TSE:SMT Sierra Metals Q4 2022 Earnings Report C$1.12 0.00 (0.00%) As of 05/9/2025 04:00 PM Eastern Earnings HistoryForecast Sierra Metals EPS ResultsActual EPS-C$0.06Consensus EPS N/ABeat/MissN/AOne Year Ago EPSN/ASierra Metals Revenue ResultsActual Revenue$62.66 millionExpected RevenueN/ABeat/MissN/AYoY Revenue GrowthN/ASierra Metals Announcement DetailsQuarterQ4 2022Date3/28/2023TimeN/AConference Call DateWednesday, March 29, 2023Conference Call Time11:00AM ETConference Call ResourcesConference Call AudioConference Call TranscriptSlide DeckInterim ReportEarnings HistoryCompany ProfileSlide DeckFull Screen Slide DeckPowered by Sierra Metals Q4 2022 Earnings Call TranscriptProvided by QuartrMarch 29, 2023 ShareLink copied to clipboard.There are 8 speakers on the call. Operator00:00:00Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Sierra Metals 4th Quarter and Year End 2022 Consolidated Financial Results Call. My name is Daisy, and I'll be coordinating your call today. Thank you for standing by. I would now like to hand the call over to your host, Christiana Papadopoulos, Manager of Investor Relations to begin. So, Christiana, please go ahead. Speaker 100:00:26Thank you, operator, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to Sierra Metals' 4th quarter 2022 year end 2022 consolidated financial results On today's call is Oscar Cabrera, Chair of the Board of Directors Ernesto Valerito Valdez, our Interim CEO and Jose Fernandez Becca, our Interim CFO. Following the prepared remarks, a question and answer period will follow. The accompanying presentation for today's call is available for download through the webcast or from the company's webcast at sierrametals.com. Yesterday's press release, the financial statements and the management discussion and analysis are also posted on our site and on SEDAR. Speaker 100:01:11I'd like to note that this earnings call contains forward looking information that is based on the company's current expectations, estimates and beliefs. This forward looking information is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Actual results could differ materially from our conclusions, forecasts or projections as reflected in the forward looking information. Additionally, information about the material factors that could cause or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion while making a forecast or projection as reflected in the forward looking information is contained in the company's annual information form, which is publicly available on SEDAR and on the company's website. Please note that all dollar amounts mentioned on today's call are in U. Speaker 100:01:58S. Dollars unless otherwise noted. Now I'd like to hand the call over to Oscar. Speaker 200:02:03Thank you, Christiana, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us this morning. My comments today will be brief as I will leave it to Ernesto and Jose to review the company's results and outlook. As Board Chair and A member of the Special Committee of Independent Directors that is undertaking a strategic review, I would like to provide an update on that process. The special committee continues to evaluate certain strategic alternatives. Speaker 200:02:30The company will report to shareholders at the conclusion of the strategic review process. Therefore, on today's call, other than the following remarks, we will not be commenting further or taking questions on the special committee's work. I would like to remind our shareholders of the mandate that the special committee took on last fall based on the challenges the company faced at the time. We're responsible for exploring, reviewing and considering options to optimize the operations of the company and possible financing, restructuring and strategic options in the best interest of the company. Consistent with that mandate, The members of the special committee have provided recommendations where appropriate and supported the management team to identify opportunities to improve operational and financial performance. Speaker 200:03:18In that respect, the And financial performance. In that respect, the efforts of the special committee have made an impact ahead of the completion of the strategic review process. Much of what you will hear from Ernesto and Jose today will be a summary of initiatives They have identified and begun to implement. I believe the efforts of the entire Sierra Metals team have already And we'll continue to make a significant difference in the company's operational performance and growth outlook. The Board has confidence that the company is on the right track. Speaker 200:03:55I would now like to turn the call over to Ernesto. Speaker 300:04:00Thank you, Oscar. Good morning, everyone. It is my pleasure to be part of my first earnings call with Sierra Metals As interim CEO, as many of you know, I joined the company in late November 2022. It has been a very busy time since I have joined And I wanted to make a few comments before I provide an overview of our operating results. Speaker 400:04:23First, I am pleased to report that Speaker 300:04:25I have Join a company with a dedicated and hardworking team of professionals across the organization. The challenges that company faced in 2022 are well documented. In spite of those, our team has remained focused on the task at hand and has embraced the initiatives we have Put in place during my first 100 days on the job. Most notably, the entire company has embraced Our renewed focus on safety. For me, safety is the top priority. Speaker 300:04:57As we say in the business, a safe mine is an operating mine. And I truly believe one of my top priorities as CEO is to ensure we provide a workplace environment where all employees and contractors are safe More specifics about the plant improvements, but first let me provide an overview of our results. Consolidated 2022 ore throughput was 2,300,000 tons, a decrease of 21% From 2021, mainly driven by the 30% 16% decline in the annual throughputs from the Bolivar and Yauricocha mines respectively. As a result, consolidated 2022 copper equivalent production decreased 29% compared to 2021. Consolidated Q4 2022 ore throughput of 500,000 tons, a sequential decrease of 12% From Q3 2022, mainly due to the decline in throughput at Yauricocha. Speaker 300:06:07As a result, consolidated Q4 20 22 copper equivalent production decreased 15% compared to Q3 2022. At Yaulicocha, our flagship mine in Peru, throughput was severely impacted in Q4 2022 By the mudslide incident that occurred in September followed by a road blockade by the local communities. As compared to Q4 2021, The agriculture throughput was 40% lower, while on a year over year basis, throughput was 16% lower as compared to 2021. At the Bolivar mine, throughput increased 19% in the 4th quarter over the 3rd quarter And that momentum has carried over into the Q1 of 2023. However, the annual throughput at the Bolivar mine was 30% lower as the improvements in Q4 2022 production could not make up for the delays in installation of critical infrastructure during the first half of the year and unexpected flooding during Q3 2022. Speaker 300:07:17Also during the Q4, recovery rates and copper, silver and gold grades were substantially higher, all of which we are encouraged by. Clearly, there were many challenges at Bolivar last year. However, The critical infrastructure bottlenecks have been resolved and most notably this has included the installation of pumping and ventilation systems. With these issues addressed, we are seeing indications of improved performance year to date at Bolivar. We will look to build on this momentum for the remainder of 2023. Speaker 300:07:55At our Cusi mine in Mexico, we processed 11% more ore in Q4 than in Q3 as mining resumed in the area where flooding occurred earlier in the year. The increased throughput helped offset the impact of lower grades and a lower silver and gold recovery rate during the quarter. Annual throughput at Cusi mine in 2022 was 292,000 tons or 1% lower than 2021. In addition to higher silver grades, crushing and grinding improvements at the plant have helped enhance silver and gold recovery, resulting in an 8% increase in silver equivalent production when compared to 2021. As noted in our earnings release, we have made a strategic decision with input from our Board of Directors to classify CUSI as a