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2024

Lundin Mining Provides 2024 Guidance & Announces 2023 Production Results


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VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - (TSX: LUN) (Nasdaq Stockholm: LUMI) Lundin Mining Corporation (“Lundin Mining” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce production results for the year ended December 31, 2023 and provides production guidance for the three-year period of 2024 through 2026, as well as cash cost, capital and exploration expenditure forecasts for 2024.

Highlights

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1 Guidance as most recently disclosed in the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
2 Calculated based on the ratios of 2023 average metal prices of Cu: $3.85/lb, Zn: $1.20/lb, Ni: $9.74/lb, Mo: $24.19/lb, Pb: $0.97/lb Ag: $23.50/oz and Au: $1,941/oz.
3 Caserones guidance is for the second half of 2023. See “Lundin Mining Announces Closing of the Acquisition of Majority Interest in the Caserones Copper-Molybdenum Mine in Chile and Commitments for New $800 Million Term Loan” dated July 13, 2023.
 
This news release contains non-GAAP measures and forward-looking information about expected future events and financial and operating performance of the Company. Please refer to the Historical Non-GAAP Measure Comparatives section and the risks and assumptions set out in our Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information section of this press release. All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Jack Lundin, President and CEO, commented “2023 was a significant year for Lundin Mining and we are well positioned for growth in 2024. The 51% acquisition of Caserones led to a record in annual copper production. We have initiated comprehensive value optimization efforts across our Latin American sites. We are beginning to execute on some of these initiatives at Chapada and Candelaria and the kickoff of optimization work at Caserones will begin this quarter. An exciting exploration program has begun on both the Chilean and Argentinian side of the Vicuña district. We will look to drive value from the drill bit as this has proven to be a key contributor to the overall value creation at Lundin Mining.

“Across our critical metals portfolio, the zinc expansion project at Neves Corvo, otherwise known as ZEP, is coming to fruition, leading to back-to-back quarterly record zinc production at this operation. At Zinkgruvan in 2023, improved recoveries from the sequential flotation project were achieved, however, a longer than anticipated ramp up resulted in a slight miss on guidance. Our nickel operation, Eagle, continues to perform and hit the upper end of guidance.

“During the year, the cumulative result was over 550,000 tonnes of consolidated copper equivalent production. This year’s guidance shows an increase of over 20% for copper production and 10% for zinc production over 2023. As we turn the page on a transformational year for the Company, our focus remains on achieving operational excellence by consistently maintaining elevated safety standards, all while meeting production guidance at competitive costs.”

Summary of 2023 Production

    Q4 2023

 

Production

Full Year
2023

 

Production

2023 Original

 

Guidance4

 

 

2023 Revised
Guidance5

 
Copper (t)                  
  Candelaria (100% basis) 41,618 152,012 145,000 - 155,000 147,000 - 153,000  
  Caserones (100% basis H2) 6 35,389 65,210 60,000 - 64,000 65,000 - 69,000  
  Chapada 12,872 45,719 43,000 - 48,000 45,000 - 48,000  
  Eagle 3,334 13,600 12,000 - 15,000 12,000 - 15,000  
  Neves-Corvo 9,623 33,823 33,000 - 38,000 33,000 - 36,000  
  Zinkgruvan 501 4,434 3,000 - 4,000 3,000 - 4,000  
  Total Copper 103,337 314,798 296,000 - 325,000 305,000 - 325,000  
                   
   
Zinc (t)                  
  Neves-Corvo 31,035 108,812 100,000 - 110,000 103,000 - 110,000  
  Zinkgruvan 19,684 76,349 80,000 - 85,000 78,000 - 82,000  
  Total Zinc 50,719 185,161 180,000 - 195,000 181,000 - 192,000  
                     
Gold (oz)                  
  Candelaria (100% basis) 24,787 89,700 85,000 - 92,000 87,000 - 92,000  
  Chapada 19,025 59,268 55,000 - 60,000 55,000 - 60,000  
  Total Gold 43,812 148,968 140,000 - 150,000 142,000 - 152,000  
                       
Nickel (t)                  
  Eagle 3,729 16,429 13,000 - 16,000 15,000 - 17,000  
  Total Nickel 3,729 16,429 13,000 - 17,000 15,000 - 18,000  
                     
Molybdenum (t)                  
      Caserones (100% basis H2)6 928 2,024 1,500 - 2,000 1,500 - 2,000  
  Total Molybdenum 928 2,024 1,500 - 2,000 1,500 - 2,000  
                     
                                                           
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4 Guidance as announced by news release “Lundin Mining Announces 2022 Production Results & Provides 2023 Guidance” dated January 12, 2023, and “Lundin Mining Announces Closing of the Acquisition of Majority Interest in the Caserones Copper-Molybdenum Mine in Chile and Commitments for New $800 Million Term Loan” dated July 13, 2023.
5 Guidance as most recently disclosed in the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
6 Caserones guidance is for the second half of 2023. As per previous disclosure, revised production guidance for the second half of 2023 was 65,000 t to 69,000 t and molybdenum was 1,500 t to 2,000 t.

