EX-99.3 4 exhibit99-3.htm EXHIBIT 99.3 Hudbay Minerals Inc.: Exhibit 99.3 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

 

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of

Results of Operations and Financial Condition

For the year ended

December 31, 2021

 

 

February 23, 2022



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page



Introduction 1
Our Business 1
Strategy 2
Summary of Results 4
Key Financial Results 8
Key Production Results 9
Key Costs Results 10
Recent Developments 11
Peru Operations Review 13
Manitoba Operations Review 18
Outlook 26
Financial Review 36
Liquidity and Capital Resources 47
Financial Risk Management 52
Trend Analysis and Quarterly Review 54
Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures 58
Accounting Changes 74
Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates 74
Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 76
Notes to Reader 77
Summary of Historical Results 80


 

INTRODUCTION

This Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") dated February 23, 2022 is intended to supplement Hudbay Minerals Inc.'s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the "consolidated financial statements"). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

References to "Hudbay", the "Company", "we", "us", "our" or similar terms refer to Hudbay Minerals Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries as at December 31, 2021.

Readers should be aware that:

- This MD&A contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking information") that are subject to risk factors set out in a cautionary note contained in our MD&A. Please also refer to the risks discussed under the heading "Financial Risk Management" in this MD&A.

- This MD&A has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which may differ materially from the requirements of United States securities laws applicable to US issuers.

- We use a number of non-IFRS financial performance measures in our MD&A.

- The technical and scientific information in this MD&A has been approved by qualified persons based on a variety of assumptions and estimates.

For a discussion of each of the above matters, readers are urged to review the "Notes to Reader" discussion beginning on page 74 of this MD&A.

Additional information regarding Hudbay, including the risks related to our business and those that are reasonably likely to affect our consolidated financial statements in the future, is contained in our continuous disclosure materials, including our most recent Annual Information Form ("AIF"), consolidated financial statements and Management Information Circular available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

All amounts are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

OUR BUSINESS

We are a diversified mining company primarily producing copper concentrate (containing copper, gold, and silver), gold/silver doré, molybdenum concentrate and zinc metal. Directly and through our subsidiaries, we own three polymetallic mines, four ore concentrators and a zinc production facility in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan (Canada) and Cusco (Peru), and copper projects in Arizona and Nevada (United States). Our growth strategy is focused on the exploration, development, operation, and optimization of properties we already control, as well as other mineral assets we may acquire that fit our strategic criteria. We are governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act and our shares are listed under the symbol "HBM" on the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and Bolsa de Valores de Lima.


STRATEGY

Our mission is to create sustainable value through the acquisition, development and operation of high quality, long life deposits with exploration potential in jurisdictions that support responsible mining, and to see the regions and communities in which we operate benefit from our presence.

We believe that copper has the best long-term supply/demand fundamentals in the mining industry and offers shareholders the greatest opportunity for sustained risk-adjusted returns. Through the discovery and successful development of economic mineral deposits, and through highly efficient low-cost operations to extract the metals, we believe sustainable value will be created for all stakeholders.

Hudbay's successful development, ramp-up and operation of the Constancia open-pit mine in Peru, our long history of underground mining and full life-cycle experience in northern Manitoba, and our track record of reserve expansion through effective exploration provide us with a competitive advantage relative to other mining companies of similar scale.

Over the past decade, we have built a world-class asset base by executing a consistent long-term copper growth strategy. We continuously work to generate strong free cash flow and optimize the value of our producing assets through exploration, brownfield expansion projects and efficient and safe operations. Furthermore, we intend to sustainably grow Hudbay through the exploration and development of our robust project pipeline, as well as through the acquisition of other properties that fit our stringent strategic criteria.

To ensure that any investment in our existing assets or acquisition of other mineral assets is consistent with our mission and creates sustainable value for stakeholders, we have established a number of criteria for evaluating these opportunities. The criteria include the following:

- Sustainability: We are focused on jurisdictions that support responsible mining activity. Our current geographic focus is on select investment grade countries in the Americas, with strong rule of law and respect for human rights consistent with our long-standing focus on environmental, social and governance ("ESG") principles;

- Copper Focus: We believe copper has the best long-term supply/demand fundamentals in the mining industry as global copper mine supply will be unable to meet demand from global decarbonization initiatives. While our primary focus is on copper, we appreciate the polymetallic nature of deposits and, in particular, the counter-cyclical nature of gold production in our portfolio;

- Quality: We are focused on investing in long-life, low-cost high quality assets that can capture peak pricing of multiple commodity price cycles and can generate free cash flow through the trough of price cycles;

- Potential: We consider the full spectrum of acquisition and investment opportunities, from early-stage exploration to producing assets, that offer significant incremental potential for exploration, development and optimization beyond the stated resources and mine plan;

- Process: We develop a clear understanding of how an investment or acquisition can create value through our robust due diligence and capital allocation process that applies our technical, social, operational and project execution expertise;

- Operatorship: We believe real value is created through leveraging Hudbay's leadership to drive safe and efficient operations and effective project exploration and development and;

- Capital Allocation: We pursue investments and acquisitions that are accretive to Hudbay on a per share basis. Given that our strategic focus includes allocating capital to assets at various stages of development, when evaluating accretion, we will consider measures such as internal rate of return ("IRR"), return on invested capital ("ROIC"), net asset value per share and the contained value of reserves and resources per share.

Our key objectives for 2022 are to:


- Deliver meaningful copper and gold production growth to generate positive cash flow and strong returns on invested capital;

- Accelerate drilling, economic studies and permitting activities for the recently discovered Copper World deposits and identify synergies with Rosemont to unlock value;

- Execute the third phase of our Snow Lake gold strategy by optimizing the New Britannia mill, preparing for the ramp up to 5,300 tonnes per day at Lalor and initiating the Stall mill recovery improvement program;

- Progress Constancia's leading efficiency metrics by applying smart technologies to continuously improve operating performance, including sensor-based ore sorting and milling flowsheet enhancements;

- Reach a community agreement to explore the prospective properties near Constancia;

- Transition the Flin Flon operations through orderly closure while further exploring the potential to reprocess tailings in Flin Flon;

- Conduct brownfield and greenfield exploration programs in the Snow Lake region, Peru, Arizona, Nevada and Chile for new mineral discoveries;

- Define greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets to further enhance our ESG objectives; and,

- Evaluate growth opportunities that meet our stringent strategic criteria and allocate capital to pursue those opportunities that create sustainable value for the Company and our stakeholders.


SUMMARY

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Operating and Financial Results

- Consolidated copper production of 99,470 tonnes and consolidated gold production of 193,783 ounces increased by 4% and 55%, respectively, in 2021 as compared to 2020.

- Achieved 2021 consolidated copper, gold and silver production guidance while zinc production fell short of the 2021 guidance range.

- Peru copper production met 2021 guidance with strong operating performance in the fourth quarter, aided by the continued ramp up of Pampacancha. Manitoba zinc production was below 2021 guidance primarily due to higher dilution and mine plan limitations at the 777 mine as it approaches closure.

- Record quarterly consolidated gold production of 64,159 ounces in the fourth quarter, an increase of 18% compared to the third quarter of 2021, due to higher grades at Pampacancha and the commissioning of the New Britannia mill.

- Generated record quarterly revenue of $425.2 million. Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital was $156.9 million and adjusted EBITDA1 was $180.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, due to higher realized base metals prices and higher gold and copper sales volumes, partially offset by lower zinc sales volumes.

- Fourth quarter net loss and loss per share were $10.5 million and $0.04, respectively. After adjusting for an impairment charge related to a revaluation of our Flin Flon environmental obligation due to lower long term discount rates in the fourth quarter, amongst other items, fourth quarter adjusted net earnings1 per share was $0.13.

- Full year, consolidated cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits1, of $0.74 and $2.07, respectively, achieved 2021 guidance as inflationary cost pressures were offset by strong by-product credits.

- Consolidated cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits1, for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $0.51 and $1.95, respectively, a decrease of 18% and an increase of 1%, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2021.

Executing on Growth Initiatives

- New Britannia achieved commercial production on November 30, 2021. December mill throughput averaged 1,200 tonnes per day with gold and silver recoveries in line with metallurgical models. Throughput and recoveries are expected to achieve design rates in the second quarter of 2022.

- Published an initial mineral resource estimate for Copper World on December 15, 2021, which contained a higher-grade, near-surface zone that has the potential to be mined earlier in the mine life and is composed of both sulphide and oxide mineralogy. The Company remains on track to complete a preliminary economic assessment of Copper World in the first half of 2022.

- Results from the Constancia Norte underground scoping study are expected to be incorporated into the annual mineral reserve and resource update for Constancia in March 2022.

- Commenced a winter drilling program in Manitoba in January 2022 to test high-priority targets near Lalor and 1901 for potential reserve and resource expansion and support the completion of a preliminary economic assessment of the Flin Flon tailings reprocessing opportunity.

2022 Annual Guidance and Outlook

- Consolidated copper production is forecast to increase by 17% to 116,0002 tonnes in 2022 and by 34% to 133,5002 tonnes in 2024, compared to 2021, with higher copper grades expected from the Pampacancha deposit in Peru.


- Consolidated gold production is forecast to increase by 28% to 247,5002 ounces in 2022 and by 59% to 307,5002 ounces in 2024, compared to 2021, due to higher production from the New Britannia mill and Pampacancha.

- Introduced 2022 cash cost guidance by business unit with Peru cash cost of $1.10 to $1.40 per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits1, and Manitoba cash cost of $300 to $550 per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits1.

- 2022 unit operating costs are expected to increase by approximately 7%2 in Peru and 15%2 in Manitoba, compared to 2021, as a result of expected higher input costs due to industry wide inflation in each region and the transition of operations in Manitoba.

- Consolidated cash cost guidance of $0.60 to $1.051 and consolidated sustaining cash cost guidance of $1.60 to $2.252, in each case, per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, is expected in 2022.

- Total capital expenditures are expected to decline by 17% year-over-year as major growth investment programs in Peru and Manitoba were completed in 2021 and lower sustaining capital spending is expected in Peru, offset by higher growth spending on technical and economic studies for Copper World.

- Exploration spending of approximately $65.0 million in 2022 reflects plans to continue drilling activities at Copper World and test promising targets in Peru, Manitoba, Nevada and Chile.

Summary of Fourth Quarter Results

Cash generated from operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased to $95.8 million compared to $121.1 million in the same quarter of 2020. Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital was $156.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2021, reflecting an increase of $70.8 million compared to the same period of 2020. The increase in operating cash flow is primarily the result of higher realized base metal prices and higher gold and copper sales volumes, partially offset by lower zinc sales volumes.

Consolidated copper production in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2020 primarily as a result of higher throughput in Peru and Manitoba, partially offset by lower grades in Manitoba. Consolidated gold production in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 98% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, due to higher gold grades from Pampacancha and higher gold recoveries in Peru, along with significantly higher gold grades at Lalor. Consolidated zinc production in the quarter decreased by 10%, versus the comparative quarter in 2020, primarily due to the transition of mining toward the gold lenses at Lalor and a corresponding decrease of production from the base metal zones. Consolidated silver production in the fourth quarter increased by 23% compared to the same period in 2020, as a result of higher grades in Manitoba and Peru offset by lower recoveries in Peru.

Net loss and loss per share in the fourth quarter of 2021 were $10.5 million and $0.04, respectively, compared to a net earnings and earnings per share of $7.4 million and $0.03, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2020. Fourth quarter results were negatively impacted by a revaluation of our environmental obligation due to lower long term discount rates since the middle of the year and a corresponding increase to Flin Flon's property plant and equipment ("PP&E"). As the closure of the 777 mine and Flin Flon operations is expected to commence within several months, an impairment charge was made to PP&E resulting in a loss of $46.2 million. The quarterly financial results were also negatively impacted by $13.3 million in mark-to-market net losses arising from the revaluation of the gold prepayment liability, revaluation of certain other financial instruments, share-based compensation, and a $3.4 million Flin Flon restructuring charge.

Adjusted net earnings1 and adjusted net earnings per share1 in the fourth quarter of 2021 were $32.7 million and $0.13 per share, respectively, after adjusting for the impairment charge related to the revaluation of our environmental obligation in Flin Flon, among other items. This compares to an adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss per share of $16.4 million, and $0.06 per share in the same period of 2020. Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA1 was $180.3 million, compared to $106.9 million in the same period of 2020.


In the fourth quarter of 2021, consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits1, was $0.51, compared to $0.43 in the same period in 2020. This increase was a result of higher operating costs in Peru and Manitoba, partially offset by higher gold by-product credits and higher copper production.

As at December 31, 2021, our liquidity includes $271.0 million in cash as well as undrawn availability of $346.9 million under our revolving credit facilities. The Company's liquidity position was further enhanced in October 2021 through the renegotiation of our credit facilities to increase available borrowings to $450.0 million and extend the maturity to 2025.

Summary of Full Year Results

Cash generated from operating activities increased to $383.8 million in 2021 from $239.5 million in 2020. Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital increased to $483.9 million from $241.9 million in 2020. The increase is the result of higher realized base metal and molybdenum prices and higher sales volumes of gold and copper, partially offset by lower zinc sales volumes.

On a consolidated basis, our copper, gold and silver production met 2021 guidance; however, production of zinc and molybdenum fell short of our 2021 guidance ranges. Production of gold in Peru exceeded the top end of the guidance range due to strong gold grades from Pampacancha. Production of gold and silver in Manitoba fell below our 2021 guidance range primarily due to higher than expected grade dilution at the 777 mine during the fourth quarter and prioritizing base metal rich zones in the fourth quarter at Lalor while deferring some gold-rich ore for future processing at New Britannia to achieve higher gold recoveries. Zinc production was impacted by higher dilution and mine plan limitations as the 777 mine approaches the end of life.

Net loss and loss per share for 2021 were $244.4 million and $0.93, respectively, compared to a net loss and loss per share of $144.6 million and $0.55, respectively, in 2020. Contributing to the 2021 net loss was an impairment charge of $193.5 million related to an updated closure plan reflecting higher estimates for closure activities in Flin Flon. Full year results were also negatively impacted by charges related to the refinancing of the 2025 senior notes, including a write off of the non-cash embedded derivative of $49.8 million connected with the exercise of the redemption option and a call premium payment of $22.9 million, as well as a $12.4 million Flin Flon restructuring charge.

Consolidated cash costs per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits1, for 2021 increased to $0.74 from $0.60 in 2020 and consolidated sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits1, for 2021 increased to $2.07 from $1.93 in 2020, in line with our 2021 guidance range.



1 Adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share, adjusted EBITDA, cash cost, sustaining cash cost, all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, and net debt are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

2 Assumes the mid-point of the guidance range is achieved.


KEY FINANCIAL RESULTS

Financial Condition

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

(in $ thousands)

   

Cash

$    270,989

$    439,135

Total long-term debt

1,180,274

1,135,675

Net debt1

909,285

696,540

Working capital2

147,512

306,888

Total assets

4,616,231

4,666,645

Equity

1,476,828

1,699,806


1 Net debt is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

2 Working capital is determined as total current assets less total current liabilities as defined under IFRS and disclosed on the consolidated financial statements.


Financial Performance

Three months ended

Year ended

(in $ thousands, except per share amounts)

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Revenue

$   425,170

$   322,290

$ 1,501,998

$ 1,092,418

Cost of sales

343,426

287,923

1,370,979

1,053,418

(Loss) earnings before tax

(149)

911

(202,751)

(179,089)

Net (loss) earnings

(10,453)

7,406

(244,358)

(144,584)

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share

(0.04)

0.03

(0.93)

(0.55)

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share1

0.13

(0.06)

0.09

(0.46)

Operating cash flow before precious metal stream deposit and changes in non-cash working capital2

156.9

86.1

483.9

241.9

Adjusted EBITDA1,2

180.3

106.9

547.1

306.7


1 Adjusted earnings (loss) per share and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

2 In millions.



KEY PRODUCTION RESULTS

 

Three months ended

Three months ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

 

Peru

Manitoba

Total

Peru

Manitoba

Total

 

Contained metal in concentrate and doré produced 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

22,856

5,342

28,198

21,554

5,724

27,278

 

Gold

oz

17,917

46,242

64,159

3,689

28,687

32,376

 

Silver

oz

578,140

321,573

899,713

477,775

252,904

730,679

 

Zinc

tonnes

-

23,207

23,207

-

25,843

25,843

 

Molybdenum

tonnes

275

-

275

333

-

333

 

Payable metal sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

20,551

4,408

24,959

18,583

4,380

22,963

 

Gold2

oz

16,304

40,623

56,927

3,297

31,882

35,179

 

Silver2

oz

380,712

257,928

638,640

480,843

281,541

762,384

 

Zinc3

tonnes

-

21,112

21,112

-

28,431

28,431

 

Molybdenum

tonnes

245

-

245

457

-

457

 

1 Metal reported in concentrate is prior to deductions associated with smelter contract terms.
2 Includes total payable gold and silver in concentrate and in doré sold.
3 Includes refined zinc metal sold and payable zinc in concentrate sold.


 

Year ended

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Peru

Manitoba

Total

Peru

Manitoba

Total

Contained metal in concentrate and doré produced 1

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

77,813

21,657

99,470

73,150

22,183

95,333

Gold

oz

50,306

143,477

193,783

12,395

112,227

124,622

Silver

oz

1,972,949

1,072,532

3,045,481

1,622,972

1,127,901

2,750,873

Zinc

tonnes

-

93,529

93,529

-

118,130

118,130

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,146

-

1,146

1,204

-

1,204

Payable metal sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

71,398

20,802

92,200

68,506

20,382

88,888

Gold2

oz

41,807

126,551

168,358

10,986

111,963

122,949

Silver2

oz

1,490,651

936,857

2,427,508

1,518,548

1,067,038

2,585,586

Zinc3

tonnes

-

96,435

96,435

-

109,347

109,347

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,098

-

1,098

1,321

-

1,321

1 Metal reported in concentrate and doré is prior to deductions associated with smelter contract terms.
2 Includes total payable gold and silver in concentrate and in doré sold.
3 Includes refined zinc metal sold and payable zinc in concentrate sold.



KEY COST RESULTS

 

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Guidance

 

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Annual

2021

Consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced1

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost 1

$/lb

0.51

0.43

 

0.74

0.60

 

0.65 - 0.80

Peru

$/lb

1.28

1.47

 

1.54

1.45

 

 

Manitoba

$/lb

(2.77)

(3.48)

 

(2.11)

(2.20)

 

 

Sustaining cash cost 1

$/lb

1.95

1.97

 

2.07

1.93

 

2.05 - 2.30

Peru

$/lb

2.46

2.58

 

2.46

2.20

 

 

Manitoba

$/lb

(0.23)

(0.36)

 

0.69

1.02

 

 

All-in sustaining cash cost1

$/lb

2.20

2.24

 

2.30

2.16

 

 

Combined mine/mill unit operating cost per tonne of copper processed1,2

 

 

Peru 3

$/tonne

10.47

10.17

 

11.39

9.46

 

8.90 - 10.90

Manitoba

C$/tonne

168

140

 

154

132

 

145 - 155

Zinc Plant unit operating cost per tonne of zinc processed1,4

 

 

Unit operating costs

C$/lb

0.63

0.45

 

0.55

0.47

 

0.50 - 0.55


1 Cash cost, sustaining cash cost, all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits and unit operating cost are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.
2 Reflects combined mine, mill and G&A costs per tonne of milled ore. Peru costs reflect the deduction of expected capitalized stripping costs.
3 Includes approximately $4.1 million, or $0.51 per tonne, of COVID-related costs during the three months ended December 31, 2021 and $19.8 million, or $0.69 per tonne during the year ended December 31, 2021.
4 Zinc plant unit operating costs include G&A costs per pound of zinc processed.



RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

COVID-19 Business Update

We are maintaining COVID-19 measures and controls to ensure the safety of our workforce, partners and communities. This has contributed to increased operating costs beyond levels initially budgeted for 2021. Despite the maintenance of these stringent measures, we continue to experience intermittent operational supply chain, travel, labour and shipping disruptions with periodic waves of COVID-19 cases.

New Britannia Commercial Production Achieved

The construction of a new copper flotation facility at New Britannia was completed in October 2021, followed by a brief commissioning period that was completed ahead of schedule. The New Britannia mill achieved commercial production on November 30, 2021 after reaching the required recoveries and throughput in the copper and gold circuits. The ramp up of throughput, recoveries and metal production at New Britannia achieved best-in-class timelines as represented by widely recognized ramp-up curves.

The New Britannia mill is expected to average 1,500 tonnes per day in 2022 with continued ramp-up activities and rod mill liner maintenance scheduled during the first quarter. Full design throughput rates and recoveries are expected to be achieved in the second quarter of 2022, a mere six months after commissioning.

Average annual gold production from Lalor and the Snow Lake operations is expected to increase to over 180,000 ounces at an average cash cost and sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits, of $412 and $788 per ounce of gold, respectively, during the first six full years of New Britannia's operation.

Advancing the Copper World Discovery

On December 15, 2021, we released a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") initial mineral resource estimate for the recently discovered Copper World deposits in Arizona. The 100% owned Copper World project is located in close proximity to the 100% owned Rosemont deposit, with mineralization closer to surface than Rosemont. The Copper World project consists of seven deposits extending over seven kilometres, including Bolsa, Broad Top Butte, Copper World, Peach, Elgin, South Limb and North Limb.

Copper World's initial mineral resource estimate includes global indicated mineral resources of 272 million tonnes at 0.36% copper and inferred mineral resources of 142 million tonnes at 0.36% copper. The global resource estimate includes near surface, higher grade indicated mineral resources of 96 million tonnes at 0.57% copper and inferred mineral resources of 31 million tonnes at 0.71% copper, with the potential for this higher grade resource to be mined earlier in the mine life. Resources comprise both sulphide and oxide mineralogy and are potentially amenable to flotation and heap leach processing methods, respectively.

We have increased the number of drill rigs at site to six to conduct infill drilling and to support future economic studies. The technical studies for Copper World are well-advanced and the results will be incorporated into a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") contemplating the development of the Copper World deposits in conjunction with the Rosemont deposit. The PEA is also expected to reflect preliminary expectations of potential synergies between Copper World and Rosemont. We are on track to publish the PEA results in a NI 43-101 Technical Report in the first half of 2022.