non core asset. Speaker 300:08:50To that end, we will continue to operate Cusi while we explore strategic alternatives. Despite the challenges the company faced in 2022, I'm encouraged by the recent progress we have made. We have seen improved performance carry over into the start of 2023. I will discuss our outlook in greater detail in a moment. First, I will pass the call to Jose, our CFO. Speaker 500:09:15Thank you, Ernesto. I will not be going into detail as I assume everyone has read our Q4 year end 2022 financial results Released last night. Instead, I will offer these highlights. Revenue from metals payable was $192,000,000 in 20.22, A decrease of 29% from 20.31 annual revenue of $272,000,000 Lower revenue resulted From the decrease in throughput in grades at the Yauricocha and Bolivar mines. Due to the previously mentioned for rating Challenges experienced in 2022, cash costs across all of our mines were higher in 2022 when compared to 2021. Speaker 500:09:57The ricoche and Bolivar cash costs on a corporate equivalent basis were 53% 37% Higher effectively in Acusi silver equivalent cash costs were flat year over year. Adjusted EBITDA of $13,000,000 for 2022 was a decrease from the adjusted EBITDA of $104,700,000 of total in 'twenty one. The decrease was primarily due to the interruptions in operations at the Alicocha and Bolivar. Net loss attributable to shareholders for 2022 was $87,500,000 or $0.53 per share compared to 2021 net loss of $27,400,000 or $0.17 per share. Net loss for full year 2022 includes a non cash impairment charges totaling $50,000,000 Adjusted net loss attributable to shareholders of $23,100,000 or $0.14 per share For 2022 compared to the adjusted net income of $21,700,000 or $0.13 per share for 2021. Speaker 500:11:06Cash flow generated from operations before movements in working capital of $5,200,000 for 2022 Was lower than the $91,800,000 in 2021, mainly due to lower revenues and higher operating costs. And As of December 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents was $5,100,000 And working capital was negative $84,400,000 primarily due to the $82,800,000 reclassification of Long term debt to current. Subsequent to year end, we were pleased to announce that we are in advanced Cash on terms to refinance $18,750,000 of the $25,000,000 principal debt repayment obligations at Are due in 2023 under the company's senior secured grade facility. We intend to formalize the financing prior to the due date The 2nd quarterly principal installment on June 8, 2023, subject to among other things, the completion of a diligence. Lender has provided an interim financing of $6,250,000 Q1 2023 amortization Payment due on March 8, 2023, while the refinancing contract for most of the balance of 2023 payment is being finalized. Speaker 500:12:33We have also advanced discussions with the other secured lenders on refinancing of material of material short term obligation And steps to improve short term liquidity through ancillary financing arrangements. So more to come on achieving balance sheet release. Over to you, Ernesto. Speaker 300:12:51Thank you, Jose. As many of you know, I came on board in November. My priorities were to improve the operations. Nothing has been left unturned. Our focus was to first stabilize and now optimize our operations. Speaker 300:13:08The first phase of stabilizing the operations is complete. We are now moving ahead with a strong platform to increase production and lower costs. Some initiatives implemented in my first 100 days on the job include placing a renewed Emphasis on safety and employee engagement. The company has hired a Vice President of Health and Safety, Instituted new safety protocols across all of its operations, increased training and communication efforts And invested in remote control equipment, which is designed to reduce risk of injury to personnel. Safety is our top priority and I'm committed to doing all I can with the support of our management team to provide the safest Possible working environment for all of our employees and contractors. Speaker 300:14:02Enhancements to internal financial forecasting, Reporting and integration of information across functions to drive improved decision making. Initiatives to increase productivity And thereby reduce costs at the mines, including increasing asset utilization, focused underground development of mine sequencing And improvements to ventilation and pumping systems in Bolivar. We have initiated activities designed to identify additional mineral resources at the Yauricocha and Bolivar mines and sustain long term production And we have made organizational changes designed to create a shift in the corporate culture and instill a more hands on approach to operations. This starts at the top. Senior management now spends significantly more time at the mine sites, So we can all fully understand the challenges and opportunities. Speaker 300:15:03A key metric is our daily throughput rates. Achieving our targets generally indicate to me our operations are improving and costs are coming down. While we're still early in our operational improvement plan, So far in 2023 at Bolivar, we are achieving 3,070 tons per day throughput, Which is the same rate as in Q4 2022. And we see opportunities for improvement in 2023. Meanwhile at Yauricocha, we are achieving 2,375 pounds per day, a 36 improvement Our Q4 2022 and already at 2023 targeted levels. Speaker 300:15:46As for the outlook in 2023, our operational improvements have now set the stage to increase production and lower costs. Some of our key objectives were included in the guidance issued in our earnings release last night and let me summarize some of them. We expect to see higher production in 2023 for copper, zinc, lead And goals than in 2022. On a cost basis, we expect to see significant improvements on both a cash cost And all in sustaining cost basis at Yauricocha and Bolivar. For capital expenditures, We are forecasting total sustaining CapEx of $32,000,000 with $10,000,000 at Yauricocha and $22,000,000 at Bolivar. Speaker 300:16:34The expenditures at Bolivar are primarily focused on enhancing the longer term viability of the mine. Nearly half of Nearly half is for mine development, more than $5,000,000 on infill drilling and nearly $4,000,000 for improved equipment. These investments are critical at Bolivar. We truly believe it is a deposit that has the potential over time to become a long life Low cost mine. Growth capital is $15,000,000 with $11,000,000 committed to Yolicocha Where the focus is on the tailings dam and the shaft. Speaker 300:17:16Much like Bolivar, Yauricocha requires investment and optimization. We also believe we need to focus significant efforts on obtaining permits in Peru to allow us to mine below the 11.20 level. Obtaining those permits is critical to helping us transform Yauricocha into a long life low cost mine as well. On the basis of this guidance, we expect the company to generate significantly improved operational and financial performance For all stakeholders in 2023. As I stated earlier, one of my first objectives when I joined last year was to stabilize the operations. Speaker 300:18:01Based on what I have seen to date and on our guidance for 2023, I believe we have achieved that objective. Next, our focus is to optimize the operations. This must be done so we can return to higher levels of production On a sustainable basis that is both safe and economic. Then our priority will be to position Sierra Metals for growth. And by this, I mean sustainable, predictable and reliable growth over the longer term. Speaker 300:18:30Fundamental to achieving this goal is expanding the resources at our core mines. Our key growth initiatives are centered around revising the life of mine plans at Yauricocha and Bolivar, Which are expected to be completed in Q2, 2023. We believe both sides have the potential to sustain long term Profitable production. The company is also working closely with regulatory bodies to expedite the permitting process at Yaguchocha without compromising safety While we focus on these key optimizations initiatives and the strategic planning that is ongoing, We have deferred some of our growth oriented capital expenditures. Once this work is complete, we can revisit our growth capital needs. Speaker 300:19:21We firmly believe Bolivar and Yolico are cornerstone