(All dollar amounts are in thousands of
United States dollars unless
otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share
amounts)
TSXV: MTA
NYSE American: MTA
VANCOUVER, BC, March 28,
2024 /CNW/ - Metalla Royalty & Streaming
Ltd. ("Metalla" or the "Company") (TSXV:
MTA) (NYSE American: MTA) announces its operating and financial
results for the year ended December 31,
2023. Metalla has also filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") its SEC Annual Report on
Form 40-F for the year ended December 31,
2023. The Form 40-F includes the Company's Annual
Information Form, audited financial statements and management's
discussion & analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023. For complete details of the
consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's
discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, please see the Company's
filings on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or EDGAR (www.sec.gov).
Shareholders are encouraged to visit the Company's website at
www.metallaroyalty.com.
Metalla shareholders may receive a hard copy of the Company's
complete audited financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2023, free of charge,
upon request. For further information please visit the Company
website at https://www.metallaroyalty.com/financial-reports/.
Brett Heath, President, and
CEO of Metalla, commented, "2023 was a transformative year for
Metalla during which we closed the largest transaction in the
Company's history, to merge with Nova
Royalty, creating one of the most robust and sustainable
growth portfolios in the royalty sector. During 2023, our
attributable gold equivalent ounces received exceeded the top end
of our guidance by 14%, delivering just under 4,000 ounces for the
year. Looking into 2024, we expect Tocantinzinho, Côté, and
Amalgamated Kirkland to reach production. Gosselin also continues
to show that it has the potential to become a tier 1 royalty asset
on its own, with 4.4 million Indicated Resource gold ounces and 3.0
million Inferred Resource gold ounces, and we expect it will
continue to grow in 2024 with the planned 35,000-meter drill
program."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the year ended December 31,
2023, and the subsequent period up to the date of this news
release, the Company:
- Effective December 1, 2023,
acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Nova Royalty
Corp. ("Nova") pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the
"Nova Transaction"). In accordance with the Nova
Transaction, Nova shareholders received 0.36 of a common share of
Metalla (the "Common Shares") per common share of Nova
(For additional details see Nova Royalty Acquisition
below);
- On October 19, 2023, entered into
an agreement with Beedie Investments Ltd. ("Beedie"), which
became effective at the closing of the Nova Transaction, whereby
the parties agreed to amend the convertible loan facility (the
"Beedie Loan Facility") between Metalla and Beedie to, among
other things, increase the principal amount from C$25.0 million to C$50.0
million and draw down from the Beedie Loan Facility, at
closing of the Nova Transaction, an amount equal to the principal
and unpaid interest and fees outstanding under the convertible
loan agreement with Nova (the "Nova Loan Facility") to
refinance and retire the Nova Loan Facility (For additional
details see Nova Royalty Acquisition below);
- Completed a private placement, on closing of the Nova
Transaction, pursuant to which Beedie subscribed to 2,835,539
Common Shares at a price of C$5.29
per share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$15.0 million;
- Acquired 28 royalties and 1 stream, to bring the total held as
at the date of this press release to 102 precious and base metals
assets, through the following transactions:
-
- Acquired 23 royalties in the Nova Transaction (For
additional details see Nova Royalty Acquisition);
- Acquired an existing 2.5%-3.75% sliding scale Gross
Proceeds ("GP") royalty over gold, together with a
0.25%-3.0% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty on all
non-gold and silver metals on the majority of Barrick Gold
Corporation's ("Barrick") Lama project in Argentina, from an arm's length seller for
aggregate consideration of $7.5
million. The transaction closed on March 9, 2023, at which time the Company paid
$2.5 million in cash, and issued
466,827 Common Shares to the seller (with a deemed value of
$5.3553 per share). The remaining
$2.5 million is payable in cash or
Common Shares, within 90 days upon the earlier of a 2 Moz gold
Mineral Reserve estimate on the royalty area or 36 months after the
closing date;
- Acquired one silver stream and three royalties from
Alamos Gold Corp. ("Alamos") for $5.0
million in Common Shares with a deemed value of $5.3228 per share. The transaction closed on
February 23, 2023, at which time the
Company issued 939,355 Common Shares to Alamos. The stream and royalties acquired in
this transaction include:
-
-
- a 20% silver stream over the Esperanza project located in Morales, Mexico owned by Zacatecas Silver
Corp.;
- a 1.4% NSR royalty on the Fenn Gibb South project located in
Timmins, Ontario owned by Mayfair
Gold Corp.;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Ronda project located in Shining
Tree, Ontario owned by PTX Metals
Inc.; and
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Northshore West property located in
Thunder Bay, Ontario owned by
Newpath Resources Inc.
- Sold the JR mineral claims that make up the Pine Valley
property, which is part of the Cortez complex in Nevada, to Nevada Gold Mines LLC
("NGM"), an entity formed by Barrick and Newmont Corporation
("Newmont"), for $5.0 million
in cash. The Company has retained a 3.0% NSR royalty on the
property. Additionally, sold the Conmee mineral claims that make up
the Tower Mountain property to Thunder Gold Corp. ("Thunder
Gold") for 4,000,000 common shares of Thunder Gold, valued at
$0.1 million upon closing. The
Company has retained a 2.0% NSR royalty on the property;
- Paid a special dividend in the amount of C$0.03 per share on September 15, 2023, with a record date of
August 1, 2023;
- For the year ended December 31,
2023, received or accrued payments on 3,989 attributable
Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEOs") at an average realized price
of $1,867 and an average cash cost of
$6 per attributable GEO (see
Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the year ended December 31,
2023, recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests,
including fixed royalty payments, of $4.6
million, net loss of $5.8
million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.1
million (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the year ended December 31,
2023, generated operating cash margin of $1,861 per attributable GEO from the Wharf,
El Realito, La Encantada, the New Luika Gold Mine
("NLGM") stream held by Silverback Ltd.