We continue to await a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit relating to the appeal of the unprecedented Rosemont court decision.


Other Exploration Updates

Peru Regional Exploration

We continue drilling and scoping studies to evaluate the underground potential at Constancia Norte, and the results are expected to be incorporated into the annual mineral reserve and resource update for Constancia in March 2022. We also continue to progress exploration agreement discussions with nearby communities on prospective properties near Constancia.

Drilling continues at the Llaguen copper porphyry target in northern Peru, near the city of Trujillo and in close proximity to existing infrastructure. The confirmatory phase of the drill program has totaled over 7,000 metres in 16 holes with two drill rigs presently turning at site. Assay results have been received for five holes with all holes intersecting mineralization. Pending positive results from this initial drilling phase, a second phase of the project will aim at defining an initial inferred mineral resource estimate for Llaguen to be completed in the third quarter of 2022.

Snow Lake Regional Exploration

The Company is actively conducting surface and underground winter drilling activities in the Snow Lake area, primarily focused on testing down-plunge extensions of the copper-gold rich feeder zone at the 1901 deposit, the drilling gap between 1901 and lens 17 at Lalor, and a high-priority geophysical target located immediately north of Lalor. In addition, we continue to compile drilling results from the 2021 program at Lalor and 1901, which are expected to be incorporated into the annual mineral reserve and resource estimates to be published at the end of March 2022.

Flin Flon Reclamation Obligations and Tailings Reprocessing Opportunity

In early January 2022, we commenced a confirmatory drill program on the tailings facility in Flin Flon to support the completion of a PEA on the tailings reprocessing opportunity by the first quarter of 2023. The company is also conducting engineering and test work throughout 2022 to support the PEA. This opportunity could utilize the Flin Flon concentrator, with modifications, after the closure of the 777 mine, creating operating and economic benefits to the Flin Flon community. It could also provide the opportunity to redesign the closure plans, increase metal production, defer or reduce certain closure costs and reduce the environmental footprint of the tailings facility.

Dividend Declared

A semi-annual dividend of C$0.01 per share was declared on February 23, 2022. The dividend will be paid out on March 25, 2022 to shareholders of record as of March 8, 2022.


PERU OPERATIONS REVIEW

 

Three months ended

Year ended

Guidance

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Annual

2021

2022

Constancia ore mined 1

tonnes

7,742,469

9,313,784

29,714,327

27,529,950

 

 

Copper

%

0.33

0.31

0.31

0.32

 

 

Gold

g/tonne

0.04

0.03

0.04

0.03

 

 

Silver

g/tonne

2.81

2.61

2.88

2.75

 

 

Molybdenum

%

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

 

 

Pampacancha ore mined 1

tonnes

2,107,196

-

5,141,001

-

 

 

Copper

%

0.27

-

0.27

-

 

 

Gold

g/tonne

0.34

-

0.30

-

 

 

Silver

g/tonne

4.26

-

4.02

-

 

 

Molybdenum

%

0.01

-

0.01

-

 

 

Ore milled

tonnes

8,048,925

7,741,714

28,809,755

26,297,318

 

 

Copper

%

0.33

0.33

0.32

0.34

 

 

Gold

g/tonne

0.11

0.03

0.08

0.03

 

 

Silver

g/tonne

3.67

2.74

3.35

2.87

 

 

Molybdenum

%

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.02

 

 

Copper concentrate

tonnes

96,123

94,552

335,490

321,395

 

 

Concentrate grade

% Cu

23.78

22.80

23.19

22.76

 

 

Copper recovery

%

86.0

85.3

84.6

83.0

 

 

Gold recovery

%

63.6

52.7

64.6

49.8

 

 

Silver recovery

%

60.8

70.1

63.7

66.9

 

 

Molybdenum recovery

%

26.7

28.4

31.5

29.4

 

 

Combined unit operating costs2.3,4

$/tonne

10.47

10.17

11.39

9.46

8.90 - 10.90

10.10 - 12.905


1 Reported tonnes and grade for ore mined are estimates based on mine plan assumptions and may not reconcile fully to ore milled.

2 Reflects combined mine, mill and general and administrative ("G&A") costs per tonne of ore milled. Reflects the deduction of expected capitalized stripping costs.

3 Combined unit costs is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

4 Includes approximately $4.1 million, or $0.51 per tonne, of COVID-related costs during the three months ended December 31, 2021 and $19.8 million, or $0.69 per tonne during the year ended December 31, 2021.

5 Combined unit cost guidance for 2022 excludes COVID-19 related costs.

Peru has experienced notable improvements in COVID-19 health statistics throughout 2021. Our Peru operations did not encounter any major COVID-19 interruptions during the year; however, with the recent emergence of the Omicron variant in Peru, we continue to maintain stringent COVID-19 measures and controls to ensure the safety of our workforce and this has contributed to elevated unit operating costs during 2021.

Total ore mined during the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 6% from the comparative 2020 period as mining operations at the higher grade Pampacancha deposit have fully ramped up. Ore mined at Pampacancha in 2021 was 5.1 million tonnes, exceeding the four million tonne threshold required to receive an additional $4 million deposit from Wheaton Precious Metals ("Wheaton") under the amended Constancia streaming agreement. The proceeds of this deposit were received in December 2021 and were accounted for as an increase in our deferred revenue balance.


Ore milled during the fourth quarter of 2021 was 4% higher than the same period in 2020. Milled copper grades in the fourth quarter of 2021 remained consistent compared to the same period in 2020, but have improved relative to the second and third quarter of 2021. Gold grades mined at Pampacancha were significantly higher than in previous quarters, which contributed to gold production exceeding the upper end of the 2021 guidance range.

Copper recoveries in the fourth quarter sightly increased over the comparative 2020 period due to lower oxide levels in the Constancia ore. Recoveries of gold in the fourth quarter of 2021 were significantly above the comparative 2020 period, mainly due to higher grades from Pampacancha, while silver recoveries decreased due to less favorable metallurgical characteristics of the earlier ores from Pampacancha. Recently completed metallurgical test work indicates that Pampacancha silver recoveries should increase to normal levels in 2022 with some sections of the deposit remaining at risk of lower recoveries due to the presence of certain contaminants.

Combined unit operating costs in the fourth quarter of 2021 were 3% higher than the same period in 2020 primarily due to inflationary pressures on consumable and energy costs offset in part by additional tonnes milled. More specifically, costs were higher in the fourth quarter of 2021 as a result of increased ore hardness, higher steel prices affecting grinding media costs, higher fuel prices affecting mining costs, higher community costs and lower capitalized stripping. Full year combined unit operating costs were 20% higher than the same period in 2020 due to the same factors as described above for the quarter-over-quarter variance as well as increases in material moved and higher COVID-19 expenditures.

COVID-related costs in Peru were $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Combined unit operating costs in the fourth quarter were $9.96 per tonne excluding these COVID-related costs. COVID-related costs in 2021 were $19.8 million, $13.6 million of which were not budgeted. Excluding these unbudgeted COVID-related costs, combined unit operating costs for the full year 2021 were $10.92 per tonne, slightly above the upper end of our 2021 combined unit cost guidance.

Contained metal in
concentrate produced

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Guidance

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Annual

 

 

2021

2022

Copper

tonnes

22,856

21,554

 

77,813

73,150

 

72,000 - 88,000

89,000 - 115,000

Gold

oz

17,917

3,689

 

50,306

12,395

 

40,000 - 50,000

70,000 - 90,000

Silver

oz

578,140

477,775

 

1,972,949

1,622,972

 

1,800,000 - 2,170,000

1,620,000 - 2,100,000

Molybdenum

tonnes

275

333

 

1,146

1,204

 

1,400 - 1,700

1,100 - 1,400

Copper production was higher in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to an increase in throughput and recovery compared to the same period in 2020. Gold and silver production was also higher in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 due to significantly higher gold and silver head grades from Pampacancha and higher gold recoveries.

Full year 2021 copper production increased by 6% year-over-year to 77,813 tonnes, within the annual guidance range. Full year 2021 gold production increased by 306% year-over-year to 50,306 ounces and exceeded the 2021 guidance range due to increased throughput, higher grades from Pampacancha and higher gold recoveries. Full year 2021 production guidance was met for all metals except molybdenum, which was in line with our mine plan published in March 2021.


 

         


Peru Cash Cost and Sustaining Cash Cost

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Guidance2

Dec. 31,
2021

 

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

 

Dec. 31,
2020

Annual

2022

Cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits1

$/lb

1.28

 

1.47

 

1.54

 

1.45

1.10 - 1.40

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits1

$/lb

2.46

 

2.58

 

2.46

 

2.20

 


1 Cash cost and sustaining cash costs per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are not recognized under IFRS. For more detail on these non-IFRS financial performance measures, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section of this MD&A.
2 Peru cash cost guidance was introduced in 2022.

Cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 were $1.28 and $1.54, respectively. The cash costs in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased 13% compared to the same period in 2020 due to higher copper production and higher by-product credits from gold, partially offset by higher overall mining and general and administrative costs.

Full year 2021 cash costs increased 6% compared to the same period in 2020 due to comparatively higher mining, milling, general and administrative costs in 2021 as a result of lower capitalized stripping, increased ore hardness, higher steel and fuel prices, and higher COVID-19 related expenditures, partially offset by higher by-product credits from gold and higher copper production.

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $2.46, which decreased by 5% compared to the same period of 2020 mainly due to the same factors affecting cash costs noted above partially offset by expenditures related to several new projects contributing to higher sustaining costs. Full year 2021 sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits increased by 12% to $2.46, compared to the same period of 2020, mainly due to the same factors affecting full year 2021 cash costs noted above, as well as higher sustaining capital expenditures on a comparative basis due to lower expenditures incurred during the eight-week COVID-related suspension of operations in 2020.


Metal Sold

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31,
2021

 

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

 

Dec. 31,
2020

Payable metal in concentrate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

20,551

 

18,583

 

71,398

 

68,506

Gold

oz

16,304

 

3,297

 

41,807

 

10,986

Silver

oz

380,712

 

480,843

 

1,490,651

 

1,518,548

Molybdenum

tonnes

245

 

457

 

1,098

 

1,321

Quantities of payable metal sold for the year ended December 31, 2021 were primarily affected by the same factors as contained metal production.


MANITOBA OPERATIONS REVIEW

Mines

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Lalor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore

tonnes

422,208

468,101

 

1,593,141

1,654,240

Copper

%

0.78

0.80

 

0.71

0.74

Zinc

%

4.19

5.54

 

4.23

5.73

Gold

g/tonne

3.92

2.79

 

3.41

2.51

Silver

g/tonne

30.35

24.96

 

24.66

25.31

777

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore

tonnes

266,744

164,856

 

1,053,710

991,576

Copper

%

1.13

1.89

 

1.28

1.40

Zinc

%

4.16

2.98

 

3.91

3.88

Gold

g/tonne

1.80

1.85

 

2.03

1.90

Silver

g/tonne

25.02

21.64

 

25.25

24.13

Total Mines

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore

tonnes

688,952

632,957

 

2,646,851

2,645,816

Copper

%

0.91

1.08

 

0.94

0.98

Zinc

%

4.18

4.87

 

4.10

5.04

Gold

g/tonne

3.10

2.55

 

2.86

2.29

Silver

g/tonne

28.29

24.10

 

24.90

24.87


Unit Operating Costs1,2

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Mines

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lalor

C$/tonne

112.34

98.74

 

114.95

96.51

777

C$/tonne

100.34

87.17

 

91.12

79.94

Total Mines

C$/tonne

107.69

95.73

 

105.46

90.30


1 Reflects costs per tonne of ore mined.

2 Unit costs is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

Ore mined at our Manitoba operations during the fourth quarter of 2021 was 9% higher than the same period in 2020 mainly due to a temporary closure of 777 in the prior year caused by a shaft incident that resulted in a six-week suspension of hoisting operations. Gold and silver grades mined during the fourth quarter of 2021 were 22% and 17% higher, respectively, compared to the same period in 2020, mainly due to increased mining of gold and copper-gold stopes at Lalor, in line with the mine plan. Copper and zinc grades mined during the fourth quarter of 2021 were 16% and 14% lower than the same period in 2020 as mining of the gold zones at Lalor to feed the New Britannia mill displaced production from the base metal zones in the quarter.

Lalor production processes to separate gold and base metal ores are now fully established to optimally provide feed for both the New Britannia and Stall mills. At the end of 2021, Snow Lake ore stockpiles were at normalized levels with approximately 26,000 tonnes of gold ore and approximately 24,000 tonnes of base metal ore on surface. A production ramp-up strategy to achieve 5,300 tonnes per day at Lalor by the end of 2022 is underway that includes advancing development for new mining fronts, additions to the mine equipment fleet, transition of workforce from the 777 mine upon closure, and expansion of change house and office facilities.


The 777 mine is within months of closure and the focus continues to be on mining out the remaining reserves by completing the necessary ground rehabilitation to access remnant and pillar stoping blocks. Challenging ground conditions have caused delays in the production sequence and resulted in higher dilution than planned. These challenges are expected to continue until the end of mine life in June 2022. Pre-closure activities are underway in mined out areas to decommission stationary equipment of value for redeployment at Lalor.

Total mine unit operating costs for the mines during the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 12% compared to the same period in 2020 mainly due to lower capitalized development at 777 as all costs are now operating in nature and higher contractor, camp and COVID-19 related expenses at Lalor. Full year 2021 total mine unit operating costs in Manitoba were 17% higher as compared to the same period in 2020 due to the same factors as the fourth quarter variances as well as lower capitalized development at Lalor.


Processing Facilities

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Stall & New Britannia Concentrator Combined

 

 

 

 

 

Ore

tonnes

419,727

372,624

 

1,506,756

1,412,751

Copper

%

0.75

0.79

 

0.72

0.73

Zinc

%

4.12

5.47

 

4.30

5.76

Gold

g/tonne

3.90

2.88

 

3.42

2.55

Silver

g/tonne

30.07

24.43

 

24.95

25.37

Copper concentrate

tonnes

17,494

14,271

 

57,291

47,680

Concentrate grade

% Cu

15.92

18.03

 

16.43

18.74

Zinc concentrate

tonnes

27,672

36,395

 

111,370

147,862

Concentrate grade

% Zn

51.02

50.89

 

50.56

50.57

Copper recovery

%

88.7

87.1

 

86.8

86.2

Zinc recovery

%

87.4

90.9

 

88.9

91.9

Gold recovery - concentrate

%

54.6

59.5

 

54.9

60.0

Silver recovery - concentrate

%

53.9

60.3

 

54.4

60.4

Contained metal in concentrate produced

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

2,785

2,572

 

9,415

8,934

Zinc

tonnes

14,119

18,520

 

56,310

74,776

Gold

oz

28,720

20,507

 

90,911

69,657

Silver

oz

218,679

176,534

 

656,847

696,425

Metal in doré produced

 

 

 

 

Gold

oz

8,598

-

 

9,002

-

Silver

oz

6,519

-

 

6,529

-

Flin Flon Concentrator

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore

tonnes

262,565

225,663

 

1,133,516

1,205,314

Copper

%

1.12

1.59

 

1.23

1.28

Zinc

%

4.16

3.87

 

3.95

4.21

Gold

g/tonne

1.78

1.99

 

2.04

1.96

Silver

g/tonne

25.04

22.65

 

24.90

24.26

Copper concentrate

tonnes

12,554

13,900

 

56,646

57,658

Concentrate grade

% Cu

20.37

22.68

 

21.61

22.98

Zinc concentrate

tonnes

18,353

14,078

 

73,974

85,232

Concentrate grade

% Zn

49.51

52.02

 

50.31

50.87

Copper recovery

%

86.7

88.1

 

87.7

86.0

Zinc recovery

%

83.1

83.9

 

83.0

85.5

Gold recovery

%

59.2

56.6

 

58.5

56.0

Silver recovery

%

45.6

46.5

 

45.1

45.9

Contained metal in concentrate produced

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

2,557

3,152

 

12,242

13,249

Zinc

tonnes

9,088

7,323

 

37,219

43,354

Gold

oz

8,924

8,180

 

43,564

42,570

Silver

oz

96,375

76,370

 

409,156

431,476




Unit Operating Costs1

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Guidance

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Annual

 

2021

2022

Concentrators

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stall & New Britannia

C$/tonne

47.67

23.52

 

31.17

23.56

 

 

 

Flin Flon

C$/tonne

30.33

25.31

 

28.27

23.59

 

 

 

Combined mine/mill unit operating costs 2,3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manitoba

C$/tonne

168

140

 

154

132

 

145 - 155

170 - 185


1 Reflects costs per tonne of milled ore.

2 Reflects combined mine, mill and G&A costs per tonne of milled ore.

3 Combined unit costs is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

During the fourth quarter of 2021, the New Britannia mill continued to ramp up with the flotation circuit starting in October. New Britannia processed 109,242 tonnes of ore during the fourth quarter and achieved commercial production in November, triggering the start of depreciation for the mill. In December, New Britannia throughput averaged 1,200 tonnes per day with gold and silver recoveries in line with the metallurgical model. A number of optimization initiatives are underway to improve the mechanical availability of grinding, leaching and tailings circuits. It is anticipated that the throughput and recoveries will achieve full design rates in the second quarter of 2022.

Although there was less feed to the Stall concentrator in the fourth quarter as gold ore was directed to New Britannia, the combined Snow Lake mills processed a significantly higher volume of ore in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Stall recoveries were consistent with the metallurgical model for the head grades delivered. New Britannia recoveries continued ramping up during the fourth quarter. Compared to the same periods in 2020, unit operating costs at the Snow Lake mills were higher for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 as a result of the higher costs at New Britannia. Unit operating costs at the Stall and New Britannia mills are expected to normalize in the second quarter of 2022 once the plant initiatives described above are implemented. 

The Flin Flon concentrator consumed the available ore feed from the 777 mine in the fourth quarter of 2021. Recoveries were consistent with the metallurgical model for the head grades delivered. Unit operating costs at the Flin Flon concentrator increased by 20% during the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2020 primarily as a result of increased tailings management costs and increased grinding media used to fulfill paste fill requirements at 777 mine.

Full year 2021 ore processed at Snow Lake increased by 7% versus the comparative period in 2020 due to the commencement of operations at the New Britannia mill in August 2021. Full year ore processed at the Flin Flon mill was 6% lower than the comparative 2020 period as excess ore mined at Lalor stopped being milled in Flin Flon in May 2021.

Combined unit operating costs in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 20% compared to the same period in 2020, due to higher overall operating costs for the reasons described above partially offset by higher ore milled. Full year combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costs were 17% higher than the prior year due to the same factors as the fourth quarter variances. Full year combined unit operating cost was within the 2021 guidance range.



 

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Guidance

Contained metal in
concentrate
produced
1

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Annual

 

 

2021

2022

Copper

tonnes

5,342

5,724

 

21,657

22,183

 

20,000 - 24,000

12,000 - 16,000

Gold2

oz

37,644

28,687

 

134,475

112,227

 

-

-

Silver3

oz

315,054

252,904

 

1,066,003

1,127,901

 

-

-

Zinc

tonnes

23,207

25,843

 

93,529

118,130

 

96,000 - 107,000

50,000 - 70,000

Metal in doré produced1

 

 

 

 

Gold2

oz

8,598

-

 

9,002

-

 

-

-

Silver3

oz

6,519

-

 

6,529

-

 

-

-

Contained metal in concentrate and doré produced

 

 

 

Gold2

oz

46,242

28,687

 

143,477

112,227

 

150,000 - 165,000

150,000 - 185,000

Silver3

oz

321,573

252,904

 

1,072,532

1,127,901

 

1,200,000 - 1,400,000

800,000 - 1,100,000


1 Metal reported in concentrate is prior to deductions associated with smelter terms.
2Gold production guidance includes gold contained in concentrate produced and gold in doré.
3Silver production guidance includes silver contained in concentrate produced and silver in doré.

Compared to the same period in 2020, gold and silver production in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 61% and 27%, respectively. These increases were primarily due to the processing of higher grade precious metal ore from the Lalor mine and the start of operations at New Britannia which contributed to higher overall throughput at Snow Lake. Copper and zinc production decreased 7% and 10% in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 as Lalor mining transitioned to gold lenses and away from base metal zones and 777 mine stope sequencing delays due to challenging ground conditions and higher than anticipated dilution.

Gold production increased by 28% during 2021 versus the comparative period mainly due to higher gold grades at Lalor mine, offset by lower recoveries at Stall mill. Full year 2021 production of copper, silver and zinc declined by 2%, 5% and 21%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due the transition of mining toward the gold lenses at Lalor and a corresponding decrease of production from the base metal zones and higher than anticipated dilution at 777 mine.

Full year copper production achieved our 2021 guidance; however, zinc, gold and silver production for the year fell short of our guidance ranges. Zinc production was predominantly impacted by higher than planned dilution at the 777 mine as it nears the end of life. Gold and silver production were below guidance due to higher dilution at the 777 mine in the fourth quarter and the deferral of some higher gold content ore for future processing at New Britannia to achieve higher gold recoveries.


Zinc Plant

Zinc Production

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Guidance

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

 

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Annual

 

2021

Zinc Concentrate Treated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

tonnes

45,143

61,395

 

191,283

 

241,089

 

 

Refined Metal Produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

tonnes

20,783

28,818

 

89,568

 

111,637

 

96,000 - 103,000


Unit Operating Costs

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Guidance

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

 

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Annual

 

2021

Zinc Plant 1,2

C$/lb

0.63

0.45

 

0.55

 

0.47

 

0.50 - 0.55


1 Zinc unit operating costs include G&A costs.

2 Zinc unit costs is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

The zinc plant production was constrained by the availability of concentrate for processing, resulting from Lalor transitioning production to the gold lenses, and the mine plan limitations at 777 as it nears closure. The zinc plant is within several months of closure and it is anticipated that the plant will continue to be concentrate constrained through to closure. Unit operating costs per pound of zinc metal produced for the fourth quarter and full year of 2021 was considerably higher over the same 2020 period primarily due to lower production. Full year 2021 refined zinc metal production decreased by 20% compared to the same period of 2020 due to the same factors.

