Aura Minerals Inc. ("Aura Minerals" or the "Company") (TSX:ORA) today announced
financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2011. All dollar
amounts are expressed in US dollars unless otherwise specified.
First Quarter 2011 Financial and Operating Highlights:
-- Substantially completed the previously announced four-month dedicated
waste stripping program at the Sao Francisco Mine which started in early
December 2010, which allowed the mine to resume normal operations in
April 2011 with a sustainable mine plan in place;
-- Ramped up the Aranzazu Mine operation throughout the first quarter, and
declared commercial production at this operation effective February 1,
2011, upon the mine and mill having substantially passed mechanical
completion and commissioning;
-- Gold production of 34,169 ounces for the first quarter, with on-site
average cash costs(1)of gold produced of $882 per ounce, comprised of
the following:
For the three months For the three months
ended March 31, 2011 ended March 31, 2010
Ounces Ounces
Produced Cash Costs(1) Produced Cash Costs(1)
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San Andres Mine 18,125 $ 626 19,299 $ 493
Sao Francisco Mine 7,188 811 - -
Sao Vicente Mine 8,856 1,464 - -
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Total / Average 34,169 $ 882 19,299 $ 493
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(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures
-- First quarter 2011 gold production was impacted by the dedicated waste
stripping program at the Sao Francisco mine, the rainy season in Brazil,
which impacted mining operations at the Sao Vicente Mine, and lower gold
recoveries at the San Andres Mine due to the processing of lower
recovery 'mixed' ore during the quarter;
-- Produced copper concentrate at the Aranzazu Mine containing 942,900
pounds of copper, 688 ounces of gold and 29,930 ounces of silver in the
first quarter 2011;
-- On-site, post-commissioning cash costs(1)of $4.87 per payable pound of
copper, net of gold and silver credits, which reflects the processing of
lower than expected ore tonnes due to start-up mechanical issues at the
Aranzazu Mine and the impact of processing a high proportion of oxidized
material which adversely affected metal recoveries and concentrate
grades;
-- Aranzazu Mine copper concentrate production for April and May has
doubled over March levels, resulting in higher concentrate grades and
metal content as well as a reduction in cash costs(1)to approximately
one-half of reported first quarter cash costs(1);
-- Total first quarter sales of $53.8 million, comprised of net gold sales
of $51.6 million, from 37,512 ounces at a realized average price of gold
sold of $1,388 per ounce for the quarter (which compares to a market
average price of $1,385 per ounce (London PM Fix)), and $2.2 million
from the shipment of 873 dry metric tonnes ("DMT") of copper concentrate
after February 1, 2011, being the date commercial production was
declared;
-- Profit for the quarter of $4.4 million or $0.02 per share and adjusted
loss for the quarter of $5.2 million or $0.02 per share, after adjusting
for write-downs of inventory, unrealized foreign exchange losses and
other non-recurring revenue and expense items;
-- Completed a restructuring of the contractual obligations owing to Yamana
Gold Inc. ("Yamana") and recognized a $17 million gain thereon, as
further described below;
-- Arranged a two-year revolving credit facility with Barclays Capital, the
investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC (the "Credit Facility")
for $25 million, to be used for working capital at the Aranzazu Mine and
general corporate purposes;
-- Released results during the quarter from ongoing exploration and
definition drilling programs at the Aranzazu Mine, with an emphasis on
increasing the overall resource base along strike and at depth;
-- Ended the first quarter of 2011 with $9.3 million in cash and cash
equivalents, with the full availability of the Credit Facility; and
-- Appointed Mr. Tom Ogryzlo, a member of the Board, as Interim Chief
Executive Officer ("CEO") effective June 6, 2011, replacing Mr. Patrick
Downey, who stepped down as President and CEO and resigned from the
Board as of that date.
(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures.
