Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE: FSM) (TSX:
FVI) reports production results for the fourth quarter and
full year 2024 from its five operating mines in Latin America and
West Africa. For the full year 2024, Fortuna produced a record
369,637 ounces of gold and 3,724,945 ounces of silver for a
record 455,958 gold equivalent ounces1, including lead and zinc
by-products. All references to dollar amounts in this news release
are expressed in US dollars.
Fourth quarter 2024
highlights
- Gold equivalent production of
116,358 oz; compared to 110,820 oz Au Eq in Q3 20243 and 136,154 oz
Au Eq in Q4 20232
- Gold production of 95,993 oz;
compared to 91,251 oz Au in Q3 20243 and 107,376 oz Au in Q4
20232
- Silver production of 843,611 oz;
compared to 816,187 oz in Q3 20243 and 1,354,003 oz in Q4
20232
- Repurchased 6,402,640 common shares
at an average price of $4.77 per share for a total of $30,529,066;
representing 41.88 percent of the 15,287,201 shares under the
Company’s normal course issuer bid6
Full year 2024 highlights
- Record gold equivalent production
of 455,958 oz1, in line with low end of guidance; compared to
452,389 oz Au Eq in 20232
- Record gold production of 369,637
oz, achieving midpoint of guidance; compared to 326,638 oz Au in
20232
- Silver production of 3.7 Moz, below
guidance; compared to 5.9 Moz in 20232
- By-product lead and zinc production
of 39.6 and 51.9 Mlbs, respectively
- 2024 Total Recordable Injury
Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 1.36 compared to 1.22 in 2023; Lost
Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.48 compared to 0.36 in
2023
2025 consolidated production and cost
guidance highlights
- Gold equivalent production of
between 380,000 and 422,000 oz; a projected decrease of between 17
and 7 percent, respectively, compared to 2024 production4
- Gold production of between 334,000
and 373,000 oz; a projected decrease of 10 percent and an increase
of 1 percent, compared to 20242
- Silver production of between 0.9
and 1.0 million oz; a projected decrease of between 76 and
73 percent, respectively, compared to 20242
- Cash cost of between $895 and
$1,015/oz Au Eq 5
- AISC of between $1,550 and
$1,680/oz Au Eq 5
Notes:
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead and
zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $2,401/oz
Au, $28.04/oz Ag, $2,072/t Pb and $2,786/t Zn or Au:Ag =
1:85.6, Au:Pb = 1:1.16, Au:Zn = 1:0.86
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
January 18, 2024, “Fortuna reports record 2023 production of 452
koz Au Eq and 2024 annual guidance of 457 to 497 koz Au Eq.”
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
October 10, 2024, “Fortuna reports solid production of 110,820 gold
equivalent ounces for the third quarter of 2024.”
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead, and
zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $2,500/oz
Au, $30.0/oz Ag, $2,100/t Pb and $2,700/t Zn or Au:Ag = 1:83.30,
Au:Pb = 1:1.19, Au:Zn = 1:0.93
- Refer to Appendix
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
December 3, 2024, “Fortuna reports progress on its share buyback
program”
2024 consolidated operating
results
|
Gold production (oz) |
Silver production (oz) |
Mines |
Q4 2024 |
FY 2024 |
2024 Guidance |
Q4 2024 |
FY 2024 |
2024 Guidance |
Séguéla, Côte d’Ivoire |
35,244 |
137,781 |
126,000 - 138,000 |
- |
- |
- |
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
29,576 |
116,206 |
105,000 - 119,000 |
- |
- |
- |
Lindero, Argentina |
26,806 |
97,287 |
93,000 - 105,000 |
- |
- |
- |
San Jose, Mexico |
4,239 |
17,811 |
19,000 - 23,000 |
594,373 |
2,548,402 |
3,100,000 - 3,600,000 |
Caylloma, Peru |
128 |
552 |
- |
249,238 |
1,176,543 |
900,000 - 1,100,000 |
Total |
95,993 |
369,637 |
343,000 - 385,000 |
843,611 |
3,724,945 |
4,000,000 - 4,700,000 |
Séguéla Mine, Côte
d’IvoireAchieves top end of guidance for gold
production
|
Q4 2024 |
FY 2024 |
2024 Guidance |
Tonnes milled |
430,117 |
1,561,800 |
- |
|
Average tpd milled |
4,727 |
4,279 |
- |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
2.95 |
2.95 |
- |
|
Gold recovery (%) |
91.7 |
93.0 |
- |
|
Gold production (oz)1 |
35,244 |
137,781 |
126,000 - 138,000 |
|
Note:
- Production includes doré only
Highlight
- Achieved 1.56 million tonnes of
annual production as an outcome of optimization work; 25 percent
above original design capacity
In the fourth quarter, mine production totaled
715,008 tonnes of ore, averaging 2.34 g/t Au, and containing an
estimated 53,796 ounces of gold from the Antenna, Ancien, and Koula
pits. Movement of waste totaled 3,670,138 tonnes, for a strip ratio
of 5.1:1. The Antenna pit was the primary source of production,
yielding 530,651 tonnes of ore, with the Koula and Ancien pits
contributing the remainder.
