Sierra Metals Inc

TSX:SMT

Earnings Call Transcript

[Operator]

Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to the Sierra Metals Inc. Second Quarter 2024 Financial and Operating Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] And the conference is being recorded. [Operator Instructions] I will now hand the call over to [ Elia Benavides ], the company's new Corporate Finance Manager. Please go ahead.

[Unknown Executive]

Thanks. The company presentation for today's call is available for download from the company's website at sierrametals.com. Today's press release, the financial statements and the MD&A are posted on our website and on SEDAR+. I would like to note that this earnings call contains forward-looking information that is based on the company's current expectations, estimates and beliefs. Please review our Q2 2024 disclosure materials for forward-looking information.

Please note that all dollar amounts mentioned on today's call are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted, and that all unit cash cost and all-in sustaining costs are in a copper equivalent payable pound basis. I would like now to turn the conference over to Ernesto Balarezo, Chief Executive Officer for Sierra Metals. Please go ahead.

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Thank you, Lea, and good morning, everyone. Let me begin, as we always do, by discussing our company's number one priority, safety. As seen on Slide 4, our focus is to continuously ensure we provide a workplace environment where all our employees and contractors are safe. This includes a continuous improvement approach to safety where we conduct regular safety programs, safety inspections and safety audits for all employees and contractors.

Our focus this quarter has been the designation of leaders throughout the company that are critical risk champions who disseminate the 16 critical risks and rules that will save lives. Overall, our safety programs have been well received by everyone throughout the company as we all recognize that being safe leads to a productive work environment. We released our second quarter 2024 production results on July 12 and our financial results on Friday, August 9.

I will assume everyone has had a chance to review them, so I will not be going into detail, but we'll instead provide highlights as seen on this slide. On a consolidated basis, in the second quarter of 2024, our 2 operating mines, the Yauricocha and Bolivar, produced 16.8 million copper equivalent pounds from processing almost 630,000 tonnes of ore in the second quarter, which was around 4% lower than in the same quarter a year ago, as we expected when defining our 2024 plan.

We expect production to increase throughout the rest of the year as we position for a strong second half of 2024. Lower grades at the Yauricocha for Q2 2024 compared to Q1 2024 and Q2 2023 were partially compensated for by the increase in throughput. Lower grades from Yauricocha were primarily due to the limited available or above the 1120 level. The company expects that throughput will increase and grades will improve from the current levels as the development below 1120 level progresses.

Early in Q3 2024, we started mining below the 1120 level. We are on track and on budget to achieve full capacity production of 3,600 tonnes per day by Q4 2024. Bolivar experienced a decrease in throughput and grades as compared to Q1 2024 and Q2 2023. The lower throughput rates in Q2 2024 were a result of the planned maintenance downtime required for the commissioning of the new primary crusher and due to lower water availability as a dry season in the region, which has since been resolved with the commencement of the raining season.

As a result of our continued overall strength in production, we continue to generate a strong cash flow from our operations and are reaffirming our 2024 guidance. All in all, I'm pleased to say that we met our expectations for the quarter.

Moving on to Slide 7. Bolivar processed nearly 374,000 tonnes of ore during Q2 2024, which represented a 6% and 8% decline from Q1 2024 and Q2 2023, respectively. As already discussed, the lower throughput during the second quarter was mainly attributable to scheduled plant maintenance combined with the lower availability of water for the concentration process.

With the issue of water availability resolve and the new crusher running well, we anticipate production levels in the second half of the year to increase. Bolivar's lower grades during Q2 2024 when compared to the first quarter of 2024 and the second quarter of 2023 were a result of the mining program sequence. It was in our Q2 2024 mine plant to have a lower contribution from the high-grade Dulce zone during the quarter as compared to the first quarter of the year. However, the company continues to better understand this new zone and expects to continue mining from Dulce throughout the year as the exploration efforts in this area continue to be very encouraging.

