Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc. (NYSE: FSM)
(TSX: FVI) provides its
updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates as of
December 31, 2023 for its five operating mines in West Africa and
the Americas, and the Arizaro Project located at the Lindero Mine
in Salta, Argentina. All references to dollar amounts in this
news release are expressed in US dollars.
Highlights of Mineral Reserve
and Mineral Resource Update
- Consolidated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves are reported
containing 3.1 Moz Au Eq1 representing a year-over-year decrease of
11 percent.
- Consolidated Measured and Indicated Resources exclusive of
Mineral Reserves are reported containing 1.1 Moz Au Eq1
representing a year-over-year decrease of 19 percent.
- Consolidated Inferred Mineral Resources are reported containing
1.7 Moz Au Eq1 representing a year-over-year decrease of 22
percent.
- Primary drivers for changes in Mineral Reserves and Mineral
Resources are production related depletion in 2023 of 452 koz Au Eq
and the application of higher cut-off values as a result of
increased operational costs.
- Technical Reports to support the disclosure of Mineral Reserves
and Mineral Resources for the Séguéla, Caylloma, and San Jose mines
will be filed within the next 45 days.
- The Diamba Sud Gold Project JORC historical estimate2 of 625
koz Au of Indicated Resources and 235 koz Au of Inferred Resources
has not been incorporated into this consolidated Mineral Resources
and Mineral Reserves update. Confirmatory drilling to update the
historical resources is ongoing and planned for completion later in
2024.
Notes:1. Gold equivalent
calculated using metal prices of $1,600/oz for Au, $21/oz for Ag,
$2,000/t for Pb, and $2,600/t for Zn.2.
Refer to historical JORC mineral resource estimate tabulation and
cautionary statements regarding historical estimates on page 4.
2023 Mineral Reserves and
Mineral Resources
Mineral Reserves – Proven and Probable |
Contained Metal |
Property |
Classification |
Tonnes (000) |
Ag (g/t) |
Au (g/t) |
Pb (%) |
Zn (%) |
Ag (Moz) |
Au (koz) |
SilverMines |
Caylloma, Peru |
Proven |
20 |
261 |
0.94 |
2.23 |
2.62 |
0.2 |
1 |
Probable |
2,269 |
81 |
0.13 |
2.79 |
4.06 |
5.9 |
9 |
Proven + Probable |
2,288 |
83 |
0.13 |
2.78 |
4.04 |
6.1 |
10 |
San Jose, Mexico |
Proven |
37 |
172 |
1.23 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.2 |
2 |
Probable |
695 |
155 |
0.97 |
N/A |
N/A |
3.5 |
22 |
Proven + Probable |
733 |
156 |
0.98 |
N/A |
N/A |
3.7 |
23 |
Total |
Proven + Probable |
3,021 |
101 |
0.34 |
N/A |
N/A |
9.8 |
33 |
GoldMines |
Lindero, Argentina |
Proven |
24,295 |
N/A |
0.60 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
468 |
Probable |
47,210 |
N/A |
0.54 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
816 |
Proven + Probable |
71,505 |
N/A |
0.56 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
1,284 |
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
Proven |
21 |
N/A |
5.44 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
4 |
Probable |
842 |
N/A |
7.96 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
216 |
Proven + Probable |
863 |
N/A |
7.90 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
219 |
Séguéla, Côte d’Ivoire |
Proven |
436 |
N/A |
2.06 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
29 |
Probable |
11,327 |
N/A |
3.09 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
1,125 |
Proven + Probable |
11,763 |
N/A |
3.05 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
1,154 |
Total |
Proven + Probable |
84,131 |
N/A |
0.98 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
2,658 |
Total |
Proven + Probable |
9.8 |
2,691 |
Mineral Resources – Measured and Indicated |
Contained Metal |
Property |
Classification |
Tonnes (000) |
Ag (g/t) |
Au (g/t) |
Pb (%) |
Zn (%) |
Ag (Moz) |
Au (koz) |
SilverMines |
Caylloma, Peru |
Measured |
524 |
98 |
0.30 |
2.09 |
3.16 |
1.6 |
5 |
Indicated |
1,262 |
82 |
0.21 |
1.47 |
2.54 |
3.3 |
9 |
Measured + Indicated |
1,786 |
87 |
0.24 |
1.65 |
2.72 |
5.0 |
14 |
San Jose, Mexico |
Measured |
45 |
141 |
1.09 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.2 |
2 |
Indicated |
1,001 |
148 |
