Mr Gold Corp delivers what is valued the most in the time of desperation: solid leadership and management of his assets. Resources have been increased, production is growing and the costs are going lower. McEwen Mining will collect 9 million in Q4 - a very nice bonus to its cash position from Mexico Tax Refund: shorts will be uneasy on Monday during the conference call.
Mr Market will drive our story - McEwen Mining is highly leveraged to Silver, Gold and Copper prices, but we have one of the best managing owners available on the market here. With his own money on the line and what is even more important for Rob: his name - you can be sure that if anything can be done for the benefit of the shareholders it will happen.
Mr Market will drive our story - McEwen Mining is highly leveraged to Silver, Gold and Copper prices, but we have one of the best managing owners available on the market here. With his own money on the line and what is even more important for Rob: his name - you can be sure that if anything can be done for the benefit of the shareholders it will happen.
We are not just cheer leading here, as usual, but talking about the one of the most important asset in this kind of market: Rob has been there, has done it already. His younger team brings a lot of energy and his guidance and name opens the doors.
Nobody knows when Mr Market will suddenly remember that Gold and Silver prices are suppressed at the historical level of open market manipulation or that Dr Copper must be flying to the new highs supporting the theory about all that "Economic Growth" disturbing the FED, but you must survive to that point and only after that you can enjoy the ride. If you can preserve your main assets and pick up new ones during the downturn, your patience will be rewarded handsomely.
For our story here with TNR Gold Los Azules development is the most important one, we still think that it will be the ace from Rob's sleeve to bring the catalyst to all the story of McEwen Mining and, particularly, TNR Gold. Now we have another important milestone in the making of this world class asset:
Los Azules is one of the world's largest and highest grade undeveloped copper porphyry deposits.McEwen Mining is working on an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), which is expected to be completed in Q3 this year. The updated PEA will be based on a significantly larger mineral resource. It will evaluate the possibility of (1) increasing the daily throughput; (2) producing copper cathode instead of a concentrate and (3) processing low-grade mineralized material not previously considered, via a heap leach. The advantage of being able to produce a copper cathode is that it would eliminate the contemplated slurry pipeline throughChile and would reduceArgentina's current export tax on concentrate."
McEwen Mining Announces Updated El Gallo 2 Resource Estimate MUX, TNR.v
Rick Rule On Gold & Resources: "The Stage Is Set For An Absolutely Dramatic Recovery" TNR.v, MUX
"To make this dramatic and pleasant for Survivors picture come true we need just one thing - Pros with the money coming into the market, without them it will always be only the wishful thinking. We can see them coming now."
McEwen Mining Q2 Operational Results, Record Production at Lower Costs
08/09/2013
(All Amounts in US Dollars Unless Otherwise Stated)
Q2 Summary Highlights
- Gold equivalent production increased to 35,955 ounces (20,988 gold ounces and 778,308 silver ounces). This is approximately 44% higher than Q2 2012 and 20% higher than Q1 2013.
- On target to produce 130,000 gold equivalent* ounces in 2013.
- Total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs were
$744 and$1,108 per gold equivalent ounce. Total cash costs were 9% lower than Q2 2012 and 22% lower than Q1 2013. All-in sustaining costs were 33% lower than Q1 2013.
El Gallo 1 and 2 Measured and Indicated gold equivalent resources increased by 34% to 2.1 million ounces (48.2 million tonnes at 1.37 gpt AuEvq).
- At
June 30, 2013 Financials:$39.3 million in liquid assets and no debt.
- The Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of
$123.6 million related to the decline in metal prices and an associated tax being proposed inArgentina .
* Gold equivalent calculated by converting silver into gold using a 52:1 exchange ratio. This ratio was established on January 30, 2013 and was used to budget the company's 2013 gold equivalent production. The silver/gold ratio does not take into account metallurgical recoveries.
"Our two mines performed well in Q2. Production was up and costs were down. We are expecting similar performance during the second half of the year and remain on target to reach our 2013 production goals. All of our permits for El Gallo 2 have been submitted (for the mill scenario outlined in the El Gallo 2 section below) and we expect approval by the end of 2013. In addition, our exploration in Mexico continues to grow the size of the resource with a 34% increase in the Measured and Indicated categories at El Gallo 1 and 2," stated Rob McEwen , Chief Owner.
