Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM)
(TSX: FVI) reports record gold and gold equivalent
production for the third quarter of 2023 from its five operating
mines in West Africa and Latin America. Gold and silver production
for the quarter was 94,821 ounces and 1.7 million ounces,
respectively, or 128,671 gold equivalent ounces1, including lead
and zinc by-products. Gold and silver production for the nine
months totaled 219,260 ounces and 4.5 million ounces, respectively,
or 316,235 gold equivalent ounces1, including lead and zinc
by-products. Fortuna is well positioned to achieve annual
production guidance.
Q3 2023 highlights
- Record gold equivalent production
of 128,671 ounces1; a 38 percent increase compared to Q2 2023
(93,454 Au Eq)2 and a 26 percent increase compared to Q3 2022
(101,840 Au Eq)3
- Record gold production of 94,821
ounces; an increase of 47 percent compared to Q2 2023 (64,348 oz
Au)2 and 43 percent compared to Q3 2022 (66,344 oz Au)
- Increase in gold production was
driven mainly by Séguéla’s first full quarter of production and
steady operating performance across all mines
- Yaramoko’s annual gold production
guidance revised upwards to 110 to 120 thousand ounces, an increase
of approximately 14 percent
- Silver production of 1,680,751
ounces
- Strong safety performance across
the business with Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of
0.86 compared to 2.36 in Q3 2022
|
|
|
Gold Production (oz) |
Silver Production (oz) |
Q3 2023 |
|
Q3 2022 |
|
9 months2023 |
|
Guidance2023 (koz) |
|
Q3 2023 |
|
Q3 2022 |
|
9 months2023 |
|
Guidance2023 (Moz) |
|
Lindero, Argentina |
20,933 |
|
30,032 |
|
71,647 |
|
96 - 106 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
34,036 |
|
27,130 |
|
89,476 |
|
110 - 1205 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Séguéla, Côte d’Ivoire |
31,498 |
|
- |
|
35,520 |
|
60 - 75 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
San Jose, Mexico |
8,205 |
|
9,091 |
|
22,213 |
|
34 - 37 |
|
1,372,530 |
|
1,545,410 |
|
3,633,107 |
|
5.3 - 5.8 |
|
Caylloma, Peru |
149 |
|
91 |
|
404 |
|
- |
|
308,221 |
|
292,096 |
|
896,583 |
|
1.0 - 1.1 |
|
Total |
94,821 |
|
66,344 |
|
219,260 |
|
282 - 320 |
|
1,680,751 |
|
1,837,506 |
|
4,529,690 |
|
6.3 - 6.9 |
|
In the third quarter, record gold production was
mainly driven by Séguéla contributing 31,498 ounces during its
first full quarter of production, and Yaramoko contributing 34,036
ounces. Yaramoko’s strong production was a result of higher average
gold grades, leading to an upward revision in the mine’s production
guidance for 2023. Lindero, San Jose, and Caylloma also showed
steady performance in the quarter, positioning Fortuna to achieve
its annual production guidance range of between 282 to 320
thousand ounces of gold, and between 6.3 to 6.9 million ounces of
silver, or between 412 and 463 thousand gold equivalent
ounces, including lead and zinc by-products4 (refer to Fortuna news
release dated January 17, 2023).
Notes:
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead and
zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $1,924/oz
Au, $23.70/oz Ag, $2,136/t Pb and $2,428/t Zn or Au:Ag =
1:81.19, Au:Pb = 1:0.90, Au:Zn = 0.79
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
July 12, 2023, “Fortuna reports production of 93,454 gold
equivalent ounces for the second quarter of 2023”
- Refer to Fortuna news release dated
October 6, 2022, “Fortuna reports production of 101,840 gold
equivalent ounces for the third quarter of 2022”
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead and
zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $1,700/oz
Au, $21/oz Ag, $2,000/t Pb and $3,200/t Zn or Au:Ag = 1:81.00,
Au:Pb = 1:0.85, Au:Zn = 1:0.53
- Reflects the Yaramoko Mine’s updated
production guidance for 2023
- Figures may not add due to
rounding
West Africa Region
Séguéla Mine, Côte d’Ivoire: Solid first
full production quarter; exceeding nameplate capacity
|
Q3 2023 |
|
Q2 2023 |
|
Tonnes milled |
310,387 |
|
109,605 |
|
Average tpd milled |
3,695 |
|
1,611 |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
3.83 |
|
1.56 |
|
Gold recovery (%) |
93.4 |
|
89.6 |
|
Gold production1 (oz) |
31,498 |
|
4,023 |
|
Note: |
|
|
|
|
1. Production includes doré only |
|
|
|
|
|
From Séguéla’s first gold pour on May 24th to
the successful completion of the processing plant performance test
in August, the operation is now exceeding nameplate capacity (refer
to Fortuna news releases dated May 25, 2023 and September 7, 2023).
