Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In the following discussion, “McEwen Mining”, the “Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us” refers to McEwen Mining Inc. and as the context requires, its consolidated subsidiaries.
The following discussion updates our plan of operation as of November 3, 2016 for the foreseeable future. It also analyzes our financial condition at September 30, 2016 and compares it to our financial condition at December 31, 2015. Finally, the discussion analyzes our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and compares those to the results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. With regard to properties or projects that are not in production, we provide some details of our plan of operation. We suggest that you read this discussion in conjunction with MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS and our audited consolidated financial statements contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The discussion also presents certain Non-GAAP financial performance measures, such as earnings from mining operations, total cash costs, total cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining costs, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, all-in costs, all-in cost per ounce, average realized price per ounce, and cash investments and precious metals, that are important to management in its evaluation of our operating results and which are used by management to compare our performance to what we perceive to be peer group mining companies and relied on as part of management’s decision-making process. Management believes these measures may also be important to investors in evaluating our performance. For a detailed description of each of the Non-GAAP financial performance measures and certain limitations inherent in such measures, please see the discussion under “
Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures
” below, on page 35.
Reliability of Information: Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”), the owner of the San José Mine, is responsible for and has supplied to us all reported results from the San José Mine. The financial and technical information contained herein is, with few exceptions as noted, based entirely on information provided to us by MSC. Our joint venture partner, a subsidiary of Hochschild Mining plc, and its affiliates other than MSC do not accept responsibility for the use of project data or the adequacy or accuracy of this information.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO UNITED STATES INVESTORS — INFORMATION CONCERNING PREPARATION OF RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES
McEwen Mining Inc. is required to prepare reports under the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects” (“NI 43-101”), under the Canadian securities laws because our stock is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and we are subject to Canadian securities laws. These standards are materially different from the standards generally required in reports filed with SEC.
Definitions of terms under NI 43-101 differ materially from the definitions of those and related terms in Industry Guide 7 (“Industry Guide 7”) promulgated by the SEC. Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless a determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Under Industry Guide 7 standards, a “Final” or “Bankable” feasibility study or other report is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average precious metals prices are used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with and approved by the appropriate government authority.
One consequence of these differences is that “reserves” calculated in accordance with Canadian standards may not be “reserves” under Industry Guide 7 standards. U.S. investors should be aware that McEwen Mining’s properties located in Argentina (with the exception of the San José Mine), Mexico and the United States do not have “reserves” as defined by Industry Guide 7 and are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the disclosed mineralized material will be confirmed or converted into Industry Guide 7 compliant “reserves”.
Further, since we have not established reserves on some of our properties as defined in Industry Guide 7, we have in the past and will continue to expense substantially all design, construction and development costs with regard to those
properties, even though these expenditures are expected to have a future economic benefit in excess of one year. Only certain types of property and equipment which have alternative uses or significant salvage value may be capitalized without proven and probable reserves. We also expense our asset retirement obligations on those properties. Companies that have reserves under Industry Guide 7 typically capitalize these costs, and subsequently depreciate or amortize them on a units-of-production basis as reserves are mined. Unlike these other companies, we depreciate or amortize any capitalized costs based on the most appropriate amortization method, which includes the straight-line or units of production methods over the estimated useful life of the mine, as determined by our internal mine plans. As a result of these and other differences, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of mining companies that have established reserves.
Under NI 43-101, we report measured, indicated and inferred resources, which are measurements that are generally not permitted in filings made with the SEC. The estimation of measured and indicated resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves under Industry Guide 7. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into economically mineable reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. Although it is expected that the majority of inferred resources could be upgraded to the indicated category, U.S. investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically.
Canadian regulations permit the disclosure of resources in terms of “contained ounces” provided that the tonnes and grade for each resource are also disclosed; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “mineralized material” in tonnage and average grade without reference to contained ounces. Under U.S. regulations, the tonnage and average grade sometimes disclosed by us would be characterized as mineralized material. We provide such disclosure about our properties to allow a means of comparing our projects to those of other companies in the mining industry, many of which are Canadian and report pursuant to NI 43-101, and to comply with applicable disclosure requirements.
We also note that drill results are not indicative of mineralized material in other areas where we have mining interests. Furthermore, mineralized material identified on our properties does not and may never have demonstrated economic or legal viability.
Overview
We were organized under the laws of the State of Colorado on July 24, 1979. Since inception, we have been engaged in the exploration for, development of, production and sale of gold and silver. We own and operate the producing El Gallo 1 Mine in Sinaloa, Mexico. We own a 49% interest in MSC, owner and operator of the producing San José Mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina. We also own the Gold Bar Project in Nevada, United States; the Los Azules Project in San Juan, Argentina, and a portfolio of exploration properties in Argentina, Mexico and the United States.
In this report, “Au” represents gold; “Ag” represents silver; “oz” represents troy ounce; “gpt” represents grams per metric tonne; “ft.” represents feet; “m” represents meter; “km” represents kilometer; “sq.” represents square; and C$ refers to Canadian dollars. All of our financial information is reported in United States (U.S.) dollars, unless otherwise noted.
Selected Financial and Operating Results
The following table summarizes selected financial and operating results of our Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:
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Three months ended
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Nine months ended
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September 30,
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September 30,
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2016
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2015
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2016
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2015
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(in thousands, except otherwise stated)
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Gold and silver sales
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$
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13,423
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$
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22,503
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$
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49,226
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$
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61,545
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Income (loss) on investment in MSC, net of amortization
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$
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4,693
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$
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(1,641)
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$
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13,789
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$
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(3,964)
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Earnings from mining operations
(1)(3)
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$
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18,873
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$
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13,414
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$
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57,696
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$
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43,970
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Net income (loss)
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$
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4,208
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$
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2,633
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$
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25,546
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$
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(5,462)
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Net income (loss) per common share
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$
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0.01
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$
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0.01
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$
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0.09
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$
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(0.02)
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Consolidated gold ounces
(1)
:
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Produced
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24.3
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31.7
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81.1
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84.9
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Sold
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23.0
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31.2
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75.7
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84.2
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Consolidated silver ounces
(1)
:
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Produced
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916
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878
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2,465
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2,334
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Sold
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968
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800
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2,637
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2,352
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Consolidated gold equivalent ounces
(1)(2)
:
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Produced
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36.5
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43.4
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114.0
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115.9
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Sold
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35.9
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41.8
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110.8
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115.5
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Consolidated average realized price ($/ounce)
(1)(3)
:
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Gold
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$
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1,328
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$
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1,106
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$
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1,262
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$
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1,161
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Silver
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$
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20.13
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$
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14.05
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$
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17.95
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$
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15.42
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Consolidated costs per gold equivalent ounce sold ($/ounce)
(1)(2)
:
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Total cash costs
(3)
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$
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677
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$
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674
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$
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667
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$
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686
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All
‑
in sustaining costs
(3)
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$
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884
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$
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914
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$
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876
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$
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967
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All
‑
in costs
(3)
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$
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1,023
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$
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1,008
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$
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1,042
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$
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1,064
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Silver : gold ratio
(2)
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75 : 1
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75 : 1
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75 : 1
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75 : 1
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(1)
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Includes the portion attributable to us from our 49% interest in the San José Mine.
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(2)
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Silver production is presented as a gold equivalent. The silver to gold ratio used for 2016 and 2015 is 75:1.
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(3)
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Earnings from mining operations, total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs, and average realized prices are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standardized definition under U.S. GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” on page 35 for additional information, including definitions of these terms.
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Operating and Financial Highlights
The following information highlights operating and financial results for the third quarter of 2016:
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We reported consolidated net income of $4.2 million, or $0.01 per share for the third quarter of 2016, compared to a net income of $2.6 million, or $0.01 per share for the comparable period in 2015. The increase in net income for the third quarter of 2016 was the result of improvement in operations from our investment in MSC and the absence of impairment charges in the 2016 period, partially offset by a decrease in earnings from mine operations at the El Gallo 1 Mine due to fewer ounces sold and an increase in exploration and mine development costs incurred during the third quarter of 2016.
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·
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We produced 36,496 gold equivalent ounces in the third quarter of 2016, which includes 11,849 gold equivalent ounces from the El Gallo 1 Mine in Mexico and 24,647 gold equivalent ounces attributable to us from our 49% interest in the San José Mine in Argentina.
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·
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Our total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs and all-in costs for our operations on a consolidated basis for the third quarter of 2016 totaled $677, $884 and $1,023 per gold equivalent ounce sold, respectively. Total cash costs and all-in sustaining cash costs at our El Gallo 1 Mine for the third quarter totaled $598 and $680 per gold equivalent ounce
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sold, respectively. Total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs at the San José Mine for the third quarter of 2016 totaled $707 and $850 per gold equivalent ounce sold, respectively.
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·
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We sold 35,879 gold equivalent ounces in the third quarter of 2016, which includes 10,053 gold equivalent ounces from the El Gallo 1 Mine and 25,826 gold equivalent ounces attributable to us from our 49% interest in the San José Mine.
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·
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The average realized sale price per ounce for our operations on a consolidated basis in the third quarter of 2016 was $1,328 and $20.13 per ounce of gold and silver sold, respectively. These compare to $1,106 and $14.05 per ounce of gold and silver sold in the third quarter of 2015. Average realized prices are presented net of adjustments of provisionally priced sales of concentrates from the San José Mine.
