Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI)
reports production results for the second quarter of 2024 from its
five operating mines in West Africa and Latin America.
Q2 2024 Production
highlights
- Gold equivalent
production of 116,570 ounces1; a 25 percent increase compared to Q2
2023 (93,454 oz Au Eq)2 and a 4 percent increase compared to Q1
2024 (112,543 oz Au Eq)3
- Gold production
of 92,716 ounces; a 44 percent increase over Q2 2023 (64,348 oz
Au)2 and a 3 percent increase compared to Q1 2024 (89,678 oz
Au)3
- Silver
production of 990,574 ounces; a 22 percent decrease over Q2 2023
(1,262,561 oz Ag)2
- Zinc and lead
production of 13.0 million and 10.5 million pounds; 7 percent
decrease and 3 percent increase over Q2 2023, respectively
Consolidated gold and silver production for the
first six months of 2024 totaled 182,394 ounces and 2.1 million
ounces, respectively, or 229,113 ounces of gold equivalent,
including lead and zinc by-products. Fortuna reiterates its 2024
annual production guidance range of 343 to 385 thousand ounces of
gold and 4.0 to 4.7 million ounces of silver or between 457 and 497
thousand ounces of gold equivalent ounces4, including lead and zinc
by-products (refer to Fortuna news release dated January 18,
2024).
Q2 2024 Consolidated Gold and Silver
Production
|
Gold Production(oz) |
Silver Production(oz) |
Q2 2024 |
Q2 2023 |
Q2 2024 |
Q2 2023 |
Lindero Mine |
22,874 |
25,456 |
- |
- |
Yaramoko Mine |
31,447 |
29,002 |
- |
- |
Séguéla Mine |
32,983 |
4,023 |
- |
- |
San Jose Mine |
5,269 |
5,778 |
684,176 |
957,265 |
Caylloma Mine |
143 |
89 |
306,398 |
305,296 |
Total |
92,716 |
64,348 |
990,574 |
1,262,561 |
Notes:
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead and
zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $2,334/oz
Au, $29.1/oz Ag, $2,157/t Pb and $2,835/t Zn or Au:Ag =
1:80.19, Au:Pb = 1:1.08, Au:Zn = 1:0.82
- Refer to Fortuna news release: July
12, 2023, “Fortuna reports production of 93,454 gold equivalent
ounces for the second quarter of 2023”
- Refer to Fortuna news release: April
8, 2024, ”Fortuna reports strong gold equivalent production of
112,543 ounces in the first quarter of 2024”
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead and
zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $1,800/oz
Au, $22/oz Ag, $2,000/t Pb and $2,500/t Zn or Au:Ag = 1:81.82,
Au:Pb = 1:0.90, Au:Zn = 1:0.72
West Africa Region
Séguéla Mine, Côte d’Ivoire: Continued
strong production
|
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Tonnes milled |
318,457 |
394,837 |
Average tpd milled |
3,461 |
4,339 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
3.47 |
2.79 |
Gold recovery (%) |
93.8 |
94.4 |
Gold production (oz)1 |
32,983 |
34,556 |
Note:
- Au Production includes doré
only
Mining
Mine production totaled 420,222 tonnes of ore,
averaging 3.03 g/t Au, and containing an estimated 40,912 ounces of
gold from the Antenna, Ancien, and Koula pits. Movement of waste
during the quarter totaled 2,495,838 tonnes, for a strip ratio of
6:1.
Production was mainly focused on the Antenna pit
which produced 364,491 tonnes of ore to provide higher grade feed
to the processing plant during the power supply issues detailed
below. Mining at the Ancien and Koula pits provided the balance of
ore production with 1,645,716 tonnes of the waste stripping
occurring there.
Processing
In the second quarter of 2024, Séguéla produced
32,983 ounces of gold at an average head grade of 3.47 g/t Au,
a 5 percent decrease and 24 percent increase, respectively,
compared to the first quarter in 2024. Plant throughput for the
quarter averaged 208 tonnes per hour, versus name plate design
capacity of 154. Processed tonnes were constrained throughout the
quarter due to power shedding from the national grid supplier due
to failures at two power plants in Côte d’Ivoire. These outages are
expected to be rectified, and normal power is expected to resume by
the end of July. In the interim, the Company is sourcing backup
diesel power generation capabilities. This will provide power
should the current outages extend beyond the expected resumption of
normal energy supply, or in the event of future outages. Séguéla’s
2024 production guidance of 126,000 to 138,000 oz Au remains
unaffected.
