TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV
VANCOUVER, BC, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - SilverCrest
Metals Inc. ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce
the results from an Updated Independent Technical Report (the
"Report") for the Las Chispas Operation ("Las Chispas" or the
"Operation") in Sonora, Mexico
prepared by Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. ("Ausenco") with the
assistance of several other independent engineering companies and
consultants. The Report will be filed on SEDAR+ within 45 days of
the date of this news release. All amounts herein are presented in
United States Dollars ("US$"),
unless otherwise stated.
The effective date of the Measured and Indicated ("M&I")
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimate is June 30, 2022. The financial model and Life of
Mine ("LOM") production plan, factoring in the processed and
depleted ore up to December 31, 2022,
starts on January 1, 2023. The
results announced in this news release are compared to those
disclosed in a prior technical report dated January 4, 2021 (the "2021 Feasibility Study" or
"2021 FS") filed on SEDAR February 2,
2021 titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report & Feasibility
Study on The Las Chispas Project". In this Report, silver
equivalent ("AgEq") references are based on an updated silver
("Ag") to gold ("Au") ratio of 79.51:1 (formerly 86.9:1 in the 2021
FS). The 2021 Feasibility Study is no longer current, the 2021
Feasibility Study results are no longer supported by the results in
the Report and should not be relied upon.
Updated Technical Report Highlights
- Robust Production Profile with Strong NPV of $549.9M at Base Case - The Report has
confirmed strong economics for an eight-year operation generating
average annual production of 57 thousand ("k") ounces ("oz")/year
Au and 5.5 million ("M") oz/year Ag (10.0 Moz/year AgEq) during the
first seven full years. Using a 5% discount rate and average gold
and silver prices of $1,800/oz and
$23.00/oz respectively as the Base
Case, Las Chispas generates a post-tax net present value ("NPV
(5%)") of $549.9M.
- Strong Cash Flows, Debt Free, Healthy Balance Sheet -
The Operation is estimated to generate average annual post-tax free
cash flow of approximately $84.3M
from 2023 to 2029 at the Base Case. SilverCrest has paid off 100%
of its $90M debt since commercial
production was announced in November
2022 and at the end of Q2, 2023 had accumulated a treasury
assets1 balance of $59.0M.
- Report Details Supported by Current Operational Performance
- The Report is based on actual operating data from the mine
and process plant, including cost models supported by actual
operating costs, completion of more than 16 kilometres ("km") of
underground development (January 2021
to December 2022) and recovered metal
of 17.8 koz Au and 1.74 Moz Ag (3.2
Moz AgEq) since process plant startup in early June 2022 until the end of 2022.
- Updated Mineral Reserve Estimate - The updated
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate of 78.6 Moz AgEq (3.4
Mt grading 4.08 gpt Au and 395 gpt Ag, or 719 gpt AgEq) is a 13%
reduction in AgEg ounces from the 2021 FS. This reduction
incorporates the updated gold to silver ratio, updated modelling
for narrower and more widely dispersed veins than originally
modelled, increase in cut-off grades due to increased industry
costs, revised geotechnical standards, and mining method
changes.
- Simplified Underground Production Plan - The updated
production plan reaches slightly above 1,200 tonnes per day ("tpd")
in 2026 and is largely supported by long-hole stoping (77%) with
the balance being cut and fill (17%), and resue (6%). This approach
significantly simplifies the mine plan through the reduction of
working faces, equipment and labour, while also addressing safety
and productivity issues. The use of this bulk mining method, when
combined with narrower veins, has led to a reduction in LOM mined
grade of approximately 18%.
- Metallurgical Recoveries Improved - The Report is based
on actual achieved process plant metallurgical recoveries of an
estimated 98.0% Au and 97.0% Ag, both improved from the recoveries
of 97.6% Au and 94.3% Ag estimated in the 2021 FS.
- Higher Sustaining Capital Reflects Increased Costs and
Expanded Mine Footprint - LOM sustaining capital of
$219.9M has increased by 77.5%
compared to the 2021 FS as development unit costs and the amount of
infrastructure required increased due to the expanded mine
footprint.
- Lowest Quartile2 AISC Remains - The Report
estimates all-in sustaining costs3 ("AISC") to average
$11.98/AgEq payable oz over the LOM,
exclusive of corporate level G&A and sustaining exploration
costs. For the period of H2, 2023 through 2024, the AISC is
estimated to average approximately $13.50/AgEq payable oz which is the highest cost
period in the LOM due to an accelerated spend in sustaining capital
to support ramp-up of mine throughput.
