We continue to adapt and improve the mining methods to suit the ore bodies, and we anticipate this will further reduce dilution and contribute to improvements in profitability in 2025. The ongoing operational improvements at Mercedes, the identified exploration targets, and the inclusion of the oxide resource in Corani, leave us very excited for the year ahead."

Selected Q3 2024 Financial and Production Results
Bear Creek's Mercedes gold mine, located in Sonora, Mexico, produced 10,751 ounces of gold and 76,939 ounces of silver during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During this period 11,066 ounces of gold were sold, of which 825 ounces of gold were delivered under streaming arrangements. Cash costs and AISC per ounce of gold sold were $1,285 and $1,697, respectively. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures", below.

Mercedes Operating HighlightsQ3 2024Year to Date
Gold ounces produced 10,75132,283
Silver ounces produced76,939161,872
Gold ounces sold 11,06632,900
Cash costs per gold ounce sold (1) $1,285$1,349
AISC per gold ounce sold (1)$1,697$1,755
Tonnes mined 103,889303,348
Tonnes processed 102,535307,541
Average gold grade mined (g/t)3.363.51
Average gold grade processed (g/t)3.403.45
Recovery rate gold96%95%
Average realized gold price (2)$2,469$2,266
Development (meters)2,0257,374

 

Financial Results
(millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Revenue$29.7
Gross Profit$5.9
Profit before "other items"$0.4
Comprehensive earnings (loss) after taxes$(7.0)
Comprehensive earnings (loss) per share (3)$(0.03)
Adjusted earnings (loss) after taxes (1)(4)$(2.2)
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share (1)(3)(4)$(0.01)
Weighted average shares during period227,658,982
Shares issued and outstanding at end of period227,725,785

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Cash generated from (used in) operating activities$12.6
Cash generated from (used in) investing activities$(8.2)
Cash generated from (used in) financing activities$(0.6)
Net increase (decrease) in cash$3.8

 

(1) Non-GAAP Measure. Please see "Non-GAAP Measures" below for further information.
(2) Inclusive of final settlement adjustments on sales for non-streamed ounces.
(3) Per share amounts are based on weighted average shares during the period.
(4) Adjusted earnings excludes non-cash items that are significant but not reflective of the underlying operational performance of the Company and are a useful metric as they are an important indicator of the strength of operations and the performance of the Company's core business. Additional information is provided in the Company's Q3 2024 MD&A.

Mercedes Mine, Mexico
The Mercedes mine, in the state of Sonora, Mexico, is a fully mechanized, ramp-access operation that produces gold and silver. Eleven individual deposits have been mined, of which five are actively in production.

The Mercedes Mine had one lost time incident ("LTI") and no reportable environmental incidents during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Exploration
Mercedes exploration efforts during Q3 2024 focused on underground Mineral Resource extension and infill drilling at the Marianas, Diluvio West and Barrancas deposits. Data obtained from infill drilling will assist in the upgrading of new Mineral Resources and the conversion of Resources to Mineral Reserves. Surface Mineral Resource exploration & extension drilling programs at the Diluvio Northwest and Lagunas West targets also continued during Q3 2024. Expenditures on exploration drilling during the quarter totaled $0.5 million and underground delineation drilling expenses totaled $1.34 million.

As a result of initiatives to identify new near-mine and district-wide exploration targets undertaken during Q2 and Q3 2024, six high priority brownfield targets and eight greenfield targets have now been identified in the Mercedes concessions. The Company is currently evaluating and prioritizing these targets for potential inclusion in its 2025 surface and underground exploration drilling programs. The 69,284-hectare Mercedes property is located at the convergence of discrete porphyry, epithermal & orogenic belts – a geologically highly prospective setting that is largely underexplored outside of the Mercedes mine area.

Development
Development totaled 2,025 meters during Q3 2024, a slight decrease from past quarters as development in the Marianas deposit was limited in favour of driving the new lateral ramp. This ramp was completed during the quarter and production from Marianas resumed toward the end of September 2024. Portal access to the Rey de Oro Alta deposit was also initiated during Q3 2024.

Planning for a new tailings storage facility ("TSF3") continued during Q3 2024. A land use permit for TSF3 was issued during Q1 2024, however final permitting has been impacted by bureaucratic delays in the implementation of Mexico's new mining law announced in 2023. Alternative plans for the deposition of tailings are underway, including utilizing a third-party engineering firm to engineer and design a dry stack tailings disposal option that is expected to move into the permitting phase during Q1 of 2025.

A focus on fundamental changes to the cost structure and operating protocols continued to dominate management's efforts to improve outcomes from the Mercedes mine. Initiatives completed or further advanced during Q3 2024 include the restructuring of mining contracts to help replace aged machinery with equipment that is right sized for the extraction and exploitation of the Marianas ore body.

