Source - LSE Regulatory
RNS Number : 5624P
Hochschild Mining PLC
18 February 2021
 

             

 

 

18 February 2021

 

 

 

 

Hochschild Mining plc

 

Correction: Full Year Results

 

This is a correction to the Full Year Results announcement published at 7:00am on 18 February 2021 (RNS number 5146P) which incorrectly stated that the Inmaculada drilling programme added 25.3 million gold equivalent ounces of reserves.  The Inmaculada drilling programme added 25.3 million ounces of silver equivalent reserves. All other information remains unchanged. The full corrected announcement is included below.

 

 

Preliminary Results

Year ended 31 December 2020

 

HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC RESULTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

 

 

Hochschild delivers robust performance in a challenging year

 

 

Resilient 2020 financial performance

§ Strong balance sheet and financial performance despite impact of Covid-19 stoppages

§ Revenue of $621.8 million (2019: $755.7 million)[1]

§ Adjusted EBITDA of $270.9million (2019: $343.3 million)[2]

§ Profit before income tax (pre-exceptional) of $85.8 million (2019: $103.4 million)

§ Profit before income tax (post-exceptional) of $62.9 million (2019: $76.8 million)

§ Basic earnings per share (pre-exceptional) of $0.06 (2019: $0.09)

§ Basic earnings per share (post-exceptional) of $0.03 (2019: $0.06)

§ Cash and cash equivalent balance of $231.9 million as at 31 December 2020 (2019: $166.4 million)

§ Net cash of $21.6 million as at 31 December 2020 (2019: net debt of $33.2 million)

§ Final proposed dividend of 2.335 cents per share ($12.0 million) bringing the full-year total dividend to $32.6 million (2019: $10.2 million)

Strong 2020 operational recovery[3]  

§ All-in sustaining costs (AISC) from operations of $1,098 per gold equivalent ounce (2019: $990) or $12.8 per silver equivalent ounce (2019: $11.5) below revised full year cost guidance of $1,200-$1,250 per gold equivalent ounce or $14.0-14.5 per silver equivalent ounce[4]

§ Full year attributable production of 289,293 gold equivalent ounces (24.9 million silver equivalent ounces) at higher end of attributable production guidance of 280-290,000 gold equivalent ounces (24.0-25.0 million silver equivalent ounces)

§ Strong operational recovery despite Covid-19 related stoppages

§ Inmaculada drilling programme added 25.3 million silver equivalent ounces of reserves

§ Promising results from the Corina deposit, the Saavedra area at San Jose and at Arcata

2020 ESG KPIs

§ Strong ESG metrics despite impact of Covid-19 protocols

§ Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate of 1.38 (2019: 1.05)[5]

§ Accident Severity Index of 474 (2019: 54)[6]

§ Water consumption of 231lt/person/day (2019: 206lt/person/day)

§ Domestic waste generation of 1.18 kg/person/day (2019: 1.04kg/person/day)

§ ECO score of 5.74 out of 6 (2019: 4.82)[7]

2021 outlook

§ Production target of 360,000-372,000 gold equivalent ounces (31.0-32.0 million silver equivalent ounces)

§ 4 million ounces of silver hedged for both 2021 and 2022 at an average price of approximately $27 per ounce to protect cashflows in Peru - ensures profitable production from existing resources, mainly at Pallancata whilst brownfield exploration team continues to look for additional near-term resources

§ All-in sustaining costs expected to be $1,210-$1,250 per gold equivalent ounce ($14.1-14.5 per silver equivalent ounce) 

§ Total sustaining and development capital expenditure expected to be approximately $120-130 million

§ Brownfield exploration budget expected to be approximately $34 million

§ Greenfield and advanced project budget set at approximately $11 million

§ $14 million budget for Biolantanidos rare earth deposit in Chile

§ $7 million budget approved to begin construction of ore sorting pilot plant at Inmaculada

 

 

 

 

$000 unless stated

Year ended

31 Dec 2020

Year ended

31 Dec 2019

% change

Attributable silver production (koz)

9,808

16,808

(42)

Attributable gold production (koz)

175

270

(35)

Revenue

621,827

755,676

(18)

Adjusted EBITDA

270,918

343,332

(21)

Profit from continuing operations (pre-exceptional)

36,192

60,083

(40)

Profit from continuing operations (post-exceptional)

20,426

41,439

(51)

Basic earnings per share (pre-exceptional) $

0.06

0.09

(33)

Basic earnings per share (post-exceptional) $

0.03

0.06

(50)

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Ignacio Bustamante, Chief Executive Officer said:

"We have delivered strong financial results in 2020, despite the impact of the Covid-19 related stoppages. Higher precious metals prices combined with strong free cashflow generation saw us finish the year in a net cash position for the first time in eight years. We have also made solid progress on our ongoing brownfield strategy with an increase in reserves at Inmaculada and promising results at the Corina, San Jose and Arcata deposits. This year, another ambitious programme is already underway with further exciting drill targets at all our current operations and projects throughout our southern Peru cluster. In addition, we look forward to progressing our greenfield and strategic alliance portfolio across the Americas."

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

A live conference call and audio webcast will be held at 2.00pm (London time) on Thursday 18 February 2021 for analysts and investors.

For a live webcast of the presentation please click on the link below:

 

https://webcasting.brrmedia.co.uk/broadcast/60086e36efe97358c10a1d3a

 

Conference call dial in details:

UK: +44 (0)330 336 9411

UK Toll Free: 0800 279 7204

US/Canada Toll Free: 888-394-8218

Pin: 9179728

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Enquiries:

 

Hochschild Mining plc

Charles Gordon                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             +44 (0)20 3709-3264

Head of Investor Relations

 

Hudson Sandler

Charlie Jack                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    +44 (0)207 796 4133

Public Relations

________________________________________________________________________________________

Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures

The Company has included certain non-IFRS measures in this news release. The Company believes that these measures, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. The non-IFRS measures are 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. These measures do not have any standardised meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers.

 

About Hochschild Mining plc:

Hochschild Mining plc is a leading precious metals company listed on the London Stock Exchange (HOCM.L / HOC LN) with a primary focus on the exploration, mining, processing and sale of silver and gold. Hochschild has over fifty years' experience in the mining of precious metal epithermal vein deposits and currently operates three underground epithermal vein mines, two located in southern Peru and one in southern Argentina. Hochschild also has numerous long-term projects throughout the Americas.

 

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

It would be an understatement to say that 2020 was an unprecedented year for our Company. The rapid spread of Covid-19 across the world has affected everyone in ways which could not be imagined a year ago. However, the response from our employees, workers and contractors is to be highly commended. The pandemic has made the task of leadership significantly more challenging and I would like to thank our Chief Executive and his senior team for their dedication and commitment to the task of navigating our employees through the extraordinary circumstances that we faced. Indeed throughout Hochschild Mining, our people have displayed commitment, professionalism and perseverance despite a succession of challenges and we have succeeded in achieving solid results while focusing our efforts on the health of our entire team. This has made the adoption of our stringent protocols and changing work conditions an easier task. The strong culture of the Company, which has been embedded throughout our operations and offices over many years, provided a firm foundation for the adoption of our stringent health protocols and changing work conditions.

 

Our people are our business and during 2020 we have continued to implement the second iteration of our successful programme to promote a Safety-First culture: Safety 2.0. The delivery of this initiative has naturally been adapted in light of the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic through ongoing training and communication campaigns and the recognition of safe working. As reported in our interim results, we regrettably suffered an operational fatality at our Pallancata mine in the early part of the year and we must therefore continue with our efforts to ensure that safety is never compromised and remains a top priority.

 

2020 saw the launch of an Environmental Culture Transformation Plan, which we believe will help us ensure that our excellent environmental performance is sustained and strengthened though time. I am delighted to report that we achieved our highest year-end ECO Score which, as you may remember, is our award-winning internally designed measure to gauge the Group's overall environmental performance. Furthermore, the Group was recognised by the Peruvian Water Authority for the successful execution of our commitment to conserve our water usage footprint working collaboratively with our partner communities. This year we are working with a global consultancy to strengthen our greenhouse gas reporting and identify opportunities to reduce our energy use and design a long-term action plan to minimise our carbon emissions.

 

Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic and the resulting government-mandated restrictions, our Community Relations ("CR") team have continued with their valuable work to support local communities. Our focus on education, health and nutrition and economic development resulted in support for many community-run businesses and schools. We have previously established "Digital Centres" as a way of bringing internet access to our remote communities to achieve our social goals and this has proved fortuitous during the Covid crisis. Building on this experience, in 2020 we completed our "Keeping Connected" project which supported over 6,000 residents across 14 communities close to our mines to participate in online learning, help local businesses and keep families connected during these challenging times. To meet our communities' immediate health needs, our CR and health teams worked together throughout the year to donate food supplies as well as medical equipment to local hospitals and health centres. Further details on these and all our programmes will be available in the Sustainability section of the Annual Report and in the standalone ESG Report, which will be published during the second quarter of 2021.

 

Turning to our operations, the year was understandably impacted by events beyond our control and we were forced to shut all three of our operations in mid-March as both our host countries took steps to contain the spread of the virus. Despite a relatively quick restart in May, both Inmaculada and San Jose experienced additional Covid-related stoppages, although Pallancata in Peru operated without interruption for the remainder of the year. Nevertheless, we were able to reconfigure our mine plans and I was pleased to see us meeting our revised annual production and costs targets. We entered the crisis with a strong balance sheet which enabled us to finance the additional Covid-related expenses required by the business. In addition, with precious metal prices rising significantly, our business was able to generate strong free cashflow despite the ongoing disruption.

 

Our brownfield programme was impacted by the stoppages but we were able to obtain all necessary permits and start the drilling schedule mostly in the second half of the year and, as the year turned, began to get some exciting results. At Inmaculada, drilling achieved a significant increase in reserves whilst San Jose ended the year with some encouraging results in the Saavedra area close to the current mine. At Pallancata, we are still drilling nearby targets with a view to extending the life of the mine in the short term and this work will continue in 2021. In addition, results from the Corina deposit, to the north of Pallancata, could go some way to securing the long-term future of this mining area. Also promising, were early results from our new drilling programme to the west of our former Arcata mine with work continuing into 2021 to try to establish a new resource area for this historic deposit.

 

In the past 18 months, we have consistently stated the exciting potential of our investment in the Biolantanidos rare earths deposit in Chile where we believe we can create substantial shareholder value in an industry with very strong future demand characteristics and, crucially, in an environmentally-friendly manner. I am delighted to report that excellent progress was made in 2020 at this unique project by our dedicated management team and we can look forward to a key year in 2021 with the feasibility study due, as well as important permitting approvals. The rare earths industry has been very much in the media and financial market spotlight recently and we are confident that our deposit will play an important role in the supply of these vital commodities in the near future.

 

With regards to our Board composition, I am delighted that following a search process overseen by the Nomination Committee, Jill Gardiner joined as an Independent Non-Executive Director on 1 August.  Naturally, her induction was adapted in light of travel restrictions but Jill's long-standing experience of the sector and corporate finance in Canada has already proven of great benefit to the Board.    

 

2020 was another very strong year for precious metals driven by the enormous global monetary and fiscal response to the economic impact of the pandemic. The gold price had risen by 24% by the end of the year and silver increased by 47% enabling us to generate robust free cashflow despite the crisis and further strengthen our already healthy balance sheet. In April 2020, owing to the uncertainty caused by the crisis, the Board took the prudent decision to withdraw the proposal to pay the 2019 final dividend. However, following the encouraging second half recovery, a $21 million interim dividend was paid at the end of December. We fully recognise the need to continue to monitor the impact of the current Covid situation and therefore we have given much consideration to the subject of further capital returns. As a result, given the current net cash position and ongoing healthy price environment, the Board is pleased to propose a final dividend of 2.335 cents per share ($12.0 million).

 

The strength of our culture shone through this year and I am proud to be Chairman of such a Group and remain committed to overseeing the ongoing progress of our long-term strategy. We responded very quickly and appropriately to local and countrywide challenges in 2020 and these responses are a testament to the dedication, skills and ingenuity of our people. The Board and I will never be able to thank all of them enough for their extraordinary efforts during this time.

 

Eduardo Hochschild, Chairman

17 February 2021

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S STATEMENT

 

I am proud of how our team has responded to the many challenges presented by Covid-19 during 2020. Everyone in the Company demonstrated care, good judgement and very hard work in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our people whilst remaining focused on achieving our business objectives. Understandably, the performance of our Company during the year was significantly impacted by the pandemic but despite the resulting adjustments to our operational targets, we were able to still deliver solid production and good cost control. When combined with significant precious metal price rises, we generated strong cashflows allowing us to invest in a comprehensive crisis response programme and leave the Company in a net cash position at the end of the year. Our exploration programme was also reconfigured to the new reality but we made encouraging steps in our aim to add reserves and deliver growth opportunities.

 

We remain committed to furthering our wide range of ESG initiatives in order to make a lasting positive contribution to society, whatever the circumstances. This year our focus has been on supporting our communities and various other stakeholders to overcome the health and economic crisis caused by the pandemic. We have adopted several policy initiatives, including revised and new sustainability, human rights, gender and diversity, compliance and community relations policies that will further strengthen commitment to operate responsibly. Our ECO Score continues to be one of our key environmental management tools and we are working hard to encourage our key suppliers to also adopt it so that we can further align our environmental strategies. Finally, we have implemented our Safety-First culture: Safety 2.0. programme and launched our Environmental Culture Transformation Plan to build on the progress achieved to date in this area.

 

We believe that our long-term strategy based on exploration, project delivery, value accretive acquisitions and solid ESG foundations remains key to driving our business and delivering returns for stakeholders.

 

Operations

Hochschild's output in 2020 was impacted by Covid-related stoppages at all our mines with the first major disruption lasting from the middle of March until the end of May. The crisis also resulted in substantial delays in permitting for exploration and operations for this year and beyond and we continue to work hard to overcome those delays. 

 

At Inmaculada, we experienced a further halt to production in early July with another at San Jose in Argentina towards the end of the year. Overall production was 289,293 gold equivalent ounces (24.9 million silver equivalent ounces) which was understandably substantially lower than the 2019 figure of 465,336 gold equivalent ounces (40.0 million silver equivalent ounces). This was produced at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,098 per gold equivalent ounce ($12.8 per silver equivalent ounce) which reflected the reduced production rates. Inmaculada remained the cornerstone of the Company, producing 176,086 gold equivalent ounces (2019: 256,001 ounces) at $922 per gold equivalent ounce (2019: $811 per ounce), a pleasing result despite losing approximately a quarter's worth of output.

 

At Pallancata, despite the impact of the shutdown, the operation still had a steady period of production from the middle of the year onwards, delivering 4.8 million silver equivalent ounces (2019: 9.5 million ounces) at a cost of $15.6 per silver equivalent ounce (2019: $13.4 per ounce). In Argentina, San Jose initially experienced a shorter stoppage with production restarting in late April. However, restrictions on people's movement in the country resulted in a slow and difficult remobilisation whilst rising regional Covid infections in the Santa Cruz province led to a further 20-day stoppage in late November. Production was 9.7 million silver equivalent ounces (2019: 15.9 million ounces) with costs at $14.6 per silver equivalent ounce (2019: $13.3 per ounce).

 

Exploration

Our 2020 brownfield plans were also affected by the Covid-related delays and almost three months of the schedule was deferred. However, despite delays, we were able to obtain the permits required for 2020, reconfigure the programme and implement an aggressive series of campaigns for the remainder of the year in the surrounding areas of all three of our current mines. Our objectives remained the same in terms of upgrading our current resource base and discovering new potential resources. In this regard, we were broadly successful with approximately 75% of the programme completed and drilling achieving an increase in reserves of 25.3 million silver equivalent ounces at Inmaculada. This figure does not incorporate a portion of drilling from January 2021 and therefore not reflected in the 2020 audited ore reserves statement starting on page 54.

 

At San Jose, we were encouraged to see some positive drill results towards the end of the year in the Saavedra area close to where we are currently mining whilst, in the region surrounding Pallancata, exciting results from the second campaign at the Corina deposit to the north lead us to expect a maiden resource will be achieved in the next few months. Whilst there is still work to do to extend the current Pallancata mine life, we are hopeful that results at Corina may eventually secure the long-term future of production in the area. In addition, we also made a start on a new drilling campaign at our former mine, Arcata, and were highly encouraged by the first results from the area to the west of the mine with work expected to continue this year.

 

In Chile, work on our exciting Biolantanidos rare earths project has progressed well, notwithstanding a few minor delays resulting from the impact of the pandemic in the country. Key management personnel are in place and are advancing the various work streams including: brownfield drilling; updating the resource model; progressing the project's permitting; carrying out metallurgical tests and equipment piloting; and starting execution of the stakeholder engagement plan. The project is on track to complete a feasibility study towards end of the first half of the year.

 

Our greenfield programme was also impacted but we saw encouraging progress from Snip in British Columbia where our partner Skeena Resources announced a maiden resource for the deposit in July, and we look forward to results from the project's second drilling campaign which has now completed. Third-party exploration work also began at the Horsethief project in Nevada.

 

Financial position

Despite the significant impact of the Covid crisis, our resilient production performance combined with a higher price environment has resulted in our balance sheet now sitting in an enviably strong position with cash and cash equivalents of $231 million at the end of December (31 December 2019: $166.4 million). This has meant for the first time in eight years, Hochschild ended the year with a net cash position, $21.6 million (31 December 2019: $33.2 million net debt).

 

Financial results

As discussed above, total Group production was significantly lower versus 2019 and consequently, despite a 28% rise in the average realised gold price achieved and a 35% rise in the silver price, net revenue was reduced to $621.8 million (2019: $755.7 million). All-in sustaining costs do not include approximately $47 million of fixed costs at the operations incurred during the stoppages and ramp-up (presented within cost of sales). However, we were able to finish slightly below our revised cost guidance at $12.8 per silver equivalent ounce (2019: $11.9 per ounce). Adjusted EBITDA of $270.9 million (2019: $343.3 million) mostly reflects the reduced production levels as well as a rise in mine closure provisions of $16.1 million. Pre-exceptional earnings per share of $0.06 (2019: $0.09 per share) includes the impact of an increase in finance costs in Argentina and of income tax arising from the impact of local currency devaluation in Peru and Argentina. Post-exceptional earnings per share was lower at $0.03 (2019: $0.06 earnings per share) mainly due to the exceptional after tax cost of $22.0 million of Covid-19 response initiatives which are deemed to be exceptional as they are incremental to the Group's regular business, are material impacts and are not expected to recur. This was partially offset by the exceptional after-tax gain of $6.2 million from the reversal of impairment at San Jose.

 

Outlook

We expect attributable production in 2021 of between 360,000 and 372,000 gold equivalent ounces (31.0 to 32.0 million silver equivalent ounces) assuming the silver to gold ratio of 86:1 (the average ratio for 2020). This will be driven by: 223,000-228,000 gold equivalent ounces from Inmaculada; an attributable contribution of 6.4 to 6.8 million silver equivalent ounces from San Jose; and 5.4-5.6 million silver equivalent ounces from Pallancata. The Company has also taken steps to protect cashflow generation in Peru, from the existing marginal resource base, mainly at Pallancata, by hedging the sale of 4 million ounces of silver at $27.10 per ounce for 2021 and a further 4 million ounces of silver at $26.86 per ounce for 2022.

 

All-in sustaining costs for operations are expected at between $1,210 to $1,250 per gold equivalent ounce ($14.1 to $14.5 per silver equivalent ounce). This forecast includes a rise in mine development costs at San Jose in order to increase reserves and an increase in development at Inmaculada. Grades at Inmaculada are expected to be lower due to the delay in mine development and permitting resulting from the Covid-related stoppages.

 

The budget for brownfield exploration is set at approximately $34 million with the greenfield and advanced project budget set at approximately $11 million. In addition, a budget of approximately $14 million has been allocated towards advancing the Biolantanidos project and includes approximately $5 million of further exploration costs. Finally, we have recently approved a $7 million budget to construct an ore sorting pilot plant at Inmaculada during 2021. We believe this project may eventually deliver significant improvements in recoveries at the mine and potentially help to optimise other key projects in Hochschild's portfolio.

 

2021 has started with the pandemic still heavily impacting both the countries we operate in. Precious metal price strength has continued but we will remain vigilant and we have the people and the cash resources to meet the challenges ahead. We also intend to continue investing for the future. We have scheduled another busy brownfield exploration programme involving drill targets across our portfolio with the aim of adding further high quality ounces to our resource base and optimising our early-stage projects. We will also continue to assess value-accretive acquisition opportunities and can look forward to the feasibility study at our Biolantanidos rare earths project towards the middle of the year.

 

 

Ignacio Bustamante, Chief Executive Officer

17 February 2021

 

 

 

OPERATING REVIEW

OPERATIONS

Note: All equivalent figures calculated using the Company's 2020 average gold/silver ratio of 86:1. 2019 figures have been restated (previously calculated using a gold/silver ratio of 81:1).

 

Production

In 2020, Hochschild delivered attributable production of 289,293 gold equivalent ounces or 24.9 million silver equivalent ounces, at the high end of the Company's revised forecasts published in early September but with the reduction versus 2019 reflecting the impact from Covid-related disruptions throughout the year

 

The overall attributable production target for 2021 is 360,000-372,000 gold equivalent ounces or 31.0-32.0 million silver equivalent ounces.

 

Total 2020 group production[8]

 

Year ended

31 Dec 2020

Year ended

31 Dec 2019

Silver production (koz)

11,821

20,163

Gold production (koz)

207.08

321.58

Total silver equivalent (koz)

29,631

47,818

Total gold equivalent (koz)

344.54

556.03

Silver sold (koz)

11,846

20,062

Gold sold (koz)

207.77

317.52

Total production includes 100% of all production, including production attributable to Hochschild's minority shareholder at San Jose.

