Hudbay Minerals Inc. (“Hudbay” or the “company”) (TSX, NYSE: HBM) today announced the results of the enhanced pre-feasibility study (“PFS”) for Phase I of its 100%-owned Copper World project in Arizona. All dollar amounts are in US dollars, unless otherwise noted. "Tonnes” refer to metric tonnes and “tons” refer to imperial or U.S. short tons.

“The PFS for Phase I of Copper World significantly enhances the economics and de-risks the project through higher levels of engineering, a simplified project design, lower upfront capex and a longer mine life,” said Peter Kukielski, Hudbay’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Copper World is an attractive copper growth project for Hudbay and our stakeholders, generating strong project returns and bringing many benefits to the community and local economy in Arizona. We will continue to be prudent with our financing plans for Copper World as we remain focused on meeting all of the prerequisites for project sanctioning as laid out in our 3-P plan in October 2022.”

2023 PFS Summary

The PFS reflects the results of the company’s further technical work on the first phase of the Copper World project. Phase I is a standalone operation requiring state and local permits only. Phase I has a mine life of 20 years, which is four years longer than the Phase I mine life that was presented in the preliminary economic assessment published in June 2022 (“2022 PEA”) due to an increase in the capacity for tailings and waste deposition as a result of optimizing the site layout. The second phase of the project is expected to involve an expansion onto federal lands with an extended mine life and enhanced project economics. Phase II would be subject to the federal permitting process and has not been included in the PFS results.

Phase I contemplates average annual copper production of 85,000 tonnes over a 20-year mine life, at average cash costs and sustaining cash costs of $1.47 and $1.81 per pound of copperi, respectively. A variable cut-off grade strategy allows for higher mill head grades in the first ten years, which increases annual production to approximately 92,000 tonnes of copper at average cash costs and sustaining cash costs of $1.53 and $1.95 per pound of copperi, respectively.

At a copper price of $3.75 per pound, the after-tax net present value (“NPV”) of Phase I using an 8% discount rate is $1.1 billion and the internal rate of return (“IRR”) is 19%. The valuation metrics are leveraged to higher copper prices and at a price of $4.25 per pound, the after-tax NPV (8%) of Phase I increases to $1.7 billion, and the IRR increases to 25.5%. In the flotation only scenario, the project has an after-tax NPV (8%) of $863 million, an after-tax IRR of 18.7% and a payback period of 5.3 years at $3.75 per pound copper. At a copper price of $4.25 per pound, the flotation only NPV (8%) increases to $1.5 billion and the IRR increases to 25.7%. These economics demonstrate the project is robust even without the concentrate leach facility, providing Hudbay with flexibility to optimize the project in the future through funding the addition of the concentrate leach facility with operating cash flows or potential government incentives for critical minerals processing.

A summary of key valuation, production and cost details from the PFS can be found below. For further details, including operating and cash flow metrics provided on an annual basis, please refer to Exhibit 1 at the end of this news release.

Summary of Key Metrics (at $3.75/lb Cu)
Valuation Metrics (Unlevered)1 Unit   Phase I  
Net present value @ 8% (after-tax) $ millions   $1,100  
Net present value @ 10% (after-tax) $ millions   $771  
Internal rate of return (after-tax) %   19.2%  
Payback period # years   5.9  
Project Metrics Unit   Phase I  
Growth capital – initial $ millions   $1,323  
Construction length – conc process plant # years   2.5  
Growth capital – conc leach facility (yr 4) $ millions   $367  
Construction length – conc leach facility # years   1.0  
Operating Metrics Unit Year 1-10 Year 11-20 Phase I
Copper production (annual avg.)2 000 tonnes 92.3 77.5 85.3
EBITDA (annual avg.)3 $ millions $404 339 $372
Sustaining capital (annual avg.)4 $ millions $33.9 19.4 $27.1
Cash cost5 $/lb Cu $1.53 1.39 $1.47
Sustaining cash cost5 $/lb Cu $1.95 1.62 $1.81

1 Calculated assuming the following commodity prices: copper price of $3.75 per pound, copper cathode premium of $0.02 per pound (net of cathode freight charges), gold stream price of $450 per ounce, silver stream price of $3.90 per ounce and molybdenum price of $12.00 per pound. Reflects the terms of the existing Wheaton Precious Metals stream, including an upfront deposit of $230 million in the first year of Phase I construction in exchange for the delivery of 100% of gold and silver produced.2 Copper production includes copper contained in concentrate sold and copper cathode produced from the concentrate leach facility. Average annual copper production excludes partial year of production in year 20.3 EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please refer to the company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.4 Sustaining capital expenditures include the benefit of capital leasing of mobile equipment.5 Cash cost and sustaining cash cost exclude the cost of purchasing external concentrate, which may vary in price and or potentially be replaced with additional internal feed. By-product credits calculated using amortization of deferred revenue for gold and silver stream sales as per the company’s approach in its quarterly financial reporting. By-product credits also include the revenue from the sale of excess acid produced at a price of $145 per tonne. Sustaining cash cost includes sustaining capital expenditures and royalties. Cash cost and sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further details on why Hudbay believes cash costs are a useful performance indicator, please refer to the company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

Sensitivity Analysis              
Copper Price Unit $3.25/lb $3.50/lb $3.75/lb $4.00/lb $4.25/lb $4.50/lb
Net present value1 @ 8% $ millions $463 $786  $1,100  $1,409  $1,710  $2,006
Net present value1 @ 10% $ millions $227 $503  $771  $1,033  $1,289  $1,540
Internal rate of return1 % 12.70% 16.00%  19.20%  22.40%  25.50%  28.50%
Payback period # years 7.9 6.7  5.9  5.4  5  4.4
EBITDA (annual avg.)2 $ millions 288 330  $372  413  455  497
Concentrate Leach Facility (at $3.75/lb Cu) Unit No Conc Leach (Flotation Only) 50% Capacity in Year 5 (Base Case) 50% Capacity in Year 1 100% Capacity in Year 5 100% Capacity in Year 1 
Net present value1 @ 8% $ millions $863 $1,100 $1,222 $1,302 $1,523 
Net present value1 @ 10% $ millions $605 $771 $869 $922 $1,105 
Internal rate of return1 % 18.70% 19.20% 19.60% 20.00% 21.00% 
Payback period # years 5.3 5.9 5.1 6 4.8 
EBITDA (annual avg.) 2 $ millions $296 $372 $389 $413 $441 
Copper production (annual avg.)3 000 tonnes 85.8 85.3 85.1 118 124.5 
Cash cost4 $/lb Cu $1.81 $1.47 $1.39 $1.43 $1.34 
Sustaining cash cost4 $/lb Cu $2.15 $1.81 $1.73 $1.77 $1.69 

