Table of Contents
UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-33190
MCEWEN MINING INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Colorado
84-0796160
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
150 King Street West, Suite 2800, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5H 1J9
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP code)
(866) 441-0690
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value
MUX
New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☒
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of November 5, 2024, there were 52,924,821 shares of common stock outstanding.
Index
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 (unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023
4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 (unaudited)
5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (unaudited)
6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
7
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
40
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
42
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
43
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
45
SIGNATURES
46
2
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
Revenue from gold and silver sales
$
52,250
38,404
140,954
107,551
Production costs applicable to sales
(29,682)
(26,468)
(86,858)
(80,043)
Depreciation and depletion
(8,765)
(8,181)
(23,524)
(23,370)
Gross profit
13,803
3,755
30,572
4,138
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES:
Advanced projects - Los Azules
—
(18,478)
(78,883)
Advanced projects - Other
(2,468)
(1,966)
(7,912)
(4,308)
Exploration
(5,329)
(4,674)
(14,184)
(16,426)
General and administrative
(2,138)
(3,720)
(10,672)
(9,211)
Loss from investment in McEwen Copper Inc. (Note 9)
(1,852)
(36,680)
Income (loss) from investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Note 9)
(1,228)
(2,672)
4,751
(7,047)
Depreciation
(156)
(325)
(485)
(916)
Reclamation and remediation (Note 11)
(729)
(760)
(1,416)
(2,030)
(13,900)
(32,595)
(66,598)
(118,821)
Operating loss
(97)
(28,840)
(36,026)
(114,683)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest and other finance income (expense), net
(1,084)
10,331
(3,688)
38,372
Other income (expense) (Note 3)
(86)
(10,108)
136
(34,562)
Total other income (expense)
(1,170)
223
(3,552)
3,810
Loss before income and mining taxes
(1,267)
(28,617)
(39,578)
(110,873)
Income and mining tax recovery (expense)
(814)
244
4,119
2,829
Net loss after income and mining taxes
(2,081)
(28,373)
(35,459)
(108,044)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
9,922
24,890
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to McEwen shareholders
(18,451)
(83,154)
Net loss per share (Note 13):
Basic and diluted
(0.04)
(0.39)
(0.70)
(1.75)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands) (Note 13):
51,953
47,471
50,380
47,442
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
September 30,
December 31,
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 4)
29,226
23,020
Marketable securities (Note 5)
1,001
1,743
Receivables, prepaids and other current assets (Note 6)
7,411
5,578
Due from McEwen Copper Inc. (Note 14)
2,376
Inventories (Note 7)
21,934
19,944
Total current assets
59,572
52,661
Mineral property interests and plant and equipment, net (Note 8)
201,205
169,950
Investment in McEwen Copper Inc. (Note 9)
303,467
326,147
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Note 9)
97,586
93,218
2,729
10,100
Restricted cash (Note 4)
3,062
4,490
Other assets
171
673
TOTAL ASSETS
667,792
657,239
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
28,832
22,656
Reclamation and remediation liabilities (Note 11)
2,795
3,105
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 10)
9,000
Flow-through share premium (Note 12)
6,369
1,661
Tax liabilities
3,050
1,603
Lease liabilities
890
978
Total current liabilities
50,936
30,003
41,074
39,916
Long-term debt (Note 10)
31,000
40,000
Deferred tax liabilities
36,861
40,572
1,566
488
Other liabilities
4,251
3,840
Total liabilities
165,688
154,819
Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares: 52,925 as at September 30, 2024 (in thousands) (Note 12)
1,803,599
1,768,456
Accumulated deficit
(1,301,495)
(1,266,036)
Total shareholders’ equity
502,104
502,420
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars and shares)
Common Stock
and Additional
Paid-in Capital
Accumulated
Non-controlling
Three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024
Shares
Amount
Deficit
Interests
Total
Balance, June 30, 2023
1,754,142
(1,386,039)
93,974
462,077
Stock-based compensation
21
177
Restricted shares issued
93
Net loss
(9,922)
Balance, September 30, 2023
47,492
1,754,412
(1,404,490)
84,052
433,974
Balance, June 30, 2024
51,073
1,784,623
(1,299,414)
485,209
13
357
Shares issued to acquire Timberline Resources Corporation (Note 12)
1,839
17,706
Warrants assumed in acquisition of Timberline Resources Corporation (Note 12)
913
Balance, September 30, 2024
52,925
Nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024
Balance, December 31, 2022
47,428
1,644,145
(1,321,336)
33,465
356,274
261
Proceeds from McEwen Copper Inc. financing
109,913
75,477
185,390
(24,890)
Balance, December 31, 2023
49,440
113
2,142
Exercise of warrants
8
Sale of flow-through shares (Note 12)
1,533
14,374
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from operating activities:
36,680
Loss (income) from investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Note 9)
(4,751)
7,047
Dividends received from Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Note 9)
383
295
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
24,009
24,286
Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable securities (Note 5)
176
(15,651)
Foreign exchange loss on marketable securities (Note 5)
9,858
Foreign exchange loss
281
41,186
Reclamation accretion and adjustments to estimate
1,126
539
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
(113)
Income and mining tax recovery
(6,297)
(2,829)
354
Change in non-cash working capital items:
Change in assets related to operations
5,183
(4,689)
Change in liabilities related to operations
7,306
(8,099)
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
30,666
(55,747)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to mineral property interests and plant and equipment
(30,346)
(18,277)
(14,000)
Notes receivable from Timberline (Note 17)
(1,880)
Cash and restricted cash received from acquisition of Timberline Resources Corporation (Note 17)
1,132
Costs to acquire Timberline Resources Corporation (Note 17)
(52)
Investment in marketable securities (Note 5)
(79)
(33,907)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities (Note 5)
82
Cash used in investing activities
(45,143)
(52,184)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of flow-through common shares, net of issuance costs (Note 12)
20,424
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
Principal repayment on long-term debt
(25,000)
Payment of finance lease obligations
(896)
(1,510)
Cash provided by financing activities
19,536
158,880
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents
(281)
(41,186)
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
4,778
9,763
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
27,510
43,579
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
32,288
53,342
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash received (paid) during the period for:
Interest paid
(2,928)
(3,231)
Interest received
737
42,565
Taxes paid
(401)
(5,735)
NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
McEwen Mining Inc. (the “Company”), through its predecessor entity, US Gold Corporation, was organized under the laws of the State of Colorado on July 24, 1979. The Company is engaged in the production and sale of gold and silver, as well as the development and exploration of copper, gold, and silver mineral properties across North and South America.
The Company owns a 100% interest in the Gold Bar mine in Nevada, United States, the Fox Complex in Ontario, Canada, the Fenix Project in Sinaloa, Mexico and a portfolio of exploration properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. As of September 30, 2024, the Company also owns a 48.3% interest in McEwen Copper Inc. (“McEwen Copper”), owner of the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina and a 49.0% interest in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”), owner of the producing San José silver-gold mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina, which is operated by the joint venture majority owner Hochschild Mining plc. The Company reports its investments in McEwen Copper and MSC under the equity method of accounting.
The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and are unaudited. While information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements and prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, the Company believes that the information and disclosures included in the interim consolidated financial statements are adequate and not misleading. Therefore, these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the summary of significant accounting policies included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Except as noted below, there have been no material changes in the footnotes from those accompanying the audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In management’s opinion, the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (“Statement of Operations”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet as at September 30, 2024 and the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2023, the unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, and the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, contained herein, reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring items, which are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a basis consistent with that of the Company’s prior audited consolidated financial statements. However, the results of operations for the interim periods may not be indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments over which the Company exerts significant influence but does not control through majority ownership are accounted for using the equity method.
References to “CAD” refers to Canadian Dollar, “USD” refers to United States Dollar, and “MXN” refers to Mexican Peso.
NOTE 2 OPERATING SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company is a mining and minerals production, development, and exploration company focused on precious and base metals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina. The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) reviews the operating results, assesses performance, and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to these segments at the geographic region level, major mine/project level or investment level where the economic characteristics of the individual mines or projects within a geographic region are not alike. As a result, these operating segments also represent the Company’s reportable segments for accounting purposes. The Company’s business activities that are not considered operating segments are included in the General and Administrative and Other income/expense line item in the below table and are provided for reconciliation purposes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2024
(tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted)
The CODM reviews segment income or loss, defined as gold and silver sales less production costs applicable to sales, depreciation, and depletion, advanced projects, and exploration costs, for all segments except for the MSC and McEwen Copper segments, which are evaluated based on the attributable equity income or loss. Gold and silver sales and production costs applicable to sales for the reportable segments are reported net of intercompany transactions. Capital expenditures include costs capitalized in mineral property interests and plant and equipment in the respective periods.
