UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2023
or
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission File Number: 001-39649
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
| Toronto Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||
| ☑ | Smaller reporting company | ||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | |||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
As of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $178,256,662 based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange.
As of February 20, 2024, the number of shares of Registrant’s common stock outstanding was 69,181,047 .
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||||
| Item 1. | Business | |||||||
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | |||||||
| Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | |||||||
| Item 1C. | Cybersecurity | |||||||
| Item 2. | Properties | |||||||
| Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | |||||||
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | |||||||
| Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |||||||
| Item 6. | [Reserved] | |||||||
| Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |||||||
| Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | |||||||
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | |||||||
| Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | |||||||
| Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | |||||||
| Item 9B. | Other Information | |||||||
| Item 9C. | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | |||||||
| Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | |||||||
| Item 11. | Executive Compensation | |||||||
| Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | |||||||
| Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | |||||||
| Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | |||||||
| Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | |||||||
| Item 16. | Form 10-K Summary | |||||||
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Notice Regarding Mineral Disclosure
Mineral Reserves and Resources
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and applicable Canadian securities laws, and as a result, we have separately reported our mineral reserves and mineral resources according to the standards applicable to those requirements. U.S. reporting requirements are governed by subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”), as issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Canadian reporting requirements are governed by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), as adopted from the definitions provided by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Both sets of reporting standards have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of consistency and confidence in the disclosures being reported, but the standards embody slightly different approaches and definitions. All disclosure of mineral resources and mineral reserves in this report is reported in accordance with S-K 1300. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors" - Risks Related to Our Operations-Mineral reserve and mineral resource calculations at the Cerro Los Gatos Mine ("CLG") and at other deposits in the Los Gatos District ("LGD") are only estimates and actual production results and future estimates may vary significantly from the current estimates.
The estimation of measured and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves, and therefore investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves reported pursuant to S-K 1300. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources, and, therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically. Definitions of technical terms are included below for reference.
Technical Report Summaries and Qualified Persons
The technical information concerning our mineral projects in this Form 10-K have been reviewed and approved by Anthony (Tony) Scott P. Geo, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Technical Services. The technical information herein that relates to the Mineral Resource set out in the Los Gatos Technical Report was prepared by or under the supervision of Ronald Turner, MAusIMM(CP), an employee of Golder Associates S.A. The technical information herein that relates to the Mineral Reserve, the life of mine ("LOM") plan and other economic analyses set out in the Los Gatos Technical Report was based upon information prepared by or under the supervision of Stephan Blaho, an employee of WSP Canada Inc. (formerly Golder Associates Ltd.). Each of Mr. Scott, Mr. Turner and Mr. Blaho is a “qualified person” under S-K 1300 and have reviewed the contents of this Form 10-K relevant to their areas. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources included in this Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please review the Los Gatos Technical Report which is included as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.
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Glossary of Technical Terms
Certain terms and abbreviations used in this Report are defined below:
“Ag” means the chemical symbol for the element silver.
“AISC” means all-in sustaining cost.
“Au” means the chemical symbol for the element gold.
“By-Product” is a secondary metal or mineral product recovered in the milling process. For the CLG operation, silver is the primary metal product by value and zinc, lead and gold are by-products.
“Concentrate” is the product of physical concentration processes, such as flotation or gravity concentration, which involves separating ore minerals from unwanted waste rock. Concentrates require subsequent processing (such as smelting or leaching) to break down or dissolve the ore minerals and obtain the desired elements, usually metals.
“Dilution” is an estimate of the amount of waste or low-grade mineralized rock which will be mined with the ore as part of normal mining practices in extracting an orebody.
“Feasibility Study” is a comprehensive study of a mineral deposit in which all geological, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social, environmental and other relevant factors are considered in sufficient detail that it could reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a mining company and/or a financial institution to finance the development of the deposit for mineral production.
“Grade” means the concentration of each ore metal in a rock sample, usually given as weight percent. Where extremely low concentrations are involved, the concentration may be given in grams per tonne (g/t), the grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from the deposit.
“g/t” means grams per tonne.
“Hectare” is a metric unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters (2.471 acres).
“indicated mineral resources” or “indicated resources” is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of adequate geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with an indicated mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because an indicated mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than the level of confidence of a measured mineral resource, an indicated mineral resource may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.
“inferred mineral resources” or “inferred resources” is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an inferred mineral resource is too high to apply relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extraction in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability. Because an inferred mineral resource has the lowest level of geological confidence of all mineral resources, which prevents the application of the modifying factors in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability, an inferred mineral resource may not be considered when assessing the economic viability of a mining project, and may not be converted to a mineral reserve.
“LOM” means life of mine.
“Los Gatos Technical Report” means the Technical Report Summary titled “Mineral Resource and Reserve Update, Los Gatos Joint Venture, Chihuahua, Mexico,” prepared by WSP Canada Inc, dated October 20, 2023 with an effective date of July 1, 2023, which was prepared in accordance with the requirements of S-K 1300 and filed with the Securities Exchange Commission. A corresponding technical report was prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 and filed with the relevant Canadian securities authority .
“masl” is meters above sea level.
“mineral reserves” or “reserves” are the estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically
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mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted. Mineral reserves quantified herein are on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.
“mineral resources” or “resources” are a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction. A mineral resource is a reasonable estimate of mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that, with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part, become economically extractable. It is not merely an inventory of all mineralization drilled or sampled. Mineral resources quantified herein are on a 100% basis and stated exclusive of mineral reserves, unless otherwise stated.
“measured mineral resources” is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of conclusive geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with a measured mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors, as defined in this section, in sufficient detail to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because a measured mineral resource has a higher level of confidence than the level of confidence of either an indicated mineral resource or an inferred mineral resource, a measured mineral resource may be converted to a proven mineral reserve or to a probable mineral reserve.
“M&I” means measured mineral resources and indicated mineral resources.
“NI 43-101” means National Instrument 43-101-Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators.
“NSR” means net smelter return: the proceeds returned from the smelter and/or refinery to the mine owner less certain costs.
“oz” means a troy ounce.
“Pb” means the chemical symbol for the element lead.
“probable mineral reserve” means the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, a measured mineral resource.
“proven mineral reserve” means the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource and can only result from conversion of a measured mineral resource.
“S-K 1300” means 17.C.F.R § 229.1300 through § 229.1305.
“tailings” is the material that remains after all economically and technically recovered metals have been removed from the ore during processing.
“tonne,” means a metric tonne, equivalent to 1,000 kg or 2,204.6 pounds. “tonne” is referenced under the “Grade” definition.
“Zn” means the chemical symbol for the element zinc.
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Cautionary Information about Forward-Looking Statements
This Report contains statements that constitute “forward looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. and Canadian securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “may,” “might,” “could,” “would,” “achieve,” “budget,” “scheduled,” “forecasts,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, the following:
•estimates of future mineral production and sales;
•estimates of future production costs, other expenses and taxes for specific operations and on a consolidated basis;
•estimates of future cash flows and the sensitivity of cash flows to gold, copper, silver, lead, zinc and other metal prices;
•estimates of future capital expenditures, construction, production or closure activities and other cash needs, for specific operations and on a consolidated basis, and expectations as to the funding or timing thereof;
•estimates as to the projected development of certain ore deposits, including the timing of such development, the costs of such development and other capital costs, financing plans for these deposits and expected production commencement dates;
•estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources statements regarding future exploration results and mineral reserve and mineral resource replacement and the sensitivity of mineral reserves to metal price changes;
•statements regarding the availability of, and terms and costs related to, future borrowing or financing and expectations regarding future debt repayments;
•statements regarding future dividends and returns to shareholders;
•estimates regarding future exploration expenditures, programs and discoveries;
•statements regarding fluctuations in financial and currency markets;
•estimates regarding potential cost savings, productivity, operating performance and ownership and cost structures;
•expectations regarding statements regarding future transactions, including, without limitation, statements related to future acquisitions and projected benefits, synergies and costs associated with acquisitions and related matters;
•expectations of future equity and enterprise value;
•expectations regarding the start-up time, design, mine life, production and costs applicable to sales and exploration potential of our projects;
•statements regarding future hedge and derivative positions or modifications thereto;
•statements regarding local, community, political, economic or governmental conditions and environments;
•statements regarding the outcome of any legal, regulatory or judicial proceeding;
•statements regarding the impacts of changes in the legal and regulatory environment in which we operate, including, without limitation, relating to state, regional, national, domestic and foreign laws;
•statements regarding climate strategy and expectations regarding greenhouse gas emission targets and related operating costs and capital expenditures;
•statements regarding expected changes in the tax regimes in which we operate, including, without limitation, estimates of future tax rates and estimates of the impacts to income tax expense, valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and other financial impacts;
•estimates of income taxes and expectations relating to tax contingencies or tax audits;
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•estimates of future costs, accruals for reclamation costs and other liabilities for certain environmental matters, including without limitation, in connection with water treatment and tailings management;
•statements relating to potential impairments, revisions or write-offs, including without limitation, the result of fluctuation in metal prices, unexpected production or capital costs, or unrealized mineral reserve potential;
•estimates of pension and other post-retirement costs;
•statements regarding estimates of timing of adoption of recent accounting pronouncements and expectations regarding future impacts to the financial statements resulting from accounting pronouncements;
•estimates of future cost reductions, synergies, savings and efficiencies in connection with full potential programs and initiatives; and
•expectations regarding future exploration and the development, growth and potential of operations, projects and investments, including in respect of the CLG and the LGD.
Where we express an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, our forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by those forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions concerning future events that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future events or results may differ materially from these statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks set forth under “Risk Factors Summary” below, which are discussed in further detail in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Such factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included in this Report and those described from time to time in our filings with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks of which we are not aware or which we currently do not believe to be material, may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to make any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this filing or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, qualifications and procedures which are set out only in the Los Gatos Technical Report. For a complete description of assumptions, qualifications and procedures associated with such information, reference should be made to the full text of the Los Gatos Technical Report.
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Risk Factors Summary
We are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including risks related to our business and industry; risks related to government regulations and international operations; risks related to the ownership of our common stock; and certain general risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following principal risks:
•we are currently dependent on the CLG and the LGD for our future operations and may not be successful in identifying additional proven or probable mineral reserves; we may not be able to extend the current CLG life of mine by adding proven or probable mineral reserves;
•we may not sustain profitability;
•mineral reserve and mineral resource calculations at the CLG and other deposits in the LGD are only estimates and actual production results or future estimates may vary significantly from the current estimates;
•our and the Los Gatos Joint Venture’s (the “LGJV”) mineral exploration efforts are highly speculative in nature and may be unsuccessful;
•the ability to mine and process ore at the CLG or other future operations may be adversely impacted in certain circumstances, some of which may be unexpected and not in our control;
•actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those we have anticipated and there are no assurances that any future development activities will result in profitable mining operations;
•land reclamation and mine closure may be burdensome and costly and such costs may exceed our estimates;
•our operations involve significant risks and hazards inherent to the mining industry;
•we may be materially and adversely affected by challenges relating to slope and stability of underground openings;
•the title to some of the mineral properties may be uncertain or defective and we may be unable to obtain necessary surface and other rights to explore and exploit some mineral properties, thus risking our investment in such properties;
•the prices of silver, zinc and lead are subject to change and a substantial or extended decline in the prices of silver, zinc or lead could materially and adversely affect our revenues of the LGJV and the value of our mineral properties;
•we are subject to the risk of labor disputes, which could adversely affect our business, and which risk may be increased due to the unionization in the LGJV workforce;
•our success depends on developing and maintaining relationships with local communities and stakeholders;
•we are currently and in the future may be subject to litigation, government investigations and regulatory legal proceedings;
•the Mexican federal government, as well as state and local governments, extensively regulate mining operations, which impose significant actual and potential costs on us, and future regulation could increase those costs, delay receipt of regulatory refunds or limit our ability to produce silver and other metals;
•the Mexican federal government recently promulgated significant amendments to laws affecting the mining industry; while it is difficult to ascertain if and when the amendments will be fully implemented, and there is some lack of clarity in their drafting including their intended retroactive effect, the amendments could have a material adverse effect on the mining industry, and the LGJV’s and our Mexican businesses, particularly in respect of any new concessions, new mining permits and new operations;
•our operations are subject to additional political, economic and other uncertainties not generally associated with U.S. operations;
•we are required to obtain, maintain and renew environmental, construction and mining permits, which is often a costly and time-consuming process and may ultimately not be possible;
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•Electrum and its affiliates and MERS have a substantial degree of influence over us, which could delay or prevent a change of corporate control or result in the entrenchment of our management and/or Board of Directors;
•We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to remediate these deficiencies (or fail to identify and/or remediate other possible material weaknesses), we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock.
For a more complete discussion of the material risk factors applicable to us, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
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PART I
Item 1. Business
Our Company
We are a Canadian-headquartered, Delaware-incorporated precious metals exploration, development and production company with the objective of becoming a leading silver producer. We were formed on February 2, 2011, when our predecessor Precious Metals Opportunities LLC, which was formed in December 2009, converted to a Delaware corporation. On March 1, 2011, Los Gatos Ltd. merged with and into us to form Sunshine Silver Mines Corporation. In 2014, we changed our name to Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Corporation.
We completed our initial public offering in October 2020, as part of which we distributed our equity interest in Silver Opportunity Partners LLC, which held our interest in the Sunshine Complex in Idaho, to our stockholders and changed our name to Gatos Silver, Inc.
Our primary efforts are focused on the operation of the LGJV in Chihuahua, Mexico. The LGJV was formed on January 1, 2015, when we entered into the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement with Dowa Metals and Mining Co., Ltd. (“Dowa”) to further explore, and potentially develop and operate mining properties within the LGD. The entities comprising the LGJV are Minera Plata Real S. de R.L. de C.V. (‘‘MPR’’) and Operaciones San Jose de Plata S. de R.L. de C.V (“OSJ”) (collectively, the ‘‘LGJV Entities’’). The LGJV Entities own mineral rights, certain land and certain surface rights associated with the LGD. The LGJV ownership is currently 70% Gatos Silver and 30% Dowa. On September 1, 2019, the LGJV commenced commercial production at CLG, which produces silver-containing lead concentrate and zinc concentrate. The LGJV’s lead and zinc concentrates are sold to third-party customers. Pursuant to the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement, Dowa has the right to purchase 100% of the zinc concentrate produced from the CLG, at rates negotiated in good faith based on industry pricing benchmarks, and agreed between Dowa and the LGJV. The Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement requires unanimous partner approval of major decisions (such as annual budgets, the creation of security interests on property, and certain major expenditures), therefore, despite our 70% ownership of the LGJV, we do not exercise full control of the LGJV.
In addition to our 70% interest in the LGD, we have 100% ownership of the Santa Valeria property, located in Chihuahua, Mexico, which comprises 1,543 hectares and could provide additional opportunities for resource growth.
Our Principal Projects
We are currently focused on production and continued development of the CLG and the further exploration and development of the LGD.The CLG, located within the LGD, is described in detail in "Item 2. Properties."
The LGD, located in Chihuahua, Mexico, is approximately 120 kilometers south of Chihuahua City and is comprised of a 103,087 hectare land position, constituting a new mining district. The LGD consists of multiple mineralized zones. Two of the identified mineralized zones, Cerro Los Gatos and Esther, have reported mineral resources. The deposits in the LGD are characterized by predominantly silver-lead-zinc epithermal mineralization. A core component of the LGJV’s business plan is to explore the highly prospective, underexplored LGD with the objective of identifying additional mineral deposits that can be developed, mined and processed, possibly utilizing the CLG plant infrastructure.
We believe that we have strong support from the local communities, with about 195 employees from local communities working across multiple areas involving the operation of the CLG, continued underground development, and construction of sustaining development projects. Over 99% of the approximate 824 employees at the CLG are from Mexico, highlighting our commitment to the local workforce.
Our primary areas of focus have been operating and developing the CLG, defining and expanding the mineral reserves and mineral resources associated with the CLG and exploring and delineating resources within the LGD.
Our objectives at the CLG are to, among other things:
•continue strong operating and cost performance;
•maximize margins and extend the LOM;
•complete key capital projects and other initiatives to enhance mining efficiencies and reduce operating costs; and
•perform additional in-fill and step-out drilling to convert mineral resources to reserves and delineate additional mineral resources and reserves from the mineralization below the South-East zone of the CLG (“South-East Deeps”).
Our objectives at the LGD are to realize the district potential through, among other things:
•detailed mapping and drill testing at Portigueño, San Luis, and El Lince area targets;
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•district mapping and geophysics in the Rio Conchos basin and additional exposed and underlying andesite in the region to identify additional drill targets; and
•continued expansion of the LGJV’s interest in prospective mineral and surface rights.
Strategic Developments
Our business strategy is focused on creating value for stakeholders through the operation and advancement of the CLG and the LGD and through the pursuit and the development of other attractive silver-focused projects. The following outlines key strategic developments since January 1, 2023:
•Continued cash distributions from the LGJV to its partners. During 2023 the LGJV made two capital distributions to its partners totaling $85.0 million, of which the Company's share was $59.5 million.
•Extended and repaid our Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”). On December 13, 2023, we entered into a second amended and restated Credit Facility with Bank of Montreal (“BMO”) which extended the maturity date of borrowings thereunder to December 31, 2026. The amended and restated Credit Facility continues to provide for a $50 million revolving line of credit and an accordion feature. We repaid in full the previous outstanding balance of $9.0 million on July 21, 2023 and as of February 20, 2024 there were no amounts drawn under the Credit Facility.
•Updated mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates and extended LOM. On September 6, 2023, we announced the updated mineral resource and mineral reserve estimate for CLG resulting in a 46% increase in total silver production over the remaining LOM and extending the mine life by 2.75 years to 2030. See "Item 2. Properties." for further discussion on the updated mineral resource and reserve estimate.
•Continued to define the South-East Deeps Area and ramp-up exploration efforts in the LGD. Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the cut-off date for the updated mineral reserve and mineral resource estimate, we continued further drilling and executed other exploration work in the South-East Deeps zone of the CLG, which was initially discovered in 2022. On July 18, 2023, we announced that we continued to intercept high grade mineralization in the South-East Deeps zone and, with respect to the LGD, that work was advancing on detailed mapping and drill testing of the highest priority known targets, as well as on district mapping and geophysics to identify additional targets. On October 23, 2023, we announced that definition drilling continued to intercept high-grade mineralization at CLG which supported our target of extending the CLG's mine life by the third quarter of 2024. On January 25, 2024, we announced further new intercepts of high-grade mineralization in the South-East Deeps Zone and that we anticipated incorporating these and previous results into an updated mineral reserve and mineral resource estimate which we expect to complete in the third quarter of 2024. With regard to the LGD, we announced that we are advancing detailed mapping and drill testing of the highest priority known targets and advancing district mapping and geophysics to identify additional targets.
•Continued strong operational performance. Silver production for 2023 at CLG was at the top end of the range in our upwardly revised 2023 guidance. Silver production was 9.2 million ounces in 2023, a decrease from 10.3 million ounces in 2022 due to lower grades, as expected in the mine plan. Lower grades were partly offset by higher mill throughput, which averaged 2,935 tonnes per day in 2023, a 10% increase from 2022. Lead and zinc production for 2023 was 38.9 million pounds and 57.3 million pounds, respectively, which was 11% and 6% respectively, lower than 2022 due to lower metal grades processed.
•Newly constructed fluorine leach plant and paste backfill plant operating well. The new fluorine leach plant was commissioned in June 2023 and has been operating consistently within design parameters. The plant has reduced the amount of deleterious content in zinc concentrates being sold. The paste backfill plant, which was commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2022, has increased operational flexibility and productivity and helped lower operating costs at CLG.
•Further optimization of CLG assets and capital improvements. Further to the higher mill throughput rates realized in 2023, we announced on January 9, 2024, that recent mill throughput tests indicate that CLG can operate at 3,500 tonnes per day without significant additional capital investment and subject to sufficient mine production. We continue to evaluate the installation of a copper separation circuit and mill expansion options to increase the mill throughput rate up to 4,000 tonnes per day in conjunction with further mine life extension opportunities. Additional operational improvement opportunities have been identified which we intend to continue to evaluate and implement as appropriate.
•Corporate developments. On June 13, 2023, we entered into an agreement in principle to settle the U.S. Class Action subject to certain conditions, including class certification and approval of the settlement by the relevant court. Initial court approval of the U.S. Class Action settlement remains pending. On January 16, 2024, a term sheet was executed to settle the Canadian Class Action subject to certain conditions, including class certification and court approval, for a payment of $3.0 million. We expect that these settlements will be substantially covered by our insurance. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.” See also Note 10. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees in our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional information regarding our assessment of contingencies related to legal matters.
Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
A summary of our estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves can be found in "Item 2. Properties."
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Competition
There is aggressive competition within the mining and precious metals industry. We compete with other precious metals mining companies, as well as other mineral miners, in efforts to obtain financing to explore and develop projects. Many of these mining companies currently have greater resources than we do. In the future, we may compete with such companies to acquire additional properties.
In addition, we also encounter competition for the hiring of key personnel. The mining industry is currently facing a shortage of experienced mining professionals, particularly experienced mine construction and mine management personnel. This competition affects our operations. Larger regional companies can offer better employment terms than smaller companies such as us. In addition, the volatility in our stock price reduces our ability to attract and retain such personnel through the use of share-based compensation.
We also compete for the services of mine service companies, such as project coordinators and drilling companies. Potential suppliers may choose to provide better terms and scheduling to larger companies in the industry due to the scale and scope of their operations.
Environmental, Health and Safety Matters
We are subject to stringent and complex environmental laws, regulations and permits in the jurisdiction in which we operate. These requirements are a significant consideration for us as our operations involve, or may in the future involve, among other things, the removal, extraction and processing of natural resources, emission and discharge of materials into the environment, remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, workplace health and safety, reclamation and closure of waste impoundments and other properties, and handling, storage, transport and disposal of wastes and hazardous materials. Compliance with these laws, regulations and permits can require substantial capital or operating costs or otherwise delay, limit or prohibit our development or future operation of our properties. These laws, regulations and permits, and the enforcement and interpretation thereof, change frequently and generally have become more stringent over time. If we violate these environmental requirements, we may be subject to litigation, fines or other sanctions, including the revocation of permits and suspension of operations. Pursuant to such requirements, we also may be subject to inspections or reviews by governmental authorities.
Permits and Approvals
We were issued the major government approvals required to construct and operate the CLG facilities during 2017. While there are multiple approvals from multiple levels of government, the key government approval for the project is the MIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), issued in July 2017 and valid until 2041. As the mine plan changes, it may be necessary to conduct environmental studies and collect and present to governmental authorities data pertaining to the potential impact that our current or future operations may have upon the environment. Since the original MIA approval was granted in 2017, we have successfully achieved four amendments to the MIA approval to reflect changes to the mine plan and facilities.
We believe we have the approvals necessary to extract and process the mineral reserve as described in the Los Gatos Technical Report. In 2022, the LGJV applied for a permit amendment for the operation of the fluorine leach project and timely submitted all required information. The LGJV did not receive a final response from the relevant government authorities within the required timeframe and the LGJV has operated on the basis the permit amendment has been presumptively approved by operation of Mexican law. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the LGJV received a notice for the relevant authorities that certain elements of its application, including in respect of the fluorine leach plant, were not approved for specific technical reasons. We expect to make an application for further amendment of the MIA to reflect, amongst other things, the operation of the fluorine leach plant. That application may be coupled with an application for the other future plant optimizations, the purpose of which is to increase silver and gold recovery pending the confirmation of its feasibility. If the approval of the fluorine leach plant is definitively disallowed or the other plant optimizations are not approved, we would not expect a material impact to the economics of the CLG operation.
Our and the LGJV’s ability to obtain permits and approvals in future may be adversely affected by the significant amendments to laws affecting the mining industry promulgated by the Mexican federal government on May 8, 2023. See Item 1A. Risk Factors. - The Mexican federal government recently promulgated significant amendments to laws affecting the mining industry; while it is difficult to ascertain if and when the amendments will be fully implemented, and there is some lack of clarity in their drafting including their intended retroactive effect, the amendments could have a material adverse effect on the mining industry, and the LGJV’s and our Mexican businesses, particularly in respect of any new concessions, new mining permits and new operations.
Hazardous Substances and Waste Management
We could be liable for environmental contamination at or from our or our predecessors’ currently or formerly owned or operated properties or third-party waste disposal sites. Certain environmental laws impose joint and several strict liability for releases of
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hazardous substances at such properties or sites, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. A generator of waste can be held responsible for contamination resulting from the treatment or disposal of such waste at any off-site location (such as a landfill), regardless of whether the generator arranged for the treatment or disposal of the waste in compliance with applicable laws. Costs associated with liability for removal or remediation of contamination or damage to natural resources could be substantial and liability under these laws may attach without regard to whether the responsible party knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the contaminants. In addition to potentially significant investigation and remediation costs, such matters can give rise to claims from governmental authorities and other third parties for fines or penalties, natural resource damages, personal injury and property damage.
Mine Health and Safety Laws
All of our current properties are located in Mexico and are subject to regulation by the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, and are subject to various legislation in Mexico, including the Mining Law, the Federal Law of Waters, the Federal Labor Law, the Federal Law of Firearms and Explosives, the General Law on Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection and the Federal Law on Metrology Standards, as well as the accompanying regulations and regulatory authorities. Mining, environmental and labor authorities may inspect our operations on a regular basis and issue various citations and orders when they believe a violation has occurred under the relevant statute. Regulations and the results of inspections may have a significant effect on our operating costs.
At this time, it is not possible to predict the full effect that the new or proposed statutes, regulations and policies will have on our operating costs, but it may increase our costs and those of our competitors. See Item 1A. Risk Factors. - The Mexican federal government recently promulgated significant amendments to laws affecting the mining industry; while it is difficult to ascertain if and when the amendments will be fully implemented, and there is some lack of clarity in their drafting including their intended retroactive effect, the amendments could have a material adverse effect on the mining industry, and the LGJV’s and our Mexican businesses, particularly in respect of any new concessions, new mining permits, and new operations.
Other Environmental Laws
We are required to comply with numerous other environmental laws, regulations and permits in addition to those previously discussed. These additional requirements include, for example, various permits regulating road construction and drilling at the Mexican properties.
We endeavor to conduct our mining operations in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. However, because of extensive and comprehensive regulatory requirements, violations during mining operations occur from time to time in the industry.
Facilities and Employees
We own and lease land at our other exploration properties in Mexico and at the LGD through our ownership interest in the LGJV.
As of February 20, 2024, we had no employees in the United States, thirteen full time employees in Canada and six full-time employees in Mexico. The LGJV had approximately 882 employees in Mexico, including approximately 604 unionized employees as of the same date. We believe that our employee relations are good. The health and safety of our employees and the employees of the LGJV is our highest priority, consistent with our business culture and values. In addition to tracking common lagging indicators, such as injury performance, we focus on leading indicators such as high potential incidents and safety observations, as well as other proactive actions taken at site to ensure worker safety. We are committed to operating in accordance with high ethical standards and believe this is a key motivational factor for our employees. In 2022, we updated our Code of Conduct as well as other core compliance policies. We conduct annual training and compliance certification with all our employees, employees of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and employees of the LGJV. We continue to emphasize employee development and training to empower employees both at the corporate level and at the LGJV level to enhance employees’ potential and benefit the business. We leverage both formal and informal programs to identify, foster, and retain top talent at both the corporate and the LGJV level.
Available Information
Our internet address is www.gatossilver.com. We make available free of charge through our investor relations website, https://investor.gatossilver.com, copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained on our website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Report.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock could decline. These risk factors do not identify all risks that we face; we could also be affected by factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial. Due to risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, our past financial results may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Refer also to the other information set forth in this this Report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Risks Related to Our Financial Condition
We are currently dependent on the CLG and the LGD for our future operations and may not be successful in identifying additional proven or probable mineral reserves. We may not be able to extend the current CLG life of mine by adding proven or probable mineral reserves.
The LGD (other than the CLG) does not have identified proven and probable mineral reserves. Mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk that even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge cannot eliminate, and few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. There is no assurance that our mineral exploration programs at the LGD will establish the presence of any additional proven or probable mineral reserves. The failure to establish additional proven or probable mineral reserves would severely restrict our ability to implement our strategies for long-term growth, which include extending the current CLG life of mine.
We may not sustain profitability.
Prior to 2022, we had a history of negative operating cash flows and cumulative net losses. Although we reported positive net income in 2022 and 2023, we may not sustain profitability. To remain profitable, we must succeed in generating significant revenues at the LGJV, which will require us to be successful in a range of challenging activities and is subject to numerous risks, including the risk factors set forth in this “Risk Factors” section. In addition, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays, inflation and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our revenues, expenses and profitability. Our failure to achieve or sustain profitability would depress our market value, could impair our ability to execute our business plan, raise capital or continue our operations and could cause our shareholders to lose all or part of their investment.
Deliveries under concentrate sales agreements may be suspended or cancelled by our customers in certain cases.
Under concentrate sales agreements, our customers may suspend or cancel delivery of our products in some cases, such as force majeure. Events of force majeure under these agreements generally include, among others, acts of God, strikes, fires, floods, wars, government actions or other events that are beyond the control of the parties involved. Any suspension or cancellation by our customers of deliveries under our sales contracts that are not replaced by deliveries under new contracts would reduce our cash flow and could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We have not entered into and do not currently intend to enter into hedging arrangements with respect to metal prices or currencies, which could expose us to losses. We are also subject to risks relating to exchange rate fluctuations.
Our results of operations and financial conditions are heavily influenced by metal prices, particularly silver, lead and zinc. In addition, we report our financial statements in U.S. dollars. A portion of our costs and expenses are incurred in Mexican pesos and, to a lesser extent, Canadian dollars. As a result, any significant and sustained appreciation of these currencies against the U.S. dollar may materially increase our costs and expenses.
We have not entered into and do not currently intend to enter into hedging arrangements with respect to metal prices or currencies. As a result, we are not protected from a decline in the price of silver and other minerals or fluctuations in exchange rates. This strategy may have a material adverse effect upon our financial performance, financial position and results of operations.
Even if we seek and are able to enter into hedging contracts, there is no assurance that such hedging program will be effective, and any hedging program would also prevent us from benefiting fully from applicable input cost or rate decreases. In addition, we may in the future experience losses if a counterparty fails to perform under a hedge arrangement.
We and/or the LGJV may incur debt in the future, which could adversely affect our and the LGJV’s financial health and limit our ability to obtain financing in the future and pursue certain business opportunities.
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We have a Credit Facility providing for a revolving line of credit in the principal amount of $50 million that has an accordion feature, which provides the potential for an increase in the total line of credit up to $100 million, subject to certain conditions. As of December 31, 2023, we had zero outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants. If we are unable to comply with the requirements of the Credit Facility, the facility may be terminated or the credit available thereunder may be materially reduced, and we may not be able to obtain additional or alternate funding on satisfactory terms, if at all. See Note 11. Debt in our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional information regarding our Credit Facility. Any borrowings under the Credit Facility accrue interest based on SOFR plus an applicable margin based on leverage; therefore, any increases in interest rates could adversely affect our financial conditions, the cost of any indebtedness under the Credit Facility, and our ability to service any indebtedness.
While the LGJV currently has no significant debt service obligations, the LGJV may in the future incur debt obligations and the above factors would apply to such debt. For more information, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Dowa Debt Agreements.”
The Company’s effective tax rate could be volatile and materially change as a result of changes in tax laws, mix of earnings and other factors.
We are subject to tax laws in the United States and foreign jurisdictions including Mexico and Canada.
Changes in tax laws or policy could have a negative impact on the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company operates in countries which have different statutory rates. Consequently, changes in the mix and source of earnings between countries could have a material impact on the Company’s overall effective tax rate.
The LGJV is subject to Mexican income and other taxes, and distributions from the LGJV may be subject to Mexican withholding taxes. Any change in such taxes could materially adversely affect our effective tax rate and the quantum of cash available to be distributed to us.
Risks Related to Our Operations
Mineral reserve and mineral resource calculations at the CLG and at other deposits in the LGD are only estimates and actual production results and future estimates may vary significantly from the current estimates.