1.11 |
N/A |
N/A |
4.7 |
35 |
Measured + Indicated |
1,046 |
147 |
1.11 |
N/A |
N/A |
5.0 |
37 |
Total |
Measured + Indicated |
2,832 |
109 |
0.56 |
N/A |
N/A |
9.9 |
51 |
GoldMines |
Lindero, Argentina |
Measured |
1,981 |
N/A |
0.48 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
30 |
Indicated |
28,482 |
N/A |
0.42 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
382 |
Measured + Indicated |
30,464 |
N/A |
0.42 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
412 |
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
Measured |
18 |
N/A |
4.33 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
2 |
Indicated |
452 |
N/A |
2.82 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
41 |
Measured + Indicated |
469 |
N/A |
2.87 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
43 |
Séguéla, Côte d’Ivoire |
Measured |
0 |
N/A |
- |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
0 |
Indicated |
4,659 |
N/A |
2.54 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
381 |
Measured + Indicated |
4,659 |
N/A |
2.54 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
381 |
Total |
Measured + Indicated |
35,592 |
N/A |
0.73 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
837 |
Total |
Measured + Indicated |
9.9 |
888 |
Mineral Resources – Inferred |
Contained Metal |
Property |
Classification |
Tonnes (000) |
Ag (g/t) |
Au (g/t) |
Pb (%) |
Zn (%) |
Ag (Moz) |
Au (koz) |
SilverMines |
Caylloma, Peru |
Inferred |
4,505 |
99 |
0.43 |
2.43 |
3.70 |
14.4 |
63 |
San Jose, Mexico |
Inferred |
1,029 |
147 |
1.04 |
N/A |
N/A |
4.9 |
35 |
Total |
Inferred |
5,534 |
108 |
0.55 |
N/A |
N/A |
19.3 |
97 |
GoldMines |
Lindero, Argentina |
Inferred |
25,325 |
N/A |
0.47 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
386 |
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
Inferred |
159 |
N/A |
3.52 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
18 |
Séguéla, Côte d’Ivoire |
Inferred |
3,059 |
N/A |
2.50 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
245 |
Total |
Inferred |
28,543 |
N/A |
0.71 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
649 |
Gold Project |
Arizaro, Argentina |
Inferred |
24,131 |
N/A |
0.40 |
N/A |
N/A |
0.0 |
310 |
Total |
Inferred |
19.3 |
1,056 |
Notes:
- Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are as defined by the
2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves.
- Mineral Resources are exclusive of Mineral Reserves.
- Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability.
- Factors that could materially affect the reported Mineral
Resources or Mineral Reserves include changes in metal price and
exchange rate assumptions; changes in local interpretations of
mineralization; changes to assumed metallurgical recoveries, mining
dilution and recovery; and assumptions as to the continued ability
to access the site, retain mineral and surface rights titles,
maintain environmental and other regulatory permits, and maintain
the social license to operate.
- Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are reported as of
December 31, 2023.
- Mineral Reserves for the Caylloma Mine are reported above NSR
breakeven cut-off values based on underground mining methods
including: mechanized (breasting) that represents 91 % of Mineral
Reserves planned for mining at $89.78/t, mechanized (uppers) at
$79.70/t, semi-mechanized at $93.27/t, sub-level stoping at
$88.81/t, and a conventional method at $170/t; using assumed metal
prices of $21/oz Ag, $1,600/oz Au, $2,000/t Pb, and $2,600/t Zn;
metallurgical recovery rates of 82 or 85 % for Ag, 22 or 55 % for
Au, 87 or 89 % for Pb and 89 % for Zn. Mining, processing, and
administrative costs used to determine NSR cut-off values were
estimated based on actual operating costs incurred from July 2022
through June 2023. Mining recovery is estimated to average 94 %
with average mining dilution of 17 % depending on the mining
methodology. Mineral Resources are reported at an NSR cut-off grade
of $75/t for veins classified as wide (Animas, Animas NE, Nancy,
and San Cristobal) and $135/t for veins classified as narrow (all
other veins) based on the same parameters used for Mineral
Reserves, and a 15 % upside in metal prices.
