Orosur Mining Inc. Announces Results for the Se...

Orosur Mining Inc. Announces Results for the Second Quarter and First Half of Fiscal Year 2010

Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. (“OMI” or “the Company”), formerly Uruguay Mineral Exploration Inc., today announced results for the second fiscal 2010 quarter and first half ended, November 30, 2009.

David Fowler, Chief Executive Officer commented: “Over the past quarter, our Company, now named Orosur Mining Inc. has made substantial progress in its plan to develop as a Latin American focused gold company. In October, Mario Caron a mining executive with over 30 years of experience in the mining industry in North, Central and South America, Africa and South-East Asia, was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the Company. In December 2009, we completed infill drilling on the Arenal Deeps deposit enabling OMI to publish the final resource estimate by March 2010 where resource grade is expected to increase significantly. On January 7th we announced the completion of the plan of arrangement by which OMI acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Fortune Valley Resources. This is a major milestone for OMI and significantly improves the Company's growth profile in a recognized mining market such as Chile. Our exploration team has been established in Chile and we plan to commence exploration on one of the newly acquired and high potential projects immediately."

Operating and Financial Summary

  • In the second quarter ended November 30, gold production totaled 13,580 ounces, an increase over first quarter production of 13,173, but below Q2 2009’s level of 15,837 ounces. High levels of rainfall and lower average grade processed were contributing factors.
  • Cash costs for the quarter were $US 871 compared to $US 811 same quarter last year largely due to lower production.
  • The realized gold price was $US 1,065 per ounce for the quarter compared to $US 796 in the corresponding quarter of the prior financial year.
  • Cash flow from operations for the quarter was $US 1,760,000 and the Company’s cash position at the end of the quarter was $US 9,391,000 with net working capital of $US 20,164,000.
  • Definition drilling continued for the Arenal Deeps deposit. The program to date has generally confirmed or increased grade as compared to the April 2009 resource model. The Arenal Deeps resource drilling program was completed and the delivery of the resource model and estimation is on schedule for March, 2010. Arenal Deeps feasibility work is advancing toward scheduled completion in June, 2010.
  • The OMI Board was restructured with a new chairman, Mario Caron appointed.
  • The Fortune Valley scheme of arrangement was completed subsequent to quarter end.
Key Results1  

Three Months Ended
November 30,

 

Six Months Ended
November 30,

  2009   2008   2009   2008
Operating Results                
Gold produced   Ounces   13,580   15,837   26,753   32,276
Average cash cost   US$/oz   871   811   876   801
Average price received   US$/oz   1,065   796   990   852
Financial Results                    
Revenue   $US ‘000s   14,811   11,659   27,309   29,380
Net income (loss) for the period   $US ‘000s   676   (7,907)   (1,482)   (10,761)
Cash flow from (used) operations2   $US ‘000s   1,760   84   1,790   1,813
Basic earnings per share   $US   0.014   (0.162)   (0.030)   (0.220)
Cash at the end of the period   $US ‘000s   9,391   6,439   9,391   6,439
Total Debt at the end of the period   $US ‘000s   7   118   7   118

1Results are based on Canadian GAAP and expressed in US dollars

2Before non-cash working capital movements

Production and costs

Gold production for the quarter was 13,580 ounces. During the quarter 362,366 tonnes of ore (Q2 08/09 – 303,740) at an average grade of 1.25 g/t (Q2 08/09 – 1.72 g/t) were processed with a 93.6% recovery (Q2 08/09 – 94.2%). The lower head grade for ore processed, when compared to the prior financial year, resulted in lower gold production.

Cash cost per ounce was $US 871, compared to $US 811 per ounce for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Cash cost increased mainly as a consequence of lower gold production, lower silver by-product credits and the elimination of the export refund.

Gold produced for the half was approximately 2,300 ounces (8%) below expectations as the overall grade mined for San Gregorio East was less than modelled and heavy rainfall in the second quarter delayed access to higher grade ore from Veta Sur. The lower grade of ore processed was partly offset by higher throughput and better recoveries. Operating expenses for the half were in line with expectations.

Financial Performance

Net profit after tax for the quarter and year to date have improved when compared to last financial year with a net profit after tax of $US 676,000 for the quarter and a loss after tax of $US 1,482,000 for the half year. The Contribution Margin from site operations for the quarter and year to date were $US 2,456,000 and $US 3,093,000 respectively.

