Lundin Mining Second Quarter 2024 Results

VANCOUVER, BC, July 30, 2024 /CNW/ - (TSX: LUN; Nasdaq Stockholm: LUMI) Lundin Mining Corporation (“Lundin Mining” or the “Company”) today reported its second quarter 2024 financial results. Unless otherwise stated, results are presented in United States dollars on a 100% basis.

Jack Lundin, President and CEO commented, "During the quarter we generated record quarterly revenue of $1.1 billion which contributed to a strong financial performance for the Company. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter was $461 million and free cash flow from operations1 was $338 million driven by stronger commodity prices and working capital inflows.

"At Candelaria, while mill throughput in the first half of the year was strong, we expect to achieve a significant step-up in production in the second half of the year with planned higher grades and higher mining rates from ore in Phase 11. This production step-up has started to materialize during the month of July from the open pit.

“Our team remains dedicated to enhancing operational performance, prioritizing safety and cost optimization. Cash costs1 for the quarter were at the lower end of our guidance range. We are well-positioned for a strong second half of the year and are on track to meet our consolidated production guidance for copper, gold, and zinc. Additionally, we have reduced our guidance for sustaining capital expenditures by $45 million."

Second Quarter Operational and Financial Highlights

•          Copper Production: Consolidated production of 79,708 tonnes of copper in the second quarter.

•          Other Production: During the quarter, a total of 47,460 tonnes of zinc, 1,721 tonnes of nickel and approximately 32,000 ounces of gold were produced.

•          Revenue: $1,083.6 million in the second quarter with a realized copper price1 of $4.79 /lb.

•          Net Earnings and Adjusted Earnings1: Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company were $121.6 million or $0.16 per share in the second quarter with adjusted earnings  of $122.1 million or $0.16 per share.

•          Adjusted EBITDA¹:  $460.9 million generated during the quarter.

•          Cash Generation: Cash provided by operating activities was $491.8 million and free cash flow from operations1 was $337.5 million, which was increased by a working capital release of $121.9 million.

•          Growth: On July 2, 2024, the Company exercised its option to increase ownership in Caserones to 70%, which adds an additional 25,000 tonnes of attributable copper production to Lundin Mining's production profile².

•          Sustainability Report: On July 10, 2024 the Company published its annual 2023 Sustainability Report that highlights the Company's material environmental, health & safety, governance and social performance during the year.

•          Outlook: Second quarter 2024 production and cash costs were aligned with expectations, the Company's full year guidance remains unchanged with the exception of nickel:

◦          Caserones: Annual copper production guidance range for the Caserones mine for 2024 has been increased to 124,000 - 135,000 tonnes (previously 120,000 - 130,000 tonnes). Cash cost guidance for Caserones remains unchanged.

◦          Eagle Mine: Annual nickel production guidance range for the Eagle mine for 2024 has been reduced to 7,000 - 9,000 tonnes (previously 10,000 - 13,000 tonnes) and the copper production guidance range has been reduced to 5,000 - 7,000 tonnes (previously 9,000 - 12,000 tonnes). Cash cost guidance per pound of nickel for the Eagle mine has increased to $3.20/lb - $3.40/lb (previously $2.80/lb - $3.00/lb)

◦          Sustaining Capital Expenditures: Will be reduced by $45 million and are expected to total $795 million (previously $840 million) due to reductions in planned spending at Caserones, Neves-Corvo and Zinkgruvan.

Summary Financial Results 

•          For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company generated revenue of $1,083.6 million, driven by 78,662 tonnes of copper sold at a realized price of $4.79 /lb. Revenue benefited from higher realized copper and zinc prices, including $94.5 million positive provisional pricing adjustments on prior period concentrate sales.

•          Gross profit of $279.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $460.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2024 reflect higher realized copper and zinc prices despite the impacts of planned lower grades and maintenance activities on copper concentrate sales from Candelaria and Caserones, respectively.

•          Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company were $121.6 million or $0.16 per share in the three months ended June 30, 2024, and included higher tax expense due to higher taxable earnings and the utilization of prior period tax losses.

•          Adjusted earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company for the three months ended June 30, 2024 were $122.1 million or $0.16 per share after removing a loss on foreign exchange due to the translation of deferred tax balances and expenses relating to the partial suspension of underground operations at Eagle, among other things.

•          Cash and cash equivalents as at June 30, 2024 were $452.8 million. Cash provided by operating activities amounted to $491.8 million and cash used to fund investing activities amounted to $252.2 million. The Company had a net debt excluding lease liabilities1 balance of $893.8 million as at June 30, 2024 (December 31, 2023 -  $946.2 million).

•          Free cash flow³ for the three months ended June 30, 2024 of $236.8 million reflected higher copper and zinc realized prices, positive working capital changes and reduced capital expenditure at Candelaria.

•          During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company entered into zero cost collar contracts in the total amount of $222 million (equivalent to BRL 1.1 billion) with collar ranges of BRL 5.00 to BRL 6.11.

