Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO, NYSE: ERO) (“Ero” or
the “Company”) is pleased to announce its operating and financial
results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
Management will host a conference call tomorrow, Friday,
March 8, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. eastern time to discuss the
results. Dial-in details for the call can be found near the end of
this press release.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fourth quarter copper production was 11,760 tonnes, bringing
full-year copper production to 43,857 tonnes
- Copper C1 cash costs(*) for the quarter and year were $1.75 and
$1.80, respectively. Including the benefit of realized gains on
designated foreign exchange hedges, fourth quarter and full-year
copper C1 cash costs(*) were $1.59 and $1.68, respectively
- Fourth quarter gold production was 16,867 ounces, contributing
to record full-year gold production of 59,222 ounces
- Gold C1 cash costs(*) for the quarter and year were $413 and
$422, respectively. All-in Sustaining Costs ("AISC")(*) for the
same periods were $991 and $957, respectively
- Fourth quarter and full-year financial results reflect the
continued execution of the Company's growth initiatives, including
completion of the NX60 initiative, which resulted in record
full-year operating margins at the Xavantina Operations
- Net income attributable to the owners of the Company for the
quarter and year were $36.5 million and $92.8 million,
respectively, or $0.37 and $0.98, respectively, per share on a
diluted basis
- Adjusted net
income attributable to the owners of the Company(*) for the quarter
and year were $20.7 million and $82.8 million, respectively, or
$0.21 and $0.87, respectively, per share on a diluted basis
- Fourth quarter
and full-year adjusted EBITDA(*) were $50.3 million and $183.5
million, respectively
(*) These are non-IFRS measures and do not have
a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be
comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other
issuers. Please refer to the Company’s discussion of Non-IFRS
measures in its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year
ended December 31, 2023 and the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures
section at the end of this press release.
- The Company
achieved significant milestones across its organic growth projects
- Construction of
the Tucumã Project progressed significantly, reaching over 90%
physical completion as of February 2024. With production of copper
concentrate on schedule to commence in H2 2024, the Company's
transition from construction to commissioning is underway. The
total direct project capital estimate remains unchanged at
approximately $310 million
- The Caraíba mill
expansion, which is expected to increase mill throughput capacity
from 3.2 to 4.2 million tonnes per annum, was completed in December
2023 with design capacity achieved by year-end
- Following the
completion of surface infrastructure, the main shaft sinking phase
for the Pilar Mine's new external shaft commenced as planned in
December 2023. The new external shaft component of the Pilar 3.0
initiative is fully contracted, and projected capital expenditures
are within budget
- During the
quarter, amid an uncertain macroeconomic climate, the Company's
management team prudently elected to fortify its balance sheet with
a bought deal equity financing. Net proceeds from the transaction
of $104.3 million contributed to available liquidity at year-end of
$261.7 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $111.7
million and $150.0 million of undrawn availability under the
Company's senior secured revolving credit facility
- The Company is
reaffirming its 2024 production, operating cost, and capital
expenditure guidance
"2023 was a cornerstone year in advancing our
growth strategy," stated David Strang, Chief Executive Officer.
"Our investments over the past few years position us well for the
future at both the Xavantina Operations, where we successfully
completed the NX60 initiative, and at the Caraíba Operations with
the completion of our mill expansion and the excellent progress
made on the new external shaft for the Pilar Mine.”
"However, the most significant transformation in
our consolidated production profile and cash flows is projected to
begin in the second half of this year when production is scheduled
to commence at the Tucumã Project. With physical completion at over
90% and capital expenditures on the project starting to wind down,
we are approaching an exciting inflection point when we expect to
see these investments begin to yield strong shareholder
returns."