Despite lower production levels, improved results reflect a higher average gold sales price, the impact of cost reduction initiatives over the past year and lower depreciation charges. Results have been also been positively affected by the profit on the sale of the Company’s Montevideo office and reduction in corporate overheads.

Cash flow from operations includes the result from the San Gregorio operation, less the cost of general and administrative expenses, interest and income taxes. During the quarter cash flow from operations before working capital movements was $US 1,760,000 compared to $US 84,000 for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. For the six month period ended November 30, 2009, cash flow from operations before working capital movements was $US 1,790,000 compared to $US 1,813,000 for the corresponding period of the prior financial year.

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment for the quarter was $US 1,489,000 compared to $US 584,000 for the corresponding quarter of the prior year, and $US 4,049,000 for the half compared to $US 4,457,000 in the corresponding half of the prior financial year. Assets sales for the quarter and half year ended November 30, 2009 was $US 2,300,000 (the sale of Montevideo office) and $US 2,564,000 respectively.

The Company’s cash position at the end of the quarter was $US 9,391,000 with net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $US $US 20,164,000.

Exploration and Development

Arenal Deeps

The Arenal Deeps deposit is the down dip continuation of the Arenal deposit where over 385,000 contained ounces of gold were mined by open pit mining over the past five years. The deposit is located 2.5 kilometers east of OMI's San Gregorio plant. During the quarter the company completed 12,089 meters of definition drilling. Results are highlighted in the following table:

Hole ID   From   Au intercept (1g/t)1g/t)
ALDD116   272.2   7.55m @ 3.29g/t
ALDD118   216.5   6.8m @ 6.49g/t
ALDD118   226.3   1.5m @ 9.40g/t
ALDD118   240.0   7.95m @ 1.93g/t
ALDD120   345.3   19.45m @ 7.59g/t
ALDD120   370.4   10.25m @ 5.80g/t
ALDD120   417.0   7.2m @ 2.61g/t
ALDD120   442.4   5.1m @ 2.35g/t
ALDD121   285.2   9.1m @ 1.21g/t
ALDD121   302.9   3.2m @ 1.96g/t
ALDD122   295.9   2.5m @ 8.47g/t
Including   295.9   0.85m @ 22.91g/t
ALRC377   84   2m @ 5.31g/t
ALRC380   129   2m @ 8.14g/t
ALDD122   295.85   2.50m @ 7.95g/t
ALDD123   256.80   7.00m @ 1.40g/t
ALDD125   275.10   4.10m @ 3.09g/t
ALDD127   357.21   2.99m @ 2.83g/t
ALDD127   373.60   3.71m @ 2.14g/t
ALDD127   389.05   15.75m @ 2.36g/t
ALDD128   292.45   1.01m @ 8.40g/t
ALDD128   296.95   6.45m @ 2.89g/t
ALDD128   310.60   14.35m @ 3.04g/t
ALDD129   223.85   6.35m @ 2.46g/t
ALDD129   235.20   14.80m @ 4.05g/t
ALDD130   366.60   4.95m @ 1.50g/t
ALDD130   387.90   4.00m @ 2.50g/t
ALDD131   337.45   6.35m @ 1.55g/t

The intercepts are proving up the initial resource model and in most cases improving continuity of the higher grade shoots which is expected to have a positive impact on the grade of the final resource estimate. Drilling and geological interpretation was completed on 25 meters North-South sections with drill spacing not greater than 50 meters up/down dip on section. The resource definition drilling program was completed in December 2009 and Mine Development Associates have commenced deposit modeling. OMI expects to publish the final resource model and estimate to be published in March 2010. Geotechnical, metallurgy and hydrology studies have also commenced and a final feasibility study is expected to be completed as scheduled in mid 2010.

Results from the final Arenal Deeps drill holes completed in December 2009 are highlighted in the following table

HOLE ID   FROM   intercept (1g/t)1g/t)
ALDD132   446.90   14.5m @ 4.33g/t
ALDD132   472.25   3.85m @ 5.41g/t
ALDD132   483.35   3.75m @ 2.44g/t
ALDD133   356.50   13.05m @ 1.86g/t
ALDD134   302.20   1.6m @ 4.93g/t
ALDD135   399.30   3m @ 2.40g/t
ALDD135   408.70   7m @ 1.55g/t
ALDD136   406.10   4.6m @ 3.74g/t
ALDD136   413.70   4m @ 2.17g/t
ALDD136   451.00   4.5m @ 3.54g/t
ALDD137   281.90   5.3m @ 2.79g/t
ALDD138   305.45   1m @ 11.4g/t
ALDD138   309.85   7.75m @ 2.31g/t
ALDD138   321.45   20.3m @ 1.46g/t
ALDD138   347.10   11.35m @ 1.48g/t
ALDD138   364.45   3.75m @ 1.27g/t
Up to 2m of internal waste (below 1g/t cut)below 1g/t cut)

