Bay Street News

Fortuna Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022

(All amounts expressed in US dollars, tabular amounts in millions, unless otherwise stated)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM) (TSX: FVI) (“Fortuna” or the “Company”) today reported its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2022.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 highlights

Financial

Operational

Growth and Development

1 Refer to Non-IFRS financial measures
2 AISC/oz Ag Eq calculated at realized metal prices, refer to mine site results for realized prices and Non-IFRS Financial Measures for silver equivalent ratio
3 Gold equivalent production includes gold, silver, lead and zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices: $1,802/oz Au, $21.75/oz Ag, $2,161/t Pb and $3,468/t Zn or Au:Ag = 1:82.89, Au:Pb = 1:0.83, Au:Zn = 1:0.52

Jorge A. Ganoza, President and CEO, commented, “Fortuna finished the year in line with production guidance, with only a slight miss in cost guidance at the Lindero Mine in spite of strong inflationary pressures. Our business continued to generate healthy free cash flow from ongoing operations of $69.2 million and adjusted results of $245.5 million in Adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income of $42.6 million or $0.15 per share.” Mr. Ganoza added, “As we look forward to 2023 we expect to increase production and improve costs in the second half of the year as our new Séguéla flagship asset comes into production.”

Fourth Quarter 2022 and Full Year 2022 Consolidated Results

                         
    Three months ended December 31,   Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in millions)   2022     2021   % Change   2022     2021   % Change
Sales   164.7     198.9   (17 %)   681.5     599.9   14 %
Mine operating income   26.0     58.3   (55 %)   146.8     205.5   (29 %)
Operating (loss) income   (173.1 )   38.9   (545 %)   (113.6 )   136.9   (183 %)
Net (loss) income   (160.4 )   16.6   (1,066 %)   (135.9 )   59.4   (329 %)
(Loss) earnings per share – basic   (0.52 )   0.05   (1,148 %)   (0.44 )   0.24   (283 %)
Adjusted net income1   7.2     29.1   (75 %)   42.6     100.6   (58 %)
Adjusted EBITDA1   55.8     89.6   (38 %)   245.5     280.7   (13 %)
Net cash provided by operating activities   49.6     57.1   (13 %)   194.2     147.1   32 %
Free cash flow from ongoing operations1   4.4     28.2   (84 %)   69.2     86.0   (20 %)
Capital expenditures2                        
Sustaining   33.9     31.6   7 %   98.1     77.2   27 %
Non-sustaining3   (2.3 )   2.6   (188 %)   8.2     9.5   (14 %)
Lindero construction         0 %       12.8   (100 %)
Séguéla construction   23.5     19.8   19 %   107.7     34.2   215 %
Brownfields   6.5     8.2   (21 %)   23.3     18.9   23 %
As at               December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021   % Change
Cash and cash equivalents       80.5     107.1   (25 %)
Net liquidity position               150.5     187.1   (20 %)
1 Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a description of the calculation of these measures.
2 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis 
3 Non-sustaining expenditures include greenfields exploration 
Figures may not add due to rounding 

Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

Net loss for the period was $160.4 million compared to net income of $16.6 million in Q4 2021. The loss in the quarter is explained by impairment charges of $164.5 million ($182.8 million before tax) related to the following assets:

After adjusting for impairment charges and other non-recurring items, adjusted net income was $7.2 million or $0.02 per share compared to $29.1 million or $0.10 per share in Q4 2021. The decrease was mainly due to lower sales volume and lower average silver price of $21.4/oz compared to $23.4/oz in Q4 2021, and higher cash costs across our operations explained mostly by persistent inflationary trends throughout 2022.

Sales for the quarter were $164.7 million, a $34.2 million decrease from the $198.9 million reported in the same period in 2021. The decrease was explained mostly by lower sales volume at Lindero, San Jose, and Yaramoko, lower silver prices of 9% and slightly lower gold prices.

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $55.8 million, a margin of 34% over sales, compared to $89.6 million reported in the same period in 2021, representing a margin of 45% over sales. The main driver for the decrease in EBITDA was the reduction in sales combined with higher operating costs as described above.

Net cash generated by operations for the quarter was $49.6 million or $0.19 per share compared to $57.1 million or $0.38 per share in Q4 2021. The decrease reflects lower EBITDA of $33.8 million partially offset by neutral change in working capital in the current quarter compared to a negative change of $17.7 million in Q4 2021, and lower income taxes paid of $11.7 million. Additionally, the comparative quarter included a $9.6 million payment related to the settlement to the disputed Mexican royalty claim by the Mexican Geological Survey Agency.

Free cash flow from ongoing operations for the quarter was $4.4 million compared to $28.2 million in Q4 2021. The decrease reflects lower net cash generated by operations and higher capex of $26.1 million.

Full Year 2022 Results

Net loss for the year was $135.9 million, compared to a net gain of $59.4 million in 2021. The loss in 2022 is explained by impairment charges of $164.5 million ($182.8 million before tax) related to the Lindero, San Jose and Yaramoko Mines as explained above.