Production
Mercedes' Q3 2024 production was comprised of contributions from four main deposit areas: San Martin, Marianas, Diluvio and Lupita and totalled 10,751 ounces of gold and 76,939 ounces of silver. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, 103,889 tonnes of ore were mined at an average mining grade of 3.36 g/t gold and 43.77 g/t silver, and 102,535 tonnes of ore were processed at an average grade of 3.10 g/t gold and 47.91 g/t silver. The average gold grade of ore processed during Q3 2024 was largely in keeping with the last two quarters, continuing the improvement in grade in comparison to the 2023 average of 2.77 g/t. The San Martin deposit continued to contribute the majority of Mercedes' Q3 2024 mined and processed tonnage.

Gold production improved during Q3 2024 relative to the previous quarter as a result of an increase in mined and processed tonnage coupled with slightly higher gold recovery rates. Notably, silver production totaled almost 77,000 ounces during the third quarter, a substantial increase over each of the first two quarters of 2024 as well as the average quarterly silver produced from Mercedes since Bear Creek acquired the mine in 2022, as a result of favorable mineralogy at San Martin that allowed to significantly improve silver recovery rates.

Outlook
Production from the San Martin is expected to wind down during Q1 of 2025. Both the Marianas and Rey de Oro Alta deposits are expected to begin contributing ore in the later part of 2024 and be significant contributors in 2025. During the transition of production to these deposits in the near term, we expect production levels to be highly variable as we sequentially advance through differing grades in San Martin and advance the development in Marianas and Rey de Oro.

Upgraded geological and Mineral Resource block models for all Mercedes deposits are progressing in preparation for a 2024 update on the Mineral Resource estimate and subsequent conversion to Mineral Reserves. Modifying factors used in the resource and reserve estimates, including gold and silver prices, are being updated and the 2024 Mineral Resource and Reserve estimates will inform the mine planning, production scheduling and ultimately, determination of mining costs to be incorporated into a new 2025 economic model for the Mercedes mine. The continued focus on development as well as Resource delineation and exploration Resource extension drilling will support the plans for short and medium-term production planning as well as the 2025 budgeting process.

The Company has commenced a program to delineate new prospects, with the potential to lead to discovery of new Mineral Resources proximal to Mercedes' current operations, to be followed by a second phase of work aimed at expanding the existing interpretation of the remainder of the Mercedes concessions with a view to defining key mineralized systems and including new mineralization models.

Corani Project
Activities at the Corani Property during the three months ended September 30, 2024 focused primarily on assessment of the "Oxide Opportunity" (see news release dated September 9, 2024), which has the potential to enhance life of mine silver production, improve already robust economic returns, and meaningfully lower the initial capital required to commence operations at Corani. The Company is working toward completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") that will consider a development plan for Corani consisting of an initial phase of mining near-surface, silver-rich oxidized material (the "Oxides") to be followed by the development and extraction of the silver-lead-zinc sulfide resources outlined in the 2019 Corani Feasibility Study technical report (available on the Company's website and SEDAR+). The results of the PEA, and the technical report supporting them, are expected to be announced prior to the end of 2024.

The Company is continuing to investigate financing alternatives to fund development of the Corani mine, supporting prior early works initiatives such as road access and completion of electrical transmission lines, and focusing on maintaining the Corani permits and the project's strong social license.

Overview of Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company recorded revenue of $29.7 million from the sale of gold and silver during the three months ended September 30, 2024 (compared to $18.8 million for the comparative period of 2023). The cost of goods sold was $16.5 million and depletion, amortization and depreciation amounted to $7.2 million during Q2 2024. Gross profit from operations was $6.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to a gross loss of $6.8 million for the same period in 2023.

The Company recorded a profit (before other items) of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 (compared to a loss (before other items) of $11.7 million the same period a year earlier).

Adjusted Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2024 totalled $(2.2) million or ($0.01) per share. Adjusted Earnings are a non-GAAP financial measure (see "Non-GAAP Measures", below) which excludes items that are significant but not reflective of the underlying operational performance of the Company.

Spending on the Corani property totalled $1.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024, a small decrease compared to the same period a year earlier (Q3 2023: $2.0 million) due to decreased consulting costs. The Corani expenditures comprise both direct project expenditures and corporate overhead costs. Exploration costs, including maintenance of the Company's Peruvian property interests and exploration at Mercedes, totaled $1.9 million during the quarter (Q3 2023: $1.1 million). This increase is due to increased exploration drilling at Mercedes.

The Company fair values the conversion feature of its convertible debentures, and call options granted as part of notes payable at each period end and recorded a loss of $1.2 million (Q3 2023: gain of $1.3 million) presented as a change in fair value of the derivatives embedded into the Equinox Note and Sandstorm Loan. The major factor impacting this loss was the change in share price of the Company during the quarter.

The Company fair values the warrant liability associated with financing in Q4 2023 and recorded a loss of $0.3 million (Q3 2023: nil) due to the fluctuations in the Company's share price.

The difference between the Q3 2024 profit (before other items) and the after-tax net loss is primarily attributable to a $(3.4) million change in the fair value of stream arrangements recorded during the quarter (compared to a $0.6 million gain in Q3 2023) due to increases in metals prices, remaining deliveries and the discount rates utilized.