 

Attributable 2020 group production

 

Year ended

31 Dec 2020

Year ended

31 Dec 2019

Silver production (koz)

9,808

16,808

Gold production (koz)

175.24

269.89

Silver equivalent (koz)

24,879

40,019

Gold equivalent (koz)

289.29

465.34

Attributable production includes 100% of all production from Arcata, Inmaculada, Pallancata and 51% from San Jose.

 

Attributable 2021 Production forecast split

Operation

Oz Au Eq

Moz Ag Eq

Inmaculada

223,000-228,000

19.2-19.6

Pallancata

63,000-65,000

5.4-5.6

San Jose

74,000-79,000

6.4-6.8

Total

360,000-372,000

31.0-32.0

 

Costs

All-in sustaining cost from operations in 2020 was $1,098 per gold equivalent ounce or $12.8 per silver equivalent ounce (2019: $990 per gold equivalent ounce or $11.6 per silver equivalent ounce), higher than 2019 mainly due to the effect of less production resulting from the Covid stoppages impacting administrative expenses, exploration expenses and capex per ounce in all units. The increase was also due to lower grades at all mines mostly resulting from the revised mine plans also due to the stoppages. These effects were partially offset by savings from cash optimisation plans and local currency devaluation in both Peru and Argentina. These figures do not include fixed costs incurred at the operations during the stoppages as well as abnormal costs during the phases of reduced production capacity as well as $27.6 million of exceptional Covid-19 response initiatives.

                       

The all-in sustaining cost from operations in 2021 is expected to be between $1,210 and $1,250 per gold equivalent ounce (or $14.1 and $14.5 per silver equivalent ounce). These levels mainly reflect higher expected mine production costs aligned with mine plans and a rise in mine development capex to increase reserves primarily in San Jose and Inmaculada.

 

 

 

2021 AISC forecast split

Operation

$/oz Au Eq

$/oz Ag Eq

Inmaculada

1,040-1,080

12.1-12.5

Pallancata

1,440-1,480

16.8-17.2

San Jose

1,370-1,400

15.9-16.3

Total from operations

1,210-1,250

14.1-14.5

 

Inmaculada

The 100% owned Inmaculada gold/silver underground operation is located in the Department of Ayacucho in southern Peru. It commenced operations in June 2015.

 

Inmaculada summary 

Year ended

31 Dec 2020

Year ended

31 Dec 2019

% change

Ore production (tonnes)

948,937

1,338,569

(29)

Average silver grade (g/t)

154

163

(6)

Average gold grade (g/t)

4.33

4.71

(8)

Silver produced (koz)

4,034

5,747

(30)

Gold produced (koz)

129.17

           189.18

(32)

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

15,143

22,016

(31)

Gold equivalent produced (koz)

176.09

256.00

(31)

Silver sold (koz)

4,020

5,732

(30)

Gold sold (koz)

129.70

188.59

(31)

Unit cost ($/t)

95.1

93.3

2

Total cash cost ($/oz Au co-product)

576

504

14

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Au Eq)

922

811

14

 

Production

The Inmaculada mine delivered gold equivalent production of 176,086 ounces in 2020 (2019: 256,001 ounces), with the reduction versus expectations due to the impact of two Covid-19 related stoppages during the year. These affected the operation firstly from mid-March until the end of May and secondly during most of July. Grades have proved to be slightly lower than originally budgeted due to delays in mine sequencing resulting from the stoppages.

 

Costs

All-in sustaining costs were $922 per gold equivalent ounce (2019: $811 per ounce) with the increase versus 2019 due to the impact of Covid stoppages on production and therefore on opex and capex per ounce and to lower gold grades, partially offset by savings from cash optimisation plans and local currency devaluation. Fixed costs of $11.7 million incurred during the stoppages and ramp-ups are not included in the figure in addition to $13.5 million of exceptional Covid-19 response initiatives.

 

Pallancata

The 100% owned Pallancata silver/gold property is located in the Department of Ayacucho in southern Peru. Pallancata commenced production in 2007. Ore from Pallancata is transported 22 kilometres to the Selene plant for processing.

 

Pallancata summary 

Year ended

31 Dec 2020

Year ended

31 Dec 2019

% change

Ore production (tonnes)

519,611

915,877

(43)

Average silver grade (g/t)

247

278

(11)

Average gold grade (g/t)

0.87

1.01

(14)

Silver produced (koz)

3,679

7,259

(49)

Gold produced (koz)

12.93

25.95

(50)

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

4,790

9,491

(50)

Gold equivalent produced (koz)

55.70

           110.36

(50)

Silver sold (koz)

3,654

7,161

(49)

Gold sold (koz)

12.80

25.45

(50)

Unit cost ($/t)

101.2

83.8

21

Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)

13.1

9.6

36

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Ag Eq)

15.6

13.4

16

 

Production

Pallancata produced 4.8 million silver equivalent ounces in 2020 (2019: 9.5 million ounces) with the reduction versus the original forecast (7.2 million ounces) due to the effects of the single Covid-19 related stoppage from mid-March to early June. In addition grades dropped moderately in line with the mine plan.

 

Costs

All-in sustaining costs were at $15.6 per silver equivalent ounce (2019: $13.4 per ounce). The mining of lower grade areas and reduced production resulting from the stoppages led to increases versus 2019 but were partially offset by savings from cash optimisation plans, lower expected capex and local currency devaluation. Fixed costs of $4.9 million incurred during the stoppage and ramp-up not included in the figure in addition to $8.2 million of exceptional Covid-19 response initiatives.

 

San Jose

The San Jose silver/gold mine is located in Argentina, in the province of Santa Cruz, 1,750 kilometres south west of Buenos Aires. San Jose commenced production in 2007. Hochschild holds a controlling interest of 51% and is the mine operator. The remaining 49% is owned by McEwen Mining Inc.

 

San Jose summary 

Year ended

31 Dec 2020

Year ended

31 Dec 2019

% change

Ore production (tonnes)

401,202

544,165

(26)

Average silver grade (g/t)

357

443

(19)

Average gold grade (g/t)

5.63

6.81

(17)

Silver produced (koz)

4,108

6,846

(40)

Gold produced (koz)

64.99

105.48

(38)

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

9,697

15,917

(39)

Gold equivalent produced (koz)

112.76

185.08

(39)

Silver sold (koz)

4,172

6,846

(39)

Gold sold (koz)

65.28

102.82

(37)

Unit cost ($/t)

199.4

219.2

(9)

Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)

11.1

9.6

16

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Ag Eq)

14.6

13.3

10

 

Production

Production at San Jose in 2020 totalled 9.7 million silver equivalent ounces (2019: 15.9 million ounces). Whilst the mine restarted operations in late April 2020, following the first Covid-19 stoppage, continuing restrictions on the movement of people in Argentina throughout the remainder of the year resulted in a revised mine plan and lower grades. A further stoppage due to an increase in Covid-19 infections in the region occurred for 20 days from 15 November to 5 December 2020. A reduced level of staff remained on-site thereafter to oversee the final production of the unit's revised 2020 output target following permission from the Santa Cruz provincial authorities to restart operations.

 

Costs

All-in sustaining costs were at $14.6 per silver equivalent ounce (2019: $13.3 per ounce) with the operation impacted by the effect of lower ounces produced versus 2019 resulting in higher opex and capex per ounce. In addition, the mining of lower grade areas and higher inflation in the country also contributed to the increase. These were partially offset by savings from cash optimisation plans and by local currency devaluation. Fixed costs of $28.0 million incurred during the stoppage and phased ramp-up are not included in the figure in addition to $5.9 million of exceptional Covid-19 response initiatives.

 

 

 

EXPLORATION

Inmaculada

In 2020, the brownfield programme commenced in the first quarter before the programme was halted in mid-March due to the Covid crisis. The programme resumed in the third quarter with a total of almost 28,000m of resource and potential drilling carried out by the end of the year on the Shakira, Juliana, Thalia and Millet East veins, amongst others, to add resources to the resource base and discover new ounces. A summary of significant drill results from 2020 are presented below:

 

Vein

Results (potential/resource drilling)

Bety

IMS-20-001: 1.0m @ 1.3g/t Au & 94g/t Ag

Lady

LAD-19-001: 1.3m @ 1.5g/t Au & 120g/t Ag

Lady Sur

LAD-19-002: 0.9m @ 5.7g/t Au & 17g/t Ag

LAD-19-003: 1.4m @ 27.0g/t Au & 113g/t Ag

South vein

IMM-20-002: 0.8m @ 15.0g/t Au & 1,753g/t Ag

Noel

HUA-20-008A: 1.1m @ 5.0g/t Au & 179g/t Ag

Shakira

HUA-19-008: 3.1m @ 5.1g/t Au & 252g/t Ag

HUA-20-008A: 1.3m @ 2.5g/t Au & 259g/t Ag

IMS-20-019: 1.3m @ 1.3g/t Au & 70g/t Ag

IMS-20-020: 2.9m @ 2.2g/t Au & 159g/t Ag

IMM-20-022: 1.2m @ 22.1g/t Au & 21g/t Ag

IMM-20-023: 5.6m @ 9.0g/t Au & 397g/t Ag

IMS-20-025: 3.0m @ 5.2g/t Au & 241g/t Ag

IMS-20-032: 7.6m @ 2.5g/t Au & 287g/t Ag

IMS-20-036: 2.5m @ 4.7g/t Au & 337g/t Ag

IMS-20-048: 1.8m @ 2.0g/t Au & 119g/t Ag

IMS-20-049: 4.6m @ 14.0g/t Au & 303g/t Ag

Millet

IMS-20-041: 1.2m @ 2.7g/t Au & 150g/t Ag

IMS-20-042: 7.2m @ 2.2g/t Au & 153g/t Ag

Angela extension

IMS-19-006: 1.2m @ 8.1g/t Au & 60g/t Ag

IMS-20-035: 3.5m @ 3.1g/t Au & 76g/t Ag

Tula

TLO-20-014: 1.1m @ 7.7g/t Au & 236g/t Ag

TLO-20-016: 1.8m @ 1.5g/t Au & 82g/t Ag

TLO-20-018: 1.2m @ 2.5g/t Au & 95g/t Ag

TLO-20-020: 1.8m @ 6.4g/t Au & 158g/t Ag

Diana

DIV-20-069: 1.1m @ 2.3g/t Au & 72g/t Ag

DIV-20-072: 1.0m @ 2.7g/t Au & 93g/t Ag

Perla

SBE-20-060: 0.8m @ 4.1g/t Au & 60g/t Ag

SBE-20-061: 1.1m @ 3.2g/t Au & 166g/t Ag

Lucrecia

SBE-20-039: 1.0m @ 2.0g/t Au & 131g/t Ag

SBE-20-042: 0.9m @ 3.7g/t Au & 81g/t Ag

Noelia

SBE-20-046: 0.8m @ 3.2g/t Au & 90g/t Ag

SBE-20-065: 6.1m @ 8.8g/t Au & 1,086g/t Ag

Peta

DIV-20-050: 1.3m @ 3.7g/t Au & 50g/t Ag

 

Just over 100,000m of infill drilling was also carried out up until the middle of January 2021 with the result that the reserve base was increased by 25.3 million silver equivalent ounces. However, the 2020 audited Full Year Reserves and Resources statement (on pages 54-56) does not include the results of January 2021 drill work which will be included in the 2021 statement.

 

During the first quarter of 2021, the goal is to carry out 2,500m of potential drilling in the extension of the Angela vein as well as the Eduardo vein structure. Drilling is also expected to start later in the year in areas further away from the current mine to identify new potential resources.

 

Pallancata

Pallancata's 2020 drilling programme was also affected by the Covid-related stoppage which halted work for the entire second quarter. In the first few months of the year, long hole drilling was executed from underground towards the Anomalia NE, Royropata, Veta 1, Mercedes, Luisa and Erika veins and 1,880m of drilling tracing the continuity of the Pallancata vein. The potential drilling campaign which took place mostly in the second half of the year involved almost 23,000m of drilling and was targeted towards the Elva, Oscar-Ignacio, Erika and Luciano veins and again the continuation of the Pallancata vein. A summary of drill results from 2020 are presented below:

 

Vein

Results (potential/resource drilling)

Paola

DLLU-A206: 0.9m @ 1.3g/t Au & 479g/t Ag

Karina

DLLU-A206: 1.1m @ 6.8g/t Au & 539g/t Ag

Pallancata C

DLPL-A932: 4.6m @ 3.0g/t Au & 790g/t Ag

Puka

DLHU-A49: 1.9m @ 1.1g/t Au & 351g/t Ag

Oscar-Ignacio

DLER-A27: 2.0m @ 4.4g/t Au & 478g/t Ag

 

Although no inferred resources were added during the year, the brownfield exploration team believes there remains potential to identify additional resources to extend the short-term life of the Pallancata mine.  In the first half of 2021, the plan is to execute 3,000m of potential drilling to continue to test the continuity of the Pallancata vein as well as the Oscar-Ignacio and Luisa-Paola structures and also the potential extension to the Pablo vein. 1,500m of drilling is also planned for Cochaloma.

 

Corina

At Corina, to the north of Selene, 2,318m of resource drilling was executed towards the end of 2020 in the Corina structure with the key results below:

 

Vein

Results (potential drilling)

Corina

DHCOR-20015: 25.7m @ 2.5g/t Au & 23g/t Ag

including 2.5m @ 10.1g/t Au & 62g/t Ag

DHCOR-20018: 1.3m @ 1.2g/t Au & 14g/t Ag

DHCOR-20019: 4.8m @ 1.4g/t Au & 23g/t Ag

DHCOR-20020: 23.3m @ 4.9g/t Au & 43g/t Ag

DHCOR-20021: 9.3m @ 3.9g/t Au & 47g/t Ag

including 2.3m @ 8.4g/t Au & 88g/t Ag

DHCOR-20022: 1.2m @ 1.4g/t Au & 3g/t Ag

DHCOR-20025: 4.8m @ 3.6g/t Au & 19g/t Ag

 

Drilling continues with resource and potential drilling in the Corina vein and associated structures to the north east of the system. A maiden resource is expected to be established in the next few months.

 

San Jose

At San Jose, 2,889m of potential drilling was executed before the stoppage in the first quarter in the Micaela Oeste, Emily, Karina and Carlos structures. When exploration restarted in the second quarter, further potential drilling was carried out throughout the remainder of the year towards the Ayelen, Erika, Mara, Sigmoide Julia, Sigmoide Luli, Emilia, Salvador, Micaela Oeste, Cindy and Saavedra targets. Resource drilling was also executed in the Betania and Isabel structures. A total of close to 45,000m of drilling was carried out in 2020 whilst, in the second quarter of the year, a Titan geophysics survey was completed.

 

Vein

Results (potential drilling)

Micaela Oeste

SJD-2070: 0.9m @ 9.6g/t Au & 207g/t Ag

Carlos

SJD-2084: 1.9m @ 3.5g/t Au & 1,024g/t Ag

Odin

SJD-2103: 2.8m @ 17.1g/t Au & 591g/t Ag

SJD-2109: 0.9m @ 6.9g/t Au & 126g/t Ag

SJM-505: 2.6m @ 11.0g/t Au & 968g/t Ag

Julia

SJD-2108: 1.0m @ 7.0g/t Au & 812g/t Ag

SJD-2110: 1.2m @ 5.8g/t Au & 197g/t Ag

Erika

SJD-2114: 0.8m @ 1.5g/t Au & 332g/t Ag

New vein 1

SJD-2110: 0.9m @ 8.0g/t Au & 398g/t Ag

Isabel

SJD-2145: 0.8m @ 1.7g/t Au & 449g/t Ag

SJD-2210: 1.6m @ 5.6g/t Au & 648g/t Ag

SJD-2211: 1.6m @ 3.7g/t Au & 376g/t Ag

Horiz.Savedra

SJD-2154: 2.4m @ 4.9g/t Au & 19g/t Ag

Emilia

SJM-511: 0.9m @ 1.8g/t Au & 248g/t Ag

Cindy

SJM-518: 1.2m @ 3.8g/t Au & 407g/t Ag

HVS

SJD-2140: 3.4m @ 10.0g/t Au & 523g/t Ag

Kospi

SJD-2129: 1.4m @ 6.2g/t Au & 1,309g/t Ag

Sig. Luli

SJM-507: 1.1m @ 14.9g/t Au & 295g/t Ag

SJM-508: 1.5m @ 2.4g/t Au & 248g/t Ag

Alina

SJD-2176: 1.2m @ 1.1g/t Au & 319g/t Ag

Ramal HVNX

SJD-2184: 1.2m @ 4.0g/t Au & 557g/t Ag

SJD-2188: 1.3m @ 13.8g/t Au & 3,149g/t Ag

Betania (Saavedra)

SJD-2207: 4.0m @ 1.4g/t Au & 760g/t Ag

Luisa

SJD-2210: 0.9m @ 2.2/t Au & 722g/t Ag

 

During the first quarter of 2021, 2,000m of resource drilling is planned at the Betania and Isabel veins with campaigns also continuing at the Saavedra area, the Telken zone close to Cerro Negro and at Aguas Vivas to the north west of San Jose.

 

Arcata

Following the early receipt of the exploration permit at Arcata in the fourth quarter, 5,022m was drilled in the Fatima, Tres Reyes and the West veins with selected results below:

Vein

Results (potential drilling)

Fatima

DDH-609-S20: 3.0m @ 1.4g/t Au & 760g/t Ag

Tres Reyes

DDH-611-S20: 1.3m @ 1.5g/t Au & 313g/t Ag

Jenny

DDH-611-S20: 0.9m @ 0.7g/t Au & 204g/t Ag

 

A further 3,000m of drilling is planned for the first quarter of 2021 at the Baja, Fatima and Tres Reyes veins.

                       

Crespo

At the Crespo open pit project close to Arcata, 1,973m of potential drilling was carried out in the fourth quarter of the year to confirm the lateral continuity of the orebody as well as a potential deepening of the breccia and testing of the surrounding colluvial deposits.

 

Target

Results (potential/resource drilling)

Lateral extension

DDH-CRE-2001: 26.2m @ 1.2g/t Au & 82g/t Ag

Extension at depth

DDH-CRE-2002: 16.5m @ 0.3g/t Au & 14g/t Ag

DDH-CRE-2002: 12.8m @ 0.3g/t Au & 1g/t Ag

Colluvial

ROT-CRE-2009: 30.0m@ 0.2g/t Au & 8g/t Ag

ROT-CRE-2010: 12.0m@ 0.2g/t Au & 5g/t Ag

 

When the team returns in the second quarter after the rainy season, the programme will continue with 2,000m of drilling aimed at the extension and deepening of hydrothermal breccias and the colluvial deposits.

 

BIOLANTANIDOS

At the 100% owned Biolantanidos rare earths deposit in Chile, despite minor delays due to Covid-19, progress on the feasibility study was maintained with key advances made in geology, processing and equipment testing. The project's environmental permitting process continued to move forward and in addition, further brownfield targets were identified which are expected to increase the project's resources. Finally, the rare earths dedicated team grew as several key employees were added to the Biolantanidos organisation, including a new General Manager. The project remains on track to deliver a feasibility study towards the end of the first half of 2021.

 

GREENFIELD AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Hochschild's strategy with regards to its greenfield exploration programme is to maintain and drill a balanced portfolio of early-stage to advanced opportunities using a combination of earn-in joint ventures, private placements with junior exploration companies and the staking of properties.

 

In 2020, there was considerable disruption to the programme from the Covid-19 crisis but exploration work was possible later in the year at: the Cooke Mountain gold project owned by Adamera Minerals Corp in Washington State, U.S. the Horsethief project owned by Allianza Minerals Ltd in Nevada, U.S.; Los Cuarentas owned by Riverside Minerals in Sonora, Mexico along with Sarape owned by Orogen Royalties also in Sonora; and the Illipah project owned by EMX Royalty Corp also in Nevada.  

 

In 2021, the greenfield and advanced project budget is set at $11 million and the Company expects to drill five to six prospects in Peru, the U.S. and Mexico.

 

Snip

At Snip in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, Hochschild's partner, Skeena Resources Limited, announced a maiden resource in July 2020 at their 100%-owned Snip Gold Project in northwest British Columbia, Canada.

 

The underground constrained Indicated resources include 244,000 ounces of gold hosted within 539,000 tonnes at an average gold grade of 14.0 g/t Au. Resources within the Inferred category include 402,000 ounces of gold hosted within 942,000 tonnes at an average gold grade of 13.3 g/t Au (Table 1). In the determination of reasonable prospects for economic extraction, long hole stoping is contemplated. Sensitivities to the gold cut-off are presented in Table 2.

 

Table 1: Snip Indicated and Inferred underground resources reported undiluted at a 2.5 g/t Au cut-off grade within stope optimised mining shapes.

 

Domain

Tonnes

(000)

Contained Grade Au (g/t)

Contained Metal

Au (000 oz)

Indicated Mineral Resources

 

 

 

 

 

Main - V

165

12.8

68

 

Main - S

337

15.0

163

 

Twin West

37

10.4

12

Total Indicated

 

539

14.0

244

Inferred Mineral Resources

 

 

 

 

 

Main - V

287

13.1

121

 

Main - S

599

13.4

258

 

Twin West

56

12.4

23

Total Inferred

 

942

13.3

402

 

Skeena has recently completed a second drilling campaign to follow up on the first campaign from 2019 with the aim of expanding the resource. Results from the programme are pending. 