assets capable of underpinning Sierra Metals to be To the benefit of all our stakeholders, we have laid out the priorities we need to achieve in order to meet that objective. There is much work to be done, but I'm convinced we have the right team in place to succeed. We have seen early signs of success And we believe there is some momentum in our business. Looking ahead, we expect to see improvements achieved throughout the year. With that, I'll hand I'll now call back to the operator to start the Q and A session. Speaker 300:19:58Operator? Operator00:20:02Thank you. Our first question today comes from Mark Reichman from Noble Capital Markets. Mark, please go ahead. Your line is open. Speaker 400:20:33Good morning. I just had a question. I missed The comment about both Bolivar and Northocha, at what rate on a tons per day basis would they be operating In 2023, I heard the $2,375,000,000 I'm assuming that was your Acocha. But I was just wondering if that's kind of if you could repeat those numbers and If that's what we could expect for the full year or whether there would be any ramp up in those numbers throughout the course of the year. Speaker 300:21:03Yes. Thank you for the question. What I said is in Bolivar right now we are Achieving 3,070000 tons per day, we're expecting to increase this throughput rate In the next month, at the end of the year, we should be close to 5,000 tons a day. In Yauricocha, 2,375 tons per day and we are very much in line of what we have targeted for the year. Speaker 400:21:36Okay. And then in terms of the permit, what are your expectations at this point For receiving a permit to mine at depth at Yauricocha. And then once you get the permit, How long do you think it would take before you're actually start before you're actually mining in those deeper areas? Speaker 300:22:01Yes. Thanks for the question again. We are confident we're doing our best efforts to get that permit By year end. So that's where we are working now. We have hired a manager of permits For Sierra Methos, we didn't have that position in place and they are working 20 fourseven to get this permit How long would it take us to start extracting mineral from that area? Speaker 300:22:35Probably 6 to 9 months Before we can start extracting minerals, after we get the permit, right? Speaker 600:22:44Okay. Speaker 400:22:45That's very helpful. Thank you very much. Speaker 300:22:48Sure. My pleasure. Operator00:22:53Thank you. Our next question is from Jim Young from Midwest Investments. Jim, please go ahead. Your line is open. Speaker 700:23:02Hi, and welcome to CMO. My question is that you mentioned that you completed Phase 1 And now you're moving on to where you want to increase production lower cost. Can you just quantify a little more specifically as to if you think about Where will you be by the end of, say, The end of September quarter and December and then beyond and then 2024, so 5,000 tons a day at Boulevard Just mentioned, is that basically a maximum capacity that you see in 2024 or is that the expected continue to grow? And again, And then can you also then provide us with your cost expectations per pound? Thank you. Speaker 300:23:57Okay. Thanks for the question. Why are we reducing costs? It's because all these operational improvements On our sites, in Bolivar, we already have ventilation systems in place that allow us to mine more to take out more mineral from Bolivar That will take our cost down. Pumping systems already in place that also facilitates the work of the miners. Speaker 300:24:33So I mean Yauricocha, the cost will come down because of higher production. But right now we are Mining small bodies above the 11.20 level. So the mining cost is not lower Because we're going to produce more ounces more pounds, I'm sorry, then the cost will finally be lower. But as a miner as a mine cost is going to go a little bit high up, a little bit high. We are going to be able to sustain for 2024 the production levels At Bolivar, that's what we're aiming to do. Speaker 300:25:17Bolivar needs to be developed and that's what we are trying to accomplish This year, developed a lot more, a little bit more. Next year, keep developing the mine. I don't foresee an increase in production at Bolivar for 2024. I don't foresee an increase in production Furnace in Yauricocha in 2024 either unless well, maybe by the end of 2024 When we get this permit and we prepare the mine below the 11.20 level. I hope I answered your question. Speaker 700:26:00But can you be a little more can you quantify though We expect cost B, say, by the end of 2023 at both Bolivar and Yauricocha. Speaker 300:26:11Cost per ton in Bolivar, let me look at my guidance. Cash costs in Yauricocha should be around $180 in those areas and in Bolivar Around $1.90 cash costs per copper equivalent pounds, okay? Speaker 700:26:40Okay. Then if you're able to achieve this guidance, do you think that you can for both Boulevard and your Acacia, What does that suggest for the EBITDA and cash flow generation? Speaker 300:26:54Yes. It's hard for us to project. We don't give guidance on EBITDA. It all depends on metal prices. We are working towards getting a much better EBITDA number than last year. Speaker 300:27:10I think all these operational improvements, safety measures will result in better in much better EBITDA, but we don't provide guidance on that. Speaker 700:27:27Okay. And then my last question really is, It's been early, but have you had a chance to go out to visit any of the mines yet? And if not, what's your plan to do so, please? Speaker 300:27:40If I have visited the mine, sorry? Speaker 700:27:43Yes. Speaker 300:27:44Oh, many times. One of my way of doing business and be a CEO of a mining company is visiting the mines Periodically and not only myself, but with my example, I am My management team is also doing that and this was the first major change that happened when I first got in. Speaker 700:28:19Okay, great. Thanks very much. I really appreciate that. Speaker 400:28:22Sure. Operator00:28:25Thank you. Our next question is from Alberto Arias from Arias Resource Capital. Alberto, please go ahead. Your line is open. Speaker 600:28:36Yes. Good morning, gentlemen. My question is regarding the improvements that you are mentioning are being delivered, Because what we're seeing here is a reduction on the guidance from what we had heard in prior calls, especially on the Yavicocha throughput. What you're saying here is that the production rates are going to be around 2300 to 2,500 tons per day, Which is remarkably low by historical standards at Yauricocha, it's hard for me to imagine The company being very profitable at those levels. What has changed in the Q3 conference calls? Speaker 600:29:21They were telling us that by the Q2 of this year, Jarricoia was going to come back to normal throughputs. So could you explain to us what is the change from the previous call to now? Speaker 300:29:38Okay. Thank you for the question. I was not on that call and I have read what they what previous management offered. What I'm offering now is steady production, profitable Production below if we had access to the levels below 11.20, Maybe the throughput could go higher. Right now, we are mining small bodies above 11 20, Less sublevelcaving, more cut and fill operations. Speaker 300:30:16This is The throughput that we can get out of Yahu Yacocha in a safely economic Wait until we get the 11/20 permit, then things have to change. Speaker 600:30:35Great. I'm glad to hear that you're talking about profitability and cash flow generation because That's our biggest concern in terms of the runway the company has. If you're telling us that at those production On rates, Yauricocha can generate cash flows and you would have the runway to go to when the permits are obtained. I would feel more comfortable, but I'm glad to hear that's what you are saying here. On the permit side, it's mind boggling that there's been such long time to obtain those permits. Speaker 600:31:15I was reading the Annual report of corona, which I was glad to read all the disclosure in there. And you're talking about getting the permits by the end of This year, I'm surprised by your comment that the production rates would be same in 2024, Given that there was almost a continuous mineralization from those levels to the lower levels, Why 6 to 9 months to