- Immediate and Longer-Term Growth Opportunities -
Immediate growth will be targeted through a $10M exploration program focused on targeting 40%
of the updated Inferred Mineral Resource (1.3 Mt grading 566 gpt
AgEq or 24.1 Moz AgEq) for conversion to M&I Mineral Resources
for future Mineral Reserve consideration. The focus is on higher
grade Mineral Reserve replacement targets proximal to current and
planned infrastructure. Earlier stage exploration opportunities at
Las Chispas will be pursued in parallel.
1
Treasury assets is a Non-IFRS measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures"
section below. At the end of Q2, 2023, treasury assets include cash
of $53.4M and bullion purchases held at current market value of
$5.6M.
2 Source: Company Reports, S&P Global Market
Intelligence, FactSet, Analyst Estimates.
3 AISC is a Non-IFRS measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures"
section below.
|
Pierre Beaudoin, COO, commented,
"The results from the Report confirm our confidence in Las Chispas,
which has also been demonstrated through strong operational
performance since commissioning was undertaken in Q2, 2022. The
Report reflects updated costs and production expectations, and
although these have changed since the 2021 Feasibility Study, we
view them to be executable, particularly as they are supported by
recent operating experience. We thank our operations team and
numerous independent consultants who advanced this work, while also
simultaneously executing at the Las Chispas Operation."
N. Eric Fier, CEO stated "The
release of the results from the Report is a significant milestone
and the latest of a long list of de-risking events for our Company.
Given the current worldwide inflationary environment and
site-specific changes, our updated Mineral Resources and Reserves,
production and costing estimates better reflect the current
operating parameters at Las Chispas. The operational
performance and cash flow generated to date at Las Chispas support
the findings of the Report which outline a high margin operation
that generates significant free cash flow. The recent success of
the Operation has allowed us to repay all $90M of debt since commercial production was
achieved in November of 2022, while also building a strong treasury
assets balance of $59.0M at the end
of Q2, 2023. We look forward to releasing full details of our Q2,
2023 operational and financial performance next week. We are very
encouraged to now be able to refocus the Company's human and
financial resources to the next phase of growth and responsible
capital allocation."
Table 1 – Updated Technical Report
Overview
Las Chispas Updated
Technical Report Summary as of Jan. 1, 2023
|
Average Process Plant
Throughput (2023 to 2029) (tpd)
|
1,200
|
Mine Life
(years)
|
8.0
|
|
Average Gold Process
Plant Head Grade (gpt Au)
|
4.02
|
Average Silver Process
Plant Head Grade (gpt Ag)
|
396.1
|
Average Silver
Equivalent Process Plant Head Grade (gpt AgEq)
|
716.1
|
|
Contained Gold in Mine
Plan (koz Au)
|
422.7
|
Contained Silver in
Mine Plan (koz Ag)
|
41,615.5
|
Contained Silver
Equivalent in Mine Plan (koz AgEq)
|
75,227.5
|
|
Average Gold
Metallurgical Recovery (% Au)
|
98.0
|
Average Silver
Metallurgical Recovery (% Ag)
|
97.0
|
|
Payable Gold (koz
Au)
|
421.6
|
Payable Silver (koz
Ag)
|
41,005.5
|
Payable Silver
Equivalent (koz AgEq)
|
74,525.4
|
|
Average Annual
Production (2023 to 2029)
|
Gold (Au koz/yr)
|
57.0
|
Silver (Ag
koz/yr)
|
5,503.5
|
Silver Equivalent (AgEq
koz/yr)
|
10,036.0
|
|
Mining Cost ($/t
mined)
|
108
|
Process Cost ($/t
processed)
|
47
|
G&A Cost ($/t
processed)
|
21
|
Total Operating Cost
($/t processed)
|
168
|
LOM Sustaining Capital
Cost ($M)
|
219.9
|
Closure Costs ($M)
(2030 to 2032)
|
6.8
|
|
Cash Costs
(1) ($/oz AgEq – Payable) LOM
|
7.84
|
AISC (1)
($/oz AgEq – Payable) LOM – Mine Level
|
11.98
|
|
Au Price
($/oz)
|
1,800
|
Ag Price
($/oz)
|
23.00
|
Pre-Tax NPV (5%,
$M)
|
706.5
|
Post-Tax NPV (5%,
$M)
|
549.9
|
Undiscounted LOM net
free cash flow(1) ($M)
|
654.1
|
LOM AISC Margin
(%)
|
48 %
|
Notes:
|
1. Cash costs,
AISC and net free cash flows areNon-IFRS measures. See "Non-IFRS
Measures" section below
|
2. All numbers in
table pertain to full LOM (2023-2030) unless otherwise stated.
Numbers are rounded
|
3. Reserve
depleted by 3.4 MozAgEq representing ore processed from July 1,
2022 to December 31, 2022
|
4. Payable metal
includes ounces sold from inventory
|
5. Mine Level
AISC does not include Corporate Level G&A, share-based
compensation or exploration
|
Mineral Resource Estimate
The Updated Mineral Resource Estimate is provided in Table 2.
