Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI)
reports production results for the third quarter of 2024 from its
five operating mines in West Africa and Latin America.
Q3 2024 Production
highlights
- Gold equivalent
production of 110,820 ounces1; compared to 128,671 oz Au Eq in Q3
20232 and 116,570 oz Au Eq in Q2 20243
- Gold production
of 91,251 ounces; compared to 94,821 oz Au in Q3 20232 and 92,716
oz Au in Q2 20243
- Silver
production of 816,187 ounces; compared to 1,680,751 oz Ag in Q3
20232 and 990,574 oz Ag in Q2 20243
- Zinc and lead
production of 12.8 million and 10.0 million pounds; compared to
14.0 million and 10.3 million pounds in Q3 20232, respectively
- Lindero leach
pad expansion is the largest capital project of the Company in
2024. As of the end of September, the $41.7 million capital
investment was approximately 76 percent complete and on budget.
First ore to the new leach pad is planned for later this month
Consolidated gold and silver production for the
nine months of 2024 totaled 273,645 ounces and 2.9 million ounces,
respectively, or 339,933 ounces of gold equivalent1, including lead
and zinc by-products. Fortuna reiterates its 2024 annual production
guidance range of between 457 and 497 thousand ounces of gold
equivalent ounces4, including lead and zinc by-products (refer to
Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024).
Q3 2024 Consolidated Gold and Silver
Production
|
Gold Production (oz) |
Silver Production (oz) |
Q3 2024 |
Q3 2023 |
9 months 2024 |
Guidance 2024 (koz) |
Q3 2024 |
Q3 2023 |
9 months2024 |
Guidance2024 (Moz) |
Lindero, Argentina |
24,345 |
20,933 |
70,481 |
93 - 105 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Yaramoko, Burkina Faso |
28,006 |
34,036 |
86,630 |
105 - 119 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Séguéla, Côte d’Ivoire |
34,998 |
31,498 |
102,537 |
126 - 138 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
San Jose, Mexico |
3,771 |
8,205 |
13,573 |
19 - 23 |
510,741 |
1,372,530 |
1,954,028 |
3.1 - 3.6 |
Caylloma, Peru |
131 |
149 |
424 |
- |
305,446 |
308,221 |
927,304 |
0.9 - 1.1 |
Total |
91,251 |
94,821 |
273,645 |
343 - 385 |
816,187 |
1,680,751 |
2,881,332 |
4.0 – 4.7 |
Notes:
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead
and zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices:
$2,490/oz Au, $29.4/oz Ag, $2,040/t Pb and $2,782/t Zn or
Au:Ag = 1:84.78, Au:Pb = 1:1.22, Au:Zn = 1:0.90
- Refer to Fortuna news release:
October 5, 2023, “Séguéla drives Fortuna to record gold equivalent
production of 128,671 ounces in the third quarter 2023”
- Refer to Fortuna news release: July
9, 2024, “Fortuna reports solid production of 116,570 gold
equivalent ounces for the second quarter of 2024”
- Au Eq includes gold, silver, lead
and zinc and is calculated using the following metal prices:
$1,800/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, $2,000/t Pb and $2,500/t Zn or Au:Ag =
1:81.82, Au:Pb = 1:0.90, Au:Zn = 1:0.72
West Africa Region
Séguéla Mine, Côte d’Ivoire: On-track to
meet upper end of annual guidance
|
Q3 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
Tonnes milled |
418,390 |
318,457 |
Average tpd milled |
4,548 |
3,461 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
2.69 |
3.47 |
Gold recovery (%) |
92.2 |
93.8 |
Gold production (oz)1 |
34,998 |
32,983 |
Note:
- Au Production includes doré
only
Mining
Mine production totaled 484,050 tonnes of ore,
averaging 2.48 g/t Au, and containing an estimated 38,661 ounces of
gold from the Antenna, Ancien, and Koula pits. Movement of waste
during the quarter totaled 2,935,335 tonnes, for a strip ratio of
6:1.
Production was mainly focused from the Antenna
pit which produced 412,063 tonnes of ore, with the balance of
production sourced from the Koula and Ancien pits.