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2023 REVIEW
- Mining
& Milling Operations
- The Caraíba
Operations processed 3.2 million tonnes of ore grading 1.49%
copper, producing 43,857 tonnes of copper in concentrate for the
year after metallurgical recoveries of 91.4%
- Higher mill
throughput volumes and processed copper grades during the fourth
quarter resulted in copper production of 11,760 tonnes in
concentrate, representing an increase of 9.2% compared to the third
quarter
- Full-year mill
throughput volumes increased 12.8%, partially offsetting the impact
of a planned decrease in mined and processed copper grades compared
to 2022
- The Xavantina
Operations processed 136,002 tonnes of ore grading 15.13 grams per
tonne, producing a record 59,222 ounces of gold in 2023 after
metallurgical recoveries of 89.5%
- Fourth quarter
processed gold grades continued to exceed expectations, averaging
17.18 grams per tonne and resulting in production of 16,867 ounces
for the quarter
- The successful
completion of the NX60 initiative contributed to increases in
processed gold grades and gold production of 98.8% and 38.8%,
respectively, compared to 2022
- Organic Growth Projects
- The Company continued to make significant construction progress
at its Tucumã Project, achieving over 90% physical completion as of
February 2024. With production of copper concentrate on schedule to
commence in H2 2024, the Company's transition from construction to
commissioning is underway. Key milestones include:
- Site fully energized in January 2024 following commissioning of
the main substation and completion of the 16-kilometer power line
tie-in with the national grid
- Pre-stripping activities continue to track ahead of schedule
with approximately 25,000 tonnes of sulphide ore stockpiled for
process plant commissioning as at the end of February 2024
- Mechanical completion and sub-component commissioning
(lubrication, hydraulic, electrical, instrumentation and automation
systems) continues to progress on schedule
- Dry commissioning of the crushing circuit, encompassing the
primary and secondary crushers as well as screening and conveyance
systems, was completed in February 2024, approximately one month
ahead of schedule
- The total direct project capital estimate remains approximately
$310 million
- To date, the Tucumã Project has recorded no lost-time injuries
with over three million hours of work completed since 2022
- At the Caraíba Operations, the Company made important
advancements on its Pilar 3.0 initiative during the quarter. This
initiative aims to transform the Pilar Mine into a two-mine system
capable of sustaining annual ore production levels of approximately
3.0 million tonnes
- The Caraíba mill expansion, which is expected to increase mill
throughput capacity from 3.2 to 4.2 million tonnes per annum, was
successfully completed in December 2023 with design capacity
achieved by year-end
- Following the completion of the head-frame, winders and
supporting surface infrastructure, the main shaft sinking phase for
the Pilar Mine's new external shaft commenced as planned in
December 2023. The new external shaft component of the Pilar 3.0
initiative is fully contracted, and projected capital expenditures
are within budget
- The Xavantina Operations' NX60 initiative was successfully
completed in 2023. As a result, the Company achieved record gold
production for the year and expects to sustain annual gold
production levels of 55,000 to 60,000 ounces moving forward
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
|
|
2023 - Q4 |
|
2023 - Q3 |
|
2022 - Q4 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Operating Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (Caraíba Operations) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore Processed (tonnes) |
|
|
812,202 |
|
|
806,096 |
|
|
745,850 |
|
|
3,231,667 |
|
|
2,864,230 |
Grade (% Cu) |
|
|
1.59 |
|
|
1.46 |
|
|
1.84 |
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
1.76 |
Cu Production (tonnes) |
|
|
11,760 |
|
|
10,766 |
|
|
12,664 |
|
|
43,857 |
|
|
46,371 |
Cu Production (000 lbs) |
|
|
25,926 |
|
|
23,734 |
|
|
27,918 |
|
|
96,688 |
|
|
102,230 |
Cu Sold in Concentrate (tonnes) |
|
|
11,429 |
|
|
10,090 |
|
|
13,301 |
|
|
42,595 |
|
|
46,816 |
Cu Sold in Concentrate (000 lbs) |
|
|
25,197 |
|
|
22,244 |
|
|
29,323 |
|
|
93,906 |
|
|
103,211 |
Cu C1 cash cost(1)(2) |
|
$ |
1.75 |
|
$ |
1.92 |
|
$ |
1.59 |
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
$ |
1.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold (Xavantina Operations) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore Processed (tonnes) |
|
|
34,416 |
|
|
31,446 |
|
|
39,715 |
|
|
136,002 |
|
|
189,743 |
Grade (g / tonne) |
|
|
17.18 |
|
|
18.72 |
|
|
10.17 |
|
|
15.13 |
|
|
7.61 |
Au Production (oz) |
|
|
16,867 |
|
|
17,579 |
|
|
11,786 |
|
|
59,222 |
|
|
42,669 |
Au C1 cash cost(1) |
|
$ |
413 |
|
$ |
371 |
|
$ |
445 |
|
$ |
422 |
|
$ |
560 |
Au AISC(1) |
|
$ |
991 |
|
$ |
844 |
|
$ |
1,096 |
|
$ |
957 |
|
$ |
1,124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial
Highlights ($ in millions, except per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
116.4 |
|
$ |
105.2 |
|
$ |
116.7 |
|
$ |
427.5 |
|
$ |
426.4 |
Gross profit |
|
|
41.9 |
|
|
35.5 |
|
|
52.7 |
|
|
156.8 |
|
|
187.2 |
EBITDA(1) |
|
|
73.7 |
|
|
28.3 |
|
|
53.6 |
|
|
208.7 |
|
|
208.3 |
Adjusted EBITDA(1) |
|
|
50.3 |
|
|
42.9 |
|
|
53.2 |
|
|
183.5 |
|
|
198.3 |
Cash flow from operations |
|
|
49.4 |
|
|
41.9 |
|
|
34.0 |
|
|
163.1 |
|
|
143.4 |
Net income |
|
|
37.1 |
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
22.5 |
|
|
94.3 |
|
|
103.1 |
Net income attributable to owners of the Company |
|
|
36.5 |
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
22.2 |
|
|
92.8 |
|
|
101.8 |
Per share (basic) |
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
0.99 |
|
|
1.12 |
Per share (diluted) |
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
0.98 |
|
|
1.10 |
Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company(1) |
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
22.2 |
|
|
82.8 |
|
|
83.5 |
Per share (basic) |
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
0.88 |
|
|
0.92 |
Per share (diluted) |
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
0.87 |
|
|
0.91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash,
cash equivalents, and short-term investments |
|
|
111.7 |
|
|
87.6 |
|
|
317.4 |
|
|
111.7 |
|
|
317.4 |
Working capital(1) |
|
|
25.7 |
|
|
32.8 |
|
|
263.3 |
|
|
25.7 |
|
|
263.3 |
Net (cash) debt(1) |
|
|
314.5 |
|
|
331.8 |
|
|
100.7 |
|
|
314.5 |
|
|
100.7 |
(1) EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income
(loss) attributable to owners of the Company, adjusted net income
(loss) per share attributable to owners of the Company, net (cash)
debt, working capital, copper C1 cash cost, copper C1 cash cost
including foreign exchange hedges, gold C1 cash cost and gold AISC
are non-IFRS measures. These measures do not have a standardized
meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar
financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Please refer to the
Company’s discussion of Non-IFRS measures in its Management’s
Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and
the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures section at the end of this
press release.(2) Copper C1 cash cost including foreign exchange
hedges (per lb) in Q4 2023 and Fiscal 2023 were $1.59 and $1.68,
respectively, compared to $1.59 in Q4 2022 and $1.67 in Fiscal
2022.
