CORNISH METALS RELEASES
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER
2024
Vancouver, November 20, 2024
Cornish Metals Inc. (TSX-V/AIM: CUSN)
("Cornish Metals" or the "Company"), a mineral exploration and
development company focused on its 100% owned and permitted South
Crofty tin project in Cornwall, United Kingdom, is pleased to
announce that it has released its unaudited financial statements
and management, discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the nine
months ended September 30, 2024. The reports are available under
the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca)
and on the Company's website (www.cornishmetals.com).
Highlights for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and
for the period ending November 20, 2024
(All figures expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise
stated)
·
Appointment of Don Turvey as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO")
(news release dated August
11, 2024):
o Mr. Turvey
appointed as CEO and an executive director of the Company effective
October 9, 2024, and who has since relocated to Cornwall where he
is based;
o Mr. Turvey is
an experienced mining executive with more than 40 years of
experience, including successfully securing funding and advancing
new projects and historic mines through to production;
o Upon Mr.
Turvey's appointment, Ken Armstrong returned to the position of
non-executive director and continues as Chair of the Company's
Audit Committee;
o Patrick
Anderson returned to the position of non-executive Chair of the
Board of Directors of the Company effective September 30,
2024.
·
US$9.1 million (equivalent to £7.0 million) credit
facility arranged with Vision Blue Resources Limited ("Vision
Blue") on October 15, 2024 (news release dated
October
15, 2024):
o Non-dilutive
secured credit facility to support the continued development of
South Crofty;
o Proceeds of the
credit facility are expected to be used for the Company's general
operating and corporate purposes.
·
Appointment of Endeavour Financial ("Endeavour") as the
Company's financial adviser on October 9, 2024 (news release
dated October
9, 2024):
o Endeavour
appointed as financial adviser to secure project financing for the
construction of South Crofty and advise the Company on funding
options on the basis of the completed PEA and ongoing engineering
studies;
o Various sources
of funding will be assessed to deliver an optimal project financing
solution in the second half of 2025.
·
South Crofty Preliminary Economic Assessment
("PEA") completed, validating the Project's economic
viability (news release dated April
30, 2024):
o After-tax Net
Present Value ("NPV") of US$201 million and Internal Rate of Return
("IRR") of 29.8%;
o Average annual
tin production of over 4,700 tonnes for years two through six,
totalling 49,310 tonnes over a 14-year Life of Mine
("LOM");
o Total after-tax
cash flow of approximately US$626 million from start of
production.
·
Near-mine Exploration Target at South Crofty (news release
dated November
13, 2024):
o Exploration
Target points to potential additional mineralisation upside of 6Mt
to 13Mt, at a tin grade of 0.5% to 1.8%, above the current South
Crofty Mineral Resource in the Lower Mine area;
o Potential to
define additional mineralisation, which could expand the current
Mineral Resource at the project.
·
Commencement of second phase of refurbishment of New Cook's
Kitchen ("NCK") shaft (news release dated July
10, 2024):
o Installation of
the Phase 2 work platform, enabling faster replacement of old shaft
timbers with new steel guides;
o Winders and cages installed, fully commissioned and in
operation, and certified to allow for safe transport of equipment
and workers within NCK shaft;
o Rephasing shaft
refurbishment improves the functionality of NCK shaft and enables
larger equipment to access the mine at an earlier stage in its
re-development;
o Shaft
refurbishment is progressing and now forecast to be completed in
Q4-2025 alongside mine dewatering to the 400-fathom level, with no
expected impact to the overall project schedule.
·
Mine dewatering continues with the submersible
pumps and Water Treatment Plant ("WTP") operating to
specifications (news release dated
July
10, 2024):
o Water level in NCK shaft being maintained at approximately 280
meters below surface with the rate of dewatering being
reduced to allow shaft refurbishment and dewatering to proceed
concurrently;
o Treated water being discharged to the Red River continues to
meet the standards permitted by the Environment
Agency.
·
Final drilling results from Wide Formation
exploration program (news release dated
August
18, 2024):
o The completed
14-hole / 9,000-meter drilling program successfully tested the
geometry and continuity of tin mineralization within a 2,500 meter
by 800 meter extent of the Wide Formation;
o Drilling also
intersected tin mineralization associated with the Great Flat Lode
and the Great Flat Lode Splay, as well as the interpreted eastern
extension of the Great Condurrow Mine's Main Lode, and several
strongly mineralized steeply dipping zones.