- Mineral Reserves for the San Jose Mine are based on underground
mining within optimized stope designs using an estimated NSR
break-even cut-off grade of $96.54/t to $85.02/t equivalent to 154
to 132 g/t Ag Eq based on assumed metal prices of $23.90/oz
Ag and $1,880/oz Au; estimated metallurgical recovery rates of 91 %
for Ag and 90 % for Au and mining costs of $49.83/t (C&F) -
$38.31/t (SLS); processing costs of $20.79/t; and other costs
including distribution, general service costs of $25.92/t based on
actual operating costs. Average mining recovery is estimated to 94
% (C&F) and 92 % (SLS) and average mining dilution 10 %
(C&F) and 14 % (SLS). Mineral Resources are reported at a 130
g/t Ag Eq cut-off grade based on the same parameters used for
Mineral Reserves.
- Mineral Reserves for the Lindero Mine are reported based on
open pit mining within a designed pit shell based on variable gold
cut-off grades and gold recoveries by metallurgical type: Met type
1 cut-off 0.28 g/t Au, recovery 75.4 %; Met type 2 cut-off 0.27 g/t
Au, recovery 78.2 %; Met type 3 cut-off 0.27 g/t Au, recovery 78.5
%; and Met type 4 cut-off 0.31 g/t Au, recovery 68.5 %. Mining
recovery and mining dilution have been accounted for during block
regularization to 10-meter x 10-meter x 8-meter size. The cut-off
grades and pit designs are considered appropriate for long term
gold prices of $1,600/oz, estimated base mining costs of $1.36 per
tonne of material, total processing and G&A costs of $9.78 per
tonne of ore, and refinery costs net of pay factor of $12.20 per
ounce gold. Reported Proven Reserves include 8.3 Mt averaging
0.44 g/t Au of stockpiled material. Mineral Resources are reported
within a conceptual pit shell above a 0.24 g/t Au cut-off
grade based on the same parameters used for Mineral Reserves and a
15 % upside in metal prices. Mineral Resources for Arizaro are
reported within a conceptual pit shell above a 0.26 g/t Au cut-off
grade using the same gold price and costs as Lindero with an
additional $0.52 per tonne of ore to account for haulage costs
between the deposit and plant. A slope angle of 47° was used for
defining the pit.
- Mineral Reserves for the Yaramoko Mine are reported on a 100 %
ownership basis at a cut-off grade of 1.57 g/t Au for the Zone 55
open pit, 0.86 g/t Au for the Zone 109 open pit, 4.5 g/t Au for
Zone 55 underground, 3.8 g/t Au for Bagassi South QV Prime and
Bagassi South underground based on an assumed gold price of
$1,600/oz, metallurgical recovery rates of 96.8 %, underground
mining costs of $154/t, processing cost of $28/t and G&A costs
of $27/t, surface mining costs of $4.95/t, processing cost of
$27/t, and G&A costs of $33/t. Underground average mining
recovery is estimated at 90 % for Bagassi South QV Prime and
Bagassi South underground, 93 % for Zone 55 SLS stopes, and 86 %
for sill drift stopes. A mining dilution factor of 10 % has been
applied for sill drift stopes, 0.7-meter and 0.4-meter dilution
skin has been applied for sub-level stopes and shrinkage mining
respectively. Surface mining recovery and mining dilution have been
accounted for during block regularization to 5-meter x 5-meter x
5-meter size within an optimized pit shell and only Proven and
Probable categories reported within the final pit designs. Yaramoko
Mineral Resources are reported at a gold grade cut-off grade of 0.9
g/t Au for the Zone 55 open pit, 0.5 g/t Au for the Zone 109 open
pit, and 2.7 g/t Au and 2.5 g/t Au for underground Zone 55 and
Bagassi South respectively, based on an assumed gold price of
$1,840/oz and the same costs, metallurgical recovery and
constrained within an optimized pit shell. The Yaramoko Mine is
subject to a 10 % carried interest held by the State of Burkina
Faso.
