Orosur Mining Inc. Q1 Results - $6.3M Operating...

Orosur Mining Inc. Q1 Results - $6.3M Operating Cash Flow, Operating Cash Costs $754/oz

Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc (‘OMI’ or ‘the Company’) (TSX:OMI) (AIM:OMI), the South American-focused gold producer and explorer is pleased to announce the results for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2013 (“Q1 fiscal 2014” or “Q1´14”).

Highlights

  • Gold production increased 9% from Q1 last year to 16,851 oz
  • Operating cash costs of US$754/oz, representing a 31% reduction from Q1 last year.
  • Average of gold price of US$1,321 (US$1,598 Q1 last year)
  • Cash flow from operations of US$6.3M (US$5.0M Q1 last year) despite reduction in gold price
  • Profit before tax of US$1.9M (US$2.5M Q1 last year) as a result of higher depreciation
  • Open pit mining at San Gregorio will concentrate on Vaca Muerta in the second half fiscal 2014. Preparation is proceeding according to plan, including:
    • Geological model has been re-evaluated
    • Uruguayan environmental agency (Dinama) granted the environmental permit for Vaca Muerta in September 2013
    • 1,700 metres of infill drilling and exploration commenced in October, with the objective of extending mineralization and recategorizing resources
    • Work has commenced to improve ~20km of road, logistics and camp
  • The study of the Recovery of pillars at Arenal Deeps transverse stopes commenced in May 2013 and is under development by AMEC Consulting.
  • During this quarter, near mine exploration focused on the Sobresaliente area and around the San Gregorio operations as well as active satellite projects with the intention of increasing reserves and extending mine life.
  • Uruguayan greenfield exploration has included geological mapping, sampling, geophysics, and shallow drilling in areas with strong potential for economic gold mineralization.
  • Discovery of mineralized intercepts from recent Anillo drilling campaign.

Ignacio Salazar, CEO of the Company, said:

“Orosur is delighted to have achieved operational and organizational improvements which delivered the strong set of operating and financial results in the quarter amidst a difficult gold price environment. The Company continues to strive to achieve further improvements while, at the same time, is methodically developing projects to extend the mine life of our producing assets, San Gregorio and Arenal.”

   
Operational & Financial Summary1 Q1 - Ended August 31
    Q1 '13/14     Q1 ‘12/13     Difference     Diff %
Operating Results                        
Gold produced     Ounces     16,851     15,451     1,400     9%
Operating Cash cost of gold produced3     US$/oz     754     1,094     (340)     -31%
Average price received     US$/oz     1,321     1,598     (277)     -17%
Financial Results                              
Revenue     US$ ‘000s     22,945     26,334     (3,389)     -13%
Net Income before tax     US$ ‘000s     1,918     2,502     (584)     -23%
Net income after tax     US$ ‘000s     (1,036)     2,291     (3,327)     -145%
Cash flow from operations2     US$ ‘000s     6,314     5,038     1,276     25%
               

 

                             
           

August 31,

2013

   

May 31,

2013

    Difference     Diff %
Cash at the end of the period     US$ ‘000s     6,463     5,633     830     15%
Total Debt at the end of the period     US$ ‘000s     8,487     8,995     (508)     -6%

1 Results are based on IFRS and expressed in US dollars
2 Before non-cash working capital movements
3 Operating cash cost is total cost discounting royalties and capital tax on production assets.

2014 Outlook

The Company maintains its FY 2014 production forecast of 50,000 to 55,000 oz of gold at operating cash costs of approximately US$850 to US$925/oz of gold. This is equivalent to a reduction of approximately 20% from the US$1,093 per ounce operating cash costs reported for FY 2013. Should the first quarter trend continue, additional benefits may accrue from operational improvement programmes and may allow Orosur to outperform these forecasts.

Q1 Production and Cash Costs

Production for the Q1 ending 31 August 2013 was 16,851 oz of gold, significantly ahead of the Company’s previous guidance of some 13,500 to 14,500 oz of gold. These ounces were produced at an average cash operating cost of US$ 754/oz, compared to previous guidance of US$950 to US$1,000/oz of gold for the quarter. When compared against the same quarter last year, production is 9% higher and costs 31 % lower (Q1 ‘13: 15,451 oz at cash operating cost of US$1,093/oz).