Due to Lalor mine transitioning from base metal lenses to gold lenses as New Britannia ramps up and the challenging ground conditions experienced at 777 mine, the full year production of cast zinc did not meet 2021 guidance. As a result, zinc plant unit operating costs finished the year at the top end of the 2021 guidance range.


Manitoba Cash Cost and Sustaining Cash Cost

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2021

 

Dec. 31, 2020

 

Dec. 31, 2021

 

Dec. 31, 2020

Cost per pound of copper produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits 1

$/lb

(2.77)

 

(3.48)

 

(2.11)

 

(2.20)

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits 1

$/lb

(0.23)

 

(0.36)

 

0.69

 

1.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost per pound of zinc produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost per pound of zinc produced, net of by-product credits 1

$/lb

(0.07)

 

(0.02)

 

-

 

0.10

Sustaining cash cost per pound of zinc produced, net of by-product credits 1

$/lb

0.52

 

0.67

 

0.65

 

0.71


1 Cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper & zinc produced, net of by-product credits, are not recognized under IFRS. For more detail on this non-IFRS financial performance measure, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section of this MD&A.

Cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, in the fourth quarter of 2021 was negative $2.77. These costs were higher compared to the same period in 2020, as a result of higher mining, milling and G&A costs and lower copper production, partially offset by higher by-product revenues. Cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, for the full year 2021 was higher compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to the same factors.

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, in the fourth quarter of 2021 was negative $0.23. These costs were higher compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to the reasons listed above partially offset by lower sustaining capital expenditures compared to the same period in 2020. Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, for the full year 2021 were lower compared to the same period in 2020 due to lower sustaining capital expenditures and higher by-product revenues partially offset by higher mining, milling and G&A costs and lower copper production.

Cash cost per pound of zinc produced, net of by-product credits, in the fourth quarter of 2021 and year-to-date were generally in line with the same periods in the prior year despite zinc production being considerably lower in 2021. This was due to higher by-product credits being mostly offset by lower zinc production and higher operating costs. Sustaining cash costs for the fourth quarter of 2021 and year-to-date were lower than the same periods in 2020 due to significantly lower sustaining capital expenditures.

Starting in the first quarter of 2022, the company intends to disclose cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, as gold revenue grows to become the most significant contributor to total Manitoba revenue for the foreseeable future.



Metal Sold

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2021

 

Dec. 31, 2020

 

Dec. 31, 2021

 

Dec. 31, 2020

Payable metal in concentrate and doré

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

4,408

 

4,380

 

20,802

 

20,382

Gold

oz

40,623

 

31,882

 

126,551

 

111,963

Silver

oz

257,928

 

281,541

 

936,857

 

1,067,038

Refined zinc

tonnes

21,112

 

28,431

 

96,435

 

109,347

Quantities of payable copper and gold sold for the fourth quarter and full year of 2021 were higher than each of the comparable periods in 2020 due to the same reasons as contained metal production. Refined zinc sales and payable silver sales were lower than each of the comparable periods in 2020 primarily due to lower head grades.

OUTLOOK

This outlook includes forward-looking information about our operations and financial expectations based on our expectations and outlook as of February 23, 2022. As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we have experienced intermittent operational, supply chain, travel, labour and shipping disruptions, and we may continue to experience similar disruptions in the future. Given the uncertainty of the duration and magnitude of the impact of COVID-19, the social and political tensions in Peru, and the mine plan limitations at the 777 mine given its pending closure, our 2022 production and cost guidance are subject to a higher-than-normal degree of uncertainty. The guidance below does not reflect any potential for unforeseen suspensions or other significant disruption to our operations.

This outlook, including expected results and targets, is subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which may impact future performance and our achievement of the results and targets discussed in this section. For additional information on forward-looking information, refer to the "Forward-Looking Information" section of this MD&A. We may update our outlook depending on changes in metals prices and other factors, as per our "Commodity Markets" and "Sensitivity Analysis" discussions below. In addition to this section, refer to the "Operations Review", "Financial Review" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" sections for additional details on our outlook for 2022.

Material Assumptions

Our annual production and operating cost guidance, along with our annual capital and exploration expenditure forecasts are discussed in detail below.


Production Guidance

Contained Metal in
Concentrate and Doré
1

2022 Guidance

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2021

2021 Guidance

Peru

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

89,000 - 115,000

77,813

72,000 - 88,000

Gold

oz

70,000 - 90,000

50,306

40,000 - 50,000

Silver

oz

1,620,000 - 2,100,000

1,972,949

1,800,000 - 2,170,000

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,100 - 1,400

1,146

1,400 - 1,700

 

 

 

 

 

Manitoba

 

 

 

 

Gold

oz

150,000 - 185,000

143,477

150,000 - 165,000

Zinc

tonnes

50,000 - 70,000

93,529

96,000 - 107,000

Copper

tonnes

12,000 - 16,000

21,657

20,000 - 24,000

Silver

oz

800,000 - 1,100,000

1,072,532

1,200,000 - 1,400,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

101,000 - 131,000

99,470

92,000 - 112,000

Gold

oz

220,000 - 275,000

193,783

190,000 - 215,000

Zinc

tonnes

50,000 - 70,000

93,529

96,000 - 107,000

Silver

oz

2,420,000 - 3,200,000

3,045,481

3,000,000 - 3,570,000

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,100 - 1,400

1,146

1,400 - 1,700

1 Metal reported in concentrate and doré is prior to refining losses or deductions associated with smelter terms.

On a consolidated basis, we met 2021 production guidance for copper, gold and silver, and Peru's gold production exceeded the top end of the guidance range due to strong gold grades from the Pampacancha satellite deposit. Zinc production was below the guidance range primarily due to higher grade dilution and mine plan limitations experienced at the 777 mine in Manitoba late in the year as the mine approaches the end of its life. Molybdenum production was below guidance but was consistent with the range published in our Constancia mine plan released in March 2021.

In 2022, consolidated copper production is forecast to increase by 17%1 compared to 2021 levels primarily as a result of higher expected copper production in Peru, with higher planned copper grades from both the Constancia and Pampacancha pits more than offsetting lower copper production in Manitoba. Consolidated gold production in 2022 is expected to increase by 28%1 year-over-year due to significantly higher gold grades and recoveries expected in both Manitoba and Peru. In Manitoba, gold production is expected to increase by 17%1 in 2022 due to the first full year of production at the recently refurbished New Britannia gold mill. In Peru, gold production is expected to increase by 59%1 in 2022 as we incorporate the first full year of Pampacancha. Year-over-year zinc production is expected to decline by 36%1 as a result of the expected closure of the 777 mine in June 2022 and the mining of the gold-rich zones at Lalor in connection with the startup of the New Britannia mill, which will result in mining less of the zinc-rich base metal zones at Lalor.

 


1 Year-over-year forecast changes assume the mid-point of the respective guidance range is achieved.


Peru's 2022 production guidance assumes copper grades remain consistent with the higher grades seen in the fourth quarter of 2021 for a majority of the year before significantly increasing in the fourth quarter of 2022. Peru's production guidance reflects regularly scheduled semi-annual mill maintenance shutdowns at Constancia during the first and third quarters of 2022. The guidance also assumes mining continues in the harder ore areas of the pits in 2022, with slight impacts on mill throughput, but improving ore hardness is expected in 2023 and beyond.

Manitoba's 2022 production guidance reflects continued strong production from the Lalor mine, operating at a throughput rate of 4,650 tonnes per day and ramping up to 5,300 tonnes per day by 2023. The New Britannia mill is expected to average 1,500 tonnes per day in 2022 with continued ramp-up activities and rod mill liner maintenance scheduled during the first quarter and full design rates expected to be achieved in the second quarter. 2022 production assumes lower mining rates at the 777 mine as the mine approaches closure in June 2022. The low end of the production guidance ranges reflects reduced output from the 777 mine to capture the potential for higher dilution and increased variability in the remnant stopes. The 2022 and 2023 guidance contained in this MD&A replaces the company's previously issued guidance for these years.

3-Year Production Outlook

Contained Metal in Concentrate and Doré1

2022 Guidance

2023 Guidance

2024 Guidance

Peru

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

89,000 - 115,000

110,000 - 134,000

111,000 - 136,000

Gold

oz

70,000 - 90,000

100,000 - 125,000

110,000 - 135,000

Silver

oz

1,620,000 - 2,100,000

2,300,000 - 2,800,000

2,900,000 - 3,500,000

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,100 - 1,400

2,000 - 2,400

1,700 - 2,100

 

 

 

 

 

Manitoba2

 

 

 

 

Gold

oz

150,000 - 185,000

160,000 - 195,000

170,000 - 200,000

Zinc

tonnes

50,000 - 70,000

36,000 - 44,000

36,000 - 44,000

Copper

tonnes

12,000 - 16,000

10,000 - 12,000

9,000 - 11,000

Silver

oz

800,000 - 1,100,000

1,000,000 - 1,200,000

1,000,000 - 1,200,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

101,000 - 131,000

120,000 - 146,000

120,000 - 147,000

Gold

oz

220,000 - 275,000

260,000 - 320,000

280,000 - 335,000

Zinc

tonnes

50,000 - 70,000

36,000 - 44,000

36,000 - 44,000

Silver

oz

2,420,000 - 3,200,000

3,300,000 - 4,000,000

3,900,000 - 4,700,000

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,100 - 1,400

2,000 - 2,400

1,700 - 2,100

1 Metal reported in concentrate and doré is prior to treatment or refining losses or deductions associated with smelter terms.

2 Manitoba production guidance assumes the 777 mine is depleted at the end of the second quarter of 2022, resulting in lower copper and zinc  production after its closure.

Consolidated copper and gold production are expected to increase to 133,5001 tonnes and 307,5001 ounces, respectively, in 2024, which represents an increase of 34%1 and 59%1, respectively, from 2021 levels, which demonstrates the continued growth from our recent brownfield growth projects. These growth projects are expected to more than offset the lost copper and gold production from 777 after its closure in mid-2022.


Peru's three-year production guidance reflects the incorporation of Pampacancha into the mine plan with higher copper and gold grades from 2022 and beyond. The mine plan has been re-sequenced since the publication of the March 2021 Constancia technical report, resulting in higher gold grade areas in the Pampacancha pit being moved from 2022 to 2023, which is expected to lead to a 41%1 increase in gold production in 2023 from 2022 levels.

Manitoba's three-year production guidance reflects an increase in Lalor's mine throughput from 4,650 tonnes per day in 2022 to 5,300 tonnes per day starting in 2023 due to technical and operational improvements and the allocation of mining resources from the 777 mine after its closure in 2022. The low end of the 2023 production guidance range reflects a more conservative project start and ramp up of the Stall recovery improvement program. The production numbers exclude the impact of upside opportunities, such as the potential to operate New Britannia above design capacity.

Capital Expenditure Guidance

Capital Expenditures1
(in $ millions)

2022 Guidance

Year ended
Dec. 31, 2021

2021 Guidance

Sustaining capital

 

 

 

Peru2

105.0

128.9

135.0

Manitoba3

115.0

100.4

90.0

Total sustaining capital

220.0

229.3

225.0

Growth capital

 

 

 

Peru

10.0

22.8

25.0

Manitoba3

50.0

119.2

105.0

Arizona4

35.0

22.9

20.0

Total growth capital

95.0

164.9

150.0

Capitalized exploration

25.0

13.3

15.0

Total

340.0

407.5

390.0

1 Excludes capitalized costs not considered to be sustaining or growth capital expenditures.

2 Includes capitalized stripping costs.

3 Capital expenditures are converted into U.S. dollars using an exchange rate of 1.27 Canadian dollars.

4 Arizona spending includes capitalized costs associated with the Copper World and Rosemont projects.

Total capital expenditures are expected to decline by 17% year-over-year primarily due to lower expected sustaining capital in Peru and lower growth spending in Manitoba in 2022.

Sustaining capital expenditures in Peru are expected to decrease from 2021 levels primarily due to lower costs associated with heavy civil works after completion of a tailings dam raise in 2021. This is expected to be partially offset by higher capitalized stripping expenditures in 2022 due to changes in the sequencing of mining phases in 2021 and the deferral of some capitalized stripping costs into 2022. Sustaining capital expenditures in Manitoba are expected to be higher than 2021 primarily due to accelerated underground development and equipment spending at Lalor in connection with the ramp up to 5,300 tonnes per day and the introduction of New Britannia sustaining costs, partially offset by lower capital development at 777 as the mine approaches closure.

Peru's growth capital spending of $10.0 million in 2022 includes costs associated with mill recovery improvement initiatives targeted to increase copper and molybdenum recoveries starting in 2023. These low-capital brownfield growth projects are expected to generate attractive returns and are part of our continuous improvement efforts.

Manitoba's growth capital spending of $50.0 million in 2022 includes approximately $25.0 million for the completion of the Stall mill recovery improvement project, which is expected to involve several flow sheet enhancements to increase copper, gold and silver recoveries starting in 2023. Approximately $15.0 million is budgeted for the expansion of the surface facilities in Snow Lake to support the transition to 5,300 tonnes per day at Lalor by 2023. Approximately $5.0 million has been allocated to engineering studies to advance the development of the 1901 deposit ahead of the current 2026 production-start timeline.


The spending guidance excludes approximately $20.0 million of tailings investments in Manitoba as we complete the improvements on the legacy Flin Flon tailings impoundment area in 2022, a program that was initiated in 2019, to ensure compliance with higher industry-wide standards for tailings dam safety. These expenditures are associated with the decommissioning and restoration liability and, therefore, will be accounted for as a drawdown of the liability through operating cash flow, rather than sustaining capital expenditures.

Arizona's growth capital spending of $35.0 million includes approximately $25.0 million for annual carrying costs for Rosemont and Copper World and approximately $10.0 million on anticipated Copper World permitting and economic studies in the first half of 2022.

Exploration Guidance

 

(in $ millions)

 

Year ended

 

2022 Guidance

Dec. 31, 2021

2021 Guidance

Peru

25.0

17.3

20.0

Manitoba

15.0

10.5

10.0

Arizona and other

25.0

25.5

34.0

Total exploration expenditures

65.0

53.3

64.0

Capitalized spending

(25.0)

(13.3)

(15.0)

Total exploration expense

40.0

40.0

49.0

Our total expected exploration expenditures of $65.0 million in 2022 are higher than 2021 levels due to continued exploration activities at our Copper World discovery in Arizona and additional drilling activities in Peru and Manitoba.

In Peru, 2022 drilling activities will focus on three greenfield projects, including the Llaguen project in northern Peru and in-mine exploration at Constancia and Pampacancha. We also expect to advance community relations and permitting activities on the regional satellite properties in Peru during 2022. In Manitoba, we expect to complete a winter drill program focused on testing targets in the Chisel Basin, drilling targets identified at 1901 and the Lalor mine and drilling the Flin Flon tailings area. In Arizona, 2022 exploration expenditures include further infill drilling at the Copper World deposits, continued exploration drilling between the known deposits at Copper World and a planned initial drill program at the Mason Valley skarn properties in late 2022.

Unit Cost and Cash Cost Guidance

We are introducing cash cost guidance in 2022 for each of our operations. Copper remains the primary metal produced in our Peru operations and therefore we have presented cash cost per pound of copper produced. In Manitoba, we recognize that with the New Britannia mill operating at full capacity, the primary metal produced is gold and, therefore, we have included guidance for cash cost per ounce of gold produced. We continue to provide combined mine/mill unit operating cost guidance by site and consolidated copper cash cost and sustaining cash cost guidance given copper remains the primary revenue contributor on a consolidated basis.



Peru Operating Costs

2022 Guidance

Year ended
Dec. 31, 2021

2021 Guidance3

Combined mine/mill unit operating cost (excluding COVID-19 costs) 1,2

$/tonne

10.10 - 12.90

10.70

-

Combined mine/mill unit operating cost (including COVID-19 costs) 1,2

$/tonne

-

11.39

8.90 - 10.90

Cash cost per pound of copper2,3

$/lb

1.10 - 1.40

1.54

-


1 Reflects combined mine, mill and G&A costs per tonne of milled ore. Peru costs reflect the deduction of expected capitalized stripping costs. Unit operating cost guidance in 2022 excludes estimated COVID-19 related costs of approximately $18.0 million. 2021 actual COVID-19 costs incurred was $19.8 million, which was higher than budgeted in 2021.

2 Combined unit costs and cash costs per pound of copper produced are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

3 Cash cost, net of by-product credits, per pound of copper contained in concentrate. By-product credits are calculated using the gold and silver deferred revenue drawdown rates in effect on December 31, 2021 and the following commodity prices:, $1,800 per ounce gold, $24.00 per ounce silver, $1.25 per pound zinc (excludes premium), $13.00 per pound molybdenum and an exchange rate of 1.27 C$/US$. Peru cash cost guidance was introduced in 2022 and is not available for 2021.

Combined unit costs for Peru in 2022 are approximately 7%1 higher than 2021 as a result of higher consumable costs, including grinding media and fuel, higher mill maintenance costs due to general cost pressures seen in the industry, payments relating to community agreements and the impact of processing harder ore in the Constancia pit.

Copper cash costs in Peru are expected to decline by 19%1 in 2022 versus 2021, primarily due to higher gold by-product credits and higher copper production.

Manitoba Operating Costs

2022 Guidance

Year ended
Dec. 31, 2021

2021 Guidance

Combined mine/mill unit operating cost 1,2

C$/tonne

170 - 185

154

145-155

Cash cost per ounce of gold2,3

$/oz

300 - 550

-

-


1 Reflects combined mine, mill and G&A costs per tonne of milled ore.

2 Combined unit costs and cash cost per ounce of gold produced are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

3 Cash cost, net of by-product credits, per ounce of gold contained in concentrate and doré. By-product credits are calculated using the silver deferred revenue drawdown rate in effect on December 31, 2021 and the following commodity prices: $4.00 per pound copper, $24.00 per ounce silver, $1.25 per pound zinc (excludes premium), $13.00 per pound molybdenum and an exchange rate of 1.27 C$/US$. Manitoba cash cost guidance was introduced in 2022 and is not available for 2021. Similarly, reported actual cash cost per ounce of gold for Manitoba will be introduced in 2022 and is not available for 2021.

Combined unit costs for Manitoba in 2022 are forecast to be approximately 15%1 higher than 2021 levels primarily due to expected cost inflation on materials and consumables and the inclusion of the New Britannia mill, which is expected to result in higher milling unit costs compared to the Flin Flon and Stall mills as disclosed in our Snow Lake operations mine plan released in March 2021. Manitoba unit costs also reflect the closure of the 777 mine in June 2022 and the transition of a portion of the workforce to Snow Lake.

Gold cash costs in Manitoba are expected to be $300 to $550 per ounce of gold in 2022 as gold production increases year-over-year and the operations transition to becoming a majority gold producer.



Consolidated Copper Cash Cost1,2

2022 Guidance

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2021

2021 Guidance

Cash cost

$/lb

0.60 - 1.05

0.74

0.65 - 0.80

Sustaining cash cost

$/lb

1.60 - 2.25

2.07

2.05 - 2.30


1 Cash cost and sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits, per pound of copper contained in concentrate. By-product credits are calculated using the gold and silver deferred revenue drawdown rates in effect on December 31, 2021 and the following commodity prices: $1,800 per ounce gold, $24.00 per ounce silver, $1.25 per pound zinc (excludes premium), $13.00 per pound molybdenum and an exchange rate of 1.27 C$/US$.

2 Cash cost and sustaining cash cost are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

The mid-point of the guidance range for consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, is higher than 2021 levels due to the expected increase in unit costs as described above, partially offset by expected higher copper production and higher gold by-product credits. The mid-point of the guidance range for consolidated sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, is lower than 2021 levels due to lower sustaining capital expenditures and higher copper production, partially offset by the increase in unit costs.

Metal production in any particular quarter may vary from the implied annual guidance rate based on variations in grades and recoveries due to the areas mined in that quarter, the timing of planned maintenance, and other factors. Mining and processing costs in any particular quarter can vary from the annual guidance range above based on a variety of factors, including the scheduling of maintenance events, the impact of COVID-19 related interruptions, and seasonal heating requirements, particularly in Manitoba. Cash cost and sustaining cash cost may also vary based on changes in commodity prices affecting by-product credits.

Commodity Markets

Our 2022 operational and financial performance will be influenced by a number of factors. At the macro-level, the general performance of the Chinese, North American and global economies will influence the demand for copper and zinc, while interest rates, inflation, the performance of financial markets and the level of economic uncertainty will influence the investment demand for gold. The realized prices we achieve in the commodity markets significantly affect our financial performance. Our general expectations regarding metals prices and foreign exchange rates are included below and in the "Sensitivity Analysis" section of this MD&A.

In addition to our production volumes, our financial performance is directly affected by a number of factors, including metals prices, foreign exchange rates, and input costs, including energy prices. Average prices for copper and zinc during 2021 remained well above the 10-year trailing average due to a strong rebound in demand for physical metal, lingering supply issues related to COVID-19 and consistent speculative interest from the investor community. Copper prices breached the $4 per pound barrier for the first time in many years in February 2021, rising as high as $4.86 per pound in the year and zinc prices broke above $1.25 per pound in February and rose above $1.70 per pound in the fourth quarter due to the temporary idling of some zinc smelting capacity in Europe and China as a result of substantial increases in power prices.

We have developed the following market analysis from various information sources including analyst and industry experts and our own market intelligence.


Copper

In 2021, the London Metal Exchange ("LME") copper price averaged $4.23 per pound, ranging from a low of $3.52 per pound at the beginning of the year to an all-time high of $4.86 per pound in May. Prices drifted lower during the summer due to negative sentiment surrounding the announcement of sales from China's strategic copper stockpile and due to the typical seasonal reduction in demand before spiking higher again in October due to a technical squeeze made possible by low metal exchange stocks.

Copper consumption grew at an unexpectedly high rate of 4% in 2021, outstripping the growth in refined production and keeping the physical market relatively balanced and stocks at historically low levels. This market backdrop combined with very positive sentiment for future copper demand growth underpinned by the global move towards renewable energy sources (wind, hydro, solar), carbon neutrality and the adoption of electric vehicles resulted in an average price that was 51% higher than the prior year.

