MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
JUNE 30, 2022
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
This Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") is an overview of all material information about SilverCrest Metals Inc.'s (the "Company" or "SilverCrest") operations, liquidity, and capital resources for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022. The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, and the related notes contained therein which have been prepared under International Accounting Standards 34 - Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). The following should also be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related notes contained therein which have been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by IASB. Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the "AIF"), is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website www.silvercrestmetals.com. Readers are cautioned that, unless included in this MD&A, information on the Company's website does not form part of this MD&A.
The first, second, third, and fourth quarters of the Company’s fiscal years are referred to as “Q1”, “Q2”, “Q3”, and “Q4”, respectively, and the first and second half of the Company’s fiscal years are referred to as “H1” and “H2”, respectively. All amounts are stated in United States dollars (“US$”), and tabular amounts are stated in thousands of United States dollars except for per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated. References to “C$” are to the Canadian dollar and “MX$” are to the Mexican peso. Certain amounts shown in this MD&A may not add exactly to total amounts due to rounding differences.
The effective date of this MD&A is August 10, 2022. This MD&A contains forward-looking information.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This MD&A contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern the Company's anticipated results and developments in the Company's operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its properties, planned expenditures and plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on expectations of future performance, including silver and gold production and planned work programs. In addition, these statements include, but are not limited to: the future price of commodities; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; capital expenditures; costs and timing of the development of new deposits; timing of completion of exploration programs; technical reports and studies; the success of exploration and development activities and mining operations; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations, future financings, the Company's share price and on the timing and completion of exploration programs, technical reports and studies; the timing of construction and mine operation activities including the plan to achieve commercial production at Las Chispas (defined below) during Q4, 2022; permitting timelines; currency fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation of exploration and production operations; environmental risks; unanticipated reclamation expenses; title disputes or claims; completion of acquisitions and their potential impact on the Company and its operations; limitations on insurance coverage; maintenance of adequate internal control over financial reporting; and the development and advancement of the Company's environmental, social, and corporate governance strategy.
Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. The Company has made assumptions based on many of these factors which include, without limitation: present and future business strategies; the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of silver and gold; currency exchange rates; estimates of capital and operating costs; production estimates; estimates of mineral resources and metallurgical recoveries; mining operational and development risks; and the plan for commercial production at Las Chispas (defined below) during Q4, 2022. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; reliability of mineral resource estimates; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; enforceability of contractual interests in mineral properties; environmental and other regulatory risks; compliance with changing environmental regulations; dependence on local community relationships; risks of local violence; risks related to natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest, public health concerns (including health epidemics or outbreaks of communicable diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and other geopolitical uncertainties; reliability of costs estimates; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; precious metals price fluctuations; fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate (particularly MX$, C$ and US$); uncertainty in the Company’s ability to fund the exploration and development of its mineral properties or the completion of further exploration programs; uncertainty as to whether the Company’s exploration programs will result in the discovery, development or production of commercially viable ore bodies or yield reserves; development plans and costs differing materially from the Company’s expectations; risks and uncertainties related to the timing of mine operation activities including the plan for commercial production at Las Chispas (defined below) during Q4, 2022; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, claims and other defects in title; uncertainty in the ability to obtain financing if required; maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting; dependence on key personnel; and general market and industry conditions. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company’s forward-looking statements. 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 the forward-looking statements.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
The Company's forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. While the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this MD&A if these beliefs, expectations and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
QUALIFIED PERSON
Technical information contained in this MD&A has been prepared by or under the supervision of N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng., and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, who is a 'Qualified Person' for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS
This MD&A includes Mineral Resource and Reserve classification terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and the Mineral Resource and Reserve estimates are made in accordance with NI 43-101. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Consequently, Mineral Resource and Reserve information included in this MD&A may not be comparable to similar information that would generally be disclosed by United States domestic reporting companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with US standards.
The SEC has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC. These amendments became effective February 25, 2019 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") and, following a transition period, the SEC Modernization Rules have replaced the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that are included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a "foreign private issuer" (as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that files its annual report on Form 40-F with the SEC pursuant to the U.S.-Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System ("MJDS"), the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101. If the Company ceases to be a foreign private issuer or loses its eligibility to file its annual report on Form 40-F pursuant to the MJDS, then the Company will be subject to the SEC Modernization Rules which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101.
COVID-19
The Company's business could be adversely affected by the effects of the ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19. Global reactions to the spread of COVID‐19 have led to, among other things, significant restrictions in many jurisdictions on travel and gatherings of individuals, quarantines, temporary business closures and a general reduction in consumer activity. Although quarantines have been lifted in many jurisdictions and vaccination programs have been initiated, certain jurisdictions that have previously lifted quarantines have been required to re‐impose them and vaccination programs may be implemented slower than expected or may not be as effective as expected due to a variety of factors including delays in distribution of, or the emergence of new strains which are resistant to vaccines. While these effects are expected to be temporary, the duration of the disruptions to business internationally and the related financial impact on the Company and the economy in general cannot be estimated with any degree of certainty at this time. In addition, the increasing number of individuals infected with COVID‐19 or experiencing "long COVID" as a result of prior COVID-19 infection has resulted in a widespread global health crisis that has adversely affected global economies and financial markets and could result in a protracted economic downturn that could have an adverse effect on the demand for precious metals and the Company's operating results, future prospects and the ability to raise capital.
In particular, the continued spread of COVID‐19 globally could materially and adversely impact the Company's business, including without limitation, employee health, workforce availability and productivity, limitations on travel, supply chain disruptions, increased insurance premiums, increased costs and reduced efficiencies, the availability of industry experts and personnel, delays in construction schedules, restrictions on the Company's exploration and drilling programs and/or the timing to process drill and other metallurgical testing and the slowdown or temporary suspension of operations at some or all of the Company's properties. Although the Company has the capacity to continue certain administrative functions remotely, many other functions, including mining operations and the Las Chispas process plant commissioning, ramp-up and operations, cannot be conducted remotely.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
The Company also cannot accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on the ability of third parties to meet their obligations with the Company, including due to uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries.