"During and subsequent to the first quarter of 2011, the Company completed two
very significant milestones, which management believes will better position us
to grow," commented Tom Ogryzlo, Interim CEO of Aura Minerals. "At the Sao
Francisco Mine, we completed a seven million tonne waste stripping program and
have implemented a new mine plan, which together with higher head grades and a
much improved pit configuration and layout, is expected to increase production
and lower cash costs starting in the second half of 2011. With this completed,
our technical teams will now focus their attention on the smaller Sao Vicente
Mine. The second significant milestone was the declaration of commercial
production at the Aranzazu Mine. The operation continued to experience delays in
the first quarter due to difficulties in obtaining skilled labour in Mexico,
late mobilization of the mining contractor, and mechanical issues in the plant,
which resulted in production being lower than expected. However, subsequent to
quarter-end, many of these operational issues were resolved and the Aranzazu
Mine reached throughput of 2,200-2,400 tonnes per day by mid-May, slightly lower
than the design capacity of 2,600 tonnes per day. During 2011, we expect the
Aranzazu Mine to produce between 11 - 12 million pounds of copper, approximately
8,000 ounces of gold and 220,000 ounces of silver, with estimated cash
costs(1)of $1.25- 1.50 per pound of copper, net of by-product credits from gold
and silver, once steady state production is achieved. At the Company's other
gold asset, the San Andres Mine, production in the first quarter was lower than
expected as a result of a higher proportion of mixed ore processed, which
typically results in lower gold recoveries. The mining of mixed ore will
continue through the second quarter before mining in the upper benches of the
Twin Hills pit begins. This area has a greater proportion of oxide ore and
therefore should result in higher recoveries during the second half of the year.
Lastly, at the Arapiraca Project, we expect to complete a feasibility study in
the first quarter of 2012. This will represent a major step towards development
of this world-class asset."
Financial Review
The following financial information does not constitute management's discussion
and analysis ("MD&A") as contemplated by relevant securities rules and should be
read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and the annual audited
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the MD&A's for the
two periods, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company's
profile or on the Company's website.
The following table presents a summary of financial information for the three
months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
Three months Three months
ended ended
(In thousands of dollars, March 31, March 31,
except per share amounts) 2011 2010
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(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Sales $ 53,789 $ 19,791
Cost of goods sold (51,519) (10,932)
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Gross Profit 2,270 8,859
Expenses
Exploration expenses (3,893) (5,092)
General and administrative expenses (6,969) (6,233)
Finance costs (1,289) (473)
Interest and other income 165 104
Gain on restructuring of contractual
obligations 17,009 -
Other gains (losses) 829 2,400
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Profit (loss) before income taxes 8,122 (435)
Income tax expense, net (3,759) (1,991)
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Profit (loss) for the period $ 4,363 $ (2,426)
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Adjustments:
Unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses (21) 1,085
Other unrealized losses 755 -
Gain on restructuring of contractual
obligations, net of tax (15,359) -
Share-based payment expense 1,944 1,897
Write-down of inventory 3,121 -
Non-recurring transaction costs - 1,297
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Adjusted profit (loss)(1)for the period $ (5,197) $ 1,853
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Basic and diluted profit (loss) per share 0.02 (0.01)
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Adjusted profit (loss)(1) per share $ (0.02) $ 0.01
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Gold ounces sold for the respective periods, the average realized prices per
ounce and net sales are detailed in the following table. The average realized
prices per ounce for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 compare to
the average market price (London PM Fix) of $1,385 and $1,109, respectively.
Three months Three months
ended ended
March 31, March 31,
2011 2010
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San Andes Mine, (ounces) 18,464 18,034
Sao Francisco Mine, (ounces) 9,082 -
Sao Vicente Mine, (ounces) 9,966 -
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Total ounces sold during Quarter 37,512 18,034
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Realized average gold price per ounce in
Quarter $ 1,388 $ 1,112
Gold sales revenues (in '000's) net of local
sales taxes $ 51,566 $ 19,791
Copper concentrate sales (in '000's) 2,223 -
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Total net sales (in '000's) $ 53,789 $ 19,791
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Copper concentrate shipments for the first quarter 2011 were 1,240 DMT,
containing payable metal of 580,127 pounds of copper, 463 ounces of gold and
13,261 ounces of silver, and resulted in sales, net of treatment and refining
charges, of $3.2 million. Of these shipments, 873 DMT were shipped after
February 1, 2011, for net sales of $2.2 million.
Cash costs of goods sold for the quarter totalled $39.9 million, of which $36.0
million or $960 per ounce related to cash costs of gold sold, and $3.8 million
or $4,403 per DMT related to cash costs of copper concentrate sold. Cash costs
of goods sold included inventory write-downs of $3.1 million to bring production
inventories to their net realizable value. Together with non-cash depletion and
amortization charges of $11.6 million, total cost of goods sold was $51.5
million for the quarter.
Gross profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 was $2.3 million, which
compares to a gross profit of $8.9 million for the first quarter of 2010, which
only included the results of the San Andres Mine.