After adjusting for impairment charges and other non- recurring items, adjusted net income was $42.6 million compared to $100.6 million in 2021. The decrease was mainly due to a higher cost per ounce across our operations related, to a large extent, to persistent inflationary trends throughout 2022, and lower average silver price of $21.8/oz compared to $25.2/oz in 2021

Sales for the year were $681.5 million, an $81.6 million increase from the $599.9 million reported in 2021. The increase was explained mostly by the full contribution of Yaramoko in 2022 compared to six months in 2021 partially offset by a lower average silver price of 13.5%.

Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $245.5 million, a margin of 36% over sales, compared to $280.7 million reported in 2021, representing a margin of 47% over sales. The main driver for the decrease in EBITDA was a higher operating cost base combined with lower silver prices. From a segment perspective Yaramoko´s added EBITDA contribution year over year of $34.9 million was offset by lower EBITDA at San Jose of $42.4 million as a result mostly of lower production and lower metal prices. At Lindero a volume driven increase in sales compared to the prior year was offset by a higher cost base. Other items contributing to lower EBITDA were higher corporate G&A of $6.4 million, higher share-based payment charges of $6.1 million and higher foreign exchange charges of $2.8 million.

Net cash generated by operations for 2022 was $194.2 million or $0.67 per share compared to $147.1 million or $0.61 per share in 2021. The increase, in spite of lower EBITDA of $34.3 million was due to non-recurrent charges in 2021 of $38.9 million related to the disputed Mexican royalty claim by the Mexican Geological Survey Agency ($11.0 million) and Roxgold acquisition transaction expenses ($27.9 million), as well as lower negative changes in working capital of $21.6 million in 2022, and lower income tax paid of $20.5 million.

Free cash flow from ongoing operations for 2022 was $69.2 million compared to $86.0 million in 2021. The decrease, after adjusting net cash generated by operations for the $38.9 million of non-recurrent payments in 2021 described above, reflects higher capex of $90.5 million related mostly to the full year of production at Yaramoko, and lower taxes.

Liquidity

Total liquidity available to the Company as at December 31, 2022 was $150.5 million, comprised of $80.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $70.0 million undrawn on the Company’s revolving $250.0 million credit facility.

Séguéla Construction

As of December 31, 2022, the Séguéla Project had approximately $38.2 million in payments remaining of the project’s $173.5 million construction budget, and the project remains on time and on budget. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance, free cash flow from ongoing operations and undrawn amounts of the credit facility are expected to be sufficient to fund the construction of the Séguéla Project.

Lindero Mine, Argentina

                         
      Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
      2022     2021     2022     2021
Mine Production                        
Tonnes placed on the leach pad     1,334,509     1,457,733     5,498,064     6,453,647
                         
Gold                        
Grade (g/t)     0.80     1.04     0.81     0.96
Production (oz)     29,301     36,072     118,418     104,161
Metal sold (oz)     27,847     36,389     117,076     100,177
Realized price ($/oz)     1,732     1,802     1,803     1,785
                         
Unit Costs                        
Cash cost ($/oz Au)1     815     585     740     617
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Au)1     1,221     994     1,142     1,116
                         
Capital expenditures ($000’s) 2                        
Sustaining     3,973     7,214     18,035     27,522
Non-sustaining         233     169     323
Brownfields     184     389     1,288     875

1 Cash cost and AISC are non-IFRS financial measures. Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a description of the calculation of these measures.
2 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.

Quarterly Operating and Financial Highlights

In the fourth quarter of 2022, a total of 1,334,509 tonnes of ore were placed on the heap leach pad, averaging 0.80 g/t gold, containing an estimated 34,350 ounces of gold. Gold production for Q4 2022 totaled 29,301 ounces, representing a 19% decrease over Q4 2021. Lower gold production is attributed to an 8% decrease in tonnes and a 23% decrease in gold grade for ore placed on the pad, compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. This was partially offset by improved gold recovery. Gold grade for the quarter was in line with the mining plan and Mineral Reserve estimate. Mine production for the quarter was according to management’s expectations, with a total of 1.9 million tonnes of ore mined in the fourth quarter, at a strip ratio of 0.54:1.

Cash cost per ounce of gold for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was $815 compared to $585 in the fourth quarter of 2021. Cash cost per ounce of gold for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $740 compared to $617 in the 2021. Cash cost per ounce of gold was higher due higher operations costs primarily due to inflation, lower stripping capitalization and lower gold production.

All-in sustaining cash cost per gold ounce sold was $1,221 during Q4 2022 and $1,142 in 2022 compared with $994 in the fourth quarter of 2021 and $1,116 in 2021. All-in sustaining cash cost for the fourth quarter of 2022 was impacted by the issues described above, partially offset by lower export taxes and a positive by-product effect.

Sustaining capital for the quarter primarily consisted of spending on the leach pad, mine maintenance and other minor projects. Construction work on Phase-2 is planned to commence in 2023. Brownfields capital primarily relates to exploration at the Arizaro project.

