METALLA REPORTS FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2023 AND PROVIDES ASSET UPDATES
(All dollar amounts are in thousands of
Brett Heath, President, and CEO of Metalla, commented, "During the first quarter we received stronger than expected production from Wharf and
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the subsequent period up to the date of this news release, the Company:
- Acquired 1 stream and 5 royalties, to bring the total held as at the date of this press release to 85 precious metals assets, through the following transactions:
- Acquired an existing
2.5% -3.75% sliding scale Gross Proceeds ("GP") royalty over gold, together with a0.25% -3.0% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty on all non-gold and silver metals on the majority of Barrick Gold Corporation's ("Barrick") world-class Lama project inArgentina , from an arm's length seller for aggregate consideration of . The transaction closed on March 9, 2023, at which time the Company paid the$7.5 million in cash, and issued 466,827 common shares of the Company to the seller (valued at$2.5 million per share). The remaining$5.35 53 , to be paid in cash or common shares, is payable within 90 days upon the earlier of a 2 Moz gold Mineral Reserve estimate on the royalty area or 36 months after the closing date;$2.5 million - Acquired one silver stream and three royalties from Alamos Gold Corp. ("
Alamos ") for in common shares of Metalla valued at$5.0 million per share, representing the 20-day Volume-Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of shares of Metalla traded on the NYSE prior to the announcement of the transaction. The transaction closed on February 23, 2023, at which time the Company issued 939,355 common shares of the Company to$5.32 28Alamos . The stream and royalties acquired in this transaction include:
- a
20% silver stream over theEsperanza project located inMorales, Mexico owned by Zacatecas Silver Corp.; - a
1.4% NSR royalty on the Fenn Gibb South project located inTimmins, Ontario owned by Mayfair Gold Corp.; - a
2.0% NSR royalty on the Ronda project located in Shining Tree,Ontario owned by Platinex Inc.; and - a
2.0% NSR royalty on the Northshore West property located inThunder Bay, Ontario owned by New Path Resources Inc. - For the three months ended March 31, 2023, received or accrued payments on 927 attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEOs") at an average realized price of
and an average cash cost of$1,836 per attributable GEO (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);$5 - For the three months ended March 31, 2023, recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty payments, of
, net loss of$1.0 million , and Adjusted EBITDA of$1.4 million (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);$0.6 million - For the three months ended March 31, 2023, generated operating cash margin of
per attributable GEO, from the Wharf,$1,831 El Realito ,La Encantada , the New Luika Gold Mine ("NLGM") stream held by Silverback Ltd. ("Silverback"), the Higginsville derivative royalty asset, and other royalty interests (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures); - For the three months ended March 31, 2023, recognized payments due or received (not included in revenue) from the Higginsville derivative royalty asset of
(see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);$0.7 million - On May 27, 2022, the Company announced that it had entered into a new equity distribution agreement with a syndicate of agents to establish an ATM equity program (the "2022 ATM Program") under which the Company may distribute up to
(or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in common shares of the Company. From inception to the date of this press release, the Company distributed 1,078,079 common shares under the 2022 ATM Program at an average price of$50.0 million per share for gross proceeds of$5.20 ;$5.6 million - On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a second supplemental loan agreement (the "Supplemental Loan Agreement") with Beedie Capital, expected to be effective March 31, 2023, once customary conditions are satisfied, to amend its loan facility by:
- extending the maturity date to May 9, 2027;
- increasing the loan facility by
C from$5.0 million C to$20.0 million C , of which$25.0 million C will be undrawn after giving effect to the$21.0 million C conversion described below;$4.0 million - increasing the interest rate from
8.0% to10.0% per annum; - amending the conversion price of the fourth drawdown from
C per share to$11.16 C per share, being a$8.67 30% premium to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment; - amending the conversion price of
C of the third drawdown from$4.0 million C per share to$14.30 C per share, being the 5-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment, and converting the$7.33 C into shares at the new conversion price. The Company will issue Beedie 545,702 common shares of the Company for the conversion of the$4.0 million C once customary conditions are satisfied;$4.0 million - amending the conversion price of the remaining
C of the Third Drawdown from$1.0 million C per share to$14.30 C per share, being to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment; and$8.67 - All other terms of the loan facility remain unchanged.
- On March 30, 2023, the Company signed an amendment with the arm's length seller of the Castle Mountain royalty to extend the maturity date of the
loan from June 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024. As part of the amendment, on March 31, 2023, the Company paid all accrued interest on the loan, and effective April 1, 2023, the interest rate increased to$5.0 million 12.0% per annum, and the principal and accrued interest will be repaid no later than April 1, 2024.