Gold production for the first six months of 2024
totaled 67,539 ounces.
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso: 16 percent
higher production over Q1 2024
|
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Tonnes milled |
121,391 |
107,719 |
Average tpd milled |
1,319 |
1,456 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
8.40 |
8.79 |
Gold recovery (%) |
98.25 |
98.2 |
Gold production1 (oz) |
31,447 |
27,177 |
Note:
- Production includes doré only
In the second quarter of 2024, 121,391 tonnes of
ore were treated at an average head grade of 8.40 g/t Au, producing
31,447 ounces of gold. This represents a 4 percent decrease in
grade, and a 16 percent increase in production, compared to the
first quarter in 2024. Processing operations at Yaramoko were also
affected by grid power supply issues, however, our backup diesel
generation supply mitigated the bulk of these constraints.
During the quarter, 89,991 tonnes of ore were
mined averaging 7.81 g/t Au from 55 Zone, and 21,361 tonnes of ore
averaging 8.89 g/t Au from QV Prime, totaling 111,352 tonnes
averaging 8.02 g/t Au. In May, a rock burst occurred in the 55 Zone
mine, which interrupted production for a period of 10 days. During
this period, mine production in QV Prime continued, while the plant
processed ore from existing surface stockpiles and QV Prime.
Drilling and development operations continued to
extend the mining boundaries to the east and west of 55 Zone and
demonstrate wider mineable widths than expected. In the third
quarter, drilling will also focus on testing the potential for
further strike extensions of 55 Zone, as well as testing the strike
extensions that we currently see in QV Prime.
Gold production for the first six months of 2024
totaled 58,624 ounces.
Latin America Region
Lindero Mine, Argentina: In line to meet
annual guidance; leach pad expansion on track
|
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Ore placed on pad (t) |
1,408,791 |
1,547,323 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
0.61 |
0.60 |
Gold production1 (oz) |
22,874 |
23,262 |
Note:
- Lindero production includes doré,
gold-in-carbon and gold in copper concentrate
During the second quarter of 2024, ore mined was
1.8 million tonnes, with a stripping ratio of 0.7:1. A total of 1.4
million tonnes of ore were placed on the leach pad at an average
gold grade of 0.61 g/t, containing an estimated 27,663 ounces.
Lindero’s gold production for the quarter was
22,874 ounces, comprised of 19,786 ounces in doré bars, 979 ounces
of gold contained in rich fine carbon, 27 ounces contained in
copper precipitate, and 2,082 ounces contained in cement
precipitate. The 2 percent decrease in production, when compared to
the previous quarter, is mainly explained by a planned eight-day
maintenance shutdown of the high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) and
the agglomeration plant, coupled with a period of lower mechanical
availability of the front-end loaders. In line with the planned
mining sequence, higher head grades and ore tonnage will be placed
on the leach pad in the third quarter.
As of the end of June, the $51.8 million leach
pad expansion project ($41.7 million capital investment in 2024) is
approximately 58 percent complete. The construction package of the
project commenced in January 2024, with contractors on site
undertaking earthworks, construction of the impulsion line, and
liner deployment. Procurement is 96 percent complete, with critical
path items onsite. Pump manufacturing for the new impulsion line is
on schedule and expected to arrive on site in July. Liner
installation has commenced and contracts for the major mechanical
works have been executed. The Company expects to start placing ore
on the leach pad expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Gold production for the first six months of 2024
totaled 46,136 ounces.
San Jose Mine, Mexico: Production in
line to meet annual guidance
|
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Tonnes milled |
176,214 |
181,103 |
Average tpd milled |
1,980 |
2,182 |
Silver grade (g/t) |
140 |
147 |
Silver recovery (%) |
86.56 |
88.73 |
Silver production (oz) |
684,176 |
759,111 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
1.09 |
0.90 |
Gold recovery (%) |
85.46 |
86.76 |
Gold production (oz) |
5,269 |
4,533 |
|
In the second quarter of 2024, the San Jose Mine
produced 684,176 ounces of silver, and 5,269 ounces of gold at
average head grades of 140 g/t Ag and 1.09 g/t Au, respectively;
reflecting a 10 percent decrease, and a 16 percent increase when
compared to the first quarter of 2024. The processing plant milled
176,214 tonnes averaging 1,980 tonnes per day, and the grade
profile for the period was consistent with the geological
model.