Séguéla produced 35,244 ounces of gold at an
average head grade of 2.95 g/t Au, a 0.7 and 9.7 percent
increase, respectively, compared to the third quarter in 2024.
Despite higher grades in the fourth quarter, production remained
essentially unchanged quarter over quarter due to inventory
movements in the plant circuit. The higher gold grade is in line
with the planned mining sequence and is representative of the life
of mine grade. Plant throughput for the quarter averaged 208 tonnes
per hour (tph), which is 35 percent higher than name plate design
capacity of 154 tph.
AISC for the full year is expected to be within
the 2024 guidance range of between $1,110 and $1,230 per ounce
sold, with AISC in the fourth quarter above the average for the
year, reflecting higher capex execution in the last quarter of
2024.
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso
Achieves top end of guidance for gold
production
|
Q4 2024 |
FY 2024 |
2024 Guidance |
Tonnes milled |
102,105 |
454,969 |
- |
|
Average tpd milled |
1,122 |
1,243 |
- |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
9.18 |
8.21 |
- |
|
Gold recovery (%) |
98.16 |
98.12 |
- |
|
Gold production1 (oz) |
29,576 |
116,206 |
105,000 - 119,000 |
|
Note:
- Production includes doré only
Highlights
- One-million-ounce gold pour
milestone in May 20241
- Fourth consecutive year free of
lost time injuries
In the fourth quarter, 102,105 tonnes of ore
were treated at an average head grade of 9.18 g/t Au, producing
29,576 ounces of gold. This represents a 37 percent increase in
grade, and a 6 percent increase in ounces, compared to the third
quarter in 2024. The reduced tonnage milled was primarily due to
the failure of the mill variable speed drive circuit breaker which
resulted in approximately 16 days of lost milling time. The
increased head grade is attributable to ore being mainly sourced
from stoping operations in the 55 Zone and QVP as development
operations decrease. In 55 Zone, ore development was completed
during the quarter, and waste development operations are scheduled
to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. At the 109 Zone, open
pit mobilization operations commenced, with mining due to start
later in the first quarter of 2025.
During the quarter, 117,817 tonnes of ore were
mined averaging 8.5 g/t Au from the 55 Zone and QVP.
AISC for the full year is expected to be
slightly above the 2024 guidance range of between $1,220 and $1,320
per ounce sold. This was driven by successful exploration results
and the required additional mine development, consistent with the
extension of the life of mine into 2025.
Note:
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
May 22, 2024: “Fortuna’s Yaramoko Mine reaches one-million-ounce
gold pour milestone”
Lindero Mine, Argentina
Achieves guidance for gold production
|
Q4 2024 |
FY 2024 |
2024 Guidance |
Ore placed on pad (t) |
1,757,290 |
6,367,505 |
- |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
0.60 |
0.62 |
- |
|
Gold production (oz)1 |
26,806 |
97,287 |
93,000 - 105,000 |
|
Note:
- Gold production includes doré, gold
in carbon, and gold in copper concentrate
Highlight
- Leach pad expansion entered
operation in the fourth quarter of 2024; delivered into operation
on time and on budget.
In the fourth quarter, 2.05 million tonnes of
ore were mined, with a stripping ratio of 1.54:1. A total of 1.76
million tonnes of ore were placed on the leach pad averaging 0.60
g/t Au, containing an estimated 34,151 ounces of gold.
Gold production for the quarter was 26,806
ounces of gold, comprised of 24,679 ounces in doré bars, 2,086
ounces contained in rich fine carbon, and 41 ounces contained in
copper precipitate. The 10 percent increase in production, when
compared to the previous quarter, is due to a higher rate of
pregnant solution percolation related to the first lift of ore
placed on the new leach pad expansion area. The mine began placing
ore on the expanded leach pad in the second half of October 2024.
By year end, the $51.8 million leach pad expansion project was
approximately 88 percent complete, with $6 million remaining to be
spent in the first quarter of 2025. This will be used to finalize
minor construction activities, demobilize construction contractors,
and close out the project. The leach pad expansion is expected to
be completed on budget.
Lindero’s energy supplier commenced work on a
14.5 MWh solar power plant project in September of 2024. Currently,
the project is 41 percent complete, and a 1 MWh battery energy
storage system has already been installed and linked to the
existing power plant. The project is expected to be complete by the
third quarter of 2025.
AISC for the full year is expected to be towards
the higher end of the 2024 guidance range between $1,730 and $1,950
per ounce sold, principally due to the appreciation of the
Argentine peso throughout the year. However, AISC is expected to
improve in 2025 as disclosed in the Lindero outlook section.
Operational efficiency initiatives related to
mine, plant capacity, and gold recovery
- Optimized the
drill bit diameter for production drilling, resulting in a 38
percent improvement in productivity per meter drilled.