Calculations of mineral reserves and mineral resources at the CLG and of mineral resources at other deposits in the LGD are only estimates and depend on geological interpretation and statistical inferences or assumptions drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which might prove to be materially inaccurate. There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of mineral reserves and mineral resources. Until mineral reserves and mineral resources are actually mined and processed, the quantity of metal and grades must be considered as estimates only and no assurance can be given that the indicated levels of metals will be produced. In making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we must rely upon estimated calculations for the mineral reserves and mineral resources and grades of mineralization on our properties.
The estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources is a subjective process that is partially dependent upon the judgment of the persons preparing the estimates. The process relies on the quantity and quality of available data and is based on knowledge, mining experience, statistical analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available.
Estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources may have to be recalculated based on changes in metal prices, further exploration or development activity or actual production experience. This could materially and adversely affect estimates of the volume or grade of mineralization, estimated recovery rates or other important factors that influence mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates. The extent to which mineral resources may ultimately be reclassified as mineral reserves is dependent upon the demonstration of their profitable recovery. Any material changes in volume and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital. We cannot provide assurance that mineralization can be mined or processed profitably.
Mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates have been determined and valued based on assumed future metal prices, cutoff grades and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. The mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates may be adversely affected by these and other factors:
•declines in the market price of silver, lead or zinc;
•increased production or capital costs;
•decreased throughput;
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•reduction in grade;
•increase in the dilution of ore;
•inflation rates, future foreign exchange rates and applicable tax rates;
•changes in environmental, permitting and regulatory requirements; and
•reduced metal recovery.
Extended declines in the market price for silver, lead and zinc may render portions of our mineralization uneconomic and result in reduced reported volume and grades, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations.
In addition, inferred mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and their economic and legal feasibility. There should be no assumption that any part of an inferred mineral resource will be upgraded to a higher category or that any of the mineral resources not already classified as mineral reserves will be reclassified as mineral reserves.
Our and the LGJV’s mineral exploration efforts are highly speculative in nature and may be unsuccessful.
Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many uncertainties and risks and is frequently unsuccessful. It is performed to demonstrate the dimensions, position and mineral characteristics of mineral deposits, estimate mineral resources, assess amenability of the deposit to mining and processing scenarios and estimate potential deposit value. Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial exploration phases before production is possible, during which time the potential feasibility of the project may change adversely. Substantial expenditures are required to establish additional proven and probable mineral reserves, to determine processes to extract the metals and, if required, to permit and construct mining and processing facilities and obtain the rights to the land and resources required to develop the mining activities.
Development projects and newly constructed mines have no or little operating history upon which to base estimates of proven and probable mineral reserves and estimates of future operating costs. Estimates are, to a large extent, based upon the interpretation of geological data and modeling obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques, feasibility studies that derive estimates of operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of material to be mined and processed, the configuration of the deposit, expected recovery rates of metal from the mill feed material, facility and equipment capital and operating costs, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors. As a result, actual operating costs and economic returns based upon development of proven and probable mineral reserves may differ significantly from those originally estimated. Moreover, significant decreases in actual or expected commodity prices may mean mineralization, once found, will be uneconomical to mine.
The ability to mine and process materials at the CLG or other future operations may be adversely impacted in certain circumstances, some of which may be unexpected and not in our control.
A number of factors could affect our ability to mine materials and process the quantities of mined materials that we recover. Our ability to efficiently mine materials and to handle certain quantities of processed materials, including, but not limited to, the presence of oversized material at the crushing stage; material showing breakage characteristics different than those planned; material with grades outside of planned grade range; the presence of deleterious materials in ratios different than expected; material drier or wetter than expected, due to natural or environmental effects; and materials having viscosity or density different than expected.
The occurrence of one or more of the circumstances described above could affect our ability to process the number of tonnes planned, recover valuable materials, remove deleterious materials, and produce planned quantities of concentrates. In turn, this may result in lower throughput, lower recoveries, increased downtime or some combination of all of the foregoing. While issues of this nature are part of normal operations, there is no assurance that unexpected conditions may not materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Our ability to efficiently mine materials at the CLG is also affected by the hydrogeology of areas within the mine, which requires the installation of dewatering infrastructure to manage underground water. As the mine expands, additional infrastructure will be required. Existing dewatering infrastructure may be ineffective at managing underground water, and although additional capital for dewatering infrastructure is contemplated in the LOM plan included in the Los Gatos Technical Report, further dewatering infrastructure may be more costly than planned or may otherwise be ineffective.
Actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those we have anticipated and there are no assurances that any future development activities will result in profitable mining operations.
The actual capital and operating costs at the CLG will depend upon changes in the availability and prices of labor, equipment, infrastructure, fossil fuels, power, and other inputs, variances in ore recovery and mining rates from those assumed in the mining plan,
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operational risks, changes in governmental regulation, including taxation, environmental, permitting and other regulations and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Due to any of these or other factors, the capital and operating costs at the CLG may be significantly higher than those set forth in the Los Gatos Technical Report. As a result of higher capital and operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those set forth in the Los Gatos Technical Report and there are no assurances that any future development activities will result in profitable mining operations.
Land reclamation and mine closure may be burdensome and costly and such costs may exceed our estimates.
Land reclamation and mine closure requirements are generally imposed on mining and exploration companies, such as ours, which require us, among other things, to minimize the effects of land disturbance. Such requirements may include controlling the discharge of potentially dangerous effluents from a site and restoring a site’s landscape to its pre-exploration form. The actual costs of reclamation and mine closure are uncertain and planned expenditures may differ from the actual expenditures required. Therefore, the amount that we are required to spend could be materially higher than current estimates. Any additional amounts required to be spent on reclamation and mine closure may have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations and may cause us to alter our operations. In addition, we are required to maintain financial assurances, such as letters of credit, to secure reclamation obligations under certain laws and regulations. The failure to acquire, maintain or renew such financial assurances could subject us to fines and penalties or suspension of our operations. Letters of credit or other forms of financial assurance represent only a portion of the total amount of money that will be spent on reclamation over the life of a mine’s operation. Although we include liabilities for estimated reclamation and mine closure costs in our financial statements, it may be necessary to spend more than what is projected to fund required reclamation and mine closure activities.
The development of one or more of our mineral projects that have been, or may in the future be, found to be economically feasible will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations.
The Los Gatos Technical Report indicates that the CLG is a profitable silver-zinc-lead project with an estimated remaining 7-year mine life currently, at modeled metals prices. If the development of one of our other mineral properties is found to be economically feasible, the development of such projects will require obtaining permits and financing, and the construction and operation of mines, processing plants and related infrastructure. As a result, we will be subject to certain risks associated with establishing new mining operations, including:
•the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities and related infrastructure;
•the availability and cost of skilled labor, mining equipment and principal supplies needed for operations, including explosives, fuels, chemical reagents, water, power, equipment parts and lubricants;
•the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and refining arrangements;
•the need to obtain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits and the timing of the receipt of those approvals and permits;
•the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities;
•industrial accidents;
•mine failures, shaft failures or equipment failures;
•natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, droughts, rock slides and seismic activity;
•unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions, including excess water in underground mining;
•exchange rate and commodity price fluctuations;
•high rates of inflation;
•health pandemics;
•potential opposition from nongovernmental organizations, environmental groups or local groups, which may delay or prevent development activities; and
•restrictions or regulations imposed by governmental or regulatory authorities, including with respect to environmental matters.
The costs, timing and complexities of developing these projects, as well as for further developing and operating the CLG, may be greater than anticipated. Cost estimates may increase significantly as more detailed engineering work is completed on a project. It is common in mining operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during construction, development and mine startup. In addition, the cost of producing silver bearing concentrates that are of acceptable quality to smelters may be significantly higher than expected. We may encounter higher than acceptable contaminants in our concentrates such as arsenic, antimony, mercury, copper, iron, selenium, fluorine or other contaminants that, when present in high concentrations, can result in penalties or outright rejection of the metals concentrates by the smelters or traders. For example, due to the high fluorine content at the CLG, we have
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constructed a leaching plant designed to reduce fluorine levels in zinc concentrates produced. Additional investments to further reduce fluorine content of the concentrates produced may be required. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that our activities will result in profitable mining operations at the mineral properties.
Our operations involve significant risks and hazards inherent to the mining industry.
Our operations involve the operation of large machines, heavy mobile equipment and drilling equipment. Hazards such as adverse environmental conditions, industrial accidents, labor disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, cave-ins, changes in the regulatory environment, metallurgical and other processing problems, mechanical equipment failure, facility performance problems, fire and natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes are inherent risks in our operations. Certain of these hazards may be more severe or frequent as a result of climate change. Hazards inherent to the mining industry have in the past caused and may in the future cause injuries or death to employees, contractors or other persons at our mineral properties, severe damage to and destruction of our property, plant and equipment, and contamination of, or damage to, the environment, and can result in the suspension of our exploration activities and future development and production activities. While we aim to maintain best safety practices as part of our culture, safety measures implemented by us may not be successful in preventing or mitigating future accidents.
In addition, from time to time we may be subject to governmental investigations and claims and litigation filed on behalf of persons who are harmed while at our properties or otherwise in connection with our operations. To the extent that we are subject to personal injury or other claims or lawsuits in the future, it may not be possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these claims and lawsuits due to the nature of personal injury litigation. Similarly, if we are subject to governmental investigations or proceedings relating to such matters, we may incur significant penalties and fines, and enforcement actions against us could result in the closing of certain of our mining operations. If claims and lawsuits or governmental investigations or proceedings are ultimately resolved against us, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations. Also, if we mine on property without the appropriate licenses and approvals, we could incur liability, or our operations could be suspended.
We may be materially and adversely affected by challenges relating to slope and stability of underground openings.
Our underground mines get deeper and our waste and tailings deposits increase in size as we continue with and expand our mining activities, presenting certain geotechnical challenges, including the possibility of failure of underground openings. If we are required to reinforce such openings or take additional actions to prevent such a failure, we could incur additional expenses, and our operations and stated mineral reserves could be negatively affected. We have taken the actions we determined to be proper in order to maintain the stability of underground openings, but additional action may be required in the future. Unexpected failures or additional requirements to prevent such failures may adversely affect our costs and expose us to health and safety and other liabilities in the event of an accident, and in turn materially and adversely affect the results of our operations and financial condition, as well as potentially have the effect of diminishing our stated mineral reserves.
The title to some of the mineral properties may be uncertain or defective, and we may be unable to obtain necessary surface and other rights to explore and develop some mineral properties, thus risking our investment in such properties.
Under the laws of Mexico, mineral resources belong to the state, and government concessions are required to explore for or exploit mineral reserves. Mineral rights derive from concessions granted, on a discretionary basis, by the Ministry of Economy, pursuant to the Mexican mining law and the regulations thereunder. While we and the LGJV hold title to the mineral concessions in Mexico described in this Report, including the CLG, through these government concessions, there is no assurance that title to the concessions comprising the CLG or our or the LGJV’s other properties will not be challenged or impaired. One of our concessions, comprising over 19,000 hectares, the Los Gatos concession, is held by us subject to the terms of an agreement with the original holder of that concession. The CLG and our or the LGJV’s other properties may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, interests or native land claims, and title may be affected by such undetected defects. A title defect on any of our mineral properties (or any portion thereof) could adversely affect our ability to mine the property and/or process the minerals that we mine.
The mineral properties’ mining concessions in Mexico may be terminated if the obligations to maintain the concessions in good standing are not satisfied or are not considered to be satisfied, including obligations to explore or exploit the relevant concession, to pay any relevant fees, to comply with all environmental and safety standards, to provide information to the Mexican Ministry of Economy and to allow inspections by the Mexican Ministry of Economy. In addition to termination, failure to make timely concession maintenance payments and otherwise comply, or be considered to comply with applicable laws, regulations and local practices relating to mineral right applications and tenure could result in reduction or expropriation of entitlements.
Title insurance is generally not available for mineral properties and our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure claim to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. We rely on title information and/or representations and warranties provided by our grantors. Any challenge to our title could result in litigation, insurance claims and potential losses,
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delay the exploration and development of a property and ultimately result in the loss of some or all of our interest in the property. In addition, if we mine on property without the appropriate title, we could incur liability for such activities. While we have received a title opinion in relation to the LGD dated as of November 5, 2019, which opinion was updated as of August 18, 2021, such opinion is not a guarantee of title and such title may be challenged.
In addition, surface rights are required to explore and to potentially develop the mineral properties. Currently, of the 103,087 hectares of mineral rights owned in the LGD, MPR owns surface rights covering the known extents of the CLG, and Esther Resource areas, totaling 5,479 hectares. We are required to negotiate surface access rights for exploration in other areas.
Suitable infrastructure may not be available or damage to existing infrastructure may occur.
Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, port and/or rail transportation, power sources, water supply and access to key consumables are important determinants for capital and operating costs. The lack of availability on acceptable terms or the delay in the availability of any one or more of these items could prevent or delay exploration, development or exploitation of our projects. If adequate infrastructure is not available in a timely manner, there can be no assurance that the exploitation or development of our projects will be commenced or completed on a timely basis, or at all, or that the resulting operations will achieve the anticipated production volume, or that the construction costs and operating costs associated with the exploitation and/or development of our projects will not be higher than anticipated. In addition, extreme weather phenomena, sabotage, vandalism, government, non-governmental organization and community or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect our operations and profitability.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
The prices of silver, zinc and lead are subject to change and a substantial or extended decline in the prices of silver, zinc or lead could materially and adversely affect revenues of the LGJV and the value of our mineral properties.
Our business and financial performance will be significantly affected by fluctuations in the prices of silver, zinc and lead. The prices of silver, zinc and lead are volatile, can fluctuate substantially and are affected by numerous factors that are beyond our control. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the silver price reported by the LBMA ranged from a low of $20.09 per ounce on March 10, 2023, to a high of $26.03 per ounce on April 14, 2023; the LME Official Settlement zinc price ranged from a low of $2,230 per tonne ($1.01 per pound) on May 31, 2023 to a high of $3,508 per tonne ($1.59 per pound) on January 26, 2023; the LME Official Settlement lead price ranged from a low of $1,973 per tonne ($0.89 per pound) on December 7, 2023, to a high of $2,337 per tonne ($1.06 per pound) on January 2, 2023. Prices are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:
•prevailing interest rates and returns on other asset classes;
•expectations regarding inflation, monetary policy and currency values;
•speculation;
•governmental and exchange decisions regarding the disposal of precious metals stockpiles, including the decision by the CME Group, the owner and operator of the futures exchange, to raise silver’s initial margin requirements on futures contracts;
•political and economic conditions;
•available supplies of silver, zinc and lead from mine production, inventories and recycled metal;
•sales by holders and producers of silver, zinc and lead; and
•demand for products containing silver, zinc and lead.
Because the LGJV expects to derive the substantial majority of its revenues from sales of silver, zinc and lead, its results of operations and cash flows will fluctuate as the prices for these metals increase or decrease. A sustained period of declining prices would materially and adversely affect our financial performance, financial position and results of operations.
Changes in the future demand for the silver, zinc and lead we produce could adversely affect future sales volume and revenues of the LGJV and our earnings.
The LGJV’s future revenues and our earnings will depend, in substantial part, on the volume of silver, zinc and lead we sell and the prices at which we sell, which in turn will depend on the level of industrial and consumer demand. Based on forecasted 2023 data from the Silver Institute, demand for silver is driven by industrial demand (including photovoltaic, electrical and electronics) (c. 48%), physical bar and coin demand (c. 27%), jewelry and silverware (c. 22%) and other demand, especially photography (c. 2%). An increase in the production of silver worldwide or changes in technology, industrial processes or consumer habits, including increased demand for substitute materials, may decrease the demand for silver. Increased demand for substitute materials may be either
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technologically induced, when technological improvements render alternative products more attractive for first use or end use than silver or allow for reduced application of silver, or price induced, when a sustained increase in the price of silver leads to partial substitution for silver by a less expensive product or reduced application of silver. Demand for zinc is primarily driven by the demand for galvanized steel, used in construction, automobile and other industrial applications. Demand for lead is primarily driven by the demand for batteries, used in vehicles, emergency systems and other industrial battery applications. Any substitution of these materials may decrease the demand for the silver, zinc and lead we produce. A fall in demand, resulting from economic slowdowns or recessions or other factors, could also decrease the price and volume of silver, zinc and lead we sell and therefore materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Increases in the supply of silver, zinc and lead, including from new mining sources or increased recycling (driven by technological changes, pricing incentives or otherwise) may act to suppress the market prices for these commodities.
We are subject to the risk of labor disputes, which could adversely affect our business, and which risk may be increased due to the unionization in the LGJV workforce.
Although we have not experienced any significant labor disputes in recent years, there can be no assurances that we will not experience labor disputes in the future, including protests, blockades and strikes, which could disrupt our business operations and have an adverse effect on our business and results of operation. Although we consider our relations with our employees to be good, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain a satisfactory working relationship with our employees in the future. The LGJV’s hourly work force is unionized, which may increase the risk of such disruptions. In addition, the unionized workforce, or further unionization of the workforce, may, among other things, require more extensive human resources staff, increase legal costs, increase involvement with regulatory agencies, result in lost workforce flexibility, and increase labor costs due to rules, grievances and arbitration proceedings.
Our success depends on developing and maintaining relationships with local communities and stakeholders.
Our ongoing and future success depends on developing and maintaining productive relationships with the communities surrounding our operations, including local indigenous people who may have rights or may assert rights to certain of our properties, and other stakeholders in our operating locations. We believe our operations can provide valuable benefits to surrounding communities in terms of direct employment, training and skills development and other benefits associated with ongoing payment of taxes. In addition, we seek to maintain partnerships and relationships with local communities. Notwithstanding our ongoing efforts, local communities and stakeholders can become dissatisfied with our activities or the level of benefits provided, which may result in legal or administrative proceedings, civil unrest, protests, direct action or campaigns against us. Any such occurrence could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We are currently and in the future may be subject to litigation, government investigations and regulatory proceedings.
We are currently and in the future may be subject to litigation, government investigations and regulatory proceedings. See Note 10. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees in our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional information regarding our assessment of contingencies related to legal matters. See also “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.” Such matters, regardless of outcome, subject us to significant costs, which may not be adequately covered by insurance, divert management’s time and attention from our operations and reduce our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Our inability to successfully defend against such matters could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
The widespread outbreak of health pandemics, epidemics, communicable diseases or public health crises could also adversely affect us, particularly in regions where we conduct our business operations.
Our business could be adversely affected by the widespread outbreak of a health epidemic, communicable disease or any other public health crisis.
For example, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily affected our financial condition in 2020, in part due to the loss of revenue resulting from the 45-day temporary suspension of all nonessential activities at the LGJV’s CLG site, reduced production rates and the additional expenses associated with the development and implementation of COVID-19 protocols.
Any prolonged disruption of our or the LGJV’s operations and closures of facilities resulting from health pandemic, epidemics communicable diseases or public health crises would delay our current exploration and production timelines and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations and may heighten the other risk factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section.
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The mining industry is very competitive.
The mining industry is very competitive. Much of our competition is from larger, established mining companies with greater liquidity, greater access to credit and other financial resources, newer or more efficient equipment, lower cost structures, more effective risk management policies and procedures and/or a greater ability than us to withstand losses. Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new laws or regulations or emerging technologies or devote greater resources to the expansion or efficiency of their operations than we can. In addition, current and potential competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among current and new competitors may emerge and gain significant market share to our detriment. We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our insurance may not provide adequate coverage.
Our business and operations are subject to a number of risks and hazards, including, but not limited to, adverse environmental conditions, industrial accidents, labor disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, cave-ins, changes in the regulatory environment, metallurgical and other processing problems, mechanical equipment failure, facility performance problems, fires and natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes. These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, our mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in exploration, mining or processing, increased production costs, asset write downs, monetary losses and legal liability.
Our property and liability insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for losses related to these or other hazards. Insurance against certain risks, including those related to environmental matters or other hazards resulting from exploration and production, is generally not available to us or to other companies within the mining industry. Our current insurance coverage may not continue to be available at economically feasible premiums, or at all. In addition, our business interruption insurance relating to our properties has long waiting periods before coverage begins. Accordingly, delays in returning to any future production could produce near-term severe impact to our business. Our director and officer liability insurance may be insufficient to cover losses from claims relating to matters for which directors and officers are indemnified by us or for which we are determined to be directly responsible, and regardless are and may continue to be subject to significant retentions or deductibles, including current class action lawsuits. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.” Any losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations.
Our business is sensitive to nature and climate conditions.
A number of governments have introduced or are moving to introduce climate change legislation and treaties at the international, national, state/provincial and local levels. Regulations relating to emission levels (such as carbon taxes) and energy efficiency are becoming more stringent. If the current regulatory trend continues, this may result in increased costs at some or all of our business locations. In addition, the physical risks of climate change may also have an adverse effect on our operations. Extreme weather events, which may become more common and severe due to climate change, have the potential to disrupt our power supply, surface operations and exploration at our mines and may require us to make additional expenditures to mitigate the impact of such events.
If we are unable to retain key members of management, our business might be harmed.
Our exploration activities and any future development and construction or mining and processing activities depend to a significant extent on the continued service and performance of our senior management team, including our Chief Executive Officer. We depend on a relatively small number of key officers, and we currently do not, and do not intend to, have keyperson insurance for these individuals. Departures by members of our senior management could have a negative impact on our business, as we may not be able to find suitable personnel to replace departing management on a timely basis, or at all. The loss of any member of our senior management team could impair our ability to execute our business plan and could, therefore, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the international mining industry is very active and we are facing increased competition for personnel in all disciplines and areas of operation. There is no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain personnel to sufficiently staff our development and operating teams.
We may fail to identify attractive acquisition candidates, joint ventures with strategic partners or other attractive strategic transactions or may fail to successfully integrate acquired mineral properties or successfully manage joint ventures.
As part of our growth strategy, we may acquire additional mineral properties or enter into joint ventures with strategic partners or seek to enter into other attractive strategic transactions. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify attractive acquisition or joint venture candidates or other strategic partners in the future or that we will succeed at effectively managing their integration or operation. In particular, significant and increasing competition exists for mineral acquisition opportunities throughout
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the world. We face strong competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, metals as well as in entering into joint ventures with other parties. If the expected synergies from such transactions do not materialize or if we fail to integrate them successfully into our existing business or operate them successfully with our joint venture partners, or if there are unexpected liabilities, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Pursuant to the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement, which governs our and Dowa’s respective rights over the LGJV, we and Dowa must jointly approve certain major decisions involving the LGJV, including decisions relating to the merger, amalgamation or restructuring of the LGJV and key strategic decisions, including with respect to expansion, among others. If we are unable to obtain the consent of Dowa, we may be unable to make decisions relating to the LGJV that we believe are beneficial for its operations, which may materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
In connection with any future acquisitions, joint ventures or other strategic transactions we may incur indebtedness or issue equity securities, resulting in increased interest expense or dilution of the percentage ownership of existing shareholders. Unprofitable acquisitions or joint ventures, or additional indebtedness or issuances of securities in connection with such acquisitions or joint ventures, may adversely affect the price of our common stock and negatively affect our results of operations.
Our information technology systems may be vulnerable to disruption and cyberattacks, which could place our systems at risk from data loss, operational failure or compromise of confidential information.
We rely on various information technology systems. These systems remain vulnerable to disruption, damage or failure from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, errors by employees or contractors, computer viruses, cyberattacks, including phishing, ransomware, and similar malware, misappropriation of data by outside parties, and various other threats. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or sabotage our systems are under continuous and rapid evolution, and we may be unable to detect efforts to disrupt our data and systems in advance. Breaches and unauthorized access carry the potential to cause losses of assets or production, operational delays, equipment failure that could cause other risks to be realized, inaccurate recordkeeping, or disclosure of confidential information, any of which could result in financial losses and regulatory or legal exposure, and could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.
Moreover, as regulatory scrutiny of cybersecurity practices increases globally, we are subject to a variety of laws and regulations intended to protect against cybersecurity risks. Compliance with these regulations may result in increased costs, and failure to comply could result in regulatory penalties and significant legal liability.
We rely on third-party service providers for certain critical aspects of our business operations, and any significant breakdown, invasion, corruption, or interruption of their services due to cybersecurity breaches could negatively impact our operations and business reputation.
Although to date we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyberattacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not incur such losses in the future. Our risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As such threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to modify or enhance any protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.
Our directors may have conflicts of interest as a result of their relationships with other mining companies.
Our directors are also directors, officers and shareholders of other companies that are similarly engaged in the business of developing and exploiting natural resource properties. Consequently, there is a possibility that our directors may be in a position of conflict in the future.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to remediate these deficiencies (or fail to identify and/or remediate other possible material weaknesses), we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock.
Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with disclosure protocols and procedures, is designed to prevent fraud.
We are required, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting for fiscal year 2023. This assessment includes disclosure of any material
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weaknesses identified by our management in our internal controls over financial reporting. Additionally, we are required to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis.
However, for as long as we are an emerging growth company, or a smaller reporting company that is a non-accelerated filer, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b). At such time this attestation will be required, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating.
We previously identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting. Except as identified below regarding the failure to design and maintain effective controls over accounting for current and deferred taxes, we have remediated these historical material weaknesses.
In connection with our review of the internal control related to the preparation of the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, we identified that additional remedial actions are required to design and to maintain effective controls over accounting for current and deferred taxes in order to consider this material weakness remediated. As part of our remedial efforts during 2023 we engaged a third-party with expertise in each jurisdiction we operate and in relevant U.S. GAAP tax accounting to assist us in accounting for current and deferred taxes; we hired an experienced tax manager at the end of the third quarter to prepare current and deferred tax provisions; and hired a third-party internal controls expert to advise on the design and implementation of tax related internal controls. During 2024 we intend to enhance our processes and controls implemented during 2023, including enhancing our review procedures, to ensure our procedures are designed to accurately account for and disclose current and deferred tax.
We have incurred significant costs to date in connection with efforts to remediate these material weaknesses, and we expect to incur additional costs in the future. Even if we successfully remediate the remaining material weakness described above, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not suffer from these or other material weaknesses in the future.
Our procedures and controls and our ongoing remediation efforts may not enable us to avoid further material weaknesses in the future. We may need to undertake various actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring additional accounting staff or external consultants. If we are unable to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls to the extent required, we may be unable to accurately report our financial condition and results of operations in a timely matter and could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Damage to our reputation may result in decreased investor confidence, challenges in maintaining positive community relations and can pose additional obstacles to our ability to develop our projects, which may result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and growth prospects.
Damage to our reputation can be the result of the actual or perceived occurrence of a variety of events and circumstances, and could result in negative publicity (for example, with respect to handling of environmental, employee, safety and security matters, dealings with local community organizations or individuals, community commitments, handling of cultural sites or resources, and
various other matters). Our Code of Conduct (the “Code”) forms the foundation of our internal governance structure. We actively encourage employees and others to promptly report incidents of possible violations of the Code and/or our policies and standards, including in the areas of business integrity, social and environmental, community relations and human rights. Employees and non-employees, including suppliers and community members, can anonymously report concerns via our third party helpline. The CLG operation has a complaints and grievances register to record matters raised by local stakeholders. We may not always able to resolve these matters before they are raised publicly or in legal or regulatory proceedings and in the future we may not be able to meet the growing demands of stakeholders through these mechanisms. Such matters once publicized may negatively impact our reputation and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations. The growing use of social media to generate, publish and discuss community news and issues and to connect with others has made it significantly easier, among other things, for individuals and groups to share their opinions of us and our activities, whether founded on accurate information or not. We do not have direct control over how we are perceived by others and any resulting loss of reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
Risks Related to Government Regulations
The Mexican government, as well as state and local governments, extensively regulate mining operations, which impose significant actual and potential costs on us, and future regulation could increase those costs, delay receipt of regulatory refunds or limit our ability to produce silver and other metals.
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The mining industry is subject to increasingly strict regulation by federal, state and local authorities in Mexico, and other jurisdictions in which we may operate, including in relation to:
•limitations on land use;
•mine permitting and licensing requirements;
•reclamation and restoration of properties after mining is completed;
•management of materials generated by mining operations; and
•storage, treatment and disposal of wastes and hazardous materials.
The liabilities and requirements associated with the laws and regulations related to these and other matters, including with respect to air emissions, water discharges and other environmental matters, may be costly and time consuming and may restrict, delay or prevent commencement or continuation of exploration or production operations. There can be no assurance that we have been or will be at all times in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Failure to comply with, or the assertion that we have failed to comply with, applicable laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of cleanup and site restoration costs and liens, the issuance of injunctions to limit or cease operations, the suspension or revocation of permits or authorizations and other enforcement measures that could have the effect of limiting or preventing production from our operations. We may incur material costs and liabilities resulting from claims for damages to property or injury to persons arising from our operations. If we are pursued for sanctions, costs and liabilities in respect of these matters, our mining operations and, as a result, our financial performance, financial position and results of operations, could be materially and adversely affected.
Our Mexican properties are subject to regulation by the Political Constitution of Mexico, and are subject to various legislation in Mexico, including the Mining Law, the Federal Law of Waters, the Federal Labor Law, the Federal Law of Firearms and Explosives, the General Law on Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection and the Federal Law on Metrology Standards. Our operations at our Mexican properties also require us to obtain local authorizations and, under the Agrarian Law, to comply with the uses and customs of communities located within the properties. Mining, environmental and labor authorities may inspect our Mexican operations on a regular basis and issue various citations and orders when they believe a violation has occurred under the relevant statute.
If inspections in Mexico result in an actual or alleged violation, we may be subject to fines, penalties or sanctions, our mining operations could be subject to temporary or extended closures, and we may be required to incur capital expenditures to recommence our operations. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations.
The Mexican government recently proposed changes to the Political Constitution of Mexico which would reduce the number of hours per week employers may require employees to work and impose certain other changes. It is unclear if and when such changes could be enacted, but, if they are enacted and apply to the LGJV, the LGJV's Mexican labor costs, and labor costs with any future projects in Mexico, could be materially adversely affected.
The Mexican federal government recently promulgated significant amendments to laws affecting the mining industry; while it is difficult to ascertain if and when the amendments will be fully implemented, and there is some lack of clarity in their drafting including their intended retroactive effect, the amendments could have a material adverse effect on the mining industry, and the LGJV’s and our Mexican businesses, particularly in respect of any new concessions, new mining permits, and new operations.
On May 8, 2023, legislative amendments were promulgated by the Mexican federal government (the “Amendments”). If fully implemented, the Amendments would include the following attributes: new concessions would only be granted through public bidding and letters of credit would be required; new mining concessions would be granted in respect of specified minerals; the potential to expropriate private land would be discontinued; the term and extension period of new mining concessions would be reduced to 30 and 25 years, respectively; the approval of transferees of mining concessions would be required; minimum payments of 5% of profits to local communities would be imposed on new concessions; social impact studies and community consultation would be required on new concessions; restoration, closure and post closure programs would be required; water availability would be a condition for granting new mining concessions; the concept of presumptive approval (afirmativa ficta) for approval matters properly and timely submitted to regulatory agencies would be removed; parastatal entities could be created and would enjoy preferential rights to exploration; environmental obligations and prohibitions would be increased; and water concessions could be significantly modified by governmental authorities in certain circumstances. The foregoing is a non-exhaustive summary of the Amendments.
The Amendments are stated to be immediately effective, but regulations are required for the Amendments to be fully implemented. Although it is not clear in all instances, the Amendments are generally stated to not have retroactive effect, and as such their most significant impact would be expected to be on new mining concessions rather than existing concessions and operations, including those of the LGJV and ours. Certain of the Amendments may also apply to existing operations, such as the requirement for approval of
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any concession transferee, establishing a closure and post-closure program and additional environmental obligations. We understand that the Amendments have been constitutionally challenged in Mexican courts on the basis of the legislative process followed. We have also initiated "amparo" proceedings on behalf of the LGJV and us in respect of the Santa Valeria property, which property is 100% owned by us. Amparo proceedings are judicial actions under the Mexican Constitution to protect private rights from the acts or omissions of the Mexican government. The proceedings seek to exempt the LGJV and us from the Amendments, or alternatively, from their immediate impact. The effect of the Amendments on the LGJV and us will depend on the extent and timing of their implementation, the extent of their retroactive effect and the extent to which the amparo proceedings, and potential future amparao proceedings, are successful. We will be continuing to monitor and assess the potential impact of the Amendments on the LGJV, us, and any future opportunities in Mexico.