Significant information relating to the Company’s reportable operating segments for the periods presented is summarized in the tables below:
Three months ended September 30, 2024
USA
Canada
Mexico
MSC
McEwen Copper
33,251
18,999
(17,078)
(12,604)
(4,235)
(4,530)
11,938
1,865
Advanced projects
(3,474)
(1,855)
Loss from equity method investments
(3,080)
Segment profit (loss)
8,464
10
2,926
Other expense
(2,055)
Capital expenditures
11,307
7,343
490
19,140
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
88,215
51,539
1,200
(49,515)
(37,343)
(10,705)
(12,819)
27,995
1,377
(7,102)
(7,082)
Income (loss) from equity method investments
(31,929)
20,893
(5,705)
(6,712)
(23,453)
(5,453)
12,756
15,547
2,043
30,346
Three months ended September 30, 2023
17,967
20,259
178
(14,399)
(12,069)
(2,647)
(5,534)
921
2,656
(20,444)
(1,813)
(2,861)
Segment loss
(892)
(205)
(1,788)
(24,035)
(862)
5,211
2,574
705
1,573
10,063
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
45,526
61,847
(41,446)
(38,597)
(7,170)
(16,200)
Gross profit (loss)
(3,090)
7,050
(83,191)
(4,133)
(11,907)
(386)
(7,223)
(4,857)
(4,130)
(79,269)
(102,526)
Other income
864
11,437
6,757
3,088
21,987
Geographic information
Geographic information includes the long-lived asset balances and revenues presented for the Company’s operating segments, as follows:
Non-current Assets
Revenue (1)
90,059
71,234
84,763
83,674
32,345
30,304
Argentina (2)(3)
401,053
419,366
Total Consolidated
608,220
604,578
9
NOTE 3 OTHER EXPENSE
The following is a summary of other expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Unrealized and realized gain (loss) on investments
(362)
12,662
(103)
15,543
Foreign currency gain on Blue Chip Swaps
7,993
Foreign currency gain (loss)
62
(23,705)
(333)
(58,818)
214
935
572
720
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company completed two Blue Chip Swap transactions to transfer funds from its Canadian bank account to Argentina. The Company realized a net gain of $7.6 million comprising a foreign currency gain of $8.0 million and a realized loss on investments of $0.4 million, including the impact of fees and commissions on these Blue Chip Swap transactions.
NOTE 4 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash held in CAD
6,772
16,288
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash held in USD
24,996
10,578
Cash and cash equivalents held in other currencies
520
644
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
As at September 30, 2024, of $32.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, $24.3 million was committed to the Company’s Canadian Exploration Expenditures (“CEE”) and Canadian Development Expenditures (“CDE”) (December 31, 2023 – of $27.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, $16.1 million committed to CEE and CDE expenditures).
NOTE 5 MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The following is a summary of the activity in marketable securities for nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023:
As at
Additions/
Disposals/
Unrealized
transfers during
loss on
period
securities held
Marketable securities
79
(645)
(176)
foreign exchange
gain on
2022
1,133
33,907
15,651
(9,858)
40,833
Warrants
162
(162)
Total marketable securities
1,295
NOTE 6 RECEIVABLES, PREPAIDS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
The following is a breakdown of balances in receivables, prepaids and other current assets as at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Government sales tax receivable
2,099
2,511
Prepaids and other assets
5,312
3,067
Receivables, prepaids and other current assets
NOTE 7 INVENTORIES
Inventories as at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
Material on leach pads
6,840
11,963
In-process inventory
3,789
4,067
Stockpiles
5,687
5,939
Precious metals
1,830
1,955
Materials and supplies
6,517
6,120
24,663
30,044
Less: long-term portion
(2,729)
(10,100)
Current portion
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, inventories at Fox Complex and Gold Bar operations were written down by $0.6 and $nil, respectively (three months ended September 30, 2023 – $nil and $nil, respectively) to their estimated net realizable values.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, inventories at Fox Complex were written down by $1.3 million to their estimated net realizable values. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, inventories at Fox Complex and Gold Bar were written down by $1.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Of these write-downs in 2024, $1.0 million (nine months ended September 30, 2023 – $3.0 million) was included in production costs applicable to sales and $0.3 million (nine months ended September 30, 2023 – $0.8 million) was included in depreciation and depletion in the Statement of Operations.
NOTE 8 MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS AND PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The applicable definition of proven and probable reserves is set forth in the Regulation S-K 1300 requirements of the SEC. If proven and probable reserves exist at the Company’s properties, the relevant capitalized mineral property interests and asset retirement costs are charged to expense based on the units of production method upon commencement of production. The Company’s Gold Bar Mine and San José properties have proven and probable reserves estimated in accordance with S-K 1300. The Fox Complex is depleted and depreciated using the units-of-production method over estimated mineral resources, as the project does not have proven and probable reserves that conform to the guidance under S-K 1300.
The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment on a quarterly basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Once it is determined that impairment exists, an impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the asset carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, no indicators of impairment were noted for any of the Company’s mineral property interests.
11
NOTE 9 EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
The Company accounts for investments over which it exerts significant influence but does not control through majority ownership using the equity method of accounting. In applying the equity method of accounting to the Company’s investments in McEwen Copper and MSC, MSC’s financial statements, which are originally prepared by MSC in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, have been adjusted to conform with US GAAP.
Equity method investment in McEwen Copper
A summary of the operating results for McEwen Copper for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, is as follows:
Three months ended
Nine months ended
McEwen Copper (100%)
(6,147)
(91,877)
Other expenses
(678)
(4,529)
(308)
(3,990)
Interest and other income (1)
3,295
23,590
Loss before tax
(3,838)
(76,806)
Current and deferred taxes
Portion attributable to McEwen Mining (48.3%)
Net loss on investment in McEwen Copper
(1) Interest and other income include gains on marketable securities and other finance-related income.
Changes in the Company’s investment in McEwen Copper for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and for the year ended December 31, 2023, are as follows:
Year ended
Investment, beginning of period
Additional investment in McEwen Copper
14,000
Deconsolidation of McEwen Copper
383,968
Attributable net loss from McEwen Copper
(57,821)
Investment, end of period
A summary of the key assets and liabilities of McEwen Copper as at September 30, 2024 is as follows:
Current assets
18,787
Total assets
201,902
Current liabilities
(5,031)
(5,256)
As at September 30, 2024, the Company's investment in McEwen Copper exceeded its proportionate share of the underlying net assets by $207.5 million. This basis difference is attributable to equity-method goodwill and not amortized.
12
Equity method investment in MSC
A summary of the operating results for MSC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 is as follows:
Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (100%)
70,361
64,495
210,635
177,947
(58,031)
(43,380)
(154,136)
(131,434)
(13,248)
(15,190)
(36,897)
(37,783)
(918)
5,925
19,602
8,730
(3,329)
(2,538)
(8,451)
(7,336)
Other income (expense) (1)
1,649
(2,652)
699
(13,797)
Income (loss) before tax
(2,598)
735
11,850
(12,403)
Current and deferred tax recovery (expense)
1,280
(3,953)
947
4,190
Net income (loss)
(1,318)
(3,218)
12,797
(8,213)
Portion attributable to McEwen Mining Inc. (49%)
(646)
(1,577)
6,271
(4,025)
Amortization of fair value increments
(833)
(1,217)
(2,209)
(3,370)
Income tax recovery
251
122
689
348
Income (loss) from investment in MSC, net of amortization
(1) Other expenses include foreign exchange gains and losses, accretion of asset retirement obligations and other finance-related expenses.
The income or loss from the investment in MSC attributable to the Company includes amortization of the fair value increments arising from the initial purchase price allocation and related income tax recovery. The income tax recovery reflects the impact of the devaluation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar on the peso-denominated deferred tax liability recognized at the time of acquisition, as well as income tax rate changes over the periods.
Changes in the Company’s investment in MSC for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and for the year ended December 31, 2023, are as follows:
93,451
Attributable net income from MSC
4,157
(4,612)
517
Dividend distribution received
(383)
(295)
A summary of the key assets and liabilities of MSC as at September 30, 2024 is as follows:
119,562
211,075
(45,055)
(80,298)
As at September 30, 2024, the Company's investment in MSC exceeded its proportionate share of the underlying net assets by $69.3 million. This basis difference is primarily attributable to mineral property interests and amortized on a unit of production basis.