Other expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 consisted of
exploration expenses of $3.9 million and general and administrative expenses of
$7.0 million. Finance costs for the quarter totalled $1.3 million and included
interest paid on the promissory notes payable of $0.5 million and accretion
expense on the Company's asset retirement obligations and other long term
liabilities of $0.7 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the
Company also recorded a gain on the restructuring of certain contractual
obligations of $17.0 million, as further described below.
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded interest and
other income of $165,000, which primarily relates to interest income on the
Company's cash deposits. The Company also recorded other net gains and losses of
$829,000 which primarily comprises foreign exchange gains of $1.3 million.
For the first quarter of 2011, the Company recorded total income tax expense of
$3.8 million, which consisted of current income tax expense of $2.7 million
relating to income taxes payable on earnings at the San Andres Mine and deferred
tax expense of $1.1 million, which includes $1.7 million related to the gain
recorded on the restructuring of the Company's contractual obligations.
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded a profit of $4.4
million or $0.02 per share. Adjusted loss (1) for the first quarter was $5.2
million or $0.02 per share after adjusting for unrealized foreign exchange gains
and losses, share-based payment expense, and other non-recurring revenue and
expense items.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As at March 31, 2011, the Company had working capital of $42.3 million,
including cash and cash equivalents of $9.3 million. In addition, the Company
had the full $25 million available under the Credit Facility that was arranged
in mid-March.
On March 18, 2011, the Company restructured its contractual obligations payable
to Yamana, including $64.2 million in promissory notes and $43.2 million in
deferred purchase consideration payable out of net free cash flows from the two
Brazilian mines. These contractual obligations were considered paid and
satisfied in full, and all related security was released, in consideration for
19,056,113 common shares of the Company, which were valued at $64.1 million,
payment of $5 million which was made on March 31, 2011, and net smelter return
royalty ("NSR Royalty") equal to 1.5% of the sales from the San Andres Mine, Sao
Francisco Mine and Sao Vicente Mine, up to a cumulative royalty amount of
$16,000,000, commencing on March 1, 2013. Under the terms of the agreement, the
royalty may be repurchased at specified amounts up to March 31, 2015. As the
book values of the contractual obligations as at March 18, 2011 exceeded the
fair value of the consideration given, the Company recorded a gain of $17.0
million on the transaction.
The Company's ongoing liquidity needs will be funded from current cash
resources, funds available under the Credit Facility, and operating cash flows
generated from the San Andres Mine and, commencing in the second quarter of
2011, from the Aranzazu Mine based on higher production levels. Additionally,
with the operational improvements being made at the Sao Francisco Mine, and a
new mine plan based on significantly higher head grades and increased production
levels, the Company also expects stronger operating cash flows to be generated
from this unit, commencing in the third quarter of 2011. As a result, based on
the Company's current expectations from its operating mines, combined with
strong metal prices, the Company believes it is fully financed to achieve its
near-term growth objectives. Should operating cash flows be insufficient to
cover planned expenditures, the Company may defer or cancel certain capital
programs or other expenditures, or seek an increase to the Credit Facility.
Operational and Project Review
San Andres Mine
Production at the San Andres Mine in the first quarter was 18,125 ounces of
gold, down 6% from the 19,299 ounces produced in the first quarter of 2010, and
down 7% from the 19,469 ounces produced in the fourth quarter of 2010. Lower
gold production in the quarter is attributable to the high proportion of 'mixed'
ore processed, which characteristically has a lower level of oxidation which
results in lower gold recovered and somewhat slower recovery rate kinetics.
The table below sets out selected operating information for the San Andres Mine
for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
Operating Information Q1 2011 Q1 2010
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Ore mined (tonnes) 1,313,100 1,217,700
Waste mined (tonnes) 286,300 32,400
Total mined (tonnes) 1,599,400 1,250,100
Waste-to-ore ratio 0.22 0.03
Ore plant feed (tonnes) 1,317,000 1,244,000
Grade (g/tonne) 0.79 0.77
Production (ounces) 18,125 19,299
Sales (ounces) 18,464 18,034
Average cash cost per ounce of gold produced(1) $ 626 $ 493
(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures.