2024 PRODUCTION AND COST
GUIDANCE(*)
The Company's 2024 production guidance reflects
the ongoing execution of its organic growth strategy, including the
successful completion of the Xavantina Operations' NX60 initiative
as well as the anticipated completion of the Tucumã Project, which
remains on track to commence production in H2 2024. As a result,
the Company expects to deliver consolidated copper production of
59,000 to 72,000 tonnes in concentrate and gold production of
55,000 to 60,000 ounces.
The Company's 2024 copper C1 cash cost guidance
on a consolidated basis is $1.50 to $1.75. This range incorporates
several key updates relative to previous 2024 C1 cash cost
projections, including a revised copper C1 cash cost calculation
methodology, as detailed in the Company's press release dated
February 21, 2024.
At the Xavantina Operations, the gold C1 cash
cost guidance range of $550 to $650 reflects improved fixed cost
efficiencies driven by higher expected gold production, partially
offsetting the impact of planned decreases to mined and processed
gold grades. The gold AISC guidance range for 2024 is $1,050 to
$1,150.
The Company's updated cost guidance for 2024
assumes a foreign exchange rate of 5.00 BRL per USD, a gold price
of $1,900 per ounce and a silver price of $23.00 per ounce.
Consolidated Copper Production (tonnes) |
|
|
Caraíba Operations |
|
42,000 - 47,000 |
Tucumã Operations |
|
17,000 - 25,000 |
Total |
|
59,000 - 72,000 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Copper C1 Cash
Costs(1) Guidance |
|
|
Caraíba Operations |
|
$1.80 - $2.00 |
Tucumã Operations |
|
$0.90 - $1.10 |
Total |
|
$1.50 - $1.75 |
|
|
|
The Xavantina Operations |
|
|
Au Production (ounces) |
|
55,000 - 60,000 |
Gold C1 Cash Cost(1) Guidance |
|
$550 - $650 |
Gold AISC(1) Guidance |
|
$1,050 - $1,150 |
* Guidance is based on certain
estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to, mineral
reserve estimates, grade and continuity of interpreted geological
formations and metallurgical performance. Please refer to the
Company’s most recent Annual Information Form and Management of
Risks and Uncertainties in the MD&A for complete risk
factors.(1) Please refer to the section titled "Alternative
Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures" within the MD&A.
2024 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
GUIDANCE(*)
2024 capital expenditures are expected to
decrease to a range of $299 to $349 million due to the anticipated
completion of the Tucumã Project, which is on track to commence
production in the H2 2024. As a result, capital spend is expected
to be weighted towards H1 2024.
The Company's capital expenditure guidance
includes an estimated $30 to $40 million allocated to consolidated
exploration programs. This allocation includes approximately $20
million designated for drilling activities at the Caraíba
Operations, including expenditures related to the Curaçá Valley
nickel exploration program. Additionally, the Company has budgeted
approximately $6 million for the first phase of work at the Furnas
Project.
Capital expenditure guidance assumes an exchange
rate of 5.10 USD:BRL for the Tucumã Project based on designated
foreign exchange hedges with a weighted average ceiling and floor
of 5.10 and 5.23 USD:BRL, respectively. All other capital
expenditures assume an exchange rate of 5.00 USD:BRL. Figures
presented below are in USD millions.