Yaramoko Mine Complex, Burkina Faso

                         
      Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
      2022     2021     2022     2021
Mine Production                        
Tonnes milled     142,694     132,188     546,651     258,866
                         
Gold                        
Grade (g/t)     6.45     6.99     6.37     7.13
Recovery (%)     98     98     98     98
Production (oz)     26,190     28,787     106,108     57,538
Metal sold (oz)     26,250     29,077     107,433     56,571
Realized price ($/oz)     1,742     1,796     1,802     1,789
                         
Unit Costs                        
Cash cost ($/oz Au)1     818     754     840     739
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Au)1     1,829     1,436     1,529     1,317
                         
Capital expenditures ($000’s) 3                        
Sustaining     18,994     13,520     45,665     21,387
Brownfields     2,855     47     5,873     138

1 The Yaramoko Mine was acquired as part of the acquisition of Roxgold which completed on July 2, 2021. Comparative figures in 2021 are included from July 2, 2021 onward.
2 Cash cost and AISC are non-IFRS financial measures. Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a description of the calculation of these measures.
3 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.

The Yaramoko Mine produced 26,190 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter of 2022 with an average gold head grade of 6.45g/t, which is in line with the mining sequence and Mineral Reserve estimate and an 8% decrease over Q4 2021. The decrease in production was due to lower head grades. However, grades for the full year were in line with planned estimates.

Cash cost per gold ounce sold was $818, compared to $754 in the fourth quarter of 2021, and $840 for the year 2022 compared to $739 in 2021, primarily due to higher mining service costs related to inflation and variation in orebody sequence. This was partially offset by favorable foreign exchange rates.

All-in sustaining cash cost per gold ounce sold was $1,829 for Q4 2022 and $1,529 for 2022, compared to $1,436 and $1,317 for the same period in 2021, as a result of decreased production, increased cash cost, and an increase in capital expenditures.

Sustaining capital expenditure related mainly to mine development, including the QV Prime project in Bagassi South. Brownfields expenditure was higher due to greater amounts of diamond drilling as well as further development of the 109 Zone.

San Jose Mine, Mexico

                         
      Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
      2022     2021     2022     2021
Mine Production                        
Tonnes milled     259,500     262,802     1,029,590     1,041,154
Average tonnes milled per day     2,883     2,920     2,925     2,964
                         
Silver                        
Grade (g/t)     194     219     191     209
Recovery (%)     91     93     91     92
Production (oz)     1,473,627     1,717,533     5,762,562     6,425,029
Metal sold (oz)     1,482,452     1,729,152     5,755,330     6,433,808
Realized price ($/oz)     21.37     23.39     21.73     25.15
                         
Gold                        
Grade (g/t)     1.13     1.27     1.14     1.29
Recovery (%)     90     92     90     91
Production (oz)     8,499     9,929     34,124     39,406
Metal sold (oz)     8,621     9,983     34,201     39,404
Realized price ($/oz)     1,734     1,797     1,802     1,798
                         
Unit Costs                        
Production cash cost ($/t)2     86.26     79.66     81.33     75.80
Production cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq)1,2     11.16     9.35     10.56     9.30
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq)1,2     15.53     14.92     15.11     14.38
                         
Capital expenditures ($000’s) 3                        
Sustaining     3,695     5,137     15,731     14,492
Non-sustaining         518     869     2,294
Brownfields     961     2,176     5,606     8,784

1 Production cash cost silver equivalent and All-in sustaining cash cost silver equivalent are calculated using realized metal prices for each period respectively.
2 Production cash cost, Production cash cost silver equivalent, and All-in sustaining cash cost silver equivalent are Non-IFRS Financial Measures, refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a description of the calculation of these measures.
3 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the San Jose Mine produced 1,473,627 ounces of silver and 8,499 ounces of gold, 14% and 14% lower, respectively, when compared to the equivalent period in 2021. The decrease is mainly due to lower head grades, albeit in line with management´s expectations based on the mining sequence and Mineral Reserve estimate.

Material mined using sublevel stopping (SLS) methods was increased in 2022, representing 35 percent of ore sent to the plant. The operation plans for the SLS contribution to reach 60 percent of total ore production in 2023. In the second quarter of 2022, a new underground shotcrete plant was commissioned which reduced mining cycles and partially offset some of the cost increases due to higher haulage distances as the mine deepens.

The cash cost per tonne for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was $86.26 compared to $79.66 in the same period in 2021 primarily due to cost increases related to inflation and higher support costs. Cash cost per tonne for the full year 2022 increased to $81.33 per tonne compared to $75.80 per tonne for 2021 due to higher mine preparation, support and indirect costs.

All-in sustaining cash costs of payable silver equivalent for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and full year 2022 increased 4% and 5% to $15.53 per ounce and 15.11 per ounce, compared to the same periods in 2021. The increases are due to higher cash costs and lower silver equivalent ounces, partially offset by lower capital expenditure.

Sustaining capital expenditures for Q4 2022 and for the year were lower than 2021, as 2021 required additional capital for equipment. Brownfields capital expenditure were lower due to reduced drilling, as the site focused on less capital-intensive exploration.