In September 2018, Skeena granted Hochschild an option to earn a 60% undivided interest in Snip by spending twice the amount Skeena had spent since it originally optioned Snip from Barrick. Under the Heads of Agreement agreed between Skeena and Hochschild, Hochschild had three years from the closing (by 16 October 2021) to provide notice to Skeena that it wishes to exercise its option. Once exercised, Hochschild will have three years to:

 

·      incur expenditures on Snip that are no less than twice the amount of such expenditures incurred by Skeena from 23 March 2016 up until the time of exercise of the Option by Hochschild. As of 30 June 2020, Skeena had incurred C$18.9 million of expenditures at Snip;

·      incur no less than C$7.5 million in exploration or development expenditures on Snip in each 12-month period of the Option Period; and

·      provide 60% of the financial assurance required by governmental authorities for the Snip mining properties

 

 

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

The reporting currency of Hochschild Mining plc is U.S. dollars. In discussions of financial performance, the Group removes the effect of exceptional items, unless otherwise indicated, and in the income statement results are shown both pre and post such exceptional items. Exceptional items are those items, which due to their nature or the expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, need to be disclosed separately on the face of the income statement to enable a better understanding of the financial performance of the Group and to facilitate comparison with prior years. 

 

Revenue

Gross revenue [9]

Gross revenue from continuing operations decreased by 18% to $641.4 million in 2019 (2019: $780.3 million) due to the effects of the production stoppages during the year resulting from the Covid-19 crisis. This was partially offset by a strong rise in average realised precious metal prices.

 

Gold

Gross revenue from gold in 2020 decreased to $376.9 million (2019: $449.0 million) due to the 35% fall in gold sales arising from the production stoppages. This was partially offset by a 28% increase in the average realised gold price.

 

Silver

Gross revenue from silver fell in 2020 to $264.5 million (2019: $331.2 million) due to a 41% fall in silver sales arising from the production stoppages. This was partially offset by a 35% increase in the average realised silver price.

 

Gross average realised sales prices

The following table provides figures for average realised prices (before the deduction of commercial discounts) and ounces sold for 2020 and 2019:

 

Average realised prices

Year ended
31 Dec 2020

Year ended
31 Dec 2019 

 

Silver ounces sold (koz)

11,846

20,062

 

Avg. realised silver price ($/oz)

22.3

16.5

 

Gold ounces sold (koz)

207.77

317.52

 

Avg. realised gold price ($/oz)

1,814

1,414

 

 

Commercial discounts

Commercial discounts refer to refinery treatment charges, refining fees and payable deductions for processing concentrate, and are deducted from gross revenue on a per tonne basis (treatment charge), per ounce basis (refining fees) or as a percentage of gross revenue (payable deductions). In 2020, the Group recorded commercial discounts of $19.7 million (2019: $24.7 million) with the decrease explained by the significant reduction in production. The ratio of commercial discounts to gross revenue in 2020 was 3% (2019: 3%).

 

Net revenue

Net revenue was $621.8 million (2019: $755.7 million), comprising net gold revenue of $370.1 million (2019: $441.6 million) and net silver revenue of $251.6 million (2019: $314.0 million). In 2020, gold accounted for 60% and silver 40% of the Company's consolidated net revenue (2019: gold 58% and silver 42%).

 

Reconciliation of gross revenue by mine to Group net revenue

$000

Year ended
31 Dec 2020

Year ended
31 Dec 2019 

% change

Silver revenue

 

 

 

Arcata

-

4,984

-

Inmaculada

84,651

90,110

(6)

Pallancata

83,405

121,494

(31)

San Jose

96,472

114,623

(16)

Commercial discounts

(12,932)

(17,258)

(25)

Net silver revenue

251,596

313,953

(20)

Gold revenue

 

 

 

Arcata

-

873

-

Inmaculada

230,255

262,033

(12)

Pallancata

24,154

37,237

(35)

San Jose

122,483

148,901

(18)

Commercial discounts

(6,810)

(7,460)

(9)

Net gold revenue

370,082

441,584

(16)

Other revenue

149

139

7

Net revenue

621,827

755,676

(18)

 

Cost of sales

Total cost of sales before exceptional items was $397.8 million in 2020 (2019: $512.7 million). The direct production cost excluding depreciation was lower at $218.2 million (2019: $327.7 million) mainly due to the Covid-related stoppages. Unallocated fixed costs at the operations incurred during the stoppages as well as abnormal costs during the phases of reduced production capacity were $46.5 million and are shown separately below. Depreciation in production cost fell to $113.1 million (2019: $184.4 million) due to lower extracted volumes across all operations. This figure does not include $1.8 million of depreciation incurred during the stoppages (also shown below within fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced capacity line). The change in inventories was $17.3 million in 2020 (2019: $(3.8) million) due to a reduction in products in process (stockpiles and precipitates).

 

$000

Year ended
31 Dec 2020

Year ended
31 Dec 2019 

% Change

Direct production cost excluding depreciation

218,212

327,660

(33)

Depreciation in production cost

113,146

184,388

(39)

Other items and workers profit sharing

2,632

4,445

(41)

Fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced capacity

46,480

-

-

Change in inventories

17,323

(3,782)

(558)

Cost of sales

397,793

512,711

(22)

 

Fixed costs at the operations during stoppages and reduced capacity

$000

 

Personnel costs

32,117

Third party services

8,948

Supplies

1,698

Depreciation and amortisation

1,818

Others

1,899

Total

46,480

 

Unit cost per tonne

The Company reported unit cost per tonne at its operations of $119.9 per tonne in 2020, a 4% increase versus 2019 ($115.8 per tonne) mainly due to the expected lower tonnage rate at Pallancata. This was partially offset by lower temporary costs at San Jose as a result of using a higher proportion of mechanised mining due to Covid-related restrictions on staffing levels.

 

Unit cost per tonne by operation (including royalties)[10]:

Operating unit ($/tonne)

Year ended
31 Dec 2020

Year ended
31 Dec 2019

% change

Peru

97.5

89.4

9

Inmaculada

95.1

93.3

2

Pallancata

101.2

83.8

21

Arcata

-

182.2

-

Argentina

 

 

 

San Jose

199.4

219.2

(9)

Total

119.9

115.8

4

 

Cash costs

Cash costs include cost of sales, commercial deductions and selling expenses before exceptional items, less depreciation included in cost of sales.

 

Cash cost reconciliation[11]

Year ended 31 Dec 2020

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Total

Group cash cost

        102,135

           62,181

        107,119

271,435

(+) Cost of sales[12]

        154,950

           83,272

        113,091

351,313

(-) Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales

        (55,338)

        (28,608)

        (30,716)

(114,662)

(+) Selling expenses

                 417

                 632

           11,705

12,754

(+) Commercial deductions[13]

             2,106

             6,885

           13,039

22,030

Gold

117

1,102

5,715

6,934

Silver

1,989

5,783

7,324

15,096

Revenue

        314,906

        100,674

        206,098

621,678

Gold

        230,255

           23,052

        116,775

370,082

Silver

           84,651

           77,622

           89,323

251,596

Others

-

-

-

-

Ounces sold

 

 

 

 

Gold

             129.7

               12.8

               65.3

207.8

Silver

             4,020

             3,654

             4,172

11,846

Group cash cost ($/oz)

 

 

 

 

Co product Au

                 576

             1,112

                 930

778

Co product Ag

                  6.8

               13.1

               11.1

9.3

By product Au

                 119

           (1,658)

                 160

23

By product Ag

             (31.9)

               10.4

               (3.7)

(8.9)

 

Year ended 31 Dec 2019

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Total

Group cash cost

        127,690

          90,705

       152,873

378,931

(+) Cost of sales[14]

        206,199

        129,771

       169,955

512,711

(-) Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales

        (81,570)

        (51,195)

       (49,862)

(182,676)

(+) Selling expenses

                481

                996

          19,444

21,071

(+) Commercial deductions[15]

             2,580

          11,133

          13,336

27,825

Gold

194

1,772

5,582

7,674

Silver

2,386

9,361

7,754

20,151

Revenue

        352,143

        147,598

       250,715

755,676

Gold

        262,033

          35,465

       143,339

441,584

Silver

          90,110

        112,133

       107,376

313,953

Others

-

-

-

139

Ounces sold

 

 

 

 

Gold

             188.6

               25.4

            102.8

317.5

Silver

             5,732

            7,161

            6,846

20,062

Group cash cost ($/oz)

 

 

 

 

Co product Au

                504

                857

                850

698

Co product Ag

                 5.7

                 9.6

                 9.6

7.8

By product Au

                187

          (1,210)

                367

141

By product Ag

             (23.5)

                 7.5

                 0.6

(3.5)

 

Co-product cash cost per ounce is the cash cost allocated to the primary metal (allocation based on proportion of revenue), divided by the ounces sold of the primary metal. By-product cash cost per ounce is the total cash cost minus revenue and commercial discounts of the by-product divided by the ounces sold of the primary metal.

 

All-in sustaining cost reconciliation[16]

All-in sustaining cash costs per silver equivalent ounce

 

Year ended 31 Dec 2020

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Main

operations

Corporate &

others

Total

(+) Direct production cost excluding depreciation

86,874

51,534

           79,804

          218,212

-

        218,212

(+) Other items and workers profit sharing in cost of sales

1,383

1,249

                    -  

              2,632

-

           2,632

(+) Operating and exploration capex for units[17]

62,128

7,506

           21,681

            91,315

447

         91,762

(+) Brownfield exploration expenses

2,526

4,652

             9,720

            16,898

3,745

        20,643

(+) Administrative expenses (excl depreciation)[18]

3,768

1,205

             5,590

           10,563

30,533

        41,096

(+) Royalties and special mining tax[19]

3,098

990

                    -  

             4,088

3,119

          7,206

Sub-total

159,777

67,136

        116,795

         343,707

37,592

     381,299

Au ounces produced

129,173

12,925

           64,987

         207,085

-

     207,085

Ag ounces produced (000s)

4,034

3,679

             4,108

            11,821

-

           11,821

Ounces produced (Ag Eq 000s oz)

15,143

4,790

             9,697

            29,631

-

        29,631

Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq)

10.6

14.0

               12.0

                 11.6

-

            12.9

(+) Commercial deductions

2,106

6,885

           13,039

           22,030

-

        22,030

(+) Selling expenses

417

632

           11,705

            12,754

-

        12,754

Sub-total

2,523

7,517

           24,744

           34,784

-

        34,784

Au ounces sold

129,697

12,798

           65,280

         207,776

-

     207,776

Ag ounces sold (000s)

4,020

3,654

             4,172

            11,846

-

        11,846

Ounces sold (Ag Eq 000s oz)

15,174

4,754

             9,786

            29,715

-

         29,715

Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq)

0.2

1.6

                  2.5

                   1.2

-

                1.2

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Ag Eq)

10.7

15.6

               14.6

                 12.8

-

             14.0

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Au Eq)

922

1,341

             1,253

              1,098

-

            1,208

 

All-in sustaining cash costs do not include $44.7 million of fixed costs without depreciation incurred at the operations during the stoppages and abnormal costs during the phases of reduced production capacity. Also, not included in the figure are the exceptional Covid-19 response initiatives of $27.6 million corresponding to the operating mine units. These effects would have an impact on the AISC from main operations of $1.5/oz Ag Eq and $0.9/oz Ag Eq respectively.
 

Year ended 31 Dec 2019

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Main

operations

Arcata

Corporate &

others

Total

(+) Production cost excluding depreciation

124,814

75,590

120,529

320,933

6,727

-

327,660

(+) Other items and workers profit sharing in cost of sales

1,902

1,976

567

4,445

-

-

4,445

(+) Operating and exploration capex for units[20]

66,435

26,605

41,406

134,446

42

2,470

136,958

(+) Brownfield exploration expenses

3,976

7,116

9,753

20,845

1,065

3,954

25,864

(+) Administrative expenses (excl depreciation)[21]

3,917

1,642

6,215

11,774

44

31,669

43,487

(+) Royalties and special mining tax[22]

3,510

1,471

-

4,981

47

3,429

8,457

Sub-total

204,554

114,400

178,470

497,424

7,925

41,522

546,871

Au ounces produced

189,180

25,952

105,478

320,611

966

-

321,577

Ag ounces produced (000s)

5,747

7,259

6,846

19,851

311

-

20,163

Ounces produced (Ag Eq 000s oz)

22,016

9,491

15,917

47,424

394

-

47,818

Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq)

9.3

12.1

11.2

10.5

20.1

-

11.4

(+) Commercial deductions

2,580

11,133

13,336

27,049

776

 

27,825

(+) Selling expenses

481

996

19,444

20,921

150

 

21,071

Sub-total

3,061

12,129

32,780

47,970

926

-

48,896

Au ounces sold

188,585

25,446

102,824

316,855

662

-

317,515

Ag ounces sold (000s)

5,732

7,161

6,846

19,738

323

-

20,062

Ounces sold (Ag Eq 000s oz)

21,951

9,349

15,688

46,988

380

-

47,368

Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq)

            0.1

             1.3

             2.1

                1.0

          2.4

-

              1.0

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Ag Eq)

9.4

13.4

13.3

11.5

22.5

                   -  

12.5

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Au Eq)

811

1,148

1,144

990

1,938

-

1,072

 

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses were reduced by 6% to $43.3 million (2019: $45.9 million) due to cash optimisation measures implemented during the year as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Exploration expenses

In 2020, exploration expenses decreased to $32.8 million (2019: $38.0 million) mainly due to slower execution of the budgeted greenfield and brownfield programmes as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.

 

 In addition, the Group capitalises part of its brownfield exploration, which mostly relates to costs incurred converting potential resource to the Inferred or Measured and Indicated categories. In 2020, the Company capitalised $1.7 million relating to brownfield exploration compared to $6.0 million in 2019, bringing the total investment in exploration for 2020 to $34.5 million (2019: $44.0 million). 

 

Selling expenses

Selling expenses were reduced to $12.8 million (2019: $21.1 million) principally due to the fact that in Argentina, which levies export taxes, the San Jose operation was stopped for a significant period of time.

 

Other income/expenses

Other income was lower at $3.6 million (2019: $9.0 million) mainly due to a reduction in income from logistics services at the Matarani warehouse of $4.1 million.

 

Other expenses before exceptional items were lower at $28.9 million (2019: $33.9 million) mainly due to lower care and maintenance expenses at Arcata and Ares of $5.6 million (2019: $9.5 million), partially offset by higher increase in the provision for mine closure of $16.1 million (2019: $13.6 million), mainly as a result of the incremental budget to close the Ares tailings dam. Other expenses also include lower corporate social responsibility tax in Argentina at $2.7 million (2019: $3.8 million) and lower adjustment to receivables in Peru of $1.0 million (2019: $3.7 million).

 

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 21% to $270.9 million (2019: $343.3 million) primarily due to the fall in revenue resulting from the operational stoppages due to the Covid crisis and in spite of significantly increased precious metal prices.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit from continuing operations before exceptional items, net finance costs, foreign exchange losses and income tax plus non-cash items (depreciation and amortisation and changes in mine closure provisions) and exploration expenses other than personnel and other exploration related fixed expenses.

 

 

 

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Year ended
31 Dec 2020

Year ended
31 Dec 2019 

% change

Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items, net finance income/(cost), foreign exchange loss and income tax

107,837

112,276

(4)

Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales

116,480

182,676

(37)

Depreciation and amortisation in administrative expenses and other expenses

2,158

2,480

60

Exploration expenses

32,795

37,965

(14)

Personnel and other exploration related fixed expenses

(6,486)

(6,316)

3

Other non-cash income, net [23]

18,134

14,251

27

Adjusted EBITDA

270,918

343,332

(21)

Adjusted EBITDA margin

44%

45%

 

 

Finance income

Finance income before exceptional items of $4.2 million increased from 2019 ($2.9 million) mainly due to an increase in the fair value of the Group's holding in Americas Gold & Silver Corporation shares of $1.1 million (resulting from the sale of the San Felipe deposit).

 

Finance costs

Finance costs before exceptional items increased from $10.0 million in 2019 to $23.6 million in 2020, principally due to foreign exchange transaction costs to acquire $14.4 million dollars in Argentina, which resulted in a loss of $12.8 million (2019: $3.0 million). Also, costs increased as a result of interest expenses from the incremental debt raised in Peru in December 2019 ($200 million medium term loan which was a $50 million debt increase in the country) and the short term debt raised in Argentina to improve the cash position to pay for Covid expenses ($10 million as of December 2020).

 

Foreign exchange (losses)/gains

The Group recognised a foreign exchange loss of $2.6 million (2019: $1.8 million loss) as a result of exposures in currencies other than the functional currency - the Peruvian sol and the Argentinean peso which both depreciated in 2020.

 

Income tax

The Company's pre-exceptional income tax charge was $49.6 million (2019: $43.3 million). The increase in the charge is explained by the non-cash impact of local currency devaluation in Peru and Argentina which reduced the tax bases and impacted the deferred income tax by $11.7 million (2019: $1.5 million). There was also a negative impact from non-deductible expenses related to buying US dollars in Argentina of $4.1 million. The currency devaluation impact on income tax was partially offset by lower profit in line with lower production volumes.

 

The effective tax rate (pre-exceptional) for the period was 57.8% (2019: 41.9%), compared to the weighted average statutory income tax rate of 30.8% (2019: 30.9%). The high effective tax rate in 2020 versus the average statutory rate is mainly explained by the impact of local currency devaluation increasing the rate by 13.6%, the impact from Royalties and the Special Mining Tax which increased the effective rate by 8.4%, the impact of non-deductible expenses related to buying US dollars in Argentina (4.8%) and the impact from lower profit in the period which amplifies the effect of minor non-deductible expenses.

 

Exceptional items

Exceptional items in 2020 totalled a $15.8 million loss after tax (2019: $18.6 million loss after tax). Exceptional items mainly included Covid-19 response initiatives of $31.2 million distributed between cost of sales and other expenses, as well as the reversal of impairment of the San Jose mine unit of $8.3 million, partially offset by the associated tax effect.

 

The Covid initiatives include: incremental personnel expenses which are mainly one-off bonuses paid to those workers required to oversee critical processes during period of suspension; donations; accommodation whilst testing all workers for active Covid-19 cases prior to travelling to mine units; and additional transportation costs to facilitate social distancing. These items are presented as exceptional as they are incremental to the Group's regular business, resulting from initiatives to respond to the impact from Covid-19. They are material impacts and are not expected to be recurring. In 2019, there was the payment of termination benefits due to the restructuring process generated by the temporary suspension of operations at the Arcata mine unit ($12.2 million) and the impairment of Pallancata ($14.7 million), partially offset by their corresponding tax effect.

 

 

Covid-19 response initiatives[24]

$000

Peru

Argentina

Total

Personnel

4,594

-

4,594

Donations

1,364

123

1,488

Third party services

16,928

5,667

22,595

Others

2,470

80

2,550

Total

25,356

5,870

31,226

 

The tax effect of these exceptional items was a $7.2 million tax gain (2019: $7.9 million tax gain). The total effective tax rate was 68.0% (2019: 44.8%).

 

Cash flow and balance sheet review         

Cash flow:

$000

Year ended
31 Dec 2020

Year ended
31 Dec 2019 

Change

Net cash generated from operating activities

195,374

283,259

(87,885)

Net cash used in investing activities

(112,229)

(203,613)

91,384

Cash flows generated (used in)/generated from financing activities

(12,411)

9,211

(21,622)

Foreign exchange adjustment

(5,208)

(2,204)

(3,004)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents during the year

65,526

86,653

(21,127)

 

Net cash generated from operating activities decreased from $283.3 million in 2019 to $195.4 million in 2020 mainly due to lower Adjusted EBITDA of $270.9 million (2019: $343.3.0 million).

 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $112.2 million in 2020 from $203.6 million in 2019 mainly due to the impact of the acquisition of the Biolantanidos project in 2019 and lower mine developments due to the Covid-related stoppages at the operations.

 

Cash from financing activities decreased to an outflow of $12.4 million from an inflow of $9.2 million in 2019, primarily due to lower net debt raised in 2020 of $10.8 million (2019: $44.0 million) and the payment of $20.9 million of dividends in 2020 (2019: $31.3 million).

 

Working capital

$000

As at

31 December 2020

As at

31 December 2019

Trade and other receivables

78,196

73,618

Inventories

42,362

62,600

Derivative financial liabilities

(1,500)

-

Income tax payable, net

(20,709)

(11,005)

Trade and other payables

(114,415)

(120,537)

Provisions

(25,504)

(16,249)

Working capital

(41,570)

(11,573)

 

The Group's working capital position improved in 2020 from $(11.6) million to $(41.6) million. The key drivers were: lower inventories of $20.2 million; higher income tax payable of $(9.7) million; and higher provisions of $(9.3) million. These effects were partially offset by lower trade and other receivables of $4.6 million and lower trade and other payables of $6.1 million.

 

Net debt

$000 unless otherwise indicated

As at

31 December 2020

As at

31 December 2019

Cash and cash equivalents

231,883

166,357

Non-current borrowings

(199,554)

(199,308)

Current borrowings [25]

(10,778)

(234)

Net cash/(debt)

21,551

(33,185)

 

The Group's reported net cash position was $21.6 million as at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: net debt of $33.2 million). The Group benefited from strong cashflow generation resulting from the high precious metal prices and this was only moderately offset by an increase in current borrowings in Argentina.

 

 

Capital expenditure[26] 

$000

Year ended
31 Dec 2020

Year ended
31 Dec 2019 

Arcata

105

42

Pallancata

7,506

26,605

San Jose

23,030

43,623

Inmaculada

62,128

66,435

Operations

92,769

136,663

Biolantanidos[27]

8,650

60,726

Other

6,505

7,727

Total

107,924

205,116

 

2020 capital expenditure of $107.9 million (2019: $205.1 million) mainly comprised of operational capex of $92.8 million (2019: $136.7 million) with the decrease versus 2019 resulting from deferred capex at all operations due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
 

Forward looking Statements

This announcement contains certain forward looking statements, including such statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, such forward looking statements may relate to matters such as the business, strategy, investments, production, major projects and their contribution to expected production and other plans of Hochschild Mining plc and its current goals, assumptions and expectations relating to its future financial condition, performance and results.