Caraíba Operations |
|
|
Growth |
|
$80 - $90 |
Sustaining |
|
$100 - $110 |
Total, Caraíba Operations |
|
$180 - $200 |
|
|
|
Tucumã Project |
|
|
Growth |
|
$65 - $75 |
Capitalized Ramp-Up Costs |
|
$4 - $6 |
Sustaining |
|
$2 - $5 |
Total, Tucumã Project |
|
$71 - $86 |
|
|
|
Xavantina Operations |
|
|
Growth |
|
$3 - $5 |
Sustaining |
|
$15 - $18 |
Total, Xavantina Operations |
|
$18 - $23 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Exploration Programs |
|
$30 - $40 |
|
|
|
Company Total |
|
|
Growth |
|
$148 - $170 |
Capitalized Ramp-Up Costs |
|
$4 - $6 |
Sustaining |
|
$117 - $133 |
Exploration |
|
$30 - $40 |
Total, Company |
|
$299 - $349 |
(*) Guidance is based on certain estimates and
assumptions, including but not limited to, mineral reserve
estimates, grade and continuity of interpreted geological
formations and metallurgical performance. Please refer to the
Company’s most recent Annual Information Form and Management of
Risks and Uncertainties in the MD&A for complete risk
factors.
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
The Company will hold a conference call on
Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:30 am Eastern time (8:30 am
Pacific time) to discuss these results.
Date: |
Friday, March 8, 2024 |
Time: |
11:30 am Eastern time (8:30 am Pacific time) |
Dial in: |
North America: 1-800-319-4610, International: +1-604-638-5340please
dial in 5-10 minutes prior and ask to join the call |
Pre-Register: |
Registration link (pre-register to bypass the live operator
queue) |
Replay: |
North America: 1-800-319-6413, International: +1-604-638-9010 |
Replay Passcode: |
0675 |
Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures
Financial results of the Company are presented
in accordance with IFRS. The Company utilizes certain alternative
performance (non-IFRS) measures to monitor its performance,
including copper C1 cash cost, copper C1 cash cost including
foreign exchange hedges, gold C1 cash cost, gold AISC, EBITDA,
adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income attributable to owners of the
Company, adjusted net income per share, net (cash) debt, working
capital and available liquidity. These performance measures have no
standardized meaning prescribed within generally accepted
accounting principles under IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented
may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining
companies. These non-IFRS measures are intended to provide
supplemental information and should not be considered in isolation
or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in
accordance with IFRS.
For additional details please refer to the
Company’s discussion of non-IFRS and other performance measures in
its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended
December 31, 2023 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and
on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Copper C1 cash cost and copper C1 cash cost including
foreign exchange hedges
The following table provides a reconciliation of
copper C1 cash cost to cost of production, its most directly
comparable IFRS measure.
Reconciliation: |
|
2023 - Q4 |
|
2023 - Q3 |
|
2022 - Q4 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
Cost of production |
|
$ |
39,790 |
|
|
$ |
39,345 |
|
|
$ |
40,067 |
|
|
$ |
153,187 |
|
|
$ |
146,292 |
|
Add (less): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation costs & other |
|
|
1,853 |
|
|
|
1,614 |
|
|
|
2,362 |
|
|
|
6,539 |
|
|
|
9,019 |
|
Treatment, refining, and other |
|
|
7,332 |
|
|
|
6,574 |
|
|
|
9,989 |
|
|
|
28,323 |
|
|
|
36,156 |
|
By-product credits |
|
|
(3,394 |
) |
|
|
(3,022 |
) |
|
|
(6,103 |
) |
|
|
(12,930 |
) |
|
|
(22,282 |
) |
Incentive payments |
|
|
(1,693 |
) |
|
|
(1,609 |
) |
|
|
(1,092 |
) |
|
|
(5,668 |
) |
|
|
(3,914 |
) |
Net change in inventory |
|
|
1,434 |
|
|
|
2,835 |
|
|
|
(861 |
) |
|
|
4,407 |
|
|
|
(6,040 |
) |
Foreign exchange translation and other |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(149 |
) |
|
|
373 |
|
C1 cash costs |
|
|
45,342 |
|
|
|
45,566 |
|
|
|
44,315 |
|
|
|
173,709 |
|
|
|
159,604 |
|
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange hedges |
|
|
(4,185 |
) |
|
|
(3,458 |
) |
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