Cash costs and all-in sustaining costs per pound for Q2 2024 were $2.76 and $3.53, respectively. Lower grades and throughput resulted in a drop in metal sales, representing a decrease in corporate development payments, therefore, leading to higher unit costs when compared to Q1 2024 and Q2 2023. Mine development at Bolivar during the second quarter consisted of approximately 3,600 meters, including 1,300 meters of development to prepare new operating stocks for production and just over 2,300 meters of development ramps and underground accesses.

Some of the major operational initiatives undertaken in the quarter include successful installation of the new primary jaw crusher increased the long drilling ratio from 5.5 to 6.5 tonnes per meter drilled with our new mining equipment and infill drilling that has enhanced predictive grades and tonnes in the [indiscernible] zone and expansion drilling in the Dulce body zone that should increase mineral resources.

As shown on this slide, given first half 2024 production levels, we expect to meet 2024 production guidance. Likewise, first half 2024 cash costs and all-in sustaining costs also indicate that we expect to meet 2024 cost guidance.

Turning to Yauricocha on Slide 8. Yauricocha's cash cost was $3.44 per pound, and all-in sustaining cost per pound of $3.79. Cash costs for the second quarter of 2024 were slightly higher than Q1 2024, given the decrease in copper equivalent pounds sold. At the Yauricocha work on site during the second quarter included nearly 2,300 meters of development to prepare mining zones and approximately 4,200 meters related directly to infrastructure and development ramps, including 86 meters below 1120 levels. We are expecting throughput rates, grades and metal production volumes to improve as development below 1120 level progresses through the rest of the year.

I will take you through all the productivity and cost reduction initiatives that we undertook at Yauricocha during the quarter other than to highlight the following. In July, we started to mine ore below the 1120 level, therefore, giving us the confidence that we are on the path to achieve full capacity like Q4. All processing campaigns have increased recoveries of lead and zinc. Major overhauls, crusher and shaft to increase availability and expansion drilling in the Cuye and Marita zones that increased mineral resources.

All in all, the team at the Yauricocha did a great job maximizing production and reducing costs. Like at Bolivar, given metal production and costs in the first half of 2024, Yauricocha will remain on track to meet 2024 guidance.

I'd like to welcome Jean Pierre Fort as our new CFO. Jean Pierre was formerly our business development manager and has been a key driver in raising our profile in the capital markets. We know Jean Pierre's financial background in the mining sector will be a tremendous asset for the company. Now over to Jean Pierre to discuss our financial results.

[Jean Pierre Del Rio, executive]

Thank you, Ernesto. I will now provide the key financial highlights of the second quarter of 2024. Overall our robust operating performance has improved our financial position. Consolidated net revenue of $57.5 million in Q2 was in line when compared to the second quarter of 2023. Overall, we have generated net revenues of $120 million during the first half of the year. Cash flow generated from operations before movements in working capital was $15 million for Q2 2024, resulting in another positive quarter of cash flow from our mines.

From the first half of the year, this was $31.4 million, which was 30% higher than in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations in Q2 was $12.9 million and for the first half of the year was $30.8 million, 3% higher than last year.

In June, the company signed a new credit agreement with a syndicate of banks led by Banco Santander for a senior secured credit facility of $95 million. The proceeds from the new credit facility were used to repay the balance of $75 million of the original loans with Banco de Credito del Peru and Santander. The additional $20 million is earmarked for high-return capital projects and to cover transaction fees and expenses. These projects include a development below level 1120, the acquisition of new ventilation and mining equipment and the completion of the new ore shaft at the Yauricocha mine, which is expected to commence operations in early 2025.

And at the Bolivar mine, where we are conducting the mine development of more than 13,000 meters to increase the number of operating stocks, a newer path to enhance ore and waste haulage efficiencies and mutating some facilities being built in phases. Overall, the new credit facility enhances Sierra's working capital, increases the company's financial flexibility, provides covenant relief and extends the company's maturity profile to execute on its operational strategy.

