Ascendant Resources Inc. (TSX: ASND) (OTCQX:
ASDRF; FRA: 2D9) ("Ascendant" or the "Company”) reports second
quarter 2019 results, highlighted by record throughput and
contained metal production of 24.6 million zinc equivalent (“ZnEq”)
pounds since assuming ownership of the El Mochito mine in Honduras.
Production at El Mochito exceeded budget
expectations, with continued improved operating performance in the
second quarter 2019 (“Q2/19”) highlighted by increased tonnes
milled combined with higher head grades resulting in increased
contained metal production. During the first half of the year
(“H1/19”), the Company made a significant investment in additional
underground development in order to access higher-grade ore bodies
which are currently being mined. The investment in development is
expected to lead to increased higher-grade production in the second
half of 2019 (“H2/19”), driving further increases in contained
metal production and lower unit costs at the mine.
Lower metal prices, additional increases to
power costs, higher treatment and refining charges (“TCs &
RCs”) and investment in development impacted profitability in
Q2/19. Cash operating costs were in line with previous quarters and
direct operating costs marginally above those in Q1/19 at El
Mochito. The Company reported adjusted EBITDA of $0.51 million, a
net loss of $4.18 million and a loss per share of $0.05 for
Q2/19.
Mr. Chris Buncic, President & CEO of
Ascendant stated, “Despite pressure from lower commodity prices,
higher refining and treatment charges and increased power costs, we
remain focused on the long-term profitability and growth potential
at El Mochito. We invested heavily in development during the first
half of the year and are already seeing the benefits. We expect to
see minesite AISC at approximately $1.10 and approximately $1.15 on
a consolidated basis during the second half of the year.”
He continued, “We are well advanced on several
avenues of funding for both the expansion project at El Mochito;
which we expect to begin construction later this year, as well as
for general liquidity purposes which we hope to see us through to
the completion of the expansion project.”
“In addition, given the success of the recent
drill program at Lagoa Salgada we are highly confident in the
future potential of this project to significantly enhance
shareholder value. The recent drill program focused on providing an
economic case for the North Zone which we hope to provide through
an updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate in the third quarter
and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) which will be
completed by the end of the year. The North Zone continues to
remain open in all directions. The Company also undertook
supplemental drilling in the Central and South Zones that also look
to be highly promising. We expect to deliver news of this
supplemental drilling in the near future.”
A summary of key operational and
financial performance for the second quarter 2019 is provided in
the tables below:
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
Key Operating Information |
|
|
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
Total Tonnes Mined |
|
tonnes |
|
196,644 |
|
|
189,690 |
|
|
398,106 |
|
|
376,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Tonnes Milled |
|
tonnes |
|
195,706 |
|
|
192,428 |
|
|
388,628 |
|
|
379,382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Head Grades |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Zn grade |
|
% |
|
4.4 |
% |
|
4.3 |
% |
|
4.3 |
% |
|
4.2 |
% |
|
Average Pb grade |
|
% |
|
1.7 |
% |
|
1.5 |
% |
|
1.7 |
% |
|
1.6 |
% |
|
Average Silver grade |
|
g/t |
|
67 |
|
|
48 |
|
|
65 |
|
|
47 |
|
|
ZnEq Head grade |
(1 |
) |
% |
|
6.7 |
% |
|
6.3 |
% |
|
6.7 |
% |
|
6.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Recoveries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc |
|
% |
|
86.4 |
% |
|
89.7 |
% |
|
85.3 |
% |
|
89.9 |
% |
|
Lead |
|
% |
|
81.5 |
% |
|
79.1 |
% |
|
80.5 |
% |
|
77.2 |
% |
|
Silver |
|
% |
|
81.9 |
% |
|
79.4 |
% |
|
80.5 |
% |
|
79.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contained Metal Production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc |
|
000's lbs |
|
16,444 |
|
|
16,343 |
|
|
31,606 |
|
|
31,644 |
|
|
Lead |
|
000's lbs |
|
5,916 |
|
|
5,109 |
|
|
11,870 |
|
|
10,235 |
|
|
Silver |
|
ozs |
|
347,784 |
|
|
229,043 |
|
|
641,071 |
|
|
444,642 |
|
|
ZnEq |
(1 |
) |
000's lbs |
|
24,638 |
|
|
22,926 |
|
|
48,008 |
|
|
44,338 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable Production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc |
0.9 |
|
000's lbs |
|
13,977 |
|
|
13,892 |
|
|
26,865 |
|
|
26,898 |
|
|
Lead |
1 |
|
000's lbs |
|
5,620 |
|
|
4,854 |
|
|
11,277 |
|
|
9,723 |
|
|
Silver |
0.7 |
|
ozs |
|
243,449 |
|
|
160,330 |
|
|
448,750 |
|
|
311,249 |
|
|
ZnEq |
(1 |
) |
000's lbs |
|
20,942 |
|
|
19,487 |
|
|
40,807 |
|
|
37,687 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable Metal Sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc |
|
000's lbs |
|
12,028 |
|
|
14,054 |
|
|
23,804 |
|
|
29,340 |
|
|
Lead |
|
000's lbs |
|
5,282 |
|
|
5,331 |
|
|
10,172 |
|
|
11,654 |
|
|
Silver |
|
ozs |
|
295,859 |
|
|
181,372 |
|
|
517,234 |
|
|
350,537 |
|
|
ZnEq |
(1 |
) |
000's lbs |
|
19,145 |
|
|
20,253 |
|
|
37,386 |
|
|
41,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Realized Metal Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc |
|
$/lb |
$1.25 |
|
$1.35 |
|
$1.24 |
|
$1.44 |
|
|
Lead |
|
$/lb |
$0.86 |
|
$1.09 |
|
$0.89 |
|
$1.08 |
|
|
Silver |
|
$/oz |
$14.94 |
|
$16.39 |
|
$15.19 |
|
$16.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash operating cost per ZnEq payable lb sold |
(2 |
) |
$/ZnEq lb |
$0.76 |
|
$0.76 |
|
$0.76 |
|
$0.79 |
|
AISC per ZnEq payable lb sold - El Mochito |
(2 |
) |
$/ZnEq lb |
$1.32 |
|
$1.31 |
|
$1.27 |
|
$1.28 |
|
AISC per ZnEq payable lb sold - Consolidated |
(2 |
) |
$/ZnEq lb |
$1.43 |
|
$1.39 |
|
$1.37 |
|
$1.36 |
|
Direct operating cost per tonne milled (excl.