(11,417 |
) |
|
|
12,498 |
|
C1 cash costs including foreign exchange
hedges |
|
$ |
41,157 |
|
|
$ |
42,108 |
|
|
$ |
44,237 |
|
|
$ |
162,292 |
|
|
$ |
172,102 |
|
Mining |
|
$ |
26,646 |
|
|
$ |
27,258 |
|
|
$ |
26,433 |
|
|
$ |
102,908 |
|
|
$ |
94,086 |
|
Processing |
|
|
8,177 |
|
|
|
8,362 |
|
|
|
8,033 |
|
|
|
30,736 |
|
|
|
30,155 |
|
Indirect |
|
|
6,581 |
|
|
|
6,394 |
|
|
|
5,963 |
|
|
|
24,672 |
|
|
|
21,489 |
|
Production costs |
|
|
41,404 |
|
|
|
42,014 |
|
|
|
40,429 |
|
|
|
158,316 |
|
|
|
145,730 |
|
By-product credits |
|
|
(3,394 |
) |
|
|
(3,022 |
) |
|
|
(6,103 |
) |
|
|
(12,930 |
) |
|
|
(22,282 |
) |
Treatment, refining and other |
|
|
7,332 |
|
|
|
6,574 |
|
|
|
9,989 |
|
|
|
28,323 |
|
|
|
36,156 |
|
C1 cash costs |
|
|
45,342 |
|
|
|
45,566 |
|
|
|
44,315 |
|
|
|
173,709 |
|
|
|
159,604 |
|
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange hedges |
|
|
(4,185 |
) |
|
|
(3,458 |
) |
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
(11,417 |
) |
|
|
12,498 |
|
C1 cash costs including foreign exchange
hedges |
|
$ |
41,157 |
|
|
$ |
42,108 |
|
|
$ |
44,237 |
|
|
$ |
162,292 |
|
|
$ |
172,102 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs per pound |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable copper produced (lb, 000) |
|
|
25,926 |
|
|
|
23,734 |
|
|
|
27,918 |
|
|
|
96,688 |
|
|
|
102,230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining |
|
$ |
1.03 |
|
|
$ |
1.15 |
|
|
$ |
0.95 |
|
|
$ |
1.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.92 |
|
Processing |
|
$ |
0.32 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.32 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
Indirect |
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
By-product credits |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.22 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.22 |
) |
Treatment, refining and other |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
Copper C1 cash cost |
|
$ |
1.75 |
|
|
$ |
1.92 |
|
|
$ |
1.59 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
$ |
1.55 |
|
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange hedges |
|
$ |
(0.16 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.15 |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(0.12 |
) |
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
Copper C1 cash costs including foreign exchange
hedges |
|
$ |
1.59 |
|
|
$ |
1.77 |
|
|
$ |
1.59 |
|
|
$ |
1.68 |
|
|
$ |
1.67 |
|
Gold C1 cash cost and gold
AISC
The following table provides a reconciliation of
gold C1 cash cost and gold AISC to cost of production, its most
directly comparable IFRS measure.
Reconciliation: |
|
2023 - Q4 |
|
2023 - Q3 |
|
2022 - Q4 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
Cost of production |
|
$ |
7,122 |
|
|
$ |
6,323 |
|
|
$ |
4,834 |
|
|
$ |
25,209 |
|
|
$ |
24,768 |
|
Add (less): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive payments |
|
|
(386 |
) |
|
|
(320 |
) |
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
(1,424 |
) |
|
|
(1,117 |
) |
Net change in inventory |
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
862 |
|
|
|
(119 |
) |
By-product credits |
|
|
(248 |
) |
|
|
(240 |
) |
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
(827 |
) |
|
|
(613 |
) |
Smelting and refining costs |
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
353 |
|
|
|
234 |
|
Foreign exchange translation and other |
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
453 |
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
742 |
|
C1 cash costs |
|
$ |
6,962 |
|
|
$ |
6,530 |
|
|
$ |
5,249 |
|
|
$ |
24,979 |
|
|
$ |
23,895 |
|
Site general and administrative |
|
|
1,492 |
|
|
|
1,304 |
|
|
|
1,196 |
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
3,648 |
|
Accretion of mine closure and rehabilitation provision |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
112 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
439 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
Sustaining capital expenditure |
|
|
5,499 |
|
|
|
4,258 |
|
|
|
4,547 |
|
|
|
16,300 |
|
|
|
14,638 |
|
Sustaining leases |
|
|
1,861 |
|
|
|
1,832 |
|
|
|
1,559 |
|
|
|
7,093 |
|
|
|
4,311 |
|
Royalties and production taxes |
|
|