("Silverback"), the Higginsville derivative royalty asset,
and other royalty interests (see Non-IFRS Financial
Measures);
- For the year ended December 31,
2023, recognized payments due or received (not included in
revenue) from the Higginsville derivative royalty asset of
$2.9 million (see Non-IFRS
Financial Measures);
- On December 28, 2023, the Company
exercised its right to terminate the equity distribution agreement
entered into on May 27, 2022 (the
"2022 ATM Program") under which the Company was entitled to
distribute up to $50.0 million (or
the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in Common Shares of the
Company. From inception to the date of termination, the Company
distributed 1,328,078 Common Shares under the 2022 ATM Program at
an average price of $5.01 per share
for gross proceeds of $6.6 million,
of which none were sold during the three months ended December 31, 2023; and
- On May 19, 2023, closed a second
supplemental loan agreement to amend the Beedie Loan Facility
by:
-
- extending the maturity date to May 10,
2027;
- increasing the loan facility by C$5.0
million from C$20.0 million to
C$25.0 million;
- increasing the interest rate from 8.0% to 10.0% per annum;
- amending the conversion price of the fourth drawdown from
C$11.16 per share to C$8.67 per share, being a 30% premium to the
30-day Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of the Company
shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of
the amendment;
- amending the conversion price of C$4.0
million of the third drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$7.33 per share, being the 5-day VWAP of the
Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to
announcement of the amendment, and converting the C$4.0 million into shares at the new conversion
price. Upon closing the Company issued Beedie 545,702 Common
Shares for the conversion of the C$4.0
million; and
- amending the conversion price of the remaining C$1.0 million of the third drawdown from
C$14.30 per share to C$8.67 per share, being to the 30-day VWAP of the
Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to
announcement of the amendment.
NOVA ROYALTY ACQUISITION
On December 1, 2023, the Company
closed the Nova Transaction, pursuant to which the Company acquired
all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Nova. Pursuant
to the terms of the arrangement agreement between the Company and
Nova dated September 7, 2023 (the
"Arrangement Agreement"), Nova shareholders received 0.36 of
a Common Share for each Nova common share held prior to the Nova
Transaction, for a total of 33,893,734 Common Shares issued. In
accordance with the Arrangement Agreement, each Nova restricted
share unit vested into a Nova common share at the close of the Nova
Transaction and was exchanged for 0.36 of a Common Share for a
total of 741,597 Common Shares issued, and each Nova stock option
was replaced with a fully vested replacement option. All
replacement options were adjusted as per the terms of the
Arrangement Agreement and are exercisable into Common Shares.
Upon completion of the Nova Transaction, existing Metalla and
Nova shareholders owned approximately 60.41% and 39.59% of the
combined company, respectively.
Nova Royalty
Nova is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metalla and is a
royalty and streaming company that is focused on acquiring copper
royalties and as at the close of the Nova Transaction had a
portfolio of 23 royalties including:
- 0.42% NSR royalty on Taca Taca operated by First Quantum
Minerals Ltd.;
- 0.315% NSR royalty on the Copper World Complex operated by
Hudbay Minerals Inc.;
- 1.0% NSR royalty on Aranzazu operated by Aura Minerals
Inc.;
- 0.08% Net Profit Interest ("NPI") royalty on Josemaria
operated by Lundin Mining Corp.;
- 0.98% NSR royalty on open pit operations and 0.49% NSR royalty
on underground operations on Vizcachitas operated by Los Andes
Copper Ltd.;
- 0.25% NSR royalty on Tatogga operated by Newmont Corp.;
- 2.0% NSR royalty on NuevaUnion operated as a 50/50 joint
venture between Teck Resources Ltd. and Newmont Corp.; and
- 1.0% Net Proceeds ("NP") royalty on West Wall operated
as a 50/50 joint venture between Anglo
American plc and Glencore plc.
Beedie Capital Strategic Partnership
In connection with the Nova Transaction, Beedie and the Company
formed a strategic partnership pursuant to which:
- Beedie subscribed for C$15.0
million in an equity placement into Metalla;
- The parties agreed to amend and increase the existing Beedie
Loan Facility; and
- The Nova Loan Facility was repaid and terminated.
Equity Placement
Beedie entered into a subscription agreement to complete a
C$15.0 million equity placement
(the "Equity Placement") in Metalla, pursuant to which
concurrent with the closing of the Nova transaction subscribed to
2.8 million Common Shares at a price of C$5.29, which was the closing price of the
Common Shares on the TSX-Venture Exchange on September 7, 2023, the day prior to the
announcement of the Nova Transaction.