   
  Q1, Ended Aug 31
    2013 Actual    

2013 Guidance

    2012 Actual     Variance
Gold produced     Ounces     16,851     13,500 – 14,500    

15,451

    9%
Cash Operating Cost     US$/oz     754     950 – 1,000     1,094     -31%
               

The increased production and reduced cash costs have been achieved primarily thanks to operational improvements and cost reduction programmes initiated and implemented over recent months. The Company’s focus on refining our geological modelling suite and optimizing ore control processes at the Arenal Deeps underground mine and in the open pits, as well as an overall cost reduction, continued during the quarter, generating further financial and operational improvements.

The Company is optimizing fleet use, improving maintenance and availability and continues to focus on the ongoing productivity of operations. Production of higher grade ore from the tranverse stopes of Arenal Deeps, which commenced at the end of April 2013, resulted in stronger than anticipated production for the quarter, and will be necessary in order for the Company to sustain results of this calibre. Additionally, a stronger than expected US dollar exchange rate (12% appreciation in the quarter) helped mitigate Uruguayan pesos denominated expenditure.

Gold recovery for the quarter was at record highs at 95.7% (compared with 91.7% Q1 ‘13), primarily as a result of the Company’s shift in strategy to feed ore to the plant by source separately. Ore and waste development during the quarter totalled 771 metres length, which is slightly more than anticipated. Ore production from Arenal was 45,550 tonnes at an average grade of 3.66 g/t Au for development and 93,695 tonnes at an average grade of 2.99 g/t Au for stopes. During Q1, Arenal represents 85% of mined ounces and 82% of ounces fed to the mill and plant.

Q1 Financial Summary

The average gold price in the quarter was US$1,321/oz, compared to US$1,598 in Q1 ‘13 (a reduction of US$277). This reduction was offset by a higher reduction, quarter-on-quarter, of US$340 in operating cash costs ($754 vs $1,094) and 1,400 oz of higher production. As a result, the Company generated a Q1 profit before tax of US$1.9M, compared to a Q1 ’13 profit of US$2.5M, with the primary differences including higher depreciation and lower corporate costs. Net loss after tax for the quarter was US$1.0M compared with a net profit US$2.3M in Q1 ’13 due to additional tax credits this year. Cash flow from operations for the quarter was US$6.3M compared to US$5.0M for Q1 ‘13.

The Company invested US$2.5M in capital projects and US$1.5M in exploration for the quarter compared to US$4.7M and US$2.7M respectively in Q1 ’13 as a result of lower expenditures in both the Arenal mine development and the Chilean exploration projects. The company’s cash balance at August 31, 2013 was $6.5M compared with $5.6M at May 31, 2013. The debt balance was reduced in the quarter by $0.5M.

Q1 Exploration and Development

Recovery of Tranverse Stoping Pillars in Arenal Deeps – A study to recover the pillars in the Arenal Deeps transverse stopes commenced in May 2013 and is under development by AMEC Consulting. Preliminary results are anticipated during the Q2 ‘14. A positive outcome would increase the Arenal resource by approximately 10,000 - 15,000 oz Au. Any production from these pillars is additional to the Company´s current budget.

AMEC is expected to finalise the study during Q2, with any recovery from the pillars expected to commence in Q4.

Near Mine and Vaca Muerta Development – At Vaca Muerta, the geological model was re-evaluated and 1,700 metres of infill drilling and exploration have been included in the plan for Q2 ‘14, with the objective of extending the mineralization and re-categorizing resources. The Company aims to exploit Vaca Muerta in the second half of fiscal 2014.

In September 2013, the Uruguayan environmental agency (Dinama) granted the environmental permit for Vaca Muerta. The infill drilling campaign has just started in October 2013 to support metallurgical and geotechnical analysis, and to improve the categorization of resources and reserves. The first drilling of this campaign has thus far verified mineralization, and supported a potential increase in reserves and resources. In parallel with this, the Company is working on improving 20 km of roads, as well as additional logistics and camp facilities.