1 Net present value and internal rate of return are shown on an after-tax basis.2 EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please refer to the company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.3 Copper production includes copper contained in concentrate sold and copper cathode produced from the concentrate leach facility. In the 100% Albion scenarios, the production facilities are assumed to have an increased annual capacity of 140,000 tonnes of copper cathode, providing the opportunity to purchase third party concentrate to maximize the utilization of the SX/EW facility. Average annual copper production excludes partial year of production in year 20.4 Cash cost and sustaining cash cost exclude the cost of purchasing external concentrate, which may vary in price and or potentially be replaced with additional internal feed. By-product credits calculated using amortization of deferred revenue for gold and silver stream sales as per the company’s approach in its quarterly financial reporting. By-product credits also include the revenue from the sale of excess acid produced at a price of $145 per tonne. Sustaining cash cost includes sustaining capital expenditures and royalties. Cash cost and sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further details on why Hudbay believes cash costs are a useful performance indicator, please refer to the company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

Simplified Project Design

Copper World is planned to be a traditional open pit shovel and truck operation with a conventional flotation concentrator producing copper concentrate and molybdenum concentrate, with an expansion of the processing facility to include a copper concentrate leach facility in year 5, producing copper cathode and silver/gold doré.

The overall mining operation is expected to consist of four open pits in Phase I, as shown in Figure 1, with similar processing infrastructure as contemplated in the 2022 PEA. The mine plan for Phase I is now optimized solely on the flotation of both copper sulfides and oxides.

The concentrator during Phase I will have an installed capacity of 60,000 tons per day with conventional crushing, grinding, flotation, molybdenum separation, concentrate dewatering and tailings thickening. For the first 4 years, the final product is a copper concentrate sold to market. The processing plant is expected to be expanded by year 5 with the construction of a concentrate leach facility in year 4, which will produce copper cathodes and silver/gold doré. The concentrate leach facility will also include sulfur flotation, an acid plant, an SX/EW plant and a Merrill Crowe circuit for precious metals. Please refer to Figure 2 for an overview of the plant layout. The concentrate leach facility will also produce sulfur which will be processed into sulfuric acid at the acid plant. When sulfur production from the concentrate leach process is insufficient to fill the sulfuric acid plant capacity, sulfur will be purchased at local market price. When sulfuric acid production exceeds the concentrate leach requirements, the excess will be sold.

As part of the PFS, detailed test work was completed on the different concentrate leach technologies, including Glencore Technology’s Albion Process (“Albion”) as well as low and high temperature pressure oxidation. The tests indicate Albion and high temperature pressure oxidation yield the highest copper extraction rates in the range of 97% to 99% for all samples. Albion was selected as the preferred concentrate leach technology because it is simpler to operate, is modular and offers flexibility to scale the plant and has significantly lower acid neutralization requirements when compared to high temperature pressure oxidation.

The concentrate leach facility is sized at 70,000 tonnes of copper cathode during Phase I, which represents 50% of the maximum 140,000-tonne design capacity. In the PFS, there remains the opportunity to process third party feed during the last two years of the mine life to maximize the utilization of the SX/EW facility. Given the modular nature of the Albion technology, there also remains the opportunity to increase the scale of the concentrate leach facility up to the maximum design capacity, which will allow for the processing of additional internal concentrates or third party feed and further increase the NPV and IRR as shown in the sensitivity analysis table on the previous page.

The PFS contemplates the construction of three tailings storage facilities for Phase I and provides storage for 385 million tonnes, sufficient for 20 years of mine life on land requiring state and local permits only. Please refer to Figure 3 for a layout of the tailings storage facilities.

Total initial capital costs are estimated to be $1.3 billion for Phase I ($1.1 billion net of existing stream agreement), including all costs associated with the construction of the concentrator and associated infrastructure. The construction of the concentrate leach facility in year 4 is estimated at $367 million and includes the cost for the SX/EW plant, acid plant, sulfur burner and precious metals plant. Contingency costs have been applied to direct capital costs at 20% and the PFS assumes capital leasing of mobile equipment. For further details on the capital cost estimates, please refer to Exhibit 1.

Significant Social & Environmental Benefits

Global copper market fundamentals are expected to be strong with a structural deficit emerging in the medium term. Global mine production and available smelter capacity are expected to struggle to keep pace with metal demand boosted by the green energy revolution. The U.S. is expected to remain a net copper importer during this period, and domestic supply will be required to help secure growing U.S. metal demand related to increased manufacturing capacity, infrastructure development, bolstering the country’s energy independence and domestic EV battery supply chain and production needs.

The “Made in America” copper cathode produced at Copper World is expected to be sold entirely to domestic U.S. customers and would make Copper World the third largest domestic cathode producer in the United Statesii. Producing copper cathode would reduce the operation’s total energy requirements, and greenhouse gas (“GHG”) and sulfur (SO2) emissions by eliminating overseas shipping, smelting and refining activities relating to copper concentrate. The company estimates that the project will reduce total energy consumption by more than 10%, including a more than 30% decline in energy consumption relating to downstream processing, when compared to a project design that produces copper concentrates for overseas smelting and refining. The PFS base case is expected to result in an approximate 14% reduction in scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions compared to the flotation only scenario, as highlighted in Figure 4. Hudbay is targeting further reductions in the project’s GHG emissions as part of the company’s specific emissions reduction targets for its existing operations to align with the global 50% by 2030 climate change goal, which are discussed in the section titled “Project Optimization and Upside Opportunities” below.

The Copper World project is expected to generate significant benefits for the community and local economy in Arizona. Over the anticipated 20-year life of the operation, the company expects to contribute more than $850 million in U.S. taxes, including approximately $170 million in taxes to the state of Arizona. Hudbay also expects Copper World to create more than 400 direct jobs and up to 3,000 indirect jobs in Arizona. Copper World will offer competitive wages and benefits and the company intends to engage in partnerships with local apprenticeship readiness programs and community-based workforce training programs across the skilled and technical levels to fill and maintain all positions. The project is also expected to generate approximately $250 million in property taxes over the 20-year mine life.