Processing
In the third quarter of 2024, Séguéla produced
34,998 ounces of gold at an average head grade of 2.69 g/t Au,
a 6 percent increase and 22 percent decrease, respectively,
compared to the second quarter in 2024. The decrease in gold grade
is in line with the planned mining sequence. Plant throughput for
the quarter averaged 208 tonnes per hour (tph), 35 percent higher
than name plate design capacity of 154 tph. The power outages that
were experienced in the second quarter did not affect processing
plant operations in the third quarter and enabled an increase in
the tonnes processed. However, a failure of the drive shaft of the
main apron feeder in early July required a repair which reduced
throughput rates while the repairs were completed. Throughput rates
were subsequently increased, averaging 216 tph in September.
Gold production for the first nine months of
2024 totaled 102,537 ounces.
Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso: Continued
strong performance
|
Q3 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
Tonnes milled |
123,754 |
121,391 |
Average tpd milled |
1,345 |
1,319 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
6.71 |
8.40 |
Gold recovery (%) |
97.85 |
98.25 |
Gold production1 (oz) |
28,006 |
31,447 |
Note:
- Production includes doré only
In the third quarter of 2024, 123,754 tonnes of
ore were treated at an average head grade of 6.71 g/t Au, producing
28,006 ounces of gold. This represents a 20 percent decrease in
grade, and an 11 percent decrease in production, compared to the
second quarter in 2024. The gold grade was lower than predicted in
the mine plan due to continuing development operations providing
lower grade ore and the milling of supplementary low-grade
stockpiles.
During the quarter, 80,740 tonnes of ore were
mined averaging 7.41 g/t Au from 55 Zone, and 21,905 tonnes of ore
averaging 9.02 g/t Au from QV Prime, totaling 102,645 tonnes
averaging 7.75 g/t Au.
Gold production for the first nine months of
2024 totaled 86,630 ounces.
Latin America Region
Lindero Mine, Argentina: In-line to meet
annual guidance
|
Q3 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
Ore placed on pad (t) |
1,654,101 |
1,408,791 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
0.66 |
0.61 |
Gold production1 (oz) |
24,345 |
22,874 |
Note:
- Lindero production includes doré,
gold-in-carbon and gold in copper concentrate
During the third quarter of 2024, 2.1 million
tonnes of ore were mined, with a stripping ratio of 1:1. A total of
1.6 million tonnes of ore were placed on the leach pad averaging
0.66 g/t Au, containing an estimated 34,925 ounces of gold. The 17
percent increase in tonnes placed on the leach pad, when compared
to the previous quarter, is mainly due to more days of operation
and slightly higher throughput for the period.
Lindero’s total gold production for the quarter
was 24,345 ounces of gold, comprised of 22,569 ounces in doré bars,
1,754 ounces contained in rich fine carbon, and 21 ounces contained
in copper precipitate. The 6 percent increase in production, when
compared to the previous quarter, is mainly explained by the higher
ore grade placed on pad, as per the planned mining sequence for the
period. Higher head grades and ore tonnes placed on pad during the
quarter mean production is on track to meet annual guidance.
As of the end of September, the $51.8 million
leach pad expansion project ($41.7 million capital investment in
2024) was approximately 76 percent complete and tracking on budget.
Procurement is complete, with all items onsite. Liner installation
is approximately 44 percent complete. The Company expects to start
placing ore on the leach pad expansion in the latter part of
October 2024 with practical completion expected by year-end. Minor
construction activities and contractor demobilization are planned
for early 2025.
Gold production for the first nine months of
2024 totaled 70,481 ounces.
San Jose Mine, Mexico: Producing from
the tail end of reserves
|
Q3 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
Tonnes milled |
188,212 |
176,214 |
Average tpd milled |
2,163 |
1,980 |
Silver grade (g/t) |
99 |
140 |
Silver recovery (%) |
85.67 |
86.56 |
Silver production (oz) |
510,741 |
684,176 |
Gold grade (g/t) |
0.74 |
1.09 |
Gold recovery (%) |
84.72 |
85.46 |
Gold production (oz) |
3,771 |
5,269 |
In the third quarter of 2024, the San Jose Mine
produced 510,741 ounces of silver, and 3,771 ounces of gold at
average head grades of 99 g/t Ag and 0.74 g/t Au; reflecting a 25
percent and 28 percent decrease, respectively, when compared to the
second quarter of 2024. The processing plant milled 188,212 tonnes
averaging 2,163 tonnes per day. Metallurgical recoveries were
impacted by higher iron oxide material from upper levels mined
during the period.