NOTE 10 DEBT
A reconciliation of the Company’s debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and for the year ended December 31, 2023, is as follows:
Balance, beginning of period
63,979
Principal repayment on debt
Interest expense
2,928
5,749
Interest payments
(4,728)
Balance, end of period
Less: current portion
Long-term portion
NOTE 11 ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The Company is responsible for the reclamation of certain past and future disturbances at its properties. As at September 30, 2024, the asset retirement obligation balances at the properties subject to these obligations were $20.9 million at the Gold Bar, Tonkin and Lookout Mountain properties in Nevada, $15.9 million at the Fox Complex and $7.0 million at the El Gallo mine in Mexico (December 31, 2023 – $20.6 million, $14.4 million and $8.0 million, respectively).
A reconciliation of the Company’s asset retirement obligations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and for the year ended December 31, 2023, is as follows:
Reclamation and remediation liabilities, beginning of period
43,021
41,846
Acquisitions and divestitures
256
Settlements
(549)
(1,358)
Accretion of liability
2,103
2,536
Revisions to estimates and discount rate
(688)
(300)
Foreign exchange revaluation
(274)
297
Reclamation and remediation liabilities, end of period
43,869
14
Reclamation accretion for all properties is as follows:
Reclamation adjustment reflecting updated estimates
(687)
156
Reclamation accretion
729
624
1,874
760
1,416
2,030
NOTE 12 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Flow-Through Shares Issuance
On December 14, 2023, the Company issued 1,903,000 flow-through common shares for gross proceeds of $16.1 million. The issuance consisted of the CEE offering of 788,000 common shares priced at $9.27 per share and the CDE offering of 1,115,000 common shares priced at $7.86 per share. Total proceeds were allocated between the sale of tax benefits and the sale of common shares. Total issuance costs of $1.0 million were accounted for as a reduction to the value of common shares issued. Net proceeds of $15.1 million were allocated between the sale of tax benefits in the amount of $1.7 million and the sale of common shares in the amount of $13.4 million.
On June 14, 2024, the Company issued 1,533,000 flow-through common shares for gross proceeds of $21.8 million. The issuance consisted of the CEE offering of 643,000 common shares priced at $15.45 per share and the CDE offering of 890,000 common shares priced at $13.40 per share. Proceeds are expected to be used for the ongoing exploration and development of the Fox Complex. Total proceeds were allocated between the sale of tax benefits and the sale of common shares. Total issuance costs of $1.4 million were accounted for as a reduction in the value of the common shares. Net proceeds of $20.4 million were allocated between the sale of tax benefits in the amount of $6.0 million and sale of common shares in the amount of $14.4 million.
The Company is required to spend these flow-through share proceeds on flow-through eligible expenditures, as defined by subsection 66.1(5) and 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). As of September 30, 2024, the Company incurred a total of $6.9 million in eligible CEE and a total of $6.7 million in eligible CDE (December 31, 2023 - $nil). The Company expects to fulfill its remaining CEE and CDE commitments from the December 2023 issuance by the end of 2024. CEE and CDE commitments from the June 2024 issuance are expected to be fulfilled by the end of 2025.
Shares Issued in Timberline Acquisition
On August 19, 2024, the Company acquired Timberline Resource Corporation (“Timberline”). Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Company issued 1,839,306 common shares with a fair value of $18.3 million and 205,349 warrants valued at $0.9 million. The fair value of instruments was included in the cost of acquired assets, as described in Note 17.
The number of common shares to be issued was determined by multiplying the number of Timberline shares outstanding by the exchange ratio of 0.01. The Company recorded $17.7 million in equity for the common shares issued, determined as total proceeds of $18.3 million less issuance costs of $0.6 million.
Outstanding Timberline warrants were assumed by the Company on the date of the acquisition. Each of the warrants assumed entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company at the agreed-upon exercise price, as converted using the exchange ratio. Of the 205,349 warrants issued, 37,500 expired on October 15, 2024; 72,849 expire on August 31, 2026; and 95,000 expire on December 31, 2027. Exercise prices for each series are $12.00, $8.00, and $6.00, respectively.
15
NOTE 13 NET LOSS PER SHARE
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For periods in which the Company has reported a net loss, diluted net loss per share is computed in the same manner as basic net loss per share, as instruments are generally anti-dilutive during such periods.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, all 848,480 outstanding stock options and all 2,375,275 outstanding warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share. Similarly, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, all 971,504 outstanding stock options and all 2,976,816 outstanding warrants were excluded.
NOTE 14 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company recorded the following expense in respect to the related parties outlined below during the periods presented:
REVlaw
36
48
124
145
The Company has the following outstanding accounts payable balances in respect to the related parties outlined below:
96
REVlaw is a company owned by Carmen Diges, General Counsel & Secretary of the Company. The legal services of Ms. Diges as General Counsel & Secretary and other support staff, as needed, are provided by REVlaw in the normal course of business and have been recorded at their exchange amount.
The Company has the following outstanding accounts receivable balance in respect to the related party outlined below:
McEwen Copper Inc.
An affiliate of Robert R. McEwen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer acted as a lender in the restructured $40.0 million term loan and continued as such under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company paid $1.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively (three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 –$1.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively) in interest to this affiliate. Interest is payable monthly at a rate of 9.75% per annum.
NOTE 15 FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING
As required by accounting guidance, certain assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
16
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following table identifies certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Fair value as at September 30, 2024
Fair value as at December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Marketable equity securities that the Company holds are exchange-traded and are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the investment is calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the number of shares held by the Company.
The fair value of financial assets and liabilities held as at September 30, 2024 were assumed to approximate their carrying values due to their historically negligible credit losses.
Debt is recorded at a carrying value of $40.0 million (December 31, 2023 – $40.0 million). The debt is not traded on quoted markets and approximates its fair value based on recent refinancing.
NOTE 16 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Reclamation obligations
As part of its ongoing business and operations, the Company is required to provide bonding for its environmental reclamation obligations. As at September 30, 2024, the Company had surety facilities in place to cover its bonding obligations, which include $32.3 million of bonding in Nevada and $7.4 million (C$10.0 million) of bonding in Canada.
The terms of the facilities carry an average annual financing fee of 2.3% and require a deposit of 6.1%. Surety bonds are available for draw-down by the beneficiary in the event the Company does not perform its reclamation obligations. If the specific reclamation requirements are met, the beneficiary of the surety bonds will release the instrument to the issuing entity. The Company believes it is in compliance with all applicable bonding obligations and will be able to satisfy future bonding requirements, through existing or alternative means, as they arise. As at September 30, 2024, the Company recorded $3.1 million in restricted cash in non-current assets as a deposit against the surety facility.
Streaming agreement
As part of the acquisition of the Fox Complex in 2017, the Company assumed a gold purchase agreement (streaming contract) related to production from certain land claims. The Company is obligated to sell 8% of gold production from the Black Fox mine (including the Froome deposit) and 6.3% from the adjoining Pike River property (Black Fox extension) to Sandstorm Gold Ltd. at the lesser of market price or $561 per ounce (with inflation adjustments of up to 2% per year) until 2090. During nine months ended September 30, 2024, the realized gold price from the streaming agreement was $601 per ounce (nine months ended September 30, 2023 – $589 per ounce).
The Company records the revenue from these shipments based on the contract price at the time of delivery to the customer. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded revenue of $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively (three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 –$0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively) related to the gold stream sales.
17
Flow-through eligible expenses
On December 14, 2023, the Company completed a flow-through share issuance for gross proceeds of $16.1 million. The proceeds of this offering will be used for the continued exploration and development of the Company’s properties in the Timmins region of Canada. As at September 30, 2024, the Company has incurred $13.7 million in CEE and CDE and expects to fulfill its remaining obligations by the end of 2024.
On June 14, 2024, the Company completed a flow-through share issuance for gross proceeds of $21.9 million. The proceeds of this offering will be used for the continued exploration and development of the Company’s properties in the Timmins region of Canada. The Company expects to fulfill its CEE and CDE obligations from its most recent raise by the end of 2025.
Prepayment agreement
In May 2024, the Company extended the existing precious metals purchase agreement with Auramet International LLC (“Auramet”). Key terms of the agreement remained unchanged. Under this agreement, the Company may sell the gold on a Spot Basis, on a Forward Basis and on a Supplier Advance basis, i.e., the gold is priced and paid for while the gold is:
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company received net proceeds of $nil and $4.8 million, respectively, from the sales on a Supplier Advance Basis (three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 –$41.2 million and $93.4 million, respectively). During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded revenue of $4.8 million related to gold sales (nine months ended September 30, 2023 – $83.2 million) with no amounts outstanding under this facility as at September 30, 2024.