The Company continues to operate its business and move its Las Chispas Mine forward under strict COVID-19 protocols, including two quarantined work camps (on and offsite), mandatory COVID-19 testing of all employees and contractors and the adjustment of exploration and development work schedules, as necessary. An extension of the partial use of the camps may be required beyond plant ramp up. As the COVID-19 global pandemic is dynamic and, given that the ultimate duration and severity of the pandemic remains uncertain, the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's exploration and development activities, including the impact on the planned commercial production (defined below), although currently on time, cannot be reasonably estimated with a high level of certainty. Globally, and in Mexico, COVID-19 continues to spread, while vaccine distributions remain uncertain. A local outbreak, the occurrence of new variants or changes in government health orders remains a significant risk.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
SilverCrest has included certain non-IFRS performance measures as detailed below. In the mining industry, these are common performance measures, but these non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
All-in Sustaining Cash Costs ("AISC") per ounce of silver equivalent ("AgEq") - The Company defines AISC as the sum of operating costs, royalty expenses, sustaining capital, corporate expenses, and reclamation cost accretion related to current operations. Corporate expenses include general and administrative ("G&A") expenses, net of transaction related costs, severance expenses for management changes, and interest income. AISC excludes growth capital, reclamation cost accretion not related to current operations, interest expense, debt repayment, and taxes. While there is no standardized meaning of the measure across the industry, the Company's definition is based on the all-in sustaining cost definition as set out by the World Gold Council in its guidance dated June 27, 2013. The World Gold Council all-in sustaining cost definition was established for the measure of gold; however, the Company, and other companies have converted it to silver equivalent for comparability to silver peers. The World Gold Council is a non-regulatory, non-profit organization established in 1987 whose members include global senior mining companies. The Company believes that this measure will be useful to external users in assessing operating performance and the ability to generate free cash flow from current operations. For the purpose of the Feasibility Study (defined below), AISC does not include corporate G&A and exploration expenditures for the Las Chispas Mine.
Net Free Cash Flow - SilverCrest calculates net free cash flow by deducting cash capital spending from net cash provided by operating activities. Cash capital spending would only include expenditures on mineral properties, plant and equipment. The Company believes that this measure provides valuable assistance to investors and analysts in evaluating the Company's ability to generate cash flow after capital investments and build the cash resources of the Company. The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is net cash provided by operating activities less net cash used in investing activities. This differs from the Companies calculation as net cash used in investing activities is used in place of cash capital spending. Net cash used in investing activities would include all cash inflows and outflows related to investing activities as per the consolidated statement of cash flows.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
SilverCrest is a Canadian-based precious metals exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions, and near-term production in Mexico's historic precious metal districts. The Company's ongoing initiative is to increase its asset base by expanding current resources and reserves, acquiring and developing high value precious metal projects, and ultimately operating multiple silver-gold mines in the Americas.
SilverCrest's principal focus is currently on its Las Chispas Mine ("Las Chispas" or the "Las Chispas Mine" or the "Las Chispas Project"), in Sonora, Mexico, where it has completed construction and has begun the commissioning of plant processing and expects to achieve commercial production during Q4, 2022. Achieving commercial production requires the Las Chispas processing plant to be operating at levels intended by management. Related to this, management will consider several factors such as completion of a reasonable period of commissioning and whether consistent operating results are being achieved at a predetermined level of design capacity.
The Company has a portfolio of four other mineral exploration properties in Sonora, Mexico. Further information regarding the businesses of SilverCrest, its operations and its mineral properties can be found in the AIF and on the Company's website, www.silvercrestmetals.com.
2. HIGHLIGHTS
● During May 2022, Las Chispas plant construction (Ausenco) along with other construction activities handled directly by SilverCrest, were completed ahead of schedule and are expected to be below the $137.7 million Feasibility Study capital cost estimate.
● The Company started plant commissioning activities at Las Chispas after construction completion at the end of May 2022 and milled an estimated 12,700 tonnes of low-grade ore during June 2022. Low grade material from historic stockpiles and underground mining will continue to be milled during the commissioning period.
● At the end of June 2022, the Company completed its first precious metal pour, consisting of 312 kilograms ("kg") of doré with approximately 9,200 ounces ("oz") of silver and 100 oz of gold.
● During H1, 2022, SilverCrest completed 4.1 km of underground development for a total of 21.6 km of underground development since 2019. To date, unit underground development costs have continued to track slightly under budget. Two of the four mining methods proposed in the Feasibility Study, long hole and resue, commenced with the extraction of select stopes in the Babicanora Main, Vista, and Norte veins.
● After 1.2 million work-hours completed during H1, 2022, the Company's Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate ("LTIFR") was 0.69 per 200,000 working hours and its Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate ("TRIFR") was 3.97 per 200,000 working hours.
● During May 2022, construction of the assay lab in nearby (14 km) Arizpe was completed which is expected to provide full-time local employment for 20 to 30 people.
● The Company is nearing completion of its Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) and its water stewardship strategy with both expected to be released during H2, 2022. Projects to help improve the local water infrastructure have been initiated.
● An updated technical report is targeted to be released in H1, 2023 which will allow for additional data from further in-vein drifting, initial months of stoping, processing, exploration and stope delineation drill results to be included. The report will also include updated operating and sustaining capital costs to reflect new technical information for the mine, new outsourcing regulations and the impact of inflation since the Q3, 2020 cost based used in the Feasibility Study.
● As of June 30, 2022, SilverCrest had cash and cash equivalents of $118.6 million and $30.0 million remaining under a $120.0 million project financing facility (the “Credit Facility”). Given SilverCrest’s strong financial position, it has decided not to draw the remaining $30.0 million, which is available to the Company until August 31, 2022.
3. DISCUSSION OF OPERATIONS
Feasibility Study for the Las Chispas Project
Details of the Feasibility Study, including an updated mineral resource estimate and an initial mineral reserve estimate, are provided in a technical report filed under the Company's SEDAR profile entitled, "NI 43-101 Technical Report & Feasibility Study on the Las Chispas Project" with an effective date of January 4, 2021 ("the Technical Report"). The Technical Report was prepared by Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. and one of its affiliates (together as "Ausenco") with the assistance of several other independent engineering companies and consultants.
Base Case metal prices used in this analysis were $1,500 per gold ("Au") oz and $19.00 per silver ("Ag") oz. These prices were based on consensus average long-term prices. A silver equivalent ("AgEq")1 ratio of 86.9:1 (Ag:Au) applies throughout this MD&A to mineral resources and reserves, production and AISC2 per oz. This analysis also assumed a foreign exchange rate of MX$20:US$1. The following list, in regard to the Feasibility Study, includes multiple estimates.
___________________________________________
1 AgEq is based on an Ag:Au ratio of 86.9:1 calculated using $1,410/oz Au and $16.60/oz Ag, with average metallurgical recoveries of 96% Au and 94% Ag.