Séguéla is well positioned to achieve the mid-point of its gold
production guidance of 60 to 75 thousand ounces for the second half
of 2023 (refer to Fortuna news release dated January 17, 2023).
Mining
In the third quarter of 2023, mine production
totaled 502,326 tonnes of ore, averaging 3.48 g/t Au, and
containing an estimated 56,136 ounces of gold from the Antenna
Pit. Movement of waste during the quarter totaled 1,156,540 tonnes,
for a strip ratio of 2.3:1.
The first stage of grade control drilling was
completed at the Ancien deposit during the third quarter, with
results currently being processed. Construction of the access road
continued as planned, with stripping and initial mining of oxide
material scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter.
At the Koula deposit, initial grade control
drilling started and should be completed early in the fourth
quarter.
Mine reconciliation to reserve model
Reconciliation of tonnes, grade, and gold ounces
mined for the third quarter show a positive correlation when
compared to the long-term reserve model with 6 percent lower ore
tonnes mined but at 29 percent higher grades resulting in 22
percent more gold ounces extracted than predicted in the model.
Management considers the result to be encouraging based on the
available data density used for estimating the reserve model and
the operations’ careful management when defining ore-waste
boundaries. Variations between the model and production will
continue to be closely monitored as mining progresses further into
fresh rock and additional geological data is collected.
Processing
At the processing plant, 310,387 tonnes of ore
were treated at an average grade of 3.83 g/t Au producing 31,498
ounces of gold.
Throughput at the processing plant was gradually
increased throughout the quarter, achieving 174 t/hr in September,
13 percent higher than nameplate capacity. In the fourth quarter,
Séguéla expects to benefit from this consistent higher throughput.
The operation will continue optimization activities with the aim of
further increasing mill throughput capacity.
Third quarter production breakdown:
Month |
Processed Ore(t) |
Throughput (dry t/hr) |
Gold Grade(g/t) |
Recovery(%) |
Gold Poured(oz) |
July |
68,919 |
133.6 |
2.95 |
93.4 |
6,008 |
August |
119,311 |
172.3 |
3.98 |
91.1 |
11,685 |
September |
122,157 |
174.0 |
4.18 |
95.5 |
13,805 |
Total |
|
31,498 |
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso: revised
guidance upward to 110 to 120 thousand ounces; approximately 14
percent higher
|
Q3 2023 |
|
Q3 2022 |
|
Tonnes milled |
137,281 |
|
137,202 |
|
Average tpd milled |
1,492 |
|
1,491 |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
7.72 |
|
6.21 |
|
Gold recovery (%) |
98.5 |
|
97.4 |
|
Gold production (oz) |
34,036 |
|
27,130 |
|
Note: |
|
|
|
|
1. Production includes doré only |
|
|
|
|
|
In the third quarter of 2023, Yaramoko produced
34,036 ounces of gold at an average head grade of 7.72 g/t Au,
a 25 and 24 percent increase, respectively, compared to the same
period in 2022. Increased production resulted from higher average
grades and greater widths of mineralization encountered in
development headings, which contributed 42 percent of total mill
feed.
As a result of the aforementioned higher grades
in development and production zones within the mine plan, the
Company has revised Yaramoko’s annual gold production guidance
upwards to 110 to 120 thousand ounces from the original guidance of
92 to 102 thousand ounces, an increase of approximately 14 percent.
Gold production for the first nine months of 2023 totaled 89,476
ounces.