- Commenced
project to change the loading and haulage fleet from 100-tonne
trucks and shovels to 40-tonne trucks and excavators. This project
is expected to reduce capital expenditures, diesel consumption,
improve supply options for spare parts, and reduce inventory levels
over the life of mine.
- Optimization of
the primary and secondary crushers achieved a 13 percent increase
in hourly throughput compared to the previous year.
- HPGR attained a
12 percent reduction in average particle size, aiming to improve
gold recovery.
- The SART plant
achieved a 20 percent reduction in consumption of key reagents when
compared to design KPIs.
- Cyanide
consumption was reduced by 10 percent compared to the previous
year, bringing the current consumption down to 0.28 kg/t.
- Optimization of
the adsorption columns and pressure vessels increased flow by 10
percent, leading to improved gold extraction.
- Once completed,
the solar power plant is expected to generate annual savings of
approximately $1.8 million by replacing an estimated 40 percent of
diesel consumption with solar power generation, whilst reducing the
carbon footprint by approximately 10,630 t/year of CO2
emissions.
These initiatives are aligned with Fortuna’s
continuous improvement strategy, and the operation continues to
identify opportunities to improve its competitiveness.
San Jose Mine, Mexico
Production from the tail end of reserves
|
Q4 2024 |
FY 2024 |
2024 Guidance |
Tonnes milled |
190,063 |
735,591 |
- |
|
Average tpd milled |
2,437 |
2,138 |
- |
|
Silver grade (g/t) |
118 |
125 |
- |
|
Silver recovery (%) |
82.70 |
86.07 |
- |
|
Silver production (oz) |
594,373 |
2,548,402 |
3,100,000 - 3,600,000 |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
0.85 |
0.89 |
- |
|
Gold recovery (%) |
81.96 |
84,76 |
- |
|
Gold production (oz) |
4,239 |
17,811 |
19,000 - 23,000 |
|
Highlight
- Subsequent to the end of the
quarter, the Company announced the sale of the non-core San Jose
Mine1,2
In the fourth quarter, the San Jose Mine
produced 594,373 ounces of silver and 4,239 ounces of gold at
average head grades of 118 g/t Ag and 0.85 g/t Au, an increase of
16 and 12 percent, respectively, when compared to the third quarter
of 2024. The positive results were due to higher grades being
mined, with the processing plant milling 190,063 tonnes at an
average rate of 2,437 tonnes per day. Metallurgical recoveries
continued to be impacted by higher iron oxide material from the
upper levels.
Annual production of silver and gold were 18 and
6 percent below the lower end of annual guidance, respectively.
Approximately 5 percent of the lower production for both metals was
due to the effect of the iron oxide in the metallurgical recovery.
Head grades for the year were aligned with the geological model,
albeit slightly lower than expected.
As the mine was operating at the tail end of
reserves, lower tonnes than expected were mined in areas which
included old adits and stopes with high geologic uncertainty. As a
result, the largest impact on annual silver production was due to
lower tonnage extracted than anticipated.
Notes:
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
January 15, 2025: “Fortuna announces sale of non-core San Jose
Mine, Mexico”
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead
and zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices:
$2,661/oz Au, $31.26/oz Ag, $2,009/t Pb and $3,046/t Zn or Au:Ag =
1:85.1, Au:Pb = 1:1.32, Au:Zn = 1:0.87
Caylloma Mine, Peru Strong
performance, exceeding top end of annual production guidance for
all metals
|
Q4 2024 |
FY 2024 |
2024 Guidance |
Tonnes milled |
139,761 |
551,430 |
- |
Average tpd milled |
1,553 |
1,549 |
- |
Silver grade (g/t) |
67 |
80 |
- |
Silver recovery (%) |
83.32 |
83.29 |
- |
Silver production (oz)1 |
249,238 |
1,176,543 |
900,000 - 1,100,000 |
Lead grade (%) |
3.36 |
3.57 |
- |
Lead recovery (%) |
91.73 |
91.07 |
- |
Lead production (lbs) |
9,499,719 |
39,555,339 |
29,000,000 - 34,000,000 |
Zinc grade (%) |
4.94 |
4.71 |
- |
Zinc recovery (%) |
91.14 |
90.61 |
- |
Zinc production (lbs) |
13,873,690 |
51,905,635 |
36,000,000 - 39,000,000 |
Note:
- Metallurgical recovery for silver
is calculated based on silver content in lead concentrate
In the fourth quarter, the Caylloma Mine
produced 249,238 ounces of silver at an average head grade of 67
g/t Ag. While silver production was 18 percent lower than the
previous quarter, it was in line with the production sequence for
the period. Total silver production for the year was 7 percent
higher than the upper end of annual guidance.
Zinc and lead production was 13.87 Mlbs and 9.50
Mlbs, respectively for the fourth quarter, with average head grades
of 4.94 % Zn and 3.36 % Pb, an increase of 6 percent for zinc and a
decrease of 7 percent for lead, when compared to the third quarter
of 2024. Zinc and lead production was above the higher end of
annual guidance by 33 percent and 16 percent respectively.