Strong future demand for copper will necessitate the development of intrinsically higher cost greenfield mines from the world's existing inventory of undeveloped deposits, at a time when existing mines are seeing significant cost inflation due to higher energy costs, consumables costs and taxes. This combination of market factors will likely result in significantly higher long term copper prices.

Zinc

In 2021, the LME zinc price averaged $1.36 per pound, with prices ranging from $1.15 per pound to $1.73 per pound. Zinc demand surged by 7.1% during the year after declining by 4.5% in 2020 due to the effects related to COVID-19. This strong demand growth, combined with the lowest supply growth in the past decade, returned the market to a deficit position of 320 thousand tonnes in 2021 after it recorded a surplus of 472 thousand tonnes in the prior year.

Exchange stocks dropped to historically low levels in the second half of 2021 as zinc production in Europe and China was constrained by higher electricity prices. This sudden supply shock resulted in a spike in zinc prices in the fourth quarter of the year and the development of a significant backwardation in zinc futures markets.

The annual zinc metal market deficit is expected to increase again in 2022 to over 400 thousand tonnes as refined supply grows only marginally due to the continued idling of some smelter capacity in Europe as a result of electricity prices that are almost three times higher than they were in 2020. Consensus estimates for LME prices over the next several years are in excess of $1.60 per pound in response to continued market deficits and price spikes to even higher level could occur due to chronically low exchange stocks.

Gold

In 2021, the London Gold Bullion Market price for gold averaged $1,799 per ounce, compared with an average of $1,772 per ounce in 2020. Gold prices traded between $1,684 per ounce and $1,950 per ounce during the year responding primarily to changing market sentiments on future direction of inflation and interest rate hikes and on the projected effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy.

The physical supply and demand for gold is not an arbitrator of future prices as it is with base metals because most of the gold ever mined is stored in bank vaults. Gold is an investment that has traditionally provided a safe haven for investors during uncertain economic times, as well as a hedge against inflation, future currency devaluation and declining values of other riskier asset classes. Concerns regarding the effect of COVID-19 on the global economic growth as governments taper monetary stimulus combined with record-high inflation and political instability in many regions of the world bodes well for the price of gold price in 2022. However, market expectations for increases in interest rates and a stronger US dollar may keep gold range bound between $1,700 and $1,800 per ounce.


Treatment Charges, Refining Charges, Zinc Metal Premiums and Freight Costs

Hudbay's operating margins are affected by a variety of marketing related costs and premiums related to the products that we produce. For the copper, zinc and molybdenum concentrates that we produce, we pay freight costs to deliver these products from our facilities to our customers and depending on the destination, we incur various combinations of truck, rail or ocean freight costs along with warehousing and loading fees. We also pay treatment and refining charges ("TC/RCs") to our customers who process our concentrates. For zinc metal and precious metal doré we produce, we incur truck and/or rail freight costs as well as warehousing costs to ship to our customers and receive a premium to the LME price on our zinc metal sales.

A significant portion of our copper concentrate sales are made under multiyear contracts with an annual benchmark reference for TC/RCs. The annual benchmark for 2022 was established earlier this year at $65/6.5¢ compared to $59.5/5.95¢ in 2021 which represented a low point of a multiyear cycle. The annual benchmark treatment charge for 2022 zinc concentrates has yet to be established but in 2021 it was $159/mt. Hudbay will be exposed to zinc treatment charges for the first time in 2022 because our Flin Flon zinc plant is expected to close mid-year with the closure of 777 mine, from which point we will be selling zinc concentrate instead of refined zinc metal.

Zinc metal premiums in 2021 averaged approximately $0.07 per pound which was close to the North American average for annual sales. In 2022, annual zinc premiums in North America and the rest of the world are expected to be dramatically higher due to the tightness in the European zinc metal market as the result of temporary smelter closures and higher power costs.

Ocean freight rates for shipments of both bulk commodities and containers saw a dramatic increase in early 2021 as a result of imbalances in supply chains and port disruptions due to closures and restrictions related to COVID-19 and the swift recovery of industrial and consumer demand for freight services in 2021. Spot rates for bulk shipments of copper and zinc concentrates spend most of the year at levels that were between two and two-and-a-half times higher than rates in 2020 and spot container rates for shipments of molybdenum concentrates were over five times higher over the same period. Hudbay locks in the majority of its direct ocean freight exposure under multiyear Contracts of Affreightment ("COAs") and was not exposed in any substantial way to the higher spot terms in 2021. In 2022, Hudbay still has substantial COA coverage for its bulk ocean shipments and, in addition, spot rates for the Peru-to-China shipping corridor have dropped from $80/wmt to $90/wmt to approximately $50/wmt at the present time.

In 2021, Hudbay signed a multiyear agreement with the Royal Canadian Mint to refine precious metal doré production from our recently refurbished New Britannia mill.

Sensitivity Analysis

The following table displays the estimated impact of changes in metals prices and foreign exchange rates on our 2022 net profit, earnings per share and operating cash flow, assuming that our operational performance is consistent with the mid-point of our guidance for 2022. The effects of a given change in an assumption are calculated in isolation.



 

2022

Change of 10%

Impact on

Impact on

Impact on Operating CF

 

Base

represented by:

Profit

EPS1

before WC changes

Metals Prices

 

 

 

 

 

Copper price2

$4.00/lb

+/-  $0.40/lb

+/-  $69M

+/-  $0.26

+/-  $87M

Zinc price

$1.25/lb

+/-  $0.13/lb

+/-  $12M

+/-  $0.05

+/-  $16M

Gold price3

$1,800/oz

+/-  $180/oz 

+/-  $24M

+/-  $0.09

+/-  $33M

Exchange Rates 4

 

 

 

 

 

C$/US$

1.27

+/- 0.13

+/-  $42M

+/-  $0.16

+/-  $43M


1 Based on 261.6 million common shares outstanding as at December 31, 2021.

2 Quotational period hedging program neutralizes provisional pricing adjustments.

3 Gold price sensitivity also includes an impact of a +/- 10% change in the silver price (2022 assumption: $24.00/oz of silver).

4 Change in profit from operational performance only, does not include change in profit arising from translation of balance sheet accounts.



FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial Results

In the fourth quarter of 2021, we recorded a net loss of $10.5 million compared to a net profit of $7.4 million for the same period in 2020, representing a decrease in profit of $17.9 million. For the full year, we recorded a net loss of $244.4 million compared to a net loss of $144.6 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase in losses of $99.8 million.

The following table provides further details on these variances:

(in $ millions)

Three months ended

December 31, 2021

Year ended

December 31, 2021

Increase (decrease) in components of profit or loss:

 

 

Revenues

102.9

409.6

Cost of sales

 

 

Mine operating costs

(18.0)

(128.0)

Depreciation and amortization

8.7

4.0

Impairment - environmental obligation

(46.2)

(193.5)

Selling and administrative expenses

1.0

(1.6)

Exploration and evaluation expenses

(6.9)

(22.8)

Other expenses

(10.2)

(12.3)

Net finance expense

(32.4)

(79.1)

Tax

(16.8)

(76.1)

Increase in loss for the period

(17.9)

(99.8)

Revenue

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $425.2 million, $102.9 million higher than the same period in 2020, primarily as a result of higher realized base metal prices as well as higher sales volumes of gold and copper. Offsetting this increase were lower zinc metal volumes due to lower zinc grades at Lalor and lower zinc recoveries at the Stall concentrator.

Full year revenue in 2021 was $1,502.0 million, $409.6 million higher than the same period in 2020, primarily as a result of higher realized base metal and molybdenum prices as well as higher sales volumes of copper and gold. Offsetting these increases were lower realized gold prices and lower sales volumes of zinc due to lower Manitoba zinc grades and recoveries. The significantly increased sales volumes of gold is mainly the result of the commencement of operations at the high-grade Pampacancha deposit in the second quarter of 2021 as well as comparatively lower production in the prior year period due to the temporary suspension of Constancia operations following a government declared state of emergency.

The following table provides further details on these variances:



(in $ millions)

Three months ended

December 31, 2021

Year ended

December 31, 2021

 

 

 

Metals prices1

 

 

Higher copper prices

57.7

270.7

Higher zinc prices

16.5

69.3

Higher (lower) gold prices

1.0

(10.3)

Lower silver prices

(2.4)

(1.9)

Sales volumes

 

 

Higher copper sales volumes

14.5

21.0

Lower zinc sales volumes

(20.0)

(31.2)

Higher gold sales volumes

37.7

81.0

Lower silver sales volumes

(3.3)

(4.1)

Other

 

 

Change in derivative mark-to-market on zinc

0.4

(0.9)

Molybdenum and other volume and pricing differences

(0.2)

19.6

Variable consideration adjustments

-

(5.1)

Effect of lower treatment and refining charges

1.0

1.5

Increase in revenue in 2021 compared to 2020

102.9

409.6

1 See discussion below for further information regarding metals prices.

 

 

Our revenue by significant product type is summarized below:

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

(in $ millions)

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Copper

247.8

167.0

 

873.3

563.9

Zinc

73.9

76.6

 

301.1

264.1

Gold

84.5

49.2

 

246.6

181.0

Silver

7.3

8.0

 

26.9

26.0

Molybdenum

10.6

8.8

 

37.5

25.6

Other metals

1.4

1.6

 

7.5

5.6

Revenue from contracts

425.5

311.2

 

1,492.9

1,066.2

Amortization of deferred revenue - gold

10.1

8.4

 

37.8

27.9

Amortization of deferred revenue - silver

7.2

11.7

 

33.7

39.4

Amortization of deferred revenue - variable consideration adjustments - prior periods

-

-

 

1.6

6.7

Pricing and volume adjustments1

(3.9)

5.7

 

(8.6)

9.1

Treatment and refining charges

(13.7)

(14.7)

 

(55.4)

(56.9)

Revenue

425.2

322.3

 

1,502.0

1,092.4


1 Pricing and volume adjustments represents mark-to-market adjustments on provisionally prices sales, realized and unrealized changes to fair value for non-hedge derivative contracts and adjustments to originally invoiced weights and assays.

For further detail on variable consideration adjustments, refer to note 17 of our consolidated financial statements.


Realized sales prices

This measure is intended to enable management and investors to understand the average realized price of metals sold to third parties in each reporting period. The average realized price per unit sold does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and should not be considered in isolation or a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

For sales of copper, gold and silver we may enter into non-hedge derivatives ("QP hedges") which are intended to manage the provisional pricing risk arising from quotational period terms in concentrate sales agreements. The QP hedges are not removed from the calculation of realized prices. We expect that gains and losses on QP hedges will offset provisional pricing adjustments on concentrate sales contracts.

Our realized prices for the fourth quarter and full year 2021 and 2020, respectively, are summarized below:

 

Realized prices1 for the

LME YTD

20212

Realized prices1 for the

Three months ended

Year ended

 

LME QTD

20212

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

$/lb

4.40

4.34

3.29

4.23

4.19

2.86

Zinc3

$/lb

1.53

1.60

1.24

1.36

1.42

1.10

Gold4

$/oz

 

1,752

1,734

 

1,722

1,783

Silver4

$/oz

 

23.26

27.05

 

25.29

26.04


1 Realized prices exclude refining and treatment charges and are on the sale of finished metal or metal in concentrate. Realized prices include the effect of provisional pricing adjustments on prior period sales.

2 London Metal Exchange average for copper and zinc prices.
3 All sales for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were cast zinc metal. Zinc realized prices include premiums paid by customers for delivery of refined zinc metal, but exclude unrealized gains and losses related to non-hedge derivative contracts that are included in zinc revenues.

4 Sales of gold and silver from our 777 and Constancia mines are subject to our precious metals stream agreement with Wheaton, pursuant to which we recognize deferred revenue for precious metals deliveries and also receive cash payments. Stream sales are included within realized prices and their respective deferred revenue and cash payment rates can be found on page 40.


The following tables provide a reconciliation of average realized price per unit sold, by metal, to revenues as shown in the consolidated financial statements.

Three months ended December 31, 2021

(in $ millions) 1

Copper

Zinc

Gold

Silver

Molybdenum

Other

Total

Revenue from contracts 2

247.8

73.9

84.5

7.3

10.6

1.4

425.5

Amortization of deferred revenue

-

-

10.1

7.2

-

-

17.3

Pricing and volume adjustments3

(9.2)

0.6

5.1

0.4

(0.8)

-

(3.9)

By-product credits 4

238.6

74.5

99.7

14.9

9.8

1.4

438.9

Derivative mark-to-market 5

-

(0.2)

-

-

-

-

(0.2)

Revenue, excluding mark-to-market on non-QP hedges

238.6

74.3

99.7

14.9

9.8

1.4

438.7

Payable metal in concentrate sold 6

24,959

21,112

56,927

638,640

245

-

-

Realized price 7

9,559

3,523

1,752

23.26

-

-

-

Realized price 8

4.34

1.60

-

-

-

-

-

Year ended December 31, 2021

(in $ millions) 1

Copper

Zinc

Gold

Silver

Molybdenum

Other

Total

Revenue from contracts 2

873.3

301.1

246.6

26.9

37.5

7.5

1,492.9

Amortization of deferred revenue

-

-

37.8

33.7

-

-

71.5

Pricing and volume adjustments3

(21.9)

1.2

5.6

0.7

5.8

-

(8.6)

By-product credits 4

851.4

302.3

290.0

61.3

43.3

7.5

1,555.8

Derivative mark-to-market5

-

0.2

-

-

-

-

0.2

Revenue, excluding mark-to-market on non-QP hedges

851.4

302.5

290.0

61.3

43.3

7.5

1,556.0

Payable metal in concentrate sold 6

92,200

96,435

168,358

2,427,508

1,099

-

-

Realized price 7

9,235

3,137

1,722

25.29

-

-

-

Realized price 8

4.19

1.42

-

-

-

-

-


1 Average realized price per unit sold may not calculate based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.

2 As per financial statements.

3 Pricing and volume adjustments represents mark-to-market adjustments on provisionally priced sales, realized and unrealized changes to fair value for non-hedge derivative contracts and adjustments to originally invoiced weights and assays.

4 By-product credits subtotal is used in the calculated of cash cost per pound of copper and zinc produced, net of by-product credits. Cash cost per pound of copper and zinc produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

5 Derivative mark-to-market excludes mark-to-market on QP hedges.

6 Copper, zinc and molybdenum shown in metric tonnes and gold and silver shown in ounces.

7 Realized price for copper and zinc in $/metric tonne and realized price for gold and silver in $/oz.

8 Realized price for copper and zinc in $/lb.




Three months ended December 31, 2020

(in $ millions) 1

Copper

Zinc

Gold

Silver

Molybdenum

Other

Total

Revenue from contracts 2

167.0

76.6

49.2

8.0

8.8

1.6

311.2

Amortization of deferred revenue

-

-

8.4

11.7

-

-

20.1

Pricing and volume adjustments3

(0.6)

1.0

3.4

0.9

1.0

-

5.7

By-product credits 4

166.4

77.6

61.0

20.6

9.8

1.6

337.0

Derivative mark-to-market 5

-

0.2

-

-

-

-

0.2

Revenue, excluding mark-to-market on non-QP hedges

166.4

77.8

61.0

20.6

9.8

1.6

337.2

Payable metal in concentrate sold 6

22,963

28,431

35,179

762,384

457

-

-

Realized price 7

7,245

2,737

1,734

27.05

-

-

-

Realized price 8

3.29

1.24

-

-

-

-

-

Year ended December 31, 2020

(in $ millions) 1

Copper

Zinc

Gold

Silver

Molybdenum

Other

Total

Revenue from contracts 2

563.9

264.1

181.0

26.0

25.6

5.6

1,066.2

Amortization of deferred revenue

-

-

27.9

39.4

-

-

67.3

Pricing and volume adjustments3

(4.2)

1.0

10.4

1.9

-

-

9.1

By-product credits 4

559.7

265.1

219.3

67.3

25.6

5.6

1,142.6

Derivative mark-to-market5

-

(0.7)

-

-

-

-

(0.7)

Revenue, excluding mark-to-market on non-QP hedges

559.7

264.4

219.3

67.3

25.6

5.6

1,141.9

Payable metal in concentrate sold 6

88,888

109,347

122,949

2,585,586

1,321

-

-

Realized price 7

6,297

2,418

1,783

26.04

-

-

-

Realized price 8

2.86

1.10

-

-

-

-

-


1 Average realized price per unit sold may not calculate based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.

2 As per financial statements.

3 Pricing and volume adjustments represents mark-to-market adjustments on provisionally priced sales, realized and unrealized changes to fair value for non-hedge derivative contracts and adjustments to originally invoiced weights and assays.

4 By-product credits subtotal is used in the calculated of cash cost per pound of copper and zinc produced, net of by-product credits. Cash cost per pound of copper and zinc produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

5 Derivative mark-to-market excludes mark-to-market on QP hedges.

6 Copper, zinc and molybdenum shown in metric tonnes and gold and silver shown in ounces.

7 Realized price for copper and zinc in $/metric tonne and realized price for gold and silver in $/oz.

8 Realized price for copper and zinc in $/lb.

The price, quantity and mix of metals sold, affect our revenue, operating cash flow and profit. Revenue from metals sales can vary from quarter to quarter due to production levels, shipping volumes and transfer of risk and title to customers.


Stream Sales

The following table shows stream sales included within realized prices and their respective deferred revenue and cash payment rates:

 

 

Three months ended

Year ended

 

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2021

 

 

Manitoba

Peru 4

Manitoba

Peru 4

Gold

oz

4,290

6,196

18,441

18,352

Silver

oz

69,472

351,004

326,056

1,476,537

Gold deferred revenue drawdown rate1,2

$/oz

1,253

762

1,262

791

Gold cash rate3

$/oz

429

412

426

410

Total gold stream realized price

$/oz

1,682

1,174

1,688

1,201

Silver deferred revenue drawdown rate1,2

$/oz

24.14

15.64

24.32

17.47

Silver cash rate3

$/oz

6.33

6.08

6.29

6.05

Total silver stream realized price

$/oz

30.47

21.72

30.61

23.52

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

Year ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2020

Manitoba

Peru

Manitoba

Peru

Gold

oz

5,435

1,848

18,503

6,299

Silver

oz

92,834

442,199

355,318

1,460,886

Gold deferred revenue drawdown rate1,2

$/oz

1,217

976

1,173

976

Gold cash rate 3

$/oz

424

408

422

406

Total gold stream realized price

$/oz

1,641

1,384

1,595

1,382

Silver deferred revenue drawdown rate1,2

$/oz

23.47

21.52

22.43

21.52

Silver cash rate 3

$/oz

6.26

6.02

6.23

5.99

Total silver stream realized price

$/oz

29.73

27.54

28.66

27.51


1Subsequent to the variable consideration adjustment recorded on January 1, 2021, the deferred revenue amortization is recorded in Manitoba at C$1,578/oz gold and C$30.38/oz silver (for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020- C$1,589/oz gold and C$30.63/oz silver) and converted to US dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the time of revenue recognition.

2 Deferred revenue drawdown rates for gold and silver do not include variable consideration adjustments.

3 The gold and silver cash rate for Manitoba increased by 1% from $400/oz and $5.90/oz effective August 1, 2015. Subsequently every year, on August 1, the cash rate will increase by 1% compounded. The weighted average cash rate is disclosed. The gold and silver cash rate for Peru increased by 1% from $400/oz and $5.90/oz effective July 1, 2019. Subsequently every year, on July 1, the cash rate will increase by 1% compounded. The weighted average cash rate is disclosed.

4 Effective May 1, 2021, the drawdown rate for the Peru stream agreement for gold was $762/oz and prior to May 1, 2021 the drawdown rate for Peru gold was $990/oz. Effective May 1, 2021 the drawdown rate for the Peru stream agreement for silver was $15.64/oz and prior to May 1, 2021 the drawdown rate for Peru gold was $21.86/oz.



Cost of Sales

Our detailed cost of sales is summarized as follows:

(in $ thousands)

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Peru

 

 

 

 

 

Mining

27,756

24,967

 

98,200

70,724

Milling

40,121

39,219

 

168,477

134,096

Changes in product inventory

(4,507)

(6,550)

 

(13,743)

(3,883)

Depreciation and amortization - DRO assets

1,213

1,322

 

4,631

4,592

Depreciation and amortization - Other PP&E1

52,865

49,539

 

189,777

179,683

G&A

18,496

14,540

 

63,876

43,393

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash)

-

-

 

-

15,810

Inventory adjustments

-

(2,188)

 

(1,446)

32

Freight, royalties and other charges

12,371

11,388

 

44,819

39,915

Total Peru cost of sales

148,315

132,237

 

554,591

484,362

Manitoba

 

 

 

 

 

Mining

58,891

46,598

 

222,660

178,308

Milling

22,193

11,147

 

62,995

46,057

Zinc plant

19,008

18,736

 

72,392

71,799

Changes in product inventory

(11,740)

2,029

 

(4,437)

2,054

Depreciation and amortization - DRO assets

3,384

12,424

 

19,534

44,953

Depreciation and amortization - Other PP&E1

32,465

35,298

 

143,982

132,599

G&A

14,345

10,604

 

54,063

48,042

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash)

-

8,232

 

-

8,232

Inventory adjustments

-

2,270

 

5,445

2,270

Past service pension cost

737

-

 

4,965

-

Freight, royalties and other charges

9,660

8,348

 

41,316

34,742

Total Manitoba cost of sales

148,943

155,686

 

622,915

569,056

Cost of sales

297,258

287,923

 

1,177,506

1,053,418

1 Includes depreciation and amortization from property, plant, and equipment, excluding decommissioning and restoration assets.

Total cost of sales for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $297.3 million, reflecting an increase of $9.3 million from the fourth quarter of 2020. Peru cost of sales increased by $16.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to the same period of 2020. This increase is mainly related to higher overall mining, milling and general and administrative costs, as well as higher depreciation and lower relative buildup in product inventory. The increase was also caused, in part, by a $2.2 million inventory adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2020 which did not occur again in the fourth quarter of 2021. Manitoba cost of sales decreased by $6.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to the same period of 2020, mainly due to a larger relative buildup in product inventory caused by an increase in concentrate inventories and lower depreciation, partially offset by higher overall mining, milling and general administrative costs. The prior period also included an inventory adjustment for certain materials and supplies inventories in Flin Flon, as well as overhead costs related to the suspension of activities at 777 mine, neither of which occurred again in the fourth quarter of 2021.