·
Purchase of land totalling 7.7 acres located immediately
adjacent to South Crofty surface infrastructure (news release
dated May 21,
2024):
o The purchased
land removes reliance on existing right-of-passage agreements,
providing the Company with direct access to all surface
infrastructure as well as additional space for future site works,
opportunities for potential operating cost savings, renewable
energy initiatives and improved overall property
security.
·
Sale of Mactung and Cantung royalties for US$4.5 million in
cash consideration (news release dated July
21, 2024):
o Completion of
disposal of Company's royalty interests on the Mactung and Cantung
tungsten projects located in Northern Canada to Elemental Altus
Royalties Corp. ("Elemental Altus");
o Initial cash
consideration of US$3.0 million received on August 1, 2024, with
the balance of US$1.5 million due by August 1,
2025.
·
Sale of Nickel King property announced for a total
consideration of up to $8.0 million (news release dated
June
16, 2024):
o Entered into a
binding letter of intent with Northera Resources Ltd. ("Northera")
for the sale of the Company's 100% interest in the Nickel King
Property for a total consideration of up to $8 million;
o Initial cash
consideration of $250,000 received to date.
·
Samantha Hoe-Richardson joined the Board as
independent non-executive director effective January 8, 2024 (news
release dated January
8, 2024).
· As
at November 19, 2024 the Company's cash position was $12.5 million
(equivalent to £7.1 million).
Don
Turvey, CEO and Director of Cornish Metals, stated:
"I am pleased to have joined Cornish Metals and
will be working closely with the management and project teams to
take South Crofty to production, to bring responsible tin mining
back to Cornwall and to generate value by unlocking the project's
potential as a long-term supplier of tin needed for electrical
applications in the UK and Europe. Activity levels on-site are high
as the NCK shaft refurbishment and mine dewatering progress,
further derisking the project. We have also commenced the project
finance process to secure the optimal funding solution for the
construction of South Crofty."
Financial highlights for the nine months ended September 30,
2024 and October 31, 2023
|
Nine months ended
(unaudited)
|
|
September 30,
2024
|
October 31,
2023
|
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
6,495,774
|
3,281,200
|
Profit (loss) for the period
|
482,935
|
(1,571,831)
|
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
4,024,494
|
1,761,034
|
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
19,339,613
|
23,335,112
|
Net
cash used in financing activities
|
228,966
|
723
|
Cash at end of the period
|
3,301,452
|
31,579,386
|
·
Increase in operating expenses impacted by higher
travel and marketing expenditure arising from increased investor
& media engagement and termination settlement payable to the
former CEO;
·
Gain of $4.7 million arising from the sale of the
Mactung and Cantung royalties, of which US$1.5 million is deferred
consideration due by August
2025;
·
Expenditure of $2.2 million on new or replacement
equipment for the mine, including the final payments for the
permanent pumps for the underground pump station, cages and the new
winders, and associated commissioning costs;
·
Expenditure of $2.8 million on land adjacent to
the surface infrastructure at South Crofty;
·
Dewatering costs of $4.2 million for power,
reagents, sludge disposal and maintenance of the WTP;
·
Other project related expenditure of $9.2 million
relating to the advancement of South Crofty, primarily relating to
the ongoing project engineering studies and NCK shaft re-access
& refurbishment;
·
Costs of $1.6 million incurred for the completion
of the exploration program at the Wide Formation; and
·
Cash decreased by $23.6 million to $3.3 million at
the period end mainly due to ongoing development activities at the
South Crofty tin project.
The Company changed its financial
year end from January 31 to December 31 with effect from December 31, 2023
with the result that the current period of reporting is the nine
months ended September 30, 2024. The comparative period of
reporting is the nine months ended October 31, 2023.
The credit facility arranged with
Vision Blue, as described above, has a maturity date of 31 March
2025. As a consequence, additional financing will be required
before the end of March 2025.