Our operations are subject to additional political, economic and other uncertainties not generally associated with U.S. operations.
We currently have two properties in Mexico: the LGD, which the LGJV controls, and the Santa Valeria property, which is owned 100% by us. Our operations are subject to significant risks inherent in exploration and resource extraction by foreign companies in Mexico. Exploration, development, production and closure activities in Mexico are potentially subject to heightened political, economic, regulatory and social risks that are beyond our control. These risks include:
•the possible unilateral cancellation or forced renegotiation of contracts and licenses;
•unfavorable changes in laws and regulations;
•royalty and tax increases;
•claims by governmental entities, local communities or indigenous communities;
•expropriation or nationalization of property;
•political instability;
•fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
•social and labor unrest, organized crime, hostage taking, terrorism and violent crime;
•uncertainty regarding the availability of reasonable electric power costs;
•uncertainty regarding the enforceability of contractual rights and judgments; and
•other risks arising out of foreign governmental sovereignty over areas in which our mineral properties are located.
Local economic conditions also can increase costs and adversely affect the security of our operations and the availability of skilled workers and supplies. Additionally, some areas in Mexico are affected by persistent violence and organized crime involving drug cartels. Higher incidences of criminal activity and violence in the area of the LGJV and the LGJV's transportation corridors could adversely affect the LGJV’s ability to operate in an optimal fashion or at all, and may impose greater risks of theft and higher costs, which would adversely affect results of operations and cash flows.
Acts of civil disobedience are common in Mexico. In recent years, many mining companies have been targets of actions to restrict their legally entitled access to mining concessions or property. Such acts of civil disobedience often occur with no warning and can result in significant direct and indirect costs. We cannot provide assurance that there will be no disruptions to site access in the future, which could adversely affect our business.
Local and regional meteorological conditions can increase our operating costs and adversely affect our ability to mine and process ore. Such inclement conditions, including severe precipitation events, extremely high winds or wildfires could directly impact our surface operations. Northern Mexico is highly dependent upon natural gas from Texas to generate power. Regional inclement weather conditions in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, or Texas, could adversely impact our ability to maintain sufficient power from the national Mexico power grid. The CLG project was designed to allow the mine and processing plant to operate independently. The project has diesel-powered generators with sufficient capacity to maintain power to the residential camp, surface administrative facilities and the underground mine but not the processing plant. During such events, our ability to mine and process at design capacities could become constrained.
The right to export silver-bearing concentrates and other metals may depend on obtaining certain licenses, which could be delayed or denied at the discretion of the relevant regulatory authorities, or meeting certain quotas. The United States and Mexico began implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020. The United States and Mexico, and any other country in which we may operate in the future, could alter their trade agreements, including terminating trade agreements, instituting economic sanctions on individuals, corporations or countries, and introducing other government regulations affecting trade between the United States and other countries. It may be time-consuming and expensive for us to alter our operations in order to adapt to or comply with any such changes. If the United States were to withdraw from or materially modify international trade agreements to which it is a party, or if other countries imposed or increased tariffs on the minerals we may extract in the future, the costs of such products could increase significantly. Any of these conditions could lead to lower productivity and higher costs, which would
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adversely affect our financial performance, financial position and results of operations. Generally, our operations may be affected in varying degrees by changing government regulations in the United States and/or Mexico with respect to, but not limited to, restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, currency remittance, importation of products and supplies, income and other taxes, royalties, the repatriation of profits, expropriation of mineral property, foreign investment, maintenance of concessions, licenses, approvals and permit, environmental matters, land use, land claims of local indigenous people and workplace safety.
Such developments could require us to curtail or terminate operations at our mineral properties in Mexico, incur significant costs to meet newly imposed environmental or other standards, pay greater royalties or higher prices for labor or services and recognize higher taxes, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Furthermore, failure to comply strictly with applicable laws, regulations and local practices could result in loss, reduction or expropriation of licenses, or the imposition of additional local or foreign parties as joint venture partners with carried or other interests.
We continue to monitor developments and policies in Mexico and assess the impact thereof on our operations; however, such developments cannot be accurately predicted and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are required to obtain, maintain and renew environmental, construction and mining permits, which is often a costly and time-consuming process and may ultimately not be possible.
Mining companies, including ours, need many environmental, construction and mining permits, each of which can be time consuming and costly to obtain, maintain and renew. In connection with our current and future operations, we must obtain and maintain a number of permits that impose strict conditions, requirements and obligations, including those relating to various environmental and health and safety matters. To obtain, maintain and renew certain permits, we have been and may in the future be required to conduct environmental studies, and make associated presentations to governmental authorities, pertaining to the potential impact of our current and future operations upon the environment and to take steps to avoid or mitigate those impacts. Permit terms and conditions can impose restrictions on how we conduct our operations and limit our flexibility in developing our mineral properties. Many of our permits are subject to renewal from time to time, and applications for renewal may be denied or the renewed permits may contain more restrictive conditions than our existing permits, including those governing impacts on the environment. We may be required to obtain new permits to expand our operations, and the grant of such permits may be subject to an expansive governmental review of our operations. We may not be successful in obtaining such permits and certain of our permit applications have historically been denied for technical reasons, which could prevent us from commencing, continuing or expanding operations or otherwise adversely affect our business. Renewal of existing permits or obtaining new permits may be more difficult if we are not able to comply with our existing permits. Applications for permits, permit area expansions and permit renewals can also be subject to challenge by interested parties, which can delay or prevent receipt of needed permits. The permitting process can vary by jurisdiction in terms of its complexity and likely outcomes. The applicable laws and regulations, and the related judicial interpretations and enforcement policies, change frequently, which can make it difficult for us to obtain and renew permits and to comply with applicable requirements. Accordingly, permits required for our operations may not be issued, maintained or renewed in a timely fashion or at all, may be issued or renewed upon conditions that restrict our ability to conduct our operations economically, or may be subsequently revoked. Any such failure to obtain, maintain or renew permits, or other permitting delays or conditions, including in connection with any environmental impact analyses, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In regard to the CLG, the LGD and other Mexican projects, Mexico has adopted laws and guidelines for environmental permitting that are similar to those in effect in the United States and South American countries. We are currently operating under permits regulating mining, processing, use of explosives, water use and discharge and surface disturbance in relation to the LGD and the Santa Valeria property. We will be required to apply for corresponding authorizations prior to any production at our other Mexican properties and there can be no certainty as to whether, or the terms under which, such authorizations will be granted or renewed. Any failure to obtain authorizations and permits, or other authorization or permitting delays or conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See "Item 1. Business. Permits and Approvals." for a description of the current status of the LGJV's permits.
We are subject to environmental and health and safety laws, regulations and permits that may subject us to material costs, liabilities and obligations.
We are subject to environmental laws, regulations and permits in the various jurisdictions in which we operate, including those relating to, among other things, the removal and extraction of natural resources, the emission and discharge of materials into the environment, including plant and wildlife protection, remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, reclamation and closure of properties, including tailings and waste storage facilities, groundwater quality and availability, and the handling, storage, transport and disposal of wastes and hazardous materials. Pursuant to such requirements, we may be subject to inspections or reviews by governmental authorities. Failure to comply with these environmental requirements may expose us to litigation, fines or other sanctions, including the revocation of permits and suspension of operations. We expect to continue to incur significant capital and
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other compliance costs related to such requirements. These laws, regulations and permits, and the enforcement and interpretation thereof, change frequently and generally have become more stringent over time. If our noncompliance with such regulations were to result in a release of hazardous materials into the environment, such as soil or groundwater, we could be required to remediate such contamination, which could be costly. Moreover, noncompliance could subject us to private claims for property damage or personal injury based on exposure to hazardous materials or unsafe working conditions. In addition, changes in applicable requirements or stricter interpretation of existing requirements may result in costly compliance requirements or otherwise subject us to future liabilities. The occurrence of any of the foregoing, as well as any new environmental, health and safety laws and regulations applicable to our business or stricter interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We could be liable for any environmental contamination at, under or released from our or our predecessors’ currently or formerly owned or operated properties or third-party waste disposal sites. Certain environmental laws impose joint and several strict liability for releases of hazardous substances at such properties or sites, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. A generator of waste can be held responsible for contamination resulting from the treatment or disposal of such waste at any offsite location (such as a landfill), regardless of whether the generator arranged for the treatment or disposal of the waste in compliance with applicable laws. Costs associated with liability for removal or remediation of contamination or damage to natural resources could be substantial and liability under these laws may attach without regard to whether the responsible party knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the contaminants. Accordingly, we may be held responsible for more than our share of the contamination or other damages, up to and including the entire amount of such damages. In addition to potentially significant investigation and remediation costs, such matters can give rise to claims from governmental authorities and other third parties, including for orders, inspections, fines or penalties, natural resource damages, personal injury, property damage, toxic torts and other damages.
Our costs, liabilities and obligations relating to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations.
We may be responsible for anticorruption and antibribery law violations.
Our operations are governed by, and involve interactions with, various levels of government in foreign countries. We are required to comply with anticorruption and antibribery laws, including the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (together, the “Corruption Legislation ”) and similar laws in Mexico. These laws generally prohibit companies and company employees from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. The Corruption Legislation also requires companies to maintain accurate books and records and internal controls. Because our interests are located in Mexico, there is a risk of potential Corruption Legislation violations.
In recent years, there has been a general increase in both the frequency of enforcement and the severity of penalties under such laws, resulting in greater scrutiny and punishment to companies convicted of violating anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws. A company may be found liable for violations by not only its employees, but also by its contractors and third-party agents. Our internal procedures and programs may not always be effective in ensuring that we, our employees, contractors or third-party agents will comply strictly with all such applicable laws. If we become subject to an enforcement action or we are found to be in violation of such laws, this may have a material adverse effect on our reputation and may possibly result in significant penalties or sanctions, and may have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.
We may be required by human rights laws to take actions, or may be subject to local or community actions, that delay our operations or the advancement of our projects.
Various international and national laws, codes, resolutions, conventions, guidelines and other materials relate to human rights (including rights with respect to health and safety and the environment surrounding our operations). Many of these materials impose obligations on government and companies to respect human rights. Some mandate that governments consult with communities surrounding our projects regarding government actions that may affect local stakeholders, including actions to approve or grant mining rights or permits. The obligations of government and private parties under the various international and national materials pertaining to human rights continue to evolve and be defined. One or more groups of people may oppose our current and future operations or further development or new development of our projects or operations. Such opposition may be directed through legal or administrative proceedings or expressed in manifestations such as protests, roadblocks or other forms of public expression against our activities, and may have a negative impact on our reputation. Opposition by such groups to our operations may require modification of, or preclude the operation or development of, our projects or may require us to enter into agreements with such groups or local governments with respect to our projects, in some cases causing considerable delays to the advancement of our projects.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, volatile.
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The trading price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, volatile. Some of the factors that may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate include:
•failure to identify mineral reserves at our properties;
•failure to achieve or continue production at our mineral properties;
•actual or anticipated changes in the price of silver and base metal byproducts;
•fluctuations in our quarterly and annual financial results or the quarterly and annual financial results of companies perceived to be similar to us;
•changes in market valuations of similar companies;
•success or failure of competitor mining companies;
•changes in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of debt;
•sales of large blocks of our common stock;
•announcements by us or our competitors of significant developments, contracts, acquisitions or strategic alliances;
•changes in regulatory requirements and the political climate in the United States, Mexico, Canada or all;
•litigation and/or investigations involving our Company, our general industry or both;
•additions or departures of key personnel;
•investors’ general perception of us, including any perception of misuse of sensitive information;
•changes in general economic, industry and market conditions;
•accidents at mining properties, whether owned by us or otherwise;
•natural disasters, terrorist attacks and acts of war; and
•our ability to control our costs.
If the market for stocks in our industry, or the stock market in general, experiences a loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, financial condition or results of operations. These and other factors may cause the market price and demand for our common stock to fluctuate substantially, which may limit or prevent investors from readily selling their shares of common stock and may otherwise negatively affect the liquidity of our common stock. In the past, when the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have instituted securities class action litigation against the company that issued the stock.
If any of the foregoing occurs it could cause our stock price to fall and may expose us to lawsuits that, even if unsuccessful, could be both costly to defend against and a distraction to management.
Our anti-takeover defense provisions may cause our common stock to trade at market prices lower than it might absent such provisions.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue blank check preferred stock. Additionally, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws contain several provisions that may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These include provisions setting forth advance notice procedures for shareholders’ nominations of directors and proposals of topics for consideration at meetings of shareholders, provisions restricting shareholders from calling a special meeting of shareholders or requiring one to be called, provisions limiting the ability of shareholders to act by written consent and provisions requiring a 66.67% shareholder vote to amend our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws. These provisions may delay, prevent or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction that might otherwise result in our shareholders receiving a premium over the market price for their common stock. In addition, these provisions may cause our common stock to trade at a market price lower than it might absent such provisions.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our common stock.
Certain stockholders have rights, subject to specified conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering their shares or to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other stockholders. We have also registered all shares of common stock that we may issue under our equity compensation plans, which can be freely sold in the public market upon
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issuance, subject to volume limitations applicable to affiliates. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception in the market that holder of a large number of shares intends to sell shares, could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly and make it more difficult for us to raise additional funds through future offerings of our common stock or other securities.
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock and, consequently, shareholders’ ability to achieve a return on their investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our capital stock. We do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, to finance our business. The payment of any future dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including our earnings, financial condition and capital requirements, business conditions, growth opportunities, corporate law requirements and other factors. In addition, our Credit Facility contains, and any of our future contractual arrangements may contain, restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends on our capital stock.
Electrum and its affiliates and MERS have a substantial degree of influence over us, which could delay or prevent a change of corporate control or result in the entrenchment of our management and/or Board of Directors.
As of February 15, 2024, the Electrum Group, LLC and its affiliates (collectively, “Electrum”) and the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan (“MERS”) beneficially own approximately 32% and 9% of our outstanding common stock, respectively. We have entered into a shareholder’s agreement with Electrum and MERS pursuant to which Electrum and MERS have certain director nomination rights. The shareholders agreement also provides that Electrum approval must be obtained prior to us engaging in certain corporate actions. As a result, Electrum has significant influence over our management and affairs and, so long as Electrum owns at least 35% of our outstanding common stock, it will have approval rights over certain corporate actions, including, among others, any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, the incurrence of more than $100 million of indebtedness and the issuance of more than $100 million of equity securities.
The concentration of ownership and our shareholders agreement may harm the market price of our common stock by, among other things:
•delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control, even at a per share price that is in excess of the then current price of our common stock;
•impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us, even at a per share price that is in excess of the then current price of our common stock; or
•discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, even at a per share price that is in excess of the then-current price of our common stock.
We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company”, and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to us will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and a "smaller reporting company" as defined by the SEC. We intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are not applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” which may allow us to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements including reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. We may also be exempt from the requirement to obtain an external audit on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting provided in Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. These exemptions and reduced disclosures in our SEC filings due to our status as a smaller reporting company mean our auditors do not review our internal control over financial reporting and may make it harder for investors to analyze our results of operations and financial prospects. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on
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these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock prices may be more volatile.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and shareholders agreement contain a provision renouncing our interest and expectancy in certain corporate opportunities.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and shareholders agreement provide for the allocation of certain corporate opportunities between us and Electrum and MERS. Under these provisions, neither Electrum nor MERS, their affiliates and subsidiaries, nor any of their officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members or partners will have any duty to refrain from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the same business activities or similar business activities or lines of business in which we operate. For instance, a director of our Company who is not also our employee and also serves as a director, officer or employee of Electrum or MERS or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates may pursue certain acquisition or other opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, such acquisition or other opportunities may not be available to us. These potential conflicts of interest could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations if attractive corporate opportunities are allocated by Electrum or MERS to themselves or their subsidiaries or affiliates instead of to us.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the federal district courts of the United States are the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law:
•any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf;
•any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty;
•any action asserting a claim against us arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law; and
•any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
The foregoing provision does not apply to claims under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any claim for which the U.S. federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation further provides that the federal district courts of the United States will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also provides that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these choice of forum provisions. These exclusive forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
While Delaware courts have determined that choice of forum provisions are facially valid, it is possible that a court of law in another jurisdiction could rule that the choice of forum provisions contained in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation are inapplicable or unenforceable if they are challenged in a proceeding or otherwise. If a court were to find the choice of forum provision in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.
General Risk Factors
We will continue to incur significantly increased costs and devote substantial management time as a result of operating as a public company.
As a public company, we will continue to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and are required to comply with the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as rules and regulations of the SEC, NYSE and TSX, including the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls, changes in corporate governance practices and required filing of annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and results of operations. Compliance with these requirements has increased and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. In addition, we expect that our management and other personnel will need to divert attention from operational and other business matters to devote substantial time to these public company requirements. In particular, we expect to continue to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort
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toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will increase when we are no longer an emerging growth company. We have hired additional accounting personnel and we may need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge and may need to incur additional costs to ensure we meet the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
If securities or industry analysts do not continue to publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue an adverse or misleading opinion regarding our stock, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If analysts who cover us downgrade our common stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business model or our stock performance, or if our results of operations fail to meet the expectations of analysts, the price of our common stock would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn might cause the price of our common stock and trading volume to decline.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity risk management is part of the Company's overall enterprise risk management program. Our cybersecurity risk management program is designed to provide a framework for handling cybersecurity threats and incidents, including threats and incidents associated with the use of services provided by third-party service providers, and facilitate coordination across different departments of our company. This framework includes steps for assessing the severity of a cybersecurity threat, identifying the source of a cybersecurity threat including whether the cybersecurity threat is associated with a third-party service provider, implementing cybersecurity countermeasures and mitigation strategies and informing management and our board of directors of material cybersecurity threats and incidents. We engage with third party service providers to perform penetration tests and to inform us of possible vulnerabilities. In addition, cybersecurity training is provided to all employees on a regular basis but at least annually.
Our board of directors has overall oversight responsibility for our risk management, including the cybersecurity risk management program. Management is responsible for identifying, considering and assessing material cybersecurity risks on an ongoing basis, establishing processes to ensure that such potential cybersecurity risk exposures are monitored, putting in place appropriate mitigation measures and maintaining cybersecurity programs. Our cybersecurity programs are under the direction of our Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), who receives reports from our cybersecurity consultants and monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. Our CFO was previously the chief financial officer for other mining companies where he was responsible for information technology security at such companies. Any significant Cyber incidents are reported to the audit committee and ultimately to the board of directors.
Despite our efforts, we cannot eliminate all risks from cybersecurity threats, or provide assurances that we have not experienced an undetected cybersecurity incident. For more information about these risks, please see “Risk Factors – Our information technology systems may be vulnerable to disruption and cyberattacks, which could place our systems at risk from data loss, operational failure or compromise of confidential information.” in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Properties
The technical information appearing below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K was derived from the Los Gatos Technical Report dated October 20, 2023, with an effective date of July 1, 2023, and updated with additional information up to the date of this Form 10-K where required.
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Location of LGD in Mexico
The CLG
The CLG, managed by GSI and located in Chihuahua, Mexico, is within the LGD, described below. The CLG mineral deposit contains silver, zinc, lead, gold and copper. The deposit that is being mined, and the other deposits known in the area, are considered to be examples of epithermal vein deposits. The economic mineralization at CLG is characterized by silver, lead, zinc and copper sulfides with small amounts of gold. The quartz and calcite veins also contain fluorite, manganese and barite.
Site infrastructure consists of a polymetallic mine and processing facility that currently processes over 2,950 tpd of mined material. The processing methodology used for the CLG’s silver-lead-zinc deposit is conventional sequential silver-lead-zinc flotation processing, which includes a grinding circuit, flotation circuit, concentrate and tailing thickeners, concentrate loadout and tailings detoxification. Historically, all tailings were disposed of in the tailings storage facility. With the construction and commissioning of a paste backfill plant completed in December 2022, it is expected that approximately 40% of the final tailings will now be pumped to the paste backfill plant and be used to back fill previously mined stopes and the remaining 60% will be deposited in the tailings storage facility. In addition, a new leaching plant was commissioned in the second quarter of 2023 and is operating to further reduce fluorine levels in zinc concentrates. The underground mine and associated life of mine production plans support our expected steady-state production rate of 2,949 tpd of mined material over the LOM. MPR has arranged permissions to enter and perform exploration and mining activities on several land properties in the project area, including surface rights to access the operating mine and processing and tailings facilities.
In addition to the CLG processing plant and other facilities, the LGJV has a community office located in nearby San José del Sitio, a community of approximately 800 persons, with electrical and water services, an elementary school and basic health services. Water resources in the region are mostly related to the Conchos River Basin, which includes the San Pedro, San Francisco de Borja and Satevó River Sub-Basins. Locally, there are significant amounts of water, with shallow groundwater recorded from most exploration drilling. Other infrastructure at CLG includes administration offices, mine dry, fuel storage, mine maintenance workshop, jaw crushing station, dome-covered crushed ore stockpile, process plant, tailing storage facility, electrical substation, 66 kilometers of
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power line connecting high voltage to the grid substation at San Francisco de Borja, assay lab, mill maintenance workshop, dewatering wells and water cooling and distribution systems, and residential camps and associated infrastructure. Power to the site is supplied via a 115 kV utility transmission line. This originates from the San Francisco de Borja substation in Satevó (Chihuahua), where a 115 kV connection has recently been installed. In early 2022, the LGJV reached an agreement with a local energy supplier to provide 100% of CLG’s electrical power requirements from renewable energy sources, enabling the CLG to significantly reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and materially reducing the mine’s carbon footprint. All raw water to meet potable and non-potable water demand is supplied by groundwater pumped from dewatering wells. Sewage water treatment systems were included to handle waste as required on the project.
We are committed to safety at the CLG. The CLG is built to higher environmental standards than required by Mexican law, with a fully lined tailings impoundment facility, enclosure of the conveyors and an ore storage dome. The CLG also has state-of-the-art rescue capsules to hoist personnel to surface in the event of an emergency.
Effective as of the date of the Los Gatos Technical Report, the CLG is expected to produce, on average, 6.6 million ounces of silver annually at a low all-in sustaining cost through the LOM. In 2023, the CLG had silver production of 9.2 million ounces, down 11% from 10.3 million ounces in 2022. In 2023, Zinc, lead and gold production were 57.3 million pounds, 38.9 million pounds, and 5.3 thousand ounces, respectively. Zinc production decreased by 6% from 60.7 million pounds, lead production decreased by 12% from 43.9 million pounds, and gold production decreased by 2% from 5.4 thousand ounces in 2022.
Detailed production results for 2023 and 2022 are shown in Item 7 under "Results of operations LGJV."
The LGD
The LGD covers approximately 103,087 hectares in the south-central part of the State of Chihuahua in northern Mexico, within the municipality of Satevó. The LGD is roughly centered on Latitude 27° 34’ 17” N, Longitude 106° 21’ 33” W, near the town of San José del Sitio. The LGD is located approximately 120 kilometers south of the state capital of Chihuahua City and approximately 100 kilometers northwest of the mining city of Hidalgo del Parral. The LGD is made up of a series of 17 claim titles. These concessions are held by MPR. The concessions have a period of validity that ranges between the years 2054 and 2062. MPR holds the rights to two concessions (comprising approximately 20,000 hectares) subject to the terms of an agreement with the original holder of the concession. MPR has purchased surface lands covering the known extents of the CLG, and Esther Resource areas, totaling 5,479 hectares.
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Location of LGD
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Royalty Agreement - La Cuesta International S.A. de C.V. (La Cuesta)
The LGJV is subject to the terms of an exploration, exploitation and unilateral promise of assignment of rights agreement between La Cuesta International S.A. de C.V. and MPR dated May 4, 2006. The LGJV is required to pay a production royalty of a) 2% net smelter return on production from the concession until all payments reach $10 million and b) 0.5% net smelter return on production from the concession after total payments have reached $10 million and c) 0.5% net smelter return on production from other property within a one-kilometer boundary of the Los Gatos concession. After total payments reach $15 million, the Los Gatos concession ownership will be transferred to the LGJV. Following total payments reaching $10 million in May 2022, the production royalty reduced to 0.5%. The LGJV paid $11.8 million through December 31, 2023, and the remaining balance was $3.2 million as at that date.
Partner Agreement with Dowa
The LGD and the CLG are owned and operated through the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement. Pursuant to this agreement, “Major Decisions” require Dowa’s consent. “Major Decisions” include decisions in respect of annual budgets, project financing, capital projects, expansions, major expenditures and other matters. Therefore, despite holding majority equity interest in the LGJV, we do not exercise full control over the LGJV. On March 11, 2021, we repurchased an approximate 18.5% interest in the LGJV from Dowa, increasing our ownership to 70%.
On May 30, 2019, in connection with the memorandum of understanding dated April 16, 2019, we entered into a priority distribution agreement with MPR, OSJ and Dowa, pursuant to which we directed the LGJV to contribute any initial dividend payments to an escrow account until an aggregate amount equal to $20 million has been deposited into the account, payable to Dowa as a priority dividend.
On March 17, 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement with Dowa to build and operate a leaching plant to reduce fluorine levels in zinc concentrates produced at an expected construction cost of $6 million. As part of the agreement, the initial payment towards the $20 million priority payment due to Dowa under the priority distribution agreement was reduced to $10.3 million, after which each partner would retain its pro rata share of any dividends. The reduced priority dividend amount reflects a portion of both the construction and future estimated operating costs of the leaching plant and was dependent on the successful construction and operation of the leaching plant. The first dividend payment was made in April 2022 and the fluorine leaching plant was successfully commissioned in the second quarter of 2023.
In April 2022, the LGJV commenced cash distributions to its partners and paid its first dividend of $20 million. After withholding taxes and payment of the initial $10.3 million priority dividend to Dowa, the Company received $6 million. In July 2022 and November 2022, the LGJV paid additional dividends in the amount of $15 million and $20 million, respectively. The Company’s share, after withholding taxes, was $10 million and $13.3 million, respectively, for the July 2022 and November 2022 dividend payments.
In July 2023 and October 2023, the LGJV made capital distributions in the amount of $50.0 million and $35.0 million, respectively, to its partners. As these were capital distributions there were no withholding taxes payable and the Company’s share was $35.0 million and $24.5 million, respectively.
Under the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement Dowa has to purchase 100% of the zinc concentrate produced from the CLG, at rates negotiated in good faith and agreed between Dowa and us taking into consideration the then prevailing market price based on benchmark terms as reported in industry publications such as Brook Hunt, CRU or Metal Bulletin of London. Dowa has the right to consume or resell or deliver such concentrates for processing by any Dowa affiliate or third party.
Exploration
Exploration on the LGD property has included geophysical analysis, surface mapping, rock and soil sampling and drilling. As of December 31, 2023, 2,090 drill holes relevant to the LGJV property had been completed by MPR, for a total of 527,815 meters drilled. Drilling has been dominantly by conventional diamond drilling techniques. Surface drillholes are commonly HQ or NQ in diameter. Underground drilling is NQ or LTK48 (35mm) diameter.
As noted above, our exploration strategy for the CLG and the LGD entails a focus on two key areas: an exposed section of andesite running from the northwest boundary of the district to Esther and the CLG, and a large basin southeast of the CLG underlain by andesite which we anticipate may contain other large district-scale fault structures conducive to large deposits. We are currently prioritizing exploration efforts on areas most proximate to the CLG; areas with the highest potential to leverage existing surface and underground infrastructure.
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Summary of Mineral Reserves and Resources
Below is a summary table of estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves for the CLG and Esther. The mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates contained in the Los Gatos Technical Report have an effective date of July 1, 2023, and exclude mineral reserves that have previously been mined prior to this date. The Los Gatos Technical Report is based on a geological and geochemical data cut-off date of March 31, 2023. From July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, approximately 545,630 tonnes of material were processed by the CLG mill. This processed material included mineral reserve tonnes, and to a lesser extent mineral resource tonnes as well as mineralized material not included in the mineral resource estimates. The mineral resource estimates contained in the Los Gatos Technical Report are presented on an undiluted basis without adjustment for mining recovery.
2023 CLG Mineral Reserves Statement as of July 1, 2023
| Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | Cu | Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | Cu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reserve Classification | Mt | (g/t) | (%) | (%) | (g/t) | (%) | (Moz) | (Mlbs) | (Mlbs) | (koz) | (Mlbs) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proven | 3.46 | 317 | 4.39 | 2.17 | 0.31 | 0.09 | 35.3 | 335.0 | 165.7 | 34.7 | 6.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Probable | 4.62 | 141 | 4.27 | 2.23 | 0.20 | 0.19 | 21.0 | 435.3 | 226.6 | 29.3 | 19.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proven and Probable Reserve | 8.08 | 217 | 4.32 | 2.20 | 0.25 | 0.15 | 56.3 | 770.3 | 392.3 | 64.0 | 26.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1.Mineral Reserves are reported on a 100% basis and exclude all Mineral Reserve material mined prior to July 1, 2023.
2.Specific gravity has been assumed on a dry basis.
3.Tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not sum exactly.
4.Values are inclusive of mining recovery and dilution. Values are determined as of delivery to the mill and therefore not inclusive of milling recoveries.
5.Mineral Reserves are reported within stope shapes using a variable cut-off basis with a Ag price of US$22/oz, Zn price of US$1.20/lb, Pb price of US$0.90/lb, Au price of US$1,700/oz and Cu price of $3.50/lb.
6.The Mineral Reserve is reported on a fully diluted basis defined by mining method, stope geometry and ground conditions.
7.Contained Metal (CM) is calculated as follows:
•Zn, Pb and Cu, CM (Mlb) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (%) / 100 * 2204.6
•Ag and Au, CM (Moz) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (g/t) / 31.1035 ; multiply Au CM (Moz) by 1000 to obtain Au CM (koz)
8.The SEC definitions for Mineral Reserves in S-K 1300 were used for Mineral Reserve classification which are consistent with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM (2014) definitions).
9 Under SEC Regulation S-K 1300, a Mineral Reserve is defined as an estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted.
9.The Mineral Reserve estimates were prepared under the supervision of by Mr. Stephan Blaho, P.Eng. an employee of WSP Canada Inc. who is the independent Qualified Person for these Mineral Reserve estimates.
Summary Mineral Resources (Exclusive of Mineral Reserves) as of July 1, 2023
CLG Mineral Resource Estimate
Resource | Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | Cu | Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | Cu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Mt | (g/t) | (%) | (%) | (g/t) | (%) | (Moz) | (Mlbs) | (Mlbs) | (koz) | (Mlbs) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measured | 0.05 | 141 | 2.50 | 1.70 | 0.40 | 0.05 | 0.2 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicated | 0.34 | 85 | 3.71 | 1.90 | 0.23 | 0.15 | 0.9 | 28.1 | 14.4 | 2.5 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measured and Indicated | 0.40 | 93 | 3.55 | 1.88 | 0.25 | 0.14 | 1.2 | 30.9 | 16.4 | 3.2 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inferred | 4.58 | 100 | 3.40 | 2.32 | 0.21 | 0.40 | 14.7 | 343.6 | 234.5 | 30.9 | 40.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1.Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% basis and are exclusive of Mineral Reserves.
2.The SEC definitions for Mineral Resources in S-K 1300 were used for Mineral Resource classification which are consistent with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM (2014) definitions).
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3.Under SEC Regulation S-K 1300, a Mineral resource is defined as a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction. A mineral resource is a reasonable estimate of mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that, with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part, become economically extractable. It is not merely an inventory of all mineralization drilled or sampled. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, marketing, or other relevant issues.
4.The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading Inferred Mineral Resources to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category.
5.Specific gravity has been assumed on a dry basis.
6.Tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not sum exactly.
7.Mineral Resources exclude all Mineral Resource material mined prior to July 1, 2023.