This estimate was completed for underground mining of in-situ vein
deposits at the Babicanora and Las Chispas Areas and for surface
extraction of stockpiles from historical and current operations.
All drilling, surveying and assay databases were provided by
SilverCrest including data up to the cut-off date of June 30, 2022 for M&I Resource Estimates and
March 21, 2023 for the Inferred
Mineral Resource Estimate.
The Updated Mineral Resource Estimate benefited from the
improved understanding of the deposit gained through SilverCrest's
18 months of development and production mining. Incorporating this
knowledge and data led to several key changes in the Company's
approach to Mineral Resource modelling as discussed below.
The Mineral Resource Estimate model was updated to reflect:
narrower veins located over a larger area, thus requiring increased
underground development, increased constraints on geologic,
statistical, and geostatistical modelling parameters resulting in
reductions in resources mainly in Babicanora Main and Babicanora
Norte Main veins and increased resources in the Babi Vista Vein,
including the Babi Vista Splay. Additionally, there is an increase
in the number of Mineral Resource veins and the veins are more
widely dispersed. The Updated Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate is
reduced from the 2021 FS due to conversion to M&I Mineral
Resources and application of the same stricter constraints as
applied to M&I Mineral Resources.
Table 2 – Mineral Resource
Estimate
Area
|
Classification
|
Tonnes
(k)
|
Au
(gpt)
|
Ag
(gpt)
|
AgEq
(gpt)
|
Contained
Au
(koz)
|
Contained
Ag
(koz)
|
Contained
AgEq
(koz)
|
Babicanora Area
Veins
|
Measured
|
206.6
|
13.67
|
1,289
|
2,376
|
90.8
|
8,561
|
15,779
|
Indicated
|
1,726.3
|
7.09
|
658
|
1,222
|
393.6
|
36,540
|
67,832
|
M&I
|
1,932.9
|
7.79
|
726
|
1,345
|
484.3
|
45,101
|
83,611
|
Las Chispas Area
Veins
|
Indicated
|
441.6
|
4.22
|
552
|
888
|
60.0
|
7,835
|
12,605
|
Total Undiluted
Veins
|
M&I
|
2,374.5
|
7.13
|
693
|
1,260
|
544.3
|
52,936
|
96,216
|
Historical
Stockpiles
|
Indicated
|
151.8
|
1.14
|
112
|
203
|
5.6
|
546
|
990
|
Run of Mine ("ROM")
Stockpiles
|
Measured
|
168.1
|
5.56
|
428
|
869
|
30.0
|
2,311
|
4,699
|
Total (Veins +
stockpiles)
|
M&I
|
2,694.4
|
6.69
|
644
|
1,176
|
579.9
|
55,794
|
101,905
|
Babicanora Area
Veins
|
Inferred
|
953.5
|
4.49
|
267
|
624
|
137.5
|
8,188
|
19,123
|
Las Chispas Area
Veins
|
Inferred
|
373.6
|
1.81
|
274
|
418
|
21.7
|
3,296
|
5,024
|
Total Undiluted
Veins
|
Inferred
|
1,327.1
|
3.73
|
269
|
566
|
159.2
|
11,484
|
24,147
|
Notes:
|
|
1.
|
The effective date for
M&I Resource estimates of the veins and stockpiles was June 30,
2022, while Inferred Resource estimates for the veins was effective
March 21, 2023.
|
2.
|
Mineral Resources are
not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic
viability.
|
3.
|
The estimate of Mineral
Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting,
legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other
relevant issues.
|
4.
|
The Inferred Mineral
Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that
applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted
to a Mineral Reserve. It can be reasonably expected that the
majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an
Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration.
|
5.
|
Mined areas as of June
30, 2022, were removed from the wireframes and block models.
|
6.
|
AgEq is based on Ag:Au
ratio of 79.51:1 calculated using $1,650/oz Au and $21/oz Ag, with
average metallurgical recoveries of 97.9% Au and 96.7% Ag, and
99.9% payable for both Au and Ag.
|
7.
|
Mineral Resources are
inclusive of the Mineral Reserves.
|
8.
|
Cut-off grade ("COG")
used for vein material is 150 gpt AgEq and, for Historical
stockpiles is 110 gpt AgEq. No cut-off grade was applied to the ROM
stockpile as it is based on material mined.
|
9.
|
Totals may not add due
to rounding.
|
Mineral Reserve Estimate
The Mineral Reserve Estimate is provided in Table 3. The
estimate was completed for underground mining of in-situ vein
deposits at the Babicanora and Las Chispas Areas and for surface
extraction of stockpiles from historical and current operations.