Increased production is the result of positive grade reconciliation
to the reserve model in the lower levels of the underground
mine.
AISC for 2024 is expected to be towards the high
end of annual guidance range between $18 and $21 per ounce sold,
due to the impact of a higher silver price relative to zinc and
lead in the silver equivalency calculation, resulting in lower
equivalent ounces.
2025 consolidated production and cost
guidance
Production guidance for 2025 is lower than 2024,
due to the anticipated completion of the sale of the non-core San
Jose Mine in the first quarter of 2025, and the impact resulting
from a higher silver price relative to zinc and lead in the
calculation of silver equivalent production at the Caylloma
Mine.
Cash cost and AISC are guided to be in line with
2024, despite increases in the stripping ratio for both the Lindero
and Séguéla mines, which for Lindero is anticipated to peak in 2025
and for Séguéla in 2026. This is expected to be offset by lower
capex at both the Lindero and Yaramoko mines. Lindero’s capital
investments in equipment and infrastructure are expected to
decrease by approximately 67 percent, while capital expenditures at
Yaramoko are expected to decrease by approximately 60 percent.
The Company is also capitalizing on various
productivity and cost efficiency initiatives in 2025. Several of
the main projects already reflected in our AISC projections amount
to $16 million in incremental cash flow (pre-tax) at Lindero, and
the optimization of the Séguéla processing facility to treat 1.7
million tonnes per year.
In addition, the Company is providing 2-year
guidance for the Séguéla Mine to reflect the significant
improvement in gold production and AISC expected for 2026 at our
flagship asset.
2025 consolidated production and cost
guidance table
Mine |
Silver (Moz) |
Gold (koz) |
Lead (Mlbs) |
Zinc (Mlbs) |
Cash
Cost1,2,
3,5 |
AISC1,2,3,5 |
Silver |
|
|
|
|
($/oz Ag Eq) |
($/oz Ag Eq) |
Caylloma, Peru |
0.9 - 1.0 |
- |
29 - 32 |
45 - 49 |
15.0 - 16.6 |
21.7 - 24.7 |
Gold |
|
|
|
|
($/oz Au) |
($/oz Au) |
Lindero, Argentina4 |
- |
93 - 105 |
- |
- |
1,060 - 1,235 |
1,600 - 1,770 |
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
- |
107 - 121 |
- |
- |
880 - 1,000 |
1,165 - 1,320 |
Séguéla, Côte d´Ivoire |
- |
134 - 147 |
- |
- |
680 - 750 |
1,500 - 1,600 |
Consolidated Total |
0.9 - 1.0 |
334 - 373 |
29 - 32 |
45 - 49 |
$895 - 1,0156 |
$1,550 - 1,6806 |
Notes:1. Cash Cost and all-in
sustaining cost (AISC) are non-IFRS financial measures which are
not standardized financial measures under the financial reporting
framework used to prepare the financial statements of the Company
and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed
by other issuers. Refer to the note under “Non-IFRS Financial
Measures” below. 2. Cash cost includes production cash
cost and for Lindero, is net of copper by-product credit. AISC
includes sustaining capital expenditures, worker’s participation
(as applicable) commercial and government royalties mining tax,
export duties (as applicable), subsidiary G&A and Brownfields
exploration and is estimated at metal prices of $2,500/oz Au,
$30.0/oz Ag, $2,100/t Pb, and $2,700/t Zn. AISC excludes government
mining royalty recognized as income tax within the scope of IAS-12.
3. Silver equivalent is calculated at metal prices of
$2,500/oz Au, $30.0/oz Ag, $2,100/t Pb and $2,700/t Zn. The
guidance assumes an exchange rate of 0.89 USD/EUR. For Argentina,
it assumes an annual inflation rate of 29% and an annual
devaluation of 18 percent.4. The cost guidance for the
Lindero Mine does not take into account potential changes by the
new Argentine Government to national macroeconomic policies, the
taxation system and import and export duties which, if implemented,
may have a material impact on costs.5. Historical
non-IFRS measure cost comparatives: The following table provides
the historical cash costs and historical AISC for the Company’s
five mines which were operating during the year ended December 31,
2023, as follows:
Mine |
Cash Costa,b,c |
AISCa,b,c |
Silver |
($/oz Ag Eq) |
($/oz Ag Eq) |
Caylloma, Peru |
14.28 |
19.90 |
Gold |
($/oz Au) |
($/oz Au) |
Lindero, Argentina |
920 |
1,565 |
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
809 |
1,499 |
Séguéla, Côte d’Ivoire |
357 |
760 |
(a) Cash cost and AISC are non-IFRS
financial measures; refer to the note under “Non-IFRS Financial
Measures” below.(b) Silver equivalent was calculated at
metal prices of $1,902/oz Au, $23.37/oz Ag, $2,155/t Pb and
$2,706/t Zn for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(c) Further details on the cash costs and AISC for the
year ended December 31, 2023 are disclosed on pages 38, 40, and 41
(with respect to cash costs) and pages 39 and 42 (with respect to
AISC) of the Company’s management discussion and analysis
(“MD&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2023 dated as of March
16, 2024 (“2023 MD&A”) which is available under Fortuna's
SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and is incorporated by reference
into this news release, and the note under “Non-IFRS Financial
Measures” below
6. Refer to Appendix
2025 Guidance Outlook
Séguéla Mine, Côte
d’IvoireOptimizing Séguéla’s potential through
2026 and beyond
The Company is providing 2-year guidance for the
Séguéla Mine to reflect the significant improvement in gold
production and AISC planned for 2026.