8.Mineral Resources are reported within stope shapes using a $81.03/tonne Resource NSR cut-off using an Ag price of $22/oz, Zn price of $1.20/lb, Pb price of $0.90/lb, Au price of $1,700/oz and Cu price of $3.50/lb. The Resource NSR cutoff includes mill recoveries and payable metal factors appropriate to the existing CLG processing circuit augmented with a pyrite leach circuit and copper separation circuit. The processing recoveries for these additional projects is based on existing preliminary metallurgical testwork.
9.No dilution was applied to the Mineral Resource.
10.Contained Metal (CM) is calculated as follows:
•Zn, Pb and Cu, CM (Mlb) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (%) / 100 * 2204.6
•Ag and Au, CM (Moz) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (g/t) / 31.1035; multiply Au CM (Moz) by 1000 to obtain Au CM (koz)
11.The Mineral Resource estimates were prepared by Ronald Turner, MAusIMM(CP) an employee of Golder Associates S.A. who is the independent Qualified Person for these Mineral Resource estimates.
Esther Mineral Resource Estimate
| Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resource Classification | Mt | (g/t) | (%) | (%) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Mlbs) | (Mlbs) | (koz) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicated | 0.28 | 122 | 4.30 | 2.17 | 0.14 | 1.1 | 26.8 | 13.6 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inferred | 1.20 | 133 | 3.69 | 1.53 | 0.09 | 5.1 | 98.0 | 40.6 | 3.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_________________________________
1.Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% basis.
2.Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, marketing, or other relevant issues.
3.The SEC definitions for Mineral Resources in S-K 1300 were used for Mineral Resource classification which are consistent with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM (2014) definitions).
4.The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading Inferred Mineral Resources to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category.
5.Specific gravity has been assumed on a dry basis.
6.Tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not sum exactly.
7.Mineral Resources are reported within stope shapes using a $52/tonne NSR cut-off basis assuming processing recoveries equivalent to CLG with an Ag price of $22/oz, Zn price of $1.20/lb, Pb price of $0.90/lb and Au price of $1,700/oz. There is a portion of the Esther deposit that is oxidized and metallurgical test work is required to define processing recoveries.
8.No dilution was applied to the Mineral Resource.
9.Contained Metal (CM) is calculated as follows:
•Zn and Pb, CM (Mlb) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (%) / 100 * 2204.6
•Ag and Au, CM (Moz) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (g/t) / 31.1035 ; multiply Au CM (Moz) by 1000 to obtain Au CM (koz)
10.The Mineral Resource estimates were prepared by Ronald Turner, MAusIMM(CP) an employee of Golder Associates S.A. who is the independent Qualified Person for these Mineral Resource estimates.
Changes in Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources since 2022
Below is a summary table of estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves that were reported in 2022. The mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates contained in the 2022 Los Gatos Technical Report had an effective date of July 1, 2022, and exclude mineral reserves that have previously been mined prior to this date. The 2022 Los Gatos Technical Report was based on a geological
35
and geochemical data cut-off date of March 31, 2022. From July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, approximately 525,260 tonnes of material were processed by the CLG mill. This processed material included mineral reserve tonnes, and to a lesser extent mineral resource tonnes as well as mineralized material not included in the mineral resource estimates. The mineral resource estimates contained in the 2022 Los Gatos Technical Report are presented on an undiluted basis without adjustment for mining recovery.Shown below are the mineral reserves and mineral resources that were reported in the 2022 Los Gatos Technical Report
The additions to the 2023 CLG mineral reserves and mineral resources per the Los Gatos Technical Report were primarily related to a large amount of additional drilling completed during 2022 and up to March 31, 2023. The 2023 mineral resource estimate for CLG used a total of 1,466 diamond drill holes totaling 282,905 metres. Compared to the 2022 mineral resource estimate, this represents a 28% increase from the database used for the 2022 update with an additional 32,057 metres of surface resource drilling from 51 holes and 29,462 metres of underground definition drilling from 284 holes. The increases in the estimated mineral reserve related to this additional drilling were partially offset by depletion by mining operations. The CLG plant processed 1,071,400 tonnes during 2023.
2022 Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource
2022 CLG Mineral Reserves Statement as at July 1, 2022
| Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reserve Classification | Mt | (g/t) | (%) | (%) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Mlbs) | (Mlbs) | (koz) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proven | 2.32 | 309 | 4.33 | 2.20 | 0.31 | 23.1 | 221.6 | 112.3 | 23.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Probable | 3.75 | 204 | 4.57 | 2.11 | 0.24 | 24.6 | 377.4 | 174.4 | 28.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proven and Probable Reserve | 6.07 | 244 | 4.48 | 2.14 | 0.27 | 47.7 | 599.1 | 286.7 | 51.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_________________________________
1.Mineral Reserves are reported on a 100% basis and exclude all Mineral Reserve material mined prior to July 1, 2022.
2.Specific gravity has been assumed on a dry basis.
3.Tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not sum exactly.
4.Values are inclusive of mining recovery and dilution. Values are determined as of delivery to the mill and therefore not inclusive of milling recoveries.
5.Mineral Reserves are reported within stope shapes using a variable cut-off basis with a Ag price of US$22/oz, Zn price of US$1.20/lb, Pb price of US$0.90/lb and Au price of US$1,700/oz. The metal prices used for the Mineral Reserves are based on the three-year trailing prices from June 2019 to June 2020 and long-term analyst consensus estimates for the LOM.
6.The Mineral Reserve is reported on a fully diluted basis defined by mining method, stope geometry and ground conditions.
7.Contained Metal (CM) is calculated as follows:
a.Zn and Pb, CM (Mlb) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (%) / 100 * 2204.6
b.Ag and Au, CM (Moz) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (g/t) / 31.1035 ; multiply Au CM (Moz) by 1000 to obtain Au CM (koz)
8.The SEC definitions for Mineral Reserves in S-K 1300 were used for Mineral Reserve classification which are consistent with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM (2014) definitions).
9.Mineral Reserves are those parts of Mineral Resources which, after the application of all mining factors, result in an estimated tonnage and grade which, in the opinion of the Qualified Person(s) making the estimates, is the basis of an economically viable project after taking account of all relevant Modifying Factors. Mineral Reserves are inclusive of diluting material that will be mined in conjunction with the Mineral Reserves and delivered to the treatment plant or equivalent facility.
10.Proven Reserves include a 15.4-kt stockpile at June 30, 2022. The in-situ Reserve is 6,052 kt. Rounding and significant figures may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes and grade.
2022 CLG Mineral Resource Estimate, as at July 1, 2022
Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resource Classification | Mt | (g/t) | (%) | (%) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Mlbs) | (Mlbs) | (koz) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measured | 0.38 | 151 | 2.63 | 1.49 | 0.26 | 1.9 | 22.1 | 12.6 | 3.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicated | 1.55 | 82 | 3.11 | 1.57 | 0.17 | 4.1 | 106.4 | 53.8 | 8.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measured and Indicated | 1.94 | 96 | 3.01 | 1.56 | 0.19 | 6.0 | 128.5 | 66.4 | 11.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inferred | 2.09 | 113 | 4.30 | 2.45 | 0.20 | 7.6 | 198.4 | 113.1 | 13.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_________________________________
1.Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% basis and are exclusive of Mineral Reserves.
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2.Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, marketing, or other relevant issues.
3.The SEC definitions for Mineral Resources in S-K 1300 were used for Mineral Resource classification which are consistent with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM (2014) definitions).
4.The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading Inferred Mineral Resources to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category.
5.Specific gravity has been assumed on a dry basis.
6.Tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not sum exactly.
7.Mineral Resources exclude all Mineral Resource material mined prior to July 1, 2022.
8.Mineral Resources are reported within stope shapes using a $42/tonne or $52/tonne NSR cut-off basis depending on mining method with an Ag price of $22/oz, Zn price of $1.20/lb, Pb price of $0.90/lb and Au price of $1,700/oz. The metal prices used for the Mineral Resource are based on the three-year trailing prices from June 2019 to June 2020 and long-term analyst consensus estimates for the LOM.
9.No dilution was applied to the Mineral Resource.
10.Contained Metal (CM) is calculated as follows:
•Zn and Pb, CM (Mlb) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (%) / 100 * 2204.6
•Ag and Au, CM (Moz) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (g/t) / 31.1035; multiply Au CM (Moz) by 1000 to obtain Au CM (koz)
Esther Mineral Resource Estimate as at July 1, 2022
| Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | Ag | Zn | Pb | Au | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resource Classification | Mt | (g/t) | (%) | (%) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Mlbs) | (Mlbs) | (koz) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicated | 0.28 | 122 | 4.30 | 2.17 | 0.14 | 1.1 | 26.8 | 13.6 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inferred | 1.20 | 133 | 3.69 | 1.53 | 0.09 | 5.1 | 98.0 | 40.6 | 3.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_________________________________
1.Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% basis.
2.Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, marketing, or other relevant issues.
3.The SEC definitions for Mineral Resources in S-K 1300 were used for Mineral Resource classification which are consistent with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM (2014) definitions).
4.The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading Inferred Mineral Resources to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category.
5.Specific gravity has been assumed on a dry basis.
6.Tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not sum exactly.
7.Mineral Resources are reported within stope shapes using a $52/tonne NSR cut-off basis assuming processing recoveries equivalent to CLG with an Ag price of $22/oz, Zn price of $1.20/lb, Pb price of $0.90/lb and Au price of $1,700/oz. The metal prices used for the Mineral Resource are based on the three-year trailing prices from June 2019 to June 2020 and long-term analyst consensus estimates for the LOM. There is a portion of the Esther deposit that is oxidized and metallurgical test work is required to define processing recoveries.
8.No dilution was applied to the Mineral Resource.
9.Contained Metal (CM) is calculated as follows:
•Zn and Pb, CM (Mlb) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (%) / 100 * 2204.6
•Ag and Au, CM (Moz) = Tonnage (Mt) * Grade (g/t) / 31.1035 ; multiply Au CM (Moz) by 1000 to obtain Au CM (koz)
Internal Controls
Exploration and development drilling programs are performed using industry-standard quality control methods for drilling, sampling, and analytical procedures. Standard operating procedure manuals for geology logging, sampling, and assaying are kept at the operations and updated as required. A secure sample chain-of-custody is established to promote the security of samples during transport from the projects to the analytical facilities. Sample preparation and analytical procedures are industry-standard methods for the metals of interest.
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Sample batches sent for analysis are controlled by a system of reference samples of known grade inserted into the sample stream and other control samples. Coarse and fine ‘blank,’ sterile, sample materials are used to monitor contamination at the sample preparation and analytical stages; Standard Reference Materials (“SRM”) of known grades are used to measure accuracy of the analytical results; and pulp duplicate samples and field duplicate samples are used to monitor precision of the analytical results. Blanks and SRM are inserted according to the analytical batch size and overall number of samples but normally result in a 1:10 to 1:20 insertion rate.
We have internal controls for reviewing and documenting the information supporting the mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, describing the methods used, and ensuring the validity of the estimates. Information that is utilized to compile mineral reserves and resources is prepared and certified by appropriately qualified persons at the mine site level and is subject to our internal review process which includes review by the Gatos qualified person as defined under SK-1300. The qualified person presents the mineral reserve and mineral resource information to the Technical Safety and Sustainability Committee on an annual basis for further review.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
For a description of Legal Proceedings see Note 10. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
The provisions related to Item 4 are currently inapplicable to the Company as we have no operating properties in the United States.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GATO”.
Holders
On February 20, 2024, there were 69,181,047 outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock which were held by approximately 36 stockholders of record. The actual number of holders of the Company’s common stock is greater than the number of record holders, and includes stockholders who are beneficial owners, but whose shares are held in street name by brokers or other nominees. The number of holders of record also do not include stockholders whose shares may be held in trust by other entities.
Dividends
The Company has not declared any dividends since incorporation and has no immediate plans to do so. Currently the policy of the Company is to retain earnings for use in its operations and expansion of its business. Payment of any dividends will depend upon the Company’s future earnings, if any, the Company’s financial condition, and other factors as deemed relevant by the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, our Credit Facility contains, and any of our future contractual arrangements may contain, restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends on our capital stock.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The Company has an equity compensation plan under which options and shares of the Company’s common stock are authorized for grant or issuance as compensation to eligible employees, consultants, and members of the Board of Directors. The Company’s stockholders have approved these plans. The following table is a summary of the shares of common stock authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023:
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| (a) | (b) | (c) | |||||||||||||||
| Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | ||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders: | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: | |||||||||||||||||
Equity Incentive Compensation Plan(1) | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred stock units(2) | 302,920 | N/A | |||||||||||||||
Stock options(3) | 2,648,908 | $ | 8.81 | ||||||||||||||
Performance share units(4) | 40,802 | N/A | |||||||||||||||
Restricted stock units(5) | 925,172 | 5.04 | |||||||||||||||
| Total for Equity Incentive Compensation Plan | 3,917,802 | — | 10,301,189 | ||||||||||||||
_________________________________
1.The Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) authorizes the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, deferred stock units, cash awards and performance awards to NEOs, other employees, consultants and non-employee directors.
2.DSUs do not have exercise prices associated with them, but rather a fair value that equaled the Company’s common stock fair value on grant date. The weighted-average per unit fair value for the outstanding DSUs is $7.76.
3.The Company’s stock options have a contractual term of 10 years and entitle the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock.
4.The initial fair value of performance share units (“PSUs”), which are subject to vesting based on the Company’s attainment of a pre-established market performance goals, is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model.
5.The fair value of Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") is based on the Company's stock price on the date of grant and vest on the third anniversary of the employee's start date.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not issue any shares of its common stock or other equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
During the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any affiliated purchaser of the Company’s common stock.
Item 6. [Reserved]
Not applicable.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and the other information included elsewhere in this Report.
Overview
We are a Canadian-headquartered, Delaware-incorporated precious metals exploration, development and production company with the objective of becoming a leading silver producer. Our primary efforts are focused on the operation of the LGJV in Chihuahua, Mexico. The LGJV was formed on January 1, 2015, when we entered into the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement with Dowa to further explore, and potentially develop and operate mining properties within the LGD. The LGJV Entities own certain surface and mineral rights associated with the LGD. The LGJV ownership is currently 70% Gatos Silver and 30% Dowa. On September 1, 2019, the LGJV
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commenced commercial production at CLG, which produces a silver containing lead concentrate and zinc concentrate. We are currently focused on the production and continued development of the CLG and the further exploration and development of the LGD.
2023 Key Highlights
Gatos Silver Inc.
•Reported net income of $12.9 million or $0.19 per basic and $0.18 per diluted share;
•Reported Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA")1 of $12.4 million;
•Received capital distributions of $59.5 million from the LGJV;
•No debt and $50 million available for withdrawal on the Credit Facility after $9.0 million debt repayment made as of July 21, 2023; and
•Operating cash flow used by operations of $12.0 million and generated free cash flow of $47.5 million.
LGJV (100% basis)
Operational
•Achieved record processing throughput of 1,071,400 tonnes, averaging 2,935 tpd for 2023 over 10% higher than in 2022 and over 3,014 tpd in the fourth quarter of 2023;
•Recoveries achieved or exceeded design rates for payable metals with silver, zinc and lead recovery averaging 89.4%, 62.1%, and 88.7%; respectively;
•CLG mine life extended by 2.75 years to the end of 2030 with a 46% increase in expected total silver production per the Los Gatos Technical Report; and
•Completed further drilling in a large zone of mineralization known as South-East Deeps that extends 415m below the reported reserve which resulted in a significant increase in the 2023 mineral reserve and mineral resource reflected in the Los Gatos Technical Report.
Financial
•The LGJV reported revenue, net income and EBITDA1 of $268.7 million, $53.4 million and $135.8 million, respectively;
•Generated cash flow from operations of $142.0 million in 2023, and free cash flow1 of $84.9 million;
•Made $85.0 million in capital distributions to partners of the LGJV;
•Cost of sales totaled $111.3 million and co-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent1 was $12.11 and by-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver1 was $6.31 in 2023; and
•Co-product AISC per ounce of payable silver equivalent1 was $15.51 and by-product AISC per ounce of payable silver1 was $11.33 in 2023.
Results of Operations
Results of operations Gatos Silver
The following table presents certain information relating to our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), these financial results represent the consolidated results of operations of our Company and its subsidiaries (in thousands).
1 See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
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Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||
| Exploration | $ | 26 | $ | 110 | |||||||
| General and administrative | 25,688 | 25,468 | |||||||||
| Amortization | 79 | 180 | |||||||||
| Total expenses | 25,793 | 25,758 | |||||||||
| Other income | |||||||||||
| Equity income in affiliates | 33,622 | 45,230 | |||||||||
| Legal settlement loss | (1,500) | (7,900) | |||||||||
Interest expense | (679) | (433) | |||||||||
Interest income | 1,332 | 154 | |||||||||
Other income | 5,992 | 4,801 | |||||||||
| Total net other income | 38,767 | 41,852 | |||||||||
| Income before taxes | 12,974 | 16,094 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 114 | 1,565 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 12,860 | $ | 14,529 | |||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2023, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we reported net income of $12.9 million compared to net income of $14.5 million for 2022. The following factors contributed to the difference:
Exploration
During 2023 we had no exploration activity on the Company-owned Santa Valeria property since all exploration efforts were focused on the CLG, and as a result the 2023 exploration costs decreased by approximately $0.1 million, compared to 2022.
General and administrative expenses
During 2023, we incurred general and administration expense of $25.7 million compared to $25.5 million in 2022. In 2023, general and administrative expenses include non-cash stock-based compensation of $6.0 million, non-recurring professional fees related to legal defense fees of $3.2 million, costs related to the restatement of 2021 and 2022 quarterly financial statements of $2.3 million, and severances of $0.2 million. In 2022, general and administrative expenses include non-recurring professional fees related to legal defense of $6.2 million, non-cash stock-based compensation of $2.8 million, costs related to the restatement of 2021 financial statements of $1.3 million, and severances of $1.0 million. The Company also incurs expenses related to providing management and administration services to the LGJV, for which it receives a management fee, included in Other Income ($6.0 million and $5.0 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively).
Equity income in affiliates
The lower equity income in affiliates in 2023 is as a result of the lower net income recorded at the LGJV. See “Results of Operations LGJV.”
Legal settlement loss
We signed a term sheet to settle the Canadian Class Action for a payment of $3.0 million ($1.5 million net of expected insurance proceeds). The $7.9 million settlement loss (net of expected insurance proceeds) recorded in 2022 is related to a settlement agreement reached with the US Class Action lawsuit. These lawsuits are partially covered by our directors and officers insurance. See Note 10. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees.
Interest expense
The $0.2 million increase in interest expense was mainly due to the recognition of the outstanding balance of deferred financing costs upon the repayment of the remaining balance of $9.0 million on the Credit Facility.
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Interest income
The $1.2 million increase in interest income was due to the increase in cash balance during the year and an increase in the interest rate earned on cash deposits.
Other income
Other income increased primarily due to an increase in the LGJV management fee from $5.0 million in 2022 to $6.0 million in 2023.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense of $0.1 million relates to operations of the Company's Canadian subsidiary. Tax expense of $1.6 million in 2022 reflected withholding tax on dividends received from the LGJV.
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Results of operations LGJV
The following table presents operational information and select financial information of the LGJV for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The financial information is extracted from the Combined Statements of Income. The financial and operational information of the LGJV and CLG is shown on a 100% basis. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our ownership of the LGJV was 70%.
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
(in thousands, except where otherwise stated) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 268,671 | $ | 311,724 | |||||||
| Cost of sales | 111,266 | 107,075 | |||||||||
| Royalties | 1,363 | 3,069 | |||||||||
| Exploration | 2,875 | 9,800 | |||||||||
| General and administrative | 18,068 | 14,307 | |||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 75,110 | 69,380 | |||||||||
Total other (income) | (1,601) | (1,429) | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 8,147 | 37,306 | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 53,443 | $ | 72,216 | |||||||
Sustaining capital1 | 41,571 | 76,526 | |||||||||
Resource development drilling expenditures1 | 13,464 | — | |||||||||
| Operating Results | |||||||||||
| Tonnes milled (dmt) | 1,071,400 | 971,595 | |||||||||
| Tonnes milled per day (dmt) | 2,935 | 2,662 | |||||||||
| Average Grades | |||||||||||
| Silver grade (g/t) | 299 | 368 | |||||||||
| Gold grade (g/t) | 0.29 | 0.33 | |||||||||
| Lead grade (%) | 1.85 | 2.31 | |||||||||
| Zinc grade (%) | 3.90 | 4.37 | |||||||||
Contained Metal Produced | |||||||||||
| Silver ounces (millions) | 9.21 | 10.32 | |||||||||
| Zinc pounds - in zinc conc. (millions) | 57.3 | 60.7 | |||||||||
| Lead pounds - in lead conc. (millions) | 38.9 | 43.9 | |||||||||
| Gold ounces - in lead conc. (thousands) | 5.26 | 5.35 | |||||||||
Recoveries2 | |||||||||||
| Silver - in both lead and zinc concentrates | 89.4 | % | 89.8 | % | |||||||
| Zinc - in zinc concentrate | 62.1 | % | 64.8 | % | |||||||
| Lead - in lead concentrate | 88.7 | % | 88.7 | % | |||||||
| Gold - in lead concentrate | 52.4 | % | 52.0 | % | |||||||
Co-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent1 | $ | 12.11 | $ | 9.41 | |||||||
By-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver1 | $ | 6.31 | $ | 2.17 | |||||||
Co-product AISC per ounce of payable silver equivalent1 | $ | 15.51 | $ | 14.33 | |||||||
By-product AISC per ounce of payable silver1 | $ | 11.33 | $ | 10.24 | |||||||
_________________________________
1.See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
2.Recoveries are reported for payable metals in the identified concentrate. Recoveries reported previously were based on total metal in both concentrates.
43
LGJV
Year Ended December 31, 2023, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the LGJV reported net income of $53.4 million compared to net income of $72.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The change in net income was primarily due to the following factors:
Revenue
The table below provides a breakdown of the LGJV’s concentrate sales including volumes of payable metal and realized sales prices for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
Sales volumes by payable metal | ||||||||||||||
| Silver | million oz | 8.28 | 9.48 | |||||||||||
| Zinc | million lb | 48.4 | 51.7 | |||||||||||
| Lead | million lb | 36.0 | 41.7 | |||||||||||
| Gold | oz | 4,070 | 4,179 | |||||||||||
Average realized price by payable metal | ||||||||||||||
| Silver | $/oz | 24.33 | 20.72 | |||||||||||
| Zinc | $/lb | 1.10 | 1.58 | |||||||||||
| Lead | $/lb | 0.97 | 0.90 | |||||||||||
| Gold | $/oz | 1,818 | 1,678 | |||||||||||
Revenue by payable metal | ||||||||||||||
| Silver | $'000 | 201,462 | 196,506 | |||||||||||
| Zinc | $'000 | 53,270 | 81,393 | |||||||||||
| Lead | $'000 | 34,981 | 37,378 | |||||||||||
| Gold | $'000 | 7,397 | 7,011 | |||||||||||
Subtotal | 297,110 | 322,288 | ||||||||||||
| Treatment and refining charges | $'000 | (17,174) | (21,871) | |||||||||||
| Subtotal | $'000 | 279,936 | 300,417 | |||||||||||
| Provisional revenue adjustment | $'000 | (11,265) | 11,307 | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | $'000 | 268,671 | 311,724 | |||||||||||
Silver sales represented 68% and 61% of our revenues before treatment and refining charges and the provisional revenue adjustments in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Revenues decreased by 14% in 2023 compared to 2022, as a result of lower sales volumes of silver, zinc and lead, partly offset by increased sales volumes of gold. The decrease in sales volumes was primarily due to a decrease in silver, zinc, lead and gold ore grades of 19%, 11%, 20% and 12%, respectively. The overall decrease in sales volumes was offset by an increase in realized prices of silver, lead and gold of 17%, 8%, and 8%, respectively, partly offset by a decrease in the realized zinc price of 30%. Treatment and refining charges decreased by 21% and the 2023 provisional revenue adjustments resulted in a total revenue decrease of 11.3 million in 2023 compared to an increase of 11.3 million in 2022. Provisional revenue adjustments account for commodity price fluctuations in concentrate sales still subject to final settlement.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales increased by 4% in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily as a result of a 10% increase in mining and milling rates, which included an increase in equipment maintenance costs of $2.5 million and operation of the leaching plant commissioned in 2023 of $1.1 million.
Cash costs1 was $147.9 million in 2023, 1% higher than the $146.3 million incurred in 2022. In 2023 by-product credits1 of $95.6 million were 24% less than the $125.8 million credit in 2022, mainly due to lower realized zinc prices and lower zinc and lead sales in 2023. As a result co-product cash cost1 per ounce of payable silver equivalent and by-product cash cost1 per ounce of payable silver increased by 29% and 191% respectively, to $12.11 and $6.31, respectively, for the year ended 2023. All-in sustaining costs1 were
44
$189.4 million in 2023 15% lower than the $222.8 million incurred in 2022. Co-product all-in sustaining cost1 per of payable silver equivalent ounce was $15.51 in 2023 compared to $14.33 in 2022. By-product all-in sustaining cost1 per payable silver ounce was $11.33 in 2023 compared to $10.24 in 2022.
Royalties
Royalty expense decreased by $1.7 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due to the decrease in the royalty rate upon achieving a payment threshold per the royalty agreement.
Exploration
Exploration expenditure decreased by $6.9 million in 2023 primarily due to reduced greenfield exploration, as the focus during 2023 was on the ongoing resource expansion drilling of the South-East Deeps Zone which was capitalized.
General and administrative
General and administrative expenses for 2023 were $3.8 million (26%) higher than in 2022. The increase was primarily due to a $0.9 million increase in audit and consulting fees, $1.0 million increase in management fees payable to Gatos Silver, $0.8 million increase in salaries, $0.5 million increase in insurance expense and $0.4 million increase in concessions costs associated with changes in government regulations.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense increased by approximately 8% year over year primarily as a result of commissioning of the third lift of the tailing storage facility in December 2022, the paste fill plant in March 2023 and the fluorine leaching plant in July 2023. The increase was partly offset by the reduction in depreciation, depletion and amortization as a result of the increase in mineral reserves and the extension of the life of mine effective July 2023.
Other expense (income)
Other income of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 consists of $1.6 million of interest income earned on average monthly cash balances and $2.6 million of gain on foreign exchange, offset by $0.7 million of other expense associated with inventory write offs due to obsolescence, $1.1 million of accretion expense and $0.7 million of interest expense on advances from a customer. Other income of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, consists of an $0.8 million of gain on disposition of assets and a gain of $2.3 million on foreign exchange, offset by $1.1 million of accretion expense and $0.6 million of interest expense on advances from a customer.
Income tax expense
In 2023, the LGJV had income tax expense of $8.1 million compared to $37.3 million in 2022. Income tax expense decreased mainly due to a decrease in net income before tax and a decrease in the valuation allowance on deferred taxes due to the extension of the expected mine life.
Sustaining capital
During 2023, the sustaining capital expenditures primarily consisted of $21.1 million of mine development, $3.0 million on the construction of dewatering wells, $4.2 million on the construction of the fluorine leaching plant facility, $8.8 million for the purchase of mining equipment and $1.9 million on underground power distribution infrastructure. During 2022, major sustaining capital expenditures included $27.1 million of mine development, $19.5 million on the construction of the paste-fill plant, $8.2 million on the construction of the raise of the tailings storage facility, $2.6 million for the construction of a ventilation raise, $3.5 million for the purchase of mining equipment, $2.9 million on underground power distribution infrastructure.
Resource development drilling expenditures
During 2023, resource development drilling expenditures primarily related to resource expansion drilling of the South-East
Deeps zone at CLG. During 2022, there were no resource development drilling expenditures incurred.
_________________________________
1 See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
45
Cash Flows
Gatos Silver
The following table presents summarized information of our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
Net cash provided (used) by | |||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | (12,020) | $ | 14,554 | |||||||
| Investing activities | 59,500 | (60) | |||||||||
| Financing activities | (9,000) | (4,106) | |||||||||
| Total change in cash | $ | 38,480 | $ | 10,388 | |||||||
Cash flow used by operating activities was $12.0 million in 2023, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $14.6 million in 2022. The $26.6 million decrease in operating cash flow was primarily due to $30.8 million in dividends received from the LGJV in 2022 whereas in 2023 cash distributions from the LGJV were made as capital distributions, which are classified as cash flows provided by investing activities.
Cash provided by investing activities was $59.5 million in 2023, compared to $0.1 million in 2022. The cash in flow during 2023 is as a result of $59.5 million capital contributions received from the LGJV.
Free cash flow (See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures") totaled $47.5 million in 2023 compared to $14.5 million in 2022. The increase is due to the increase in cash distributions received from the LGJV in 2023.
Cash used by financing activities was $9.0 million in 2023, compared to $4.1 million in 2022. Cash used by financing activities in 2023 consisted of the $9.0 million full repayment of the outstanding Credit Facility balance. Cash used by financing activities in 2022, reflected the $4.0 million partial repayment of the Credit Facility.
LGJV
The following table presents summarized information relating to the LGJV’s cash flows for years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
Net cash provided (used) by | |||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 142,001 | $ | 157,374 | |||||||
| Investing activities | (57,087) | (82,279) | |||||||||
| Financing activities | (85,547) | (60,439) | |||||||||
| Total change in cash | $ | (633) | $ | 14,656 | |||||||
Cash provided by operating activities was $142.0 million and $157.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The $15.4 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the decrease in revenue partially offset by cash flow from working capital changes.
Cash used by investing activities was $57.1 million and $82.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The $25.2 million decrease in cash used was primarily due to lower capital expenditures incurred during 2023.
Free cash flow (See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures") at the LGJV totaled $84.9 million in 2023 compared to $75.1 million in 2022, reflecting lower sustaining capital expenditures partly offset by lower revenues.
Cash used by financing activities was $85.5 million and $60.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2023, the LGJV distributed $85.0 million to the joint venture partners and made $0.5 million in equipment loan payments. During 2022, the LGJV paid dividends of $55.0 million to the joint venture partners and made $5.4 million in equipment loan payments.
46
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $55.5 million and $17.0 million, respectively. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to receipt of $59.5 million in capital contributions and the $6.0 million management fee from the LGJV, partly offset by general and administrative costs incurred in the year.
Sources and Uses of Capital Resources
As at January 31, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents are $53.1 million and we have $50.0 million available to be drawn under the Credit Facility. The LGJV had cash and cash equivalents of $43.1 million as at January 31, 2024. On February 15, 2024, the LGJV made a $30.0 million capital distribution to the LGJV partners, of which the Company’s share was $21.0 million. We believe we have sufficient cash and access to borrowings and other resources to carry out our business plans for at least the next 12 months. We may decide to increase our current financial resources with external financings if our long-term business needs require us to do so however there can be no assurance that financing will be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. We manage liquidity risk through our cash balances, credit facility, and the management of our capital structure.
We may be required to provide funds to the LGJV to support operations at the CLG which, depending upon the circumstances, may be in the form of equity, various forms of debt, joint venture funding or some combination thereof. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity or convertible debt securities, substantial dilution to existing stockholders may result. Additionally, if we raise additional funds by incurring new debt obligations, the terms of the debt may require significant cash payment obligations, as well as covenants and specific financial ratios that may restrict our ability to operate our business.
Finally, as part of our ongoing business strategy we regularly evaluate our capital structure. We may from time to time use our existing cash to fund opportunities or return capital to shareholders.
Indebtedness and Lines of Credit
On December 13, 2023, we entered into a second amended and restated Credit Facility with BMO, maintaining a credit limit of $50.0 million, with an accordion feature providing up to an additional $50.0 million, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings under the Credit Facility:
•mature on December 31, 2026, and
•bear interest at a rate equal to either a term SOFR rate plus a margin ranging from 2.75% to 3.75% or a U.S. base rate plus a margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.75%, at our option.
The Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants that are customary for agreements of this nature. The affirmative covenants require the Company to comply, at all times, with, among other things, a Leverage Ratio not greater than 3.00 to 1.00, with earnings before interest, tax, depletion depreciation and amortization calculated upon a trailing four fiscal quarter period, a liquidity covenant not less than $20.0 million and an interest coverage ratio not less than 4.00 to 1.00 calculated based on a trailing four fiscal quarter period. The negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on certain specified asset sales, mergers, acquisitions, indebtedness, liens, dividends and distributions, investments and transactions with affiliates. As of December 31, 2023, we had $nil of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility.