Metalla Convertible Loan
Effective December 1, 2023,
Metalla and Beedie entered into an amended and restated convertible
loan facility agreement (the "A&R Loan
Facility") to amend and restate the Beedie Loan
Facility. Pursuant to the A&R Loan Facility, the parties agreed
to:
-
- increase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the
A&R Loan Facility from C$25.0
million to C$50.0
million;
- amend the conversion price of the C$4.2 million due under
the Beedie Loan Facility to a conversion price of C$6.00 per share under the A&R Loan
Facility;
- drawdown a further C$12.2 million
from the A&R Loan Facility with a conversion price of
C$6.00 per share to refinance the
principal amount due under the Nova Loan Facility;
- drawdown C$2.0 million from the
A&R Loan Facility to refinance the accrued and unpaid interest
outstanding under the Nova Loan Facility at the close of the Nova
Transaction, with a conversion price equal to the market price of
the shares of Metalla at the time of conversion;
- drawdown C$0.8 million from the
A&R Loan Facility to refinance the accrued and unpaid fees
outstanding under the Nova Loan Facility at the close of the Nova
Transaction, with such amounts not being convertible into shares of
Metalla;
- establish an 18-month period during which the interest of
10.0% per annum compounded monthly will be added to the
accrued and unpaid interest amount, and on June 1, 2025, reverting to a cash interest
payment of 10.0% on a monthly basis;
- incur an amendment fee of C$0.1
million and any outstanding costs and expenses are to be
paid by Metalla; and
- update the existing security arrangements to include
security provided by Nova and certain other subsidiaries of Metalla
and Nova for the A&R Loan Facility, along with updated
security arrangements at Metalla to reflect developments in our
business.
Subsequent to December 31, 2023,
on February 20, 2024, Beedie elected
to convert C$1.5 million of the
accrued and unpaid interest into Common Shares at a conversion
price of C$3.49 per share, being the
closing price of the shares of Metalla on the TSX-V on February 20, 2024, for a total of 429,800 Common
Shares which were issued on March 19,
2024.
Nova Convertible Loan
As per the A&R Loan Facility and as discussed above,
concurrent with closing of the Nova Transaction, Metalla drew down
on the A&R Loan Facility and paid out and discharged all
obligations under the Nova Loan Facility, which was terminated
concurrently.
ASSET UPDATES
Below are updates during the three months ended December 31, 2023, and subsequent period to
certain of the Company's assets, based on information publicly
filed by the applicable project owner:
La Encantada
On February 22, 2024, First
Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") announced
production of 61 oz of gold and 0.5 Moz of silver from La Encantada in the fourth quarter of 2023,
and production of 321 oz gold and 2.7 Moz silver for the 2023
fiscal year.
Metalla accrued 79 GEOs from La
Encantada for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 259 GEOs for
the 2023 fiscal year.
Metalla holds a 100% Gross Value Returns ("GVR") royalty
on gold produced at the La
Encantada mine limited to 1.0 Koz annually.
El Realito
On February 15, 2024, Agnico Eagle
Mines Ltd. ("Agnico") reported that gold production from La
India totaled 19.5 Koz for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 75.9 Koz
gold for the 2023 fiscal year. Agnico also provided 2024
guidance for La India of 25-30 Koz gold which is expected to come
from residual leaching of the heap leach pads.
Metalla accrued 267 GEOs from El
Realito for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 1,066 GEOs for
the 2023 fiscal year.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the El Realito deposit which is subject to a 1.0%
buyback right for $4.0 million.
Wharf
On February 21, 2024, Coeur Mining
Inc. ("Coeur") reported 2023 fourth quarter production of
29.7 Koz gold and updated the full year guidance for 2024 at Wharf
to 86 – 96 Koz gold. Exploration efforts in 2024 will focus adding
additional Mineral Reserves at Wharf.
Metalla accrued 305 GEOs from Wharf for the fourth quarter of
2023 and 1,008 GEOs for the 2023 fiscal year.
Metalla holds a 1.0% GVR royalty on the Wharf mine.
Aranzazu
On February 20, 2024, Aura
Minerals Inc. ("Aura") announced 2023 production at Aranzazu
totaled 106,119 GEOs with 2024 guidance of 94 – 108 Koz GEOs.
Additionally in their corporate presentation dated March 2024, Aura stated a 29,400-meter drilling
campaign is underway testing the continuity of the GH and
Cabrestante connection with the goal of increasing mineral reserves
and resources, along with drilling in El Cobre and Aranzazu
extensions.
Metalla accrued 67 GEOs from Aranzazu for the period from
December 1 to December 31, 2023,
representing the period after the Nova Transaction closed.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Aranzazu mine.
New Luika
On January 22, 2024, Shanta Gold
Limited ("Shanta") reported that it produced 18.3 Koz of
gold and 30 Koz of silver at the New Luika Gold Mine
("NLGM") in Tanzania in the
fourth quarter of 2023. Shanta also reiterated their guidance
of 70 – 74 Koz of gold from NLGM in 2024. On January 11, 2024, Shanta released the results of
the 2023 NLGM drill program with significant intercepts of 39.05
g/t gold over 11.6 meters and 7.49 g/t gold over 15.1 meters.
Metalla accrued 22 GEOs from NLGM for the fourth quarter of 2023
and 113 GEOs for the 2023 fiscal year.
Metalla holds a 15% interest in Silverback, whose sole business
is receipt and distribution of a 100% silver stream on NLGM at an
ongoing cost of 10% of the spot silver price.
Côté-Gosselin
In a news release dated February 15,
2024, IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") reported that
it had completed 98% of the construction at the Côté Gold Project.
IAMGOLD also stated that production guidance is expected to be
between 220 – 290 Koz for 2024.