- Mineral Reserves for the Séguéla Mine are reported on a 100 %
ownership basis at an incremental gold grade cut-off of 0.65 g/t Au
for Antenna, 0.72 g/t Au for Agouti, 0.69 g/t Au for Boulder,
0.66 g/t Au for Koula, 0.73 g/t Au for Ancien, and 0.66 g/t Au for
Sunbird deposits based on a gold price of $1,600/ounce,
metallurgical recovery rates of 94.5 %, surface mining costs of
$3.12/t, processing cost of $15.42/t and G&A cost of $8.83/t,
and only Proven and Probable categories reported within the final
pit designs. The Mineral Reserves pit designs were completed based
on overall slope angle recommendations of between 37° and 57° for
Antenna, Koula, and Agouti deposits from oxide to fresh weathering
profiles, between 34° and 56° for Ancien deposit from oxide to
fresh weathering profiles, 37° and 60° for Boulder deposit from
oxide to fresh weathering profiles and 37° and 58° for Sunbird
deposit from oxide to fresh weathering profiles. The Mineral
Reserves are reported with modifying factors of mining dilution and
mining recovery represented by regularizing the block models to an
appropriate selective mining unit block size. Mineral Resources for
Séguéla are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.55 g/t Au for Antenna,
0.55 g/t Au for Sunbird, 0.60 g/t Au for Koula and Boulder, and
0.65 g/t Au for Ancien and Agouti deposits, based on an assumed
gold price of $1,840/oz and constrained within preliminary pit
shells. The Séguéla Mine is subject to a 10 % carried interest held
by the State of Côte d’Ivoire.
- Eric Chapman, P. Geo. (EGBC #36328), is the Qualified Person
responsible for Mineral Resources; Raul Espinoza (FAUSIMM (CP)
#309581) is the Qualified Person responsible for Mineral Reserves;
both being employees of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.
- N/A = Not applicable.
- Totals may not add due to rounding.
Historical Mineral
Resources
Property |
Classification (JORC) |
Tonnes (Mt) |
Au (g/t) |
Au (koz) |
GoldProject |
Diamba Sud, Senegal |
Indicated |
10.0 |
1.9 |
625 |
Inferred |
4.7 |
0.42 |
235 |
This estimate was prepared in accordance with
the JORC Code; refer to the Scoping Study Report entitled “Diamba
Sud Project, Senegal, prepared by Chesser Resources Limited
("Chesser") and published on March 15, 2022 and subsequently
amended on October 27, 2022, and December 12, 2022.
Disclosure of the historical estimate in this
news release is derived from the Diamba Sud Scoping Study completed
in March 2022 by Chesser Resourced Ltd and updated in October and
December 2022 and has been judged to be relevant and therefore
suitable for disclosure, however, it should not be relied upon.
Mineral Resources were reported within a $1,800/oz gold price pit
shell and at a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au. In the Company's view,
there are no material differences between the confidence categories
assigned under the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves prepared by
the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian
Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Counsel of Australia, as
amended (the “JORC Code”) and the equivalent confidence categories
in the Canadian Institute of Mining 2014 Definition Standards for
Mineral Resources and Reserves. NI 43-101, defined below, reporting
requirements do not allow for "Inferred Mineral Resources" to be
added to other Mineral Resource categories and must be reported
separately. The Inferred Resource category estimates above under
the JORC Code were reported separately in each instance. There are
numerous uncertainties inherent in the historical estimate, which
is subject to all of the assumptions, parameters, and methods used
to prepare such historical estimates. The historical estimate has
been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Joint Ore
Reserves Committee of The Australasian Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals
Council of Australia and does not comply with or fulfill the CIM
Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, as
amended, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy
and Petroleum (the “CIM Definition Standards”) as required by
National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“NI 43-101”),
and may vary significantly from actual amounts, grade, and quality
of minerals recovered from the property. There are no other more
recent estimates. Fortuna has completed 101 diamond drillholes
totaling 13,102 meters and 166 reverse circulation drillholes
totaling 19,448 meters as part of an ongoing program to confirm the
historical estimate with no material discrepancies identified to
date. A detailed study of the drill results, technical data and
economic parameters relating to the property, together with the
preparation of an updated development plan, is required to be
conducted in order to update these historical estimates, as a
current Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve. A qualified person has
not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as
current Mineral Resources or current Mineral Reserves and Fortuna
is not treating the historical estimate as current Mineral
Resources. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
the historical estimates contained in this news release.