Uruguay Brownfield and Remnants: Near mine exploration focused during Q1 on the Sobresaliente area and around the San Gregorio operation, where a total of 4,090 metres of RC drilling was conducted in 64 holes at a cost below US$0.3M. As a result, an overall geological resource of approximately 5,500 oz was identified on a preliminary basis (at a cost of approximately ~US$50/oz).

               
AREA     SECTOR     HOLE Nr.     METRES     STATUS
SOBRESALIENTE ESTE     SOBRESALIENTE     4     236     DISCARDED
SOBRESALIENTE CENTRAL     SOBRESALIENTE     36     2541     CONTINUES
SOBRESALIENTE SUR     SOBRESALIENTE     2     139     CONTINUES
SOBRESALIENTE NORTE     SOBRESALIENTE     9     581     DISCARDED
SOBRESALIENTE     SOBRESALIENTE     4     233     CONTINUES
CHIRCA     SAN GREGORIO     2     100     DISCARDED
SANTA TERESA     SAN GREGORIO     4     172     DISCARDED
GUILLO     SAN GREGORIO     -     -     CONTINUES
VETA SUR     SAN GREGORIO     -     -     CONTINUES
MURCIELAGO     SAN GREGORIO     -     -     DISCARDED
VETA REY     SAN GREGORIO     3     88     CONTINUES
 

The project portfolio initially included eleven targets, of which five were discarded due to insufficient results and six continue under review. Preliminary geological resources are distributed at Sobresaliente central (67%), Sobresaliente Norte (15%) and Veta Rey (18%). Veta Rey represents an entirely new mineralized structure that was discovered during this period. Initial drilling includes short conventional drill holes and three RC (Reverse Circulation) holes. The mineralization starts from surface and shows good grade consistency along a relatively smooth dipping structure and continues at depth.

Uruguay Satellite Projects

Currently our advanced satellite projects in Uruguay include Laureles and Mina Peru. The Company plans to advance these projects to development in the next six months. During this quarter, the drilling was concentrated on this group of satellite projects completing 2,763.2 out of a total of 3,548.9 metres in 56 holes at a cost of ~ US$ 80 per meter.

 
SATELLITE PROJECTS
PROJECT     HOLES     METRES     MAP&SAMP     GEOPHYSICS     PERMITS
LAURELES     5     521,2     X           OK
VETA A     3     361,2     X           OK
ZAPUCAY OESTE                 X           APPLIED
ARGENTINITA SURESTE                 X           OK
MINA PERU     32     2242                 OK
VACA MUERTA INFILL     7     155                 OK
SANTA BARABARA     9     269,5                 OK

 

                   
 
GREENFIELD AND DISTRICT SCALE PROJECTS
PROJECT     HOLES     METRES MAP&SAMP     GEOPHYSICS     PERMITS
SIETE PORTERAS                         APPLIED
MANTO VERDE             X     MAG     APPLIED
DON TITO             X           APPLIED
PAMPAS 2                         APPLIED
NUEVA AUSTRALIA             X           OK
RINCON DE LOS CASTILLOS             X     MAG     APPLIED
ARENAL ESTE             X           APPLIED
ARROYO LAURELES             X     MAG     OK
TEXAS             X           OK
ISLA PATRULLA             X           OK
RETAMOSA             X           APPLIED
ARROLLO SOLDADO             X           OK
 

Uruguay Greenfield Exploration - Greenfield exploration focused on projects previously ranked as high priority on the basis of resource potential and permit status as the main criteria. In the past eighteen months, the Uruguayan Government has been granting prospecting and exploration permits at a much slower pace than previously; as a result, this has forced Orosur to concentrate on existing permits. At this moment, twelve projects comprise the Company’s exploration portfolio as regards to greenfield and district exploration in Uruguay. Geological mapping, sampling, geophysics, and shallow drilling were carried out in areas with potencial for economic gold mineralization, both in quartz veins within granitic rock as in shear zones in basement rocks.