The mine plan in the second half of 2024
includes areas with increased geologic uncertainty, as the mine is
operating at the tail end of its reserves. In the third quarter,
production carried out near old workings at the upper levels of the
mine, which accounted for 46 percent of quarterly planned
production, returned 36 percent lower head grades and 28 percent
lower tonnage than expected. The mine plan for the fourth quarter
continues to encompass areas of high geologic uncertainty.
The exploration program at the Yessi vein was
completed during the quarter, and the Company is now assessing its
economic potential along with the resources at the Victoria vein.
As the operation is expected to exhaust its Mineral Reserves by
year end, management is evaluating the options of continued
operations, placing the operation on care and maintenance, or
triggering a progressive closure plan.
Silver and gold production for the nine months
of 2024 totaled 1,954,028 ounces and 13,573 ounces,
respectively.
Caylloma Mine, Peru: Full year
production guidance achieved for all metals in the third
quarter
|
Q3 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
Tonnes milled |
138,030 |
136,543 |
Average tpd milled |
1,551 |
1,552 |
Silver grade (g/t) |
82 |
83 |
Silver recovery1 (%) |
84.09 |
83.75 |
Silver production (oz) |
305,446 |
306,398 |
Lead grade (%) |
3.62 |
3.83 |
Lead recovery (%) |
90.73 |
91.28 |
Lead production (lbs) |
9,997,964 |
10,524,868 |
Zinc grade (%) |
4.64 |
4.80 |
Zinc recovery (%) |
90.79 |
90.16 |
Zinc production (lbs) |
12,808,857 |
13,040,343 |
Note:
- Metallurgical recovery for silver
is calculated based on silver content in lead concentrate
The Caylloma Mine produced 305,446 ounces of
silver at an average head grade of 82 g/t Ag in the third quarter
of 2024, reflecting similar production as the previous quarter.
Silver production for the first nine months of 2024 totaled 927,304
ounces.
Zinc and lead production was 12,808,857 and
9,997,964 pounds, respectively, with average head grades of 4.64 %
Zn and 3.62 % Pb, representing a 2 and 5 percent decrease in
production when compared to the preceding quarter. The lower
production is the result of lower head grades delivered to the
plant, in accordance with the planned mining sequence for the
period. Zinc and lead production for the first nine months of 2024
accounted for 38,031,945 pounds and 30,053,416 pounds,
respectively.
Qualified Person
Eric Chapman, Senior Vice President of Technical
Services of Fortuna, is a Professional Geoscientist registered with
Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (Registration Number
36328) and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument
43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Chapman
has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information
contained in this news release and has verified the underlying
data.
About Fortuna Mining
Corp.
Fortuna Mining Corp. is a Canadian precious
metals mining company with five operating mines in Argentina,
Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru, as well as the
preliminary economic assessment stage Diamba Sud Gold Project
located in Senegal. Sustainability is integral to all our
operations and relationships. We produce gold and silver and
generate shared value over the long-term for our stakeholders
through efficient production, environmental protection, and social
responsibility. For more information, please visit our website.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jorge A. Ganoza President, CEO,
and DirectorFortuna Mining Corp.
Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca | info@fmcmail.com
| fortunamining.com | X | LinkedIn | YouTube
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking
statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within
the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe
harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All
statements included herein, other than statements of historical
fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety
of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause
actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected
in the Forward-looking Statements. The Forward-looking Statements
in this news release may include, without limitation, statements
about the Company’s plans for its mines and mineral properties;
changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the
impact of inflationary pressures on the Company’s business and
operations; statements reiterating the Company’s 2024 annual
production guidance and the likelihood of the Company meeting such
annual production guidance, including that gold production at the
Séguéla Mine is on track to meet the upper end of annual guidance,
that gold production at the Lindero Mine is in-line to meet annual
guidance; the expected timing for completion of the leach pad
expansion project at the Lindero Mine and the timing for the
commencement of placing ore on the leach pad expansion; statements
regarding the Company’s plans for the San Jose Mine; statements
regarding the ongoing exploration at the Yessi vein at the San Jose
Mine; the Company’s business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit
of the Company’s mines and mineral properties; the future financial
or operating performance of the Company; the Company’s ability to
comply with contractual and permitting or other regulatory
requirements; approvals and other matters. Often, but not always,
these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of
words such as “estimated”, “potential”, “open”, “future”,
“assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”, “gain”,
“planned”, “reflecting”, “will”, “anticipated”, “estimated”,
“containing”, “remaining”, “to be”, or statements that events,
“could” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions,
including negative variations.