785 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
2,487 |
|
|
|
1,041 |
|
AISC |
|
$ |
16,710 |
|
|
$ |
14,844 |
|
|
$ |
12,919 |
|
|
$ |
56,664 |
|
|
$ |
47,969 |
|
Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining |
|
$ |
3,430 |
|
|
$ |
3,140 |
|
|
$ |
2,311 |
|
|
$ |
12,154 |
|
|
$ |
12,529 |
|
Processing |
|
|
2,315 |
|
|
|
2,165 |
|
|
|
2,067 |
|
|
|
8,433 |
|
|
|
7,917 |
|
Indirect |
|
|
1,352 |
|
|
|
1,364 |
|
|
|
1,009 |
|
|
|
4,866 |
|
|
|
3,828 |
|
Production costs |
|
|
7,097 |
|
|
|
6,669 |
|
|
|
5,387 |
|
|
|
25,453 |
|
|
|
24,274 |
|
Smelting and refining costs |
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
353 |
|
|
|
234 |
|
By-product credits |
|
|
(248 |
) |
|
|
(240 |
) |
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
(827 |
) |
|
|
(613 |
) |
C1 cash costs |
|
$ |
6,962 |
|
|
$ |
6,530 |
|
|
$ |
5,249 |
|
|
$ |
24,979 |
|
|
$ |
23,895 |
|
Site general and administrative |
|
|
1,492 |
|
|
|
1,304 |
|
|
|
1,196 |
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
3,648 |
|
Accretion of mine closure and rehabilitation provision |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
112 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
439 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
Sustaining capital expenditure |
|
|
5,499 |
|
|
|
4,258 |
|
|
|
4,547 |
|
|
|
16,300 |
|
|
|
14,638 |
|
Sustaining leases |
|
|
1,861 |
|
|
|
1,832 |
|
|
|
1,559 |
|
|
|
7,093 |
|
|
|
4,311 |
|
Royalties and production taxes |
|
|
785 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
2,487 |
|
|
|
1,041 |
|
AISC |
|
$ |
16,710 |
|
|
$ |
14,844 |
|
|
$ |
12,919 |
|
|
$ |
56,664 |
|
|
$ |
47,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs per ounce |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable gold produced (ounces) |
|
|
16,867 |
|
|
|
17,579 |
|
|
|
11,786 |
|
|
|
59,222 |
|
|
|
42,669 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining |
|
$ |
203 |
|
|
$ |
179 |
|
|
$ |
196 |
|
|
$ |
205 |
|
|
$ |
294 |
|
Processing |
|
$ |
137 |
|
|
$ |
123 |
|
|
$ |
175 |
|
|
$ |
142 |
|
|
$ |
186 |
|
Indirect |
|
$ |
80 |
|
|
$ |
78 |
|
|
$ |
86 |
|
|
$ |
82 |
|
|
$ |
90 |
|
Smelting and refining |
|
$ |
7 |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
$ |
5 |
|
By-product credits |
|
$ |
(14 |
) |
|
$ |
(15 |
) |
|
$ |
(17 |
) |
|
$ |
(13 |
) |
|
$ |
(15 |
) |
Gold C1 cash cost |
|
$ |
413 |
|
|
$ |
371 |
|
|
$ |
445 |
|
|
$ |
422 |
|
|
$ |
560 |
|
Gold AISC |
|
$ |
991 |
|
|
$ |
844 |
|
|
$ |
1,096 |
|
|
$ |
957 |
|
|
$ |
1,124 |
|
Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted
EBITDA
The following table provides a reconciliation of
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, its most directly
comparable IFRS measure.
Reconciliation: |
|
2023 - Q4 |
|
2023 - Q3 |
|
2022 - Q4 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
37,052 |
|
|
$ |
2,811 |
|
|
$ |
22,472 |
|
|
$ |
94,304 |
|
|
$ |
103,067 |
|
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance expense |
|
|
5,284 |
|
|
|
8,017 |
|
|
|
12,290 |
|
|
|
25,822 |
|
|
|
33,223 |
|
Finance income |
|
|
(1,989 |
) |
|
|
(2,976 |
) |
|
|
(5,041 |
) |
|
|
(12,465 |
) |
|
|
(10,295 |
) |
Income tax expense (recovery) |
|
|
8,415 |
|
|
|
(807 |
) |
|
|
7,540 |
|
|
|
18,047 |
|
|
|
23,316 |
|
Amortization and depreciation |
|
|
24,980 |
|
|
|
21,299 |
|
|
|
16,361 |
|
|
|
83,024 |
|
|
|
58,969 |
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
73,742 |
|
|
$ |
28,344 |
|
|
$ |
53,622 |
|
|
$ |
208,732 |
|
|
$ |
208,280 |
|
Foreign exchange (gain) loss |
|
|
(24,871 |
) |
|
|
13,937 |
|
|
|
(4,569 |
) |
|
|
(34,612 |
) |
|
|
(19,910 |
) |
Share based compensation |
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
(1,185 |
) |
|
|
4,123 |
|
|
|
9,218 |
|
|
|
7,931 |
|
Unrealized loss (gain) on copper derivative contracts |
|
|
955 |
|
|
|
1,814 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Incremental COVID-19 costs |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,956 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
50,303 |
|
|
$ |
42,910 |
|
|
$ |
53,176 |
|
|
$ |
183,453 |
|
|
$ |
198,257 |
|
Note: In 2023 Q3, EBITDA has been updated to
incorporate the adjustment of finance income. EBITDA and Adjusted
EBITDA for comparative periods have been updated accordingly.