San Gregorio

The San Gregorio deposit has historically produced in excess of 400,000 ounces of gold from two open pit deposits down to approximately 200 meters vertical depth. The remaining in-situ resource of 8 million tonnes at 1.04 g/t for 270,000 ounces gold lies mainly along strike to the west and at depth between the two pits. Approximately 70,000 ounces of this resource is planned to be mined from the final cutback of the San Gregorio pit.

During the current quarter a drilling program has been designed to extend the current resource down dip to approximately 400 meters vertical depth, infilling where required to identify the higher grade shoots along a mineralized strike of one plus kilometers. The goal of the program is to identify a higher grade core of mineralization adjacent and below the existing pits that, like Arenal Deeps, will be of sufficient grade to justify a second underground ore source.

Pantanillo

The Pantanillo property was acquired, subsequent to quarter end, as part of the acquisition of Fortune Valley Resources Inc. The property is located 125 km east of Copiapo in the Maricunga Belt of Chile on 11,750 hectares. During the quarter a database was compiled based on historical information from Anglo American (1985-1998) and Kinross Gold (2005-2008). Mineralization at Pantanillo is characterized by both gold porphyry style veining and high sulfidation ledges. Anglo American and Kinross have historically drilled more than 17,900 meters on the property with 15,134 meters being drilled on the principal target of Pantanillo Norte. This drilling on Pantanillo Norte was completed over a surface area of approximately 800 meters long by 500 meters wide on a 100 meter regular spaced drill sections. Drilling of other targets on the Pantanillo property include Pantanillo Central and Sur, as well as Quebrada Pantanillo.

As reported by Fortune Valley in their press release dated October 5, 2009 historical geological work on the Pantanillo property by Anglo American (1986-1998) and Kinross Gold (2005-2008) has defined a potential mineral deposit estimated to be in the range of 82 to 125 million tonnes grading 0.83 to 0.73 g/t gold, using a 0.6 to 0.5 g/t gold cut-off for the lower and higher tonnage estimates respectively, which is equivalent to 2.18 to 2.95 million ounces of contained gold. This preliminary assessment was made by Kinross Gold in 2007 and was estimated based on a total of 14,891 meters of reverse circulation drilling and diamond drilling. Internal due diligence by OMI confirms that the assessment by Kinross is reasonable.

OMI is initiating a 7,500 meter resource definition diamond drill program designed to infill and confirm historical drilling on 100 meter section lines. This drill program will focus on the upper oxidized levels down to an average depth of 200 meters. OMI plans to publish a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate during calendar 2010. OMI is also moving ahead with obtaining proposals for prefeasibility work and plans to initiate studies concurrently with the resource definition drilling program.

Anillo

The Anillo property was acquired, subsequent to quarter end, as part of the acquisition of Fortune Valley. The property is located approximately 125 km east of Antofagasta in Northern Chile, 15 kilometers north of the El Peñon mine operated by Yamana Gold Inc.

Historical work on the property includes surface mapping, geophysics drilling and trenching by Utah Minerals, BHP Billiton, Normany Mining and Codelco. Generally, within the district, vein targets can be identified on surface but are weakly anomalous with blind targets often identified at 100 to 200 meters depth. A number of encouraging anomalous gold values were reported in the vertical drill holes completed by Utah Minerals.

OMI intends to target similar style vein mineralization to that encountered at El Peñon. Detailed surface geologic mapping, as well as rock and soil sampling over favorable host rocks and mapped vein occurrences is planned to commence this quarter with drilling to follow later in the 2010 calendar year.

Subsequent Events

On 8 January, 2010 OMI announced the completion of the plan of arrangement pursuant to which OMI has acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Fortune Valley in consideration for 0.4534 of one UME common share plus C$0.001 in cash for each common share of Fortune Valley.

Application was been made for the 15,765,638 new common shares in the Company issued pursuant to the Arrangement to be admitted to trading. The 15,765,638 new common shares have commenced trading on AIM and the TSX Venture Exchange. As a result of this issue of new shares pursuant to the Arrangement, the Company's share capital consists of 64,432,706 common shares. The Company does not hold any shares in treasury.