reactivate those zones? Speaker 300:31:49Good question, because we need to prepare the mine. Below 11.20, it's sublevelcaving. Sublevel Speaker 200:31:57came in Speaker 300:31:57with a lot of water. We need to safely extract that mineral. For that, we need to prepare the mine. The mine is not ready below 11.20. We get the permit, it's not that we get in the next day and we start mining and extracting mineral. Speaker 300:32:12We need to prepare that site, that area of the deposit. That's why it takes a while to extract mineral from there. That's the main reason. We want to do it in a safely manner, dewatering these stopes, We need to take a little bit of time to prepare it and to do a good job, especially with safety. Speaker 600:32:35Yes. And the final question I have is on Bolivar. I'm glad to hear that you are ramping up, But we couldn't get the sense from the guidance that I see a significant increase in production on Bolivar. Now that the quarter It's almost over on the Q1. You feel that we are going to sustain these growth rates That you are projecting on Bolivar and Bolivar also had an iron ore project that there was even a technical For the preliminary feasibility study on the iron ore project, The management was telling us that because of transoceanic shipping rates having gone up so much, that is less economic, so therefore, Not so valuable. Speaker 600:33:27Transoceanic shipping rates have come down to pre COVID levels and iron ore prices are remarkably strong. Is there any plan to reactivate that project? Speaker 300:33:42Thank you for the question again. Okay. The iron ore project for the iron ore project to work, We need a buyer of the iron ore. We don't have a buyer. We don't have the CapEx to install a plant for iron ore. Speaker 300:34:01So we would need not only a client, but a client that is willing to invest in our sites in order to get that iron ore Trade of our mineral, okay. So we are looking for that buyer. We haven't found it yet. That's the second question, I think. The first question was on Bolivar. Speaker 300:34:25Can you please repeat? Speaker 600:34:27The throughputs, when I look at the production, you're talking about even going up to 5,000 tons Per day, but is that in the guidance of copper production? Because I would imagine that if you go to 5,000 tons per day, the copper Production of Bolivar would be higher than what you have guided in your press release. Speaker 300:34:50Yes, it's a ramp up. What I said is that by the end of the year, we should be at 5,000 tons. So maybe you shouldn't multiply 5,000 by the remaining Right. Monthly of this year, it's a ramp up. And I think it is sustainable for 2024, 2025. Speaker 300:35:09I do think so. Well, Bolivar and I think you know Bolivar very well. Bolivar is underdeveloped. We need to develop that mine. We need to invest in making more fronts, more stopes available to us. Speaker 300:35:29That is going to take a while in order for increase that ramp up and that production level. Speaker 400:35:38All right. Thank you. Operator00:35:44Thank you. Our next question is a follow-up from Mark Reitman. Mark, please go ahead. Speaker 400:35:53I have to say, I've been impressed with the actions that you've taken to date. I guess the question I have at this point is, you're dealing with a lot of Different stakeholders. I mean, on the one hand, you're working with the banks to try to get some flexibility. You've been successful in getting waivers, but I think your financial statement indicated that you'd probably have to seek More waivers in the future. Meanwhile, you've got this capital expenditure budget, a lot of investment needs at both You are a coach at Bolivar. Speaker 400:36:31So how are you thinking about bridging the financial gap in terms of Cash flow versus asset sales, meaning QC versus stock sales are taking on additional debt. Speaker 300:36:48Thank you for the question. We need to keep stabilizing And operating our mines in a productive, efficient, safe manner. I Really believe we can make a profit. I really believe these two minds can produce positive cash flows for the company. The banks want to help. Speaker 300:37:14The banks don't want to bankrupt us or anything. They do want to help and they are helping. I think they will be willing after we show the Q1 results, then Q2 results, They'll be willing to refinance the whole debt. I have started preliminary talks about that. So there's a lot of balls in the air right now, a lot of fronts as you say, But we are handling we have a great team that is supporting me and the company. Speaker 300:37:54We're on-site. Well, it's hard work, I can tell you, but we're making progress. Speaker 400:38:04Well, just as kind of a follow-up to that question, you just alluded to that when they see the Q1 and the Q2 results, That was like I said, I think the plan looks impressive. I guess the execution will be the heavy lifting. But in terms of the Q1, did you solidify all this prior to the Q1 where I mean will these efforts show up in the Q1 numbers? Or I mean, have you spent any of that capital expenditure funds at this point? Or when do you expect the real progress to start? Speaker 300:38:39Okay. We are already seeing the results of these actions in Q1 2023. And just to clarify on the CapEx number that you are seeing, That comes out of the company of the operations. We are not Increasing our debt, we are not increasing our refinance. Everything comes out of the cash flows that both Sites are producing. Speaker 400:39:09Okay. Thank you very much. That's really helpful. I appreciate the information. Speaker 300:39:15Thank you. Operator00:39:21Thank you. We have a follow-up question from Jim Young. Jim, please go ahead. Your line is open. Speaker 700:39:39Hi. Yes. Could you please address the process that's going to unfold, the timing expectations for And we'll have a permanent CEO in place and a permanent CFO in place, please, because I think it was very clear that you mentioned that you're an interim CEO, Inderm, CFO. Speaker 300:40:02Thank you for the question. I'm going to pass that to our Chair, Oscar. Speaker 200:40:09Hi, Jim. Good to hear from you. Listen, we did not believe it was appropriate to make decisions before the completion of the strategic Review and this is why the interim was put Head of CEO, CFO. That being said, Ernesto and Pepe are both very qualified. And despite having the interim in their title, the Board selected them because we were And remain very confident that their ability to execute and make decisive progress at this critical juncture. Speaker 200:40:43I think just all I can tell you stay tuned, but we're very, very happy with our performance. Speaker 700:40:54Okay. Thank you very much. Operator00:41:00Thank you. We have no further questions. So I'd like to hand the call back over to Ernesto for any closing remarks. Speaker 300:41:24Thank you for taking the time to join us today. We appreciate your continued support. I'm just over 100 days in the CEO seat. I'm proud of what the team has You can expect more from us and we look forward to showing you our progress and earning your trust. Stay tuned. Speaker 300:41:43As always, please feel free to reach out should you have additional questions. Have a good day everyone and thank you again.Read morePowered by Conference Call Audio Live Call not available Earnings Conference CallSierra Metals Q4 202200:00 / 00:00Speed:1x1.25x1.5x2x Earnings DocumentsSlide DeckInterim report Sierra Metals Earnings HeadlinesSierra Metals (TSE:SMT) Shares Cross Above 50-Day Moving Average After Insider SellingMay 7 at 1:40 AM | americanbankingnews.comSierra Metals Reviews Alpayana's Increased Takeover Bid Of C$1.15 Per ShareMay 4, 2025 | nasdaq.comTrump to redistribute trillions of dollars What’s most shocking about this list for me is stock #2. It’s primed to be the biggest beneficiary of the DOGE administration’s efforts to eradicate the filth and corruption plaguing our government. But the thing is… it’s actually not an Elon stock.May 10, 2025 | Porter & Company (Ad)Copper Miner Rallies as Takeover Buzz Sparks Investor OptimismApril 23, 2025 | msn.comSierra Metals Rejects Sweetened Takeover Bid From Peru's AlpayanaApril 9, 2025 | marketwatch.comSierra Metals Inc (SMTSF) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Revenue and Strategic ChallengesMarch 28, 2025 | gurufocus.comSee