On its news release dated February 15,
2024, IAMGOLD also announced that the Gosselin Mineral
Resource estimate increased, for a total of 4.4 million Indicated
Resource gold ounces in 161.3 million tonnes at 0.85 g/t Au, and
3.0 million Inferred Resource gold ounces in 123.9 Mt at 0.75 g/t
Au. Technical studies are planned to advance metallurgical testing,
conduct mining and infrastructure study to review options for the
potential inclusion of Gosselin into the future Côté life of mine
plan. IAMGOLD announced planned exploration expenditures at
Gosselin of $5.0 million on a
resource delineation drilling program and in their corporate
presentation dated February 2024,
IAMGOLD also stated that it expects to complete 35,000 meters of
exploration drilling at Gosselin in 2024. Please see Figure 1 for
the Côté and Gosselin Longitudinal Section outlining the current
extent of mineral resources and opportunities for resource
expansion
Metalla holds a 1.35% NSR royalty that covers less than 10% of
the Côté Reserves and Resources estimate and covers all of the
Gosselin Resource estimate.
Fosterville
On February 15, 2024, Agnico
reported the results of the 2023 drill program completed at the
Fosterville mine. Significant
highlights within the Phoenix area
include 69.1 g/t gold over 3.7 meters including 120 g/t gold over
2.1 meters in the Cardinal structure. Also, within the Phoenix area, a highlight drill hole in the
newly identified mineralized trend named the Peregrine Zone
intersected 17.3 g/t gold over 8.3 meters. Please see Figure
2 for an estimate of the royalty boundary proximity to
mineralization on Agnico's Fosterville Longitudinal section.
In 2024, Agnico also stated it expects to spend $10.9 million for 38,700 meters of drilling
focused on extensions of mineral reserves and mineral resources at
Lower Phoenix and Robbins Hill. An additional $11.7 million is budgeted for 36,500 meters of
drilling to test new geological targets, including underground
extensional exploration at Harrier.
Metalla holds a 2.5% GVR royalty on the northern and southern
extensions of the Fosterville
mining license and other areas in the land package.
Endeavor
On February 21, 2024, Polymetals
Resources Inc ("Polymetals") announced the expansion of the
drill program at the Carpark prospect which intersected upper-level
mineralization with alteration similar to the main lodes at
Endeavor.
On October 16, 2023, Polymetals
released a robust mine restart study at Endeavor. Polymetals
declared an initial 10-year mine life producing 9.8 Moz silver, 210
kt zinc and 62 kt lead over life of mine with first concentrate
production targeted for H2-2024. The study produced Australian
$201 million in pre-tax net present
value at an 8% discount rate and an internal rate of return of 91%,
with expenditures estimated to be A$23.7
million.
Metalla holds a 4.0% NSR royalty on lead, zinc and silver
produced from Endeavor.
Copper World
On, September 8, 2023, Hudbay
announced the results of the 2023 Pre-Feasibility Study
("PFS") at Copper World. The PFS contemplates four planned
open pit mines with a two-phased mine-plan. A 20-year mine
life Phase I plan is expected to produce 92,000 tonnes of copper
per year in the first 10 years. Phase II extends the mine life to
44 years through an expansion of the processing facilities,
resulting in up to 100,000 tonnes of annual copper production.
Hudbay plans to receive the two outstanding operating state permits
for Phase I by early 2024. Phase II expands mining activities onto
federal land and extends the mine life to 44 years with Phase II
average annual copper production of approximately 100,000 tonnes at
cash costs and sustaining cash costs of $1.11 and $1.42 per
pound of copper, respectively.
Metalla holds a 0.315% NSR royalty on Copper World.
Amalgamated Kirkland and
North AK
On February 15, 2024, Agnico
announced that production from the Near Surface deposits is planned
to be processed at the Macassa mill in the first half of 2024 and
at the La Ronde Zone 5 mill in the second half of 2024. Production
from the AK deposit, which is expected to begin in the second half
of 2024 is planned to be processed at the La Ronde facility.
Production from the two deposits is forecast by Agnico to be ~19
Koz in 2024 and between 35 – 50 Koz gold from 2025 to 2028 and
Agnico believes that the AK area remains prospective for future
mineral resource growth. Additionally, Agnico reported updated
Mineral Reserve estimates of 160 Koz of Probable Reserves at 6.69
g/t gold and updated Mineral Resource estimates of 37 Koz of
Indicated Resources at 6.95 g/t gold and 52 Koz of Inferred
Resources at 5.69 g/t gold.
Metalla holds a 0.45% NSR royalty on the Amalgamated Kirkland
and North AK properties.
Tocantinzinho
On January 15, 2024, G Mining
Ventures Corp. ("G Mining") reported that the Tocantinzinho
project is 76% complete and remains on track for commercial
production in H2-2024. G Mining also reported that the project
remains on budget and is fully funded through completion and
ramp-up to commercial production.
Metalla holds a 0.75% GVR royalty on Tocantinzinho.
Wasamac
On February 15, 2024, Agnico
reported the results of the 2023 infill and conversion drilling
completed at Wasamac with highlight intercepts of 4.9 g/t gold over
13.4 meters, 2.8 g/t gold over 18.8 meters and 4.4 g/t gold over
3.9 meters in the main zone. At the Wildcat zone, significant
highlights include 3.6 g/t gold over 20.6 meters and 5.6 g/t golds
over 4.1 meters. Agnico plans to spend $2.8
million for 16,700 meters of drilling at Wasamac in 2024 and
continues to assess various scenarios to define the optimal mining
rate and milling strategy for Wasamac.
