REG - Hochschild MiningPLC - Final Results
13/03/2024 07:00
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RNS Number : 6632G Hochschild Mining PLC 13 March 2024
13 March 2024
Hochschild Mining PLC
Preliminary Results
Year ended 31 December 2023
RESULTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Eduardo Landin, Chief Executive Officer of Hochschild, commented:
"I am pleased to report a robust 2023 performance. We made strong progress at
our new Mara Rosa mine in Brazil, which is now in production, on time and on
budget. Furthermore, we obtained a crucial permit at Inmaculada in Peru,
ensuring an exciting, long-term future for the operation. We remain confident
of a strong year ahead as we continue to execute our stated strategy of
driving long-term production growth whilst reducing costs."
2023 Robust financial performance
§ Revenue of $693.7 million (2022: $735.6 million)(( 1 ))
§ Adjusted EBITDA of $274.4 million (2022: $249.6 million)(( 2 ))
§ Profit before income tax (pre-exceptional) of $53.5 million (2022: $24.3
million)
§ Loss before income tax (post-exceptional) of $43.5 million (2022: $25.8
million profit)
§ Basic earnings per share (pre-exceptional) of $0.02 (2022: $0.01)
§ Basic loss per share (post-exceptional) of $0.10 (2022: earnings per share
of $0.01)
§ Cash and cash equivalent balance of $89.1 million as at 31 December 2023
(2022: $143.8 million)
§ Net debt of $257.9 million as at 31 December 2023 (2022: $175.1 million)
2023 Revised guidance achieved(( 3 ))
§ All-in sustaining costs (AISC) (2) from operations of $1,454 per gold
equivalent ounce (2022: $1,448) or $17.5 per silver equivalent ounce (2022:
$17.4) lower than revised full year cost guidance of $1,490-$1,580 per gold
equivalent ounce ($18.0-$19.0 per silver equivalent ounce)
§ Full year attributable production of 300,749 gold equivalent ounces (25.0
million silver equivalent ounces)
2023 Exploration & Project Highlights
§ Mara Rosa project completed on time and on budget
o First gold pour achieved on 20 February 2024
o 5.5 million hours completed on the project without any loss time accidents
§ Option recently agreed to acquire the Monte Do Carmo project in
neighbouring Tocantins state, Brazil
2023 ESG KPIs
§ Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate of 0.99 (2022: 1.37) 4
§ Accident Severity Index of 37 (2022: 93) 5
§ Water consumption of 163lt/person/day (2022: 171lt/person/day)
§ Domestic waste generation of 0.93 kg/person/day (2022: 1.05kg/person/day)
§ ECO score of 5.76 out of 6 (2022: 5.27) 6
2024 Outlook
§ New Mara Rosa mine set to produce 83,000-93,000 ounces of gold at AISC of
$1,090-$1,120 per ounce
§ Overall production target:
o 343,000-360,000 gold equivalent ounces
§ All-in sustaining costs target:
o $1,510-$1,550 per gold equivalent ounce
§ Total sustaining and development capital expenditure expected to be
approximately $171-178 million
$000 unless stated Year ended Year ended % change
31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2022
Attributable silver production (koz) 9,517 11,003 (14)
Attributable gold production (koz) 186 206 (10)
Revenue 693,716 735,643 (6)
Adjusted EBITDA 274,370 249,605 10
Profit from continuing operations (pre-exceptional) 9,505 6,745 41
Profit (loss) from continuing operations (post-exceptional) (60,033) 4,832 (1,342)
Basic earnings per share (pre-exceptional) $ 0.02 0.01 100
Basic earnings (loss) per share (post-exceptional) $ (0.10) 0.01 (1,100)
________________________________________________________________________________________
A presentation will be held for analysts and investors at 9.30am (UK time) on
Wednesday 13 March 2024 at the offices of Hudson Sandler,
25 Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AE
The presentation and a link to the live audio webcast of the presentation
can be found at the Hochschild website:
www.hochschildmining.com (http://www.hochschildmining.com)
or:
https://brrmedia.news/HOC_FY23 (https://brrmedia.news/HOC_FY23)
To join the event via conference call, please see dial in details below:
UK Toll-Free Number: 0808 109 0700
International Dial in: +44 (0)330 551 0200
US Toll-Free Number: 866 580 3963
Canada Toll Free: 1 866 378 3566
Password: Hochschild Mining
________________________________________________________________________________________
Enquiries:
Hochschild Mining PLC
Charles Gordon
+44 (0)20 3709 3264
Head of Investor Relations
Hudson Sandler
Charlie Jack
+44 (0)20 7796 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) and crosstrades on the OTCQX Best
Market in the U.S. (HCHDF), 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
operates two underground epithermal vein mines: Inmaculada, located in
southern Peru; and San Jose in southern Argentina, and an open pit gold mine,
Mara Rosa, located in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Hochschild also has
numerous long-term projects throughout the Americas.
Forward looking statements
This announcement may contain forward looking statements. 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, for
various reasons, be materially different from any future results, performance
or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements.
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, the Board of 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.
Note
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to
constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation
(Regulation (EU) No.596/2014). Upon the publication of this announcement via a
Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to
be in the public domain.
LEI: 549300JK10TVQ3CCJQ89
CHAIR'S STATEMENT
2023 has proved to be a momentous year for Hochschild Mining. We are proud of
the significant progress we have made in the execution of our strategy which
has included securing Inmaculada's Modified Environmental Impact Assessment
("MEIA") in August and the recent completion of our first mine in Brazil. I am
also delighted with the appointment of Eduardo Landin as our new CEO and
believe we will be able to count on his experience and leadership qualities.
We believe that the Company has reached an inflection point, with strong
momentum in the business. Furthermore, this is supported by our ongoing drive
to ensure our people feel safe, empowered and respected thereby creating a
work environment where everyone can be at their best.
On the subject of making people feel safe, I am proud and humbled by the
efforts of management and all across the business for achieving our best
safety performance in the Company's history. Our key performance indicators
objectively demonstrate that our safety initiatives - all implemented as part
of our Safety Culture Transformation Plan, are successfully embedding a
safety-first culture. We cannot use this as a reason to be complacent, and
so we will continue to work on maintaining our focus on achieving our
strategic goals without compromising the safety of our people.
The Company's commitment to managing its environmental impact has also been
clearly evident during 2023. I am pleased to report that, during the year,
Hochschild became the first mining company in Peru to secure a green loan.
This innovative form of financing sees interest costs adjusted according to
the Company's environmental performance on three ESG indicators: safety
frequency index, fresh water consumption and waste disposal. It is therefore
particularly gratifying to note that the Company's overall ECO Score for 2023
was the highest since its implementation in 2015 reflecting, most notably, our
highest level of efficiency in terms of water consumption and waste
production. The year also saw the setting of our 2030 ambitions in the area of
ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and which, with respect to our
greenhouse gas emissions, will see us on our way to achieving Net Zero by
2050.
In acknowledgement of our social licence to operate, our community programmes
during the year focused on digital inclusion, health and nutrition, education
and the promotion of socio-economic development. Examples of the education
programmes organised by Hochschild include the delivery of technical skills'
training through the digital centres established as part of the Future
Connection initiative. In addition, we have held healthcare campaigns in
conjunction with local authorities in remote communities close to the
Inmaculada mine, as well as providing healthcare services as part of our
"Always Healthy" programme. In seeking to promote socio-economic development,
the Company has taken a varied approach, from contracting with local vegetable
producers for catering supplies for the Inmaculada mine and providing training
on creating digital content for female entrepreneurs in Perito Moreno, the
town close to our San Jose operation. Further details on these programmes can
be found in our Annual Report.
Strategically, Brazil has become an important jurisdiction for us with an
attractive mix of economic stability, strong government support for mining,
excellent infrastructure and a very experienced local talent pool. We recently
achieved first gold pour at our new Mara Rosa mine which has been constructed
on schedule and on budget, a rarity in the industry. We are very proud of the
entire team in Goias and are confident that the ramp up period will progress
smoothly. The mine will produce between 83,000 to 93,000 ounces of low-cost
gold this year and we can look forward to increasing production and reducing
costs in the next few years.
Our entry into Brazil is also yielding further business development
opportunities. We recently announced that we have secured an option to acquire
100% of Cerrado Gold's Monte Do Carmo gold project in the state of Tocantins.
This low-cost opportunity will build on the template established at Mara Rosa
and, if exercised, provide the Company with a further leg of growth at a
compelling cost profile in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. We plan to explore
its geological potential, confirm the operational assumptions of the project
and advance the permitting process. We will invest a limited sum before making
a final acquisition decision in the next twelve months.
The brownfield team's exploration plans for 2023 were affected by the
permitting delays at Inmaculada and consequently started later in the year in
Peru. We have already had some encouraging drill results at high grade areas
of Inmaculada but there is still work to be done there as well as at San Jose.
We will update on the overall results during 2024. At Pallancata, work on the
MEIA required for our exciting Royropata discovery was started during the year
and has made good progress and we have also applied for the requisite
exploration permit to drill for additional resources for the deposit. We
expect this area to start yielding new low-cost production in 2027.
Our operational team had to respond to a degree of disruption during 2023
including local and national social disturbances in Peru at the start of the
year and subsequently the ongoing impact from delays to the Inmaculada MEIA,
which impacted exploration and mine development work. However, we are proud of
the overall performance of all our teams during the remainder of the year and
we were therefore able to meet our revised production and cost targets. In
addition, with another year of strong precious metal prices, the business
generated strong cashflow and was able to comfortably finance our capital
commitments at Mara Rosa whilst maintaining a robust balance sheet position.
During the year, we saw changes in the composition of the Board with Eileen
Kamerick and Nicolas Hochschild stepping down as Non-Executive Directors at
the 2023 AGM and, as part of our Board succession plan, I am pleased that
Joanna Pearson joined the Board on 1 October 2023. Given her extensive
experience in public company reporting, Joanna will assume the Chair of the
Audit Committee at the conclusion of this year's AGM. I would like to thank
Jill Gardiner for chairing the Audit Committee so diligently during this
interim period.
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Ignacio Bustamante, who
stepped down from the Board after having ensured a smooth succession to
Eduardo Landin following his appointment in August. Ignacio has been with the
Company for over 30 years and 13 years of that as CEO and we are very grateful
to him for his strong leadership, and we wish him all the best for the future.
Outlook
In 2023, precious metal prices continued to experience volatility albeit
within a fairly tight range. Gold fell to almost $1,800 per ounce in the first
quarter of the year as unexpectedly strong US economic data propelled both
yields and the US dollar higher. However, it then rebounded quickly and
although there was another fall in September due to stronger US interest rate
expectations, the price ended the year close to record highs of $2,100 per
ounce. 2024 has so far continued the price strength, so we remain confident
that when combined with the new low-cost ounces set to be delivered from Mara
Rosa in the first half onwards, we will continue to generate good cash flow.
At this time, our financial targets include the reduction of our existing debt
levels in the medium-term and for this reason, we have continued to take
advantage of the gold price strength and executed a number of hedges for the
next few years at Inmaculada and Mara Rosa. In addition, with that in mind,
the Board has decided that it would be inappropriate to restore the final
dividend at this stage but will reassess the potential for capital return at
the interim results in August.
Let me end by thanking the new leadership team and the several thousand
Hochschild employees, contractors and partners who delivered for our Company
and its stakeholders during the year.
Eduardo Hochschild, Chairman
12 March 2024
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S STATEMENT
I was honoured to be appointed as CEO of Hochschild Mining PLC in August 2023
and believe that a relationship with our stakeholders should be based on trust
and a thorough appreciation of our key strengths. We are dedicated to
transparency and responsible business practices. Our core competencies drive
success and our leadership team has recently outlined a renewed strategy based
around brownfield exploration, operational efficiency and disciplined capital
allocation which we believe will deliver profitable growth from our key Latin
American mining jurisdictions. This is supported by a focus on consistent ESG
performance and the capacity to continually learn from experience.
The first eight months of 2023 were challenging for Hochschild as we reached
the final stages of securing Inmaculada's MEIA. The delay in securing the
approval unfortunately impacted our operational and exploration strategy in
the short-term and will have a knock-on effect for 2024. However, with the
approval secured, the Company is now in a strong position to optimise the
Inmaculada mine and unlock its impressive geological potential. The approval
also reaffirms our commitment to our stakeholders in the Ayacucho region and
its communities as well as to Peru overall.
We have also recently completed construction at Mara Rosa in Brazil and are
now in the ramp-up phase, a testament to our proven development expertise. I
am also excited by the potential at the new Royropata deposit which we believe
will add significant additional growth to the Company in the next few years.
ESG
Our commitment to being a responsible mining company is unqualified, and so I
am very proud of the breadth of progress made during the year in the key areas
of ESG focus. It gives me great pleasure that we have brought our corporate
culture of social responsibility to our new operation in Brazil. Examples of
this include the Knowledge Trail at Mara Rosa which was given the Sustainable
Goiás Award by the Goiás State Environment and Sustainable Development
Department and our partnership to implement a solar energy project that, in
time, will see the Mara Rosa operation supplied entirely by renewable energy.
Finally, I would like to echo the Chair's comments on the Company's robust
overall performances in the areas of safety and environmental performance.
Operations
Hochschild's output in 2023, although revised by the MEIA delay at Inmaculada,
continued our strong track record of meeting annual guidance. Overall
attributable production was 300,749 gold equivalent ounces (25.0 million
silver equivalent ounces) which was only slightly lower than the original 2023
budgeted figure of between 301,000 and 314,000 gold equivalent ounce range.
This was produced at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,454 per gold equivalent
ounce ($17.5 per silver equivalent ounce) which was, as expected, slightly
higher than 2022 reflecting the lower grades at the declining Pallancata mine
and lower production at San Jose in Argentina. Pallancata was placed on
temporary care and maintenance during the fourth quarter, and this will remain
until we secure the permits to mine the new large, high-quality resources
discovered in the Pallancata area at Royropata.
Despite a degree of disruption from the local and national protests in late
2022 and early 2023, in addition to the delays to the MEIA approval, the team
at Inmaculada had another strong year producing 203,849 gold equivalent ounces
(2022: 226,363 ounces) at $1,287 per gold equivalent ounce. At Pallancata,
production in 2023 reflected a mining area that was almost depleted with
output at 2.4 million silver equivalent ounces (2022: 3.3 million ounces) at a
cost of $25.3 per silver equivalent ounce. In Argentina, the San Jose mine was
impacted by lower resource grades but nevertheless production was only 6%
below the 2022 figure at 11.1 million silver equivalent ounces (2022: 11.8
million ounces) with costs at $18.9 per silver equivalent ounce. These costs
are expected to moderate in the next few months following the recent
devaluation of the currency in Argentina.
Projects
At the Mara Rosa project in the state of Goias in Brazil, we have made
excellent progress during the year and are proud to have recently achieved
first gold pour at the new operation, having completed construction on time
and within budget. We are currently in the ramp-up phase and expect to reach
full production in June. The mine remains on track to produce between 83,000
and 93,000 ounces in 2024 at a low all-in sustaining cost of between $1,090
and $1,120 per ounce of gold.
I am also excited that our business development team has recently made steps
to potentially add, in the medium-term, another low-cost project in Brazil to
our pipeline. The option agreement we have executed with Cerrado Gold for
their Monte Do Carmo project in Tocantins state delivers an opportunity to
build on our emerging Brazilian platform by adding a significant increase in
reserves with strong exploration upside in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. The
transaction structure limits the upfront consideration to secure an advanced
development project.
Exploration
As mentioned by our Chair above, the brownfield programme for 2023 was also
affected by the MEIA delay and only started towards the end of the year at
Inmaculada and San Jose. Plans for 2024 include adding high grade resources
close to the mining area at Inmaculada at the Angela North East and nearby
vein structures. At San Jose we will continue with our aim to increase the
life-of-mine and there will also be directional and infill drilling at
Pallancata and additional brownfield work close to Mara Rosa.
Financial position
With production remaining robust and a healthy price environment, the Company
generated good cashflow with the result that liquidity remains strong. Cash
and cash equivalents of $89.1 million at the end of December (2022: $143.8
million) reflect capital expenditure of $121 million at Mara Rosa during 2023.
This, along with the draw-down of $60 million from the $200 million
medium-term loan facility has led to a net debt position of $257.9 million at
31 December 2023 (31 December 2022: $175.1 million).
Financial results
Total Group production was 10% lower than 2022 and, although this was
partially offset by a 10% rise in the gold price received and a 1% rise in the
silver price, revenue decreased by 6% to $693.7 million (2022: $735.4
million). All-in sustaining costs were in line with revised guidance at $1,454
per gold equivalent ounce or $17.5 per silver equivalent ounce (2022: $1,448
per gold equivalent ounce or $17.4 per silver equivalent ounce). Adjusted
EBITDA of $274.4 million (2022: $249.6 million) increased by 10% versus 2022
reflecting the price rises and a recent devaluation of the currency in
Argentina. Pre-exceptional earnings per share of $0.02 (2022: $0.01 per share)
includes the impact of a decrease in gross profit due to lower gold and silver
production, lower exploration expenses mainly due to termination of the option
over Snip project and an increase in income tax mainly due to the higher
profitability and currency devaluation in Argentina impacting the deferred
income tax. Post-exceptional loss per share of $0.10 (2020: $0.01 earnings per
share) and includes the impairment losses at the Azuca and Crespo projects of
$63.3 million and the San Jose mining unit of $17.4 million; the restructuring
charges in Pallancata of $9.0 million resulting from placing the operation in
care & maintenance; and the impairment of the investment in Aclara
Resources Inc. of $7.2 million. The net after-tax effect of exceptional items
is a loss of $69.5 million.
Outlook
We expect attributable production in 2024 of between 343,000-360,000 gold
equivalent ounces. This will be driven by: 200,000-205,000 gold equivalent
ounces from Inmaculada; an attributable contribution of 60,000 - 62,000 gold
equivalent ounces from San Jose; and first production from the new Mara Rosa
mine of between 83,000 and 93,000 ounces. All-in sustaining costs for
operations are expected at between $1,510 and $1,550 per gold equivalent
ounce. This forecast reflects $45 million of capital expenditure at Inmaculada
which were previously deferred due to the MEIA delay which mostly consists of
the expansion of the tailings dam and the construction of a reverse osmosis
plant.
A project capex budget of $10 million has been assigned to complete the Mara
Rosa project in the first few months of the year, whilst the budget for
brownfield exploration has recently been set at approximately $33 million.
The construction of Mara Rosa and the approval of the Inmaculada MEIA have
been key milestones for Hochschild during the year. Having been in the role of
CEO for over 6 months, I believe we have a compelling investment case based
around the next 20 years of our Inmaculada flagship mine, near-term growth
from Brazil and Peru and a focus on capital discipline which includes debt
repayment, replenishing our project pipeline and capital return. 2024 has
started with a much calmer social situation in Peru and we welcome the
government's initiatives to promote mining in Peru worldwide. A consistent
execution of our strategy gives me great confidence in our ability to generate
long-term value for our shareholders, partners and stakeholders. In my first
Full Year reporting as CEO, I want to be clear: I believe Hochschild is a
great company, and we will constantly aim to ensure we become a great
investment in a responsible manner.
Eduardo Landin, Chief Executive Officer
12 March 2024
OPERATING REVIEW
OPERATIONS
Note: 2023 and 2022 equivalent figures calculated assume the average
gold/silver ratio for 2022 and 2023 of 83x.
Production
In 2023, Hochschild delivered attributable production of 300,749 gold
equivalent ounces or 25.0 million silver equivalent ounces, in line with the
upper end of the Company's revised guidance. Higher production from Inmaculada
and Pallancata was partially offset by lower production in San Jose.
The overall attributable production target for 2024 is 343,000-360,000 gold
equivalent ounces or 28.5-29.9 million silver equivalent ounces.
Total 2023 group production
Year ended Year ended
31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2022
Silver production (koz) 11,683 13,596
Gold production (koz) 225.77 244.63
Total silver equivalent (koz) 30,423 33,900
Total gold equivalent (koz) 366.54 408.43
Silver sold (koz) 11,547 13,536
Gold sold (koz) 221.40 242.89
Total production includes 100% of all production, including production
attributable to Hochschild's minority shareholder at San Jose.
Attributable 2023 group production
Year ended Year ended
31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2022
Silver production (koz) 9,517 11,003
Gold production (koz) 186.09 206.01
Silver equivalent (koz) 24,962 28,102
Gold equivalent (koz) 300.75 338.57
Attributable production includes 100% of all production from Inmaculada,
Pallancata and 51% from San Jose.
Attributable 2024 Production forecast split
Operation Oz Au Eq Moz Ag Eq
Inmaculada 200,000-205,000 16.6-17.0
Mara Rosa 83,000-93,000 6.9-7.7
San Jose 60,000-62,000 5.0-5.2
Total 343,000-360,000 28.5-29.9
Costs
All-in sustaining cost from operations in 2023 was $1,454 per gold equivalent
ounce or $17.5 per silver equivalent ounce (2022: $1,448 per gold equivalent
ounce or $17.4 per silver equivalent ounce), lower than revised guidance, but
as anticipated, slightly higher than 2022 mainly as a result of: lower
production in Inmaculada due to lower tonnage resulting from the MEIA delay;
higher production costs due to a higher proportion of semi-mechanised mining
methods; and higher mine development capex executed once the MEIA was approved
in August. These effects were partially offset by lower costs at Pallancata as
a result of lower capex and exploration expenses and lower costs in San Jose
in line with the devaluation of the Argentinian peso.
The all-in sustaining cost from operations in 2024 is expected to be between
$1,510 and $1,550 per gold equivalent ounce (or $18.2 and $18.7 per silver
equivalent ounce).
2024 AISC forecast split
Operation $/oz Au Eq $/oz Ag Eq
Inmaculada 1,610-1,640 19.4-19.8
Mara Rosa 1,090-1,120 13.1-13.5
San Jose 1,670-1,730 20.1-20.8
Total from operations 1,510-1,550 18.2-18.7
Inmaculada
The 100% owned Inmaculada gold/silver underground operation is located in the
Department of Ayacucho in southern Peru. It commenced operations in June 2015.
Inmaculada summary Year ended Year ended % change
31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2022
Ore production (tonnes) 1,137,109 1,329,177 (14)
Average silver grade (g/t) 177 156 13
Average gold grade (g/t) 4.09 3.81 7
Silver produced (koz) 5,515 5,936 (7)
Gold produced (koz) 137.40 154.85 (11)
Silver equivalent produced (koz) 16,919 18,788 (10)
Gold equivalent produced (koz) 203.85 226.36 (10)
Silver sold (koz) 5,488 5,918 (7)
Gold sold (koz) 136.66 154.93 (12)
Unit cost ($/t) 142.3 118.7 20
Total cash cost ($/oz Au co-product) 803 701 15
All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Au Eq) 1,287 1,109 16
Production
The Inmaculada mine delivered gold equivalent production of 203,849 ounces
(2022: 226,363 ounces), higher than the revised forecast published in August
2023 and, as expected, lower than that 2022 mainly due to delayed MEIA
approval impacting tonnage treated, and due to community road blockages during
Q1 2023. These effects were partially offset by higher grades.
Costs
All-in sustaining cost was $1,287 per gold equivalent ounce (2022: $1,109 per
ounce) with the increase versus 2022 explained by lower tonnage resulting from
MEIA approval delay and by higher production costs due to the use of more
semi-mechanised mining methods.
Pallancata
The 100% owned Pallancata silver/gold property is located in the Department of
Ayacucho in southern Peru. Pallancata commenced production in 2007. Ore from
Pallancata is transported 22 kilometres to the Selene plant for processing.
Pallancata summary Year ended Year ended % change
31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2022
Ore production (tonnes) 414,044 559,799 (26)
Average silver grade (g/t) 155 151 3
Average gold grade (g/t) 0.64 0.69 (7)
Silver produced (koz) 1,746 2,368 (26)
Gold produced (koz) 7.39 10.98 (33)
Silver equivalent produced (koz) 2,359 3,279 (28)
Gold equivalent produced (koz) 28.43 39.50 (28)
Silver sold (koz) 1,785 2,315 (23)
Gold sold (koz) 7.52 10.76 (30)
Unit cost ($/t) 122.9 131.9 (7)
Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product) 24.0 26.6 (10)
All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Ag Eq) 25.3 31.3 (19)
Production
In 2023, Pallancata produced 2.4 million silver equivalent ounces (2022: 3.3
million ounces), higher than the revised guidance, and as anticipated, lower
than 2022 mainly due to lower tonnage, as a result of being placed on care and
maintenance in November 2023.
Costs
All-in sustaining cost was $25.3 per silver equivalent ounce, lower than the
revised guidance and significantly lower year-on-year (2022: $31.3 per ounce)
due to lower exploration expenses, operating capex and lower production costs.
San Jose
The San Jose silver/gold mine is located in Argentina, in the province of
Santa Cruz, 1,750 kilometres south west of Buenos Aires. San Jose commenced
production in 2007. Hochschild holds a controlling interest of 51% and is the
mine operator. The remaining 49% is owned by McEwen Mining Inc.
San Jose summary Year ended Year ended % change
31 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2022
Ore production (tonnes) 563,013 507,189 11
Average silver grade (g/t) 270 369 (27)
Average gold grade (g/t) 5.03 5.55 (9)
Silver produced (koz) 4,422 5,292 (16)
Gold produced (koz) 80.99 78.80 3
Silver equivalent produced (koz) 11,144 11,833 (6)
Gold equivalent produced (koz) 134.26 142.57 (6)
Silver sold (koz) 4,274 5,303 (19)
Gold sold (koz) 77.23 77.20 -
Unit cost ($/t) 264.0 285.0 (11)
Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product) 15.9 14.4 10
All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Ag Eq) 18.9 20.1 (6)
Production
San Jose's production in 2023 totalled 11.1 million silver equivalent ounces
(2022: 11.8 million ounces) with the decrease versus 2022 reflecting lower
grades. This effect was partially offset by higher tonnage.
Costs
All-in sustaining costs were at $18.9 per silver equivalent ounce (2022: $20.1
per ounce) with the reduction versus 2022 mainly due to the devaluation of the
peso although this was partially offset by lower grades.
MARA ROSA
The Mara Rosa project is progressing on schedule and budget with total project
progress at 99.8% as of the end of February. On 20 February 2024, the team at
the mine achieved the first gold pour with commercial production expected in
June.
Health and Safety
Proactive corporate safety indicators are being monitored to ensure optimal
working conditions for all personnel and the project has completed
approximately five million hours without a loss time accident. Frequency and
severity indices for 2023 were 0.54 and 2, respectively, both better than
corporate goals.
Procurement
Main plant reagents and materials, including cyanide, balls for the mills,
lime and activated carbon have been purchased and deliveries are on track to
be in time for the start of operations.
Mine and Pre-Stripping
Total pre-stripping volume was 2,091 kt of which there is approximately 136.5
kt to guarantee availability of mineral for the ramp-up and operation. Waste
dumps and ore stockpiles are completed and in operation.
Processing plant
The crushing and screening areas were commissioned during Q4 whilst
commissioning began of the thickener and ball mill. Full project
commissioning and the beginning of the project's ramp-up is expected during
the first quarter.
Infrastructure
Construction of the dry stack was completed in December 2023 and the Pequi
water reservoir is fully operational and filled to 95% capacity with the water
required for 2024 operations.
The administrative buildings are fully operational including offices,
cafeteria, first aid and nursery areas.
Permitting & Sustainability
The project received the Operating License from the environmental agency of
Goiás SEMAD in February 2024.