More Sierra Metals Headlines Get Earnings Announcements in your inboxWant to stay updated on the latest earnings announcements and upcoming reports for companies like Sierra Metals? Sign up for Earnings360's daily newsletter to receive timely earnings updates on Sierra Metals and other key companies, straight to your email. Email Address About Sierra MetalsSierra Metals (TSE:SMT), together with its subsidiaries, focuses on the production, exploration, and development of precious and base metals in Peru and Mexico. It primarily focuses on exploration of silver, copper, lead, zinc, and gold deposits. The company's flagship property is the 82% owned polymetallic Yauricocha Mine covering an area of 18,778 hectares located in the Yauyos province in Peru. The company was formerly known as Dia Bras Exploration Inc. and changed its name to Sierra Metals Inc. in December 2012. Sierra Metals Inc. was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.View Sierra Metals ProfileRead more More Earnings Resources from MarketBeat Earnings Tools Today's Earnings Tomorrow's Earnings Next Week's Earnings Upcoming Earnings Calls Earnings Newsletter Earnings Call Transcripts Earnings Beats & Misses Corporate Guidance Earnings Screener Earnings By Country U.S. Earnings Reports Canadian Earnings Reports U.K. Earnings Reports Latest Articles Why Nearly 20 Analysts Raised Meta Price Targets Post-EarningsOXY Stock Rebound Begins Following Solid Earnings BeatMonolithic Power Systems: Will Strong Earnings Spark a Recovery?Datadog Earnings Delight: Q1 Strength and an Upbeat Forecast Upwork's Earnings Beat Fuels Stock Rally—Is Freelancing Booming?DexCom Stock: Earnings Beat and New Market Access Drive Bull CaseDisney Stock Jumps on Earnings—Is the Magic Sustainable? 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There are 8 speakers on the call. Operator00:00:00Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Sierra Metals 4th Quarter and Year End 2022 Consolidated Financial Results Call. My name is Daisy, and I'll be coordinating your call today. Thank you for standing by. I would now like to hand the call over to your host, Christiana Papadopoulos, Manager of Investor Relations to begin. So, Christiana, please go ahead. Speaker 100:00:26Thank you, operator, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to Sierra Metals' 4th quarter 2022 year end 2022 consolidated financial results On today's call is Oscar Cabrera, Chair of the Board of Directors Ernesto Valerito Valdez, our Interim CEO and Jose Fernandez Becca, our Interim CFO. Following the prepared remarks, a question and answer period will follow. The accompanying presentation for today's call is available for download through the webcast or from the company's webcast at sierrametals.com. Yesterday's press release, the financial statements and the management discussion and analysis are also posted on our site and on SEDAR. Speaker 100:01:11I'd like to note that this earnings call contains forward looking information that is based on the company's current expectations, estimates and beliefs. This forward looking information is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Actual results could differ materially from our conclusions, forecasts or projections as reflected in the forward looking information. Additionally, information about the material factors that could cause or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion while making a forecast or projection as reflected in the forward looking information is contained in the company's annual information form, which is publicly available on SEDAR and on the company's website. Please note that all dollar amounts mentioned on today's call are in U. Speaker 100:01:58S. Dollars unless otherwise noted. Now I'd like to hand the call over to Oscar. Speaker 200:02:03Thank you, Christiana, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us this morning. My comments today will be brief as I will leave it to Ernesto and Jose to review the company's results and outlook. As Board Chair and A member of the Special Committee of Independent Directors that is undertaking a strategic review, I would like to provide an update on that process. The special committee continues to evaluate certain strategic alternatives. Speaker 200:02:30The company will report to shareholders at the conclusion of the strategic review process. Therefore, on today's call, other than the following remarks, we will not be commenting further or taking questions on the special committee's work. I would like to remind our shareholders of the mandate that the special committee took on last fall based on the challenges the company faced at the time. We're responsible for exploring, reviewing and considering options to optimize the operations of the company and possible financing, restructuring and strategic options in the best interest of the company. Consistent with that mandate, The members of the special committee have provided recommendations where appropriate and supported the management team to identify opportunities to improve operational and financial performance. Speaker 200:03:18In that respect, the And financial performance. In that respect, the efforts of the special committee have made an impact ahead of the completion of the strategic review process. Much of what you will hear from Ernesto and Jose today will be a summary of initiatives They have identified and begun to implement. I believe the efforts of the entire Sierra Metals team have already And we'll continue to make a significant difference in the company's operational performance and growth outlook. The Board has confidence that the company is on the right track. Speaker 200:03:55I would now like to turn the call over to Ernesto. Speaker 300:04:00Thank you, Oscar. Good morning, everyone. It is my pleasure to be part of my first earnings call with Sierra Metals As interim CEO, as many of you know, I joined the company in late November 2022. It has been a very busy time since I have joined And I wanted to make a few comments before I provide an overview of our operating results. Speaker 400:04:23First, I am pleased to report that Speaker 300:04:25I have Join a company with a dedicated and hardworking team of professionals across the organization. The challenges that company faced in 2022 are well documented. In spite of those, our team has remained focused on the task at hand and has embraced the initiatives we have Put in place during my first 100 days on the job. Most notably, the entire company has embraced Our renewed focus on safety. For me, safety is the top priority. Speaker 300:04:57As we say in the business, a safe mine is an operating mine. And I truly believe one of my top priorities as CEO is to ensure we provide a workplace environment where all employees and contractors are safe More specifics about the plant improvements, but first let me provide an overview of our results. Consolidated 2022 ore throughput was 2,300,000 tons, a decrease of 21% From 2021, mainly driven by the 30% 16% decline in the annual throughputs from the Bolivar and Yauricocha mines respectively. As a result, consolidated 2022 copper equivalent production decreased 29% compared to 2021. Consolidated Q4 2022 ore throughput of 500,000 tons, a sequential decrease of 12% From Q3 2022, mainly due to the decline in throughput at Yauricocha. Speaker 300:06:07As a result, consolidated Q4 20 22 copper equivalent production decreased 15% compared to Q3 2022. At Yaulicocha, our flagship mine in Peru, throughput was severely impacted in Q4 2022 By the mudslide incident that occurred in September followed by a road blockade by the local communities. As compared to Q4 2021, The agriculture throughput was 40% lower, while on a year over year basis, throughput was 16% lower as compared to 2021. At the Bolivar mine, throughput increased 19% in the 4th quarter over the 3rd quarter And that momentum has carried over into the Q1 of 2023. However, the annual throughput at the Bolivar mine was 30% lower as the improvements in Q4 2022 production could not make up for the delays in installation of critical infrastructure during the first half of the year and unexpected flooding during Q3 2022. Speaker 300:07:17Also during the Q4, recovery rates and copper, silver and gold grades were substantially higher, all of which we are encouraged by. Clearly, there