Operating cash costs(1) of $626 per ounce of gold produced in the first quarter
of 2011 were approximately 11% higher than the fourth quarter of 2010 and 27%
higher than in the first quarter of 2010. Increased cash costs over the same
quarter in 2010 are primarily a result of the significantly lower than average
strip ratio in the first quarter of 2010, lower gold production and higher
operating costs due to increases in lime, cement and cyanide consumption
required to treat mixed ore. Operations at the San Andres Mine in late-June and
July 2011 may be impacted by the shortage of sodium cyanide caused by the
temporary shutdown of a key supplier's facilities in the Memphis, Tennessee area
due to the flooding of the Mississippi River in May. The supplier's operations
resumed full operations in late May. To the extent there is a disruption, any
impact would only delay the leaching of gold to the following months.
As noted above, the processing of 'mixed' ore, with lower levels of oxidation
resulted in lower gold recoveries in the first quarter. In 2011, the planned
mining sequence will have a higher proportion of mixed ore mined in the first
half of the year. During the third quarter of 2011, the mine plan is to commence
mining on the next phase of the upper benches of the Twin Hills pit which will
have a greater proportion of oxide ore. Ongoing metallurgical test work at site
indicates that mixed ores will have a gold recovery rate in the order of 55 -
65%, while oxide ore will have a higher gold recovery rate in the range of 70 -
80%.
Sao Francisco Mine
During the first quarter of 2011, the Company substantially completed the
dedicated waste stripping program, which started at the beginning of December
2010. Accordingly, operating results in this quarter are not representative of
the mine's full capacity and are not comparable with prior periods. Although
mining of ore was deferred during this period, heap leaching of the ore on the
leach pads continued and resulted in approximately $17 million of gold sales
from the drawdown of the heap inventories over the four-month period. During the
first quarter of 2011, a total of 7,188 ounces of gold were produced at
operating cash costs (1) of $811 per ounce and 9,082 ounces were sold in the
quarter, which contributed $12.7 million in gross revenue.
The table below sets out selected operating information for the Sao Francisco
Mine for the three months ended March 31, 2011:
Operating Information Q1 2011 Q1 2010(2)
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Ore mined (tonnes) 65,900 -
Waste mined (tonnes) 5,279,700 -
Total mined (tonnes) 5,345,600 -
Waste-to-ore ratio N/A -
Dump leach ore stacked (tonnes) 26,900 -
Grade (g/tonne) 0.38 -
Production (ounces) 7,188 -
Sales (ounces) 9,082 -
Average cash cost per ounce of gold produced(1) $ 811 $ -
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(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures.
(2) No comparative results for the first quarter 2010 as the mine was
acquired on April 30, 2010.
During the period that the dedicated waste stripping program was ongoing, the
Company put considerable effort in preparing the mine for longer-term,
sustainable operations, with an improved pit configuration and layout that would
enhance production, reduce waste dilution and improve safety. The four-month
period facilitated a change in waste bench configuration from 15 metre wide
benches to 30 metre benches, which allows for more efficient blasting, material
loading and transportation. The new configuration helps mitigate dilution,
decrease handling and transportation costs, and allows for more efficient
loading of trucks.
Upon resumption of normal operations in April 2011, the Company implemented a
new mine plan, including stockpiling low-grade ore, which will be processed at
the end of the mine life, and improving the crushing/gravity circuit maintenance
program and making basic flowsheet changes to increase plant availability. In
addition, the Company is reviewing options to use an owner-operated fleet to
transport ore from the crushing/gravity area to the leach pad instead of using a
contractor fleet at a capital cost of $2-3 million, commencing in late 2011 or
early 2012, and installing a 1,000 tpd slimes re-treatment circuit to increase
overall gold recovery in the last half of 2012 at an estimated capital cost of
$12 million. Furthermore, April and May head grades for the crusher-gravity ore
have increased over 71%, to 0.72 g/tonne over the average head grades processed
in 2010. Crusher-gravity ore head grades are expected to increase further to
0.85 g/tonne for the balance of 2011, with fourth quarter grades averaging 1.00
g/tonne and to 1.14 g/tonne for 2012. The improvements described above, as well
as the mining of higher grade ore in the mine, are expected to result in cash
cost(1) reductions going forward. Based on the return to steady state leach pad
operations, full year 2011 cash costs (1) are expected to average between $1,150
- $1,250 per ounce, with fourth quarter cash costs(1) expected of between $1,000
- $1,100 per ounce. In the first full year following the restart of normal
operations, or in mid-2012, annualized production is expected to be
approximately 100,000 ounces of gold, with cash costs(1) of between $800 -
$1,000 per ounce. Thereafter, the head grade is expected to continue to improve,
increasing annual gold production and further reducing cash costs(1).