Contractual Obligations
We and the LGJV entered into commitments with federal and state agencies to lease surface and mineral rights in Mexico related to our exploration activities. These leases are renewable annually.
The LGJV has a renewable energy supply contract with a committed purchase amount of 140,000MW per annum until September 6, 2025. As at December 31, 2023, the expected purchase commitment was $11,400 in 2024 and $9,500 in 2025, for an aggregate of $20,900. Part of the cost depends on the regulated rates by the Mexico Power Market. The LGJV consumed 159,964 MW and 146,750 MW under this contract in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Critical Accounting Policies
Listed below are the accounting policies that we believe are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability or expense that is being reported. For a
47
discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Equity Method Investment
We account for our investment in affiliates using the equity method of accounting whereby, after valuing the initial investment, we recognize our proportional share of results of operations of the affiliate in its consolidated financial statements. The value of equity method investments is adjusted if it is determined that there is an other-than-temporary decline in value. The Company reviews equity method investments for an other-than-temporary decline in value when events or circumstances indicate that a decline in the fair value of the investment below its carrying value is other-than-temporary. Our investment in the LGJV is presented as investment in affiliates in the consolidated balance sheet. The difference between the carrying amount of the investment in affiliates and our equity in the LGJV’s net assets is due to value of mineral resources at MPR. Our proportional share of such costs are reported as an investment in affiliate and the residual costs, related to Dowa’s proportional ownership, are reported in the statement of income.
Mineral Properties and Carrying Value of Long-Lived Assets (LGJV)
Mineral property acquisition costs are recorded at cost and are deferred until the viability of the property is determined. Exploration, mineral property evaluation, option payments, related acquisition costs for mineral properties acquired under option agreements, general overhead, administrative and holding costs to maintain a property on a care and maintenance basis are expensed in the period they are incurred. When proven and probable mineral reserves are determined for a property, subsequent development costs on the property are capitalized. If a project were to be put into production, capitalized development costs would be depleted on the units of production basis determined by the proven and probable mineral reserves for that project.
Existing proven and probable mineral reserves and value beyond proven and probable mineral reserves, including mineralization other than proven and probable mineral reserves and other material that is not part of the measured, indicated or inferred resource base, are included when determining the fair value of mine site reporting units at acquisition and, subsequently, in determining whether the assets are impaired. The term “recoverable minerals” refers to the estimated amount of silver and other commodities that will be obtained after taking into account losses during mining, mineral resources processing and treatment and ultimate sale. Estimates of recoverable minerals from such exploration-stage mineral interests are risk-adjusted based on management’s relative confidence in such materials. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. We review and evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Asset impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows. Future cash flows are estimated based on estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, expected silver and other commodity prices (considering current and historical prices, trends and related factors), production levels, operating costs, capital requirements and reclamation costs, all based on LOM plans. No impairment tests have been required during the periods presented.
Various factors could impact our ability to achieve our forecasted production schedules from proven and probable mineral reserves. Additionally, production, capital and reclamation costs could differ from the assumptions used in the cash flow models used to assess impairment. The ability to achieve the estimated quantities of recoverable minerals from exploration-stage mineral interests involves further risks in addition to those factors applicable to mineral interests where proven and probable mineral reserves have been identified, due to the lower level of confidence that the identified mineral resources could ultimately be mined economically. Assets classified as exploration potential have the highest level of risk that the carrying value of the asset can be ultimately realized, due to the still lower level of geological confidence and economic modeling.
Income and Mining Taxes
We recognize the expected future tax benefit from deferred tax assets when the tax benefit is considered to be more likely than not of being realized. Assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets requires management to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable income. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted cash flows and the application of existing tax laws in the United States and Mexico. Refer to “Critical Accounting Policies - Mineral Properties and Carrying Value of Long-Lived Assets” above for a discussion of the factors that could cause future cash flows to differ from estimates. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, our ability to realize deferred tax assets recorded at the balance sheet date could be impacted. Additionally, future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate could limit our ability to obtain the future tax benefits represented by our deferred tax assets recorded at the reporting date.
Our properties involve dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from federal, state and Mexico tax audits. We recognize potential liabilities and record tax liabilities for
48
anticipated tax audit issues, if any, in the United States and other tax jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the tax liabilities. If our estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, an additional charge to expense would result. If an estimate of tax liabilities proves to be greater than the ultimate assessment, a tax benefit would result. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of the date of this Report.
Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012
The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”) permits us, as an “emerging growth company,” to, among other things, take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have elected to “opt out” of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for public companies that are not emerging growth companies. The decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use certain measures that are not defined by GAAP to evaluate various aspects of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The measures are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP.
Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs
Cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) are non-GAAP measures. AISC was calculated based on guidance provided by the World Gold Council (“WGC”). WGC is not a regulatory industry organization and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards for disclosure requirements. Other mining companies may calculate AISC differently as a result of differences in underlying accounting principles and policies applied, as well as definitional differences of sustaining versus expansionary (i.e. non-sustaining) capital expenditures based upon each company’s internal policies. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of sales, do not capture all of the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain production. Therefore, we believe that cash costs and AISC are non-GAAP measures that provide additional information to management, investors and analysts that aid in the understanding of the economics of the Company’s operations and performance and provides investors visibility by better defining the total costs associated with production.
Cash costs include all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, treatment and refining costs, general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes. AISC includes total production cash costs incurred at the LGJV’s mining operations plus sustaining capital expenditures. The Company believes this measure represents the total sustainable costs of producing silver from current operations and provides additional information of the LGJV’s operational performance and ability to generate cash flows. As the measure seeks to reflect the full cost of silver production from current operations, new project and expansionary capital at current operations are not included. Certain cash expenditures such as new project spending, tax payments, dividends, and financing costs are not included.
Reconciliation of expenses (GAAP) to non-GAAP measures
The table below presents a reconciliation between the most comparable GAAP measure of the LGJV’s expenses to the non-GAAP measures of (i) cash costs, (ii) cash costs, net of by-product credits, (iii) co-product all-in sustaining costs and (iv) by-product all-in sustaining costs for our operations.
The calculations for determining co-product and by-product cash cost and co-product and by-product AISC per ounce were updated to include period end accruals for sales (both volume and value for payable metals). In addition, the calculation for determining silver equivalent ounces used for co-product cash cost per ounce and co-product AISC per ounce was updated to include final settlements in the calculation of the realized metal prices. The prior period comparatives were updated to reflect this change; however, the cash cost
49
and AISC per ounce calculated on this basis is not materially different from the cash cost and AISC cost per ounce previously reported.
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
(in thousands, except where otherwise stated) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 111,266 | $ | 107,075 | |||||||
| Royalties | 1,363 | 3,069 | |||||||||
| Exploration | 2,875 | 9,800 | |||||||||
| General and administrative | 18,068 | 14,307 | |||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 75,110 | 69,380 | |||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 208,682 | $ | 203,631 | |||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | (75,110) | (69,380) | |||||||||
Exploration1 | (2,875) | (9,800) | |||||||||
Treatment and refining costs2 | 17,174 | 21,871 | |||||||||
| Cash costs (A) | $ | 147,871 | $ | 146,322 | |||||||
Sustaining capital3 | 41,571 | 76,526 | |||||||||
| All-in sustaining costs (B) | $ | 189,442 | $ | 222,848 | |||||||
By-product credits4 | (95,648) | (125,782) | |||||||||
| All-in sustaining costs, net of by-product credits (C) | $ | 93,794 | $ | 97,066 | |||||||
| Cash costs, net of by-product credits (D) | $ | 52,223 | $ | 20,540 | |||||||
Payable ounces of silver equivalent5 (E) | 12,214 | 15,552 | |||||||||
| Co-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent (A/E) | $ | 12.11 | $ | 9.41 | |||||||
| Co-product all-in sustaining cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent (B/E) | $ | 15.51 | $ | 14.33 | |||||||
| Payable ounces of silver (F) | $ | 8,282 | $ | 9,482 | |||||||
| By-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver (D/F) | $ | 6.31 | $ | 2.17 | |||||||
| By-product all-in sustaining cost per ounce of payable silver (C/F) | $ | 11.33 | $ | 10.24 | |||||||
_________________________________
1.Exploration costs are not related to current mining operations.
2.Represent reductions on customer invoices and included in Revenue of the LGJV combined statement of income.
3.Sustaining capital excludes resource development drilling costs related to resource development drilling in the South-East Deeps zone.
4.By-product credits reflect realized metal prices of zinc, lead and gold for the applicable period, which includes any final settlement adjustments from prior periods.
5.Silver equivalents utilize the average realized prices during the year ended December 31, 2023, of $24.33/oz silver, $1.10/lb zinc, $0.97/lb lead and $1,818/oz gold and the average realized prices during the year ended December 31, 2022, of $20.72/oz silver, $1.58/lb zinc, $0.90/lb lead and 1,678/oz gold. The average realized prices are determined based on revenue inclusive of final settlements.
Sustaining capital and Resource development drilling
The following table provides a breakdown of cash flows used by investing activities of the LGJV:
50
Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Cash flow used by investing activities | $ | 57,087 | $ | 82,279 | ||||||||||
Sustaining capital | 41,571 | 76,526 | ||||||||||||
Resource development drilling | 13,464 | — | ||||||||||||
Materials & supplies | 600 | 327 | ||||||||||||
Amount included in accounts payable | 1,452 | 5,426 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 57,087 | $ | 82,279 | ||||||||||
EBITDA
Management uses EBITDA to evaluate the Company’s operating performance, to plan and forecast its operations, and assess leverage levels and liquidity measures. The Company believes the use of EBITDA reflects the underlying operating performance of our core mining business and allows investors and analysts to compare results of the Company to similar results of other mining companies. EBITDA does not represent, and should not be considered an alternative to, net income or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP. The table below reconciles EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure to Net Income:
Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 12,860 | $ | 14,529 | ||||||||||
Interest expense | 679 | 433 | ||||||||||||
Interest income | (1,332) | (154) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 114 | 1,565 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 79 | 180 | ||||||||||||
EBITDA | $ | 12,400 | $ | 16,553 | ||||||||||
The table below reconciles of EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, to the LGJV’s Net Income:
Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Net income and comprehensive income | $ | 53,443 | $ | 72,216 | ||||||||||
Interest income | (1,567) | — | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 660 | 582 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 8,147 | 37,306 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 75,110 | 69,380 | ||||||||||||
EBITDA | $ | 135,793 | $ | 179,484 | ||||||||||
Free Cash Flow
Management uses Free Cash Flow as a non-GAAP measure to analyze cash flows generated from operations. Free Cash Flow is Cash provided by (used in) operating activities less Cash Flow (used in) from investing Activities as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company believes Free Cash Flow is also useful for investors as one of the bases for comparing the Company’s performance with its competitors. Although Free Cash Flow and similar measures are frequently used as measures of cash flows generated from operations by other companies, the Company’s calculation of Free Cash Flow is not necessarily comparable to such other similarly titled captions of other companies.
51
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net cash (used) provided by operating activities, which the Company believes to be the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to Free Cash Flow.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash (used) provided by operating activities | $ | (12,020) | $ | 14,554 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | 59,500 | (60) | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow | $ | 47,480 | $ | 14,494 | ||||||||||
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net cash provided by operating activities for the LGJV.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 142,001 | $ | 157,374 | ||||||||||
| Net cash used by investing activities | (57,087) | (82,279) | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow | $ | 84,914 | $ | 75,095 | ||||||||||
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are a smaller reporting company and are not required to provide disclosure pursuant to this Item.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Gatos Silver, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements | |||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Ernst & Young LLP (PCAOB ID | |||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | |||||
| Los Gatos Joint Venture Combined Financial Statements | |||||
Independent Auditor’s Report - Ernst & Young LLP | |||||
Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
Combined Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
Combined Statements of Owner’s Capital for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
| Notes to the Combined Financial Statements | |||||
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Gatos Silver Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gatos Silver Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2022.
February 20, 2024
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GATOS SILVER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts)
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||
| Current Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Related party receivables | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-Current Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Investment in affiliates | 14 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets | 12 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||
| Current Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities | 5 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Non-Current Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Credit Facility, net of debt issuance costs | 11 | ||||||||||||||||
Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||
Common Stock, $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Paid-in capital | |||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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GATOS SILVER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts)
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | |||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | |||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity income in affiliates | 14 | ||||||||||||||||
| Legal settlement loss | 10 | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | |||||||||||||||||
Other income | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total net other income | |||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 12 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income and comprehensive income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Net income per share: | |||||||||||||||||
Basic | 8 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 8 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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GATOS SILVER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts)
| Number | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Common Stock | Paid-in Capital | Accumulated deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Stock Unit compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Stock Units converted to common stock | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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GATOS SILVER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts)
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity income in affiliates | 14 | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax recovery | 12 | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends from affiliates | 14 | ||||||||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Receivables from related‑parties | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash (used) provided by operating activities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | ( | ||||||||||||||||
Capital distributions received from affiliate | 14 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||||||||
| Credit Facility repayment | 11 | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Financing costs | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used by financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of noncash transactions: | |||||||||||||||||
| Recognition of Right of Use Asset and Lease Liability | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
58
GATOS SILVER, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts)
1. Description of Business
Organization and Nature of Business
Gatos Silver, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Gatos Silver” or “the Company”) is a silver dominant exploration, development and production company that discovered a new silver, lead and zinc-rich mineral district in southern Chihuahua State, Mexico.
The Company’s primary efforts are focused on the operation of the Los Gatos Joint Venture (“LGJV”) in Chihuahua, Mexico. On January 1, 2015, the Company entered into the LGJV to develop the Los Gatos District (“LGD”) with Dowa Metals and Mining Co., Ltd. (“Dowa”). The LGJV Operating entities consisted of Minera Plata Real S. de R.L. de C.V (“MPR”), Operaciones San Jose del Plata S. de R.L. de C.V. and Servicios San Jose del Plata S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Servicios”) (collectively, the “LGJV Entities”). Effective July 15, 2021, Servicios was merged into MPR.
Dowa acquired a 30 % interest in the LGJV and the right to purchase future zinc-concentrate production at market rates by completing its $50,000 funding requirement on April 1, 2016. The LGJV completed a feasibility study in January 2017 and the latest Los Gatos Technical Report was filed on October 20, 2023, with an effective date of July 1, 2023. In May 2019, Dowa increased its ownership interest by 18.5 % to 48.5 % through the conversion of the Dowa MPR Loan to equity. On March 11, 2021, the Company repurchased the 18.5 % interest from Dowa for a total consideration of $71,550 , including Dowa holding costs of this incremental interest, increasing the Company’s ownership in the LGJV Entities to 70.0 %. These transactions resulted in a $47,400 higher basis than the underlying net assets of the LGJV Entities. See Note 10 - Commitment, Contingencies and Guarantees for further discussion. The LGJV ownership is currently 70 % Gatos Silver and 30 % Dowa ("LGJV Partners"). Despite owning the majority interest in the LGJV, the Company does not exercise control over the LGJV due to certain provisions contained in the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement that currently require unanimous partner approval of all major operating decisions, as a result the Company accounts for the LGJV as an equity method investment.
On September 1, 2019, the LGJV commenced commercial production of its two concentrate products: a lead concentrate and a zinc concentrate. The LGJV’s lead and zinc concentrates are currently sold to third-party customers.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
Equity method investment
The Company accounts for its investment in affiliates using the equity method of accounting whereby, after valuing the initial investment, the Company recognizes its proportional share of results of operations of the affiliate in its consolidated financial statements. The value of equity method investments are adjusted if it is determined that there is an other-than-temporary decline in value. The Company’s investment in the LGJV Entities is presented as Investment in affiliates in the consolidated balance sheet. The basis difference between the carrying amount of the investment in affiliates and the Company’s equity in the LGJV Entities’ net assets is due to value of the LGJV mineral resources. This basis difference is amortized on a units of production basis as the mineral resource is mined. Dividends received are recorded as an operating cash flow. Returns on capital distributions are recorded as an operating cash flow whereas returns of capital distributions are recorded as an investing cash flow.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the
59
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates are valuation of stock and stock options; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; and the fair value of financial instruments and investment in affiliates. At the LGJV, significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include mineral properties, life of mine revenue and cost assumptions, mineral resource conversion rates to mineral reserves; environmental reclamation and closure obligations and valuation allowances for deferred tax assets.
Functional currency and translation of foreign currencies
The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, with the resulting gains or losses reported in foreign exchange (gain) loss in the statement of income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Expenses and income items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates.
Cash and cash equivalents
Other than temporary impairment - investment
Stock-based compensation
The Company recognizes all employee stock-based compensation as a cost in the consolidated financial statements. Equity-classified awards are measured at the grant date fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation expense is included as a component of general and administrative expense over the requisite service period of the award.
The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The initial fair value of performance share units (“PSUs”), which are subject to vesting based on the Company’s attainment of a pre-established market performance goals, is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model. The fair value of Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") is based on the Company's stock price on the date of grant and vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, unless otherwise specified. The fair value of Deferred Stock Units ("DSUs") is based on the Company's stock price on the date of the grant and DSUs vest on the grant date. The Company’s estimates may be impacted by certain variables including, but not limited to, stock price volatility, estimates of forfeitures, the risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yields, and the Company’s performance. The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical data and periodically adjusts the forfeiture rate.
Net income per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share are presented for net income attributable to common shareholders. Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common stock shares outstanding, for the respective period presented. Diluted net earnings per share is computed similarly, except that weighted-average common shares is increased to reflect the potential dilution that would occur if stock options were exercised, or DSUs, RSUs and PSUs were converted into common stock. The effects of the Company’s dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding if their effect would be anti-dilutive based on the treasury stock method or due to a net loss.
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Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Current tax comprises the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year and any adjustments to the tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. The amount of current tax payable is the best estimate of the tax amount expected to be paid that reflects uncertainty related to income taxes, if any. It is measured using tax rates enacted at the reporting date.
Recently issued and adopted accounting standards
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”) followed by ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (“ASU 2021-01”), issued in January 2021, to provide clarifying guidance regarding the scope of Topic 848. ASU 2020-04 was issued to provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform. Generally, the guidance is to be applied as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 are effective for all entities through December 31, 2023. The Company has not elected to use the optional guidance and continues to evaluate the options provided by ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01. The Company concluded that this update does not have a material impact on its financial statements.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04, Liabilities — Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosures of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. The ASU requires entities that use supplier finance programs (that are in the scope of the ASU) in connection with the purchase of goods and services to disclose sufficient information about the program to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period and potential magnitude. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after 15 December 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the amendment on roll forward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted. In the period of initial adoption, the amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods in which a balance sheet is presented, except for the roll forward requirement, which should be applied prospectively. The Company assessed the new guidance and concluded that this update does not have any impact on the financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC's Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of Topics in the Codification. Certain amendments represent clarifications to or technical corrections of the current requirements. Each amendment in the ASU will only become effective if the SEC removes the related disclosure or presentation requirement from its existing regulations by June 30, 2027. The Company is still assessing the impact of the standard.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280). The amendments in this update improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments of this udpate are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is still assessing the impact of this standard.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in this update related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures improve the transparency, effectiveness and comparability of income tax disclosures. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is still assessing the impact of this standard.
As of December 31, 2023, there are no additional recently issued or adopted accounting standard that could have a material impact on our financial statements.
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3. Other Current Assets
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Value added tax receivable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | |||||||||||
| Insurance proceeds receivable | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total other current assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
4. Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Mineral Properties
Mining Concessions
In Mexico, mineral concessions from the Mexican government can only be held by Mexican nationals or Mexican-incorporated companies. The concessions are valid for 50 years and are extendable provided the concessions are kept in good standing. For concessions to remain in good standing a semi-annual fee must be paid to the Mexican government and an annual report describing the work accomplished on the property must be filed. These concessions may be cancelled without penalty with prior notice to the Mexican government. MLS is the concession holder of a series of claims titles granted by the Mexican government.
Santa Valeria Concession
The Company holds Santa Valeria concessions. If production commences, the Company is required to make a production royalty payment of 1 % of the net smelter returns. The Company may terminate the agreement upon prior notice.
The Company made no mineral lease payments in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
5. Accounts Payable, Accrued and Other Liabilities
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses | |||||||||||
| Accrued compensation | |||||||||||
| Legal settlement payable | |||||||||||
Current tax payable | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
The legal settlement payable is the liability recorded for the settlements of the class action lawsuit. See Note 10 Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees, for further discussion on the U.S. and Canadian class action lawsuits and related settlement discussion.
6. Related-Party Transactions
LGJV
Under the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement, the Company provides certain management and administrative services to the LGJV. The Company earned $6,000 and $5,000 under this agreement for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which have been recorded on the statement of income under other income. The Company received $6,417 and $5,417 in cash from the LGJV under this agreement for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company had receivables under this
62
agreement of nil and $417 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company also incurs certain LGJV costs that are subsequently reimbursed by the LGJV.
The Company seconds certain employees to the LGJV and charged $2,627 and $2,399 related to this arrangement in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company received $3,489 in cash and had a $250 receivable outstanding at December 31, 2023, and received $1,431 in cash and had $1,112 receivable outstanding at December 31, 2022, related to this arrangement.
7. Stockholders’ Equity
The Company is authorized to issue 700,000,000 0.001 50,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock. As of December 31, 2023, 69,181,047 shares of common stock are outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock are outstanding.
Stock-Based Compensation
Equity Compensation Plan
The Company has a Long-Term Incentive Plan under which options and shares of the Company’s common stock are authorized for grant or issuance as compensation to eligible employees, consultants, and members of the Board of Directors. Awards under the plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, deferred stock units, and performance awards. Stock options, performance share units, restricted stock units and deferred stock units have been granted by the Company in different periods. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 10.3 million shares of common stock were available for grant under the plan. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense as follows:
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Stock options | $ | $ | |||||||||
Performance share units | |||||||||||
Restricted stock units | |||||||||||
Total stock-based compensation | $ | $ | |||||||||
Stock Option Transactions
The Company’s stock options have a contractual term of 10 years and entitle the holder to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The stock options granted to the Company’s employees have a service period of three years . The stock options granted to non-employee directors vest immediately.
The Company granted 1,132,520 stock options on September 11, 2023, and 134,225 stock options on November 9, 2023, with the weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $2.93 and $2.77 , respectively. In 2022, 100,000 stock options were granted with a weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of $5.83 . The stock options granted in September 2023 represented a portion of 2022 compensation due to the Company being in an extended blackout period in 2022 and a portion of 2023.
Of the stock options granted in 2023, 604,799 vested immediately, including stock options granted to non-employee directors. No
On December 31, 2023, there was $2,087 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years.
The following table summarizes the respective vesting start dates and number of options granted to employees and directors in 2023 and 2022:
| Recipient | Options Granted | Vesting Start Date | Grant Date | ||||||||||||||
| Employees | January 18, 2022 | January 18, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Employees | September 11, 2023 | September 11, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Directors | September 11, 2023 | September 11, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
Directors | November 9, 2023 | November 9, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
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The following assumptions were used to compute the fair value of the options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model:
| Jan. 2022 | Sep. 2023 | Nov. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | % | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Dividend yield | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated volatility | % | % | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected option life | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Company’s estimated volatility computation was based on the historical volatility of a group of peer companies’ common stock over the expected option life and included both exploration stage and development stage companies. Prior to our IPO in October 2020, the Company's common stock was not publicly traded. As a result, the expected volatility assumption was based on peer information due to insufficient market trading history required to calculate a meaningful volatility factor. The computation of the expected option life was determined based on a reasonable expectation of the option life prior to being exercised or forfeited. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity yield at the date of the grant over the expected life of the option. No dividends were expected to be paid.
The following tables summarize the stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Employee & Director Options | Options | Weighted‑ Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | Weighted‑ Average Remaining Life (Years) | |||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Granted | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Expired | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Vested at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
The total fair value of stock options vested during the year ended December 31, 2023, was $6,344 .
At December 31, 2023, the Company had 32,393 LGJV-personnel stock options outstanding with weighted-average exercise price of $7.31 and weighted-average remaining life 2.0 years. There were no
Performance Share Unit Transactions
On December 17, 2021, 119,790 PSUs were granted to the Company’s employees with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $14.22 . As at December 31, 2023, there were 40,802 PSUs outstanding. On December 31, 2023, unrecognized compensation expense related to the PSUs was $166 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 year. There were no grants in the year ended December 31, 2023.
Restricted Stock Unit Transactions
RSUs granted are reported as equity awards with a fair value of each RSU equal to the fair value of the Company's common stock on the grant date and vest on the third anniversary of the grant date or employee start date, in respect of the below-referred grants. Each earned RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock.
On September 11, 2023, the Company granted 925,172 RSUs with grant date fair value of $5.04 and have varying vesting dates due to the Company being in an extended blackout period in 2022 and a portion of 2023.
Compensation expense is recognized ratably from the grant date over the requisite vesting period. On December 31, 2023, unrecognized compensation expense related to the RSUs was $3,617 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
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Deferred Stock Unit Transactions
DSUs are awarded to non-employee directors at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The DSUs are fully vested on the grant date and each DSU entitles the holder to receive one share of the Company’s common stock upon the director’s cessation of continuous service. Non-employee directors are eligible to elect to defer receipt of any portion of annual retainers or meeting fees and take payment in the form of DSUs. The DSU entitles the holder to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at either a date specified in the deferral election or cessation of service, whichever comes first. The fair value of DSUs are equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.
The Company granted 174,948 DSUs during the year ended December 31, 2023 and nil during the year ended December 31, 2022. The 2023 grant included DSU compensation related to 2022 that could not be issued due to the Company being in an extended blackout period in 2022 and a portion of 2023.
Director DSUs | Shares | Weighted‑ Average Grant Price | |||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | $ | ||||||||||
Granted | $ | ||||||||||
Converted to common stock | ( | $ | |||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $ | ||||||||||
The Company recognized DSU expense of $626 and $239 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The DSU expenses accrued for in 2022 during the blackout period were subsequently granted in 2023. In December 2023, 18,824 DSUs were converted to common stock.
At December 31, 2023, 302,920 DSUs remain outstanding with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $7.76 per unit.
8. Net Income per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed similarly, except that weighted-average common shares are increased to reflect the potential dilution that would occur if stock options were exercised or PSUs, DSUs or RSUs were converted into common stock. The dilutive effects are calculated using the treasury stock method.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, all in-the-money stock options, PSUs, RSUs and DSUs have been included in the dilutive earnings per common share calculation. For the year ended December 31, 2022, all options and PSUs were excluded from the diluted earnings per common share calculation as the shares would be anti-dilutive.
A reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is presented below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Weighted average shares: | |||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||
Effect of dilutive stock options | |||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive PSUs | |||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive RSUs | |||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive DSUs | |||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||
Net income per share: | |||||||||||
Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||
Diluted | $ | $ | |||||||||
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9. Fair Value Measurements
The Company establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities in the form of a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs into valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Further, financial assets and liabilities should be classified by level in their entirety based upon the lowest level of input that was significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2: Quoted prices in inactive markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or other observable inputs either directly related to the asset or liability or derived principally from corroborated observable market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs due to the fact there is little or no market activity. This entails using assumptions in models which estimate what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities such as cash and cash equivalents, related party receivables, value added tax receivable, insurance proceeds receivable, accounts payable and debt are approximate fair value due to their short maturities and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
The Company discloses and recognizes its non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis and makes adjustments to fair value, as needed (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).
10. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
In determining its accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, the Company will charge to income an estimated loss if information available prior to the issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the commitments and contingencies are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the combined financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.
Environmental Contingencies
The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws, regulations and permits governing the protection of the environment. These laws, regulations and permits are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws, regulations and permits, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures.
Legal
On February 22, 2022, a purported Company stockholder filed a putative class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against the Company, certain of our former officers, and several directors (the “U.S. Class Action”). An amended complaint was filed on August 15, 2022. The amended complaint, allegedly brought on behalf of certain purchasers of the Company’s common stock and certain traders of call and put options on the Company’s common stock from December 9, 2020 through January 25, 2022, seeks, among other things, damages, costs, and expenses, and asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as well as Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. The amended complaint alleges that certain individual defendants and the Company, pursuant to the control and authority of the individual defendants, made false and misleading statements and/or omitted certain material information regarding the mineral resources and reserves at the Cerro Los Gatos mine. The Company and all defendants filed a motion to dismiss this action on October 14, 2022. That motion was fully briefed as of December 23, 2022. On April 26, 2023, following a joint motion, the Court ordered that it would postpone a ruling on defendants’ motion to dismiss until on or after June 16, 2023.
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On June 13, 2023, the Company entered into an agreement in principle to settle the U.S. Class Action. Subject to certain conditions, including class certification by the District Court, the execution of a definitive stipulation of settlement and approval of the settlement by the District Court, the settling parties agreed to resolve the U.S. Class Action for a payment by us and our insurers of $21.0 million to a settlement fund. On June 16, 2023, the parties filed a joint status report requesting that the Court grant a temporary stay of all proceedings in the case pending submission of proposed settlement documentation on or before July 13, 2023. On July 13, 2023, the plaintiffs filed an unopposed motion for an order preliminarily approving the settlement agreed by the parties and providing for class notice which will provide for (i) preliminary approval of the settlement; (ii) approval of the form and manner of giving notice of the settlement to the settlement class; and (iii) a hearing date and time to consider approval of the Settlement and related matters (the “Preliminary Order”). On September 12, 2023, the plaintiffs filed an unopposed motion for to amend the Preliminary Order to reflect certain changes to the form of release proposed to be executed by the plaintiffs. On January 26, 2024, the parties jointly requested a status conference with the District Court to discuss the status of the pending motion for preliminary approval or, in the alternative, for the District Court to grant the motion. As of January 5, 2024, our insurers have recognized $7,470 in costs that apply to the $10,000 retention. Accordingly, on this basis, assuming settlement payments in respect of the U.S. Class Action are required to be made before payments in the respect of the Canadian Class Action (discussed below), we expect to fund no more than $2,530 of the settlement, with the balance of the settlement payment to be paid by insurance. The Company and the other defendants will not admit any liability as part of the settlement. Since the settlement of the U.S. Class Action is subject to conditions, there can be no assurance that the U.S. Class Action will be finally resolved pursuant to the agreement in principle that has been reached.
By Notice of Action issued February 9, 2022, and subsequent Statement of Claim dated March 11, 2022, Izabela Przybylska (the "Plaintiff") commenced a putative class action against the Company, certain of its former officers and directors, and others in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on behalf of a purported class of all persons or entities, wherever they may reside or be domiciled, who acquired securities of the Company in both the primary and secondary markets during the period from October 28, 2020 until January 25, 2022 (the "Canadian Class Action"). The action asserts claims under Canadian securities legislation and at common law and seeks unspecified monetary damages and other relief in respect of allegations the defendants made false and misleading statements and omitted material information regarding the mineral resources and reserves of the Company.
On January 26, 2024, counsel for us and the Plaintiff executed a term sheet wherein any claims against us and the named individuals would be settled for a payment by us of $3,000 , accrued at December 31, 2023. The Company will not admit any liability as part of the settlement. The definitive settlement is being finalized. Accordingly, on the basis of the costs recognized by the insurers to January 5, 2024, and assuming settlement payments in respect of the U.S. Class Action are required to be made before payments in the respect of the Canadian Class Action, the Company would fund $1,470 of this settlement.
Since the settlements of the U.S. Class Action and the Canadian Class Action are subject to conditions, there can be no assurance that either the U.S. Class Action or the Canadian Class Action will be finally resolved pursuant to the agreements that have been reached. Further, the Company has made a disclosure to the US Department of Justice and the SEC regarding its January 25, 2022 press release and issues related to CLG’s mineral reserves and mineral resources at the time. The Company is cooperating with those agencies’ investigations and cannot reasonably predict any outcome.
There can be no assurance that any of the foregoing matters individually or in aggregate will not result in outcomes that are materially adverse for us.
11. Debt
On July 12, 2021, the Company entered into a $50,000 Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Bank of Montreal ("BMO").