•          As at July 30, 2024, the Company had a cash balance of approximately $288.0 million and a net debt excluding lease liabilities balance of approximately $1,338.0 million.

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1 These are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the Company's discussion of non-GAAP and other performance measures in its Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures section at the end of this news release.

Operational Performance

Total Production

Candelaria (80% owned): Candelaria produced 31,170 tonnes of copper and approximately 17,000 ounces of gold in concentrate on a 100% basis in the three months ended June 30, 2024. Production in the quarter was impacted by  lower grades and recoveries, partially offset by higher throughput. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, mining rates were impacted by the interface of the open pit and historic underground mining stopes, requiring more stockpiled ore to be processed which reduced grades and recoveries. Access to higher grade ore is anticipated in the second half of 2024 as per the mine sequence. Three of four stopes have now been filled and blasted, with work on the fourth expected to begin in Q3, and not expected to impact production in the second half of 2024. Production costs were reduced by lower sales volumes and favourable foreign exchange as a result of the CLP weakening against the US dollar;  however, cash cost of $2.18/lb was negatively impacted by lower sales volumes. 

Caserones (51% owned): Caserones produced 29,775 tonnes of total copper and 714 tonnes of molybdenum on a 100% basis in the three months ended June 30, 2024. Copper and molybdenum concentrate production was impacted in the quarter by extended mill maintenance and weather events which reduced mining activities and limited tailings deposition. Recoveries were also temporarily reduced by changes in the mining sequence and flotation circuit disruptions. Production costs in the quarter were lower than planned primarily due to lower copper concentrate and molybdenum sales volume, as well as favourable foreign exchange. Cash cost also benefitted from favourable foreign exchange.

Chapada (100% owned): Chapada produced 9,106 tonnes of copper and approximately 15,000 ounces of gold in concentrate in the three months ended June 30, 2024 and was impacted by lower grades and recoveries combined with lower mill availability due to unplanned conveyor maintenance and vibration screen failure. Lower grades were a result of a shift to processing increased amounts of stockpiled ore and an optimized mine plan that significantly reduces waste movement. Production costs were reduced by lower sales volumes and favourable foreign exchange. Cash cost of $2.05/lb benefited from higher gold by-product credits combined with favourable foreign exchange and mining cost decreases due to operational improvements.

Eagle (100% owned): Eagle produced 1,721 tonnes of nickel and 1,563 tonnes of copper in the three months ended June 30, 2024. A fall of ground in the lower ramp restricted access to Eagle East, limiting production. Mining rates are expected to be reduced until late 2024 while ramp rehabilitation is completed, deferring the extraction of ore from Eagle East into future years. Production costs were reduced by lower sales volumes and royalty expense, partially offset by higher maintenance costs. Nickel cash cost1 of $3.23/lb was impacted by lower sales volumes, partially offset by higher by-product credits.

Neves-Corvo (100% owned): Neves-Corvo produced 7,347 tonnes of copper and 25,696 tonnes of zinc in the three months   ended June 30, 2024, both of which were impacted by lower grades due to changes in mine sequencing as a result of Lombador south requiring additional development work. Production costs increased due to an increase in sales volumes and cash cost of $1.70/lb benefited from increased sales volumes and higher by-product credits.

Zinkgruvan (100% owned): Zinkgruvan produced 21,764 tonnes of zinc and 8,966 tonnes of lead in the three months ended June 30, 2024 reflecting higher throughput and grades. Copper production of 747 tonnes was impacted by reduced availability of copper ore. Production costs increased due to higher sales volumes and zinc cash cost of $0.39/lb reflected   lower copper by-product credits.

Outlook

Production and cash cost guidance for 2024 has been updated from that disclosed in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The Company remains on track to meet annual production and cash cost guidance for all metals with the exception of nickel, and has reduced sustaining capital expenditure guidance from $840 million to $795 million with reductions at Caserones, Neves-Corvo, and Zinkgruvan. Expenditure guidance related to the Josemaria Project of $225 million and exploration of $48 million each remain on target for 2024.

Metal production continues to be weighted to the second half of the year at Candelaria, Chapada and Neves-Corvo due to mine sequencing and resultant forecasted grade profiles. Grade is expected to increase significantly at Candelaria in the second half of 2024 once access is opened to higher-grade ore. As a result of production challenges at Neves-Corvo in the first half of 2024, copper production at that operation continues to track to the lower end of its annual production guidance range.  In the first half of 2024, cash cost per pound at most operations benefited from increased realized prices on by-product sales.

Guidance at Caserones has been increased to reflect production from the first half of the year and expected throughput and grades for the remainder of the year. At the Eagle mine, a fall of ground in the lower ramp restricted access to Eagle East, limiting production. Mining rates are expected to be reduced until late 2024 while ramp rehabilitation is completed, deferring the extraction of ore from Eagle East into future years. As a result, the annual nickel and copper production guidance ranges for the Eagle mine for 2024 have been reduced.