Caylloma Mine, Peru

                         
      Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
      2022     2021     2022     2021
Mine Production                        
Tonnes milled     138,491     137,838     546,186     539,779
Average tonnes milled per day     1,556     1,549     1,539     1,525
                         
Silver                        
Grade (g/t)     75     73     80     76
Recovery (%)     81     81     81     82
Production (oz)     273,119     262,710     1,144,713     1,073,672
Metal sold (oz)     289,870     243,869     1,156,381     1,074,364
Realized price ($/oz)     21.28     23.39     21.81     25.25
                         
Gold                        
Grade (g/t)     0.12     0.44     0.14     0.49
Recovery (%)     22     70     32     71
Production (oz)     122     1,374     777     6,086
Metal sold (oz)         1,297     603     6,140
Realized price ($/oz)         1,798     1,864     1,792
                         
Lead                        
Grade (%)     3.22     3.20     3.27     3.16
Recovery (%)     89     87     88     88
Production (000’s lbs)     8,735     8,419     34,588     32,990
Metal sold (000’s lbs)     9,118     7,945     34,869     33,299
Realized price ($/lb)     0.96     1.06     0.98     1.00
                         
Zinc                        
Grade (%)     4.63     4.25     4.32     4.56
Recovery (%)     89     87     89     88
Production (000’s lbs)     12,575     11,380     46,176     47,549
Metal sold (000’s lbs)     11,027     11,053     44,770     47,828
Realized price ($/lb)     1.35     1.51     1.57     1.36
                         
Unit Costs                        
Production cash cost ($/t)2     95.70     97.87     92.96     88.41
Production cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq)1,2     12.46     13.83     12.34     13.46
All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Ag Eq)1,2     20.30     20.71     17.97     18.94
                         
Capital expenditures ($000’s) 3                        
Sustaining     7,188     5,755     18,694     13,758
Brownfields     473     1,027     1,202     3,731

1 Production cash cost silver equivalent and All-in sustaining cash cost silver equivalent are calculated using realized metal prices for each period respectively.
2 Production cash cost, Production cash cost silver equivalent, and All-in sustaining cash cost silver equivalent are Non-IFRS Financial Measures, refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures section at the end of this news release and to the MD&A accompanying the Company’s financial statements filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a description of the calculation of these measures.
3 Capital expenditures are presented on a cash basis.

The Caylloma Mine produced 273,119 ounces of silver, 8.7 million pounds of lead, and 12.6 million pounds of zinc during the three months ended December 31, 2022. Measured against the comparable quarter of the previous year, silver was 4% higher, primarily due to higher grades mined during the period. Lead production was 4% higher than the comparable period, attributable to higher plant recovery. Zinc production was 11% higher than the comparable period, mainly impacted by higher head grades and improved plant recovery. Gold production totaled 122 ounces with an average head grade of 0.12 g/t.

The cash cost per tonne of processed ore for the three months ended December 31, 2022 increased 2% to $95.70 compared to $97.87 in the same period in 2021. This movement was mainly the result of higher support costs partially offset by increased production. Cash cost per tonne for the full year 2022 increased to $92.96 per tonne compared to $88.41 per tonne for 2021, mainly due to higher mining costs caused by inflation.

The all-in sustaining cash cost of payable silver equivalent for the three month ended December 31, 2022 decreased 2% to $20.30 per ounce compared to $20.71 per ounce for the same period in 2021, as a result of higher sustaining capital expenditures in the quarter. The all-in sustaining cash cost of payable silver equivalent for the full year 2022 decreased 5% to $17.97 per ounce compared to $18.94 per ounce in 2021 was primarily due to an increase in silver equivalent ounces due to a decrease in realized silver prices, partially offset by higher capital costs.

Sustaining capital expenditures for the quarter increased primarily due to greater investments in sustaining equipment and infrastructure. Expenditures on the developments located in level 16 and level 18 were offset by decreased expenditures on other levels. The decrease in Brownfields capital expenditures was due to significantly lower spending on drilling and development.

Qualified Person

Eric Chapman, Senior Vice President of Technical Services, is a Professional Geoscientist of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia (Registration Number 36328), and is the Company’s Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). Mr. Chapman has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and has verified the underlying data.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

The Company has disclosed certain financial measures and ratios in this news release which are not defined under the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and are not disclosed in the Company’s financial statements, including but not limited to: cash cost per ounce of gold sold; all-in sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold sold; all-in cash cost per ounce of gold sold; total production cash cost per tonne; cash cost per payable ounce of silver equivalent sold; all-in sustaining cash cost per payable ounce of silver equivalent sold; all-in cash cost per payable ounce of silver equivalent sold; free cash flow from ongoing operations; adjusted net income; adjusted EBITDA and working capital.

These non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios are widely reported in the mining industry as benchmarks for performance and are used by management to monitor and evaluate the Company’s operating performance and ability to generate cash. The Company believes that, in addition to financial measures and ratios prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use these non-IFRS financial measures and ratios to evaluate the Company’s performance. However, the measures do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. Accordingly, non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures and ratios of the Company’s performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Company has calculated these measures consistently for all periods presented.

To facilitate a better understanding of these measures and ratios as calculated by the Company, descriptions are provided below. In addition, see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (“2022 MD&A”), which section is incorporated by reference in this news release, for additional information regarding each non-IFRS financial measure and non-IFRS ratio disclosed in this news release, including an explanation of their composition; an explanation of how such measures and ratios provide useful information to an investor and the additional purposes, if any, for which management of Fortuna uses such measures and ratio. The 2022 MD&A may be accessed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company’s profile, Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Except as otherwise described in the Q4 2022 MD&A, the Company has calculated these measures consistently for all periods presented.