CAPEX) |
(2 |
) |
$/tonne |
$81.79 |
|
$76.61 |
|
$81.16 |
|
$74.50 |
|
(1 |
) |
Assumes average spot metal prices
for the period. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see Non-IFRS Performance
Measures section of the MD&A. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
Financial |
|
|
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
Total revenue |
|
$000's |
|
18,033 |
|
|
22,657 |
|
|
35,817 |
|
|
50,695 |
|
|
Mine operating expenses |
|
$000's |
|
17,177 |
|
|
17,545 |
|
|
33,706 |
|
|
37,169 |
|
|
Income (loss) from mining
operations |
|
$000's |
|
856 |
|
|
5,112 |
|
|
2,111 |
|
|
13,526 |
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$000's |
|
(4,177 |
) |
|
4,582 |
|
|
(6,587 |
) |
|
9,876 |
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
(2 |
) |
$000's |
|
510 |
|
|
7,379 |
|
|
1,956 |
|
|
15,318 |
|
|
Operating cash flow before
movements in working capital |
(2 |
) |
$000's |
|
(658 |
) |
|
5,803 |
|
|
7,384 |
|
|
12,572 |
|
|
Operating cash flow |
|
$000's |
|
(5,477 |
) |
|
6,494 |
|
|
2,748 |
|
|
17,912 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$000's |
|
2,207 |
|
|
11,322 |
|
|
2,207 |
|
|
11,322 |
|
|
Working capital |
|
$000's |
|
(11,813 |
) |
|
8,961 |
|
|
(11,813 |
) |
|
8,961 |
|
|
Capital
Expenditures |
|
$000's |
|
4,917 |
|
|
8,002 |
|
|
8,937 |
|
|
14,118 |
|
(1 |
) |
Assumes average spot metal prices
for the period. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see Non-IFRS Performance
Measures section of the MD&A. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Second Quarter 2019 Operational Performance
During Q2/19 contained ZnEq metal production was
24.6 million pounds, an 8% increase over second quarter 2018
(“Q2/18”) production of 22.9 million pounds and a 5% increase over
the previous strong first quarter 2019 (“Q1/19”) of 23.4
million pounds as a result of higher zinc, lead and especially
silver grades.
Milled throughput for Q2/19 was 195,706 tonnes,
demonstrating a slight improvement of 2% over 192,428 tonnes in
Q2/18 and a 1% improvement over 192,922 tonnes in Q1/19, as this
was the first full operating quarter benefiting from the recently
completed Esperanza development tunnel, which provides for more
direct and efficient access from the Esperanza orebody to the
underground crusher.
The average head grade of 6.7% ZnEq for the
quarter represents an increase of 7% over the 6.3% achieved in
Q2/18 and was in line with Q1/19. Milled zinc grades for the
quarter were 4.4% zinc, up 4% from both Q2/18 and Q1/19. Lead head
grades were up 9% from Q2/18 to 1.7% but slightly down from the
1.8% achieved in the previous quarter. Silver feed grades increased
significantly by 40% to 67 g/t from the 48 g/t achieved in Q2/18
and increased 8% from 62 g/t in Q1/19. The increase in silver and
lead grades over Q2/18 are a direct result of the Company focusing
on extraction of various, small high-grade pillars in the upper
historic part of the mine.