Forward-looking Statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such
uncertainties and factors include, among others, operational risks
associated with mining and mineral processing; uncertainty relating
to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; uncertainty
relating to capital and operating costs, production schedules and
economic returns; uncertainties related to new mining operations
such as the Séguéla Mine; risks relating to the Company’s ability
to replace its Mineral Reserves; risks associated with mineral
exploration and project development; uncertainty relating to the
repatriation of funds as a result of currency controls;
environmental matters including obtaining or renewing environmental
permits and potential liability claims; uncertainty relating to
nature and climate conditions; risks associated with political
instability and changes to the regulations governing the Company’s
business operations; changes in national and local government
legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or
economic developments in countries in which the Company does or may
carry on business; risks associated with war, hostilities or other
conflicts, such as the Ukrainian – Russian conflict and the Israel
– Hamas war, and the impacts such conflicts may have on global
economic activity; risks relating to the termination of the
Company’s mining concessions in certain circumstances; developing
and maintaining relationships with local communities and
stakeholders; risks associated with losing control of public
perception as a result of social media and other web-based
applications; potential opposition to the Company’s exploration,
development and operational activities; risks related to the
Company’s ability to obtain adequate financing for planned
exploration and development activities; property title matters;
risks relating to the integration of businesses and assets acquired
by the Company; impairments; risks associated with climate change
legislation; reliance on key personnel; adequacy of insurance
coverage; operational safety and security risks; legal proceedings
and potential legal proceedings; the possibility that the appeal in
respect of the ruling in favour of Compañia Minera Cuzcatlan S.A.
de C.V. reinstating the environmental impact authorization (the
“EIA”) at the San Jose Mine will be successful; uncertainties
relating to general economic conditions; risks relating to a global
pandemic, which could impact the Company’s business, operations,
financial condition and share price; competition; fluctuations in
metal prices; risks associated with entering into commodity forward
and option contracts for base metals production; fluctuations in
currency exchange rates and interest rates; tax audits and
reassessments; risks related to hedging; uncertainty relating to
concentrate treatment charges and transportation costs; sufficiency
of monies allotted by the Company for land reclamation; risks
associated with dependence upon information technology systems,
which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks with
implementation and integration; risks associated with climate
change legislation; labor relations issues; as well as those
factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual
Information Form. Although the Company has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual actions, events or
results to differ materially from those described in
Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause
actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated,
estimated or intended.
Forward-looking Statements contained herein are
based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of
management, including but not limited to the accuracy of the
Company’s current Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates;
that the Company’s activities will be conducted in accordance with
the Company’s public statements and stated goals; that there will
be no material adverse change affecting the Company, its properties
or its production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected
head grade, mining rates, recovery timing, and recovery rate
estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, labor and
contractor availability and other operating or technical
difficulties); the duration and effect of global and local
inflation; geo-political uncertainties on the Company’s production,
workforce, business, operations and financial condition; the
expected trends in mineral prices, inflation and currency exchange
rates; that the appeal filed in the Mexican Collegiate Court
challenging the reinstatement of the EIA will be unsuccessful; that
all required approvals and permits will be obtained for the
Company’s business and operations on acceptable terms; that there
will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company's
operations and such other assumptions as set out herein.
Forward-looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the
Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking
Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no
assurance that these Forward-looking Statements will prove to be
accurate, as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly,
investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking
Statements.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
Concerning Estimates of Reserves and Resources
Reserve and resource estimates included in this
news release have been prepared in accordance with National
Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI
43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities
Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by
a Canadian company of scientific and technical information
concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all
mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates contained in the
technical disclosure have been prepared in accordance with NI
43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and
Reserves.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ
significantly from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and mineral reserve and resource information included
in this news release may not be comparable to similar information
disclosed by U.S. companies.
All dollar amounts in this news release are
expressed in United States dollars.
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