Metalla holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Wasamac project subject
to a buyback of 0.5% for C$7.5
million.
Castle Mountain
On February 21, 2024, Equinox Gold
Corp. ("Equinox") reported that 10,993 meters of exploration
drilling was completed during the fourth quarter to infill drill at
the South Overburden and JSLA dumps for a total of 19,374 meters
for 2023. One small target called Green and Gold was tested with
937 meters of drilling. In addition, a surface exploration program
of geological mapping and channel sampling is expected to continue
in 2024, with the primary goal to sample previously identified
mineralization exposed on surface such that data can be used in
future mineral resource estimation. Equinox also reported that the
mine permitting amendment plan was submitted to the lead county and
BLM agencies which reviewed the plan for completeness in early
2023. Work on the preliminary draft Environmental Impact Statement
will occur throughout 2024 and 2025.
Metalla holds a 5.0% NSR royalty on the South Domes area of the
Castle Mountain mine.
La Guitarra
On February 8, 2024, Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd
("Sierra Madre") provided an
update on development progress at La
Guitarra, including positive progress on a mine restart
study which is due for completion in the second quarter of 2024. In
addition, Sierra Madre received a
renewal of an explosives permit and all other operating permits
remain current and in good standing. The mine restart study will
focus on an initial production level of 350 tonnes per day with an
evaluation of increasing the circuit to greater than 500 tpd.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR Royalty on La
Guitarra, subject to a 1.0% buyback for $2.0 million.
La Parrilla
Through multiple press releases dated December 5, 2023, January
4, 2024, January 29, 2024, and
February 22, 2024, Silver Storm
Mining Ltd. ("Silver Storm") released highlighted intercepts
from drilling at La Parrilla of 500 g/t AgEq over 14.8 meters,
1,810 g/t AgEq over 14.6 meters, 1000 g/t AgEq over 5.25 meters and
911 g/t AgEq over 13.05 meters, respectively.
Silver Storm also announced its plan to release a technical
study and mine plan to support future restart of mining and
processing with a target of mid-2025.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on La Parrilla.
Fifteen Mile
Stream
On October 10, 2023, St. Barbara
Limited ("St. Barbara") reported results of an updated PFS
for Fifteen Mile Stream as a standalone project via the relocation
of the Touquoy processing plant. The PFS proposes an eleven-year
mine life producing an average of 55-60 Koz per annum at a cash
cost of $992/oz. St. Barbara will
focus on the preparation of an updated environmental and social
impact assessment for the new project design and stated that
development could begin as early as 2026.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Fifteen Mile Stream
project, and 3.0% NSR royalty on the Plenty and Seloam Brook
deposits.
Akasaba West
On February 15, 2024, Agnico
announced that development of the Akasaba West project is on
schedule and on budget to achieve commercial production in early
2024. Akasaba West is expected to contribute approximately 12 Koz
of gold and 2.3 Kt of copper per year.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Akasaba West project
subject to a 210 Koz gold exemption.
Montclerg
On December 5, 2023, and
January 17, 2024, GFG Resources Inc.
reported highlight intercepts of 4.79 g/t gold over 12.8 meters and
3.09 g/t gold over 12.8 meters at the Montclerg deposit in
Timmins, Ontario.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Montclerg property.
Camflo
On October 26, 2023, Agnico
reported that the next phase of exploration drilling began at the
Camflo property. On June 20, 2023,
Agnico reported that it completed more than 14,000 meters of
drilling, which marks the first exploration drill program since the
1.6 Moz past-producing deposit was closed in 1992. Significant
results reported over multiple zones include 1.5 g/t gold over 81
meters, 3.3 g/t gold over 38.7 meters, 3.2 g/t gold over 16.2
meters, 3.7 g/t gold over 7.1 meters, and 1.6 g/t gold over 20.3
meters. The second phase of exploration drilling at Camflo will
test for potential lateral extensions of mineralization and infill
known zones. Agnico believes the mineralization could be mined via
an open-pit and processed at the Canadian Malartic Mill, 4 Km away.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Camflo mine, located
~4km northeast of the Canadian Malartic operation.
Detour DNA
On February 15, 2024, Agnico
reported underground drilling at Detour over a 2.5 km strike length
west of the Detour West reserve pit margin. Highlights include 18.3
g/t gold over 12.6 meters, 7.8 g/t gold over 2.7 meters, and 6 g/t
gold over 22.4 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Detour DNA property
which is approximately 7 km west of the Detour West reserve pit
margin.
MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Effective March 29, 2024,
Drew Clark, Vice President Corporate
Development will be leaving the Company to pursue other
opportunities.
"I want to thank Drew for his contributions to the company
during his tenure," said Brett
Heath, President, and CEO of Metalla. "Drew has been a key
member of our management team for the past six years and has been
instrumental in the company's success and growth. We wish Drew the
best of luck in his future endeavors."
QUALIFIED PERSON
The technical information contained in this news release has
been reviewed and approved by Charles
Beaudry, geologist M.Sc., member of the Association of
Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and of the Ordre des Géologues du
Québec. Mr. Beaudry is a QP as defined in National Instrument
43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
("NI 43-101").