Zinc processing recoveries of 86.4% in Q2/19
demonstrated an improvement of 3% over the previous quarter but
were still 4% below the 89.7% achieved in the same period in the
previous year, mainly due to the complicated metallurgy of the
Esperanza ore, which is currently a material portion of the mill
feed. This was offset by a 3% higher lead and silver recovery of
81.5% and 81.9% respectively in Q2/19 vs Q2/18. Lead and silver
recoveries for the quarter were also higher by 2% and 4%,
respectively, than the previous quarter. The higher lead recoveries
are attributable to the higher grades, while the higher silver
recoveries received a boost after a change to the silver collector
reagent dosing strategy in the floatation circuit. It is expected
that the higher silver recoveries can be maintained into the
future.
The Company had previously anticipated lower
metal production during the first half of 2019, with stronger
performance in the second half of the year due to higher grades.
Operational performance to date has exceeded those expectations and
the mine remains well positioned for stronger performance in the
second half of 2019.
Second Quarter 2019 Financial
Performance
In Q2/19 the Company generated revenues of
$18.03 million as a result of the sale of 19.1 million pounds of
ZnEq metal, comprised of 12.0 million pounds of payable zinc in
concentrates, 5.3 million pounds of payable lead in concentrates
and 295,859 ounces of payable silver in concentrates. Average
realized provisional metal prices were $1.25 per pound zinc, $0.86
per pound lead and $14.94 per ounce silver. Revenues in Q2/19 were
down 20% over Q2/18 as a result of substantially lower metal
prices. Although revenue was in line with Q1/19, Q2/19 revenue was
the first full quarter with 100% of sales being made under much
higher 2019 benchmark TCs & RCs.
Net loss and basic and diluted loss per share in
Q2/19 were $4.18 million and $0.05 respectively, compared to net
income and basic and diluted earnings per share $4.58 million and
$0.06 in Q2/18, and a net loss and basic and diluted loss per share
in Q1/19 of $2.41 million and $0.03. Income from mining operations
in Q2/19 was $0.86 million.
Adjusted EBITDA for Q2/19 was $0.51 million,
compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $7.38 million in Q2/18 and $1.45
million in Q1/19. Direct
operating costs per tonne milled for Q2/19 at El Mochito were
$81.79, a 7% increase vs Q2/18 direct operating costs per tonne
milled of $76.61, and a 2% increase vs Q1/19 direct operating costs
per tonne milled of $80.53. The increase over Q2/18 is primarily a
result of the previously disclosed 15% increase in national power
rates imposed in September 2018 as well as the 6% increase in
labour costs that took place in October 2018 in compliance with the
collective bargaining agreement the Company has with the unionized
workforce at the mine. The Company has been actively evaluating
alternatives to reduce power costs over the long-term and is in
advanced discussions with several third-party power producers to
provide a reliable long-term and cost-effective source of power.
Also contributing to the higher overall operating costs per tonne
was the increased proportion of labour intensive conventional
mining required to mine the higher-grade chimney ore, which in turn
has reflected its benefits in the improved grade profile of the
mine, reducing operating costs on a per payable pound basis. The
slight increase in direct operating costs on a per tonne milled
basis over Q1/19 is also primarily due to a further 10% increase in
power rates imposed in April 2019 and retroactively applied to
March 2019. Although the Company has benefited from cost reductions
as a result of the bypass access ramp to Esperanza, completed in
February, shortening the average underground hauling distances,
these gains have been offset by the increase in power and labour
costs.
The Company has been successful at offsetting
the aforementioned labour and power cost pressures through grade
improvements and increased contained metal production. As such,
cash operating cost per ZnEq payable pound sold for Q2/19 was
$0.76, in line with both Q2/18 and Q1/19, as a result of the
higher-grade production coming from the conventional mining
sections in the mine and ongoing improvements to infrastructure.
Despite energy and labour cost pressures, the Company has
maintained or reduced cash operating cost per ZnEq payable pound
sold throughout 2018 and 2019, due to the focus on improving metal
production.
The All-In Sustaining Cost (”AISC”) on a
minesite basis at El Mochito in Q2/19 was $1.32 per ZnEq payable
pound sold, representing a 1% increase from Q2/18 of $1.31 and an
8% increase over Q1/19 of $1.22. The increase in the current
quarter is primarily a result of ongoing increases in energy costs,
a full quarter application of the higher 2019 benchmark TCs &
RCs which totalled $0.26 per ZnEq lb in Q2/19 as compared to $0.16
per ZnEq lb in Q2/18 and $0.19 per ZnEq lb in Q1/19. In addition,
sustaining capital expenditures totalled $0.25 per ZnEq lb in
Q2/19, which represented a decrease from $0.31 per ZnEq lb in Q2/18
but was an increase relative to $0.21 per ZnEq lb in Q1/19 due to
higher rates of underground development as well as minor mobile
equipment purchases. The AISC on a consolidated basis for Q2/19 was
$1.43 per ZnEq payable pound sold, representing a 3% increase
from Q2/18 of $1.39 and an increase of 10% over the previous
quarter of $1.30 due to the higher TCs & RCs, higher sustaining
capital expenditures, and included a non-recurring charge of $0.03
per ZnEq lb with respect to financial advisory fees.