Three-Year Production Outlook 2024 - 2026

Production Outlook7

    2024   2025   2026
Copper (t)                      
  Candelaria (100% basis) 160,000 - 170,000   150,000 - 160,000   150,000 - 160,000
  Caserones (100% basis) 120,000 - 130,000   125,000 - 135,000   125,000 - 135,000
  Chapada 43,000 - 48,000   40,000 - 45,000   40,000 - 45,000
  Eagle 9,000 - 12,000   5,000 - 8,000   5,000 - 8,000
  Neves-Corvo 30,000 - 35,000   35,000 - 40,000   33,000 - 38,000
  Zinkgruvan 4,000 - 5,000   3,000 - 4,000   3,000 - 4,000
  Total Copper 366,000 - 400,000   358,000 - 392,000   356,000 - 390,000
                         
Zinc (t)                      
  Neves-Corvo 120,000 - 130,000   140,000 - 150,000   140,000 - 150,000
  Zinkgruvan 75,000 - 85,000   80,000 - 90,000   80,000 - 90,000
  Total Zinc 195,000 - 215,000   220,000 - 240,000   220,000 - 240,000
           
Gold (oz)                      
  Candelaria (100% basis) 8 100,000 - 110,000   90,000 - 100,000   85,000 - 95,000
  Chapada 55,000 - 60,000   55,000 - 60,000   55,000 - 60,000
  Total Gold 155,000 - 170,000   145,000 - 160,000   140,000 - 155,000
                         
Nickel (t)                      
  Eagle 10,000 - 13,000   5,000 - 8,000   4,000 - 7,000
  Total Nickel 10,000 - 13,000   5,000 - 8,000   4,000 - 7,000
                       
Molybdenum (t)                      
  Caserones (100% basis) 2,500 - 3,000   1,500 - 2,000   2,500 - 3,000
  Total Molybdenum 2,500 - 3,000   1,500 - 2,000   2,500 - 3,000
                         
____________________________________________
7 Production guidance is based on certain estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, geological formations, grade and continuity of deposits and metallurgical characteristics. 
8 68% of Candelaria’s total gold and silver production are subject to a streaming agreement.

2024 Cash Cost9 Guidance

Cash Cost 202410  
Copper  
  Candelaria11 $1.60/lb - $1.80/lb  
  Caserones $2.60lb - $2.80/lb  
  Chapada $1.95/lb - $2.15/lb  
  Neves-Corvo                               $1.95/lb - $2.15/lb  
           
Zinc        
  Zinkgruvan $0.45/lb - $0.50/lb  
           
Nickel        
  Eagle $2.80/lb - $3.00/lb  
           
                     
____________________________________________
9 This is a non-GAAP measure. For equivalent historical non-GAAP financial measure comparatives see the Historical Non-GAAP Measure Comparatives section of this press release. Please also see the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022 and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
10 2024 cash costs are based on various assumptions and estimates, including, but not limited to: production volumes, commodity prices (2024 - Cu: $3.75/lb, Zn: $1.10/lb, Mo: $20.00/lb, Pb: $0.90/lb, Au: $1,800/oz: Ag: $23.00/oz) foreign currency exchange rates (2024 - €/USD:1.05, USD/SEK:10.50, CLP/USD:850, USD/BRL:5.00) and operating costs.
11 68% of Candelaria’s total gold and silver production are subject to a streaming agreement and as such cash costs are calculated based on receipt of $425/oz and $4.25/oz, respectively, on gold and silver sales in the year.

2024 Capital Expenditure Guidance

Capital Expenditures ($ millions)                               202412,13
Sustaining Capital  
  Candelaria (100% basis) $300
  Caserones (100% basis) $205
  Chapada $110
  Eagle $25
  Neves-Corvo $125
  Zinkgruvan $75
  Total Sustaining Capital $840
     
Josemaria Project $225
     
Total Capital Expenditures $1,065
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12 Expansionary capital expenditure is a non-GAAP measure and sustaining capital expenditure is a supplementary financial measure. For historical comparatives see the Historical Non-GAAP Measure Comparatives section of this press release. Please also see the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, for discussion of non-GAAP measures.
13 Capital expenditures are based on various assumptions and estimates, including, but not limited to foreign currency exchange rates (2024 - €/USD:1.05, USD/SEK:10.50, CLP/USD:850, USD/BRL:5.00).