All drilling, surveying and assay databases were provided by
SilverCrest, including data up to the cut-off date of June 30, 2022 for Measured and Indicated Mineral
Resources.
Table 3 – Proven and Probable Mineral
Reserve Estimate
Area
|
|
Tonnes
(k)
|
Au
(gpt)
|
Ag
(gpt)
|
AgEq
(gpt)
|
Contained
Au
(koz)
|
Contained
Ag
(koz)
|
Contained
AgEq
(koz)
|
Babicanora
|
Proven
|
345
|
7.03
|
665
|
1,224
|
78
|
7,382
|
13,589
|
Babicanora
|
Probable
|
2,334
|
3.90
|
370
|
679
|
292
|
27,734
|
50,987
|
Las Chispas
|
Proven
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Las Chispas
|
Probable
|
401
|
3.09
|
399
|
645
|
40
|
5,152
|
8,323
|
Babicanora
+
Las
Chispas
|
Proven +
Probable
|
3,081
|
4.14
|
407
|
736
|
410
|
40,269
|
72,899
|
Historical
Stockpile
|
Proven
|
150
|
1.14
|
112
|
203
|
6
|
541
|
980
|
ROM
Stockpile
|
Proven
|
168
|
5.56
|
428
|
869
|
30
|
2,311
|
4,699
|
Total
Stockpile
|
Proven
|
318
|
3.47
|
279
|
555
|
36
|
2,852
|
5,679
|
Total Mineral
Reserve Estimate
|
Proven +
Probable
|
3,399
|
4.08
|
395
|
719
|
446
|
43,121
|
78,579
|
Notes:
|
|
1.
|
The effective date of
the estimate is June 30, 2022.
|
2.
|
The Mineral Reserve is
estimated using the 2019 CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources &
Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines and 2014 CIM Definition
Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves.
|
3.
|
The Mineral Reserve is
estimated with a 372 gpt AgEq fully loaded COG for the deposit and
an 85 gpt AgEq Marginal COG for development.
|
4.
|
The Mineral Reserve is
estimated using long-term prices of $1,650/oz for gold and
$21.00/oz for silver.
|
5.
|
A government gold
royalty of 0.5% is included in the Mineral Reserve
estimates.
|
6.
|
Stockpile values were
provided by SilverCrest and account for approximately 7% of mineral
reserve ounces.
|
7.
|
The Mineral Reserve is
estimated with a maximum mining recovery of 95%, with reductions in
select areas based on geotechnical guidelines.
|
8.
|
The Mineral Reserve
presented includes both internal and external dilution. The
external dilution includes a mining dilution of 0.5 m width on both
the hanging wall and footwall for the long hole mining method (1 m
total), and a 0.2 m width on both the hanging wall and footwall for
the resue mining methods (0.4 m total). Cut-and-fill mining was
assumed as breasting in all cases, using the ore sill drive width
of 3.3 m as a minimum mining width inclusive of dilution.
Additional external dilution was applied in select areas based on
geotechnical recommendations. Backfill dilution is also included
and represents 4% for the long hole mining method and 7% for
cut-and-fill and resue mining methods.
|
9.
|
A minimum mining width
of 1.5 m, 3.3 m and 0.5 m was used for the long-hole, cut-and-fill
and resue mining methods, respectively.
|
10.
|
Average metallurgical
recoveries applied are 97.9% Au and 96.7% Ag.
|
11.
|
The economic viability
of the Mineral Reserve has been demonstrated.
|
12.
|
AgEq(gpt) = (Au(gpt) *
79.51 + Ag(gpt)). AgEq calculations consider metal prices,
metallurgical recoveries, Mexican Government gold royalty and tax
rate.
|
13.
|
Estimates use metric
units (metres (m), tonnes (t), and gpt). Metal contents are
presented in troy ounces (metric tonne x grade /
31.103475).
|
14.
|
The independent
Qualified Person is not aware of any known environmental,
permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political or
marketing issues, or any other relevant issue that could materially
affect the Mineral Reserve Estimate.
|
15.
|
Totals may not add due
to rounding.
|
The Mineral Reserve has a 48 kt increase and a 12.3 Moz AgEq (13%)
decrease between the 2021 FS and 2023 Mineral Reserve Estimates as
shown in Table 4. It should be noted that when comparing Mineral
Reserve Estimates to the 2021 FS, the reduction in AgEq oz
incorporates the updated gold to silver ratio change (-3.8M AgEq ozs) as noted in Table 4. Also, the
reduction incorporates; updated resource modelling for narrower and
more widely dispersed veins than originally modelled, an increase
in cut-off grades due to increased industry costs, revised
geotechnical standards, and mining method changes. Despite the
reduction in ounces, the operational data allows for increased
confidence on a go-forward basis.