2024 Production and Cash Cost Guidance

2024 Capital Expenditure Guidanceb

Exploration

During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, exploration activity focused on in-mine and near-mine targets at the Company's operations. Exploration drilling at Zinkgruvan was focused on resource expansion and drilling at Candelaria was focused on Candelaria Norte and La Espanola. Drilling at Chapada concentrated on delineating the high-grade, near-mine trend at Corpo Sul, adding high grade resources to Sauva and testing geochemical anomalies in the Sauva area Curicaca and Curio.

At Caserones, exploration activity remains lower during the winter season. Exploration drilling continues in the lower portion of the mineral resource in search of higher-grade copper breccia bodies that could improve the average grade of the resource, and potentially expand it. Near-mine drilling at Angelica has been paused for winter since April.

At Josemaria, seasonal exploration drilling ended in early April at the Cumbre Verde Target, located west of the Josemaria ore body. Six holes were drilled targeting the same mineralized system and structures that hosted high grade mineralization on the neighbouring property that may potentially run towards the Cumbre Verde Target. Initial results highlight favorable levels of copper/gold/silver mineralization in veins and porphyry. The data obtained will help further refine and target this mineralization. Work will continue throughout the remainder of 2024 with drilling to recommence after the winter season.

There was no exploration drilling at Neves-Corvo and Eagle in the quarter.

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 July 30, 2024 at 14:30 Vancouver Time.

Technical Information

The scientific and technical information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with the disclosure standards of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and has been reviewed by Arman Barha, P.Eng., Vice President, Technical Services, 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.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures  

The Company uses certain performance measures in its analysis. These performance measures have no standardized meaning within generally accepted accounting principles under International Financial Reporting Standards and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. For additional details please refer to the Company’s discussion of non-GAAP and other performance measures in its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

Cash Cost per Pound and All-in Sustaining Costs per pound can be reconciled to Production Costs on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Earnings as follows:
 

Adjusted EBITDA can be reconciled to Net Earnings (Loss) on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Earnings as follows:

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS can be reconciled to Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Lundin Mining Shareholders on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Earnings as follows:

Free Cash Flow from Operations and Free Cash Flow can be reconciled to Cash provided by Operating Activities on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as follows:

Adjusted Operating Cash Flow and Adjusted Operating Cash Flow per Share can be reconciled to Cash Provided by Operating Activities on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as follows:

Net debt  and net debt excluding lease liabilities can be reconciled to Debt and Lease Liabilities, Current Portion of Debt and Lease Liabilities and Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Company's condensed interim consolidated balance sheet as follows:

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein are “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, Pre-Feasibility Study, 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; expansion projects and the realization of additional value;  expectations regarding, and ability to complete, the acquisition of Filo Corp. and the 50/50 joint venture with BHP; the anticipated development and other plans with respect to the acquisition and joint venture; the Company’s integration of acquisitions and expansions 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 information.

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, zinc, gold, nickel 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 information and undue reliance should not be placed on such 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; volatility and fluctuations in metal and commodity demand and prices; significant reliance on assets in Chile; reputation risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; delays or the inability to obtain, retain or comply with permits; risks relating to the development of the Josemaria Project; health and safety laws and regulations; risks associated with climate change; risks relating to indebtedness; 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, nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation, environmental and tailings management, labour, trade relations, and transportation; inability to attract and retain highly skilled employees; risks inherent in and/or associated with operating in foreign countries and emerging markets, including with respect to foreign exchange and capital controls; project financing risks, liquidity risks and limited financial resources; health and safety risks; compliance with environmental, unavailable or inaccessible infrastructure, infrastructure failures, and risks related to ageing infrastructure; changing taxation regimes; the inability to effectively compete in the industry; the inability to currently control Filo Corp. and the ability to satisfy the conditions and consummate the acquisition of Filo Corp. and the joint venture transaction with BHP on the proposed terms and expected schedule; risks associated with acquisitions, expansions 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; 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; regulatory investigations, enforcement, sanctions and/or related or other litigation; 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; risks associated with the use of derivatives; risks relating to joint ventures and operations; environmental and regulatory risks associated with the structural stability of waste rock dumps or tailings storage facilities; exchange rate fluctuations; 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; risks relating to dilution; risks relating to payment of dividends; counterparty and customer concentration risks; activist shareholders and proxy solicitation matters; estimation of asset carrying values; 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 significant shareholders; challenges or defects in title; internal controls; risks relating to minor elements contained in concentrate products; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; mining rates and rehabilitation projects; mill shut downs; and other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described in the "Risks and Uncertainties” section of the Company’s MD&A  for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and the “Risks and Uncertainties” section of the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company’s profile.

All of the forward-looking information 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, forecasted 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 forward‐looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable law.

For further information, please contact: 

Stephen Williams, Vice President, Investor Relations +1 604 806 3074
Robert Eriksson, Investor Relations Sweden: +46 8 440 54 40

About Lundin Mining

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