2 The Company reports non-IFRS measures which include AISC and Net Free Cash Flow in order to manage and evaluate operating performance. In the mining industry, these are common performance measures, but these non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. See the section entitled "Non-IFRS Measures" in this MD&A.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
● Considered a 1,250 tonne-per-day ("tpd") operation, with an initial mine life of 8.5 years. On an after-tax basis, Las Chispas generates a Base Case NPV (5%) of $486.3 million, IRR of 52%, and a payback period of 1.0 year.
● Initial Proven and Probable Reserves (3.35 million tonnes, grading 4.81 grams per tonne ("gpt") Au and 461 gpt Ag, or 879 gpt AgEq) totalled 94.7 million oz AgEq.
● Estimated metallurgical recoveries for Au and Ag of 97.6% and 94.3%, respectively.
● Outlined average annual production of 12.4 million oz AgEq from 2023 through 2029, with net free cash flow beginning in 2023.
● Estimated the Company to start commissioning of the processing plant in Q2, 2022, with ramp-up through H2, 2022. The Feasibility Study anticipated that SilverCrest would have accumulated eight months (~300,000 tonnes) of mineralized material on surface when the processing plant is expected to reach nameplate capacity of 1,250 tpd (Q4, 2022), providing flexibility in the early stages of production.
● Average project-level life of mine ("LOM") (8.5 years) AISC of $7.07/oz AgEq, and $6.68/oz AgEq over seven full years of production.
Las Chispas Processing Plant Completion and Commissioning
During Q2, 2022, Ausenco completed construction and handed over the Las Chispas processing plant to SilverCrest, ahead of the Feasibility Study schedule. Other construction activities handled directly by SilverCrest (road, bridge, dry stack tailings facility, temporary diesel power plant and assay lab) have also been completed some of which are subject to testing and commissioning. While the final capital costs incurred remain to be settled, the capital cost of the Las Chispas Mine is anticipated to be below the US$137.7 million budget estimated in the Feasibility Study.
Processing plant commissioning is now underway, and 12,700 tonnes of low-grade ore was milled during June 2022. Overall, plant commissioning is tracking in-line with our objective to reach commercial production in Q4, 2022. Given the extensive amount of underground development completed to date, there is a significant amount of stockpiled ore on surface to allow for operational flexibility and a more measured ramp-up of underground mining over the first few years of production. The final ratio will be dependent on plant ramp-up progress.
The Las Chispas Mine had its first pour of silver and gold on June 30, 2022 which consisted of 312 kg of doré with approximately 9,200 oz of silver and 100 oz of gold.
During H1, 2022, operations were powered by both the diesel generators and the partially completed power line, which collectively were providing all of the Las Chispas power requirements. CFE (Comision Federal de Electricidad, Mexico’s power authority) continues work to finalize its portion of the power line with full completion of the power line expected during H2, 2022.
Underground Development
Since commencing underground development in Q1, 2019, ahead of the release of the initial economic study, a total of 21.6 km of development has been completed at the Las Chispas Mine. In-vein drifting now totals 5.2 km and access has been established in four veins in the Babicanora Area. Development costs continued to track slightly under the budgeted unit cost per metre.
The Company anticipates ramping-up the underground mining to 750 tonnes per day by the end of Q4, 2022, largely in-line with the strategy of staged ramp-up as outlined in the Feasibility Study. An estimated 77,500 tonnes of ore were placed on the stockpile at Las Chispas during H1, 2022. The Feasibility Study production profile included material from the historic lower grade stockpiles and the pre-production stockpile at Las Chispas for ramp-up of the plant, increasing flexibility and reducing risk. The lower grade historic stockpiles (151,400 tonnes) remain a key element for reducing risk, being used initially as a blending material for the ramp-up of the processing plant and as needed through the end of 2024 as the mining rate ramps up. At June 30, 2022, total stockpile tonnage was approximately 315,000 tonnes.
During H1, 2022, the Company recognized inventory of $19.4 million at cost which included stockpiled ore of $16.4 million. The Company did not have any inventory recorded prior to H1, 2022. For further details on this inventory please refer to note 3 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
Safety, COVID-19, and Community
For the period of six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company's LTIFR stood at 0.69 per 200,000 working hours and its TRIFR stood at 3.97 per 200,000 working hours. The Company follows the guidance of, and defines incidents according to, certain agencies of the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The LTIFR and TRIFR are based on the guidance and definitions of the OSHA and working hours include that of both employees and contractors. As of the date of this MD&A, the Company has not had any work-related fatalities including employees and contractors at all properties.
In 2021, the COVID-19 positivity rate was 0.6% prior to site access. In January 2022, this rate increased to 9.9% and was followed by a rate of 3.4% in February 2022. These increases caused delays in the underground progress (development and stoping) during Q1, 2022. By March 2022, the positivity rate fell to 0.2% and has remained below 1.3% to the end of Q2, 2022 allowing for productivity and progress to resume at expected levels.
As of June 30, 2022, the Company had incurred approximately $10.2 million of cumulative expenditures related to COVID-19. $8.4 million of this was capitalized as mineral, property, plant and equipment as it primarily relates to the construction and operation of the confined camp at Las Chispas, $0.1 million of this was capitalized as inventory and $1.7 million of this was cumulatively expensed in the statement of income (loss) and comprehensive loss and relates to various costs.
At the end of Q2, 2022, there were approximately 900 workers active at the Las Chispas Mine (including on-site and off-duty personnel) with, 62% from Sonora, and 99% from Mexico. The Company has engaged more than 20 local businesses and finalized construction of the assay lab which is located in the nearby (14 km) community of Arizpe which is expected to provide additional full-time employment for 20 to 30 people. Once fully operational, the Las Chispas Mine will have approximately 400 to 450 full-time employees and contractors.
SilverCrest has made significant progress in regard to creating and implementing an environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) structure that is aligned around corporate material sustainability factors. Following an environmental and social factors materiality assessment and climate change scenario analysis completed in 2021, the Company is in the process of finalizing its first inaugural TCFD report with its release expected in H2, 2022. Through the continuous stakeholder engagement efforts, the Company has identified water-related risk to be the most significant climate related challenge. As such, the Company has made it its top priority to work with its local communities and other stakeholders to identify opportunities to mitigate this risk. A comprehensive water stewardship strategy will also be released in H2, 2022. SilverCrest is already working on phase one of the five-year water stewardship plan initiatives including:
● revitalization of a water intake valve that will enhance water intake at the river and guarantee year-round water to the agricultural zone of Arizpe;
● replacement of the principal collector sewage system in Arizpe which has been in use for over 40 years and is at risk of collapse; and,
● installation and replacement of damaged aqueducts to help in delivering water to the local communities.