Reconciliation to Adjusted Net Income for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

                       
    Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
Consolidated (in millions of US dollars)   2022       2021     2022       2021
Net (loss) income   (160.4 )     16.6     (135.9 )     59.4
Adjustments, net of tax:                      
Community support provision and accruals1   (0.1 )     1.3     (0.1 )     1.4
Foreign exchange loss, Lindero Mine2         0.3           4.1
Foreign exchange loss, Séguéla Project   (0.4 )         0.8      
Write off of mineral properties   0.3           5.1      
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives   0.1           (0.4 )    
Impairment of mineral properties, plant and equipment   164.5           164.5      
Roxgold transaction costs                   14.1
SGM Royalty settlement         1.0           9.8
Inventory adjustment   3.8       4.6     8.0       6.3
Accretion on right of use assets   0.5       1.0     2.3       2.2
Other non-cash/non-recurring items   (1.1 )     4.3     (1.7 )     3.3
Adjusted Net Income   7.2       29.1     42.6       100.6
1 Amounts are recorded in Cost of sales           
2 Amounts are recorded in General and Administration           
Figures may not add due to rounding           


Reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

                       
    Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
Consolidated (in millions of US dollars)   2022       2021     2022       2021
Net (loss) income   (160.4 )     16.6     (135.9 )     59.4
Adjustments:                      
Community support provision and accruals   (0.1 )     2.1     (0.1 )     1.9
Inventory adjustment   3.8       5.3     8.9       7.0
Foreign exchange loss, Lindero Mine         0.3           4.1
Foreign exchange loss, Séguéla Project   (0.4 )     0.2     0.8       0.2
Net finance items   3.1       3.7     12.1       12.3
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization   45.3       44.8     172.8       122.3
Income taxes   (15.3 )     13.5     10.8       47.7
Impairment of mineral properties, plant and equipment   182.8           182.8      
SGM Royalty settlement                   9.6
Roxgold transaction costs                   14.1
Other non-cash/non-recurring items   (3.0 )     3.1     (6.7 )     2.1
Adjusted EBITDA   55.8       89.6     245.5       280.7

Figures may not add due to rounding

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow from ongoing operations for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 30, 2022 and 2021

In 2022, the Company changed the method for calculating Free Cash Flow from Ongoing Operations. The calculation now uses taxes paid as opposed to the previous method which used current income taxes. While this may create larger quarter over quarter fluctuations due to the timing of income tax payments, management believes the revised method is a better representation of the Free Cash Flow generated by the Company’s ongoing operations. Comparative values from 2021 have been restated using the change in the methodology.

                       
    Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
Consolidated (in millions of US dollars)   2022       2021       2022       2021  
          (Restated)             (Restated)  
Net cash provided by operating activities   49.6       57.1       194.2       147.1  
Adjustments                      
Roxgold transaction costs                     27.9  
Additions to mineral properties, plant and equipment   (39.6 )     (35.3 )     (113.4 )     (90.7 )
Mexican royalty payment         9.5       3.0       11.1  
Other adjustments   (5.6 )     (3.1 )     (14.6 )     (9.4 )
Free cash flow from ongoing operations   4.4       28.2       69.2       86.0  

Figures may not add due to rounding

Reconciliation of Cash Cost per Ounce of Gold Sold for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

                         
Lindero Mine     Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in $’000’s, except unit costs)     2022       2021       2022       2021  
Cost of sales     43,057       46,915       164,179       122,889  
Changes in doré inventory     1,379       353       1,984       2,066  
Inventory adjustment     (1,691 )     (1,072 )     (1,691 )     (2,815 )
Export duties     (3,353 )     (4,891 )     (15,545 )     (13,410 )
Depletion and depreciation     (13,441 )     (19,154 )     (54,644 )     (43,665 )
By product credits     (982 )     (77 )     (1,214 )     (260 )
Production cash cost1     24,969       22,074       93,069       64,805  
Changes in doré inventory     (1,379 )     (353 )     (1,984 )     (2,066 )
Realized gain in diesel hedge     (1,105 )     (438 )     (4,620 )     (963 )
Cash cost applicable per gold ounce sold A   22,485       21,283       86,465       61,776  
Ounces of gold sold B   27,602       36,375       116,795       100,137  
Cash cost per ounce of gold sold1 ($/oz) =A/B   815       585       740       617  
 
                         
Yaramoko Mine     Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in $’000’s, except unit costs)     2022       2021       2022       2021  
Cost of sales     42,084       42,381       171,846       80,812  
Changes in doré inventory           719       (1,320 )     1,542  
Inventory net realizable value adjustment           (4,153 )     (5,077 )     (4,153 )
Export duties     (2,732 )     (3,018 )     (11,630 )     (5,993 )
Depletion and depreciation     (17,884 )     (13,235 )     (64,894 )     (28,974 )
Refining charges                 (329 )      
By product credits           (195 )     (25 )     (134 )
Production cash cost     21,468       22,499       88,571       43,100  
Changes in doré inventory           (719 )     1,320       (1,542 )
Refining charges           133       329       271  
Cash cost applicable per gold ounce sold A   21,468       21,913       90,220       41,829  
Ounces of gold sold B   26,250       29,077       107,433       56,571  
Cash cost per ounce of gold sold ($/oz) =A/B   818       754       840       739  
The Yaramoko Mine was acquired as part of the acquisition of Roxgold which completed on July 2, 2021. Comparative figures in 2021 are included from July 2, 2021 onward.