In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the designation of copper as a critical material for energy. Hudbay has applied for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act that are being awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Agency for qualifying projects that construct processing facilities for Critical Material for Sustainable Energy Initiatives. The copper cathode produced at Copper World, together with the significant social benefits for the community and local economy, position the project as a strong candidate for government tax incentives. The financial analysis in the PFS does not incorporate any potential benefits from these tax incentives.

Simplified Permitting Process

The permitting process for Copper World is expected to only require state and local permits for Phase I. In July 2022, Hudbay received approval from the Arizona State Mine Inspector for its amended Mined Land Reclamation Plan (“MLRP”), the first key state permit required for Copper World. The MLRP was initially approved in October 2021 and was subsequently amended to reflect a larger private land project footprint. This approval by the Arizona State Mine Inspector was challenged in state court but the challenge was dismissed in May 2023 as having no basis. In late 2022, Hudbay submitted the applications for an Aquifer Protection Permit and an Air Quality Permit to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The company expects to receive these two outstanding state permits in mid-2024.

In May 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a favourable decision in the case of Sackett v EPA that clarified the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” and rejected the "significant nexus" test that the agencies had previously used to assert jurisdiction over relatively remote dry washes like those at the Copper World site. This decision strengthens Hudbay's position that no 404 Permit or other Clean Water Act approvals are required for the Copper World project.

Also, in May 2023, Hudbay received a favourable ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that reversed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's designation of the Copper World area as jaguar critical habitat. While this ruling does not impact the state permitting process for Phase I of Copper World, it is expected to simplify the federal permitting process for Phase II.

Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates

The PFS and mine plan are based on updated mineral resource estimates for the Copper World deposits, which include the Peach-Elgin, West, Broadtop Butte and East deposits, as shown in Figure 5. Based on the new model, contained copper in measured and indicated mineral resources, inclusive of mineral reserves, has increased by 4% as compared to the mineral resources in the 2022 PEA. In addition, contained copper in mill feed increased by 41% in the PFS compared to the contained copper in milled resources in Phase I of the PEA mine plan due to higher grades and the flotation of both copper sulfides and oxides.

The mineral reserves milled is lower than the mineral resources mined in the PFS due to limitations on tailings capacity beyond 20 years in Phase I. There are approximately 40 million tonnes of resources that are economic to mine in the PFS but are excluded from the reserves and cash flow analysis. This additional material provides upside potential that could be included in the mine plan if additional land is accessed for tailings capacity.

The current mineral reserve and resource estimates for Copper World (effective as of July 1, 2023) are summarized below and replace the prior mineral resource estimates set forth in the 2022 PEA.

Copper World ProjectMineral Reserve and Resource Estimates1,2,3,4 Tonnes(millions) Cu Grade (%) Soluble Cu Grade (%) Mo Grade (g/t) Au Grade (g/t) Ag Grade (g/t)
Proven reserves 319 0.54 0.11 110 0.03 5.68
Probable reserves 66 0.52 0.14 96 0.02 4.31
Total Proven and Probable Reserves 385 0.54 0.12 108 0.02 5.44
Measured resources 888 0.43 0.10 121 0.02 4.46
Indicated resources 317 0.38 0.10 108 0.02 3.52
Total Measured and Indicated 1,205 0.42 0.10 117 0.02 4.22
Inferred resources 275 0.32 0.10 106 0.01 2.82

Note: totals may not add up correctly due to rounding.1 Mineral resource estimates are inclusive of mineral reserves and have been calculated using assumed long-term metal prices of $3.75 per pound copper, $12.00 per pound molybdenum, $1,650 per ounce gold and $22.00 per ounce silver. 2 Mineral resource estimates that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates are based on resource pit design and do not include factors for mining recovery or dilution.3 Mineral resource estimates are constrained to a Lerch Grossman pit shell with a revenue factor of 1.0 or inside the reserve pit.4 Mineral resource estimates are using a 0.1% soluble copper cut-off grade and an oxidation ratio higher than 50% for leach material.

Copper World Comparison of Mineral Resource Estimates1,2
  2022 2023 % Change
  Tonnes (millions) Cu(%) Cu (000 tonnes) Tonnes (millions) Cu(%) Cu (000 tonnes) Cu (000 tonnes)
Measured and Indicated 1,173 0.41 4,829 1,205 0.42 5,020 4%
Inferred 262 0.37 957 275 0.32 893 -7%

Note: totals may not add up correctly due to rounding.1 2023 mineral resource estimates are inclusive of mineral reserve estimates.2 2022 mineral resource estimates include both flotation and leach material and were based on metals prices and other assumptions set forth in the 2022 PEA.

Copper World Comparison of Phase I Mill Feed
  2022 PEA 2023 PFS % Change
  Tonnes (millions) Cu(%) Cu (000 tonnes) Tonnes (millions) Cu(%) Cu (000 tonnes) Cu (000 tonnes)
Mill Feed 316 0.47 1,473 385 0.54 2,082 41%

Note: totals may not add up correctly due to rounding.

Project Optimization and Upside Opportunities

The company has identified many opportunities that may further enhance project economics, reduce environmental impacts, increase annual production and extend mine life, which have not been considered in the Phase I PFS.

  • Mine Life Extension Potential – There remains approximately 60% of the total copper contained in measured and indicated mineral resources excluding the PFS reserves, providing significant potential for the Phase II expansion and mine life extension. In addition, the inferred mineral resources estimates are at a comparable copper grade and also provide significant upside potential.
  • Increased Concentrate Leach Capacity – The selected concentrate leach technology allows the facility to be scalable in the future to be large enough to process all of the internally produced copper concentrates, further enhancing project economics and IRR. Operating the Albion plant at 100% capacity is estimated to reduce total GHG emissions by 25% compared to an operation that only produces copper concentrate.
  • Access to Federal Green Funding Incentives – Hudbay is exploring options for government incentives to help fund the future development of the concentrate leach facility, which may offer attractive financing terms and allow the construction of the concentrate leach facility to occur earlier and potentially at a larger capacity with improved project economics.
  • Earlier Receipt of Federal Permits for Phase II Expansion – Hudbay is optimistic that it will be able to secure federal permits well before the end of the life of Phase I, which could allow the mining of more high-value tonnes earlier in the mine life and significantly increase annual copper production, the project economics and IRR.
  • Green Opportunities – There are several emission reduction opportunities the company will evaluate with future studies, including the potential to source renewable energy from local providers at a nominal cost, the use of autonomous or electric haul trucks at the operation and various post-reclamation land uses such as domestic renewable energy production. Also, if Hudbay is able to secure additional private land to improve the tailings configuration, there is the potential to accelerate dry stack tailings deposition into Phase I, which would reduce water consumption.