The Company organised three festivities to celebrate Children's Day in Mara
Rosa and Amaralina with over 3,100 participants and on 2 November, a meeting
with the local communities from both towns was held with the objective of
updating them on project progress and strengthening local relationships and
dialogue.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: VOLCAN
On 10 August 2023, Hochschild issued an update on the Volcan Gold Project
("Volcan") which detailed a number of key milestones that have been achieved
at the 100%-owned project (the "Project") located in the Maricunga Region of
Chile:
§ Created a new Canadian company, Tiernan Gold Corp ("Tiernan"), as a
subsidiary of Hochschild Mine Holdings UK
§ Restructured the Project to be owned by Tiernan
§ Completed an updated Mineral Resource Estimate to Canadian NI 43-101
standards, which outlined:
o 463.3 Mt of Measured and Indicated Resources at 0.66 g/t gold for 9.8
million ounces of gold contained
o 75.0 Mt of Inferred Resources at 0.516 g/t gold for an additional 1.2
million ounces of gold contained
§ Completed a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment to Canadian NI
43-101 standards, which highlighted:
o 22mtpa open-pit, heap leach operation with a 14 year mine life
o Average of 332,000 ounces per year of gold production for first 10 years
of operations with 3.8 million ounces produced over the estimated mine life
o Initial capital cost of $900 million, with life of mine sustaining capital
an additional $276 million
o Cash costs of $921/oz and All-in-Sustaining-Costs of $1,002/oz, life of
mine
o NPV (5%) = $826 million and IRR = 21% at $1,800/oz gold price, after-tax
§ Executed an agreement for a $15 million financing with the sale of a new
1.5% NSR royalty on the Project to Franco-Nevada
§ Engaged Canaccord Genuity to evaluate strategic alternatives for Tiernan
Further details can be found in the separate press release (14 August 2023) on
the Company's website at hochschildmining.com
BROWNFIELD EXPLORATION
The brownfield programme for 2023 was delayed until the approval of the
Inmaculada MEIA in August.
Inmaculada
In Q4 2023, the Company performed 900m of potential drilling, intercepting two
new structures, Nicolas and Andrea, which will be further investigated in
2024.
Vein Results (potential drilling)
Nicolas IMS23-207: 1.8m @ 27.0g/t Au & 5,768g/t Ag
Andrea IMS23-207: 3.3m @ 19.4g/t Au & 79g/t Ag
Saly IMS23-207: 2.2m @ 3.2g/t Au & 90g/t Ag
San Jose
At San Jose, the brownfield team carried out 906m of potential drilling and
4,420m of resource drilling in the Suspiro, Sigmoid Molle, Guadaluoe veins
with the key vein expected to be the Suspira quartz sulphide vein which has
high silver grades.
Vein Results (potential/resource drilling)
Suspira SJD-2737: 1.2m @ 17.4g/t Au & 2,477g/t Ag
Tensiona EW SJM-647: 1.0m @ 7.7g/t Au & 938g/t Ag
RML861V SJD-2728: 1.1m @ 6.9g/t Au & 615g/t Ag
Sig Molle SJM-647: 2.8m @ 5.7g/t Au & 656g/t Ag
RML861w SJD-2731: 1.3m @ 5.5g/t Au & 8g/t Ag
The plan for the first quarter of 2024 is to perform 1,500m of potential
drilling at San Jose in the Telken North and Cerro Saavedra areas.
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, are 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 7
Gross revenue decreased by 5% to $710.6 million in 2023 (2022: $751.3 million)
due to lower silver and gold production. Output was mainly impacted by the
delay in the approval of the MEIA at Inmaculada, scheduled lower production at
Inmaculada and Pallancata, and lower grades in San Jose. This was partially
offset by higher average realised gold and silver prices.
Gold
Gross revenue from gold in 2023 increased to $437.0 million (2022: $435.1
million) due to the 10% increase in the average realised gold price partially
offset by lower gold produced at Inmaculada and Pallancata.
Silver
Gross revenue from silver decreased in 2023 to $273.0 million (2022: $315.5
million) mainly due to lower silver produced across all operations; partially
offset by the 1% increase in the average realised silver price.
Gross average realised sales prices
The following table provides figures for average realised prices (before the
deduction of commercial discounts) and ounces sold for 2023 and 2022:
Average realised prices Year ended Year ended
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Silver ounces sold (koz) 11,547 13,536
Avg. realised silver price ($/oz) 23.6 23.3
Gold ounces sold (koz) 221.40 242.89
Avg. realised gold price ($/oz) 1,974 1,791
29,250 gold ounces of 2023 production were hedged at $2,047 per ounce and 3.3
million silver ounces of 2023 production were hedged at $25 per ounce,
boosting the realised price. On 12 April 2023, the Company hedged 27,600
ounces of 2024 gold production at $2,100 per ounce, on 19 June 2023 the
Company hedged 150,000 ounces of 2025, 2026 and 2027 gold production (50,000
per year) at $2,117, $2,167 and $2,206 per ounce respectively, and on 14
December 2023 the Company hedged 100,000 ounces of 2024 gold production using
gold collars with a strike put of $2,000 per ounce and a strike call of $2,252
per ounce.
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 2023, the
Group recorded commercial discounts of $16.9 million (2022: $15.7 million).
The ratio of commercial discounts to gross revenue in 2023 was 2%, in line
with 2022.
Net revenue
Net revenue was $693.7 million (2022: $735.6 million), comprising net gold
revenue of $429.9 million (2022: $429.8 million) and net silver revenue of
$263.3 million (2022: $305.2 million). In 2023, gold accounted for 62% and
silver 38% of the Company's consolidated net revenue (2022: gold 58% and
silver 42%).
Reconciliation of gross revenue by mine to Group net revenue
$000 Year ended Year ended % change
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Silver revenue
Inmaculada 129,456 137,033 (6)
Pallancata 43,380 62,986 (31)
San Jose 100,212 115,477 (13)
Commercial discounts (9,779) (10,334) (5)
Net silver revenue 263,269 305,162 (14)
Gold revenue
Inmaculada 267,188 276,895 (4)
Pallancata 14,985 19,459 (23)
San Jose 154,832 138,782 12
Commercial discounts (7,123) (5,335) 34
Net gold revenue 429,882 429,801 -
Other revenue 565 680 (17)
Net revenue 693,716 735,643 (6)
Cost of sales
Total cost of sales was $508.2 million in 2023 (2022: $527.6 million). The
direct production cost excluding depreciation was lower at $363.0 million
(2022: $384.2 million) mainly due to lower production in Inmaculada and
Pallancata, partially offset by a scheduled higher proportion of conventional
mining methods across all mining units. Depreciation in production cost
increased to $144.8 million (2022: $137.7 million) mainly due to higher future
capex depreciation in Pallancata (Royropata) and the impact on depreciation of
the reversal in impairment loss at Pallancata of $15.5 million as at 31
December 2022, partially offset by lower depreciation in Inmaculada due to
lower production. Fixed costs incurred during total or partial production
stoppages were $3.0 million in 2023 (2022: $8.0 million).
$000 Year ended Year ended % change
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Direct production cost excluding depreciation 362,980 384,183 (5)
Depreciation in production cost 144,812 137,747 5
Other items and workers profit sharing 1,862 3,321 (44)
Fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced capacity 3,314 8,023 (59)
Change in inventories (4,754) (5,631) (16)
Cost of sales 508,214 527,643 (4)
Fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced capacity
$000 Year ended Year ended % Change
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Personnel 3,032 4,498 (33)
Third party services 865 3,090 (72)
Supplies 34 146 (77)
Depreciation and amortisation - 2 -
Others (617) 287 (315)
Cost of sales 3,314 8,023 (59)
Unit cost per tonne
The Company reported unit cost per tonne at its operations of $171.1 per tonne
in 2023, an 8% increase versus 2022 ($158.7 per tonne) resulting from lower
treated tonnage in Inmaculada and Pallancata, and a scheduled higher
proportion of conventional mining methods across all mining units.
Unit cost per tonne by operation (including royalties) 8 :
Operating unit ($/tonne) Year ended Year ended % change
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Peru 137.0 122.9 11
Inmaculada 142.3 118.7 20
Pallancata 122.9 131.9 (7)
Argentina
San Jose 264.0 285.0 (7)
Total 171.1 158.7 8
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 9
Year ended 31 Dec 2023
$000 unless otherwise indicated Inmaculada Pallancata San Jose Total
(+) Cost of sales 10 234,627 72,118 197,399 504,144
(-) Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales (75,306) (18,964) (48,901) (143,171)
(+) Selling expenses 533 461 13,868 14,862
(+) Commercial deductions 11 3,057 4,319 12,923 20,299
Gold 2,079 891 6,440 9,410
Silver 978 3,428 6,483 10,889
Group cash cost 162,911 57,934 175,289 396,134
Gold 267,188 14,094 148,600 429,882
Silver 129,456 39,952 93,861 263,269
Revenue 396,644 54,046 242,461 693,151
Ounces sold
Gold 136.7 7.5 77.2 221.4
Silver 5,488 1,785 4,274 11,547
Group cash cost ($/oz)
Co product Au 803 2,010 1,391 1,110
Co product Ag 9.7 24.0 15.9 13.0
By product Au 238 1,936 970 551
By product Ag (19.4) 24.1 4.8 (3.7)
Year ended 31 Dec 2022
$000 unless otherwise indicated Inmaculada Pallancata San Jose Total
(+) Cost of sales 12 239,277 83,926 193,840 517,043
(-) Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales (80,633) (8,671) (47,123) (136,427)
(+) Selling expenses 796 622 12,614 14,032
(+) Commercial deductions 13 2,957 4,879 11,254 19,090
Gold 2,131 969 4,630 7,730
Silver 826 3,910 6,624 11,360
Group cash cost 162,397 80,756 170,585 413,738
Gold 276,895 18,490 134,416 429,801
Silver 137,033 59,076 109,053 305,162
Revenue 413,928 77,566 243,469 734,963
Ounces sold
Gold 154.9 10.8 77.2 242.9
Silver 5,918 2,315 5,303 13,536
Group cash cost ($/oz)
Co product Au 701 1,789 1,220 996
Co product Ag 9.1 26.6 14.4 12.7
By product Au 158 1,652 711 400
By product Ag (19.7) 26.5 6.0 (1.8)
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 14
All-in sustaining cash costs per silver equivalent ounce
Year ended 31 Dec 2023
$000 unless otherwise indicated Inmaculada Pallancata San Jose Main Corporate & Total
operations others
(+) Direct production cost excluding depreciation 162,570 49,940 150,470 362,980 - 362,980
(+) Other items and workers profit sharing in cost of sales 1,373 489 - 1,862 - 1,862
(+) Operating and exploration capex for units 15 86,031 2,458 40,834 129,323 57 129,380
(+) Brownfield exploration expenses 1,371 1,070 8,233 10,674 3,171 13,845
(+) Administrative expenses (excl depreciation) 3,498 491 5,433 9,422 36,507 45,929
(+) Royalties and special mining tax 16 3,978 542 - 4,520 2,278 6,798
Sub-total 258,821 54,990 204,970 518,781 42,013 560,794
Au ounces produced 137,399 7,390 80,985 225,774 - 225,774
Ag ounces produced (000s) 5,515 1,746 4,422 11,683 - 11,683
Ounces produced (Ag Eq 000s oz) 16,919 2,359 11,144 30,422 - 30,422
All-in sustaining costs per ounce produced ($/oz Ag Eq) 15.3 23.3 18.4 17.1 1.4 18.4
(+) Commercial deductions 3,057 4,319 12,923 20,299 - 20,299
(+) Other items 17 - - -21,164 -21,164 - -21,164
(+) Selling expenses 533 461 13,868 14,862 - 14,862
Sub-total 3,590 4,780 5,627 13,997 - 13,997
Au ounces sold 136,661 7,516 77,227 221,404 - 221,404
Ag ounces sold (000s) 5,488 1,785 4,274 11,547 - 11,547
Ounces sold (Ag Eq 000s oz) 16,831 2,409 10,684 29,924 - 29,924
Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq) 0.2 2.0 0.5 0.5 - 0.5
All-in sustaining costs per ounce sold ($/oz Ag Eq) 15.5 25.3 18.9 17.5 1.4 18.9
All-in sustaining costs per ounce sold ($/oz Au Eq) 1,287 2,099 1,570 1,454 115 1,569
Year ended 31 Dec 2022
$000 unless otherwise indicated Inmaculada Pallancata San Jose Main Corporate & Total
Operations others
(+) Direct production cost excluding depreciation 156,551 75,472 152,160 384,183 - 384,183
(+) Other items and workers profit sharing in cost of sales 1,777 1,544 - 3,321 - 3,321
(+) Operating and exploration capex for units 18 78,176 12,340 47,604 138,120 584 138,704
(+) Brownfield exploration expenses 2,946 6,000 7,700 16,646 2,537 19,183
(+) Administrative expenses (excl depreciation) 3,893 730 6,242 10,865 41,265 52,130
(+) Royalties and special mining tax 19 4,032 756 - 4,788 2,658 7,446
Sub-total 247,375 96,842 213,706 557,923 47,044 604,967
Au ounces produced 154,846 10,977 78,802 244,625 - 244,625
Ag ounces produced (000s) 5,936 2,368 5,292 13,596 13,596
Ounces produced (Ag Eq 000s oz) 18,788 3,279 11,833 33,900 - 33,900
All-in sustaining costs per ounce produced ($/oz Ag Eq) 13.2 29.5 18.1 16.5 1.4 17.8
(+) Commercial deductions 2,957 4,879 11,254 19,090 - 19,090
(+) Selling expenses 796 622 12,614 14,032 - 14,032
Sub-total 3,753 5,501 23,868 33,122 - 33,122
Au ounces sold 154,930 10,759 77,204 242,893 - 242,893
Ag ounces sold (000s) 5,918 2,315 5,303 13,536 - 13,536
Ounces sold (Ag Eq 000s oz) 18,777 3,208 11,711 33,696 - 33,696
Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq) 0.2 1.7 2.0 1.0 - 1.0
All-in sustaining costs per ounce sold ($/oz Ag Eq) 13.4 31.1 20.1 17.4 1.4 18.8
All-in sustaining costs per ounce sold ($/oz Au Eq) 1,109 2,594 1,668 1,448 115 1,563
Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses were lower at $47.2 million (2022: $54.2 million)
mainly due to lower bonus provision and professional fees.
Exploration expenses
In 2023, exploration expenses decreased to $21.3 million (2022: $56.8 million)
mainly due to lower exploration expenses at the Snip project of $2.2 million
due to the termination of the option (2022: $19.6 million), lower exploration
expenses at Pallancata of $1.1 million (2022: $6.0 million), lower personnel
expenses of $5.5 million (2022: $10.6 million), lower prospects expenditure in
USA of $0.1 million (2022: $4.3 million), and lower exploration expenses at
Inmaculada of $1.4 million (2022: $2.9 million).
In 2022, the Group capitalised $0.7 million of its brownfield exploration,
which mostly relates to costs incurred converting potential resources to the
Inferred or Measured and Indicated categories (2023: $nil).
Selling expenses
Selling expenses increased slightly to $14.9 million (2022: $14.0 million)
mainly due to higher gold prices.
Other income/expenses
Other income before exceptional items was higher at $30.3 million (2022: $3.3
million) principally due to: the impact of currency devaluation in Argentina
resulting from the Argentinian Government export programme to settle a portion
of San Jose exports at the blue chip exchange rate during the last quarter of
2023 of $21.2 million, the collection of a British Columbia tax credit of
$3.2 million from the Snip project in 2023, and the insurance reimbursement
received in 2023 in connection with damage to Inmaculada's machine belt in
2022 of $2.6 million.
Other expenses before exceptional items were higher at $47.6 million (2022:
$39.3 million) mainly due to mine closure provision increases of $28.4 million
(2022: $17.8 million).
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 10% to $274.4 million (2022: $249.6 million)
mainly due to the rise in metal prices, and the impact of local currency
devaluation of the currency in Argentina. These were partially offset by the
impact of lower gold and silver production.
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 Year ended % change
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items, net finance 82,128 45,190 82
income/(cost), foreign exchange loss and income tax
Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales 143,171 136,427 5
Depreciation and amortisation in administrative expenses and other expenses 2,075 2,135 (3)
Exploration expenses 21,297 56,826 (63)
Personnel and other exploration related fixed expenses (5,397) (10,602) (49)
Other non-cash income, net 20 31,096 19,629 58
Adjusted EBITDA 274,370 249,605 10
Adjusted EBITDA margin 39% 34% 15
Finance income
Finance income before exceptional items of $7.5 million increased from 2022
($5.2 million) mainly due to higher interest on deposits of $4.6 million
(2022: $2.4 million).
Finance costs
Finance costs before exceptional items decreased from $21.8 million in 2022 to
$18.2 million in 2023 principally due to: the capitalisation of interest
expenses of $19.4 million that are directly attributable to the construction
of Mara Rosa (2022: $4.9 million); lower foreign exchange transaction costs in
Argentina of $1.3 million (2022: $5.0 million); a loss on the sale of C3
Metals Inc. shares of $0.3 million in 2023 (2022: recorded a loss on the fair
value of C3 Metals Inc. shares of $2.1 million). These effects were partially
offset by higher interest expense on loans before capitalisation at $28.9
million (2022: $15.3 million) mainly due to higher interest rates and an
additional $60 million medium-term debt facility drawn down in August 2023,
and the loss on the unwinding of discount of the mine closure provision of
$1.7 million (2022: gain of $1.9 million).
Foreign exchange (losses)/gains
The Group recognised a foreign exchange loss of $15.6 million (2022: $2.6
million) mainly due to the impact of the Argentinian local currency
devaluation on monetary assets of $15.5 million.
Income tax
The Company's pre-exceptional income tax charge was $44.0 million (2022: $17.6
million). The increase in the charge is mainly explained by higher
profitability versus 2022.
The effective tax rate (pre-exceptional) for the period was 82.2% (2022:
72.3%), compared to the weighted average statutory income tax rate of 31.8%
(2022: 35.6%). The higher effective tax rate in 2023 versus the average
statutory rate is mainly explained by: the effect of foreign exchange in
Argentina and Brazil increasing the rate by 18.7%, the additions to the mine
closure provision increasing the rate by 10.8%, non-deductible expenses
increasing the rate by 9.9%, Royalties and the Special Mining Tax which
increased the effective rate by 8.9%, and the impact of non-recognised tax
losses in non-operating companies increasing the rate by 1.5%.
Exceptional items
Exceptional items in 2023 totalled a $69.5 million loss after tax (2022: $1.9
million loss after tax) related to impairment losses at the Azuca and Crespo
projects of $63.3 million and the San Jose mining unit of $17.4 million; the
restructuring charges in Pallancata of $9.0 million resulting from placing the
operation in care & maintenance; and the impairment of the investment in
Aclara Resources Inc. of $7.2 million.
The tax effect of these exceptional items was a $27.4 million tax gain (2022:
$3.3 million tax loss). The net attributable loss of exceptional items was
$64.0 million.
Cash flow and balance sheet review
Cash flow:
$000 Year ended Year ended Change
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Net cash generated from operating activities 178,761 102,918 90,843
Net cash used in investing activities (245,506) (337,580) 77,074
Cash flows generated generated/(used in) from financing activities 22,769 (6,588) 29,357
Foreign exchange adjustment (10,742) (1,695) (9,047)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents during the year (54,718) (242,945) 188,227
Net cash generated from operating activities increased from $102.9 million in
2022 to $178.8 million in 2023 mainly due to higher Adjusted EBITDA of $274.4
million (2022: $249.6 million), working capital changes, lower exploration
expenses and lower taxes paid.
Net cash used in investing activities decreased from $337.6 million in 2022 to
$245.5 million in 2023 mainly due the consideration paid for the acquisition
of Amarillo Gold on 1 April 2022 of $123.4 million, partially offset by higher
construction capex in Mara Rosa of $121.1 million (2022: $67.7 million).
Cash from financing activities increased to an inflow of $22.8 million from an
outflow of $6.6 million in 2022, primarily due the draw-down of $60 million
from the $200 million medium-term loan facility (2022: proceeds from Minera
Santa Cruz stock market promissory notes of $14.5 million) and no dividends
paid in 2023 (2022: $22.0 million); partially offset by the $25 million
repayment of the $300 million medium-term loan facility, and the $10.2 million
repayment of Minera Santa Cruz stock market promissory notes.
Working capital
$000 As at As at
31 December 2023 31 December 2022
Trade and other receivables 80,456 85,408
Inventories 68,261 61,440
Derivative financial assets/(liabilities) (344) 2,186
Income tax receivable, net 1,734 7,100
Trade and other payables (135,839) (144,102)
Provisions (26,741) (24,177)
Working capital (12,473) (12,145)
The Group's working capital position decreased by $0.4 million from $(12.1)
million to $(12.5) million. The key drivers of the decrease were: lower income
tax receivable, net of $5.4 million; lower trade and other receivables of $5.0
million; partially offset by lower trade and other payables of $8.3 million.
Net (debt)/cash
$000 unless otherwise indicated As at As at
31 December 2023 31 December 2022
Cash and cash equivalents 89,126 143,844
Non-current borrowings (234,999) (275,000)
Current borrowings 21 (112,064) (43,989)
Net cash / (net debt) (257,937) (175,145)
The Group's reported net debt position was $257.9 million as at 31 December
2023 (31 December 2022: $175.1 million). The increase is mainly explained by:
capital expenditure of $121.1 million at Mara Rosa (2022: $67.7 million),
partially offset by cash generated by the business. Borrowings increased
mainly due to the draw-down of $60 million from the $200 million medium-term
loan facility, net of the $25 million repayment of the $300 million
medium-term loan facility.
Capital Expenditure
$000 Year ended Year ended
31 Dec 2023
31 Dec 2022
Inmaculada 86,031 78,176
Pallancata 6,428 13,518
San Jose 47,682 50,112
Operations 140,141 141,806
Mara Rosa 22 145,804 193,218
Aclara - -
Other 2,447 4,842
Total 288,392 339,866
2023 capital expenditure decreased from $339.9 million in 2022 to $288.4
million in 2023 mainly to the capex acquired in the acquisition of Amarillo
Gold on 1 April 2022 of $122.5 million, partially offset by higher
construction capex in Mara Rosa of $121.1 million (2022: $67.7 million), and
higher capitalised interest expenses that are directly attributable to the
construction of Mara Rosa of $18.7 million (2022: $3.0 million).
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 2023
Year ended 31 December 2023 Year ended 31 December 2022
Notes Before exceptional items US$000 Exceptional items Total Before exceptional items US$000 Exceptional items Total
US$000
US$000
(note 11) (note 11)
US$000 US$000
Revenue 5 693,716 - 693,716 735,643 - 735,643
Cost of sales 6 (508,214) - (508,214) (527,643) - (527,643)
Gross profit 185,502 - 185,502 208,000 - 208,000
Administrative expenses 7 (47,192) - (47,192) (54,158) - (54,158)
Exploration expenses 8 (21,297) - (21,297) (56,826) - (56,826)
Selling expenses 9 (14,862) - (14,862) (14,032) - (14,032)
Other income 12 30,261 - 30,261 3,340 - 3,340
Other expenses 12 (47,553) (8,960) (56,513) (39,302) - (39,302)
(Impairment)/reversal of impairment and write-off of non-current assets, net (2,731) (80,843) (83,574) (1,832) 11,363 9,531
(Loss)/profit before net finance income/(cost), foreign exchange loss and 82,128 (89,803) (7,675) 45,190 11,363 56,553
income tax
Share of loss of an associate 19 (2,277) (7,183) (9,460) (1,677) (9,923) (11,600)
Finance income 13 7,473 - 7,473 5,211 - 5,211
Finance costs 13 (18,199) - (18,199) (21,776) - (21,776)
Foreign exchange loss, net 13 (15,620) - (15,620) (2,622) - (2,622)
(Loss)/profit before income tax 53,505 (96,986) (43,481) 24,326 1,440 25,766
Income tax (expense)/benefit 14 (44,000) 27,448 (16,552) (17,581) (3,353) (20,934)
(Loss)/profit for the year 9,505 (69,538) (60,033) 6,745 (1,913) 4,832
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Parent 8,991 (63,997) (55,006) 4,874 (1,913) 2,961
Non-controlling interests 514 (5,541) (5,027) 1,871 - 1,871
9,505 (69,538) (60,033) 6,745 (1,913) 4,832
Basic (loss)/earnings per ordinary share for the year (expressed in US dollars 15 0.02 (0.12) (0.10) 0.01 - 0.01
per share)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per ordinary share for the year (expressed in US 15 0.02 (0.12) (0.10) 0.01 - 0.01
dollars per share)
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Year ended 31 December
Notes 2023 2022
US$000
US$000
(Loss)/profit for the year (60,033) 4,832
Other comprehensive income that might be reclassified to profit or loss in
subsequent periods, net of tax:
Net loss on cash flow hedges 39(a) (19,704) (16,929)
Deferred tax benefit on cash flow hedges 39(e) 6,617 4,994
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 17,722 (12,739)
Share of other comprehensive income of an associate 19 (855) 1,283
3,780 (23,391)
Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in
subsequent periods, net of tax:
Net loss on equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive 20 (49) (152)
income ('OCI')
(49) (152)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax 3,731 (23,543)
Total comprehensive loss for the year (56,302) (18,711)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Parent (51,275) (20,582)
Non-controlling interests (5,027) 1,871
(56,302) (18,711)
Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 31 December 2023
Notes As at As at
31 December 2023
31 December 2022
US$000
US$000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 16 1,018,853 926,913
Evaluation and exploration assets 17 67,322 123,462
Intangible assets 18 29,983 19,328
Investment in an associate 19 22,927 33,242
Financial assets at fair value through OCI 20 460 509
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss 21 - 1,015
Trade and other receivables 22 12,438 6,498
Deferred income tax assets 31 763 4,213
1,152,746 1,115,180
Current assets
Inventories 23 68,261 61,440
Trade and other receivables 22 80,456 85,408
Derivative financial assets 39(a) 846 2,186
Income tax receivable 14 4,713 9,226
Other financial assets 24 2,264 -
Cash and cash equivalents 24 89,126 143,844
Assets held for sale 25 17,398 -
263,064 302,104
Total assets 1,415,810 1,417,284
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders of the Parent
Equity share capital 30 9,068 9,061
Share premium 30 - -
Other reserves (234,837) (238,800)
Retained earnings 834,231 886,980
608,462 657,241
Non-controlling interests 60,122 65,475
Total equity 668,584 722,716
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 26 1,711 1,623
Derivative financial liabilities 39(a) 16,581 -
Borrowings 28 234,999 275,000
Provisions 29 147,372 123,506
Deferred income tax liabilities 31 67,039 80,045
467,702 480,174
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 26 135,839 144,102
Derivative financial liabilities 39(aa) 1,190 -
Borrowings 28 112,064 43,989
Provisions 29 26,741 24,177
Income tax payable 14 2,979 2,126
Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale 25 711 -
279,524 214,394
Total liabilities 747,226 694,568
Total equity and liabilities 1,415,810 1,417,284
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 12 March
2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Eduardo Landin
Chief Executive Officer
12 March 2024
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Year ended 31 December
Notes 2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 35 217,016 144,271
Interest received 5,508 2,409
Interest paid 28 (24,839) (12,962)
Payment of mine closure costs 29 (13,325) (10,409)
Income tax, special mining tax and mining royalty paid1 (5,599) (20,391)
Net cash generated from operating activities 178,761 102,918
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (259,730) (210,372)
Purchase of evaluation and exploration assets 17 (2,523) (122,988)
Purchase of intangibles 18 (124) (353)
Purchase of Argentinian bonds 13 - (10,204)
Proceeds from sale of Argentinian bonds 13 - 5,248
Proceeds from sale of financial assets at fair value though profit and loss 21 723 -
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1,148 1,089
Sale of royalty related to Volcan project 15,000 -
Net cash used in investing activities (245,506) (337,580)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings 28 137,413 28,911
Repayment of borrowings 28 (111,980) (11,557)
Payment of lease liabilities 27 (2,338) (1,639)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 32 (326) (286)
Dividends paid 32 - (22,017)
Cash flows generated/(used in) from financing activities 22,769 (6,588)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the year (43,976) (241,250)
Exchange difference (10,742) (1,695)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 143,844 386,789
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 24 89,126 143,844
1 Taxes paid have been offset with value added tax (VAT) credits of
US$10,175,000 (2022:US$31,302,000).