Sao Vicente Mine
During the first quarter, gold production was 8,856 ounces, down 27% over the
prior quarter due in part to the rainy season in Brazil which impacted mining
operations and restricted access to higher grade ore in the bottom of the pit.
Operating cash costs(1) for the first quarter were $1,464 per ounce of gold
produced, approximately 36% higher than the $1,077 per ounce reported for the
fourth quarter of 2010. The higher cash costs(1) primarily reflect the lower
gold ounces produced, as well as the strengthening of the Brazilian real
relative to the United States dollar. As with the Sao Francisco Mine, the
Company's focus for the Sao Vicente Mine has been operational improvements to
increase productivity, improve overall gold recovery and lower cash operating
costs.
(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures.
The table below sets out selected operating information for the Sao Vicente Mine
for the three months ended March 31, 2011:
Operating Information Q1 2011 Q1 2010(2)
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Ore mined (tonnes) 801,800 -
Waste mined (tonnes) 1,585,800 -
Total mined (tonnes) 2,387,600 -
Waste-to-ore ratio 1.98 -
Ore plant feed (tonnes) 784,700 -
Grade (g/tonne) 0.47 -
Production (ounces) 8,856 -
Sales (ounces) 9,966 -
Average cash cost per ounce of gold produced(1) $ 1,464 $ -
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(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures.
(2) No comparative results for the first quarter 2010 as the mine was
acquired on April 30, 2010.
Aranzazu Mine
Although the Company declared commercial production at the Aranzazu Mine
effective February 1, 2011, the operation had not yet reached design capacity of
2,600 tonnes per day ("tpd") due to certain mechanical issues which have since
been rectified, as well as the late mobilization of the mining contractor, the
slow ramp-up of underground operations due to severe competition for skilled
labour in Mexico and late delivery of underground mining equipment. Although
mining for 2011 is a combination of both open pit and underground, including
underground development, first quarter mining consisted of a mixture of oxide
and sulphide ores, which reduced recovery in the mill. Notwithstanding,
concentrate grades were between 24 - 25% copper in the first quarter with
excellent precious metal grades. The Company expects to continue mining mixed
oxide/sulphide ore in 2011, albeit with reduced oxide components in each of the
next three quarters. Upon final commissioning of the re-grind milling circuit
and cleaner flotation circuits later in the third quarter, together with the
processing of a higher proportion of primary sulphide ore, concentrate grades
and mill recoveries are expected to increase to design levels.
Initial production results for the first quarter 2011 are summarized below:
For the three months
Operating Information ended March 31, 2011
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Ore mined (tonnes) 105,600
Ore milled (tonnes) 126,100
Copper grade (%) 0.74%
Gold grade (g/tonne) 0.30
Silver grade (g/tonne) 15.78
Copper recovery(1) 46.2%
Gold recovery 50.7%
Silver recovery 49.1%
Concentrate Production:
Copper concentrate produced (dry metric tonnes
("DMT")): 1,728
Copper contained in concentrate (%) 24.8%
Gold contained in concentrate (g/DMT) 12.4
Silver contained in concentrate (g/DMT) 538.8
Copper contained in concentrate (pounds) 942,900
Estimated payable copper produced (pounds) 892,700
Estimated payable gold produced (ounces) 601
Estimated payable silver produced (pounds) 27,023
Average cash cost per payable pound of copper
produced, net of gold & silver credits(2), (3) $4.87
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(1) Recoveries based on mixture of sulphide and oxide ores, not primary
sulphide ore.
(2) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures.
(3) For post-commissioning period, February 1 to March 31, 2011.
As indicated above, mill start-up issues limited throughput capacity in the
quarter and were a limiting factor in preventing the mill from reaching its
targeted 2,600 tpd ore throughput level. Mill start-up issues included
mechanical problems with mill drive trains and babbit bearings, which
contributed to low equipment availability in the grinding mills during the first
quarter. These mechanical problems have been overcome and ore throughput rates
have risen steadily subsequent to quarter end and reached 2,200 - 2,400 tpd by
mid-May.