On December 13, 2023, the Company entered into a second amended and restated Credit Facility with BMO. The main changes to the terms of the agreement are as follows:
•the maturity date was extended to December 31, 2026;
•$50,000 revolving line of credit with an accordion feature, which allows for an increase in the total line of credit up to $100,000 , subject to certain conditions;
•loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to either a term SOFR rate plus a margin ranging from 2.75 % to 3.75 %, or a U.S. base rate plus a margin ranging from 1.75 % to 2.75 %, at our option;
•Any drawdown is secured by the Company's assets including the Company's shares in the LGJV Entities.
On July 21, 2023, the Company repaid the full outstanding balance of $9,000 on the Credit Facility. As a result, the outstanding debt balance was $nil at December 31, 2023. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2023.
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The Company recognized interest expense of $679 , amortization of debt issuance cost of $57 and paid $413 in interest for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company recognized interest expense of $433 , amortization of debt issuance cost of $147 and paid $645 in interest for the year ended December 31, 2022.
12. Income Taxes
The components of income from operations before income taxes were as follows for the years ended December 31:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| U.S. | $ | $ | |||||||||
Foreign | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
The consolidated income tax expense consisted of $114 and $1,565 , for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
A reconciliation of the actual income tax benefit and the tax computed by applying the applicable U.S. federal rate of 21% to the income before taxes is as follows for the years ended December 31:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Tax provision from operations | $ | $ | |||||||||
| State tax benefit from operations | |||||||||||
Nondeductible expenses | ( | ||||||||||
Change in valuation allowance | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Mexican withholding tax | |||||||||||
Effect of change in tax rates | |||||||||||
US/foreign tax rate differential | ( | ( | |||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | $ | |||||||||
Total income tax expense for the year 2023 arose from the operations of Gatos Silver Canada Corporation.
68
The components of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) are summarized as follows for the year ended December 31:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||
| Accrued compensation | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Contingent liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deferred share unit awards | |||||||||||
| LGJV equity investment | |||||||||||
| Other accrued liabilities | |||||||||||
| Mineral properties | |||||||||||
| U.S. operating loss carryforward | |||||||||||
Stock options | |||||||||||
Foreign operating loss carryforward | |||||||||||
| Exploration and development | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Valuation allowances | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||
Accrued bonus | ( | ||||||||||
LGJV equity investment | ( | ||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
Exploration and development | ( | ||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Deferred tax assets (liabilities) | $ | $ | |||||||||
The realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient taxable income during future periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Based upon the level of taxable income (loss) and projections of future taxable income (loss) over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of these deductible differences, and thus has recorded a valuation allowance from continuing operations against the deferred tax asset balances of $38,672 and $39,738 , respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. If the Company is profitable for a number of years, and the prospects for the realization of the deferred tax assets become more likely than not, the Company will then reverse all or a portion of the valuation allowance that could result in a reduction of future reported income tax expense.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had $90,751 of net operating loss carryforwards from continuing operations in the United States. Of the total net operating loss from continuing operations, $72,408 expire at various dates through 2037, and $18,343 may be carried forward indefinitely. There are also $17,126 of net operating loss carryforwards in Mexico which expire at various dates through 2033. No assets have been recognized for net operating loss carryforwards where the Company believes it is more likely than not that the net operating losses will not be realized. The Company will monitor the valuation on an ongoing basis and will make the appropriate adjustments as necessary should circumstances change.
The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10, Income Taxes. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Colorado. The Company’s foreign assets and operations are owned by entities that have elected to be treated for U.S. tax purposes as corporations and, as a result, the taxable income or loss and other tax attributes of such entities are not included in the Company’s U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. The statute of limitations for tax returns filed in the U.S., Mexico and Canada is three years, five years and seven years, respectively, from the date of filing. The Company’s 2019-2023 U.S. tax returns are subject to examinations by U.S. tax authorities until 2023-2026, respectively. The Company is no longer subject to examinations by Mexico tax authorities for years prior to 2018.
69
13. Segment Information
The Company operates in a single industry as a corporation engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of primarily silver mineral interests. The Company has mineral property interests in Mexico. The Company’s reportable segments are based on the Company’s mineral interests and management structure and include Mexico and Corporate segments. The Mexico segment engages in the exploration, development and operation of the Company’s Mexican mineral interests and includes the Company’s investment in the LGJV. Financial information relating to the Company’s segments is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mexico | Corporate | Total | Mexico | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity income in affiliates | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Legal settlement loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net other (income) expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14. Investment in Affiliates
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized income of $33,622 and $45,230 , respectively, on its investment in the LGJV Entities, representing its ownership share of the LGJV Entities’ results, including the effect of the Priority Distribution Payment ("PDP"). The equity income in affiliate includes amortization of the carrying value of the investment in excess of the underlying net assets of the LGJV Entities. This basis difference is being amortized as the LGJV Entities’ proven and probable reserves are processed. There were no impairment indicators in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
On September 6, 2023, the Company reported an updated mineral reserve and mineral resource estimate and life of mine plan for the Cerro Los Gatos mine with an effective date of July 1, 2023. The mine life was extended by 2.75 years and significantly increased the mineral resource. This change in estimate has been applied prospectively, effective July 1, 2023, and resulted in a reduction of depletion, depreciation and amortization expense of $9,438 and reduction in the deferred tax expense of $3,691 for the year ended December 31, 2023 as recorded by the LGJV Entities.
In July and October 2023, the LGJV made two capital distributions of $50,000 and $35,000 to the LGJV Partners, of which the Company’s share was $35,000 and $24,500 , respectively. The capital distributions were not subject to withholding taxes.
In April, July and November 2022, the LGJV paid three dividends of $20,000 , $15,000 and $20,000 to the LGJV Partners, respectively. The Company’s share of the first dividend was $14,000 , before withholding taxes of $700 . A payment of $7,365 was subsequently made to Dowa to cover the full amount of the reduced initial priority distribution due, for a net dividend received of $5,935 . The Company's share of the second and third dividends was $9,975 and $13,300 , before withholding taxes of $525 and $700 , respectively.
On March 17, 2022, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Dowa to build and operate a leaching plant to reduce fluorine levels in zinc concentrates produced at CLG at an expected construction cost of $6,050 . As part of the agreement, the initial payment of the $20,000 due to Dowa under the partner’s priority distribution agreement was reduced to $10,300 . The reduced priority dividend amount reflects a portion of both the construction ($4,200 ) and future estimated operating costs of the fluorine leaching plant ($5,500 ). Should the fluorine leaching plant not operate according to certain parameters during the first five years , portions of the $5,500 reduction could be reinstated. The construction and commissioning of the fluorine leaching plant was completed in July 2023 and placed in operation. As a result, the outstanding priority distribution was reduced from $5,500 at December 31, 2022, to $5,119 at December 31, 2023.
The LGJV combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the combined statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the statements cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
70
LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Receivables | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| VAT receivable | |||||||||||
| Income tax receivable | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Non-Current Assets | |||||||||||
| Mine development, net | |||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||
| Total non-current assets | |||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ CAPITAL | |||||||||||
| Current Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Related party payable | |||||||||||
| Equipment loans | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Non-Current Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Lease liability | |||||||||||
| Asset retirement obligation | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Owners’ Capital | |||||||||||
| Capital contributions | |||||||||||
| Paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total owners’ capital | |||||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Owners’ Capital | $ | $ | |||||||||
71
LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||
| Cost of sales | |||||||||||
| Royalties | |||||||||||
| Exploration | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | |||||||||||
| Total expenses | |||||||||||
| Other expense (income) | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | |||||||||||
| Interest income | ( | ||||||||||
| Accretion expense | |||||||||||
| Other expense (income) | ( | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange gain | ( | ( | |||||||||
| ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Income before taxes | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense | |||||||||||
| Net income and comprehensive income | $ | $ | |||||||||
72
LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | |||||||||||||||||
| Accretion | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on foreign currency rate change | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Other | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| VAT receivable | |||||||||||||||||
| Receivables | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Unearned revenue | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||||||||
Income tax receivable | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Payables to related parties | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Mine development | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Materials and supplies inventory | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash used by investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
Capital distributions | ( | ||||||||||||||||
Equipment loan and Lease payments | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
Dividends | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used by financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
15. Subsequent Events
On February 15, 2024, the LGJV made a $30 million capital distribution to the LGJV partners, of which the Company’s share was $21 million.
Except as disclosed above and in 10. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees, there are no events or transactions requiring recognition in these consolidated financial statements through February 20, 2024.
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Report of Independent Auditors
To Board of Managers of Los Gatos Joint Venture
Opinion
We have audited the combined financial statements of Los Gatos Joint Venture, which comprise the combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related combined statements of operations and comprehensive income, owners’ capital, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “combined financial statements”). In our opinion, the accompanying combined financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Los Gatos Joint Venture as at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Combined Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of Los Gatos Joint Venture and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Responsibilities of Management for the Combined Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the combined financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of combined financial statements that are free of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the combined financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Los Gatos Joint Venture’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date that the combined financial statements are available to be issued.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Combined Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements as a whole are free of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the combined financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:
•Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
•Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the combined financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements.
•Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Los Gatos Joint Venture’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
•Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the combined financial statements.
•Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Los Gatos Joint Venture’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
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We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Canada
February 20, 2024
75
LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands of United States dollars)
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||
| Current Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 34,303 | $ | 34,936 | |||||||||||||
| Receivables | 3 | 12,634 | 26,655 | ||||||||||||||
| Inventories | 4 | 16,397 | 11,542 | ||||||||||||||
| VAT receivable | 12,610 | 21,531 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax receivable | 20,185 | 27,039 | |||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | 5 | 1,253 | 4,138 | ||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 97,382 | 125,841 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-Current Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Mine development, net | 234,980 | 232,515 | |||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 6 | 171,965 | 198,600 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | 14 | 9,568 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total non-current assets | 416,513 | 431,115 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 513,895 | $ | 556,956 | |||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ CAPITAL | |||||||||||||||||
| Current Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 7 | $ | 38,704 | $ | 46,751 | ||||||||||||
| Related party payable | 560 | 1,792 | |||||||||||||||
| Equipment loans | 13 | — | 480 | ||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 39,264 | 49,023 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-Current Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Lease liability | 208 | 268 | |||||||||||||||
| Asset retirement obligation | 10 | 11,593 | 15,809 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 14 | 3,885 | 1,354 | ||||||||||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 15,686 | 17,431 | |||||||||||||||
| Owners’ Capital | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions | 455,638 | 540,638 | |||||||||||||||
| Paid-in capital | 18,186 | 18,186 | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (14,879) | (68,322) | |||||||||||||||
| Total owners’ capital | 458,945 | 490,502 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Owners’ Capital | $ | 513,895 | $ | 556,956 | |||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the combined financial statements.
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LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands of United States dollars)
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 3 | $ | 268,671 | $ | 311,724 | ||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 111,266 | 107,075 | |||||||||||||||
| Royalties | 1,363 | 3,069 | |||||||||||||||
| Exploration | 2,875 | 9,800 | |||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 18,068 | 14,307 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 75,110 | 69,380 | |||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 208,682 | 203,631 | |||||||||||||||
Other expense (income) | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 660 | 582 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (1,567) | — | |||||||||||||||
| Accretion expense | 10 | 1,145 | 1,103 | ||||||||||||||
| Other expense (income) | 741 | (766) | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange gain | (2,580) | (2,348) | |||||||||||||||
| (1,601) | (1,429) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | 61,590 | 109,522 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 14 | 8,147 | 37,306 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income and comprehensive income | $ | 53,443 | $ | 72,216 | |||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the combined financial statements.
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LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OWNERS’ CAPITAL
(In thousands of United States dollars)
Capital Contributions | Paid-in Capital | Accumulated deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 540,638 | $ | 18,370 | $ | (85,538) | $ | 473,470 | |||||||||||||||
Dividends | — | — | (55,000) | (55,000) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Costs paid by investor | — | (184) | — | (184) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | 72,216 | 72,216 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 540,638 | $ | 18,186 | $ | (68,322) | $ | 490,502 | |||||||||||||||
| Capital Distributions | (85,000) | — | — | (85,000) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | 53,443 | 53,443 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 455,638 | $ | 18,186 | $ | (14,879) | $ | 458,945 | |||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the combined financial statements.
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LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands of United States dollars)
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 53,443 | $ | 72,216 | |||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 75,110 | 69,380 | |||||||||||||||
| Accretion | 1,145 | 1,103 | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred taxes | (7,623) | 21,013 | |||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on foreign currency rate change | (4,523) | (4,434) | |||||||||||||||
| Other | — | (174) | |||||||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| VAT receivable | 9,619 | 23,986 | |||||||||||||||
| Receivables | 14,021 | (15,393) | |||||||||||||||
| Inventories | (5,273) | (353) | |||||||||||||||
| Unearned revenue | — | (1,714) | |||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | 2,494 | 661 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax receivable | 10,771 | (27,039) | |||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | (5,951) | 17,939 | |||||||||||||||
| Payables to related parties | (1,232) | 183 | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 142,001 | 157,374 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Mine development | (36,637) | (44,934) | |||||||||||||||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (19,850) | (37,018) | |||||||||||||||
| Materials and supplies inventory | (600) | (327) | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash used by investing activities | (57,087) | (82,279) | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
Capital distributions | (85,000) | — | |||||||||||||||
Equipment loan and Lease payments | (547) | (5,439) | |||||||||||||||
Dividends | — | (55,000) | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash used by financing activities | (85,547) | (60,439) | |||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (633) | 14,656 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 34,936 | 20,280 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 34,303 | $ | 34,936 | |||||||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | 660 | $ | 236 | |||||||||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of noncash transactions: | |||||||||||||||||
Asset retirement obligation | $ | 5,364 | $ | — | |||||||||||||
| Mine development costs included in accrued liabilities | $ | 10,205 | $ | 3,427 | |||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment included in accrued liabilities | $ | 11,046 | $ | 2,648 | |||||||||||||
Materials and supplies included in accrued liabilities | $ | 1,018 | $ | 202 | |||||||||||||
Recognition of Right of Use Asset and Lease Liability | $ | — | $ | 328 | |||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the combined financial statements.
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LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE
NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of United States dollars)
1. Description of Business and Basis of Preparation
These combined financial statements represent the combined financial position and results of operations of the Los Gatos Joint Venture (“LGJV”). Unless the context otherwise requires, references to LGJV mean the Los Gatos Joint Venture. The combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).
On January 1, 2015, the LGJV was established to develop the Cerro Los Gatos Mine (“CLG”) in northern Mexico. The LGJV consists of Minera Plata Real S. de R.L. de C.V. (‘‘MPR’’), Operaciones San Jose de Plata S. de R.L. de C.V (“OSJ”). and Servicios San Jose de Plata S. de R.L. de C.V. (collectively the ‘‘LGJV Entities’’), until Servicios was merged into MPR, effective July 15, 2021. Upon completion of their $50,000 funding to the LGJV, Dowa Metals & Mining, Ltd. (“Dowa”) acquired a 30% interest in the LGJV Entities and the right to purchase future zinc-concentrate production at market rates. The remaining 70% interest in the LGJV entities was owned by Gatos Silver, Inc. (“Gatos Silver”) (Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Corporation prior to October 30, 2020). Gatos Silver contributed $18,200 to OSJ in May 2019 to provide funding for a partial repayment of principal and interest related to the Dowa MPR Loan. In late May 2019, the Dowa MPR Loan was fully extinguished with a cash payment of $18,200 and the conversion of the remaining $50,737 of principal and interest. The conversion of the remaining principal and interest increased Dowa’s ownership in the LGJV entities by 18.5% to 48.5%. On March 11, 2021, Gatos Silver repurchased the 18.5% interest from Dowa. The current ownership of the LGJV Entities is 70% Gatos Silver and 30% Dowa ("LGJV Partners").
On September 1, 2019, the CLG commenced commercial production of its two concentrate products: a lead-silver concentrate and a zinc-silver concentrate. The Company’s concentrates are currently sold to third-party customers.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Risks and uncertainties
As a mining business, the LGJV’s revenue, profitability and future rate of growth are substantially dependent on prevailing prices for silver, zinc, lead and gold. Historically, the commodity markets have been quite volatile, and there can be no assurance that commodity prices will not be subject to wide fluctuations in the future. A substantial or extended decline in commodity prices could have a material adverse effect on the LGJV’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and the quantities of reserves the LGJV can economically produce. The carrying value of the LGJV’s property, plant and equipment, mine development, inventories and stockpiles are particularly sensitive to the outlook for commodity prices. A substantial or extended decline in the LGJV’s price outlook could result in material impairment charges related to these assets. Additionally, changes in other factors such as changes in mine plans, increases in costs, geotechnical failures, and changes in social, environmental or regulatory requirements can adversely affect the LGJV’s ability to recover its investment in certain assets and result in impairment charges.
Calculations of mineral reserves are only estimates and depend on geological interpretation and statistical inferences or assumptions drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which might prove to be materially inaccurate. There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of mineral reserves and mineral resources. Until mineral reserves and mineral resources are actually mined and processed, the quantity of metal and grades must be considered as estimates only and no assurance can be given that the indicated levels of metals will be produced. In making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we must rely upon estimated calculations for the mineral reserves and mineral resources and grades of mineralization on our properties.
The estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources is a subjective process that is partially dependent upon the judgment of the persons preparing the estimates. The process relies on the quantity and quality of available data and is based on knowledge, mining experience, statistical analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available.
Estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources may have to be recalculated based on changes in metal prices, further exploration or development activity or actual production experience. This could materially and adversely affect estimates of the volume or grade of mineralization, estimated recovery rates or other important factors that influence mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates. The extent to which mineral resources may ultimately be reclassified as mineral reserves is dependent upon the demonstration of their profitable recovery. Any material changes in volume and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital. We cannot provide assurance that mineralization can be mined or processed profitably.
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Mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates have been determined and valued based on assumed future metal prices, cutoff grades and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Extended declines in the market price for silver, lead and zinc may render portions of our mineralization uneconomic and result in reduced reported volume and grades, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position and results of operations.
The LGJV has considered and assessed the risk resulting from its concentrate sales arrangements with its customers. In the event that the LGJV’s relationships with its customers are interrupted for any reason, the LGJV believes that it would be able to locate other customers to purchase its metals concentrates; however, any interruption could temporarily disrupt the LGJV’s sale of its products and adversely affect operating results.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the combined financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The LGJV bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable given the specific circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include receivables; inventories; mine development; mineral properties: life of mine revenue and cost assumptions; mineral resource conversion rates to mineral reserve; reclamation and closure obligations; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; depreciation, depletion and accretion and the fair value of financial instruments.
Functional currency and translation of foreign currencies
The U.S. dollar is the LGJV’s functional currency. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, with the resulting gains or losses reported in foreign exchange gain (loss) in the computation of net income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates. Expenses and other income and expense items in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at average or historical exchange rates.
Cash and cash equivalents
The LGJV considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Receivables
Trade receivables and other receivable balances are reported at outstanding principal amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, if deemed necessary. Management evaluates the collectability of receivable account balances to determine the allowance, if any. Management considers the other party’s credit risk and financial condition, as well as current and projected economic and market conditions, in determining the amount of the allowance. If management determines a receivable balance is uncollectible, the uncollectible portion will be recognized as a loss.
Metal and materials inventories
The LGJV’s inventories include ore, concentrate and operating materials and supplies. The classification of ore and concentrate inventories is determined by the production stage of the ore. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the average cost method for all inventories and includes applicable taxes and freight. Ore inventory represents stockpiled ore that is available for processing. Concentrate inventory represents stockpiled lead or zinc concentrate that is available for shipment or in transit to customers. Ore and concentrate inventories include applicable operating and overhead costs.
Mine development
Mine development costs incurred subsequent to initial establishment of CLG’s proven and probable mineral reserves in early January 2017 were capitalized as mine development assets until September 1, 2019 when the CLG achieved commercial production. Subsequent to September 1, 2019, costs incurred to further develop the mine including the building of access ways, ventilation shafts, lateral access, drifts, ramps and other infrastructure are capitalized to mine development assets. Upon the commencement of production, capitalized costs are charged to operations as depletion expense using the units-of-production method in the period the applicable mineral reserves are processed over the estimated proven and probable mineral reserve tonnes directly benefiting from the capital expenditures. The Los Gatos Technical Report dated October 20, 2023, provides an update on mineral reserve and mineral
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resource estimate and life of mine plan with an effective date of July 1, 2023. The mine life was extended by 2.75 years and significantly increased the mineral resource. This change in estimate has been applied prospectively, effective July 1, 2023.
Upon abandonment or sale of a mineral property, any remaining capitalized mine development costs relating to such property will be removed from the balance sheet and a gain or loss recognized.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of plant and equipment and infrastructure range between three years and the end of the proven and probable reserves mine life. The Los Gatos Technical Report dated October 20, 2023, provides an update to the estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources since the technical report issued in 2022. The estimated useful lives of furniture, fixtures and computers range from three to ten years.
Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets, such as mine development, property, plant and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for possible impairment, the LGJV first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. At December 31, 2023, there was no indicators of impairment of long-lived assets; therefore, an impairment test was not required.
Value added tax receivable and payable
Value added taxes (“VAT”) are assessed on purchases of materials, services and sales of products. The LGJV is entitled to recover the taxes they have paid related to purchases of materials and services. The LGJV collects VAT when certain products are sold to customers. The LGJV records the VAT cash flows as operating activities in the combined statement of cash flows, given the short-term, refundable and operating characteristics of these cash flows.
Reclamation and remediation costs (asset retirement obligations)
The LGJV has asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) arising from regulatory requirements to perform certain property and asset reclamation activities at the end of the respective asset life. An ARO is recognized when incurred and is initially measured at fair value and subsequently adjusted for accretion expense and changes in the amount or timing of the estimated cash flows. The corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and amortized over the asset’s remaining useful life. The ARO is based on timing of expected spending for an existing environmental disturbance. The LGJV reviews its ARO every reporting period or when deemed necessary.
Revenue recognition
The LGJV generates revenue by selling silver-bearing lead and zinc concentrates. Concentrate sales are initially recorded based on the provisional sales prices, net of estimated treatment and refining charges, when it satisfies the performance obligation of transferring control of the concentrate to the customer. Concentrate revenue is initially recorded on a provisional basis based on historical prices and provisional assays. Final settlement is based on the final assays and an applicable price as determined by the quotational period at the time of sale, typically one to four months. Market changes in the prices of metals between the delivery and final settlement dates will result in provisional adjustments to revenues related to previously recorded sales of concentrate. The LGJV’s concentrate sales are based on provisional metal prices and; therefore, contain an embedded derivative, which is not designated for hedge accounting, and is marked to market through revenue each period end prior to final settlement.
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Income taxes
The LGJV’s income tax jurisdiction is Mexico. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The LGJV recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The LGJV recognizes tax penalties in income tax expense.
Recently issued accounting standards
In March 2023, ASU No. 2023-01 was issued to provide a practical expedient for private companies in determination whether a related party arrangement between entities under common control is a lease. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The LGJV is currently assessing the impact of this ASU.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC's Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of Topics in the Codification. Certain amendments represent clarifications to or technical corrections of the current requirements. Each amendment in the ASU will only become effective if the SEC removes the related disclosure or presentation requirement from its existing regulations by June 30, 2027. The LGJV is still assessing the impact of the standard.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in this update related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures improve the transparency, effectiveness and comparability of income tax disclosures. For entities other public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025. The LGJV is still assessing the impact of this standard.
3. Revenue
The LGJV’s concentrate sales for the year ended December 31, are summarized below:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Lead Concentrate | $ | 227,121 | $ | 226,494 | |||||||
| Zinc Concentrate | 69,989 | 95,794 | |||||||||
| Treatment and refining charges and penalties | (17,174) | (21,871) | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 279,936 | 300,417 | |||||||||
| Provisional revenue adjustments | (11,265) | 11,307 | |||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 268,671 | $ | 311,724 | |||||||
Provisional revenue adjustments account for commodity price fluctuations in concentrate sales still subject to final settlement.
As silver, zinc and lead can be sold through numerous market traders worldwide, the LGJV is not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of its products. As of December 31, 2023, our total accounts receivable was concentrated with the following customers: Customer 1 (59%) and Customer 2 (41%). The Company does not believe that the loss of any one customer would have a material adverse effect on the Company due to the liquidity of the markets and current availability of alternative customers. The LGJV enters into contracts with institutions management deems credit worthy. The Company does not anticipate non-performance by any of its counterparties.
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4. Inventories
The LGJV’s inventories as of December 31, are summarized below:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Ore stockpiles | $ | 2,006 | $ | 843 | |||||||
| Concentrate stockpiles | 3,850 | 941 | |||||||||
| Material & supplies | 10,541 | 9,758 | |||||||||
Total inventories | $ | 16,397 | $ | 11,542 | |||||||
In the year 2023, the LGJV recognized a loss of $728 related to write-down of materials and supplies inventory to net realizable value.
5. Other Current Assets
The LGJV’s other current assets as of December 31, are summarized below:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | $ | 1,083 | $ | 4,027 | |||||||
| Deposits and other | 170 | 111 | |||||||||
| Total other current assets | $ | 1,253 | $ | 4,138 | |||||||
6. Property, Plant and Equipment, net
The LGJV’s property, plant and equipment as of December 31, are summarized below:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Mineral properties | $ | 832 | $ | 853 | |||||||
| Plant & equipment | 95,861 | 112,456 | |||||||||
| Land | 14,422 | 14,422 | |||||||||
| Infrastructure & improvements | 190,290 | 168,007 | |||||||||
| Furniture, fixtures & computers | 870 | 779 | |||||||||
| Right of use asset | 268 | 328 | |||||||||
| Property, plant & equipment at cost | $ | 302,543 | $ | 296,845 | |||||||
| Less accumulated amortization | $ | (130,578) | $ | (98,245) | |||||||
Total property, plant & equipment, net | $ | 171,965 | $ | 198,600 | |||||||
Included in property plant and equipment is a Mexico head office lease of $268 with the term until January 30, 2024.
On September 6, 2023, the LGJV reported an updated mineral reserve and mineral resource estimate and life of mine plan with an effective date of July 1, 2023. The mine life was extended by 2.75 years and significantly increased the mineral resource. This change in estimate has been applied prospectively, effective July 1, 2023, and resulted in a reduction of depletion, depreciation and amortization expense of $9,438 and reduction in the deferred tax expense of $3,691 for the year ended December 31, 2023 as recorded by the LGJV Entities.
Mineral Properties
The LGJV conducts exploration activities under mining concessions in Mexico.
The LGJV is required to make mineral and concession lease payments to various entities to secure its claims or surface rights. One of these agreements also requires royalty payments based on the production and sale of minerals.
Mining Concessions and Agreement
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In Mexico, mineral concessions from the Mexican government can only be held by Mexican nationals or Mexican-incorporated companies. The current concessions are valid for 50 years and are extendable provided the concessions are kept in good standing. For concessions to remain in good standing, a semi-annual fee must be paid to the Mexican government and a report must be filed each year which covers the work accomplished on the property during the previous year. These concessions may be cancelled without penalty with prior notice to the Mexican government.
MPR is the concession holder of a series of mineral concessions granted by the Mexican government. The rights to certain concessions are held through exploration agreements with purchase options or a finder’s fee agreement, as discussed below:
La Cuesta International S.A. de C.V. (La Cuesta)
The LGJV is required to pay a production royalty of a) 2% net smelter return on production from the concession until all payments reach $10,000 and b) 0.5% net smelter return on production from the concession after total payments have reached $10,000 and c) 0.5% net smelter return on production from other property within a one-kilometer boundary of the Los Gatos concession. After total payments reach $15,000, the Los Gatos concession ownership will be transferred to the LGJV. The agreement has no expiration date; however, the LGJV may terminate the agreement upon a 30-day notice. The LGJV paid $1,355 and $4,040 for this obligation in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in $11,842 paid through December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, the LGJV’s minimum remaining production royalty obligation is summarized in the table below:
| 2024 | 100 | ||||
| 2025 | 100 | ||||
| 2026 | 100 | ||||
| 2027 | 100 | ||||
| Thereafter | 2,758 | ||||
| Total | $ | 3,158 | |||
7. Accounts Payable, Accrued and Other Liabilities
The LGJV’s accounts payable and other accrued liabilities as of December 31, are summarized below:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 18,338 | $ | 18,042 | |||||||
| Accrued expenses | 15,015 | 20,639 | |||||||||
| Accrued payroll & taxes | 5,351 | 8,070 | |||||||||
| Total accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | $ | 38,704 | $ | 38,704 | $ | 46,751 | |||||
8. Related-Party Transactions
Under the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement, Gatos Silver provides certain management and administrative services to the LGJV. Certain expenses incurred by the owners on behalf of the LGJV are also reimbursed.
The LGJV incurred $6,000 and $5,000 for these services in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and paid $6,417 and $5,417 to Gatos Silver for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 the LGJV had no outstanding payables under this agreement, whereas on December 31, 2022, the payables amounted to $417.
The LGJV seconds certain employees from Gatos Silver and was charged $2,627 and $2,399 related to this arrangement in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The LGJV paid $3,489 in cash and had a $250 payable outstanding at December 31, 2023, and paid $1,431 in cash and had $1,112 payable outstanding at December 31, 2022, related to this arrangement.
9. Owners' Capital
The LGJV made capital distributions of $50,000 on July 20, 2023, and $35,000 on October 30, 2023. There were no capital distributions during the year ended December 31, 2022.
10. Asset Retirement Obligations ("ARO")
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In 2018, the LGJV recognized an ARO related to the development work performed at the CLG. The LGJV estimated the present value of the estimated future cash flows required to reclaim the disturbed areas and perform any required monitoring.
In December 2023, the LGJV performed an assessment of disturbed areas, resulting in a downward adjustment of the estimated closure costs. The LGJV used the discount rate of 7.5% and an inflation rate of 3.4%, to calculate the present value. The change in estimate reduced the ARO balance and the corresponding asset retirement cost, which is included in plant, property and equipment.
The following table summarizes activity in the LGJV’s ARO as of December 31:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 15,809 | $ | 14,706 | |||||||
Change in estimate | (5,361) | — | |||||||||
| Accretion expense | 1,145 | 1,103 | |||||||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | 11,593 | $ | 15,809 | |||||||
11. Fair Value Measurements
The LGJV establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring (annual) basis in the form of a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs into valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Further, financial assets and liabilities should be classified by level in their entirety based upon the lowest level of input that was significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2: Quoted prices in inactive markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or other observable inputs either directly related to the asset or liability or derived principally from corroborated observable market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs due to the fact there is little or no market activity. This entails using assumptions in models which estimate what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Financial Assets and Liabilities
At December 31, 2023, the LGJV’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate fair value due to their short maturities and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
There were no debt obligations as of December 31, 2023. The LGJV’s debt obligations as of December 31, 2022, consisted of equipment loans and were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of the equipment loans approximated fair value as the liability was secured by the underlying equipment, guaranteed by Gatos Silver, and lacks significant credit concerns. The fair value as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, was nil and $480, respectively.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
In determining accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, the LGJV will charge to income an estimated loss if information available prior to the issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the commitments and contingencies are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the combined financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.
The LGJV’s mining, development and exploration activities are subject to various laws, regulations and permits governing the protection of the environment. These laws, regulations and permits are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. The LGJV has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws, regulations and permits, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures.
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From time to time, the LGJV may be involved in legal proceedings related to its business. Management does not believe that adverse decisions in any pending or threatened proceeding or that amounts that may be required to be paid by reason thereof will have a material adverse effect of the LGJV’s combined financial condition or results of operations.
The LGJV has a power supply contract with a committed purchase amount of 140,000MW per annum until September 6, 2025. As at December 31, 2023, the expected purchase commitment was $11,400 in 2024 and $9,500 in 2025, for an aggregate of $20,900. Part of the cost depends on the regulated rates by the Mexico Power Market. The LGJV consumed 159,964 MW and 146,750 MW under this contract in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
13. Equipment Loans
During 2021 and 2020, the LGJV Entities entered into equipment loan agreements, with repayment over four years at interest rates ranging from 5.76% to 8.67%, to finance a portion of mining equipment purchases. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the LGJV had outstanding loan balances of nil and $480, respectively, net of unamortized debt discount of nil and $3, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, the LGJV incurred $3 and $480 of interest on these loans, respectively. Gatos Silver has guaranteed the payment of all obligations, including accrued interest, under the equipment loan agreements.