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year 31 December 2023
Other reserves
Notes Equity share capital US$000 Share premium US$000 Fair value reserve of financial assets at fair value through OCI Share of other comprehensive loss of an associate US$000 Dividends expired US$000 Cumulative translation adjustment Unrealised gain/ Merger reserve US$000 Share- based payment reserve US$000 Total Retained earnings US$000 Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders Non-controlling interests Total
US$000 US$000
other reserves US$000
of the Parent
US$000
equity
(loss) on hedges
US$000
US$000
US$000
Balance at 1 January 2022 226,506 438,041 74 (9) 99 (25,163) 13,476 (210,046) 3,912 (217,657) 248,664 695,554 63,890 759,444
Other comprehensive income/(expense) - - (152) 1,283 - (12,739) (11,935) - - (23,543) - (23,543) - (23,543)
Profit for the year - - - - - - - - - - - 2,961 2,961 1,871 4,832
Total comprehensive income/ - - (152) - - (12,739) (11,935) - - (23,543) 2,961 (20,582) 1,871 (18,711)
(expense) for the year
1,283
Dividends 32 - - - - - - - - - - - (22,017) (22,017) - (22,017)
Dividends paid to non - 32 - - - - - - - - - - - - - (286) (286)
controlling interests
Issuance of deferred bonus shares 30 303,268 - - - - - - - - - (303,268) - - -
Cancelation of deferred bonus shares 30 (303,268) - - - - - - - - - 303,268 - - -
Cancelation of share premium account 30 - (438,041) - - - - - - - - 438,041 - - -
Nominal value reduction 30 (217,445) - - - - - - - - - 217,445 - - -
Share-based payments 30(c) - - - - - - - - 4,286 4,286 - 4,286 - 4,286
Forfeiture of share options 30(c) - - - - - - - - (1,886) (1,886) 1,886 - - -
Balance at 31 December 2022 9,061 - (78) 1,274 99 (37,902) 1,541 (210,046) 6,312 (238,800) 886,980 657,241 65,475 722,716
Other comprehensive income/(expense) - - (49) (855) - 17,722 (13,087) - - 3,731 - 3,731 - 3,731
Loss for the year - - - - - - - - - - (55,006) (55,006) (5,027) (60,033)
Total comprehensive income/ - - (49) - 17,722 (13,087) - - 3,731 (55,006) (51,275) (5,027) (56,302)
(expense) for the year
(855)
Cancellation of dividends expired - - - - (99) - - - - (99) 152 53 - 53
Dividends to non - 32 - - - - - - - - - - - (326) (326)
controlling interests
Exercise of share based payments 30(c) 7 (584) (584) 577 - - -
Accrual of share-based payments 30(c) - - - - - - - - 2,443 2,443 - 2,443 - 2,443
Forfeiture of share options 30(c) - - - - - - - - (1,528) (1,528) 1,528 - - -
Balance at 31 December 2023 9,068 - (127) 419 - (20,180) (11,546) (210,046) 6,643 (234,837) 834,231 608,462 60,122 668,584
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2023
1 Corporate information
Hochschild Mining PLC (hereinafter "the Company") is a public limited company
incorporated on 11 April 2006 under the Companies Act 1985 as a Limited
Company and registered in England and Wales with registered number 05777693.
The Company's registered office is located at 17 Cavendish Square, London
W1G 0PH, United Kingdom.
The ultimate controlling party of the Company is Mr Eduardo Hochschild whose
beneficial interest in the Company and its subsidiaries (together 'the Group'
or 'Hochschild Mining Group') is 38.27% and it is held through Pelham
Investment Corporation ("Pelham"), a Cayman Islands company.
On 8 November 2006, the Company's shares were admitted to the Official List of
the UKLA (United Kingdom Listing Authority) and to trading on the London Stock
Exchange.
The Group's principal business is the mining, processing and sale of silver
and gold. At 31 December 2023, the Group has one operating mine (Inmaculada)
located in southern Peru and one operating mine (San Jose) located in
Argentina. The Group's previously operating Pallancata mine went into care
and maintenance in November 2023. The Group also has a late-stage development
project in Brazil, Mara Rosa, which is expected to be commissioned in the
first half of 2024. The Group also has a portfolio of projects located across
Peru, Argentina, United States, Canada, Brazil, and Chile, at various stages
of development.
These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board
of Directors on 12 March 2024.
The Group´s subsidiaries are as follows:
Equity interest at
31 December
Company Principal activity Country of 2023 2022
incorporation
%
%
Hochschild Mining (Argentina) Corporation S.A.1 Holding company Argentina 100 100
MH Argentina S.A.2 Exploration office Argentina 100 100
Minera Santa Cruz S.A.1 and 11 Production of gold and silver Argentina 51 51
Minera Hochschild Chile S.C.M. 3 Exploration Chile 100 100
Andina Minerals Chile SpA (formerly Andina Minerals Chile Ltd.) 3 Exploration Chile 100 100
Southwest Minerals (Yunnan) Inc. 4 Exploration China 100 100
Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited5 Holding company England and Wales 100 100
Hochschild Mining Ares (UK) Limited5 Administrative office England and Wales 100 100
Southwest Mining Inc. 4 Exploration Mauritius 100 100
Southwest Minerals Inc. 4 Exploration Mauritius 100 100
Minera Hochschild Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 6 Exploration Mexico 100 100
Hochschild Mining (Peru) S.A. 4 Holding company Peru 100 100
Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. 4 Production of gold and silver Peru 100 100
Compañía Minera Arcata S.A. 4 Production of gold and silver Peru 99.1 99.1
Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C. 4 Power transmission Peru 100 100
Minera Antay S.A.C. 4 and 10 Exploration Peru - 100
Compañía Minera Crespo S.A.C. 4 Exploration Peru 100 -
Hochschild Mining (US) Inc. 7 Holding company USA 100 100
Hochschild Mining Canada Corp8 Exploration Canada 100 100
Hochschild Mining Brazil Holdings Corp. (formerly 1334940 BC)8 Holding company Canada 100 100
Tiernan Gold Corp. 8 Holding company Canada 100 100
Amarillo Mineracao do Brasil Ltda. 9 Exploration Brazil 100 100
1 Registered address: Av. Santa Fe 2755, floor 9, Buenos
Aires, Argentina.
2 Registered address: Sargento Cabral 124, Comodoro
Rivadavia, Provincia de Chubut, Argentina.
3 Registered address: Av. Apoquindo 4775 of 1002, Comuna Las
Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
4 Registered address: La Colonia 180, Santiago de Surco,
Lima, Peru.
5 Registered address: 17 Cavendish Square, London, W1G0PH,
United Kingdom.
6 Registered address: Calle Aguila Real No 122, Colonia
Carolco, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, CP 64996, Mexico.
7 Registered address: 1025 Ridgeview Dr. 300, Reno, Nevada
89519, USA.
8 Registered address: Suite 1700, Park Place, 666 Burrard
Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 2X8.
9 Registered address: Fazenda Invernada s/n, Zona Rural,
Mara Rosa - Goiás - Brazil, CEP: 76.490-000.
10 The Company was liquidated on 22 February 2023.
11 The Group has a 51% interest in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Minera
Santa Cruz), while the remaining 49% is held by a non-controlling interest.
The significant financial information in respect of this subsidiary before
intercompany eliminations as at and for the years ended 31 December 2023 and
2022 is as follows:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000 US$000
Non-current assets 136,098 159,703
Current assets 100,511 99,997
Non-current liabilities (71,813) (67,710)
Current liabilities (44,965) (61,230)
Equity (119,831) (130,760)
Cash and cash equivalents 22,182 15,473
Revenue 242,461 243,469
Depreciation and amortisation (52,829) (50,967)
Interest income 1,251 652
Interest expense (4,090) (4,364)
Income tax (4,480) 7,761
Profit for the year and total comprehensive income (10,269) 3,811
Net cash generated from operating activities 66,034 18,085
Net cash used in investing activities (48,227) (47,197)
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities (11,098) 18,643
(Loss)/profit attributable to non-controlling interests in the consolidated
income statement, non-controlling interest in the consolidated statement of
financial position, and dividends declared to non-controlling interests in the
consolidated statement of changes in equity are solely related to Minera Santa
Cruz.
2 Material accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in
accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards.
The basis of preparation and accounting policies used in preparing the
consolidated financial statements for the years ended 31 December 2023 and
2022 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 consolidated financial information, presented in condensed form, has been
abridged from the audited Hochschild Mining Plc Annual Report 2023 for which
an unqualified audit report was given. This summary financial information does
not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies
Act 2006.
The financial statements are presented in US dollars (US$) and all monetary
amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000) except when otherwise
indicated.
Changes in accounting policy and disclosures
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the 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 2022. Amendments and interpretations apply for the first time in
2023, 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.
• Definition of Accounting Estimates - Amendments to IAS 8
• Disclosure of Accounting Policies - Amendments to IAS 1
• Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single
Transaction - Amendments to IAS 12
• International Tax Reform-Pillar Two Model Rules - Amendments to IAS 12.
The Group does not foresee any tax implications from the implementation of
this reform.
Standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards that are not
yet effective and have not been previously adopted by the Group
Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards
have been published and are mandatory for the Group's accounting periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2024 or later periods but which the Group has
not previously adopted. These have not been listed as they are not expected
to impact the Group.
(b) Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of
estimation uncertainty
Many of the amounts included in the financial statements involve the use of
judgement and/or estimation. These judgements and estimates are based on
management's best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having
regard to prior experience, but actual results may differ from the amounts
included in the financial statements. Information about such judgements and
estimates is contained in the accounting policies and/or the notes to the
financial statements.
Significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements made by
management in preparing the consolidated financial statements include:
Significant estimates:
• Useful lives of assets for
depreciation and amortisation purposes - note 2(f).
Estimates are required to be made by management as to the useful lives of
assets. For depreciation calculated under the unit of-production method,
estimated recoverable reserves and resources are used in determining the
depreciation and/or amortisation of mine-specific assets. This results in a
depreciation/amortisation charge proportional to the depletion of the
anticipated remaining life-of-mine production. Each item's life, which is
assessed annually, has regard to both its physical life limitations and to
present assessments of economically recoverable reserves and resources of the
mine property at which the asset is located. These calculations require the
use of estimates and assumptions, including the amount of recoverable reserves
and resources. Changes are accounted for prospectively.
• Ore reserves and resources - note
2(h).
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves and
resources. Assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may change
significantly when new information becomes available. Changes in the forecast
prices of commodities, exchange rates, production costs or recovery rates may
change the economic status of reserves and resources and may, ultimately,
result in the reserves and resources being updated.
• Recoverable values of mining
assets - notes 2(k), 16, 17 and 18.
The values of the Group's mining assets are sensitive to a range of
characteristics unique to each mine unit. Key sources of estimation for all
assets include uncertainty around ore reserve estimates and cash flow
projections. In performing impairment reviews, the Group assesses the
recoverable amount of its operating assets principally with reference to fair
value less costs of disposal, assessed using discounted cash flow models.
In performing impairment reviews, the Group assesses the recoverable amount of
its operating assets principally with reference to fair value less costs of
disposal, assessed using discounted cash flow models. The recoverable values
of the CGUs and advanced exploration projects are determined using a FVLCD
methodology. FVLCD for CGUs was determined using a combination of level 2 and
level 3 inputs. The FVLCD of the producing and developing stage mine assets is
determined using a discounted cash flow model (note 16) and for the advanced
exploration projects is determined using a discounted cash flow model or a the
value-in-situ methodology, which applies a realisable 'enterprise value' to
unprocessed mineral resources per ounce of resources, to estimate the amount
that would be paid by a willing third party in an arm's length transaction
(notes 17 and 18(2)).
For the CGU´s discounted cash flow model, the Group uses two approaches,
depending on the circumstances: (i) the traditional approach, which uses a
single cash flow projection, and (ii) the expected cash flow approach, which
uses multiple, probability-weighted cash flow projections. As at 31 December
2023, the impairment reviews for the Group´s operating assets were performed
using a traditional approach.
There is judgement involved in determining the assumptions that are considered
to be reasonable and consistent with those that would be applied by market
participants. Significant estimates used include future gold and silver
prices, future capital requirements, reserves and resources volumes,
production costs and the application of discount rates which reflect the
macro-economic risk in Peru and Argentina, as applicable. Judgement is also
required in determining the risk factor that will be applied by market
participants to take into account the water restrictions imposed by the
Chilean government over the Volcan cash-generating unit. Changes in these
assumptions will affect the recoverable amount of the property, plant and
equipment, evaluation and exploration assets, and intangibles.
• Mine closure costs - notes 2(o)
and 29(1).
The Group assesses its mine closure cost provision annually. Significant
estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for mine
closure cost as there are numerous factors that will affect the ultimate
liability. These factors include estimates of the extent and costs of
rehabilitation activities, technological changes, regulatory changes, cost
increases, mine life and changes in discount rates. Those uncertainties may
result in future actual expenditure differing from the amounts currently
provided. The provision at the balance sheet date represents management's best
estimate of the present value of the future closure costs required. In July
2021, the mine closure law for the province of Santa Cruz in Argentina was
published, establishing a period of 180 business days to present the Mine
Closure Plan. The regulation has not been published as of the date of the
financial statements. The Group considers the mine closure provision in San
Jose to be largely aligned with Argentina´s new law, subject to further
review once regulation is published.
• Valuation of financial instruments - note 39
The valuation of certain Group assets and liabilities reflects the changes to
certain assumptions used in the determination of their value, such as future
gold and silver prices (note 39).
• Non market performance conditions on LTIP 2021, LTIP
2022 and LTIP 2023- note 30(c)
There are two parts to the performance conditions attached to LTIP awards: 50%
is subject to the Company's TSR ranking relative to a tailored peer group of
mining companies, 50% is subject to internal KPIs split equally between: (i)
3-year growth of the Company´s Measured and Indicated Resources (MIR) per
share (calculated on an enterprise value basis), and (ii) average outcome of
the annual bonus scorecard in respect of 2021, 2022 and 2023, regarding LTIP
2021; 2022, 2023 and 2024, regarding LTIP 2022; and 2023, 2024 and 2025,
regarding LTIP 2023, calculated as the simple mean of the three scorecard
outcomes.
Critical judgements:
• Income tax - notes 2(t), 2(u), 14,
31 and 37(a).
Judgement is required in determining whether deferred tax assets are
recognised on the statement of financial position. Deferred tax assets,
including those arising from un-utilised tax losses require management to
assess the likelihood that the Group will generate taxable earnings in future
periods, in order to utilise recognised deferred tax assets. Estimates of
future taxable income are based on forecast cash flows from operations and the
application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that
future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the
ability of the Group to realise the net deferred tax assets recorded at the
balance sheet date could be impacted. The Group analyses the possibility of
generating profit in all the companies and determines the recognition of
deferred tax. No deferred tax asset is recognised in the holding and
exploration entities as they are not expected to generate any profit to settle
the temporary difference (refer to note 31).
Judgement is also required when determining the recognition of tax liabilities
as the tax treatment of some transactions cannot be finally determined until a
formal resolution has been reached by the tax authorities. Tax liabilities are
also recorded for uncertain exposures which can have an impact on both
deferred and current tax. Tax benefits are not recognised unless it is
probable that the benefit will be obtained and tax liabilities are recognised
if it is probable that a liability will arise (refer to note 37(a)). The final
resolution of these transactions may give rise to material adjustments to the
income statement and/or cashflow in future periods. The Group reviews each
significant tax liability or benefit each period to assess the appropriate
accounting treatment.
• Life of mine ("LOM").
There are several aspects which are determined by the life of mine, such as
ore reserves and resources, recoverable values of mining assets, mine
rehabilitation provision and depreciation. The life of mine for an
operation is specified in the relevant Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA")
which is amended from time to time as more resources at the mine are
identified. EIAs are permits which are granted in the ordinary course of
business to the mining industry. While the processing of such permits may be
subject to delays, the Group has never had an EIA denied. A crucial element
of Peru's legal framework is the principle of predictability which, in
essence, means that if the legal requirements for any given permit have been
satisfied, the State cannot unlawfawlly deny the granting of the permit.
Taking this into consideration, as well as the Group's operational experience,
the Group believes that permits will be secured such that operations can
continue without interruption. In the unlikely scenario that this does not
occur, there could be material changes to those items in the financial
statements that are determined by the life of mine.
• Determination of functional
currencies - note 2(e).
The determination of functional currency requires management judgement,
particularly where there may be several currencies in which transactions are
undertaken and which impact the economic environment in which the entity
operates. In Argentina, the exchange control restrictions limit the
companies to hold US$ dollars but do not restrict carrying out transactions in
US dollar.
• Recognition of evaluation and
exploration assets and transfer to development costs - notes 2(g), 16 and 17.
Judgement is required in determining when the future economic benefit of a
project can reasonably be regarded as assured, at which point evaluation and
exploration expenses are capitalised. This includes the assessment of whether
there is sufficient evidence of the probability of the existence of
economically recoverable minerals to justify the commencement of
capitalisation of costs; the timing of the end of the exploration phase, the
start of the development phase; and the commencement of the production phase.
For this purpose, the future economic benefit of the project can reasonably be
regarded as assured when the Board authorises management to conduct a
feasibility study, mine-site exploration is being conducted to convert
resources to reserves, or mine-site exploration is being conducted to confirm
resources, all of which are based on supporting geological information.
• Pandemic expenses
The Group analyses the effect of pandemics in its operations and accounting
treatment, because they generate stoppages, low capacity production and
incremental costs. In the case of COVID -19, the fixed "normal" production
costs during stoppages are recognised as expenses and are not considered as
costs of the inventories produced. In the Income Statement these fixed costs
are classified as "Pre-Exceptional.
To determine whether the incremental Covid-related costs should be recognised
as exceptional expenses, consideration has been made as to whether they meet
the criteria as set out in the Group´s accounting policy (note 2(z)), in
particular regarding the expected infrequency of the events that have given
rise to them.
The pandemic can be considered a single protracted globally pervasive event
with a financial impact over a number of reporting periods. Management initial
expectation was that these cost would ceased to be incurred at the end of 2020
or early 2021, and whilst the majority of the costs have reduced over time as
a result of the efficiencies made to the health protocols and logistics
required to operate throughout the pandemic, some residual costs continue to
be incurred to date. In order to provide the users of the financial statements
with a better understanding of the financial performance of the Group in the
year, and to facilitate comparison with the prior period, we have considered
it appropriate to continue to disclose separately as exceptional these
incremental Covid-related cost up to December 2021.
Following the outbreak of the Omicron variant, the virus appears to have
shifted into an endemic phase. Consequently, these costs will no longer be
presented as exceptional items from 2022 and will form part of the underlying
profits.
• Climate change
- General
The Group is in the process of completing a climate change risk assessment and
strategy and developing an action plan to continually reduce operational
energy, GHG emissions and water consumption, with the ultimate aim of reaching
net zero GHG emissions. As a result, the Group is currently unable to
determine the full future economic impact of this strategy on their business
model and operational plans and therefore the potential impacts are not fully
incorporated in these financial statements.
In addition, societal expectations are driving government action that may
impose further requirements and cost on companies in the future. Therefore
risks associated with climate change could, over time impose changes that
may potentially impact (among other things) capital expenditure, mine
closure provisions and production costs. However, currently the financial
statements cannot capture such possible future outcomes as these are not yet
known. With regards to the calculation of those items in the financial
statements that rely on life of mine calculations (such as impairments,
deferred tax and depreciation), it should be highlighted that as an
underground mining company, Hochschild Mining's operating assets have much
lower lives than conventional open-pit mining companies. As such, by virtue
of the longer-term time horizon of the physical risks of climate change, the
financial impact on such items will be less pronounced than may otherwise be
expected.
The adoption of the Group's climate change strategy and the implementation of
climate-change regulations in the countries where the Group operates may
impact the Group's significant judgements and key estimates and could result
in material changes to financial results and the carrying values of certain
assets and liabilities in future reporting periods.
- Physical risks
As previously stated, the Group is progressing work to assess the potential
impact of physical risks of climate change. Given the ongoing nature of the
Group's physical risk assessment process, reflecting adaptation risk in the
Group's operating plans, and associated asset valuations, is currently
limited. As the Group progresses its adaptation strategy, the identification
of additional risks or the detailed development of the Group's response may
result in material changes to financial results and the carrying values of
assets and liabilities in future reporting periods.
• Acquiring a subsidiary or a group
of assets - note 4(a).
In identifying a business combination (note 2(c)) or acquisition of assets the
Group considers the underlying inputs, processes and outputs acquired as a
part of the transaction. For an acquired set of activities and assets to be
considered a business there must be at least some inputs and processes that
have the capability to achieve the purposes of the Group. Where significant
inputs and processes have not been acquired, a transaction is considered to be
the purchase of assets. For the assets and assumed liabilities acquired the
Group allocates the total consideration paid (including directly attributable
transaction costs) based on the relative fair values of the underlying items.
On 1 April 2022 the Group acquired the control of the Amarillo Gold Group
(note 4(a)). The transaction was accounted as a purchase of assets as no
systems, processes or outputs were acquired, with the main asset acquired
being the Mara Rosa project which is in a development stage.
(c) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements set out the Group's financial position,
performance and cash flows as at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 and for
the years then ended, respectively.
Subsidiaries are those entities controlled by the Group regardless of the
amount of shares owned by the Group. Control is achieved when the Group is
exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the
investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over
the investee. Non-controlling interests' rights to safeguard their interest
are fully considered in assessing whether the Group controls a subsidiary.
Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has:
• power over the investee (i.e.
existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant
activities of the investee);
• exposure, or rights, to variable
returns from its involvement with the investee; and
• the ability to use its power over
the investee to affect its returns.
Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights result in
control. To support this presumption and when the Group has less than a
majority of the voting or similar rights of an investee, the Group considers
all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an
investee, including:
• the contractual arrangement with
the other vote holders of the investee;
• rights arising from other
contractual arrangements; and
• the Group's voting rights and
potential voting rights.
The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and
circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three
elements of control.
Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the
date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until
the date that such control ceases.
Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed
of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from
the date the Group gains control until the date the Group ceases to control
the subsidiary.
Profit or loss and each component of OCI are attributed to the equity holders
of the parent of the Group and to the non-controlling interests, even if this
results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. When
necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to
bring their accounting policies in line with the Group's accounting policies.
All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash
flows relating to transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in
full on consolidation.
A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without loss of control,
is accounted for as an equity transaction, affecting retained earnings. If the
Group loses control over a subsidiary, it (i) derecognises the assets
(including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary; (ii) derecognises the
carrying amount of any non-controlling interest ('NCI'); (iii) derecognises
the cumulative translation differences, recorded in equity; (iv) recognises
the fair value of the consideration received; (v) recognises the fair value of
any investment retained; (vi) recognises any surplus or deficit in profit or
loss; and (vii) reclassifies the parent's share of components previously
recognised in other comprehensive income to profit or loss or retained
earnings, as appropriate.
An NCI represents the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly and
indirectly, to the parent company and is presented separately within equity in
the consolidated statement of financial position, separately from equity
attributable to owners of the parent.
Losses within a subsidiary are attributable to the NCI even if that results in
a deficit balance.
Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost
of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration
transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any NCI
in the acquiree. The choice of measurement of NCI, either at fair value or at
the proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets, is
determined on a transaction by transaction basis. Acquisition costs incurred
are expensed and included in administrative expenses.
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of
the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for the NCI, and any
interest previously held, over the net identifiable assets acquired and the
liabilities assumed. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in transactions
separate to the business combinations, such as the settlement of pre existing
relationships or post-acquisition remuneration arrangements, are accounted for
separately from the business combination in accordance with their nature and
applicable IFRSs. Identifiable intangible assets meeting either the
contractual-legal or the separability criteria are recognised separately from
goodwill. Contingent liabilities representing a present obligation are
recognised if the acquisition date fair value can be measured reliably.
(d) Going concern
Directors' assessment
The Directors have reviewed Group liquidity, including cash resources and
borrowings (refer to note XX on details of the US$300 million and US$200
million medium-term loans) and related covenant forecasts to assess whether
the Group is able to continue in operation for the period to 30 April 2025
(the 'Going Concern Period') which is at least 12 months from the date of
these financial statements. In line with their usual practice, the Directors
also considered the impact of a downside scenario on the Group's future cash
flows and liquidity position as well as debt covenant compliance. In this
scenario, consideration was given to the potential combined impact of a
three-month delay in Mara Rosa commencing commercial production, Group-wide
operational disruption, unforeseen social-related costs and capital
expenditure, and lower precious metal prices ("the Downside Assumptions").
More specifically, the scenarios reviewed by the Directors included a base
case (the 'Base Scenario'), reflecting (among other things) budgeted
production for 2024, 2025 life-of-mine plans for Inmaculada, San Jose and Mara
Rosa, and average precious metal prices of $1,869/oz for gold and $23.7/oz for
silver, being the average analysts' consensus for the next 13 months. The
Directors also considered a 'Severe' scenario which took into account the
combined impact of the Downside Assumptions, the occurrence of which are
considered by the Directors to be unlikely. Even in this Severe scenario it
has been assumed that all employees remain on full pay and that mitigating
actions, while available, would not be necessary to maintain a comfortable
level of liquidity.
Under the Base Scenario and the Severe Scenario, the Group's liquid resources
remained more than adequate for the Group's forecast expenditure with
sufficient headroom maintained to comply with debt covenants. The results of
reverse stress tests were also considered.
Conclusion
After their review, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group
and the Company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence
during the Going Concern Period. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going
concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.
(e) Currency translation
The functional currency for each entity in the Group is determined by the
currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates. For the
holding companies and operating entities this currency is US dollars and for
the other entities it is the local currency of the country in which it
operates. The Group's financial information is presented in US dollars, which
is the Company's functional currency. Transactions denominated in currencies
other than the functional currency of the entity are initially recorded in the
functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
are remeasured at the exchange rate prevailing at the statement of financial
position date. Exchange gains and losses on settlement of foreign currency
transactions which are translated at the rate prevailing at the date of the
transactions, or on the translation of monetary assets and liabilities which
are translated at period-end exchange rates, are taken to the income
statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies that are stated at historical cost are translated to the functional
currency at the foreign exchange rate prevailing at the date of the
transaction. Exchange differences arising from monetary items that are part of
a net investment in a foreign operation are recognised in equity and
transferred to income on disposal of such net investment.
Subsidiary financial statements expressed in their corresponding functional
currencies are translated into US dollars by applying the exchange rate at
period-end for assets and liabilities and the transaction date exchange rate
for income statement items. The resulting difference on consolidation is
included as a cumulative translation adjustment in equity. On disposal of a
foreign operation, the component of OCI relating to that particular foreign
operation is reclassified to profit or loss.
(f) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost or deemed cost less
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost comprises its purchase
price and directly attributable costs of acquisition or construction required
to bring the asset to the condition necessary for the asset to be capable of
operating in the manner intended by management. Economical and physical
conditions of assets have not changed substantially over this period.
The cost less residual value of each item of property, plant and equipment is
depreciated over its useful life. Each item's estimated useful life has been
assessed with regard to both its own physical life limitations and the present
assessment of economically recoverable reserves and resources of the mine
property at which the item is located. Estimates of remaining useful lives are
made on a regular basis for all mine buildings, machinery and equipment, with
annual reassessments for major items. Depreciation is charged to cost of
production on a units of production basis for mine buildings and installations
and plant and equipment used in the mining production process, or charged
directly to the income statement over the estimated useful life of the
individual asset on a straight-line basis when not related to the mining
production process. Changes in estimates, which mainly affect units of
production calculations, are accounted for prospectively. Depreciation
commences when assets are available for use. Land is not depreciated.
An asset's carrying amount is written-down immediately to its recoverable
amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated
recoverable amount.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the net proceeds
with the carrying amount and are recognised within other income/expenses, in
the income statement.
The expected useful lives under the straight-line method are as follows:
Years
Buildings
3 to 33
Plant and equipment 5 to
10
Vehicles
5
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of an
asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to be ready for its
intended use are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other
borrowing costs are expensed where incurred. For borrowings associated with a
specific asset, the actual rate on that borrowing is used. Otherwise, a
weighted average cost of borrowing is used. The Group capitalises the
borrowing costs related to qualifying assets with a value of US$1,000,000 or
more, considering that the substantial period of time to be ready is six or
more months.
Mining properties and development costs
Purchased mining properties are recognised as assets at their cost of
acquisition or at fair value if purchased as part of a business combination.
Costs associated with developments of mining properties are capitalised.
Mine development costs are, upon commencement of commercial production,
depreciated using the units of production method based on the estimated
economically recoverable reserves and resources to which they relate.
When a mine construction project moves into the production stage, the
capitalisation of certain mine construction costs ceases and costs are either
regarded as part of the cost of inventory or expensed, except for costs which
qualify for capitalisation relating to mining asset additions or improvements,
underground mine development or mineable reserve development. In addition, the
revenue generated from the sale of the inventory produced during the
pre-operating stage is recognised as a deduction of the costs capitalised for
this project.