Diamba Sud Gold Project,
Senegal
Fortuna plans to prepare a Mineral Resource
estimate in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canadian
National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects upon the completion of the current Brownfields exploration
program that includes 42,700 meters of drilling, including
extension and resource development, in addition to the testing and
advancement of previously identified geochemistry anomalies (refer
to Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024). The program is
expected to finish by the end of August 2024 with the updated
evaluation planned for completion by the end of 2024.
Caylloma Mine,
Peru
As of December 31, 2023, the Caylloma Mine has
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 2.3 Mt containing 6.1 Moz
Ag, 10 koz Au, 64 kt Pb, and 93 kt Zn in addition to Inferred
Resources of 4.5 Mt containing 14.4 Moz Ag, 63 koz Au, 110 kt
Pb, and 162 kt Zn.
Year-over-year, Mineral Reserve tonnes decreased
by 28 percent, while silver grade increased 2 percent to 83
g/t, lead grade increased 5 percent to 2.78 %, and zinc grade
increased 4 percent to 4.04 %. Changes are due to mining related
depletion of 544,000 tonnes, a decrease by 51,000 tonnes due to
higher cut-off values related to increases in operating costs, a
decrease of 188,000 tonnes as a result of changes in commercial
terms and metal price, a decrease of 218,000 tonnes due to
adjustments in the estimation parameters and geologic
interpretation, and conversion of 23,000 tonnes of Inferred
Resources to Mineral Reserves.
Measured and Indicated Resource tonnes,
exclusive of Mineral Reserves, decreased by 37 percent
year-over-year to 1.8 Mt with silver and lead grades increasing
slightly by 9 and 1 percent, respectively, and zinc grades
decreasing by 12 percent, due to an increase in cut-off value as a
result of higher operating costs and the application of operational
dilution based on mineable shape optimizer evaluation to remove
isolated and narrow mineralized structures from the inventory.
Inferred Resource tonnes decreased by 10 percent
year-over-year. Silver grades decreased 6 percent, whereas
lead and zinc grades increased by 9 and 8 percent, respectively.
The decrease in Inferred Mineral Resources is a result of an
increase in cut-off values used for reporting Mineral Resources
from $65/t to $75/t resulting in a decrease of 416,000 tonnes and
adjustments in the geologic interpretation, changes in commercial
terms, and sterilization of material associated with isolated or
narrow mineralization resulting in a decrease of 929,000 tonnes,
offset by the discovery of 900,000 tonnes through exploration
drilling of the Animas and Animas NE veins.
The Brownfields exploration program budget for
2024 at Caylloma is $2.0 million, supporting field exploration,
regional geophysics, and ongoing studies of the structural controls
to mineralization on the Animas vein (refer to Fortuna news release
dated January 18,
2024).
San Jose Mine,
Mexico
As of December 31, 2023, the San Jose Mine has
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 0.7 Mt containing 3.7 Moz
Ag and 23 koz Au, in addition to Inferred Resources of 1.0 Mt
containing a further 4.9 Moz Ag and 35 koz Au.
Year-over-year, Mineral Reserves decreased 66
percent in terms of tonnes, while silver grade decreased 9 percent
and gold grade decreased 16 percent after net changes of minus 1 Mt
resulting from production-related depletion, and a further decrease
of 0.4 Mt due to the application of higher cut-off grades as a
result of significant cost increments related to the appreciation
of the Mexican Peso, higher contractor costs for transportation,
distribution, shotcrete, maintenance, and mining services, higher
labor costs and new labor reform mandates, change from owner’s
mining fleet to contractor fleet for mine development, and higher
costs in fuel, energy, materials, and consumables related to 2023
inflation.
Measured and Indicated Resource tonnes exclusive
of Mineral Reserves increased by 15 percent year-over-year,
while silver and gold grades increased 35 and 54 percent,
respectively. The change is due to an increase in cut-off grade
from 110 g/t to 130 g/t Ag Eq due to cost increases as detailed
above combined with the upgrading of Inferred Resources to
Indicated Resources in the Victoria mineralized zone. An evaluation
is ongoing as to whether sufficient tonnage at a high enough grade
is located in localized areas of the Victoria mineralized zone to
cover development and infrastructure costs allowing conversion of
Inferred Resources to Mineral Reserves and inclusion in the mine
plan.