 

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements typically containing words such as "intends", "expects", "anticipates", "targets", "plans", "estimates" and words of similar import. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Actual results, performance or achievements of Hochschild Mining plc may be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance or achievements of Hochschild Mining plc and current expectations include, but are not limited to, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, competitive conditions, technological developments, exchange rate fluctuations and general economic conditions. The Company cautions against undue reliance on any forward looking statement or guidance, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption caused by Covid-19. Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser.

 

The forward looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this announcement. Except as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, Hochschild Mining plc does not undertake any obligation to update or change any forward looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date of this announcement. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

 

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

o   the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

o   the Management report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2020

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December 2020

 

Year ended 31 December 2019

 

 

Notes

 

Before exceptional items US$000

 

Exceptional items

(note 10)

US$000

 

Total
 US$000

 

Before exceptional items US$000

 

Exceptional items

 (note 10)

US$000

 

Total
 US$000

Continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

4

 

621,827

 

-

 

621,827

 

755,676

 

-

 

755,676

Cost of sales

 

5

 

(397,793)

 

(27,613)

 

(425,406)

 

(512,711)

 

-

 

(512,711)

Gross profit

 

 

 

224,034

 

(27,613)

 

196,421

 

242,965

 

-

 

242,965

Administrative expenses

 

6

 

(43,282)

 

-

 

(43,282)

 

(45,920)

 

-

 

(45,920)

Exploration expenses

 

7

 

(32,795)

 

-

 

(32,795)

 

(37,965)

 

-

 

(37,965)

Selling expenses

 

8

 

(12,754)

 

-

 

(12,754)

 

(21,071)

 

-

 

(21,071)

Other income

 

11

 

3,617

 

-

 

3,617

 

9,014

 

-

 

9,014

Other expenses

 

11

 

(28,905)

 

(3,613)

 

(32,518)

 

(33,894)

 

(12,199)

 

(46,093)

Impairment and write-off of non-current assets, net

 

 

 

(2,078)

 

8,303

 

6,225

 

(853)

 

(14,378)

 

(15,231)

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations before net finance income/(cost), foreign exchange loss and income tax

 

 

 

107,837

 

(22,923)

 

84,914

 

112,276

 

(26,577)

 

85,699

Finance income

 

12

 

4,197

 

-

 

4,197

 

2,938

 

-

 

2,938

Finance costs

 

12

 

(23,560)

 

-

 

(23,560)

 

(10,038)

 

 

(10,038)

Foreign exchange loss, net

 

 

 

(2,631)

 

-

 

(2,631)

 

(1,757)

 

-

 

(1,757)

Profit/(loss) from continuing
operations before income tax

 

 

 

85,843

 

(22,923)

 

62,920

 

103,419

 

(26,577)

 

76,842

Income tax (expense)/benefit

 

13

 

(49,651)

 

7,157

 

(42,494)

 

(43,336)

 

7,933

 

(35,403)

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations

 

 

 

36,192

 

(15,766)

 

20,426

 

60,083

 

(18,644)

 

41,439

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity shareholders of the Parent

 

 

 

31,962

 

(16,800)

 

15,162

 

47,598

 

(18,644)

 

28,954

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

4,230

 

1,034

 

5,264

 

12,485

 

-

 

12,485

 

 

 

 

36,192

 

(15,766)

 

20,426

 

60,083

 

(18,644)

 

41,439

Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share from continuing operations for the year (expressed in US dollars per share)

 

14

 

0.06

 

(0.03)

 

0.03

 

0.09

 

(0.03)

 

0.06

Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share from continuing operations for the year (expressed in US dollars per share)

 

14

 

0.06

 

(0.03)

 

0.03

 

0.09

 

(0.03)

 

0.06

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 31 December 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

Notes

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Profit for the year

 

 

 

20,426

 

41,439

Other comprehensive income that might be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss on cash flow hedges

 

 

 

(5,913)

 

-

Deferred tax benefit on cash flow hedges

 

27

 

1,744

 

-

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

 

 

 

159

 

(327)

 

 

 

 

(4,010)

 

(327)

Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net gain on equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income ('OCI')

 

18

 

1,765

 

3,628

 

 

 

 

1,765

 

3,628

Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of tax

 

 

 

(2,245)

 

3,301

Total comprehensive income for the year

 

 

 

18,181

 

44,740

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity shareholders of the Company

 

 

 

12,917

 

32,255

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

5,264

 

12,485

 

 

 

 

18,181

 

44,740

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 31 December 2020

 

 

Notes

 

As at
31 December 2020
US$000

 

As at
31 December 2019
 US$000

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

15

 

787,663

 

795,277

Evaluation and exploration assets

 

16

 

192,121

 

181,562

Intangible assets

 

17

 

21,564

 

22,359

Financial assets at fair value through OCI

 

18

 

402

 

6,159

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

 

19

 

5,407

 

-

Trade and other receivables

 

20

 

5,395

 

5,188

Deferred income tax assets

 

27

 

1,009

 

1,627

 

 

 

 

1,013,561

 

1,012,172

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

21

 

42,362

 

62,600

Trade and other receivables

 

20

 

78,196

 

73,618

Income tax receivable

 

 

 

59

 

206

Cash and cash equivalents

 

22

 

231,883

 

166,357

Assets held for sale

 

23

 

-

 

38,295

 

 

 

 

352,500

 

341,076

Total assets

 

 

 

1,366,061

 

1,353,248

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders of the Parent

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity share capital

 

 

 

226,506

 

226,506

Share premium

 

 

 

438,041

 

438,041

Other reserves

 

 

 

(225,664)

 

(221,800)

Retained earnings

 

 

 

287,652

 

290,263

 

 

 

 

726,535

 

733,010

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

79,550

 

74,631

Total equity

 

 

 

806,085

 

807,641

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

24

 

205

 

526

Derivative financial liabilities

 

 

 

4,503

 

-

Borrowings

 

25

 

199,554

 

199,308

Provisions

 

26

 

109,033

 

99,322

Deferred income

 

 

 

-

 

172

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

27

 

73,316

 

63,103

 

 

 

 

386,611

 

362,431

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

 

24

 

114,415

 

120,537

Derivative financial liabilities

 

 

 

1,500

 

-

Borrowings

 

25

 

10,778

 

234

Provisions

 

26

 

25,504

 

16,249

Deferred income

 

 

 

400

 

400

Income tax payable

 

 

 

20,768

 

11,211

Liabilities directly associated with asset held for sale

 

23

 

-

 

34,545

 

 

 

 

173,365

 

183,176

Total liabilities

 

 

 

559,976

 

545,607

Total equity and liabilities

 

 

 

1,366,061

 

1,353,248

 

 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 17 February 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Ignacio Bustamante

Chief Executive Officer

17 February 2021

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 31 December 2020

 

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

Notes

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash generated from operations

 

 

 

208,999

 

290,316

Interest received

 

 

 

2,292

 

2,622

Interest paid

 

 

 

(6,312)

 

(4,955)

Payment of mine closure costs

 

26

 

(3,987)

 

(3,488)

Income tax, special mining tax and mining royalty paid1

 

 

 

(5,618)

 

(1,236)

Net cash generated from operating activities

 

 

 

195,374

 

283,259

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(94,046)

 

(133,724)

Purchase of evaluation and exploration assets

 

16

 

(13,287)

 

(68,632)

Purchase of intangibles

 

17

 

-

 

(2)

Purchase of financial assets at fair value through OCI

 

18

 

-

 

(1,100)

Purchase of Argentinian bonds

 

12

 

(27,256)

 

(14,795)

Proceeds from sale of Argentinian bonds

 

12

 

14,486

 

11,835

Proceeds from sale of financial assets at fair value through OCI

 

18

 

7,522

 

421

Proceeds from deferred income

 

 

 

-

 

2,250

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

352

 

134

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

 

(112,229)

 

(203,613)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings

 

25

 

48,520

 

316,500

Transaction costs related to borrowings

 

25

 

-

 

(692)

Repayment of borrowings

 

25

 

(37,717)

 

(272,500)

Payment of lease liabilities

 

 

 

(2,021)

 

(2,506)

Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

 

(292)

 

(309)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

 

28

 

(345)

 

(11,069)

Dividends paid

 

 

 

(20,556)

 

(20,213)

Cash flows (used in)/generated from financing activities

 

 

 

(12,411)

 

9,211

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents during the year

 

 

 

70,734

 

88,857

Exchange difference

 

 

 

(5,208)

 

(2,204)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

22

 

166,357

 

79,704

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

22

 

231,883

 

166,357

1   Taxes paid have been offset with value added tax (VAT) credits of US$3,390,000 (2019:US$3,717,000).
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year 31 December 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes

 

Equity share capital US$000

 

Share premium US$000

 

Treasury shares US$000

 

Fair value reserve of financial assets at fair value through OCI
US$000

 

Dividends expired US$000

 

Cumulative translation adjustment US$000

 

Unrealised gain/

(loss) on hedges

US$000

 

Merger reserve US$000

 

Share- based payment reserve US$000

 

Total
other reserves US$000

 

Retained earnings US$000

 

Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders
of the Parent
US$000

 

Non-controlling interests
US$000

 

Total
equity
US$000

Balance at 1 January 2019

 

 

 

225,409

 

438,041

 

-

 

(4,324)

 

62

 

(13,708)

 

-

 

(210,046)

 

4,860

 

(223,156)

 

278,995

 

719,289

 

71,003

 

790,292

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,628

 

-

 

(327)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,301

 

-

 

3,301

 

-

 

3,301

Profit for the year

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

28,954

 

28,954

 

12,485

 

41,439

Total comprehensive income/
(expense) for the year

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,628

 

-

 

(327)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,301

 

28,954

 

32,255

 

12,485

 

44,740

Sale of financial assets at fair value through OCI

 

18

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,658

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,658

 

(1,658)

 

-

 

-

 

-

Transfer of financial assets at fair value through OCI to subsidiary

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(944)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(944)

 

944

 

-

 

-

 

-

Issuance of shares

 

 

 

1,097

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,097

 

-

 

1,097

Exercise of share options

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

309

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(4,647)

 

(4,647)

 

3,241

 

(1,097)

 

-

 

(1,097)

Expiration of dividends

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

37

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

37

 

-

 

37

 

2

 

39

Dividends

 

28

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(20,213)

 

(20,213)

 

-

 

(20,213)

Dividends to non -
controlling interests

 

28

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(8,859)

 

(8,859)

Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

(309)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(309)

 

 

 

(309)

Share-based payments

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,951

 

1,951

 

-

 

1,951

 

-

 

1,951

Balance at 31 December 2019

 

 

 

226,506

 

438,041

 

-

 

18

 

99

 

(14,035)

 

-

 

(210,046)

 

2,164

 

(221,800)

 

290,263

 

733,010

 

74,631

 

807,641

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,765

 

-

 

159

 

(4,169)

 

-

 

-

 

(2,245)

 

-

 

(2,245)

 

-

 

(2,245)

Profit for the year

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

15,162

 

15,162

 

5,264

 

20,426

Total comprehensive income/
(expense) for the year

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,765

 

-

 

159

 

(4,169)

 

-

 

-

 

(2,245)

 

15,162

 

12,917

 

5,264

 

18,181

Sale of financial assets at fair value through OCI

 

18

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(1,988)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(1,988)

 

1,988

 

-

 

-

 

-

Exercise of share options

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

292

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(1,087)

 

(1,087)

 

795

 

-

 

-

 

-

Dividends

 

28

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(20,556)

 

(20,556)

 

-

 

(20,556)

Dividends to non -
controlling interests

 

28

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(345)

 

(345)

Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

(292)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(292)

 

-

 

(292)

Share-based payments

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,456

 

1,456

 

-

 

1,456

 

-

 

1,456

Balance at  31 December 2020

 

 

 

226,506

 

438,041

 

-

 

(205)

 

99

 

(13,876)

 

(4,169)

 

(210,046)

 

2,533

 

(225,664)

 

287,652

 

726,535

 

79,550

 

806,085

                                                                               

 

1 Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

 

The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 contained in this document does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 have been extracted from the consolidated financial statements of Hochschild Mining plc for the year ended 31 December 2020 which have been approved by the directors on 17 February 2021 and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in due course. The auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

 

2 Significant accounting policies

 

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applied in the European Union (EU).

 

The basis of preparation and accounting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 are set out below. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments that are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, as explained below. These accounting policies have been consistently applied, except for the effects of the adoption of new and amended accounting standard.

 

The financial statements are presented in US dollars (US$) and all monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000) except when otherwise indicated.

 

Going concern

The Group's business activities, its future development and the factors likely to affect its performance and position are set out in the Strategic Report. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowings are described in the Financial Review and discussion of the Group's viability on the occurrence of certain scenarios is provided in the Viability Statement. In addition, the financial statements includes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.

 

Despite the recent domestic lockdown announced by the Government in Peru, mining has been allowed to continue to operate along with other industries as they are critical to the recovery of the national economy.  In Argentina, the central government has declared mining an essential activity for the economy and the local authorities in the Santa Cruz province (where the San Jose mine is located) are also providing support for the continuity of the mining industry which is of critical regional importance.

 

The Directors therefore consider the risk of another government-imposed suspension across all operations to be low. In addition, the Group's mines are located in isolated areas with low Covid infection rates, thus allowing the Company to control and closely monitor access to its facilities.

 

As demonstrated throughout the Annual Report, the Group has implemented a wide-ranging action plan to mitigate the risk of localised Covid outbreaks at the Group's operations.  The plan includes various health and safety protocols which go well beyond those required by law and include (a) the physical adaptation of the mining units to ensure that they are Covid secure, (b) the systematic use of antigen testing prior to transporting personnel to the mine units (c) strict hygiene and social distancing rules, and (d) the use of technology-based systems to track suspected cases.

 

Further information on the action taken by the Company in 2020 can be found on pages XX (Risk Management Report) and XX ([the Covid pages in the Annual Report]).

 

Management will continue to monitor its approach which will evolve over time as knowledge of the virus (and any variants) deepens and will seek to incorporate industry best practice.

 

The Directors have reviewed liquidity and covenant forecasts for the Group taking into account the impact of Covid-19 and they have also considered potential downside scenarios and the availability of mitigating action in assessing whether the Group is able to continue in operation during the period to 31 March 2022, which is at least 12 months from the date of these financial statements.

 

More specifically, the scenarios reviewed by the Directors included a base case (the "Base Scenario"), reflecting budgeted production for 2021 and the Life of Mine plan for Q1 2022, incremental Covid-related costs and average precious metal prices of US$1,919/oz for gold and US$25.6/oz for silver, being the average analysts' consensus for the next 15 months (the "Assumed Prices"). Taking into account the risks associated with Covid, described in the Risk Management report, the Directors also reviewed two other scenarios considering further periods of stoppage and extended incremental Covid-related costs. Separately, and in line with their usual practice, the Directors considered the impact on the Group's cash balance and debt covenant compliance under each scenario, applying different precious metal price assumptions. 

 

 

Finally, the Directors reviewed a "Remote Scenario" which takes into account a combination of (a) precious metal prices which are 20% lower than the Assumed Prices (US$1,535/oz for gold and US$20.5/oz for silver which are significantly below current spot and futures forecast prices) (b) an eight-week suspension of all operations (c) forecast expenditure according to the Base Scenario and (d) incremental Covid related costs until March 2022.

 

The Remote Scenario naturally resulted in a reduced cash balance but which nevertheless remains adequate for the Group's forecast expenditure with sufficient headroom maintained to comply with debt covenants. In each scenario, it has been assumed that all employees remain on full pay and that no further mitigating actions would be necessary to maintain an adequate level of liquidity.

 

In conclusion, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources, which would see it continue in operation for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

 

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019, except for the adoption of new standards and interpretations effective for the Group from 1 January 2020. Other amendments and interpretations apply for the first time in 2020, but do not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group. The Group has not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

 

 

3 Segment reporting

 

The Group's activities are principally related to mining operations which involve the exploration, production and sale of gold and silver. Products are subject to the same risks and returns and are sold through similar distribution channels. The Group undertakes a number of activities solely to support mining operations including power generation and services. Transfer prices between segments are set on an arm's length basis in a manner similar to that used for third parties. Segment revenue, segment expense and segment results include transfers between segments at market prices. Those transfers are eliminated on consolidation.

 

For internal reporting purposes, management takes decisions and assesses the performance of the Group through consideration of the following reporting segments:

‒       Operating unit - San Jose, which generates revenue from the sale of gold and silver (dore and concentrate).

‒       Operating unit - Pallancata, which generate revenue from the sale of gold and silver (concentrate).

‒       Operating unit - Inmaculada, which generates revenue from the sale of gold and silver (dore).

‒       Exploration, which explores and evaluates areas of interest in brownfield and greenfield sites with the aim of extending the life of mine of existing operations and to assess the feasibility of new mines. The exploration segment includes costs charged to the profit and loss and capitalised as assets.

‒       Other - includes the profit or loss generated by Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C. The Arcata mine unit was put into care and maintenance on 13 February 2019 and consequently the revenue generated from the sale of gold and silver concentrate (US$5,081,000) is reported in others from 1 January 2020.

 

The Group's administration, financing, other activities (including other income and expense), and income taxes are managed at a corporate
level and are not allocated to operating segments.

 

Segment information is consistent with the accounting policies adopted by the Group. Management evaluates the financial information
based on the adopted IFRS accounting policies in the financial statements.

 

The Group measures the performance of its operating units by the segment profit or loss that comprises gross profit, selling expenses
and exploration expenses.

 

Segment assets include items that could be allocated directly to the segment.

 

(a) Reportable segment information

 

 

 

Pallancata US$000

 

San Jose US$000

 

Inmaculada US$000

 

Exploration
US$000
 

 

Other1
US$000
 

 

Adjustment
and
eliminations
US$000

 

Total
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

 

 

96,134

 

199,803

 

314,742

 

-

 

149

 

-

 

610,828

Inter segment revenue

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6,918

 

(6,918)

 

-

Total revenue from customers

 

 

96,134

 

199,803

 

314,742

 

-

 

7,067

 

(6,918)

 

610,828

Provisional pricing adjustment

 

 

4,540

 

6,295

 

164

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

10,999

Total revenue

 

 

100,674

 

206,098

 

314,906

 

-

 

7,067

 

(6,918)

 

621,827

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment profit/(loss)

 

 

3,989

 

47,290

 

129,103

 

(33,436)

 

5,699

 

(1,773)

 

150,872

Others2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(87,952)

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

62,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other segment information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation3

 

 

(28,969)

 

(31,238)

 

(54,522)

 

(406)

 

(3,734)

 

-

 

(118,869)

Amortisation

 

 

-

 

(552)

 

(82)

 

(442)

 

(39)

 

-

 

(1,115)

Impairment and write-off of assets, net

 

 

(221)

 

7,750

 

(535)

 

(720)

 

(49)

 

-

 

6,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

 

 

7,399

 

23,030

 

62,128

 

12,772

 

2,595

 

-

 

107,924

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

24,692

 

43,735

 

14,613

 

-

 

4,675

 

-

 

87,715

Other non-current assets

 

 

33,784

 

166,887

 

516,505

 

232,135

 

52,037

 

-

 

1,001,348

Total segment assets

 

 

58,476

 

210,622

 

531,118

 

232,135

 

56,712

 

-

 

1,089,063

Not reportable assets4

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

276,998

 

-

 

276,998

Total assets

 

 

58,476

 

210,622

 

531,118

 

232,135

 

333,710

 

-

 

1,366,061

1   'Other' revenue relates to revenues earned by Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C.

2   Comprised of administrative expenses of US$43,282,000, other income of US$3,617,000, other expenses of US$32,518,000, write-off of assets (net) of US$2,078,000, reversal of impairment of assets of US$8,303,000, finance income of US$4,197,000, finance expense of US$23,560,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$2,631,000.

3   Includes depreciation capitalised in the Crespo project (US$768,000), and San Jose unit (US$1,349,000).

4   Not reportable assets are comprised of financial assets at fair value through OCI of US$402,000, financial assets at fair value through profit and loss of US$5,407,000, other receivables of US$38,238,000, income tax receivable of US$59,000, deferred income tax asset of US$1,009,000, and cash and cash equivalents of US$231,883,000.

 

 

 

Pallancata US$000

 

San Jose US$000

 

Inmaculada US$000

 

Exploration
US$000
 

 

Other1
US$000
 

 

Adjustment
and
eliminations
US$000

 

Total
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

 

140,784

 

242,972

 

351,936

 

-

 

5,400

 

-

 

741,092

Inter segment revenue

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6,101

 

(6,101)

 

-

Total revenue from customers

 

140,784

 

242,972

 

351,936

 

-

 

11,501

 

(6,101)

 

741,092

Provisional pricing adjustment

 

6,814

 

7,743

 

207

 

-

 

(180)

 

-

 

14,584

Total revenue

 

147,598

 

250,715

 

352,143

 

-

 

11,321

 

(6,101)

 

755,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment profit/(loss)

 

15,187

 

61,472

 

144,199

 

(38,062)

 

7,142

 

(6,009)

 

183,929

Others2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(107,087)

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

76,842

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other segment information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation3

 

(50,432)

 

(51,754)

 

(79,917)

 

(397)

 

(4,757)

 

-

 

(187,257)

Amortisation

 

-

 

(1,396)

 

(144)

 

(462)

 

(67)

 

-

 

(2,069)

Impairment and write-off of assets, net

 

(14,892)

 

(488)

 

(135)

 

315

 

(31)

 

-

 

(15,231)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

 

25,357

 

43,623

 

66,435

 

62,881

 

6,820

 

-

 

205,116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

20,500

 

48,286

 

26,601

 

38,301

 

5,006

 

-

 

138,694

Other non-current assets

 

50,438

 

163,656

 

506,779

 

220,934

 

57,391

 

-

 

999,198

Total segment assets

 

70,938

 

211,942

 

533,380

 

259,235

 

62,397

 

-

 

1,137,892

Not reportable assets4

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

215,356

 

-

 

215,356

Total assets

 

70,938

 

211,942

 

533,380

 

259,235

 

277,753

 

-

 

1,353,248

1   'Other' revenue relates to revenues earned by Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C.