Outlook
As described above, the Company
continues to advance and derisk the South Crofty tin project
towards production. By the end of December 2025, the Company's
objectives are as follows:
·
Complete dewatering of South Crofty mine and refurbishment of
NCK shaft;
·
Advance basic and detailed project engineering
studies;
·
Place deposits for long lead items of plant and
equipment;
·
Commence early project works, including initial construction
of the groundworks for the processing plant; and
·
Arrange project financing for the South Crofty tin
project.
ABOUT CORNISH METALS
Cornish Metals is a dual-listed
mineral exploration and development company (AIM and TSX-V: CUSN)
that is advancing the South Crofty tin project towards production.
South Crofty:
·
Is a historical, high-grade, underground tin mine
located in Cornwall, United Kingdom and benefits from existing mine
infrastructure including multiple shafts that can be used for
future operations;
·
Is fully permitted to commence underground mining
(valid to 2071), construct new processing facilities and for all
necessary site infrastructure;
·
Has a 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment that
validates the Project's potential (see news release dated
April
30, 2024 and the Technical
Report entitled "South
Crofty PEA"):
o US$201 million after-tax NPV8% and 29.8%
IRR
o 3-year after-tax payback
o 4,700 tonnes average annual tin production in years two
through six
o Life
of mine all-in sustaining cost of US$13,660 /tonne of payable
tin
o Total after-tax cash flow of US$626 million from start of
production
·
Would be the only primary producer of tin in
Europe or North America. Tin is a Critical Mineral as defined by
the UK, American, and Canadian governments as it is used in almost
all electronic devices and electrical infrastructure. Approximately
two-thirds of the tin mined today comes from China, Myanmar and
Indonesia;
·
Benefits from strong local community, regional and
national government support with a growing team of skilled people,
local to Cornwall, and could generate up to 320 direct
jobs.
The 2024 Preliminary Economic
Assessment for South Crofty is preliminary in nature and includes
Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative
geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them
that would enable them to be categorised as Mineral Reserves. There
is no certainty that the 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment will
be realised. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not
have demonstrated economic viability.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
This news release has been reviewed
and approved by Mr. Owen Mihalop, MCSM, BSc (Hons), MSc, FGS,
MIMMM, CEng, Chief Operating Officer for Cornish Metals Inc. who is
the designated Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and the AIM Rules
for Companies and a Competent Person as defined under the JORC Code
(2012). Mr. Mihalop consents to the inclusion in this announcement
of the matters based on his information in the form and context in
which it appears.
ON
BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Don Turvey"
Don Turvey
Engage with us directly at our
investor hub. Sign up at: https://investors.cornishmetals.com/link/0y5Aly
For additional information please
contact:
Cornish Metals
|
Fawzi Hanano
Irene Dorsman
|
investors@cornishmetals.com
info@cornishmetals.com
|
|
|
Tel: +1
(604) 200 6664
|
SP
Angel Corporate Finance LLP
(Nominated Adviser & Joint
Broker)
|
Richard Morrison
Charlie Bouverat
Grant Barker
|
Tel: +44 203 470 0470
|
|
|
|
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited
(Joint
Broker)
|
Derrick Lee
Neil McDonald
|
Tel: +44 131 220 6939
|
|
|
|
Hannam & Partners
(Financial
Adviser)
|
Matthew Hasson
Andrew Chubb
Jay Ashfield
|
cornish@hannam.partners
Tel: +44 207 907 8500
|
|
|
|
BlytheRay
(Financial PR)
|
Tim Blythe
Megan Ray
|
cornishmetals@blytheray.com
Tel: +44 207 138 3204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Caution regarding forward
looking statements
This news release contains certain "forward-looking
information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively,
"forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include
predictions, projections, outlook, guidance, estimates and
forecasts and other statements regarding future plans and
operations, the realisation, cost, timing and extent of mineral
resource or mineral reserve estimates, estimation of commodity
prices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, estimated future
exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of
new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time
lines, requirements for additional capital and the Company's
ability to obtain financing when required and on terms acceptable
to the Company, future or estimated mine life and other
activities or achievements of Cornish Metals, including but not
limited to: the expected use of proceeds from the secured credit
facility with Vision Blue; the balance of the cash consideration
due to Cornish in respect of the sale of the Mactung and Cantung
royalty interests; mineralisation at South Crofty, mine dewatering
and construction requirements; the development, operational and
economic results of the preliminary economic assessment, including
cash flows, capital expenditures, development costs, extraction
rates, recovery rates, mining cost estimates and returns;
estimation of mineral resources; statements about the estimate of
mineral resources and production of minerals; magnitude or quality
of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of the South Crofty
project mine plan; exploration potential and project growth
opportunities for the South Crofty tin project and other Cornwall
mineral properties, the Company's ability to evaluate and develop
the South Crofty tin project and other Cornwall mineral properties,
strategic vision of Cornish Metals and expectations regarding the
South Crofty mine, timing and results of projects mentioned.
Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by
the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan",
"estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target",
"schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or
result "may", "will", "should", "could", "would" or "might" occur
or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the
negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of
historical fact included in this news release, are forward-looking
statements that involve various risks and uncertainties and there
can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate
and actual results and future events could differ materially from
those anticipated in such statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements, including but not limited to: risks related to receipt
of regulatory approvals, risks related to general economic and
market conditions; risks related to the availability of financing;
the timing and content of upcoming work programmes; actual results
of proposed exploration activities; possible variations in Mineral
Resources or grade; outcome of any future studies; projected dates
to commence mining operations; failure of plant, equipment or
processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes,
title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and
other risks of the mining industry; changes in national and local
government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and
regulations. The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may
affect Cornish's forward-looking statements.
Cornish Metals' forward-looking statements are based on the
opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current
expectations regarding future events and operating performance and
speak only as of the date such statements are made. Although the
Company has attempted to identify important factors that could
cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those
described in forward- looking statements, there may be other
factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ
materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that
forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and
accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Cornish Metals does
not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if
circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions
should change other than as required by applicable
law.
Caution regarding non-IFRS
measures
This news release contains certain terms or performance
measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined
under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"),
including "all-in sustaining costs". Non-IFRS measures do not have
any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they
may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other
companies. 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 and should be read in conjunction with Cornish Metals'
consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and
Analysis, available on its website and on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca.
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR)
Disclosure
The information contained within this announcement is deemed
by the Company to constitute inside information pursuant to Article
7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by
virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 as
amended.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL
POSITION
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in
Canadian dollars)
|
September 30, 2024
|
December 31, 2023
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
Cash
|
$
3,301,452
|
$
25,791,552
|
Marketable securities
|
2,927,438
|
2,665,454
|
Receivables
|
2,508,031
|
1,112,638
|
Prepaid expenses
|
439,722
|
591,264
|
Deferred
financing fees
|
510,810
|
135,242
|
|
9,687,453
|
30,296,150
|
|
|
|
Deposits
|
82,592
|
85,954
|
Property, plant
and equipment
|
27,987,102
|
23,788,325
|
Exploration and
evaluation assets
|
73,403,237
|
50,050,323
|
|
|
|
|
$
111,160,384
|
$
104,220,752
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
4,254,516
|
$
5,063,940
|
Deferred income
|
150,000
|
-
|
|
4,404,516
|
5,063,940
|
NSR
liability
|
9,250,363
|
9,064,817
|
|
13,654,879
|
14,128,757
|
SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
|
|
|
Capital stock
|
128,394,652
|
128,394,652
|
Capital
contribution
|
2,007,665
|
2,007,665
|
Share-based payment reserve
|
1,084,152
|
711,690
|
Foreign
currency translation reserve