The completion of the Fortune Valley acquisition is a major milestone for OMI and improves the Company's growth profile in a recognized mining market such as Chile. Our exploration team has been established in Chile and drilling is planned to commence on the Pantanillo project during January 2010.

The Company also announced on January 8 that its common shares would commence trading under the name Orosur Mining Inc. The new TIDM of the Company on the London Stock Exchange and symbol on the TSX Venture Exchange is “OMI'. The change in name to Orosur Mining Inc, reflects the broader focus of the Company on South American gold development rather than in Mineral Exploration in Uruguay.

Outlook

During the second half of the 2010 financial year OMI will focus on completion of the Arenal Deeps NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate and related feasibility study, remodeling and upgrading the current San Gregorio Resource and on a planned exploration and development program at the newly acquired Pantanillo property in Chile.

Production for the first half was below forecast due to heavy rainfall in the second quarter and the lower grade or ore mined. The company is planning for continued lower grade in the second half of the year and has adjusted it’s reforecast to 55,000 to 57,500 ounces for the full year. Cash cost per ounce is forecast to be $US 825, reflecting lower production equivalent to $US 50 per ounce and higher costs due to exchange rate movements (peso has appreciated 20%), higher fuel prices (increased approximately 20%) and the elimination of export refunds on gold sales.

Qualified Person’s Statement

The technical information presented in this press release has been reviewed and verified by Mr. John Sadek, Vice President Operations and a Mining Engineer, and Mr. Devin den Boer, Exploration Manager and a Certified Professional Geologist Mr. Sadek and Mr. Den Boer are the Qualified Persons for the purposes of the AIM Guidance Note on Mining, Oil and Gas Companies dated June 2009. Mr. Sadek has a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) from the University of Sydney and is a member of the AusIMM and SME. He has over 20 years of international experience in mining. Mr. den Boer has a Bachelor of Science (Geological Sciences) Degree from the University of British Columbia and is a registered member of APEGBC. He has over 13 years of international experience in minerals exploration.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain information that constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "intend," "believe," "anticipate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties and other factors described above and in the Company's most recent annual information form under the heading "Risk Factors" which has been filed electronically by means of the Canadian Securities Administrators' website located at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

ENDS

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. is a gold producer and exploration company focused on identifying and developing gold projects in Latin America. The Company is a fully integrated mining company, possessing the skills necessary to explore and develop its discoveries. The Company operates the only producing gold mine in Uruguay (San Gregorio), and has assembled an exploration portfolio of high quality assets in Uruguay,Chile and Argentina.

The Company is quoted in Canada (TSX Venture Exchange) and London (AIM) and Matrix Corporate Capital LLP is its Nominated Adviser and Broker.

For further information, please contact:
 

Orosur Mining Inc.

Puntas de Santiago 1604
Montevideo, Uruguay
C.P. 11500
 
Attention:

Orosur Mining Inc.

David Fowler, CEO: + 598 2 6016354; david.fowler@ume.com.uy

Ignacio Salazar, CFO: + 598 2 601 6354; ignacio.salazar@ume.com.uy

 

Matrix Corporate Capital LLP

Louis Castro, +44 (0) 203 206 7209
Tim Graham, +44 (0) 203 206 7206
 

The Sherbourne Group

Forbes West (NA toll Free) 888-655-5532/+1-416-203-2200; forbes@sherbournegroup.ca

 

Orosur Mining Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated

 
As at
    November 30,

2009

  May 31,

2009

$   $
Assets
 
Current assets
Cash 9,391 9,496
Accounts receivable (Note (3) 3,923 2,899
Inventories (Note 4) 16,375 17,642
Convertible debenture (Note 2) 234 0
Prepaid expenses 974   915
Total current assets 30,897 30,952
 
Property plant and equipment and mineral properties (Note 5) 14,406 16,953
Deferred exploration (Note 6) 15,185 12,437
Future income tax assets 4,374 3,001
Restricted cash 182   173
Total non current assets 34,147 32,564
     
Total assets 65,044   63,516
         
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 10,648 7,354
Fair value of derivatives 0 464
Restructure plan 78 250
Debt 7   37
Total current liabilities 10,733 8,105
 
Asset retirement obligation 2,940   2,862
Total non current liabilities 2,940 2,862
     