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Aranzazu Mine produced 1,728 DMT
of copper concentrate in the first quarter, containing 942,900 pounds of copper
(892,700 pounds of payable copper). The lower production levels during the
restart of operations had an adverse impact on cash costs(1) per pound of
copper, which averaged $4.87 per payable pound of copper in the post-
commissioning period from February 1, to March 31, 2011.
The level of oxidation in the open-pit mineralization resulted in first quarter
metal recoveries from the mill being lower than expected. This factor
contributed to lower concentrate production and grades and lower metal content.
Despite this, copper concentrate grades were between 24-25% in the first
quarter. As indicated above, the Company expects to be mining a higher
proportion of sulphide ore in each of the next three quarters in 2011.
With improved plant and sulphide ore availability subsequent to quarter-end,
production levels for April and May have doubled over March production levels.
The doubling of production also resulted in cash costs(1) decreasing by
approximately one-half from the reported first quarter cash costs(1) and this
trend is expected to continue. Once final commissioning of the regrind and
cleaner circuit is completed and steady state mining of primary sulphide ore is
achieved, the copper concentrate grade is expected to increase to approximately
28% to 30%.
(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures
Underground mining is also being ramped up with the mining of ore currently from
the Mexicana zone. Underground operations were slower than expected due to the
delay in delivery of mine equipment and the difficulty in hiring suitably
qualified mine operations personnel. However, the majority of the fleet has now
been delivered and the Company has hired a mining contractor to assist in mine
development, as well as the training of the Company's mine personnel. The next
stages of underground mine development will continue to be in the Mexicana Zone
as well as the high grade BW zone and the AA Sub Level Cave. Ore will be sourced
from both open pit and underground during the remainder of 2011 and into 2012,
with transition into full underground operations thereafter.
Throughout 2010 and into the first quarter of 2011, the Company continued to
actively drill-test the high- grade resources within the Calcocita, Arroyos
Azules, Glory Hole and BW zones. The purpose of this drill campaign was to:
increase the drill density for both short and long term mining purposes; in-fill
drill testing along strike to expand the database; and test the continuity of
mineralization further at depth. In addition, a new zone, Zona CC, was
discovered and returned high-grade drill results generally consistent with the
existing resource base. As part of this program, results from 161 holes were
released in 2009 and results from an additional 170 new and six historic holes
were released during 2010, which continued to confirm grades and widths of the
deposit. Drill results from another 39 holes were released in the first quarter
of 2011.
Based on the encouraging results both at depth and along strike, the Company
will commence planning in 2011 for a major expansion program for the mine.
Together with the extensive surface and underground drill program mentioned
above, this work will include all necessary geotechnical and engineering
studies. Based on the continuity of mineralized intersections and favourable
ground conditions, the Company believes that the deposit is suited to a low cost
bulk mining scenario such as sub-level caving and long-hole stoping.
Arapiraca Project
The Arapiraca Project is a bulk-tonnage copper-gold-magnetite deposit located in
the central-southern part of the State of Alagoas, Brazil. The Company has now
finalized the variability testwork, grinding simulation testwork, design
criteria and process flowsheet. The contract to complete a feasibility study is
expected to be awarded by the end of the second quarter of 2011, with full
completion of this study expected in the first quarter of 2012. With all
essential permits in place, and with the excellent infrastructure in the
vicinity of the project, the Company expects to commence negotiations for
project financing and development during 2012, with a construction decision to
follow later that year.
Outlook
The price of commodities, namely gold and copper, is one of the largest factors
affecting Aura Minerals' profitability and operating cash flows. Other key
factors affecting the Company's profitability and operating cash flows include:
the levels of production, which are impacted by grades, strip ratios, plant and
equipment availabilities, and process recoveries; and costs, which are impacted
by production levels, fixed and variable costs, prices of key consumables,
labour, inflation, and exchange rates. In the first quarter, the gold price
continued its high level of volatility but overall continued its upward trend,
rising over 2% to $1,439 per ounce at quarter-end. Subsequent to quarter end,
the gold price spiked into the mid $1,500's, but most recently has been trading
in the $1,520 - $1,540 per ounce range. The price of copper trended lower in the
first quarter of 2011, falling 3% to $4.30 per pound at quarter-end. Since the
end of the first quarter, the copper price has continued to trend lower to the
$4.00 - $4.15 per pound, affected by the upward trend in London Metals Exchange
("LME") inventories, concerns over future Chinese demand given their efforts to
slow the inflation rate, and the broad-based correction in commodities in early
May. The Company believes that, despite continued volatility, market
fundamentals, including the commodity price environment, and prospects for its
business remain favourable and that the asset base will commence generating
positive operating cash flows in the second half of 2011.