2   Comprised of administrative expenses of US$45,920,000, other income of US$9,014,000, other expenses of US$46,093,000, write-off of assets (net) of US$853,000, impairment of assets of US$14,378,000, finance income of US$2,938,000, finance expense of US$10,038,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$1,757,000.

3   Includes depreciation capitalised in the Crespo project (US$809,000), and San Jose unit (US$2,217,000).

4   Not reportable assets are comprised of financial assets at fair value through OCI of US$6,159,000, other receivables of US$41,007,000, income tax receivable of US$206,000, deferred income tax asset of US$1,627,000, and cash and cash equivalents of US$166,357,000.

 

 (b) Geographical information

The revenue for the period based on the country in which the customer is located is as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

 

External customer

 

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

236,455

 

109,927

 

Korea

 

150,094

 

91,304

 

Canada

 

138,795

 

381,149

 

Germany

 

60,299

 

75,003

 

Japan

 

13,264

 

24,404

 

Chile

 

10,872

 

-

 

Bulgaria

 

9,311

 

17,864

 

USA

 

2,994

 

5,446

 

Peru

 

(257)

 

50,579

 

Total

 

621,827

 

755,676

 

Inter-segment

 

 

 

 

 

Peru

 

6,918

 

6,101

 

Total

 

628,745

 

761,777

 

 

In the periods set out below, certain customers accounted for greater than 10% of the Group's total revenues as detailed in the following table:

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December 2020

 

Year ended 31 December 2019

 

 

US$000

 

% Revenue

 

Segment

 

US$000

 

% Revenue

 

Segment

Argor Heraus

 

176,543

 

28%

 

Inmaculada and San Jose

 

105,436

 

14%

 

San Jose

LS Nikko

 

150,094

 

24%

 

Pallancata and San Jose

 

91,304

 

12%

 

Pallancata and San Jose

Asahi Refining Canada

 

121,048

 

19%

 

Inmaculada

 

352,949

 

47%

 

Inmaculada

MKS Switzerland S.A.

 

59,912

 

10%

 

Inmaculada

 

-

 

0%

 

-

Asahi Refining USA

 

-

 

0%

 

-

 

(806)

 

47%

 

Inmaculada

 

Non-current assets, excluding financial instruments and deferred income tax assets, were allocated to the geographical areas in which the assets are located as follows:

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Peru

 

699,121

 

709,022

Argentina

 

166,887

 

163,656

Mexico

 

-

 

838

Chile

 

135,340

 

125,682

Total non-current segment assets

 

1,001,348

 

999,198

Financial assets at fair value through OCI

 

402

 

6,159

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

 

5,407

 

-

Trade and other receivables

 

5,395

 

5,188

Deferred income tax assets

 

1,009

 

1,627

Total non-current assets

 

1,013,561

 

1,012,172

 

 

 

4 Revenue

 

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December 2020

 

Year ended 31 December 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from customers

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from  customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goods sold US$000

 

Shipping services US$000

 

Total US$000

 

Provisional pricing US$000

 

Total US$000

 

Goods sold US$000

 

Shipping services US$000

 

Total US$000

 

Provisional pricing US$000

 

Total
 US$000

 

 

Gold (from dore bars)

 

 

255,142

 

577

 

255,719

 

144

 

255,863

 

320,813

 

1,011

 

321,824

 

238

 

322,062

 

 

Siver (from dore bars)

 

 

101,195

 

383

 

101,578

 

62

 

101,640

 

134,757

 

766

 

135,523

 

60

 

135,583

 

 

Gold (from concentrates)

 

 

109,816

 

2,447

 

112,263

 

1,956

 

114,219

 

111,318

 

2,456

 

113,774

 

5,748

 

119,522

 

 

Siver (from concentrates)

 

 

138,669

 

2,450

 

141,119

 

8,837

 

149,956

 

166,912

 

2,920

 

169,832

 

8,538

 

178,370

 

 

Services

 

 

149

 

-

 

149

 

-

 

149

 

139

 

-

 

139

 

-

 

139

 

 

Total

 

 

604,971

 

5,857

 

610,828

 

10,999

 

621,827

 

733,939

 

7,153

 

741,092

 

14,584

 

755,676

 

 

 

 

5 Cost of sales before exceptional items

 

Included in cost of sales are:

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales1

 

114,662

 

182,676

Personnel expenses (note 9) 2

 

65,077

 

102,977

Mining royalty (note 30)

 

5,208

 

6,412

Change in products in process and finished goods

 

17,323

 

(3,782)

Fixed costs at the operations during stoppages and reduced capacity3

 

46,480

 

-

Other items4

 

-

 

567

1   The depreciation and amortisation in production cost is US$113,146,000 (2019: US$184,388,000).

2   Includes workers profit sharing of US$2,632,000 (2019: US$3,878,000).

3   Corresponds to the unallocated fixed cost accumulated during the stoppage and operation of the mine units under planned operating capacity due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These costs mainly include personnel expenses of US$32,117,000, third party services of US$8,948,000, supplies of US$1,698,000, depreciation and amortisation of US$1,818,000 and others costs of US$1,899,000.

4   Other items include costs related to stoppage of US$567,000 at the San José mine unit.

 

 

6 Administrative expenses

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Personnel expenses (note 9)

 

27,016

 

26,580

Professional fees

 

4,978

 

5,481

Donations

 

373

 

331

Lease rentals

 

1,353

 

1,343

Travel expenses

 

188

 

1,058

Third party services

 

241

 

347

Communications

 

427

 

502

Indirect taxes

 

2,029

 

1,461

Depreciation and amortisation

 

1,723

 

1,950

Depreciation of rights of use

 

284

 

324

Technology and systems

 

1,063

 

1,400

Security

 

891

 

912

Other1

 

2,716

 

4,231

Total

 

43,282

 

45,920

           

1   Predominantly related to advertising costs of US$292,000 (2019; US$388,000), insurance fees of US$464,000 (2019: US$384,000), repair and maintenance of US$314,000 (2019: US$320,000), supplies costs of US$42,000 (2019: US$202,000) and personnel transportation of US$115,000 (2019: US$330,000).

 

 

 

7 Exploration expenses

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Mine site exploration1

 

 

 

 

Arcata

 

990

 

1,065

Ares

 

940

 

884

Inmaculada

 

2,526

 

3,976

Pallancata

 

4,652

 

7,116

San Jose

 

9,720

 

9,753

 

 

18,828

 

22,794

Prospects2

 

 

 

 

Peru

 

1,731

 

265

USA

 

1,902

 

3,600

Chile

 

(211)

 

1,300

 

 

3,422

 

5,165

Generative3

 

 

 

 

Peru

 

2,331

 

3,322

USA

 

12

 

-

Mexico

 

974

 

-

Chile

 

437

 

-

 

 

3,754

 

3,322

Personnel (note 9)

 

5,905

 

5,748

Others

 

581

 

568

Depreciation right-of-use assets

 

305

 

368

Total

 

32,795

 

37,965

1   Mine-site exploration is performed with the purpose of identifying potential minerals within an existing mine-site, with the goal of maintaining or extending the mine's life.

2   Prospects expenditure relates to detailed geological evaluations in order to determine zones which have mineralisation potential that is economically viable
for exploration. Exploration expenses are generally incurred in the following areas: mapping, sampling, geophysics, identification of local targets and reconnaissance
 drilling.

3   Generative expenditure is early stage exploration expenditure related to the basic evaluation of the region to identify prospects areas that have the geological conditions necessary to contain mineral deposits. Related activities include regional and field reconnaissance, satellite images, compilation of public information and identification of exploration targets.

 

The Group determines the cash flows which relate to the exploration activities of the companies engaged only in exploration. Exploration activities incurred by Group operating companies are not included since it is not practicable to separate the liabilities related to the exploration activities of these companies from their operating liabilities.

Cash outflows on exploration activities were US$6,176,000 in 2020 (2019: US$7,503,000).

 

 

8 Selling expenses

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Personnel expenses (note 9)

 

303

 

288

Warehouse services

 

1,281

 

1,627

Taxes1

 

9,202

 

16,259

Other

 

1,968

 

2,897

Total

 

12,754

 

21,071

1   Corresponds to the export duties in Argentina.

 

9 Personnel expenses

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Salaries and wages

 

104,331

 

100,441

Workers profit sharing

 

4,986

 

5,965

Other legal contributions

 

22,158

 

21,453

Statutory holiday payments

 

6,214

 

6,380

Long Term Incentive Plan

 

1,764

 

1,294

Restricted share plan

 

-

 

843

Termination benefits

 

1,495

 

14,464

Other

 

752

 

1,600

Total

 

141,700

 

152,440

1   Includes exceptional personnel expenses amounting to US$4,595,000 (refer to note 10(1) (2019: US$12,199,000 (refer to note 10(4))

 

 

Personnel expenses are distributed as follows:

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Cost of sales1

 

101,404

 

102,977

Administrative expenses

 

27,016

 

26,580

Exploration expenses

 

5,905

 

5,748

Selling expenses

 

303

 

288

Other expenses2

 

4,255

 

16,462

Capitalised as property, plant and equipment

 

2,817

 

385

Total

 

141,700

 

152,440

1   Exceptional personnel expenses included in cost of sales amount to US$4,210,000 (2019: US$nil).

2   Exceptional personnel expenses included in other expenses amount to US$385,000 (2019: US$12,199,000).

 

Average number of employees for 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

2020

 

2019

Peru

 

1,897

 

2,072

Argentina

 

1,432

 

1,394

Chile

 

13

 

3

United Kingdom

 

10

 

10

Total

 

3,352

 

3,479

 

 

10 Exceptional items

 

Exceptional items are those significant items which, due to their nature or the expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, need to be disclosed separately on the face of the income statement to enable a better understanding of the financial performance of the Group and facilitate comparison with prior years. Unless stated, exceptional items do not correspond to a reporting segment of the Group.

 

 

 

Year ended
31 December
2020
US$000

 

Year ended
31 December
2019
US$000

Cost of sales

 

 

 

 

Incremental costs due to Covid - 19 pandemic1

 

(27,613)

 

-

Total

 

(27,613)

 

-

Other expenses

 

 

 

 

Incremental costs due to Covid - 19 pandemic1

 

(3,613)

 

-

Restructuring of Arcata mine unit4

 

-

 

(12,199)

Total

 

(3,613)

 

(12,199)

(Impairment)/impairment reversal of non-financial assets, net

 

 

 

 

Impairment of assets5

 

-

 

(14,693)

Reversal of impairment of assets2 and 5

 

8,303

 

315

Total

 

8,303

 

(14,378)

Income tax benefit3 and 6

 

7,157

 

7,933

Total

 

7,157

 

7,933

 

The exceptional items for the year ended 31 December 2020 are as follows:

1   Incremental production costs incurred in the operating mine units to manage the Covid-19 pandemic have been presented within costs of sales and costs incurred by mine units in care and maintenance and those related to corporate activities have been presented within other expenses.

 

 

Year ended 31 December 2020

 

 

Cost of sales US$000

 

Other expenses US$000

Third party services

 

18,823

 

665

Personnel expenses (note 9)

 

4,210

 

385

Donations

 

124

 

1,365

Consumption of medical supplies

 

1,062

 

248

Cleaning and food services

 

1,493

 

59

Depreciation and amortisation

 

534

 

-

Others

 

1,367

 

891

Total

 

27,613

 

3,613

     These costs have been incurred in respect of the implementation of the necessary protocols including incremental third party services mainly related to accommodation whilst testing all workers for active Covid-19 cases prior to travelling to mine units, medical tests and additional transportation costs to facilitate social distancing, personnel expenses mainly reflecting one-off bonuses paid to those workers required to oversee critical processes during period of suspension, donations which includes the value of equipment donated to assist the national effort in Peru to control the pandemic as well as the donations to hardship funds administered by educational institutions, UTEC and TECSUP (refer to note 29)).  These expenses are not expected to be recurring as a result of the efficiencies made to the health protocols and logistics required to operate throughout the pandemic. For further details on the health protocols implemented across all operations refer to the detailed discussion outlined in the Risks section of the Annual Report

2   Reversals of impairment related to the San Jose mine unit of US$8,303,000 (refer to notes 15, 16 and 17).

3   The current tax credit generated by the incremental costs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic of US$9,241,000 and the deferred tax charge generated by the reversal of the impairment related to the San Jose mine unit of US$2,084,000.

The exceptional items for the year ended 31 December 2019 are as follows:

4   The termination benefits of 859 employees resulting from the restructuring process generated as the Arcata mine unit was placed on care and maintenance in February 2019.

5   Impairment of the Pallancata mine unit of US$14,693,000 and reversals of impairment related to the San Felipe mine project of US$315,000 (refer to notes 15, 16 and 17).

6   The current tax credit generated by the termination benefits arising from the restructuring process of the Arcata mine unit of US$3,599,000 and the deferred tax credit generated by the impairment of Pallancata mine unit of US$4,334,000.

 

 

11 Other income and other expenses before exceptional items

 

 

 

Year ended
31 December 2020

 

Year ended
31 December 2019

 

 

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

 

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

Other Income

 

 

 

 

Decrease in provision for mine closure (note 26(1))

 

-

 

223

Logistic services

 

336

 

4,489

Recovery of provision of obsolescence of supplies (note 21)

 

1,921

 

 

Income related to the San Felipe agreement

 

-

 

600

Other1

 

1,360

 

3,702

Total

 

3,617

 

9,014

Other expenses

 

 

 

 

Increase in provision for mine closure (note 26(1))

 

(16,056)

 

(13,621)

Provision of obsolescence of supplies (note 21)

 

-

 

(1,449)

Care and maintenance expenses of Ares mine unit

 

(2,578)

 

(4,593)

Write off of value added tax

 

(101)

 

(144)

Corporate social responsibility contribution in Argentina2

 

(2,689)

 

(3,636)

Care and maintenance expenses of Arcata mine unit

 

(2,966)

 

(4,888)

Provision for impairment of receivables3

 

(996)

 

(3,706)

Other4

 

(3,519)

 

(1, 857)

Total

 

(28,905)

 

(33,894)

1   Mainly corresponds to the gain on sale of property plant and equipment of US$231,000 and the gain recognised for the Mosquito project of US$400,000 (2019: mainly corresponds to the recognition of a receivable from a supplier following a claim ruled in favour of the Group of US$1,061,000, the gain on recovery of expenses of US$623,000, gain on sale of supplies of US$325,000 and the gain recognised for the Mosquito project of US$400,000).

2   Relates to a contribution in Argentina to the Santa Cruz province, calculated as a proportion of sales.

3   Mainly due to write-off of a claim receivable of US$996,000 (2019: US$2,934,000).

4   Mainly corresponds to the expenses due to concessions of US$295,000 (2019: US$667,000), depreciation expense for right-of-use assets of US$151,000 (2019: US$206,000), the loss on recovery of expenses of US$158,000 and the loss on sale of supplies of US$1,312,000.

 

 

 

12 Finance income and finance costs before exceptional items

 

 

Year ended
31 December 2020

 

Year ended
31 December 2019

 

 

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

 

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

Finance income

 

 

 

 

Interest on deposits and liquidity funds

 

2,106

 

2,557

Interest income

 

2,106

 

2,557

Unwind of discount on mine rehabilitation (note 26)

 

387

 

-

Gain on discount of other receivables1

 

335

 

-

Gain from changes in the fair value of financial instruments 2

 

1,057

 

-

Other

 

312

 

381

Total

 

4,197

 

2,938

Finance costs

 

 

 

 

Interest on secured bank loans (note 25)

 

(7,086)

 

(4,122)

Other interest

 

(684)

 

(335)

Interest expense

 

(7,770)

 

(4,457)

Fair value loss on interest rate swap reclassified from equity

 

(1,497)

 

-

Unwind of discount on mine rehabilitation (note 26)

 

-

 

(506)

Loss on discount of other receivables1

 

-

 

(902)

Loss from changes in the fair value of financial instruments3

 

(12,770)

 

(3,007)

Other

 

(1,523)

 

(1,166)

Total

 

(23,560)

 

(10,038)

1   Mainly related to the effect of the discount of tax credits in Argentina and Peru.

2   Related to the fair value adjustment of the Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (AGSC) shares received as a final payment of the San Felipe project (refer to note 23)

3   Represents the foreign exchange transaction costs to acquire US$14,486,000 dollars through the sale of bonds in Argentina (2019: US$11,835).

 

 

13 Income tax expense

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December 2020

 

Year ended 31 December 2019

 

 

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

 

Exceptional items
US$000

 

Total
US$000

 

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

 

Exceptional
items
US$000

 

Total
US$000

Current corporate income tax from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate income tax charge

 

31,551

 

(9,241)

 

22,310

 

35,543

 

(3,599)

 

31,944

Withholding tax

 

402

 

-

 

402

 

3,253

 

-

 

3,253

 

 

31,953

 

(9,241)

 

22,712

 

38,796

 

(3,599)

 

35,197

Deferred taxation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences from continuing operations (note 27)

 

10,491

 

2,084

 

12,575

 

(2,687)

 

(4,334)

 

(7,021)

Effect of change in income tax rates1

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(1,230)

 

-

 

(1,230)

 

 

10,491

 

2,084

 

12,575

 

(3,917)

 

(4,334)

 

(8,251)

Corporate income tax

 

42,444

 

(7,157)

 

35,287

 

34,879

 

(7,933)

 

26,946

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current mining royalties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mining royalty charge (note 30)

 

4,088

 

-

 

4,088

 

5,028

 

-

 

5,028

Special mining tax charge (note 30)

 

3,119

 

-

 

3,119

 

3,429

 

-

 

3,429

Total current mining royalties

 

7,207

 

-

 

7,207

 

8,457

 

-

 

8,457

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total taxation charge/(credit) in the income statement

 

49,651

 

(7,157)

 

42,494

 

43,336

 

(7,933)

 

35,403

1   On 29 December 2017, the Argentinian government enacted a tax reform. The main change was the reduction in the statutory income tax rate, from 35% to 30% with effect from 1 January 2018 and to 25% with effect from 1 January 2020. On December 2019 there was a further tax reform in Argentina, stating that the income tax rate of 25% will be applied from 1 January 2022

 

The weighted average statutory income tax rate was 30.8% for 2020 and 30.9% for 2019. This is calculated as the average of the statutory tax rates applicable in the countries in which the Group operates, weighted by the profit/(loss) before tax of the Group companies in their respective countries as included in the consolidated financial statements.

 

The change in the weighted average statutory income tax rate is due to a change in the weighting of profit/(loss) before tax in the various jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

 

There was tax related to items charged to equity during the year ended 31 December 2020 of US$1,744,000 (2019: US$nil).

 

The total taxation charge on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to the consolidated profits of the Group companies as follows:

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

 

62,920

 

76,842

At average statutory income tax rate of 30.8% (2019: 30.9%)

 

19,368

 

23,740

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

 

5,251

 

360

Adjustment related to Restricted Share Plan (RSP)

 

-

 

(940)

Change in statutory income tax rate

 

(1,529)

 

1,230

Deferred tax recognised on special investment regime1

 

(2,870)

 

(2,590)

Movement in unrecognised deferred tax2

 

4,571

 

5,223

Special mining tax and mining royalty deductible for corporate income tax

 

(2,126)

 

(2,495)

Other

 

461

 

(2,288)

Corporate income tax at average effective income tax rate of 36.8% (2019: 28.9%) before foreign exchange effect and withholding tax

 

23,126

 

22,240

Special mining tax and mining royalty3

 

7,207

 

8,457

Corporate income tax and mining royalties at average effective income tax rate of 48.2% (2019: 39.9%)

 

30,333

 

30,697

Foreign exchange rate effect4

 

11,759

 

1,453

Corporate income tax and mining royalties at average effective income tax rate of 66.9% (2019: 41.8%) before withholding tax

 

42,092

 

32,150

Withholding tax

 

402

 

3,253

Total taxation charge in the income statement at average effective tax rate 67.5% (2019: 46.1%) from continuing operations

 

42,494

 

35,403

1   Argentina benefits from a special investment regime that allows for a super (double) deduction in calculating its taxable profits for all costs relating to prospecting, exploration and metallurgical analysis, pilot plants and other expenses incurred in the preparation of feasibility studies for mining projects.

2   Includes the income tax charge on mine closure provision of US$1,687,000 (2019: US$836,000), the tax charge related to the Inmaculada mine unit depreciation of US$902,000 (2019: US$1,636,000), and the effect of not recognised tax losses of US$1,982,000 (2019: US$2,751,000).

3   Corresponds to the impact of a mining royalty and special mining tax in Peru (note 30).

4   The foreign exchange effect is composed of US$1,584,000 loss (2019: US$3,280,000 loss) from Argentina and a loss of US$10,175,000 (2019: US$1,827,000 gain) from Peru. This mainly corresponds to the foreign exchange effect of converting tax bases and monetary items from local currency to the corresponding functional currency. The main contributor of the foreign exchange effect on the tax charge in 2020 is the devaluation of the Peruvian soles (2019: Argentinian peso).