Adjusted net income attributable to
owners of the Company and Adjusted net income per share
attributable to owners of the Company
The following table provides a reconciliation of
Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company and
Adjusted EPS to net income attributable to the owners of the
Company, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
Reconciliation: |
|
2023 - Q4 |
|
2023 - Q3 |
|
2022 - Q4 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
Net income as reported attributable to the owners of the
Company |
|
$ |
36,549 |
|
|
$ |
2,525 |
|
|
$ |
22,159 |
|
|
$ |
92,804 |
|
|
$ |
101,831 |
|
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share based compensation |
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
(1,185 |
) |
|
|
4,123 |
|
|
|
9,218 |
|
|
|
7,931 |
|
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on USD denominated balances
in MCSA |
|
|
(10,308 |
) |
|
|
9,481 |
|
|
|
(1,782 |
) |
|
|
(15,296 |
) |
|
|
25 |
|
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on foreign exchange
derivative contracts |
|
|
(9,852 |
) |
|
|
7,530 |
|
|
|
(3,017 |
) |
|
|
(7,552 |
) |
|
|
(32,960 |
) |
Unrealized loss on interest rate derivative contracts |
|
|
951 |
|
|
|
1,808 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Incremental COVID-19 costs |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,944 |
|
Tax effect on the above adjustments |
|
|
2,932 |
|
|
|
(2,873 |
) |
|
|
731 |
|
|
|
3,472 |
|
|
|
4,726 |
|
Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company |
|
$ |
20,749 |
|
|
$ |
17,286 |
|
|
$ |
22,214 |
|
|
$ |
82,761 |
|
|
$ |
83,497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
98,099,791 |
|
|
|
93,311,434 |
|
|
|
91,522,358 |
|
|
|
94,111,548 |
|
|
|
90,789,925 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
98,482,755 |
|
|
|
94,009,268 |
|
|
|
92,551,916 |
|
|
|
94,896,334 |
|
|
|
92,170,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
$ |
0.24 |
|
|
$ |
0.88 |
|
|
$ |
0.92 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
0.24 |
|
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
|
$ |
0.91 |
|
Net (Cash) Debt
The following table provides a calculation of
net (cash) debt based on amounts presented in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements as at the periods presented.
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
September 30, 2023 |
|
December 31, 2022 |
Current portion of loans and borrowings |
$ |
20,381 |
|
|
$ |
11,764 |
|
|
$ |
15,703 |
|
Long-term portion of loans and borrowings |
|
405,852 |
|
|
|
407,656 |
|
|
|
402,354 |
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
(111,738 |
) |
|
|
(44,757 |
) |
|
|
(177,702 |
) |
Short-term investments |
|
— |
|
|
|
(42,843 |
) |
|
|
(139,700 |
) |
Net (cash) debt |
$ |
314,495 |
|
|
$ |
331,820 |
|
|
$ |
100,655 |
|
Working Capital and
Available Liquidity
The following table provides a calculation for
these based on amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated
financial statements as at the periods presented.
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
September 30, 2023 |
|
December 31, 2022 |
Current assets |
$ |
199,487 |
|
|
$ |
174,113 |
|
|
$ |
392,427 |
|
Less: Current liabilities |
|
(173,800 |
) |
|
|
(141,284 |
) |
|
|
(129,121 |
) |
Working capital |
$ |
25,687 |
|
|
$ |
32,829 |
|
|
$ |
263,306 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents |
|
111,738 |
|
|
|
44,757 |
|
|
|
177,702 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
— |
|
|
|
42,843 |
|
|
|
139,700 |
|
Available undrawn revolving credit facilities |
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
Available liquidity |
$ |
261,738 |
|
|
$ |
237,600 |
|
|
$ |
392,402 |
|
ABOUT ERO COPPER CORP
Ero is a high-margin, high-growth, low
carbon-intensity copper producer with operations in Brazil and
corporate headquarters in Vancouver, B.C. The Company's primary
asset is a 99.6% interest in the Brazilian copper mining company,
Mineração Caraíba S.A. ("MCSA"), 100% owner of the Company's
Caraíba Operations (formerly known as the MCSA Mining Complex),
which are located in the Curaçá Valley, Bahia State, Brazil and
include the Pilar and Vermelhos underground mines and the Surubim
open pit mine, and the Tucumã Project (formerly known as Boa
Esperança), an IOCG-type copper project located in Pará, Brazil.
The Company also owns 97.6% of NX Gold S.A. ("NX Gold") which owns
the Xavantina Operations (formerly known as the NX Gold Mine),
comprised of an operating gold and silver mine located in Mato
Grosso, Brazil. Additional information on the Company and its
operations, including technical reports on the Caraíba Operations,
Xavantina Operations and Tucumã Project, can be found on the
Company's website (www.erocopper.com), on SEDAR+
(www.sedarplus.ca), and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov). The Company’s
shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ERO”.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Courtney Lynn, SVP, Corporate Development,
Investor Relations & Sustainability(604)
335-7504info@erocopper.com
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
AND STATEMENTS
This press release contains “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking
information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”).