2024 Exploration Investment Guidance

Exploration expenditures are planned to be $48 million in 2024 primarily for in-mine and near-mine targets at our operations. The largest portion of the planned expenditure is to be at Caserones (12,900 meters), while at Josemaria, early exploration drilling (5,200 meters) on additional new targets is planned. The focus at Caserones will be deeper in-pit drilling to better define higher grade breccia zones and exploration drilling to test the sulphide mineral potential below the underlying Angelica oxide deposit. At Josemaria the exploration priority will be to test the Cumbre Verde target. At Chapada additional drilling at Sauva will continue to further define higher grade resources. At Zinkgruvan, the exploration campaign (55,000 meters) will target mineral extensions demonstrating grades of 10 - 20% zinc.

About Lundin Mining

Lundin Mining is a diversified Canadian base metals mining company with operations and projects in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Portugal, Sweden and the United States of America, primarily producing copper, zinc, gold and nickel.

The information in this release is subject to the disclosure requirements of Lundin Mining under the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below on January 14, 2024 at 18:00 Eastern Time.

Other Information

The Technical Information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and has been reviewed and approved by Arman Barha, P.Eng., Vice President, Technical Services of the Company, a “Qualified Person” under NI 43-101. Mr. Barha has verified the data disclosed in this release and no limitations were imposed on his verification process.

Historical Non-GAAP Measure Comparatives

Cash Cost and Sustaining and Expansionary Expenditures are non-GAAP financial measures and are not standardized financial measures under generally accepted accounting principles under IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies.

Cash Cost – Year Ended December 31, 2022

             
             
Operations Candelaria Chapada Eagle Neves-Corvo Zinkgruvan    
($ thousands, unless otherwise noted) (Cu) (Cu) (Ni) (Cu) (Zn) Total  
Sales volumes (Payable metal contained metal in concentrate):  
Tonnes 147,251 45,563 14,427 31,592 65,6 84  
Pounds (000s) 324,633 100,449 31,806 69,648 144,808  
               
Production costs           1,661.358  
Less: Royalties and other           (53,785)  
            1,607,573  
Deduct: By-product credits (656,534)  
Add: Treatment and refining charges 124,841  
Cash cost 637,486 209,238 25,168 158,351 45,637 1,075,880  
Cash cost per pound ($/lb) 1.96 2.08 0.79 2.27 0.32    
                                       

Capital Expenditures – Year Ended December 31, 2022

($ thousands) Sustaining       Expansionary Capitalized Interest Total  
Candelaria 389,731 389,731  
Chapada 104,711 104,711  
Eagle 16,413 16,413  
Josemaria 171,094 14 171,108  
Neves-Corvo 71,222 31,899 65 103,186  
Zinkgruvan 48,144 48,144  
Other 9,610 9,610  
  639,831 202,993 79 842,903  
Capital expenditures are reported on a cash basis, as presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Expansionary capital expenditures are non-GAAP measures. See the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, for discussion of non-GAAP measures heading “Non-GAAP and Other Performance Measures” on page 28 which is incorporated by reference herein.  
                 

Cash Cost – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Operations Candelaria Caserones Chapada Eagle Neves-Corvo Zinkgruvan    
($ thousands, unless otherwise noted) (Cu) (Cu) (Cu) (Ni) (Cu) (Zn) Total  
Sales volumes (Payable metal contained metal in concentrate):  
Tonnes 105,585 30,385 30,681 10,234 23,000 48,028  
Pounds (000s)                                    232,775 66,987 67,640 22,562 50,706 105,883  
                 
Production costs             1,438,071  
Less: Royalties and other           (41,717)  
        Inventory fair value adjustment         (32,185)  
              1,364,169
Deduct: By-product credits (495,751)  
Add: Treatment and refining charges 125,390  
Cash cost 507,884 106,866 165,170 47,228 128,206 38,454 993,808  
Cash cost per pound ($/lb) 2.18 1.60 2.44 2.09 2.53 0.36    
                                                         

Capital Expenditures – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

($ thousands) Sustaining       Expansionary Capitalized Interest Total  
Candelaria 300,796 300.796  
Caserones 28,849 28,849  
Chapada 52,433 52,433  
Eagle 15,653 15,653  
Josemaria 234,831 11,011 245,842  
Neves-Corvo 74,551 74,551  
Zinkgruvan 42,812 42,812  
Other 8,303 8,303  
  523,397 234,831 11,011 769,239  
Capital expenditures are reported on a cash basis, as presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Expansionary capital expenditures are non-GAAP measures. See the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, for discussion of non-GAAP measures heading “Non-GAAP and Other Performance Measures” on page 26 which is incorporated by reference herein.  
                   

