Q3-2012-Conference-C..
Transcription
Q3-2012-Conference-C..
Q3 Financial Results Conference Call TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 1 Forward Looking Statement Forward Looking Information All monetary amounts in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated This document contains certain “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the proposed transaction and the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Argonaut Gold Inc.( “Argonaut”). Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to estimated production and mine life of the various mineral projects of Argonaut; synergies and financial impact of completed acquisitions; the benefits of the development potential of the properties of Argonaut; the future price of gold, copper, silver; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; success of exploration activities; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Argonaut, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Argonaut and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include changes in market conditions, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, risks relating to international operations, fluctuating metal prices and currency exchange rates, changes in project parameters, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated. Although Argonaut 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 not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Argonaut undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed. Comparative market information is as of a date prior to the date of this presentation. Argonaut does not undertake to update any forward looking statements that are included in this document, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101 – STANDARDS OF DISCLOSURE FOR MINERAL PROJECTS (“NI 43-101”) Thomas Burkhart, Argonaut Gold’s Vice-President of Exploration and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has read and approved the scientific and technical information in this presentation as it relates to Argonaut. This presentation contains information regarding mineral resources that are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The potential quantities and grades disclosed herein in connection with the drilling results at San Antonio and La Colorada are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define an updated mineral resource with these results and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in these targets being delineated as a mineral resource. For further information on Argonaut’s El Castillo mine, please see the “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources and Reserves. Argonaut Gold Inc. El Castillo Mine, Durango State, Mexico” dated Nov. 6, 2010 and available on Argonaut’s profile at www. sedar.com. For further information on Argonaut’s La Fortuna property please see the “La Fortuna, Durango, Mexico, Technical Report” dated October 21, 2008 and available on Argonaut’s profile at www. sedar.com. For further information on Argonaut’s San Antonio Project, please see the “Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate on the San Antonio Gold Project, Baja California Sur, Mexico” dated June 22,2011and Argonaut’s press release dated May 9, 2011, available on Argonaut’s profile at www.sedar.com. For further information on Argonaut’s La Colorada Property please see the “Geological Report on the La Colorada Property with a Resource Estimate on La Colorada and El Creston Mineralized Zones – Sonora, Mexico” dated November 30, 2009 and available on Argonaut’s profile at www.sedar.com. CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES This presentation uses the terms “Measured”, “Indicated” and “Inferred” Resources as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. United States readers are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. Under United States standards, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve calculation is made. United States readers are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. In addition, “Inferred Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. United States readers are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an Inferred Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. NON-IFRS MEASURES The Company included the non-IFRS measure “Cash cost per gold ounce sold” in this press release to supplement its financial statements which are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Cash cost per gold ounce sold is equal to cost of sales less silver sales divided by gold ounces sold. The Company believes that this measure provides investors with an improved ability