Drilling focused on infill grade control and
exploring for extensions beyond the mineralized resource envelope
in the deeper eastern portion of Zone 55. During the fourth
quarter, drilling will continue on the western portion of Zone 55,
testing for up and down-dip continuity of the recently discovered
extensions to the resource boundary.
Latin America Region
Lindero Mine,
Argentina: gold production on-track to meet annual guidance; leach
pad expansion project underway
|
Q3 2023 |
|
Q3 2022 |
|
Ore placed on pad (t) |
1,467,578 |
|
1,365,726 |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
0.62 |
|
0.83 |
|
Gold production (oz)1 |
20,933 |
|
30,032 |
|
Note: |
|
|
|
|
1. Q3 2023 production includes doré, gold in carbon, and gold in
copper concentrate; Q3 2022 includes doré only |
|
During the third quarter of 2023, ore mined was
1.9 million tonnes, with a stripping ratio of 1.1:1. The stripping
ratio in the third quarter is 59 percent lower than the second
quarter and is expected to continue declining through to the end of
the year. A total of 1.5 million tonnes of ore were placed on the
leach pad at an average gold grade of 0.62 g/t, containing an
estimated 29,068 ounces.
Lindero’s gold production in the quarter was
20,933 ounces, 30 percent lower when compared to the third quarter
in 2022, explained by the lower head grade of ore placed on the
leach pad, in accordance with the mining sequence and the Mineral
Reserves.
Higher stripping of waste in the first nine
months of the year will allow improved access to higher grade
material scheduled in the mine plan for the fourth quarter. As a
result, Lindero anticipates placing approximately 1.6 million
tonnes of ore on the leach pad at a higher average grade of 0.67
g/t Au.
Gold production for the first nine months of
2023 totaled 71,647 ounces.
As of September 30, 2023, the leach pad
expansion project (Project) is approximately 13 percent complete.
The procurement construction and management (PCM) service has been
awarded to Knight Piésold, the accommodation camp expansion and PCM
offices for the Project have been finalized, and PCM personnel are
already onsite. Mobilization of the contractor’s personnel and
equipment has commenced. The first shipments of geomembrane and
geosynthetic clay liner are in transit, and the Project remains on
schedule for completion during the second half of 2024.
San Jose Mine, Mexico: Yessi vein, high
grade silver-gold discovery
|
Q3 2023 |
|
Q3 2022 |
|
Tonnes milled |
247,542 |
|
267,198 |
|
Average tpd milled |
2,845 |
|
3,071 |
|
Silver grade (g/t) |
189 |
|
196 |
|
Silver recovery (%) |
91.31 |
|
91.92 |
|
Silver production (oz) |
1,372,530 |
|
1,545,410 |
|
Gold grade (g/t) |
1.14 |
|
1.16 |
|
Gold recovery (%) |
90.71 |
|
90.97 |
|
Gold production (oz) |
8,205 |
|
9,091 |
|
|
The San Jose Mine produced 1,372,530 ounces of
silver at an average head grade of 189 g/t Ag and 8,205 ounces of
gold at an average head grade of 1.14 g/t Au. Gold production is
expected to fall slightly below the annual guidance range of 34 to
37 thousand ounces, resulting from lost production days in the
second quarter due to the illegal union blockade, and gold head
grade reconciliation to reserves in the low end of range.
The San Jose Mine remains positioned to deliver
annual silver production within the guidance range of between 5.3
to 5.8 million ounces. Silver and gold production for the first
nine months totaled 3,633,107 ounces, and 22,213 ounces,
respectively.
The decrease in silver and gold production for
the third quarter of 2023, when compared to the third quarter of
2022, is explained by the declining grade profile of Mineral
Reserves in the mine plan. The processing plant milled 247,542
tonnes at an average of 2,845 tonnes per day during the third
quarter, in line with the plan for the period.
Infill drilling at the San Jose Mine during the
quarter led to the discovery of the Yessi vein, a blind structure,
located 200 horizontal meters from existing underground
infrastructure. The discovery hole SJOM-1387 intersected 1,299 g/t
Ag Eq over 9.9 meters, and drill hole SJOM-1391 intersected 621 g/t
Ag Eq over 5 meters (refer to Fortuna news release dated September
5, 2023). Additional drilling is currently underway from both
surface and underground to define the extent and geometry of this
discovery. Mineralization remains open along strike to the north
and south, and at depth.