were many challenges at Bolivar last year. However, The critical infrastructure bottlenecks have been resolved and most notably this has included the installation of pumping and ventilation systems. With these issues addressed, we are seeing indications of improved performance year to date at Bolivar. We will look to build on this momentum for the remainder of 2023. Speaker 300:07:55At our Cusi mine in Mexico, we processed 11% more ore in Q4 than in Q3 as mining resumed in the area where flooding occurred earlier in the year. The increased throughput helped offset the impact of lower grades and a lower silver and gold recovery rate during the quarter. Annual throughput at Cusi mine in 2022 was 292,000 tons or 1% lower than 2021. In addition to higher silver grades, crushing and grinding improvements at the plant have helped enhance silver and gold recovery, resulting in an 8% increase in silver equivalent production when compared to 2021. As noted in our earnings release, we have made a strategic decision with input from our Board of Directors to classify CUSI as a non core asset. Speaker 300:08:50To that end, we will continue to operate Cusi while we explore strategic alternatives. Despite the challenges the company faced in 2022, I'm encouraged by the recent progress we have made. We have seen improved performance carry over into the start of 2023. I will discuss our outlook in greater detail in a moment. First, I will pass the call to Jose, our CFO. Speaker 500:09:15Thank you, Ernesto. I will not be going into detail as I assume everyone has read our Q4 year end 2022 financial results Released last night. Instead, I will offer these highlights. Revenue from metals payable was $192,000,000 in 20.22, A decrease of 29% from 20.31 annual revenue of $272,000,000 Lower revenue resulted From the decrease in throughput in grades at the Yauricocha and Bolivar mines. Due to the previously mentioned for rating Challenges experienced in 2022, cash costs across all of our mines were higher in 2022 when compared to 2021. Speaker 500:09:57The ricoche and Bolivar cash costs on a corporate equivalent basis were 53% 37% Higher effectively in Acusi silver equivalent cash costs were flat year over year. Adjusted EBITDA of $13,000,000 for 2022 was a decrease from the adjusted EBITDA of $104,700,000 of total in 'twenty one. The decrease was primarily due to the interruptions in operations at the Alicocha and Bolivar. Net loss attributable to shareholders for 2022 was $87,500,000 or $0.53 per share compared to 2021 net loss of $27,400,000 or $0.17 per share. Net loss for full year 2022 includes a non cash impairment charges totaling $50,000,000 Adjusted net loss attributable to shareholders of $23,100,000 or $0.14 per share For 2022 compared to the adjusted net income of $21,700,000 or $0.13 per share for 2021. Speaker 500:11:06Cash flow generated from operations before movements in working capital of $5,200,000 for 2022 Was lower than the $91,800,000 in 2021, mainly due to lower revenues and higher operating costs. And As of December 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents was $5,100,000 And working capital was negative $84,400,000 primarily due to the $82,800,000 reclassification of Long term debt to current. Subsequent to year end, we were pleased to announce that we are in advanced Cash on terms to refinance $18,750,000 of the $25,000,000 principal debt repayment obligations at Are due in 2023 under the company's senior secured grade facility. We intend to formalize the financing prior to the due date The 2nd quarterly principal installment on June 8, 2023, subject to among other things, the completion of a diligence. Lender has provided an interim financing of $6,250,000 Q1 2023 amortization Payment due on March 8, 2023, while the refinancing contract for most of the balance of 2023 payment is being finalized. Speaker 500:12:33We have also advanced discussions with the other secured lenders on refinancing of material of material short term obligation And steps to improve short term liquidity through ancillary financing arrangements. So more to come on achieving balance sheet release. Over to you, Ernesto. Speaker 300:12:51Thank you, Jose. As many of you know, I came on board in November. My priorities were to improve the operations. Nothing has been left unturned. Our focus was to first stabilize and now optimize our operations. Speaker 300:13:08The first phase of stabilizing the operations is complete. We are now moving ahead with a strong platform to increase production and lower costs. Some initiatives implemented in my first 100 days on the job include placing a renewed Emphasis on safety and employee engagement. The company has hired a Vice President of Health and Safety, Instituted new safety protocols across all of its operations, increased training and communication efforts And invested in remote control equipment, which is designed to reduce risk of injury to personnel. Safety is our top priority and I'm committed to doing all I can with the support of our management team to provide the safest Possible working environment for all of our employees and contractors. Speaker 300:14:02Enhancements to internal financial forecasting, Reporting and integration of information across functions to drive improved decision making. Initiatives to increase productivity And thereby reduce costs at the mines, including increasing asset utilization, focused underground development of mine sequencing And improvements to ventilation and pumping systems in Bolivar. We have initiated activities designed to identify additional mineral resources at the Yauricocha and Bolivar mines and sustain long term production And we have made organizational changes designed to create a shift in the corporate culture and instill a more hands on approach to operations. This starts at the top. Senior management now spends significantly more time at the mine sites, So we can all fully understand the challenges and opportunities. Speaker 300:15:03A key metric is our daily throughput rates. Achieving our targets generally indicate to me our operations are improving and costs are coming down. While we're still early in our operational improvement plan, So far in 2023 at Bolivar, we are achieving 3,070 tons per day throughput, Which is the same rate as in Q4 2022. And we see opportunities for improvement in 2023. Meanwhile at Yauricocha, we are achieving 2,375 pounds per day, a 36 improvement Our Q4 2022 and already at 2023 targeted levels. Speaker 300:15:46As for the outlook in 2023, our operational improvements have now set the stage to increase production and lower costs. Some of our key objectives were included in the guidance issued in our earnings release last night and let me summarize some of them. We expect to see higher production in 2023 for copper, zinc, lead And goals than in 2022. On a cost basis, we expect to see significant improvements on both a cash cost And all in sustaining cost basis at Yauricocha and Bolivar. For capital expenditures, We are forecasting total sustaining CapEx of $32,000,000 with $10,000,000 at Yauricocha and $22,000,000 at Bolivar. Speaker 300:16:34The expenditures at Bolivar are primarily focused on enhancing the longer term viability of the mine. Nearly half of Nearly half is for mine development, more than $5,000,000 on infill drilling and nearly $4,000,000 for improved equipment. These investments are critical at Bolivar. We truly believe it is a deposit that has the potential over time to become a long life Low cost mine. Growth capital is $15,000,000 with $11,000,000 committed to Yolicocha Where the focus is on the tailings dam and the shaft. Speaker 300:17:16Much like Bolivar, Yauricocha requires investment and optimization. We also believe we need to focus significant efforts on obtaining permits in Peru to allow us to mine below the 11.20 level. Obtaining those permits is critical to helping us transform Yauricocha into a long life low cost mine as well. On the basis of this guidance, we expect the company to generate significantly improved operational and financial performance For all stakeholders in 2023. As I stated earlier, one of my first objectives when I joined last year was to stabilize the operations. Speaker 300:18:01Based on what I have seen to date and on our guidance for 2023, I believe we have achieved that objective. Next, our