Prudent Financing Plan and Disciplined Capital Allocation

As part of Hudbay’s disciplined financial planning approach to Copper World, the company has introduced a three prerequisites plan (“3-P”), including specific leverage targets that it would need to achieve prior to making an investment decision in the project:

  1. Permits – receipt of all state level permits required for Phase I
  2. Plan – completion of a definitive feasibility study with an internal rate of return of greater than 15%
  3. Prudent Financing Strategy – multi-faceted financing strategy including
    • a committed minority joint venture partner;
    • a renegotiated precious metals stream agreement optimized for the current project;
    • net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 1.2 times;
    • a minimum cash balance of $600 million; and,
    • limited non-recourse project level debt of up to $500 million.

Under the existing precious metals stream agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals, Hudbay is entitled to receive a deposit payment of $230 million for delivery of gold and silver production from Copper World. The estimated total initial funding requirement for Phase I of Copper World, net of the stream agreement, amounts to approximately $1.1 billion.

Hudbay intends to complete a minority joint venture partner process after receiving permits and prior to commencing a definitive feasibility study, which will allow the potential joint venture partner to participate in the funding of definitive feasibility study activities in 2024 as well as in the final project design for Copper World. The opportunity to sanction Copper World is not expected until 2025 based on current estimated timelines. The decision to sanction Copper World will ultimately be evaluated against other competing investment opportunities as part of Hudbay’s capital allocation process.

Conference Call and Webcast

Date: Friday, September 8, 2023
   
Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
   
Webcast: www.hudbay.com
   
Dial in: 1-416-915-3239 or 1-800-319-4610
   

Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures

Cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced are shown because the company believes they help investors and management assess the performance of its operations, including the margin generated by the operations and the company. Unit operating costs are shown because these measures are used by the company as a key performance indicator to assess the performance of its mining and processing operations. EBITDA is shown to provide additional information about the cash generating potential in order to assess the company’s capacity to service and repay debt, carry out investments and cover working capital needs. These measures do not have a meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS and are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures differently. For further details on these measures, please refer to page 42 of Hudbay’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Olivier Tavchandjian, P. Geo, Hudbay’s Senior Vice-President, Exploration and Technical Services. Mr. Tavchandjian is a qualified person pursuant to Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).

A copy of the NI 43-101 technical report for the PFS will be made available on Hudbay’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on Hudbay’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The new technical report supports the disclosure in this news release and will be the current technical report in respect of all the mineral properties that form part of the Copper World project and shall supersede and replace the 2022 PEA in its entirety.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. Canadian reporting requirements for disclosure of mineral properties are governed NI 43-101.  

For this reason, information contained in this news release in respect of the Copper World project may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. For further information on the differences between the disclosure requirements for mineral properties under the United States federal securities laws and NI 43-101, please refer to the company’s annual information form, a copy of which has been filed under Hudbay’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the company’s Form 40-F, a copy of which has been filed under Hudbay’s profile on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “budget”, “guidance”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “strategy”, “target”, “intends”, “objective”, “goal”, “understands”, “anticipates” and “believes” (and variations of these or similar words) and statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” “occur” or “be achieved” or “will be taken” (and variations of these or similar expressions). All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by this cautionary note.

Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the results and findings of the PFS, including the production, operating cost, capital cost and cash cost estimates, the projected valuation metrics and rates of return, the cash flow and EBITDA projections, statements regarding the anticipated permitting requirements and project design, including processing and tailings facilities, metal recoveries, mine life and production rates for the Copper World project, the expected funding requirements for the Copper World project, the potential to further enhance the economics of the Copper World project and optimize the design in the future, the possibility of extending the life of the mine, plans for future feasibility studies and a potential joint venture partner, the expected social and environmental benefits of the Copper World project, as well as potential timelines for obtaining the required permits and financing and sanctioning the Copper World project. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by us at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

The material factors or assumptions that Hudbay identified and were applied by the company in drawing conclusions or making forecasts or projections set out in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to:

  • obtaining all required permits to develop the Copper World project on anticipated timelines;
  • no delays or disruption due to litigation challenging the permitting requirements for the Copper World project and no significant unanticipated litigation;
  • the implementation of the concentrate leach facility in year 5 of the mine plan;
  • the success of exploration and development activities at Copper World;
  • the accuracy of geological, mining and metallurgical estimates;
  • anticipated metals prices and the costs of production;
  • the supply and demand for metals Hudbay produces;
  • the supply and availability of all forms of energy, fuels and molten sulfur at reasonable prices;
  • no significant unanticipated operational or technical difficulties;
  • the availability of additional financing, if needed;
  • the ability to complete project targets on time and on budget;
  • the availability of personnel for the company’s exploration, development and operational projects and ongoing employee relations;
  • maintaining good relations with the communities in which the company operates, including the neighbouring communities and local governments in Arizona;
  • no significant unanticipated challenges with stakeholders at Copper World;
  • no significant unanticipated events or changes relating to regulatory, environmental, health and safety matters;
  • no contests over title to Hudbay’s properties, including as a result of rights or claimed rights of Indigenous peoples or challenges to the validity of its unpatented mining claims;
  • an upfront stream deposit of $230 million will be paid by Wheaton Precious Metals at the commencement of construction;
  • no offtake commitments in respect of production from the Copper World project;
  • certain tax matters, including, but not limited to the mining tax regime in Arizona; and
  • no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets (including commodity prices and foreign exchange rates).

The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to, risks generally associated with the mining industry and the current geopolitical environment, including future commodity prices, currency and interest rate fluctuations, energy and consumable prices, supply chain constraints and general cost escalation in the current inflationary environment, risks related to project delivery and financing; ongoing and potential litigation processes and other legal challenges that could affect the permitting timeline for the Copper World project, risks related to political or social instability and changes in government and government policy, risks related to changes in law, risks in respect of community relations, risks related to contracts that were entered into in respect of the former Rosemont mine project, uncertainties related to the geology, continuity, grade and estimates of mineral reserves and resources, and the potential for variations in grade and recovery rates, risks related to the timing and implementation of the concentrate leach facility, climate change risks and uncertainties, as well as the risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the company’s annual information form and under the heading “Financial Risk Management” in the company’s management’s discussion and analysis.

Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

About Hudbay

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States.