The Company’s high priority targets are currently Manto Verde, Rincón de los Castillos and Arroyo Laureles. A new drilling rig is being purchased and is expected to arrive during Q3 fiscal 2014 and the bulk of the planned drilling for Uruguay greenfield has therefore been concentrated on the 2nd half of the fiscal year.

Chile - El Anillo Project – In Chile, the Company concentrated exploration work in this quarter in Anillo, whilst the Pantanillo Project remained closed during the winter season.

Orosur targeted in Anillo high grade epithermal gold-silver mineralization. Activities were concentrated on the central - western part of the property and detailed surface mapping as well as a Controlled Source Audio-Frequency Magneto Tellurics (“CSAMT”) survey suggested the presence of silica-bearing structures which could host economic gold-silver mineralization. On this basis, a 3,000 m RC drill program, comprising 10 holes, was carried out during May and June, 2013. Results confirmed the existence of gold and silver mineralized quartz structures. Mineralized intercepts were obtained at hole AN-13-04RC with a 1.0 metre @ 490 g/t Ag (≈8.1 g/t Au gold equivalent), at hole AN-13-10RC with a 5m intercept (*) @ 0.46 g/t, which includes 1.0 m (*) @ 1.1 g/t Au and 11.4 g/t Ag and at hole AN-13-04RC with 1.0m @ 0.34 g/t Au. Future work will likely focus on finding intercepts, grades and continuity of mineralization that may constitute an economic resource for the Company.

Environment

The President of the Republic of Uruguay recognized the significant contribution of Orosur to the environment and the community in the area around Minas de Corrales in a recent radio programme on 29 August 2013. He used the Company as an example for the development of the incipient Uruguayan mining and exploration industry.

In June 2013, the National Environmental Office conducted the annual general audit. It was concluded that environmental management of mining operation is adequate.

In August 2013, the National Environmental Office granted the Environmental Operation Authorization for Phase 2 of the new Tailings Dam Facility. Monitoring thus far indicates that the new Tailings Dam Facility has operated as planned and no cyanide leaks have occured.

The old Tailings Dam Facility closure activities were planned and executed according to mining equipment availability. It has achieved 85%, 50% and 30% progress in rock, transition material and soil, respectively to date. No unexpected events have occurred and closure is estimated to conclude by December 2013.

END

Qualified Person's Statement

The information presented in this press release has been reviewed by Walter Muehlebach, GM Exploration of OMI and by Francisco Castillo, GM San Gregorio Operation of OMI and they are both considered to be in compliance with NI 43-101 reporting guidelines. Mr Muehlebach is a graduate in Geology of the Universidad Católica del Norte (Chile) and a member of the Chilean Comisión Calificadora de Competencias en Recursos y Reservas Mineras, and has 23 years of experience in the field of mineral exploration. Mr Castillo is a graduate in Mining Engineering of the Universidad de Santiago de Chile and a member of the Chilean Comisión Calificadora de Competencias en Recursos y Reservas Mineras, and has 12 years of professional experience.

Forward Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release, including any information as to the future financial or operating performance of the Company, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the "safe harbour" provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation success of exploration activities; permitting time lines; the failure of plant; equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents; labour disputes; requirements for additional capital title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

About Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. is a fully integrated gold producer and exploration company focused on identifying and developing gold projects in South America. The Company operates the only producing gold mine in Uruguay (San Gregorio), and has assembled an exploration portfolio of high quality assets in Uruguay and Chile.

The Company is quoted in Canada (TSX: OMI) and London (AIM: OMI).

For more information please visit www.orosur.ca

– Financial Statements Follow –

 

Orosur Mining Inc.

 

Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated

               
          Note Ref.    