Balance Sheet
At June 30, 2013 , McEwen Mining had cash and liquid assets of $39.3 million , comprised of cash totaling $34.8 million with gold and silver bullion valued at $4.5 million . The Company remains debt free. In addition, McEwen Mining is owed $9.0 million from the Mexican government in the form of a tax refund. It is anticipated that a majority of this amount will be received by Q4.
The Company did not receive any dividends from its 49% owned San José mine in Argentina due to low precious metal prices. The El Gallo 1 mine generated $2.4 million in operating cash flow, after sustaining capital expenses.
The decline in metal prices and potential costs associated with a proposed mineral reserve tax in the Santa Cruz province in Argentina has caused the Company to perform an impairment test on its 49% interest in the San José mine and other mineral property interests in Argentina . As a result the Company recorded an after tax non-cash charge of $123.6 million . Of that amount $95.9 and$27.7 million was related to the carrying value of the San José mine and mineral property interests in Santa Cruz province, Argentina , respectively.
San José Mine, Argentina (49%)
Production results for McEwen Mining's share in San José during Q2 was 12,549 gold ounces and 771,967 silver ounces, representing 27,394 gold equivalent ounces (converting silver into gold using a 52:1 ratio). During the first six months of 2013, San José produced 50,452 gold equivalent ounces. Production during the second half of 2013 is forecasted to be slightly higher than in the first half of 2013. The mine is on track to meet its 2013 production guidance of 102,700 gold equivalent ounces.
Gold equivalent total cash costs equaled $751 per ounce. This is 9% less than Q2 2012 and 29% lower than Q1 2013. Total cash costs were lower for several reasons: 1) it was the first full quarter operating the mill at its expanded rate of 1,650 tonnes per day (versus 1,500 tonnes) and 2) cost savings initiatives being deployed at the mine. Total cash costs for Q2 were inline with full year guidance of between $725 and $825 per gold equivalent ounce.
All-in sustaining costs were lower than Q1 2013 by 35% at $972 per gold equivalent ounce. All-in sustaining costs were lower due to lower total cash costs (outlined above), more ounces sold during the quarter than produced, which reduced the cost on a per ounce basis and is the opposite to what occurred in Q1 (development costs in a quarter are expensed against ounces sold and not produced) and reduced exploration drilling.
| San José Mine Production Comparison | ||||
| San José - 100%* | Q2 2013 | Q1 2013 | Q2 2012 | Total 2013 YTD |
| Ore production (tonnes) | 140,816 | 108,379 | 128,803 | 249,195 |
| Average grade gold (gpt) | 6.34 | 6.87 | 5.98 | 6.57 |
| Average head silver (gpt) | 407 | 459 | 430 | 430 |
| Average gold recovery (%) | 89.3 | 88.1 | 88.6 | 88.7 |
| Average silver recovery (%) | 85.5 | 84.4 | 84.2 | 85.0 |
| Gold produced (ounces) | 25,610 | 21,078 | 21,946 | 46,688 |
| Silver produced (ounces) | 1,575,442 | 1,350,847 | 1,499,580 | 2,926,289 |
| Gold sold (ounces) | 31,974 | 12,817 | 17,661 | 44,791 |
| Silver sold (ounces) | 1,991,030 | 889,078 | 1,146,187 | 2,880,108 |
| Co-product total cash cost Au (US$)** | 878 | 1,089 | 887 | 936 |
| Co-product total cash cost Ag (US$)** | 12.40 | 19.82 | 14.81 | 14.73 |
| Gold equivalent total cash cost (US$)** | 751 | 1,055 | 822 | 842 |
| Co-product all-in sustaining cash cost Au (US$)*** | 1,137 | 1,550 | 1,341 | 1,257 |
| Co-product all-in sustaining cash cost Ag (US$)*** | 16.06 | 28.21 | 22.40 | 19.79 |
| Gold equivalent co-product all-in sustaining cash cost (US$)*** | 972 | 1,502 | 1,243 | 1,131 |
| McEwen Mining - 49% Share | ||||
| Gold produced (ounces) | 12,549 | 10,328 | 10,754 | 22,877 |
| Silver produced (ounces) | 771,967 | 661,915 | 735,000 | 1,433,882 |
| Gold equivalent1 produced (ounces) | 27,394 | 23,057 | 24,888 | 50,452 |
| * McEwen Mining holds a 49% attributable interest in the San José mine. |
| ** In the second quarter of 2013, the Company revised its allocation of general and administrative expenses to total cash costs to conform to the Gold Institute Production Cost standard. Prior period figures have been adjusted to conform to the current methodology. |
| *** In the second quarter of 2013, the Company adopted the new guidance on all-in sustaining and all-in costs published by the World Gold Council on June 27, 2013. Prior period figures have been adjusted to conform to the current methodology. |
El Gallo
On January 1 st, 2013, El Gallo 1 declared commercial production. In Q2 the mine produced 8,439 gold ounces and 6,341 silver ounces, representing 8,561 gold equivalent ounces. During the first six months of 2013, El Gallo 1 produced 15,342 gold equivalent ounces. The mine remains on track to produce 27,300 gold equivalent ounces in 2013.