Construction in progress and capital advances
Assets in the course of construction are capitalised as a separate component
of property, plant and equipment. Once the asset moves into the production
phase, the cost of construction is transferred to the appropriate category.
Construction in progress is not depreciated. Capital advances to suppliers
related to the purchase of property, plant and equipment are disclosed in
construction in progress.
Subsequent expenditure
Expenditure incurred to replace a component of an item of property, plant and
equipment is capitalised separately with the carrying amount of the component
being written-off. Other subsequent expenditure is capitalised if future
economic benefits will arise from the expenditure. All other expenditure
including repairs and maintenance expenditures are recognised in the income
statement as incurred.
(g) Evaluation and exploration assets
Evaluation and exploration expenses are capitalised when the future economic
benefit of the project can reasonably be regarded as assured. Exploration and
evaluation costs related to projects in the development phase are capitalised
as assets from the date that the Board authorises management to conduct a
feasibility study.
Expenditure is transferred to mine development costs once the work completed
to date supports the future development of the property and such development
receives appropriate approval.
Costs incurred in converting inferred resources to indicated and measured
resources (of which reserves are a component) are capitalised as incurred.
Costs incurred in identifying inferred resources are expensed as incurred.
(h) Determination of ore reserves and resources
The Group estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on
information compiled by internal competent persons. Reports to support these
estimates are prepared each year and are stated in conformity with the 2012
Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) code.
It is the Group's policy to have the report audited annually by a Competent
Person. Reserves and resources are used in the units of production calculation
for depreciation as well as the determination of the timing of mine closure
cost and impairment analysis.
(i) Investment in associates
An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence.
Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and
operating policy decisions of the investee, but is not control or joint
control over those policies.
The considerations made in determining significant influence are similar to
those necessary to determine control over subsidiaries. The Group's investment
in its associate are accounted for using the equity method.
Under the equity method, the investment in an associate is initially
recognised at cost. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to
recognise changes in the Group's share of net assets of the associate since
the acquisition date. Goodwill relating to the associate is included in the
carrying amount of the investment and is not tested for impairment separately.
The statement of profit or loss reflects the Group's share of the results of
operations of the associate. Any change in OCI of those investees is presented
as part of the Group's OCI. In addition, when there has been a change
recognised directly in the equity of the associate, the Group recognises its
share of any changes, when applicable, in the statement of changes in equity.
Unrealised gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and
the associate are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate.
The aggregate of the Group's share of profit or loss of an associate is shown
on the face of the statement of profit or loss outside operating profit and
represents profit or loss after tax and non-controlling interests in the
subsidiaries of the associate.
The financial statements of the associate are prepared for the same reporting
period as the Group. When necessary, adjustments are made to bring the
accounting policies in line with those of the Group.
After application of the equity method, the Group determines whether it is
necessary to recognise an impairment loss on its investment in its associate.
At each reporting date, the Group determines whether there is objective
evidence that the investment in the associate is impaired. If there is such
evidence, the Group calculates the amount of impairment as the difference
between the recoverable amount of the investment and its carrying value, and
then recognises the loss within 'Share of profit of an associate' in the
statement of profit or loss.
Upon loss of significant influence over the associate, the Group measures and
recognises any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between
the carrying amount of the associate upon loss of significant influence and
the fair value of the retained investment and proceeds from disposal is
recognised in profit or loss.
(j) Intangible assets
Right to use energy of transmission line
Transmission line costs represent the investment made by the Group to
construct the transmission line on behalf of the government to be granted the
right to use it. This is an asset with a finite useful life equal to that of
the mine to which it relates and that is amortised applying the units of
production method for that mine.
Water permits
Water permits are recorded at cost and allow the Group to withdraw a specified
amount of water from the ground for reasonable, beneficial uses. This is an
asset with an indefinite useful life (note 18(2)).
Legal rights
Legal rights correspond to expenditures required to give the Group the right
to use a property for the surface exploration work, development and
production. This is an asset with a finite useful life equal to that of the
mine to which it relates and that is amortised applying the units of
production method for that mine.
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets are primarily computer software which are capitalised
at cost and are amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful life of
three years.
(k) Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and
are tested annually for impairment.
The carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment and evaluation and
exploration assets are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If
there are indicators of impairment, an exercise is undertaken to determine
whether the carrying values are in excess of their recoverable amount. Such
review is undertaken on an asset by asset basis, except where such assets do
not generate cash flows independent of other assets, and then the review is
undertaken at the cash-generating unit level.
The assessment requires the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term
commodity prices, discount rates, future capital requirements, reserves and
resources volumes (reflected in the production volume). Changes in these
assumptions will affect the recoverable amount of the property, plant and
equipment and evaluation and exploration assets.
If the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit (CGU) exceeds
the recoverable amount, an impairment provision is recorded to reflect the
asset at the lower amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income
statement.
Calculation of recoverable amount
The recoverable amount of assets is the greater of their value in use (VIU)
and fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) to sell. FVLCD is based on an
estimate of the amount that the Group may obtain in a sale transaction on an
arm's length basis. VIU is based on estimated future cash flows discounted to
their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
For an asset that does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those
from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the
cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
In performing impairment reviews, the Group assesses the recoverable amount of
its operating assets principally with reference to fair value less costs of
disposal, assessed using discounted cash flow models. The recoverable values
of the CGUs and advanced exploration projects are determined using a FVLCD
methodology. FVLCD for CGUs was determined using a combination of level 2 and
level 3 inputs. The FVLCD of the producing and developing stage mine assets is
determined using a discounted cash flow model (note 16) and for the advanced
exploration projects is determined using a discounted cash flow model or a the
value-in-situ methodology, which applies a realisable 'enterprise value' to
unprocessed mineral resources per ounce of resources to estimate the amount
that would be paid by a willing third party in an arm's length transaction
(notes 17 and 18(2)).
For the CGU´s discounted cash flow model, the Group uses two approaches,
depending on the circumstances: (i) the traditional approach, which uses a
single cash flow projection, and (ii) the expected cash flow approach, which
uses multiple, probability-weighted cash flow projections. As at 31 December
2023, the impairment reviews for the Group´s operating assets were performed
using a traditional approach.
Reversal of impairment
An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates
used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only
to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying
amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation,
if no impairment loss had been recognised.
(l) Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost is
determined using the weighted average method.
The cost of work in progress and finished goods (ore inventories) is based on
the cost of production. For this purpose, the costs of production include:
• costs, materials and contractor
expenses which are directly attributable to the extraction and processing of
ore;
• depreciation of property, plant
and equipment used in the extraction and processing of ore; and
• related production overheads
(based on normal operating capacity).
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of
business, less applicable variable selling expenses.
(m) Trade and other receivables
Current trade receivables are carried at the original invoice amount less
provision made for impairment of these receivables. Non current receivables
are stated at amortised cost. A provision for impairment of trade receivables
is established using the expected credit loss impairment model according IFRS
9. The amount of the provision is the difference between the carrying amount
and the recoverable amount and this difference is recognised in the income
statement. The revaluation of provisionally priced contracts stated in 2(q) is
recorded as trade receivables.
(n) Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Any excess above the par value of
shares received upon issuance of those shares is classified as share premium.
In the case the excess above par value is available for distribution, it is
classified as merger reserve and then transferred to retained earnings. The
Group had the merger reserve available for distribution within retained
earnings.
(o) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or
constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of
resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate
can be made of the amount of the obligation (note 28). If the effect of the
time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the
expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks
specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the
provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Mine closure cost
Provisions for mine closure costs are made in respect of the estimated future
costs of closure and restoration and for environmental rehabilitation costs
(which include the dismantling and demolition of infrastructure, removal of
residual materials and remediation of disturbed areas) in the accounting
period when the related environmental disturbance occurs. The provision is
discounted and the unwinding of the discount is included in finance costs. At
the time of establishing the provision, a corresponding asset is capitalised
and is depreciated over future production from the mine to which it relates.
The provision is reviewed on an annual basis for changes in cost estimates,
discount rates and operating lives of the mines.
Changes to estimated future costs are recognised in the statement of financial
position by adjusting the mine closure cost liability and the related asset
originally recognised. If, for mature mines, the related mine assets net of
mine closure cost provisions exceed the recoverable value, that portion of the
increase is charged directly to the income statement. Similarly, if reductions
to the estimated costs exceed the carrying value of the mine asset, that
portion of the decrease is credited directly to the income statement. For
closed sites, changes to estimated costs are recognised immediately in the
income statement.
Workers' profit sharing and other employee benefits
In accordance with Peruvian legislation, companies in Peru must provide for
workers' profit sharing equivalent to 8% of taxable income in each year. This
amount is charged to the income statement within personnel expenses (note 10)
and is considered deductible for income tax purposes. The Group has no pension
or retirement benefit schemes.
Other
Other provisions are accounted for when the Group has a legal or constructive
obligation for which it is probable there will be an outflow of resources for
which the amount can be reliably estimated.
(p) Share-based payments
Cash-settled transactions
The fair value of cash-settled share plans is recognised as a liability over
the vesting period of the awards. Movements in that liability between
reporting dates are recognised as personnel expenses. The fair value of the
awards is taken to be the market value of the shares at the date of award
adjusted by a factor for anticipated relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
performance. Fair values are subsequently remeasured at each reporting date to
reflect the number of awards expected to vest based on the current and
anticipated TSR performance.
Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at the
date when the grant is made using an appropriate valuation model and is
recognised, together with a corresponding increase in other reserves in
equity, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are
fulfilled. The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions
at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the
vesting period has expired and the Group's best estimate of the number of
equity instruments that vest. The income statement expense for a period
represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning
and end of that period and is recognised in personnel expenses (note 10).
Service and non-market performance conditions are not taken into account when
determining the grant date fair value of awards, but the likelihood of the
conditions being met is assessed as part of the Group's best estimate of the
number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. Market performance
conditions are reflected within the grant date fair value. Any other
conditions attached to an award, but without an associated service
requirement, are considered to be non-vesting conditions. Non-vesting
conditions are reflected in the fair value of an award and lead to an
immediate expensing of an award unless there are also service and/or
performance conditions. No expense is recognised for awards that do not
ultimately vest because non-market performance and/or service conditions have
not been met. Where awards include a market or non-vesting condition, the
transactions are treated as vested irrespective of whether the market or
non-vesting condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or
service conditions are satisfied. When the terms of an equity-settled award
are modified, the minimum expense recognised is the grant date fair value of
the unmodified award, provided the original vesting terms of the award are
met. An additional expense, measured as at the date of modification, is
recognised for any modification that increases the total fair value of the
share-based payment transaction, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee.
Where an award is cancelled by the entity or by the counterparty, any
remaining element of the fair value of the award is expensed immediately
through profit or loss.
(q) Revenue recognition
The Group is involved in the production and sale of gold and silver from dore
and concentrate containing both gold and silver. Dore bars are either sold
directly to customers or are sent to a third-party for further refining into
gold and silver before they are sold. Concentrate is sold directly to
customers.
Revenue from contracts with costumers is recognised when control of the goods
or services are transferred to the customer at an amount that reflects the
consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those
goods or services. Revenue excludes any applicable sales taxes.
The revenue is subject to adjustment based on inspection of the product by the
customer. Revenue is initially recognised on a provisional basis using the
Group's best estimate of contained gold and silver. Any subsequent adjustments
to the initial estimate of metal content are recorded in revenue once they
have been determined.
In addition, certain sales are 'provisionally priced' where the selling price
is subject to final adjustment at the end of a period, normally ranging from
15 to 120 days after the start of the delivery process to the customer, based
on the market price at the relevant quotation point stipulated in the
contract. Revenue is initially recognised when the conditions set out above
have been met, using market prices at that date. The price exposure is
considered to be an adjustment and hence separated from the sales contract at
each reporting date. The provisionally priced metal is revalued based on the
forward selling price for the quotational period stipulated in the contract
until the quotational period ends. The selling price of gold and silver can be
measured reliably as these metals are actively traded on international
exchanges. The revaluation of provisionally priced contracts is recorded as
revenue.
Commercial discounts related to the refining, recovery and treatment of
minerals are presented netted from sales.
A proportion of the Group's sales are sold under CIF Incoterms, whereby the
Group is responsible for providing freight/shipping services (as principal)
after the date that the Group transfers control of the metal in concentrate to
its customers. The Group, therefore, has separate performance obligations for
freight/shipping services which are provided solely to facilitate sale of the
commodities it produces.
Other Incoterms commonly used by the Group are FOB, where the Group has no
responsibility for freight or insurance once control of the products has
passed at the loading port, and Delivered at Place (DAP) where control of the
goods passes when the product is delivered to the agreed destination. For
arrangements which have these Incoterms, the only performance obligations are
the provision of the product at the point where control passes.
For CIF arrangements, the transaction price (as determined above) is allocated
to the metal in concentrate and freight/shipping services using the relative
stand-alone selling price method. Under these arrangements, a portion of
consideration may be received from the customer in cash at, or around, the
date of shipment under a provisional invoice. Therefore, some of the upfront
consideration that relates to the freight/shipping services yet to be
provided, is deferred. It is then recognised as revenue over time using an
output method (being days of shipping/transportation elapsed) to measure
progress towards complete satisfaction of the service as this best represents
the Group's performance. This is on the basis that the customer simultaneously
receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group as the services are
being provided. The costs associated with these freight/shipping services are
also recognised over the same period of time as incurred.
Income from services provided to related parties (note 33) is recognised in
revenue when services are provided.
Deferred revenue results when cash is received in advance of revenue being
earned. Deferred revenue is recorded as a liability until it is earned. Once
earned, the liability is reduced and revenue is recorded. The Group analyses
when revenue is earned or deferred.
(r) Contingencies
A contingent liability is a possible obligation depending on whether some
uncertain future event occurs, or a present obligation where payment is not
probable or the amount cannot be measured reliably. Contingent liabilities are
not recognised in the financial statements and are disclosed in notes to the
financial statements unless their occurrence is remote (note 37).
A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events, and whose
existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or
more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the entity.
Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements, but are
disclosed in the notes if their recovery is deemed probable (note 37).
(s) Finance income and costs
Finance income and costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, the
accumulation of interest on provisions, interest income on funds invested,
unwind of discount, and gains and losses from the change in fair value of
derivative instruments.
Interest income is recognised as it accrues, taking into account the effective
yield on the asset.
(t) Income tax
Income tax for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is
recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to
items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case it is recognised
in equity.
Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the
year, using tax rates enacted at the statement of financial position date, and
any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing
for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation
purposes, with the following exceptions:
• where the temporary difference
arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in
a transaction that is not a business combination that at the time of the
transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss; and
• in respect of taxable temporary differences associated
with investments in subsidiaries and associates, where the timing of the
reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable
that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are
expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is
settled based on the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or
substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that
future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be
utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer
probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
(u) Uncertain tax positions
An estimated tax liability is recognised when the Group has a present
obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Group will be
required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the
amount of the obligation. The liability is the best estimate of the
consideration required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet
date, taking into account risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation.
Separate liabilities for interest and penalties are also recorded if
appropriate.
Movements in interest and penalty amounts in respect of tax liability are not
included in the tax charge, but are disclosed in the income statement. Tax
liabilities are based on management's interpretation of country-specific tax
law and the likelihood of settlement. This involves a significant amount of
judgement as tax legislation can be complex and open to different
interpretation. Management uses in-house tax experts, professional firms and
previous experience when assessing tax risks. Where actual tax liabilities
differ from the liabilities, adjustments are made which can have a material
impact on the Group's profits for the year. Refer to note 37(a) for specific
tax contingencies.
(v) Leases
Right-of-use assets (note 27)
The Group recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease
(i.e., the date the underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use
assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment
losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of
right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised,
initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the
commencement date less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset
is depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term
on a straight-line basis. Right-of-use assets are subject to impairment.
Lease liabilities
At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease liabilities
measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease
term. The lease payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed
payments) less any lease incentives receivable, and amounts expected to be
paid under residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include the
exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised by the
Group and payments of penalties for terminating a lease, if the lease term
reflects the Group exercising the option to terminate. The variable lease
payments are recognised as expense in the period in which the event or
condition that triggers the payment occurs.
In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses the
incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date if the interest rate
implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement
date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of
interest, and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying
amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change
in the lease term, a change in the in-substance fixed lease payments or a
change in the assessment to purchase the underlying asset.
Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term
leases of machinery and equipment (i.e., those leases that have a lease term
of twelve months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a
purchase option). It also applies the lease of low-value assets recognition
exemption to leases of office equipment that are considered of low value
(i.e., below US$5,000). Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of
low-value assets are recognised as expense on a straight-line basis over the
lease term.
(w) Financial instruments
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of
one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity.
Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as subsequently
measured at amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income
(OCI), and fair value through profit or loss.
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the
financial asset's contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group's
business model for managing them.
The Group's business model for managing financial assets refers to how it
manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business
model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual
cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both.
Purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within
a time frame established by regulation or convention in the market place
(regular way trades) are recognised on the trade date, i.e., the date that the
Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.
On July 2023, the Group purchased AL41 bonds, which are sovereign bonds
denominated in USD that were paid with Argentine pesos and that pay income in
US dollars in local accounts. They are national public securities issued in
dollars with a fixed rate of 3.50% per year with a maturity date of 9 July
20241. Its technical value is 100.56 dollars with a residual value of 100.00%.
Subsequent measurement
For purposes of subsequent measurement, the Group's financial assets are
classified in the following categories:
- Financial assets at amortised cost
(debt instruments)
The Group measures financial assets at amortised cost if both of the following
conditions are met:
• The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective to
hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, and
• The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates
to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the
principal amount outstanding
Financial assets at amortised cost are subsequently measured using the
effective interest (EIR) method and are subject to impairment. Gains and
losses are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised,
modified or impaired.
The Group's financial assets at amortised cost includes trade receivables.
- Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI
(equity instruments)
Upon initial recognition, the Group can elect to classify irrevocably its
equity investments as equity instruments designated at fair value through OCI
when they meet the definition of equity under IAS 32 Financial Instruments:
Presentation and are not held for trading. The classification is determined on
an instrument-by-instrument basis.
Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI are carried in the
statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value
recognised in the OCI. Gains and losses on these financial assets are never
recycled to profit or loss. Dividends are recognised as other income in the
statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established,
except when the Group benefits from such proceeds as a recovery of part of the
cost of the financial asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI.
Equity instruments designated at fair value through OCI are not subject to
impairment assessment.
The Group has listed and non-listed equity investments under this category.
- Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets
held for trading, financial assets designated upon initial recognition at fair
value through profit or loss, or financial assets mandatorily required to be
measured at fair value. Financial assets are classified as held for trading if
they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term.
Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as
held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments.
Financial assets with cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and
interest are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss,
irrespective of the business model. Notwithstanding the criteria for debt
instruments to be classified at amortised cost or at fair value through OCI,
as described above, debt instruments may be designated at fair value through
profit or loss on initial recognition if doing so eliminates, or significantly
reduces, an accounting mismatch.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the
statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value
recognised in the statement of profit or loss.
The Group has listed equity investments and embedded derivatives under this
category. Dividends on listed equity investments are also recognised as other
income in the statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been
established.
Derecognition
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part
of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily derecognised (i.e.,
removed from the Group's consolidated statement of financial position) when:
• The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or
• The Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset
or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without
material delay to a third party under a 'pass-through' arrangement; and
either (a) the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards
of the asset, or (b) the Group has neither transferred nor retained
substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred
control of the asset.
Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all
debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based
on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with
the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive,
discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate.
For trade receivables, the Group applies a simplified approach in calculating
ECLs. Therefore, the Group does not track changes in credit risk, but instead
recognises a loss allowance based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date.
Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings,
payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective
hedge, as appropriate.
All financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and, in the
case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable
transaction costs.
The Group's financial liabilities include trade and other payables, loans and
borrowings including bank overdrafts, and derivative financial instruments.
Subsequent measurement
The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as
described below:
- Financial liabilities at fair
value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial
liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial
recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.
- Loans and borrowings
This is the category most relevant to the Group. After initial recognition,
interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised
cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss
when the liabilities are derecognised as well as through the EIR amortisation
process.
Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on
acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR
amortisation is included in finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.
This category generally applies to interest-bearing loans and borrowings.
Derecognition
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability
is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is
replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or
the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an
exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original
liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the
respective carrying amounts is recognised in the statement of profit or loss.
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
In 2021 and 2023, the Group signed silver and gold forward agreements,
respectively.The silver and gold forward is being used to hedge the exposure
to changes in the cashflows of the silver and gold commodity prices.
Consequently, the Group has opted to apply hedge accounting under the
requirements of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.
Initial recognition and subsequent measurement
These derivative financial instruments were initially recognised at fair value
on the date on which the derivative contract was entered into and were
subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial
assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the
fair value is negative.
For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as cash flow hedges
when hedging the exposure to variability in cash flows that is either
attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or
liability or a highly probable forecast transaction or the foreign currency
risk in an unrecognised firm commitment.
At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Group formally designates and
documents the hedge relationship to which it wishes to apply hedge accounting
and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge.
The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the
hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the Group will assess
whether the hedging relationship meets the hedge effectiveness requirements
(including the analysis of sources of hedge ineffectiveness and how the hedge
ratio is determined). A hedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting if
it meets all of the following effectiveness requirements:
• There is 'an economic
relationship' between the hedged item and the hedging instrument.
• The effect of credit risk does not
'dominate the value changes' that result from that economic relationship.
• The hedge ratio of the hedging
relationship is the same as that resulting from the quantity of the hedged
item that the Group actually hedges and the quantity of the hedging instrument
that the Group actually uses to hedge that quantity of hedged item
Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are
recognised in other components of equity until changes in the fair value of
the hedged item are recognised in profit or loss. However, the ineffective
portion of the changes in the fair value of such derivatives is recognised in
profit or loss. The Group uses cash flow hedges for hedging the exposure to
variability in silver prices.
The amounts that have been recognised in other components of equity relating
to such hedging instruments are reclassified to profit or loss when the hedged
transaction affects profit or loss.
(x) Dividend distribution
Dividends on the Company's ordinary shares are recognised when they have been
appropriately authorised and are no longer at the Company's discretion.
Accordingly, interim dividends are recognised when they are paid and final
dividends are recognised when they are declared following approval by
shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting.
(y) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the statement of financial position
at cost. For the purposes of the statement of financial position, cash and
cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and deposits held with banks that are
readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to
insignificant risk of changes in value. For the purposes of the cash flow
statement, cash and cash equivalents, as defined above, are shown net of
outstanding bank overdrafts.
Liquidity funds are classified as cash equivalents if the amount of cash that
will be received is known at the time of the initial investment and the risk
of changes in value is considered insignificant.
(z) 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.
Exceptional items mainly include:
• impairments or write-offs of
assets, property, plant and equipment and evaluation and exploration assets;
• incremental cost due to pandemics
which are not expected to be recurring;
• gains or losses arising on the
disposal of subsidiaries, investments or property, plant and equipment;
• any gain or loss resulting from
restructuring within the Group;
• the impact of infrequent labour
action related to work stoppages in mine units;
• the penalties generated by the
early termination of agreements with providers or lenders of the Group;
• the reversal of an accumulation of
prior year's tax expenses that resulted from an agreement with the government;
and
• the related tax impact of the
above items.
(aa) Fair value measurement
The Group measures financial instruments, such as derivatives, at each
statement of financial position date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at
the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption
that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place
either:
• In the principal market for the
asset or liability, or
• In the absence of a principal
market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions
that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability,
assuming that market participants act in their best economic interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market
participant's ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its
highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would
use the asset in its highest and best use. The Group uses valuation techniques
that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are
available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable
inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in
the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, as
described in note 39(e).
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements on
a recurring basis at fair value, the Group determines whether transfers have
occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based
on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as
a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
The Group determines the policies and procedures for both recurring fair value
measurement and unquoted financial assets, and for non-recurring measurement.
At each reporting date, the Group analyses the movements in the values of
assets and liabilities which are required to be re-measured or re-assessed as
per the Group's accounting policies. For this analysis, the Group verifies the
major inputs applied in the latest valuation by agreeing the information in
the valuation computation to contracts and other relevant documents.
The Group, in conjunction with its external valuers where applicable, also
compares the changes in the fair value of each asset and liability with
relevant external sources to determine whether the change is reasonable.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Group has determined classes of
assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks
of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as
explained above.
(ab) Export incentive programme
On 3 October 2023 the Argentinian Government approved that exporters of crude
oil, gas and derivatives, who meet certain conditions, may receive 25% of the
funds received from exports through negotiable securities acquired in foreign
currency and settled in local currency.
On 23 October 2023 the export incentive programme was approved increasing the
percentage to 30%. On 20 November 2023 the percentage increased to 50% and
since 13 December 2023 changed to 20%. As at 31 December 2023 the Group
recognised a benefit from the programme of US$21,164,000, disclosed as other
income (refer to note 12).
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 at 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 generates revenue from the
sale of gold and silver (concentrate). The Pallancata mine unit was put into
care and maintenance on November 2023.
‒ 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 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
Inmaculada US$000 San Jose US$000 Pallancata US$000 Exploration Other1 Adjustment Total
US$000
US$000
and
US$000
eliminations
US$000
Year ended 31 December 2023
Revenue from external customers 396,499 241,301 54,177 - 565 692,542
Inter segment revenue - - - - 9,609 (9,609) -
Total revenue from customers 396,499 241,301 54,177 - 10,174 (9,609) 692,542
Provisional pricing adjustment 145 1,160 (131) - - - 1,174
Total revenue 396,644 242,461 54,046 - 10,174 (9,609) 693,716
Segment profit/(loss) 152,208 30,340 (19,484) (21,485) 8,026 (262) 149,343
Others2 (192,824)
Profit from operations before income tax (43,481)
Other segment information
Depreciation3 (74,955) (52,241) (19,477) (553) (5,492) - (152,718)
Amortisation (72) (588) - (7) (135) - (802)
Impairment and write-off of assets, net (1,738) (17,398) (859) (63,495) (84) - (83,574)
Assets
Capital expenditure 86,031 47,682 6,428 148,124 127 - 288,392
Current assets 23,703 63,795 4,125 16,714 4,325 - 112,662
Other non-current assets 524,504 135,680 10,325 410,070 35,579 - 1,116,158
Total segment assets 548,207 199,475 14,450 426,784 39,904 - 1,228,820
Not reportable assets4 - - - - 186,990 - 186,990
Total assets 548,207 199,475 14,450 426,784 226,894 - 1,415,810
1 'Other' revenue relates to revenues earned by Empresa de Transmisión
Aymaraes S.A.C.
2 Comprised of administrative expenses of US$47,192,000, other income of
US$30,261,000, other expenses of US$56,513,000, write-off of assets (net) of
US$2,731,000, impairment of non-current assets of US$80,843,000, share of
losses of an associate of US$9,460,000, finance income of US$7,473,000,
finance expense of US$18,199,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$15,620,000.
3 Includes depreciation capitalised in the Crespo project (US$334,000),
San Jose unit (US$3,025,000), Mara Rosa project (US$194,000), products in
process (US$316,000) and recognised against the mine rehabilitation provision
(US$2,712,000).
4 Not reportable assets are comprised of financial assets at fair value
through OCI of US$460,000, other receivables of US$63,473,000, income tax
receivable of US$4,713,000, deferred income tax asset of US$763,000,
investment in associates US$22,927,000, derivative financial assets of
US$846,000, other financial assets of US$2,264,000, assets held for sale of
US$2,418,000, and cash and cash equivalents of US$89,126,000.