|
2025 |
2026 |
Annual gold production (koz) |
134 - 147 |
160 - 180 |
Cash cost ($/oz Au)1 |
680 - 750 |
720 - 790 |
AISC ($/oz Au)1 |
1,500 – 1,600 |
1,260 – 1,390 |
Note:
- Cash Cost and all-in sustaining
cost (AISC) are non-IFRS financial measures which are not
standardized financial measures under the financial reporting
framework used to prepare the financial statements of the Company
and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed
by other issuers. Refer to the note under “Non-IFRS Financial
Measures” below.
2025 Outlook
Séguéla’s mine plan considers mining the
Antenna, Ancien, and Koula pits, with plans to process 1.70 million
tonnes of ore averaging 2.8 g/t Au, and capital investments
estimated at $91 million, including $67 million for sustaining
capital expenditures and $13.5 million for Brownfields exploration
programs.
Major sustaining capital investments
include:
Capitalized stripping |
$47 million |
Tailings storage facility (TSF) lift |
$6 million |
Other equipment and infrastructure |
$14 million |
Cash cost and AISC:
Cash cost is expected to be between $680 and
$750 per ounce of gold. This represents an increase over 2024
mainly due to higher waste movement as the mine’s stripping ratio
rises from 5.7:1 to 14.6:1, in accordance with the mine plan and
life of mine average of 13.8:1.
AISC is expected to be between $1,500 and $1,600
per ounce of gold, reflecting higher cash cost over 2024 as
described above, higher capitalized stripping and an increase in
government royalties of 2 percent enacted in January 2025.
2026 Outlook
Séguéla’s mine plan considers a production range
of between 160,000 and 180,000 ounces, mining in the Antenna,
Ancien, Koula, and Sunbird pits, with plans to process 1.70 million
tonnes of ore. Processed gold average head grade is expected to
increase 18 percent to 3.3 g/t Au in 2026. The stripping ratio is
planned to peak at 17:1. Capital investments are estimated at $48
million, including $38 million for sustaining capital expenditures
and $10 million for Brownfields exploration programs.
Major sustaining capital investments
include:
Capitalized stripping |
$31 million |
Equipment and infrastructure |
$7 million |
AISC is expected to be between $1,260 and $1,390
per ounce of gold. The improvement in AISC over 2025 is anticipated
to be driven by the 18 percent higher grade referenced above and
corresponding higher gold production, and lower projected capital
expenditures in equipment and infrastructure.
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina
FasoContinued strong gold production
The Yaramoko Mine is scheduled to process
481,000 tonnes of ore averaging 7.7 g/t Au. Capital investment
decreases substantially compared to previous years due to the
completion of development operations at the 55 Zone.
Total sustaining capital expenditure is expected
to be $2.5 million, predominantly comprising of the final TSF lift
and land compensation. Due to the limited life of mine at Yaramoko,
all sustaining capital expenditure has been included in opex costs.
Yaramoko has been operating with a short life of mineral reserves
for the last three years, and through successful exploration and
mine development has been able to expand its mine life
year-over-year. Currently, the life of mine is scheduled to end in
2026.
Cash cost and AISC:
Cash cost is expected to be between $880 and
$1,000 per ounce of gold.
AISC is expected to improve in 2025 to between
$1,165 and $1,320 per ounce of gold, as a result of 60 percent
lower capex year over year.
Lindero Mine,
ArgentinaCapitalizing on optimization
initiatives
The Lindero Mine is expected to place 7.2
million tonnes of ore on the leach pad averaging 0.58 g/t Au,
containing an estimated 133,776 ounces of gold. Capital investments
are estimated at $42.9 million, including $17.4 million in
capital projects, $3.4 million in Brownfields exploration and $22.1
million in capitalized stripping costs. The stripping ratio is
expected to increase from 1.1 in 2024 to 2.2 in 2025; the peak in
the life of mine strip ratio.
Major sustaining capital investments
include:
Capitalized stripping |
$22.1 million |
Completion of leach pad expansion project |
$6.0 million |
Heavy equipment replacement and overhaul |
$2.5 million |
Plant and mine critical spare parts |
$4.0 million |
Cash cost and AISC:
Cash cost is expected to increase in 2025 to
between $1,060 and $1,235 per ounce of gold, reflecting a higher
stripping ratio, the appreciation of the Argentine peso, and lower
head grade compared to 2024.