Year-over-year, Inferred Resources decreased 59
percent in terms of tonnes, with grades increasing for silver and
gold by 25 percent. The net variation is due primarily to the
increase in cut-off grade used for reporting, as described above,
the upgrading of Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources through
infill drilling of the Victoria mineralized zone and changes in the
geologic interpretation and removal of isolated mineralization
through the application of a mineable stope optimizer.
The Brownfields exploration program budget for
2024 at San Jose is $4.9 million, which includes 13,900 meters of
diamond drilling, focused on testing and extending the Yessi vein
as well as exploring additional targets within the mine area (refer
to Fortuna news release dated January 18,
2024).
Lindero Mine,
Argentina
As of December 31, 2023, the Lindero Mine has
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 71.5 Mt containing 1.3 Moz
Au, in addition to Measured and Indicated Resources, exclusive of
Mineral Reserves, of 30.5 Mt containing 412 koz Au, and
Inferred Resources of 25.3 Mt containing 386 koz Au.
Since December 31, 2022, Mineral Reserve tonnes
decreased by 10 percent, while gold grade remained relatively
unchanged at 0.56 g/t Au. Changes are primarily due to mining
related depletion and sterilization of 6.5 Mt of material
containing 122 koz Au delivered to the heap leach pad in 2023 and
an increase in the reporting cut-off grade due to higher operating
costs resulting in a decrease of 2.3 Mt containing 21 koz Au.
Measured and Indicated Resource gold ounces,
exclusive of Mineral Reserves, remained relatively unchanged
year-over-year.
Inferred Resource tonnes increased by 1.1 Mt or
5 percent, to 25.3 Mt since December 31, 2022 with the gold grade
remaining unchanged at 0.47 g/t. The slight increase in Inferred
Resources is due to minor adjustments in the optimization of the
pit shell.
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina
Faso
As of December 31, 2023, the Yaramoko Mine has
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 0.9 Mt containing 219 koz
Au, in addition to Measured and Indicated Resources, exclusive of
Mineral Reserves, of 0.5 Mt containing 43 koz Au, and Inferred
Resources of 0.16 Mt containing 18 koz Au.
Year over year, Mineral Reserve tonnes decreased
26 percent, while gold grades increased 34 percent to 7.90 g/t Au.
The changes are due to mining related depletion in 2023 of 0.5 Mt
of material containing 118 koz Au offset by successful
underground exploration and delineation drilling of the Zone 55 and
Bagassi South QV Prime veins that, after the application of
modifying factors, resulted in an increase of 0.3 Mt containing 124
koz Au of new Probable Reserves.
Measured and Indicated Resource gold ounces,
exclusive of Mineral Reserves, decreased by 46 koz and Inferred
Resources by 7 koz as a result of the application of updated
cut-off grades and operational dilution based on mineable stope
optimizer evaluation to remove isolated non-economic
mineralization. The Brownfields exploration program budget for 2024
at Yaramoko is $6.1 million, which includes 41,450 meters of
exploration drilling, with underground drilling testing western and
depth extensions to the Zone 55 deposit, surface drilling testing
several anomalies along the Boni Shear, Bagassi South surface
extensions, and other surface targets (refer to Fortuna news
release dated January 18, 2024).
Séguéla Mine, Côte
d’Ivoire
As of December 31, 2023, the Séguéla Mine has
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 11.8 Mt containing 1.2
Moz Au, in addition to Indicated Resources of 4.7 Mt containing 381
koz Au and Inferred Resources of 3.1 Mt containing 245 koz Au.
Since December 31, 2022, Mineral Reserve tonnes
decreased by 3 percent, while gold grade increased by 9 percent to
3.05 g/t Au. Changes are primarily due to mining related depletion
of 0.8 Mt of material containing 79 koz Au since operations
commenced in May 2023, an increase in the reporting cut-off grade
due to higher processing and service costs resulting in a decrease
of 1.6 Mt containing 53 koz Au offset by the reclassification of
2.1 Mt containing 206 koz from Indicated Resources to Probable
Reserves related to delineation drilling and definition of the
updated pit shell at the Sunbird deposit.