Other potential contingencies
The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and generally becoming more restrictive. The Company conducts its operations so as to protect public health and the environment, and believes its operations are materially in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations.
The Company and its predecessors have transferred their interest in several mining properties to third parties throughout its history. The Company could remain potentially liable for environmental enforcement actions related to its prior ownership of such properties. However, the Company has no reasonable belief that any violation of relevant environmental laws or regulations has occurred regarding these transferred properties.
NOTE 17 TIMBERLINE ACQUISITION
On August 19, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Timberline. The acquisition of Timberline expands the Company’s existing portfolio of exploration-stage Mineral Property Interests in Nevada.
The Company accounted for the acquisition of Timberline as an asset acquisition, according to ASC 805 – Business Combinations.
18
Consideration transferred to acquire Timberline was measured at fair value and includes direct acquisition-related expenses. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Company issued 1,839,306 common shares with a fair value of $18.3 million and 205,349 warrants with a fair value of $0.9 million as part of the consideration. Additionally, outstanding notes payable amounting to $1.9 million were settled and included in the consideration. The Company’s previously held 3.3% equity interest was measured at a fair value of $0.6 million and included in consideration.
The following table summarizes the purchase price and the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on August 19, 2024:
Fair value
August 19, 2024
Purchase price:
Common shares
18,301
Direct acquisition costs
52
Previously held equity interest
563
Notes receivable
1,897
21,726
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Cash and cash equivalents
603
Prepaid and other current assets
64
Mineral property interests
22,369
Restrictive time deposits
529
(477)
Asset retirement obligation
(256)
Deferred income tax liability
(1,106)
NOTE 18 SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On October 24, 2024, McEwen Copper and Nuton LLC (“Nuton”), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, announced the closing of agreements pursuant to which McEwen Copper issued 1,166,666 common shares for aggregate proceeds of $35.0 million. On the same day, McEwen Copper announced the closing of agreements with two individual investors pursuant to which McEwen Copper issued 66,669 common shares for aggregate proceeds of $2.0 million.
Subsequent to the closing of the transactions above, the Company’s ownership of McEwen Copper Inc. decreased from 48.3% to 46.4%.
19
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In the following discussion, “McEwen Mining,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to McEwen Mining Inc. and, as the context requires, its consolidated subsidiaries.
The discussion also analyzes our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and compares those to the results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. Regarding properties or projects that are not in production, we provide some details of our plan of operation. We suggest that you read this discussion in conjunction with MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS and our audited consolidated financial statements contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The discussion contains financial performance measures that are not prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP” or “GAAP”). Each of the following is a non-GAAP measure: cash costs, cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”), all-in sustaining cost per ounce, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), and average realized price per ounce. These non-GAAP measures are used by management in running the business and we believe they provide useful information that can be used by investors to evaluate our performance and our ability to generate cash flows. These measures do not have standardized definitions and should not be relied upon in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the amounts included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 and to our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, and certain limitations inherent in such measures, please see the discussion under “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures,” beginning on page 33.
This discussion also includes references to “advanced-stage properties,” which are defined as properties for which advanced studies and reports have been completed indicating the presence of measured, indicated, and inferred resources or proven and probable reserves, or that have obtained or are in the process of obtaining the required permitting. Our designation of certain properties as “advanced-stage properties” should not suggest that we have or ever will have proven or probable reserves at those properties as defined by S-K 1300.
Throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MDA”), the reporting periods for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 are abbreviated as Q3/24 and Q3/23, respectively, and the reporting periods for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 are abbreviated as 9M/24 and 9M/23, respectively.
Disclosed gold equivalent ounces (“GEO”) includes gold and silver ounces calculated based on a gold to silver ratio of 85:1 for Q3/24 and 82:1 for Q3/23, and 85:1 for 9M/24 and 83:1 for 9M/23, which is based on the average per ounce price of gold and silver during each period.
OVERVIEW
The Company was organized under the laws of the State of Colorado on July 24, 1979, and is engaged in the production and sale of gold and silver, as well as the development and exploration of copper, gold, and silver mineral properties across North and South America.
The Company owns a 100% interest in the Gold Bar mine in Nevada, United States, the Fox Complex in Ontario, Canada, the Fenix Project in Sinaloa, Mexico and a portfolio of exploration properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. As of September 30, 2024, the Company also holds a 48.3% interest in McEwen Copper Inc. (“McEwen Copper”), which owns the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina and the Elder Creek exploration project in Nevada, United States, and a 49.0% interest in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”), which owns the producing San José silver-gold mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina and is operated by MSC’s majority owner, Hochschild Mining plc. The Company reports its investments in McEwen Copper and MSC using the equity method of accounting.
In this report, “Au” represents gold; “Ag” represents silver; “oz” represents troy ounce; “t” represents metric tonne; “g/t” represents grams per metric tonne; “ft” represents feet; “m” represents meter; “sq” represents square; and CAD refers to Canadian dollars. All of our financial information is reported in United States (U.S.) dollars unless otherwise noted.
Index to Management’s Discussion and Analysis:
Operating and Financial Highlights
22
Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Results
24
Consolidated Performance
25
Consolidated Operations Review
Liquidity and Capital Resources
26
Operations Review
27
United States Segment
Gold Bar mine operating results
Exploration Activities
28
Timberline Acquisition
Canada Segment
29
Fox Complex operating results
30
Stock Development Activities
Mexico Segment
Advanced-Stage Properties – Fenix Project
Minera Santa Cruz Segment - Argentina
31
Minera Santa Cruz operating results
McEwen Copper Segment - Argentina
32
Los Azules Project
Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures
33
Critical Accounting Policies
38
Forward-looking Statements
Risk Factors Impacting Forward-looking Statements
39
Q3/24 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights for Q3/2024 are summarized below and discussed further under “Consolidated Performance”:
Corporate Developments
Operational Highlights
Financial Highlights
Exploration and Mineral Resources and Reserves
23
(1) At our 49% attributable interest.
(2) As used here and elsewhere in this report, this is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” beginning on page 33.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS
The following tables present consolidated selected financial and operating results of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
(in thousands, except per share)
Revenue from gold and silver sales (1)
Production costs applicable to sales (1)
Gross profit (1)
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
10,489
1,528
24,039
(6,730)
Adjusted EBITDA per share (2)
0.20
0.03
0.48
(0.14)
Net loss per share
Cash from (used) in operating activities
23,161
(2,280)
(56,042)
9,319
18,277
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
Long-term debt
(in thousands, except per ounce)
GEOs produced (1)
35.2
38.6
103.4
104.7
100% owned operations
21.5
20.7
62.2
58.0
San José mine (49% attributable)
13.7
17.9
41.3
46.7
GEOs sold (1)
34.4
104.0
100.9
21.3
20.6
61.8
13.1
14.6
42.2
42.9
Average realized price ($/GEO) (2)(3)
2,499
1,920
2,342
1,916
P.M. Fix Gold ($/oz)
2,474
1,928
2,296
1,930
Cash costs per ounce ($/GEO sold) (2)
1,390
1,284
1,406
1,381
2,173
1,445
1,788
1,505
AISC per ounce ($/GEO sold) (2)
1,871
1,686
1,687
1,683
2,675
1,953
2,194
1,971
Gold : Silver ratio (1)
85 : 1
82 : 1
83 : 1
CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE
Driven by a 36% increase in revenue from $38.4 million in Q3/23 up to $52.3 million in Q3/24, and slightly offset by a 12% increase in production costs, we reported a gross profit of $13.8 million in Q3/24, compared to a gross profit of $3.8 million for Q3/23.
Supported by our improvement in gross profit described above, we reported a net loss of $2.1 million (or $0.04 per share) and adjusted EBITDA of $10.5 million (or $0.20 per share) in Q3/24, compared to a net loss of $18.5 million (or $0.39 per share) and adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 million (or $0.03 per share) in Q3/23.
Production from our 100% owned mines of 21,495 GEOs in Q3/24 increased by 814 GEOs, from 20,681 GEOs produced in Q3/23. At the Gold Bar mine, the production increase of 4,133 GEOs in Q3/24 compared to Q3/23 was attributable to a 21% increase in higher gold grades of stacked mineralized material, and higher heap leach recovery rates. At the Fox Complex, the production decrease of 3,319 GEOs in Q3/24 compared to Q3/23 was driven by a 9% decrease in tonnes processed and a 21% decrease in average head grades processed.