Inmaculada US$000 San Jose US$000 Pallancata US$000 Exploration Other1 Adjustment Total
US$000
US$000
and
US$000
eliminations
US$000
Year ended 31 December 2022
Revenue from external customers 413,899 243,958 78,429 - 680 736,966
Inter segment revenue - - - - 9,872 (9,872) -
Total revenue from customers 413,899 243,958 78,429 - 10,552 (9,872) 736,966
Provisional pricing adjustment 29 (489) (863) - - - (1,323)
Total revenue 413,928 243,469 77,566 - 10,552 (9,872) 735,643
Segment profit/(loss) 163,509 31,512 (8,789) (57,798) 8,323 385 137,142
Others2 (111,376)
Profit from operations before income tax 25,766
Other segment information
Depreciation3 (78,553) (50,243) (9,046) (380) (4,264) - (142,486)
Amortisation (86) (724) - 39 (199) - (970)
Reversal of impairment/(impairment) and write-off of assets, net (1) - 15,476 (5,346) (598) - 9,531
Assets
Capital expenditure 78,176 50,112 13,518 196,792 1,268 - 339,866
Current assets 19,872 62,796 16,965 - 4,171 - 103,804
Other non-current assets 508,768 159,617 21,345 337,654 42,319 - 1,069,703
Total segment assets 528,640 222,413 38,310 337,654 46,490 - 1,173,507
Not reportable assets4 - - - - 243,777 - 243,777
Total assets 528,640 222,413 38,310 337,654 290,267 - 1,417,284
1 'Other' revenue relates to revenues earned by Empresa de Transmisión
Aymaraes S.A.C.
2 Comprised of administrative expenses of US$54,158,000, other income of
US$3,340,000, other expenses of US$39,302,000, write-off of assets (net) of
US$1,832,000, reversal of impairment of non-current assets net of
US$11,363,000, share of losses of an associate of US$11,600,000, finance
income of US$5,211,000, finance expense of US$21,776,000, and foreign exchange
loss of US$2,622,000.
3 Includes depreciation capitalised in the Crespo project (US$284,000),
San Jose unit (US$2,508,000), Mara Rosa project (US$39,000), products in
process (-US$403,000) and recognised against the mine rehabilitation provision
(US$970,000).
4 Not reportable assets are comprised of financial assets at fair value
through OCI of US$509,000, financial assets at fair value through profit and
loss of US$1,015,000, other receivables of US$49,542,000, income tax
receivable of US$9,226,000, deferred income tax asset of US$4,213,000,
investment in associates US$33,242,000, derivative financial assets of
US$2,186,000 and cash and cash equivalents of US$143,844,000.
(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
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
External customer
Switzerland 278,076 350,898
Canada 157,131 143,216
South Korea 101,331 126,321
Germany 74,220 51,033
Japan 8 14,490
Chile - (88)
United Kingdom 7,846 20,428
Finland 3,128 -
USA 50,036 27,481
China - 1,167
Peru 21,940 697
Total 693,716 735,643
Inter-segment
Peru 9,609 9,872
Total 703,325 745,515
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 2023 Year ended 31 December 2022
US$000 % Revenue Segment US$000 % Revenue Segment
Argor Heraus 157,580 23% Inmaculada and San Jose 195,148 27% Inmaculada and San Jose
Asahi Refining Canada 157,149 23% Inmaculada and San Jose 135,563 18% Inmaculada
LS MnM (formerly LS Nikko) 97,020 14% Pallancata and San Jose 126,321 17% Pallancata and San Jose
Aurubis AG 74,220 11% Pallancata and San Jose 47,856 7% Pallancata and San Jose
MKS Switzerland S.A. 120,496 17% Inmaculada 155,750 21% 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
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Peru 589,133 668,353
Brazil 349,920 184,811
Argentina 135,680 159,617
Chile 41,425 56,867
Canada - 55
Total non-current segment assets 1,116,158 1,069,703
Financial assets at fair value through OCI 460 509
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss - 1,015
Investment in associates 22,927 33,242
Trade and other receivables 12,438 6,498
Deferred income tax assets 763 4,213
Total non-current assets 1,152,746 1,115,180
4 Acquisitions and disposals
(a) Acquisition of Amarillo Gold Group ("Amarillo")
On 1 April 2022, the Group acquired a 100% interest in Amarillo Gold
Corporation (Amarillo) flagship Mara Rosa ("Mara Rosa") project located in
Goiás State, Brazil, which included the construction stage Posse gold project
as well as certain early-stage exploration targets.
The Group has applied its judgement to weigh the characteristics of
Amarillo´s acquisition and conclude whether it constitutes the acquisition of
a business or a set of assets and activities. Since there are no outputs
acquired, the Group based its conclusion on the fact that the processes
acquired are not critical to the ability to develop or convert the actual
inputs into outputs. In this context, and in application of IFRS 3, the
Group concluded that the acquisition of Amarillo does not constitute the
acquisition of a business but the acquisition of a set of assets.
The consideration paid for the transaction amounted to C$154,429,478
(US$123,420,039), and transaction costs amounted to US$4,830,000. In
addition, a 2 per cent net smelter revenue royalty on certain exploration
properties owned by Amarillo that are separate from Posse was granted.
Amarillo consolidates its financial information with the Group from 1 April
2022, being the date on which the Group obtained control.
The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at 1 April 2022
comprise the following:
US$000
Cash and cash equivalents 4,246
Other receivables 968
Intangibles 21
Evaluation and exploration assets (note 17) 107,362
Property, plant and equipment (note 16) 15,078
Deferred income tax asset 3,775
Income tax receivable 36
Total assets 131,486
Accounts payable and other liabilities (3,236)
Total liabilities (3,236)
Net assets acquired 128,250
Consideration for the acquisition of Amarillo Gold Canada shares 123,420
Transaction costs 4,830
Total consideration 128,250
Cash paid 128,250
Less cash acquired with the subsidiary (4,246)
Net cash flow on acquisition 124,004
The Group recognises individual identifiable assets (and liabilities) by
allocating the cost of acquisition on the basis of the relative fair values at
the date of purchase:
Step 1: Identify assets and liabilities acquired, adjusting them to the
Group´s accounting policies and presentation;
Step 2: Determine the purchase consideration; and
Step 3: Purchase Price Allocation: The consideration paid is allocated to the
fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities assumed with the
remainder allocated to the mineral property acquired.
The fair value at the time of acquisition is the amount for which an asset
could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, will- ing
parties in an arm's-length transaction.
5 Revenue
Year ended 31 December 2023 Year ended 31 December 2022
Revenue from customers1 Revenue from customers1
Goods sold US$000 Shipping services Total US$000 Provisional pricing Total US$000 Goods sold US$000 Shipping services Total US$000 Provisional pricing Total US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000 US$000
Gold (from dore bars) 321,974 738 322,712 129 322,841 337,847 915 338,762 (11) 338,751
Silver (from dore bars) 166,596 499 167,095 41 167,136 183,381 696 184,077 57 184,134
Gold (from concentrates) 102,200 3,697 105,897 1,144 107,041 89,991 2,687 92,678 (1,628) 91,050
Silver (from concentrates) 93,353 2,920 96,273 (140) 96,133 117,534 3,235 120,769 259 121,028
Services 565 - 565 - 565 680 - 680 - 680
Total 684,688 7,854 692,542 1,174 693,716 729,433 7,533 736,966 (1,323) 735,643
1 Includes commercial discounts (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
2023, the Group recorded commercial discounts of US$20,299,000 (2022:
US$19,090,000).
6 Cost of sales before exceptional items
Cost of sales comprises:
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Direct production costs excluding depreciation and amortisation 362,980 384,183
Depreciation and amortisation in production costs 144,812 137,747
Other items and workers profit sharing 1,862 3,321
Fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced capacity 3,314 8,023
Change in inventories (4,754) (5,631)
Cost of sales 508,214 527,643
The main components included in cost of sales are:
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales1 143,171 136,427
Personnel expenses (note 10)2 121,938 121,203
Mining royalty (note 38) 6,267 6,307
Change in products in process and finished goods (4,754) (5,631)
Fixed costs at the operations during stoppages, reduced capacity and excess 3,314 8,023
absenteeism3
1 The depreciation and amortisation in production cost is US$144,812,000
(2022: US$137,747,000).
2 Includes workers profit sharing of US$1,862,000 (2022: US$3,321,000) and
excludes personnel expenses of US$3,032,000 (2022: US$4,498,000) included
within unallocated fixed cost at the operations (see below).
3 Corresponds to the unallocated fixed cost accumulated as a result of
excess absenteeism and idle capacity. These costs mainly include personnel
expenses of US$3,032,000 (2022: US$4,498,000), third party services of
US$865,000 (2022: US$3,090,000), supplies of US$34,000 (2022: US$146,000),
depreciation and amortisation of US$nil (2022: US$2,000) and other costs of
-US$617,000 (2022: US$287,000).
7 Administrative expenses
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Personnel expenses (note 10) 25,633 30,478
Professional fees1 7,946 9,206
Donations 1,075 445
Lease rentals 1,399 1,218
Third party services 948 630
Communications 128 479
Indirect taxes 2,085 2,077
Depreciation and amortisation 1,716 1,844
Depreciation of rights of use 167 184
Technology and systems 822 1,391
Security 858 821
Other2 4,415 5,385
Total 47,192 54,158
1 Corresponds to audit fees of US$1,768,000 (2022 US$1,813,000), legal
fees of US$914,000 (2022: US$1,733,000), tax and advisory fees of US$2,507,000
(2022: US$3,954,000), and other professional fees of US$2,757,000 (2022:
US$1,706,000).
2 Predominantly relates to advertising costs of US$289,000 (2022:
US$376,000), insurance fees of US$548,000 (2022: US$888,000), repair and
maintenance of US$344,000 (2022: US$489,000), supplies costs of US$109,000
(2022: US$237,000), tax penalties of US$2,000 (2022: -US$660,000), travel
expenses of US$1,065,000 (2022: US$822,000) and personnel transportation of
US$127,000 (2022: US$165,000).
8 Exploration expenses
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Mine site exploration1
Arcata 63 877
Ares 407 366
Inmaculada 1,371 2,946
Pallancata 1,070 6,000
San Jose 8,233 7,700
Mara Rosa 5 -
11,149 17,889
Prospects2
Peru 143 772
USA 63 4,337
Chile (62) (77)
Canada4 2,176 19,632
Brazil - 1
2,320 24,665
Generative3
Peru 456 783
USA 1 97
Mexico 7 313
Brazil 1,916 2,301
Chile (1) -
2,379 3,494
Personnel (note 10) 4,759 7,535
Others 638 3,067
Depreciation right-of-use assets 52 176
Total 21,297 56,826
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.
4 Corresponds to the SNIP project managed by Hochschild Mining Canada
Corp.
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$7,244,000 in 2023 (2022: US$26,318,000).
9 Selling expenses
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Personnel expenses (note 10) 165 482
Warehouse services 1,614 1,328
Taxes1 11,227 10,344
Other2 1,856 1,878
Total 14,862 14,032
1 Corresponds to the export duties in Argentina.
2 Mainly corresponds to insurance expenses of US$250,000 (2022:
US$337,000), other professional fees of US$514,000 (2022: US$460,000),
analysis services of US$457,000 (2022: US$516,000), and consumption of
supplies of US$293,000 (2022: US$221,000).
10 Personnel expenses
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Salaries and wages 119,621 121,999
Workers' profit sharing (note 29) 3,207 4,733
Other legal contributions 27,808 27,866
Statutory holiday payments 8,832 7,413
Long Term Incentive Plan 2,675 3,002
Termination benefits1 10,991 5,468
Other2 1,074 1,568
Total 174,208 172,049
1 Includes exceptional personnel expenses amounting to US$8,960,000 (2022:
US$nil) (refer to note 11(1)). The Group's previously operating Pallancata
mine went into care and maintenance in November 2023 and consequently 463
employees were terminated in 2023.
2 Mainly includes training expenses of US$725,000 (2022: US$1,219,000).
Personnel expenses are distributed as follows:
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Cost of sales1 124,970 125,701
Administrative expenses 25,633 30,478
Exploration expenses 4,759 7,535
Selling expenses 165 482
Other expenses2 13,194 5,802
Capitalised as property, plant and equipment 5,487 2,051
Total 174,208 172,049
1 Personnel expenses related to unallocated fixed cost accumulated as a result
of excess absenteeism and idle capacity included in cost of sales amount to
US$3,032,000 (2022:US$4,498,000). Exceptional personnel expenses included in
cost of sales amount to US$nil (2022: US$nil).
2 Exceptional personnel expenses included in other expenses amount to
US$8,960,000 (2022: US$nil).
The average number of employees for 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
Peru 1,915 2,177
Argentina 1,432 1,407
Chile 3 4
Brazil 127 88
Canada 2 13
United Kingdom 12 11
Total 3,491 3,700
11 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 Year ended
31 December
31 December
2023
2022
US$000
US$000
Other expenses
Restructuring of the Pallancata mine unit 1 (8,960) -
Total (8,960) -
(Impairment)/impairment reversal of non-financial assets, net
Impairment of non-financial assets2 (80,843) (4,199)
Reversal of impairment of non-financial assets3 - 15,562
Total (80,843) 11,363
Share of loss on an associate
Impairment of Aclara Resources Inc. (4) (7,183) (9,923)
Total (7,183) (9,923)
Income tax benefit/(charge)5 27,448 (3,353)
Total 27,448 (3,353)
The exceptional items for the year ended 31 December 2023 and 2022 correspond
to:
1 Corresponds to the restructuring charges in Pallancata mine unit
resulting from placing the operation in care and maintenance.
2 Corresponds to the impairment related to the Azuca project of
US$16,673,000, the impairment of the Crespo project of US$46,772,000 and the
San José mine unit of US$17,398,000 (2022: corresponds to the impairment
related to the Azuca project of US$4,199,000) (refer to notes 16, 17 and 18).
3 Reversals of impairment related to the Pallancata mine unit (refer to
notes 16 and 17).
4 Corresponds to the impairment charge of US$7,183,000 (2022:
US$9,923,000) based on the updated valuation of the investment in Aclara
Resources Inc. as at 31 December 2023 (refer to note 19).
5 The current tax credit generated by the restructuring of the Pallancata
mine unit of US$2,643,000 (2022: US$nil) and the deferred tax credit generated
by the impairment of the Azuca project of US$4,918,000 (2022: US$1,238,000),
the impairment of the Crespo project of US$13,798,000 (2022: US$nil), and the
impairment of the San José mine unit of US$6,089,000 (2022: US$nil); net in
2022 of the deferred tax charge generated by the reversal of the impairment of
the Pallancata mine unit of US$4,591,000).
12 Other income and other expenses before exceptional items
Year ended Year ended
31 December 2023
31 December 2022
Before Before
exceptional
exceptional
items
items
US$000
US$000
Other income
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 142 294
Logistic services 1,704 218
Income on recovery of expenses 2,064 337
Recovery of previously written off account receivable - 546
Sale of mine concessions 1,150 -
Tax benefit in Canada1 3,190 -
Income from export programme in Argentina2 21,164 -
Other3 847 1,945
Total 30,261 3,340
Other expenses
Increase in provision for mine closure (note 29(1)) (28,365) (17,797)
Provision of obsolescence of supplies (note 23) (1,586) (422)
Write off of value added tax (184) (159)
Corporate social responsibility contribution in Argentina4 (3,637) (3,360)
Care and maintenance expenses of Ares mine unit (2,788) (3,291)
Care and maintenance expenses of Arcata mine unit (3,178) (4,207)
Care and maintenance expenses of Pallancata mine unit (2,463) -
Care and maintenance expenses of Selene mine unit (202) -
Voluntary retirement plan in Argentina5 - (1,329)
Damage Inmaculada machine belt - (1,321)
Depreciation right-of-use assets (192) (105)
Contingency6 (817) (3,098)
Other7 (4,141) (4,213)
Total (47,553) (39,302)
1 British Columbia exploration tax credit generated in Hochschild Mining
Canada, a Canadian subsidiary of the Group.
2 Benefit arising from being able to access the Argentina government's
Export Incentive Programme, allowing certain companies to translate a certain
proportion of US dollar sales at a preferential market exchange rate.
3 Mainly corresponds to the gain on sale of supplies of US$201,000 (2022: gain
on sale of supplies of US$480,000).
4 Relates to a contribution in Argentina to the Santa Cruz province
calculated as a proportion of sales.
5 Related to payments made and the provision recognised under voluntary
retirement plan in Minera Santa Cruz.
6 Mainly related to contingencies in Minera Santa Cruz related to labour
lawsuits.
7 Mainly corresponds to the expenses due to penalties in CMA of
US$2,428,000 (2022: US$1,530,000), insurance of Minera Santa Cruz of US$nil
(2022: US$941,000), termination benefits in Pallancata mine unit of US$nil
(2022: US$987,000).
13 Finance income, finance costs and foreign exchange loss
Year ended Year ended
31 December 2023
31 December 2022
US$000 US$000
Finance income
Interest on deposits and liquidity funds1 4,892 2,553
Interest income 4,892 2,553
Unwind of discount on mine rehabilitation (note 29) - 1,931
Other 2,581 727
Total 7,473 5,211
Finance costs
Interest on secured bank loans (note 28) (9,520) (10,360)
Other interest (2,701) (1,551)
Interest expense (12,221) (11,911)
Loss on discount of other receivables2 (893) (779)
Loss from changes in the fair value of financial instruments3 (1,821) (7,096)
Unwind of discount on mine rehabilitation (note 29) (1,703) -
Other (1,561) (1,990)
Total (18,199) (21,776)
Foreign exchange loss
Argentina4 (16,020) (1,032)
Peru 81 (2,490)
Others 319 900
Total (15,620) (2,622)
1 Interest on deposits and liquidity
funds of US$471,000 m(2022: US$1,838,000) that is directly attributable to the
construction of Mara Rosa has been recognised in property, plant and equipment
as a reduction to construction in progress and capital advances and mining
properties and development costs, and evaluation and exploration assets.
2 Mainly related to the effect of the discount of tax credits in Argentina
and Peru.
3 Represents the loss on sale of the C3 Metals Inc shares of US$292,000
(note 21) (2022: fair value change of US$2,140,000 on the C3 Metals Inc
shares) and the foreign exchange effect of US$1,529,000 related to the bonds
in San José (2022: the foreign exchange transaction costs of US$4,956,000 to
acquire US$5,248,000 dollars through the sale of bonds in Argentina).
4 Increase of foreign exchange loss in Argentina due to the devaluation at
the end of 2023.
14 Income tax expense
Year ended 31 December 2023 Year ended 31 December 2022
Before Exceptional items Total Before Exceptional items Total
exceptional
US$000
US$000
exceptional
US$000
US$000
items
items
US$000
US$000
Current corporate income tax
Corporate income tax expense 16,319 (2,643) 13,676 18,253 - 18,253
Prior year adjustment in Minera Santa Cruz - - - (2,353) (2,353)
Withholding tax 609 - 609 276 - 276
16,928 (2,643) 14,285 16,176 - 16,176
Deferred taxation
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (note 31) 20,245 (24,805) (4,560) (5,376) 3,353 (2,023)
Prior year adjustment in Amarillo - - - (664) - (664)
20,245 (24,805) (4,560) (6,040) 3,353 (2,687)
Corporate income tax 37,173 (27,448) 9,725 10,136 3,353 13,489
Current mining royalties
Mining royalty charge (note 38) 4,520 - 4,520 4,787 - 4,787
Special mining tax charge (note 38) 2,307 - 2,307 2,658 - 2,658
Total current mining royalties 6,827 - 6,827 7,445 - 7,445
Total taxation expense/(benefit) in the income statement 44,000 (27,448) 16,552 17,581 3,353 20,934
The weighted average statutory income tax rate was 27.2% for 2023 and 39.2%
for 2022. 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 were tax charges in relation to the cash flow hedge losses (2022:
charges) recognised in equity during the year ended 31 December 2023 of
US$6,617,000 (2022: US$4,994,000).
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
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Profit from operations before income tax (43,481) 25,766
At average statutory income tax rate of 27.2% (2022: 39.2%) (11,818) 10,088
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 2,987 2,239
Taxable income on local currency (pesos) related to AL41 Bond Argentina 961 -
Deferred tax recognised on special investment regime1 (1,567) (2,412)
Movement in unrecognised deferred tax2 10,249 14,047
Special mining tax and mining royalty deductible for corporate income tax (2,014) (2,196)
Current income tax adjustment in Minera Santa Cruz - (2,353)
Tax credit adjustment from Amarillo (315) (664)
Other 1,567 446
Corporate income tax at average effective income tax rate of -0.1% (2022: 50 19,195
74.5%) before foreign exchange effect and withholding tax
Foreign exchange rate effect4 9,066 (5,982)
Corporate income tax at average effective income tax rate of -21.0% (2022: 9,116 13,213
51.3%) before withholding tax
Special mining tax and mining royalty3 6,827 7,445
Corporate income tax and mining royalties at average effective income tax rate 15,943 20,658
of -36.7% (2022: 80.2%) before withholding tax
Withholding tax 609 276
Total taxation charge in the income statement at average effective tax rate 16,552 20,934
-38.1% (2022: 81.2%) from operations
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$5,742,000
(2022: US$282,000), the tax charge related to the Inmaculada mine unit
depreciation of US$2,361,000 (2022: US$787,000), and the effect of not
recognised tax losses of US$2,146,000 (2022: US$10,811,000).
3 Corresponds to the impact of a mining royalty and special mining tax in
Peru (note 38).
4 The foreign exchange effect is composed of US$7,107,000 loss (2022:
US$2,847,000 profit) from Argentina and a profit of US$948,000 (2022:
US$1,816,000 profit) from Peru and a loss of US$2,914,000 (2022: US$1,315,000
profit) from Brazil. 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 2023 is the devaluation of the
Argentinian pesos (2022: Argentinian pesos).
The amounts after offset, as presented on the face of the statement of
financial position, are as follows:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Income tax receivable1 4,713 9,226
Income tax payable2 (2,979) (2,126)
Total 1,734 7,100
1 Mainly corresponds to the tax credit of Compañia Minera Ares of
US$4,280,000 and Minera Santa Cruz of US$118,000 (2022: Mainly corresponds
to the tax credit of Compañia Minera Ares of US$5,643,000, Minera Santa Cruz
of US$3,124,000 and Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C. of US$422,000).
2 Mainly corresponds to the mining royalties payables of Compañia Minera Ares
of US$2,479,000 (2022: Mainly corresponds to the mining royalties payables of
Compañia Minera Ares of US$2,079,000).
15 Basic and diluted earnings per share
Earnings per share ('EPS') is calculated by dividing profit for the year
attributable to equity shareholders of the Parent by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares issued during the year.
The Company has antidilutive potential ordinary shares as at 31 December 2023.
As at 31 December 2023 and 2022, EPS has been calculated as follows:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
Basic earnings per share
Before exceptional items (US$) 0.02 0.01
Exceptional items (US$) (0.12) -
Total for the year (US$) (0.10) 0.01
Diluted earnings per share
Before exceptional items (US$) 0.02 0.01
Exceptional items (US$) (0.12) -
Total for the year (US$) (0.10) 0.01
Profit before exceptional items and attributable to equity holders of the
Parent is derived as follows:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent (US$000) (55,006) 2,961
Exceptional items after tax - attributable to equity holders of the Parent 63,997 1,913
(US$000)
Profit before exceptional items attributable to equity holders of the Parent 8,991 4,874
(US$000)
Profit before exceptional items attributable to equity holders of the Parent 8,991 4,874
for the purpose of diluted earnings per share (US$000)
The following reflects the share data used in the basic and diluted earnings
per share computations:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands) 514,264 513,876
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares related to contingently issuable - 8,387
shares (thousands)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the purpose of diluted 514,264 522,263
earnings per share (thousands)
16 Property, plant and equipment
Mining properties and development Land and buildings US$000 Plant and equipment1 and 7 Vehicles4 US$000 Mine Construction in progress and capital advances3 and 5 US$000 Total
costs3
US$000
closure
US$000
US$000
asset
US$000
Year ended 31 December 2023
Cost
At 1 January 2023 1,823,207 563,782 651,098 12,302 104,860 76,854 3,232,103
Additions 162,569 962 16,422 (330) - 106,122 285,745
Change in discount rate (note 29(1)) - - - - (1,535) - (1,535)
Change in mine closure estimate (note 29(1)) - - - - 13,931 - 13,931
Disposals (91) - (1,218) (302) - - (1,611)
Write-offs6 (518) - (14,849) (131) - (958) (16,456)
Foreign exchange effect 9,273 498 125 8 323 4,672 14,899
Transfers and other movements2 (59,334) (5,107) (4,996) 693 (692) (19,395) (88,831)
At 31 December 2023 1,935,106 560,135 646,582 12,240 116,887 167,295 3,438,245
Accumulated depreciation
and impairment
At 1 January 2023 1,383,600 397,531 433,720 7,460 81,722 1,157 2,305,190
Depreciation for the year 97,821 22,594 28,032 2,038 2,233 - 152,718
Disposals - - (128) (321) - - (449)
Write-offs6 - - (13,673) (52) - - (13,725)
Impairment 28,119 3,669 12,941 129 258 775 45,891
Foreign exchange effect - 8 (4) 1 - - 5
Transfers and other movements2 (55,003) (7,017) (5,848) 52 (510) (1,912) (70,238)
At 31 December 2023 1,454,537 416,785 455,040 9,307 83,703 20 2,419,392
Net book value at 31 December 2023 480,569 143,350 191,542 2,933 33,184 167,275 1,018,853
1 Within plant and equipment, costs
of US$442,677,000 are subject to depreciation on a unit of production basis in
line with accounting policy on note 2(f) for which the accumulated
depreciation is US$309,409,000 and depreciation charge for the year is
US$11,021,000.
2 Mainly includes the transfer of US$2,499,000from evaluation and
exploration assets (Inmaculada of US$2,092,000 and San José of US$407,000)
(note 17) as they are related to conversion of resources in to reserves, the
transfer to assets held for sale of US$9,415,000 related to the Crespo mine
unit (refer to note 25), and the transfer to intangibles of the transmission
line of Amarillo of US$11,801,000.
3 There were borrowing costs capitalised in property, plant and equipment
amounting to US$18,790,000
4 Vehicles include US$1,091,000 of right of use assets (note 27).
5 Within construction in progress and capital advances there are capital
advances amounting to US$8,825,000, mainly related to Mara Rosa project of
US$8,080,000.
6 Corresponds to the write-off of property, plant and equipment as they will
no longer be used in the Group due to obsolescence.7 Plant and equipment
include US$3,093,000 of right of use assets (note 27).
Mining properties and development Land and buildings US$000 Plant and equipment1 and 2 Vehicles5 US$000 Mine Construction in progress and capital advances4 and 7 US$000 Total
costs1 and 4
US$000
closure
US$000
US$000
asset
US$000
Year ended 31 December 2022
Cost
At 1 January 2022 1,605,319 555,532 635,076 11,997 106,382 11,841 2,926,147
Additions 113,127 1,211 19,815 - - 67,294 201,447
Change in discount rate (note 29(1)) - - - - (13,490) - (13,490)
Change in mine closure estimate (note 29(1)) - - - - 7,554 - 7,554
Disposals - - (1,143) (198) - (1) (1,342)
Write-offs8 (1,524) (10) (9,805) - - (122) (11,461)
Acquisition of assets (note 4 (a)) - 2,849 108 37 - 12,084 15,078
Foreign exchange effect 3,670 (293) (13) (4) - (1,725) 1,635
Transfers and other movements3 102,615 4,493 7,060 470 - (12,517) 102,121
Initial recognition6 and note 29 - - - - 4,414 - 4,414
At 31 December 2022 1,823,207 563,782 651,098 12,302 104,860 76,854 3,232,103
Accumulated depreciation
and impairment
At 1 January 2022 1,300,392 377,712 421,067 6,713 80,901 1,243 2,188,028
Depreciation for the year 93,518 20,005 26,053 1,760 1,150 - 142,486
Disposals - - (350) (197) - - (547)
Write-offs8 (376) (10) (9,243) - - - (9,629)
Impairment/(reversal of impairment) net (9,942) (262) (3,774) (838) (329) - (15,145)
Foreign exchange effect - - (10) - - - (10)
Transfers and other movements3 8 86 (23) 22 - (86) 7
At 31 December 2022 1,383,600 397,531 433,720 7,460 81,722 1,157 2,305,190
Net book value at 31 December 2022 439,607 166,251 217,378 4,842 23,138 75,697 926,913
1 Within mining properties and development costs and plant and equipment there
are US$29,259,000 and US$6,741,000 related to the Crespo CGU that is not
currently being depreciated as the unit is not operating pending the
feasibility of the project and considering that the depreciation method is
units of production.
2 Within plant and equipment, costs of US$394,746,000 are subject to
depreciation on a unit of production basis in line with accounting policy on
note 2(f) for which the accumulated depreciation is US$255,508,000 and
depreciation charge for the year is US$11,622,000.