Table 4 – Mineral Reserve Variance
Mineral Reserve
Estimate
(Proven + Probable)
|
Tonnes
(k)
|
Au
(gpt)
|
Ag
(gpt)
|
AgEq
(gpt)
|
Contained
Au
(koz)
|
Contained
Ag
(koz)
|
Contained
AgEq
(koz)
|
2021 FS at 86.9
AgEq
|
3,351
|
4.81
|
461
|
879
|
518
|
49,679
|
94,704
|
2021 FS at 79.51
AgEq
|
3,351
|
4.81
|
461
|
843
|
518
|
49,679
|
90,875
|
2023 TR (June 30,
2022)
|
3,399
|
4.08
|
395
|
719
|
446
|
43,121
|
78,579
|
Difference
|
48
|
(0.73)
|
(66)
|
(124)
|
(72)
|
(6,558)
|
(12,296)
|
Note: The 2021 FS is no
longer current and the 2021 FS results are no longer supported by
the results of the 2023 Mineral Reserve Estimates in the Report and
should not be relied upon.
|
The processed and depleted ore, from July 1,
2022 to December 31, 2022 was
deducted from the Mineral Reserve in the LOM financial model.
Reconciliation
The Company implemented a Mineral Reserve to plant global
reconciliation program when the plant began operations in
June 2022. The Updated Reserve
Estimate was compared to actual plant production from June 2022 to April
2023 which reconciled to within 5% of the 6.8 Moz AgEq
ounces processed. The reconciliation results indicate the Mineral
Reserve Estimate is well represented and is within an acceptable
range for a narrow and high-grade vein deposit. Using this 10-month
period from the effective date of the Mineral Reserve Estimate to
test the assumptions in the model alongside actual mine and plant
production has further de-risked Las Chispas.
Underground Mine
The Report outlines a ramp-up as per Figure 1. For 2023, the
Report estimates an average underground mine production of 778 tpd,
in line with current operational performance and expectations. The
mining rate will start increasing in Q1, 2024 and is expected to
average approximately 1,000 tpd throughout 2024. Starting in 2026,
the mining rate is expected to reach above 1,200 tpd. This rate is
expected to be maintained through to 2029. This new design allows
for a more conservative use of the surface stockpiles that
supplement ore mined from the underground. The balance of the Las
Chispas current Mineral Reserve is expected to be exhausted in
2030, during which time mining rates are expected to reduce
considerably as production areas are depleted.
Figure 1 – LOM Mining Rates
Learning from 18 months of ramp up production has helped to
simplify the mine plan to a safer and more sustainable operation by
reducing cut & fill and resue mining methods and relying more
on the long-hole mining method as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 – Change in Percentage of Mining Methods
As previously disclosed in November
2022, SilverCrest's current operational plan reduced the use
of the resue mining method. This method was originally incorporated
to limit dilution, however, safety and productivity issues resulted
in diminished operational and economic performance. The new LOM
significantly reduces the use of resue mining and will be primarily
replaced by the lower cost and more productive long-hole mining
method. The trade-off is increased dilution which can be seen by
the lower head grade. The balance of stoping production will use
the cut and fill mining method in areas of poor ground
conditions.
The impact of the new LOM is a less complex operation with fewer
working faces, less equipment and labour, increased productivity
and a reduction in per tonne mining costs. The trade-off is more
dilution and a related reduction in head grade.
The mining schedule incorporates development rates of
34 m/day in H2, 2023, a level that is
similar to Q2, 2023 performance. In 2024, the development rate is
expected to increase to approximately 43
m/day. This increased development rate will be possible with
the recent establishment of a third portal at the Las Chispas
Area.
Figure 3 – Lateral Development Rate
Process Plant
The Las Chispas process plant has been designed to achieve
nominal throughput of 1,250 tpd. The operating results to date
indicate that this throughput rate can be achieved with better than
initially expected metallurgical recoveries. The Report includes
updated and improved recoveries of 98.0% Au and 97.0% Ag over the
LOM. The simplified plant process diagram has now stopped the use
of the flotation circuit which was determined to be unnecessary to
achieve the improved recoveries. The process plant performance to
date has also provided confidence that it can efficiently operate
with a wide range of grade and clay content. The process plant is
expected to operate at an average throughput of 1,200 tpd from 2023
– 2029.