Subsequent to June 30, 2022, the Company completed an independent voluntary ESG audit in which certain ESG metrics were audited by Modern West Advisory Inc. an independent third party. This audit identified gaps in metrics tracked and established a disclosure baseline in advance of our first sustainability report expected after the Company’s first full year of production in 2023.
Las Chispas Updated Technical Report
The updated technical report is targeted to be released in H1, 2023. This revised timing will allow the Company to incorporate data from further in-vein drifting, initial months of stoping and processing, and delineation drill results (stope and vein confirmation) for resource estimation. It is expected that the initial operating information will improve the quality of the assumptions (costs which have overall increased due to high inflation rates, productivity, dilution, mining recovery, metallurgical recovery, etc.) in the report along with delineation drill results and reconciliation (mine, stockpile and plant) to support the resource estimation. This report will incorporate updated resources and reserves, updated metallurgical test results, a reconciliation compared to the 2021 Feasibility Study resource estimate, a revised mine plan, and updated operating and sustaining costs to reflect new technical information for the mine, new outsourcing regulations and the higher inflation rate since the Q3, 2020 cost base used in the Feasibility Study.
Las Chispas Drill Program
As of June 30, 2022, the Company had drilled an estimated cumulative 630,600 metres (2,661 drill holes) since inception of the Las Chispas Mine. During H1, 2022, the Company completed 27,398 metres of drilling at Las Chispas.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
The H2, 2022 exploration focus at Las Chispas is to map and sample unexplored areas and generate new drill targets, continue expansion drilling along existing open veins and drill the H1 generated targets. As of July 31, 2022, SilverCrest had two drill rigs (one surface, one underground exploration drill rig) operating at Las Chispas where the focus remains on process plant commissioning.
Las Chispas Expenditures
During H1, 2022, the Company incurred $17.9 million of development related expenditures for cumulative expenditures of $75.9 million at Las Chispas (refer to the table, below) which have been classified as mineral property, plant, and equipment. These development costs include both underground development and exploration costs as well as accrued future reclamation and closure costs all of which have been capitalized as incurred during the development stage. For further details on reclamation and closure provision costs, please refer to note 6 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The Company incurred cumulative expenditures to December 31, 2020, of $105.7 million prior to the development stage; as such these costs were expensed as exploration and evaluation expenditures in previous years through comprehensive loss for cumulative expenditures of $181.6 million since inception of the project (excluding acquisition costs).
The following table details the cumulative development expenditures at the Company's Las Chispas Property as no development expenditures were incurred prior to January 1, 2021:
| Expenditures during 2021 and cumulative to December 31, 2021 | Expenditures during the six months ended June 30, 2022 | Expenditures cumulative to June 30, 2022 | ||||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||||
Development expenditures: | |||||||||
Assays | $ | 1,037 | $ | 479 | $ | 1,516 | |||
Borrowing costs | 3,734 | 5,178 | 8,912 | ||||||
Decline construction and underground workings | 21,812 | 11,586 | 33,398 | ||||||
Depreciation | 1,187 | 748 | 1,935 | ||||||
Drilling | 10,722 | 2,433 | 13,155 | ||||||
Field and administrative costs | 8,566 | 5,395 | 13,961 | ||||||
Process plant commissioning | - | 1,287 | 1,287 | ||||||
Salaries and remuneration | 5,679 | 3,514 | 9,163 | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 1,382 | 879 | 2,261 | ||||||
Technical consulting services and studies | 1,185 | 322 | 1,287 | ||||||
Reclamation and closure | 2,669 | (222 | ) | 2,447 | |||||
Transfer of development expenditures to inventory(1) | - | (13,655 | ) | (13,655 | ) | ||||
TOTAL | $ | 57,973 | $ | 17,944 | $ | 75,917 |
(1) During the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company reclassified $13.7 million of development expenditures to inventory. For further details on this reclassification of costs, please refer to note 4 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
To June 30, 2022, the Company had also capitalized acquisition costs of $4.3 million for the Las Chispas Property for cumulative property expenditures of $185.9 million since inception. The Company also recorded additions of $17.6 million for the Las Chispas Mine as mineral property, plant and equipment including $14.0 million related to construction in progress.
El Picacho
The Company completed an estimated 20,700 metres of drilling at Picacho during H1, 2022 and incurred a total of $3.3 million for the Picacho property under exploration and evaluation expenditures during this period. As of June 30, 2022, the Company had drilled an estimated cumulative 101,500 metres (413 drill holes) since acquiring the Picacho property in Q3, 2020. As of July 31, 2022, there were two surface rigs active at Picacho.
Credit Facility
Under the Credit Facility, in which the Company entered into with an affiliate of RK Mine Finance on December 31, 2020, a final tranche of $30 million is available to the Company until August 31, 2022. With the completion of plant construction on time and on budget, $118.6 million of cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2022, and the planned progression towards achieving commercial production in Q4, 2022, the Company has decided not to draw down the final $30.0 million tranche of the Credit Facility.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
Corporate Update
● Effective March 31, 2022, Ross O. Glanville retired from the Company's Board of Directors. Please refer to the Company's news release dated March 31, 2022.
● In June 2022, the Company held its Annual General Meeting ("AGM"), where shareholders voted in favour of all items of business and the election of each director and re‐appointment of its auditors. At the Board of Directors meeting following the AGM, the Board re‐appointed all executive officers. In addition, the shareholders approved the adoption of a new rolling 5.5% stock option plan for the Company.
● In July 2022, the Company appointed Anna Ladd-Kruger to its Board of Directors and granted her 25,000 stock options and 9,000 deferred share units.
● Subsequent to June 30, 2022, the Company issued 312,500 common shares upon the exercise of stock options at an exercise price of C$1.88 per share for gross proceeds of $0.5 million.
4. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following table sets out information, derived from the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, for each of the eight most recently completed financial quarters:
Q2, 2022 | Q1, 2022 | Q4, 2021 | Q3, 2021 | |||||||||
Jun 30, 2022 | Mar 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Sep 30, 2021 | |||||||||
US$ 000's, Except Per Share Amounts | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) for the period | $ | 9,605 | $ | (8,747 | ) | $ | (7,948 | ) | $ | 6,917 | ||
Income (loss) per common share - basic | $ | 0.07 | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.05 | ||
Income (loss) per common share - diluted | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.05 |
Q2, 2021 | Q1, 2021 | Q4, 2020 | Q3, 2020 | |||||||||
Jun 30, 2021 | Mar 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Sep 30, 2020 | |||||||||
US$ 000's, Except Per Share Amounts | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) for the period | $ | (9,081 | ) | $ | (12,652 | ) | $ | (17,531 | ) | $ | (17,707 | ) |
Income (loss) per common share - basic | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) |
Income (loss) per common share - diluted | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) |
Losses, prior to Q1, 2021, include exploration and evaluation expenditures at the Las Chispas Mine. Exploration and evaluation expenditures decreased during 2021 as the Company commenced capitalization of Las Chispas development costs on December 29, 2020. The Company continued to incur exploration and evaluation expenditures related to its work at the Picacho Property which began during Q3, 2020. The Company had a large foreign exchange gain during both Q2, 2022 and Q3, 2021 as the value of US$ increased, relative to the parent entity's functional currency of C$.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
5. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, income was $9.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, compared to losses of ($9.1) million and ($21.7) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. Ranked in the order of largest to smallest period ending variance, the significant variations between these periods included primarily of the following:
Three months ending | Six months ending | Variance explanation | |||||||||||||||||
June 30 | June 30 | ||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | Variance | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | ||||||||||||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | ||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | $ | 12,025 | $ | (5,232 | ) | $ | 17,257 | $ | 6,725 | $ | (13,692 | ) | $ | 20,417 | During H1, 2022, the value of US$ increased, relative to C$ which resulted in realized foreign exchange gains in the parent entity which has a functional currency of C$, as it held $104.4 million (December 31, 2021 - $128.1 million) in US$ denominated cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2022. During H1, 2021, the value of the US$ decreased relative to C$. During H1, 2022, the Company recognized unrealized foreign exchange gains resulting from the translation of intercompany balances between the parent entity and its subsidiaries. This was due to the relative appreciation in the value of MX$ to C$ during H1, 2022. During H1, 2021, the value of the MX$ decreased relative to C$. | ||||
Exploration and evaluation expenditures | $ | (1,635 | ) | $ | (2,472 | ) | $ | 837 | $ | (3,389 | ) | $ | (4,595 | ) | $ | 1,206 | The Company completed 39,771 metres of drilling at Picacho during H1, 2021 compared to approximately 20,700 metres of drilling at Picacho during H1, 2022. The decreased drilling at Picacho in H1, 2022 resulted in decreased expenditures in H1, 2022. | ||
Share-based compensation | $ | 41 | $ | (321 | ) | $ | 362 | $ | (379 | ) | $ | (861 | ) | $ | 482 | During H1, 2022, 2021, and 2020, the Company granted 227,000, 756,000, and 225,000 stock options respectively. This led to more options vesting during H1, 2022 as compared to H1, 2021. However, a decrease in the Company share price during H1, 2022, resulted in a share-based compensation recovery of $0.2 million related to DSUs compared to H1, 2021, which had share-based compensation expense of $0.4 million related to DSUs. | |||
Interest Income | $ | 760 | $ | 468 | $ | 292 | $ | 1,143 | $ | 681 | $ | 462 | Held a higher amount of interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents combined with higher interest rates throughout H1, 2022 compared to H1, 2021. | ||||||
Income tax recovery (expense) | $ | - | $ | (32 | ) | $ | 32 | $ | 57 | $ | (286 | ) | $ | 343 | During Q1, 2021, two Mexican subsidiaries had intercompany sales which were fully eliminated on consolidation for accounting purposes. However, for tax purposes, these sales resulted in taxable income in which the companies incurred income tax expense. These subsidiaries did not have intercompany sales during H1, 2022 and a small recovery of income tax was recorded. | ||||
Remuneration | $ | (555 | ) | $ | (551 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | (1,203 | ) | $ | (1,045 | ) | $ | (158 | ) | The Company had a higher head-count in H1, 2022, compared to H1, 2021, due to new hires and in line with increased activity. Also, there were increased compensation packages as a result of performance reviews in Q4, 2021. |
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
6. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES OUTLOOK
The Company has financed its operations to date through the issuance of common shares and debt. The Company obtained its first debt financing at the end of 2020 (described below). The Company currently has no operations from which to derive revenues.
Assets
At June 30, 2022, the Company held $118.6 million (December 31, 2021 - $176.5 million) as cash and cash equivalents. The primary factors that contributed to the decrease in cash and cash equivalents from December 31, 2021 to June 30, 2022 include:
● $13.3 million (first six months of 2021 – $16.5 million) used in operating activities primarily due to inventory costs, Value-added taxes paid in Mexico (“IVA”) that exceeded the amount of IVA refunded during the period and the payment of accounts payable and accrued liabilities;
● $38.0 million (first six months of 2021 – $54.8 million) used in investing activities primarily due to construction in progress costs associated with the construction of the plant, buildings, and equipment, and Las Chispas development costs; and
● $3.0 million (first six months of 2021 – $131.2 million provided by) used in financing activities primarily on the payment of interest on debt (see “6. Liquidity and Capital Resources Outlook – Liabilities”).
Value-added taxes receivable increased to $26.4 million (December 31, 2021 - $23.3 million) as of June 30, 2022, which consisted primarily of IVA in Mexico of $26.3 million (December 31, 2021 - $23.3 million) that the Company has paid and is due to be recovered. The Company believes the balance is fully recoverable and has not provided an allowance. As the Company is uncertain of the timing of the recovery of IVA, it has recorded $18.1 million, being the portion of the receivable that it estimates will be received within the next 12 months, as current and the remaining $8.3 million receivable as non-current. The Company received aggregate IVA refunds of $7.0 million during H1, 2022 (H1, 2021 - $5.2 million).
Inventory increased to $19.4 million (December 31, 2021 - $Nil) as of June 30, 2022, as the Company recognized inventory and the related costs in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment and IAS 2 - Inventories. For further details on this inventory please refer to note 3 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Mineral property, plant, and equipment increased to $200.0 million (December 31, 2021 - $165.7 million) primarily due to additions associated with the construction of the process plant, buildings, and equipment, and Las Chispas development costs.
Liabilities
As at June 30, 2022, accounts payable and accrued liabilities amounted to $10.6 million (December 31, 2021 - $10.4 million), which relates to various contractual obligations in the normal course of business. In addition, lease liabilities amounted to $0.4 million (December 31, 2021 - $0.4 million) as of June 30, 2022.
As at June 30, 2022, the Company’s debt balance was $90.0 million (December 31, 2021 – $90.0 million), or $87.5 million (December 31, 2021 - $87.2 million) net of $3.2 million (December 31, 2021 - $3.1 million) of transaction costs and cumulative accretion of $0.7 million to June 30, 2022 (December 31, 2021 - $0.3 million). The Company may draw up to $120.0 million on its secured project financing facility for the Las Chispas Mine. The remaining $30.0 million is available until August 31, 2022, however, the Company has decided it will not draw down on this amount and as such reclassified $0.9 million of related transaction costs from prepaid expenses and other to mineral property, plant, and equipment.
All amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility are due on December 31, 2024. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility incur interest at a rate of 6.95% per annum plus the greater of either the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") (or agreed upon equivalent) or 1.5%. This LIBOR rate is expected to transition to alternative benchmark rates. At June 30, 2022, the Company and the lender had not agreed upon an equivalent benchmark to 3-month LIBOR. The Company anticipates a replacement benchmark will be determined in June 2023, when the 3-month LIBOR rate will be phased out. However, once a new benchmark is agreed upon, the Company may be required to re-estimate the contractual cash flows based on a new effective interest rate which could result in an adjustment to the carrying value of the debt. Interest is payable quarterly, and the Company has the option to accrue interest during the availability period. The Company may voluntarily prepay amounts owing under the Credit Facility at any time, subject to a prepayment fee (3% or 1.5% if prepaid before December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2024, respectively). For further details on the Credit Facility, please refer to note 5 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
As at June 30, 2022, reclamation and closure provision amounted to $2.6 million (December 31, 2021 - $2.7 million), which relates to the present value of estimated future net cash outflows to rehabilitate the Las Chispas Mine for disturbances in existence as of June 30, 2022. For further details on reclamation and closure provision, please refer to note 6 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Liquidity outlook and risks
While the Company had no source of revenue during H1, 2022, management expects the Company to start earning revenue during H2, 2022, in line with the commissioning of the processing plant that is underway and the Q4, 2022 planned commercial production. The Company anticipates revenues to increase with ramp-up through H2, 2022; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to earn this revenue in the future or at the times anticipated. Management believes its cash and cash equivalents at July 31, 2022, of $110.8 million and future expected revenues, will be sufficient to fund its exploration, development, and future operating activities and provide general working capital for the next 12 months. The Company's financial success is dependent on its ability to discover and advance economically viable mineral deposits and successfully execute plant and mine commissioning leading to the anticipated production at the Las Chispas Mine. The exploration, development, and operation of the Company's properties may require additional financing, the availability of which is subject to several factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, including the impact of COVID-19. There is no assurance that future equity or debt financing will be available to the Company in the amounts or at the times desired by the Company or on terms that are acceptable to it, if at all. In order to facilitate the management of its capital requirements, the Company prepares annual expenditure budgets which are revised periodically based on projected production and the results of its exploration and development programs, availability of financing, and industry conditions.
Commitments and contractual obligations
The Company leases its head office under a non-cancellable lease expiring within two years.
Prior to the expiry of the head office lease, the terms of the new lease agreement are expected to be renegotiated. The Company also leases equipment and has two other leases which are both considered low value leases and as such are included in the consolidated statement of income (loss) and comprehensive loss and not the consolidated statement of financial position. Commitments for minimum lease payments are as follows:
Lease liabilities | June 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||
Lease liabilities | $ | 362 | $ | 441 | ||
Less: current portion | (161 | ) | (178 | ) | ||
Long-term portion | $ | 201 | $ | 263 |
Changes to the Company's lease liabilities were as follows:
Six months ended | Year ended | |||||
June 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||
Opening balance | $ | 441 | $ | 310 | ||
New lease additions during the period (year) | - | 256 | ||||
Interest costs incurred(1) | 18 | 36 | ||||
Interest paid(1) | (18 | ) | (36 | ) | ||
Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities, net of foreign exchange | (79 | ) | (125 | ) | ||
Balance, end of period (year) | $ | 362 | $ | 441 |
(1) These interest amounts include a portion that was expensed as interest expense in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss and a portion that was capitalized as mineral property, plant and equipment in the consolidated statement of financial position.
At June 30, 2022, the Company had incurred $75.7 million in milestone payments (December 31, 2021 - $68.6 million), of the total fixed price EPC agreement of $76.5 million, which was recorded as construction in progress. At June 30, 2022, the Company had committed to incur an additional $0.9 million, including the remaining commitment to Ausenco for the EPC contract final milestone payment of $0.8 million, of costs related to construction in progress.
The Company has certain 20-year lease agreements relating to the lease of surface rights so that the Company can pass over areas of land to access both its Las Chispas and Picacho properties. Annual surface right payments total $0.4 million.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
The Company enters into contracts that give rise to commitments in the normal course of business. The following table summarizes the remaining contractual maturities of the Company's financial liabilities, contractual obligations, shown in contractual undiscounted cash flows, at June 30, 2022:
Less than 1 year | Between 1 - 3 years | Between 4 - 5 years | After | ||||||||||||
5 years | Total | ||||||||||||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 10,618 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 10,618 | |||||
Lease liabilities | 168 | 87 | 75 | 132 | 462 | ||||||||||
Credit facility(1) | 7,711 | 108,805 | - | - | 116,516 | ||||||||||
Reclamation and closure provision(2) | - | - | - | 5,602 | 5,602 | ||||||||||
TOTAL | $ | 18,497 | $ | 108,892 | $ | 75 | $ | 5,734 | $ | 133,198 |
(1) Debt interest payments calculated based on interest rate in effect on June 30, 2022. Interest rate may vary (refer to "6. Liquidity and Capital Resources Outlook - Liabilities").
(2) Estimated undiscounted cash flows.
7. USE OF PROCEEDS
Short Form Base Shelf
On June 9, 2020, the Company filed a final short form base shelf prospectus to offer common shares, warrants, subscription receipts, debt and convertible debt securities or units of up to an aggregate initial offering price of C$200 million at any time during the 25-month effective period of the prospectus. The objective of the prospectus is to provide the Company with the flexibility to take advantage of equity, debt, convertible debt and other financing opportunities that may arise during the period the prospectus is effective. Subsequent to the six months ended June 30, 2022, the short form base shelf prospectus lapsed.
February 22, 2021 Financing
On February 22, 2021, the Company completed a prospectus offering of 15,007,500 common shares at a price of $9.20 per common share for gross proceeds of $138.1 million ($131.4 million net proceeds). This bought deal financing offering was completed by way of a prospectus supplement to the base shelf prospectus.