Total cost of sales for the full year in 2021 was $1,177.5 million, reflecting an increase of $124.1 million compared to 2020. In Peru, costs increased by $70.2 million, largely due to higher overall mining, milling, general and administrative costs, higher depreciation and freight costs, partially offset by a higher relative buildup in product inventory caused by an increase in ore stockpiles. There was also a $31.9 million fixed overhead charge (cash: $15.8 million, non-cash: $16.1 million included in depreciation) being recorded in the comparative 2020 period with no corresponding charges recorded in 2021. In Manitoba, year-to-date cost of sales increased by $53.9 million compared to 2020 largely due to higher overall mining, milling and general administrative costs, and higher past service pension costs, inventory adjustments and freight costs. The increase was partially offset by a higher relative buildup of product inventory and lower depreciation.

For details on unit operating costs refer to the respective tables in the "Operations Review" section of this MD&A.

For the fourth quarter of 2021, other significant variances in expenses from operations, compared to the same period in 2020, include the following:

- Exploration and evaluation expenses increased by $6.9 million, as the Copper World drilling program and related metallurgical studies continued during the fourth quarter of 2021.

- Other expenses increased by $10.2 million, mostly related to $7.6 million in Copper World PEA study costs and a $3.4 million restructuring charge in Manitoba for severance related to the closure of the Flin Flon operations.

- Impairment charge of $46.2 million related to an increase in the valuation of the environmental obligation due to lower long-term discount rates for the Flin Flon operation, which was expensed in the current quarter since the site will no longer be operational past 2022.

For the full year of 2021, other significant variances in expenses from operations, compared to 2020, include the following:

- Exploration and evaluation expenses increased by $22.8 million compared to 2020 for the same reason as noted above.

- Other expenses increased by $12.2 million, for the same reasons as above offset by a relative gain on the revaluation of the DRO liability on non-producing properties in Manitoba.

- Impairment charge of $193.5 million in relation to a revised Flin Flon closure plan reflecting higher cost estimates, leading to an increase in the environmental obligation which was expensed in the current year since the site will no longer be operational past 2022.


Net finance expense

(in $ thousands)

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs - accrued or payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on long-term debt

16,911

21,610

 

74,748

82,712

Withholding taxes

1,846

2,095

 

7,727

8,267

Tender premium on senior unsecured notes

-

-

 

22,878

7,252

Other accrued/payable costs (income)1

1,271

2,225

 

6,816

7,014

Total finance costs - accrued or payable

20,028

25,930

 

112,169

105,245

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs - non-cash:

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion on streaming agreements2

8,295

13,854

 

42,654

56,670

Change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

6,779

(37,520)

 

54,514

(29,370)

Write off unamortized transaction costs

-

-

 

2,480

3,817

Other non-cash costs3

3,545

4,004

 

9,202

5,540

Total finance costs - non-cash

18,619

(19,662)

 

108,850

36,657

Net finance expense

38,647

6,268

 

221,019

141,902


1 Includes interest income and other finance expense.

2 Includes variable consideration adjustment (prior periods).

3 Includes accretion on community agreements, unwinding of discount on provisions, and net foreign exchange losses (gains).

During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, net finance expense increased by $32.4 million compared to the same period in 2020 due to a $38.3 million increase in non-cash finance costs partially offset by a $6.0 million decrease in payable finance costs.

The increase was primarily driven by changes in fair value of financial instruments, including a $40.3 million relative reduction in revaluation gains on an embedded derivative on the early redemption option associated with our senior unsecured notes due in 2025 in the fourth quarter of 2020 and a higher non-cash loss of $3.2 million on the revaluation of the gold prepayment liability. Offsetting these increases in net finance expense were $4.7 million reduction in interest expense on long-term debt as a result of refinancing of our senior notes at lower interest rates during the third quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021 and a $5.6 million reduction of the accretion of streaming agreements arising from a lower interest rate on the amended Peru streaming agreement.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, net finance expense increased by $79.1 million compared to the same period in 2020 due to a $72.2 million increase in non-cash finance costs as well as a $6.9 million increase in accrued finance costs.


These increases were primarily related to the refinancing of our 2025 senior notes in the first quarter of 2021. The early redemption of these notes resulted in a $49.8 million write off of the non-cash embedded derivative related to the exercise of the prepayment option, compared to the net gains of $45.4 million in the prior year. Also, in connection with the refinancing of our 2025 notes compared to the refinancing of our 2029 notes, we expensed an additional $15.6 million in call premiums compared to prior year. We also incurred an increase of $8.6 million in revaluation losses on our investments consisting of securities in Canadian metals and mining companies. Offsetting these increases in net finance expense was a reduction in interest expense of $8.0 million, a $19.8 million reduction in non-cash losses on the revaluation of the gold prepayment liability and an $14.0 million decrease in accretion on streaming arrangements, for the same reasons as described above.

Tax Expense

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2021, tax expense increased by $16.8 million and $76.1 million respectively, compared to the same period in 2020. The following table provides further details:

  Three months ended   Year ended
Dec. 31,
2021
Dec. 31,
2020
  Dec. 31,
2021
Dec. 31,
2020
(in $ thousands)  
Deferred tax expense (recovery) - income tax 1 (7,161) (11,711)   (15,995) (39,904)
Deferred tax (recovery) expense - mining tax 1 2,179 (256)   11,202 (3,332)
Total deferred tax expense (recovery) (4,982) (11,967)   (4,793) (43,236)
Current tax expense - income tax 11,503 3,749   25,570 4,109
Current tax expense - mining tax 3,783 1,723   20,830 4,622
Total current tax expense 15,286 5,472   46,400 8,731
Tax expense (recovery) 10,304 (6,495)   41,607 (34,505)

1 Deferred tax expense (recovery) represents our draw down/increase of non-cash deferred income and mining tax assets/liabilities.

Income Tax Expense

Applying the estimated Canadian statutory income tax rate of 26.4% to our loss before taxes of $202.8 million for the year-to-date period in 2021 would have resulted in a tax recovery of approximately $53.5 million; however, we recorded an income tax expense of $9.6 million. The significant items causing our effective income tax rate to be different than the 26.4% estimated Canadian statutory income tax rate include:

- Deductible temporary differences with respect to Peru, relating to the decommissioning and restoration liabilities, were recognized as we have determined that it is probable that we will realize the recovery of these deferred tax assets based on the timing of the reversals of the deductible temporary differences and the future projected taxable profit of the Peruvian operations. This has resulted in a deferred tax recovery of $6.3 million.

- Deductible temporary differences with respect to Manitoba, and relating to the decommissioning and restoration liabilities, were not recognized as we have determined that it is not probable that we will realize the recovery of these deferred tax assets based on the timing of the reversals of the deductible temporary differences and the future projected taxable profit of the Manitoba operations. This resulted in a deferred tax expense of $40.0 million.

- Temporary income tax differences not recognized as we have determined that it is not probable that we will realize the recovery of these deferred tax assets. This resulted in a deferred tax expense of $4.5 million.


- Foreign exchange on the translation of deferred tax balances to group currency resulted in a deferred tax expense of $4.6 million.

- The tax expense with respect to our foreign operations are recorded using an income tax rate other than the Canadian statutory income tax rate of 26.4%, resulting in a tax expense of $21.2 million.

Mining Tax Expense

Applying the estimated Manitoba mining tax rate of 10.0% to our loss before taxes of $202.8 million for the year-to-date period in 2021 would have resulted in a tax recovery of approximately $20.3 million; however, we recorded a mining tax expense of $32.0 million. Effective mining tax rates can vary significantly based on the composition of our earnings and the expected amount of mining taxable profits. Corporate costs and other costs not related to mining operations are not deductible in computing mining profits. A brief description of how mining taxes are calculated in our various business units is discussed below.

Manitoba

The Province of Manitoba imposes mining tax on profit related to the sale of mineral products mined in the Province of Manitoba (mining taxable profit) at the following rates:

- 10% of total mining taxable profit if mining profit is C$50 million or less;

- Between mining profit of C$50 and $C55 million, mining tax is equal to a minimum of C$5 million plus mining profit less C$50 million multiplied by 65%;

- 15% of total mining taxable profit if mining profits are between C$55 million and C$100 million;

- Between mining profit of C$100 million and C$105 million, mining tax is equal to a minimum of C$15 million plus mining profit less C$100 million multiplied by 57%; and

- 17% of total mining taxable profit if mining profits exceed C$105 million.

We estimate that the tax rate that will be applicable when temporary differences reverse will be approximately 10.0%.

Peru

The Peruvian government imposes two parallel mining tax regimes, the Special Mining Tax and the Modified Royalty, on companies' operating mining income on a sliding scale, with progressive rates ranging from 2.0% to 8.4% and 1.0% to 12.0%, respectively. Based on financial forecasts, we have recorded a deferred tax liability as at December 31, 2021, at the tax rate we expect to apply when temporary differences reverse.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Senior Unsecured Notes

Following our recent bond refinancings, we now have $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.5% senior notes due April 2026 and $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due April 2029.

Extension and Amendment of Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facilities

We have two senior secured revolving credit facilities ("the Credit Facilities") for our Canadian and Peruvian businesses, with combined total availability of $450 million and substantially similar terms and conditions. As at December 31, 2021, our liquidity includes $271.0 million in cash as well as undrawn availability of $346.9 million under our Credit Facilities. As at December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with our covenants under the Credit Facilities and had drawn $103.1 million in letters of credit under the Credit Facilities. Due to the recently updated Flin Flon closure plan finalized in the third quarter of 2021, we expect the letters of credit issued under the Credit Facilities to increase in the near future to support the higher estimated closure costs.

As at December 31, 2021, the Arizona business unit had $28.3 million in surety bonds issued to support future reclamation and closure obligations. The Peru business unit also had $87.1 million in letters of credit issued with various Peruvian financial institutions. No cash collateral is required to be posted under these letters of credit or surety bonds.

Financial Condition

Financial Condition as at December 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020

Cash decreased by $168.1 million during the year to $271.0 million as at December 31, 2021. This decrease was mainly the result of $377.4 million of capital investments primarily at our Peru and Manitoba operations, interest payments of $84.4 million, lease payments of $37.7 million, note redemption premium and transaction costs of $31.0 million and other financing payments of $19.6 million, as well as paid dividends of $4.1 million. Offsetting these cash outflows was cash flow from operating activities of $383.8 million. We hold the majority of our cash in low-risk, liquid investments with major Canadian and Peruvian financial institutions.

Working capital decreased by $159.4 million to $147.5 million from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021, primarily due to the cash decrease of $168.1 million, an increase of $76.0 million in other financial liabilities as approximately half of the gold prepayment liability was reclassified to current. Offsetting these items was an increase in trade and other receivables of $62.9 million due to timing of contract deliveries, a decrease in trade and other payables of $25.4 million arising mainly from timing of payments and an increase in inventories of $15.4 million mainly due to a rise in materials and supplies.


Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

(in $ thousands)

Three months ended

 

Year ended

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

 

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Operating cash flow before precious metals stream deposit and changes in non-cash working capital

156,917

86,071

 

483,862

241,863

Precious metals stream deposit

4,000

-

 

4,000

-

Change in non-cash working capital

(65,068)

35,019

 

(104,046)

(2,383)

Cash generated from operating activities

95,849

121,090

 

383,816

239,480

Cash used in investing activities

(104,348)

(117,498)

 

(375,002)

(359,018)

Cash (used in) generated from financing activities

(18,513)

(13,192)

 

(175,899)

162,093

Effect of movement in exchange rates on cash

550

(279)

 

(1,061)

434

(Decrease) increase in cash

(26,462)

(9,879)

 

(168,146)

42,989

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Cash generated from operating activities was $95.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2021, a decrease of $25.2 million compared with the same period in 2020. Operating cash flow before precious metals stream deposit and changes in non-cash working capital was $156.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2021, reflecting an increase of $70.8 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in operating cash flow is primarily the result of higher realized base metal prices, and higher gold and copper sales volumes. This was partially offset by lower sales volumes of zinc metal compared to the fourth quarter of 2020.

Cash generated from operating activities for the full year in 2021 was $383.8 million, representing an increase of $144.3 million compared to 2020. Operating cash flow before precious metals stream deposit and changes in non-cash working capital was $483.9 million for the year ended 2021, compared to $241.9 million for the same period in 2020. The full year increase in operating cash flow is due to the same factors described above for the quarter-over-quarter variance as well as higher comparative molybdenum prices and the impact of the Constancia shut-down that occurred in the comparative 2020 period.

Cash Flow from Investing and Financing Activities

During the fourth quarter of 2021, we spent $122.9 million in investing and financing activities, primarily driven by $104.8 million in capital expenditures, $9.4 million in capitalized lease payments and $9.4 million in other financing payments.

For the full year, we spent $550.9 million in investing and financing activities, driven by $377.4 million in capital expenditures, $84.4 million in interest payments, $50.6 million in other financing payments and transaction costs, $37.7 million in capitalized lease payments and $4.1 million in dividends paid.


Capital Expenditures

The following summarizes accrued and cash additions to capital assets for the periods indicated:

 

Three months ended

Year ended

Guidance

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Annual

(in $ millions)

2021

2022

Manitoba sustaining capital expenditures

22.5

21.7

100.4

94.3

90.0

115.0

Peru sustaining capital expenditures 1

45.0

37.0

128.9

91.1

135.0

105.0

Total sustaining capital expenditures

67.5

58.7

229.3

185.4

225.0

220.0

Arizona capitalized costs

9.7

5.9

22.9

15.6

20.0

35.0

Peru growth capitalized expenditures 2

-

11.3

22.8

107.0

25.0

10.0

Manitoba growth capitalized expenditures 3

22.0

30.4

119.2

61.4

105.0

50.0

Other capitalized costs 4

1.1

5.8

(31.2)

52.3

-

-

Capitalized exploration

9.9

8.6

13.3

11.9

15.0

25.0

Total other capitalized expenditures

42.7

62.0

147.0

248.2

 

 

Total capital additions

110.2

120.7

376.3

433.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation to cash capital additions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decommissioning and restoration obligation

0.6

(3.6)

49.4

(46.8)

 

 

Right-of-use asset additions

(17.2)

(0.3)

(49.7)

(17.8)

 

 

Change in community agreement accruals

1.2

0.6

1.0

(6.7)

 

 

Change in capital accruals and other

10.0

0.5

0.4

(2.1)

 

 

Total cash capital additions

104.8

117.9

377.4

360.2

 

 


1 Peru sustaining capital expenditures includes capitalized stripping costs.

2 Hudbay's revised growth capital guidance for Peru of $25.0 million includes the cost of individual land user agreements.

3 Hudbay's revised growth capital guidance for Manitoba of $105.0 million was revised in August 2021.

4 Other capitalized costs include decommissioning and restoration adjustments.

Total capital additions declined by 13% in 2021 compared to 2020 as a result of lower growth spending in Peru, partially offset by higher sustaining capital expenditures in both Peru and Manitoba.

Sustaining capital expenditures in Manitoba for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 were $22.5 million and $100.4 million, respectively, representing increases of $0.8 million and $6.1 million compared to the same periods in 2020. The increases are due to higher expenditures for Lalor capital development and higher expenditures for the Anderson tailings facility, partially offset by the cessation of capitalizing development costs at 777 given its upcoming closure.

Sustaining capital expenditures in Peru for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 were $45.0 million and $128.9 million, respectively, representing increases of $8.0 million and $37.8 million compared to the same periods in 2020. The increases were mainly due to curtailed spending in the full year 2020 period arising from an eight-week suspension of Constancia operations, a tailings management facility expansion, the construction of a tailings discharge line and an increase in leased assets.


Manitoba's full year growth capital of $119.2 million relates primarily to capital spending to complete the New Britannia refurbishment project. The project was completed in October and achieved commercial production on November 30, 2021. Also contributing to the higher growth capital in 2021 was Lalor camp expansion costs, additional leases entered into for the 1901 deposit and Stall recovery initiatives. Growth capital spending in Manitoba was higher than expected in the fourth quarter primarily due to additional leases entered into for the future development of the 1901 deposit and additional costs to complete the New Britannia mill refurbishment project, which caused us to exceed our full year 2021 guidance.

Peru's full year growth capital of $22.8 million, incurred mainly in the first quarter, includes costs associated with the remaining land user agreements as well as civil works related to the development of Pampacancha before reaching commercial production in April.

Arizona's full year growth capital of $22.9 million relates primarily to land acquisition costs, permitting and other costs associated with Copper World and Rosemont.

Other capitalized costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $1.1 million and negative $31.2 million, respectively. These relate primarily to the remeasurement of previously recognized decommissioning and restoration liabilities at our Manitoba and Peru operations as a result of changing real discount rates.


Capital Commitments

As at December 31, 2021, we had outstanding capital commitments in Canada of approximately $37.5 million of which $32.7 million can be terminated, approximately $31.9 million in Peru primarily related to exploration option agreements, all of which can be terminated, and approximately $180.4 million in Arizona, primarily related to our Rosemont project, of which approximately $87.9 million can be terminated.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as at December 31, 2021:

 

Less than

12 months

13 - 36

months

37 - 60

months

More than

60 months

Payment Schedule (in $ millions)

Total

Long-term debt obligations1

1,614.7

68.3

136.7

717.8

691.9

Gold prepayment obligation2

140.0

71.4

68.6

-

-

Lease obligations

112.6

53.2

32.4

10.5

16.5

Purchase obligation - capital commitments

249.8

56.2

15.0

26.1

152.5

Purchase obligation - other commitments3

822.9

335.6

245.7

107.2

134.4

Pension and other employee future benefits obligations2

145.6

14.0

13.9

8.4

109.3

Community agreement obligations4

52.5

9.3

9.7

5.2

28.3

Decommissioning and restoration obligations5

435.7

17.1

7.6

8.3

402.7

Total

3,573.8

625.1

529.6

883.5

1,535.6


1 Long-term debt obligations include scheduled interest payments, as well as principal repayments.

2 Discounted.

3 Primarily made up of long-term agreements with operational suppliers, obligations for power purchase, concentrate handling, fleet and port services, as well as deferred consideration arising from the acquisition of Rosemont's minority interest.

4 Represents community agreement obligations and various finalized land user agreements, including Pampacancha.

5 Undiscounted before inflation.

In addition to the contractual obligations included in the above payment schedule, we also have the following commitments which impact our financial position:

- A profit-sharing plan with most Manitoba employees;

- A profit-sharing plan with all Peru employees;

- Wheaton precious metals stream agreements for the 777 mine and Constancia mines;

- A net smelter returns royalty agreement related to the 777 mine; and,

- Government royalty payments related to the Constancia mine.

Outstanding Share Data

As of February 22, 2022, there were 261,601,784 common shares of Hudbay issued and outstanding. In addition, there were 1,529,227 stock options outstanding.


FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The risks relating to Hudbay and our business include those risks described under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Information Form, which section has been incorporated by reference into this MD&A and should be reviewed by readers. In addition to those risks, we have identified the following other risks which may affect our financial statements in the future.

Impact of COVID-19

Despite implementing measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we continue experience intermittent operational, supply chain, travel, labour and shipping disruptions, that may continue for the foreseeable future. As a result, our financial results may remain volatile as COVID-19 continues to affect production, operating costs and the prices we receive for our products. The resumption of normal operating activities is expected to be gradual and dependent on the global response to COVID-19. We expect that our current liquidity together with cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs in 2022.

Given the uncertainty of the duration and magnitude of the impact of COVID-19, our 2022 production and cost guidance are subject to a higher than normal degree of uncertainty.

Political and Social Risks

In June 2021 Peru held a presidential election resulting in the election of Pedro Castillo. A change in government, government policy, the declaration of a state of emergency or the implementation of new, or the modification of existing, laws and regulations affecting our operations and other mineral properties could have a material adverse impact on us and our projects. The risk exists that further government limitations, restrictions or requirements, not presently foreseen, will be implemented. In addition, changes in policy that alter laws regulating the mining industry could have a material adverse effect on us. We are at a heightened risk of having this occur whenever there is a change in government in the countries or regions in which we operate particularly in the current COVID-19 environment.

Political or social unrest in Peru or instability could adversely affect our ability to operate the Constancia mine and the Pampacancha satellite deposit. Such adverse effects could result from positions or actions that may be taken by the national government or at the regional, community or local levels by government or non-government actors, including demanding payments, encroaching on our land, challenging the boundaries of such land or our rights to possess and operate on such land, protesting against our operation, impeding project activities through roadblocks or other public manifestations and attacking project assets or personnel. The risk of disruptions from such opposition tends to increase with national, regional and local elections in Peru as well as with change to the general political and social climate in the area in which we operate. We continue to seek to constructively engage with all our stakeholders in the Constancia region and we continue to actively monitor the Peru social risks and political landscape.

Carrying Values and Mine Plan Updates

At the end of each reporting period, Hudbay reviews its groups of non-financial assets to determine whether there are any indicators of impairment or impairment reversal. If any such indicator exists, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the non-financial asset group in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss or reversal, if any. At December 31, 2021, the Company assessed whether there were impairment or impairment reversal indicators associated with the general business environment and known changes to business planning (including any arising from the potential impacts of COVID-19 on our business). Other than an impairment indicator related to the increase in closure cost obligations at our Flin Flon operations triggered by lower discount rates, there were no other impairment or impairment reversal indicators.


There are a number of potential indicators that could trigger non-financial asset impairment or reversal of impairment in the future. One such potential indicator is a change to the life of mine ("LOM") plan for an asset. LOM plans incorporate management's best estimates of key assumptions which include future commodity prices, the value of mineral resources not included in the LOM plan, production based on current estimates of recoverable reserves, discount rates, future operating and capital costs and future foreign exchange rates.

There is a risk that an updated LOM plan for the Rosemont project and/or a Copper World PEA and/or the outcome of the Rosemont appeals litigation could give rise to an indicator of impairment or impairment reversal and cause an adjustment to the carrying value of relevant assets.

Management expects changes in risk-free discount rates to impact the revaluation of our environmental obligations and our PP&E. However, due to the planned near-term closure of the 777 mine and Flin Flon operations, there is a risk that such changes or updates to the Flin Flon operational plan may result in an impairment or impairment reversal until the operations are closed mid-2022.