Lagoa Salgada Project
In Q2/19, the Company commenced a 26-hole,
8000-metre drill program at Lagoa Salgada. This phase of drilling
focused on step out and infill drilling in all three known deposits
in the LS West region, with an emphasis on the North Zone (massive
sulphide), which constitutes the majority of the current Mineral
Resource Estimate at Lagoa Salgada. These 26 holes will form the
basis for the updated mineral Resource Estimate expected in Q3/19,
in which the Company expects to significantly expand and upgrade
total resources.
The Company had tremendous success with the
modest 2018 drill campaign which included 20 holes totalling 7,077
metres of drilling, which significantly grew the size and
confidence of the resource base in the Mineral Resource Estimate
announced in Q1/19. Given this and the exploration success achieved
so far in 2019, the Company remains very confident of the potential
to further increase the resource size and scale.
Management believes Lagoa Salgada has the
potential to be a sizeable VMS deposit and is highly optimistic the
project has the potential to be mineable given the exploration
success achieved to date. As such the Company anticipates the
completion of an initial Preliminary Economic Assessment by the end
of the year.
Subsequent to the quarter, on July 24, 2019 the
Company released significant drill results from 15 holes totaling
4,275 metres of the 26-hole program. Results from 14 of these holes
in the North Zone continue to demonstrate high-grade mineralization
in the massive sulphide and in the gossan lenses over extended true
widths/intervals. Drilling intersected additional massive sulphide
mineralization extending the mineralization of this zone at depth
and along strike which is expected to greatly contribute to the
Mineral Resource Estimate update. Elevated gold and tin values
found in these results underlies the high-grade mineralization in
the gossan lens while gold, silver, zinc and lead were strong
contributors to high-grade mineralization in the massive sulphide
lens.
Highlighted holes include:
|
|
TRUE |
Cu |
Pb |
Zn |
Au |
Ag |
Sn |
ZnEq[1,2] |
|
Zone |
Thickness (m) |
(%) |
(%) |
(%) |
(ppm) |
(ppm) |
(%) |
(%) |
LS_MS_26 |
gossan |
9.12 |
0.16 |
9.79 |
1.13 |
2.54 |
37.64 |
0.39 |
16.52 |
LS_MS_30 |
gossan |
13.42 |
0.06 |
5.99 |
0.33 |
3.95 |
16.56 |
0.61 |
13.19 |
LS_MS_33 |
MS |
24.87 |
0.42 |
6.56 |
5.76 |
1.17 |
184.84 |
0.23 |
21.09 |
LS_MS_36 |
MS |
20.33 |
0.23 |
6.14 |
9.76 |
1.42 |
104.65 |
0.19 |
22.61 |
LS_MS_35 |
MS |
37.58 |
0.25 |
4.10 |
6.87 |
1.19 |
99.42 |
0.17 |
17.21 |
LS_MS_22 |
MS |
60.10 |
0.46 |
2.91 |
3.70 |
0.77 |
81.04 |
0.11 |
11.62 |
LS_MS_25 |
MS |
19.56 |
0.21 |
5.23 |
5.76 |
1.29 |
137.32 |
0.23 |
18.32 |
Notes: 1 ZnEq% was calculated as follows: ZnEq% = ((Zn
Grade*25.35)+(Pb Grade*23.15)+(Cu Grade * 67.24)+(Au
Grade*40.19)+(Ag Grade*0.62)+Sn Grade*191.75)/25.35 2 Metal prices
used: US$1.15/lb Zn, US$1.05/lb Pb, $3.05/lb Cu, US$8.70/lb Sn,
US$19.40/oz Ag, and 1,250/oz Au. No recoveries were applied.
Outlook
Operations & Financial
Metal production during the second half of the
year is expected to show strong improvement as a result of
increased investment in development during the first half of the
year. The development has accessed higher grade areas of the mine
resulting in greater anticipated contained metal production.
The Company’s mine plan for 2019 anticipated
greater metal production during the second half of the year driven
by an increase in grades from access gained to the significantly
higher-grade upper portion of the mine. Average head grades during
the second half of 2019 are expected to be approximately 8% ZnEq.
The increased grades will be weighted towards the fourth
quarter.
Based on higher expected grades to be mined over
the course of the second half, the AISC on a minesite basis at El
Mochito is expected to be approximately $1.10 per ZnEq payable
pound sold, and the AISC on a consolidated basis is expected to be
approximately $1.15 per ZnEq payable pound sold. As discussed
above, this improvement is expected to be weighted towards the
fourth quarter.
Unit costs in general should also benefit as a
result of higher metal production, however, based upon current cost
pressures, direct operating costs are expected to lean towards the
higher end of the guidance range due to the increased proportion of
conventional mining methods used to mine the higher-grade ore, as
well as ongoing external cost pressures.