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·
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Our 2016 production guidance for the year remains at 99,500 gold ounces and 3.3 million silver ounces. Production guidance for 2016 at the El Gallo 1 Mine is 54,500 gold ounces and for our share of production at the San José Mine 45,000 gold ounces and 3.3 million silver ounces. Consolidated production guidance is estimated in a range of 140,000 to 150,000 gold equivalent ounces.
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·
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Consolidated earnings from mining operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $18.9 million, compared to consolidated earnings of $13.4 million for the comparable period in 2015. The increase is the result of the overall improvement in MSC’s earnings from mining operations reported during the 2016 quarter.
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·
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We ended the third quarter of 2016 with $62.5 million in cash, investments and precious metals, and no outstanding debt.
In comparison, we ended the third quarter of 2015 with $36.2 million in cash, investments and precious metals, and $5.2 million in outstanding debt. For a reconciliation of precious metals valued at the London PM Fix spot price and cost, please see the discussion under “Non GAAP Financial Performance Measures” below, on page 35.
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Consolidated Performance
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, our net income was $4.2 million or $0.01 per share, compared to a net income of $2.6 million or $0.01 per share for the third quarter in 2015. The increase in net income was the combined result of the improvement in earnings from mining operations from our investment in MSC and the absence of impairment charges in the 2016 period, partially offset by a decrease in earnings from mine operations at the El Gallo I Mine due to fewer ounces produced and sold, and increases in exploration and mine development costs incurred during the third quarter of 2016.
During the third quarter ended September 30, 2016, we produced 24,281 ounces of gold and 916,168 ounces of silver, compared to 31,689 ounces of gold and 877,517 ounces of silver in the same period of 2015. Production of gold decreased mainly as a result of the expected decrease in average grades processed at the El Gallo 1 Mine. The decrease in the average grades was expected as the higher grade Samaniego pit was substantially mined out in early 2016 after which we commenced mining at the lower grade Lupita pit.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, our net income was $25.5 million or $0.09 per share, compared to a net loss of $5.5 million or $(0.02) per share for the same period in 2015. Net income in 2016 was mainly the result of improved earnings from mining operations at the San Jose Mine, from which we recognized income of $13.8 million in 2016 compared to a net loss of $4.0 million in the nine month period in 2015. In addition, during 2016 we have not recognized any impairments, compared to net impairment charges of $19.3 million recorded in 2015. The increase in income was partly offset by a reduction to El Gallo 1 earnings from mine operations as the result of lower production and sales and an increase in mine development costs associated with the Gold Bar and El Gallo 2 properties.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 we produced 81,145 ounces of gold and 2,464,941 ounces of silver, compared to 84,868 ounces of gold and 2,333,975 ounces of silver in the same period of 2015. Production of gold decreased as a result of lower average processing grades at El Gallo 1 Mine, partly offset by a slight increase in average processing grades and average recoveries at the San Jose Mine.
Results of Consolidated Operations
Three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to three months ended September 30, 2015
Gold and silver sales in the three months ended September 30, 2016 totaled $13.4 million, compared to $22.5 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease in revenue was due to a 50% decrease in the number of gold ounces sold from our El Gallo 1 Mine, partly offset by a 19% increase in the average realized sales prices of gold during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
Production costs applicable to sales at the El Gallo 1 Mine decreased by 43% to $6.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $11.2 million for the same period in 2015, due to a 50% decrease in the number of gold equivalent ounces sold, coupled with lower costs obtained from certain vendors’ contracts that were renegotiated during the first quarter of 2016 and the impact of the Mexican peso devaluation against the U.S. dollar. The decrease was partly offset by lower grade mineralized material being processed in 2016, resulting in fixed costs being allocated to fewer ounces. Production costs consist of direct mining costs which include contract mining services, processing costs, personnel costs, certain general and administrative costs, energy costs, operating materials and supplies, repairs and maintenance costs, transport fees, royalty expense and third-party refining costs. Production cost applicable to sales is calculated based on the weighted average cost of ounces sold during the period.
Mine development costs, which are comprised of engineering and development costs incurred at our advanced-stage properties, increased to $0.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $0.1 million during the same period in 2015. The increase relates to costs incurred in the advancement of our Gold Bar and El Gallo 2 projects. As described in the “Advanced-stage Properties” section below, our designation of certain properties as “Advanced-stage Properties” should not suggest that we have proven or probable reserves at those properties as defined by the SEC Industry Guide 7.
Exploration costs in the third quarter of 2016 increased to $2.2 million from $1.8 million in the same period of 2015, due to increased exploration activity in Mexico and Argentina. In Mexico, during the 2016 period, we spent $1.1 million in exploration expenditures primarily at the El Gallo 1 Mine and El Gallo 2 project, compared to $0.8 million in the same period in 2015. In Argentina, during the 2016 period, we spent $0.5 million, predominately in engineering work, compared to $0.3 million in the prior year. In the U.S. we have reduced exploration activity as we focus on the development of the Gold Bar project.
Property holding costs decreased period-over-period to $1.9 million in the 2016 period from $2.1 million in the 2015 period as a result of a lower number of mineral claims held, particularly in Nevada, compared to 2015.
General and administrative expenses increased by 42% to $3.2 million from $2.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, mainly as a result of changes to senior management and an increase in general corporate office initiatives, which were partly offset by the devaluation of the Canadian dollar, Mexican peso and Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar during the 2016 period in comparison with the 2015 period.
Our income on investment in MSC, net of amortization, during the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $4.7 million, compared to net loss on investment of $1.6 million in the 2015 period. The income realized in 2016 is the result of MSC’s higher net sales obtained from the higher volume of ounces of silver and gold sold coupled with higher average realized prices. In addition, production costs were lower in the period due to a reduction in stoppage costs, export duties, capital expenditures, and the devaluation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar, which also contributed to the improvement of MSC’s operating performance during the quarter.
No impairment was recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2016. In comparison, during the same period of 2015, we recognized a total pre-tax impairment of $1.2 million, mainly related to Gold Bar Project in Nevada, along with a deferred income tax recovery of $0.4 million. The impairment in 2015 resulted from our decision to drop non-essential claims at the Tonkin and Gold Bar projects, in order to reduce annual property holding costs.
Interest and other income increased to an income of $0.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from expense of $0.7 million in 2015. The balance in 2015 included a $0.5 million accrual for stamp tax and penalties recognized for our Argentine subsidiaries, for which no additional charges have been recognized in 2016.
We recognized an unrealized loss of $0.2 million from the revaluation of the warrants acquired through a private placement in another mining company during the year. Details of the valuation of these instruments are provided in Note 2 –
Investments
and Note 14 –
Fair value accounting
of the consolidated financial statements.
Recovery of income taxes was $0.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $1.6 million in the 2015 period. The 2016 recovery mostly related to the $0.4 million recovery from the devaluation of the Argentine peso, whereas in the 2015 period the balance included $0.4 million recovery from the impairment of the Gold Bar and Tonkin projects mentioned above, and $0.9 million in recoveries from the devaluation of the Argentine peso.
Nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2015
Gold and silver sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 totaled $49.2 million, compared to $61.5 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease in revenue is the result of the 24% lower number of gold equivalent ounces sold during the 2016 period, which was partly offset by a 6% increase in the average realized gold equivalent price for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Production costs applicable to sales at the El Gallo 1 Mine were $21.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $28.9 million for the same period in 2015. The 27% decrease in production costs was due to a 24% decrease in the number of gold equivalent ounces sold by the El Gallo 1 Mine, coupled with lower costs realized from the renegotiation of certain vendors’ contracts in the first quarter of the year and the impact of the devaluation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar during the period.
Mine development costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, increased to $2.9 million from $0.4 million in the same period of 2015 as a result of the efforts placed in the development of our advanced-stage properties, particularly Gold Bar.
Exploration costs in 2016 decreased by 23% to $5.6 million, from $7.3 million in 2015, due to an overall reduction in exploration expenditures as we concentrate efforts towards the development of our advanced-stage properties mentioned above. During the 2016 period, we spent $1.0 million in exploration expenditures in Argentina primarily relating to engineering studies on the Los Azules Project, compared to $1.2 million in the same period in 2015. For Mexico, during the 2016 period, we spent $2.7 million primarily on drilling at the El Gallo 1 Mine, compared to $3.7 million in the same period in 2015. For Nevada, we spent $1.7 million on exploration expenditures mainly at the Gold Bar property, compared to $2.2 million spent on the infill program during the comparable period in 2015.
Property holding costs decreased by 19% to $3.3 million in the 2016 period, from $4.1 million in the 2015 period, as a result of a lower number of mineral claims held, particularly in Nevada, compared to 2015.
General and administrative expenses slightly decreased in the 2016 period to $8.6 million compared to $8.8 million in 2015, as a result of the devaluation of the Canadian dollar, Mexican peso and Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar observed during the 2016.
Our income on investment in MSC, net of amortization, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $13.8 million, compared to a loss of $4.0 million in the 2015 period. The net income reported in 2016 was due to the overall improvement in MSC’s performance, resulting from higher revenue from higher number of gold and silver ounces sold at higher average realized prices, coupled with lower production costs due to reduced export duties and taxes, the absence of stoppage costs, and the reduction of exploration and development costs during the period ended September 30, 2016. Further, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the devaluation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar had a greater impact than the increase in inflation noted in the period, also contributing to the improvement of MSC’s results.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized no impairment charges. This compares to $29.7 million, along with a deferred income tax recovery of $10.4 million, for a net impairment charge of $19.3 million of the Gold Bar and Tonkin projects, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Interest income and other income during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $0.8 million. This compares to income of $2.4 million during the same period in 2015. In 2015, we reported a greater balance due to insurance proceeds related to the theft of gold concentrate stolen from our refinery in Mexico, collected on July 16, 2015.