The following table compares the estimated and actual use of net proceeds from the February 2021 prospectus offering (other than working capital3) to June 30, 2022:
Description of expenditure | Estimated cost | Actual and accrued expenditures to June 30, 2022 | ||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||
For Las Chispas Property | ||||||
Exploration infill and expansion drilling | 40,000 | 11,930 | ||||
Production ramp-up and inventory costs | 10,000 | 6,276 | ||||
Exploration work on other properties near Las Chispas | 15,000 | 12,335 |
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, amounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, lease liabilities, and debt. The carrying value of amounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities (except as noted) approximate their fair values due to the short periods until settlement. The Company's accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to deferred share units ("DSUs") and restricted share units ("RSUs") are measured using level 1 inputs. The Company's debt is recorded at amortized cost. The Company is exposed to various financial instrument risks and assesses the impact and likelihood of this exposure. These risks include liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk, and interest rate risk. Where material, these risks are reviewed and monitored by the Board. Foreign currency risk is described below, and for further details on these risks, please refer to note 9 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
_______________________________________
3 Working capital is a non-IFRS measure which the Company defines as current assets less current liabilities, as reported in the audited consolidated statements of financial position. In the context of use of proceeds, it relates to the maintenance of sufficient current asset balances to settle current liabilities, as they come due in the normal course of business.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
Foreign currency risk
The Company operates in Canada and Mexico and is therefore exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies. The operating results and the financial position of the Company are reported in US$. The functional currency of the parent entity is C$ and is therefore exposed to foreign currency risk from financial instruments denominated in currencies other than C$. The functional currency of the Company's subsidiaries is US$ and therefore the Company's subsidiaries are exposed to foreign currency risk from financial instruments denominated in currencies other than US$.
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk through the following financial assets and liabilities, expressed in US$:
US Dollar | Mexican Peso | Total | |||||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||||
June 30, 2022 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 104,386 | $ | 678 | $ | 105,064 | |||
Amounts receivable | 107 | 1 | 108 | ||||||
Value-added taxes receivable | - | 26,317 | 26,317 | ||||||
Total financial assets | 104,493 | 26,996 | 131,489 | ||||||
Less: accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (56 | ) | (2,250 | ) | (2,306 | ) | |||
Net financial assets | $ | 104,437 | $ | 24,746 | $ | 129,183 |
The Company is primarily exposed to fluctuations in the value of C$ against US$ and US$ against MX$. With all other variables held constant, a 1% change in C$ against US$ and US$ against MX$ would result in the following impact on the Company's net income (loss) for the period:
June 30, 2022 | |||
US$ 000's | |||
C$/US$ exchange rate - increase/decrease 1% | $ | 1,044 | |
US$/MX$ exchange rate - increase/decrease 1% | $ | 247 |
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Professional fees
During the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company had the following transactions with Koffman Kalef LLP, a law firm of which the Company's Corporate Secretary is a partner.
Six months ended | Six months ended | |||||
June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | |||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||
Professional fees - expense | $ | 68 | $ | 82 | ||
Professional fees - capital stock issuance costs | $ | - | $ | 126 | ||
June 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||
Payable to Koffman Kalef LLP | $ | 2 | $ | 6 |
Key management compensation
The Company's key management personnel have authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the Company and include the Company's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), President, Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), Chief Operating Officer ("COO"), and directors. Key management personnel compensation is summarized as follows:
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
Expensed | ||||||||||||
Mineral property, plant, and equipment | Remuneration | Exploration and evaluation expenditures | Total | |||||||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Management fees(1) | $ | 79 | $ | 59 | $ | 62 | $ | 200 | ||||
Management remuneration(2) | 217 | 184 | 17 | 418 | ||||||||
Director fees | - | 132 | - | 132 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation - stock options | 259 | 246 | 78 | 583 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation - restricted share units | 34 | 28 | 11 | 73 | ||||||||
$ | 589 | $ | 649 | $ | 168 | $ | 1,406 | |||||
Six months ended June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||
Management fees(1) | $ | 97 | $ | 48 | $ | 49 | $ | 194 | ||||
Management remuneration(2) | 179 | 241 | 7 | 427 | ||||||||
Director fees | - | 140 | - | 140 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation - stock options | 181 | 234 | 39 | 454 | ||||||||
$ | 457 | $ | 663 | $ | 95 | $ | 1,215 |
(1) Total management fees and short-term benefits were paid to Maverick Mining Consultants Ltd., a company controlled by the CEO.
(2) Remuneration and short-term benefits were paid to the President, CFO, and COO.
Other transactions
- The Company paid remuneration to Nathan Fier (an employee providing technical services who is an immediate family member of the CEO). During the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded the following for this employee:
Expensed | ||||||||||||
Mineral property, plant, and equipment | Remuneration | Exploration and evaluation expenditures | Total | |||||||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Remuneration | $ | 33 | $ | 7 | $ | 28 | $ | 68 | ||||
Share-based compensation - stock options | 18 | 4 | 15 | 37 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation - restricted share units | 2 | - | 2 | 4 | ||||||||
$ | 53 | $ | 11 | $ | 45 | $ | 109 | |||||
Six months ended June 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||
Remuneration | $ | 34 | $ | 13 | $ | 18 | $ | 65 | ||||
Share-based compensation - stock options | 18 | 7 | 9 | 34 | ||||||||
$ | 52 | $ | 20 | $ | 27 | $ | 99 |
- The Company recorded a loan receivable due from the COO of the Company. The loan accrues interest at a rate of 2% per annum and is due December 31, 2022. The loan receivable balance is as follows:
June 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||
Loan receivable | $ | 43 | $ | 44 |
- The Company has an allocation of costs agreement with Goldsource Mines Inc. ("Goldsource"), a company related by common directors and officers (N. Eric Fier, Bernard Poznanski, and Graham Thody), whereby the Company shares salaries, administrative services, and other expenses. Amounts allocated to Goldsource are due at the end of each fiscal quarter and accrue interest at a rate of 1% per month, if in arrears for greater than 30 days. During the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the following transactions occurred:
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
Six months ended | Six months ended | |||||
June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | |||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||
Costs allocated to Goldsource | $ | 40 | $ | 46 |
June 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||
US$ 000's | US$ 000's | |||||
Receivable from Goldsource | $ | 18 | $ | 23 |
10. OUTSTANDING SHARE CAPITAL
As of August 10, 2022, the Company had the following common shares, RSUs and options issued and outstanding:
Security | C$ per share | Expiry | Issued and Outstanding | ||||
Common Shares | 146,431,264 | ||||||
C$ per share | Expiry | ||||||
Options(1) | C$1.84 - C$12.63 | Jan 4, 2023 - Jul 11, 2027 | 5,671,200 | ||||
DSUs and RSUs(1)(2) | - | - | 105,500 | ||||
Fully Diluted | 152,207,964 |
(1) Each option is convertible or exchangeable into one common share of the Company. The Board of Directors may elect one or any combination of the following settlement methods for the settlement of DSUs and RSUs: issuing shares from treasury, causing a broker to purchase shares on the TSX; and/or paying cash. Where settlement through shares is chosen, each DSU and RSU is convertible or exchangeable into one common share of the Company.