Gold equivalent total cash costs equaled $713 per ounce. Total cash costs were lower than full year guidance of $750-$850 per ounce and 7% lower than Q1 2013.
All-in sustaining costs totaled $1,183 per gold equivalent ounce in Q2, which was 19% lower than Q1. All-in sustaining costs were lower due to lower total cash costs (outlined above) and lower pre-stripping during the quarter.
During Q2 the company continued with its optimization program at El Gallo 1, designed to maximize the mines profitability. Lower prices for cyanide (-30%), explosives (-20%) and exploration drilling (-10%) were successfully negotiated. The full benefit of these lower prices will not be realized until the second half of the year due to existing inventory that was purchased at higher prices. In addition, ore tonnes processed and gold grades improved 18% and 22%, respectively, versus Q1. Waste tonnes were also reduced by 12%.
| El Gallo Phase 1 Mine Production Results | ||
| Q2 2013 | Q1 2013 | |
| Ore production (tonnes) | 346,896 | 295,173 |
| Average grade gold (gpt) | 1.34 | 1.10 |
| Gold produced (ounces) | 8,439 | 6,673 |
| Silver produced (ounces) | 6,341 | 5,640 |
| Gold equivalent produced (ounces) | 8,561 | 6,781 |
| Gold sold (ounces) | 7,897 | 8,085 |
| Silver sold (ounces) | 6,400 | 7,800 |
| Gold equivalent total cash cost (US$) ** | 713 | 770 |
| Gold equivalent co-product all-in sustaining cash cost (US$) *** | 1,183 | 1,465 |
| * Gold recoveries are projected to reach 70% through on-going leaching. |
| ** In the second quarter of 2013, the Company revised its allocation of general and administrative expenses to total cash costs to conform to the Gold Institute Production Cost standard. Prior period figures have been adjusted to conform to the current methodology. |
| *** In the second quarter of 2013, the Company adopted the new guidance on all-in sustaining and all-in costs published by the World Gold Council on June 27, 2013. Prior period figures have been adjusted to conform to the current methodology. |
El Gallo
In order to lower capital costs associated with construction, McEwen Mining began follow-up tests to help determine if heap leaching is a viable process alternative for silver at El Gallo 2. Heap leaching would substantially reduce the estimated initial capital to approximately $30 million from$180 million under a milling scenario. Though capital costs would be reduced, it would also decrease production from an estimated 105,000 gold equivalent ounces to approximately 60,000 gold equivalent ounces. Test results are expected during Q4.
The company has continued to advance the construction of the El Gallo 2 ball mill to ensure both process alternatives remain viable without incurring significant costs or delays.
The three remaining permits to begin construction and operations under the mill process have been submitted to the applicable Mexican authorities. Although approval and timing are outside ofMcEwen Mining's control, the Company is targeting between Q3 and year-end for approval. Should the Company decide that the heap leach scenario is the preferred process alternative, modifications to the permits will be required.