Hudbay’s operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbay’s growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona, the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: “We care about our people, our communities and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives and create better futures for communities.” Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

For further information, please contact:

Candace BrûléVice President, Investor Relations (416) 814-4387 investor.relations@hudbay.com

Exhibit 1: Detailed Cash Flow Model and Key Assumptions A detailed cash flow model containing annual production and cost information is shown below. Overall assumptions for commodity prices, marketing parameters, operating costs and capital costs are also provided.

Phase I: Physicals UNIT TOTAL Y-01 Y01 Y02 Y03 Y04 Y05 Y06 Y07 Y08 Y09 Y10 Y11 Y12 Y13 Y14 Y15 Y16 Y17 Y18 Y19 Y20
Material Moved     Pre-strip                                        
Resources mined Mtonne 426.0 18.1 27.4 33.8 42.8 25.3 25.0 20.7 21.1 22.9 23.1 21.4 19.9 19.9 19.9 17.1 15.3 15.3 12.6 14.4 9.8 -
Waste mined Mtonne 776.6 36.3 43.7 51.9 46.0 61.8 62.4 65.0 67.4 63.7 66.7 54.4 43.6 43.6 39.1 17.5 10.9 2.0 0.3 0.1 0.1 -
Rehandle Mtonne 62.4 - 1.5 0.5 1.1 2.7 2.4 4.1 1.3 3.2 - 1.2 - 0.0 - 2.7 4.5 4.5 7.3 5.4 10.0 9.9
Total material moved Mtonne 1,265.0 54.4 72.6 86.2 89.8 89.8 89.8 89.8 89.8 89.8 89.8 77.1 63.5 63.5 59.0 37.3 30.8 21.8 20.2 20.0 20.0 9.9
                                               
Strip Ratio     Pre-strip                                        
Strip ratio X:X 1.82 2.01 1.59 1.54 1.08 2.44 2.49 3.15 3.19 2.78 2.89 2.54 2.20 2.20 1.97 1.02 0.71 0.13 0.02 0.01 0.01 -
                                               
Reserves Milled                                              
Reserves milled Mtonne 385.1 - 17.6 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9 9.9
Headgrade - Cu % 0.54 % - 0.64 0.54 0.50 0.49 0.54 0.79 0.60 0.59 0.58 0.58 0.48 0.44 0.48 0.58 0.53 0.56 0.54 0.58 0.41 0.24
Headgrade - Au g/tonne 0.03 - 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.01
Headgrade - Ag g/tonne 6.00 - 3.73 4.09 4.28 4.11 8.00 8.06 8.12 5.27 7.89 7.21 6.01 6.41 6.91 7.89 4.56 4.79 5.41 7.76 5.06 2.29
Headgrade - Mo % 0.01 % - 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
                                               
Recovery to Concentrate                                              
Cu % 79.00% - 82.91 81.78 83.02 83.18 82.50 70.14 82.20 82.31 84.13 84.29% 83.39% 83.16% 83.27% 69.02% 68.08% 82.02% 71.49% 82.37 67.54 63.23
Au % 41.21% - 42.65 40.58 42.85 43.16 41.88 38.03 41.33 41.52 45.02 45.32% 43.57% 43.11% 43.33% 37.65% 37.33% 41.01% 38.48% 41.65% 37.15% 35.66%
Ag % 56.43% - 57.95 55.56 58.17 58.53 57.06 52.60 56.43 56.66 60.65 60.99% 59.00% 58.48% 58.73% 52.16% 51.79% 56.06% 53.13% 56.80% 51.58% 49.83%
Mo % 53.67% - 56.19 52.26 56.56 57.16 54.71 47.57 53.67 54.04 60.76 61.36% 57.95% 57.07% 57.49% 46.88% 46.31% 53.08% 48.39% 54.27% 45.98% 43.33%
                                               
Cu Conc Produced - Sold to Market                                            
Cu Concentrate Ktonne 2,991 - 401 456 398 319 48 130 130 139 127 82 57 76 99 57 129 150 111 81 - -
Grade - Cu % 23.16 % - 23.22% 19.36% 20.51% 25.21% 33.21% 29.12% 25.26% 24.58% 25.34% 29.73% 25.44% 21.92% 22.29% 25.28% 18.64% 22.33% 20.84% 28.61% - -
Grade - Au g/tonne 0.51 - 0.36 0.29 0.35 0.32 0.65 0.68 0.55 0.70 1.05 0.71 0.72 0.73 0.84 0.84 0.53 0.64 0.63 0.89 - -
Grade - Ag g/tonne 157.86 - 94.61 98.86 124.25 149.86 340.27 222.62 235.48 150.38 248.45 267.41 224.95 224.42 227.22 261.56 121.93 131.63 155.86 261.78 - -
Cu cont'd in concentrate Ktonne 693 - 93 88 82 80 16 38 33 34 32 25 14 17 22 14 24 33 23 23 - -
Au cont'd in concentrate Koz 49 - 5 4 4 3 1 3 2 3 4 2 1 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 - -
Ag cont'd in concentrate Koz 15,181 - 1,219 1,451 1,591 1,535 530 934 986 672 1,015 709 410 549 725 480 505 633 556 682 - -
                                               
Cu Conc Produced - To Conc Leach Facility                                              
Cu Concentrate Ktonne 3,870 - - - - - 218 248 256 256 256 244 256 256 256 256 256 256 256 253 227 122
Grade - Cu % 24.61 % - - - - - 33.21% 29.12% 25.26% 24.58% 25.34% 29.73% 25.44% 21.92% 22.29% 25.28% 18.64% 22.33% 20.84% 28.61% 24.02% 12.24%
Grade - Au g/tonne 0.72 - - - - - 0.65 0.68 0.55 0.70 1.05 0.71 0.72 0.73 0.84 0.84 0.53 0.64 0.63 0.89 0.84 0.39
Grade - Ag g/tonne 214.74 - - - - - 340.27 222.62 235.48 150.38 248.45 267.41 224.95 224.42 227.22 261.56 121.93 131.63 155.86 261.78 228.70 92.69
Cu cont'd in concentrate Ktonne 952 - - - - - 72 72 65 63 65 73 65 56 57 65 48 57 53 72 54 15
Au cont'd in concentrate Koz 90 - - - - - 5 5 4 6 9 6 6 6 7 7 4 5 5 7 6 2
Ag cont'd in concentrate Koz 26,722 - - - - - 2,387 1,776 1,940 1,236 2,041 2,099 1,853 1,844 1,867 2,149 1,005 1,082 1,281 2,131 1,666 364
                                               