AISC is expected to improve in 2025 to between
$1,600 and $1,770 per ounce of gold, reflecting lower capital
investments in equipment and infrastructure of 67 percent compared
to 2024, partially offset by the increase in the cash cost
described above. The Company plans to close final leach pad project
activities and demobilize contractors in the first quarter of 2025
leading to a higher AISC in the first quarter compared to the
average for the year. The Company anticipates the AISC to
progressively decrease in the subsequent quarters of the year,
aligned with guidance.
Caylloma Mine,
PeruTrack record of solid performance
The Caylloma Mine is scheduled to process 0.55
million tonnes of ore averaging 64 g/t Ag, 2.8 % Pb, and 4.4 % Zn.
Capital investments are estimated at $20.3 million, including $14.6
million for sustaining capital and $4.8 million for Brownfields
exploration programs.
Sustaining capital investments include:
Mine development and infill |
$5.2 million |
Equipment acquisition and energy |
$3.7 million |
Operating permits and tailings management |
$1.3 million |
Cash cost and AISC:
Cash cost is expected to be between $15.0 and
$16.6 per ounce of silver equivalent. AISC is expected to be
between $21.7 and $24.7 per ounce of silver equivalent. This
represents an increase over 2024 explained by the impact of
relative metal prices on silver equivalent production. Higher metal
prices for silver relative to zinc and lead, result in lower silver
equivalent production. The effect of relative prices used for 2025
guidance, compared to metal prices used in 2024 guidance,
represents an estimated impact on AISC of approximately $4 per
ounce.
2025 Exploration Outlook
The Company has a total mineral exploration
budget of $41.0 million for 2025, compared to an estimated $44.0
million invested in 2024. Brownfields represents 53 percent, and
greenfield initiatives, including $8.3 million for Diamba Sud,
represents 47 percent of this year’s budget.
Brownfields Exploration
Fortuna’s consolidated Brownfields exploration
budget for 2025 totals $21.6 million, which includes 84,000 meters
of reverse circulation, diamond core, and air core exploration
drilling. The larger portion of the planned drilling is reserved
for high value opportunities at the Séguéla Mine.
Séguéla Mine, Côte d’Ivoire
The Brownfields exploration program budget for
2025 at Séguéla is $13.5 million, which includes 73,000 meters of
exploration drilling, supporting resource upgrade drilling
primarily at the Sunbird underground project, and infill and
expansion of the Kingfisher deposit, along with continued target
generation.
Lindero Mine, Argentina
The Brownfields exploration budget for Lindero
is $3.4 million, which includes 5,000 meters of exploration
drilling at Arizaro, following up on recent reinterpretations
driven by additional geochemical sampling, and alteration mapping
completed in 2024.
Caylloma Mine, Peru
The Brownfields exploration program budget for
2025 at Caylloma is $4.8 million which includes $2.2 million for
9,000 meters of resource extension drilling, in addition to $2.6
million for 1,600 meters of drill testing regional targets.
Burkina Faso
The Brownfields exploration program budget for
2025 at Yaramoko is $0.2 million, reflecting reduced exploration
activities. However, the Company will continue to pursue
opportunities for extensions of mineralization through underground
development in the deeper levels of the 55 Zone and the QVP
deposits.
Greenfields
ExplorationGreenfields exploration will continue in
Mexico, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal advancing generative programs
across several projects supported by a budget of $19.3 million,
including continued active corporate development.
Mexico
Exploration activities in Mexico will focus on
project generation and target testing across several emerging
projects, with a total of $4.9 million budgeted, which includes
8,000 meters of planned drilling.
Côte d’Ivoire
The exploration budget for Côte d’Ivoire is $3.6
million, the majority of which will be spent on advancing
exploration activities at Tongon North with 12,000 meters of
drilling planned, as well as $1.2 million for early-stage target
generation at the Guiglo project.
Senegal
The Greenfields exploration budget for Senegal
is $10.5 million, including $8.3 million at the Diamba Sud Gold
Project, which includes 35,000 meters of drilling for continuing
target generation and testing as well as further resource infill
and extension drilling. A budget of $2.1 million will be used to
support exploration at the Bondala and Morichou projects.
Qualified Person
Eric Chapman, Senior Vice President of Technical
Services for Fortuna Mining Corp., is a Professional Geoscientist
registered with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia
(Registration Number 36328) and a Qualified Person as defined by
National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects. Mr. Chapman has reviewed and approved the scientific and
technical information contained in this news release and has
verified the underlying data.
Paul Weedon, Senior Vice President of
Exploration for Fortuna Mining Corp., is a Qualified Person as
defined by National Instrument 43-101 being a member of the
Australian Institute of Geoscientists (Membership Number 6001). Mr.
Weedon has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical
information relating to exploration contained in this news
release.
About Fortuna Mining Corp.