Other-than-temporary impairments on marketable equity securities increased to $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, from $nil in the same period in 2015, due to the recognition of an impairment in the value of certain marketable securities held at September 30, 2016.
Recovery of income taxes was $3.3 million in the 2016 period, compared to $15.1 million in the 2015 period. The income tax recovery recognized in 2016 included $2.7 million recovery from the devaluation of the Argentine peso, while in 2015 the deferred income tax recovery included a recovery of $10.4 million relating to the impairment discussed above, in addition to $2.9 million recovery from the devaluation of the Argentine peso.
Total Cash Costs, All-In Sustaining Costs and All-In Costs
Total cash costs for all of our operating properties on a consolidated basis for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 slightly increased to $677 per gold equivalent ounce sold, compared to $674 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period in 2015, based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 for both periods. The increase is the net result of the 32% higher cash cost realized by the El Gallo 1 Mine offset by the 19% decrease in cash cost realized by MSC. In 2015, we benefited from higher average grades of mineral material mined and processed at El Gallo 1 Mine, which in addition to improved efficiencies resulted in a larger number of ounces produced and sold, at an overall lower cost. For MSC, cash costs were higher in the prior year mainly due to the additional cost incurred from higher export duties and taxes incurred in 2015.
On an aggregate basis, total cash costs decreased by 14% from $28.2 million in the three month ended September 30, 2015 to $24.3 million in the comparable period of 2016. In addition to the decrease in the number of gold equivalent ounces sold during the third quarter of 2016, aggregate total cash costs were lower because in 2016 MSC benefited from lower export duties and the devaluation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, total cash costs for all of our operating properties on a consolidated basis were $667 per gold equivalent ounce sold, compared to $686 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period in 2015, based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 for both periods. The 3% decrease in consolidated total cash costs on a per-ounce basis is due to a lower cash cost per ounce obtained at MSC mainly resulting from lower smeltering, refining and transport costs, partly offset by the increae in cash costs per ounce fromt El Gallo 1 Mine, which as previously mentioned was associated with the lower average grades obtained from mineralized material mined and processed.
On an aggregate basis, total cash costs decreased by 7% to $73.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, from $79.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. For the 2016 period, MSC reported a 4% decrease in the aggregate total cash cost despite the increase in the number of gold equivalent ounces sold in the period. As previously mentioned, MSC has benefited from lower export duties, reduced operational interruptions and the continued devaluation of the Argentine peso in 2016, compared to the 2015 period. The decrease in aggregate total cash costs also reflects the 15% decrease in aggregate cash costs at El Gallo 1 Mine, mainly associated with the lower number of gold equivalent ounces sold during the period.
Consolidated all-in sustaining costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 decreased by 3% to $884 per gold equivalent ounce, compared to $914 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period in 2015, based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 used in both periods. The overall decrease is the result of a higher number of gold equivalent ounces sold during the 2016 period compared to 2015, resulting in consolidated all-in sustaining costs being spread over a greater number of ounces.
On an aggregate basis, all-in sustaining costs decreased by 17% to $31.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $38.2 million in the 2015 period. The decrease is attributable to lower gold equivalent ounces sold and
lower stripping costs at the El Gallo I Mine, coupled with lower exploration and capital expenditures incurred at the San Jose mine during the period, and the devaluation of the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar.
Consolidated all-in sustaining costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by 9% to $876 per gold equivalent ounce, compared to $967 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period in 2015, based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 used in both periods.
On an aggregate basis, all-in sustaining costs were $97.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. In comparison, all-in sustaining costs on an aggregate basis were $111.7 million in the same period of 2015. The 13% decrease was a result of lower all-in sustaining costs at our El Gallo 1 Mine due to a lower number of gold equivalent ounces sold, a decrease in pre-stripping and exploration costs, and the devaluation of the Mexican peso. For MSC, despite the higher number of gold equivalent ounces sold at the San Jose Mine, our attributable 49% share of costs of MSC was 18% lower than in the previous year, due to lower exploration, mine development and capital expenditures incurred in 2016 when compared to the 2015 period, which were further reduced by the devaluation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar in the 2016 period.
Consolidated all-in costs for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased by 1% to $1,023 per gold equivalent ounce sold, compared to $1,008 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period of 2015, based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1, for both periods. On an aggregate basis, all-in costs decreased to $36.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $42.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in all-in costs is due to the lower all-in sustaining costs mentioned above, partly offset by higher exploration and mine development expenses incurred in Mexico, U.S. and Argentina in the three month period.
Consolidated all-in costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by 2% to $1,042 per gold equivalent ounce sold, compared to $1,064 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period of 2015, based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 for both periods. On an aggregate basis, all-in costs were 6% lower, at $115.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $122.9 million in the comparable period in 2015. The decrease was the net result of lower costs from our 49% interest in MSC discussed above, partly offset by $6.7 million in capital expenditures, of which $5.3 million pertains to the El Gallo royalty acquisition.
Results of Operations — El Gallo 1 Mine (100%)
Overview
The following table sets out production totals, sales totals, total cash costs, and all-in sustaining cash costs (on a gold equivalent basis) for the El Gallo 1 Mine for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except otherwise stated)
|
|
|
Tonnes of mineralized material mined
|
|
|
193
|
|
|
275
|
|
|
702
|
|
|
953
|
|
|
Average grade gold (gpt)
|
|
|
0.83
|
|
|
2.73
|
|
|
1.42
|
|
|
3.31
|
|
|
Tonnes of mineralized material processed
|
|
|
270
|
|
|
205
|
|
|
787
|
|
|
849
|
|
|
Average grade gold (gpt)
|
|
|
1.40
|
|
|
2.29
|
|
|
2.42
|
|
|
3.15
|
|
|
Gold ounces:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Produced
|
|
|
11.8
|
|
|
19.5
|
|
|
47.3
|
|
|
51.9
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
20.0
|
|
|
39.5
|
|
|
52.0
|
|
|
Silver ounces:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Produced
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
|
25.1
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
16.6
|
|
|
31.4
|
|
|
Gold equivalent ounces
(1)
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Produced
|
|
|
11.8
|
|
|
19.6
|
|
|
47.6
|
|
|
52.3
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
|
20.0
|
|
|
39.7
|
|
|
52.4
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$
|
13,423
|
|
$
|
22,503
|
|
$
|
49,226
|
|
$
|
61,545
|
|
|
Average realized price ($/ounce)
(2)
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
|
$
|
1,335
|
|
$
|
1,123
|
|
$
|
1,238
|
|
$
|
1,173
|
|
|
Silver
|
|
$
|
19.3
|
|
$
|
15.24
|
|
$
|
16.7
|
|
$
|
16.40
|
|
|
Total cash costs
(2)
|
|
$
|
6,008
|
|
$
|
9,103
|
|
$
|
19,210
|
|
$
|
22,517
|
|
|
Total cash cost per gold equivalent ounce sold ($/ounce)
(1)(2)
|
|
$
|
598
|
|
$
|
454
|
|
$
|
483
|
|
$
|
429
|
|
|
All
‑
in sustaining costs
(2)
|
|
$
|
6,837
|
|
$
|
11,420
|
|
$
|
22,203
|
|
$
|
30,327
|
|
|
All
‑
in sustaining cost per gold equivalent ounce sold ($/ounce)
(1)(2)
|
|
$
|
680
|
|
$
|
570
|
|
$
|
559
|
|
$
|
578
|
|
|
Silver : gold ratio
(1)
|
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Silver production is presented as a gold equivalent. The silver to gold ratio used for 2016 and 2015 is 75:1.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs and average realized prices are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standardized definition under U.S. GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures”, on page 35 for additional information, including definitions of these terms.
|
Production
Production at the El Gallo 1 Mine for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 decreased by 39% to 11,849 gold equivalent ounces, from 19,558 gold equivalent ounces in the comparable period in 2015. A lower number of ounces produced was expected for the third quarter of 2016 as we have continued mining at the lower grade Lupita pit, after substantially mining out the higher grade Samaniego pit in early 2016. The average grade of gold processed during the three months ended September 30, 2016 was 1.40 gpt, compared to an average grade of 2.29 gpt obtained in the same period of 2015. The decrease in the grades was partly offset by an increase in the number of tonnes of mineralized material processed in the 2016 period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, production decreased by 9% to 47,590 gold equivalent ounces from 52,274 ounces in the comparable period in 2015. As mentioned above, a decrease in production was expected for 2016, however the impact is not as significant since over the nine months period of 2016 because we have realized a portion of the Samaniego pit ounces that were placed on the leach pad at the end of 2015.
Tonnes mined represent tonnes of mineralized material extracted, while tonnes processed represent tonnes of mineralized material crushed and placed on the leach pads. The difference between tonnes mined of 192,668 and tonnes processed of 269,956 during the three month period ended September 30, 2016 corresponds to material drawn down from our stockpile inventory. Due to long process cycles, actual recoveries from the heap are difficult to measure and may fluctuate
significantly based on the timing, quantity and metallurgical attributes of new mineralized material placed on the leach pads, among other variables. The cumulative recovery rate for gold production from September 1, 2012 (start of production at the El Gallo 1 Mine) to September 30, 2016 is estimated at 60%.