Our attributable share of San José mine production was 13,684 GEOs in Q3/24, or 24% lower than the 17,932 GEOs produced in Q3/23. The decrease was primarily driven by temporary lower than expected metal grades mined and processed.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS REVIEW
Revenue from gold and silver sales from 100% owned operations increased to $52.3 million in Q3/24, compared to $38.4 million in Q3/23 due to higher average realized gold prices and consolidated gold sales, as described above. Our average realized gold price in Q3/24 was $2,499 per GEO, compared to $1,920 per GEO in Q3/23.
Production costs applicable to sales increased to $29.7 million in Q3/24, compared to $26.5 million in Q3/23. Production costs increased primarily at Gold Bar compared to prior year, driven by higher mining rates and contractor unit costs.
Advanced project costs were $2.5 million in Q3/24, compared to $20.4 million in Q3/23. Advanced project costs primarily relate to the Fenix Project in both Q3/23 and Q3/24, and Los Azules in Q3/23. Following the deconsolidation of McEwen Copper in Q4/23, the Company’s attributable costs for Los Azules are recognized through the Loss from investment in McEwen Copper line item on our Statement of Operations and are no longer recognized within Advanced Project Costs.
Exploration costs were $5.3 million in Q3/24, compared to $4.7 million in Q3/23. Exploration expenditures focused on the Grey Fox project at the Fox Complex, and on near-term production targets and mine life extension opportunities at Gold Bar.
Loss from investment in MSC: During Q3/24 we recorded a loss of $1.2 million, compared to a loss of $2.7 million in Q3/23. Details of MSC’s operating results are presented in the “Operations Review” section of this MDA and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Loss from investment in McEwen Copper: During Q3/24 we recorded a loss of $1.9 million representing our attributable portion of the costs of McEwen Copper to advance the Los Azules project to feasibility. Prior to Q4/23, the financial results of McEwen Copper were consolidated. Details of McEwen Copper’s operating results are presented in the “Operations Review” section of this MDA and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest and other finance expense, net was $1.1 million in Q3/24, a $11.4 million decrease compared to income of $10.3 million in Q3/23. During Q3/23, interest and other finance income was impacted by the consolidation of McEwen Copper’s financial results, which included income earned from its investments of cash reserves not immediately required for exploration activities.
Other expense was $0.1 million in Q3/24, compared to an expense of $10.1 million in Q3/23. The increase was primarily attributable to a decrease in foreign exchange losses following the deconsolidation of McEwen Copper, as a sizable portion of its treasury was held in Argentine pesos during Q3/23.
Income and mining tax expense was $0.8 million in Q3/24, compared to a recovery of $0.2 million in Q3/23. The decrease was primarily due to the Nevada net proceeds tax, partially offset by adjustments in temporary tax differences related to our McEwen Copper investment and the amortization of the flow-through share premium.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balance increased by $4.8 million during 2024, from $27.5 million as at December 31, 2023 to $32.3 million as at September 30, 2024.
Cash from operating activities of $30.7 million during 9M/24 reflects the net loss of $35.5 million for the period, adjusted for non-cash impacts, including net losses from equity method investments of $31.9 million, depreciation, amortization, and depletion of $24.0 million, income and mining tax recovery of $6.3 million, an increase in non-cash working capital of $12.5 million, stock-based compensation of $2.1 million, and reclamation accretion and adjustments to estimate of $1.1 million. Further details are provided in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Cash used in investing activities of $45.1 million during 9M/24 consisted of additions to mineral property interests and plant and equipment of $30.3 million, driven primarily by capital development at the Fox Complex, and the investment of an additional $14.0 million in McEwen Copper during the 2024 period, notes receivable acquired of $1.9 million. This was slightly offset by $1.1 million of cash and restricted cash received from the acquisition of Timberline.
Cash provided by financing activities of $19.5 million during 9M/24 consisted of proceeds from the issuance of flow-through common shares of $20.4 million in June 2024, offset by finance lease payments of $0.9 million.
Working capital as at September 30, 2024 was $8.6 million, and decreased by 62% from $22.7 million as at December 31, 2023. The decrease in working capital was driven by the reclassification of $9.0 million of long-term debt to current liabilities, an increase in accounts payables and accrued liabilities of $6.2 million, a $4.7 million increase in flow-through share premium liabilities, offset by a $6.2 million increase in cash and cash equivalents described above, and a $0.7 million increase in other current assets.
The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity along with funds generated from ongoing operations to fund anticipated cash requirements for operations, capital expenditures and working capital purposes for the next 12 months.
OPERATIONS REVIEW
The United States segment is comprised of the Gold Bar mine and our exploration properties in the State of Nevada.
Gold Bar Mine
The following table summarizes the operating results for the Gold Bar mine for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023:
Operating Results
Mined mineralized material (t)
381
1,709
1,796
Average grade (g/t Au)
0.83
0.87
0.88
Stacked mineralized material (t)
306
604
1,636
0.84
0.69
0.89
0.77
Gold ounces:
Produced
13.6
9.5
37.6
23.9
Sold
13.3
9.4
38.0
23.8
Silver ounces:
0.1
0.2
0.4
0.5
0.7
0.3
GEOs:
37.7
Cash costs (1)
17,078
14,399
49,515
41,446
Cash costs per ounce ($/GEO sold) (1)
1,281
1,529
1,302
All‑in sustaining costs (1)
24,293
20,342
58,860
52,392
AISC per ounce ($/GEO sold) (1)
1,822
2,160
1,548
2,203
Gold : Silver ratio
Q3/24 compared to Q3/23
The Gold Bar mine produced 13,640 GEOs in Q3/24, representing a 43% increase from 9,507 GEOs produced in Q3/23. The increase in quarterly production was a result of higher average gold grades in stacked material of 0.84 g/t Au in Q3/24 compared to 0.69 g/t Au in Q3/23, as well as higher recoveries realized during Q3/24 from previously stacked material.
Revenue from gold and silver sales increased 85% to $33.3 million in Q3/24, compared to $18.0 million in Q3/23. The increase in revenue was the result of higher GEOs sold during Q3/24 of 13,333 GEOs in Q3/24 compared to 9,420 GEOs in Q3/23 along with a higher average realized gold price of $2,499 per GEO in Q3/24 compared with $1,920 per GEO in Q3/23.
Production costs applicable to sales increased 19% to $17.1 million in Q3/24 from $14.4 million in Q3/23. Higher mining rates, including for stripping, and contractor unit costs contributed to the increase in year-over-year costs.
Cash costs and AISC per GEO sold in Q3/24 were $1,281 and $1,822 respectively, compared to $1,529 and $2,160 in Q3/23, respectively. Unit costs generally improved due to the higher GEOs sold in Q3/24 relative to Q3/23, offset by higher mining costs, including for capital development.
At the Gold Bar mine, exploration activities focused on near-mine mine life extension opportunities at Cabin Creek, Gold Bar South and Hunter.
In Q3/24, exploration at the Cabin Creek pit included drilling and updating of the resource model to evaluate the economic feasibility of mining shallow oxide resources in 2025. Assays from this drilling returned 90 feet of oxidized gold mineralization grading 0.63 g/t, starting at a depth of 105 feet. Additional holes were drilled late in the quarter, to fill in data gaps in the model and extend open mineralization. Drilling is expected to continue into Q4/24.
At Gold Bar South, results from the North Zone drilling confirmed expansion of the near-surface gold resource. In the East Deep Zone, additional holes drilled during Q3/24 extended higher-grade oxidized gold mineralization along ENE-trending structural zones. This deeper mineralization remains open to the east and plans are being made for additional drilling.
At the Hunter exploration target, additional core drilling completed in Q3/24 defined the outer edges of the deposit and provided data to construct a geologic model in preparation for resource modelling. Development of the Hunter target is expected to result in production for 2026 onwards.
During August 2024, we closed the acquisition of Timberline Resources Corporation, which holds several exploration projects in Nevada, USA, two of which are located near current operations at the Gold Bar mine and have medium-term development potential. An initial phase of exploration is expected to begin at the historic Windfall project during Q4/24.
The Canada segment is comprised of the Fox Complex gold properties, which includes our Froome underground mine; the Black Fox underground mine, the Stock Project (consisting of the West, East and Main zones); the Stock mill; the Grey Fox exploration project; and a number of exploration properties located near the city of Timmins, Ontario, Canada.
Fox Complex
The following table summarizes the operating results for the Fox Complex for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023:
89
95
241
296
2.78
3.41
2.91
3.50
Processed mineralized material (t)
105
116
315
337
2.52
3.19
2.55
3.48
7.8
11.2
23.6
34.2
Sold, excluding stream
7.4
10.3
21.8
31.5
Sold, stream
0.6
0.9
1.9
2.7
Sold, including stream
8.0
23.7
1.4
3.4
4.2
1.5
4.3
4.7
7.9
12,604
12,069
37,343
38,597
1,572
1,078
1,129
15,660
14,420
45,341
45,178
1,288
1,909
1,321
The Fox Complex produced 7,855 GEOs from the Froome mine in Q3/24, which represented a 30% decrease from the 11,174 GEOs produced in Q3/23. Mine production was affected by a shortfall in development meters in H1/24 due to a stope failure, limiting stope availability in Q3/24 and negatively impacting planned mined and milled gold grades. Additional development was completed during Q3/24 to accelerate stope availability in Q4/24, including at our historic Black Fox underground mine.
Revenue from gold sales was $19.0 million in Q3/24, a decrease of $1.3 million compared to $20.3 million in Q3/23, A 28% decrease in GEOs sold was largely offset by an increase in the average realized gold price from $1,920 per GEO in Q3/23 to $2,499 per GEO in Q3/24. Realized gold prices at the Fox Complex are impacted by historic streaming arrangements, which require the sale of a portion of gold produced from the Froome and Black Fox mines at $601 per ounce as of Q3/24.
Production costs applicable to sales were $12.6 million, which increased in Q3/24 by $0.5 million from $12.1 million in Q3/23, driven primarily by higher mining contractor and labor costs required to complete work at Black Fox.
Cash costs and AISC per GEO sold were $1,572 and $1,953 in Q3/24, respectively, compared to $1,572 and $1,909 in Q3/23, respectively. The increase in unit costs was driven primarily by lower GEOs sold as described above, as well as accelerated capital development costs to increase stope availability in respect of AISC.
During Q3/24, $1.8 million was incurred primarily for exploration at the Grey Fox property. This included 29,918 feet (9,119 meters) of drilling at Grey Fox as well as the initiation of a mineralogical study, including laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, of lithologies at the Gibson and Whiskey Jack zones at Grey Fox to better understand the nature of the mineralization. An infill geophysics program will be conducted at Grey Fox in Q4/24 to check for Black Fox-style mineralization believed to be below Grey Fox.
During 9M/24, we invested $5.5 million in developing our Stock project. Earthworks have been completed in preparation for our mine portal construction later in 2024, with the objective of driving a ramp from the Stock East to the Stock West zones. We are also reviewing engineering plans for rehabilitation of the historic Stock shaft in 2025 to provide alternative means of access to the Stock ore bodies.
The Mexico segment includes the El Gallo mine and the related advanced-stage Fenix Project, located in Sinaloa state.
On December 31, 2020, we announced the results of a feasibility study for the development of our 100%-owned Fenix Project, which includes existing heap leach material at the El Gallo mine and the El Gallo Silver deposit. Key environmental permits for Phase 1 were received in 2019, including the approval for an in-pit tailings storage facility and process plant construction. We are currently awaiting the renewal of key mining permits prior to a construction decision.
The processing plant is expected to employ proven and conventional mineral processing and precious metal recovery technologies. Phase 1 is projected to have a processing rate of 3,400 tons per day.
Tailings generated during operations are expected to be stored in the depleted Samaniego pit at the El Gallo site. This approach provides increased safety by avoiding the construction of embankment structures, focusing solely on the geochemical stability of the dam, rather than its physical stability.
Minera Santa Cruz Segment, Argentina
The Minera Santa Cruz Segment is comprised of a 49% interest in the San José mine, located in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Hochschild is the majority owner and operator of the San José mine.
The following table sets out certain operating results for the San José mine for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 on a 100% basis:
(in thousands, except otherwise indicated)
San José Mine—100% basis
152
467
390
Average grade mined (g/t)
Gold
4.0
5.0
3.7
4.9
Silver
269
225
270
153
421
425
Average grade processed (g/t)
3.9
5.2
227
271
260
Average recovery (%):
86.2
87.1
86.5
85.7
86.9
88.9
87.4
16.6
22.1
50.1
57.1
15.8
18.0
51.3
51.5
965
1,184
2,895
3,125
928
994
2,957
2,979
27.9
36.6
84.3
95.3
26.7
29.8
87.5
210,636
179,443
Average realized price:
Gold ($/Au oz)
2,639
2,138
2,445
2,044
Silver ($/Ag oz)
30.83
26.08
28.82
24.88
58,031
43,380
154,136
131,434
Cash costs per ounce sold ($/GEO) (1)
71,434
58,617
189,128
172,052
AISC per ounce sold ($/GEO) (1)
(1) As used here and elsewhere in this report, this is a Non-GAAP financial performance measure. Cash costs for the Company’s 100% owned operations equal Production costs applicable to sales. See “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” beginning on page 33 for additional information.
The analysis below compares the operating and financial results of MSC on a 100% basis.
Q3/24 compared to Q3/2023
On a 100% basis, the San José mine produced 27,927 GEOs in Q3/24, compared to 36,597 in Q3/23. The decrease in GEOs produced was driven by a 24% and 16% decrease in gold and silver head grades processed, respectively.
Revenue from gold and silver sales was $70.4 million in Q3/24, compared to $64.5 million in Q3/23. The increase was driven by a higher average realized gold price per ounce of $2,639/oz gold in Q3/24 compared with $2,138/oz gold in Q3/23, and offset by an 11% decrease in GEOs sold.
Production costs applicable to sales were $58.0 million during Q3/24, compared to $43.4 million during Q3/23. While cost inflation remained high from an Argentine perspective, the relative strength of the peso against the US Dollar continued to increase costs in US Dollar terms.
Cash costs and AISC per GEO sold were $2,173 and $2,675 in Q3/24, respectively, compared to $1,445 and $1,953 in Q3/23, respectively. Negative foreign exchange impacts, combined with temporary lower than expected mined grades, resulted in higher than expected unit costs.
Investment in MSC
Our 49% attributable share of operations from our investment in MSC in Q3/24 resulted in a loss of $1.2 million, compared to a loss of $2.7 million in Q3/23. Despite higher than planned unit costs, the metals price environment has allowed the operation to strengthen its liquidity, improving its working capital balance to $75.5 million as at September 30, 2024, while also investing $8.5 million in exploration expenditures and $3.5 million in mill expansion costs during 2024.
As of September 30, 2024, we own a 48.3% interest in McEwen Copper, which owns a 100% interest in the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina, and the Elder Creek exploration project in Nevada, USA. Including amounts spent by Minera Andes Inc. prior to 2012, and directly by McEwen Mining prior to 2021, we have invested over $350 million in exploration expenditures to develop Los Azules as a world-class copper deposit.
Los Azules, San Juan, Argentina
The Los Azules project is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits and is located in the Province of San Juan, Argentina.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Los Azules spent $91.9 million in exploration expenditures at the Los Azules copper project in Argentina. These funds primarily supported key activities required to complete our planned feasibility study, such as an extensive drilling program completed in June 2025, and the completion of geological and hydrological models. Our feasibility study is expected to be published towards during the first half of 2025.
2023-2024 Assay Results
At Los Azules, infill drilling has upgraded resource classifications, validated the geological model, and confirmed the high-grade zone. During the 2023-24 drilling season, over 70,000 meters (m) were completed, enhancing the interpretation of the geological model and extending mineralization of the supergene enrichment zone both at its edges and at depth. Drill highlights include:
The 2023-2024 drill campaign successfully met its objectives by infilling existing drill hole data to facilitate the conversion of resources to Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources for inclusion in the Los Azules Feasibility Study. Additionally, the campaign included geotechnical, metallurgical, hydrogeological, and condemnation drilling.
Further details on our assay results were included in our press releases dated February 26, 2024, May 16, 2024, and August 8, 2024.
Environmental Impact Assessment
The first presentation of the Environmental Impact Assessment to the Technical Evaluation Commission (“CIEAM”) was delivered on November 24, 2023. Comments raised by CIEAM primarily focused on water management and the preservation of onsite meadows/wetlands. Furthermore, additional works and infrastructure needs identified by the Company were addressed during the meeting. Following this presentation, in April 2024, CIEAM visited our Los Azules site for two days to continue their evaluation of our Environmental Impact Assessment.
Energy Supply Contract
McEwen Copper Inc. has reached an agreement with YPF Luz to power its Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina, with renewable energy. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to negotiate the energy supply, which will come from YPF Luz’s renewable assets connected to the Argentine Interconnection System. YPF Luz will also develop, construct, and finance a high-voltage transmission line to connect the project to the grid, ensuring a sustainable energy supply for the copper project.
Regime of Incentives for Investment (RIGI)
The Regime of Incentives for Investment aims to attract domestic and foreign investment to a number of sectors in Argentina, including mining, enhancing resource exploration and production while creating job opportunities and increasing energy security. The regime offers various benefits to companies, including reduced income tax rates, stability agreements for a predictable regulatory environment, and legal protections for investments. Additionally, RIGI facilitates access to mineral and energy resources providing clearer regulatory guidelines, and ensuring that companies can secure the necessary permits and licenses to operate, and provides a stable framework that reduces investment risks.
The fiscal and financial tax benefits associated with the RIGI are expected to lead to a significant enhancement of the overall economics of the Los Azules project, positively impacting both its net present value and internal rate of return.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES
We have included in this report certain non-GAAP performance measures as detailed below. In the gold mining industry, these are common performance measures but do not have any standardized meaning and are considered non-GAAP measures. We use these measures to evaluate our business on an ongoing basis and believe that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, certain investors use such non-GAAP measures to evaluate our performance and ability to generate cash flow. We also report these measures to provide investors and analysts with useful information about our underlying costs of operations and clarity over our ability to finance operations. Accordingly, they are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations associated with the use of such non-GAAP measures. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our US GAAP results and using the non-GAAP measures supplementally.
The non-GAAP measures are presented for our wholly owned mines and our interest in the San José mine. The GAAP information used for the reconciliation to the non-GAAP measures for our minority interest in the San José mine may be found in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 9, Equity Investments. The amounts in the reconciliation tables labeled “49% basis” were derived by applying to each financial statement line item the ownership percentage interest used to arrive at our share of net income or loss during the period when applying the equity method of accounting. We do not control the interest in or operations of MSC and the presentations of assets and liabilities and
revenues and expenses of MSC do not represent our legal claim to such items. The amount of cash we receive is based upon specific provisions of the Option and Joint Venture Agreement (“OJVA”) and varies depending on factors including the profitability of the operations.
The presentation of these measures, including the minority interest in the San José mine, has limitations as an analytical tool. Some of these limitations include:
Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs
The terms cash costs, cash cost per ounce, all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”), and all-in sustaining cost per ounce used in this report are non-GAAP financial measures. We report these measures to provide additional information regarding operational efficiencies on an individual mine basis, and believe these measures used by the mining industry provide investors and analysts with useful information about our underlying costs of operations.
Cash costs consist of mining, processing, on-site general and administrative expenses, community and permitting costs related to current operations, royalty costs, refining and treatment charges (for both doré and concentrate products), sales costs, export taxes and operational stripping costs, but exclude depreciation and amortization (non-cash items). The sum of these costs is divided by the corresponding gold equivalent ounces sold to determine a per ounce amount.
All-in sustaining costs consist of cash costs (as described above), plus accretion of retirement obligations and amortization of the asset retirement costs related to operating sites, environmental rehabilitation costs for mines with no reserves, sustaining exploration and development costs, sustaining capital expenditures and sustaining lease payments. Our all-in sustaining costs exclude the allocation of corporate general and administrative costs. The following is additional information regarding our all-in sustaining costs:
The sum of all-in sustaining costs is divided by the corresponding gold equivalent ounces sold to determine a per ounce amount.
Costs excluded from cash costs and all-in sustaining costs, in addition to depreciation and depletion, are income and mining tax expense, all corporate financing charges, costs related to business combinations, asset acquisitions and asset disposals, impairment charges and any items that are deducted for the purpose of normalizing items.
34
The following tables reconcile these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, production costs applicable to sales:
Gold Bar
Production costs applicable to sales (100% owned)
29,682
86,858
Mine site reclamation, accretion and amortization
328
943
433
1,376
In‑mine exploration
165
647
Capitalized mine development (sustaining)
5,246
2,870
8,116
7,275
12,521
Capital expenditures on plant and equipment (sustaining)
1,459
2,438
Sustaining leases
41
70
290
360
All‑in sustaining costs
39,953
104,200
Ounces sold, including stream (GEO)
Cash cost per ounce sold ($/GEO)
AISC per ounce sold ($/GEO)
Production costs applicable to sales - Cash costs (100% owned)
26,468
80,043
1,457
3,054
Capitalized underground mine development (sustaining)
2,227
6,058
4,478
7,655
132
237
523
34,762
97,570
San José mine cash costs (100% basis)
Production costs applicable to sales - Cash costs
338
1,003
386
Site exploration expenses
1,605
2,538
4,926
7,336
7,045
11,890
21,425
27,939
Less: Depreciation
(616)
(909)
(2,036)
(2,162)
Capital expenditures (sustaining)
5,031
1,718
9,674
7,119
Ounces sold (GEO)
35
Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA per share
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a non-GAAP financial measure and does not have any standardized meaning. We use adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our operating performance and ability to generate cash flow from our wholly owned operations in production; we disclose this metric as we believe this measure provides valuable assistance to investors and analysts in evaluating our ability to finance our precious metal operations and capital activities separately from our copper exploration operations. The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with GAAP is net loss before income and mining taxes. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back McEwen Copper's income or loss impacts on our consolidated income or loss before income and mining taxes.
The following tables present a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA:
(in thousands)
Net loss before income and mining taxes
Less:
8,921
8,506
1,852
Advanced Projects – McEwen Copper Inc.
18,478
78,883
General, interest and other – McEwen Copper Inc.
2,179
(3,033)
983
982
4,007
Adjusted EBITDA
Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA per share
Average realized price
The term average realized price per ounce used in this report is also a non-GAAP financial measure. We prepare this measure to evaluate our performance against the market (London P.M. Fix). The average realized price for our 100% owned properties is calculated as gross sales of gold and silver, less streaming revenue, divided by the number of net ounces sold in the period, less ounces sold under the streaming agreement.
The following table reconciles the average realized prices to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, revenue from gold and silver sales. Ounces of gold and silver sold for the San José mine are provided to us by MSC.
Average realized price - 100% owned
Less: revenue from gold sales, stream
349
527
1,283
1,567
Revenue from gold and silver sales, excluding stream
51,901
37,877
139,671
105,984
GEOs sold
Less: gold ounces sold, stream
2.1
GEOs sold, excluding stream
20.8
19.7
59.6
55.3
Average realized price per GEO sold, excluding stream
Average realized price - San José mine (100% basis)
Gold sales
41,739
38,563
125,422
105,319
Silver sales
28,622
25,932
85,214
74,124
Gold and silver sales
Gold ounces sold
Silver ounces sold
30.0
87.3
Average realized price per gold ounce sold
Average realized price per silver ounce sold
Average realized price per GEO sold
2,635
2,149
2,443
2,055
37
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Critical accounting policies and estimates used to prepare our financial statements are discussed with our Audit Committee as they are implemented on an annual basis.
The were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies or estimates since December 31, 2023. For further details on the Company’s accounting policies and estimates, refer to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements”, as that term is used in federal securities laws, about our financial condition, results of operations and business. These statements include, among others:
These statements may be made expressly in this document or may be incorporated by reference to other documents that we will file with the SEC. Many of these statements can be found by looking for words such as “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions used in this report or incorporated by reference in this report, but the absence of these terms does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements and information are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information.
Included among the forward-looking statements and information that we may provide is production guidance. From time to time the Company provides guidance on operations, based on stand-alone budgets for each operating mine. In developing the mine production portion of the budget, we evaluate a number of factors and assumptions, which include, but are not limited to:
Actual production results are sensitive to variances in any of the key factors and assumptions noted above. As a result, we frequently evaluate and reconcile actual results to budgeted results to determine if key assumptions and estimates require modification. Any changes will, in turn, influence production guidance.
We caution you not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Further, the forward-looking information contained in this document or incorporated herein by reference is a statement of our present intention and is based on present facts and assumptions, and may change at any time and without notice, based on changes in such facts or assumptions. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
RISK FACTORS IMPACTING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Important factors that could prevent us from achieving our stated goals and objectives include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section in our report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other reports filed with the SEC, and the following:
We undertake no responsibility or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, except as required by law and may update these statements in the future in written or oral statements. Investors should take note of any future statements made by or on our behalf.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our exposure to market risks includes, but is not limited to, the following risks: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, equity price risks, commodity price fluctuations, credit risk, interest rate risk and inflationary risk. We do not use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk.
Further, our participation in the joint venture with Hochschild for the 49.0% interest held at MSC and our 48.3% ownership in McEwen Copper as of September 30, 2024, creates additional risks because, among other things, we do not exercise decision-making power over the day-to-day activities at MSC or McEwen Copper; however, implications from our partner’s decisions may result in us having to provide additional funding to MSC or McEwen Copper, or result in a further decrease in our percentage of ownership.
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risks directly through exposure to the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar, and indirectly through exposure to the Argentine peso through our investments in MSC and McEwen Copper.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Mexican peso depreciated 7% against the U.S dollar, compared to an 1.5% depreciation in the same period of 2023.
The Canadian dollar experienced a 1.2% appreciation against the U.S. dollar for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a 2.1% depreciation in the comparable period of 2023.
The value of cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies also fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. Appreciation of non-U.S. dollar currencies results in a foreign currency gain on such investments and a depreciation in non-U.S. dollar currencies results in a loss. We hold portions of our cash reserves in non-U.S. dollar currencies.
Our Canadian dollar and Mexican peso cash balances were $6.8 million (CAD 9.2 million) and $0.5 million (MXN 9.8 million), respectively, as at September 30, 2024. The effect that a 1.0% change in these respective currencies would result in gains/losses that are immaterial for disclosure. We have not utilized material market risk-sensitive instruments to manage our exposure to the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso exchange rates but may do so in the future.
Equity Price Risk
We have invested and may continue to invest in shares of common stock of other entities in the mining sector. Some of our investments may be highly volatile and lack liquidity caused by lower trading volumes. As a result, we are inherently exposed to fluctuations in the fair value of our investments, which may result in gains or losses upon their valuation.
We have in the past sought and will likely in the future seek to acquire additional funding from the sale of common stock or other equity securities. Movements in the price of our investments have been volatile in the past and may also be volatile in the future. As a result, there is a risk that we may not be able to sell equity securities at an acceptable price to meet future funding requirements.
Commodity Price Risk
We produce and sell gold and silver. Changes in the market price of gold and silver have and will in the future significantly affect the results of our operations and cash flows. Changes in the price of gold and silver could materially affect our revenues. Based on our revenues from gold and silver sales of $52.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a 10% change in the price of gold and silver would have had an impact of approximately $5.2 million on our revenues. Changes in the price of gold and silver can also affect the provisionally priced sales that we make under sales agreements. At September 30, 2024, we had no gold or silver sales subject to provisional pricing at our 100% owned operations.
We have in the past and may in the future hold a portion of our treasury in gold and silver bullion, where the value is recorded at the lower of cost or market. Gold and silver prices will affect the value of any bullion that we hold in treasury.
We do not hedge any of our sales and are therefore subject to all changes in commodity prices.
Credit Risk
We may be exposed to credit loss through our precious metals and doré sales agreements with financial institutions and refineries if these customers are unable to make payment in accordance with the terms of the agreements. However, based on the history and the financial condition of our counterparties, we do not anticipate that any of our customers will default on their obligations. As of September 30, 2024, we do not believe we have any significant credit exposure associated with precious metals and our doré sales agreements.
In Nevada and Ontario, Canada we are required to provide security to cover our projected reclamation costs. As at September 30, 2024, we have surety bonds of $44.8 million in place to satisfy bonding requirements for this purpose. The bonds have an annual fee of 2.3% of their value and require a deposit of 6.1% of the amount of the bond. Although we do not believe we have any significant credit exposure associated with these bonds or the deposit, we are exposed to the risk that the surety may default in returning our deposit or that the surety bonds may no longer be accepted by the governmental agencies as satisfactory reclamation coverage, in which case we would be required to replace the surety bonding with cash.
Interest rate risk
Our outstanding debt consists of various equipment leases and the $40.0 million debt payable under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As the debt is at fixed rates, we consider our interest rate risk exposure to be insignificant at this time.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Overview
We are in the process of remediating the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (as amended, the “Annual Report”), the completion of which should enable the Company’s certifying officers to again confirm the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures discussed below. During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company continued to make progress in redesigning and adding layers of review concerning its control procedures related to its transactions within inventory, mineral properties, income taxes, and non-routine transactions, including by adding human resources and engaging the assistance of third-party resources as deemed appropriate to assist management in its remediation efforts. The newly designed control procedures and additional remediation efforts will be tested over a sufficient number of instances with the intent to be considered effective in the coming quarter.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
During the fiscal period covered by this report, our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, to the extent of the material weakness identified in internal control over financial reporting and previously disclosed in Part II, Item 9A of the Company’s Annual Report that continued to exist as of September 30, 2024, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2024.
In light of the foregoing, management performed additional analysis and other procedures to ensure that our unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). Accordingly, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes that the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of and for the periods presented, in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Other than as described above, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on Controls and Procedures
All disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting processes and systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Processes and systems deemed to be effective at any time can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness for future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company conducts periodic evaluations of its internal controls to enhance, where deemed appropriate, its procedures and controls.
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.
There were no material changes from the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The risks described in our Annual Report, herein and other reports we have filed with the SEC are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows and/or future results.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
All unregistered sales of equity securities effected by the Company or a subsidiary thereof during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and through the filing of this report were previously reported in reports the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
At McEwen Mining, safety is a core value, and we strive for superior performance. Our health and safety management system, which includes detailed standards and procedures for safe production, addresses topics such as employee training, risk management, workplace inspection, emergency response, accident investigation and program auditing. In addition to strong leadership and involvement from all levels of the organization, these programs and procedures form the cornerstone of safety at McEwen Mining, ensuring that employees are provided a safe and healthy environment and are intended to reduce workplace accidents, incidents and losses, comply with all mining-related regulations and provide support for both regulators and the industry to improve mine safety.
The operation of our Gold Bar mine is subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). MSHA inspects our Gold Bar mine on a regular basis and may issue citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. While we contract a majority of the mining operations at Gold Bar to an independent contractor, we may be considered an “operator” for purposes of the Mine Act and may be issued notices or citations if MSHA believes that we are responsible for violations.
We are required to report certain mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, and that required information is included in Exhibit 95 filed with this report.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
44
Item 6. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference with this report:
3.1.1
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company as filed with the Colorado Secretary of State on January 20, 2012 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 24, 2012, Exhibit 3.1, File No. 001-33190).
3.1.2
Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company as filed with the Colorado Secretary of State on January 24, 2012 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8 K filed with the SEC on January 24, 2012, Exhibit 3.2, File No. 001-33190).
3.1.3
Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2021, Exhibit 3.1, File No. 001-33190).
3.1.4
Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the Colorado Secretary of State on July 25, 2022 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 28, 2022, Exhibit 3.1, File No. 001-33190).
3.1.5
Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the Colorado Secretary of State on June 30, 2023 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 03, 2023, Exhibit 3.1, File No. 001-33190).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2012, Exhibit 3.2, File No. 001-33190).
4.1
Description of Capital Stock of the Company (incorporated by reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 001-33190).
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by the Company in connection with November 2019 financing (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 22, 2019, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 001-33190).
10.1
Private Placement Subscription Agreement between Nuton LLC and McEwen Copper Inc., dated as of October 23, 2024 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2024, Exhibit 99.1, File No. 001-33190).
10.2
Private Placement Subscription Agreement between 122594 Canada Inc. and McEwen Copper Inc., dated as of October 23, 2024 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2024, Exhibit 99.1, File No. 001-33190).
Private Placement Subscription Agreement between 1201068 Ontario Inc. and McEwen Copper Inc., dated as of October 23, 2024 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2024, Exhibit 99.1, File No. 001-33190).
10.4
Private Placement Subscription Agreement between Evanachan Limited and McEwen Copper Inc., dated as of July 12, 2024 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2024, Exhibit 99.1, File No. 001-33190).
10.5
Private Placement Subscription Agreement between Minera Ander Inc. and McEwen Copper Inc., dated as of July 12, 2024 (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2024, Exhibit 99.2, File No. 001-33190).
31.1*
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Robert R. McEwen, principal executive officer.
31.2*
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Perry Ing, principal financial officer.
32*
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Robert R. McEwen and Perry Ing.
95*
Mine safety disclosure.
101.SCH
Inline XRBL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
* Furnished herewith and as such is deemed not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
/s/ Robert R. McEwen
Date: November 5, 2024
By: Robert R. McEwen,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Perry Ing
By: Perry Ing,
Interim Chief Financial Officer