|
7,927,259
|
1,369,146
|
Deficit
|
(41,908,223)
|
(42,391,158)
|
|
|
|
|
97,505,505
|
90,091,995
|
|
|
|
|
$
111,160,384
|
$
104,220,752
|
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in
Canadian dollars)
|
Three
months ended
|
Nine
months ended
|
|
|
September 30,
2024
|
October 31,
2023
|
September 30,
2024
|
October 31,
2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel and
marketing
|
$ 216,556
|
$ 242,737
|
$ 664,044
|
$ 488,797
|
|
Insurance
|
197,445
|
164,843
|
596,952
|
511,899
|
|
Office,
miscellaneous and rent
|
48,515
|
40,883
|
166,722
|
148,925
|
|
Professional
fees
|
523,478
|
257,854
|
1,332,245
|
794,167
|
|
Generative exploration
expense
|
125
|
200
|
5,829
|
5,433
|
|
Regulatory and
filing fees
|
26,358
|
17,749
|
78,019
|
73,171
|
|
Share-based
compensation
|
93,098
|
104,587
|
223,897
|
130,136
|
|
Salaries, directors'
fees and benefits
|
828,406
|
410,795
|
3,428,066
|
1,128,672
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
operating expenses
|
(1,933,981)
|
(1,239,648)
|
(6,495,774)
|
(3,281,200)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
61,950
|
649,403
|
470,504
|
1,456,697
|
|
Foreign exchange gain
|
350,703
|
13,101
|
322,663
|
394,980
|
|
Gain (loss) on receipt of non-refundable
deposit
|
(6,328)
|
-
|
84,968
|
-
|
|
Impairment reversal of
royalties
|
1,500,000
|
-
|
1,500,000
|
-
|
|
Gain on disposal of
royalties
|
4,675,904
|
-
|
4,675,904
|
-
|
|
Unrealized loss on
marketable securities
|
(39,056)
|
(112,276)
|
(75,330)
|
(147,296)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (loss)
before income taxes
|
4,609,192
|
(689,420)
|
482,935
|
(1,576,819)
|
|
Income tax
recovery
|
-
|
4,988
|
-
|
4,988
|
|
Profit (loss)
for the period
|
4,609,192
|
(684,432)
|
482,935
|
(1,571,831)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation
|
4,166,641
|
(1,010,502)
|
6,558,113
|
1,619,065
|
|
Total
comprehensive income (loss) for the period
|
$
8,775,833
|
$
(1,694,934)
|
$
7,041,048
|
$ 47,234
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and
diluted income (loss) per share
|
$
0.02
|
$
(0.00)
|
$
0.01
|
$
0.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding:
|
535,270,712
|
535,270,712
|
535,270,712
|
535,268,881
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH
FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in
Canadian dollars)
|
For the
nine months ended
|
|
September 30,
2024
|
October 31,
2023
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS
FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
Profit (loss)
for the period
|
$ 482,935
|
$
(1,571,831)
|
Items not
involving cash:
|
|
|
Share-based compensation
|
223,897
|
130,136
|
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
Gain
on receipt of non-refundable deposit
|
75,330
(84,968)
|
147,296
-
|
Impairment reversal of royalties
|
(1,500,000)
|
-
|
Gain
on disposal of royalties
|
(4,675,904)
|
-
|
Foreign exchange loss
|
(322,663)
|
(394,980)
|
Income
tax recovery
|
-
|
(4,988)
|
|
|
|
Income
taxes paid
|
-
|
(11,012)
|
|
|
|
Changes in
non-cash working capital items:
|
|
|
Decrease (increase) in receivables
|
530,148
|
(348,196)
|
Decrease in prepaid expenses
|
165,929
|
105,201
|
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
1,080,802
|
187,340
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in
operating activities
|
(4,024,494)
|
(1,761,034)
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS
FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
Acquisition of
property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of
exploration and evaluation assets
Proceeds on receipt of
non-refundable deposits
Proceeds from disposal
of royalties
Increase in
deposits
|
(6,446,743)
(17,224,234)
234,968
4,099,004
(2,608)
|
(11,817,289)
(11,489,073)
-
-
(28,750)
|
Net cash used in
investing activities
|
(19,339,613)
|
(23,335,112)
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS
FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
Increase in deferred
financing fees
|
(228,966)
|
-
|
Lease
payments
|
-
|
(723)
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in
financing activities
|
(228,966)
|
(723)
|
|
|
|
Change in cash
during the period
|
(23,593,073)
|
(25,096,869)
|
Cash,
beginning of the period
|
25,791,552
|
55,495,232
|
Impact of
foreign exchange on cash
|
1,102,973
|
1,181,023
|
|
|
|
Cash, end of
the period
|
$
3,301,452
|
$
31,579,386
|
|
|
|
Cash paid
during the period for interest
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
|
|
|
Cash paid
during the period for income taxes
|
$
-
|
$ 11,012
|