14. Income Taxes
The combined income before taxes and tax expense for the year ended December 31, were as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Income before taxes | $ | 61,590 | $ | 109,522 | |||||||
Deferred tax benefit (expense) | 7,841 | (19,586) | |||||||||
Current tax expense | (15,988) | (17,720) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | (8,147) | $ | (37,306) | |||||||
A reconciliation of the actual income tax expense and the tax computed by applying the Mexico federal rate (30%) to the income before taxes for the year ended December 31, is as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Tax provision from continuing operations | $ | 18,478 | $ | 32,856 | |||||||
Nondeductible expenses | (3,839) | (2,267) | |||||||||
Change in valuation allowance | (4,907) | 6,047 | |||||||||
Deferred Mexico mining tax | 1,554 | (93) | |||||||||
Current Mexico mining tax | 1,643 | 2,190 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange rate differential | (3,526) | — | |||||||||
Net operating loss inflation adjustment | (1,437) | (1,427) | |||||||||
Other | 181 | — | |||||||||
| Total income and mining tax expense | $ | 8,147 | $ | 37,306 | |||||||
The net operating loss (NOL) inflation rate adjustment relates to historical net operating loss carryforwards in Mexico from 2019 to 2022. These historical carryforwards have been inflation-adjusted based upon an inflation factor published by the the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, as any inflationary adjustment will impact the LGJV’s basis in the net operating losses during the carryforward period.
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A summary of the components of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) for the year ended December 31, is as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||
| Accrued expenses | $ | 3,262 | 4,777 | ||||||||
| Fixed assets | 14,758 | 10,591 | |||||||||
| Reclamation obligations | 4,159 | 4,744 | |||||||||
| Operating loss carryforward | 9,987 | 8,335 | |||||||||
Net operating loss inflation adjustment | 624 | — | |||||||||
Deductible Mexico mining tax | 1,166 | 293 | |||||||||
Other | 772 | — | |||||||||
| Valuation allowances | (4,159) | (4,744) | |||||||||
| $ | 30,569 | $ | 23,996 | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||
Asset retirement costs | $ | (1,016) | $ | (2,686) | |||||||
Unbilled revenue | $ | (1,363) | (6,869) | ||||||||
Exploration and development | $ | (18,286) | $ | (14,643) | |||||||
| Prepaid expenses | $ | (336) | $ | (1,152) | |||||||
| $ | (21,001) | $ | (25,350) | ||||||||
Total deferred income tax asset | $ | 9,568 | $ | (1,354) | |||||||
Deferred Mexico mining tax liability | $ | (3,885) | $ | — | |||||||
| Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | $ | 5,683 | $ | (1,354) | |||||||
As of December 31, 2023, the LGJV’s deferred tax assets primarily consist of net operating losses, fixed assets and accrued expenses not currently deductible. Management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could affect its view of the future realization of deferred tax assets. Based upon the level of taxable income and projections of future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the LGJV will not realize the benefits of the asset retirement obligation deferred tax asset of $4,159 and thus has recorded a full valuation allowance against this deferred tax asset.
The change in the net deferred tax asset in the year of $7,037 includes a deferred tax recovery of $7,841 and foreign currency translation of $804.
At December 31, 2023, the LGJV had $35,370 of net operating loss carryforwards in Mexico (net of inflation adjustments) which expire at various dates through 2030.
The owners of the LGJV file income tax returns in the U.S and Mexico. Effective January 1, 2017, the LGJV’s foreign assets and operations are owned by entities that have elected to be treated for U.S. tax purposes as corporations and, as a result, the taxable income or loss and other tax attributes of such entities are not included in the owners of the LGJV’s U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. The statute of limitations for tax returns filed in Mexico is five years from the date of filing. The LGJV tax returns for the years prior to 2018 are no longer subject to examinations by Mexican tax authorities.
As of December 31, 2023, the LGJV has not recognized any increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits, as it is more likely than not that all tax positions have a high probability of being upheld by the taxing authorities. The LGJV recognizes penalties and accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. No such interest or penalties were recognized during the periods presented.
15. Subsequent Events
On February 15, 2024, the LGJV made a $30 million capital distribution to the LGJV Partners.
There are no other events or transactions requiring recognition or disclosure in these combined financial statements through February 20, 2024.
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2023 due to the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting described below.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.
Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
Management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 due to the material weakness discussed below.
A “material weakness” is defined under SEC rules as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
In connection with our review of the internal control structure related to the preparation of the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, we determined that the following material weakness remained unremediated:
•we failed to design and maintain effective controls to ensure the accurate accounting and disclosure of current and deferred taxes. While we implemented a number of remedial actions during the year, this material weakness remained unremediated at December 31, 2023, due to management’s failure to accurately identify or record all of the LGJV's deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Remediation efforts
During 2023 we have implemented the following measures designed to improve our internal control over the accounting and disclosure of current and deferred taxes:
•Engaged a third-party expert with expertise in each tax jurisdiction in which we operate and with expertise in U.S. GAAP to assist us with the accounting for current and deferred taxes;
•Hired an experienced tax manager at the end of the third quarter 2023 to prepare current and deferred tax provisions; and
•Hired a third-party internal controls expert to advise on the design and implementation of tax related internal controls.
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During 2024 we intend to further enhance our processes and controls implemented during 2023, including enhancing our review procedures, to ensure our procedures are designed to accurately account for and disclose current and deferred tax.
After giving full consideration to the material weakness, and the additional analyses and other procedures that we performed to ensure that our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, our management has concluded that our consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods disclosed in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
We designed and implemented remediation measures over the course of 2023 to address the previously identified material weaknesses (other than the material weakness described above) and to enhance internal controls over financial reporting. We strengthened the internal control framework and risk-based evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting practices to support design and operational effectiveness assessments. Additional measures included the hiring of personnel with adequate accounting and technical expertise – to evaluate and understand the nuances of the complex accounting and technical matters – as well as engagement of third-party consultants with subject matter expertise.
Management of the Company and the Board of Directors take the control and integrity of the Company’s financial statements seriously and believe that the remediation steps described above are essential to maintaining a strong internal controls environment. This is reflected through the efforts undertaken during 2023 to design and implement the required internal controls framework and relevant controls that resulted in the remediation of three of the four material weaknesses that existed at December 31, 2022. We have identified and implemented, and continue to identify and implement, actions to improve the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and to review such actions and progress with the Audit Committee. In addition, we have taken, and continue to take, the actions described above to remediate the remaining material weakness.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Except as described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023, that materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Further, the design of a control system must reflect resource constraints, which require management to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management’s override of the control.
The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Item 9B. Other Information
Not applicable
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Board of Directors
The board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) consists of eight directors. Information about each of our directors can be found below. Directors serve until their successor is duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Each director has served continuously since the date of his or her appointment.
Janice Stairs, 64, has served as a member of our Board since October 2019, including as Chair of the Board since October 2020 and as Lead Director of our Board from January 2020 to October 2020. In addition to our Board, Ms. Stairs also serves on the board of directors of Trilogy Metals Inc. Ms. Stairs has more than 30 years of experience in the resources sector. From 2011 until 2019, Ms. Stairs served as general counsel and corporate secretary at Namibia Critical Metals Inc. Previously, Ms. Stairs served as general counsel at Endeavour Mining Corporation, as vice president and general counsel at Etruscan Resources Inc., and as partner at the law firm McInnes Cooper (formerly Patterson Palmer). In addition, Ms. Stairs has served on the board of directors of Marathon Gold Corporation, Gabriel Resources Ltd., Namibia Critical Metals Inc., AuRico Gold Inc. and AuRico Metals Inc. Ms. Stairs holds an LL.B. from Dalhousie University and an M.B.A. from Queen’s University. Ms. Stairs is a resident of Halifax, Nova Scotia. We believe that Ms. Stairs’ academic training in law and business and her extensive experience in the resources sector make her a valuable addition to our Board.
Dale Andres, 55, has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board since April 2022. In addition to our Board, Mr. Andres serves on the board of directors of Artemis Gold Inc. Mr. Andres joined the Company in June 2021 and previously served as President before being appointed to the CEO position. Mr. Andres has more than 30 years of executive and operations management experience in the resource industry. From June 2016 to March 2021, Mr. Andres served as Senior Vice President, Base Metals at Teck Resources Limited responsible for both the Copper and Zinc business units globally, and previously served at Teck as Senior Vice President, Copper; as Vice President, Copper Strategy and North American Operations; as Vice President, Gold and International Mining; and as General Manager, Underground Mines. Mr. Andres holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. We believe that Mr. Andres’ extensive experience in the resources sector make him a valuable addition to our Board.
Ali Erfan, 58, has served as a member of our Board since May 2019. In addition to our Board, Mr. Erfan serves on the board of directors of Electrum Ltd., Augustus Ltd., Gabriel Resources Ltd., Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Corporation and Minera Adularia International Ltd. Mr. Erfan was a board member of Reebonz Holding Limited until July 2019. Mr. Erfan has more than 20 years of experience in senior roles in the venture capital and private equity industry. Since 2007, Mr. Erfan has served as a director of The Electrum Group, a privately held global natural resources investment management company, and since 2017, Mr. Erfan has served as vice chairman of The Electrum Group. Previously, Mr. Erfan served as a senior partner at 3i Group, Plc. Mr. Erfan founded the Cogito Scholarship Foundation, a U.K. charity. Mr. Erfan holds an M.B.A. from the London Business School and a B.A. and an M.A. in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University. Mr. Erfan is a resident of Monaco. We believe that Mr. Erfan’s extensive experience in finance and our industry makes him a valuable addition to our Board.
Igor Gonzales, 69, has served as a member of our Board since June 2020. In addition to our Board, Mr. Gonzales serves on the board of directors of Hudbay Minerals Inc. and Harte Gold Corp. Mr. Gonzales has more than 30 years of experience in the mining industry. Since June 2020, Mr. Gonzales has served as the chief operating officer at Appian Capital Advisory, a leading investment advisor in the metals and mining industry. From June 2017 to May 2020, Mr. Gonzales served as the president and chief executive officer at Sierra Metals Inc. From November 2014 to April 2017, Mr. Gonzales served as the chief operating officer at Compañia de Minas Buenaventura. Previously, Mr. Gonzales served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Barrick Gold Corporation and in various roles with Southern Peru Copper Corporation. In addition, Mr. Gonzales has served on the board of directors of Compañia de Minas Buenaventura and Cia Minera El Brocal. Mr. Gonzales holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco, Peru, and an M.S. in Extractive Metallurgy from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, where he was a Fulbright Scholar. Mr. Gonzales is a resident of Lima, Peru. We believe that Mr. Gonzales’ extensive experience in our industry makes him a valuable addition to our Board.
Karl Hanneman, 65, has served as a member of our Board since October 2019. In addition to our Board, Mr. Hanneman also serves on the board of directors of International Tower Hill Mines, Ltd., Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. and Northrim BanCorp, Inc. Mr. Hanneman has more than 35 years of mining industry management and technical experience as an executive, manager, mining engineer, mine operator and entrepreneur. Since February 2017, Mr. Hanneman has served as chief executive officer of International Tower Hill Mines, Ltd., where he leads a team advancing a 10-million-ounce gold resource in Alaska through project optimization. From March 2015 to February 2017, Mr. Hanneman served as chief operating officer of International Tower Hill Mines, Ltd. Previously, Mr.
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Hanneman served as general manager and project manager of International Tower Hill Mines, Ltd. and as director, corporate affairs, Alaska and as Alaska regional manager at Teck Resources Ltd., including being responsible for overseeing the $350 million Pogo Gold project throughout the period of underground exploration, feasibility study, project design and permitting. Mr. Hanneman holds a B.S. in Mining Engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Alaska. Mr. Hanneman is a resident of Fairbanks, Alaska. We believe that Mr. Hanneman’s extensive experience in our industry makes him a valuable addition to our Board.
Charles Hansard, 75, has served as a member of our Board since October 2020. In addition to our Board, Mr. Hansard also serves on the board of directors of Baker Steel Resources Trust Limited, Electrum Ltd. and JJJ Moore Ltd. He previously served on the Board of Moore Global Investors Ltd. from 1996 until 2020. Mr. Hansard has more than 25 years of experience in corporate governance at the board of directors level. Mr. Hansard served as the chairman of African Platinum Plc, which he led through reorganization and feasibility prior to its acquisition by Impala Platinum Ltd. and has served on the board of directors of AIG Asset Management (Europe) Ltd., Apex Silver Mines Limited and Deutsche Global Liquidity PLC. Mr. Hansard holds a B.B.S. from Trinity College Dublin. Mr. Hansard is a resident of London, U.K. We believe that Mr. Hansard’s extensive experience in corporate governance makes him a valuable addition to our Board.
Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla, 50, has served as a member of our Board since April 2021. In addition to our Board, Mr. Muñiz serves on the board of directors of Hudbay Minerals Inc., Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Novagold Resources, Inc. He is also Founding Partner of Whetstone Resources, Inc. Mr. Muñiz is a highly accomplished mining executive whose previous experience includes a 12-year tenure with Grupo Mexico, SAB de CV and its subsidiaries, Americas Mining Corp. and Southern Copper Corp., where he served in a variety of leadership roles, including Managing Director (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Muñiz holds a Master’s Degree in Law from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C., a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain, and a Law Degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Mexico. We believe that Mr. Muñiz’s experience in the mining industry makes him a valuable addition to our Board.
David Peat, 71, has served as a member of our Board since September 2011. In addition to our Board, Mr. Peat also serves on the board of directors of Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. and Elevation Gold Mining Corporation. Mr. Peat has more than 35 years of experience in financial leadership in support of mining corporations. Mr. Peat previously served as vice president and chief financial officer at Frontera Copper Corporation, as vice president and global controller at Newmont Mining Corporation and as vice president of finance and chief financial officer at Homestake Mining Company. In addition, Mr. Peat has served on the board of directors of Gabriel Resources Ltd., Electrum Special Acquisition Corporation, AQM Copper Inc., Fortune Bay Corp. and Brigus Gold Corp. Mr. Peat is a member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. Mr. Peat holds a B.Com., Honors in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario. Mr. Peat is a resident of Fernandina Beach, Florida. We believe that Mr. Peat’s academic training in business and economics and his extensive experience in corporate finance and accounting make him a valuable addition to our Board.
Executive Officers
The following biographies describe the business experience of each of the Company’s executive officers, except for Dale Andres, our Chief Executive Officer, whose biography is provided under the heading “Board of Directors.”
André van Niekerk, 47, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2022. Mr. van Niekerk has more than 20 years of international experience in the mining industry. Previously, Mr. van Niekerk served as Chief Financial Officer at Nevada Copper Corp from July 2020 to May 2022; he spent 14 years at Golden Star Resources in various roles including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from April 2014 to March 2020; and in various advisory and audit roles at a Big Four audit firm prior to 2006. Mr. van Niekerk holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting from both the University of South Africa and University of Pretoria. Mr. van Niekerk is a Certified Public Accountant.
Anthony Scott, 47, has served as our Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Technical Services since November 2022. Previously Mr. Scott was our Vice President of Evaluations and Technical Services from January 2022. Mr. Scott has more than 20 years of experience in the resource industry. Prior to joining the Company, from August 2014 to January 2022, Mr. Scott worked for Macquarie Metals and Energy Capital (Canada) Ltd, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group Limited. From July 2016 to January 2022 at Macquarie he held the position of Managing Director within the Mining Finance group. His responsibility in this role was to perform technical due diligence on operating or development mining companies for the purpose of providing debt finance or derivatives to those organizations. Prior to joining Macquarie, Mr. Scott was employed as Director, Long Term Asset Planning and as Manager, Reserve Evaluations at Teck Resources Limited; and as a geologist in multiple positions at Teck Resources Limited, Placer Dome Gold, and Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines. Mr. Scott holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Geology Engineering from Curtin University, Western Australia School of Mines.
Stephen Bodley, 56, has served as our General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer since October 2022. Mr. Bodley has more than 30 years of legal and business leadership experience in resources and other industries. Mr. Bodley served as the Chief Legal Officer of
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Aleafia Health Inc, from September 2021 to October 2022. From September 2017 to September 2021, Mr. Bodley was the President and CEO of Minmurph Inc. and Minmurph Consulting Limited., business and legal consulting firms focused primarily on the resource industry. Previously, Mr. Bodley was the Chief Legal Officer of Ma’aden and Sherritt International, large international mining companies, and held senior legal and business positions at the North American subsidiaries of Centrica plc, a large UK-based energy company, including as the Head of Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Bodley started his career at Blakes, a leading Canadian business law firm, and was partner of the firm before he moved to industry. Mr. Bodley holds a Juris Doctor/LLB degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and is licensed to practice law in the Province of Ontario, Canada.
Luis Felipe Huerta, 53, has served as our Vice President Mexico since October 2020 and previously served as our Project Director of the Cerro Los Gatos Mine from 2015 to 2020. Mr. Huerta has more than 25 years of project management experience in the mining industry. From 2012 to 2014, Mr. Huerta served as project manager at Continental Gold Inc. Previously, Mr. Huerta served as project manager at Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. and as project superintendent at Compañía Minera Milpo. Mr. Huerta holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering Science and a Master’s in Project Management from ESAN Graduate School of Business. Mr. Huerta is a resident of Chihuahua, Mexico.
Nicolas Vachon, 53, has served as our Vice President, Finance since May 2022. Mr. Vachon has more than 20 years of financial and corporate development experience in the mining industry. Previously, Mr. Vachon held several senior positions at Teck Resources Limited from 2006 to 2022 in the corporate finance, treasury and corporate development areas including serving as Director and Finance Business Partner for the Technology and Innovation group focused on business transformation. Prior to that, he held financial management and engineering positions with Placer Dome Inc. and Golder Associates. Mr. Vachon holds Bachelor of Applied Science (Geological Engineering) from Laval University and Master of Engineering degree and an MBA from the University of British Columbia.
James Woeller, 36, has served as our Vice President, Corporate Development and Business Improvement since July 2022. Mr. Woeller has more than 10 years of progressive experience in the mining industry. Previously, and from 2011, Mr. Woeller served as Director, Strategy and Business Analysis; as Business Development Manager; and in various strategic, commercial, financial planning and corporate development roles at Teck Resources Limited. Mr. Woeller holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Mining) from Queen’s University and a Master of Science in Mineral Economics from the Colorado School of Mines. Mr. Woeller holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Relationships
There are no family relationships between any director or executive officer.
Section 16(a) Reports
Our directors, executive officers, and owners of more than 10% of our common stock must file reports with the SEC under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act regarding their ownership of and transactions in our common stock and securities related to our common stock. Based solely upon a review of these reports filed electronically with the SEC and certain written representations provided to us by such persons, we believe that all reports required to be filed by our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our common stock pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during 2023 were filed on a timely basis.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, executive officers and all employees, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at https://investor.gatossilver.com/governance/governance-documents/default.aspx. We intend to satisfy the requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information on our website.
Board Committees
Our Board has the following four standing committees: Audit Committee; Compensation and Nominating Committee; Executive Committee and Technical, Safety and Sustainability Committee. Our Board has adopted charters for each of these committees. The Board also forms certain other committees from time to time. Charters for our Audit Committee, our Compensation and Nominating Committee and our Technical, Safety and Sustainability Committee are available on our website at https://investor.gatossilver.com/governance/governance-documents/default.aspx.
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Current committee memberships are as follows:
| Audit Committee | Compensation and Nominating Committee | Executive Committee | Technical, Safety and Sustainability Committee | |||||||||||||||||
| David Peat* | Karl Hanneman* | Janice Stairs* | Igor Gonzales* | |||||||||||||||||
| Janice Stairs | Ali Erfan | Dale Andres | Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla | |||||||||||||||||
| Charles Hansard | Igor Gonzales | Karl Hanneman | Karl Hanneman | |||||||||||||||||
| Dale Andres | ||||||||||||||||||||
_________________________________
* Committee Chair
Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee met ten times during 2023. Our Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things: approving the engagement of our independent public auditor and the scope of the audit to be undertaken by such auditor; reviewing with management and the independent auditor the financial information to be included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K; reviewing with management and the independent auditor the financial information to be included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; and reviewing all proposed related party transactions for the purpose of recommending to the disinterested members of the Board that any such transaction should be ratified and approved.
The Board has determined that all members of our Audit Committee are independent directors under SEC and NYSE rules applicable to audit committee members. Additionally, the Board has determined that (i) Mr. Peat qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under the rules of the SEC and (ii) each member of our Audit Committee is financially literate as specified in the rules of the NYSE.
Compensation and Nominating Committee
Our Compensation and Nominating Committee met four times during 2023. Our Compensation and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things: recommending and advising the independent directors of the Board with respect to the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer; recommending and advising the Board with respect to the compensation of directors and other executive officers; making recommendations to the Board regarding the establishment and terms of our employee equity-based incentive plans and administering such plans; identifying and recommending director nominees for approval by the Board; developing and recommending to the Board corporate governance principles applicable to the Company; and overseeing the annual evaluation of the Board’s performance.
The Board has determined that all members of our Compensation and Nominating Committee are independent directors under SEC and NYSE rules applicable to compensation committee members. Additionally, the Board has determined that each member of our Compensation and Nominating Committee meets the non-employee director requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
Our Compensation and Nominating Committee has primary responsibility for determining our compensation programs for executive officers and directors. In evaluating the level of executive officer and director compensation, our Compensation and Nominating Committee takes into consideration advice from its consultant, which in 2023 was FW Cook, and recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation and Nominating Committee has reviewed the engagement of FW Cook and has determined that its services to the Committee do not raise a conflict of interest. At the request of the Compensation and Nominating Committee, the Company has retained FW Cook, which reports directly to the Compensation and Nominating Committee without management influence.
Our Compensation and Nominating Committee may delegate any of its responsibilities to a subcommittee comprised of one or more members of the committee.
Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee met informally throughout 2023 and held formal meetings four times during 2023. Subject to certain limitations, our Executive Committee has the responsibility and authority (i) to take any action referred to the Committee by the Board, and (ii) to take action required to be taken by the Board in emergency situations where there is insufficient time or opportunity to convene the full Board.
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Technical, Safety and Sustainability Committee
Our Technical, Safety and Sustainability Committee met six times during 2023. Our Technical, Safety and Sustainability Committee is responsible for the review of our mineral resources and reserve reporting, technical performance, environmental, health and safety performance, security, and community and sustainability performance.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Our named executive officers (“NEOs”), which consist of our chief executive officer and the two other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving at the end of 2023, are:
•Dale Andres, Chief Executive Officer ;
•André van Niekerk, Chief Financial Officer; and
•Anthony Scott, Senior Vice President Corporate Development and Technical Services.
Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the total compensation earned by each NEO in fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
| NEO | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($)(1) | Option Awards ($)(2) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3) | All Other Compensation ($)(4) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dale Andres | 2023 | 650,000 | — | 1,515,674 | 996,337 | 811,549 | 64,296 | 4,037,856 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | 2022 | 629,874 | — | — | — | 824,255 | 48,403 | 1,502,532 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
André van Niekerk | 2023 | 375,000 | — | 719,944 | 473,260 | 394,275 | 33,684 | 1,996,163 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Anthony Scott | 2023 | 350,000 | — | 595,446 | 391,419 | 321,991 | 31,438 | 1,690,294 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SVP Corporate Development and Technical Services | 2022 | 322,390 | 650,000 | — | 582,533 | 258,459 | 35,156 | 1,848,538 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1.Represents the grant date fair value of restricted share unit awards granted to the NEOs in 2023 and determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. Additionally, see Note 7 in our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, for a discussion of assumptions used for computing the fair value of stock awards.
2.Represents the grant date fair value of stock options granted to the NEOs in 2022 and 2023, determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information, see “—Stock Option Grants” below. Additionally, see Note 7 in our consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, for a discussion of assumptions used for computing the fair value of stock option award grants.
3.Represents performance-based cash bonuses under our Annual Incentive Plan with respect of service in 2022 and 2023. For additional information, see “—Annual Incentive Plan” below.
4.For each NEO, represents employer contributions to the NEO’s Registered Retirement Savings Plan (“RRSP”) and Notional Retirement Savings Plan accounts. In addition, for Mr. Andres, “All Other Compensation” in 2022 included $19,691 in health benefits.
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Executive Employment Agreements
Employment Agreement with Mr. Andres
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Andres, dated as of June 1, 2021, and he commenced employment as our President and Chief Executive Officer for the Company’s wholly owned Mexican subsidiary, Minera Luz del Sol S. de R.L. de C.V. (“MLS”), effective as of June 1, 2021. Effective April 7, 2022, Mr. Andres was named Chief Executive Officer of the Company. On August 1, 2022, Mr. Andres commenced employment with our wholly owned subsidiary Gatos Silver Canada Corp. (“GSCC”), and effective as of such date, Mr. Andres entered into a new Executive Employment Agreement.
Base Salary. Effective June 1, 2021, Mr. Andres received an annual base salary of $575,000, and effective April 1, 2022, Mr. Andres received an annual base salary of $650,000, which is subject to review on an annual basis and may be adjusted in accordance with the procedures set forth by our Compensation and Nominating Committee.
Annual Bonus. Mr. Andres is eligible to participate in an annual incentive plan pursuant to which his target bonus is 100% of his base salary upon achievement by him and the Company of certain targets determined by our Board based on the recommendation of our Compensation and Nominating Committee. The amount of bonus paid (if any) in any given year is determined by our Board based on the recommendation of our Compensation and Nominating Committee depending on the actual performance of the Company and Mr. Andres as determined by our Board based upon the recommendation of our Compensation and Nominating Committee. See “—Annual Incentive Plan.”
Stock Options. Mr. Andres is eligible to receive equity awards under our compensation programs. See “—Stock Option Grants.”
Retirement Savings Plans. Mr. Andres is eligible to receive a Company match of RRSP contributions of up to 3% of base salary, plus an additional contribution to either a RRSP or a notional retirement savings plan by the Company of 6% of base salary.
Benefits and Perquisites. Mr. Andres is entitled to participate in the various employee benefits plans that are, from time to time, made generally available to our employees.
Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Non-Compete. Mr. Andres has agreed to maintain the confidentiality of our information and not to use or allow or help another to use or access such information at any time during or after his employment with us. During the term of his employment and for a period of 12 months after termination, Mr. Andres has also agreed not to solicit any of our employees, consultants or service providers. For a period of 12 months after termination (and for 24 months after termination in certain circumstances), Mr. Andres has also agreed and not to work or share Executive's knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, officer, owner, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, partner, director, significant shareholder, volunteer, intern for any other business entity engaged in silver mining and extraction in Mexico.
Termination and Change in Control. Payments and benefits to which Mr. Andres will be entitled upon termination of his employment, whether or not in connection with a change in control, are discussed below under “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”
Employment Agreement with Mr. van Niekerk
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. van Niekerk, effective as of July 1, 2022, and he commenced his employment on that date. Mr. van Niekerk is employed by GSCC.
Base Salary. Mr. van Niekerk received an annual base salary of $375,000, which is subject to review on an annual basis and may be adjusted in accordance with the procedures set forth by our Compensation and Nominating Committee.
Annual Bonus. Mr. van Niekerk is eligible to participate in a bonus plan pursuant to which his current target bonus is 80% of his base salary upon achievement by him and the Company of certain targets determined by our Compensation and Nominating Committee. The amount of bonus paid (if any) in any given year is determined by our Board based on the recommendation of our Compensation and Nominating Committee depending on the actual performance of the Company and Mr. van Niekerk as determined by our Board based upon the recommendation of our Compensation and Nominating Committee. See “—Annual Incentive Plan.”
Stock Options. Mr. van Niekerk is eligible to receive equity awards under our compensation programs. See “—Stock Option Grants.”
Retirement Savings Plans. Mr. van Niekerk is eligible to receive a Company match of RRSP contributions of up to 3% of base salary, plus an additional contribution to either a RRSP or a notional retirement savings plan by the Company of 6% of base salary.
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Benefits and Perquisites. Mr. van Niekerk is entitled to participate in the various employee benefits plans that are available to our executive officers.
Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Non-Compete. Mr. van Niekerk has agreed to maintain the confidentiality of our information and not to use or allow or help another to use or access such information at any time during or after his employment with us. During the term of his employment and for a period of 12 months after termination, Mr.van Niekerk has also agreed not to solicit any of our employees, consultants or service providers. For a period of 12 months after termination, Mr. van Niekerk has also agreed and not to work or share Executive's knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, officer, owner, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, partner, director, significant shareholder, volunteer, intern for any other business entity engaged in silver mining and extraction in Mexico.
Termination and Change in Control. Payments and benefits to which Mr.van Niekerk will be entitled upon termination of his employment, whether or not in connection with a change in control, are discussed below under “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”
Employment Agreement with Mr. Scott
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Scott, dated November 8, 2021. He commenced his employment as Vice President Evaluations and Technical Services on January 10, 2022. He has been our Senior Vice President Corporate Development and Technical Services since October 16, 2022. Mr. Scott is employed by GSCC.
Base Salary. Mr. Scott received an annual base salary of $350,000, which is subject to review on an annual basis and may be adjusted in accordance with the procedures set forth by our Compensation and Nominating Committee.
Annual Bonus. Mr. Scott is eligible to participate in a bonus plan pursuant to which his current target bonus is 70% of his base salary upon achievement by him and the Company of certain targets determined by our Compensation and Nominating Committee. The amount of bonus paid (if any) in any given year is determined by our Board based on the recommendation of our Compensation and Nominating Committee depending on the actual performance of the Company and Mr. Scott as determined by our Board based upon the recommendation of our Compensation and Nominating Committee. See “—Annual Incentive Plan.”
Sign-On Bonus. As an inducement for Mr. Scott to join the Company, Mr. Scott received a one-time sign-on bonus of $650,000 which was paid in three tranches in January, March and September, 2022.
Stock Options. Mr. Scott is eligible to receive equity awards under our compensation programs. See “—Stock Option Grants.”
Retirement Savings Plans. Mr. Scott is eligible to receive a Company match of RRSP contributions of up to 3% of base salary, plus an additional contribution to either a RRSP or a notional retirement savings plan by the Company of 6% of base salary.
Benefits and Perquisites. Mr. Scott is entitled to participate in the various employee benefits plans that are available to our executive officers.
Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Non-Compete. Mr. Scott has agreed to maintain the confidentiality of our information and not to use or allow or help another to use or access such information at any time during or after his employment with us. During the term of his employment and for a period of 12 months after termination, Mr. Scott has also agreed not to solicit any of our employees, consultants or service providers. For a period of 12 months after termination, Mr. Scott has also agreed and not to work or share Executive's knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, officer, owner, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, partner, director, significant shareholder, volunteer, intern for any other business entity engaged in silver mining and extraction in Mexico.
Termination and Change in Control. Payments and benefits to which Mr. Scott will be entitled upon termination of his employment, whether or not in connection with a change in control, are discussed below under “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”
Stock Option Grants
On January 18, 2022, we granted Mr. Scott stock option awards following commencement of employment. The number of shares of our common stock underlying these options granted is detailed in the following table. The options vest ratably over a three-year period, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant. These stock option awards each have an exercise price of $10.28 per share, which is equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the grant date.