Fortuna Mining Corp. is a Canadian precious
metals mining company with five operating mines in Argentina,
Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru, as well as the
preliminary economic assessment stage Diamba Sud Gold Project
located in Senegal. Sustainability is integral to all our
operations and relationships. We produce gold and silver and
generate shared value over the long-term for our stakeholders
through efficient production, environmental protection, and social
responsibility. For more information, please visit our website.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jorge A. Ganoza President, CEO, and
DirectorFortuna Mining Corp.
Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca | info@fmcmail.com | fortunamining.com
| X | LinkedIn |
YouTube
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking
statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within
the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe
harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All
statements included herein, other than statements of historical
fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety
of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause
actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected
in the Forward-looking Statements. The Forward-looking Statements
in this news release may include, without limitation, statements
about the Company’s plans for its mines and mineral properties;
changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the
impact of inflationary pressures on the Company’s business and
operations; estimates of production in 2024 that remain subject to
verification and adjustment; the Company’s anticipated financial
and operational performance in 2025 as well as anticipated
financial and operational performance at the Séguéla Mine in 2026;
estimated production forecasts for 2025 as well for 2026 at the
Séguéla Mine; estimated costs; estimated cash costs and all-in
sustaining cash costs and expenditures for 2025 and for 2026 in
respect of the Séguéla Mine; estimated capital expenditures in 2025
as well as in 2026 for the Séguéla Mine; estimated Brownfields and
Greenfields expenditures in 2025 as well as estimated Brownfields
expenditures in 2026 for the Séguéla Mine; exploration plans; the
future results of exploration activities; the timing of the
implementation and completion of sustaining capital investment
projects at the Company’s mines; expectations with respect to metal
grade estimates and the impact of any variations relative to metals
grades experienced; metal prices, currency exchange rates and
interest rates in 2025; statements about the ability of the Company
to complete the sale of the San Jose Mine and the expected timing
thereof; timing of and possible outcome of litigation; mineral
resource and mineral reserve estimates; life of mine estimates; the
Company’s expectation that the leach pad expansion project at the
Lindero Mine will be completed on budget and expectations with
respect to the completion of the solar power plant project at the
Lindero Mine; statements regarding operational efficiency
initiatives as the Company’s properties and the anticipated
benefits thereof; the Company’s business strategy, plans and
outlook; the merit of the Company’s mines and mineral properties;
and the future financial or operating performance of the Company.
Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be
identified by the use of words such as “estimated”, “potential”,
“open”, “future”, “assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has
been”, “gain”, “planned”, “reflecting”, “will”, “anticipated”,
“estimated” “containing”, “remaining”, “to be”, or statements that
events, “could” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar
expressions, including negative variations.
The forward-looking statements in this news
release also include financial outlooks and other forward-looking
metrics relating to the Company and its business, including
references to financial and business prospects and future results
of operations, including production, and cost guidance, anticipated
future financial performance and anticipated production, costs and
other metrics. Such information, which may be considered future
oriented financial information or financial outlooks within the
meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation
(collectively, “FOFI”), has been approved by management of the
Company and is based on assumptions which management believes were
reasonable on the date such FOFI was prepared, having regard to the
industry, business, financial conditions, plans and prospects of
the Company and its business and properties. These projections are
provided to describe the prospective performance of the Company's
business and operations. Nevertheless, readers are cautioned that
such information is highly subjective and should not be relied on
as necessarily indicative of future results and that actual results
may differ significantly from such projections. FOFI constitutes
forward-looking statements and is subject to the same assumptions,
uncertainties, risk factors and qualifications as set forth
below.
Forward-looking Statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such
uncertainties and factors include, among others, operational risks
associated with mining and mineral processing; uncertainty relating
to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; uncertainty
relating to capital and operating costs, production schedules and
economic returns; uncertainties related to new mining operations,
including the possibility that actual capital and operating costs
and economic returns will differ significantly from those estimated
for such projects prior to production; risks relating to the
Company’s ability to replace its Mineral Reserves; capital and
currency controls in foreign jurisdictions; risks associated with
mineral exploration and project development; uncertainty relating
to the repatriation of funds as a result of currency controls;
environmental matters including obtaining or renewing environmental
permits and potential liability claims; uncertainty relating to
nature and climate conditions; risks associated with political
instability and changes to the regulations governing the Company’s
business operations; changes in national and local government
legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or
economic developments in countries in which the Company does or may
carry on business, including relating to the newly elected
government in Argentina; risks associated with war, hostilities or
other conflicts, such as the Ukrainian – Russian conflict and the
Israel – Hamas war, and the impact they may have on global economic
activity; risks relating to the termination of the Company’s mining
concessions in certain circumstances; developing and maintaining
relationships with local communities and stakeholders; risks
associated with losing control of public perception as a result of
social media and other web-based applications; potential opposition
to the Company’s exploration, development and operational
activities; risks related to the Company’s ability to obtain
adequate financing for planned exploration and development
activities; property title matters; risks relating to the
integration of businesses and assets acquired by the Company;
assessment of the carrying value of the Company’s assets, including
the ongoing potential for material impairment and/or write downs of
such assets; risks associated with climate change legislation;
reliance on key personnel; adequacy of insurance coverage;
operational safety and security risks; legal proceedings and
potential legal proceedings; expectations regarding the Company
completing the sale of the San Jose Mine; uncertainties relating to
general economic conditions; risks relating to a global pandemic,
which could impact the Company’s business, operations, financial
condition and share price; competition; fluctuations in metal
prices; risks associated with entering into commodity forward and
option contracts for base metals production; fluctuations in
currency exchange rates and interest rates; tax audits and
reassessments; risks related to hedging; uncertainty relating to
concentrate treatment charges and transportation costs; sufficiency
of monies allotted by the Company for land reclamation; risks
associated with dependence upon information technology systems,
which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks with
implementation and integration; risks associated with climate
change legislation; laws and regulations regarding the protection
of the environment (including greenhouse gas emission reduction and
other decarbonization requirements and the uncertainty surrounding
the interpretation of omnibus Bill C-59 and the related amendments
to the Competition Act (Canada); labor relations issues; as well as
those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company's
Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2023. Although the Company 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or
intended.