Caylloma Mine, Peru: steady performer;
on track to achieve upper end of guidance
|
Q3 2023 |
|
Q3 2022 |
|
Tonnes milled |
140,077 |
|
139,143 |
|
Average tpd milled |
1,556 |
|
1,546 |
|
Silver grade (g/t) |
83 |
|
79 |
|
Silver recovery (%) |
82.05 |
|
82.25 |
|
Silver production (oz) |
308,221 |
|
292,096 |
|
Lead grade (%) |
3.66 |
|
3.33 |
|
Lead recovery (%) |
91.53 |
|
88.97 |
|
Lead production (lbs) |
10,337,475 |
|
9,085,250 |
|
Zinc grade (%) |
5.07 |
|
4.37 |
|
Zinc recovery (%) |
89.67 |
|
88.63 |
|
Zinc production (lbs) |
14,036,832 |
|
11,885,121 |
|
Note: |
|
|
|
|
1. Metallurgical recovery for silver is calculated based on
silver content in lead concentrate |
|
In the third quarter, the Caylloma Mine produced
308,221 ounces of silver, a 6 percent increase from the same period
in 2022, at an average head grade of 83 g/t Ag and is well
positioned to achieve the upper end of annual guidance. Silver
production for the first nine months totaled 896,582 ounces.
Zinc and lead production was 14.0 and 10.3
million pounds, which represents an 18 and 14 percent increase in
production from the same period in 2022. Increased production is
the result of positive grade reconciliation to the reserve model in
levels 16 and 18 of the Animas vein. Zinc and lead average head
grades were 5.07 % and 3.66 %, 16 and 10 percent higher,
respectively, against the comparable period of 2022. Increased
recoveries for zinc and lead were driven by the higher grades. Zinc
and lead production for the first nine months totaled 41.1 and 30.1
million pounds, respectively.
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 Silver Mines
Inc.
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is a Canadian precious
metals mining company with five operating mines in Argentina,
Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru. 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 Silver Mines Inc.
Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca |
info@fortunasilver.com | www.fortunasilver.com |
Twitter | LinkedIn |
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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 regarding the likelihood of the Company
achieving 2023 annual production guidance, that guidance for the
Yaramoko Mine has been revised upward to 110 to 120 thousand
ounces, that the Séguéla Mine is well positioned to achieve
mid-point of gold production guidance, that gold production at the
Lindero Mine is on-track to meet annual guidance, that annual gold
production at the San Jose Mine is expected to be 8 percent below
the annual guidance range and is positioned to deliver annual
silver production within guidance range, and that the Caylloma Mine
is well positioned to achieve the upper end of annual guidance;
timing for mining at the Ancien deposit and the commencement of
stripping and initial mining of oxide material; expected timing for
completion of initial grade control drilling at the Koula deposit;
statements that the Séguéla Mine expects to benefit from consistent
higher throughput compared to the third quarter; expectations for
drilling on the western portion of Zone 55 during the fourth
quarter; expectations regarding a decline of the stripping ratio at
the Lindero Mine through the end of the year; statements regarding
the quantity of ore expected to be placed on the leach pad at the
Lindero Mine at a higher average grade and the expected timing for
completion of the leach pad expansion project; 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 impact
it 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 ability of the Company to
successfully contest and revoke the resolution issued by SEMARNAT
which annuls the extension of the environmental impact
authorization for the San Jose Mine; uncertainties relating to
general economic conditions; risks relating to a global pandemic,
which could impact the Company’s business, operations, financial
condition and share price; competition; fluctuations in metal
prices; risks associated with entering into commodity forward and
option contracts for base metals production; fluctuations in
currency exchange rates and interest rates; tax audits and
reassessments; risks related to hedging; uncertainty relating to
concentrate treatment charges and transportation costs; sufficiency
of monies allotted by the Company for land reclamation; risks
associated with dependence upon information technology systems,
which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks with
implementation and integration; risks associated with climate
change legislation; 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, labour
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 Company will be successful in challenging the
annulment of the extension to the San Jose environmental impact
authorization; 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 Mineral Resource information
included in this news release may not be comparable to similar
information disclosed by U.S. companies.
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