 

 

 

14 Basic and diluted earnings per share

 

Earnings per share ('EPS') is calculated by dividing profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the Parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares issued during the year.

 

The Company has dilutive potential ordinary shares.

 

As at 31 December 2020 and 2019, EPS has been calculated as follows:

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020

 

2019

Basic earnings/(loss) per share from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

Before exceptional items (US$)

 

0.06

 

0.09

Exceptional items (US$)

 

(0.03)

 

(0.03)

Total for the year and from continuing operations (US$)

 

0.03

 

0.06

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

Before exceptional items (US$)

 

0.06

 

0.09

Exceptional items (US$)

 

(0.03)

 

(0.03)

Total for the year and from continuing operations (US$)

 

0.03

 

0.06

 

 

Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items and attributable to equity holders of the Parent is derived as follows:

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020

 

2019

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent - continuing operations (US$000)

 

15,162

 

28,954

Exceptional items after tax - attributable to equity holders of the Parent (US$000)

 

16,800

 

18,644

Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items attributable to equity holders of the Parent (US$000)

 

31,962

 

47,598

Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items attributable to equity holders of the Parent for the purpose of diluted earnings per share (US$000)

 

31,962

 

47,598

 

The following reflects the share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020

 

2019

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)

 

513,876

 

510,562

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares related to contingently issuable shares (thousands)

 

600

 

538

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the purpose of diluted earnings per share (thousands)

 

514,476

 

511,100

 

 

 

15 Property, plant and equipment

 

 

Mining properties and development
costs
1
 US$000

 

Land and buildings US$000

 

Plant and equipment1, 2
US$000

 

Vehicles5 US$000

 

Mine
 closure
 asset
US$000

 

Construction in progress and capital advances US$000

 

Total
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2020

 

1,449,374

 

529,081

 

610,955

 

11,748

 

99,696

 

15,196

 

2,716,050

Additions

 

62,442

 

118

 

6,431

 

-

 

-

 

25,6464

 

94,637

Initial recognition

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

235

 

-

 

235

Change in discount rate

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

5,385

 

-

 

5,385

Change in mine closure estimate

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,424

 

-

 

2,424

Disposals

 

-

 

(132)

 

(1,870)

 

(31)

 

-

 

-

 

(2,033)

Write-offs

 

-

 

-

 

(8,613)

 

(1,127)

 

-

 

-

 

(9,740)

Transfers and other movements3

 

2,888

 

1,717

 

5,717

 

64

 

-

 

(7,522)

 

2,864

At 31 December 2020

 

1,514,704

 

530,784

 

612,620

 

10,654

 

107,740

 

33,320

 

2,809,822

Accumulated depreciation
and impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2020

 

1,119,462

 

334,065

 

384,155

 

7,310

 

74,834

 

947

 

1,920,773

Depreciation for the year

 

72,067

 

19,030

 

22,700

 

2,618

 

2,454

 

-

 

118,869

Disposals

 

-

 

(17)

 

(1,867)

 

(28)

 

-

 

-

 

(1,912)

Write-offs

 

-

 

-

 

(6,539)

 

(1,123)

 

-

 

-

 

(7,662)

Reversal of impairment

 

(3,831)

 

(1,101)

 

(1,589)

 

-

 

(1,369)

 

-

 

(7,890)

Transfers and other movements4

 

706

 

111

 

(705)

 

(23)

 

-

 

(108)

 

(19)

At 31 December 2020

 

1,188,404

 

352,088

 

396,155

 

8,754

 

75,919

 

839

 

2,022,159

Net book amount at 31 December 2020

 

326,300

 

178,696

 

216,465

 

1,900

 

31,821

 

32,481

 

787,663

1   Within mining properties and development costs and plant and equipment there are US$28,489,000 and 6,718,000 related to the Crespo CGU that is not currently being depreciated as the unit is not operating pending the feasibility of the project.

2   Within plant and equipment US$150,747,000 is subject to depreciation on a unit of production basis for which the accumulated depreciation is US$230,709,000 and depreciation charge for the year is US$10,289,000.

3   Transfers and other movements include US$2,828,000 that was transferred from evaluation and exploration assets (note 16).

4   There were borrowing costs capitalised in property, plant and equipment amounting to US$32,000.

5   Vehicles include US$410,000 of right of use assets.

 

 

 

Mining properties and development
costs
1
 US$000

 

Land and buildings US$000

 

Plant and equipment 1, 2
US$000

 

Vehicles5 US$000

 

Mine
 closure
 asset
US$000

 

Construction in progress and capital advances US$000

 

Total
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2018

 

1,345,516

 

519,450

 

590,447

 

6,680

 

96,397

 

14,966

 

2,573,456

Recognised on transition of IFRS 16

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

5,337

 

-

 

-

 

5,337

At 1 January 2019, after IFRS 16 adjustment

 

1,345,516

 

519,450

 

590,447

 

12,017

 

96,397

 

14,966

 

2,578,793

Additions

 

99,658

 

716

 

21,084

 

842

 

-

 

14,7734

 

137,073

Asset acquisition

 

-

 

-

 

218

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

218

Change in discount rate

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,249

 

-

 

3,249

Change in mine closure estimate

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

50

 

-

 

50

Disposals

 

-

 

-

 

(1,893)

 

(1,969)

 

-

 

-

 

(3,862)

Write-offs

 

-

 

-

 

(3,426)

 

-

 

-

 

(241)

 

(3,667)

Transfers and other movements3

 

4,200

 

8,915

 

4,525

 

858

 

-

 

(14,302)

 

4,196

At 31 December 2019

 

1,449,374

 

529,081

 

610,955

 

11,748

 

99,696

 

15,196

 

2,716,050

Accumulated depreciation
and impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2019

 

999,695

 

298,024

 

349,908

 

4,707

 

71,003

 

947

 

1,724,284

Depreciation for the year

 

108,911

 

34,177

 

37,076

 

3,262

 

3,831

 

-

 

187,257

Disposals

 

-

 

-

 

(1,744)

 

(777)

 

-

 

-

 

(2,521)

Write-offs

 

-

 

-

 

(2,814)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(2,814)

Impairment charge

 

10,856

 

1,864

 

1,798

 

49

 

-

 

-

 

14,567

Transfers and other movements3

 

-

 

-

 

(69)

 

69

 

-

 

-

 

-

At 31 December 2019

 

1,119,462

 

334,065

 

384,155

 

7,310

 

74,834

 

947

 

1,920,773

Net book amount at 31 December 2019

 

329,912

 

195,016

 

226,800

 

4,438

 

24,862

 

14,249

 

795,277

1   Within mining properties and development costs and plant and equipment there are US$27,693,000 and 6,718,000 related to the Crespo CGU that is not currently being depreciated as the unit is not operating pending the feasibility of the project.

2   Within plant and equipment US$154,552,000 is subject to depreciation on a unit of production basis for which the accumulated depreciation is US$224,763,000 and depreciation charge for the year is US$20,452,000.

3   Transfers and other movements include US$4,200,000 that was transferred from evaluation and exploration assets (note 16).

4   There were no borrowing costs capitalised in property, plant and equipment.

5   Vehicles include US$2,533,000 of right of use assets.

 

 

In 2020, management determined that there was a trigger of impairment in the San Jose mine unit due to the increase of the discount rate from 13.5% to 15.9%, mainly explained by the rise in country risk premium in Argentina. In addition, the increase in the short term analyst consensus forecast prices of gold and silver in the year represented a trigger of impairment reversal for the Pallancata and San Jose mine units as both of these CGUs have previously been impaired.

 

The impairment test performed over the San Jose CGU resulted in a reversal of impairment recognised as at 31 December 2020 amounted to US$8,303,000 (US$7,890,000 in property, plant and equipment, US$100,000 in evaluation and exploration assets and US$313,000 in intangibles). The reversal of impairment was mainly driven by an increase in analyst consensus prices of silver and gold and which was partially offset by the impact of the increase in the discount rate.

 

The result of the impairment test performed over the Pallancata CGU show that the recoverable value of Pallancata supports the carrying value, and neither an impairment nor impairment reversal was recognised at 31 December 2020.

 

In 2019, management determined that there was a trigger of impairment in the San Jose mine unit due to the increase of the discount rate from 9.5% to 13.5%, mainly explained by the rise in country risk premium in Argentina. The impairment test result did not show a difference versus the carrying value given that the negative effects of the increased discount rate were offset by an increase in the silver and gold analyst consensus prices. Therefore, no impairment, nor impairment reversal was recognised.

 

In 2019, as a result of the delays in obtaining exploration permits in the Pallancata mine unit, management revised its mine plan. The revised plan considers only the reserves and resources economically exploitable based on the latest model whilst spreading the remaining reserves and resources over a longer period of time to allow more time for the permitting and exploration campaigns to be completed. Management determined that this was a trigger of impairment and an impairment test was carried. The effect of the changes in the mine plan was partly offset by an increase in analyst consensus prices, and the resulting impairment charge recognised as at 31 December 2019 amounted to US$14,693,000 (US$14,567,000 in property, plant and equipment and US$126,000 in evaluation and exploration assets).

 

No indicators of impairment or reversal of impairment were identified in the other CGUs, which includes other exploration projects.

 

The recoverable values of the San Jose and Pallancata CGUs were determined using a fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) methodology. FVLCD was determined using a combination of level 2 and level 3 inputs, which result in fair value measurements categorised in its entirety as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, to construct a discounted cash flow model to estimate the amount that would be paid by a willing third party in an arm's length transaction. 

 

The key assumptions on which management has based its determination of FVLCD and the associated recoverable values calculated are gold and silver prices, future capital requirements, production costs, reserves and resources volumes (reflected in the production volume), and the discount rate.

 

2020

Real prices US$ per oz.

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

2024

 

Long-term

Gold

 

1,937

 

1,823

 

1,684

 

1,452

 

1,400

Silver

 

26.4

 

21.8

 

21.0

 

19.2

 

17.8

 

 

 

San Jose

 

Pallancata

Discount rate (post tax)

 

5.9%

 

4.1%

 

The period of 6 and 2 years were used to prepare the cash flow projections of the San Jose mine unit and the Pallancata mine unit respectively which is in line with their life of mine.

 

31 December 2020 (US$000)

 

San Jose

 

Pallancata

Current carrying value of CGU, net of deferred tax

 

127,500

 

35,481

 

Sensitivity analysis

Other than as disclosed below, management believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions above would cause the carrying value of any of its cash generating units to exceed its recoverable amount.

 

A change in any of the key assumptions would have the following impact:

 

 

 

US$000

 

 

 

San Jose

 

Pallancata

Gold and silver prices (decrease by 10%)

 

 

(61,800)

 

(12,200)

Gold and silver prices (increase by 5%)

 

 

7,7001

 

9,7501

Production costs (increase by 10%)

 

 

(32,800)

 

(4,700)

Production costs (decrease by 10%)1

 

 

7,7001

 

4,700

Production volume (decrease by 10%)

 

 

(11,800)

 

-

Production volume (increase by 10%)1

 

 

7,7001

 

-

Post tax discount rate (increase by 3%)2

 

 

(8,200)

 

-

Post tax discount rate (decrease by 3%)2

 

 

7,7001

 

-

Capital expenditure (increase by 10%)

 

 

(10,300)

 

-

Capital expenditure (decrease by 10%)

 

 

7,7001

 

-

1   This represents the maximum impairment loss that could be reversed, as it represents the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

2   Management believes that a 3% change is was a reasonably possible change in the post-tax discount rate in Argentina. However, changes in the perception of Argentina arising from political, social and financial disruption may give rise to significant movement in the discount rate used in the assessment of the San Jose CGU.

 

Management has also determined that the Group's CGUs are sensitive to future stoppage of operations as a result of Covid-19. In the absence of any changes to the current gold and silver prices projections or any of the other key assumptions, we would expect the estimated recoverable amount of our CGUs related to the San Jose and Pallancata mine units could be reduced by US$8,900,000 and US$3,700,000 respectively, per month of stoppage. 

 

2019

US$ per oz.

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

Long-term

Gold

 

1,506

 

1,492

 

1,469

 

1,377

 

1,340

 

1,369

Silver

 

18.3

 

17.5

 

17.7

 

17.7

 

18.5

 

17.7

 

 

 

San Jose

 

Pallancata

Discount rate (post tax)

 

13.5%

 

6.5%

 

The period of 6 and 2 years were used to prepare the cash flow projections of San Jose mine unit and the Pallancata mine unit respectively which is in line with their life of mine.

 

31 December 2019 (US$000)

 

San Jose

 

Pallancata

Current carrying value of CGU, net of deferred tax

 

132,278

 

59,147

 

The estimated recoverable values of the Group's CGUs are equal to, or not materially different than, their carrying values.

 

Sensitivity analysis

Other than as disclosed below, management believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions above would cause the carrying value of any of its cash generating units to exceed its recoverable amount.

 

A change in any of the key assumptions would have the following impact:

 

 

 

 

US$000

 

 

 

San Jose

 

Pallancata

Gold and silver prices (decrease by 10%)

 

 

(62,700)

 

(19,900)

Gold and silver prices (increase by 5%)

 

 

17,8391

 

8,500

Production costs (increase by 10%)

 

 

(38,000)

 

(11,300)

Production costs (decrease by 10%)1

 

 

17,8391

 

10,600

Production volume (decrease by 10%)

 

 

(28,700)

 

(6,000)

Production volume (increase by 10%)1

 

 

17,8391

 

4,900

Post tax discount rate (increase by 3%)2

 

 

(11,200)

 

-

Post tax discount rate (decrease by 3%)2

 

 

12,900

 

-

Capital expenditure (increase by 10%)

 

 

(11,700)

 

-

Capital expenditure (decrease by 10%)

 

 

11,7001

 

-

1   This represents the maximum impairment loss that could be reversed, as it represents the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

2   Management believed that a 3% change was a reasonably possible change in the post-tax discount rate in Argentina. However, changes in the perception of Argentina arising from political, social and financial disruption may give rise to significant movement in the discount rate used in the assessment of the San Jose CGU.

 

 

16 Evaluation and exploration assets

 

 

 

Azuca
US$000

 

Crespo
US$000

 

San Felipe US$000

 

Biolantanidos US$000

 

Volcan

US$000

 

Others
US$000

 

Total
US$000

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2019

 

82,026

 

26,599

 

55,450

 

-

 

94,682

 

19,364

 

278,121

Asset acquisition

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

59,358

 

-

 

-

 

59,358

Additions

 

687

 

643

 

-

 

1,149

 

770

 

6,025

 

9,274

Transfers to assets held for sale (note 23)

 

-

 

-

 

(55,450)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(55,450)

Transfers to property plant and equipment (note 15)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(4,236)

 

(4,236)

Balance at 31 December 2019

 

82,713

 

27,242

 

-

 

60,507

 

95,452

 

21,153

 

287,067

Additions

 

551

 

1,684

 

-

 

8,297

 

1,068

 

1,687

 

13,287

Transfers to property plant and equipment (note 15)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(2,857)

 

(2,857)

Balance at 31 December 2020

 

83,264

 

28,926

 

-

 

68,804

 

96,520

 

19,983

 

297,497

Accumulated impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2019

 

45,876

 

9,878

 

17,470

 

-

 

44,381

 

5,275

 

122,880

(Impairment reversal)/impairment

 

-

 

-

 

(315)

 

-

 

-

 

126

 

(189)

Transfers to assets held for sale (note 23)

 

-

 

-

 

(17,155)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(17,155)

Transfers to property, plant and equipment (note 15)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(31)

 

(31)

Balance at 31 December 2019

 

45,876

 

9,878

 

-

 

-

 

44,381

 

5,370

 

105,505

(Impairment reversal)/impairment

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(100)

 

(100)

Transfers to property, plant and equipment (note 15)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(29)

 

(29)

Balance at 31 December 2020

 

45,876

 

9,878

 

-

 

-

 

44,381

 

5,241

 

105,376

Net book value as at 31 December 2019

 

36,837

 

17,364

 

-

 

60,507

 

51,071

 

15,783

 

181,562

Net book value as at 31 December 2020

 

37,388

 

19,048

 

-

 

68,804

 

52,139

 

14,742

 

192,121

 

At 31 December 2020, the Group has recorded a reversal of impairment with respect to evaluation and exploration assets of the San Jose mine unit of US$100,000 (2019: impairment charge of the Pallancata mine unit of US$126,000).

 

At 31 December 2019, the Group has recorded an impairment charge with respect to evaluation and exploration assets of the Pallancata mine unit of US$126,000 (the calculation of the recoverable values is detailed in note 15).

 

There were no borrowing costs capitalised in evaluation and exploration assets.

 

As at 31 December 2019, the San Felipe project, which is part of the exploration segment, was reclassified to assets held for sale. Consequently, management recognised a reversal of impairment of US$315,000 in the period to adjust the carrying value to the amount pending of collection from the option payment at 31 December 2019.

 

 

17 Intangible assets

 

 

Transmission 
line1
US$000
 

 

 Water 
permits2
US$000
 

 

Software
licences
US$000

 

Legal rights3 US$000 

 

Total
US$000

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2019

 

22,157

 

26,583

 

1,888

 

8,580

 

59,208

Additions

 

-

 

-

 

2

 

-

 

2

Transfer

 

-

 

-

 

9

 

-

 

9

Balance at 31 December 2019

 

22,157

 

26,583

 

1,899

 

8,580

 

59,219

Additions

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Transfer

 

-

 

-

 

7

 

-

 

7

Balance at 31 December 2020

 

22,157

 

26,583

 

1,906

 

8,580

 

59,226

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2019

 

15,276

 

12,686

 

1,741

 

5,142

 

34,845

Amortisation for the year4

 

1,210

 

-

 

186

 

673

 

2,069

Transfer

 

-

 

-

 

(54)

 

-

 

(54)

Balance at 31 December 2019

 

16,486

 

12,686

 

1,873

 

5,815

 

36,860

Amortisation for the year4

 

535

 

-

 

17

 

563

 

1,115

Reversal of impairment

 

(313)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(313)

Balance at 31 December 2020

 

16,708

 

12,686

 

1,890

 

6,378

 

37,662

Net book value as at 31 December 2019

 

5,671

 

13,897

 

26

 

2,765

 

22,359

Net book value as at 31 December 2020

 

5,449

 

13,897

 

16

 

2,202

 

21,564

1   The transmission line is amortised using the units of production method. At 31 December 2020 the remaining amortisation period is approximately 7 years (2019: 6 years) in line with the life of the mine. At 31 December 2020, the Group has recorded a reversal of impairment with respect to the transmission line of the San Jose mine unit of US$313,000 (the calculation of the recoverable values is detailed in note 15).

2   Corresponds to the acquisition of water permits of Andina Minerals Group ("Andina"). These permits have an indefinite life according to Chilean law. To determine the fair value less costs of disposal of the Volcan cash-generating unit, which includes the water permits held by the Group, the Group used the value-in-situ methodology.   This methodology applies a realisable 'enterprise value' to unprocessed mineral resources which was US$7.40 per gold equivalent ounce of resources at 31 December 2020 (2019: US$6.60). The risk adjusted enterprise value figure has been determined using a combination of level 2 (enterprise values and gold prices) and level 3 inputs (unprocessed mineral resources and risk factor), which result in a fair value measurement categorised in its entirety as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, to estimate the amount that would be paid by a willing third party in an arm's length transaction, taking into account the water restrictions imposed by the Chilean government.

3   Legal rights correspond to expenditures required to give the Group the right to use a property for the surface exploration work, development and production.

     At 31 December 2020 the remaining amortisation period is from 2.5 to 12.5 years (2019: 4 to 14 years).

4   The amortisation for the period is included in cost of sales and administrative expenses in the income statement.

 

The carrying amount of the Volcan CGU, which includes the water permits, is reviewed annually to determine whether it is in excess of its recoverable amount. No impairments were recognised in 2020 and 2019. The estimated recoverable amount is not materially different than its carrying value.

 

Key assumptions

 

 

2020

 

2019

Risk adjusted value per in-situ (gold equivalent ounce) US$

 

7.40

 

6.60

 

US$000

 

2020

 

2019

Current carrying value Volcan CGU

 

66,036

 

64,968

 

The estimated recoverable amount is not materially greater than its carrying value.

 

Sensitivity analysis

Other than as disclosed below, management believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions above would cause the carrying value exceed its recoverable amount.

 

A change in the value in situ assumption could cause an impairment loss or reversal of impairment to be recognised as follows:

 

Approximate (impairment)/reversal of impairment resulting from the following changes (US$000)

 

2020

 

2019

Value per in-situ ounce (20% decrease)

 

(14,100)

 

(12,594)

Value per in-situ ounce (20% increase)

 

14,100

 

12,594

Risk factor (increase by 5%)

 

(5,400)

 

(4,844)

Risk factor (decrease by 5%)

 

5,400

 

4,844

 

 

18 Financial assets at fair value through OCI

 

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Beginning balance

 

6,159

 

5,296

Acquisitions1

 

-

 

1,100

Fair value change recorded in OCI

 

1,765

 

3,628

Disposals2

 

(7,522)

 

(421)

Transfer of shares3

 

-

 

(3,444)

Ending balance

 

402

 

6,159

1   Corresponds to the purchase of 147,831,737 shares of REE UNO SpA (US$500,000), and 452,200 shares of Americas Silver Corporation (ASC) (US$600,000).