3 Transfers and other movements include US$102,119,000 that was
transferred from evaluation and exploration assets (Mara Rosa of
US$101,897,000 and San José of US$222,000) (note 17) as they are related to
conversion of resources in to reserves.
4 There were borrowing costs capitalised in property, plant and equipment
amounting to US$1,974,000
5 Vehicles include US$2,900,000 of right of use assets (note 27).
6 Recognition of the mine closure provision of the Mara Rosa project located
in Brazil upon acquisition (note 29).
7Within construction in progress and capital advances there are capital
advances amounting to US$33,466,000, mainly related to Mara Rosa project of
US$31,889,000.
8 Corresponds to the write-off of property, plant and equipment as they will
no longer be used in the Group due to obsolescence.
2023
In June 2023, management determined that there was a trigger of impairment in
the San Jose mine unit due to the increase in the discount rate from 19.8% to
21.7% mainly explained by the rise in country risk premium in Argentina, and
higher costs than expected due to local inflation. The impairment test
performed over the San Jose CGU resulted in an impairment recognised as at 30
June 2023 of US$17,398,000 (US$16,588,000 in property, plant and equipment,
US$376,000 in evaluation and exploration assets and US$434,000 in
intangibles).
The Group is conducting a sales process for its Azuca and Crespo projects.
This decision to evaluate the sale of these assets is part of the Group´s
strategy to focus its capital on larger-scale projects.
As at 30 June 2023, based on preliminary discussions with interested parties
on the investment and costs required for these projects, given their
operational capabilities, management determined that there were triggers of
impairment in both the Azuca and Crespo projects. An impairment test was
carried out, adjusting the key inputs used to determine the projects
recoverable value, resulting in an impairment charge of US$42,321,000
(US$15,898,000 in property, plant and equipment, US$26,420,000 in evaluation
and exploration assets and US$3,000 in intangibles) for Azuca, and Crespo.
The recoverable value of the San Jose, CGU, and the Crespo and Azuca assets
was determined using a fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) methodology.
The key assumptions on which management has based its determination of FVLCD
and the associated recoverable values calculated for the San Jose CGU and
Crespo assets are gold and silver prices, future capital requirements,
production costs, reserves and resources volumes (reflected in the production
volume), and the discount rate.
Real prices US$ per oz. 2024 2025 2026 2027 Long-term
Gold 1,850 1,735 1,582 1,557 1,600
Silver 24.3 22.6 21.4 21.8 22.0
San Jose Crespo
Discount rate (post-tax) 21.7% 6.0%
The period of 7 years and 9 years was used to prepare the cash flow
projections of San Jose mine unit and Crespo, respectively, which were in line
with their respective life of mines.
With respect to Azuca, given its early stage, the Group applied a
value-in-situ methodology, which applies a realisable ´enterprise value´ to
unprocessed mineral resources. The methodology is used to determine the fair
value less costs of disposal of the Azuca assets. The enterprise value used in
the calculation performed as at 30 June 2023 was $0.095 per silver equivalent
ounce of resources. The enterprise value figure is based on observable
external market information.
On 28 December 2023, the Group entered into an agreement with a third party
whereby the third party acquired the assets and liabilities of the Crespo
project from Compañia Minera Ares (refer to note 25). The closing of the
transaction is expected to take place in March 2024, and the assets and
liabilities were transferred to assets and liabilities related to assets held
for sale, respectively. The Group recognised an additional impairment of
US$21,124,000 (US$13,405,000 in property, plant and equipment, US$7,718,000 in
evaluation and exploration assets and US$1,000 in intangibles). The
recoverable amount of Crespo project was determined using a fair value less
costs of disposal (FVLCD) methodology, based on the economic terms of the sale
agreement.
As at 31 December 2023, Azuca does not meet the conditions to be classified as
an asset held-for sale under IFRS 5 "Non-current Assets Held for Sale and
Discontinued Operations".
No indicators of impairment or reversal of impairment were identified in the
other CGUs, which includes other exploration projects.
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
Gold and silver prices (decrease by 10%) (45,500)
Gold and silver prices (increase by 10%) 43,900
Production costs (increase by 10%) (23,500)
Production costs (decrease by 10%) 23,300
Production volume (decrease by 10%) (39,700)
Production volume (increase by 10%) 38,900
Post tax discount rate (increase by 3%)(1) (4,100)
Post tax discount rate (decrease by 3%)(1) 4,400
Capital expenditure (increase by 10%) (5,700)
Capital expenditure (decrease by 10%) 5,700
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.
2022
The delay on the government decision on Inmaculada MEIA constituted a trigger
for impairment as at 31 December 2022.
The Company used an expected cash flow approach, assigning probabilities to
the following possible scenarios regarding the government decision on
Inmaculada´s MEIA: (i) MEIA is approved, (ii) MEIA is denied, reapplication
is needed and consequently Inmaculada is placed in care and maintenance by end
of 2023, resuming operations in H2 2026. Management considers scenario (i) as
the most likely one, and scenario (ii) to have a probability of less than 25%
of occurrence. The valuation test performed over Inmaculada CGU, using a
probability weighted approach, resulted in no impairment. If the probability
of occurrence of scenario (ii) was higher than 25%, an impairment charge would
be required for Inmaculada.
The recoverable value of the Inmaculada CGU was 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.
Real prices US$ per oz. 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028-2038
Gold 1,716 1,711 1,603 1,545 1,466 1,561
Silver 20.3 20.7 19.6 20.6 23.3 20.8
Inmaculada
Discount rate (post-tax) 5.2%
31 December 2022 (US$000) Inmaculada
Current carrying value of CGU, net of deferred tax 443,447
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 Inmaculada San Jose
Gold and silver prices (decrease by 10%) (175,112) (53,746)
Gold and silver prices (increase by 10%) 171,794 54,557
Production costs (increase by 10%) (96,669) (49,831)
Production costs (decrease by 10%) 94,693 49,831
Production volume (decrease by 10%) (73,298) (78,936)
Production volume (increase by 10%) 73,099 78,941
Post tax discount rate (increase by 3%) (69,003) (7,749)
Post tax discount rate (decrease by 3%) 91,717 8,793
Capital expenditure (increase by 10%) (35,584) (11,608)
Capital expenditure (decrease by 10%) 35,582 11,608
As at 31 December 2022, management determined that the newly discovered area
Royropata, west of current operations at Pallancata, was a trigger for
reversal of impairment. The new area is estimated to contain 51.2 million
silver equivalent ("Ag Eq") ounces. These new resources, constitute a
significant change in the estimates used to determine the asset's recoverable
amount since the last impairment loss was recognised as at 31 December 2021.
The valuation test performed over the Pallancata GCU resulted in a reversal of
impairment recognised as at December 31, 2022 of US$15,145,000 in property,
plant and equipment, and US$417,000 in evaluation and exploration assets).
The recoverable value of the Pallancata CGU was determined using a fair value
less costs of disposal (FVLCD) methodology. FVLCD was determined using a
combination of level 2 and level 3 inputs, which result in fair value
measurements categorised in its entirety as level 3 in the fair value
hierarchy, to construct a discounted cash flow model to estimate the amount
that would be paid by a willing third party in an arm's length transaction.
Real prices US$ per oz. 2026 2027 2028
Gold 1,545 1,466 1,561
Silver 20.6 23.3 20.8
Pallancata
Discount rate (post-tax) 5.1%
31 December 2022 (US$000) Pallancata
Current carrying value of CGU, net of deferred tax 21,345
Sensitivity analysis
Given that Pallancata´s recoverable value is significantly higher than the
reversal of impairment amount recognised, there is no reasonably possible
change in any of the key assumptions that would decrease the reversal of
impairment amount recognised.
17 Evaluation and exploration assets
Azuca Crespo Mara Rosa US$000 Volcan Others Total
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2022 83,844 31,347 - 81,251 25,014 221,456
Additions 506 1,086 11,733 1,607 694 15,626
Acquisition (note 4 b) - - 107,362 - - 107,362
Foreign exchange effect - - (14,492) (992) - (15,484)
Transfers to property plant and equipment (note 16) - - - (230) (102,127)
(101,897)
Transfer to intangibles - - (1,927) - - (1,927)
Balance at 31 December 2022 84,350 32,433 779 81,866 25,478 224,906
Additions 367 594 566 996 - 2,523
Foreign exchange effect - - 77 (2,043) - (1,966)
Transfers to property plant and equipment (note 16) - - - (2,571) (2,571)
-
Other transfers and adjustments1 - (33,027) - (15,000) - (48,027)
Balance at 31 December 2023 84,717 - 1,422 65,819 22,907 174,865
Accumulated impairment
Balance at 1 January 2022 45,876 9,878 - 36,874 5,524 98,152
Impairment/(reversal of impairment) net 4,199 - - - (417) 3,782
Foreign exchange effect - - - (482) - (482)
Transfers to property, plant and equipment (note 16) (8) (8)
Balance at 31 December 2022 50,075 9,878 - 36,392 5,099 101,444
Impairment 16,554 17,584 - - 376 34,514
Foreign exchange effect - - - (881) - (881)
Transfers to property, plant and equipment (note 16) - - - (72) (72)
-
Other transfers and adjustments1 - (27,462) - - - (27,462)
Balance at 31 December 2023 66,629 - - 35,511 5,403 107,543
Net book value as at 31 December 2022 34,275 22,555 779 45,474 20,379 123,462
Net book value as at 31 December 2023 18,088 - 1,422 30,308 17,504 67,322
1 Corresponds to the transfer to assets held for sale of the Crespo
project (Cost of US$33,027,000 net of the amortisation of US$27,462,000)
(refer to note 25), and the adjustment of the cost of US$15,000,000 related to
the Volcan project due to the royalty agreement with Franco Nevada.
At 31 December 2023, the Group has recorded an impairment with respect to
evaluation and exploration assets of the San Jose mine unit of US$376,000, the
Crespo project of US$17,584,000 and the Azuca project of US$16,554,000 (2022:
reversal of impairment with respect to evaluation and exploration assets of
the Pallancata mine unit of US$417,000 and an impairment of the Azuca project
of US$4,199,000). The calculation of the recoverable values of the Pallancata
mine unit is detailed in note 16.
There were borrowing costs capitalised in evaluation and exploration assets of
US$95,000 (2022: US$1,087,000).
18 Intangible assets
Transmission Water Software Legal rights3 US$000 Total
line1
permits2
licences
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2022 22,157 22,084 1,889 8,580 54,710
Foreign exchange effect - (289) - 71 (218)
Additions - - 353 - 353
Transfers - - 6 1,927 1,933
Balance at 31 December 2022 22,157 21,795 2,248 10,578 56,778
Foreign exchange effect 984 (528) - 156 612
Additions 124 - - - 124
Transfers 10,9075 - - (5,507) 6 5,400
Balance at 31 December 2023 34,172 21,267 2,248 5,227 62,914
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
Balance at 1 January 2022 17,551 10,539 1,881 6,645 36,616
Amortisation for the year4 719 - 164 87 970
Transfers - - 1 - 1
Foreign exchange effect - (137) - - (137)
Balance at 31 December 2022 18,270 10,402 2,046 6,732 37,450
Amortisation for the year4 584 - 109 109 802
Transfers - - - (5,507) 6 (5,507)
Impairment 434 - - 4 438
Foreign exchange effect - (252) - - (252)
Balance at 31 December 2023 19,288 10,150 2,155 1,338 32,931
Net book value as at 31 December 2022 3,887 11,393 202 3,846 19,328
Net book value as at 31 December 2023 14,884 11,117 93 3,889 29,983
1 The transmission line in San Jose is amortised using the units of
production method. At 31 December 2023 the remaining amortisation period is
approximately 6 years (2022: 7 years) in line with the life of the mine. The
transmission line in Mara Rosa is amortised using the units of production
method. At 31 December 2023 the Mara Rosa unit hasn't started amortisation.
2 Corresponds to the acquisition of water permits of Andina Minerals Group
("Andina"). These permits have an indefinite life according to Chilean law.
The Group used a discounted cash flow approach to determine the fair value
less costs of disposal. The model is based on the Preliminary Economic
Assessment (PEA).
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 2023 the remaining amortisation period is 14 years
(2022: 2 to 14 years).
4 The amortisation for the period is included in cost of sales and
administrative expenses in the income statement.
5 Mainly due to the transfer from property, plant and equipment of the
transmission line in Mara Rosa of US$11,031,000.
6 Corresponds to the transfer to assets held for sale of the Crespo mine unit
(refer to note 25).
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 2023 and 2022. The estimated
recoverable amount is not materially different than its carrying value.
US$000 2023 2022
Current carrying value Volcan CGU 41,425 56,867
Sensitivity analysis
Management believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the key
assumptions above would cause the carrying value exceed its recoverable
amount.
19 Investment in an associate
The Group retains a 20.0% interest in Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara"), a
listed company involved in the exploration of rare-earth metals in Chile. The
company was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada, where the
principal executive offices are located. The operations are conducted through
one wholly-owned subsidiary named REE UNO SpA, located in Chile.
Upon Aclara´s Initial Public Offering ('IPO') on 10 December 2021, HM
Holdings retained 20% of Aclara shares. The investment was recorded at initial
recognition at fair value, based on the IPO´offering price, and is accounted
for using the equity method in the consolidated financial statements.
The following table summarises the financial information of the Group's
investment in Aclara Resources Inc:
As at 31 As at 31
December
December
2023
2022
US$000 US$000
Current assets 34,945 67,291
Non-current assets 112,064 90,271
Current liabilities (6,048) (3,674)
Non-current liabilities (2,600) (1)
Equity 138,361 153,887
Group's share in equity (20%) 27,672 30,777
Fair value adjustment allocated to the evaluation and exploration assets on 12,361 12,388
initial recognition(1)
Impairment(2) (17,106) (9,923)
Group´s carrying amount of the investment 20% 22,927 33,242
Summarised consolidated statement of profit and loss
Revenue - -
Administrative expenses (6,815) (5,261)
Exploration expenses (6,991) (3,642)
Other income 59 -
Finance income 2,338 648
Finance cost (59) (18)
Foreign exchange gain/(loss) 85 (111)
Loss from operations for the year (11,383) (8,384)
Group's share of loss for the year (2,277) (1,677)
Other comprehensive profit that may be reclassified to profit or loss in
subsequent periods, net of tax
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations (4,273) 6,417
Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year (4,273) 6,417
Group´s share of comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year (855) 1,283
1. This represents the 20% of the fair value adjustment, estimated by the
Group, to Aclara's exploration and evaluation assets on initial recognition,
representing US$61,805,000 (2022: US$61,940,000).
2. This represents the 20% share in the total impairment, estimated by the
Group, of Aclara´s exploration and evaluation assets of US$85,530,000
(US$7,183,000 impairment in 2023 and US$9,923,000 in 2022) (2022:
US$49,615,000, impairment in 2022 of US$9,923,000).
The movement of investment in associate is as follows:
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Beginning balance 33,242 43,559
Impairment (7,183) (9,923)
Share of loss for the period (2,277) (1,677)
Share of comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period (855) 1,283
Ending balance 22,927 33,242
On 4 July 2023, Aclara announced the receipt of a notice from the
Environmental Service Assessment in Chile of its decision to terminate the
review of Aclara´s application for an environmental impact assessment of the
Penco Module due to the finding of trees considered as ´vulnerable species´
in the area of the project. Aclara is currently working to refile a revised
application.
Aclara´s announcement and the impact that it could have in the first
production date of Penco project, were considered as indicators of impairment.
Therefore, in compliance with IAS 36, the Group has performed a valuation on
Aclara, and determined an impairment charge of US$7,183,000.
The recoverable value of Aclara was determined using a value-in-use
methodology. The key assumptions on which management has based its valuation
of Aclara´s shares are the independent technical report of Penco module
issued in September 2021, adjusted by: a 3-year delay in the first production
date, local inflation and additional risk impacting costs; latest forecast
prices; and a discount rate of 9.6%.
Sensitivity analysis
An increase of 1% in the discount rate and a delay of one additional year in
the first production date would have the following impact in the Group´s
investment in Aclara:
US$000
Discount rate (increase by 1%) (3,578)
Delay in first production date (1 additional year) (2,551)
In December 2022, the decrease in the fair value of Aclara's shares, and
Aclara's withdrawal of the application for an environmental impact assessment
("EIA") of its flagship project "Penco", which is expected to result in a
two-year delay to anticipated first production date, were considered
indications of impairment. Therefore, in compliance with IAS 36, the Group
performed a valuation on Aclara, and determined an impairment charge of
US$9,923,000.
The recoverable value of Aclara was determined using a value in use
methodology. The key assumptions on which management has based its valuation
of Aclara´s shares are the independent technical report of Penco Module
issued in September 2021, forecast prices, a discount rate of 8.5%, and a
2-year delay in the first production date due to the withdrawal of the
application for the EIA.
Sensitivity analysis
An increase of 1% in the discount rate and a delay of 1 additional year in the
first production date would have the following impact in the Group´s
investment in Aclara:
US$000
Discount rate (increase by 1%) (2,549)
Delay in first production date (1 additional year) (3,682)
The carrying amount of the investment recognised the changes in the Group's
share of net assets of the associate since the acquisition date. The balance
as at 31 December 2023, after recognising the changes in the Group´s share of
net assets of the associate and the impairment charge is US$22,927,000 (31
December 2022: US$33,242,000).
The fair value of Aclara shares as at 31 December 2023 amounted to
US$12,296,000 (31 December 2022: US$7,679,000).
No dividends were received from the associate during 2023 and 2022.
The associate had no contingent liabilities or capital commitments as at 31
December 2023 and 31 December 2022.
20 Financial assets at fair value through OCI
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Beginning balance 509 661
Fair value change recorded in OCI (49) (152)
Ending balance 460 509
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 2023 and 31 December 2022 is as follows:
US$000
2023 2022
Listed equity investments:
Power Group Projects Corp (formerly Cobalt Power Group) 6 6
Austral Gold 1 1
Skeena Resources Limited 147 160
Empire Petroleum Corp. 306 342
Total listed equity investments 460 509
Total non-listed equity investments - -
Total 460 509
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.
21 Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
Year ended 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Beginning balance 1,015 3,155
Fair value change recorded in profit and loss (note 13(3)) (292) (2,140)
Disposals1 (723) -
Ending balance - 1,015
1 During 2023, the Group sold 25,001,540 shares of C3 Metals
Inc., classified as financial assets at fair value through profit and loss,
with a fair value at the date of the sale of US$723,000, generating a loss on
disposal of US$292,000 which was recognised within finance costs.
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 2023 and 31
December 2022 is as follows:
US$000
2023 2022
Listed equity investments:
C3 Metals Inc. - 1,015
- 1,015
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.
22 Trade and other receivables
As at 31 December
2023 2022
Non-current Current Non-current Current
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Trade receivables1 - 28,051 - 41,031
Advances to suppliers - 2,577 - 2,242
Duties recoverable from exports of Minera Santa Cruz2 234 - 224 -
Receivables from related parties (note 33(a)) - 127 - 774
Loans to employees 358 194 502 215
Interest receivable - 93 - 238
Receivable from Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander Bank3 - - - -
Tax claims 1 10,399 130 6,442
Other4 452 12,791 1,520 11,294
Assets classified as receivables 1,045 54,232 2,376 62,236
Prepaid expenses 1,210 6,569 764 4,309
Value Added Tax (VAT)5 10,183 19,655 3,358 18,863
Total 12,438 80,456 6,498 85,408
The fair values of trade and other receivables approximate their book value.
1 Net of a provision for impairment of trade receivables from customers in
Peru of US$1,370,000 (2022: US$1,333,000).
2 Relates to export benefits through the Patagonian Port and silver refunds in
Minera Santa Cruz, discounted over 18 months (2022: 18 months) at a rate of
23.10% (2022: 26.58%) for dollars denominated amounts and 185.15% (2022:
68.50%) for Argentinian pesos. The loss on the unwinding of the discount is
recognised within finance expense (2022: finance expense).
3 Net of a provision for impairment of receivables of US$186,000 (2022:
US$176,000).
4 Mainly corresponds to account receivables from contractors for the sale
of supplies of US$1,973,000 (2022: US$2,311,000), loan to third parties of
US$719,000 (2022: US$772,000), and claim receivable of US$345,000 (2022:
US$1,242,000), net of a provision for impairment of receivables of
US$1,033,000 (2022: US$1,004,000).
5 Primarily relates to US$7,607,000 (2022: US$12,672,000) 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$5,672,000 (2022: US$4,875,000), and Amarillo Mineracao do Brasil of
US$15,814,000 (2022: US$3,360,000). The VAT is valued at its recoverable
amount.
Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables:
Individually
impaired
US$000
At 1 January 2022 2,421
Change for the year 35
Foreign exchange effect 57
At 31 December 2022 2,513
Change for the year 3
Foreign exchange effect 73
At 31 December 2023 2,589
As at 31 December 2023 and 2022, none of the financial assets classified as
receivables (net of impairment) were past due.
23 Inventories
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Finished goods valued at cost 4,203 446
Products in process valued at cost 10,998 8,952
Products in process accrual valued at cost 5,930 7,272
Supplies and spare parts1 51,305 47,358
72,436 64,028
Provision for obsolescence of supplies (4,175) (2,588)
Total 68,261 61,440
1 Includes in transit inventory of US$1,485,000 (2022: US$1,594,000).
Finished goods include concentrate and dore. Products in process include
stockpile and precipitates (2022: stockpile and concentrate).
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 2023 and 2022 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.
Products in process accrual valued at cost include stockpile (2022:
stockpile).
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 2023 of US$3,977,000 (2022: US$2,161,000) (refer to note 28).
The amount of expense recognised in profit and loss related to the consumption
of inventory of supplies, spare parts and raw materials is US$110,752,000
(2022: US$118,520,000).
Movements in the provision for obsolescence comprise an increase in the
provision of US$1,586,000 (2022: US$422,000) and the reversal of US$nil
related to supplies and spare parts, that had been provided for (2022:
US$nil).
24 Cash and cash equivalents and other financial assets
As at 31 December
Cash and cash equivalents 2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Cash in hand 782 922
Current demand deposit accounts1 40,311 53,697
Time deposits2 37,184 89,225
Mutual funds3 10,849 -
Cash and cash equivalents considered for the statement of cash flows (note 89,126 143,844
2(y))
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and deposits held with banks
that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject
to insignificant risk of changes in value.
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their book value. The
Group has US$140,000,000 of undrawn medium-term debt facility (note 28).
1 Relates to bank accounts which are freely available and bear interest.
The balance has checks in transit.
2 These deposits have an average maturity of 9 days (2022: average of 18
days).
3 Corresponds to common investment funds that are assets that are formed with
the contributions made by the Group, consequently, becoming beneficiary of the
fund in which they decide to invest. As at 31 December 2023 the balance of
US$10,849,000 are deposited in Banco Santander and BBVA in Argentina.
As at 31 December
Other financial assets 2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Bonds in Minera Santa Cruz 2,264 -
25 Assets held for sale
On 28 December 2023, the Group entered into an agreement with a third party
whereby the third party will acquire the assets and liabilities of the Crespo
project from Compañia Minera Ares. Under the terms of this agreement, the
Group will receive US$15,000,000 as a non-refundable cash payment at closing,
and a 1.5% Royalty Net Smelter Return (NSR) over the Crespo project. The third
party will also assume the environmental liabilities of the project of
$711,000.
The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in March 2024, and in
consequence, as the sale is highly probable to be completed within the twelve
months of the year-end, the assets and liabilities were transferred to assets
and liabilities related to asset held for sale, respectively.
Prior to classifying Crespo´s disposal group as assets and liabilities
related to asset held for sale, the Group recognised an impairment of
$21,124,000. The recoverable amount of Crespo project was determined using a
fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) methodology, based on the economic
terms of the sale agreement (refer to note 16).
The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as assets held for sale
as at 31 December 2023 are as follows:
US$000
Assets
Transfer from evaluation and exploration assets, net of impairment 5,565
Transfer from property, plant and equipment 9,415
Transfer from deferred tax asset 2,418
Total non-current assets 17,398
Liabilities
Transfer from provision for mine closure (note 29) (711)
Total liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale (711)
Net assets directly associated with assets held for sale 16,687
26 Trade and other payables
As at 31 December
2023 2022
Non-current Current Non-current Current
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Trade payables1 - 83,418 - 88,817
Salaries and wages payable2 - 23,476 - 28,755
Dividends payable - - - 32
Taxes and contributions 55 9,295 - 10,287
Guarantee deposits3 - 7,842 - 8,623
Mining royalties (note 38) - 1,446 - 1,211
Accounts payable to related parties (note 33(a)) - 397 - 622
Lease liabilities (note 27) 1,379 2,714 1,239 1,637
Other4 277 7,251 384 4,118
Total 1,711 135,839 1,623 144,102
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 2023, there were Board members remuneration payable of US$67,000
(2022: US$69,000) and no long-term incentive plan payable (2022: US$nil).
3 Guarantee deposits made by the contractors of the Group to guarantee the
fulfilment of their tasks. The guarantee will be returned to the contractor at
the end of the service and when it is verified that it has been completed
correctly.
4 Mainly due to the accrual of the 6 days of production from 26 to 31 December
2023.
27 Leases
The Group has lease contracts for vehicles used in its operations and
administrative offices. Leases of motor vehicles generally have lease terms of
three years. The Group's obligations under its leases are secured by the
lessor's title to the leased assets.
The Group also has certain leases of assets with lease terms of twelve months
or less and leases of office equipment with low value. The Group applies the
short-term lease and lease of low-value assets recognition exemptions for
these leases.
The following are the amounts recognised in profit or loss related to the
leases according IFRS 16 and the other leases that the Group has not
capitalised:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000 US$000
Depreciation expense for right-of-use assets(included in cost of sales, (2,199) (1,112)
administrative, exploration and other expenses)
Interest expense on lease liabilities (included in finance expenses) (62) (104)
Expense relating to short-term leases (included in cost of sales, (866) (1,679)
administrative, exploration and other expenses)
Expense relating to leases of low-value assets (included in cost of sales, (743) (1,355)
administrative, exploration and other expenses)
Variable lease payments (included in cost of sales and exploration expenses) (11,422) (7,643)
Total amount recognised in profit or loss (15,292) (11,893)
The Group had total cash outflows for leases of US$15,369,000 in 2023 (2022:
US$12,316,000). There were additions to right-of-use assets and lease
liabilities during the year of US$3,493,000 (2022: US$nil). The future cash
outflows relating to leases that have not yet commenced are US$4,777,000
(2022: US$2,950,000). Short-term leases, leases of low-value assets and
variable lease payments are included in the operating cash flows.
The movement in IFRS 16 lease liabilities in the years 2023 and 2022 is as
follows:
As at 1 Additions US$000 Repayments US$000 Interest expense US$000 As at 31 December 2023 US$000
January 2023 US$000
Lease liabilities 2,876 3,493 (2,338) 62 4,093
Less: current balance (1,637) (2,714)
Non-current balance 1,239 1,379
As at 1 Additions US$000 Repayments US$000 Interest expense US$000 As at 31 December 2022 US$000
January 2022 US$000
Lease liabilities 4,411 - (1,639) 104 2,876
Less: current balance (1,597) (1,637)
Non-current balance 2,814 1,239
28 Borrowings
As at 31 December
2023 2022
Effective Non-current Current Effective Non-current Current
interest rate
US$000
US$000
interest rate
US$000
US$000
Secured bank loans (a)
· Pre-shipment loans in Minera Santa Cruz (note 23) 12% to 15% - 3,977 47.25% and 48.00% - 2,161
· Medium-term Bank loans 8.91% and 9.09% 234,999 106,087 7.74% 275,000 27,328
Other loans (b)
· Stock market promissory note in Minera Santa Cruz - - 2,000 - - 14,500
Total 234,999 112,064 275,000 43,989
(a) Secured bank loans:
Pre-shipment loans in Minera Santa Cruz:
- As at 31 December 2023, Minera Santa Cruz has seven loans with Citibank
amounting to US$2,815,000 plus interests of US$82,000, one loan with ICBC
amounting to US$447,000 plus interests of US$16,000, and one loan with
Santander of US$608,000 plus interests of US$9,000 (31 December 2022: two
loans with Citibank amounting to US$1,693,000 plus interests of US$468,000).