Figure 4– Process Plant Throughput and Stockpile Balance at
End of Period
Table 5 – AgEq Mill Head Grade (gpt)
2023
|
2024
|
2025
|
2026
|
2027
|
2028
|
2029
|
2030
|
761.1
|
750.6
|
734.8
|
708.5
|
649.4
|
706.1
|
766.6
|
591.5
|
Note: Exclusive
of ounces sold from inventory.
|
Production Profile
The production profile for the LOM is shown below. The LOM
schedule has focused first on the foundation provided by a
progressive mine ramp-up supported by proven development rates. The
stable metal production through the LOM benefits from the
flexibility provided by the early mine development and by the
reliance on the surface stockpile. The surface stockpile has proven
to be a great advantage to stabilize plant feed grade and
production and this flexibility is being
maintained under the updated production plan. The new
production plan allows SilverCrest to maintain surface
stockpiles through the LOM. It is now expected that surface
stockpiles will provide approximately two months of process plant
feed throughout the LOM, which could be processed earlier than
scheduled if the mining ramp-up performs better than proposed in
the Report or provide process plant feed in the event of a mine
production shortfall.
Figure 5 – Production Profile
Sustaining Capital Costs
Life of mine sustaining costs are estimated to be $219.9M with 93% of these costs relating to
underground mining and infrastructure. This is a 77.5% increase in
cost estimated in the 2021 FS. Total sustaining development over
the LOM is expected to be 50.3 km which represents the core of the
sustaining capital for the underground mine ($175.5M). The cost of underground sustaining
development has increased due to a combination of higher
development unit rates and additional infrastructure for an
expanded mine. The underground infrastructure totals an estimated
$28.3M. The balance of the sustaining
capital totals $16.2M and covers the
needs for the surface requirements including the process plant, the
tailings facility and the surface infrastructures.
It is expected that sustaining capital costs will be more
elevated in H2, 2023 than in H1, 2023 as a result of development of
underground ventilation infrastructure and the establishment of
underground mobile maintenance facilities. The 2024 sustaining
capital will increase from 2023 levels as underground development
is increased.
Figure 6 – Sustaining Capital Cost Profile
Closure costs of $6.8M which are
expected to be incurred during the period of 2030 to 2032 are not
included in Figure 6.
Operating and All-in-Sustaining Costs
Costs for the Las Chispas Operation were updated to reflect the
revised cost structure, largely based on a Q1, 2023 basis. As
highlighted prior to the release of the Report, a number of areas
of the operation have experienced substantial cost inflation with
manpower and consumables experiencing the most significant
impacts.
Underground mining costs also reflect the change to long-hole
mining as the predominant mining method as well as the utilization
of more strict ground control standards and expansion of the
footprint of the mine which requires additional operating
development metres, equipment and additional and more expensive
staff and labor. Both cut and fill and resue methods require
breasting development which also contributes to higher operating
costs.
Process cost increases can be attributed firstly to an increase
in maintenance supplies, consumables and to an increase in the
number of manpower and wages of this manpower. It is important to
note that some of the consumables' increases can be linked to the
increase in gold and silver recovery from the plant.
Site general and administrative cost has been updated to reflect
increased manpower, and increased wages of this manpower. It also
reflect the use of the camp through the LOM.
Mining contract discussions were paused in Q2, 2023 and will
resume in earnest now that necessary details outlined in the Report
are available. It is expected that these negotiations will be
finalized in H2, 2023. Costs beginning in 2024 include an
allocation for potential cost increased related to these
negotiations.
Table 6 – Operating Costs
Item
|
$/t
|
Mining Cost ($/t
mined)
|
108
|
Process Cost ($/t
processed)
|
47
|
G&A Cost ($/t
processed)
|
21
|
Total Operating Cost
($/t processed)
|
168
|
Table 7 – Mine Level AISC Breakdown
Item
|
$M
|
$ Per Payable AgEq
oz
|
% of
AISC
|
Mining
|
325.4
|
4.37
|
36 %
|
Processing +
TCRC
|
178.6
|
2.40
|
20 %
|
G&A
|
69.9
|
0.94
|
8 %
|
Inventory
Adjustments
|
10.3
|
0.14
|
1 %
|
Cash Costs
|
584.2
|
7.84
|
65 %
|
Sustaining
Capital
|
219.9
|
2.95
|
25 %
|
Closure(1)
|
6.8
|
0.09
|
1 %
|
Government
Royalties
|
82.0
|
1.10
|
9 %
|
AISC
|
892.9
|
11.98
|
100 %
|
Note:
|
(1)
Closure costs from 2030 to 2032
|
Las Chispas Operation Economics
Considering three-year trailing prices of $1,800/oz Au and $23.00/oz Ag as the Base Case, Las Chispas is
expected to generate average annual after-tax free cash flow of
$84M from 2023-2029. At spot prices
as of July 26, 2023 of $1,963/oz Au and $24.92/oz Ag the average annual after-tax free
cash flow is estimated to be $97M
over the same time period.
As of January 1, 2023, SilverCrest
had $71M of net operating losses
available which helped reduce taxes payable throughout 2023. It is
estimated, at the Base Case, that these operating losses will be
fully utilized by the end of 2023 and as a result, contribute to
the reduction in after-tax free cash flow in 2024.