Mo Conc Produced                                              
Mo Concentrate Ktonne 44.5 - 3.4 3.0 2.7 2.4 2.0 2.6 1.7 2.3 3.0 2.1 2.4 2.8 1.9 1.4 1.6 2.2 2.0 2.4 2.1 0.6
Grade - Mo % 50.00 % - 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00%
Mo cont'd in concentrate Ktonne 22.3 - 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.2 1.0 1.3 0.9 1.1 1.5 1.1 1.2 1.4 0.9 0.7 0.8 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.0 0.3
                                               
Purchased Cu Conc                                              
Cu Concentrate Ktonne 129.7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29.7 100.0
Grade - Cu % 28.00 % - - - - - 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00% 28.00%
Grade - Au g/tonne 0.30 - - - - - 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
Grade - Ag g/tonne 110.00 - - - - - 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 110.00
                                               
Recovery to Cu Cathode                                              
From Mill % 98.12 % - - - - - 98.10% 98.22% 98.11% 98.11% 98.00% 97.99% 98.05% 98.06% 98.05% 98.23% 98.25% 98.12% 98.21% 98.10% 98.25% 98.31%
From Purchased % 97.80 % - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 97.80% 97.80%
                                               
Cu Cathode Produced                                              
From Mill Ktonne 934.5 - - - - - 71.1 71.0 63.5 61.6 63.5 71.1 63.9 54.9 55.8 63.5 46.9 56.0 52.3 71.1 53.5 14.7
From Purchased Ktonne 35.5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8.1 27.4
Total Cu cathode Ktonne 970.0 - - - - - 71.1 71.0 63.5 61.6 63.5 71.1 63.9 54.9 55.8 63.5 46.9 56.0 52.3 71.1 61.6 42.1
                                               
Doré Produced                                              
From Mill Moz 27.3 - - - - - 2.4 1.8 2.0 1.3 2.1 2.1 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.2 1.0 1.1 1.3 2.2 1.7 0.4
From Purchased Moz 0.4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0.1 0.3
Total Dore Moz 27.7 - - - - - 2.4 1.8 2.0 1.3 2.1 2.1 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.2 1.0 1.1 1.3 2.2 1.8 0.7
Au in Doré % 86 - - - - - 4 5 4 5 8 5 6 6 7 7 4 5 5 7 6 2
Ag in Doré % 25,520 - - - - - 2,245 1,671 1,825 1,162 1,920 1,975 1,743 1,734 1,756 2,021 945 1,017 1,204 2,004 1,656 642
                                               
Acid Plant                                              
Purchased sulphur Ktonne 1,721.7 - - - - - 107.8 108.2 106.6 107.8 105.8 104.2 106.8 108.1 108.4 110.7 111.5 107.5 110.0 106.3 109.2 102.8
Excess acid produced Ktonne 5,994.5 - - - - - 374.7 374.7 374.7 374.6 374.7 374.7 374.7 374.7 374.7 374.7 374.6 374.6 374.6 374.7 374.7 374.7
                                               
Total Production                                              
Cu - contained in conc sold Ktonne 693 - 93 88 82 80 16 38 33 34 32 25 14 17 22 14 24 33 23 23 - -
Cu - cathode from conc leach Ktonne 970 - - - - - 71 71 64 62 63 71 64 55 56 63 47 56 52 71 62 42
Cu - total production Ktonne 1,663 - 93 88 82 80 87 109 96 96 96 96 78 72 78 78 71 89 75 94 62 42
                                               
Cu Eq Production Ktonne 1,974.3 - 102.7 97.9 91.2 88.9 105.3 128.3 114.5 112.5 117.3 114.2 95.8 90.2 96.0 95.0 85.2 105.5 91.4 113.6 77.1 51.7

 

Phase I: Unit Costs Unit Phase I Y01 Y02 Y03 Y04 Y05 Y06 Y07 Y08 Y09 Y10 Y11 Y12 Y13 Y14 Y15 Y16 Y17 Y18 Y19 Y20
Mining ($/t material moved excl. Pre-strip)
Mining $/tonne 2.48 1.80 1.74 1.85 2.02 2.23 2.30 2.29 2.29 2.30 2.60 2.93 2.83 3.03 3.57 3.76 4.24 4.20 4.13 3.73 2.24
Deferred stripping $/tonne (0.30) (0.00) (0.40) (0.22) (0.62) (0.27) (0.57) (0.61) (0.42) (0.49) (0.34) (0.12) (0.12) - - - - - - - -
Mining ex def stripping $/tonne 2.18 1.79 1.35 1.63 1.41 1.96 1.72 1.68 1.87 1.81 2.26 2.81 2.71 3.03 3.57 3.76 4.24 4.20 4.13 3.73 2.24
Processing ($/tonne Ore Milled)                                        
Flotation $/tonne 4.07 4.11 4.11 4.09 4.06 4.04 4.08 4.09 4.09 4.08 4.06 4.06 4.06 4.07 4.06 4.09 4.09 4.08 4.06 4.03 4.03
Concentrate Leach Facility $/tonne 2.04 - - - - 2.48 2.52 2.51 2.51 2.50 2.48 2.51 2.50 2.51 2.55 2.52 2.49 2.51 2.52 2.52 3.88
Tailings & water $/tonne 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.80 0.79
Labor & other $/tonne 0.74 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79
Total $/tonne 7.65 5.44 5.45 5.43 5.39 8.11 8.19 8.19 8.18 8.17 8.13 8.16 8.16 8.17 8.19 8.19 8.17 8.17 8.17 8.14 9.50
                                             
Other Unit Costs ($/tonne ore milled)                                        
Onsite G&A $/tonne 0.90 0.91 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 1.05 1.05 1.05 1.05 1.05
                                             