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 was payable in equal quarterly instalments from the second anniversary of
the loan with an interest rate of 3-month USD Libor plus 1.15% payable
quarterly until maturity on 13 December 2024. In September 2021, the Group
negotiated with the same counterpart a US $ 200,000,000 loan to replace the
original loan, plus an additional US $ 100,000,000 optional loan. US $
200,000,000 was withdrawn on 21 September 2021, and the optional US $
100,000,000 loan was withdrawn on 1 December 2021. The maturity was extended
until September 2026, and the interest rate increased to 3-month USD Libor
plus a spread of 1.65%. A structuring fee of US$900,000 was paid to the lender
and additional US$193,000 was incurred as transaction costs. In addition, a
commitment fee of US$120,000 was paid for the period that the optional US
$100,000,000 loan remained undrawn. This was considered a substantial
modification to the terms of the loan, and consequently, it was treated as an
extinguishment of the loan which resulted in the derecognition of the existing
liability and recognition of a new liability. The associated costs and fees
incurred have been recognised as part of the loss on the extinguishment.
From 18 September 2023 the Libor was replaced by the 3-month SOFR plus a
spread of 1.91%. The Group repaid US$25,000,000 of the loan on 18 December
2023. Financial covenants under the agreement are: (i) Consolidated Leverage
Ratio <= 3 and (ii) Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio ≥ 4.00.
- In December 2022, a credit agreement for up to $200,000,000 was signed
between Amarillo Mineracao do Brasil Ltd and The Bank of Nova Scotia and BBVA
Securities Inc, with Hochschild Mining PLC as guarantor. The medium-term
facility can be withdrawn until December 2024, and is payable in equal
quarterly instalments from February 2025 through November 2027, with an
interest rate of 3-month SOFR plus a spread of 2.05%. US$60,000,000 was
withdrawn on 9 August 2023 (refer to note 39 (h)), and the remaining balance
of US$140,000,000 was undrawn as at 31 December 2023. Financial covenants
under the agreement are: (i) Consolidated Leverage Ratio <= 3 and (ii)
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio ≥ 4.00.
(b) Other loans:
Stock market promissory note:
From January to May 2023 Minera Santa Cruz signed 4 stock market promissory
notes with Max Capital, a finance advisory company located in Argentina,
amounting to US$3,907,000,000. The expiration date of the notes is from July
2023 to August 2024. During the year 2023 the Group repaid US$16,407,000. The
balance as at 31 December 2023 is US$2,000,000 (From August to November 2022
Minera Santa Cruz signed 15 stock market promissory notes with Max Capital,
amounting to US$15,500,000. The expiration date of the notes is from December
2022 to November 2023. During the year 2022 the Group repaid US$1,000,000. The
balance as at 31 December 2022 was US$14,500,000).
(c) Capitalised borrowing costs:
Interest expense of US$19,357,000 that is directly attributable to the
construction of Mara Rosa (US$19,178,000) and Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C.
(US$179,000) has been capitalised and is included in property, plant and
equipment within construction in progress and capital advances (US$8,267,000)
and mining property and development costs (US$10,992,000), and exploration and
evaluation assets (US$98,000) (2022: Interest expense of US$4,899,000 that is
directly attributable to the construction of Mara Rosa (US$4,786,000) and
Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. (US$113,000) has been capitalised and is
included in property, plant and equipment within construction in progress and
capital advances (US$1,140,000) and mining property and development costs
(US$1,804,000), and exploration and evaluation assets (US$1,955,000)).
The carrying value including accrued interest payable of the medium-term bank
loans as at 31 December 2023 is US$341,086,000 (2022: US$302,328,000). The
maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Between 1 and 2 years 120,001 100,000
Between 2 and 5 years 114,998 175,000
Over 5 years - -
Total 234,999 275,000
The carrying amount of the pre-shipment loans approximates their fair value.
The carrying amount and fair value of the medium-term bank loans are as
follows:
Carrying amount Fair value
as at 31 December
as at 31 December
2023 2022 2023 2022
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Medium-term Bank loans 341,086 302,328 335,899 283,677
Total 341,086 302,328 335,899 283,677
The movement in borrowings during the years 2023 and 2022 are as
follows:
As at 1 Additions US$000 Repayments US$000 Reclassifications and others1 US$000 As at 31 December 2023 US$000
January 2023 US$000
Current
Pre-shipment loans 1,693 13,506 (10,573) (756) 3,870
Medium-term Bank loans 25,000 60,000 (85,000) 100,001 100,001
Stock market promissory note 14,500 3,907 (16,407) - 2,000
41,193 77,413 (111,980) 99,245 105,871
Non-current
Medium-term Bank loans 275,000 60,000 - (100,001) 234,999
275,000 60,000 - (100,001) 234,999
Total current and non-current borrowings 316,193 137,413 (111,980) (756) 340,870
Accrued interest 2,796 9,520 (24,839) 18,716 6,193
1 Reclassification and others from non-current of (US$100,001,000)
includes transfer from non-current to current borrowings of (US$100,001,000).
Current reclassifications and other of US$99,245,000 includes transfer from
non-current borrowings of US$100,001,000 and foreign exchange effect of
US$(756,000). Reclassifications and others of accrued interests includes
transfer of recognition of transaction costs of (US$234,000), capitalisation
of interests of US$19,357,000 (28(c)), and foreign exchange effect of
(US$407,000).
As at 1 Additions US$000 Repayments US$000 Reclassifications and others US$000 As at 31 December 2022 US$000
January 2022 US$000
Current
Pre-shipment loans - 13,411 (10,557) (1,161) 1,693
Medium-term Bank loan - - - 25,000 25,000
Stock market promissory note - 15,500 (1,000) - 14,500
- 28,911 (11,557) 23,839 41,193
Non-current
Bank loans 300,000 - - (25,000) 275,000
300,000 - - (25,000) 275,000
Total current and non-current borrowings 300,000 28,911 (11,557) (1,161) 316,193
Accrued interest - 10,360 (12,962) 4,899 2,796
29 Provisions
Provision Long Term Incentive Workers profit sharing US$000 Contingencies3 Total
US$000
US$000
for mine closure1 Plan2
US$000 US$000
At 1 January 2022 134,035 467 10,892 3,499 148,893
Additions - (467) 4,733 1,813 6,079
Accretion (note 13) (1,931) - - - (1,931)
Change in discount rate (17,849) - - - (17,849)
Change in estimates 34,124 - - - 34,124
Foreign exchange effect - - 322 434 756
Utilisation (970) - - - (970)
Payments (10,409) - (11,000) (10) (21,419)
At 31 December 2022 137,000 - 4,947 5,736 147,683
Less: current portion (17,668) - (4,947) (1,562) (24,177)
Non-current portion 119,332 - - 4,174 123,506
At 1 January 2023 137,000 - 4,947 5,736 147,683
Additions - - 3,207 3,655 6,862
Accretion (note 13) 1,703 - - - 1,703
Change in discount rate (2,543) - - - (2,543)
Change in estimates 43,304 - - - 43,304
Foreign exchange effect - - 77 (916) (839)
Transfers to assets held for sale (note 25) (711) - - - (711)
Utilisation (2,712) - - - (2,712)
Payments (13,325) - (4,805) (504) (18,634)
At 31 December 2023 162,716 - 3,426 7,971 174,113
Less: current portion (19,056) - (3,426) (4,259) (26,741)
Non-current portion 143,660 - - 3,712 147,372
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 2023
and 2022 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, technological
changes, regulatory changes, cost increases, changes in discount rates. Those
uncertainties may result in future actual expenditure differing from the
amounts currently provided. The discount rate used was 1.84% (2022: 0.95%).
Expected cash flows will be over a period from one to 21 years (2022: over a
period from one to 21 years).
Based on the internal and external reviews of mine rehabilitation
estimates, the provision for mine closure increased by US$43,304,000 due to
increase in the Ares mine unit of US$20,297,000, the Matarani unit of
US$21,000, the Azuca project of US$1,000, the Pallancata mine unit of
US$2,465,000, the Selene mine unit of US$9,345,000, the Mara Rosa project of
USS$4,591,000, the Inmaculada mine unit of US$7,691,000 and the Sipan mine
unit of US$52,000, net of the decrease in the Arcata mine unit of US$321,000,
the San Jose mine unit of US$835,000, and the Crespo project of US$3,000
(2022: increase by US$34,124,000 due to increase in the Ares mine unit of
US$10,509,000, the Arcata mine unit of US$1,671,000, the San Jose mine unit
of US$7,901,000, the Matarani unit of US$19,000, the Azuca project of
US$1,000, the Crespo project of US$5,000, the Pallancata mine unit of
US$58,000 and the Sipan mine unit of US$12,858,000, net of the decrease in the
Selene mine unit of US$2,882,000 and the Inmaculada mine unit of US$430,000,
and the initial recognition of the Mara Rosa project of USS$4,414,000).
A net charge of US$28,365,000 related to changes in estimates
(US$29,373,000) and discount rates (-US$1,008,000) for mines already closed
were recognised directly in the income statement (2022: net charge of
US$17,797,000 related to changes in estimates (US$22,156,000) and discount
rates (-US$4,359,000) for mines already closed were recognised directly in the
income statement).
A net charge of US$12,396,000 related to changes in estimates (US$13,931,000)
and discount rates (-US$1,535,000) for mines, projects and units that are not
already closed were recognised directly in the property, plant and equipment
in the statement of financial position (2022: net credit of US$5,936,000
related to changes in estimates (US$7,554,000) and discount rates
(-US$13,490,000) for mines, projects and units that are not already closed
were recognised directly in the property, plant and equipment in the statement
of financial position).
Utilisation for the year corresponds to depreciation of certain assets which
are used as part of mine rehabilitation. This has been recognised against the
mine rehabilitation provision.
The decrease in the accretion from 2022 (US$1,931,000) to 2023
(US$1,703,000) is explained because the Group is closer to the budget
execution periods and the discount rates used for 2022 were lower than those
of 2023.
A change in any of the following key assumptions used to determine the
provision would have the following impact:
As at 31 December 2023
US$000
Closure costs (increase by 10%) increase of provision 16,300
Discount rate (increase by 0.5%) (decrease of provision) (10,051)
As at 31 December 2022:
US$000
Closure costs (increase by 10%) increase of provision 13,700
Discount rate (increase by 0.5%) (decrease of provision) (8,137)
An element of mine closure planning can be water management which relates to
the treatment of contact water. The cost of this water processing could
continue for a number of years after closure activities have been completed
and is therefore, potentially, exposed to long-term climate change. Mine
planning for Hochschild's operating assets takes into account mine-closure
activities. In the case of the now-closed Sipan mine, due to the specific
characteristics of the closed mine components, contact water treatment is
ongoing. According to our most recent approved Mine Closure Plan (July
2021), Sipan will be the subject of ongoing treatment until 2030 or until
baseline water quality conditions have been met. As at the date of approval
of these financial statements, the impact of climate change on Sipan's mine
closure planning is not expected to be material.
2 Corresponds to the provision related to awards granted under the
Long-Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP') to designated personnel of the Group.
Includes the 2020 awards, granted in February 2020, payable in February 2023,
as 50% in cash (refer to note 29(c)). 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 decrease to the provision of US$nil (2022: US$467,000 net decrease)
have been recorded as administrative expenses -US$nil (2022: -US$442,000) and
exploration expenses -US$nil (2022: -US$25,000). The final result of the
benefit was nil.
The following tables list the inputs to the last Monte Carlo model used for
the LTIPs as at 31 December 2021:
LTIP 2020
For the period ended 31 December 2021
US$000
Dividend yield (%) 2.37
Expected volatility (%) 3.70
Risk-free interest rate (%) 0.02
Expected life (years) 1
Weighted average share price (pence £) 179.61
The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility
over a period similar to the life of the awards and is indicative of future
trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome. The outcome of the
LTIP 2020 as at 31 December 2022 was US$nil.
3 The non-current balance of US$3,712,000 corresponds to labour lawsuits in
Minera Santa Cruz that the Group expect to solve in a period higher than one
year. Current contingencies mainly represents the balance of Ares of
US$4,180,000. The main contingency in Ares is related to the OEFA, and the
Group is expecting to solve the claims between June and October 2024.
30 Equity
(a) Share capital and share premium
Issued share capital
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2023 is as follows:
Issued
Class of shares Number Amount
Ordinary shares (1 pence per share) 514,458,432 £5,144,584
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2022 is as follows:
Issued
Class of shares Number Amount
Ordinary shares (1 pence per share) 513,875,563 £5,138,756
At 31 December 2023 and 2022, all issued shares with a par value of 1 pence were fully paid (2023: weighted average of US$0.018 per share, 2022: weighted average of US$0.018 per share).
The movement in share capital of the Company from 1 January 2022 to 31
December 2023 is as follows:
Number of ordinary shares Share capital US$000 Share premium US$000
Shares issued as at 1 January 2022 513,875,563 226,506 438,041
Deferred bonus shares issued on 20 June 2022 513,875,563 303,268 -
Cancelation of deferred bonus shares on 22 June 2022 (513,875,563) (303,268) -
Cancelation of share premium account on 24 June 2022 - - (438,041)
Reduction of nominal value to 1 pence on 24 June 2022 - (217,445) -
Shares issued as at 31 December 2022 513,875,563 9,061 -
Issuance of shares for bonus payment on 12 May 2023 582,869 7 -
Shares issued as at 31 December 2023 514,458,432 9,068 -
Following the passing of certain special resolutions at an Extraordinary
General Meeting of shareholders held on 26th May 2022, the Company capitalised
the Company's distributable merger reserve, within retained earnings, by
applying its balance to the issuance of 513,875,563 bonus shares with a
nominal value of US$0.59 each (the "Bonus Shares").
Subsequently, the Company obtained, on 21 June 2022, the approval of the High
Courts of Justice of England and Wales (the Companies Court (Ch D) of the
Business and Property Courts) to:
(a) the cancellation of the Bonus Shares with the sum arising on the
cancellation being credited to the Company's retained earnings reserve;
(b) the reduction of the Company's share premium account to nil and
crediting the corresponding amount to the Company's retained earnings reserve;
and
(c) the reduction in the nominal value of the Ordinary Shares from 25
pence per Ordinary Share to 1 pence per Ordinary Share,
(d) (both (ii) and (iii) above collectively referred to as "the
Reductions").
The Reductions were effective on registration of the relevant court order by
the Registrar of Companies, which took place on 24th June 2022.
Rights attached to ordinary shares
At general meetings of the Company, on a show of hands and on a poll, every
member who is present in person or subject to the below, by proxy, has one
vote for every share of which they are the holder/proxy. However, in the case
of a vote on a show of hands where a proxy has been appointed by more than one
member, the proxy has one vote for and one vote against if the proxy has been
instructed by one or more members to vote for the resolution and by one or
more members to vote against the resolution.
(b) Treasury shares
Treasury shares represent the cost of Hochschild Mining PLC shares purchased
in the market and held by the trustee of the Hochschild Mining Employee Share
Trust to satisfy the award of conditional shares under the Group's Enhanced
Long Term Incentive Plan granted to the CEO (note 2(o)).
The movement in treasury shares are as follows:
• On 30 March 2020, the Group purchased 182,941 shares for a total
consideration of £234,000 (equivalent to US$292,000).
• On 30 March 2020, 182,941 Treasury shares with a value of US$292,000
(being the cost incurred to acquire the shares) were transferred to the CEO of
the Group with respect to the Enhanced Long term Incentive Plan.
At 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 the balance of treasury shares is
nil.
(c) Other reserves
Fair value reserve of financial assets at fair value through OCI
In accordance with IFRS 9, the Group made the decision to classify its
investments in listed and unlisted companies as financial assets at fair value
through OCI. The increase/decrease in the fair value, net of the related
deferred tax liability, is taken directly to this account where it will remain
until disposal, when the cumulative unrealised gains and losses are recycled
through retained earnings.
Cumulative translation adjustment
The cumulative translation adjustment account is used to record exchange
differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of
subsidiaries with a functional currency different to the reporting currency of
the Group.
Merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the difference between the value of the net
assets of the Cayman Holding Companies (Ardsley, Garrison, Larchmont and
Hochschild Mining (Peru)) acquired under the Share Exchange Agreement and the
nominal value of the shares issued in consideration of such acquisition. In
addition a merger reserve was generated by certain share placing transactions
made by the Group after the IPO. The merger reserve available for distribution
is disclosed within retained earnings.
Cash flow hedges
Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, which
are held to hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows of the hedged
items, are recognised in other components of equity until changes in the fair
value of the hedged item are recognised in profit or loss. The Group uses cash
flow hedges for hedging the exposure to variability in gold and silver prices.
Share-based payment reserve
The share-based payment reserve is used to recognise the value of
equity-settled share-based payment transactions provided to employees, as a
part of their remuneration.
(i) Long term incentive plan ('LTIP')
On 19 February 2020 the Group approved the grant of 2020 LTIP awards, on 26
May 2021 the Group approved the grant of 2021 LTIP awards, on 23 February 2022
the Group approved the grant of 2022 LTIP awards and on 20 April 2023 the
Group approved the grant of 2023 LTIP awards. The 2020 awards give a right to
receive a cash payment equivalent to the 50% of the amount (cash-settled
transaction) (refer to note 29(2)), and the other 50% will be used to acquire
shares of the Company (equity-settled transaction).
The vesting of the 2021 LTIP, 2022 LTIP and 2023 LTIP awards are subject to
the following performance conditions: 50% on Hochschild's 3-year total
shareholder return ("TSR") and 50% on Internal Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) measured during the same period. The performance period will be from 1
January 2021 to 31 December 2023, 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024, and 1
January 2023 to 31 December 2025 respectively. The awards will vest in May
2024, in February 2025 and April 2026 respectively.
The whole of any vested LTIP award will be deferred in the Company shares for
two years. The award will lapse if the beneficiary ceases to be an employee of
the Group other than as a good leaver or on death.
Further details on the design of the LTIP award are included in the Directors'
Remuneration Report.
The fair value of the option based on the TSR was determined using the Monte
Carlo model. The following tables list the inputs to the Monte Carlo model
used for the 2020 LTIP, 2021 LTIP, 2022 LTIP and 2023 LTIP:
LTIP 2023 LTIP 2022 LTIP 2021 LTIP 2020
Dividend yield (%) 2.28 5.73 2.37 0.87
Expected volatility (%) 2.82 3.97 3.71 3.19
Risk-free interest rate (%) 3.96 4.13 0.23 0.51
Expected life (years) 2.4 2.3 2 2.5
Weighted average share price (pence £) 179.61
63.90 141.46 221.99
The 50% subject to internal KPIs is split equally between:
i) 3-year growth of the Company´s
Measured and Indicated Resources (MIR) per share (excluding Volcan), The
3-year MIR growth was projected using a normal distribution based on
historical data, and factoring in the additional growth expected from
acquisitions, and
ii) average outcome of the annual
bonus scorecard in respect of 2021, 2022 and 2023 for 2021 LTIP, 2022, 2023
and 2024 for 2022 LTIP, and 2023, 2024 and 2025 for 2023 LTIP calculated as
the simple mean of the three scorecard outcomes.
Probabilities assigned to each possible outcome, based on historical data and
management judgement.
The remaining contract life is nil years (2022: 0.1 years), 0.4 years (2022:
1.4 years), 1.2 years (2022: 2.2 years) and 2.3 years for the 2020 LTIP, 2021
LTIP, 2022 LTIP and 2023 LTIP respectively.
The movement in other reserves is as follows:
LTIP LTIP 2020 LTIP LTIP LTIP
US$000
2019 2021 2022 2023 US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Balance at 1 January 2022 1,798 947 1,167 - -
Expense recognised in the period 88 509 1,478 1,395 -
Forfeiture of share options (1,886) - - - -
Balance at 31 December 2022 - 1,456 2,645 1,395 -
Expense recognised in the period - 72 588 1,011 1,004
Forfeiture of share options - (1,528) - - -
Balance at 31 December 2023 - - 3,233 2,406 1,004
No shares vested during the period (2022: nil).
(ii) 2022 bonus of employees
The Group agreed to partially pay the 2022 bonus by an issuance of shares. The
total amount that was paid in shares was with a value of US$584,000.
31 Deferred income tax
The net deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Beginning of the year (75,832) (86,744)
Income statement benefit/(expense) (note 14) 4,560 2,687
Equity credit/(charge) 7,414 8,167
Deferred tax recognised for payment - 58
Deferred tax recognised in assets held for sale (2,418) -
End of the year (66,276) (75,832)
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 Mine development US$000 Provisional pricing adjustment US$000 Others Total
in cost
US$000
US$000
of PP&E
US$000
Deferred income tax liabilities
At 1 January 2022 45,629 84,885 (56) 3,152 133,610
Income statement expense 1,281 4,630 359 1,627 7,897
Equity charge 362 - - - 362
At 31 December 2022 47,272 89,515 303 4,779 141,869
Income statement (expense)/benefit (108) (8,248) (303) 3,673 (4,986)
Recognised in assets held for sale (52) (2,840) - - (2,892)
At 31 December 2023 47,112 78,427 - 8,452 133,991
Differences Provision Mine development Others(1) Total
in cost
for mine
US$000
US$000
US$000
of PP&E
closure
US$000
US$000
Tax losses US$000
Deferred income tax assets
At 1 January 2022 12,797 30,466 365 - 3,238 46,866
Income statement benefit/(expense) 1,747 1,048 (1,021) 2,483 5,780 10,037
Equity credit - - 1,377 1,855 5,902 9,134
At 31 December 2022 14,544 31,514 721 4,338 14,920 66,037
Income statement benefit/(expense) 8,045 3,260 (8,818) 3,064 (5,977) (426)
Recognised in assets held for sale (5,310) - - - - (5,310)
Equity credit - - - - 7,414 7,414
At 31 December 2023 17,279 34,774 (8,097) 7,402 16,357 67,715
1 Credit/(charge) in the year mainly related to silver forward of
US$5,908,000 (2022: silver forward of US$645,000), statutory holiday provision
of US$943,000 (2022: US$1,157,000) and long term incentive plan of
US$1,909,000 (2022: US$1,512,000).
The amounts after offset, as presented on the face of the statement of
financial position, are as follows:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Deferred income tax assets 763 4,213
Deferred income tax liabilities (67,039) (80,045)
Total (66,276) (75,832)
Unrecognised tax losses expire in the following years:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Recognised
Expire after four years 19,651 12,759
19,651 12,759
Unrecognised
Expire in one year 97 -
Expire in two years 1,040 97
Expire in three years 766 1,040
Expire in four years 1,196 766
Expire after four years 191,764 189,148
194,863 191,051
Total 214,514 203,810
Other unrecognised deferred income tax assets comprise (gross amounts):
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Provision for mine closure1 10,990 8,191
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 2023 and 2022, 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.
32 Dividends
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Dividends paid and proposed during the year
Equity dividends on ordinary shares:
Final dividend for 2022: nil US cents per share (2021: 2.335 US cents per - 11,998
share)
Interim dividend for 2023: nil US cents per share (2022: 1.95 US cents per - 10,019
share)
Total dividends paid in cash - 22,017
Total dividends paid on ordinary shares - 22,017
Proposed dividends on ordinary shares:
Final dividend for 2023: nil US cents per share (2022: nil US cents per share) - -
Dividends declared to non-controlling interests: 0.002 US$ per share (2022: 326 286
0.002 US$ per share)
Total dividends declared to non-controlling interests 326 286
Dividends paid in 2023 to non-controlling interests amounted to US$326,000
(2022: US$286,000).
Dividends per share
There was no interim dividend paid during 2023. There is no proposed final
dividend in respect of the year ending 31 December 2023.
33 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 2023 and 2022. The related parties are companies owned
or controlled by the main shareholder of the Parent company or associates.
Accounts receivable Accounts payable
as at 31 December
as at 31 December
2023 2022 2023 2022
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Current related party balances
Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.1 114 733 80 249
Tecsup2 - - 315 352
Universidad UTEC2 - - - 5
REE UNO SpA3 - 30 2 -
Aclara Resources Inc3 13 9 - -
Aclara Resources Peru S.A.C. 3 - 2 - 16
Total 127 774 397 622
1 The account receivable relates to reimbursement of expenses paid by the
Group on behalf of Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A, an entity controlled by Eduardo
Hochschild. The account payable relates to the payment of rentals.
2 Peruvian not-for-profit educational institutions controlled by Eduardo
Hochschild.
3 Associated companies of the Aclara Group (refer to note 19).
As at 31 December 2023 and 2022, 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
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Expenses
Expense recognised for the rental paid to Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. (376) (376)
Expense technical services from Tecsup (11) (418)
Income from reimbursement of expenses of Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. 541 494
Income from administrative services to REE UNO SpA 42 248
Transactions between the Group and these companies are at an arm's length
basis.
(b) Compensation of key management personnel of the Group
Year ended 31 December
Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors) 2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Short-term employee benefits 6,259 7,121
Long Term Incentive Plans 1,157 1,174
Total compensation paid to key management personnel 7,416 8,295
This amount includes the remuneration paid to the Directors of the Parent
Company of the Group of US$3,555,000 (2022: US$4,228,000).
34 Auditor's remuneration
The auditor's remuneration for services provided to the Group during the years
ended 31 December 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
Amounts paid
to Ernst & Young
in the year ended
31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Audit fees pursuant to legislation1 1,342 1,181
Audit-related assurance services 145 95
Total 1,487 1,276
1 The total fee includes statutory audit fee of US$390,000 in respect of local
statutory audits of subsidiaries (2022: US$416,000)
In 2023 and 2022, all fees are included in administrative expenses.
35 Notes to the statement of cash flows
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Reconciliation of loss for the year to net cash generated from operating
activities
(Loss)/profit for the year (60,033) 4,832
Adjustments to reconcile Group loss to net cash inflows from operating
activities
Depreciation (note 3(a)) 146,137 139,088
Amortisation of intangibles (note 18) 802 970
Write-off of assets (note 16) 2,731 1,832
Provision of doubtful receivable 3 35
Impairment /(reversal of impairment) of assets (note 11) 80,843 (11,363)
Gain on demerger of Aclara
Loss from changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through 292 2,140
profit and loss (note 21)
Share of post-tax losses of associates and impairment (note 19) 9,460 11,600
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment (note 12) (142) (294)
Provision and recovery for obsolescence of supplies (note 12 and 23) 1,586 422
Increase of provision for mine closure (note 12) 28,365 17,797
Finance income (note 13) (7,473) (5,211)
Finance costs (note 13) 18,199 21,776
Income tax expense (note 14) 16,552 20,934
Other (3,342) 12,507
Increase/(decrease) of cash flows from operations due to changes in assets and
liabilities
Trade and other receivables (8,520) (52,972)
Income tax receivable 2,624 (5)
Other financial assets and liabilities (2,856) 4,956
Inventories (8,091) (13,081)
Trade and other payables 1,877 (6,632)
Provisions (1,998) (5,060)
Cash generated from operations 217,016 144,271
36 Commitments
(a) Mining rights purchase options
During the ordinary course of business, the Group enters into agreements to
carry out exploration under concessions held by third parties. Generally,
under the terms of these agreements, the Group has the option to acquire the
concession or invest in the entity holding the concession. In order to
exercise these options the Group must satisfy certain financial and other
obligations during the term of the agreement. The options lapse in the event
that the Group does not meet its financial obligations. At any point in time,
the Group may cancel the agreements without penalty, except where specified
below. These agreements are not under non-cancellable/irrevocable clauses.
The Group continually reviews its requirements under the agreements and
determines, on an annual basis, whether to proceed with its financial
commitment. Based on management's current intention regarding these projects,
the commitments at the statement of financial position date are as follows:
As at 31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Commitment for the subsequent twelve months - -
More than one year - 4,747
(b) Capital commitments
For the year ended
31 December
2023 2022
US$000
US$000
Peru 25,911 1,563
Argentina 1,049 3,687
Brazil 16,000 13,412
42,960 18,662
37 Contingencies
As at 31 December 2023 the Group is subject to various claims which arise in
the ordinary course of business. No provision has been made in the financial
statements and none of these claims are currently expected to result in any
material loss to the Group.
(a) Taxation
Fiscal periods remain open to review by the tax authorities for four years in
Peru, five years in Argentina and Mexico, ten years in Brazil and three years
in Chile, preceding the year of review. During this time the authorities have
the right to raise additional tax assessments including penalties and
interest. Under certain circumstances, reviews may cover longer periods.
