This discussion also includes references to “advanced-stage properties”, which are defined as properties for which advanced studies and reports have been completed indicating the presence of mineralized material or proven and probable reserves, or that have obtained or are in the process of obtaining the required permits. Our designation of certain properties as “advanced-stage properties” should not suggest that we have or will have proven or probable reserves at those properties as defined by Regulation S-K 1300.
OVERVIEW
We were organized under the laws of the State of Colorado on July 24, 1979. We are engaged in the exploration, development, production and sale of gold and silver and exploration for copper.
We operate in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. We own a 100% interest in the Gold Bar mine in Nevada, the Black Fox and Froome gold mines in Ontario, Canada, the El Gallo project and the Fenix silver-gold project in Sinaloa, Mexico, 76% interest in the Los Azules copper deposit in San Juan, Argentina, and a portfolio of exploration properties in Nevada, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. We also own a 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”), owner of the producing San José silver-gold mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina, which is operated by the joint venture majority owner, Hochschild Mining plc.
In this report, “Au” represents gold; “Ag” represents silver; “oz” represents troy ounce; “t” represents metric tonne; “gpt” represents grams per metric tonne; “ft.” represents feet; “m” represents meter; “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. Throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MDA”), the reporting periods for the three months ended June 30, 2022, and 2021 are abbreviated as Q2/22 and Q2/21, respectively, and the reporting periods for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 are abbreviated as H1/22 and H1/21, respectively.
In addition, in this report, gold equivalent ounces (“GEO”) includes gold and silver ounces calculated based on a 78:1 silver to gold ratio for the first quarter of 2022, 83:1 silver to gold ratio for the second quarter of 2022, 68:1 silver to gold for the first quarter of 2021 and 68:1 for the second quarter of 2021.
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
We are continuing to closely monitor and respond, as possible, to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, ensuring the health and safety of the Company’s employees and contractors is one of our top priorities.
The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, variants of the COVID-19 virus, related advisories and restrictions and the success and acceptance of various vaccines, and other adverse effects caused (or contributed to) by pandemic, such as supply chain constraints, labor shortages and inflationary pressures. Management is actively monitoring the global situation on our financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry and workforce.
In response to the need to protect our employees and our company, we formed our COVID-19 Task Team. The Task Team consists of management members from each operating site and office and has coordinated steps to prevent a wider spread of the virus, while exchanging information with associations, governments and industry peers. We have implemented preventative measures to ensure a safe working environment for our employees and contractors and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include:
| ● | Facilitating the access to vaccinations at our sites by coordinating with local health authorities, and |
| ● | Performing functions remotely as advised by certain jurisdictions. Our head office in Toronto, Canada was shut down on March 13, 2020. As of June 30, 2022, a few corporate employees have returned to the head office, however, most continue to perform their functions remotely. |
During Q2/22, we did not qualify for any additional COVID-19 relief funds through the Canadian government’s Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy programs. The Canadian government closed these relief funds at the end of October 2021.