Sales
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, sales from the El Gallo 1 Mine amounted to $13.4 million, compared to $22.5 million for the same period in 2015. The 40% decrease is mainly due to a 50% decrease in the number of gold equivalent ounces sold from 20,040 in the third quarter of 2015 to 10,053 in the third quarter of 2016. The lower number of gold equivalent ounces sold was partly offset by the increase of 19% and 28% increase in the average realized gold and silver prices during the third quarter of 2016 compared to 2015, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, sales from the El Gallo 1 Mine amounted to $49.2 million, compared to $61.5 million for the same period in 2015. The 20% decrease is mainly due to a 24% decrease in the number of gold equivalent ounces sold, which decreased to 39,747 in the 2016 period compared to 52,434 in the comparable period of 2015. Average realized gold prices during the nine months of 2016 increased by 6% compared to the same period of 2015, while average realized silver prices for 2016 remained generally unchanged from 2015.
Total Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs
Total cash costs per gold equivalent ounce for the El Gallo 1 Mine for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $598, compared to $454 for the same period in 2015. The 32% increase in total cash costs was primarily due to the decrease in the average grades of material mined and processed in Mexico, which was partly offset by the devaluation of the Mexican Peso against the US dollar in the period. During the same period in 2015, we benefited from higher average grades mined and processed, which resulted in a larger number of ounces produced and sold, at an overall lower cost. As mentioned earlier, the decrease in average grades is the result of moving from the higher grade Samaniego pit to the lower grade Lupita pit. The Samaniego pit was substantially mined out in early 2016. On an aggregate basis, total cash costs decreased by 34% to $6.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $9.1 million in the comparable period in 2015 primarily as a result of the decrease in the number of gold equivalent ounces sold during the third quarter of 2016.
All-in sustaining costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $680 per gold equivalent ounce, compared to $570 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period in 2015. The increase in all-in sustaining costs is attributable to the significantly lower number of gold equivalent ounces sold during the quarter, over which the all-in sustaining costs are spread, compared to 2015. On an aggregate basis, all-in sustaining costs decreased by 40% to $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $11.4 million in the 2015 period, due to lower pre-stripping and exploration costs incurred in the period, partly offset by higher capital expenditures incurred in the third quarter of 2016.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, total cash costs at El Gallo 1 Mine were $483 per gold equivalent ounce sold, compared to $429 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period in 2015. The 13% increase in total cash costs on a per-ounce basis is mainly the result of lower average grades mined and processed which increased the production cost of the gold equivalent ounces sold in the period. Furthermore, higher on-site general and administrative expenses were incurred in the 2016 period. On an aggregate basis, total cash costs decreased by 15% to $19.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, from $22.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Despite the large decrease in the number of gold equivalent ounces sold in 2016, the decrease in total cash cost was significantly offset by the overall higher production cost per ounce obtained from the lower average grades mined and processed.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, all-in sustaining costs decreased by 3% to $559 per gold equivalent ounce, compared to $578 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period in 2015. On an aggregate basis, all-in sustaining costs decreased by 27%, to $22.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $30.3 million in the 2015 period. The decrease is the result of lower pre-stripping and exploration costs incurred in the period, partly offset by higher mine and production costs mentioned above.
Results of Operations — MSC (on a 100% basis)
Overview
The following discussion relates only to MSC. The following table sets out production totals, sales totals, total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (on a co-product and gold equivalent basis) for the San José Mine for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, presented on a 100% basis. Also, included at the bottom of the following table are the production figures reported on a 49% attributable basis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
|
|
|
San José Mine—100%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes of ore mined
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
387
|
|
|
360
|
|
|
Average grade (gpt):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
|
|
6.7
|
|
|
6.8
|
|
|
6.7
|
|
|
6.7
|
|
|
Silver
|
|
|
522
|
|
|
510
|
|
|
520
|
|
|
502
|
|
|
Tonnes of ore processed
|
|
|
140
|
|
|
145
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
378
|
|
|
Average grade (gpt):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
|
|
6.4
|
|
|
6.1
|
|
|
6.3
|
|
|
6.3
|
|
|
Silver
|
|
|
469
|
|
|
441
|
|
|
454
|
|
|
446
|
|
|
Average recovery (%):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
|
|
87.9
|
|
|
87.8
|
|
|
88.2
|
|
|
88.6
|
|
|
Silver
|
|
|
87.6
|
|
|
86.6
|
|
|
87.8
|
|
|
87.0
|
|
|
Gold ounces:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Produced
|
|
|
25.6
|
|
|
24.9
|
|
|
69.1
|
|
|
67.2
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
26.5
|
|
|
22.9
|
|
|
73.8
|
|
|
65.6
|
|
|
Silver ounces:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Produced
|
|
|
1,855
|
|
|
1,780
|
|
|
4,987
|
|
|
4,712
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
1,967
|
|
|
1,620
|
|
|
5,347
|
|
|
4,735
|
|
|
Gold equivalent ounces
(1)
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Produced
|
|
|
50.3
|
|
|
48.6
|
|
|
135.6
|
|
|
130.0
|
|
|
Sold
|
|
|
52.7
|
|
|
44.5
|
|
|
145.1
|
|
|
128.8
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$
|
72,116
|
|
$
|
45,357
|
|
$
|
182,769
|
|
$
|
141,106
|
|
|
Gross average realized price ($/ounce)
(2)
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
|
$
|
1,323
|
|
$
|
1,076
|
|
$
|
1,287
|
|
$
|
1,142
|
|
|
Silver
|
|
$
|
20.13
|
|
$
|
14.05
|
|
$
|
17.96
|
|
$
|
15.40
|
|
|
Total cash costs
(2)
|
|
$
|
37,276
|
|
$
|
38,943
|
|
$
|
111,675
|
|
$
|
115,837
|
|
|
Total cash costs per ounce sold ($/ounce)
(2)
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
|
$
|
797
|
|
$
|
898
|
|
$
|
760
|
|
$
|
908
|
|
|
Silver
|
|
$
|
8.23
|
|
$
|
11.37
|
|
$
|
10.39
|
|
$
|
11.88
|
|
|
Gold equivalent
(1)
|
|
$
|
707
|
|
$
|
876
|
|
$
|
770
|
|
$
|
900
|
|
|
All
‑
in sustaining costs
(2)
|
|
$
|
44,775
|
|
$
|
50,406
|
|
$
|
137,667
|
|
$
|
149,416
|
|
|
All
‑
in sustaining costs per ounce sold ($/ounce)
(2)
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
|
$
|
957
|
|
$
|
1,162
|
|
$
|
937
|
|
$
|
1,171
|
|
|
Silver
|
|
$
|
9.88
|
|
$
|
14.72
|
|
$
|
12.81
|
|
$
|
15.32
|
|
|
Gold equivalent
(1)
|
|
$
|
850
|
|
$
|
1,134
|
|
$
|
949
|
|
$
|
1,160
|
|
|
Silver : gold ratio
(1)
|
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
|
McEwen Mining—49% attributable share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ounces produced:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
|
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
12.2
|
|
|
33.8
|
|
|
32.9
|
|
|
Silver
|
|
|
909
|
|
|
872
|
|
|
2,444
|
|
|
2,309
|
|
|
Gold equivalent
(1)
|
|
|
24.7
|
|
|
23.8
|
|
|
66.4
|
|
|
63.7
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Silver production is presented as a gold equivalent. The silver to gold ratio used for 2016 and 2015 was 75:1.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs and average realized prices are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standardized definition under U.S. GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures”, on page 35 for additional information, including definitions of these terms.
|
Production
Gold production at the San José Mine for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased by 3% to 25,566 ounces while silver production increased by 4% to 1,855,136 ounces, from 24,901 ounces of gold and 1,780,148 ounces of silver in the same period in 2015. Overall, this resulted in a 3% increase in the number of gold equivalent ounces produced by MSC during the third quarter. The increase in production was the combined result of the 6% increase in the average grade per tonne of gold and silver processed, partly offset by a 3% decrease in the number of tonnes of ore processed in the 2016 period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, gold production increased by 3% to 69,060 ounces from 67,202 ounces while silver production increased by 6% to 4,986,790 from 4,711,984 ounces in the same period in 2015, resulting in an overall 4% increase in the number of gold equivalent ounces produced in the period. Higher production of gold and silver at the San José Mine is attributable to 3% more tonnes processed, roughly the same gold grade and a slightly higher silver grade.
Sales
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, net sales increased by 59% to $72.1 million compared to $45.4 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in net sales was primarily the result of higher average realized gold and silver sale prices in the quarter, in addition to the increase in the number of gold and silver ounces sold in the period. In the third quarter of 2016, MSC sold 26,481 ounces of gold and 1,966,893 ounces of silver, compared to 22,868 ounces of gold and 1,619,934 ounces of silver in the same period of 2015.
The average gross price for gold sold in the third quarter of 2016, after mark-to-market provisional price adjustments, was 23% higher than in 2015, at $1,323 per ounce compared to $1,076 per ounce received in the same period in 2015. In comparison, the average London P.M. fix price for gold during the third quarter of 2016 was $1,335 per ounce, compared to $1,116 per ounce for the same period in 2015.