(2) This excludes all DSUs issued under the former cash-settled DSU plan and those issued under the Company's Equity Share Unit Plan ("ESUP") prior to April 1, 2022 as they are now cash-settled and as such not dilutive. On April 1, 2022, the Board determined all 66,000 DSUs, 10,500 of which were settled during Q2, 2022, granted prior to April 1, 2022 under the ESUP are to be settled in cash.
11. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As at June 30, 2022, the Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
12. PROPOSED TRANSACTION
As at June 30, 2022, and the date hereof, the Company had no disclosable proposed transaction. It is the Company's policy not to disclose transactions until they are fully executed.
13. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
There were no changes in the Company's accounting policies during H1, 2022.
14. RISK FACTORS
Besides the risks discussed elsewhere in this MD&A, there are other risks and uncertainties that have affected the Company's financial statements or that may affect them in the future. See "Trend and Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021 for other risks affecting or that could potentially affect the Company. Important risk factors to consider, among others, are:
● Activities of the Company may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic;
● No history of operations or earnings;
● No revenue from operations; requirement for additional capital and financing risks;
● Exploration and development activities are subject to foreign currency exchange fluctuations which could result in foreign exchange losses;
● Uncertainties and risks relating to the Las Chispas Feasibility Study;
● Development plans and cost estimates for Las Chispas may vary or not be achieved; and
● Uncertainties and risks relating to the Las Chispas commissioning underway and the plan for achieving commercial production during Q4, 2022.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
15. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the valuation of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenditures during the period. These judgments and estimates are continuously evaluated and are based on management's experience and knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances. Actual results may differ from the estimates. Revisions to estimates and the resulting effects on the carrying amounts of the Company's assets and liabilities are accounted for prospectively. Information about such judgments and estimates is contained in note 3 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. Management has made the following critical estimates and judgments:
Recoverable value of and impairment of non-current assets
Management must estimate the recoverable value of the Company's non-current assets and determine whether or not indicators of impairment are present. When calculating the estimated fair values of cash generating units for non-current asset impairment tests management is required to make estimates and assumptions with respect to metal selling prices; future capital expenditures; reductions in the amount of recoverable resources, and exploration potential; future production cost estimates; discount rates; and exchange rates. Reductions in metal price forecasts; increases in estimated future costs of production; increases in estimated future non-expansionary capital expenditures; reductions in the amount of recoverable resources, and exploration potential; and/or adverse current economics can result in a write-down of the carrying amounts of the Company's non-current assets including mineral property, plant, and equipment.
Functional currency
The functional currency for an entity is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The Company has determined the functional currency of the parent entity to be C$ and its subsidiaries to be US$. Determination of functional currency may involve certain judgments to determine the primary economic environment, and the Company reconsiders the functional currency of its entities if there is a change in events and conditions which determine the primary economic environment.
Share-based payments
The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to value share-based payments related to stock options. The option valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the calculated fair value, such value is subject to measurement uncertainty.
Collectability and classification of IVA recoverable
IVA recoverable is collectible from the government of Mexico. The collection of IVA is subject to a complex application and collection process and therefore, there is risk related to the collectability and timing of payment from the Mexican government. The Company uses its best estimates based on the facts known at the time and its experience to determine its best estimate of the collectability and timing of these recoveries. Changes in the assumptions regarding collectability and the timing of collection could impact the valuation and classification as a current or non-current asset associated with IVA recoverable.
Mineral property, plant, and equipment and assets ready for intended use
Determining when the Las Chispas Mine, processing plant, and other assets are in the condition necessary to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management is a matter of judgment. The Company has established a framework in the context of IAS 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment with respect to determining when the Las Chispas Mine and processing plant are deemed to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. This framework considers factors such as the physical and technical performance of the asset. At June 30, 2022, management determined that the Las Chispas Mine and processing plant had not yet reached commercial production as they were not yet operating in the manner intended by management. Certain other assets were also determined to not yet be capable of operating in the manner intended and as such no depreciation was recorded on these assets.
Inventory valuation and cost
The measurement of inventory, including the determination of its net realizable market value ("NRV"), especially as it relates to metal processing inventory involves the use of estimates.
Las Chispas has mineral stockpiles that are valued at the lower of weighted average cost and NRV. This is the same for work-in-process and finished goods. NRV is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and long-term metal prices less estimated future costs to convert the inventories into saleable form and estimated costs to sell, discounted where applicable. In determining the value of these stockpiles, we make estimates of tonnages, grades, and the recoverability of ore in these stockpiles to estimate its value. Changes in these estimates can result in a change in carrying amounts of inventory, which could result in charges to cost of sales and a reduction to working capital. The determination of forecast sales prices, recovery rates, grade, assumed contained metal in stockpiles, work-in-process and processing and selling costs all requires significant assumptions that impact the carrying value of inventories.
SILVERCREST METALS INC. | TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV |
The cost of inventory includes:
● Mining costs incurred in production such as labour, material costs, and amortization;
● Mining overhead is allocated to inventory based on a monthly allocation prepared by the Company; and
● Indirect and plant costs that attribute to the mining production are included as well.
Estimate of reclamation and closure cost provision
The Company's provision for reclamation and closure costs represents management's best estimate of the present value of the future cash outflows required to settle the liability which reflects estimates of future costs, the timing of the cash flows associated with the future costs, inflation, and movements in foreign exchange rates when liabilities are anticipated to be settled in a currency other than US$. Cost estimates can vary in response to many factors including changes to the relevant legal requirements, whether closure plans achieve intended reclamation goals, the emergence of new restoration techniques, or experience at other mine sites, local inflation rates, and foreign exchange rates. Future changes to environmental laws and regulations could increase the extent of reclamation and rehabilitation work required to be performed by the Company. Increase in future costs could materially impact the amounts charged to operations for reclamation and closure. The expected timing of expenditures can also change, for example, in response to changes in mineral reserves, production rates, or economic conditions. The Company's assumptions are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted to reflect management's current best estimate and changes in any of the aforementioned factors can result in a material change to the provision recognized by the Company.
16. INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company's management, under the supervision of the CEO and the CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the six months ended June 30, 2022, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.