ASSET UPDATES
Below are updates during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and subsequent period to certain of the Company's assets, based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:
On April 20, 2023, First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") announced production of 89 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2023 from
On March 31, 2023, First Majestic declared Probable Reserves of 13.6 Moz at 133 g/t silver, and total Measured and Indicated Resources of 31.6 Moz at 148 g/t silver at
Metalla holds a
On April 27, 2023, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. ("Agnico") reported that gold production from La India totaled 16,321 oz gold for the first quarter of 2023. Mine production levels for the first quarter were good with grades higher than target. Changes are underway to improve the leach kinetics of the heap leach pads at the mine. An investigation is ongoing for additional sulphide mineralization with a plan to drill 4,000 meters at the Chipriona target which is northwest and adjacent to
Metalla holds a
Wharf Royalty
On February 22, 2023, Coeur Mining Inc. ("Coeur") reported fourth quarter production of 19.9 Koz gold at 0.65 g/t, in line with full year guidance for Wharf disclosed by Coeur on February 16, 2022. Coeur has guided 2023 production to be in the range of 85 – 95 Koz. Successful exploration and infill drilling during the year allowed for a
Metalla holds a
New Luika Silver Stream
On April 24, 2023, Shanta Gold Limited ("Shanta") reported that it produced 15.3 Koz of gold at its NLGM in
Metalla holds a
Wasamac
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported that prior to the closing of the transaction to acquire Yamana Gold Corp.'s ("Yamana") Canadian assets, Yamana completed 29 drill holes totalling 14,673 meters at Wasamac which yielded a significant intercept of 4.7 g/t gold over 54.1 meters.
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported they are reviewing the technical aspects of the project with a focus on processing ore at the Canadian Malartic mill, which is expected to reduce the project footprint and capital cost. An internal evaluation of the project is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023 and Agnico expects the project has the potential to produce 200 Koz gold annually.
Metalla holds a
Garrison
On April 11, 2023, Moneta Gold Inc. ("Moneta") announced the results of assays from historical drill core at Garrison. The sampling confirmed the continuity and extension of gold mineralized zones not currently included in the latest Mineral Resource estimate. Significant results include 1.87 g/t over 18 meters and 1.58 g/t gold over 18.5 meters at Garrcon and 13.5 g/t gold over 3.2 meters and 4.79 g/t gold over 3.75 meters at Jonpol.
On September 7, 2022, Moneta announced positive results for a PEA for the Tower Gold Project envisioning a 19,200 tpd combined open pit and underground mining operation with strong economics. Average annual gold production over the first eleven years is expected to be 368 Koz gold with the majority of the ounces in the first five to six years sourced from the Garrison open pit.
Metalla holds a
Amalgamated Kirkland Property
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported infill drill results from the Amalgamated Kirkland deposit featuring highlights of 14.7 g/t gold over 5.3 meters and 13.0 g/t gold over 4.9 meters. The AK deposit remains open toward the west and vertically along the west fringe.
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported it is evaluating the potential to source additional production from Amalgamated Kirkland to be processed at either Macassa or at the LaRonde complex. Agnico is evaluating the potential to produce between 20 Koz to 40 Koz of gold per year from the AK deposit commencing in 2024.
Metalla holds a
Endeavor
On March 28, 2023, Polymetals Resources Ltd. ("Polymetals") announced the execution of a share sale and purchase agreement in relation to the proposed acquisition of all of the issued share capital of Orana Minerals Pty Ltd., which is the sole shareholder of Cobar Metals Pty Ltd. ("Cobar Metals"). Cobar Metals has in turn entered into an agreement to purchase the Endeavor lead, zinc and silver mine in
On April 17, 2023, Polymetals announced the results of six drill holes completed on Endeavor, highlighted by
Côté-Gosselin
On February 2, 2023, and February 16, 2023, IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") reported that it had completed
Metalla holds a
Fifteen Mile Stream
On April 27, 2023, St. Barbara Limited ("St Barbara") reported a revised permitting timeline for Fifteen Mile Stream which targets development in fiscal 2026. In addition, St. Barbara will investigate repurposing the Touquoy processing facility for use at Fifteen Mile Stream to lower capital and construction cost.
Metalla holds a
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported that gold production from
Metalla holds a
Lama
On May 3, 2023, Barrick reported that drilling continued during the first quarter of 2023 with one rig testing mineralization concepts at Penelope South and West targets. Total exploration, evaluation and project expenses for the whole Pascua-Lama project totaled
Metalla holds a
Castle Mountain
On May 3, 2023, Equinox Gold Corp. ("Equinox") reported a surface exploration program of geological mapping and channel sampling commenced with the primary goal to sample previously identified mineralization exposed on surface such that data can be used in future Mineral Resource estimation. Sustaining capital expenditures during the quarter were primarily related to work on a water well. A total of
On February 23, 2023, Equinox reported that in 2023 it plans to spend
Metalla holds a
On February 16, 2023, Agnico provided a resource update on the
Metalla holds a
Akasaba West
On April 27, 2023, Agnico announced that 670 kt of overburden was removed to date and construction and installation of surface infrastructure was ongoing to bring the Akasaba West project online for early 2024 where it is expected to contribute 12,000 ounces of gold per year to the Goldex operation.