Measured and Indicated Resource gold ounces,
exclusive of Mineral Reserves, decreased 34 percent, by 142 koz,
year-over-year, in relation to the reclassification of the Sunbird
deposit open pit resources from Indicated Resources to Probable
Reserves and a reduction in pit size based on updated contractor
costs and geologic interpretation, a decrease of 339 koz Au. This
reduction was offset by the inclusion of underground Indicated
Resources for the Koula, Ancien and Sunbird deposits totaling 233
koz Au. The application of higher cut-off grades in relation to an
increase in processing and service costs accounted for a further
decrease of 36 koz Au.
Inferred Resources decreased 2.6 Mt or 365 koz
Au in relation to the reduction in the size of the Sunbird pit
shell due to the results of the infill drilling and increased costs
as described above resulting in a decrease of 203 koz, and
upgrading to Indicated Resources of underground mineralization,
previously planned for open pit mining of 233 koz Au. These
decreases were offset by the inclusion of underground Inferred
Resources for the Koula, Ancien and Sunbird deposits totaling 98
koz Au. Adjustments to the estimation parameters and pit
optimization for the other deposits resulted in a further decrease
of 27 koz Au.
The Brownfields exploration program budget for
2024 at Séguéla is $7.8 million, which includes 41,750 meters of
exploration drilling, focused on testing and extending underground
targets associated with the Sunbird, Ancien, and Koula deposits, as
well as advancing emerging prospects such as Barana, Badior, and
Kestral, and continuing to explore for additional prospects (refer
to Fortuna news release dated January 18,
2024).
Arizaro Gold Project, Lindero
Property, Argentina
As of December 31, 2023, the Arizaro Gold
Project has Inferred Mineral Resources of 24.1 Mt averaging
0.40 g/t Au containing 310 koz Au, remaining
relatively unchanged from last year other than minor adjustments in
the pit shell. Mineralization remains open at depth and along the
trend of the northeast to southwest striking
porphyry.
Qualified
Person
Eric Chapman, Fortuna´s Senior Vice-President of
Technical Services, is a Professional Geoscientist of the Engineers
and Geoscientists of 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 | 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,
mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; the ability to
expand and prove a mineral resource and reserve at the Diamba Sud
Project; statements about the Company’s plans for its mines and
mineral properties , including statements that confirmatory
drilling at the Diamba Sud Project is planned for completion in
2024 and statements regarding the preparation of an updated
development plan at the Diamba Sud Project; changes in general
economic conditions and financial markets; the impact of
inflationary pressures on the Company’s business and operations;
estimated Brownfields expenditures in 2024; exploration
plans; the future results of exploration activities; the timing of
the implementation and completion of sustaining capital investment
projects at the Company’s mines; expectations with respect to metal
grade estimates and the impact of any variations relative to metals
grades experienced; metal prices, currency exchange rates and
interest rates in 2024; timing of the filing of Technical Reports;
plans to prepare a mineral resource estimate for the Diamba Sud
Project; timing of and possible outcome of litigation; life
of mine estimates; the Company’s business strategy, plans and
outlook; the merit of the Company’s mines and mineral properties;
and the future financial or operating performance of the
Company. 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,
including the possibility that actual capital and operating costs
and economic returns will differ significantly from those estimated
for such projects prior to production; 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, including relating to the
newly elected government in Argentina; 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 possibility that the ruling in
favor of Compania Minera Cuzcatlan S.A. de C.V. (“Minera
Cuzcatlan”) to reinstate the environmental impact authorization at
the San Jose mine (the “EIA”) will be successfully appealed;
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; labor relations
issues; as well as those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in
the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2022. 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 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 ore
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; the duration and impacts of 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 any appeal in respect
of the ruling in favor of Minera Cuzcatlan to reinstate the EIA
will not be successful; 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
Unless otherwise indicated, 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. The historical resource estimates in respect of the
Diamba Sud Project included in this news release have been prepared
in accordance with the requirements of the Joint Ore Reserves
Committee of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy,
Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of
Australia.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, and
Australian standards, including the JORC Code, each 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.
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