During 2010 and early 2011, the Company made a number of operational changes and
improvements at the San Andres Mine to increase production. The impact of these
projects on production was seen despite lower recoveries in the first quarter.
In 2011, the Company expects annualized production at the San Andres Mine of
between 72,000 and 78,000 ounces of gold with cash costs(1) in the range of $700
- 750 per ounce. Revised lower production guidance for 2011 is a result of the
processing of additional mixed ore in the year, which has lower process
recoveries. Increased cash cost(1) guidance is a result of the lower production
and the associated increases to consumption of cement, lime and cyanide as a
result of the mixed ore. Mining of more heavily oxidized ore will commence in
the second half of 2011 from the next phase of the Twin Hills pit and is
expected to result in higher recoveries.
Operating results at the Sao Francisco Mine are expected to improve
substantially based on the waste stripping program which is now complete, other
process and plant improvements to increase availability and throughput, and new
mine plan which took effect early April 2011. As indicated above, upon
resumption of operations, April and May head grades for the crusher-gravity ore
have increased over 71%, to 0.72 g/tonne over the average head grades processed
in 2010. Crusher-gravity ore head grades are expected to increase further to
0.85 g/tonne for the balance of 2011, with fourth quarter grades averaging 1.00
g/tonne and to 1.14 g/tonne for 2012. Combined with additional ore tonnages
which result from the reconfigured pit, the new mine plan, and additional
contractor's equipment scheduled for arrival early in the third quarter, the
Company expects significant improvements in production and reductions in cash
costs(1)going forward. As a result, by mid-2012, annualized production is
expected to be 100,000 ounces of gold at estimated cash costs(1)of between $800
- $1,000 per ounce. For the current year, taking into consideration the second
quarter re-start and the typical leach cycle, the Company's guidance for 2011 is
55,000 - 60,000 ounces of gold production for this operation with full year cash
costs(1)averaging between $1,150 - $1,250 per ounce. However, the Company
expects fourth quarter cash costs(1)to trend downward to between $1,000 - $1,100
per ounce.
Given the impact on mining operations at the Sao Vicente Mine of the rainy
season and lower than expected equipment availability in the first quarter and
for April and May 2011, the Company is reducing production guidance to between
42,000 - 45,000 ounces of gold for 2011, with estimated cash costs(1) of between
$1,250 - $1,350 per ounce. The Company believes there are several opportunities
to improve operational performance at the Sao Vicente Mine, some of which were
started in 2010 and certain others continue to be implemented in 2011, such as
modifying the heap leach stacking system to improve recoveries and reviewing the
current process plant to upgrade plant availability and increase recoveries.
Accordingly, with improved head grades and improved operating efficiencies and
productivities expected from the operational improvements taking effect, the
Company expects decreases in future cash costs(1) beginning later in 2011 and
into 2012.
Estimated 2011 gold production guidance per mine, based on the restart of
operations at the Sao Francisco Mine in early April, is summarized in the table
below:
Gold Production Estimates
--------------------------------------------------
San Andres Mine 72,000 - 78,000 oz
Sao Francisco Mine 55,000 - 60,000 oz
Sao Vicente Mine 42,000 - 45,000 oz
--------------------------------------------------
Total 169,000 - 183,000 oz
--------------------------------------------------
As a result of mill start-up issues during the first quarter, the targeted
nameplate throughput rate of 2,600 tonnes of ore per day at the Aranzazu Mine
was only achieved late in the first quarter and mechanical issues, mainly with
the grinding mills, prevented the operation from sustaining this level of
throughput subsequent to March 31, 2011. These issues have now been overcome and
sustained ore throughput rates have risen steadily subsequent to quarter-end and
reached 2,200 - 2,400 tonnes per day by mid- May. Resolution of these mechanical
issues, combined with the transition to more primary sulphide ore and less oxide
material, will allow the Aranzazu Mine to improve copper recoveries and sustain
design tonnages. As a result, the Company has revised its 2011 production and
cash cost guidance to between
(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures.
11 - 12 million pounds of copper, and approximately 8,000 ounces of gold and
220,000 ounces of silver, with estimated cash costs(1) of between $1.25 - $1.50
per payable pound of copper, net of gold and silver by-product credits, once
steady state production is achieved.