Cash Cost ($/lb Cu - ex. purchased conc)                                    
Cash cost $/lb 1.47 1.68 1.83 2.07 1.89 1.48 1.18 1.34 1.44 1.28 1.35 1.63 1.73 1.69 1.38 1.59 1.13 1.22 0.86 1.35 1.87
Sustaining cash cost $/lb 1.81 2.01 2.20 2.38 2.42 1.85 1.71 1.84 1.86 1.74 1.72 1.95 2.05 1.95 1.63 1.79 1.31 1.41 1.03 1.54 2.17
PHASE I: CASH FLOWS Unit TOTAL Y-03 Y-02 Y-01 Y01 Y02 Y03 Y04 Y05 Y06 Y07 Y08 Y09 Y10 Y11 Y12 Y13 Y14 Y15 Y16 Y17 Y18 Y19 Y20 Y21 Y22 Y23 Y24 Y25
Cash Flows                                                            
Gross revenue - internal $M 14,993 - - - 786 738 684 674 817 1,000 884 882 899 888 749 697 737 734 667 828 713 882 541 192 - - - - -
Gross revenue - purchased $M 305 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 70 236 - - - - -
TC/RC $M (440) - - - (56) (58) (52) (44) (10) (22) (18) (21) (21) (14) (12) (14) (15) (8) (17) (22) (17) (15) (4) (1) - - - - -
Freight $M (602) - - - (75) (86) (75) (60) (13) (27) (27) (28) (27) (19) (13) (17) (21) (14) (26) (30) (23) (18) (3) (1) - - - - -
Royalty $M (339) - - - (17) (15) (14) (15) (20) (24) (21) (20) (22) (22) (18) (16) (17) (17) (14) (18) (15) (21) (12) (3) - - - - -
Opex - Mining $M (2,641) - - - (130) (116) (146) (126) (176) (155) (151) (168) (163) (174) (178) (172) (179) (133) (116) (93) (85) (83) (75) (22) - - - - -
Opex - Processing $M (2,947) - - - (96) (108) (108) (107) (161) (163) (163) (163) (162) (162) (162) (162) (162) (163) (163) (162) (162) (162) (162) (94) - - - - -
Opex - Purch Cu Conc $M (272) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (62) (210) - - - - -
Opex - Onsite G&A $M (348) - - - (16) (16) (16) (16) (16) (17) (17) (17) (17) (17) (18) (18) (18) (18) (18) (21) (21) (21) (21) (10) - - - - -
Opex - Property tax $M (247) - - - (24) (23) (23) (22) (21) (20) (18) (17) (15) (14) (12) (10) (8) (6) (6) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) - - - - -
Opex - Surety bond fees $M (27) - - - (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) - - - - -
Closure Costs1 $M (133) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (36) (36) (2) (2) (20)
End of life salvage/scrap $M 62 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62 - - - -
Pre-operating costs $M - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tax - Federal income $M (441) (3) (3) - - - - - - (3) (1) (3) (7) (26) (22) (24) (31) (43) (34) (67) (53) (83) (31) (6) - - - - -
Tax - State income $M (113) - (3) - - - - - - - - - (2) (9) (6) (6) (8) (11) (8) (17) (13) (21) (8) (1) - - - - -
Tax - State severance $M (55) - - - - - - - (1) (3) (2) (3) (4) (4) (3) (3) (3) (4) (3) (6) (5) (7) (3) (1) - - - - -
Tax - BEAT $M - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cash From Ops before WC $M 6,754 (3) (6) - 371 315 249 282 398 565 465 442 458 427 304 254 274 315 261 390 316 449 227 74 25 (36) (2) (2) (20)
WC Changes - AR $M (0) - - - (60) 4 4 0 (15) (14) 9 0 (1) 0 11 5 (3) (0) 6 (13) 9 (14) 21 15 35 - - - -
WC Changes - AP $M 0 27 68 30 (50) (0) 0 62 (55) 5 (6) 0 1 2 (5) (1) 2 (6) (5) 4 (6) 6 (7) (5) (53) - (6) - -
WC Changes - Stream $M 230 162 68 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cash From Operations $M 6,985 187 130 30 261 319 253 345 329 555 467 442 457 428 309 257 273 309 263 381 319 441 242 84 7 (36) (8) (2) (20)
Growth - EPCM $M (1,006) (96) (395) (208) - - - (307) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Growth - Owners Costs $M (602) (47) (98) (454) - - - (4) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Growth - Contingency $M (250) (19) (78) (96) - - - (57) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sustaining capital $M (701) - - - (95) (52) (51) (62) (64) (61) (30) (30) (30) (30) (30) (28) (28) (27) (18) (17) (15) (14) (10) (7) - - - - -
Deferred stripping $M (362) - - - (0) (34) (19) (55) (24) (51) (54) (37) (44) (27) (8) (8) - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cash From Investing $M (2,920) (162) (571) (757) (95) (87) (70) (484) (88) (112) (85) (68) (74) (57) (38) (36) (28) (27) (18) (17) (15) (14) (10) (7) - - - - -
Loan - draw $M 482 - 8 159 37 26 24 32 36 84 18 13 11 15 15 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Loan - repayment $M (482) - - (1) (29) (38) (45) (52) (59) (31) (39) (38) (37) (34) (30) (15) (12) (10) (8) (4) (1) - - - - - - - -
Loan - interest $M (106) - - (1) (12) (12) (11) (10) (8) (7) (11) (9) (7) (6) (4) (3) (2) (2) (1) (0) (0) - - - - - - - -
Cash From Financing $M (106) - 8 157 (4) (23) (32) (30) (32) 47 (32) (35) (33) (24) (19) (14) (14) (11) (8) (5) (1) - - - - - - - -
Net cash flow $M 3,959 25 (433) (571) 162 208 150 (170) 209 490 351 340 350 347 252 207 231 271 236 359 303 427 232 77 7 (36) (8) (2) (20)
Discount factors 8%2 #   0.981 0.926 0.857 0.794 0.735 0.681 0.630 0.583 0.540 0.500 0.463 0.429 0.397 0.368 0.340 0.315 0.292 0.270 0.250 0.232 0.215 0.199 0.184 0.170 0.158 0.146 0.135 0.125
Discount factors 10%2 #   0.976 0.909 0.826 0.751 0.683 0.621 0.564 0.513 0.467 0.424 0.386 0.350 0.319 0.290 0.263 0.239 0.218 0.198 0.180 0.164 0.149 0.135 0.123 0.112 0.102 0.092 0.084 0.076
                                                             
NPV @ 8% $M 1,100.4                                                          
NPV @ 10% $M 770.7   1 Post closure costs beyond year 25 have been discounted to year 25 at 10% and added to the year 25 closure cost cash flow in the above table. Total column is the undiscounted total $ over the mine life                    
IRR % 19.21%   2 Year -3 is a half year                    
PRICE DECK
PRICE / RATE UNIT LONG TERM
Metals    
Copper $/lb 3.75
Copper cathode net premium1 $/lb 0.02
Molybdenum $/lb 12.00
Gold - offtaker $/oz 1,650.00
Silver - offtaker $/oz 22.00
Gold - stream $/oz 450.00
Silver - stream $/oz 3.90
Stream contracted escalator2 % per year 1.00
Other    
Molten sulfur - purchases $/tonne 215.00
Acid - sales $/tonne 145.00
Electricity $/kWh 0.071
NSR royalty % 3.00