The Company however maintains its 2019
production guidance, as announced on February 20, 2019 provided in
the table below:
Contained Metals in
Concentrate |
Zinc equivalent metal |
90 – 110 million lbs |
Zinc |
65 – 75
million lbs |
Lead |
21 – 26
million lbs |
Silver |
850,000 –
1,200,000 ozs |
Direct Operating Costs |
$70 – $80
/ tonne |
Capital Expenditure |
$15 – $20
million |
Also subsequent to the quarter, on July 24,
2019, the Company, through its Honduran subsidiary American Pacific
Honduras SA de CV (“AMPAC”), received an exemption on VAT for local
purchases from the Honduran Tax Authority, positively affecting the
overall cash flow position. This exemption is expected to improve
2019 cash flow by approximately $1 million and have an ongoing
benefit of approximately $2 million per annum as the exemption is
renewable annually.
Mine Expansion and
Optimization
The Company remains actively engaged in
advancing the various project financing opportunities for the
expansion of El Mochito. The Preliminary Economic Assessment for
the expansion of the mine demonstrates the Company’s dedication and
focus on delivering long-term profitability and the ability to
operate the mine at an average all-in sustaining cost of $0.97 per
ZnEq payable pound, well below current prices and long-term metal
price assumptions. It is the Company’s current expectation to begin
construction this year.
Exploration Activities
Exploration is ongoing at both El Mochito and
Lagoa Salgada and will continue to play a significant role in
enhancing growth opportunities at both properties going
forward.
El Mochito
Exploration at El Mochito thus far in 2019 has
been focused on infill drilling for the goal of upgrading Inferred
Mineral Resources and further extending the mine life as well as
exploration drilling to explore untested areas with the purpose of
discovering the next large, high-grade chimney.
The new development ramp to Esperanza has
provided significant exploration opportunity for the Company as it
has allowed for access to an area of the mine that has never been
tested before. The Company is currently conducting drilling,
following up on geophysical survey and Induced Polarization
targets.
Lagoa Salgada
On July 24, 2019 the Company released
significant drill results from 15 holes totaling 4,275 metres of
the 26-hole program. Results from 14 of these holes in the North
Zone continue to demonstrate high-grade mineralization in the
massive sulphide and in the gossan lenses over extended true
widths. Drilling intersected additional massive sulphide
mineralization extending the mineralization of this zone at depth
and along strike which is expected to greatly contribute to the
Mineral Resource Estimate update. Elevated gold and tin values
found in these results underlies the high-grade mineralization in
the gossan lens while gold, silver, zinc and lead were strong
contributors to high-grade mineralization in the massive sulphide
lens.
The remaining drill hole from these results, was
one of three that successfully tested new targets in the Central
and South Zones (stockwork). Results from this drill hole
demonstrated high-grade mineralization with elevated copper values
that are thought to be consistent with the expected mineralization
in the Central and South Zones.
Results from the remaining 11 holes are expected
imminently as drilling completed on July 25, 2019.
A second phase of drilling will focus on the two
highly prospective Central and South Zones and will be contingent
on the drill results from the current program and of a borehole IP
survey to be conducted on the current drill holes from this
program. This survey will be undertaken after the end of the
current drill program.
The intended IP survey on the 8-kilometre
gravity anomaly identified in the northern portion of the property
(the LS North and LS East regions), which follows the Company’s
tremendous success to date in correlating drilling results to
anticipated mineralization with Induced Polarized (“IP”) surveys in
the North and South Zones, provides optimism in identifying new
targets along this highly prospective trend for longer-term growth
potential of the project.
Conference Call Details
A conference call will be held tomorrow, August
8, 2019, at 10:00am EDT to discuss second quarter 2019 operational
and financial results.
Dial-in Details:Date of Call:
Thursday, August 8, 2019Time of Call: 10:00am EDTConference ID:
2681208Dial-In Numbers:North American Toll-Free:
1-833-696-8362International: 1-612-979-9908
A recorded playback of the conference call will
be available from August 8, 2019 until September 8, 2019 and can be
accessed on the Company’s website at www.ascendantresources.com
within the Investors section.
The information provided within this release
should be read in conjunction with Ascendant’s unaudited condensed
consolidated interim financial statements and management's
discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30,
2019 and 2018, which are available on Ascendant’s website and on
SEDAR. As at January 1, 2017, the Company has changed its
presentation currency to the U.S. dollar (US). All financial
figures are in US dollars unless otherwise stated.
Technical Disclosure/Qualified
Person
The scientific and technical information
contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by
Robert A. Campbell, M.Sc., P.Geo., Director and Vice President,
Exploration for Ascendant Resources Ltd., whom is a "qualified
person" within the meaning of NI 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure
for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).
About Ascendant Resources
Inc.
Ascendant is a Toronto-based mining company
focused on its 100%-owned producing El Mochito zinc, lead and
silver mine in west-central Honduras and its high-grade
polymetallic Lagoa Salgada VMS Project located in the prolific
Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal.
After acquiring the El Mochito mine in December
2016, Ascendant spent 2017 and 2018 implementing a rigorous and
successful optimization program restoring the historic potential of
El Mochito, a mine in production since 1948, to deliver record
levels of production with profitability restored. The Company now
remains focused on cost reduction and further operational
improvements to drive profitability in 2019 and beyond. With a
significant land package of approximately 11,000 hectares in
Honduras and an abundance of historical data, there are several
near-mine and regional targets providing longer term exploration
upside which could lead to further Mineral Resource growth.