ABOUT METALLA
Metalla is a precious and base metals royalty and streaming
company with a focus on gold, silver, and copper royalties and
streams. Metalla provides shareholders with leveraged metal
exposure through a diversified and growing portfolio of royalties
and streams. Our strong foundation of current and future
cash-generating asset base, combined with an experienced team gives
Metalla a path to become one of the leading gold, silver, and
copper companies for the next commodities cycle.
For further information, please visit our website at
www.metallaroyalty.com
ON BEHALF OF METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING
LTD.
(signed) "Brett Heath"
President and CEO
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as
that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
Metalla has included certain performance measures in this
press release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed
by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including (a)
attributable gold equivalent ounces (GEOs), (b) average cash cost
per attributable GEO, (c) average realized price per attributable
GEO, (d) operating cash margin per attributable GEO, and (e)
adjusted EBITDA. 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.
(a) Attributable GEOs
Attributable GEOs are
a non-IFRS financial measure that is composed of gold ounces
attributable to the Company, plus an amount calculated by taking
the revenue earned by the Company in the period from payable
silver, copper and other metals ounces attributable to the Company
divided by the average London fix
price of gold for the relevant period, plus an amount calculated by
taking the cash received or accrued by the Company in the period
from the derivative royalty asset divided by the average
London fix gold price for the
relevant period. Included in the calculation of attributable
GEOs is any cash received from the Higginsville price participation
royalty, which is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as
such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a
reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the Company's
statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the
Company's statement of profit and loss. However,
operationally as the Company receives payment similar to the
Company's other royalty interests, the results have been included
for more accurate comparability and to allow the reader to
accurately analyze the operations of the Company. The Company
presents attributable GEOs as it believes that certain investors
use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in
comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious
metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. The
Company's attributable GEOs for the year ended December 31, 2023, were as follows:
Attributable GEOs
during the period from:
|
|
Higginsville
(1)
|
1,476
|
Wharf
|
1,008
|
El
Realito
|
1,066
|
La
Encantada
|
259
|
Aranzazu
|
67
|
NLGM
|
113
|
Total attributable
GEOs
|
3,989
|
(1)
|
The Higginsville
participation royalty has reached full 34,000 gold ounce threshold
and is no longer payable to Metalla.
|
(b) Average cash cost per attributable
GEO
Average cash cost per attributable GEO is a
non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by dividing the
Company's total cash cost of sales, excluding depletion by the
number of attributable GEOs. The Company presents average
cash cost per attributable GEO as it believes that certain
investors use this information to evaluate the Company's
performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies
in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a
similar basis. The Company's average cash cost per attributable GEO
for the year ended December 31, 2023,
was:
Cost of sales for
NLGM
|
$22
|
Total cash cost of
sales
|
22
|
Total attributable
GEOs
|
3,989
|
Average cash cost
per attributable GEO
|
$6
|
(c) Average realized price per attributable
GEO
Average realized price per attributable GEO is a
non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by dividing the
Company's revenue, excluding any revenue earned from fixed royalty
payments, and including cash received or accrued in the period from
derivative royalty assets, by the number of attributable GEOs sold.
The Company presents average realized price per attributable GEO as
it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate
the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and
royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry that
present results on a similar basis. The Company's average realized
price per attributable GEO for year ended December 31, 2023,
was:
Royalty revenue
(excluding fixed royalty payments)
|
$4,360
|
Payments from
derivative assets
|
2,866
|
Revenue from
NLGM
|
220
|
Sales from stream
and royalty interests
|
7,446
|
Total attributable
GEOs sold
|
3,989
|
Average realized
price per attributable GEO
|
$1,867
|
(d) Operating cash margin per attributable
GEO
Operating cash margin per attributable GEO is a
non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by subtracting the
average cast cost price per attributable GEO from the average
realized price per attributable GEO. The Company presents operating
cash margin per attributable GEO as it believes that certain
investors use this information to evaluate the Company's
performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies
in the precious metals mining industry that present results on a
similar basis.
(e) Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a
non-IFRS financial measure which excludes from net income taxes,
finance costs, depletion, impairment charges, foreign currency
gains/losses, share based payments, and non-recurring items.
Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the Company's
operating performance, to plan and forecast its operations, and
assess leverage levels and liquidity measures. The Company presents
Adjusted EBITDA as it believes that certain investors use this
information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to
other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining
industry who present results on a similar basis. However, Adjusted
EBITDA does not represent, and should not be considered an
alternative to net income (loss) or cash flow provided by operating
activities as determined under IFRS. The Company's adjusted EBITDA
for year ended December 31, 2023,
was:
Net
loss
|
$(5,837)
|
Adjusted
for:
|
|
Royalty interest
impairment
|
2,355
|
Gain on sales of
mineral claims
|
(5,093)
|
Interest
expense
|
1,170
|
Finance
charges
|
206
|
Loss on
modification of loan payable
|
1,658
|
Income tax
provision
|
1,361
|
Depletion
|
2,389
|
Foreign exchange
loss (gain)
|
610
|
Share-based
payments
|
2,255
|
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
$1,074
|
Refer the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on SEDAR+
at www.sedarplus.ca, for a numerical reconciliation of the non-IFRS
financial measures described above. The presentation of these
non-IFRS financial measures 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. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS financial
measures differently.
Technical and Third-Party Information
Metalla has limited, if any, access to the properties on
which Metalla(or any of its subsidiaries) holds a royalty, stream
or other interest. Metalla is dependent on (i) the operators of the
mines or properties and their qualified persons to provide
technical or other information to Metalla, or (ii) publicly
available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to
properties and operations on the mines or properties on which
Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest, and generally
has limited or no ability to independently verify such information.