During the first half of 2024, in alignment with
the mining sequence and production plan, the operation conducted an
intensive preparation campaign to position the mine for higher
silver and gold production in the second half of the year.
Management is currently evaluating its options of maintaining
operations at the mine or putting the mine on care and maintenance,
as Mineral Reserves are scheduled to be exhausted by year end.
Exploration drilling continues at the Yessi vein
to provide better understanding of the economic potential of the
mineralized zone.
Silver and gold production for the first six
months of 2024 totaled 1,443,287 ounces and 9,802 ounces,
respectively, on track to meet annual guidance.
Caylloma Mine, Peru: Steady-state
operation
|
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Tonnes milled |
136,543 |
137,096 |
Average tpd milled |
1,552 |
1,540 |
Silver grade (g/t) |
83 |
87 |
Silver recovery1 (%) |
83.75 |
82.08 |
Silver production (oz) |
306,398 |
315,460 |
Lead grade (%) |
3.83 |
3.48 |
Lead recovery (%) |
91.28 |
90.55 |
Lead production (lbs) |
10,524,868 |
9,530,584 |
Zinc grade (%) |
4.80 |
4.46 |
Zinc recovery (%) |
90.16 |
90.32 |
Zinc production (lbs) |
13,040,343 |
12,182,745 |
Note:
- Metallurgical recovery for silver
is calculated based on silver content in lead concentrate
The Caylloma Mine produced 306,398 ounces of
silver at an average head grade of 83 g/t Ag in the second quarter
of 2024, 3 percent and 5 percent lower, respectively, when compared
to the previous quarter. Silver production for the first six months
of 2024 totaled 621,858 ounces, in line to meet annual
guidance.
Zinc and lead production was 13.0 and 10.5
million pounds, at average head grades of 4.80 % and 3.83 %,
respectively, a 7 and 10 percent increase when compared to the
first quarter. Increased production is the result of higher head
grades sourced from lower levels at the Animas vein. Zinc and lead
production for the first six months of 2024 totaled 25.2 million
pounds and 20.1 million pounds, respectively, well on track to meet
the upper end of guidance for the year.
Qualified Person
Eric Chapman, Senior Vice President of Technical
Services of Fortuna, is a Professional Geoscientist registered with
Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (Registration Number
36328) and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument
43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Chapman
has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information
contained in this news release and has verified the underlying
data.
About Fortuna Mining
Corp.
Fortuna Mining Corp. is a Canadian precious
metals mining company with five operating mines in Argentina,
Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru, as well as the
advanced exploration pre-development stage Diamba Sud Gold Project
located in Senegal. Sustainability is integral to all our
operations and relationships. We produce gold and silver and
generate shared value over the long-term for our stakeholders
through efficient production, environmental protection, and social
responsibility. For more information, please visit our website.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jorge A. Ganoza President, CEO,
and DirectorFortuna Mining Corp.
Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca | info@fmcmail.com
| fortunamining.com | X |
LinkedIn | YouTube
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking
statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within
the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe
harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All
statements included herein, other than statements of historical
fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety
of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause
actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected
in the Forward-looking Statements. The Forward-looking Statements
in this news release may include, without limitation, statements
about the Company’s plans for its mines and mineral properties;
changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the
impact of inflationary pressures on the Company’s business and
operations; statements reiterating the Company’s 2024 annual
production guidance and the likelihood of the Company meeting such
annual production guidance, including that gold production at the
Lindero and Séguéla Mines, silver and gold production at the San
Jose Mine and silver production at the Caylloma Mine are on-track
to meet annual guidance; the expected timing for completion of the
leach pad expansion project at the Lindero Mine, including the
delivery of components to site, and the timing for the commencement
of placing ore on the leach pad expansion; the Company’s
expectations for the higher gold and silver production at the San
Jose Mine in the second half of 2024; statements regarding the
Company’s plans for the San Jose Mine; statements regarding the
ongoing exploration at the Yessi vein at the San Jose Mine;
expectations regarding the resumption of normal power to the
Séguéla Mine by the end of July, and the Company’s attempts to
mitigate any continued or future power outages; the Company’s
business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Company’s
mines and mineral properties; the future financial or operating
performance of the Company; the Company’s ability to comply with
contractual and permitting or other regulatory requirements;
approvals and other matters. Often, but not always, these
Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words
such as “estimated”, “potential”, “open”, “future”, “assumed”,
“projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”, “gain”, “planned”,
“reflecting”, “will”, “anticipated”, “estimated” “containing”,
“remaining”, “to be”, or statements that events, “could” or
“should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including
negative variations.