Reconciliation of All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Ounce of Gold Sold for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

                         
Lindero Mine     Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in $’000’s, except unit costs)     2022       2021     2022       2021
Cash cost applicable     22,484       21,283     86,464       61,776
Inventory net realizable value adjustment     2,351           2,351      
Long-term inventory NRV     (1,299 )         (1,299 )    
Export duties and mining taxes     3,353       4,891     15,545       13,410
General and administrative expenses (operations)     2,081       1,640     8,578       5,643
Adjusted operating cash cost     28,970       27,814     111,639       80,829
Sustaining leases     567       752     2,398       2,548
Sustaining capital expenditures1     3,973       7,214     18,035       27,522
Brownfields exploration expenditures1     184       389     1,288       875
All-in sustaining cash cost     33,694       36,169     133,360       111,774
Non-sustaining capital expenditures1           233     169       323
All-in cash cost     33,694       36,402     133,529       112,097
Ounces of gold sold     27,602       36,375     116,795       100,137
All-in sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold sold     1,221       994     1,142       1,116
All-in cash cost per ounce of gold sold     1,221       1,001     1,143       1,119
1 Presented on a cash basis
                         
Yaramoko Mine     Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in $’000’s, except unit costs)     2022     2021     2022     2021
Cash cost applicable     21,468     21,913     90,220     41,829
Inventory net realizable value adjustment         1,285     3,125     1,285
Export duties and mining taxes     2,732     3,018     11,630     5,993
General and administrative expenses (operations)     531     514     2,101     953
Adjusted operating cash cost     24,731     26,730     107,076     50,060
Sustaining leases     1,419     1,467     5,692     2,934
Sustaining capital expenditures1     18,994     13,520     45,665     21,387
Brownfields exploration expenditures1     2,855     47     5,873     138
All-in sustaining cash cost     47,999     41,764     164,306     74,519
All-in cash cost     47,999     41,764     164,306     74,519
Ounces of gold sold     26,250     29,077     107,433     56,571
All-in sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold sold     1,829     1,436     1,529     1,317
All-in cash cost per ounce of gold sold     1,829     1,436     1,529     1,317
The Yaramoko Mine was acquired as part of the acquisition of Roxgold which completed on July 2, 2021. Comparative figures in 2021 are included from July 2, 2021 onward.
1 Presented on a cash basis


Reconciliation of Production Cash Cost per Tonne and Cash Cost per Payable Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

                         
San Jose Mine     Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in $’000’s, except unit costs)     2022       2021       2022       2021  
Cost of sales     34,775       32,705       129,088       122,756  
Changes in concentrate inventory     156       (118 )     19       163  
Depletion and depreciation in concentrate inventory     (47 )     11       2       32  
Inventory adjustment     (129 )     (52 )     137       (6 )
Royalties and mining taxes     (1,260 )     (1,587 )     (5,262 )     (5,955 )
Workers participation     (601 )     (1,236 )     (2,477 )     (5,809 )
Depletion and depreciation     (10,510 )     (8,789 )     (37,775 )     (32,257 )
Cash cost3 A   22,384       20,934       83,732       78,924  
Total processed ore (tonnes) B   259,500       262,802       1,029,590       1,041,154  
Production cash cost per tonne3 ($/t) =A/B   86.26       79.66       81.33       75.80  
Cash cost3 A   22,384       20,934       83,732       78,924  
Changes in concentrate inventory     (156 )     118       (19 )     (163 )
Depletion and depreciation in concentrate inventory     47       (11 )     (2 )     (32 )
Inventory adjustment     129       52       (137 )     6  
Treatment charges     (65 )     190       (293 )     (251 )
Refining charges     1,012       1,157       3,801       4,318  
Cash cost applicable per payable ounce sold3 C   23,351       22,440       87,082       82,802  
Payable ounces of silver equivalent sold1 D   2,092,500       2,400,989       8,243,436       8,902,680  
Cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent sold2,3 ($/oz) =C/D   11.16       9.35       10.56       9.30  
Mining cost per tonne3     37.25       37.90       37.43       38.74  
Milling cost per tonne     18.94       16.56       18.79       16.68  
Indirect cost per tonne     20.98       16.84       16.86       13.72  
Community relations cost per tonne     4.01       5.15       2.92       4.79  
Distribution cost per tonne     5.08       3.20       5.33       1.88  
Production cash cost per tonne3 ($/t)     86.26       79.66       81.33       75.80  
1 Silver equivalent sold for Q4 2022 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 81.2:1 (Q4 2021: 76.8:1). Silver equivalent sold for 2022 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 82.9:1 (2021: 71.5:1).
2 Silver equivalent is calculated using the realized prices for gold and silver. Refer to Financial Results – Sales and Realized Prices
3 2021 restated, Sustaining leases moved to All-In Sustaining
                         