Metals Price Strategic Risk Management

From time to time, we maintain price protection programs and conduct commodity price risk management to reduce risk through the use of financial instruments.

Commodity prices are a key driver of our financial and operational results. Our strategic objective is to provide our investors with exposure to base metals prices, unless a reason exists to implement a hedging arrangement.

In the normal course, we typically consider base metal price hedging:

- In conjunction with a major capital commitment to a growth opportunity for which operating cash flow is a key funding source;

- To ensure the viability of a shorter life and/or higher cost mine;

- To manage the risk associated with provisional pricing terms in concentrate purchase and sale agreements; or,

- To offset fixed price zinc sales contracts with customers.

During 2021, we entered into copper hedging transactions intended to manage the risk associated with provisional pricing terms in concentrate sales agreements.

As at December 31, 2021, we had 72.8 million pounds of net copper fixed for floating swaps outstanding at an average fixed receivable price of $4.34/lb associated with provisional pricing risk in concentrate sales agreements. These swaps settle across January to April 2022.

During the second quarter of 2020, we entered into a gold forward sale and prepay transaction which generated $115.0 million in cash proceeds to pre-fund the expected capital requirements for the New Britannia gold mill refurbishment project. The transaction valued the future gold ounce delivery obligation for 79,954 gold ounces in 2022 and 2023 at forward curve prices averaging approximately $1,682 per ounce. The gold delivery obligation is to be satisfied with a monthly delivery of 3,331 gold ounces over a 24-month period from January 2022 to December 2023. The New Britannia gold mill achieved commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2021.


To provide a service to customers who purchase zinc from our plants and require known future prices, we enter into fixed price sales contracts. To ensure that we continue to receive a floating or unhedged realized zinc price, we enter into forward zinc purchase contracts that effectively offset the fixed price sales contracts with our customers.

From time to time, we enter into gold and silver forward sales contracts to hedge the commodity price risk associated with the future settlement of provisionally priced deliveries. We are generally obligated to deliver gold and silver to Wheaton prior to the determination of final settlement prices. These forward sales contracts are entered into at the time we deliver gold and silver to Wheaton, and are intended to mitigate the risk of subsequent adverse gold and silver price changes. Gains and losses resulting from the settlement of these derivatives are recorded directly to revenue, as the forward sales contracts do not achieve hedge accounting, and the associated cash flows are classified in operating activities. Our swap agreements are with counterparties we believe to be creditworthy and do not require us to provide collateral.

Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Risk Management

To the extent that we incur indebtedness at variable interest rates to fund our growth objectives, we may enter into interest rate hedging arrangements to manage our exposure to short-term interest rates. To the extent that we make commitments to capital expenditures denominated in foreign currencies, we may enter into foreign exchange forwards or acquire foreign currency outright, which may result in foreign exchange gains or losses in our consolidated income statements.

At December 31, 2021, approximately $233.6 million of our cash was held in US dollars, approximately $30.4 million of our cash was held in Canadian dollars, and approximately $7.0 million of our cash was held in Peruvian soles.

TREND ANALYSIS AND QUARTERLY REVIEW

A detailed quarterly and annual summary of financial and operating performance can be found in the "Summary of Results" section at the end of this MD&A. The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information for each of our eight most recently completed quarters:



(in $ millions, except per share amounts)

2021

2020

 

Q4

Q33

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Revenue

425.2

359.0

404.2

313.6

322.3

316.1

208.9

245.1

Gross earnings (loss)

81.7

(85.4)

82.2

52.5

34.4

39.3

(12.7)

(22.0)

(Loss) profit before tax

(0.2)

(147.8)

14.8

(69.6)

0.9

(23.9)

(74.6)

(81.5)

(Loss) profit

(10.5)

(170.4)

(3.4)

(60.1)

7.4

(24.0)

(51.9)

(76.1)

Adjusted net earnings (loss)1,3

32.7

0.9

5.4

(16.1)

(16.4)

(25.4)

(39.7)

(39.3)

(Loss) earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

(0.04)

(0.65)

(0.01)

(0.23)

0.03

(0.09)

(0.20)

(0.29)

Adjusted net earnings (loss)1,3 per share

0.13

0.00

0.02

(0.06)

(0.06)

(0.10)

(0.15)

(0.15)

Operating cash flow2

156.9

103.5

132.8

90.7

86.1

84.4

29.5

42.0

Adjusted EBITDA1

180.3

119.3

143.2

104.2

106.9

96.1

49.1

55.0


1 Adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per share, and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.
2 Operating cash flow before changes in non-cash working capital.
3 The adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share in the third quarter of 2021 have been adjusted by $37.3 million from what was previously reported due to a change in the computed tax effect on certain adjustments. The adjusted net earnings changed from $38.2 million to an adjusted net earnings of $0.9 million and the adjusted net earnings per share changed from $0.15/share to an adjusted net earnings per share of $0.00/share.

Base metal prices have steadily increased since the second quarter of 2020. Other than one-time charges, our revenues, gross profit and operating cash flow have steadily improved with the rise in base metal prices and, more recently, with the benefit of production from the higher grade Pampacancha deposit and the ramp-up of the New Britannia gold mill.

The 2021 fourth quarter results reflect higher realized base metal prices, particularly for zinc, and sustained higher precious metals prices. This strength in commodity prices combined with higher gold production following the commencement of commercial production at New Britannia and improving copper recoveries has led to record revenue of $425.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Adjusted EBITDA and operating cash flow both reached record highs driven by the aforementioned revenue growth. Notwithstanding these records, continued inflationary pressures along with lower copper grades have caused operating costs to climb and put pressure on the gross margins, compared to earlier quarters. As a result of the planned closure of Flin Flon operations in June 2022 and lower long term discount rates, a revaluation of our environmental obligation for the Flin Flon closure plan resulted in a $46.2 million non-cash charge, which negatively impacted net income for the quarter.

As part of our year-end 2021 tax provision calculation, a review of all previous tax impacts on adjusted earnings was completed. During the course of the review, we determined that the tax impact related to the impairment charge for the environmental obligation for the third quarter of 2021 had been understated. This impacted our calculation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share. As a result, the previously disclosed adjusted net earnings of $38.2 million for the third quarter of 2021 has been recalculated to an adjusted net earnings of $0.9 million and the adjusted net earnings per share of $0.15 has been recalculated to an adjusted net earnings per share of nil. This recalculation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share does not impact our financial statements and has been included in the full year adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share tables disclosed in this MD&A.

During the third quarter of 2021, we continued to realize higher base metal prices resulting in elevated revenues and operating cash flow. Mining at Pampacancha has continued to ramp-up, contributing significantly to gold production during the quarter. As a result of the planned closure of Flin Flon operations in mid-2022 and an updated Flin Flon closure plan, non-cash charges totaling $156.3 million were incurred, which negatively impacted gross profit for the quarter. In Peru, ongoing COVID-19 costs, along with lower copper grades, have put pressure on operating costs.


Financial results in the second quarter of 2021 benefited from initial production at the Pampacancha pit but were negatively impacted by higher operating costs in Peru and lower Manitoba metal production caused by COVID-19 related impacts as well as lower copper and zinc grades and lower precious metal recoveries.

The first quarter of 2021 saw lower revenues compared to the fourth quarter of 2020 due to a delayed Peru shipment for which revenue could not be recognized, and lower sales volumes from Manitoba related to a buildup of finished goods inventory during the quarter as a result of a lack of rail car availability. First quarter results were negatively impacted by $75.2 million of various finance expenses related to the refinancing of our senior notes.

We experienced production disruptions during the first half of 2020 due to an eight-week suspension of Constancia operations in Peru from a government declared state of emergency and at the 777 mine during the fourth quarter of 2020 due to a six-week interruption to perform repairs following a skip hoist incident. However, the deferral of production and sales that arose from these disruptions allowed us to benefit from increasing commodity prices. The reduced copper production from Constancia and 777 in 2020 was partially offset by increased production from Lalor. Earnings in the fourth quarter of 2020 were negatively impacted by the 777 production interruption which resulted in $11.7 million in certain overhead costs being expensed. Earnings in the first and second quarter of 2020 were impacted by the temporary suspension of operations at Constancia, which resulted in $31.9 million in certain overhead costs being expensed.

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information for each of the three most recently completed years:

(in $ millions, except for earnings (loss) per share and
dividends declared per share)

2021

2020

2019

Revenue

1,502.0

1,092.4

1,237.4

Gross profit

131.0

39.0

151.5

(Loss) profit before tax

(202.8)

(179.1)

(452.8)

(Loss) profit

(244.4)

(144.6)

(343.8)

Adjusted net earnings (loss) 1

23.1

(121.0)

(48.6)

(Loss) earnings per share:

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

(0.93)

(0.55)

(1.32)

Adjusted net earnings (loss)1 per share

0.09

(0.46)

(0.18)

Total assets

4,616.2

4,666.6

4,461.1

Operating cash flow2

483.9

241.9

307.3

Adjusted EBITDA1

547.1

306.7

358.5

Total non-current financial liabilities3

1,345.7

1,360.1

1,074.2

Dividends declared per share - C$4

0.02

0.02

0.02


1 Adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per share, and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

2 Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital.

3 Total non-current financial liabilities consists of non-current other financial liabilities, lease liabilities and long-term debt.

4 Dividend paid during March and September of each year.



Gold production in 2021 climbed 55% compared to 2020 following the start of operations at our high-grade Pampacancha deposit and our New Britannia gold mill in the second and third quarter of 2021, respectively. The increased production of gold allowed us to capitalize on continued strength in gold prices. In addition, consistent throughput from Peru with improved copper recoveries and a nearly 50% increase in realized copper prices compared to 2020 was a significant factor in revenues climbing 37% to a record-high $1,502.0 million for the full year. From a cost perspective, global inflationary pressures have increased substantially, contributing to a 20% and a 17% increase in 2021 combined unit costs in Peru and Manitoba, respectively, compared to 2020. Despite these cost pressures, the increases in copper and gold production and realized base metal prices allowed 2021 operating cash flow to increase by 100% from the prior year. Net losses in 2021 were $244.4 million and reflect a pre-tax, non-cash impairment charge of $193.5 million related to an updated Flin Flon closure plan, among other items.

Although 2020 realized prices for copper and gold rose by 5% and 24%, respectively compared to 2019, 2020 revenues declined by 12% due to lower sales volumes for copper. Sales volumes of copper declined by 31% in 2020 as compared to 2019 as a result of the temporary suspension of Constancia operations. Gross profit declined by 74% in 2020 as compared to 2019 as we expensed certain fixed overhead production costs of $31.9 million during the temporary suspension of operations at Constancia and $11.7 million during the production interruption at 777. Adjusted net loss in 2020 increased by $72.4 million compared to 2019 as a result of the same factors described above.

In 2019, realized prices for copper and zinc decreased by 7% and 11% respectively, compared to prices in 2018. Realized prices for gold increased by 6% compared to prices in 2018. Mill throughput at Constancia reached annual record levels, contributing to higher milling costs, however milled grades dropped in accordance with the mine plan and these factors drove the overall reduction in operating cash flow before changes in non-cash working capital. Revenues decreased by 16% due to lower metals prices and sales volumes for copper and zinc. Profit before tax decreased $623.6 million mainly due to a $322.2 million Rosemont impairment charge, as well as a write down of the UCM Receivable for $26.0 million.


NON-IFRS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per share, adjusted EBITDA, net debt, cash cost, sustaining and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of zinc produced and combined unit cost and zinc plant unit cost are non-IFRS performance measures. These measures do not have a meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS and are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.

Management believes adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share provides an alternate measure of the Company's performance for the current period and gives insight into its expected performance in future periods. These measures are used internally by the Company to evaluate the performance of its underlying operations and to assist with its planning and forecasting of future operating results. As such, the Company believes these measures are useful to investors in assessing the Company's underlying performance. We provide adjusted EBITDA to help users analyze our results and to provide additional information about our ongoing cash generating potential in order to assess our capacity to service and repay debt, carry out investments and cover working capital needs. Net debt is shown because it is a performance measure used by the Company to assess our financial position. Cash cost, sustaining and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced are shown because we believe they help investors and management assess the performance of our operations, including the margin generated by the operations and the Company. Cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of zinc produced are shown because we believe they help investors and management assess the performance of our Manitoba operations. Combined unit cost and zinc plant unit cost is shown because we believe they help investors and management assess our cost structure and margins that are not impacted by variability in by-product commodity prices.

In addition, during 2021, there were non-recurring adjustments for Manitoba operations, including severance, past service pension costs, write-downs of certain machinery and equipment, and inventory supplies write-downs as well as non-cash impairment charges related to an updated Flin Flon closure plan and lower long term discount rates in the fourth quarter, none of which management believes are indicative of ongoing operating performance and have therefore been excluded from the calculations of adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted EBITDA.

In the first half of 2020, a government-imposed shutdown of non-essential businesses led to a temporary suspension of our Constancia mining operations. Similarly, in the fourth quarter of 2020, a shaft incident led to a production interruption at 777 in Manitoba. Fixed overhead production costs incurred during these temporary production disruptions were directly charged to cost of sales. These costs did not contribute to production of inventory and were therefore excluded from the calculations of adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted EBITDA and cash costs.


Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss)

Adjusted net earnings (loss) represents net earnings (loss) excluding certain impacts, net of taxes, such as mark-to-market adjustments, impairment charges and reversal of impairment charges, write-down of assets, and foreign exchange (gain) loss. These measures are not necessarily indicative of net earnings (loss) or cash flows as determined under IFRS.

The following table provides a reconciliation of earnings (loss) per the consolidated income statements, to adjusted net earnings (loss) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

Three months ended

Year ended

(in $ millions)

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

(Loss) profit for the period

(10.5)

7.4

(244.4)

(144.6)

Tax expense (recovery)

10.3

(6.5)

41.6

(34.5)

(Loss) profit before tax

(0.2)

0.9

(202.8)

(179.1)

Adjusting items:

 

 

 

 

Mark-to-market adjustments1

13.3

(28.0)

66.7

(14.4)

Peru inventory reversal

-

(2.2)

(1.4)

-

Peru cost of sales direct charge from temporary shutdown

-

-

-

31.9

Manitoba cost of sales direct charge from temporary shutdown

-

11.7

-

11.7

Variable consideration adjustment - stream revenue and accretion

-

-

(1.0)

(10.4)

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

1.1

2.6

1.5

(1.6)

Write-down of unamortized transaction costs

-

-

2.5

3.8

Premium paid on redemption of notes

-

-

22.9

7.3

Impairment - environmental obligation

46.2

-

193.5

-

Restructuring charges - Manitoba2

3.4

-

12.4

-

Past service pension cost

0.7

-

5.0

-

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment - Manitoba

2.4

-

7.8

-

Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes

66.9

(15.0)

107.1

(150.8)

Tax (expense) recovery

(10.3)

6.5

(41.6)

34.5

Adjusted tax (expense) recovery impact3

(23.9)

(7.9)

(42.4)

(4.7)

Adjusted net earnings (loss)

32.7

(16.4)

23.1

(121.0)

Adjusted net earnings (loss) ($/share)

0.13

(0.06)

0.09

(0.46)

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (millions)

261.6

261.3

261.5

261.3


1 Includes changes in fair value of the embedded derivative on our Redeemed Notes, gold prepayment liability, Canadian junior mining investments, other financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss and share-based compensation expenses.

2 Includes severance accrued for unionized employees and write down of materials and supply inventories at the Flin Flon operations.

3 Amounts have been adjusted on a year-to-date basis for 2021. The adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share from the third quarter of 2021 have been adjusted by $37.3 million from what was previously reported due to a change in tax impacts. The adjusted net earnings changed from $38.2 million to an adjusted net earnings of $0.9 million and the adjusted net earnings per share changed from $0.15/share to an adjusted net earnings per share of $0.00/share. See the "Trend Analysis and Quarterly Review" section of this MD&A for further details.

After adjusting reported net earnings for those items not considered representative of the Company's core business or indicative of future operations, the Company had an adjusted net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2021 of $32.7 million or $0.13 earnings per share and an adjusted net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $23.1 million or $0.09 earnings per share.


Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is profit or loss before net finance expense/income, tax expense/recoveries, depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and deferred revenue, as well as certain other adjustments. We calculate adjusted EBITDA by excluding certain adjustments included within our adjusted net earnings measure which we believe reflects the underlying performance of our core operating activities. The measure also removes the impact of non-cash items and financing costs that are not associated with measuring the underlying performance of our operations. However, our adjusted EBITDA is not the measure defined as EBITDA under our senior notes or revolving credit facilities and may not be comparable with performance measures with the same name reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for profit or loss or as a better measure of liquidity than operating cash flow, which are calculated in accordance with IFRS. We provide adjusted EBITDA to help users analyze our results and to provide additional information about our ongoing cash generating potential in order to assess our capacity to service and repay debt, carry out investments and cover working capital needs.

The following table presents the reconciliation of earnings (loss) per the consolidated income statements, to adjusted EBITDA for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020: 

 

Three months ended

Year ended

(in $ millions)

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

(Loss) profit for the period

(10.5)

7.4

(244.4)

(144.6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add back: Tax expense (recovery)

10.3

(6.5)

41.6

(34.5)

 

Add back: Net finance expense

38.6

6.3

221.0

141.9

 

Add back: Other expenses

16.1

6.0

29.8

17.6

 

Add back: Depreciation and amortization1

89.9

98.6

357.9

361.8

 

Less: Amortization of deferred revenue and variable consideration adjustment

(17.3)

(20.1)

(73.1)

(74.0)

 

 

127.1

91.7

332.8

268.2

 

Adjusting items (pre-tax):

 

 

 

 

Peru inventory write down reversal

-

(2.2)

(1.4)

-

 

Impairment - environmental obligation

46.2

-

193.5

-

 

Restructuring charges - Manitoba2

-

-

5.4

-

 

Past service pension cost

0.7

-

5.0

-

 

Cash portion of Peru cost of sales direct charge from temporary shutdown

-

-

-

15.8

 

Cash portion of Manitoba cost of sales direct charge from temporary shutdown

-

8.2

-

8.2

 

Share-based compensation expenses3

6.3

9.2

11.8

14.5

 

Adjusted EBITDA

180.3

106.9

547.1

306.7

 


1 Includes the non-cash portion of the Peru cost of sales charge from the temporary shutdown of $16.1 million and the non-cash portion of the Manitoba cost of sales charge from the temporary shutdown of $3.5 million, for the year ended December 31, 2020.

2 Represents the write-down of materials and supply inventories at the Flin Flon operations.

3 Share-based compensation expenses reflected in cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.



Net Debt

The following table presents our calculation of net debt as at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

 

(in $ thousands)

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Total long-term debt

1,180,274

1,135,675

Cash

(270,989)

(439,135)

Net debt

909,285

696,540

Cash Cost, Sustaining and All-in Sustaining Cash Cost (Copper Basis)

Cash cost per pound of copper produced ("cash cost") is a non-IFRS measure that management uses as a key performance indicator to assess the performance of our operations. Our calculation designates copper as our primary metal of production as it has been the largest component of revenues. The calculation is presented in four manners:

- Cash cost, before by-product credits - This measure is gross of by-product revenues and is a function of the efforts and costs incurred to mine and process all ore mined. However, the measure divides this aggregate cost over only pounds of copper produced, our primary metal of production. This measure is generally less volatile from period to period, as it is not affected by changes in the price received for by-product metals. It is, however, significantly affected by the relative mix of copper concentrate and finished zinc production, where the sale of the zinc will occur later, and an increase in production of zinc metal will tend to result in an increase in cash cost under this measure.

- Cash cost, net of by-product credits - In order to calculate the net cost to produce and sell copper, the net of by-product credits measure subtracts the revenues realized from the sale of the metals other than copper. The by-product revenues from zinc, gold, and silver are significant and are integral to the economics of our operations. The economics that support our decision to produce and sell copper would be different if we did not receive revenues from the other significant metals being extracted and processed. This measure provides management and investors with an indication of the minimum copper price consistent with positive operating margins, assuming realized by-product metal prices are consistent with those prevailing during the reporting period. It also serves as an important operating statistic that management and investors utilize to measure our operating performance versus that of our competitors. However, it is important to understand that if by-product metal prices decline alongside copper prices, the cash cost net of by-product credits would increase, requiring a higher copper price than that reported to maintain positive cash flows and operating margins.

- Sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits - This measure is an extension of cash cost that includes cash sustaining capital expenditures, including payments on capitalized leases, capitalized sustaining exploration, net smelter returns royalties, payments on certain long-term community agreements, as well as accretion and amortization for expected decommissioning activities for producing assets. It does not include corporate selling and administrative expenses. It provides a more fulsome measurement of the cost of sustaining production than cash cost, which is focused on operating costs only.

- All-in sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits - This measure is an extension of sustaining cash cost that includes corporate G&A, regional costs, accretion and amortization for community agreements relating to current operations, and accretion for expected decommissioning activities for non-producing assets. Due to the inclusion of corporate selling and administrative expenses, all-in sustaining cash cost is presented on a consolidated basis only.


The tables below present a detailed build-up of cash cost and sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits, by business unit in addition to consolidated all-in sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits, and reconciliations between cash cost, net of by-product credits, to the most comparable IFRS measures of cost of sales for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Cash cost, net of by-product credits may not calculate exactly based on amounts presented in the tables below due to rounding.