Los Azules is one of the world's largest and highest grade undeveloped copper porphyry deposits.McEwen Mining is working on an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), which is expected to be completed in Q3 this year. The updated PEA will be based on a significantly larger mineral resource. It will evaluate the possibility of (1) increasing the daily throughput; (2) producing copper cathode instead of a concentrate and (3) processing low-grade mineralized material not previously considered, via a heap leach. The advantage of being able to produce a copper cathode is that it would eliminate the contemplated slurry pipeline through Chile and would reduce Argentina's current export tax on concentrate.
Q2 Conference Call Details
WEBCAST: http://www.gowebcasting.com/4784
TELEPHONE:
Participant dial-in number(s):
416-695-6616 / 800-446-4472
REPLAY:
Dial-in number(s): 905-694-9451 / 800-408-3053
Pass code: 2278899
ABOUT MCEWEN MINING ( www.mcewenmining.com )
The goal of McEwen Mining is to qualify for inclusion in the S&P 500 by creating a high growth gold producer focused in the Americas . McEwen Mining's principal assets consist of the San José mine in Santa Cruz , Argentina (49% interest); the El Gallo complex in Sinaloa, Mexico ; the Gold Bar project in Nevada , US; the Los Azules project in San Juan , Argentina and a large portfolio of exploration properties in Argentina , Mexico and Nevada .
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
This news release has been reviewed and approved by William Faust, PE, McEwen Mining's Chief Operating Officer, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101).
The foregoing news release and technical reports are available under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
There are significant risks and uncertainty associated with commencing production or changing production plans without a feasibility, pre-feasibility or scoping study. The proposed expansion to El Gallo Phase 1 has not and may not be explored, developed or analyzed in sufficient detail to complete an independent feasibility or pre-feasibility study and may ultimately be determined to lack one or more geological, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social, environmental, and other relevant factors reasonably required to serve as the basis for a final decision to complete the expansion of all or part of this project.
RELIABILITY OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE SAN JOSÉ MINE
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING NON-GAAP MEASURES
In this report, we have provided information prepared or calculated according to U.S. GAAP, as well as provided some non-U.S. GAAP ("non-GAAP") performance measures. Because the non-GAAP performance measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
Total cash costs consist of mining, processing, on-site general and administrative costs, community and permitting costs related to current explorations, royalty costs, refining and treatment charges (for both doré and concentrate products), sales costs, export taxes and operational stripping costs. All-in sustaining cash costs consist of total cash costs (as described above), plus environmental rehabilitation costs, mine site exploration and development costs, and sustaining capital expenditures. In order to arrive at our consolidated all-in sustaining costs, we also include corporate general and administrative expenses. Depreciation is excluded from both total cash costs and all-in sustaining cash costs. Total cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per ounce are calculated on a co-product basis by dividing the respective proportionate share of the total cash costs and all-in sustaining cash costs for the period attributable to each metal by the ounces of each respective metal sold. A reconciliation to the nearest U.S. GAAP measure is provided in McEwen Mining's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 .
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS REGARDING RESOURCE ESTIMATION
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements and information expressed, as at the date of this news release, McEwen Mining Inc.'s (the "Company") estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results. Forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, factors associated with fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, political, economic, social and security risks associated with foreign operations, the ability of the corporation to receive or receive in a timely manner permits or other approvals required in connection with operations, risks associated with the construction of mining operations and commencement of production and the projected costs thereof, risks related to litigation, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information included herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See McEwen Mining's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission , under the caption "Risk Factors", for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information regarding the Company. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.
The NYSE and TSX have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management of McEwen Mining Inc.
Contact Information:
McEwen Mining Inc.
Sheena Scotland
Investor Relations
(647) 258-0395 ext 410 or Toll Free: (866) 441-0690
(647) 258-0408 (FAX)
McEwen Mining Inc.
Mailing Address
181 Bay Street Suite 4750
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
PO box 792
info@mcewenmining.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/mcewenrob
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mcewenmining"
Investor Relations
(647) 258-0395 ext 410 or Toll Free: (866) 441-0690
(647) 258-0408 (FAX)
Mailing Address
181 Bay Street Suite 4750
PO box 792
info@mcewenmining.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mcewenmining"
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