The average gross price for silver sold in the third quarter of 2016, after mark-to-market provisional price adjustments, was $20.13 per ounce, an increase of 43% compared to an average of $14.05 per ounce received in the same period in 2015. In comparison, the average London P.M. fix price for silver during the third quarter of 2016 was $19.61 per ounce, compared to $14.55 per ounce for the same period in 2015.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net sales realized by MSC from the sale of gold and silver were 30% higher than in the comparable period in 2015, totaling $182.8 million compared to $141.1 million. The increase is due to higher average realized gold and silver prices, as well as the increase in the number of ounces of gold and silver sold during the period. Gold and silver ounces sold by MSC increased by 12% and 13% respectively, aligned with the overall increase in production previously mentioned. Average realized price per ounce of gold and silver sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased by 13% and 17% respectively.
The difference between the average gross realized price per ounce of gold and silver sold by MSC and the average London fix prices noted above is due to adjustments of certain provisionally priced shipments of concentrates. Certain sales are ‘provisionally priced’ where the selling price is subject to final adjustment at the end of a period, normally ranging from 15 to 90 days after the start of the delivery process to the customer, based on the market price at the relevant quotation point stipulated in the contract. Sales revenue on provisionally priced sales of concentrates is recognized based on estimates of the final pricing receivable, which in turn are based on relevant forward market prices. At each reporting date, provisionally priced metal is marked to market based on the forward selling price of the quotational period for the sales contract.
Total Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs
Total cash costs per gold equivalent ounce sold at the San José Mine for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $707 compared to $876 per gold equivalent ounce sold for the same period in 2015, based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 for both periods. On a co-product basis (gold and silver), total cash cost for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $797
per ounce of gold and $8.23 per ounce of silver, compared to $898 per ounce of gold and $11.37 per ounce of silver for the same period in 2015.
The decrease in total cash costs is primarily a reflection of a 17% lower refining and transportation costs during the third quarter of 2016, coupled with lower export duties in effect for 2016, and 6% higher average grades processed of both gold and silver during the period. Overall, costs also decreased due to the devaluation of the Argentine peso against the US dollar, which has offset the increase in inflation noted during the period.
On an aggregate basis, total cash costs decreased year-over-year by 4%, to $37.3 million from $38.9 million in 2016. Despite the larger number of ounces of gold and silver sold in the three months ended September 30, 2016, total cash costs decreased as a result of a reduction to refining and transportation costs, lower export duties and the continuous devaluation of the Argentine peso noted during the quarter, previously mentioned.
All-in sustaining cash costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $850 per gold equivalent ounce compared to $1,134 per gold equivalent ounce in the same period in 2015, based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 for both periods. On a co-product basis, all-in sustaining costs were $957 per ounce of gold and $9.88 per ounce of silver, compared to $1,162 per ounce of gold and $14.72 per ounce of silver for the same period in 2015.
The decrease in all-in sustaining costs for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily the result of reductions of 21% in exploration costs, and 49% in capital expenditures incurred in 2016, which is also reflected in the 11% decrease from $50.4 million to $44.8 million noted in all-in sustaining costs on an aggregate basis. All-in sustaining costs of gold and silver decreased by 18% and 33% respectively, on a per ounce basis, due to a significantly higher number of ounces sold over which the aggregate all-in sustaining cost is spread.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, total cash costs per gold equivalent ounce were $770 compared to $900 based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1. All-in sustaining costs were $949 per gold equivalent ounce for the nine months of 2016 compared to $1,160 in 2015 based on a silver to gold ratio of 75:1. On a year-to-date basis, production costs decreased as a result of lower refining and transportation costs and export duties, coupled with the continuous devaluation of the Argentine peso.
Investment in MSC
The 49% attributable share of operations from our investment in MSC was net income of $4.7 million and $13.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to net loss of $1.6 million and $4.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. These amounts are net of the amortization of the fair value increments arising from the purchase price allocation and related income tax expense from the Minera Andres’ acquisition in 2012. Included in the income tax expense is the impact of fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Argentine peso and the U.S. dollar on the peso-denominated deferred tax liability associated with the investment in MSC recorded as part of the acquisition of Minera Andes. As a devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar results in a recovery of deferred income taxes, the impact has been an improvement in operations from our investment in MSC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we received $7.9 million and $13.3 million in dividends from MSC, respectively. In comparison, we received $nil and $0.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.
For more details on our Investment in MSC, refer to Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”) — San José Mine.
Advanced-stage Properties
Advanced-stage properties consist of properties for which a feasibility study has been completed indicating the presence of mineralized material, and that have obtained or are in the process of obtaining the required permitting for construction and operation. Our designation of certain properties as “Advanced-stage Properties” should not suggest that we have proven or probable reserves at those properties as defined by the SEC Industry Guide 7.
As described under Critical Accounting Policies section contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, we define “Mine Development Costs” as the costs incurred to design and construct mining and processing facilities, including engineering and metallurgical studies, drilling, and other related costs to delineate an ore body, and the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body at open pit surface or underground mines.
Since no proven and probable reserves have been established on any of our properties except for our 49% interest in the San José mine, mine development costs are not capitalized at any of our properties, but rather are expensed as incurred, and allocated within “Mine Development Costs” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Advanced-stage Properties – Nevada, U.S.
Gold Bar Project
We have targeted this project for an open pit, heap leach operation allowing for construction to potentially begin in late 2017 and achieve commercial production in late 2018, dependent upon the completion of the permitting process. Recent communication from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has delayed our estimated Record of Decision date from the first to the third quarter of 2017.
For 2016, we have budgeted approximately $3.5 million for mine permitting and engineering activities, of which $0.6 million and $1.9 million have been spent during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) as well as critical mine design and engineering support are being prepared by our employees in conjunction with our external consultants, as required. Continued developments at Gold Bar include optimizing the mine design, production schedule, and equipment needs; as well as additional metallurgical work to optimize gold recoveries; and detailed design of key process and related facilities.
Advanced-stage Properties - El Gallo Complex, México
El Gallo 2 Project
For 2016, we have budgeted $1.5 million mainly to advance the project through completing a feasibility study and conducting metallurgical work. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we spent $0.1 and $0.3 million advancing the pre-feasibility study, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2016, we had working capital of $55.6 million, comprised of current assets of $74.8 million and current liabilities of $19.2 million. This represents an increase of approximately $23.2 million or 72% from the working capital balance of $32.4 million as of December 31, 2015. The increase in our cash position during 2016 is driven by the improvement in earnings from mining operations at the San Jose Mine, which resulted in $13.3 million received as dividends from our investment in MSC. Other significant cash inflows received in the 2016 period include $9.5 million from VAT collected in Mexico, plus $3.5 million from exercises of stock options during 2016. These cash inflows in the period were partially offset by approximately $7.0 million incurred in the acquisition of mineral interests and property and equipment, which included the royalty for the El Gallo 1 Mine and El Gallo 2 project. During the 2016 period, we also repaid our short-term debt and paid the return of capital distribution. Overall, cash increased by $12.9 million, or 50%, from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016. Comparatively, from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 cash increased by $18.5 million.
As at September 30, 2016, our current liabilities include accounts payable balance of $4.3 million (2015 - $4.7 million) related to the registration taxes on intercompany financing agreements with some of our subsidiaries, which is recorded in Argentine peso and therefore has been reduced as a result of the devaluation of the local currency against the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, current liabilities also include $2.5 million (2015 - $2.5 million) for reclamation accruals for mine closure costs. Timing of the payment of these obligations is yet to be determined and the obligations are accordingly recorded as current liabilities. Current liabilities at December 31, 2015 also included a $3.4 million short-term bank loan obtained by our subsidiary in Mexico during 2015, which was fully repaid in January 2016 with the VAT receivable balances collected in Mexico.
We believe our working capital at September 30, 2016 is sufficient to fund ongoing operations, development and corporate activities over the next 12 months. Our sources of working capital at September 30, 2016 include positive cash flows from the El Gallo 1 Mine, dividends received from MSC, cash on hand, and other current assets.
If we make a positive production decision to develop either of our advanced-stage properties Gold Bar or El Gallo 2, we will need to raise additional capital of approximately $60 million or $150 million respectively (under existing estimates), given that the estimated capital cost of either project significantly exceeds our available working capital. In either case, we would explore several financing methods to obtain the necessary funds to complete the required development and construction obligations, which may include incurring debt, issuing additional equity, equipment leasing or other forms of financing. Our ability to build either the Gold Bar or the El Gallo 2 projects is dependent on one or several of the financing alternatives being completed.
Net cash provided by operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $24.4 million compared to $16.6 million in the same period of 2015. The significant increase was mainly the result of the collection of $9.5 million of VAT receivable in Mexico (September 30, 2015 - $4.3 million) and the dividend of $13.3 million (September 30, 2015 - $0.5 million) received from our investment in MSC. Net cash provided by operations was partially offset by a $10.9 million decrease in cash received from our El Gallo 1 Mine, which were $48.4 million in 2016, compared to $59.2 million in 2015.
Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $8.1 million, compared to $1.6 million in the same period of 2015. The increase is due to $6.0 million incurred in the acquisition of mineral property interests, which included the acquisition of the royalty related to our El Gallo 1 and El Gallo 2 properties, coupled with other acquisitions of plant and equipment and the $2.5 million incurred in the acquisition of certain available for sale securities, which were partly offset by the reimbursement of a deposit received in the period, in addition to the sale of certain available for sale securities in 2016. In comparison, during the same period of 2015 we had spent $1.1 million in the acquisition of certain available for sale securities and $0.5 million in the acquisition of property and equipment.
Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $3.5 million, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $3.7 million in the comparable period in 2015. During the 2016 period, we fully repaid the short-term bank facility obtained by our Mexican subsidiary, which was secured with the VAT receivable balances outstanding and collected in the period. We also repurchased shares of our stock in the amount of $0.6 million, in line with the share repurchase plan approved by the Board in October 2015. Further, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 we made two semi-annual returns of capital distribution for a total amount of $3.0 million and received $3.5 million from exercises of stock options. In comparison, during the same period of 2015, we obtained short-term bank financing in the amount of $5.2 million which was partially offset by the first semi-annual return of capital distribution in the amount of $1.5 million.
Although the Company may from time to time pay capital distributions, future distribution of capital will be at the discretion of the Board and will be subject to factors such as income, financial condition and capital requirements.
Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures
In this report, we have provided information prepared or calculated according to U.S. GAAP, as well as provided some Non-U.S. GAAP (“Non-GAAP”) financial performance measures. Because the Non-GAAP performance measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for measures of performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. There are material limitations associated with the use of such Non-GAAP measures. Since these measures do not incorporate, among other things, changes in working capital and non-operating cash costs, they are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or loss, or cash flow from operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Earnings from Mining Operations
The term Earnings from Mining Operations used in this report is a non-GAAP financial measure. We use and report this measure because we believe it provides investors and analysts with a useful measure of the underlying earnings from our mining operations.
We define Earnings from Mining Operations as Gold and Silver Revenues from our El Gallo 1 Mine and our 49% attributable share of the San José Mine’s Net Sales, less their respective Production Costs Applicable to Sales. To the extent that Production Costs Applicable to Sales may include depreciation and amortization expense related to the fair value increments on historical business acquisitions (fair value paid in excess of the carrying value of the underlying assets and liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition), we deduct this expense in order to arrive at Production Costs Applicable to Sales that only include depreciation and amortization expense incurred at the mine-site level. The San José Mine Net Sales and Production Costs Applicable to Sales are presented, on a 100% basis, in Note 5 of the accompanying financial statements.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Earnings from Mining Operations to Gross Profit, a U.S. GAAP financial measure:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
El Gallo 1 Mine earnings from mining operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold and silver sales
|
|
$
|
13,423
|
|
$
|
22,503
|
|
$
|
49,226
|
|
$
|
61,545
|
|
Production costs applicable to sales
|
|
|
(6,409)
|
|
|
(11,170)
|
|
|
(21,239)
|
|
|
(28,912)
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
7,014
|
|
|
11,333
|
|
|
27,987
|
|
|
32,633
|
|
Add: Amortization related to fair value increments on historical acquisitions included in Production Costs Applicable to Sales
|
|
|
701
|
|
|
322
|
|
|
1,845
|
|
|
966
|
|
El Gallo 1 Mine earnings from mining operations
|
|
|
7,715
|
|
|
11,655
|
|
|
29,832
|
|
|
33,599
|
|
San José earnings from mining operations (49% attributable basis)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
|
35,337
|
|
|
22,225
|
|
|
89,557
|
|
|
69,142
|
|
Production costs applicable to sales
|
|
|
(24,179)
|
|
|
(20,466)
|
|
|
(61,693)
|
|
|
(58,771)
|
|
San José earnings from mining operations
|
|
|
11,158
|
|
|
1,759
|
|
|
27,864
|
|
|
10,371
|
|
Consolidated earnings from mining operations
|
|
|
18,873
|
|
|
13,414
|
|
|
57,696
|
|
|
43,970
|
|
Total Cash Costs, All-In Sustaining Costs and All-In Costs
The terms total cash costs, total cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining costs, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, all-in costs and all-in cost per ounce used in this report are non-GAAP financial measures. We report these measures to provide additional information regarding operational efficiencies both on a consolidated and an individual mine basis (San José Mine and El Gallo 1 Mine), and believe these measures provide investors and analysts with useful information about our underlying costs of operations. For the San José Mine, where we hold a 49% share in the production through our 49% interest in MSC, we exclude the share of gold or silver production attributable to the controlling interest.
The measure total cash costs and total cash costs per ounce are calculated in accordance with the Production Cost Standard developed by The Gold Institute, which was a worldwide association of suppliers of gold and gold products and included leading North American gold producers. The Gold Institute ceased operations in 2002, but we believe the standard is still the accepted standard of reporting cash costs of production in North America. Adoption of the standard is voluntary and the cost measures presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.
The measures all-in sustaining costs, all-in sustaining costs per ounce, all-in costs and all-in costs per ounce were adopted in 2013, as we believe that these measures better represent the total costs associated with producing gold. We have adopted this reporting methodology based on the standard from the World Gold Council (as promulgated in their June 27, 2013 press release,
World Gold Council’s Guidance Note on Non-GAAP Metrics — All-In Sustaining Costs and All-In Costs
). There is no assurance that these measures are necessarily comparable to our industry peers.
Total cash costs consists of mining, processing, on-site general and administrative costs, community and permitting costs related to current operations, royalty costs, refining and treatment charges (for both doré and concentrate products), sales costs, export taxes and operational stripping costs, but exclude depreciation and amortization. In order to arrive at our consolidated total cash costs, we also include our attributable share of total cash costs from operations where we hold less than a 100% economic share in the production, such as MSC where we hold a 49% interest. The sum of these costs is divided by the corresponding gold equivalent ounces sold to determine a per ounce amount.
All-in sustaining costs consists of total cash costs (as described above), plus environmental rehabilitation costs and amortization of the asset retirement costs related to operating sites, sustaining exploration and development costs, and sustaining capital expenditures. In order to arrive at our consolidated all-in sustaining costs, we also include our attributable share of all-in sustaining costs from operations where we hold less than a 100% economic share in the production, as well as attributable corporate general and administrative expenses. The sum of these costs is divided by the corresponding gold equivalent ounces sold to determine a per ounce amount.
All-in costs include community, permitting and reclamation and remediation costs not related to current operations, non-sustaining exploration and development costs and non-sustaining capital expenditures. As these costs do not relate to any particular producing operation, we divide the sum of these costs by the consolidated gold equivalent ounces sold, including our attributable share of any operation where we hold less than a 100% interest, and do not provide this measure on a per mine basis.
Costs excluded from total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs and all-in costs are income tax expense, all financing charges, costs related to business combinations, asset acquisitions and asset disposal.
For MSC, co-product total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs are calculated by dividing the respective proportionate share of the total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, and all-in costs for each metal sold for the period by the ounces of each respective metal sold. The respective proportionate share of each metal sold is calculated based on their pro-rated sales value. Approximately 47% of the value of the sales in the third quarter of 2016 was derived from gold and 53% was derived from silver. This compares to 51% and 49% for gold and silver, respectively, for the same period in 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, approximately 50% of the value of the sales was derived from gold and 50% from silver, compared to 50% each for the comparable period in 2015.
The following tables reconcile these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, Production Costs Applicable to Sales. Total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs and ounces of gold and silver sold for the San José Mine are provided to us by MSC.