Ascendant holds an interest in the high-grade
polymetallic Lagoa Salgada VMS Project located in the prolific
Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Company is engaged in
exploration of the Project with the goal of expanding the
already-substantial defined Mineral Resources and testing
additional known targets. The Company’s acquisition of its interest
in the Lagoa Salgada Project offers a low-cost entry point to a
potentially significant exploration and development opportunity.
The Company holds an additional option to increase its interest in
the Project upon completion of certain milestones.
Ascendant Resources is engaged in the ongoing
evaluation of producing and development stage mineral resource
opportunities, on an ongoing basis. The Company's common shares are
principally listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
"ASND". For more information on Ascendant Resources, please visit
our website at www.ascendantresources.com.
Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release. For further information please
contact:
Katherine PrydeDirector, Communications &
Investor RelationsTel: 888-723-7413info@ascendantresources.com
Cautionary Notes to US
Investors
The information concerning the Company’s mineral
properties has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument
43-101 (“NI-43-101”) adopted by the Canadian Securities
Administrators. In accordance with NI-43-101, the terms “mineral
reserves”, “proven mineral reserve”, “probable mineral reserve”,
“mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral
resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in the
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”)
Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014. While the terms
“mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral
resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are recognized and
required by NI 43-101, the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) does not recognize them. The reader is cautioned that,
except for that portion of mineral resources classified as mineral
reserves, mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic
value. Inferred mineral resources have a high degree of uncertainty
as to their existence and as to whether they can be economically or
legally mined. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of any
inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher
category. Therefore, the reader is cautioned not to assume that all
or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, that it can be
economically or legally mined, or that it will ever be upgraded to
a higher category. Likewise, you are cautioned not to assume that
all or any part of a measured or indicated mineral resource will
ever be upgraded into mineral reserves.
Readers should be aware that the Company’s
financial statements (and information derived therefrom) have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board and are subject to Canadian auditing and auditor
independence standards. IFRS differs in some respects from United
States generally accepted accounting principles and thus the
Company’s financial statements (and information derived therefrom)
may not be comparable to those of United States companies.
Forward Looking
Information
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and
"forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking
information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
legislation. All information contained in this news release, other
than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking
information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can
be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects",
"budget", "guidance", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts",
"strategy", "target", "intends", "objective", "goal",
"understands", "anticipates" and "believes" (and variations of
these or similar words) and statements that certain actions, events
or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" "occur" or
"be achieved" or "will be taken" (and variations of these or
similar expressions). Forward-looking information is also
identifiable in statements of currently occurring matters which may
continue in the future, such as "providing the Company with", "is
currently", "allows/allowing for", "will advance" or "continues to"
or other statements that may be stated in the present tense with
future implications. All of the forward-looking information in this
news release is qualified by this cautionary note.
Forward-looking information in this news release
includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the
consistency of processing recovery levels, improvements of grades
in 2019, guidance, increase in contained metal production,
maintenance of production rates, increase of mill feed grades,
reduction of costs, monthly shipments of concentrate, the ability
to fully fund planned development, the ability to successfully
close its financing initiatives, exploration and capital
expenditures at El Mochito and Lagoa Salgada, the expectation of
expanding and updating the Mineral Resource Estimate at Lagoa
Salgada, the Company’s ability to complete a Preliminary Economic
Assessment for Lagoa Salgada, robust adjusted EBITDA and free cash
flow generation and the undertaking of various long-term
optimization programs including but not limited to the expansion
program at El Mochito. Forward-looking information is not, and
cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking
information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions,
estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by
Ascendant at the date the forward-looking information is provided,
inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties,
contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and
events to be materially different from those expressed or implied
by the forward-looking information. The material factors or
assumptions that Ascendant identified and were applied by Ascendant
in drawing conclusions or making forecasts or projections set out
in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to,
the ability of the Company to maintain the consistency of
processing recovery levels, to improve grades in 2019, to achieve
guidance, increase contained metal production, maintain production
rates, increase mill feed grades, reduce costs, make monthly
shipments of concentrate, fully fund planned development,
successfully closing on its financing initiatives, exploration and
capital expenditures, maintain robust adjusted EBITDA and free cash
flow and undertake various long-term optimization programs
including but not limited to the expansion program at El Mochito,
the Company’s ability to expand and update the Mineral Resource
Estimate at Lagoa Salgada, complete a Preliminary Economic
Assessment for Lagoa Salgada, and other events that may affect
Ascendant's ability to develop its project; and no significant and
continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or
conditions in the financial markets.