Capital expenditure guidance for the balance of 2011 is approximately $27
million, of which $1.6 million relates to the completion of the dedicated
stripping program at the Sao Francisco Mine and $11.7 million relates to
underground development and other machinery and equipment at the Aranzazu Mine.
Remaining 2011 capital expenditures also include approximately $2.7 million at
the Sao Francisco Mine, $5.7 million at the Sao Vicente Mine, and $5.3 million
at the San Andres Mine.
Exploration expenses are forecast to be approximately $6.0 million for the
balance of 2011, which primarily includes $1.3 million at the Aranzazu Mine and
approximately $4.0 million on the Arapiraca Project feasibility study later in
2011.
Conference Call
As announced on June 6, 2011, Mr. Tom Ogryzlo has been appointed to the role of
Interim CEO until a permanent CEO can be recruited. Mr. Ogryzlo is currently
undertaking a detailed review of the Company's operations. Accordingly, the
Company will not be hosting its regular conference call to review the first
quarter's results. However, upon completion of the detailed review, Mr. Ogryzlo
and senior management will host a separate conference call for analysts and
investors to review operational and financial matters. The Company expects to
host this conference call before the end of June.
Non-GAAP Measures
This news release includes certain non-GAAP performance measures, in particular,
the total cash costs of gold per ounce, and adjusted earnings or loss and
adjusted earnings or loss per share. These non-GAAP measures do not have any
standardized meaning within International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other
companies. The Company believes that this information is useful to management
and certain investors in evaluating the Company's performance. The data
presented 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. Cash costs are presented as they represent an industry
standard method of comparing certain costs on a per unit basis. Total cash costs
include on-site mining, processing and, administration costs, off-site refining
and royalty charges, reduced by by-product credits, but exclude amortization,
reclamation, and exploration costs, as well as capital expenditures. Total cash
costs are divided by ounces to arrive at per ounce cash costs. Adjusted earnings
or loss and adjusted earnings or loss per share are calculated by taking the
Company's net earnings or loss, excluding (a) non-recurring revenue and expense
items; (b) share-based payment expense; (c) unrealized foreign exchange gains
and losses; (d) unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments;
and (e) impairment losses.
About Aura Minerals Inc.
Aura Minerals is a Canadian mid-tier gold production company focused on the
acquisition, exploration, development and operation of gold and base metal
projects in the Americas. The Company's producing assets include the San Andres
gold mine in Honduras, and the Sao Francisco and Sao Vicente gold mines in
Brazil. The Company also operates the copper-gold-silver Aranzazu Mine in
Zacatecas state in Mexico. Other significant assets include the
feasibility-stage Serrote Deposit at the copper-gold-iron ore Arapiraca Project
in Brazil.
(1) See cautionary note regarding non-GAAP measures.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement:
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the applicable Canadian securities legislation. Except for statements of
historical fact relating to the Company, information contained herein
constitutes forward-looking statements, including any information as to the
Company's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance.
Forward-looking statements are characterized by words such as "plan," "expect",
"budget", "target", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and
other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or
"will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions
and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are
made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and
other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to
differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These
factors include, but are not limited to, the impact of general business and
economic conditions, global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of
cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future
conditions, fluctuating metal prices (such as gold, copper, silver, nickel and
iron ore), currency exchange rates (such as the Canadian dollar, Brazilian Real,
Mexican Peso and the Honduran Lempira versus the United States dollar), possible
variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in accounting policies,
changes in the Company's corporate resources, changes in project parameters as
plans continue to be refined, changes in project development and production time
frames, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and
expenses, higher prices for fuel, steel, power, labour and other consumables
contributing to higher costs and general risks of the mining industry, failure
of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated,
unexpected changes in mine life, final pricing for concentrate sales,
unanticipated results of future studies, seasonality and unanticipated weather
changes, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of
exploration activities, successful completion of proposed acquisitions,
permitting time lines, government regulation of mining operations, environmental
risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, limitations
on insurance coverage and timing and possible outcome of pending litigation and
labour disputes, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the
Company's Annual Information Form, dated March 30, 2011, under the heading "Item
4.2 - Risk Factors". 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 not to be anticipated, estimated or
intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove
to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from
those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to
update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates,
assumptions or opinions should change, except as required by applicable law. The
reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of
assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and
operational performance and results as at and for the periods ended on the dates
presented in the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for
other purposes.
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