focus is to optimize the operations. This must be done so we can return to higher levels of production On a sustainable basis that is both safe and economic. Then our priority will be to position Sierra Metals for growth. And by this, I mean sustainable, predictable and reliable growth over the longer term. Speaker 300:18:30Fundamental to achieving this goal is expanding the resources at our core mines. Our key growth initiatives are centered around revising the life of mine plans at Yauricocha and Bolivar, Which are expected to be completed in Q2, 2023. We believe both sides have the potential to sustain long term Profitable production. The company is also working closely with regulatory bodies to expedite the permitting process at Yaguchocha without compromising safety While we focus on these key optimizations initiatives and the strategic planning that is ongoing, We have deferred some of our growth oriented capital expenditures. Once this work is complete, we can revisit our growth capital needs. Speaker 300:19:21We firmly believe Bolivar and Yolico are cornerstone assets capable of underpinning Sierra Metals to be To the benefit of all our stakeholders, we have laid out the priorities we need to achieve in order to meet that objective. There is much work to be done, but I'm convinced we have the right team in place to succeed. We have seen early signs of success And we believe there is some momentum in our business. Looking ahead, we expect to see improvements achieved throughout the year. With that, I'll hand I'll now call back to the operator to start the Q and A session. Speaker 300:19:58Operator? Operator00:20:02Thank you. Our first question today comes from Mark Reichman from Noble Capital Markets. Mark, please go ahead. Your line is open. Speaker 400:20:33Good morning. I just had a question. I missed The comment about both Bolivar and Northocha, at what rate on a tons per day basis would they be operating In 2023, I heard the $2,375,000,000 I'm assuming that was your Acocha. But I was just wondering if that's kind of if you could repeat those numbers and If that's what we could expect for the full year or whether there would be any ramp up in those numbers throughout the course of the year. Speaker 300:21:03Yes. Thank you for the question. What I said is in Bolivar right now we are Achieving 3,070000 tons per day, we're expecting to increase this throughput rate In the next month, at the end of the year, we should be close to 5,000 tons a day. In Yauricocha, 2,375 tons per day and we are very much in line of what we have targeted for the year. Speaker 400:21:36Okay. And then in terms of the permit, what are your expectations at this point For receiving a permit to mine at depth at Yauricocha. And then once you get the permit, How long do you think it would take before you're actually start before you're actually mining in those deeper areas? Speaker 300:22:01Yes. Thanks for the question again. We are confident we're doing our best efforts to get that permit By year end. So that's where we are working now. We have hired a manager of permits For Sierra Methos, we didn't have that position in place and they are working 20 fourseven to get this permit How long would it take us to start extracting mineral from that area? Speaker 300:22:35Probably 6 to 9 months Before we can start extracting minerals, after we get the permit, right? Speaker 600:22:44Okay. Speaker 400:22:45That's very helpful. Thank you very much. Speaker 300:22:48Sure. My pleasure. Operator00:22:53Thank you. Our next question is from Jim Young from Midwest Investments. Jim, please go ahead. Your line is open. Speaker 700:23:02Hi, and welcome to CMO. My question is that you mentioned that you completed Phase 1 And now you're moving on to where you want to increase production lower cost. Can you just quantify a little more specifically as to if you think about Where will you be by the end of, say, The end of September quarter and December and then beyond and then 2024, so 5,000 tons a day at Boulevard Just mentioned, is that basically a maximum capacity that you see in 2024 or is that the expected continue to grow? And again, And then can you also then provide us with your cost expectations per pound? Thank you. Speaker 300:23:57Okay. Thanks for the question. Why are we reducing costs? It's because all these operational improvements On our sites, in Bolivar, we already have ventilation systems in place that allow us to mine more to take out more mineral from Bolivar That will take our cost down. Pumping systems already in place that also facilitates the work of the miners. Speaker 300:24:33So I mean Yauricocha, the cost will come down because of higher production. But right now we are Mining small bodies above the 11.20 level. So the mining cost is not lower Because we're going to produce more ounces more pounds, I'm sorry, then the cost will finally be lower. But as a miner as a mine cost is going to go a little bit high up, a little bit high. We are going to be able to sustain for 2024 the production levels At Bolivar, that's what we're aiming to do. Speaker 300:25:17Bolivar needs to be developed and that's what we are trying to accomplish This year, developed a lot more, a little bit more. Next year, keep developing the mine. I don't foresee an increase in production at Bolivar for 2024. I don't foresee an increase in production Furnace in Yauricocha in 2024 either unless well, maybe by the end of 2024 When we get this permit and we prepare the mine below the 11.20 level. I hope I answered your question. Speaker 700:26:00But can you be a little more can you quantify though We expect cost B, say, by the end of 2023 at both Bolivar and Yauricocha. Speaker 300:26:11Cost per ton in Bolivar, let me look at my guidance. Cash costs in Yauricocha should be around $180 in those areas and in Bolivar Around $1.90 cash costs per copper equivalent pounds, okay? Speaker 700:26:40Okay. Then if you're able to achieve this guidance, do you think that you can for both Boulevard and your Acacia, What does that suggest for the EBITDA and cash flow generation? Speaker 300:26:54Yes. It's hard for us to project. We don't give guidance on EBITDA. It all depends on metal prices. We are working towards getting a much better EBITDA number than last year. Speaker 300:27:10I think all these operational improvements, safety measures will result in better in much better EBITDA, but we don't provide guidance on that. Speaker 700:27:27Okay. And then my last question really is, It's been early, but have you had a chance to go out to visit any of the mines yet? And if not, what's your plan to do so, please? Speaker 300:27:40If I have visited the mine, sorry? Speaker 700:27:43Yes. Speaker 300:27:44Oh, many times. One of my way of doing business and be a CEO of a mining company is visiting the mines Periodically and not only myself, but with my example, I am My management team is also doing that and this was the first major change that happened when I first got in. Speaker 700:28:19Okay, great. Thanks very much. I really appreciate that. Speaker 400:28:22Sure. Operator00:28:25Thank you. Our next question is from Alberto Arias from Arias Resource Capital. Alberto, please go ahead. Your line is open. Speaker 600:28:36Yes. Good morning, gentlemen. My question is regarding the improvements that you are mentioning are being delivered, Because what we're seeing here is a reduction on the guidance from what we had heard in prior calls, especially on the Yavicocha throughput. What you're saying here is that the production rates are going to be around 2300 to 2,500 tons per day, Which is remarkably low by historical standards at Yauricocha, it's hard for me to imagine The company being very profitable at those levels. What has changed in the Q3 conference calls? Speaker 600:29:21They were telling us that by the Q2 of this year, Jarricoia was going to come back to normal throughputs. So could you explain to us what is the change from the previous call to now? Speaker 300:29:38Okay. Thank you for the question. I was not on that call and I have read what they what previous management offered. What I'm offering now is steady production, profitable Production below if we had access to the levels below 11.20, Maybe the throughput could go higher. Right now, we are mining small bodies above 11 20, Less sublevelcaving, more cut and fill