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this document constitute forward-looking information, including but not limited to statements regarding the Company’s plans, prospects and business strategies; the Company’s guidance on the timing and amount of future production and its expectations regarding the results of operations; expected costs; permitting requirements and timelines; timing and possible outcome of pending litigation; the results of any Preliminary Economic Assessment, Feasibility Study, or Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimations, life of mine estimates, and mine and mine closure plans; anticipated market prices of metals, currency exchange rates, and interest rates; the development and implementation of the Company’s Responsible Mining Management System; the Company’s ability to comply with contractual and permitting or other regulatory requirements; anticipated exploration and development activities at the Company’s projects; the Company’s integration of acquisitions and any anticipated benefits thereof; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “contemplate”, “target”, “plan”, “goal”, “aim”, “intend”, “continue”, “budget”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “can”, “could”, “should”, “schedule” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon various estimates and assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, including that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labour; assumed and future price of copper, nickel, zinc, gold and other metals; anticipated costs; ability to achieve goals; the prompt and effective integration of acquisitions; that the political environment in which the Company operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects; and assumptions related to the factors set forth below. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Lundin Mining as at the date of this document in light of management’s experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, these statements are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: global financial conditions, market volatility and inflation, including pricing and availability of key supplies and services; risks inherent in mining including but not limited to risks to the environment, industrial accidents, catastrophic equipment failures, unusual or unexpected geological formations or unstable ground conditions, and natural phenomena such as earthquakes, flooding or unusually severe weather; uninsurable risks; project financing risks, liquidity risks and limited financial resources; volatility and fluctuations in metal and commodity demand and prices; delays or the inability to obtain, retain or comply with permits; significant reliance on a single asset; reputation risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; health and safety risks; risks relating to the development of the Josemaria Project; inability to attract and retain highly skilled employees; risks associated with climate change; compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations; unavailable or inaccessible infrastructure, infrastructure failures, and risks related to ageing infrastructure; risks inherent in and/or associated with operating in foreign countries and emerging markets, including with respect to foreign exchange and capital controls; economic, political and social instability and mining regime changes in the Company’s operating jurisdictions, including but not limited to those related to permitting and approvals, environmental and tailings management, labour, trade relations, and transportation; risks relating to indebtedness; the inability to effectively compete in the industry; risks associated with acquisitions and related integration efforts, including the ability to achieve anticipated benefits, unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to integration and diversion of management time on integration; changing taxation regimes; risks related to mine closure activities, reclamation obligations, environmental liabilities and closed and historical sites; reliance on key personnel and reporting and oversight systems, as well as third parties and consultants in foreign jurisdictions; information technology and cybersecurity risks; risks associated with the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits including but not limited to models relating thereto; actual ore mined and/or metal recoveries varying from Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution, mine plans and metallurgical and other characteristics; ore processing efficiency; community and stakeholder opposition; financial projections, including estimates of future expenditures and cash costs, and estimates of future production may not be reliable; enforcing legal rights in foreign jurisdictions; environmental and regulatory risks associated with the structural stability of waste rock dumps or tailings storage facilities; activist shareholders and proxy solicitation matters; risks relating to dilution; regulatory investigations, enforcement, sanctions and/or related or other litigation; risks relating to payment of dividends; counterparty and customer concentration risks; the estimation of asset carrying values; risks associated with the use of derivatives; relationships with employees and contractors, and the potential for and effects of labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or shortages of labour or interruptions in production; conflicts of interest; existence of a significant shareholder; exchange rate fluctuations; challenges or defects in title; internal controls; compliance with foreign laws; potential for the allegation of fraud and corruption involving the Company, its customers, suppliers or employees, or the allegation of improper or discriminatory employment practices, or human rights violations; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks relating to minor elements contained in concentrate products; and other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described in the “Risk and Uncertainties” section of the Company’s Annual Information Form and the “Managing Risks” section of the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company’s profile.

All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forwardlooking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable law.