As a result of our new debt facility, our net debt-to-LTM EBITDA ratio as of June 30 was around 1.6x, which is strong and very manageable for us. We expect the ratio to improve as we progress our operational and cost efficiency plans. The company's cash position as of June 30 was $22.5 million doubled from the first quarter of 2024 and was 5x higher than in June 2023. All in all, we are in a stronger financial position and can comfortably execute on our operational plans. Back to you Ernesto.

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Thank you, Jean Pierre. Shifting now to another very integral part of our business, which is to partner with our local communities on important initiatives that benefit everyone. Our focus continues to be on health, education and community entrepreneurs. Shown on this slide are some images of the events and important initiatives undertaken this quarter in Mexico and Peru.

In summary, earlier this year, we published an updated National Instrument 43-101 complaint mineral reserve and resource estimates for both our Yauricocha and Bolivar mines. Overall, our operations have a very significant amount of mineral reserves and resources that will provide a foundation for our ambitious growth plans at each mine.

During Q2, our achievements include the following: As previously discussed by Jean Pierre, we refinanced our debt to be better aligned with our growth plans and have financial flexibility. We are now listed on the Lima Stock Exchange, further increasing our investor exposure and liquidity potential by allowing investors in Latin America to participate in our growth. And -- at our most recent Annual General Meeting, we revitalized our Board of Directors. I'd like to thank departed Board members, Oscar Cabrera, Carlos Santa Cruz and Douglas Cater for their support and leadership. Appointed to the Board was Roberto Maldonado, who has over 35 years of mining operating experience and appointed as Chairman of the Board, Miguel Aramburu, who has deep senior mining experience and whose leadership will be instrumental as we move Sierra to its next growth phase.

As for the remainder of the year, we've already closed the sale of the Cusi mine and the surrounding mineral concessions. Important to note, apart from simply adding cash to the company's cash balance, the Cusi sale will also help the company avoid the 6 month recurrent maintenance costs of around $300,000 per month.

At Bolivar, we will continue our project to face in the expansion of our Tailing facility with a goal of having them up and running within 3 years. That expansion will set up the basis to increase production by 50% to 7,500 tonnes per day. And lastly, we continue to seek partners to help us uncover value from our large and prospective greenfield land packages in Mexico and Peru. In closing, we see 2024 as a year to consolidate the optimization efforts that started 6 quarters ago and established a platform for growth and long-term value creation. And based on our achievements in the first half of 2024, we are on track to achieve our goals. With that, I'll hand the call back to the operator to start the Q&A session. Operator?

[Operator]

[Operator Instructions] Our first question today is from Alberto Arias with Arc Fund.

[Alberto Arias, analyst]

Looking at your comments on the technical report -- can you hear me?

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Yes, yes.

[Alberto Arias, analyst]

Now on the technical report, there was, for the first time, some announcements on the drilling results on the porphyry at Yauricocha, and I would like you to elaborate a little bit about that, given the significance of them. There is one for 680 meters and another one for 786 meters of around 0.2. But when you convert it into copper equivalent, it's around 0.27 copper. Given the size of such intercepts, I would like to know your comments about when were these drill holes drilled and what does it mean for Sierra Metals?

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Okay. I think you're talking about the Triada porphyry, you right, Alberto?

[Alberto Arias, analyst]

Correct, yes.

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Okay. Well, we are eagerly looking for -- like I say -- I'd like to say a big brother to develop that Triada porphyry. The last -- we haven't drilled any new drill holes in the Triada. What we have is what we did a few years ago on the drill holes only 5 drill holes. We are talking with major companies to get them interested. And that's all I can say for now. Hopefully, I can give better news in the next months to come. But right now, that's all I'm allowed to say. But we are -- we haven't forgotten about it. We are looking eagerly to find a big brother.

[Alberto Arias, analyst]

Because I remember, in the past, we had put out drilling results on this porphyry. I think it was in 2018, that these drill holes of 2018 were like 40 meters wide. These ones that have been disclosed in the technical report are 680 meters, 786 meters, which is a pretty significant stepup more than in order of magnitude more than what was disclosed before. So you mentioned over there, Sumitomo is doing some work. Could you elaborate in terms of was that an association you have with or is Sumitomo left? Or do they continue there? Or if they leave, why do they leave?