Forward-looking Statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such
uncertainties and factors include, among others, operational risks
associated with mining and mineral processing; uncertainty relating
to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; uncertainty
relating to capital and operating costs, production schedules and
economic returns; uncertainties related to new mining operations
such as the Séguéla Mine; risks relating to the Company’s ability
to replace its Mineral Reserves; risks associated with mineral
exploration and project development; uncertainty relating to the
repatriation of funds as a result of currency controls;
environmental matters including obtaining or renewing environmental
permits and potential liability claims; uncertainty relating to
nature and climate conditions; risks associated with political
instability and changes to the regulations governing the Company’s
business operations; changes in national and local government
legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or
economic developments in countries in which the Company does or may
carry on business; risks associated with war, hostilities or other
conflicts, such as the Ukrainian – Russian conflict and the Israel
– Hamas war, and the impacts such conflicts may have on global
economic activity; risks relating to the termination of the
Company’s mining concessions in certain circumstances; developing
and maintaining relationships with local communities and
stakeholders; risks associated with losing control of public
perception as a result of social media and other web-based
applications; potential opposition to the Company’s exploration,
development and operational activities; risks related to the
Company’s ability to obtain adequate financing for planned
exploration and development activities; property title matters;
risks relating to the integration of businesses and assets acquired
by the Company; impairments; risks associated with climate change
legislation; reliance on key personnel; adequacy of insurance
coverage; operational safety and security risks; legal proceedings
and potential legal proceedings; the possibility that the appeal in
respect of the ruling in favour of Compañia Minera Cuzcatlan S.A.
de C.V. reinstating the environmental impact authorization (the
“EIA”) at the San Jose Mine will be successful; uncertainties
relating to general economic conditions; risks relating to a global
pandemic, which could impact the Company’s business, operations,
financial condition and share price; competition; fluctuations in
metal prices; risks associated with entering into commodity forward
and option contracts for base metals production; fluctuations in
currency exchange rates and interest rates; tax audits and
reassessments; risks related to hedging; uncertainty relating to
concentrate treatment charges and transportation costs; sufficiency
of monies allotted by the Company for land reclamation; risks
associated with dependence upon information technology systems,
which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks with
implementation and integration; risks associated with climate
change legislation; labour relations issues; as well as those
factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual
Information Form. Although the Company has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual actions, events or
results to differ materially from those described in
Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause
actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated,
estimated or intended.
Forward-looking Statements contained herein are
based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of
management, including but not limited to the accuracy of the
Company’s current Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates;
that the Company’s activities will be conducted in accordance with
the Company’s public statements and stated goals; that there will
be no material adverse change affecting the Company, its properties
or its production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected
head grade, mining rates, recovery timing, and recovery rate
estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, labor and
contractor availability and other operating or technical
difficulties); the duration and effect of global and local
inflation; geo-political uncertainties on the Company’s production,
workforce, business, operations and financial condition; the
expected trends in mineral prices, inflation and currency exchange
rates; that the appeal filed in the Mexican Collegiate Court
challenging the reinstatement of the EIA will be unsuccessful; that
all required approvals and permits will be obtained for the
Company’s business and operations on acceptable terms; that there
will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company's
operations and such other assumptions as set out herein.
Forward-looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the
Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking
Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no
assurance that these Forward-looking Statements will prove to be
accurate, as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly,
investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking
Statements.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
Concerning Estimates of Reserves and Resources
Reserve and resource estimates included in this
news release have been prepared in accordance with National
Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI
43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities
Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by
a Canadian company of scientific and technical information
concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all
mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates contained in the
technical disclosure have been prepared in accordance with NI
43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and
Reserves.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ
significantly from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and mineral reserve and resource information included
in this news release may not be comparable to similar information
disclosed by U.S. companies.
A PDF accompanying this announcement is available
at:
http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/0c51d16a-4363-492e-89f0-8965c650bfd2
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