2   As the investments were not considered to be strategic, the Group sold 452,200 shares of ASC, 7,399,331 shares of Skeena Resources Limited and 7,000,026 shares of Goldspot Discoveries Inc. with a fair value at the date of sale of US$1,257,000, US$5,337,000 and US$928,000, generating a gain on disposal of US$658,000, US$1,091,000 and US$239,000 respectively. (2019: the Group sold 10,032,000 shares of Santa Cruz Silver Mining (SCSM) with a fair value at the date of sale of US$421,000 generating a loss on disposal of US$1,658,000).

3   Corresponds to the reclassification of the investment held in REE UNO Spa to subsidiary, following its acquisition on 2 October 2019. On reclassification of the investment, US$944,000 was reclassified from the fair value reserves of financial assets at fair value through OCI to retained earnings.

 

The Group made the election at initial recognition to measure the below equity investments at fair value through OCI as they are not held for trading.

 

The fair value at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 


US$000

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Listed equity investments:

 

 

 

 

 

Power Group Projects Corp (formerly Cobalt Power Group)

 

27

 

28

 

Revelo Resources Corp.

 

8

 

4

 

Skeena Resources Limited

 

325

 

3,937

 

Goldspot Discoveries Inc.

 

-

 

755

 

Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (formerly Americas Silver Corporation)

 

-

 

1,417

 

Empire Petroleum Corp.

 

42

 

18

 

Total listed equity investments

 

402

 

6,159

 

Total non-listed equity investments

 

-

 

-

 

Total

 

402

 

6,159

 

 

Fair value of the listed shares is determined by reference to published price quotations in an active market and they are categorised as level 1.

 

The fair value of non-listed equity investments is determined based on financial information available of the companies and they are categorised as level 3.

 

19 Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

 

 

Year ended 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Beginning balance

 

-

 

-

Acquisitions1

 

4,301

 

-

Fair value change recorded in profit and loss

 

1,106

 

-

Disposals

 

-

 

-

Ending balance

 

5,407

 

-

1 Corresponds to 1,687,401 shares of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation received as a payment for the balance receivable for the sale of the San Felipe project recognised as an asset held for sale as at 31 December 2019 (refer to note 23).

 

The below equity investments are classified at fair value through profit and loss as they are held for trading.

 

The fair value at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 


US$000

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Listed equity investments:

 

 

 

 

 

Americas Gold and Silver Corporation

 

5,407

 

-

 

Total listed equity investments

 

5,407

 

-

 

Fair value of the listed shares is determined by reference to published price quotations in an active market and they are categorised as level 1.

 

20 Trade and other receivables

 

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

Non-current
US$000

 

Current
US$000

 

Non-current
US$000

 

Current
US$000

Trade receivables

 

-

 

45,353

 

-

 

37,799

Advances to suppliers

 

-

 

4,045

 

-

 

3,810

Duties recoverable from exports of Minera Santa Cruz 1

 

846

 

-

 

664

 

-

Receivables from related parties (note 29(a))

 

-

 

388

 

-

 

569

Loans to employees

 

603

 

101

 

726

 

177

Interest receivable

 

-

 

126

 

-

 

178

Receivable from Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander Bank

 

-

 

201

 

-

 

197

Other2

 

1,519

 

10,298

 

1,671

 

11,496

Provision for impairment3

 

-

 

(7,111)

 

-

 

(6,766)

Assets classified as receivables

 

2,968

 

53,401

 

3,061

 

47,460

Prepaid expenses

 

212

 

4,606

 

800

 

2,281

Value Added Tax (VAT)4

 

2,215

 

20,189

 

1,327

 

23,877

Total

 

5,395

 

78,196

 

5,188

 

73,618

 

The fair values of trade and other receivables approximate their book value.

 

1   Relates to export benefits through the Patagonian Port and silver refunds in Minera Santa Cruz, discounted over 18 and 24 months (2019: 18 and 24 months) at a rate of 14.03% (2019: 22.24%) for dollars denominated amounts and 40.34% (2019: 48.93%) for Argentinian pesos. The gain on the unwinding of the discount is recognised within finance income (2019: finance costs).

2   Mainly corresponds to account receivables from contractors for the sale of supplies of US$1,642,000 (2019: US$2,426,000), receivables from government agencies of US$4,476,000 (2019: US$3,809,000), loan to third parties of US$512,000 (2019: US$540,000),  claim receivable of US$1,269,000 (2019: US$1,365,000), receivable from the sale of VAT in San José of US$1,222,000 (2019: US$nil) and other tax claims of US$45,000 (2019: US$663,000).

3   Includes the provision for impairment of trade receivable from customers in Peru of US$1,403,000 (2019: US$1,533,000), the impairment of deposits in Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander of US$201,000 (2019: US$197,000), the impairment of the account receivables from a government agencies of US$4,476,000 (2019: US$3,809,000), the impairment of account receivable from third parties of US$656,000 (2019: US$817,000) and other receivables of US$375,000 (2019: US$410,000).   

4   Primarily relates to US$9,747,000 (2019: US$12,832,000) of VAT receivable related to the San Jose project that will be recovered through future sales of gold and silver and also through the sale of these credits to third-parties by Minera Santa Cruz.  It also includes the VAT of Minera Ares of US$9,154,000 (2019: US$7,724,000), REE UNO SpA of US$2,166,000 (2019; US$1,424,000) and Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C. of US$590,000 (2019: US$2,435,000). The VAT is valued at its recoverable amount.

 

 

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables:

 

 

 

Individually
impaired
US$000

At 1 January 2019

 

5,997

Provided for during the year (note 11)

 

3,706

Released during the year1

 

( 2,937)

At 31 December 2019

 

6,766

Provided for during the year (note 11)

 

996

Foreign exchange effect

 

(651)

At 31 December 2020

 

7,111

1   Corresponds to the release of the provision of US$5,000 and write off of US$2,932,000.

 

As at 31 December 2020 and 2019, none of the financial assets classified as receivables (net of impairment) were past due.

 

 

21 Inventories

 

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Finished goods valued at cost

 

-

 

1,950

Products in process valued at cost

 

4,087

 

19,460

Products in process accrual

 

4,413

 

6,445

Supplies and spare parts

 

38,778

 

41,582

 

 

47,278

 

69,437

Provision for obsolescence of supplies

 

(4,916)

 

(6,837)

Total

 

42,362

 

62,600

 

Finished goods include ounces of gold and silver, dore and concentrate.

 

Products in process include stockpile (2019: stockpile and precipitates).

 

The Group either sells dore bars as a finished product or if it is commercially advantageous to do so, delivers the bars for refining into gold and silver ounces which are then sold. In the latter scenario, the dore bars are classified as products in process. At 31 December 2020 and 2019 the Group had no dore on hand included in products in process.

 

Concentrate is sold to smelters, but in addition could be used as a product in process to produce dore.

 

As part of the Group's short-term financing policies, it acquires pre-shipment loans which are guaranteed by the sales contracts. The Group has contracts as at 31 December 2020 of US$10,628,000 (2019: US$nil) (refer to note 25).

 

The amount of expense recognised in profit and loss related to the consumption of inventory of supplies, spare parts and raw materials is US$76,739,000 (2019: US$112,383,000).

 

Movements in the provision for obsolescence comprise an increase in the provision of US$nil (2019: US$1,449,000) and the reversal of US$1,921,000 related to supplies and spare parts, that had been provided for (2019: US$nil).

 

 

 

22 Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Cash at bank

 

1,198

 

331

Liquidity funds1

 

-

 

16

Current demand deposit accounts2

 

79,834

 

37,900

Time deposits3

 

150,851

 

128,110

Cash and cash equivalents considered for the statement of cash flows

 

231,883

 

166,357

 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their book value. The Group does not have undrawn borrowing facilities available in the future for operating activities or capital commitments.

 

1   The liquidity funds are mainly invested in certificates of deposit, commercial papers and floating rate notes with a weighted average maturity of nil days as at
31 December 2020 (2019: nil days).

2   Relates to bank accounts which are freely available and bear interest.

3   These deposits have an average maturity of 45 days (2019: Average of 7 days).

 

23 Assets held for sale

 

On 3 August 2011, the Group entered into an agreement with Impulsora Minera Santa Cruz ("IMSC") whereby IMSC acquired the right to explore the San Felipe properties and an option to purchase the related concessions.  Under the terms of this agreement the Group has received US$33,646,000 as non-refundable payments at 31 December 2019. These payments will reduce the total consideration that IMSC will be required to pay upon exercise of the option and constitute an advance of the final purchase price, rather than an option premium and, as such, they were recorded as deferred income.

 

In March 2017, IMSC entered into an agreement with Americas Silver Corporation ('ASC') to assign 100% of its interest in the San Felipe Project. On 15 December 2018, the option to sell the San Felipe property to ASC was extended to 15 December 2020 with the outstanding option payment of US$6,000,000 payable in quarterly equal instalments over the 2 years period. In consideration for the extension, the Group received 452,200 ASC's common shares on 18 January 2019 at an issue price equal to US$600,000 that was recognised as other income. During 2019 the Group collected US$2,250,000.

 

As the sale was highly probable to be completed within the twelve months of the year-end, the assets and liabilities were transfer to assets and liabilities related to asset held for sale, respectively as at 31 December 2019. The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as assets held for sale as at 31 December 2019 are as follows

 

 

US$000

Assets

 

 

Evaluation and exploration assets, net of impairment (note 16)

 

38,295

Total non-current assets

 

38,295

Liabilities

 

 

Provision for mine closure (note 26)

 

(899)

Deferred income

 

(33,646)

Total liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale

 

(34,545)

Net assets directly associated with assets held for sale

 

3,750

 

Upon exercise of the option in July 2020, AGSC agreed to issue a fixed number of AGSC shares to the Group (1,687,401 shares) which were valued at US$4,301,000.

 

 

 

 

 

24 Trade and other payables

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

Non-current
US$000

 

Current
US$000

 

Non-current
US$000

 

Current
US$000

Trade payables1

 

-

 

72,066

 

-

 

75,252

Salaries and wages payable2

 

-

 

26,580

 

-

 

26,956

Dividends payable

 

-

 

34

 

-

 

37

Taxes and contributions

 

3

 

5,075

 

6

 

5,220

Guarantee deposits

 

-

 

5,962

 

-

 

5,440

Mining royalties (note 30)

 

-

 

315

 

-

 

607

Accounts payable to related parties (note 29(a))

 

-

 

266

 

-

 

192

Lease liabilities

 

-

 

617

 

-

 

2,577

Other

 

202

 

3,500

 

520

 

4,256

Total

 

205

 

114,415

 

526

 

120,537

 

The fair value of trade and other payables approximate their book values.

 

1   Trade payables relate mainly to the acquisition of materials, supplies and contractors' services. These payables do not accrue interest and no guarantees have been granted.

2   Salaries and wages payable relates to remuneration payable. At 31 December 2020, there were Board members remuneration payable of US$151,000 (2019: US$184,000) and no long-term incentive plan payable (2019: US$nil)

 

25 Borrowings

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

Effective
interest rate

 

Non-current
US$000

 

Current
US$000

 

Effective
interest rate

 

Non-current
US$000

 

Current
US$000

Secured bank loans (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·    Pre-shipment loans in Minera Santa Cruz (note 21)

 

28% to 35%

 

-

 

10,628

 

 

 

-

 

-

·    Bank loans

 

1.5%

 

199,554

 

150

 

3.05%

 

199,308

 

234

Total

 

 

 

199,554

 

10,778

 

 

 

199,308

 

234

 

(a) Secured bank loans:

                       

Medium-term bank loans:

In December 2019, a five-year credit agreement was signed between Minera Ares and Scotiabank Peru S.A.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and BBVA Securities Inc, with Hochschild Mining plc as guarantor. The US$200,000,000 medium term loan is payable on equal quarterly instalments from the second anniversary of the loan with an interest rate of Libor three months plus 1.5% payable quarterly until maturity on 13 December 2024. The carrying value including accrued interests payable net of capitalised expenses related to the borrowing (US$446,000 (2019: US$692,000)) at 31 December 2020 is US$199,554,000 (2019: US$199,542,000).

 

The maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows:

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Between 1 and 2 years

 

66,666

 

-

Between 2 and 5 years

 

132,888

 

199,308

Over 5 years

 

-

 

-

Total

 

199,554

 

199,308

 

The carrying amount of current borrowings differs their fair value only with respect to differences arising under the effective interest rate calculations described above. The carrying amount and fair value of the non‑current borrowings are as follows:

 

 

Carrying amount
as at 31 December

 

Fair value
as at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Secured bank loans

 

199,554

 

199,308

 

199,110

 

186,653

Total

 

199,554

 

199,308

 

199,110

 

186,653

 

The movement in borrowings during the year is as follows:        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As at 1 January 2020 US$000

 

Additions US$000

 

Repayments US$000

 

Reclassifications US$000

 

As at 31 December 2020 US$000

 

Current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank loans

 

-

 

48,520

 

(37,717)

 

(702)

 

10,101

 

Accrued interest

 

234

 

6,759

 

(6,312)

 

(4)

 

677

 

 

 

234

 

55,279

 

(44,029)

 

(706)

 

10,778

 

Non-current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank loans

 

199,308

 

327

 

-

 

(81)

 

199,554

 

 

 

199,308

 

327

 

-

 

(81)

 

199,554

 

 

 

26 Provisions

 

 

 

Provision

for mine closure1

US$000

 

Long Term Incentive

Plan2

US$000

 

Workers profit sharing US$000

 

Other
US$000

 

Total
US$000

At 1 January 2019

 

93,855

 

1,002

 

-

 

2,936

 

97,793

(Reductions)/Additions

 

-

 

(184)

 

5,965

 

(71)

 

5,710

Accretion (note 12)

 

506

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

506

Change in discount rate

 

3,819

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,819

Change in estimates  

 

12,878

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

12,878

Foreign exchange effect

 

-

 

-

 

98

 

(846)

 

(748)

Transfer to trade and other payables

 

(899)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(899)

Payments

 

(3,488)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(3,488)

At 31 December 2019

 

106,671

 

818

 

6,063

 

2,019

 

115,571

Less: current portion

 

9,358

 

-

 

6,063

 

828

 

16,249

Non-current portion

 

97,313

 

818

 

-

 

1,191

 

99,322

At 1 January 2020

 

106,671

 

818

 

6,063

 

2,019

 

115,571

Additions/(reduction)

 

235

 

308

 

4,986

 

41

 

5,570

Accretion (note 12)

 

(387)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(387)

Change in discount rate

 

7,129

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

7,129

Change in estimates  

 

16,736

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

16,736

Foreign exchange effect

 

-

 

-

 

(11)

 

(435)

 

(446)

Payments

 

(3,987)

 

-

 

(5,649)

 

-

 

(9,636)

At 31 December 2020

 

126,397

 

1,126

 

5,389

 

1,625

 

134,537

Less: current portion

 

19,390

 

-

 

5,389

 

725

 

25,504

Non-current portion

 

107,007

 

1,126

 

-

 

900

 

109,033

1   The provision represents the discounted values of the estimated cost to decommission and rehabilitate the mines at the expected date of closure of each of the mines. The present value of the provision has been calculated using a real pre-tax annual discount rate, based on a US Treasury bond of an appropriate tenure adjusted for the impact of inflation as at 31 December 2020 and 2019 respectively, and the cash flows have been adjusted to reflect the risk attached to these cash flows. Uncertainties on the timing for use of this provision include changes in the future that could impact the time of closing the mines, as new resources and reserves are discovered. The discount rate used was -1.58% (2019: 0.00%). Expected cash flows will be over a period from one to seventeen years (2019: over a period from one to eighteen years).

    

     Based on the internal and external reviews of mine rehabilitation estimates, the provision for mine closure increased by US$16,736,000 mainly due to increase in the Ares mine unit of US$14,070,000 and San Jose mine unit of US$1,944,000 (2019: increase by US$12,878,000, mainly due to the increase in Ares mine unit of US$7,787,000 and Sipan mine unit of US$5,264,000).

    

     A net charge of US$16,056,000 related to changes in estimates (US$14,312,000) and discount rates (US$1,744,000) for mines already closed were recognised directly in the income statement (2019: net charge of US$13,398,000 related to changes in estimates (US$12,828,000) and discount rates (US$570,000) for mines already closed were recognised directly in the income statement).

 

A change in any of the following key assumptions used to determine the provision would have the following impact:

 

 

US$000

Closure costs (increase by 10%) increase of provision

 

12,639

Discount rate (increase by 0.5%) (decrease of provision)

 

(6,557)

 

2   Corresponds to the provision related to awards granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP') to designated personnel of the Group. Includes the following benefits:(i) 2020 awards, granted in February 2020, payable in February 2023, as 50% in cash, (ii) 2019 awards, granted in July 2019, payable in February 2022, as 50% in cash, (iii) 2018 awards, granted in May 2018, payable in May 2021, as 50% in cash with a result of US$nil. Only employees who remain in the Group's employment on the vesting date will be entitled to vested awards, subject to exceptions approved by the Remuneration Committee of the Board. There are two parts to the performance conditions attached to LTIP awards: 70% is subject to the Company's TSR ranking relative to a tailored peer group of mining companies, and 30% is subject to the Company's TSR ranking relative to the constituents of the FTSE 350 mining index. The liability for the LTIP paid in cash is measured, initially and at the end of each reporting period until settled, at the fair value of the awards, by applying the Monte Carlo pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions on which the awards were granted, and the extent to which the employees have rendered services to date. The net increase to the provision of US$308,000 (2019: US$184,000 decrease) have been recorded as administrative expenses US$295,000 (2019: US$172,000) and exploration expenses US$13,000 (2019: US$12,000).

 

The following tables list the inputs to the Monte Carlo model used for the LTIPs as at 31 December 2020 and 2019, respectively:

 

 

 

LTIP 2018

 

LTIP 2019

 

LTIP 2020

For the period ended

 

 31 December 2020
US$000

 

 31 December 2019
US$000

 

 31 December 2020
US$000

 

 31 December 2019
US$000

 

 31 December 2020
US$000

 

 31 December 2019
US$000

Dividend yield (%)

 

-

 

1.73

 

1.43

 

1.73

 

1.43

 

-

Expected volatility (%)

 

-

 

2.70

 

3.39

 

2.70

 

3.39

 

-

Risk-free interest rate (%)

 

-

 

0.61

 

-0.12

 

0.53

 

-0.13

 

-

Expected life (years)

 

-

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

2

 

-

Weighted average share price (pence £)

 

-

 

235.08

 

161.37

 

161.37

 

179.61

 

-

 

The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility over a period similar to the life of the awards and is indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.

 

 

27 Deferred income tax

 

The changes in the net deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows:

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Beginning of the year

 

(61,476)

 

(69,727)

Income statement (credit)/charge (note 13)

 

(12,575)

 

8,251

Equity charge

 

1,744

 

-

End of the year

 

(72,307)

 

(61,476)

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to the same fiscal authority.

 

The movement in deferred income tax assets and liabilities before offset during the year is as follows:

 

 

Differences
in cost
of PP&E
US$000

 

Mine development US$000

 

Provisional pricing adjustment US$000

 

Others
US$000

 

Total
US$000

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2019

 

40,214

 

83,588

 

1,010

 

1,676

 

126,488

Income statement (credit)/charge

 

(3,444)

 

(1,820)

 

(657)

 

2,607

 

(3,314)

At 31 December 2019

 

36,770

 

81,768

 

353

 

4,283

 

123,174

Income statement (credit)/charge

 

2,751

 

3,184

 

343

 

(636)

 

5,642

At 31 December 2020

 

39,521

 

84,952

 

696

 

3,647

 

128,816

 

 

 

 

 

 

Differences
in cost
of PP&E
 US$000

 

Provision
for mine
closure
US$000

 

Tax
losses
US$000

 

Mine development
US$000

 

Others1
US$000

 

Total
US$000

Deferred income tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2019

 

26,298

 

18,403

 

204

 

693

 

11,163

 

56,761

Income statement credit/(charge)

 

4,746

 

2,977

 

(204)

 

(109)

 

(2,473)

 

4,937

At 31 December 2019

 

31,044

 

21,380

 

-

 

584

 

8,690

 

61,698

Income statement credit/(charge)

 

(10,914)

 

4,004

 

-

 

(110)

 

87

 

(6,933)

Equity credit/(charge)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,744

 

1,744

At 31 December 2020

 

20,130

 

25,384

 

-

 

474

 

10,521

 

56,509

1   Credit/(charge) in the period mainly related to the interest rate swap of US$ 1,744,000 (2019; US$nil), statutory holiday provision of US$857,000 (2019: US$866,000), long term incentive plan of US$771,000(2019: US$574,000) and inventory of US$nil(2019: US$1,149,000).

 

The amounts after offset, as presented on the face of the statement of financial position, are as follows:                                                    

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Deferred income tax assets

 

1,009

 

1,627

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

(73,316)

 

(63,103)

Total

 

(72,307)

 

(61,476)

 

 

Unrecognised tax losses expire in the following years:

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Expire in one year

 

-

 

-

Expire in two years

 

-

 

4,843

Expire in three years

 

-

 

2,990

Expire in four years

 

-

 

-

Expire after four years

 

171,527

 

174,771

 

 

171,527

 

182,604

 

Other unrecognised deferred income tax assets comprise (gross amounts):

 

 

As at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Provision for mine closure1

 

9,212

 

7,456

1   This relates to provision for mine closure expenditure which is expected to be incurred in periods in which taxable profits are not expected to be available to offset the expenditure.

 

Unrecognised deferred tax liability on retained earnings

At 31 December 2020 and 2019, there was no recognised deferred tax liability for taxes that would be payable on the unremitted earnings
of certain of the Group's subsidiaries as the intention is that these amounts are permanently reinvested.