Forward-looking Statements contained herein are
based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of
management, including, but not limited to, the accuracy of the
Company’s current mineral resource and reserve estimates; that the
Company’s activities will be conducted in accordance with the
Company’s public statements and stated goals; exchange rate and
annual inflation rate assumptions in respect of cash cost and AISC
guidance; that there will be no material adverse change affecting
the Company, its properties or its production estimates (which
assume accuracy of projected ore grade, mining rates, recovery
timing, and recovery rate estimates and may be impacted by
unscheduled maintenance, labor and contractor availability and
other operating or technical difficulties); the duration and effect
of global and local inflation; the duration and impacts of
geo-political uncertainties on the Company’s production, workforce,
business, operations and financial condition; the expected trends
in mineral prices, inflation and currency exchange rates; that all
required approvals and permits will be obtained for the Company’s
business and operations on acceptable terms; that there will be no
significant disruptions affecting the Company's operations and such
other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking Statements are
made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation
to update any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or results or otherwise, except as
required by law. There can be no assurance that these
Forward-looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not
place undue reliance on Forward-looking Statements.
Cautionary Note to United States
Investors Concerning Estimates of Reserves and
Resources
Reserve and resource estimates included in this
news release have been prepared in accordance with National
Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI
43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities
Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by
a Canadian company of scientific and technical information
concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all
mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates contained in the
technical disclosure have been prepared in accordance with NI
43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from
the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
mineral reserve and resource information included in this news
release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by
U.S. companies.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This news release also refers to non-IFRS
financial measures, including cash costs and all-in sustaining
costs. These measures are not standardized financial measures under
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the financial
reporting framework used to prepare the financial statements of the
Company and therefore may not be comparable to similar financial
measures disclosed by other mining companies. These Non-IFRS
Measures include cash costs and all-in sustaining cash costs.
Readers should refer to the “Non-IFRS Financial
Measures” section in the Company’s 2023 MD&A, which section is
incorporated herein by reference, for an explanation of these
measures and reconciliations to the Company’s reported financial
results in accordance with IFRS. The MD&A 2023 is available on
SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Appendix 2025 cash cost
and consolidated AISC guidance
Cash cost guidance ($/Au Eq Oz) |
2025 Guidance |
Lindero |
1,060 |
- |
1,235 |
Caylloma |
1,250 |
- |
1,385 |
Yaramoko |
880 |
- |
1,000 |
Séguéla |
680 |
- |
750 |
Consolidated cash cost |
895 |
- |
1,015 |
|
|
|
|
AISC Guidance ($/Au Eq Oz) |
2025 Guidance |
Lindero |
1,600 |
- |
1,770 |
Caylloma |
1,810 |
- |
2,060 |
Yaramoko |
1,165 |
- |
1,320 |
Séguéla |
1,500 |
- |
1,600 |
Corporate G&A |
|
86 |
|
Consolidated AISC |
1,550 |
- |
1,680 |
Note:
- Cash cost
includes production cash cost and for Lindero, is net of copper
by-product credit. AISC includes sustaining capital expenditures,
worker’s participation (as applicable) commercial and government
royalties mining tax, export duties (as applicable), subsidiary
G&A and Brownfields exploration and is estimated at metal
prices of $2,500/oz Au, $30.0/oz Ag, $2,100/t Pb, and $2,700/t Zn.
AISC excludes government mining royalty recognized as income tax
within the scope of IAS-12. A PDF attachment is available
at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/dc9a59b6-e285-4535-b1da-f39d9282c56f
Grafico Azioni Fortuna Mining (NYSE:FSM)
Storico
Da Dic 2024 a Gen 2025
Grafico Azioni Fortuna Mining (NYSE:FSM)
Storico
Da Gen 2024 a Gen 2025