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| NEO | Option Shares | ||||
| Anthony Scott | 100,000 | ||||
On September 11, 2023, we granted stock option awards to key employees, including our NEOs, in recognition of services performed during 2022, when no equity awards were granted. The number of shares of our common stock underlying these options granted to our NEOs is detailed in the following table. These stock option awards vest ratably over a three-year period beginning on the first anniversary of the employee’s start date or the date of the grant, with the result that a certain portion of the stock options was vested as of the grant date of September 11, 2023. These stock option awards each have an exercise price of $5.04 per share, which is equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the grant date.
| NEO | Option Shares | ||||
| Dale Andres | 339,583 | ||||
André van Niekerk | 161,302 | ||||
Anthony Scott | 133,408 | ||||
Restricted Stock Units
On September 11, 2023, we granted restricted stock unit ("RSU") awards to key employees, including our NEOs, in recognition of services performed during 2022, when no equity awards were granted. Each earned RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock, subject to the terms of the grant agreement, and vest on either the third anniversary of the employee’s start date or the date of the grant of September 11, 2023. For our NEOs, the RSUs vest on the third anniversary of their employment start dates. The number of shares of our common stock underlying these RSU units granted to our NEOs is detailed in the following table.
| NEO | Restricted Share Units | ||||
| Dale Andres | 300,729 | ||||
André van Niekerk | 142,846 | ||||
Anthony Scott | 118,144 | ||||
Long Term Incentive Plan
We have adopted the Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), which allows us to grant a range of equity-based awards to our NEOs, other employees, consultants and non-employee directors. The purpose of the LTIP is to recognize the contributions made by our employees, consultants and directors, and to provide these individuals with an additional incentive to use maximum efforts for the future success of the Company. All stock options and RSUs granted to Messrs. Andres, van Niekerk and Scott, as disclosed above, were granted under the LTIP.
Annual Incentive Plan
We have adopted the Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”), under which our NEOs and other employees are eligible to receive annual cash bonuses. The purpose of the plan is to incentivize our executives and other employees to attain annual performance objectives, thereby furthering our best interests and those of our shareholders.
With respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, our Compensation and Nominating Committee approved milestones related to health and safety at the Cerro Los Gatos (“CLG”) mine, CLG sustainability, CLG operational performance, CLG financial performance, strategic performance for the Los Gatos Joint Venture, and corporate performance of the Company, which were weighted and used to determine the Company’s portion of bonus payouts to the NEOs. The level of achievement of the Company performance milestones, as well as an assessment of individual performance, were used by our Compensation and Nominating Committee to determine the actual recommended bonus payouts as a percentage of the target bonus.
2023 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The table below provides information on the equity awards held by the NEOs as of December 31, 2023.
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| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable | Option Exercise Price ($) | Option Expiration Date | Number of Shares of Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dale Andres | (1) | 200,000 | — | 18.03 | 6/22/2031 | — | 23,810 | (6) | 155,717 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(2) | 100,000 | 50,000 | 18.03 | 6/22/2031 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(3) | 78,000 | 39,000 | 10.47 | 12/27/2031 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(4) | 226,388 | 113,195 | 5.04 | 9/11/2033 | 300,729 | (9) | — | — | 1,966,768 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
André van Niekerk | (5) | 53,767 | 107,535 | 5.04 | 9/11/2033 | 142,846 | (9) | — | — | 934,213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anthony Scott | (8) | 33,333 | 66,667 | 10.28 | 1/18/2032 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(10) | 44,469 | 88,939 | 5.04 | 9/11/2033 | 118,144 | (9) | — | — | 772,662 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1.The options listed here were granted on June 22, 2021, and are fully vested.
2.The options listed here were granted on June 22, 2021, and vest ratably on each of the first three anniversaries following June 1, 2021.
3.The options listed here were granted on December 27, 2021, and vest ratably on each of the first three anniversaries following the grant date.
4.The options listed here were granted on September 11, 2023, with two thirds vesting immediately and the remainder vesting on June 1, 2024.
5.The options listed here were granted on September 11, 2023, with one third vesting immediately and the remainder vesting ratably on July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025.
6.The units listed here are Performance Share Units ("PSUs") which were granted on December 17, 2021, and vest following a three-year performance period. The PSUs are based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to a peer group over a three-year performance period beginning on December 13, 2021 and ending on December 13, 2024. The number of performance share units awarded can range from 0% to 200% of the initial award granted, depending on the TSR percentile rank of the Company relative to the peer group, and are payable in common stock or cash, at the Company’s discretion, at the end of their performance period. PSUs are reported assuming target performance at 100% payout for the 55th percentile relative TSR versus constituents of the GDXJ.
7.Valuations are based on $6.54 per share, the closing price of our common stock on December 29, 2023.
8.The options listed here were granted on January 18, 2022, and vest ratably on each of the first three anniversaries following the grant date.
9.The RSUs listed here were granted on September 11, 2023, and vest following a three-year period from each individual's date of employment.
10.The options listed here were granted on September 11, 2023, with one third vesting immediately and the remainder vesting ratably on January 10, 2024, and January 10, 2025.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Below we describe the payments and benefits to which each NEO will be entitled to under his employment agreement if his employment is terminated (i) by us without “cause” by him for “good reason” or “disability” (without a “change in control”), or (ii) by us without cause or by him for good reason within one year of a change in control. (such terms as defined in the applicable employment agreement).
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Mr. Andres
Termination without Cause, for Good Reason or for Disability. If we terminate Mr. Andres’ employment without cause, Mr. Andres voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason or he becomes disabled, he is entitled to: (i) accrued annual salary to the date of termination (ii) 24 months of base salary plus his target annual bonus for 24 months, payable in a lump sum, (iii) if he timely elects continuation coverage the Company would also pay, on his behalf, the portion of monthly premiums for his benefits that the Company paid immediately prior to the date of termination, during the 12 month period following the date of termination, subject to his continued eligibility for coverage provided that he would continue to be required to pay that portion of the premium for the coverage that he was required to pay as an active employee immediately prior to the date of termination and (iv) the 200,000 options granted at the commencement of his employment would, to the extent unvested, vest at the date of termination and be exercisable for a period of one year from the date of termination, and the 150,000 options granted at the date of the commencement of his employment would, to the extent unvested, immediately vest, and such 150,000 options, together with all other vested options would remain exercisable until the earlier of (x) the date 180 calendar days following termination of employment or (y) the expiration of the original option.
Termination without Cause or for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control. If there is a change in control and (a) within one year following the change in control Mr. Andres’ employment is terminated without cause or Mr. Andres voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason or (b) within six months preceding the change in control Mr. Andres’ employment is terminated without cause and such termination occurred in anticipation of such change in control, he is entitled to (i) accrued annual salary and target annual bonus to the date of termination (ii) 24 months of base salary plus his target annual bonus for 24 months (iii) if he timely elects continuation coverage the Company would also pay, on his behalf, the portion of monthly premiums for his benefits that the Company paid immediately prior to the date of termination, during the 12 month period following the date of termination, subject to his continued eligibility for coverage provided that he would continue to be required to pay that portion of the premium for the coverage that he was required to pay as an active employee immediately prior to the date of termination and (iv) the 200,000 options granted at the commencement of his employment would, to the extent unvested, vest at the date of termination and be exercisable for a period of one year from the date of termination, and the 150,000 options granted at the date of the commencement of his employment, to the extent unvested, would immediately vest, and such options, together with all other vested options would remain exercisable until the earlier of (x) the date 180 calendar days following termination of employment or (y) the expiration of the original option.
Death. If Mr. Andres’ employment is terminated due to death, his estate shall be entitled to be paid his accrued salary and bonus.
Mr. van Niekerk
Termination without Cause, for Good Reason or for Disability. If we terminate Mr. van Niekerk's employment without cause, Mr. van Niekerk voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason or he becomes disabled, he is entitled to: (i) accrued annual salary to the date of termination (ii) 12 months of base salary plus his target annual bonus for 12 months, payable in a lump sum, (iii) if he timely elected continuation coverage the Company would also pay, on his behalf, the portion of monthly premiums for his benefits that the Company paid immediately prior to the date of termination, during the 12 month period following the date of termination, subject to his continued eligibility for coverage provided that he would continue to be required to pay that portion of the premium for the coverage that he was required to pay as an active employee immediately prior to the date of termination.
Termination without Cause or for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control. If there is a change in control and (a) within one year following the change in control Mr. van Niekerk’s employment is terminated without cause or Mr. van Niekerk voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason or (b) within six months preceding the change in control we terminate Mr. van Niekerk’s employment without cause and such termination occurred in anticipation of such change in control, he is entitled to (i) accrued annual salary and target annual bonus to the date of termination (ii) 24 months of base salary plus his target annual bonus for 24 months and (iii) if he timely elects continuation coverage the Company would also pay, on his behalf, the portion of monthly premiums for his benefits that the Company paid immediately prior to the date of termination, during the 12 month period following the date of termination, subject to his continued eligibility for coverage provided that he would continue to be required to pay that portion of the premium for the coverage that he was required to pay as an active employee immediately prior to the date of termination
Death. If Mr. van Niekerk’s employment is terminated due to death, his estate shall be entitled to be paid his accrued salary and bonus.
Mr. Scott
Termination without Cause, for Good Reason or for Disability. If we terminate Mr. Scott’s employment without cause, Mr. Scott voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason or he becomes disabled, he is entitled to: (i) accrued annual salary to the date of termination (ii) 12 months of base salary plus his target annual bonus for 12 months, payable in a lump sum, (iii) if he timely elected continuation coverage the Company would also pay, on his behalf, the portion of monthly premiums for his benefits that the Company paid immediately prior to the date of termination, during the 12 month period following the date of termination, subject to
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his continued eligibility for coverage provided that he would continue to be required to pay that portion of the premium for the coverage that he was required to pay as an active employee immediately prior to the date of termination.
Termination without Cause or for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control. If there is a change in control and (a) within one year following the change in control Mr. Scott’s employment is terminated without cause or Mr. Scott voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason or (b) within six months preceding the change in control we terminate Mr. Scott’s employment without cause and such termination occurred in anticipation of such change in control, he is entitled to (i) accrued annual salary and target annual bonus to the date of termination (ii) 24 months of base salary plus his target annual bonus for 24 months and (iii) if he timely elects continuation coverage the Company would also pay, on his behalf, the portion of monthly premiums for his benefits that the Company paid immediately prior to the date of termination, during the 12 month period following the date of termination, subject to his continued eligibility for coverage provided that he would continue to be required to pay that portion of the premium for the coverage that he was required to pay as an active employee immediately prior to the date of termination
Death. If Mr. Scott’s employment is terminated due to death, his estate shall be entitled to be paid his accrued salary and bonus.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation Arrangements
RRSP and Notional Plan
Our executive officers are eligible to participate in the matching program under the RRSP, our registered retirement savings plan, and under our notional retirement savings plan, each as described under the Executive Employment Agreement section above. The notional retirement savings plan allows executives to save beyond the statutory limits of the RRSP, up to 18% of their earnings.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan for Senior Executives and Outside Directors
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the Deferred Compensation Plan for Senior Executives and Outside Directors (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), under which (i) our senior executives are eligible to elect to defer receipt of any portion of cash compensation or equity compensation awards other than from the exercise of stock options and (ii) our non-employee directors are eligible to elect to defer receipt of any portion of annual retainers or meeting awards.
Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan are entitled to receive distribution of his or her deferred compensation account in either (i) a single lump sum distribution of cash or shares of our stock or (ii) annual installments of cash or shares of our stock over a period of not more than five (5) years after the date payment commences or in the case of Canadian taxpayers no later than the end of the third year following the year to which the services relate. All distributions under the Deferred Compensation Plan shall be made or shall commence, as the case may be, on the earlier of (i) the date designated in a participant’s deferral election form and (ii) the date that is six months and one day after the occurrence of (x) the participant’s termination of active service as a senior executive or non-employee director as applicable or (y) the date of the participant’s death; provided, however, that if a participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (“409A”), payment of any benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan shall not commence until six months following a participant’s “separation from service” as such term is defined under Section 409A.
Stock Ownership Policy
| Position | Stock Ownership Guideline | ||||
| CEO | 4x base salary | ||||
CFO, Senior Vice Presidents and General Counsel | 2x base salary | ||||
| Other Executive Officers | 1x base salary | ||||
| Non-Employee Directors | 3x base annual director cash retainer | ||||
Our Board believes that, in order to more closely align the interests of our executive officers and non-employee directors with the long-term interests of the Company’s stockholders, all executive officers and non-employee directors should maintain a minimum level of equity interests in the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, we have adopted a minimum stock ownership guideline for our executive officers and non-employee directors as shown in the table above. Executive officers and non-employee directors are subject to a five-year phase in period to meet the applicable ownership requirements, beginning from the later of (i) the date of the IPO; (ii) employment date or director appointment date; or (iii) promotion date. Shares, shares in trust, shares in 401k plans, shares owned directly by family members, DSUs (as defined above), and restricted stock units count toward satisfying the guideline, even if unvested. Stock options do not count toward satisfying the guideline until exercised. As of January 31, 2024, all of our executive officers exceed the stock ownership levels contemplated by the guidelines. As of January 31, 2024, all of our directors, other than two,
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exceed the stock ownership level contemplated by the guideline, and such two directors are expected to meet the minimum stock ownership contemplated by the guideline during 2024, prior to the required deadline, which is 2025 at the earliest.
Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy
Our Board has approved our Insider Trading Policy that prohibits all of our directors and employees from engaging in any hedging transactions (including transactions involving options, puts, calls, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds or other derivatives) that are designed to hedge or speculate on any change in the market value of the Company’s equity securities. The Policy also prohibits our employees and directors from pledging Company securities in any circumstance, including by purchasing Company securities on margin or holding Company securities in a margin account.
Clawback Policy
Our Board has adopted our Clawback Policy, a compensation recoupment policy intended to comply with the requirements of Section 10D of the Exchange Act and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.
Director Compensation
For 2023, each of our non-employee directors was entitled to receive the following compensation pursuant to our director compensation policy, as applicable:
•an annual retainer of $55,000 for service on the Board;
•$1,500 for each committee meeting attended (whether in person or by telephone), provided that non-employee directors who travel to attend a Board or committee meeting in person are entitled to receive an additional $2,500;
•an annual retainer of $10,000 for service as the chair of our Audit Committee, Compensation and Nominating Committee or Technical Safety and Sustainability Committee (effective June 1, 2023);
•an annual retainer of $4,000 for service as the chair of any other standing committee of the Board; and
•an annual retainer of $55,000 for service as our non-executive Chairperson of the Board.
All such compensation was paid in cash quarterly in arrears. Each non-employee director was also able to elect to receive DSUs in lieu of the cash retainer. DSUs are vested upon grant and settle upon a director’s cessation of continuous service.
Pursuant to our current director compensation policy, it is intended that at each annual meeting of shareholders, each non-employee director be granted an annual equity grant under the LTIP with a fair market value of $90,000. The grant value is intended to be split evenly between stock options and DSUs. No DSUs were awarded in 2022. Accordingly, on September 11, 2023, following the approval of our Board, our Compensation and Nominating Committee authorized an equity grant under the LTIP for the period covering June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023, with a fair market value of $90,000, consisting of 50% stock options and 50% DSUs (plus additional DSUs for directors who elected to receive DSUs in lieu of cash retainer fees but which DSUs were not previously issued). On November 2, 2023, following the recommendation our Compensation and Nominating Committee, our Board approved an annual equity grant for the period covering June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024 under the LTIP, with a fair market value of $90,000, consisting of 50% stock options and 50% DSUs.
Directors are permitted to defer all or a portion of their compensation under the Deferred Compensation Plan, pursuant to which our directors will be able to defer their annual retainers and receive such deferred retainers in cash or in shares of our common stock. The director compensation policies described above do not apply to our employee directors, including Mr. Andres (whose compensation is set forth above under “—Summary Compensation Table”).
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The table below sets forth information concerning compensation of our non-employee directors in 2023 and 2022:
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Stock Awards ($)(1)(2) | Option Awards ($)(2) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Janice Stairs | 2023 | 138,000 | 166,000 | 90,000 | 394,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 61,500 | — | — | 61,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ali Erfan | 2023 | 63,500 | 90,000 | 90,000 | 243,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 61,000 | — | — | 61,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Igor Gonzales | 2023 | 84,000 | 170,000 | 90,000 | 344,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 61,000 | — | — | 61,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Karl Hanneman | 2023 | 88,500 | 134,250 | 90,000 | 312,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 43,000 | — | — | 43,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charles Hansard | 2023 | 66,500 | 90,000 | 90,000 | 246,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 65,500 | — | — | 65,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| David Peat | 2023 | 82,500 | 129,000 | 90,000 | 301,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 37,750 | — | — | 37,750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla | 2023 | 63,000 | 90,000 | 90,000 | 243,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 72,000 | — | — | 72,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
_________________________________
1.DSU awards include DSUs granted as part of directors' LTIP for 2022 and 2023 as well as DSUs for the period of October 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, for those directors who had elected to receive a portion of their annual compensation in DSUs.
2.At December 31, 2023, Ms. Stairs holds 58,983 stock options and 51,570 DSUs; Mr. Erfan holds 58,983 stock options and 34,642 DSUs; Mr. Gonzales holds 56,400 stock options and 46,716 DSUs; Mr. Hanneman holds 74,483 stock options and 45,217 DSUs; Mr. Hansard holds 41,858 stock options and 24,920 DSUs; Mr. Peat holds 136,601 stock options and 78,302 DSUs; Mr. Muñiz Quintanilla holds 37,225 stock options and 21,554 DSUs.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table shows information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2023 by:
•each person or group who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock;
•each member of our Board and director nominee;
•each of our named executive officers; and
•all members of our Board and our executive officers as a group.
Beneficial ownership of shares is determined under the rules of the SEC and generally includes any shares over which a person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power. Shares of common stock of which a person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days of December 31, 2023, are deemed outstanding and beneficially owned by the person for the purpose of computing the number of shares and percentage beneficially owned by such person, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage beneficially owned by any other person. To our knowledge, except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and pursuant to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
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The percentage of common stock beneficially owned in the table is based on 69,181,047 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023 .
Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each holder listed below is c/o Gatos Silver, Inc., Suite 910 – 925 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L2.
Name | Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned | Percentage of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned | |||||||||
| Greater than 5% stockholders | |||||||||||
Electrum(1): | |||||||||||
| Electrum Silver US LLC | 17,894,672 | 25.9 | % | ||||||||
| Electrum Silver US II LLC | 4,109,704 | 5.9 | % | ||||||||
| Total | 22,004,376 | 31.8 | % | ||||||||
Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan(2) | 6,205,259 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||
Condire Invrs LLC(3) | 5,750,000 | 8.3 | % | ||||||||
Sprott Inc(4) | 3,496,292 | 5.1 | % | ||||||||
| Directors and current NEOs | |||||||||||
Janice Stairs(6)(7)(8) | 120,553 | * | |||||||||
Ali Erfan(5)(6)(7) | 175,887 | * | |||||||||
Igor Gonzales(6)(7) | 103,116 | * | |||||||||
Karl Hanneman(6)(7)(9) | 129,700 | * | |||||||||
Charles Hansard(6)(7) | 66,778 | * | |||||||||
David Peat(6)(7)(10) | 219,378 | * | |||||||||
Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla(6)(7) | 61,779 | * | |||||||||
Dale Andres(6)(11) | 754,388 | 1.1 | % | ||||||||
André van Niekerk(6) | 53,767 | * | |||||||||
Anthony Scott(6)(12) | 182,884 | * | |||||||||
Current directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons) | 1,966,657 | 2.8 | % | ||||||||
_________________________________
* Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.
1.The securities reported are based on a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 11, 2022 by Electrum Silver US LLC (“ESUS”), Electrum Strategic Management LLC (“ESM”), Electrum Global Holdings L.P. (“Global Holdco”), TEG Global GP Ltd. (“TEG Global”), The Electrum Group LLC (“TEG”), Electrum Silver US II LLC (“ESUS II”), Electrum Strategic Opportunities Fund II L.P. (“ESOF II”), Electrum Strategic Opportunities Fund II GP L.P. (“ESOF II GP L.P.”) and ESOF II GP Ltd. (“ESOF II GP”) (for the purposes of this section, collectively, “Electrum”). Mr. Erfan is Vice Chairman of TEG.
ESUS directly owns 17,894,672 shares of our common stock. ESM is the manager of ESUS. ESM is wholly owned by Global Holdco, and TEG Global is the general partner of Global Holdco. TEG acts as an investment advisor to Global Holdco. As a result, ESM, Global Holdco, TEG Global and TEG may be deemed to beneficially own shares of our common stock held by ESUS.
ESUS II directly owns 4,109,7104 shares of our common stock. ESOF II owns 99% of ESUS II, and ESM is the manager of ESUS II. ESM is wholly owned by Global Holdco, and TEG Global is the general partner of Global Holdco. The general partner of ESOF II is ESOF II GP L.P., and the general partner of ESOF II GP L.P. is ESOF II GP. ESOF II GP is wholly owned by Global Holdco. TEG acts as an investment advisor to ESOF II. As a result, ESOF II, ESM, Global Holdco, TEG Global, ESOF II GP L.P., TEG and ESOF II GP may be deemed to beneficially own shares of our common stock held by ESUS II.
The address of the Electrum entities is 535 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
ESUS directly owns 17,894,672 shares of our common stock. ESM is the manager of ESUS. ESM is wholly owned by Global Holdco, and TEG Global is the general partner of Global Holdco. TEG acts as an investment advisor to Global Holdco. As a result, ESM, Global Holdco, TEG Global and TEG may be deemed to beneficially own shares of our common stock held by ESUS.
ESUS II directly owns 4,109,7104 shares of our common stock. ESOF II owns 99% of ESUS II, and ESM is the manager of ESUS II. ESM is wholly owned by Global Holdco, and TEG Global is the general partner of Global Holdco. The general partner of ESOF II is ESOF II GP L.P., and the general partner of ESOF II GP L.P. is ESOF II GP. ESOF II GP is wholly owned by Global Holdco. TEG acts as an investment advisor to ESOF II. As a result, ESOF II, ESM, Global Holdco, TEG Global, ESOF II GP L.P., TEG and ESOF II GP may be deemed to beneficially own shares of our common stock held by ESUS II.
The address of the Electrum entities is 535 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
2.The securities reported are based on a Schedule 13F filed on February 5, 2024, by the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan. The address of MERS is 1134 Municipal Way, Lansing, Michigan 48917.
3.The securities reported are based on a Schedule 13F filed on February 14, 2024, by Condire Invrs LLC . The address of Condire Invrs LLC is 1717 McKinney Avenue, Suite 850, Dallas, Texas 75202.
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4.The securities reported are based on a Schedule 13F filed on February 14, 2024, by Sprott Inc. The address of Sprott Inc. is 200 Bay Street, Suite 2600, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2J1.
5.Holdings include 82,262 shares of our common stock held by Ajami Associates Limited, which is owned and controlled by Mr. Erfan. The address of Ajami Associates Limited is c/o Sphere Management (Mauritius) Limited, 6th Floor, Suite 619, Port Louis, Mauritius. Mr. Erfan disclaims beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock held by Electrum. See footnote (1).
6.Holdings include the following shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options outstanding under the LTIP and exercisable within 60 days as of December 31, 2023: Janice Stairs — 58,983 shares; Ali Erfan — 58,983 shares; Igor Gonzales — 56,400 shares; Karl Hanneman — 74,483 shares; Charles Hansard — 41,858 shares; David Peat — 136,601 shares; Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla — 37,225 shares; Dale Andres — 604,388 shares; André van Niekerk - 53,767 shares; Anthony Scott — 155,604; and all current directors and executive officers as a group — 1,278,292 shares.
7.Holdings include the following shares which may be acquired upon departure from the Company by settlement of the DSUs outstanding under the LTIP within 60 days of December 31, 2023: Janice Stairs — 51,570 shares; Ali Erfan — 34,642 shares; Igor Gonzales — 46,716 shares; Karl Hanneman — 45,217 shares; Charles Hansard — 24,920 shares; David Peat — 78,302 shares; Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla — 21,554 shares; Dale Andres - nil; André van Niekerk - nil; Anthony Scott — nil; and all current directors and executive officers as a group — 302,920 shares.
8.Holdings include 10,000 shares of our common stock held directly by Ms. Stairs.
9.Holdings include 10,000 shares of our common stock held by KNH Trust, which is controlled by Mr. Hanneman.
10.Holdings include 4,475 shares of our common stock held directly by Mr. Peat.
11.Holdings include 150,000 shares of our common stock held directly by Mr. Andres.
12.Holdings include 27,280 share of our common stock held directly by Mr. Scott.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
The following are summaries of transactions since January 1, 2023, to which we have been a participant, in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeds or will exceed the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of the Company’s total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any of our directors, executive officers, beneficial owners of more than five percent of our voting securities or any other “related person” as defined in Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Services Agreements
Effective January 1, 2015, in connection with our Los Gatos Joint Venture (“LGJV”), we entered into a services agreement with the LGJV operating entities consisting of Minera Plata Real S. de R.L. de C.V (“MPR”), Operaciones San Jose del Plata S. de R.L. de C.V. (“OSJ”) and Servicios San Jose del Plata S. de R.L. de C.V. (“SSJ”). SSJ was subsequently merged with MPR. Pursuant to the agreement, OSJ agreed to provide to the LGJV certain consulting and administrative services, including services necessary to explore, develop, construct and operate the LGJV and for business development activities. The agreement included indemnification provisions by MPR, SSJ in favor of OSJ and its indemnitees against all losses, damages, costs, expenses and charges incurred by OSJ arising as a result of any act or omission with respect to the provision of services pursuant to the agreement, except for willful misconduct or gross negligence.
Under the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement, we provide management and administrative services to the LGJV. The Company received $6.4 million from the LGJV under this agreement for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company had receivables under this agreement of nil as of December 31, 2023. The Company also incurred certain LGJV costs that are subsequently reimbursed by the LGJV.
Secondment Agreements
We second certain employees to the LGJV and charged $2.6 million and $2.4 million related to this arrangement in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We received $3.5 million in cash at December 31, 2023, and $1,431 in cash at December 31, 2022, related to this arrangement.
Shareholders Agreement
In connection with our IPO, we entered into a shareholders agreement with Electrum and MERS pursuant to which Electrum and MERS have the right to nominate members of our Board. Under the Agreement, Electrum has the right to nominate (a) a number of designees to our Board that is one fewer than a majority of the Board so long as Electrum beneficially owns in the aggregate a number of our common shares equal to at least 35% of our then outstanding common shares and (b) one designee to our Board so long as
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Electrum beneficially owns in the aggregate a number of common shares equal to (x) less than 35% of our then outstanding common share and (y) at least 5% of our then outstanding common shares. If Electrum beneficially owns in the aggregate a number of common shares equal to less than 5% of our then outstanding common shares, Electrum shall not have the right to nominate any designees to be elected to our Board. Additionally, under the Agreement, MERS has the right to nominate one designee to our Board so long as MERS beneficially owns in the aggregate a number of common shares equal to at least 5% of our then outstanding common shares. . The nominees of Electrum and MERS will need to be approved by the Board of Directors and elected at the annual meeting of shareholders.
The shareholders agreement also provides that until such time as Electrum no longer owns at least 35% of our then outstanding common shares, certain actions by us will require the approval of Electrum in addition to any other vote by our Board or shareholders. The actions requiring Electrum approval include:
•change of control transactions,
•the acquisition or sale of any asset or any joint venture investment in excess of $100 million,
•the incurrence of indebtedness in excess of $100 million,
•making any loan, advance or capital contribution in excess of $100 million,
•equity issuances in excess of $100 million, and
•dissolution, liquidation, reorganization or bankruptcy proceedings involving us or our material subsidiaries.
In addition, we have agreed to indemnify Electrum and MERS from any losses arising directly or indirectly out of Electrum’s and MERS’s actual, alleged or deemed control or ability to influence us or the actual or alleged act or omission of Electrum’s and MERS’s director nominees, including any act or omission in connection with this offering. If, for any reason our agreement to indemnify Electrum and MERS is unavailable or unenforceable, we will agree to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of the indemnified liabilities permissible under applicable law.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with our IPO, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Electrum, MERS and substantially all our other existing shareholders prior to the IPO. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement subject to certain conditions, Electrum and MERS have the right to require us to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to their shares. We will not be obligated to effect more than three demand registrations within a 12-month period. All shareholders under the registration rights agreement will be entitled to piggyback registration rights with respect to any registration initiated by us or another shareholder or shareholders after the consummation of our IPO and will continue to hold this right until they transfer their shares.
Statement of Policy on Related Party Transactions
The Board has adopted a written related party transaction policy designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest arising from any dealings we may have with our affiliates and to provide appropriate procedures for the disclosure, approval and resolution of any real or potential conflicts of interest that may exist from time to time. This policy provides, among other things, that all related persons transactions will be ratified and approved by disinterested members of our Board after receiving a recommendation from our Audit Committee that the transaction is fair, reasonable and within our policy. In making its recommendation, our Audit Committee will consider each related party transaction in light of all relevant factors, including without limitation the benefits of the transaction to us, the terms of the transaction and whether they are arm’s length and in the ordinary course of our business, the direct or indirect nature of the related party’s interest in the transaction, the size and expected term of the transaction, and other facts and circumstances that bear on the materiality of the related party transaction under applicable law and stock exchange standards. For purposes of the policy, a “related persons transactions” generally consists of a transaction, arrangement or relationship involving the Company and the Company’s directors, director nominees or executive officers, any stockholder beneficially owning more than 5% of the Company’s common stock, or immediate family members of any such persons.
Director Independence
Our Board has determined that each of Ms. Stairs and Messrs. Erfan, Gonzales, Hanneman, Hansard, Peat and Muñiz is an independent director within the meaning of the applicable rules of the NYSE.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
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The Company’s Audit Committee and Board engaged Ernst & Young LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm effective November 14, 2022.
The following table shows the fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Audit fees1 - Ernst & Young LLP | 833,014 | 1,250,224 | |||||||||
| Audit-related fees | — | — | |||||||||
Tax fees | — | — | |||||||||
| All other fees | — | — | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 833,014 | $ | 1,250,224 | |||||||
_________________________________
1.Audit fees relate to professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, quarterly review of financial statements, and audit services provided in connection with other statutory and regulatory filings.
107
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our Audit Committee has adopted a policy and procedures for the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services to be rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm. Under the policy, our Audit Committee generally pre-approves specified services in defined categories up to specified amounts and limits the types of non-audit services that may be provided by the independent accountant. Our Audit Committee may delegate authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee or another member of our Audit Committee to pre-approve any proposed engagement of an independent accountant. However, any engagement of an independent accountant pre-approved as such must be reported to our Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. All audit and non-audit services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, were pre-approved by our Audit Committee.
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
1.Consolidated Financial Statements. For a list of the financial statements included herein, see Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
2.Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules. Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are either not required or not applicable or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
3.Exhibits. The exhibits listed below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| 3.1 | |||||
| 3.2 | |||||
| 4.1 | |||||
| 4.2 | |||||
| 4.3 | |||||
| 4.4 | |||||
| 10.1.1 | |||||
| 10.1.2 | |||||
10.1.3 | |||||
| 10.2.1 | |||||
| 10.3.1 | |||||
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| 10.4.1# | |||||
| 10.4.2* | |||||
| 10.4.3# | |||||
| 10.5.1# | |||||
10.6.1† | |||||
10.6.2† | |||||
10.6.3† | |||||
10.6.4† | |||||
10.6.5† | |||||
10.6.6† | |||||
10.7.1† | |||||
10.8.1† | |||||
10.9.1† | |||||
10.9.2† | |||||
10.9.3† | |||||
10.10.1 | |||||
| 21.1 | |||||
| 23.1* | |||||
| 24.1* | |||||
110
| 31.1* | |||||
| 31.2* | |||||
| 32.1** | |||||
| 96.1 | |||||
97.1* | |||||
| 101.INS* | Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document | ||||
| 101.SCH* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | ||||
| 101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | ||||
| 101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | ||||
| 101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | ||||
| 101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | ||||
| 104* | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101) | ||||
_________________________________
* Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
† Management contract or compensatory plan or agreement
# Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) customarily and actually treated by the Company as private and confidential.
111
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| GATOS SILVER, INC. | ||||||||
| February 20, 2024 | By: | /s/ Dale Andres | ||||||
| Dale Andres | ||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Dale Andres and André van Niekerk and each of them, their true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for them and in their name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or their or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Dale Andres | Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer) | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Dale Andres | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ André van Niekerk | Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| André van Niekerk | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Janice Stairs | Chair of the Board of Directors | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Janice Stairs | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Ali Erfan | Director | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Ali Erfan | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Igor Gonzales | Director | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Igor Gonzales | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Karl Hanneman | Director | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Karl Hanneman | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Charles Hansard | Director | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Charles Hansard | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ David Peat | Director | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| David Peat | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla | Director | February 20, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla | ||||||||||||||
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