Consolidated

Three months ended

Year ended

Net pounds of copper produced

 

 

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Peru

50,389

47,519

171,548

161,269

Manitoba

11,777

12,619

47,745

48,905

Net pounds of copper produced

62,166

60,138

219,293

210,174


Consolidated

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, before by-product credits

232,224

3.73

196,533

3.27

867,607

3.95

709,757

3.38

By-product credits

(200,306)

(3.22)

(170,646)

(2.84)

(704,345)

(3.21)

(582,882)

(2.77)

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

31,918

0.51

25,887

0.43

163,262

0.74

126,875

0.60




Consolidated

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zinc

74,585

1.20

77,593

1.29

302,301

1.38

265,105

1.26

Gold 3

99,728

1.60

61,010

1.01

289,981

1.32

219,245

1.04

Silver 3

14,853

0.24

20,624

0.34

61,388

0.28

67,342

0.32

Molybdenum & other

11,140

0.18

11,419

0.19

50,675

0.23

31,190

0.15

Total by-product credits

200,306

3.22

170,646

2.84

704,345

3.21

582,882

2.77

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

31,918

 

25,887

 

163,262

 

126,875

 

By-product credits

200,306

 

170,646

 

704,345

 

582,882

 

Treatment and refining charges

(13,721)

 

(14,723)

 

(55,430)

 

(56,888)

 

Inventory adjustments

-

 

82

 

3,999

 

2,302

 

Share-based compensation expense

744

 

919

 

1,347

 

1,400

 

Past service pension cost

737

 

-

 

4,965

 

-

 

Change in product inventory

(16,247)

 

(4,521)

 

(18,180)

 

(1,829)

 

Royalties

3,594

 

2,818

 

15,274

 

12,807

 

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash) - Peru

-

 

-

 

-

 

15,810

 

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash) - Manitoba

-

 

8,232

 

-

 

8,232

 

Depreciation and amortization4

89,927

 

98,583

 

357,924

 

361,827

 

Cost of sales5

297,258

 

287,923

 

1,177,506

 

1,053,418

 


1 Per pound of copper produced.

2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments. For more information, please see the realized price reconciliation table on page 38 for these figures.

3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements. Variable consideration adjustments are cumulative adjustments to gold and silver stream deferred revenue primarily associated with the net change in mineral reserves and resources or amendments to the mine plan that would change the total expected deliverable ounces under the precious metal streaming arrangement. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 the variable consideration adjustments amounted to income of nil and $1,617, respectively. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 - income of nil and $6,668, respectively.

4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.

5 As per IFRS financial statements.


Peru

Three months ended

Year ended

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Net pounds of copper produced1

50,389

47,519

171,548

161,269

1 Contained copper in concentrate.




Peru

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Mining

27,756

0.55

24,967

0.53

98,200

0.57

70,724

0.44

Milling

40,121

0.80

39,219

0.83

168,477

0.99

134,096

0.83

G&A

18,351

0.36

14,327

0.30

63,629

0.37

43,105

0.27

Onsite costs

86,228

1.71

78,513

1.65

330,306

1.93

247,925

1.54

Treatment & refining

8,636

0.17

10,082

0.21

32,365

0.19

36,655

0.23

Freight & other

11,609

0.23

9,989

0.21

41,316

0.24

34,794

0.21

Cash cost, before by-product credits

106,473

2.11

98,584

2.08

403,987

2.36

319,374

1.98

By-product credits

(41,900)

(0.83)

(28,802)

(0.61)

(139,885)

(0.82)

(85,067)

(0.53)

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

64,573

1.28

69,782

1.47

264,102

1.54

234,307

1.45


Peru

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold3

24,325

0.49

5,394

0.11

61,510

0.37

17,626

0.11

Silver3

7,793

0.15

13,584

0.29

35,154

0.20

41,870

0.26

Molybdenum

9,782

0.19

9,824

0.21

43,221

0.25

25,571

0.16

Total by-product credits

41,900

0.83

28,802

0.61

139,885

0.82

85,067

0.53

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

64,573

 

69,782

 

264,102

 

234,307

 

By-product credits

41,900

 

28,802

 

139,885

 

85,067

 

Treatment and refining charges

(8,636)

 

(10,082)

 

(32,365)

 

(36,655)

 

Inventory adjustments

-

 

(2,188)

 

(1,446)

 

32

 

Share-based compensation expenses

145

 

213

 

247

 

288

 

Change in product inventory

(4,507)

 

(6,550)

 

(13,743)

 

(3,883)

 

Royalties

762

 

1,399

 

3,503

 

5,121

 

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash)

-

 

-

 

-

 

15,810

 

Depreciation and amortization4

54,078

 

50,861

 

194,408

 

184,275

 

Cost of sales5

148,315

 

132,237

 

554,591

 

484,362

 


1 Per pound of copper produced.

2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments. For more information, please see the realized price reconciliation table on page 38.

3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.

4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.

5 As per IFRS financial statements.




Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Net pounds of copper produced1

11,777

12,619

47,745

48,905


1 Contained copper in concentrate.


Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Mining

58,891

5.01

46,598

3.69

222,660

4.66

178,308

3.65

Milling

22,193

1.88

11,147

0.88

62,995

1.32

46,057

0.94

Refining (zinc)

19,008

1.61

18,736

1.48

72,392

1.52

71,799

1.47

G&A

13,746

1.17

9,898

0.78

52,963

1.11

46,930

0.96

Onsite costs

113,838

9.67

86,379

6.85

411,010

8.61

343,094

7.02

Treatment & refining

5,085

0.43

4,641

0.37

23,065

0.48

20,233

0.41

Freight & other

6,828

0.58

6,929

0.55

29,545

0.62

27,056

0.55

Cash cost, before by-product credits

125,751

10.68

97,949

7.76

463,620

9.71

390,383

7.98

By-product credits

(158,406)

(13.45)

(141,844)

(11.24)

(564,460)

(11.82)

(497,815)

(10.18)

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

(32,655)

(2.77)

(43,895)

(3.48)

(100,840)

(2.11)

(107,432)

(2.20)




Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zinc

74,585

6.33

77,593

6.15

302,301

6.33

265,105

5.42

Gold3

75,403

6.40

55,616

4.41

228,471

4.78

201,619

4.12

Silver3

7,060

0.60

7,040

0.56

26,234

0.55

25,472

0.52

Other

1,358

0.12

1,595

0.13

7,454

0.16

5,619

0.11

Total by-product credits

158,406

13.45

141,844

11.24

564,460

11.82

497,815

10.18

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

(32,655)

 

(43,895)

 

(100,840)

 

(107,432)

 

By-product credits

158,406

 

141,844

 

564,460

 

497,815

 

Treatment and refining charges

(5,085)

 

(4,641)

 

(23,065)

 

(20,233)

 

Inventory adjustments

-

 

2,270

 

5,445

 

2,270

 

Past service pension cost

737

 

-

 

4,965

 

-

 

Share-based compensation expenses

599

 

706

 

1,100

 

1,112

 

Change in product inventory

(11,740)

 

2,029

 

(4,437)

 

2,054

 

Royalties

2,832

 

1,419

 

11,771

 

7,686

 

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash)

-

 

8,232

 

-

 

8,232

 

Depreciation and amortization4

35,849

 

47,722

 

163,516

 

177,552

 

Cost of sales5

148,943

 

155,686

 

622,915

 

569,056

 


1 Per pound of copper produced.

2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments. For more information, please see the realized price reconciliation table on page 38.

3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.

4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.

5 As per IFRS financial statements.




Consolidated

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

All-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

31,918

0.51

25,887

0.43

163,262

0.74

126,875

0.60

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

77,539

1.25

81,523

1.36

268,190

1.22

257,558

1.23

Capitalized exploration

8,000

0.13

8,040

0.13

8,000

0.04

8,040

0.04

Royalties

3,594

0.06

2,818

0.05

15,274

0.07

12,807

0.06

Sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits

121,051

1.95

118,268

1.97

454,726

2.07

405,280

1.93

Corporate selling and administrative expenses & regional costs

14,729

0.24

15,709

0.26

46,663

0.21

45,010

0.21

Accretion and amortization of decommissioning and community agreements1

894

0.01

1,006

0.02

2,830

0.01

4,115

0.02

All-in sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits

136,674

2.20

134,983

2.24

504,219

2.30

454,405

2.16

Reconciliation to property, plant and equipment additions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

91,432

 

96,377

 

346,335

 

303,653

 

Capitalized stripping net additions

19,201

 

20,763

 

79,426

 

83,137

 

Decommissioning and restoration obligation net additions

(555)

 

3,637

 

(49,457)

 

46,792

 

Total accrued capital additions

110,078

 

120,777

 

376,304

 

433,582

 

Less other non-sustaining capital costs2

42,621

 

62,041

 

146,978

 

248,150

 

Total sustaining capital costs

67,457

 

58,736

 

229,326

 

185,432

 

Right of use leased assets

(6,714)

 

(250)

 

(26,685)

 

(17,670)

 

Capitalized lease cash payments - operating sites

9,099

 

8,973

 

35,071

 

33,606

 

Community agreement cash payments

1,266

 

-

 

1,691

 

2,591

 

Accretion and amortization of decommissioning and restoration obligations

6,431

 

14,064

 

28,987

 

53,599

 

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

77,539

 

81,523

 

268,390

 

257,558

 


1 Includes accretion of decommissioning relating to non-productive sites, and accretion and amortization of current community agreements.

2 Other non-sustaining capital costs include Arizona capitalized costs, capitalized interest, capitalized exploration, growth capital expenditures and decommissioning and restoration obligation adjustments.




Peru

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

64,573

1.28

69,782

1.47

264,102

1.54

234,307

1.45

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

50,423

1.00

43,542

0.92

146,044

0.85

107,994

0.67

Capitalized exploration1

8,000

0.16

8,040

0.17

8,000

0.05

8,040

0.05

Royalties

762

0.02

1,399

0.03

3,503

0.02

5,121

0.03

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

123,758

2.46

122,763

2.58

421,649

2.46

355,462

2.20


1 Only includes exploration costs incurred for locations near to existing mine operations.


Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

(32,655)

(2.77)

(43,895)

(3.48)

(100,840)

(2.11)

(107,432)

(2.20)

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

27,116

2.30

37,981

3.01

122,146

2.56

149,564

3.06

Royalties

2,832

0.24

1,419

0.11

11,771

0.25

7,686

0.16

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

(2,707)

(0.23)

(4,495)

(0.36)

33,077

0.69

49,818

1.02



Zinc Cash Cost and Zinc Sustaining Cash Cost

Cash cost per pound of zinc produced ("zinc cash cost") is a non-IFRS measure that management uses as a key performance indicator to assess the performance of our Manitoba operations. This alternative cash cost calculation designates zinc as the primary metal of production as it is the largest component of revenues for our Manitoba business unit and should therefore be less volatile over time than Manitoba cash cost per pound of copper. The calculation is presented in three manners:

- Zinc cash cost, before by-product credits - This measure is gross of by-product revenues and is a function of the efforts and costs incurred to mine and process all ore mined. However, the measure divides this aggregate cost over only pounds of zinc produced, our primary metal of production. This measure is generally less volatile from period to period, as it is not affected by changes in the price received for by-product metals. It is, however, significantly affected by the relative mix of copper concentrate and finished zinc production, where the sale of the copper will occur later, and an increase in production of copper metal will tend to result in an increase in zinc cash cost under this measure.

- Zinc cash cost, net of by-product credits - In order to calculate the net cost to produce and sell zinc, the net of by-product credits measure subtracts the revenues realized from the sale of the metals other than zinc. The by-product revenues from copper, gold, and silver are significant and are integral to the economics of our Manitoba operation. The economics that support our decision to produce and sell zinc would be different if we did not receive revenues from the other significant metals being extracted and processed. This measure provides management and investors with an indication of the minimum zinc price consistent with positive operating margins, assuming realized by-product metal prices are consistent with those prevailing during the reporting period. It also serves as an important operating statistic that management and investors utilize to measure our operating performance at our Manitoba operation versus that of our competitors. However, it is important to understand that if by-product metal prices decline alongside zinc prices, the zinc cash cost net of by-product credits would increase, requiring a higher zinc price than that reported to maintain positive cash flows and operating margins.

- Zinc sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits - This measure is an extension of zinc cash cost that includes cash sustaining capital expenditures, capitalized exploration, net smelter returns royalties, as well as accretion and amortization for expected decommissioning activities for producing assets. It does not include corporate selling and administrative expenses. It provides a more fulsome measurement of the cost of sustaining production than zinc cash cost, which is focused on operating costs only.

The tables below present a detailed build-up of zinc cash cost and zinc sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits, for the Manitoba business unit, and reconciliations between zinc cash cost, net of by-product credits, to the most comparable IFRS measures of cost of sales for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Zinc cash cost, net of by-product credits, may not calculate exactly based on amounts presented in the tables below due to rounding.

Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Net pounds of zinc produced1

51,163

56,974

206,196

260,432

1 Contained zinc in concentrate.




Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Cash cost per pound of zinc produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, before by-product credits1

125,751

2.45

97,949

1.72

463,620

2.25

390,383

1.50

By-product credits

(129,164)

(2.52)

(98,915)

(1.74)

(464,333)

(2.25)

(363,312)

(1.40)

Zinc cash cost, net of by-product credits

(3,413)

(0.07)

(966)

(0.02)

(713)

-

27,071

0.10


1 For additional detail on cash cost, before by-product credits please see page 63 of this MD&A.


Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

$000s

$/lb 1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

45,343

0.89

34,664

0.61

202,174

0.98

130,602

0.50

Gold3

75,403

1.47

55,616

0.98

228,471

1.11

201,619

0.77

Silver3

7,060

0.14

7,040

0.12

26,234

0.13

25,472

0.11

Other

1,358

0.03

1,595

0.03

7,454

0.04

5,619

0.02

Total by-product credits

129,164

2.52

98,915

1.74

464,333

2.25

363,312

1.40

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

(3,413)

 

(966)

 

(713)

 

27,071

 

By-product credits

129,164

 

98,915

 

464,333

 

363,312

 

Treatment and refining charges

(5,085)

 

(4,641)

 

(23,065)

 

(20,233)

 

Past service pension cost

737

 

-

 

4,965

 

-

 

Share-based compensation expenses

599

 

706

 

1,100

 

1,112

 

Inventory adjustments

-

 

2,270

 

5,445

 

2,270

 

Change in product inventory

(11,740)

 

2,029

 

(4,437)

 

2,054

 

Royalties

2,832

 

1,419

 

11,771

 

7,686

 

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash)

-

 

8,232

 

-

 

8,232

 

Depreciation and amortization4

35,849

 

47,722

 

163,516

 

177,552

 

Cost of sales5

148,943

 

155,686

 

622,915

 

569,056

 


1 Per pound of zinc produced.

2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per financial statements, amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments. For more information, please see the realized price reconciliation table on page 38.

3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.

4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.

5 As per IFRS financial statements.




Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

 

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Sustaining cash cost per pound of zinc produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Zinc cash cost, net of by-product credits

(3,413)

(0.07)

(966)

(0.02)

(713)

-

27,071

0.10

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

27,116

0.53

37,981

0.67

122,146

0.59

149,564

0.57

Royalties

2,832

0.06

1,419

0.02

11,771

0.06

7,686

0.03

Sustaining cash cost per pound of zinc produced

26,535

0.52

38,434

0.67

133,204

0.65

184,321

0.71



Combined Unit Cost & Zinc Plant Unit Cost Reconciliation

Combined unit cost ("unit cost") and zinc plant unit cost is a non-IFRS measure that management uses as a key performance indicator to assess the performance of our mining and milling operations. Combined unit cost and zinc plant unit cost are calculated by dividing the cost of sales by mill throughput and refined zinc metal produced, respectively. This measure is utilized by management and investors to assess our cost structure and margins and compare it to similar information provided by other companies in our industry. Unlike cash cost, this measure is not impacted by variability in by-product commodity prices since there are no by-product deductions; costs associated with profit-sharing and similar costs are excluded because of their correlation to external metal prices. In addition, the unit costs are reported in the functional currency of the operation which minimizes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. In all, the unit cost measures provide an alternative perspective on operating cost performance with minimal impact from external market prices. In the first half of 2020, as a result of the temporary suspension of operations in Peru, fixed overhead production costs incurred during the suspension were directly charged to cost of sales. These costs did not contribute to production of inventory and were therefore excluded from the calculation of combined unit costs.

The tables below present a detailed combined unit cost and zinc plant unit costs for the Manitoba business unit and combined unit cost for the Peru business unit, and reconciliations between these measures to the most comparable IFRS measures of cost of sales for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Peru

Three months ended

Year ended

(in thousands except unit cost per tonne)

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Combined unit cost per tonne processed

Mining

27,756

24,967

98,200

70,724

Milling

40,121

39,219

168,477

134,096

G&A 1

18,351

14,327

63,629

43,105

Other G&A 2

(1,937)

213

(2,152)

865

Unit cost

84,291

78,726

328,154

248,790

Tonnes ore milled

8,049

7,742

28,810

26,297

Combined unit cost per tonne

10.47

10.17

11.39

9.46

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

Unit cost

84,291

78,726

328,154

248,790

Freight & other

11,609

9,989

41,316

34,794

Other G&A

1,937

(213)

2,152

(865)

Share-based compensation expenses

145

213

247

288

Inventory adjustments

-

(2,188)

(1,446)

32

Change in product inventory

(4,507)

(6,550)

(13,743)

(3,883)

Royalties

762

1,399

3,503

5,121

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash)

-

-

-

15,810

Depreciation and amortization

54,078

50,861

194,408

184,275

Cost of sales3

148,315

132,237

554,591

484,362


1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.

2 Other G&A primarily includes profit sharing costs.
3 As per IFRS financial statements.




Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

(in thousands except tonnes ore milled and unit cost per tonne)

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Dec. 31,
2021

Dec. 31,
2020

Combined unit cost per tonne processed

Mining

58,891

46,598

222,660

178,308

Milling

22,193

11,147

62,995

46,057

G&A 1

13,746

9,898

52,963

46,930

Less: G&A allocated to zinc metal production and other areas

(3,762)

(3,301)

(14,656)

(14,441)

Unit cost

91,068

64,342

323,962

256,854

USD/CAD implicit exchange rate

1.26

1.30

1.25

1.34

Unit cost - C$

114,751

83,669

406,164

344,672

Tonnes ore milled

682,292

598,287

2,640,272

2,618,065

Combined unit cost per tonne - C$

168

140

154

132

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

Unit cost

91,068

64,342

323,962

256,854

Freight & other

6,828

6,929

29,545

27,056

Refined (zinc)

19,008

18,736

72,392

71,799

G&A allocated to zinc metal production

3,762

3,301

14,656

14,441

Share-based compensation expenses

599

706

1,100

1,112

Inventory adjustments

-

2,270

5,445

2,270

Past service pension cost

737

-

4,965

-

Change in product inventory

(11,740)

2,029

(4,437)

2,054

Royalties

2,832

1,419

11,771

7,686

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash)

-

8,232

-

8,232

Depreciation and amortization

35,849

47,722

163,516

177,552

Cost of sales2

148,943

155,686

622,915

569,056


1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.

2 As per IFRS financial statements.




Manitoba

Three months ended

Year ended

(in thousands except zinc plant unit cost per pound)

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Zinc plant unit cost

Zinc plant costs

19,008

18,736

72,392

71,799

G&A 1

13,746

9,898

52,963

46,930

Less: G&A allocated to other areas

(9,984)

(6,597)

(38,307)

(32,499)

Zinc plant unit cost

22,770

22,037

87,048

86,230

USD/CAD implicit exchange rate

1.26

1.30

1.25

1.34

Zinc plant unit cost - C$

28,690

28,700

109,062

115,400

Refined metal produced (in pounds)

45,819

63,533

197,461

246,117

Zinc plant unit cost per pound - C$

0.63

0.45

0.55

0.47

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

Zinc plant unit cost

22,770

22,037

87,048

86,230

Freight & other

6,828

6,929

29,545

27,056

Mining

58,891

46,598

222,660

178,308

Milling

22,193

11,147

62,995

46,057

G&A allocated to other areas

9,984

6,597

38,307

32,499

Share-based compensation expenses

599

706

1,100

1,112

Inventory adjustments

-

2,270

5,445

2,270

Past service pension costs

737

-

4,965

-

Change in product inventory

(11,740)

2,029

(4,437)

2,054

Royalties

2,832

1,419

11,771

7,686

Overhead costs related to suspension of activities (cash)

-

8,232

-

8,232

Depreciation and amortization

35,849

47,722

163,516

177,552

Cost of sales2

148,943

155,686

622,915

569,056


1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.

2 As per IFRS financial statements.

ACCOUNTING CHANGES

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

For information on new standards and interpretations not yet adopted, refer to note 4 of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires us to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies, reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.


We review these estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis based on our experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. Certain accounting estimates and judgements have been identified as being "critical" to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations because they require us to make subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain; or there is a reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions and estimates.

The following are significant judgements and estimates impacting the consolidated financial statements:

- Judgements and estimates that affect multiple areas of the consolidated financial statements:

- Mineral reserves and resources which form the basis of life of mine plans which are utilized in impairment testing, timing of payments related to decommissioning obligations and depreciation of capital assets. We estimate our mineral reserves and resources based on information compiled by qualified persons as defined in accordance with NI 43-101;

- IFRS 15 - Revenue - stream transactions

- Income and mining taxes, including estimates of future taxable profit which impacts the ability to realize deferred tax assets on our balance sheet; and

- In respect of the outcome of uncertain future events as it concerns recognizing contingent liabilities.

- Judgements and estimates that relate mainly to assets (these judgements may also affect other areas of the consolidated financial statements):

- Property, plant and equipment:

- Cost allocations for mine development;

- Mining properties expenditures capitalized;

- Classification of supply costs as related to capital development or inventory acquisition;

- Determining when exploration and evaluation assets should be transferred to capital works in progress within property, plant and equipment;

- Determination of when an asset or group of assets is in the condition and location to be ready for use as intended by management for the purposes of commencing depreciation;

- Componentization;

- Assessment of impairment, including determination of cash generating units and assessing for indicators of impairment;

- Recoverability of exploration and evaluation assets, including determination of cash generating units and assessing for indications of impairment;

- Determining whether assets meet criteria for classification as held for sale;

- Units of production depreciation;

- Plant and equipment estimated useful lives and residual values;

- Capitalized stripping costs; and

- Finite life intangible assets.

- Impairment (and reversal of impairment) of non-financial assets:

- Future production levels and timing;

- Operating and capital costs;

- Future commodity prices;

- Foreign exchange rates; and

- Risk adjusted discount rates; and

- In process inventory quantities, inventory cost allocations and inventory valuation.


- Judgements and estimates that relate mainly to liabilities (these judgements may also affect other areas of the consolidated financial statements):

- Determining the accounting classification of the precious metals stream deposit;

- Determination of deferred revenue per unit related to the precious metals stream transactions and determination of current portion of deferred revenue, which is based on timing of future sales, and adjustments of the expected conversion of resource to reserves;

- Pensions and other employee benefits; and

- Decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities including estimated future costs and timing of spending.