Forward-looking statements include statements that use
forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “could”, “would”,
“will”, “should”, “intend”, “target”, “plan”, “expect”, “budget”,
“estimate”, “forecast”, “schedule”, “anticipate”, “believe”,
“continue”, “potential”, “view” or the negative or grammatical
variation thereof or other variations thereof or comparable
terminology. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not
limited to, statements with respect to the Company's expected
production, operating costs and capital expenditures at the Caraíba
Operations, the Tucumã Project and the Xavantina Operations;
estimated completion dates for certain milestones, including
initial production at the Tucumã Project; the ability of the
Company to achieve copper production levels as currently projected
at the Tucumã Project; the commencement of, and budget for, the
first phase of work pursuant to the Furnas Project earn-in
agreement and execution of the definitive earn-in agreement with
Vale Base Metals in accordance with the terms of the binding letter
of intent; and any other statement that may predict, forecast,
indicate or imply future plans, intentions, levels of activity,
results, performance or achievements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a
variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that could cause actual results, actions, events, conditions,
performance or achievements to materially differ from those
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including,
without limitation, risks discussed in this press release and in
the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December
31, 2023 (“AIF”) under the heading “Risk Factors”. The risks
discussed in this press release and in the AIF are not exhaustive
of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking
statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual results, actions, events,
conditions, performance or achievements to differ materially from
those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other
factors that cause results, actions, events, conditions,
performance or achievements to differ from those anticipated,
estimated or intended.
Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee
of future performance. There can be no assurance that
forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve
statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and the
Company’s actual results, achievements or other future events or
conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the
forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties
and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to
herein and in the AIF under the heading “Risk Factors”.
The Company’s forward-looking statements are
based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of
management on the date the statements are made, many of which may
be difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control. In
connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this
press release and in the AIF, the Company has made certain
assumptions about, among other things: favourable equity and debt
capital markets; the ability to raise any necessary additional
capital on reasonable terms to advance the production, development
and exploration of the Company’s properties and assets; future
prices of copper, gold and other metal prices; the timing and
results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of any
mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; the geology of the
Caraíba Operations, the Xavantina Operations and the Tucumã Project
being as described in the respective technical report for each
property; production costs; the accuracy of budgeted exploration,
development and construction costs and expenditures; the price of
other commodities such as fuel; future currency exchange rates and
interest rates; operating conditions being favourable such that the
Company is able to operate in a safe, efficient and effective
manner; work force continuing to remain healthy in the face of
prevailing epidemics, pandemics or other health risks, political
and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental, regulatory
and third party approvals, licenses and permits on favourable
terms; obtaining required renewals for existing approvals, licenses
and permits on favourable terms; requirements under applicable
laws; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and
capital goods markets; availability of equipment; positive
relations with local groups and the Company’s ability to meet its
obligations under its agreements with such groups; and satisfying
the terms and conditions of the Company’s current loan
arrangements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions
inherent in forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the
date of this press release, these assumptions are subject to
significant business, social, economic, political, regulatory,
competitive and other risks and uncertainties, contingencies and
other factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions,
results, performance or achievements to be materially different
from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company
cautions that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
Other events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ
materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or
implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements
will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events
could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are
made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims
any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of new information, future events or results or
otherwise, except as and to the extent required by applicable
securities laws.
CAUTIONARY NOTES REGARDING MINERAL RESOURCE AND
MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES
Unless otherwise indicated, all reserve and
resource estimates included in this press release and the documents
incorporated by reference herein have been prepared in accordance
with National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of
Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) — CIM Definition
Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the
CIM Council, as amended (the “CIM Standards”). NI 43-101 is a rule
developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that
establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of
scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from
the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”), and reserve and resource information
included herein may not be comparable to similar information
disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, this press release and the
documents incorporated by reference herein use the terms “measured
resources,” “indicated resources” and “inferred resources” as
defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards.
Further to recent amendments, mineral property
disclosure requirements in the United States (the “U.S. Rules”) are
governed by subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) which differ
from the CIM Standards. As a foreign private issuer that is
eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the
multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the “MJDS”), Ero is not
required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the
U.S. Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101
and the CIM Standards. If Ero ceases to be a foreign private issuer
or loses its eligibility to file its annual report on Form 40-F
pursuant to the MJDS, then Ero will be subject to the U.S. Rules,
which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101 and the CIM
Standards.
Pursuant to the new U.S. Rules, the SEC
recognizes estimates of “measured mineral resources”, “indicated
mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources”. In addition,
the definitions of “proven mineral reserves” and “probable mineral
reserves” under the U.S. Rules are now “substantially similar” to
the corresponding standards under NI 43-101. Mineralization
described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as
to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been
characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are
cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources,
indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that Ero
reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further,
“inferred mineral resources” have a greater amount of uncertainty
as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally
or economically. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of
“inferred mineral resources” may not form the basis of feasibility
or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above
terms under the U.S. Rules are “substantially similar” to the
standards under NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, there are differences
in the definitions under the U.S. Rules and CIM Standards.
Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral
resources that Ero may report as “proven mineral reserves”,
“probable mineral reserves”, “measured mineral resources”,
“indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources”
under NI 43-101 would be the same had Ero prepared the reserve or
resource estimates under the standards adopted under the U.S.
Rules.
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