Metalla holds a
Camflo
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported there are three drill rigs currently investigating near-surface targets at Camflo. On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported the Canadian Malartic partnership has identified porphyry hosted gold mineralization that could potentially be mined via an open pit at the Camflo property and provide tonnage to the Canadian Malartic operation by the end of the decade. Additional studies are underway to fully evaluate the mineralization and additional potential in adjacent rock types. An aggressive drill program of
Metalla holds a
Plomosas
On March 20, 2023, GR Silver Mining announced an updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Plomosas project. At the Plomosas Mine area, total Indicated Resources are 31 Moz at 200 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq") and Inferred Resources are 17 Moz at 175 g/t AgEq. The San Juan-La Colorada Area has an Indicated Resource of 1 Moz at 204 g/t AgEq and an Inferred Resource of 16 Moz at 180 g/t AgEq.
Metalla holds a
Tower Mountain
On April 25, 2023, Thunder Gold Corp announced they intersected 941 g/t over 1.5 meters with visible gold in the core at the Thunder Gold property. Additional highlights include 0.77 g/t gold over 23 meters and 1.26 g/t gold over 17.5 meters.
Metalla holds a
Montclerg
Through press releases dated February 8, 2023, and January 18, 2023, GFG Resources Inc. reported high grade intervals at the Montclerg Gold Project located 48 km east of the Timmins Gold District. Significant intercepts include 8.46 g/t gold over 5 meters and 9.85 g/t gold over 16 meters.
Metalla holds a
Detour DNA
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported the results from step out drilling approximately 2.4 km west of the Detour West pit where a significant drill hole intercepted 2.6 g/t gold over 35.3 meters and 13.7 g/t gold over 3.2 meters.
Metalla holds a
Green Springs
On December 9, 2022, Contact Gold Corp. announced it has entered into a
Metalla holds a
QUALIFIED PERSON
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, geologist M.Sc., member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of
ABOUT METALLA
Metalla is a precious metals royalty and streaming company. Metalla provides shareholders with leveraged precious 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 and silver companies for the next commodities cycle.
For further information, please visit our website at www.metallaroyalty.com
ON BEHALF OF METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.
(signed) "Brett Heath"
President and 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, plus an amount calculated by taking the revenue earned by the Company in the period from payable silver ounces attributable to the Company divided by the average
Attributable GEOs during the period from: | |
Higginsville | 354 |
Wharf | 352 |
168 | |
26 | |
NLGM | 27 |
Total attributable GEOs | 927 |
(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 three months ended March 31, 2023, was:
Cost of sales for NLGM | |
Total cash cost of sales | 5 |
Total attributable GEOs | 927 |
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, and including cash received or accrued in the period from derivative royalty assets, by the number of attributable GEOs sold. 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 months ended March 31, 2023, was:
Royalty revenue (excluding fixed royalty payments) | |
Payments from derivative assets | 669 |
Revenue from NLGM | 52 |
Sales from stream and royalty interests | 1,702 |
Total attributable GEOs sold | 927 |
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 months ended March 31, 2023, was:
Net loss | |
Adjusted for: | |
Interest expense | 315 |
Finance charges | 33 |
Income tax provision | 199 |
Depletion | 399 |
Foreign exchange loss | 68 |
Share-based payments | 897 |
Adjusted EBITDA |
Refer the Company's MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2023, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, for a numerical reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial measures described above. The presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures 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. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS financial measures differently.
Technical and Third-Party Information
Metalla has limited, if any, access to the properties on which Metalla 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
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; the future achievement of any milestones in respect of the payment or satisfaction of contingent consideration by Metalla; the effectiveness, and potential use and benefit of the Company's final short form base shelf prospectus and Form F-10 registration statement; the future sales of common shares under the 2022 ATM program and the value of the gross proceeds to be raised; the future availability of funds, including drawdowns pursuant to the Company's loan facility (as amended or supplemented); the effective interest rate of drawdowns under the Company's loan facility (as amended or supplemented) and the life expectancy thereof; the future conversion of funds drawn down by Metalla under its loan facility (as amended or supplemented); the amendments or supplements to the Company's loan facility, including the effectiveness of the Supplemental Loan Agreement and conversion of
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 sole material asset, the Côté 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, including COVID-19 global health pandemic, 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 associated with Metalla's 2022 ATM Program; 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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SOURCE Metalla Royalty and Streaming Ltd.