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Yes. I don't really know the exact reason why they left. Only the reason they gave us is that a lot of managerial positions were changed at the higher level at Sumitomo and they were not prioritizing this region anymore, but that's all they said to us. On your first comment, I'll find out about -- I know the NI 43-101 has the latest. In my tenure here, we haven't drilled the Triada project. So that addition that you are mentioning for 400 meters to 600 meters is probably during the Sumitomo area. I'll get back to you about when was that done. But it's not -- it was not done in the last 1.5 years. I'll find out about that about and get back to you.

[Alberto Arias, analyst]

Yes, because this was the first time this was disclosed. So I was really pleasantly surprised about how big the intercepts are. So this is -- if you could help us. And my recommendation for disclosure to the whole market, maybe to put out a press release with the full drilling intercepts because if you have 786 meters wide of average 0.2, there are some sections that would be higher than that. And the question for the market, given that there is a lot of M&A activity with porphyry coppers, I think this will be very valuable for the capital markets to understand what is the quality of the porphyry that has been discovered.

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Thank you for your comments, and we'll definitely look into it. Maybe we can mark it a little bit better. Thank you, Alberto.

[Operator]

The next question is from Randy Rochman, a Private Investor.

[Unknown Attendee]

Congratulations on a nice quarter.

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Thanks.

[Unknown Attendee]

My question has to do with the growth that would ultimately come from Bolivar assuming we have a larger tailings dam, a new tailings dump. Can that be funded from the cash flow that the operation will generate on its own? Meaning will you not need to go into the capital markets to raise money to create that expansion?

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

I think so, Randy. I think we can manage that investment. We are on a pre-engineering phase yet. And we are thinking about doing this -- building this new tailings dam in stages. So we won't have to go to the markets to us for proceeds. So I think -- so I think we can manage it.

[Operator]

[Operator Instructions]

[Unknown Executive]

Operator, we have -- some questions from the Spanish webcast.

[Operator]

Please go ahead, Ms. Kossa.

[Unknown Executive]

We have the following question from the Spanish webcast. How confident is management on achieving full capacity on Yauricocha by Q4 2024?

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Thank you, Patty. Earlier this quarter, we already started mining below the 1120 level, I'm talking about the third quarter. This milestone give us a lot of confidence that we are delivering on our plans and that will be at full capacity by Q4 of this year. So we are very confident that we'll get there before year-end.

[Unknown Executive]

Operator, we have another question from the Spanish webcast. Where do you see Sierra's growth?

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Okay. Thank you, Patty. Let me try and set up this answer. As you have seen over the last 6 quarters, we've turned around our company by strengthening our leadership team, enhancing our safety practices, greatly improving our financial position and stabilizing and optimizing our 2 continuous operations. But there is a lot more to do.

Now we have sold Cusi. We are focused on our 2 core mines. I believe we have one of the strongest growth stories in the sector. Our Yauricocha mine is set to grow its capacity by 40% by year-end and Bolivar is on path to increase production by 50% upon completion of the tailings dam. This might take 2 to 3 years. In addition, we have a large greenfield portfolio of exploration projects in Mexico and Peru and have yet to be developed, which we hope to do through partnerships, as I already mentioned.

And lastly, the company is always scouting the market for accretive opportunities. So basically, that's our strategy, start with our 2 main assets. I think that the best share -- the best value for shareholders is going to come rapidly from our 2 main assets, but we also need to look outside and develop our greenfield projects through partnerships. So that's our strategy.

[Unknown Executive]

So we have no further questions. I will hand the call back over to Ernesto for closing remarks.

[Ernesto Balarezo Valdéz, executive]

Thank you for taking the time to join us today. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. And Alberto, I'll get back to you on those 600 against the 400 meters question, and have a good day, everyone.

[Operator]

This brings to a close today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating, and have a pleasant day.