Total liabilities 13,673   10,967
 
Capital stock 34,642 34,642
Contributed surplus 4,543 4,239
Accumulated other comprehensive income (19) (19)
Retained earnings 12,205   13,687
Total shareholders’ equity 51,371   52,549
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 65,044   63,516

Approved by the Board of Directors

      “Ignacio Salazar”     Director         “David Fowler”     Director
 

Orosur Mining Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income, other comprehensive income and Retained Earnings

(Unaudited)

(Thousands of United States Dollars except for earnings per share and weighted average number of shares outstanding)

   
Three months ended

November 30

Six months ended

November 30

   

2009

  2008   2009   2008
$   $ $   $
Net Sales 14,811 11,659 27,309 29,380
 
Operating expenses (12,355) (12,351) (24,216) (27,154)
Depreciation (3,044)   (5,971)   (5,637)   (8,971)
Operating expenses and depreciation (15,399) (18,322) (29,853) (36,125)
 
Sub-total (588) (6,663) (2,544) (6,745)
 
Other income (expenses)
Stock based compensation expense (210) (249) (304) (286)
General and administrative expense (864) (1,066) (1,608) (2,263)
Non-hedged derivative gain (loss) 0 733 464 (795)
Exploration expenses written off (371) 0 (371) 0
Net interest loss and debt accretion (76) (19) (147) (24)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) 6 176 (11) 24
Other income 1,199   41   1,451   163
(316) (384) (526) (3,181)
 
Loss before taxes (904) (7,047) (3,070) (9,926)
 
Current income taxes recovery 215 1,110 215 1,110
Future income taxes provision 1,365   (1,970)   1,373   (1,945)

Net and comprehensive income (loss) for the period

676 (7,907) (1,482) (10,761)
 
Retained earnings, beginning of period 11,529   25,188   13,687   28,042
Retained earnings, end of period 12,205   17,281   12,205   17,281
 
Basic and diluted Earnings (loss) per common share (note 10)

0.014

(0.162)

(0.030)

(0.220)

Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic 48,667,068 48,667,068 48,667,068 48,675,801
Diluted 48,667,068 48,728,268 48,667,068 48,841,801

Orosur Mining Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated)

   
Three months ended

November 30

Six months ended

November 30

   

2009

  2008   2009   2008
$   $ $   $
Operating activities
Net income (loss) for the period 676 (7,907) (1,482) (10,761)
Adjustments for:
Amortization and depletion 3,044 5,971 5,637 8,971
Fair value of derivatives 0 (733) (464) 795
Accretion of debt 46 35 78 82
Future income taxes (1,365) 1,970 (1,373) 1,945
Stock based compensation 210 249 304 286
Asset sales (1,131) 0 (1,343) 0
Exploration expenses written off 371 0 371 0
Other (91)   499   62   495
1,760 84 1,790 1,813
Net change in non-cash working capital balances (Note 9) 365   (2,038)   2,994   (2,615)
2,125   (1,954)   4,784   (802)
 
Financing activities
Payments of finance lease net of draw downs (9) (47) (30) (94)
Share repurchase 0   0   0   (401)
(9)   (47)   (30)   (495)
Investing activities
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and development costs (1,489) (584) (4,049) (4,457)
Assets sales 2,300 0 2,564 0
Exploration expenditure (1,694)   (3,327)   (3,374)   (6,408)
(883)   (3,911)   (4,859)   (10,865)
 
Increase (Decrease) in cash 1,233 (5,912) (105) (12,162)
 
Cash at the beginning of period 8,158 12,351 9,496 18,601
             
Cash at the end of period 9,391 6,439 9,391 6,439

Orosur Mining Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

(Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated)

   

 

 

Three months ended
November 2009November 2009

  

Six month ended
November 2009November 2009

Number
(000’s)

 

Amount ($)

Number
(000’s)(000’s)

  

Amount ($)

 
Common shares
Balance at beginning of period 48,667 34,642 48,667 34,642
Movement for the period     0       0
Balance at end of period 48,667   34,642   48,667   34,642
 

Contributed surplus

Balance at beginning of period 4,333 4,239
Employee stock based compensation recognized     210       304
Balance at end of period     4,543       4,543
 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Balance at beginning of period (19) (19)
Movement for the period     0       0
Balance at end of period     (19)       (19)
 

Retained earnings

Balance at beginning of period 11,529 13,687
Net loss for the period     676       (1,482)
Balance at end of period     12,205       12,205
             
Shareholders’ equity at end of period     51,371       51,371

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