Figure 7 – LOM Free Cash Flow (FCF)
The Las Chispas Operation is most sensitive to metal prices;
however, the cash flow profile would not be substantially impacted
by a decrease in this metric.
Figure 8 – After-Tax NPV Sensitivities
The LOM mine level AISC margin is not significantly impacted by
a change in metal prices. At Base Case metal prices, the mine level
AISC margin is 48%. Table 8 below shows the impact on mine level
AISC margin for every 5% change in metal prices.
Table 8 – Mine Level AISC Sensitivity to Metal Prices
Metal Price
Sensitivity %
|
Mine Level AISC
Margin %
|
(20)
|
36
|
(15)
|
40
|
(10)
|
43
|
(5)
|
45
|
–
|
48
|
5
|
50
|
10
|
52
|
15
|
53
|
20
|
55
|
Opportunities
The most significant source of upside for Las Chispas remains
the potential conversion of Indicated and Inferred Mineral
Resources to Mineral Reserves and discovery of additional
mineralization that may support future potential mine life
growth.
There is an estimated 24.1 Moz AgEq (1.3 Mt grading 3.73 gpt Au
and 269 gpt Ag, or 566 gpt AgEq) of Inferred Mineral Resources
defined in the Report. The majority of Inferred Mineral Resources
are located in the Babicanora Sur, Babicanora Main and FW, El
Muerto Splay and the Babicanora Norte Vein NW Extension. Focusing
on higher probability conversion opportunities, there is an
estimated 15.0 Moz AgEq, including 10.0 Moz AgEq of which can be
immediately drilled as an opportunity for potential higher grade
Mineral Reserve replacement proximal to planned mining areas for
increased mine life or plant throughput. Exploration of several
underexplored targets on site is already underway. The additional
higher grade Inferred Mineral Resources will be targeted once
additional underground development has been completed.
There is also an estimated 23.3 Moz AgEq of Indicated Mineral
Resources that were not included in the Mineral Reserve or
production profile. There is potential for a portion of these
ounces to be included with further drilling and engineering
studies.
Surface exploration has identified over 23 km of potential vein
strike length that remain underexplored, not including targets at
depth. Future drilling will focus on step-out drilling within the
known mineralization zones and testing deeper host lithologies,
parallel veins and newly identified areas. There also remain
several blind veins with greater than 100 drill intercepts grading
more than 500 gpt AgEq that require further exploration
attention.
In addition to exploration opportunities, continued testing of
long-hole stoping design (amongst others, AVOCA) will evaluate the
potential to reduce dilution and include marginal ounces that were
not converted in the stope design and selection process. There may
also be an opportunity to add ounces by re-assessing the
geotechnical standards on pillar dimensions through the collection
of additional geotechnical data. Other opportunities include
further optimization of the mine design to reduce the required
development metres and associated costs, and also potential to
increase process plant throughput if the mine ramp-up accelerates
beyond the current proposed levels.
About the updated Technical report
The Report, including an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and
an updated Mineral Reserve Estimate, will be filed under the
Company's SEDAR+ profile within 45 days of this news release.
Ausenco managed the Report with several other engineering
companies and consultants contributing to sections of the Report.
The firms and consultants who are providing Qualified Persons
responsible for the content of the Report are, in alphabetical
order, Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc., BBE Group Canada,
Entech Mining Ltd., Hydro-Resources Inc., Knight Piesold Ltd.,
P&E Mining Consultants Inc., WSP Canada Inc., and WSP/Wood Mine
Services. The following independent Qualified Persons with
associated firms have reviewed and approved this news release as
defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"):
- Kevin Murray, P. Eng,
Ausenco
- Patrick Langlais, P.Eng, Entech
Mining Ltd.
- Eugene J. Puritch, P.Eng., FEC,
CET, P&E
- Benjamin Peacock, P.Eng., Knight
Piesold
- Michael Verreault, P.Eng.,
M.Sc.A., Hydro-Ressources Inc
- Wynand Marx, BBE Group
Canada
- Christopher Lee, P.Eng. WSP
Canada Inc.
- Humberto Preciado, PhD, PE,
WSP/Wood Mine Services
This news release has also been reviewed and verified by N.
Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, CEO of
SilverCrest and a Qualified Person as defined by National
Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
("NI 43-101").
Conference Call
A conference call to discuss the results of the Report will be
held Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at
8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT. To participate in the conference
call, please dial the numbers below.
Date & Time:
|
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
at 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT
|
|
|
Telephone:
|
Toronto:
+1-416-764-8624
North America Toll Free: 1-888-259-6580
Conference ID: 01537394
|
|
|
Webcast:
|
https://silvercrestmetals.com/investors/presentations/
|
|
|
ABOUT SILVERCREST METALS INC.