The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and
other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information
may include, but are not limited to, risks generally associated
with the mining industry, such as economic factors (including
future commodity prices, currency fluctuations, energy prices and
general cost escalation), uncertainties related to the development
and operation of Ascendant's projects, dependence on key personnel
and employee and union relations, risks related to political or
social unrest or change, rights and title claims, operational risks
and hazards, including unanticipated environmental, industrial and
geological events and developments and the inability to insure
against all risks, failure of plant, equipment, processes,
transportation and other infrastructure to operate as anticipated,
compliance with government and environmental regulations, including
permitting requirements and anti-bribery legislation, volatile
financial markets that may affect Ascendant's ability to obtain
financing on acceptable terms, the failure to achieve guidance, the
failure to obtain required approvals or clearances from government
authorities on a timely basis, uncertainties related to the
geology, continuity, grade and estimates of mineral reserves and
resources, and the potential for variations in grade and recovery
rates, uncertain costs of reclamation activities, tax refunds,
hedging transactions, as well as the risks discussed in Ascendant's
most recent Annual Information Form on file with the Canadian
provincial securities regulatory authorities and available at
www.sedar.com.
Should one or more risk, uncertainty,
contingency, or other factor materialize, or should any factor or
assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially
from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information.
Accordingly, the reader should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking information. Ascendant does not assume any
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information
after the date of this news release or to explain any material
difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking
information, except as required by applicable law.
NON-IFRS PERFORMANCE
MEASURES
The non-IFRS performance measures presented do
not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are
therefore unlikely to be directly comparable to similar measures
presented by other issuers.
Non-IFRS reconciliation of Adjusted
EBITDA
EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure that represents an
indication of the Company’s continuing capacity to generate
earnings from operations before taking into account management’s
financing decisions and costs of consuming capital assets, and
management’s estimate of their useful life. EBITDA comprises
revenue less operating expenses before interest expense (income),
property, plant and equipment amortization and depletion, and
income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA has been included in this document.
Under IFRS, entities must reflect in compensation expense the cost
of share-based payments. In the Company’s circumstances,
share-based payments involve a significant accrual of amounts that
will not be settled in cash but are settled by the issuance of
shares in exchange for cash. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not have
any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and should not be
considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of
performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. EBITDA and Adjusted
EBITDA exclude the impact of cash costs of financing activities and
taxes, and the effects of changes in operating working capital
balances, and therefore are not necessarily indicative of operating
profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other
companies may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently. As
such, the Company has made an entity specific adjustment to EBITDA
for these expenses. The Company has also made an entity-specific
adjustment to the foreign currency exchange (gain)/loss.
The following table provides a reconciliation of
net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss) |
|
$000's |
|
(4,177 |
) |
|
4,582 |
|
|
(6,587 |
) |
|
9,876 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances to joint venture |
|
$000's |
|
389 |
|
|
- |
|
|
578 |
|
|
- |
|
|
Depletion and depreciation |
|
$000's |
|
1,728 |
|
|
1,110 |
|
|
3,338 |
|
|
1,983 |
|
|
Finance expenses |
|
$000's |
|
804 |
|
|
335 |
|
|
1,201 |
|
|
372 |
|
|
Accretion expense on rehabilitation liabilities |
|
$000's |
|
68 |
|
|
203 |
|
|
135 |
|
|
410 |
|
|
Charge on termination obligations |
|
$000's |
|
1,193 |
|
|
414 |
|
|
2,312 |
|
|
835 |
|
|
Share-based payments |
|
$000's |
|
133 |
|
|
352 |
|
|
266 |
|
|
704 |
|
|
Foreign currency exchange gain/loss |
|
$000's |
|
(67 |
) |
|
34 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
(62 |
) |
|
Income taxes |
|
$000's |
|
439 |
|
|
354 |
|
|
710 |
|
|
1,200 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$000's |
|
510 |
|
|
7,384 |
|
|
1,956 |
|
|
15,318 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct operating cost per tonne milled
The Company uses the non-IFRS measure of direct
operating cost per tonne milled to manage and evaluate operating
performance. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional
measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use
this information to evaluate the Company’s performance and ability
to generate cash flows. Accordingly, it is intended to provide
additional information and should not be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance
with IFRS. The Company considers cost of sales per tonne milled to
be the most comparable IFRS measure to direct operating cost per
tonne milled and has included calculations of this metric in the
reconciliations within the applicable tables to follow.
Direct operating cost per tonne milled includes
mine direct operating production costs such as mining, processing,
administration, indirect charges as surface maintenance and camp
expenses, and inventory sales adjustments but does not include,
smelting, refining and freight costs, royalties, depreciation,
depletion, amortization, reclamation, and capital costs.