1 Copper cathode premium net of cathode transport charge2 Annual escalator begins in Year 3

MARKETING ASSUMPTIONS
PRICE / RATE UNIT LONG TERM
Molybdenum Concentrate    
Realization % (of contained value) % 88.00
Dore    
Refining charge - doré bar $/oz 0.40
Refining charge - Au $/oz 0.55
Payable % - Au % 99.90
Payable % - Ag % 99.90
Freight $/oz 1.40
Cu Concentrate - Sales    
Treatment charge $/DMT 75.00
Refining charge - Cu $/lb 0.075
Payable % - Cu % 96.50
Payable % - Au % 90.00
Payable % - Ag % 90.00
Min deduction - Cu % 1.00
Min grade - Au g/tonne 1.00
Min grade - Ag g/tonne 30.00
Freight $/WMT 173.00
Moisture % 8.00
Cu Concentrate - Purchases    
Purchase price $/tonne 2,100.97
Cu grade % 28.00
Mo grade % 0.23
Au grade g/tonne 0.30
Ag grade g/tonne 110.00
Zn grade % 0.25
S grade % 34.00
Freight capture $/DMT 80.00
OPERATING COST DETAILS – MINING
METRIC UNIT Total
Labor $M $773
Maintenance $M $877
Fuel $M $781
Power $M $18
Blasting $M $359
Indirect $M $196
Subtotal* $M $3,003
Deferred stripping $M ($362)
Total* $M $2,641

*Excludes pre-stripping costs

OPERATING COST DETAILS – PROCESSING
METRIC UNIT LOM
Sulfide flotation $M $1,456
Molybdenum flotation $M $71
Concentrate leaching $M $359
Precious metal plant $M $86
Acid plant $M $5
Molten sulfur purchased $M $370
Tailings & water $M $313
Labor $M $272
Other $M $14
Total $M $2,947
CAPITAL COST SUMMARY
METRIC UNIT Cu Concentrator Cu Leach Total
Growth - EPCM $M $833 $364 $1,197
Growth - owner's costs $M $490 $4 $494
Growth - subtotal $M $1,323 $367 $1,690
Sustaining $M $542 $0 $542
Deferred stripping $M $362 $0 $362
Total $M $2,227 $367 $2,595
GROWTH CAPITAL DETAILS – EPCM
METRIC UNIT Cu Concentrator Cu Leach Total
Sitewide $M $22 $0 $22
Mining $M $34 $0 $34
Primary crushing $M $31 $0 $31
Sulfide plant $M $270 $0 $270
Molybdenum plant $M $21 $0 $21
Reagents $M $10 $3 $14
Plant services $M $12 $0 $12
Acid plant $M $0 $79 $79
Concentrate leach SX/EW $M $0 $28 $28
Precious metal plant $M $0 $7 $7
Leach plant (Albion) $M $0 $140 $140
Site services and utilities $M $4 $0 $4
Internal infrastructure $M $52 $0 $52
External infrastructure $M $112 $0 $112
Common construction $M $33 $13 $46
Other $M $98 $37 $134
Contingency $M $134 $57 $191
Total $M $833 $364 $1,197
GROWTH CAPITAL DETAILS – OWNER’S COSTS
METRIC UNIT Cu Concentrator Cu Leach Total
Mining fleet and equipment $M $218 $0 $218
Less: equipment financing $M ($167) $0 ($167)
Pre-stripping $M $89 $0 $89
Tailings storage $M $84 $0 $84
Earthworks and roads $M $26 $0 $26
G&A and other $M $149 $4 $153
Indirects and contingency $M $90 $0 $90
Total $M $490 $4 $494
SUSTAINING CAPITAL DETAILS
METRIC UNIT Total
Mining – fleet $M $186
Less: equipment financing $M ($158)
Mining – all other $M $422
Processing $M 57
Admin $M 37
Total $M 542

Figure 1: Copper World Phase I Open Pit FootprintPhase I is expected to consist of four open pits and all associated infrastructure within a footprint that requires only state and local permits for 20 years of operation.

Figure 2: Copper World General Plant Site Layout Phase I includes a 60,000 ton per day conventional concentrator with an expansion in year 5 to include a concentrate leach facility to produce copper cathode onsite.

Figure 3: Copper World Phase I Tailings Storage FacilitiesThe project assumes conventional tailings deposition in three tailings storage facilities located on land requiring only state and local permits for Phase I.

Figure 4: Reduction in GHG Emissions from Concentrate Leach FacilityOne of the many benefits of producing copper cathode on site using the concentrate leach facility as presented in the PFS is that the cathode is likely to be sold entirely to the domestic U.S. market, thereby reducing total GHG emissions by an estimated 14% compared to an operation that solely produces copper concentrate (flotation only). Constructing the full 100% capacity concentrate leach facility at inception would reduce total GHG emissions by 25%.

Figure 5: Copper World Mineral ResourcesThe mineral resource estimates were prepared using a 0.1% copper cut-off and include four deposits: Peach-Elgin, West, Broadtop Butte and East.

i Cash cost and sustaining cash cost exclude the cost of purchasing external concentrate, which may vary in price and or potentially be replaced with additional internal feed. By-product credits calculated using amortization of deferred revenue for gold and silver stream sales as per the company’s approach in its quarterly financial reporting. By-product credits also include the revenue from the sale of excess acid produced at a price of $145 per tonne. Sustaining cash cost includes sustaining capital expenditures and royalties. Cash cost and sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further details on why Hudbay believes cash costs are a useful performance indicator, please refer to the company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.ii Sourced from Wood Mackenzie (Q2 2023 dataset).iii Sourced from S&P Global, August 2023.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4323281-f65c-48e8-b9c1-2857280eba39https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0c1387f-749d-4fff-abb5-3c138aff8b39https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21ff357e-666b-4e19-9115-f1939d961aa6https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2d40220-a4ec-4372-abfd-744fbdf21031https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24a92f5e-660c-49ca-afb9-62ee3a1b3fe5

Hudbay Minerals (TSX:HBM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Hudbay Minerals Charts.
Hudbay Minerals (TSX:HBM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Hudbay Minerals Charts.