SilverCrest is a Canadian
precious metals producer headquartered in Vancouver, BC, with an ongoing initiative to
increase its asset base by expanding current Mineral Resources and
Mineral Reserves, acquiring, discovering and developing high value
precious metals projects and ultimately operating multiple
silver-gold mines in the Americas. The Company's principal focus is
operating its Las Chispas Operation in Sonora, Mexico. The Company is led by a proven
management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector,
including taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and
on budget construction, and production.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release
contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking
information" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the
meaning of applicable Canadian and United
States securities legislation. These include, without
limitation, statements with respect to: the timing and amount of
expected production from the Las Chispas Operation; the estimation
of mine life, mining rates, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources,
the metallurgical recovery rates, grade, production rate, the
costs, and the cash flow generation; and the strategic plans,
timing and expectations for the Company's current and future
development and exploration plans, including but not limited to the
planned target areas and the potential to convert any portion of
the Inferred Mineral Resource to economically viable Mineral
Reserves. Such forward-looking statements or information are based
on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect.
Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: present
and future business strategies, continued commercial operations at
Las Chispas, the environment in which the Company will operate in
the future, including the price of gold and silver, estimates of
capital and operating costs, production estimates, estimates of
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and metallurgical recoveries
and mining operational risk; the reliability of Mineral Resource
and Mineral Reserve Estimates, mining and development costs, the
conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability
of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to
exploration programs; and effects of regulation by governmental
agencies and changes in Mexican mining legislation. The actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including:
the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration
activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other
geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and
mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks;
project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses;
fluctuations in gold and silver prices and general market and
industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the
expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date
the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of
such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of
preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were
made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements included in this news release if these
beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should
change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS
This news
release includes Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve
classification terms that comply with reporting standards in
Canada and the Mineral Resource
and Mineral Reserve Estimates are made in accordance with NI
43-101. 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. These standards differ from the requirements of
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
applicable to domestic United
States reporting companies. Consequently, Mineral Resource
and Mineral Reserve information included in this news release may
not be comparable to similar information that would generally be
disclosed by United States
domestic reporting companies subject to the reporting and
disclosure requirements of the SEC. Accordingly, information
concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable
with information made public by companies that report in accordance
with US standards.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
SilverCrest uses certain
performance measures that are not defined under International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") in this news release.
Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS
and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other
issuers. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional
measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, management and certain
investors use this information to evaluate the Company's
performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is
intended to provide additional information and should not be
considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of
performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For further
information on explanations and reconciliations of Non-IFRS
measures for cash costs, AISC and net free cash flow, refer to the
Non-IFRS Measures section of the Company's Management's Discussion
& Analysis ("MD&A") for the three months ending
March 31, 2023, dated May 11, 2023, beginning on page 14.
Cash costs and cash costs per silver equivalent ounce
payable
The Company uses cash costs per silver
equivalent ounce payable to monitor its operating performance
internally. The most directly comparable measure prepared in
accordance with IFRS is cost of sales. The Company believes this
Non-IFRS financial measure provides investors and analysts with
useful information about its underlying cash costs of operations.
In comparison to Non-IFRS financial measure disclosure in the
Company' MD&A, cash cost per ounce in this news release is
based on AgEq oz payable, as opposed to AgEq oz sold.
AISC and AISC per silver equivalent ounce
payable
This Non-IFRS financial measure aims to
assist readers in evaluating the total cost of producing silver
from its operation. The most directly comparable measure prepared
in accordance with IFRS is cost of sales. In comparison to Non-IFRS
financial measure disclosure in the Company' MD&A, AISC/oz in
this news release is based on AgEq oz payable, as opposed to AgEq
oz sold. In addition, for the purpose of this news release, AISC
excludes but not limited to corporate general and administrative
expenses, exploration expenses and share-based payments.
Net free cash flow
Net free cash flow is
not meant to be a substitute for the cash flow information
presented in accordance with IFRS. The Company believes that this
measure provides valuable assistance to investors and analysts in
evaluating the Company's ability to generate cash flow after
capital investments and build the cash resources of the Company.
The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with
IFRS is net cash provided by operating activities less net cash
used in investing activities.
Treasury assets
SilverCrest calculates
treasury assets as cash and cash equivalents plus bullion as
reported in the consolidated statements of financial position. The
Company believes that in addition to conventional measures prepared
in accordance with IFRS, treasury assets is useful to evaluate the
Company's liquidity and capital resources.
N. Eric Fier, CPG,
P.Eng
Chief Executive Officer
SilverCrest
Metals Inc.
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SOURCE SilverCrest Metals Inc.