Because a number of fiscal periods remain open to review by the tax
authorities, coupled with the complexity of the Group and the transactions
undertaken by it, there remains a risk that significant additional tax
liabilities may arise. As at 31 December 2023, the Group had exposures
totalling US$19,885,000 (2022: US$20,713,000).
When the Tax authority challenges the deductibility of certain expenses the
Group reassess the case internally and externally, with the support of a
third-party professional to determine the probability of success and,
depending on the result, makes the decision whether or not to continue with
the claim. Notwithstanding this risk, the Directors believe that management's
interpretation of the relevant legislation and assessment of taxation is
appropriate and that it is probable that the Group's tax and customs positions
will be sustained in the event of a challenge by the tax authorities.
Consequently, the Directors consider that no tax liability is required to be
recognised in respect of these claims or risks.
(a) Guarantees
The Group is required to provide guarantees in Peru in respect of
environmental restoration and decommissioning obligations. The Group has
provided for the estimated cost of these activities (see note 29(1)).
38 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 2023, the amount payable as under the new mining royalty and the SMT amounted to US$1,298,000 (2022: US$1,234,000) and US$1,181,000 (2022: US$845,000) respectively. The new mining royalty and SMT are reported as 'Income tax payable' in the Statement of Financial Position. The amount recorded in the income statement was US$4,520,000 (2022: US$4,787,000) of new mining royalty and US$2,307,000 (2022: US$2,658,000) 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 2023, the amount payable as
mining royalties amounted to US$1,446,000 (2022: US$1,211,000). The amount
recorded in the income statement as cost of sales was US$6,499,000 (2022:
US$6,307,000).
39 Financial risk management
The Group is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties which may have a
financial impact on the Group and which also impact the achievement of social,
economic and environmental objectives. These risks include strategic,
commercial, operational and financial risks and are further categorised into
risk areas to facilitate consolidated risk reporting across the Group.
The Group has made significant developments in the management of the Group's
risk environment which seeks to identify and, where appropriate, implement the
controls to mitigate the impact of the Group's significant risks. This effort
is supported by a Risk Committee with the participation of the CEO, the Vice
Presidents, and the head of the internal audit function. The Risk Committee is
responsible for implementing the Group's policy on risk management and
internal control in support of the Company's business objectives, and
monitoring the effectiveness of risk management within the organisation.
(a) Commodity price risk
Silver and gold prices have a material impact on the Group's results of
operations. Prices are significantly affected by changes in global economic
conditions and related industry cycles. Generally, producers of silver and
gold are unable to influence prices directly; therefore, the Group's
profitability is ensured through the control of its cost base and the
efficiency of its operations.
The Group´s policy is generally to remain hedge-free. However, management
continuously monitors silver and gold prices and reserves the right to take
the necessary action, where appropriate and within Board approved parameters,
to mitigate the impact of this risk.
Derivative financial assets - Silver and gold forwards
On 8 February 2021, the Group signed agreements with JP Morgan to hedge the
sale of 4,000,000 ounces of silver at US$27.10 per ounce for 2021 and a
further 4,000,000 ounces of silver at US$26.86 per ounce for 2022.
On 10 November 2021, the Group signed agreements with JP Morgan to hedge the
sale of 3,300,000 ounces of silver at US$25.0 per ounce for 2023.
On 12 April 2023, the Group signed agreements with Citibank to hedge the sale
of 27,600 ounces of gold at US$2,100 per ounce for 2024.
On 20 April 2023, the Group signed agreements with JP Morgan to hedge the sale
of 29,250 ounces of gold at US$2,047 per ounce for 2023.
On 19 June 2023, the Group signed agreements with Citibank to hedge the sale
of 150,000 ounces of gold (50,000 ounces per year) at US$2,117.05, US$2,166.65
and US$2,205.50 per ounce in 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively.
On 14 December 2023, the Group signed a gold collar agreement with JP Morgan
of 99,999.96 ounces of gold at strike put of US$2,000 and strike call of
US$2,252 per ounce for 2024.
The gold and silver forwards are being used to hedge exposure to changes in
cash flows from gold and silver commodity prices. There is an economic
relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instruments due to a
common underlying. In accordance with IFRS 9, the derivative instruments are
categorised as cash flow hedges at the inception of the hedging relationship
and, on an ongoing basis, the Group assesses whether a hedging relationship
meets the hedge effectiveness requirements. The Group has established a hedge
ratio of 1:1 for the hedging relationships as the underlying risk of the
silver and gold forwards is identical to the hedged risk components. To test
the hedge effectiveness, the Group uses the hypothetical derivative method and
compares the changes in the fair value of the gold and silver forwards against
the changes in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk.
That said, it is observed that the effectiveness tests comply with the
requirements of IFRS 9 and that the hedging strategy is highly effective.
The fair values of the gold and silver forwards were calculated using a
discounted cash flow model applying a combination of level 1 (USD quoted
market commodity prices) and level 2 inputs. The models used to value the
commodity forward contracts are standard models that calculate the present
value of the fixed-legs (the fixed gold and silver leg) and compare them with
the present value of the expected cash flows of the flowing legs (the London
metal exchange "LME" gold and silver fixing). In the case of the commodity
forward contracts, the models use the LME AU and AG forward curve and the US
LIBOR swap curve for discounting.
This approach results in the fair value measurement categorised in its
entirety as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the silver
forwards as at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 are as follows:
31 December 2023
US$000
Current assets 846
Current liabilities (1,190)
Non-current liabilities (16,581)
(16,925)
The effect recorded is as follows:
US$000
Income statement - revenue 7,846
Income statement - finance income 593
Equity - Unrealised loss on hedges 19,704
31 December 2022
US$000
Current assets 2,186
Non-current assets -
2,186
The effect recorded is as follows:
US$000
Income statement - revenue 20,428
Equity - Unrealised loss on hedges 16,929
The sensitivity of the fair value of the current hedges outstanding at 31
December 2023 to a reasonable movement in the commodity prices, with all other
variables held constant, determined as a +/-10% change in prices
-US$48,225,000/ US$49,819,000 effect on OCI.
The Group has price adjustments arising from the sale of concentrate and dore
which were provisionally priced at the time the sale was recorded (refer to
note 5). The sensitivity of the fair value to an immediate 10% favourable or
adverse change in the price of gold and silver (assuming all other variables
remain constant), is as follows:
Year Increase/ Effect on
decrease in price of
profit before tax
ounces of:
US$000
2023 Gold +/-10% +/-127
Silver+/-10%
+/-45
2022 Gold +/-10% +/-165
Silver+/-10%
+/-138
(b) Foreign currency risk
The Group produces silver and gold which are typically priced in US dollars. A
proportion of the Group's costs are incurred in Peruvian nuevos soles,
Argentinian pesos, Brazilian reais, sterling pounds, Canadian dollars, Chilean
pesos, and Mexican pesos. Accordingly, the Group's financial results may be
affected by exchange rate fluctuations between the US dollar and the local
currency. The long-term relationship between commodity prices and currencies
in the countries in which the Group operates provides a certain degree of
natural protection. The Group does not use derivative instruments to manage
its foreign currency risks.
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of financial assets and
liabilities, at the reporting date, denominated in their respective
currencies, to a reasonably possible change in the US dollar exchange rate,
with all other variables held constant, of the Group's profit before tax and
the Group's equity.
Year Increase/ Effect Effect
decrease in US$/other
on profit
on equity
currencies'
before tax
US$000
rate
US$000
2023
Pounds sterling +/-10% -/+93 -
Argentinian pesos +/-10% -/+2,206 -
Mexican pesos +/-10% +/-1,843 -
Peruvian nuevos soles +/-10% -/+19,384 -
Reais +/-10% -/+21,718 -
Canadian dollars +/-10% -/+450 +/-16
Chilean pesos +/-10% +/-70 -
2022
Pounds sterling +/-10% -/+155 -
Argentinian pesos +/-10% -/+3,775 -
Mexican pesos +/-10% +/-1,821 -
Peruvian nuevos soles +/-10% -/+15,326 -
Reais +/-10% -/+7,230 -
Canadian dollars +/-10% -/+461 +/-17
Chilean pesos +/-10% +/-763 -
(c) Credit risk
Credit risk arises from debtors' inability to make payment of their
obligations to the Group as they become due (without taking into account the
fair value of any guarantee or pledged assets). The Group is primarily exposed
to credit risk as a result of commercial activities and non‑compliance, by
counterparties, in transactions in cash which are primarily limited to cash
balances deposited in banks and accounts receivable at the statement of
financial position date.
Counterparty credit exposure based on commercial activities, including trade
and other receivables, embedded derivatives, hedge instruments and cash
balances in banks as at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022:
Summary commercial partners As at % collected as at 11 March 2024 As at % collected as at 19 April 2023
31 December 2023
31 December 2022
US$000 US$000
US$000 US$000
Trade receivables 29,421 72% 42,364 73%
Other receivables include advances to suppliers and receivables from contractors for the sale of supplies. There is no credit risk on these amounts as the Group can withhold the balances that it owes the suppliers or contractors for their services.
Cash and cash equivalents - Credit rating1 As at As at
31 December
31 December
2023
2022
US$000
US$000
A+ 40,759 55,847
A - 1,066
A- 12,955 2,436
A2 27,205 42,091
AA2 - 8
Aa3 - 8,000
Baa1 - 109
BB- - 10,505
BBB+ - 60
BBB - 5,210
BBB- 5,172 4,419
Caa1 - 1
NA 3,035 14,092
Total 89,126 143,844
1 Represents the long-term credit rating as at 3 January 2024 (2022:
3 January 2023).
As at 31 December 2023, the credit rating of the counterparty of the gold
forward hedges is A- and A+ (31 December 2022 is A-).
To manage the credit risk associated with commercial activities, the Group
took the following steps:
· Active use of prepayment/advance clauses in sales contracts.
· Delaying delivery of title and/or requiring advance payments to
reduce exposure timeframe (potential delay in sales recognition).
· Maintaining as diversified a portfolio of clients as possible.
To manage credit risk associated with cash balances deposited in banks, the
Group took the following steps:
· Increasing banking relationships with large, established and
well-capitalised institutions in order to secure access to credit and to
diversify credit risk.
· Limiting exposure to financial counterparties according to Board
approved limits.
· Investing cash in short-term, highly liquid and low risk instruments
(term deposits mainly).
· Increase the utilisation of UK bank accounts.
Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis and the result of the
Group's exposure to bad debts is recognised in the consolidated income
statement. The maximum exposure is the carrying amount as disclosed in notes
22, 24 and 39(e).
The Group's risk assessment procedures includes customer analysis and
reviewing financial counterparties. For further details refer to the
Commentary section of the Commercial Counterparty risk in the Risk management
and Viability Report.
(d) Equity risk on financial instruments
The Group acquires financial instruments in connection with strategic
alliances with third parties. The Group constantly monitors the fair value of
these instruments in order to decide whether or not it is convenient to
dispose of these investments. The disposal decision is also based on
management's intention to continue with the strategic alliance, the tax
implications and changes in the share price of the investee.
At 31 December 2023 the sensitivity to reasonable movements in the share price
of financial assets at fair value through OCI of +/- 25% with all other
variables held constant is +/-US$115,000 (2022: +/-US$127,000) recognised in
equity. The sensitivity to reasonable movements in the share price of
financial assets at fair value through profit and loss of +/- 25% with all
other variables held constant is +/-US$nil (2021: +/-US$254,000) recognised in
the consolidated statement of profit and loss.
(e) Fair value hierarchy
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair
value of financial instruments by valuation technique:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities.
Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect
on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the
recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.
As at 31 December 2023 and 2022, the Group held the following financial
instruments measured at fair value:
31 December 2023 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Equity shares (notes 20 and 21) 460 460
Trade receivables (note 22) 29,421 29,421
Derivative financial assets 846 846
Derivative financial liabilities (17,771) (17,771)
31 December 2022 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
US$000
US$000
US$000
US$000
Assets measured at fair value
Equity shares (notes 20 and 21) 1,524 1,524
Trade receivables (note 22) 42,364 42,364
Derivative financial assets 2,186 2,186
During the period ending 31 December 2023 and 2022, there were no transfers
between these levels.
The reconciliation of the financial instruments categorised as level 3 is as
follows:
Trade receivables/ price adjustments
US$000
Balance at 1 January 2021 27,773
Net change in trade receivables from goods sold 8,063
Changes in fair value of price adjustments (note 5) (1,323)
Realised price adjustments during the year 7,851
Balance at 31 December 2022 42,364
Net change in trade receivables from goods sold (8,644)
Changes in fair value of price adjustments (note 5) 1,174
Realised price adjustments during the year (5,473)
Balance at 31 December 2023 29,421
The impact of the hedging instrument and hedge item on the statement of
financial position is, as follows:
Line item in the statement of Carrying amount of hedging instrument Change in fair value of hedging instrument used for measuring ineffectiveness Change in fair value of hedged item used for measuring ineffectiveness for the
US$000 for the period period
ounces Average price US$/ounce financial position
US$000
US$000
2023
Gold forward contracts From 2,100 to 2,252 Derivative financial assets and liabilities (16,925) (11,546)
277,599.96
(11,546)
2022
Silver forward contracts 3.3 million 25.00 Derivative financial asset 2,186 1,541
1,541
The hedging gain recognised in OCI before tax on silver and gold forward
hedges is equal to the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to
the hedged risk used for measuring effectiveness. There is no ineffectiveness
recognised in profit or loss.
Impact of hedging on equity
Set out below is the reconciliation of each component of equity and the
analysis of other comprehensive income:
Gold Silver forward Total
US$000
US$000
forward US$000
Balance at 1 January 2022 13,476 13,476
Reclassification adjustments for items included in the income statement on
realisation:
Transfer to sales (revenue) - (20,428) (20,428)
Revaluation arising on the year - 3,499 3,499
Movement in deferred tax - 4,994 4,994
Balance at 31 December 2022 - 1,541 1,541
Reclassification adjustments for items included in the income statement on
realisation:
Transfer to sales (revenue) (2,522) (5,324) (7,846)
Revaluation arising on the year (14,996) 3,138 (11,858)
Movement in deferred tax 5,972 645 6,617
Balance at 31 December 2023 (11,546) - (11,546)
(f) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group's inability to obtain the funds it
requires to comply with its commitments, including the inability to sell a
financial asset quickly enough and at a price close to its fair value.
Management constantly monitors the Group's level of short- and medium-term
liquidity, and their access to credit lines, in order to ensure appropriate
financing is available for its operations.
The table below categorises the undiscounted cash flows of Group's financial
liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period as
at the statement of financial position to the contractual maturity date.
Interest cash flows have been calculated using the spot rate at year end.
Less than Between Between Over Total
1 year
1 and
2 and
5 years
US$000
US$000
2 years
5 years
US$000
US$000
US$000
At 31 December 2023
Trade and other payables 118,702 1,656 - - 120,358
Derivative financial liabilities 1,190 16,581 - - 17,771
Borrowings 130,946 138,875 126,303 - 396,124
Total 250,838 157,112 126,303 - 534,253
At 31 December 2022
Trade and other payables 125,192 1,623 - - 126,815
Borrowings 61,133 116,729 193,885 - 371,747
Total 186,325 118,352 193,885 - 498,562
1 The interest rate swap settles the difference between the fixed and
floating interest rate on a net basis on a quarterly basis.
(g) Interest rate risk
The Group has financial assets and liabilities which are exposed to interest
rate risk. Changes in interest rates primarily impact loans and borrowings by
changing either their fair value (fixed rate debt) or their future cash flows
(variable rate debt). The Group does not have a formal policy of determining
how much of its exposure should be at fixed or at variable rates. However, at
the time of taking new loans or borrowings, management applies its judgement
to decide whether it believes that a fixed or variable rate borrowing would be
more favourable to the Group over the expected period until maturity.
As at 31 December 2023
Within Between Between Over Total
1 year
1 and
2 and
5 years
US$000
US$000
2 years
5 years
US$000
US$000
US$000
Fixed rate
Assets 37,184 - - - 37,184
Liabilities (5,870) - - - (5,870)
Floating rate
Liabilities (106,087) (120,001) (114,998) - (341,086)
As at 31 December 2022
Within Between Between Over Total
1 year
1 and
2 and
5 years
US$000
US$000
2 years
5 years
US$000
US$000
US$000
Fixed rate
Assets 89,225 - - - 89,225
Liabilities (16,661) - - - (16,661)
Floating rate
Liabilities (27,328) (100,00) (175,000) - (302,328)
Interest on financial instruments classified as floating rate is re-priced at
intervals of less than one year. Interest on financial instruments classified
as fixed rate is fixed until the maturity of the instrument. The other
financial instruments of the Group that are not included in the above tables
are non-interest bearing and are therefore not subject to interest rate risk.
The sensitivity to a reasonable movement in the interest rate, with all other
variables held constant, of the financial instruments with a floating rate,
determined as a +/-20bps change in interest rates has a -/+US$658,000 effect
on profit before tax (2022: -/+US$600,000). The Group is exposed to
fluctuations in market interest rates.
This assumes that the amount remains unchanged from that in place at 31
December 2023 and 2022 and that the change in interest rates is effective
from the beginning of the year. In reality, the floating rate will fluctuate
over the year and interest rates will change accordingly.
(h) Capital risk management
The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's
ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for
shareholders, benefits for other stakeholders, and to maintain an optimal
capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. Management considers as part
of its capital, the financial sources of funding from shareholders and third
parties (notes 28 and 30).
In 2023 the Group received proceeds from borrowings of US$137,413,000 (2022:
US$28,911,000) whilst US$111,980,000 (2022: US$11,557,000) was repaid. In 2022
the Group closed a US$200,000,000 medium term committed debt facility with
Scotiabank and BBVA and used US$60,000,000 in 2023.
Management also retains the right to fund operations (fully owned and with
joint venture partners) with a mix of equity and joint venture partners' debt.
40 Subsequent events
(a) Hedges
In February 2024, the Group hedged 60,000 ounces of 2025 gold production at
strike put of $2,000 per ounce and a strike call of $2,485 per ounce to
increase cash flow certainty for the repayment of the medium-term
facilities.
(b) Loan facility
In February 2024 the Group drew down an additional US$20,000,000 and in March
2024 an additional US$15,000,000, from the US$200,000,000 medium-term debt
facility signed in 2022 with the Bank of Nova Scotia and BBVA Securities Inc.
(c) Option to acquire Monte Do Carmo project, Brazil
The Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Amarillo Mineração do Brasil
Ltda. has entered into an option agreement and certain ancillary agreements
with Cerrado Gold Inc. pursuant to which Cerrado has granted Amarillo
Mineração the option to acquire a 100% interest in Cerrado's Monte Do Carmo
project located in the mining-friendly state of Tocantins, Brazil.
In consideration for entering into the option, Amarillo Mineração has agreed
to advance to Cerrado an amount equal to $15 million by way of 10%
interest-bearing secured loan and has committed to incur a minimum of $5
million in exploration expenditures at the project during a 12.5-month period
ending on 19 March 2025.
At any time during the Option Period, Amarillo Mineração may, at its sole
discretion, elect to exercise the option to acquire a 100% interest in the
project by deemed repayment of the secured loan, and by making further cash
payments to Cerrado totalling $45 million in the aggregate, in multiple
instalments over the next three years.
Further details can be found in the separate press release (5 March 2024) on
the Company's website at hochschildmining.com.
Profit by operation1
(Segment report reconciliation) as at 31 December 2023
Group (US$000) Inmaculada San Jose Pallancata Consolidation adjustment and others Total/HOC
Revenue 396,644 242,461 54,046 565 693,716
Cost of sales (pre consolidation) (243,903) (198,253) (73,069) 7,011 (508,214)
Consolidation adjustment 7,065 (173) 119 (7,011) -
Cost of sales (post consolidation) (236,838) (198,426) (72,950) - (508,214)
Production cost excluding depreciation (162,570) (150,470) (49,940) - (362,980)
Depreciation in production cost (75,810) (49,324) (19,678) - (144,812)
Workers profit sharing (1,373) - (489) - (1,862)
Other items (2,211) (271) (832) - (3,314)
Change in inventories 5,126 1,639 (2,011) - 4,754
Gross profit 152,741 44,208 (19,023) 7,576 185,502
Administrative expenses - - - (47,192) (47,192)
Exploration expenses - - - (21,297) (21,297)
Selling expenses (533) (13,868) (461) - (14,862)
Other income/(expenses) - - - (26,252) (26,252)
Operating profit before impairment 152,208 30,340 (19,484) (87,165) 75,899
Impairment and write-off of non-current assets, net - - - (83,574) (83,574)
Share of post-tax losses from associate - - - (9,460) (9,460)
Finance income - - - 7,473 7,473
Finance costs - - - (18,199) (18,199)
Foreign exchange loss - - - (15,620) (15,620)
Profit/(loss) from operations before (206,545) (43,481)
income tax
152,208 30,340 (19,484)
Income tax expense - - - (16,552) (16,552)
Profit/(loss) for the year from operations 152,208 30,340 (19,484) (223,097) (60,033)
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 89 to 91 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 2023, 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$1,650 per ounce and Ag Price: US$22.0 per ounce.
ATTRIBUTABLE METAL RESERVES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
Reserve category Proved and probable Ag Au Ag Au Ag Eq
(t)
(g/t)
(g/t)
(moz)
(koz)
(moz)
OPERATIONS
Inmaculada
Proved 1,425,933 177 4.1 8.1 188.0 22.2
Probable 3,304,970 116 2.9 12.4 306.4 35.3
Total 4,730,903 135 3.3 20.5 494.4 57.6
San Jose
Proved 300,006 283 5.1 2.7 49.0 6.4
Probable 237,883 312 5.7 2.4 43.7 5.7
Total 537,889 296 5.4 5.1 92.7 12.1
Mara Rosa
Proved 11,791,000 - 1.2 - 455.8 34.2
Probable 12,014,000 - 1.2 - 446.2 33.4
Total 23,805,000 - 1.2 - 902.0 67.6
GRAND TOTAL
Proved 13,516,939 25 1.6 10.9 692.9 62.8
Probable 15,556,854 29 1.6 14.7 796.1 74.4
TOTAL 29,073,792 27 1.6 25.6 1,489.0 137.3
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.
ATTRIBUTABLE METAL RESOURCES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023(1,2)
Resource category Tonnes Ag Au Ag Eq Ag Au Ag Eq
(t) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (moz) (koz) (moz)
OPERATIONS
Inmaculada
Measured 2,455,000 187 4.45 520 14.7 351.3 41.1
Indicated 5,236,000 132 3.22 374 22.2 542.4 62.9
Total 7,691,000 149 3.61 421 37.0 893.7 104.0
Inferred 8,533,000 107 2.78 316 29.3 763.8 86.6
Pallancata
Measured 1,196,000 306 1.39 410 11.8 53.5 15.8
Indicated 592,000 236 1.10 318 4.5 20.9 6.1
Total 1,788,000 283 1.29 380 16.3 74.4 21.8
Inferred 3,372,000 481 1.81 617 52.1 196.7 66.8
San Jose
Measured 818,040 450 7.52 1,014 11.8 197.7 26.7
Indicated 497,250 360 6.16 822 5.8 98.4 13.1
Total 1,315,290 416 7.00 941 17.6 296.1 39.8
Inferred 899,640 329 5.04 707 9.5 145.7 20.5
Mara Rosa
Measured 13,600,000 - 1.20 90 - 510.0 38.3
Indicated 18,700,000 - 1.10 83 - 640.0 48.0
Total 32,300,000 - 1.10 83 - 1,150.0 86.3
Inferred 100,000 - 0.52 39 - 1.7 0.1
GROWTH PROJECTS
Crespo
Measured 5,211,000 47 0.47 82 7.9 78.6 13.8
Indicated 17,298,000 38 0.40 68 20.9 222.5 37.6
Total 22,509,000 40 0.42 71 28.8 301.0 51.4
Inferred 775,000 46 0.57 88 1.1 14.2 2.2
Azuca
Measured 191,000 244 0.77 302 1.5 4.7 1.9
Indicated 6,859,000 187 0.77 244 41.2 168.8 53.8
Total 7,050,000 188 0.77 246 42.7 173.5 55.7
Inferred 6,946,000 170 0.89 237 37.9 199.5 52.9
Volcan
Measured 123,979,000 - 0.700 53 - 2,792.0 209.4
Indicated 339,274,000 - 0.643 48 - 7,013.0 526.0
Total 463,253,000 - 0.658 49 - 9,804.0 735.3
Inferred 75,018,000 - 0.516 39 - 1,246.0 93.5
Arcata
Measured 834,000 438 1.35 539 11.7 36.1 14.4
Indicated 1,304,000 411 1.36 512 17.2 56.9 21.5
Total 2,138,000 421 1.35 523 29.0 93.0 35.9
Inferred 3,533,000 371 1.26 465 42.1 142.6 52.8
GRAND TOTAL
Measured 148,284,040 12 0.85 76 59.5 4,023.9 361.3
Indicated 389,760,250 9 0.70 62 111.8 8,762.9 769.0
Total 538,044,290 10 0.74 65 171.3 12,785.7 1,130.2
Inferred 99,176,640 54 0.85 118 172.1 2,710.1 375.4
1 Prices used for resources calculation: Au: $1,800/oz and Ag: $24.0/oz
and Ag/Au ratio of 75x.
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 December 2023 Net difference % change
December
2022
Att.¹
2022
Att.¹
Inmaculada Resource 100% 214.8 190.6 (24.2) (11.3%)
Reserve 71.7 57.6 (14.1) (19.7%)
Pallancata Resource 100% 94.3 88.7 (5.6) (5.9%)
Reserve 3.4 - (3.4) (100.0%)
San Jose Resource 51% 66.7 60.3 (6.4) (9.6%)
Reserve 12.6 12.1 (0.6) (4.5%)
Mara Rosa Resource 100% 86.4 86.4 - -
Reserve 67.6 67.6 - -
Crespo Resource 100% 53.6 53.6 - -
Reserve - - - -
Azuca Resource 100% 108.6 108.6 - -
Reserve - - - -
Volcan Resource 100% 828.8 828.8 - -
Reserve - - - -
Arcata Resource 100% 88.7 88.7 - -
Reserve - - - -
Total Resource 1,541.9 1,505.6 (36.2) (2.4%)
Reserve 155.4 137.3 (18.1) (11.6%)
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).
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
(2)Please see the Financial Review pages 15-18 for a definition and
calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, net debt and AISC
3 2023 and 2022 equivalent figures calculated using the gold/silver ratio of
83x.
4 Calculated as total number of accidents per million labour hours
(( 5 ))Calculated as total number of days lost per million labour hours.
6 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.
7 Includes revenue from services. Gross revenue is the net revenue plus
commercial discounts.
8 Unit cost per tonne is calculated by dividing mine and treatment production
costs (excluding depreciation) by extracted and treated tonnage respectively
9 Cash costs are calculated to include cost of sales, commercial discounts
and selling expenses items less depreciation included in cost of sales
(( 10 ))Does not include Fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced
capacity of $3.0 million (2022: $8 million).
11 Includes commercial discounts (from the sales of concentrate) and
commercial discounts from the sale of dore
(( 12 ))Does not include Fixed costs during operational stoppages and reduced
capacity of $3.0 million (2022: $8 million)
13 Includes commercial discounts (from the sales of concentrate) and
commercial discounts from the sale of dore
14 Calculated using a gold/silver ratio of 83:1
15 Operating capex from San Jose does not include capitalised DD&A
resulting from mine equipment utilised for mine developments
16 Royalties arising from revised royalty tax schemes introduced in 2011 and
included in income tax line
17 Includes the impact of devaluation of the Argentine peso resulting from
the Argentinian Government export programme to settle a portion of San Jose
exports at the blue chip exchange rate during the last quarter of 2023 of
$21.2 million
18 Operating capex from San Jose does not include capitalised DD&A
resulting from mine equipment utilised for mine developments
19 Royalties arising from revised royalty tax schemes introduced in 2011 and
included in income tax line
20 Adjusted EBITDA has been presented before the effect of significant
non-cash (income)/expenses related to changes in mine closure provisions which
were $30.8 million in 2023 and $17.8 million in 2022, and the write-off of
property, plant and equipment
21 Includes pre-shipment loans and short term interest payables
22 2023 includes $3.5 million increase due to foreign exchange effect, and
construction aggregates project of $2.5m.
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. END FR SFFSMDELSEEDRecent news on Hochschild Mining
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