After operating expenses, other income and expenses, tax expenses and recoveries the Company recorded a comprehensive net loss of $7.0 million ($0.03 per share) for the three months ended September 30, 2024 (Q3 2023: $9.8 million and $0.06 per share). The $2.8 million decrease in comprehensive loss period over period is primarily due to the $6.9 million increased loss on the valuation of embedded derivatives, stream arrangements and warrant liability and $1.1 million decrease in foreign exchange gain offset by the higher profit of $12.0 million.

On September 30, 2024, the Company held cash and short-term investments totaling $7.7 million, an increase of $3.8 million over the cash and short-term investments on December 31, 2023 of $3.9 million.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company had a cash inflow from operating activities of $12.6 million (2023: inflow of $2.0 million); a cash outflow from investing activities of $8.2 million (2023: outflow of $12.2 million); and an outflow of $0.6 million from financing activities (2023: outflow of $8.4 million).

The Company's interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were prepared following accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes the Company will be able to continue operations for at least twelve months from September 30, 2024 and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the ordinary course of operations.

On September 30, 2024, the Company had a working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) deficiency of $93.2 million (December 31, 2023: $89.7 million), which was impacted by the amendments to IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements, requiring reclassification of equity-settleable convertible notes and warrant liabilities totaling $57.2 million (December 31, 2023: $47.4 million) from non-current liabilities to current liabilities.

Non-GAAP Measures
This news release includes disclosure of certain financial measures or ratios, as such terms are used in National Instrument 52-112 - Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure, including Cash Cost, All-In Sustaining Cost ("AISC") and Adjusted Earnings. These Non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized financial measures under IFRS Accounting Standards ("IFRS") and might not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company believes that these measures and ratios provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the prospects of the Company as they provide additional information related to operating performance and are widely used in the mining industry.

For further information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures including reconciliations of these measures to the applicable costs items as reported in the consolidated financial statements for the respective periods, please see the information under the heading "Cash Cost and All-in-Sustaining Cost ("AISC") for Mercedes" and "Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings per Share" in the Company's MD&A for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024, available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Eric Caba
President and CEO

For further information contact:
Barbara Henderson - VP Corporate Communications
Direct: 604-628-1111
E-mail: barb@bearcreekmining.com
www.bearcreekmining.com
Subscribe to Bear Creek Mining news

NI 43-101 Disclosure
Unless otherwise indicated, the technical and scientific information provided in this MD&A related to the Company's mineral projects is based on work programs and initiatives conducted under the supervision of, and has been reviewed and approved by, Donald Mc Iver, Fellow SEG and Fellow Aus IMM. Mr. Mc Iver is Vice President, Exploration and Geology of Bear Creek Mining Corporation and is a qualified person ("QP") as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding: the ability of the Mercedes mine to generate free cash flow; expectations for future reductions in dilution and improvements in profitability at the Mercedes mine; expectations regarding the completion of updated estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves at the Mercedes mine and the implications of these new estimates on future mining plans, economic models and mining costs; anticipated exploration plans at the Mercedes property and the goals thereof; the evaluation of exploration targets and the potential for additional mineralization, yet undiscovered, within the Mercedes property; expectations regarding volatility in near term production results; the development of contingency plans for the disposal of tailings at the Mercedes mine and the viability of such contingencies; the expected contributions of various deposits to Mercedes' future production; expectations regarding the timing and outcomes of the Corani Oxides PEA; plans to re-initiate Corani project financing discussions; and expectations regarding the maintenance of Corani permits and social license. These forward-looking statements are provided as of the date of this news release and reflect predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events based on the Company's beliefs at the time the statements were made, as well as various assumptions made by and information currently available to them. In making these forward-looking statements, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to: that the Company will be able to meet its debt and stream obligations; that unforeseen factors will not impede the anticipated performance of the Mercedes mine; that development work at Mercedes will continue as planned and result in contributions to production as anticipated; and that exploration drilling plans will transpire as and when predicted. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and the risk exists that estimates, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions on which they are based do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the expectations expressed in them. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions expressed above do not occur, but may include additional risks as described in the Company's latest Annual Information Form, and other disclosure documents filed by the Company on SEDAR+. The foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on behalf of the Company, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231357

FAQ

What was Bear Creek Mining's (BCEKF) gold production in Q3 2024?

Bear Creek Mining produced 10,751 ounces of gold at its Mercedes mine during Q3 2024.

What was Bear Creek Mining's (BCEKF) revenue in Q3 2024?

Bear Creek Mining reported revenue of $29.7 million for Q3 2024.

What was Bear Creek Mining's (BCEKF) cash cost per gold ounce in Q3 2024?

The cash cost per gold ounce sold was $1,285 in Q3 2024.

What was Bear Creek Mining's (BCEKF) gross profit in Q3 2024?

Bear Creek Mining reported a gross profit of $5.9 million in Q3 2024.

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