- Estimates that relate mainly to the consolidated income statements:

- Assaying used to determine revenues and recoverability of inventories.

For more information on judgements and estimates, refer to note 2 of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Disclosure controls and procedures ("DC&P")

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate DC&P. As of December 31, 2021, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our DC&P in accordance with requirements of National Instrument 52-109 of the Canadian Securities Commission ("NI 52-109") and the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (as adopted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission). Our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") supervised and participated in this evaluation.

As of December 31, 2021, based on management's evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our DC&P were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal control over financial reporting ("ICFR")

Management of Hudbay is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate ICFR. Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our ICFR as of December 31, 2021 based upon the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on management's evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our ICFR was effective as of December 31, 2021.

The effectiveness of the Company's ICFR as of December 31, 2021 has been audited by Deloitte LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as stated in their report immediately preceding the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.


Changes in ICFR

We did not make any changes to ICFR during the year ended December 31, 2021 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our ICFR.

Inherent limitations of controls and procedures

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. As a result, even systems determined to be effective may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis, as systems can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of ICFR to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may change.

NOTES TO READER

Forward-Looking Information

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

Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, production, cost and capital and exploration expenditure guidance, expectations regarding the impact of COVID-19  and inflationary pressures on the cost of operations, financial condition and prospects, expectations regarding the Copper World project, including future drill programs, potential synergies with Rosemont and the timeline for completing a preliminary economic assessment, expectations regarding the Snow Lake gold strategy, including anticipated timelines for achieving target throughput and recoveries at the New Britannia mill, increasing the mining rate at Lalor to 5,300 tpd and implementing the Stall mill recovery improvement program, expectations regarding the Flin Flon closure process and the transition of personnel and equipment to Snow Lake, expectations regarding the potential to reprocess Flin Flon tailings in the future and the possible benefits of such a project, the potential and our anticipated plans for advancing our mining properties surrounding Constancia and elsewhere in Peru, anticipated mine plans, anticipated metals prices and the anticipated sensitivity of our financial performance to metals prices, events that may affect our operations and development projects, anticipated cash flows from operations and related liquidity requirements, the anticipated effect of external factors on revenue, such as commodity prices, estimation of mineral reserves and resources, mine life projections, reclamation costs, economic outlook, government regulation of mining operations, and business and acquisition strategies. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by us at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

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

- our ability to continue to operate safely and at full capacity despite COVID-19 related challenges;

- the availability, global supply and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, the effective distribution of such vaccines in the countries in which we operate, the lessening of restrictions related to COVID-19, and the anticipated rate and timing for each of the foregoing;

- the ability to achieve production and cost guidance;


- no significant interruptions to our operations due to COVID-19 or social or political unrest in the regions Hudbay operates;

- a positive preliminary economic assessment in respect of Copper World will present opportunities to unlock value at Rosemont;

- the successful outcome of the Rosemont litigation;

- the ability to ramp-up the New Britannia mill to target throughput and recoveries and achieve the anticipated production;

- the economic prospects of reprocessing Flin Flon tailings;

- the success of mining, processing, exploration and development activities;

- the scheduled maintenance and availability of our processing facilities;

- the accuracy of geological, mining and metallurgical estimates;

- anticipated metals prices and the costs of production;

- the supply and demand for metals we produce;

- the supply and availability of all forms of energy and fuels at reasonable prices;

- no significant unanticipated operational or technical difficulties;

- the execution of our business and growth strategies, including the success of our strategic investments and initiatives;

- the availability of additional financing, if needed;

- the ability to complete project targets on time and on budget and other events that may affect our ability to develop our projects;

- the timing and receipt of various regulatory and governmental approvals;

- the availability of personnel for our exploration, development and operational projects and ongoing employee relations;

- maintaining good relations with the labour unions that represent certain of our employees in Manitoba and Peru;

- maintaining good relations with the communities in which we operate, including the neighbouring Indigenous communities and local governments;

- no significant unanticipated challenges with stakeholders at our various projects;

- no significant unanticipated events or changes relating to regulatory, environmental, health and safety matters;

- no contests over title to our properties, including as a result of rights or claimed rights of Indigenous peoples or challenges to the validity of our unpatented mining claims;

- the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation and no significant unanticipated litigation;

- certain tax matters, including, but not limited to current tax laws and regulations, changes in taxation policies and the refund of certain value added taxes from the Canadian and Peruvian governments; and

- no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets (including commodity prices and foreign exchange rates).

The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to, risks associated with COVID-19 and its effect on our operations, financial condition, projects and prospects, uncertainties related to the closure of the 777 mine and the Flin Flon operations, the direct and indirect impacts of the change in government in Peru, future uncertainty with respect to the Peruvian mining tax regime and social unrest in Peru, risks generally associated with the mining industry, such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, currency fluctuations, energy prices and general cost escalation in the current inflationary environment), uncertainties related to the development and operation of our projects, risks related to the ongoing Rosemont litigation process and other legal challenges that could affect Rosemont or Copper World, risks related to the new Lalor mine plan, including the continuing ramp-up of the New Britannia mill and the ability to convert inferred mineral resource estimates to higher confidence categories, risks related to the technical and economic prospects of reprocessing Flin Flon tailings, the potential that additional financial assurance will be required to support the updated Flin Flon closure plan, dependence on key personnel and employee and union relations, risks related to political or social instability, unrest or change, risks in respect of Indigenous and community relations, rights and title claims, operational risks and hazards, including the cost of maintaining and upgrading the Company's tailings management facilities and any unanticipated environmental, industrial and geological events and developments and the inability to insure against all risks, failure of plant, equipment, processes, transportation and other infrastructure to operate as anticipated, compliance with government and environmental regulations, including permitting requirements and anti-bribery legislation, depletion of our reserves, volatile financial markets that may affect our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, the failure to obtain required approvals or clearances from government authorities on a timely basis, uncertainties related to the geology, continuity, grade and estimates of mineral reserves and resources, and the potential for variations in grade and recovery rates, uncertain costs of reclamation activities, our ability to comply with our pension and other post-retirement obligations, our ability to abide by the covenants in our debt instruments and other material contracts, tax refunds, hedging transactions, as well as the risks discussed under the heading "Financial Risk Management" in this MD&A and under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Information Form.


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

Note to United States Investors

This MD&A has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which may differ materially from the requirements of United States securities laws applicable to U.S. issuers.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101

The technical and scientific information in this MD&A related to our material mineral projects has been approved by Olivier Tavchandjian, P. Geo, our Vice President, Exploration and Geology. Mr. Tavchandjian is a qualified person pursuant to NI 43-101. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and resources at Hudbay's material properties, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates of scientific and technical information may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please see the technical reports for our material properties as filed by us on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.


SUMMARY OF RESULTS

The following unaudited tables set out a summary of quarterly and annual results for the Company.

 

 

2021 4

Q4 2021

Q3 20215

Q2 2021

Q1 2021

2020 4

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

2019

Q4 2019

Consolidated Financial Condition ($000s)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$270,989

$270,989

$297,451

$294,287

$310,564

$439,135

$439,135

$449,014

$391,136

$305,997

$396,146

$396,146

Total long-term debt

 

1,180,274

1,180,274

1,182,612

1,181,195

1,180,798

1,135,675

1,135,675

1,175,104

988,418

988,074

985,255

985,255

Net debt1

 

909,285

909,285

885,161

886,908

870,234

696,540

696,540

726,090

597,282

682,077

589,109

589,109

Consolidated Financial Performance ($000s except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$1,501,998

$425,170

$358,961

$404,242

$313,624

$1,092,418

$322,290

$316,108

$208,913

$245,105

$1,237,439

$324,485

Cost of sales

 

1,370,979

343,426

444,379

322,060

261,112

1,053,418

287,923

276,830

221,567

267,096

1,085,897

298,852

(Loss) earnings before tax

 

(202,751)

(149)

(147,830)

14,819

(69,592)

(179,089)

911

(23,944)

(74,604)

(81,452)

(452,763)

(42,352)

(Loss) earnings

 

(244,358)

(10,453)

(170,411)

(3,395)

(60,102)

(144,584)

7,406

(23,955)

(51,901)

(76,134)

(343,810)

(1,455)

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings

 

$(0.93)

$(0.04)

$(0.65)

$(0.01)

$(0.23)

$(0.55)

$0.03

$(0.09)

$(0.20)

$(0.29)

$(1.32)

$(0.01)

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share 1

$0.09

$0.13

$-

$0.02

$(0.06)

$(0.46)

$(0.06)

$(0.10)

$(0.15)

$(0.15)

$(0.18)

$(0.09)

Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital 1

483,862

156,917

103,509

132,786

90,656

241,863

86,071

84,383

29,457

41,951

307,284

69,141

Adjusted EBITDA (in $ millions) 1

 

547.1

180.3

119.3

143.2

104.2

306.7

106.9

96.1

49.1

55.0

358.5

82.2

Consolidated Operational Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contained metal in concentrate produced 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

99,470

28,198

23,245

23,474

24,553

95,333

27,278

25,395

18,026

24,635

137,179

32,422

Gold

ounces

184,781

55,561

53,872

39,848

35,500

124,622

32,376

29,277

32,614

30,355

114,692

32,712

Silver

ounces

3,038,952

893,194

763,167

685,916

696,673

2,750,873

730,679

671,685

580,817

767,692

3,585,330

930,137

Zinc

tonnes

93,529

23,207

20,844

21,538

27,940

118,130

25,843

30,570

31,222

30,495

119,106

30,592

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,146

275

282

295

294

1,204

333

392

124

354

1,272

372

Contained metal in doré

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold

ounces

9,002

8,598

404

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Silver

ounces

6,529

6,519

10

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Payable metal in concentrate and doré sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

92,200

24,959

21,136

25,176

20,929

88,888

22,963

25,903

15,951

24,072

128,519

33,715

Gold

ounces

168,358

56,927

47,843

38,205

25,383

122,949

35,179

30,605

30,590

26,574

108,999

30,344

Silver

ounces

2,427,508

638,640

701,601

577,507

509,760

2,585,586

762,384

705,495

541,785

575,922

3,452,926

909,423

Zinc 3

tonnes

96,435

21,112

21,619

25,361

28,343

109,347

28,431

26,520

27,604

26,792

104,319

28,001

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,098

245

304

265

284

1,321

457

313

120

431

1,186

199

Cash cost 1

$/lb

$   0.74

$   0.51

$   0.62

$   0.84

$   1.04

$   0.60

$   0.43

$   0.65

$   0.29

$   0.98

$   0.83

$   0.90

Sustaining cash cost

$/lb

$   2.07

$   1.95

$   1.97

$   2.25

$   2.16

$   1.93

$   1.97

$   2.02

$   1.59

$   2.05

$   1.72

$   2.11

All-in sustaining cash cost 1

$/lb

$   2.30

$   2.20

$   2.18

$   2.48

$   2.37

$   2.16

$   2.24

$   2.25

$   1.91

$   2.17

$   1.86

$   2.22



1Net debt, adjusted earnings (loss) per share, adjusted EBITDA, cash cost, sustaining cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.

2 Metal reported in concentrate is prior to deductions associated with smelter contract terms.

3 Includes refined zinc metal sold.

4 Annual consolidated results may not calculate based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.

5 The Q3 2021 adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share have been adjusted for changes made in the computation of tax impacts on certain adjusting items. The adjusted net earnings per share changed from $ 0.15/share to adjusted net earnings of $0.00/share. See the "Trend Analysis and Quarterly Review" section of this MD&A for further details.



 

 

2021 4

Q4 2021

Q3 2021

Q2 2021

Q1 2021

2020 4

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

2019

Q4 2019

Peru Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constancia ore mined1

tonnes

29,714,327

7,742,469

6,208,019

8,016,373

7,747,466

27,529,950

9,313,784

8,455,668

2,775,286

6,985,212

33,308,369

8,049,063

Copper

%

0.31

0.33

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.32

0.31

0.31

0.34

0.34

0.43

0.41

Gold

g/tonne

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.03

0.03

0.03

0.04

0.03

0.04

0.04

Silver

g/tonne

2.88

2.81

2.76

3.02

2.90

2.75

2.61

2.55

2.90

3.10

3.76

3.87

Molybdenum

%

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.02

Pampacancha ore mined1

tonnes

5,141,001

2,107,196

2,050,813

982,992

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Copper

%

0.27

0.27

0.27

0.26

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Gold

g/tonne

0.30

0.34

0.27

0.27

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Silver

g/tonne

4.02

4.26

3.58

4.43

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Molybdenum

%

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Ore milled

tonnes

28,809,755

8,048,925

6,985,035

7,413,043

6,362,752

26,297,318

7,741,714

7,480,655

4,355,482

6,719,466

31,387,281

7,474,136

Copper

%

0.32

0.33

0.30

0.31

0.33

0.34

0.33

0.33

0.34

0.34

0.42

0.42

Gold

g/tonne

0.08

0.11

0.11

0.07

0.04

0.03

0.03

0.03

0.04

0.03

0.04

0.04

Silver

g/tonne

3.35

3.67

3.93

2.88

2.84

2.87

2.74

2.68

3.04

3.13

3.64

3.86

Molybdenum

%

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.01

0.02

0.02

0.02

Copper recovery

%

84.6

86.0

84.9

83.3

84.1

83.0

85.3

83.3

76.6

84.3

85.7

85.6

Gold recovery

%

64.6

63.6

71.9

62.2

52.0

49.8

52.7

51.6

43.4

50.2

48.1

50.0

Silver recovery

%

63.7

60.8

59.1

68.2

69.9

66.9

70.1

66.7

59.6

68.2

68.2

68.2

Molybdenum recovery

%

31.5

26.7

33.5

33.3

33.4

29.4

28.4

30.4

19.9

35.0

26.5

30.8

Contained metal in concentrate

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

77,813

22,856

18,072

19,058

17,827

73,150

21,554

20,803

11,504

19,290

113,825

26,659

Gold

ounces

50,306

17,917

17,531

10,220

4,638

12,395

3,689

3,333

2,311

3,062

19,723

5,007

Silver

ounces

1,972,949

578,140

521,036

468,057

405,714

1,622,972

477,775

430,208

253,687

461,302

2,504,769

631,774

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,146

275

282

295

294

1,204

333

392

124

354

1,272

372

Payable metal sold

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

71,398

20,551

16,065

19,946

14,836

68,506

18,583

21,654

9,023

19,247

106,184

28,430

Gold

ounces

41,807

16,304

16,902

5,638

2,963

10,986

3,297

3,753

1,317

2,618

18,956

4,824

Silver

ounces

1,490,651

380,712

457,263

315,064

337,612

1,518,548

480,843

433,595

242,519

361,591

2,452,496

666,839

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,098

245

304

265

284

1,321

457

313

120

431

1,186

199

Peru combined unit operating cost,2, 3

$/tonne

$11.39

$10.47

$11.62

$11.25

$12.46

$9.46

$10.17

$9.85

$7.77

$9.31

$9.50

$10.20

Peru cash cost3

$/lb

$1.54

$1.28

$1.26

$1.85

$1.82

$1.45

$1.47

$1.54

$1.31

$1.42

$1.16

$1.36

Peru sustaining cash cost3

$/lb

$2.46

$2.46

$2.31

$2.69

$2.36

$2.20

$2.58

$2.29

$1.84

$1.91

$1.65

$2.17


1 Reported tonnes and grade for ore mined are estimates based on mine plan assumptions and may not fully reconcile to ore milled.

2 Reflects combined mine, mill and general and administrative ("G&A") costs per tonne of ore milled. Reflects the deduction of expected capitalized stripping costs.

3 Combined unit costs, cash cost, and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A

4 Annual consolidated results may not calculate based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.




 

 

2021 1

Q4 2021

Q3 2021

Q2 2021

Q1 2021

2020 1

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

2019

Q4 2019

Manitoba Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lalor ore mined

tonnes

1,593,141

422,208

392,380

356,951

421,602

1,654,240

468,101

357,213

407,408

421,518

1,536,780

390,140

Copper

%

0.71

0.78

0.86

0.64

0.57

0.74

0.80

0.66

0.77

0.70

0.75

0.80

Zinc

%

4.23

4.19

3.60

3.81

5.20

5.73

5.54

5.98

6.05

5.43

6.36

6.20

Gold

g/tonne

3.41

3.92

3.85

3.19

2.67

2.51

2.79

2.28

2.64

2.27

2.16

2.63

Silver

g/tonne

24.66

30.35

22.13

22.98

22.75

25.31

24.96

21.23

28.4

26.18

25.51

28.38

777 ore mined

tonnes

1,053,710

266,744

256,536

255,170

275,260

991,576

164,856

264,905

281,890

279,925

1,109,782

269,342

Copper

%

1.28

1.13

1.06

0.82

2.06

1.40

1.89

0.98

1.72

1.18

1.37

1.17

Zinc

%

3.91

4.16

3.88

3.57

4.00

3.88

2.98

3.95

4.13

4.11

3.22

3.33

Gold

g/tonne

2.03

1.80

1.96

1.97

2.39

1.90

1.85

2.01

1.91

1.82

1.61

1.52

Silver

g/tonne

25.25

25.02

22.99

23.35

29.32

24.13

21.64

24.25

25.73

23.86

18.67

18.52

Stall & New Britannia Concentrator Combined:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore milled

tonnes

1,506,756

419,727

408,201

317,484

361,344

1,412,751

372,624

335,739

334,601

369,787

1,290,300

310,622

Copper

%

0.72

0.75

0.82

0.68

0.60

0.73

0.79

0.68

0.76

0.70

0.73

0.80

Zinc

%

4.30

4.12

3.58

4.06

5.53

5.76

5.47

6.11

6.16

5.38

6.39

6.24

Gold

g/tonne

3.42

3.90

3.84

3.19

2.57

2.55

2.88

2.35

2.70

2.28

2.13

2.60

Silver

g/tonne

24.95

30.07

23.32

22.02

23.40

25.37

24.43

22.08

28.72

26.28

25.48

28.12

Copper recovery

%

86.8

88.7

84.3

88.8

85.7

86.2

87.1

84.0

86.6

86.5

85.9

85.9

Zinc recovery

%

88.9

87.4

88.2

88.1

91.1

91.9

90.9

92.7

92.4

91.4

91.1

90.7

Gold recovery

%

54.9

54.6

53.4

55.5

57.5

60.0

59.5

57.4

62.3

60.9

56.8

61.1

Silver recovery

%

54.4

53.9

52.7

55.1

56.2

60.4

60.3

57.5

62.1

61.1

60.4

62.9

Flin Flon Concentrator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore milled

tonnes

1,133,516

262,565

258,062

329,503

283,386

1,205,314

225,663

322,156

324,906

332,589

1,362,006

374,529

Copper

%

1.23

1.12

1.06

0.89

1.88

1.28

1.59

0.99

1.52

1.11

1.27

1.11

Zinc

%

3.95

4.16

3.86

3.65

4.20

4.21

3.87

4.07

4.41

4.36

3.78

4.05

Gold

g/tonne

2.04

1.78

1.96

2.06

2.34

1.96

1.99

1.99

1.99

1.88

1.72

1.75

Silver

g/tonne

24.90

25.04

22.93

23.65

28.01

24.26

22.65

24.01

25.56

24.33

19.84

20.56

Copper recovery

%

87.7

86.7

85.2

84.8

91.3

86.0

88.1

83.9

87.3

84.1

88.0

86.9

Zinc recovery

%

83.0

83.1

82.2

84.8

81.8

85.5

83.9

87.9

84.9

85.0

85.5

85.8

Gold recovery

%

58.5

59.2

58.1

52.9

64.0

56.0

56.6

55.3

58.6

53.5

59.4

56.1

Silver recovery

%

45.1

45.6

42.4

37.5

54.1

45.9

46.5

42.0

50.7

44.3

50.8

49.2

1 Annual consolidated results may not calculate based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.




 

 

2021 4

Q4 2021

Q3 2021

Q2 2021

Q1 2021

2020 4

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

2019

Q4 2019

Manitoba Operations (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Manitoba contained metal in concentrate produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

21,657

5,342

5,173

4,416

6,726

22,183

5,724

4,592

6,522

5,345

23,354

5,763

Zinc

tonnes

93,529

23,207

20,844

21,538

27,940

118,130

25,843

30,570

31,222

30,495

119,106

30,592

Gold

ounces

134,475

37,644

36,341

29,628

30,862

112,227

28,687

25,944

30,303

27,293

94,969

27,705

Silver

ounces

1,066,003

315,054

242,131

217,859

290,959

1,127,901

252,904

241,477

327,130

306,390

1,080,561

298,363

Precious metal in doré produced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold

ounces

9,002

8,598

404

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Silver

ounces

6,529

6,519

10

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total Manitoba payable metal sold and doré

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

20,802

4,408

5,071

5,230

6,093

20,382

4,380

4,249

6,928

4,825

22,335

5,285

Zinc1

tonnes

96,435

21,112

21,619

25,361

28,343

109,347

28,431

26,520

27,604

26,792

104,346

28,001

Gold

ounces

126,551

40,623

30,941

32,567

22,420

111,963

31,882

26,852

29,273

23,956

90,043

25,520

Silver

ounces

936,857

257,928

244,338

262,443

172,148

1,067,038

281,541

271,900

299,266

214,331

1,000,430

242,584

Manitoba combined unit operating cost2,3

C$/tonne

$154

$168

$147

$148

$151

$132

$140

$126

$135

$127

$134

$128

Manitoba cash cost3

$/lb

$(2.11)

$(2.77)

$(1.64)

$(3.51)

$(1.04)

$(2.20)

$(3.48)

$(3.41)

$(1.51)

$(0.62)

$(0.75)

$(1.26)

Manitoba sustaining cash cost3

$/lb

$0.69

$(0.23)

$0.75

$0.36

$1.62

$1.02

$(0.36)

$0.83

$1.16

$2.54

$2.07

$1.83


1 Includes refined zinc metal sold.
2 Reflects combined mine, mill and G&A costs per tonne of milled ore.
3 Combined unit costs, cash cost, and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the discussion under the "Non-IFRS Financial Reporting Measures" section of this MD&A.
4 Annual consolidated results may not calculate based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding.