-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, GuX5GUCL6ZpR2aXfkNaH6TX42eyUVLbCX+M0Rot/2gf2dqFs3DusabyGxYBETsUV ya+3bPw/le8RPd9PFFmXXw== 0001137171-06-001238.txt : 20060515 0001137171-06-001238.hdr.sgml : 20060515 20060515162850 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001137171-06-001238 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 6-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060515 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060515 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALAMOS GOLD INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001178819 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MINING, QUARRYING OF NONMETALLIC MINERALS (NO FUELS) [1400] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 6-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-49946 FILM NUMBER: 06841705 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: SUITE 1400 STREET 2: 400 BURRARD STREET CITY: VANCOUVER STATE: A1 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 6046431787 6-K 1 alamos6k051506a.htm ALAMOS GOLD 6-K CC Filed by Filing Services Canada Inc. 403-717-3898

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-16 AND 15d-16 UNDER THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

For the month of:                                                                                                   May 15, 2006

 

Commission File Number:                                                                                               000-49946

 

Alamos Gold Inc.

(Translation of registrant's name into English)

 

2010-120 Adelaide St. W.

Toronto ON M5H 1T1

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.  

 

 

Form 20- F..... Form 40-F..X..


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ____


Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of  a Form  6-K if submitted solely  to provide an attached annual report to security holders.


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ____


Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant's "home country"), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant's securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a  press  release,  is  not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant's security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.


Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes ...... No ..X...


If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ________




SEC 1815 (11-2002)

Potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the  form displays a currently valid OMB control number.



Signatures


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.



ALAMOS GOLD INC.

(Registrant)



May 15, 2006      

By: /s/ Sharon L. Fleming

Date

Sharon L. Fleming

Corporate Secretary


 

 

 


 

Exhibit List

 

99.1    Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

99.2   Management's Discussion & Analysis

EX-99.1 2 financials.htm FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CC Filed by Filing Services Canada Inc. 403-717-3898


ALAMOS GOLD INC.


March 31, 2006

(Unaudited - stated in thousands of United States dollars)




INDEX


Notice to reader

Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

§

Consolidated Balance Sheets

§

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Deficit

§

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

§

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements












NOTICE TO READER OF THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The interim consolidated financial statements of Alamos Gold Inc. including the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and the consolidated statements of earnings and deficit and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 are the responsibility of the Company’s management. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management and include the selection of appropriate accounting principles, judgments and estimates necessary to prepare these financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements.




ALAMOS GOLD INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


(Unaudited - stated in thousands of United States dollars)

  

Note Ref.

 

March 31,

2006

 

December 31, 2005

A S S E T S

Current Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   

$11,935

 

$4,519

Restricted cash

 

10

 

2,357

 

1,219

Fair value of forward contracts

 

17

 

723

 

966

Amounts receivable

 

3

 

4,309

 

3,862

Advances and prepaid expenses    

 

4

 

2,611

 

1,935

Inventory

 

5

 

13,463

 

9,989

    

35,398

 

22,490

Deferred financing charges

 

6

 

1,043

 

1,183

Mineral property, plant and equipment

 

7

 

102,461

 

101,514

Mineral property held for sale

 

8

 

1,016

 

1,013

    

$139,918

 

$126,200

L I A B I L I T I E S

Current Liabilities

      

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   

4,506

 

$5,323 

Bank loan

 

10

 

6,000

 

3,000

Current portion of capital lease obligations

 

9

1,190

 

1,190

    

11,696

 

9,513

Future income taxes

   

300

 

-

Capital lease obligations

 

9

 

3,427

 

3,616

Convertible debenture

 

10

 

33,731

 

33,326

Asset retirement obligations

 

11

 

2,144

 

2,100

 

S H A R E H O L D E R S’   E Q U I T Y

Share capital

 

12

 

98,362

 

87,830

Warrants

 

12

 

-

 

265

Convertible debenture

 

10

 

9,978

 

9,983

Contributed surplus

 

13

 

3,310

 

3,170

Deficit

   

(23,030)

 

(23,603)

    

88,620

 

77,645

    

$139,918

 

$126,200



See notes to interim consolidated financial statements









ALAMOS GOLD INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND DEFICIT


(Unaudited - stated in thousands of United States dollars)

  

For the three-month periods ended

Note Ref.

March 31,

2006

 

March 31,

2005

OPERATING REVENUES

    

Gold sales

 

$12,490  

 

$               -

OPERATING EXPENSES

    

Mining and processing

 

6,975

 

-

Amortization

 

1,931

 

61

Exploration

 

406

 

242

Corporate and administrative

 

715

 

649

Stock-based compensation

 

140

 

-

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

38

 

2

Other loss

 

69

 

-

  

10,274

 

954

EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

 

2,216

 

(954)


FINANCIAL REVENUES AND EXPENSES

    

Interest income

 

65

 

281

Interest expense on long-term debt

 

(651)

 

(314)

Other interest expense

 

(132)

 

-

Financing charges

 

(140)

 

         (54)

Accretion of convertible debenture discount

 

(485)

 

(245)

Foreign exchange loss

 

-

 

(95)

     

Earnings (loss) before income tax for the period

 

873

 

(1,381)

Future income taxes

 

(300)

 

-

Earnings (loss) for the period

 

573

 

(1,381)

Deficit, beginning of period

 

(23,603)

 

(14,156)

Deficit, end of period

 

$(23,030)

 

$(15,537)

     

Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted

16

$0.01   

 

$   (0.02)

     

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements




ALAMOS GOLD INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(Unaudited - stated in thousands of United States dollars)

  

For the three-month periods ended

Cash provided by (used for):

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

2006

2005

Operating Activities

    

Earnings (loss) for the period

 

  $573

 

$ (1,381)

Adjustments for items not involving cash:

 

   

  

Amortization

 

1,931

 

  61

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

38

 

                   2 

Foreign exchange (gain)  loss on convertible debenture

 

(65)

 

768

Future income taxes

 

300

 

-

Accretion of convertible debenture discount

 

          485

 

245

Amortization of deferred financing charges

 

140

 

40

Stock-based compensation

 

140

 

-

Changes in non-cash working capital:

    

Fair value of forward contracts

 

243

 

-

Amounts receivable

 

(447)

 

(192)

Inventory

 

(1,992)

 

-

Prepaid expenses

 

(54)

 

(6)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(817)

 

217

  

475

 

(246)

Investing Activities

    

Short-term investments

 

-

 

15,000 

Deposits and advances to contractors

 

(622)

 

(514) 

Mineral property held for sale

 

(3)

 

-

Mineral property, plant and equipment

 

(4,354)

 

(10,681) 

  

(4,979)

 

3,805

Financing Activities

    

Convertible debenture issued

 

-

 

40,306

Common shares issued

 

10,246

 

      961

Bank loan

 

3,000

 

-

Capital lease obligations

 

(189)

 

-

Deferred financing charges

 

-

 

(1,616)

  

13,057

 

      39,651

Restricted cash

 

(1,137)

 

         (2,354) 

     

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

7,416

 

40,856

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

4,519

 

        13,127

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

       $11,935

 

      $53,983

     

Supplemental information:

    

Interest paid

 

$1,316

 

$-


See notes to interim consolidated financial statements




ALAMOS GOLD INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(Unaudited - stated in United States dollars)


1.  NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Alamos Gold Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) are engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and extraction of precious metals in Mexico. The Company owns and operates the Mulatos mine. In addition, the Company holds the mineral rights to the Salamandra group of concessions in the state of Sonora, Mexico which includes more than nine known satellite gold occurrences.


2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION


These interim financial statements have been compiled in United States dollars in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada for interim reporting using the same accounting policies and measurement criteria as those utilized in the preparation of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, except as noted below. These interim financial statements do not conform in all respects with disclosures required for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.


3. AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE


 

March 31, 2006

December 31,

 2005

 

($000)

($000)

   

Accounts receivable

204

406 

Mexican value added tax recoverable

4,105

3,456 

 

4,309

3,862 

   


4. ADVANCES AND PREPAID EXPENSES


 

March 31, 2006

December 31,

 2005

 

($000)

($000)

   

Advances to contractors

1,666 

1,640 

Deposits for mining equipment

596

-

Prepaid expenses

349 

295 

 

2,611

1,935 

   





5. INVENTORY


 

March 31, 2006

December 31,

 2005

 

($000)

($000)

   

Precious metals dore and refined precious metals

145

793 

In-process precious metals

11,198

7,818

Parts and supplies

2,120

1,378 

 

13,463

9,989 

   


6. DEFERRED FINANCING CHARGES


Costs incurred and allocated to the debt portion of the convertible debenture financing (note 10) are amortized over the five-year term of the debt. Costs incurred to establish the Company’s bank loan facility (note 10) are amortized over the one-year term.


 

March 31, 2006

December 31,

 2005

 

($000)

($000)

   

Convertible debenture

1,222

1,222 

Bank loan

316

316

Less: accumulated amortization

(495)

(355)

 

1,043

1,183

   


7. MINERAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT


In 2003 the Company acquired a 100% interest in certain properties within the Salamandra group of concessions which currently comprises approximately 21,300 hectares, in consideration for the payment of CDN$11,154,000 in acquisition costs and assigned expenses.  Production from the acquired properties is subject to a sliding scale net smelter royalty on the first 2,000,000 ounces of gold production from certain concessions. The royalty commences at 1% when the price of gold is less than $300 per ounce, rising to 5% when the price of gold exceeds $400 per ounce.


Included within the Salamandra group of concessions is the Mulatos mine. In June 2004, the Company completed a feasibility study on a portion of the Mulatos property known as the Estrella Pit Development. The Mulatos mine began operations in 2005.






 

March 31,

 2006

December 31,

 2005

  

Accumulated

Net Book

Net Book

 

Cost

Amortization

Value

Value

 

($000)

($000)

($000)

($000)

Mineral property and mine development

43,189

1,561

41,628

42,083

Mining plant and equipment

58,746

3,673

55,073

53,558

Assets under capital lease

5,731

247

5,484

5,690

Office and computer equipment

352

76

276

183

 

108,018

5,557

102,461

101,514


8. MINERAL PROPERTY HELD FOR SALE

 

The Company owns a 100% interest in the La Fortuna property (“La Fortuna”). La Fortuna is comprised of two mineral concessions, covering approximately 606 hectares, in Durango, Mexico. In 2000, La Fortuna was written-down to its estimated recoverable amount of $1 million.


Effective November 1, 2005 the Company entered into a letter agreement with Morgain Minerals Inc. (“Morgain”) to sell its La Fortuna property for consideration of five million common shares of Morgain. A definitive agreement was entered into effective April 27, 2006.

As at May 8, 2006, the fair value of the share consideration to be received is approximately $1.57 million, based on the quoted price.


9.

CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS


During 2005, the Company entered into five leases with a financing company for mining equipment. The maximum term of each lease is five years, with payments totaling $99,000 per month over the term of the leases. The obligations under capital lease bear interest at LIBOR plus 4.1%. Minimum payments are $1,190,000 per annum for 2006 through 2010. The amount of interest expense related to the obligations under capital lease included in the determination of earnings for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 was $109,000 (2005 - nil). The Company has the right to re-pay the outstanding balance of the leases at any time.


10. DEBT


Convertible Debenture

Effective February 2, 2005, the Company issued a CDN$50 million aggregate principal amount of 5.5% convertible unsecured subordinated debenture maturing on February 15, 2010. A 3.5% underwriters’ fee was paid. The debenture bears interest at an annual rate of 5.5%, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The debenture is convertible into common shares at a rate of 188.6792 common shares for each CDN$1,000 principal amount of debenture. In certain circumstances, the debenture may be redeemed in whole or in part at the option of the Company after February 15, 2008.


The debenture is classified as a liability, with the exception of the portion relating to the conversion features, which is classified as an equity component, resulting in the carrying value of the debenture being less than its face value. The discount is being accreted over the term of the debenture, utilizing the effective interest rate method and the 12.6% interest rate implicit in the debenture.





At March 31, 2006, in accordance with the terms of the trust indenture, a trust account held CDN$2,750,000 plus accumulated interest (total $2,357,000) for payment of interest to debenture holders from February 16, 2006 to February 15, 2007.


Bank loan

On July 21, 2005, the Company obtained a bank line of credit consisting of a $10 million unsecured one year extendible revolving facility and a non-margin hedging line. Interest is payable at a rate of 2.75% above applicable LIBOR on the drawn portion of the facility, and 0.75% on the un-drawn portion. The initial term is for one year, and may be extended at the discretion of the lender for two additional one-year terms.  On February 7, 2006, the bank agreed to increase the amount available to the Company under the line of credit to $16 million over the life of the facility. At March 31, 2006 the Company was advanced $6 million related to this facility.


11. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS


The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, on a discounted cash flow basis, if a reasonable estimate can be made. The liability accretes to its full value over time through charges to operations. In addition, the fair value is added to the carrying amount of the Company’s mineral property, plant and equipment, and is amortized on a units-of-production basis over the life of the mine.


Continuity of asset retirement obligations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006:


  
 

($000)

Obligations  at January 1, 2006

2,100

Liabilities incurred

6

Accretion of discounted cash flows

38

Obligations at March 31, 2006

 2,144


The assumptions used in the determination of the asset retirement obligations are as follows:

  

Estimated cost ($000)

4,277

End of mine life

2015

Discount rate

7.25%


12.    SHARE CAPITAL


a)

Authorized share capital of the Company consists of unlimited common shares without par value.

  

March 31, 2006

(3 months)

 

December 31, 2005

(12 months)

  

Number of Shares

Amount

($000)

 

Number of Shares

Amount ($000)

Balance at start of period

 

77,466,118

87,830

 

76,777,918

86,170

Exercise of stock options

 

784,483

2,031

 

192,500

237

Exercise of convertible debenture

 

4,717

21

 

-

-

Exercise of warrants

 

2,491,801

8,480

 

495,700

1,423

Balance at end of period

 

80,747,119

98,362

 

77,466,118

87,830

       







b)

Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2006


Number

Expiry Date

Exercise Price

  

CDN $

193,000

December 23, 2010

6.35

960,000

June 2, 2010

             3.73

125,000

December 16, 2009

             3.50

750,000

June 25, 2009

               2.25

110,000

February 12, 2009

               2.75

395,000

December 23, 2008

6.35

883,500

December 9, 2008

               2.50

370,000

July 23, 2008

               1.13

105,000

June 2, 2008

              3.73

50,000

January 30, 2008

              0.76

150,000

July 22, 2007

1.00

330,000

June 25, 2007

2.25

150,000

June 3, 2007

1.16

4,571,500  

Weighted average exercise price

3.03


Summary of stock option activity:


  

March 31, 2006

(3 months)

 

December 31, 2005

(12 months)

  

Number

Weighted average exercise price

 

Number

Weighted average exercise price

   

CDN $

  

CDN $

Balance at start of period

 

5,355,983

3.03

 

3,603,483

2.11

Granted

 

-

-

 

1,945,000

4.57

Exercised

 

(784,483)

2.99

 

(192,500)

1.48

Balance at end of period

 

4,571,500

3.03

 

5,355,983

3.03

       


During the period from March 31, 2006 to April 28, 2006, 143,500 stock options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of CDN$3.33.


c)

Warrants outstanding at March 31, 2006


Number

 Expiry Date

 Exercise Price

   
  

 CDN $

2,262,498

April 8, 2006

3.50

   




Summary of warrant activity:


  

March 31, 2006

(3 months)

 

December 31, 2005

(12 months)

  

Number

Weighted average exercise price

 

Number

Weighted average exercise price

   

CDN $

  

CDN $

Balance at start of period

 

4,754,300

3.67

 

4,900,000

3.50

Issued

 

-

-

 

350,000

5.80

Exercised

 

(2,491,802)

4.31

 

(495,700)

3.50

Balance at end of period

 

2,262,498

3.50

 

4,754,300

3.67

       


Subsequent to the end of the quarter, all of the warrants outstanding at March 31, 2006 were exercised for proceeds of CDN$7,918,000.


13.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION


The Company has a stock option plan, originally approved by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) on April 17, 2003, to allow the Company to grant incentive stock options to its directors, officers, employees and consultants. At the Company’s annual general meeting held on May 24, 2005, the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s stock option plan. Under the amended stock option plan, the number of shares reserved for issuance cannot exceed 10% of the total number of shares which are outstanding on the date of grant. The exercise price, term (not to exceed ten years) and vesting provisions are authorized by the Board at the time of the grant.  


There were no stock options granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2006.


14.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS


A director of the Company was paid $12,992 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 ($16,100 during the same period of 2005) for management and administrative services pursuant to a monthly services contract. These services have occurred in the normal course of operations and are measured at their fair value as determined by management.


15.

SEGMENTED REPORTING


The Company operates in one business segment, the exploration, mine development and extraction of precious metals, primarily gold, in two geographic areas, Canada and Mexico.


 

March 31,

December 31,

 

2006

2005

 

($000)

($000)

Assets, by geographic segment (at amortized cost)

  
   

Mexico

127,700

119,952

Canada

12,218

6,248

 

139,918

126,200









Three months ended March 31

  

2006

  


2005

 

Mexico

Canada

 Total

Mexico

Canada

 Total

 

($000)

($000)

($000)

($000)

($000)

($000)

Revenues

12,490

              -

12,490

-

              -

   -

Earnings (loss)

2,551

(1,978)

573

(206)

(932)

(1,138)

       


16.

EARNINGS PER SHARE


Basic earnings per share has been calculated using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period of 79,735,914 (comparable period in 2005 – 77,018,029). Diluted earnings per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 is calculated using the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding of 86,164,386. Diluted loss per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 has not been disclosed as it is anti-dilutive.


17.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


During 2005, the Company entered into capital leases as fully described in note 9.


At March 31, 2006 the Company had contracts to acquire $16 million Canadian dollars in May 2007, and $4 million Canadian dollars in the second quarter of 2006. The marked to market value of these foreign exchange forward contracts was a gain of $846,000 at March 31, 2006.


At March 31, 2006, The Company had outstanding gold forward contracts to sell 3,500 ounces of gold in April 2006. These contracts were not designated as hedges at inception. The marked to market value of these contracts was a loss of $123,000 at March 31, 2006.


Production royalties, on a sliding scale to the price of gold, at 5% of gold revenue with gold above $400 per ounce, are a contractual obligation once commercial production (as defined in the agreement) is attained, but cannot reasonably be estimated as they are a function of the price of gold and production rate, neither of which can be ascertained with any certainty.


18.

RECLASSIFICATION


Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.





EX-99.2 3 mda.htm MD&A CC Filed by Filing Services Canada Inc. 403-717-3898

ALAMOS GOLD INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

(All amounts are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)


This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the operating results and financial position of Alamos Gold Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 compared with the three-month period ended March 31, 2005. The Company’s measurement currency and reporting currency is the United States dollar. This MD&A is current to May 8, 2006 and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Information Form and other corporate filings available at www.sedar.com (“SEDAR”).  Management is responsible for the interim consolidated financial statements referred to in this MD&A, and provides officers disclosure certifications filed with securities commissions on SEDAR. The audit committee reviews the interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A, and recommends approval to the Company’s Board of Directors.


The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements of the Company and related notes, which have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Refer to Note 3 of the December 31, 2005 consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company’s significant accounting policies. Canadian GAAP differs in certain material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Significant differences between Canadian and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the Company as at December 31, 2005 are described in Note 21 to the December 31, 2005 consolidated financial statements.

Note to U.S. Investors


All references to mineral reserves and resources contained in this MD&A are determined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) and Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) standards.  While the terms “mineral resource,” “measured mineral resource,” “indicated mineral resource,” and “inferred mineral resource” are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) standards in the United States (“U.S.”).  As such, information contained in this MD&A concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar inform ation made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. “Indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “indicated mineral resource” or “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category of resource.  Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into proven and probable reserves.  


Overview:


Alamos Gold Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AGI). The Company owns 100% of the 21,300-hectare Salamandra group of concessions located in the state of Sonora in northwest Mexico. The Salamandra group of concessions includes the Mulatos deposit and more than nine other prospective exploration targets.

 



Construction of the Mine was substantially completed in 2005, except for the crusher/conveyor which required additional assembly and commissioning. The Company achieved commercial production at its Mulatos mine (the “Mine”) on April 1, 2006 based on operational and financial considerations. Phase 1 development of the Mine was completed in February 2006 following the successful commissioning of its three-stage crusher and conveying system.  Phase 1 contemplated ore production of 10,000 tonnes of ore per day. The Company anticipates achieving successful Phase 2 expansion to 15,000 tonnes of crushed ore per day during the second quarter of 2006. The Company forecasts gold production of between 140,000 and 155,000 ounces of gold in 2006.  


Initial ore production from the Mine is derived from the Estrella Pit, which contains proven and probable reserves of 36.4 million tonnes grading 1.64 grams per tonne of gold (g/t) or approximately 1.9 million contained ounces of gold. Current proven and probable reserves are contained within a measured and indicated resource of 62.2 million tonnes grading 1.51 g/t, or approximately 3 million contained ounces of gold.


The Salamandra group of concessions surrounding the Mine consists of 21,300 hectares of mining claims that contain both advanced and grassroots exploration prospects similar to the Mulatos deposit. There are several advanced exploration projects near the Estrella Pit that have the potential to add resources and reserve ounces to the greater Mulatos deposit, including both mineralization extensions and satellite deposits. In 2005, the Company invested $4.7 million in expanding resources at the El Salto, Mina Vieja, Escondida and El Victor project areas. In December 2005, the Company announced a high-grade discovery at Escondida. The Company has budgeted $6.5 million for exploration activities in 2006 focused primarily on underground development and core drilling in the Escondida, El Victor and Gap areas in order to expand resources and define reserves. The Company invested $1.0 millio n in exploration activities during the first quarter of 2006.


First Quarter 2006 Highlights:


During the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, the Company:


§

Sold 22,670 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $551 per ounce for proceeds of $12.5 million;

§

Recorded its first quarterly profit with earnings for the period of $0.6 million ($0.01 per share – basic and diluted);

§

Produced 21,400 ounces of gold in dore at a cash operating cost of $308 per ounce;

§

Successfully commissioned the crushing and conveying system and announced completion of Phase I development of the Mine;

§

Invested $1.0 million in exploration focused on development drilling at the Escondida and El Victor zones;

§

Continued its Phase II expansion program to increase throughput by 50% above the feasibility study level to 15,000 tonnes of ore per day;

§

Increased the amount available to the Company under its revolving credit facility from $10.0 million to $16.0 million.



 

 

Subsequent to quarter end, the Company:


§

Announced that commercial production at the Mine was achieved effective April 1, 2006;

§

Received cash proceeds of CDN$7.9 million from the exercise of warrants with an exercise price of CDN$3.50 that were due April 8, 2006;

§

Announced that it is seeking approval from 662/3% of its CDN$50 million convertible debenture holders to offer an incentive conversion period in which debenture holders may convert their holdings into common shares at a premium to the existing terms;

§

Signed a definitive agreement with Morgain Minerals Inc. (“Morgain”) to sell its La Fortuna property for consideration of five million common shares of Morgain at a deemed price of CDN$0.40 per share.


Results of Operations:


Development of the Mulatos Mine has proceeded as follows:


Date

Event

June 2004

Feasibility study completed on the Mulatos deposit

Third quarter 2004

Completed land acquisition from Ejido Mulatos and

commenced construction of the Mine

Third quarter 2005

Poured first dore bar of gold and silver weighing 117 ounces

Fourth quarter 2005

Substantially completed construction

Production of 5,517 ounces of gold dore in the quarter

February 2006

Commissioned crushing and conveying system

First quarter 2006

Pre-commercial production of 21,400 ounces of gold dore in the quarter

April 1, 2006

Achieved commercial production


Gold production at the Mine in the first quarter of 2006 was 21,400 ounces of gold in dore and gold sales were 22,670 ounces (including 2005 dore production refined in 2006). In 2005, commencing with the first gold pour in July, the Mine produced 7,647 ounces of gold and sold 5,950 ounces. All reported mine production is subject to final refinery settlement.


The 17,000 tonnes per day capacity crusher became operational in February 2006 and is achieving improved throughput. In the first quarter of 2006 30% of ore to the pad was crushed. The Mine is currently operating at 15,000 tonnes of ore per day, with crushed higher-grade ore to the pad representing approximately 55% of the total tonnes. The Mine was in a pre-commercial phase during the first quarter of 2006 and throughout 2005, operating substantially on a run-of-mine (uncrushed ore) basis by trucking ore to the leach pad. Revenue from gold sales and related operating costs were recognized commencing with the Mine’s first gold pour in July 2005.  As the Mine converts from run-of-mine to crushed ore, mining costs are expected to improve substantially due to the elimination of haulage of run-of-mine ore and gold recoveries are expected to improve to the levels expressed in the feasibility study for different types of ore. Crushing costs will increase as more ore is crushed, but should decrease on a per tonne basis.





The tables below outline key production and cost indicators during the first quarter of 2006, compared to the fourth quarter of 2005 and with Feasibility Study rates and costs:


Production summary

Q1 2006 (1)

Q4 2005 (2)

Feasibility Study (3)

    

Ounces produced

21,400

5,517

N/A

    

Ore mined – tonnes

1,165,787

634,398

745,250

Waste mined – tonnes

2,198,484

2,207,501

1,254,750

Total tonnes mined

3,364,271

2,841,899

2,000,000

    

Tonnes of ore per day

13,100

6,896

8,374

Tonnes of ore crushed per day (4)

6,450

N/A

8,374

    

Waste-to-ore ratio

1.89

3.48

1.68

    

Grade (g/t)

1.80

1.57

2.00



Costs per tonne summary

Q1 2006

Q4 2005

Feasibility Study (5)

Mining cost per tonne

$1.29

$1.56

$0.95

    

Mining cost per tonne of ore

$3.71

$7.00

$2.44

Crushing cost per tonne of ore

$2.28

N/A

$1.15

Processing cost per tonne of ore

$1.45

$2.31

$1.98

Administration cost per tonne of ore

$1.22

$0.99

$0.97

    

Cost per tonne of ore

$8.66

$10.30

$6.54



(1)

Comparable to Year 1 of the Feasibility Study

(2)

Comparable to the pre-production period in the Feasibility Study, where ore was stockpiled

(3)

Reference is to tonnage in Year 1 of the Feasibility Study, based on 10,000 tonnes per day, on a pro-rata basis for one quarter. Pro-rata gold production would not be indicative of expected first quarter production and is not presented.

(4)

Tonnes of ore crushed per day for Q1 2006 reflects the results of March 2006 only as the crushing and conveying system was successfully commissioned in February 2006. During Q4 2005, the crusher was not operational, accordingly there are no amounts reported during this period.

(5)

Average life of mine amounts as reported in the Feasibility Study.


During the first quarter of 2006, both production and costs per tonne improved significantly from the fourth quarter of 2005. Mining costs per tonne of ore decreased by 47% in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2005, reflecting a 46% decrease in the waste-to-ore ratio and improved efficiencies.


Mining costs per tonne of ore in the first quarter were higher than feasibility study levels due to the following factors, some of which are not expected to be factors in future periods:

 


 


·

Slightly higher waste-to-ore ratio in the current period of 1.89 compared with feasibility of 1.68;

·

The Mine continued to rent third-party contractors’ equipment for mining activities during the first quarter. Additional equipment will be acquired in May and June to replace certain contractors’ equipment, which is expected to significantly reduce loading costs on a per tonne basis for the remainder of 2006;

·

The feasibility study contemplated the haulage of ore to the crusher site, a distance of approximately 1 kilometer. During the first quarter, approximately two-thirds of ore production was mined on a run-of-mine basis and was trucked directly to the leach pad, a distance of 4.5 kilometers. The increased haul distances resulted in greater costs during the period. Hauling costs for the remainder of the year should decline as most ore is delivered to the crusher site via conveyor;

·

Expenditures for energy related consumables and transportation are significantly above feasibility study levels due to cost increases.


Crushing costs per tonne of ore processed were higher than feasibility levels as the crusher and conveying system was completed in February 2006 and was in a commissioning phase for the majority of the first quarter.


Processing costs include costs associated with the leach pads, gold recovery plant and refining activities. The Mine’s expenditures on processing activities are 37% below feasibility levels due primarily to lower than anticipated consumption of key consumables including cyanide and lime, partially offset by higher transportation costs.


Administration costs were above feasibility levels during the first quarter due in part to property payments, camp and travel costs that were not considered in the feasibility study. As the Mine ramps up to 15,000 tonnes of ore per day, it is expected that economies of scale will be realized and administration costs will decrease on a per tonne basis.


Cash operating cost per ounce of gold sold was $308 in the first quarter of 2006. Cash operating costs were higher than feasibility due primarily to the higher mine costs noted above and due to expected lower recoveries from run-of-mine ore compared with crushed ore.  The Company anticipated that mining and processing costs would be higher during the pre-commercial phase of operations, and run-of-mine recoveries would be lower than for crushed ore. However, the Company realized an operating cash margin of $243 per ounce, based on its realized gold price received, and it believes that this has validated its decision to enter production prior to achieving full crusher availability. Unit costs are also expected to decline as the leach pad attains a higher level of ore under leach.


The Company expects to reduce the cash cost per tonne of ore experienced in the pre-commercial phase to at or below the feasibility level of $6.54 by using a higher throughput to achieve economies of scale and to offset higher than expected energy and transportation related costs. The Company expects that higher crusher throughput will increase recoveries from those experienced in the pre-commercial run-of-mine phase and lower the cash operating cost per ounce to the $210 - $225 range by the end of 2006.



 

 

The Company believes that investors use certain indicators to assess gold mining companies. They are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared with GAAP. “Mining cost per tonne of ore” is a non-GAAP performance measurement which could provide an indication of the mining and processing efficiency and effectiveness at the Mine. It is determined by dividing the relevant mining and processing costs by the tonnes of ore processed in the period. “Cost per tonne” is usually affected by operating efficiencies and waste-to-ore ratios in the period. “Cash operating cost per ounce” and “total cash cost per ounce” as used in this analysis are non-GAAP terms typically used by gold mining companies to ass ess the level of gross margin available to the Company by subtracting these costs from the unit price realized during the period. These non-GAAP terms are also used to assess the ability of a mining company to generate cash flow from operations. There may be some variation in the method of computation of “cash operating cost per ounce” as determined by the Company compared with other mining companies. In this context, “cash operating cost per ounce” reflects the cash operating cost allocated from in-process and dore inventory associated with ounces of gold sold in the period. “Cash operating cost per ounce” may vary from one period to another due to operating efficiencies, waste-to-ore ratios, grade of ore processed and gold recovery rate in the period. “Total cash cost per ounce” includes “cash operating cost per ounce” plus applicable cash royalties.


Production from the Mine is subject to a sliding scale production royalty commencing on commercial production as defined in the relevant royalty agreement, which at current gold prices above $400 is set at a rate of 5% of the value of gold and silver, less certain allowed refining and transportation costs. With the achievement of commercial production on April 1, 2006, the Mine’s production in future quarters will be subject to royalty.


The Company intends to actively develop the Escondida Hanging Wall deposit and develop the lower-grade main zone through its underground drill program. This should allow the Company to maintain its initial 10-year mine life, while at the same time forecasting production at levels significantly higher than the feasibility average of 140,000 ounces gold per year.


Financial Highlights:


Prior to July 1, 2005, the Company was a development stage mineral exploration company focused on developing and constructing the Mulatos Mine. Accordingly, comparative quarterly and annual financial results do not reflect the results of mining activities.


The Company’s financial results for the quarter ending March 31, 2006 are presented below:


 

Q1 2006

Q1 2005

*

   

Cash provided by operating activities (000)

$475

($246)

Earnings (loss) for the period (000)

$573

($1,381)

Earnings (loss) per share – Basic and diluted

$0.01

($0.02)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

- Basic

- Diluted


79,735,914

86,164,386


77,018,029

**


* No mining activity in Q1 2005.

** Not presented as it is anti-dilutive.


The Company generated positive cash flow from operations in the first quarter of 2006, and earned a quarterly profit of $573,000 or $0.01 per share. Results for the first quarter of 2005 do not reflect mining activities and are accordingly not comparable.

 


 


Gold sales


Details of gold sales for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 are presented below:


 

Q1 2006

Q4 2005

   

Gold sales – ounces

22,670

4,950

Gold sales revenues (000)

$12,490

$2,285

Realized gold price per ounce

$551

$462

Average gold price for period (London PM Fix)

$554

$484


Assessment of Gold Market


The gold price continued to climb during the first quarter of 2006 reaching a quarterly high of $584 per ounce near the end of March. At May 8, 2006 the gold price had increased from its March high of $584 per ounce to $675.50 per ounce. The increased gold price is beneficial to the Company, which prepared its feasibility study and proven and probable reserves using a base case of $350 per ounce. At recent levels, the price of gold has had and may continue to have a positive impact on the economics of the feasibility study for Phase I development of the Mulatos deposit. However, it is not possible to forecast future gold price trends and their impact on future results from operations.


Operating Expenses


Mine operating costs allocated to ounces sold are summarized in the table below:


 

Q1 2006

Q4 2005

   

Gold production – ounces

21,400

5,517

Gold sales – ounces

22,670

4,950

   

Cash operating costs (000)(1)

$6,975

$1,970

- Per ounce sold

$308

$398

   

Royalties and production taxes (000) (4)

-

-

Total cash costs (000)(2)

$6,975

$1,970

- Per ounce sold

$308

$398

   

Amortization (000)

$1,931

$477

Accretion of asset retirement obligation (000)

$38

$7

Total production costs (000)(3)

$8,944

$2,454

- Per ounce sold

$394

$496

   

- Realized gold price per ounce

$551

$462

- Realized cash margin per ounce

$243

$64



Note:  periods are not directly comparable as Q4 2005 had a higher initial waste-to-ore ratio

 



(1) Includes all direct mining costs, refining and transportation costs and by-product credits.

(2) Includes all cash operating costs and royalties and production taxes.

(3) Includes all total cash costs, amortization, and accretion of asset retirement obligations.

(4) Production royalties are expected to commence April 1, 2006 at 5% of net precious metals sales.


Exploration costs charged to operations during the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 totaled $406,000 compared to $242,000 in the same period of 2005. In 2005, the Company changed its accounting policy for exploration costs. Previously, as the Company was in the development stage, exploration costs were capitalized. Under the accounting policy adopted in 2005, certain exploration costs are expensed if the costs do not meet the criteria for classification as mine development costs. During the first quarter of 2006, the Company invested a total of $992,000 in exploration activities compared to $309,000 in the same period of 2005.


Corporate and administrative expenses of $715,000 in the first quarter of 2006 were 10% higher than the $649,000 incurred in the first quarter of 2005. The key components of this expense are shown below:


 

Q1 2006

($000)

Q1 2005

($000)

Salaries and management fees

311

217

Legal, audit and accounting

42

74

Office and administration

153

149

Shareholder communications

103

95

Travel and accommodation

18

57

Trust and filing fees

88

57

 

715

649


The increase in corporate and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2006 as compared to the same period of 2005 is primarily attributable to higher salaries and management fees due to additional hires, increased director compensation and higher stock listing fees. Partially offsetting these increases are lower legal costs and lower discretionary travel costs.


The value of stock-based compensation allocated to expense was $140,000 in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $nil in the first quarter of 2005. Stock-based compensation in the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 represents amortization of stock-based compensation cost associated with the grant of 620,000 stock options on December 23, 2005. Approximately 25% of the options granted on December 23, 2005 vested over a nine-month period, with the remaining 75% vested over a two year period. The value of the stock option grant is amortized to expense over the vesting term. Unamortized stock-based compensation expense at March 31, 2006 was $655,000 which will be allocated to expense over the next two years as grants vest.


Financial Revenues and Expenses

Interest income


In the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, the Company earned $65,000 in interest income compared to $281,000 in the same period of 2005. Lower interest income in 2006 resulted from lower average cash balances as compared to the prior period; during the first quarter of 2005, the Company completed its CDN$50 million convertible debenture financing and held the majority of the cash proceeds of the financing from February 2, 2005 to March 31, 2005.



 

 

Interest expense


Interest expense in the first quarter of 2006 of $783,000 includes interest costs associated with the Company’s CDN$50 million, 5.5% convertible debenture liability, capital lease obligations, and the amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.


Interest expense attributable to the convertible debenture was $607,000 for the first quarter of 2006 compared to $351,000 in the same period of 2005 (of which $37,000 was capitalized to construction costs). Higher interest expense on the convertible debenture in 2006 is the result of recognition of a full quarter of interest expense.

 

Interest charges related to the capital lease obligations are calculated at LIBOR + 4.1%. Interest on the Company’s revolving credit facility is charged at LIBOR + 2.75% on the drawn portion and 0.75% on the undrawn portion. During the first quarter of 2006, the drawn portion of the Company’s revolving credit facility was approximately $6 million. Interest expense of $176,000 was incurred related to capital leases and the credit facility during the first quarter of 2006. No comparable amounts exist for the same period of 2005 as neither the capital leases nor credit facility were in place during that period. A portion of the facility debt was repaid in April 2006, which will lower future interest charges.


Financing charges


Financing charges in the first quarter of 2006 of $140,000 represents amortization of deferred financing charges related to the convertible debenture and revolving credit facility.  


In February 2005, the Company incurred financing charges of $1,638,000 with respect to the convertible debenture issuance. Of this amount, $416,000 was allocated to the equity component of the convertible debenture. The remaining costs of $1,222,000 are amortized to expense over the five-year term of the debenture. Accordingly, $61,000 of these costs were recognized in the first quarter of 2006 ($40,000 in the comparable period of 2005). The other significant component of deferred financing charges relates to the revolving credit facility entered into in July 2005. The lender was issued 350,000 warrants exercisable until July 21, 2007 at a price of CDN$5.80. The value of the warrants issued was estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing model at $265,000. Amortization of financing charges related to the revolving credit facility totaled $79,000 in the first quarter of 2006.


Accretion of convertible debenture discount


Accretion expense in the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 amounted to $485,000 (first quarter of 2005 - $245,000), a level which will be maintained throughout the period that the debentures are outstanding.


Foreign exchange gain (loss)


The Company had no net gain or loss on foreign exchange in the three-months ended March 31, 2006. This is due primarily to a small foreign exchange gain on its net Canadian dollar-denominated financial liabilities during the first quarter of 2006, which was offset by a foreign exchange loss on the Company’s Mexican peso-denominated net financial assets. Both the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar were relatively stable against the United States dollar in this period.

 


 

 

The Company’s main foreign currency exposure results from the CDN$50 million debenture liability due in February 2010, which is partially offset by Canadian dollar deposits and forward purchase contracts. The Company’s Canadian dollar denominated assets are now more closely aligned with its Canadian dollar denominated liabilities, thereby reducing the exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The most significant Mexican peso exposure is from a $4.1 million value added tax receivable. The Company is also exposed to Mexican peso and Canadian dollar expenditures on goods and services.


Income Taxes


Future income tax expense for the first quarter of 2006 was $300,000 compared to $nil in the first quarter of 2005. The Company has provided for future income taxes using an effective tax rate of 34%. Statutory tax rates in Mexico and Canada are 29% and 36% respectively.  At present, it is not expected that current income tax will be payable until 2007.


Summary of Quarterly Results


The following table summarizes quarterly results for the past five quarters. The Company began operations at the Mine in the third quarter of 2005. Accordingly, no gold sales revenue was reported for periods prior to the third quarter of 2005.


The 2005 quarterly amounts presented in the table below were re-stated to reflect the accounting policy the Company adopted in 2005 with respect to mineral exploration.



Q1 2005

Q2 2005


Q3 2005

Q4 2005

YTD

2005

Q1 2006

       


Gold production (ounces)

-

-



2,130

5,517



7,647

21,400


Gold sales (ounces)

-

-


1,000

4,950


5,950

22,670

       


Gold sales ($000)

-

-


441

2,285


2,726

12,490


Earnings (loss) from operations ($000)

(954)

(2,166)



(973)

(2,060)



(6,153)

2,216


Earnings (loss) for the period ($000)

(1,381)

(2,474)



(2,448)

(3,143)



(9,446)

573

       


Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

($ per share)

(0.02)

(0.03)




(0.03)

(0.04)




(0.12)

0.01

       





Financial and Other Instruments


The Company’s financial assets and liabilities consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the liability portion of a convertible debenture, some of which are denominated in Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos. These accounts are recorded at cost, except for the convertible debenture, which approximates its accreted value at each reporting period in United States dollars. The convertible debenture was initially recorded at the discounted value of future cash flows, using the Company’s risk adjusted discount rate of 12.6%, and is adjusted quarterly for changes in the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate. The debenture discount is accreted to the carrying value of the debenture on a quarterly basis. The Company is exposed to financial gain or loss as a result of foreign exchange movements against the United St ates dollar.


For the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, the Company recorded no foreign exchange gain or loss as compared to a foreign exchange loss of $95,000 in the three-month period ended March 31, 2005. The Company minimizes its foreign exchange risk by maintaining low net account balances in Canadian dollars and Mexican pesos, to the extent possible. The Company has entered into agreements to acquire $20 million Canadian dollars at fixed future prices to offset a portion of its Canadian dollar debenture liability which is not offset by Canadian dollars on deposit. The Company has placed its cash and cash equivalents in short-term liquid deposits or investments which provide a revised rate of interest upon maturity.


The Company has limited exposure to monetary assets and liabilities denominated in Mexican pesos, but the Company does incur operating costs denominated in both the Canadian dollar and the Mexican peso. Accordingly, the Company’s operating costs are affected by changes in foreign exchange rates in those currencies. The Company has elected not to hedge these exposures by buying fixed rate forward contracts in either the Mexican peso or the Canadian dollar as the exchange rate for both currencies has been stable in recent periods and the Company does not anticipate significant volatility in 2006.


At March 31, 2006, the Company had outstanding gold forward contracts to sell 3,500 ounces of gold in April 2006. These contracts were not designated as hedges at inception. The mark-to-market valuation of these contracts resulted in a loss of $29,000. The Company contracts for future gold sales to closely match expected delivery dates within the current financial quarter. At this time, the Company does not anticipate entering into long-term forward sales contracts as the gold price currently appears to have some upward bias due to strong physical and investment demand. The Company will continually monitor the effectiveness of this policy.


Investment in Mineral Property, Plant and Equipment


During the first quarter of 2006, the Company invested approximately $4.4 million in mineral property, plant and equipment.


In 2005, the Company started a planned expansion of the Mine from a budgeted rate of 10,000 tonnes of ore per day to 15,000 tonnes of ore per day to more closely align production with the capacity at the crusher/conveyor and gold recovery plant. In 2006, $10 million has been budgeted for loaders, dozers, graders and Mine infrastructure to support the Mine expansion, of which approximately $1.1 million was invested in mine equipment during the first quarter of 2006.

 


 


Other significant capital expenditures during the first quarter included $1.2 million invested in the crusher, $0.4 million spent on the conveying system and $0.6 million on capitalized mineral development expenditures, mainly relating to the Escondida reserve development program.


Mineral property held for sale


In November 2005, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Morgain Minerals Inc. (“Morgain”) to sell the La Fortuna property for consideration of five million common shares of Morgain. Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company signed a signed a definitive agreement with Morgain to dispose of its La Fortuna property for consideration of five million common shares of Morgain at a deemed price of CDN$0.40 per share. The Company and Morgain also entered into a Technical Services Contract for a 1% net smelter royalty (“NSR”) on future production from the La Fortuna property. The La Fortuna property has a carrying value of $1,016,000. No gain on disposition will be recorded as the transaction will be accounted for as a non-monetary exchange. This mineral property has been classified as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet.


Exploration and mine development activities


During the first quarter of 2006, the Company invested $992,000 in exploration and development activities. Exploration activities during the quarter were primarily focused on resource expansion drilling in the Escondida, Escondida Hanging Wall Zone, and El Victor areas. Phase II drilling was also undertaken at El Realito. A breakdown of the exploration expenditures by project is presented in the table below:


Project name

Q1 2006

($000)

Q1 2005

($000)

Escondida

509

-

Mina Vieja/Mulatos

17

67

El Salto

39

-

Bajios

27

44

El Realito

30

121

El Victor

222

-

Jaspe

1

16

Other

147

61

 

992

309


A development drift connecting the Escondida and El Victor zones was initiated to complete development drilling from underground along a two-kilometer mineralized structural corridor. Total underground development to date is 1,481 meters, including 599 meters in the Escondida deposit, and 882 meters in two drifts at El Victor. Drill stations have been established at 50 to 100 meter intervals throughout the length of underground development, with two underground core rigs currently drilling in the Escondida zone and one at El Victor. Eighty underground drill holes representing 7,141 meters have been completed to date at Escondida, and 23 drill holes representing 1,427 meters at El Victor. Assay results will be released when the results become available.

 


 


An update on the Escondida Hanging Wall Zone was issued on March 15, 2006, announcing additional high-grade gold intervals from recently completed drilling designed to further define the zone. High-grade mineralization has been outlined in an area approximately 165 meters long by 75 meters wide. Surface drilling is complete with 64 reverse circulation holes (6,431 meters) and seven large-diameter core holes (194 meters) completed. Metallurgical testing has begun.


In addition, the Company is currently drilling regional grass roots targets at El Realito (Phase II) as step-out drilling of previous intercepts and tests of new targets. Thirty-seven holes (5,219 meters) have been completed to date. At the West Bajios project, nine additional holes (1,699 meters) have been drilled in outlying areas testing mineralization extensions to the north and west.


The Company has budgeted approximately $4 million in 2006 for drifting, drilling and metallurgy for the Escondida/El Victor underground programs.  Approximately $1.6 million is planned for regional exploration, with an additional $0.9 million intended for follow-up work, if warranted.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


In February 2005, the Company issued a $40.3 million (CDN$50 million) 5.5% convertible unsecured subordinated debenture maturing on February 15, 2010, net of a 3.5% underwriters’ fee. The debenture bears interest at an annual rate of 5.5%, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The debenture is convertible into common shares at a rate of 188.6792 common shares for each CDN$1,000 principal amount of debentures. In certain circumstances, the debenture may be redeemed in whole or in part at the option of the Company after February 15, 2008.


The debenture is classified as a liability with the exception of the portion relating to its conversion features, which is classified as an equity component, resulting in the carrying value of the debenture being less than its face value. The discount is being accreted over the term of the debenture.


Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company announced that is was seeking approval from 66 2/3% of the convertible debenture holders to amend the terms of the convertible debentures such that willing debenture holders can convert their debenture holdings into common shares at a premium conversion ratio.


The Company has an unsecured $16 million revolving line of credit with a bank, available for general corporate purposes. At the end of the quarter, $6 million had been drawn on this facility.  Subsequent to the quarter end, on April 12, the Company repaid $3 million of the bank loan.


At March 31, 2006 the Company had $11.9 million in cash and cash equivalents compared to $4.5 million at December 31, 2005. In February 2006, $1.2 million was paid as interest to the debenture holders from the trust account, and the Company deposited an additional $2.4 million with the debenture trustee to fund interest payments due in August 2006 and February 2007.

 


 


The Company’s working capital position improved significanty during the first quarter of 2006 from a working capital surplus of $13 million at December 31, 2005 to more than $23 million at the end of the first quarter. Cash in-flows during the quarter included funds received from the exercise of warrants and stock options ($10.2 million), cash flows from operating activities ($3.5 million, before changes in non-cash working capital), and advances from the Company’s revolving credit facility ($3 million). Significant investments in working capital during the quarter included expenditures of $1.3 million in in-process inventory and $0.7 million in parts and supplies inventory. The investment in in-process inventory reflects the cost of pad-loading and stockpiling gold-bearing material undergoing processing into a gold/silver dore product. Additional investment in in-process i nventory is likely to continue into the second quarter.


Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased from $5.3 million at December 31, 2005 to $4.5 million at March 31, 2006 due primarily to the interest accrual related to the convertible debenture and revolving credit facility being approximately $0.6 million lower at the end of the quarter due to the timing of semi-annual interest payments.


Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company received approximately CDN$7.9 million from the exercise of warrants.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


The Company has entered into certain foreign exchange forward and gold sales contracts which may, in certain circumstances, be classified as off-balance sheet arrangements. Due to the nature of the contracts entered into, the mark-to-market value of these contracts has been recorded on the balance sheet.


The Company has entered into agreements to acquire $16 million Canadian dollars in 2007, and $4 million Canadian dollars in the second quarter of 2006 at a fixed price to offset a portion of its Canadian dollar debenture liability which is not offset by Canadian dollars on deposit. During the quarter, the Company settled a contract representing the purchase of $6 million Canadian dollars for a realized cash gain of $174,474. As at March 31, 2006, the Company had recorded an unrealized foreign exchange gain of $0.8 million on the outstanding contracts.


At quarter end, the Company had contracts to sell 3,500 ounces of gold to counterparties in April 2006, resulting in a mark-to-market loss of $123,000 recorded as an unrealized forward contract loss. If the contracts had qualified for hedge accounting treatment and the Company designated the contracts as hedges, the value of the contracts would have been recorded only in the future sales period designated by the Company.


Commitments


Contractual commitments are substantially unchanged from December 31, 2005.


Related Party Transactions


The Company received consulting services from one director on a fee for services plus retainer basis, resulting in an ongoing commitment. Total contractual fees paid were $13,000 in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $16,000 paid in the same period of 2005 to a director of the Company. These transactions have occurred in the normal course of operation and are measured at their fair value.

 


 


Outstanding Share Data


The table below describes the terms associated with the Company’s outstanding and diluted share capital:


 

As at

May 8, 2006

Common shares

 

 - Common shares outstanding

83,163,115

  

Stock options

 

 - Average exercise price CDN$3.02. Approximately 92% vested.

4,418,000

  

Convertible debentures

 

 - Face value CDN$50 million. Convertible into common shares at a rate of 188.6792 common shares for each CDN$1,000 principal amount of debentures.

   


 9,429,246


Risk Factors and Uncertainties


Risk factors and uncertainties are substantially unchanged from those as disclosed in the MD&A accompanying the December 31, 2005 consolidated financial statements.


Outlook


The Company forecasts gold production of between 140,000 and 155,000 ounces of gold in 2006. The Company expects to reduce its cash operating cost per ounce to between $210 and $225 per ounce by the fourth quarter. The Company had previously targeted reaching 15,000 tonnes of ore per day in the second quarter of 2006. The Mine has succeeded in meeting this target and is now focusing on increasing crusher throughput. As the percentage of crushed ore that is stacked on the leach pad increases, gold recoveries are expected to increase. Higher gold recoveries and cost control efforts at the Mine are expected to further improve mine operating costs on a per unit basis.


In April 2006, the Company announced that it is seeking the approval of two-thirds of its convertible debenture holders to amend the terms of the debenture agreement thereby allowing the Company to offer an incentive conversion period to the debenture holders. The Company has not yet determined the settlement cost associated with a potential early conversion as this is dependent on the number of debenture holders that convert.


The benefits of a potential early conversion of the convertible debentures are significant. The early conversion of all or a part of the convertible debentures would reduce all or a part of the Company’s long-term debt and would improve the Company’s future earnings by eliminating the accretion, interest and foreign exchange costs associated with the convertible debentures. In 2005, these costs totaled $4.6 million. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, non-cash accretion expense and interest expense related to the convertible debentures amounted to $1.1 million.





Forward-Looking Statements


Except for historical information contained in this discussion and analysis, disclosure statements contained herein are forward-looking, as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's plans for its properties and other matters within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of the United States. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated commencement dates of mining production, operations, projected quantities of future metal production, anticipated production rates and mine life, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures and conversion of mineral resources to proven and probable reserves, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Statements concerning proven and probable reserves and mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed, and in the case of mineral resources or mineral reserves, such statements reflect the conclusion based on certain assumptions that the mineral deposit can be economically exploited.  Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "in tends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."  Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

The nature of risks and uncertainties are discussed more fully in the Annual Information Form filed by the Company available at www.sedar.com.




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