As at August 31,

2013 ($)

   

As at May 31,

2013 ($)

 
Assets
 
Cash and cash equivalents 6,463 5,633
Accounts receivables and other assets 3 3,556 3,776
Inventories 4 15,191     15,715
Total current assets 25,210 25,123
 
Property plant and equipment and development costs 5 43,964 47,322
Exploration and evaluation costs 6 33,275 31,686
Deferred income tax assets 11 2,351 5,305
Restricted cash 266     332
Total non-current assets 79,856 84,644
       
Total Assets 105,066     109,767
 
                       
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
Trade payables and other accrued liabilities 3 14,661 16,665
Financial debt 16 3,971 4,172
Derivative financial instruments 13 0     0
Total current liabilities 18,632 20,838
 
Financial debt 4,516 4,823
Environmental rehabilitation provisions 7 4,947     6,148
Total non-current liabilities 9,463 10,970
       
Total liabilities 28,095     31,808
 
Capital stock 8 55,184 55,184
Warrants 0 276
Contributed surplus 5,582 5,534
Retained earnings 16,205     16,965
Total shareholders’ equity 76,971     77,959
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 105,066     109,767
                       
 

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors

 
Ignacio Salazar     Chief Executive Officer           Marcelo Martinez    

Acting in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer

 
 

Orosur Mining Inc.

Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive income

Thousands of United States Dollars, except for earnings per share amounts

         

Note Ref.

Three months ended

August 31,

              2013 ($)     2012 ($)
   
Sales 22,945 26,334
Cost of sales 18 (19,899)     (21,736)
Gross profit 3,046 4,598
 
Corporate and administrative expense (831) (1,296)
Exploration expenses and exploration write off (516) (329)
Other income 40 33
Finance cost 17 (120) (81)
Finance income 17 1 3
Derivative income (loss) 13 0 (431)
Net foreign exchangegain 298     5
(1,128) (2,096)
 
Profit before income tax 1,918 2,502
 
Provision for income taxes 11 (2,954)     (211)
Total income and comprehensive income for the period (1,036)     2,291
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
Basic 15 (0.01) 0.03
                     
 
 

Orosur Mining Inc.

Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated

     

 

Three months ended August 31,
      2013 ($)     2012 ($)

Net inflow (outflow) of cash related to the following activities

 

Cash flow from operating activities

   
Net income for the period (1,036) 2,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:
Depreciation 4,295 2,930
Exploration and evaluation expenses written off 20 0
Fair value of derivatives 0 431
Accretion of asset retirement obligation 19 19
Deferred income tax assets 2,954 (645)
Stock based compensation 48 37
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 11 (33)
Others 3     8
Subtotal 6,314 5,038
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivables and other assets 274 (753)
Inventories 522 296
Trade payables and other accrued liabilities (2,004)     (2,243)
Net cash generated from operating activities 5,106     2,338
 
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of share options 0 16
Loans received 0 739
Loans payment (305)     (11)
Net cash from financing activities (305)     744
 
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and development costs (1,238) (4,712)
Environmental tasks (1,220)
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets 0 33
Exploration and evaluation expenditure assets (1,513)     (2,672)
Net cash used in investing activities (3,971)     (7,351)
 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

830

(4,269)

 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 5,633     11,461
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 6,463     7,192
               
 
 

Orosur Mining Inc.

Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated

 
     

Three months ended

August 31,

       

2013 ($)

   

2012 ($)

 

Capital stock

   
Balance at beginning of period 55,184 55,074
Exercise of stock options 0 16
Transfer from contributed surplus 0     9
Balance at end of period 55,184     55,099
 
Broker Warrants
Balance at beginning of period 276 276
Expiration (276)     0
Balance at end of period 0     276
 

Contributed surplus

Balance at beginning of period 5,534 5,424
Transfer to capital stock 0 (9)
Employee stock based compensation recognized 48     37
Balance at end of period 5,582     5,452
 

Retained earnings

Balance at beginning of period 16,965 31,790
Warrant expiration 276
Net income for the period (1,036)     2,291
Balance at end of period 16,205     34,081
 
Shareholders’ equity at end of period 76,971     94,908

Orosur Mining Inc
Ignacio Salazar, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: + 562 2924 6800
isalazar@orosur.ca
or
Cantor Fitzgerald Europe
Stewart Dickson / Tom Sheldon / Julian Erleigh (Corporate Finance)
Jeremy Stephenson (Corporate Broking)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7894 7000

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