operations. Speaker 300:30:16This is The throughput that we can get out of Yahu Yacocha in a safely economic Wait until we get the 11/20 permit, then things have to change. Speaker 600:30:35Great. I'm glad to hear that you're talking about profitability and cash flow generation because That's our biggest concern in terms of the runway the company has. If you're telling us that at those production On rates, Yauricocha can generate cash flows and you would have the runway to go to when the permits are obtained. I would feel more comfortable, but I'm glad to hear that's what you are saying here. On the permit side, it's mind boggling that there's been such long time to obtain those permits. Speaker 600:31:15I was reading the Annual report of corona, which I was glad to read all the disclosure in there. And you're talking about getting the permits by the end of This year, I'm surprised by your comment that the production rates would be same in 2024, Given that there was almost a continuous mineralization from those levels to the lower levels, Why 6 to 9 months to reactivate those zones? Speaker 300:31:49Good question, because we need to prepare the mine. Below 11.20, it's sublevelcaving. Sublevel Speaker 200:31:57came in Speaker 300:31:57with a lot of water. We need to safely extract that mineral. For that, we need to prepare the mine. The mine is not ready below 11.20. We get the permit, it's not that we get in the next day and we start mining and extracting mineral. Speaker 300:32:12We need to prepare that site, that area of the deposit. That's why it takes a while to extract mineral from there. That's the main reason. We want to do it in a safely manner, dewatering these stopes, We need to take a little bit of time to prepare it and to do a good job, especially with safety. Speaker 600:32:35Yes. And the final question I have is on Bolivar. I'm glad to hear that you are ramping up, But we couldn't get the sense from the guidance that I see a significant increase in production on Bolivar. Now that the quarter It's almost over on the Q1. You feel that we are going to sustain these growth rates That you are projecting on Bolivar and Bolivar also had an iron ore project that there was even a technical For the preliminary feasibility study on the iron ore project, The management was telling us that because of transoceanic shipping rates having gone up so much, that is less economic, so therefore, Not so valuable. Speaker 600:33:27Transoceanic shipping rates have come down to pre COVID levels and iron ore prices are remarkably strong. Is there any plan to reactivate that project? Speaker 300:33:42Thank you for the question again. Okay. The iron ore project for the iron ore project to work, We need a buyer of the iron ore. We don't have a buyer. We don't have the CapEx to install a plant for iron ore. Speaker 300:34:01So we would need not only a client, but a client that is willing to invest in our sites in order to get that iron ore Trade of our mineral, okay. So we are looking for that buyer. We haven't found it yet. That's the second question, I think. The first question was on Bolivar. Speaker 300:34:25Can you please repeat? Speaker 600:34:27The throughputs, when I look at the production, you're talking about even going up to 5,000 tons Per day, but is that in the guidance of copper production? Because I would imagine that if you go to 5,000 tons per day, the copper Production of Bolivar would be higher than what you have guided in your press release. Speaker 300:34:50Yes, it's a ramp up. What I said is that by the end of the year, we should be at 5,000 tons. So maybe you shouldn't multiply 5,000 by the remaining Right. Monthly of this year, it's a ramp up. And I think it is sustainable for 2024, 2025. Speaker 300:35:09I do think so. Well, Bolivar and I think you know Bolivar very well. Bolivar is underdeveloped. We need to develop that mine. We need to invest in making more fronts, more stopes available to us. Speaker 300:35:29That is going to take a while in order for increase that ramp up and that production level. Speaker 400:35:38All right. Thank you. Operator00:35:44Thank you. Our next question is a follow-up from Mark Reitman. Mark, please go ahead. Speaker 400:35:53I have to say, I've been impressed with the actions that you've taken to date. I guess the question I have at this point is, you're dealing with a lot of Different stakeholders. I mean, on the one hand, you're working with the banks to try to get some flexibility. You've been successful in getting waivers, but I think your financial statement indicated that you'd probably have to seek More waivers in the future. Meanwhile, you've got this capital expenditure budget, a lot of investment needs at both You are a coach at Bolivar. Speaker 400:36:31So how are you thinking about bridging the financial gap in terms of Cash flow versus asset sales, meaning QC versus stock sales are taking on additional debt. Speaker 300:36:48Thank you for the question. We need to keep stabilizing And operating our mines in a productive, efficient, safe manner. I Really believe we can make a profit. I really believe these two minds can produce positive cash flows for the company. The banks want to help. Speaker 300:37:14The banks don't want to bankrupt us or anything. They do want to help and they are helping. I think they will be willing after we show the Q1 results, then Q2 results, They'll be willing to refinance the whole debt. I have started preliminary talks about that. So there's a lot of balls in the air right now, a lot of fronts as you say, But we are handling we have a great team that is supporting me and the company. Speaker 300:37:54We're on-site. Well, it's hard work, I can tell you, but we're making progress. Speaker 400:38:04Well, just as kind of a follow-up to that question, you just alluded to that when they see the Q1 and the Q2 results, That was like I said, I think the plan looks impressive. I guess the execution will be the heavy lifting. But in terms of the Q1, did you solidify all this prior to the Q1 where I mean will these efforts show up in the Q1 numbers? Or I mean, have you spent any of that capital expenditure funds at this point? Or when do you expect the real progress to start? Speaker 300:38:39Okay. We are already seeing the results of these actions in Q1 2023. And just to clarify on the CapEx number that you are seeing, That comes out of the company of the operations. We are not Increasing our debt, we are not increasing our refinance. Everything comes out of the cash flows that both Sites are producing. Speaker 400:39:09Okay. Thank you very much. That's really helpful. I appreciate the information. Speaker 300:39:15Thank you. Operator00:39:21Thank you. We have a follow-up question from Jim Young. Jim, please go ahead. Your line is open. Speaker 700:39:39Hi. Yes. Could you please address the process that's going to unfold, the timing expectations for And we'll have a permanent CEO in place and a permanent CFO in place, please, because I think it was very clear that you mentioned that you're an interim CEO, Inderm, CFO. Speaker 300:40:02Thank you for the question. I'm going to pass that to our Chair, Oscar. Speaker 200:40:09Hi, Jim. Good to hear from you. Listen, we did not believe it was appropriate to make decisions before the completion of the strategic Review and this is why the interim was put Head of CEO, CFO. That being said, Ernesto and Pepe are both very qualified. And despite having the interim in their title, the Board selected them because we were And remain very confident that their ability to execute and make decisive progress at this critical juncture. Speaker 200:40:43I think just all I can tell you stay tuned, but we're very, very happy with our performance. Speaker 700:40:54Okay. Thank you very much. Operator00:41:00Thank you. We have no further questions. So I'd like to hand the call back over to Ernesto for any closing remarks. Speaker 300:41:24Thank you for taking the time to join us today. We appreciate your continued support. I'm just over 100 days in the CEO seat. I'm proud of what the team has You can expect more from us and we look forward to showing you our progress and earning your trust. Stay tuned. Speaker 300:41:43As always, please feel free to reach out should you have additional questions. Have a good day everyone and thank you again.Read morePowered by