Although Metalla does not have any knowledge that such information
may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such
third-party information is complete or accurate. Some information
publicly reported by operators may relate to a larger property than
the area covered by Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests.
Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests can cover less than
100% and sometimes only a portion of the publicly reported mineral
reserves, resources and production of a property.
Unless otherwise indicated, the technical and scientific
disclosure contained or referenced in this press release,
including any references to mineral
resources or mineral reserves, was prepared in accordance with
Canadian NI 43-101, which differs
significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") applicable to U.S.
domestic issuers. Accordingly, the scientific and technical
information contained or referenced in this press
release may not be comparable to similar information
made public by U.S. companies subject to the
reporting and disclosure requirements of the
SEC.
"Inferred mineral
resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as
to their existence and great uncertainty as to
their economic and legal feasibility. It
cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral
resource will ever be upgraded to a
higher category. Historical results or feasibility models presented
herein are not guarantees or expectations of
future performance.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and
"forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking
statements") within the meaning of applicable securities
legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of
the date of this press release only and the Company does not intend
to and does not assume any obligation to update or revise them
except as required by applicable law.
All statements included herein that address events or
developments that we expect to occur in the
future are forward-looking
statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified
by the use of forward-looking terminology such
as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets",
"scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts",
"projects", "intends", "targets", "aims",
"anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including
negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be
identified by statements to the effect
that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or
"will" be taken, occur or be
achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press
release include, but are not limited to, statements
regarding: future events or future
performance of Metalla; the completion of the
Company's royalty purchase transactions;
the Company's plans and objectives; the
Company's future financial and operational
performance; expectations regarding stream and
royalty interests owned by the Company; the
satisfaction of future payment obligations, contractual commitments
and contingent commitments by
Metalla; the future achievement of
any milestones in respect of the payment or satisfaction of
contingent consideration by
Metalla; the future
availability of funds, including drawdowns pursuant
to the Beedie Loan Facility (as amended or
supplemented); the effective
interest rate of drawdowns under the Beedie Loan Facility (as
amended or supplemented) and the life
expectancy thereof; the future conversion
of funds drawn down by Metalla under the Beedie Loan
Facility (as amended or
supplemented);
the amount that Metalla has to pay under the Beedie Loan Facility
and the applicable exchange rate; the
completion by property owners of announced drilling programs,
capital expenditures, and other planned
activities in relation to properties on
which the Company and its subsidiaries hold a
royalty or streaming interest and the
expected timing thereof; production and
life of mine estimates or forecasts at the
properties on which the Company and its subsidiaries hold a
royalty or streaming
interest; future
disclosure by property owners and the expected
timing thereof; the completion by
property owners of announced capital expenditure
programs; the progress on project pre-development and
engineering works at Taca Taca; the receipt of
approval for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, and
the construction and operation permits, for Taca
Taca and the anticipated timing thereof; the
completion of a feasibility study for Vizcachitas by Los Andes and
the anticipated timing thereof; the potential
commencement of commercial production at Vizcachitas and the
anticipated timing thereof; the proposed two-phased
mine plan for Copper World Complex, including the receipt of the
outstanding operating permits and the extension of
activities and extension of the mine life, and the anticipated
timing thereof; the expected production at the
Copper World Complex; the expected production
guidance at the La India deposit at El
Realito; the expected 2024 production
guidance at Wharf; the focus of the exploration
efforts at Wharf in 2024; the drilling campaign in
Aranzazu and the goal of increasing mineral reserves and
resources; the expected 2024 production guidance at
NLGM; the expected 2024 production guidance at the
Côté Gold Project; the technical
studies planned to complete test work and studies to optimize
inclusion of Gosselin into future Côté life-of-mine
plans; the planned drilling program for 2024 at
Gosselin and related expenditures; the planned
drilling programs for 2024 at Fosterville and related
expenditures; the expected start of production at
Endeavor and the anticipated timing thereof; the
expected expenditures at Endeavor; the production
processing at the AK deposit and the anticipated timing
thereof; the start of commercial production at
Tocantinzinho and the anticipated funding and timing
thereof; the planned drilling program for 2024 for
Wasamac and related expenditures; the assessment by
Agnico of optimal mining rate and milling strategy for
Wasamac; the continuation of the surface exploration
program of geological mapping and channel sampling
at Castle Mountain; the work on the
preliminary draft Environmental Impact Statement for Castle
Mountain throughout 2024 and 2025; the completion of
a mine restart study on the La
Guitarra mine and the anticipated timing
thereof; the release of a mine restart study and
plan for La Parrilla and the anticipated timing
thereof; the updated environmental and social impact
assessment for Fifteen Mile Stream; the development
of Fifteen Mile Stream and anticipated timing thereof;
the expected timing of start of production at Akasaba
West; the expected production at Akasaba
West; the second phase of exploration drilling at
Camflo, and test for potential lateral extensions of mineralization
and infill known zones; Agnico's
belief regarding open-pit mining and location of processing at
Camflo; royalty payments to be paid to
Metalla by property owners or operators of mining projects
pursuant to each royalty
interest; the future outlook of
Metalla and the mineral reserves and resource
estimates for the properties with respect to which
the Metalla has or proposes to acquire an
interest; future gold, silver and
copper prices; other potential developments
relating to, or achievements by, the counterparties
for the Company's stream and royalty agreements,
and with respect to the mines and other properties
in which the Company has, or may acquire, a stream
or royalty interest; costs and other
financial or economic
measures; prospective transactions;
growth and achievements; financing
and adequacy of capital; future
payment of dividends; future public and/or private
placements of equity, debt or hybrids thereof;
and the Company's ability to fund its current
operational requirements and capital
projects.
Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current
beliefs and are based on information currently
available to management. Forward-looking statements
are based on forecasts of future results, estimates
of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions
that, while believed by management to be reasonable,
are inherently subject to significant business,
economic and competitive uncertainties, and
contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to
various known and unknown risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of
Metalla to control or predict, that may cause
Metalla's actual results, performance or achievements
to be materially different from those expressed or
implied thereby, and are developed based
on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other
factors set out herein, including but not
limited to: ; risks related to
commodity price fluctuations; the absence of control
over mining operations from which Metalla will
purchase precious metals pursuant to gold
streams, silver streams and other agreements or from which it will
receive royalty payments pursuant to
net smelter returns, gross overriding royalties, gross
value royalties and other royalty
agreements or interests and risks related
to those mining operations, including risks related to
international operations, government and
environmental regulation, delays in mine construction
and operations, actual results of mining and
current exploration activities, conclusions of
economic evaluations and changes in project
parameters as plans are refined; risks related to
exchange rate fluctuations; that
payments in respect of streams and royalties may be delayed or may
never be made; risks
related to Metalla's reliance on public disclosure and
other information regarding the mines or
projects underlying its streams
and royalties; that some
royalties or streams may be subject to
confidentiality arrangements that limit or prohibit
disclosure regarding
those royalties and
streams; business opportunities that
become available to, or are pursued by, Metalla;
that Metalla's cash flow is
dependent on the activities of others;
that Metalla has had negative cash flow from
operating activities in
the past; that some royalty and stream
interests are subject to rights of other
interest-holders; that
Metalla's royalties and streams may have
unknown defects; risks related to
Metalla's two material assets,
the Côté property and the Taca Taca
property; risks related to general
business and economic
conditions; risks related to global
financial conditions, geopolitical events and other
uncertainties; risks
related to epidemics, pandemics or
other public health crises, including COVID-19 global
health pandemic, and the spread of
other viruses or pathogens, and
the potential impact thereof on Metalla's
business, operations and financial
condition; that Metalla is dependent on
its key personnel; risks
related to Metalla's financial
controls; dividend
policy and future payment of
dividends; competition;
that project operators may not respect
contractual obligations; that
Metalla's royalties and streams may be
unenforceable; risks related to
conflicts of interest of Metalla's directors and
officers; that Metalla may
not be able to obtain adequate financing
in the future; risks related
to Metalla's current credit facility and financing
agreements; litigation; title,
permit or license disputes related to
interests on any of the properties in which Metalla
holds, or may acquire, a royalty,
stream or other interest;
interpretation by government entities of tax laws or
the implementation of new tax
laws; changes in tax laws impacting
Metalla; risks related to
anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws;
credit and liquidity risk; risks related to
Metalla's information systems and cyber
security; risks
posed by activist
shareholders; that Metalla
may suffer reputational damage in the ordinary course of
business; risks
related to acquiring, investing in or developing
resource projects; risks applicable
to owners and operators of properties
in which Metalla holds an
interest; exploration, development
and operating
risks; risks related to climate
change; environmental
risks; that the exploration and
development activities related to mine
operations are subject to extensive laws and
regulations; that the
operation of a mine or project is subject
to the receipt and maintenance of permits from
governmental
authorities; risks
associated with the acquisition and maintenance of
mining infrastructure; that
Metalla's success is dependent on
the efforts of operators'
employees; risks related to mineral
resource and mineral reserve
estimates; that mining
depletion may not be replaced by the discovery of new mineral
reserves; that operators'
mining operations are subject to
risks that may not be able to be insured
against; risks
related to land title; risks related
to international operations; risks
related to operating in countries with
developing economies; risks
related to the construction, development and
expansion of mines or
projects; risks associated with
operating in areas that are presently, or were formerly,
inhabited or used by
indigenous peoples; that Metalla is
required, in certain jurisdictions, to allow individuals from
that jurisdiction to hold
nominal interests in Metalla's
subsidiaries in that jurisdiction; the
volatility of the stock
market; that existing
securityholders may be
diluted; risks related to Metalla's
public disclosure
obligations; risks
associated with future sales or issuances of debt or
equity securities; risks associated with
the Company's loan facility; that there can be
no assurance that an active trading market for
Metalla's securities will be
sustained; risks related to the enforcement of
civil judgments against Metalla; risks
relating to Metalla potentially being a passive "foreign
investment company" within the meaning of
U.S. federal tax laws; and the other
risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors"
in the Company's most recent Annual
Information Form, annual report on Form 40-F and other
documents filed with or submitted to the Canadian
securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR+
website at www.sedarplus.ca and the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission on the EDGAR website at
www.sec.gov. Although we have attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual actions,
events or results to differ materially from those
described in forward-looking statements, there may be
other factors that cause actions, events
or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking
statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results
and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly,
readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation
to update or alter any forward-looking
statements except as required under applicable securities laws. For
the reasons set forth above, undue
reliance should not be placed on forward-looking
statements.
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SOURCE Metalla Royalty and Streaming Ltd.