Caylloma Mine     Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in $’000’s, except unit costs)     2022       2021       2022       2021  
Cost of sales     16,676       18,585       67,491       67,917  
Changes in concentrate inventory     (229 )     939       (218 )     297  
Depletion and depreciation in concentrate inventory     120       165       (76 )     61  
Inventory adjustment     445       (61 )     266       (61 )
Royalties and mining taxes     (181 )     (188 )     (867 )     (345 )
Provision for community support     (78 )     (2,125 )     19       (2,125 )
Workers participation     (419 )     (214 )     (1,808 )     (1,838 )
Depletion and depreciation     (3,080 )     (3,607 )     (14,032 )     (16,182 )
Cash cost3 A   13,254       13,494       50,775       47,724  
Total processed ore (tonnes) B   138,491       137,838       546,186       539,779  
Production cash cost per tonne3 ($/t) =A/B   95.70       97.89       92.96       88.41  
Cash cost A   13,254       13,494       50,775       47,724  
Changes in concentrate inventory     229       (939 )     218       (297 )
Depletion and depreciation in concentrate inventory     (120 )     (165 )     76       (61 )
Inventory adjustment     (445 )     61       (266 )     61  
Treatment charges     2,744       4,629       13,939       15,754  
Refining charges     384       378       1,537       1,670  
Cash cost applicable per payable ounce sold3 C   16,046       17,458       66,279       64,851  
Payable ounces of silver equivalent sold1 D   1,287,998       1,261,967       5,372,277       4,819,365  
Cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent sold2,3 ($/oz) =C/D   12.46       13.83       12.34       13.46  
Mining cost per tonne     40.47       42.02       39.39       34.71  
Milling cost per tonne     13.74       16.27       14.86       15.34  
Indirect cost per tonne     32.10       29.45       30.16       29.49  
Community relations cost per tonne     1.80       7.96       1.15       7.77  
Distribution cost per tonne     7.59       2.18       7.40       1.10  
Production cash cost per tonne3 ($/t)     95.70       97.87       92.96       88.41  
1 Silver equivalent sold for Q4 2022 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 0.0:1 (Q4 2021: 76.9:1), silver to lead ratio of 1:22.3 pounds (Q4 2021: 1:22.2), and silver to zinc ratio of 1:15.7 pounds (Q4 2021: 1:15.4). Silver equivalent sold for 2022 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 85.5:1 (2021: 70.9:1), silver to lead ratio of 1:22.2 pounds (2021: 1:25.3), and silver to zinc ratio of 1:13.9 pounds (2021: 1:18.6).
2 Silver equivalent is calculated using the realized prices for gold, silver, lead, and zinc. Refer to Financial Results – Sales and Realized Prices
3 2021 restated, Sustaining leases moved to All-In Sustaining


Reconciliation of All-in Sustaining Cash Cost and All-in Cash Cost per Payable Ounce of Silver Equivalent Sold for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

                         
San Jose Mine     Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in $’000’s, except unit costs)     2022     2021     2022     2021
Cash cost applicable4     23,351     22,440     87,082     82,802
Royalties and mining taxes     1,260     1,587     5,262     5,955
Workers’ participation     751     1,545     3,096     7,261
General and administrative expenses (operations)     2,319     2,779     7,164     8,111
Adjusted operating cash cost4     27,681     28,351     102,604     104,129
Sustaining leases4     169     161     658     608
Sustaining capital expenditures3     3,695     5,137     15,731     14,492
Brownfields exploration expenditures3     961     2,176     5,606     8,784
All-in sustaining cash cost     32,506     35,825     124,599     128,013
Non-sustaining capital expenditures3         518     869     2,294
All-in cash cost     32,506     36,343     125,468     130,307
Payable ounces of silver equivalent sold1     2,092,500     2,400,989     8,243,436     8,902,680
All-in sustaining cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent sold2     15.53     14.92     15.11     14.38
All-in cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent sold2     15.53     15.14     15.22     14.64
1 Silver equivalent sold for Q4 2022 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 81.2:1 (Q4 2021: 76.8:1). Silver equivalent sold for 2022 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 82.9:1 (2021: 71.5:1).
2 Silver equivalent is calculated using the realized prices for gold and silver. Refer to Financial Results – Sales and Realized Prices
3 Presented on a cash basis
4 2021 restated, Sustaining leases moved from Cash Cost
                         
Caylloma Mine     Three months ended December 31,     Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in $’000’s, except unit costs)     2022     2021     2022     2021
Cash cost applicable4     16,046     17,458     66,279     64,851
Royalties and mining taxes     181     188     867     345
Workers’ participation     480     244     2,087     2,129
General and administrative expenses (operations)     928     786     4,063     3,625
Adjusted operating cash cost4     17,635     18,676     73,296     70,950
Sustaining leases4     845     681     3,350     2,851
Sustaining capital expenditures3     7,188     5,755     18,694     13,758
Brownfields exploration expenditures3     473     1,027     1,202     3,731
All-in sustaining cash cost     26,141     26,139     96,542     91,290
All-in cash cost     26,141     26,139     96,542     91,290
Payable ounces of silver equivalent sold1     1,287,998     1,261,967     5,372,277     4,819,365
All-in sustaining cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent sold2     20.30     20.71     17.97     18.94
All-in cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent sold2     20.30     20.71     17.97     18.94
1 Silver equivalent sold for Q4 2022 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 0.0:1 (Q4 2021: 76.9:1), silver to lead ratio of 1:22.3 pounds (Q4 2021: 1:22.2), and silver to zinc ratio of 1:15.7 pounds (Q4 2021: 1:15.4). Silver equivalent sold for 2022 is calculated using a silver to gold ratio of 85.5:1 (2021: 70.9:1), silver to lead ratio of 1:22.2 pounds (2021: 1:25.3), and silver to zinc ratio of 1:13.9 pounds (2021: 1:18.6).
2 Silver equivalent is calculated using the realized prices for gold, silver, lead, and zinc. Refer to Financial Results – Sales and Realized Prices
3 Presented on a cash basis
4 2021 restated, Sustaining leases moved from Cash Cost