Reconciliation of Total Cash Costs to Production Costs Applicable to Sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per ounce)
|
|
Production costs applicable to sales
|
|
$
|
6,409
|
|
$
|
11,170
|
|
$
|
21,239
|
|
$
|
28,912
|
|
Less: Depreciation
|
|
|
(701)
|
|
|
(322)
|
|
|
(1,845)
|
|
|
(966)
|
|
Less: Pre
‑
stripping costs for future pit access
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,905)
|
|
|
(1,346)
|
|
|
(5,710)
|
|
On
‑
site general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
289
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
1,140
|
|
|
610
|
|
Property holding costs
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
26
|
|
Other non
‑
cash adjustments
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(355)
|
|
Total cash costs, El Gallo 1 Mine
|
|
$
|
6,008
|
|
$
|
9,103
|
|
$
|
19,210
|
|
$
|
22,517
|
|
McEwen’s share of MSC total cash costs (49%)
|
|
|
18,265
|
|
|
19,082
|
|
|
54,721
|
|
|
56,760
|
|
Consolidated total cash costs
|
|
$
|
24,273
|
|
$
|
28,185
|
|
$
|
73,931
|
|
$
|
79,277
|
|
Per gold equivalent ounce sold:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash costs, El Gallo 1 Mine
|
|
$
|
598
|
|
$
|
454
|
|
$
|
483
|
|
$
|
429
|
|
McEwen’s share of MSC total cash costs (49%)
|
|
|
707
|
|
|
876
|
|
|
770
|
|
|
900
|
|
Consolidated total cash costs (including McEwen’s share of MSC)
|
|
|
677
|
|
|
674
|
|
|
667
|
|
|
686
|
|
Reconciliation of All-In Sustaining Costs to Total Cash Costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per ounce)
|
|
Total cash costs (excluding McEwen’s share of MSC)
|
|
$
|
6,008
|
|
$
|
9,103
|
|
$
|
19,210
|
|
$
|
22,517
|
|
Operating site reclamation accretion and amortization
|
|
|
277
|
|
|
172
|
|
|
724
|
|
|
956
|
|
On
‑
site exploration expenses
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
240
|
|
|
580
|
|
|
1,144
|
|
Capital expenditures (sustaining)
|
|
|
343
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
343
|
|
|
—
|
|
Pre
‑
stripping costs for future pit access
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,905
|
|
|
1,346
|
|
|
5,710
|
|
All
‑
in sustaining costs, El Gallo 1 Mine
|
|
$
|
6,837
|
|
$
|
11,420
|
|
$
|
22,203
|
|
$
|
30,327
|
|
McEwen’s share of MSC all
‑
in sustaining costs (49%)
|
|
|
21,940
|
|
|
24,699
|
|
|
67,457
|
|
|
73,214
|
|
Corporate general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
2,944
|
|
|
2,129
|
|
|
7,461
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
Consolidated all
‑
in sustaining costs (including McEwen’s share of MSC)
|
|
$
|
31,721
|
|
$
|
38,248
|
|
$
|
97,121
|
|
$
|
111,692
|
|
Per gold equivalent ounce sold:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
‑
in sustaining costs, El Gallo 1 Mine
|
|
$
|
680
|
|
$
|
570
|
|
$
|
559
|
|
$
|
578
|
|
McEwen’s share of MSC all
‑
in sustaining costs (49%)
|
|
|
850
|
|
|
1,134
|
|
|
949
|
|
|
1,160
|
|
Consolidated all
‑
in sustaining costs (including McEwen’s share of MSC)
|
|
|
884
|
|
|
914
|
|
|
876
|
|
|
967
|
|
Reconciliation of All-In Costs to All-In Sustaining Costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per ounce)
|
|
Consolidated all
‑
in sustaining costs (including McEwen’s share of MSC)
|
|
$
|
31,721
|
|
$
|
38,248
|
|
$
|
97,121
|
|
$
|
111,692
|
|
Property holding costs (non
‑
sustaining)
|
|
|
1,881
|
|
|
2,060
|
|
|
3,275
|
|
|
4,035
|
|
Reclamation accretion and amortization (non
‑
operating sites)
|
|
|
160
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
467
|
|
|
88
|
|
Exploration expenses (non
‑
sustaining)
|
|
|
1,957
|
|
|
1,590
|
|
|
5,015
|
|
|
6,108
|
|
Mine development (non
‑
sustaining)
|
|
|
934
|
|
|
112
|
|
|
2,948
|
|
|
449
|
|
Capital expenditures (non
‑
sustaining)
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
115
|
|
|
6,693
|
|
|
548
|
|
Consolidated all
‑
in costs (including McEwen’s share of MSC)
|
|
$
|
36,694
|
|
$
|
42,150
|
|
$
|
115,519
|
|
$
|
122,920
|
|
Per gold equivalent ounce sold:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated all
‑
in costs (including McEwen’s share of MSC)
|
|
$
|
1,023
|
|
$
|
1,008
|
|
$
|
1,042
|
|
$
|
1,064
|
|
Average realized prices
The term average realized price per ounce used in this report is also a non-GAAP financial measure. We report this measure to better understand the price realized in each reporting period for gold and silver.
Average realized price is calculated as sales of gold and silver (excluding commercial deductions) over the number of ounces sold in the period.
The following tables reconcile this non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, Gold and Silver Sales. Ounces of gold and silver sold for the San José Mine are provided to us by MSC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except ounces and per ounce)
|
|
|
|
El Gallo
|
|
MSC
|
|
|
|
|
El Gallo
|
|
MSC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Phase 1
|
|
(49% interest)
|
|
Total
|
|
Phase 1
|
|
(49% interest)
|
|
Total
|
|
Gold sales
|
|
$
|
13,346
|
|
$
|
17,167
|
|
$
|
30,513
|
|
$
|
22,412
|
|
$
|
12,060
|
|
$
|
34,472
|
|
Silver sales
|
|
|
77
|
|
|
19,404
|
|
|
19,481
|
|
|
91
|
|
|
11,149
|
|
|
11,240
|
|
Gold and silver sales
|
|
$
|
13,423
|
|
$
|
36,571
|
|
$
|
49,994
|
|
$
|
22,503
|
|
$
|
23,209
|
|
$
|
45,712
|
|
Gold ounces sold
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
12,976
|
|
|
22,976
|
|
|
19,960
|
|
|
11,205
|
|
|
31,165
|
|
Silver ounces sold
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
963,778
|
|
|
967,778
|
|
|
6,000
|
|
|
793,768
|
|
|
799,768
|
|
Gold equivalent ounces sold
|
|
|
10,053
|
|
|
25,826
|
|
|
35,879
|
|
|
20,040
|
|
|
21,788
|
|
|
41,828
|
|
Average realized price per gold ounce sold
|
|
$
|
1,335
|
|
$
|
1,323
|
|
$
|
1,328
|
|
$
|
1,123
|
|
$
|
1,076
|
|
$
|
1,106
|
|
Average realized price per silver ounce sold
|
|
$
|
19.25
|
|
$
|
20.13
|
|
$
|
20.13
|
|
$
|
15.17
|
|
$
|
14.05
|
|
$
|
14.05
|
|
Average realized price per gold equivalent ounce sold
|
|
$
|
1,335
|
|
$
|
1,416
|
|
$
|
1,393
|
|
$
|
1,123
|
|
$
|
1,065
|
|
$
|
1,093
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except ounces and per ounce)
|
|
|
|
El Gallo 1
|
|
MSC
|
|
|
|
|
El Gallo 1
|
|
MSC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine
|
|
(49% interest)
|
|
Total
|
|
Mine
|
|
(49% interest)
|
|
Total
|
|
Gold sales
|
|
$
|
48,949
|
|
$
|
46,526
|
|
$
|
95,475
|
|
$
|
61,030
|
|
$
|
36,715
|
|
$
|
97,745
|
|
Silver sales
|
|
|
277
|
|
|
47,055
|
|
|
47,332
|
|
|
515
|
|
|
35,740
|
|
|
36,255
|
|
Gold and silver sales
|
|
$
|
49,226
|
|
$
|
93,581
|
|
$
|
142,807
|
|
$
|
61,545
|
|
$
|
72,455
|
|
$
|
134,000
|
|
Gold ounces sold
|
|
|
39,526
|
|
|
36,150
|
|
|
75,676
|
|
|
52,015
|
|
|
32,155
|
|
|
84,170
|
|
Silver ounces sold
|
|
|
16,600
|
|
|
2,619,993
|
|
|
2,636,593
|
|
|
31,446
|
|
|
2,320,277
|
|
|
2,351,723
|
|
Gold equivalent ounces sold
|
|
|
39,747
|
|
|
71,083
|
|
|
110,830
|
|
|
52,434
|
|
|
63,092
|
|
|
115,526
|
|
Average realized price per gold ounce sold
|
|
$
|
1,238
|
|
$
|
1,287
|
|
$
|
1,262
|
|
$
|
1,173
|
|
$
|
1,142
|
|
$
|
1,161
|
|
Average realized price per silver ounce sold
|
|
$
|
16.69
|
|
$
|
17.96
|
|
$
|
17.95
|
|
$
|
16.38
|
|
$
|
15.40
|
|
$
|
15.42
|
|
Average realized price per gold equivalent ounce sold
|
|
$
|
1,238
|
|
$
|
1,317
|
|
$
|
1,289
|
|
$
|
1,174
|
|
$
|
1,148
|
|
$
|
1,160
|
|
Gold equivalent ounces
The following table summarizes the consolidated number of gold equivalent ounces sold used to calculate total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs, and average realized prices, discussed above, on a per ounce basis. Gold equivalent ounces are calculated using an average silver to gold ratio of 75:1, as determined in our 2016 budget. In 2015, the silver to gold ratio also was 75:1.
Consolidated gold equivalent ounces sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended September 30,
|
|
Nine months ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Gold equivalent ounces sold at El Gallo 1 Mine
|
|
10,053
|
|
20,040
|
|
39,747
|
|
52,434
|
|
McEwen’s share of MSC gold equivalent ounces sold
|
|
25,826
|
|
21,788
|
|
71,083
|
|
63,092
|
|
Consolidated gold equivalent ounces sold (including McEwen’s share of MSC)
|
|
35,879
|
|
41,828
|
|
110,830
|
|
115,526
|
|
Silver : gold ratio
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
75 : 1
|
|
Cash, investments and precious metals
The term cash, investments and precious metals used in this report is also a non‑GAAP financial measure. We report this measure to better understand our liquidity in each reporting period.
Cash, investments and precious metals is calculated as the sum of cash, investments and ounces of doré held in inventories with precious metals valued at the London PM Fix spot price at the corresponding period. The following table summarizes the calculation of cash, investments and precious metals amounts shown in this report:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
38,812
|
|
$
|
30,902
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
7,056
|
|
|
855
|
|
Precious Metals
(1)
|
|
|
16,613
|
|
|
4,414
|
|
Total cash, investments and precious metals
|
|
$
|
62,481
|
|
$
|
36,171
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Precious Metals is calculated using the number of ounces held in inventory at the end of the period, and valued at the London PM Fix spot
|
A reconciliation between precious metals valued at cost and precious metals valued at market value is described in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except ounces and per ounce)
|
|
Precious Metals (note 3)
|
|
$
|
4,975
|
|
$
|
1,585
|
|
Number of ounces of doré in inventory
|
|
|
12,557
|
|
|
3,962
|
|
London PM Fix, per ounce
|
|
|
1,323
|
|
|
1,114
|
|
Precious Metals valued at market value
|
|
$
|
16,613
|
|
$
|
4,414
|
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2016, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as that phrase is defined by SEC rules applicable to this report) which have or are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Contingencies
We have surety bonds outstanding to provide bonding for our environmental reclamation obligations in the United States. These surety bonds are available for draw down in the event we do not perform our reclamation obligations. When the specific reclamation requirements are met, the beneficiary of the surety bonds will cancel and/or return the instrument to the issuing entity. As of September 30, 2016, no liability has been recognized for our surety bonds of $4.8 million.
Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the financial statements are discussed with our Audit Committee as they are implemented and on an annual basis.
There have been no significant changes in our Critical Accounting Policies since December 31, 2015.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements”, as that term is used in federal securities laws, about our financial condition, results of operations and business. These statements include, among others:
|
·
|
|
statements about our anticipated exploration results, cost and feasibility of production, receipt of permits or other regulatory or government approvals and plans for the development of our properties;
|
|
·
|
|
statements concerning the benefits or outcomes that we expect will result from our business activities and certain transactions that we contemplate or have completed, such as receipt of proceeds, increased revenues, decreased expenses and avoided expenses and expenditures; and
|
|
·
|
|
other statements of our expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated developments and other matters that are not historical facts.
|
These statements may be made expressly in this document or may be incorporated by reference to other documents that we will file with the SEC. You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or similar expressions used in this report or incorporated by reference in this report.
Forward-looking statements and information are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information.
Included amongst the forward-looking statements and information provided on this document is production guidance. On an annual basis, we develop a consolidated budget, based on standalone budgets for each operating mine. In developing the mine production portion of the budget, we evaluate a number of factors and assumptions, which include, but are not limited to:
|
·
|
|
Gold and Silver price forecasts;
|
|
·
|
|
Average gold and silver grade mined, using the resource model;
|
|
·
|
|
Average grade processed by the crushing facility (El Gallo 1 Mine) or milling facility (San Jose Mine);
|
|
·
|
|
Expected tonnes moved and strip ratios;
|
|
·
|
|
Available stockpile material (grades, tonnes, and accessibility);
|
|
·
|
|
Estimates of in process inventory (either on the leach pad or plant for the El Gallo 1 Mine, or in the mill facility for the San Jose Mine);
|
|
·
|
|
Estimated leach recovery rates and leach cycle times (El Gallo 1 Mine);
|
|
·
|
|
Estimated mill recovery rates (San Jose Mine);
|
|
·
|
|
Dilution of material processed;
|
|
·
|
|
Internal and contractor equipment and labor availability; and
|
|
·
|
|
Seasonal weather patterns, particularly in Mexico.
|
Actual production results are sensitive to variances in any of the key factors and assumptions noted above. As a result, we frequently evaluate and reconcile actual results to budgeted results to identify if key assumptions and estimates requiring modification. Any changes will, in turn, influence production guidance.
We caution you not to put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Further, the information contained in this document or incorporated herein by reference is a statement of our present intention and is based on present facts and assumptions, and may change at any time and without notice, based on changes in such facts or assumptions. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Risk Factors Impacting Forward-Looking Statements
The important factors that could prevent us from achieving our stated goals and objectives include, but are not limited to, those set forth in other reports we have filed with the SEC and the following:
|
·
|
|
our ability to raise funds required for the execution of our business strategy;
|
|
·
|
|
our ability to secure permits or other regulatory and government approvals needed to operate, develop or explore our mineral properties and projects;
|
|
·
|
|
decisions of foreign countries and banks within those countries;
|
|
·
|
|
unexpected changes in business, economic, and political conditions;
|
|
·
|
|
fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates, or commodity prices;
|
|
·
|
|
timing and amount of mine production;
|
|
·
|
|
our ability to retain and attract key personnel;
|
|
·
|
|
technological changes in the mining industry;
|
|
·
|
|
changes in operating, exploration or overhead costs;
|
|
·
|
|
access and availability of materials, equipment, supplies, labor and supervision, power and water;
|
|
·
|
|
results of current and future exploration activities;
|
|
·
|
|
results of pending and future feasibility studies or the expansion or commencement of mining operations without feasibility studies having been completed;
|
|
·
|
|
changes in our business strategy;
|
|
·
|
|
interpretation of drill hole results and the geology, grade and continuity of mineralization;
|
|
·
|
|
the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and timing of development expenditures;
|
|
·
|
|
litigation or regulatory investigations and procedures affecting us;
|
|
·
|
|
local and community impacts and issues including criminal activity and violent crimes;
|
|
·
|
|
accidents, public health issues, and labor disputes;
|
|
·
|
|
our continued listing on a public exchange;
|
|
·
|
|
uncertainty relating to title to mineral properties; and
|
|
·
|
|
changes in relationships with the local communities in the areas in which we operate.
|
We undertake no responsibility or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, except as required by law and may update these statements in the future in written or oral statements. Investors should take note of any future statements made by or on our behalf.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our exposure to market risks includes, but is not limited to, the following risks: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates, equity price risks, commodity price fluctuations and country risk. We do not use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk.
Further, our participation in the joint venture with Hochschild for the 49% interest held at MSC creates additional risks because, among other things, we do not exercise decision making power over the day-to-day activities at MSC; however, implications from our partner’s decisions may result in us having to provide additional funding to MSC or in a decrease in our percentage of ownership.
Foreign Currency Risk
While we transact most of our business in U.S. dollars, some expenses, labor, operating supplies and property and equipment are denominated in Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos or Argentine pesos. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact our operating costs. The appreciation of non-U.S. dollar currencies against the U.S. dollar increases costs and the cost of purchasing property and equipment in U.S. dollar terms in Canada, Mexico and Argentina, which can adversely impact our operating results and cash flows. Conversely, a depreciation of non-U.S. dollar currencies usually decreases operating costs and property and equipment purchases in U.S. dollar terms in foreign countries.
Since 2008, the Argentine peso has been steadily devaluing against the U.S. dollar by 10%-30% on an annual basis. In 2014 and 2015 the peso devalued by 28% and 35% respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Argentine peso devalued 19%.
Further, we are also subject to foreign currency risk on the fluctuation of the Mexican peso on our VAT receivable balance. As of September 30, 2016, our VAT receivable balance was Mexican peso 63,344,666, equivalent to approximately $3.3 million, for which a 1% change in the Mexican peso would have resulted in a gain/loss of $0.1 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Mexican peso devalued 11% against the US dollar.
The value of cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies also fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. Appreciation of non-U.S. dollar currencies results in a foreign currency gain on such investments and a depreciation in non-U.S. dollar currencies results in a loss. We have not utilized material market risk-sensitive instruments to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates but may in the future actively manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk. We hold portions of our cash reserves in non-U.S. dollar currencies. Based on our Canadian cash balance of $1.5 million (C$1.9 million) at September 30, 2016, a 1% change in the Canadian dollar would result in a gain/loss of $0.01 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We also hold negligible portions of our cash reserves in Argentine and Mexican peso.
Equity Price Risk
We have in the past sought and will likely in the future seek to acquire additional funding by sale of common stock. Movements in the price of our common stock have been volatile in the past and may also be volatile in the future. As a
result, there is a risk that we may not be able to sell common stock at an acceptable price to meet future funding requirements.
Commodity Price Risk
Changes in the price of gold and silver have in the past and could in the future significantly affect our results of operations and cash flows. We have in the past and may in the future hold a portion of our treasury in gold and silver bullion, which is recorded at the lower of cost or market. Gold and silver prices may fluctuate widely from time to time. Based on our revenues from gold and silver sales of $49.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (exclusive of our investment in MSC), a 10% change in the spot price of gold and silver as of September 30, 2016 would have had an impact of approximately $5.0 million on our revenues.
Credit Risk
We may be exposed to credit loss through our precious metals and doré sales agreements with Canadian financial institutions if these institutions are unable to make payment in accordance with the terms of the agreements. However, based on the history and financial condition of our counterparties, we do not anticipate any of the financial institutions to default on their obligation. As of September 30, 2016, we do not believe we have any significant credit exposure associated with precious metals and our doré sales agreements.
In Mexico, we are exposed to credit loss regarding our VAT taxes receivable if the Mexican tax authorities are unable or unwilling to make payments in accordance with our monthly filings. Timing of collection on VAT receivables is uncertain as VAT refund procedures require a significant amount of information and follow-up. The risk is mitigated to the extent that the VAT receivable balance can be applied against future income taxes payable. However, at this time we are uncertain when, if ever, our Mexican operations will generate sufficient taxable operating profits to offset this receivable against taxes payable. We continue to face risk on the collection of our VAT receivables, which amount to $3.3 million as at September 30, 2016.
In Nevada, we are required to provide security to cover our projected reclamation costs. As at September 30, 2016, we have surety bonds of $4.8 million in place to satisfy bonding requirements for this purpose. Although we do not believe we have any significant credit exposure associated with these bonds, we are exposed to credit loss regarding our deposit if the surety bond underwriter defaults on its coverage of the bond. There is also the risk the surety bonds may no longer be accepted by the governmental agencies as satisfactory reclamation coverage, in which case we would be required to replace the surety bonding with cash.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURE
S
(a)
We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of September 30, 2016, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b)
Changes in Internal Controls. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.