The following table provides a reconciliation of
direct operating costs to cost of sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
Direct operating cost per tonne milled |
|
|
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
Mine operating expenses (from
consolidated income statement) |
|
$000's |
|
17,177 |
|
|
17,545 |
|
|
33,706 |
|
|
37,169 |
|
|
Add: Termination Liability
Payments |
|
$000's |
|
7 |
|
|
250 |
|
|
17 |
|
|
478 |
|
|
Deduct (Add): Variation in
Finished Inventory |
|
$000's |
|
1,390 |
|
|
(624 |
) |
|
2,979 |
|
|
(4,802 |
) |
|
Deduct:
Depreciation in production |
|
$000's |
|
(1,701 |
) |
|
(1,105 |
) |
|
(3,284 |
) |
|
(1,983 |
) |
Total cash costs (including royalties) |
|
$000's |
|
16,873 |
|
|
16,066 |
|
|
33,418 |
|
|
30,862 |
|
|
Deduct:
Government taxes and royalties |
|
$000's |
|
(866 |
) |
|
(1,324 |
) |
|
(1,875 |
) |
|
(2,598 |
) |
Direct operating costs |
|
$000's |
|
16,007 |
|
|
14,742 |
|
|
31,543 |
|
|
28,264 |
|
|
Tonnes
Milled |
|
tonnes |
|
195,706 |
|
|
192,428 |
|
|
388,628 |
|
|
379,382 |
|
Direct operating cost per tonne milled |
|
$/tonne |
$81.79 |
|
$76.61 |
|
$81.16 |
|
$74.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
Six months ended |
AISC
per ZnEq payable pound sold |
|
|
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZnEq payable
pounds sold |
|
000's lbs |
|
19,145 |
|
|
20,253 |
|
|
37,386 |
|
|
41,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Operating Costs Reconciliation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct operating costs |
|
$000's |
|
16,007 |
|
|
14,742 |
|
|
31,543 |
|
|
28,264 |
|
|
Add (deduct): Variation in Finished Inventory |
|
$000's |
|
(1,390 |
) |
|
624 |
|
|
(2,979 |
) |
|
4,802 |
|
Cash
operating costs |
|
$000's |
|
14,617 |
|
|
15,366 |
|
|
28,564 |
|
|
33,066 |
|
Cash operating cost per ZnEq payable pound
sold |
|
$/ZnEq lb |
$0.76 |
|
$0.76 |
|
$0.76 |
|
$0.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) Reconciliation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash operating costs |
|
$000's |
|
14,617 |
|
|
15,366 |
|
|
28,564 |
|
|
33,066 |
|
|
Add: Government taxes and royalties |
|
$000's |
|
866 |
|
|
1,324 |
|
|
1,875 |
|
|
2,598 |
|
|
Add: TC & RCs |
|
$000's |
|
4,885 |
|
|
3,331 |
|
|
8,382 |
|
|
7,051 |
|
|
Add: G&A, excluding depreciation and amortization |
|
$000's |
|
2,062 |
|
|
1,672 |
|
|
3,474 |
|
|
3,384 |
|
|
Add: Accretion expense on rehabilitation liabilities |
|
$000's |
|
68 |
|
|
203 |
|
|
135 |
|
|
410 |
|
|
Add: Sustaining capital expenditure |
|
$000's |
|
4,833 |
|
|
6,245 |
|
|
8,611 |
|
|
10,430 |
|
Total All-in sustaining costs - Consolidated |
|
$000's |
|
27,331 |
|
|
28,141 |
|
|
51,041 |
|
|
56,939 |
|
|
Deduct: G&A, excluding depreciation and amortization |
|
$000's |
|
(2,062 |
) |
|
(1,672 |
) |
|
(3,474 |
) |
|
(3,384 |
) |
Total All-in sustaining costs - El Mochito |
|
$000's |
|
25,269 |
|
|
26,469 |
|
|
47,567 |
|
|
53,555 |
|
AISC per ZnEq payable pound sold -
Consolidated |
|
$/ZnEq lb |
$1.43 |
|
$1.39 |
|
$1.37 |
|
$1.36 |
|
AISC per ZnEq payable pound sold - El Mochito |
|
$/ZnEq lb |
$1.32 |
|
$1.31 |
|
$1.27 |
|
$1.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional non-IFRS
measures
The Company uses other financial measures, the
presentation of which is not meant to be a substitute for other
subtotals or totals presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather
should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measures. The
following other financial measures are used:
- Operating cash flows before movements in working capital -
excludes the movement from period-to-period in working capital
items including trade and other receivables, prepaid expenses,
deposits, inventories, trade and other payables and the effects of
foreign exchange rates on these items.
The terms described above do not have a
standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and therefore the
Company’s definitions are unlikely to be comparable to similar
measures presented by other companies. The Company’s management
believes that their presentation provides useful information to
investors because cash flows generated from operations before
changes in working capital excludes the movement in working capital
items. This, in management’s view, provides useful information of
the Company’s cash flows from operations and are considered to be
meaningful in evaluating the Company’s past financial performance
or its future prospects. The most comparable IFRS measure is cash
flows from operating activities.
_____________________________________
1 ZnEq lbs and grades in % represents zinc metal considered
together with the lead and silver expressed in zinc equivalent
terms of zinc using spot metal prices and production during the
period.
Ascendant Resources (TSX:ASND.WT)
Gráfica de Acción Histórica
De Jun 2024 a Jul 2024
Ascendant Resources (TSX:ASND.WT)
Gráfica de Acción Histórica
De Jul 2023 a Jul 2024