Additional information regarding the Company’s financial results and activities underway are available in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and accompanying 2022 MD&A, which are available for download on the Company’s website, www.fortunasilver.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.

Conference Call and Webcast

A conference call to discuss the financial and operational results will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time | 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. Hosting the call will be Jorge A. Ganoza, President and CEO; Luis D. Ganoza, Chief Financial Officer; Cesar Velasco, Chief Operating Officer – Latin America; David Whittle, Chief Operating Officer – West Africa; and Paul Weedon, Senior Vice President Exploration.

Shareholders, analysts, media and interested investors are invited to listen to the live conference call by logging onto the webcast at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1696/47748 or over the phone by dialing in just prior to the starting time.

Conference call details:

Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. Pacific time | 12:00 p.m. Eastern time

Dial in number (Toll Free): +1. 888.506.0062
Dial in number (International): +1.973.528.0011
Entry code: 839621

Replay number (Toll Free): +1.877.481.4010
Replay number (International): +1.919.882.2331
Replay Passcode: 47748

Playback of the earnings call will be available until Thursday, March 30, 2023. Playback of the webcast will be available until Saturday, March 9, 2024. In addition, a transcript of the call will be archived on the Company’s website.

About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with four operating mines in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Mexico, and Peru, and a fifth mine under construction in Côte d’Ivoire. 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 Director
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Investor Relations:

Carlos Baca | info@fortunasilver.com | www.fortunasilver.com | Twitter | 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 include, without limitation, statements about the Company’s plans for its mines and mineral properties; the Company’s anticipated financial and operational performance in 2023; estimated production and costs of production for 2023, including grade and volume of metal produced and sales, revenues and cashflows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining), and operating costs, including projected production cash costs and all-in sustaining costs; the ability of the Company to mitigate the inflationary pressures on supplies used in its operations; estimated capital expenditures and estimated exploration spending in 2023, including amounts for exploration activities at its properties; the Company’s plans for the transition from construction to operations of a mine at the Séguéla project in Cote d’Ivoire; the economics for the construction of the mine at the Séguéla project, including the estimated construction capital expenditures for the project, the timelines and schedules for the construction and production of gold at the Séguéla project; statements regarding the Company’s liquidity, access to capital; the impact of high inflation on the costs of production and the supply chain; the impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations; the Company’s business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Company’s mines and mineral properties; mineral resource and reserve estimates, metal recovery rates, concentrate grade and quality; changes in tax rates and tax laws, requirements for permits, anticipated approvals and other matters. Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as “estimated”, “expected”, “anticipated”, “potential”, “open”, “future”, “assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”, “gain”, “planned”, “reflecting”, “will”, “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, changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the risks relating to a global pandemic, including the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as risks associated with war or other geo-political hostilities, such as the Ukrainian – Russian conflict, any of which could continue to cause a disruption in global economic activity; fluctuation in currencies and foreign exchange rates; increases in the rate of inflation; the imposition or any extension of capital controls in countries in which the Company operates; any changes in tax laws in Argentina and the other countries in which we operate; changes in the prices of key supplies; technological and operational hazards in Fortuna’s mining and mine development activities; risks inherent in mineral exploration; uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral reserves, mineral resources, and metal recoveries; changes to current estimates of mineral reserves and resources; changes to production and cost estimates; the ability of Minera Cuzcatlan to successfully contest and revoke the resolution of SEMARNAT which revoked the environmental impact authorization at the San Jose mine; changes in the position of regulatory authorities with respect to the granting of approvals or permits; governmental and other approvals; changes in government, political unrest or instability in countries where Fortuna is active; labor relations issues; as well as those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking Statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to the accuracy of the Company’s current mineral resource and 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 changes to production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected ore grade, mining rates, recovery timing, and recovery rate estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, labour and contractor availability and other operating or technical difficulties); the construction at the Séguéla gold Project will continue on the time line and in accordance with the budget as planned; the duration and impacts of COVID-19; geo-political uncertainties that may affect the Company’s production, workforce, business, operations and financial condition; the expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; that the Company will be successful in mitigating the impact of inflation on its business and operations; that Minera Cuzcatlan will be successful in the legal proceedings to reinstate the environmental impact authorization at the San Jose mine; 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, the ability to meet current and future obligations and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that these Forward-looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking Statements.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Reserves and Resources

Reserve and resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by a Canadian company of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates contained in the technical disclosure have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and mineral reserve and resource information included in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies.


Bay Street News