 

 

28 Dividends

 

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Dividends paid and proposed during the year

 

 

 

 

Equity dividends on ordinary shares:

 

 

 

 

Final dividend for 2019: nil US cents per share (2018: 1.959 US cents per share)

 

-

 

10,002

Interim dividend for 2020: 4.000 US cents per share (2019: 2.000 US cents per share)

 

20,556

 

10,211

Total dividends paid on ordinary shares

 

20,556

 

20,213

Proposed dividends on ordinary shares:

 

 

 

 

Final dividend for 2020: 2.335 US cents per share (2019: nil US cents per share)

 

12,000

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared to non-controlling interests: 0.002 US$ per share (2019: 0.05 US$ per share)

 

345

 

8,859

Total dividends declared to non-controlling interests

 

345

 

8,859

 

Dividends paid in 2020 to non-controlling interests amount to US$345,000 (2019: US$11,069).

 

Dividends per share

The interim dividend paid in December 2020 was US$20,556,000 (4.000 US cents per share). A proposed dividend in respect of the year ending 31 December 2020 of 2.335 US cents per share, amounting to a total dividend of US$12,000,000, is subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 21 May 2021 and is not recognised as a liability as at 31 December 2020.

 

 

29 Related-party balances and transactions

 

(a) Related-party accounts receivable and payable

The Group had the following related-party balances and transactions during the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019. The related parties are companies owned or controlled by the main shareholder of the Parent company or associates.

 

 

Accounts receivable
as at 31 December

 

Accounts payable
as at 31 December

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Current related party balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.1

 

387

 

569

 

146

 

56

Tecsup2

 

1

 

-

 

120

 

41

Universidad UTEC2

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

95

Total

 

388

 

569

 

266

 

192

1   The account receivable relates to reimbursement of expenses paid by the Group on behalf of Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. The account payable relates to the payment of rentals.

2   Peruvian not for profit educational institutions controlled by Eduardo Hochschild.

 

As at 31 December 2020 and 2019, all accounts are, or were, non-interest bearing.

 

No security has been granted or guarantees given by the Group in respect of these related party balances.

 

Principal transactions between affiliates are as follows:

 

 

Year ended

 

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Expenses

 

 

 

 

Expense recognised for the rental paid to Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.

 

(469)

 

(200)

Expense recognised for the interests generated by the short-term loan from Banco de Credito del Peru

 

-

 

(480)

Expense donations to Tecsup

 

(505)

 

-

Expense donations to Universidad UTEC

 

(875)

 

(240)

 

The Group entered in 2019 into transactions with Banco de Credito del Peru at arm's length such as short-term loan and deposits which are undertaken in the normal course of a banker-customer relationship. This bank is controlled by Dionisio Romero who is a Non-Executive Director of the Group.

 

Transactions between the Group and these companies are on an arm's length basis.

(b) Compensation of key management personnel of the Group

 

 

As at 31 December

Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors)

 

2020
US$000

 

2019
US$000

Short-term employee benefits

 

7,330

 

7,911

Long Term Incentive Plan, Deferred Bonus Plan and Restricted Share Plan

 

808

 

1,184

Total compensation paid to key management personnel

 

8,138

 

9,095

 

This amount includes the remuneration paid to the Directors of the Parent Company of the Group of US$3,821,000 (2019: US$4,238,000).

 

 

 

30 Mining royalties

 

Peru

In accordance with Peruvian legislation, owners of mining concessions must pay a mining royalty for the exploitation of metallic and non‑metallic resources. Mining royalties have been calculated with rates ranging from 1% to 3% of the value of mineral concentrate or equivalent sold, based on quoted market prices.

 

In October 2011 changes came into effect for mining companies, with the following features:

 

a) Introduction of a Special Mining Tax ('SMT'), levied on mining companies at the stage of exploiting mineral resources. The additional tax is calculated by applying a progressive scale of rates ranging from 2% to 8.4%, of the quarterly operating profit.

 

b) Modification of the mining royalty calculation, which consists of applying a progressive scale of rates ranging from 1% to 12%, of the quarterly operating profit. The former royalty was calculated on the basis of monthly sales value of mineral concentrates.

 

The SMT and modified mining royalty are accounted for as an income tax in accordance with IAS 12 "Income Taxes".

c) For companies that have mining projects benefiting from tax stability regimes, mining royalties are calculated and recorded as they were previously, applying an additional new special charge on mining that is calculated using progressive scale rates, ranging from 4% to 13.12% of quarterly operating profit.

 

As at 31 December 2020, the amount payable as under the new mining royalty, and the SMT amounted to US$1,544,000 (2019: US$1,263,000), and US$1,492,000 (2019: US$1,196,000) respectively. The new mining royalty and SMT is reported as 'Income tax payable' in the Statement of Financial Position. The amount recorded in the income statement was US$4,088,000 (2019: US$5,028,000) of new mining royalty and US$3,119,000 (2019: US$3,429,000) of SMT, both classified as income tax.

 

Argentina

In accordance with Argentinian legislation, Provinces (being the legal owners of the mineral resources) are entitled to collect royalties from mine operators. For San Jose, the mining royalty applicable to dore and concentrate is 3% of the pit-head value. As at 31 December 2020, the amount payable as mining royalties amounted to US$315,000 (2019: US$607,000). The amount recorded in the income statement as cost of sales was US$5,208,000 (2019: US$6,412,000).

 

31 Subsequent events

 

(a) On 8 February 2021, the Group signed agreements to hedge the sale of 4,000,000 ounces of silver at $27.10 per ounce for 2021 and a further 4,000,000 ounces of silver at US$26.86 per ounce for 2022. This is to protect cashflows from the Pallancata mine in the next two years with the existing resource base.

 

(b) In February 2021, the Group sold 324,001 shares of AGSC for a total consideration of US$891,000 generating a loss of US$147,000, recognised in profit and loss.

 

 

 

Profit by operation

(Segment report reconciliation) as at 31 December 2020

Group (US$000)

 

Pallancata

 

Inmaculada

 

San Jose

 

Consolidation adjustment and others

 

Total/HOC

Revenue

 

100,674

 

314,906

 

206,098

 

149

 

621,827

Cost of sales (pre consolidation)

 

(96,053)

 

(185,386)

 

(147,103)

 

3,136

 

(425,406)

Consolidation adjustment

 

824

 

(3,919)

 

(41)

 

3,136

 

-

Cost of sales (post consolidation)

 

(96,877)

 

(181,467)

 

(147,062)

 

-

 

(425,406)

Production cost excluding depreciation

 

(51,534)

 

(86,874)

 

(79,804)

 

-

 

(218,212)

Depreciation in production cost

 

(28,695)

 

(53,472)

 

(30,979)

 

-

 

(113,146)

Workers profit sharing

 

(1,249)

 

(1,383)

 

-

 

-

 

(2,632)

Other items

 

(13,605)

 

(26,517)

 

(33,971)

 

-

 

(74,093)

Change in inventories

 

(1,794)

 

(13,221)

 

(2,308)

 

-

 

(17,323)

Gross profit

 

4,621

 

129,520

 

58,995

 

3,285

 

196,421

Administrative expenses

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(43,282)

 

(43,282)

Exploration expenses

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(32,795)

 

(32,795)

Selling expenses

 

(632)

 

(417)

 

(11,705)

 

-

 

(12,754)

Other income/expenses

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(28,901)

 

(28,901)

Operating profit before impairment

 

3,989

 

129,103

 

47,290

 

(101,693)

 

78,689

Reversal of impairment and write-off of assets, net

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6,225

 

6,225

Finance income

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,197

 

4,197

Finance costs

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(23,560)

 

(23,560)

Foreign exchange loss

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(2,631)

 

(2,631)

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations before
income tax

 

3,989

 

129,103

 

47,290

 

(117,462)

 

62,920

Income tax

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(42,494)

 

(42,494)

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations

 

3,989

 

129,103

 

47,290

 

(159,956)

 

20,426

1   On a post-exceptional basis.

 

 

 

RESERVES AND RESOURCES

 

Ore reserves and mineral resources estimates

Hochschild Mining plc reports its mineral resources and reserves estimates in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 2012 edition ("the JORC Code"). This establishes minimum standards, recommendations and guidelines for the public reporting of exploration results and mineral resources and reserves estimates. In doing so it emphasises the importance of principles of transparency, materiality and confidence. The information on ore reserves and mineral resources on pages 57 to 59 were prepared by or under the supervision of Competent Persons (as defined in the JORC Code). Competent Persons are required to have sufficient relevant experience and understanding of the style of mineralisation, types of deposits and mining methods in the area of activity for which they are qualified as a Competent Person under the JORC Code. The Competent Person must sign off their respective estimates of the original mineral resource and ore reserve statements for the various operations and consent to the inclusion of that information in this report, as well as the form and context in which it appears.

 

Hochschild Mining plc employs its own Competent Person who has audited all the estimates set out in this report. Hochschild Mining Group companies are subject to a comprehensive programme of audits which aim to provide assurance in respect of ore reserve and mineral resource estimates. These audits are conducted by Competent Persons provided by independent consultants. The frequency and depth of an audit depends on the risks and/or uncertainties associated with that particular ore reserve and mineral resource, the overall value thereof and the time that has lapsed since the previous independent third-party audit.

 

The JORC Code requires the use of reasonable economic assumptions. These include long-term commodity price forecasts (which, in the Group's case, are prepared by ex-house specialists largely using estimates of future supply and demand and long-term economic outlooks).

 

Ore reserve estimates are dynamic and are influenced by changing economic conditions, technical issues, environmental regulations and any other relevant new information and therefore these can vary from year-to-year. Mineral resource estimates can also change and tend to be influenced mostly by new information pertaining to the understanding of the deposit and secondly the conversion to ore reserves.

 

The estimates of ore reserves and mineral resources are shown as at 31 December 2020, unless otherwise stated. Mineral resources that are reported include those mineral resources that have been modified to produce ore reserves. All tonnage and grade information has been rounded to reflect the relative uncertainty in the estimates; there may therefore be small differences. The prices used for the reserves calculation were: Au Price: US$1,800 per ounce and Ag Price: US$20.0 per ounce.

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE METAL RESERVES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Reserve category

 

Proved and probable
(t)

 

 Ag
(g/t)

 

Au
(g/t)

 

Ag
(moz)

 

Au
(koz)

 

Ag Eq
(moz)

OPERATIONS¹

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inmaculada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved

 

2,490,623

 

154

 

3.7

 

12.3

 

297.7

 

37.9

Probable

 

5,267,732

 

98

 

2.4

 

16.6

 

401.7

 

51.2

Total

 

7,758,354

 

116

 

2.8

 

28.9

 

699.3

 

89.1

Pallancata

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved

 

515,499

 

283

 

1.1

 

4.7

 

18.3

 

6.3

Probable

 

118,910

 

216

 

0.9

 

0.8

 

3.6

 

1.1

Total

 

634,409

 

270

 

1.1

 

5.5

 

22.0

 

7.4

San Jose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved

 

403,140

 

466

 

7.6

 

6.0

 

98.3

 

14.5

Probable

 

108,019

 

146

 

2.4

 

0.5

 

8.4

 

1.2

Total

 

511,159

 

399

 

6.5

 

6.5

 

106.7

 

15.7

GRAND TOTAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved

 

3,409,261

 

210

 

3.8

 

23.0

 

414.3

 

58.7

Probable

 

5,494,661

 

102

 

2.3

 

18.0

 

413.7

 

53.5

TOTAL

 

8,903,922

 

143

 

2.9

 

41.0

 

828.0

 

112.2

Note: Where reserves are attributable to a joint venture partner, reserve figures reflect the Company's ownership only. Includes discounts for ore loss and dilution.

1    Operations were audited by P&E Consulting. 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE METAL RESOURCES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 20201,2

Resource category

 

Tonnes

(t)

 

Ag

(g/t)

 

Au

(g/t)

 

Ag Eq

(g/t)w

 

Ag

(moz)

 

Au

(koz)

 

Ag Eq

(moz)

OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inmaculada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

2,406,000

 

193

 

4.75

 

602

 

15.0

 

367.7

 

46.6

Indicated

 

5,253,000

 

127

 

3.17

 

400

 

21.4

 

535.8

 

Total

 

7,659,000

 

148

 

3.67

 

463

 

36.3

 

903.4

 

114.0

Inferred

 

9,921,000

 

104

 

2.66

 

333

 

33.3

 

849.1

 

106.3

Pallancata

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

1,454,000

 

329

 

1.41

 

450

 

15.4

 

65.8

 

21.0

Indicated

 

691,000

 

239

 

1.11

 

335

 

5.3

 

24.6

 

Total

 

2,145,000

 

300

 

1.31

 

413

 

20.7

 

90.4

 

28.5

Inferred

 

1,947,000

 

248

 

1.13

 

345

 

15.5

 

70.8

 

21.6

San Jose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

893,520

 

484

 

7.89

 

1,162

 

13.9

 

226.6

 

33.4

Indicated

 

510,000

 

335

 

5.68

 

823

 

5.5

 

93.1

 

13.5

Total

 

1,403,520

 

429

 

7.09

 

1,039

 

19.4

 

319.7

 

46.9

Inferred

 

949,110

 

345

 

5.58

 

825

 

10.5

 

170.2

 

25.2

GROWTH PROJECTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crespo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

5,211,000

 

47

 

0.47

 

87

 

7.9

 

78.6

 

14.7

Indicated

 

17,298,000

 

38

 

0.40

 

72

 

21.0

 

222.5

 

Total

 

22,509,000

 

40

 

0.42

 

76

 

28.8

 

301.0

 

Inferred

 

775,000

 

46

 

0.57

 

95

 

1.1

 

14.2

 

Azuca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

191,000

 

244

 

0.77

 

310

 

1.5

 

4.7

 

1.9

Indicated

 

6,859,000

 

187

 

0.77

 

253

 

41.2

 

168.8

 

Total

 

7,050,000

 

188

 

0.77

 

254

 

42.7

 

173.5

 

Inferred

 

6,946,000

 

170

 

0.89

 

247

 

37.9

 

199.5

 

Volcan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

105,918,000

 

-

 

0.738

 

63

 

-

 

2,513.1

 

216.1

Indicated

 

283,763,000

 

-

 

0.698

 

60

 

-

 

6,368.0

 

Total

 

389,681,000

 

-

 

0.709

 

61

 

-

 

8,881.1

 

Inferred

 

41,553,000

 

-

 

0.502

 

43

 

-

 

670.7

 

Arcata

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

834,000

 

438

 

1.34

 

553

 

11.7

 

36.1

 

14.8

Indicated

 

1,304,000

 

411

 

1.36

 

527

 

17.2

 

56.9

 

Total

 

2,138,000

 

421

 

1.35

 

537

 

29.0

 

92.9

 

Inferred

 

3,533,000

 

370

 

1.26

 

478

 

42.1

 

142.6

 

GRAND TOTAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measured

 

116,907,520

 

17

 

0.88

 

93

 

65.3

 

3,292.6

 

Indicated

 

315,678,000

 

11

 

0.74

 

74

 

111.6

 

7,469.6

 

Total

 

432,585,520

 

13

 

0.77

 

79

 

176.9

 

10,762.1

 

Inferred

 

65,624,110

 

67

 

1.00

 

153

 

140.5

 

2,117.0

 

1   Prices used for resources calculation: Au: $1,800/oz and Ag: $20.0/oz and Ag/Au ratio of 86x.

2   Tables represents 100 % of the Mineral Resource. Resources are inclusive of Reserves.

 

 

CHANGE IN ATTRIBUTABLE RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Ag equivalent content (million ounces)

 

Category

 

Percentage attributable
December
2020

 

December
2019

Att.¹

 

December     2020 
Att.¹

 

Net difference

 

% change

Inmaculada

 

Resource

 

100%

 

233.8

 

220.3

 

(13.5)

 

(5.8%)

 

 

Reserve

 

 

 

76.1

 

89.1

 

12.9

 

17.0%

Pallancata

 

Resource

 

100%

 

58.6

 

50.1

 

(8.5)

 

(14.5%)

 

 

Reserve

 

 

 

11.9

 

7.4

 

(4.5)

 

(38.0%)

San Jose

 

Resource

 

51%

 

71.4

 

72.0

 

0.6

 

0.9%

 

 

Reserve

 

 

 

18.3

 

15.7

 

(2.6)

 

(14.1%)

Crespo

 

Resource

 

100%

 

57.1

 

57.1

 

-

 

-

 

 

Reserve

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Azuca

 

Resource

 

100%

 

112.7

 

112.7

 

-

 

-

 

 

Reserve

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Volcan

 

Resource

 

100%

 

821.5

 

821.5

 

-

 

-

 

 

Reserve

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Arcata

 

Resource

 

100%

 

91.3

 

91.3

 

-

 

-

 

 

Reserve

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Total

 

Resource

 

 

 

1,446.3

 

1,425.0

 

(21.3)

 

(1.5%)

 

 

Reserve

 

 

 

106.4

 

112.2

 

5.8

 

5.5%

1   Attributable reserves and resources based on the Group's percentage ownership of its joint venture projects.

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Company website

Hochschild Mining plc Interim and Annual Reports and results announcements are available via the internet on our website at www.hochschildmining.com. Shareholders can also access the latest information about the Company and press announcements as they are released, together with details of future events and how to obtain further information.

 

Registrars

The Registrars can be contacted as follows for information about the AGM, shareholdings, and dividends and to report changes in personal details:

 

BY POST

Link Asset Services, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.

 

BY TELEPHONE

If calling from the UK: 0371 664 0300 (calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge. Lines are open 9.00am-5.30pm Mon to Fri excluding public holidays in England and Wales).

 

If calling from overseas: +44 371 664 0300 (Calls charged at the applicable international rate).

 

Currency option and dividend mandate

Shareholders wishing to receive their dividend in US dollars should contact the Company's registrars to request a currency election form. This form should be completed and returned to the registrars by 14 May 2021 in respect of the 2020 final dividend. 

 

The Company's registrars can also arrange for the dividend to be paid directly into a shareholder's UK bank account. To take advantage of this facility in respect of the 2020 final dividend, a dividend mandate form, also available from the Company's registrars, should be completed and returned to the registrars by 14 May 2021. This arrangement is only available in respect of dividends paid in UK pounds sterling.  Shareholders who have already completed one or both of these forms need take no further action.

 

Financial Calendar

Dividend dates

2021

Ex-dividend date

6 May

Record date

7 May

Deadline for return of currency election forms

14 May

Payment date

2 June

 

17 Cavendish Square

London

W1G 0PH

United Kingdom

 

 

 

 

[1]Revenue presented in the financial statements is disclosed as net revenue and is calculated as gross revenue less commercial discounts plus services revenue

2Please see the Financial Review page 16 for a definition of Adjusted EBITDA

[3]All equivalent figures calculated using the Company's 2020 average gold/silver ratio of 86:1. 2019 figures have been restated (previously calculated using a gold/silver ratio of 81:1)

4All-in sustaining cost per (AISC) silver equivalent ounce: Calculated before exceptional items and includes production cost excluding depreciation, other items and workers profit sharing in cost of sales, administrative expenses (excl depreciation), brownfield exploration, operating and exploration capex and royalties and special mining tax (presented with income tax) divided by silver or gold equivalent ounces produced, plus commercial deductions and selling expenses divided by silver or gold equivalent ounces sold using a gold/silver ratio of 86:1. The Arcata operation is excluded from the calculation of the AISC from operations in 2019.

[5]Calculated as total number of accidents per million labour hours

[6]Calculated as total number of days lost per million labour hours.

[7]The ECO Score is an internally designed Key Performance Indicator measuring environmental performance in one number and encompassing numerous fronts including management of waste water, outcome of regulatory inspections and sound environmental practices relating to water consumption and the recycling of materials.

[8]Group production figures for 2019 include 394,000 silver equivalent ounces from the Arcata operation which was placed on care and maintenance in February 2019.

 

[9]Includes revenue from services

[10]Unit cost per tonne is calculated by dividing mine and treatment production costs (excluding depreciation) by extracted and treated tonnage respectively

[11]Cash costs are calculated to include cost of sales, commercial discounts and selling expenses items less depreciation included in cost of sales  

[12]Does not include Fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced capacity of $46.5 million

[13]Includes commercial discounts (from the sales of concentrate) and commercial discounts from the sale of dore

[14]Does not include Fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced capacity of $46.5 million

[15]Includes commercial discounts (from the sales of concentrate) and commercial discounts from the sale of dore

[16] Calculated using a gold/silver ratio of 86:1. 2019 figures have been restated (previously calculated using a gold/silver ratio of 81:1)

[17]Operating capex from San Jose does not include capitalised DD&A resulting from mine equipment utilised for mine developments

[18]Administrative expenses does not include expenses from the Biolantanidos project ($179,000)

[19]Royalties arising from revised royalty tax schemes introduced in 2011 and included in income tax line

[20]Operating capex from San Jose does not include capitalised DD&A resulting from mine equipment utilised for mine developments

[21]Administrative expenses does not include expenses from the Biolantanidos project ($160,000)

[22]Royalties arising from revised royalty tax schemes introduced in 2011 and included in income tax line

[23]Adjusted EBITDA has been presented before the effect of significant non-cash (income)/expenses related to changes in mine closure provisions and the write-off of property, plant and equipment

[24]Covid-19 response initiatives are distributed between cost of sales and other expenses. Cost of sales mainly includes the expenses related to the operating mine units (Inmaculada, Pallancata, San Jose) of $27.6 million. Other expenses includes corporate expenses and expenses from non-operating units of $3.6 million.

 

[25]Includes pre-shipment loans and short term interest payables

[26]Includes additions in property, plant and equipment and evaluation and exploration assets (confirmation of resources) and excludes increases in the expected closure costs of mine asset

[27]Capital expenditure from Biolantanidos in 2019 includes the fair value of the asset at acquisition plus additions since the acquisition

 

 

 

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