to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardised meaning prescribed under IFRS. Therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Please see the MD&A for full disclosure on non-IFRS measures. TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 2 2 3rd Quarter Highlights Operations: Financials: El Castillo West Side Pad 8 Permit Granted East Side Conveying and stacking system fully functional during the third quarter +500,000 tonnes on in September Land agreement extension La Colorada Phase 2 pad construction is one-third complete Desorption/Refining circuit fully functional Overburden removal began Revenue - $72.9 million Net Income - $27.2 million - $0.29 /basic share Cash Balance- $43 million Repaid $6 million loan and the Company is now debt free Capital Invested $8.8 million QTR $36.0 million YTD Exploration: Bravada Gold Corp East Side Wind Mountain: Jurisdictional alignment Low cost entry point Reasonable acquisition cost Exploration potential TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com Production: November 14, 2012 31,074 ozs total produced $601 Total Q3 cash cost/ounce sold (2012 guidance of $625-$650) 3 3 3rd Quarter 2012 - Income Statement Earnings (US$ in Millions) Q3 2012 Revenue EPS/share – basic Gross Profit (Sales – Cost of Goods Sold) Cash flow from operating activities Cash Balance $72.9 $0.29 $38.0 $36.5 $43 Q3 2011 YTD 2012 YTD 2011 $22.7 $0.07 $11.9 $7.7 $35 $134.8 $0.49 $68.6 $49.6 $43 $47.3 $0.20 $33.6 $19.4 $35 3rd Quarter Comments Sales reflect 42,534 gold ounces sold compared to 13,260 ounces sold in 2011. Financial Status & Projected Sources/Uses Estimated Cash Flow(US$ in Millions) Cash Balance at 9/30/2012: $43 2012 Remaining Projected Cash from Gold Sales1: $25 Projected G&A: -$2 2 Income Taxes : -$7 Projected Remaining Capital Expansion & Exploration3: -$12 - $14 Closing Costs -$10 Warrant Exercise 12/29/2012 (24 mm @$4.50): $108 Prodigy Year End Cash $42 ANTICIPATED CASH YEAR END $185-$187 Million TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 1 Estimated sales of 25,000 oz at $1650 gold price net of $650 production cost. 2 Assumed 30% statutory tax rate for Mexico operations. 3 Full Year CAPEX (millions): El Castillo $11 La Colorada $17-$18 a Pre-stripping $5 San Antonio $5 Exploration $10-$11 u Total $48-$50 million a Dependent upon timing for receiving permits 4 4 El Castillo Operating Statistics Year over Year Statistics 2012 Q3 Total Tonnes Mined (Millions) Tonnes Ore (Millions) Tonnes to Pad ROM (Millions) Crushed (Millions) Gold Grade (g/t) Ounces to Leach Pad Produced (ounces) Cash cost per oz sold El Castillo Pit 6.4 3.1 YTD 17.4 8.6 1.8 5.5 1.3 3.2 0.42 0.40 41,630 112,133 24,575 61,907 $617 $626 Full Year 2011 2010 20.0 16.0 11.1 7.8 8.1 3.0 0.33 117,939 72,049 $622 6.3 1.5 0.37 91,839 51,324 $728 Cost Per Tonne of Ore Processed Mining Q3 $2.56 2012 YTD $2.54 Full Year 2011 2010 $2.25 $2.46 Crushing $0.53 $0.58 $0.49 $0.34 Processing $2.02 $1.74 $1.37 $1.15 Mine G&A $0.29 $0.25 $0.23 $0.26 $5.11 $4.34 $4.21 Total $5.40 1 El Castillo East Side Pad and New Conveyor TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 5 5 La Colorada Operating Statistics Statistics Total Tonnes Moved (Millions) Tonnes Ore (000’s) Tonnes Crushed (000’s) Gold Grade (g/t) Gold ounces to Leach Pad Produced Gold (ounces) Produced Silver (ounces) Produced Gold Equivalent Ounces Cash Cost net by product sold Q3 2.7 924 848 0.43 12,276 6,499 41,937 7,305 $421 YTD 4.2 2,300 0.43 31,335 14,174 84,915 15,806 $480 Cost Per Tonne of Ore Processed 20121 Q3 YTD PEA Mining $0.98 $0.98 $7.22 Crushing & Processing $2.49 $2.15 $2.36 Mine G&A $0.75 $0.72 $0.55 1 $4.22 $3.85 $10.13 Total 1Reprocessing existing run of mine ore which doesn’t require explosives. 6 TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 6 Argonaut Operations El Castillo YTD Accomplishments • Production of 62k ozs • New stacking /conveying system • Pad 7A complete • Pad 8 permit granted Guidance • Production 84-85k ozs @ $625 -$650 • Q4 estimates 22-23k ozs La Colorada YTD Accomplishments • Production of 14k ozs Au • Refinery Complete • New crusher for overliner • 35k meters of expansion drilling • Pad Construction 1/3 complete • Explosives Permit received San Antonio YTD Accomplishments • 20k meters of drilling • Permits submitted • New resource and PEA in Q3 Guidance • Production 17-18k oz @ $450 -$500 • Q4 guidance ~ 3-4k ozs 7 TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 7 Building the Next Intermediate Gold Company Current >6 million ozs M&I Resource 2 Mines ~100k Ozs/year in 2012 @ $600/oz cash cost Core Values/Foundations Leverage to Gold thru large resource base De-risked with low CAPEX and Operating Cost <$100/oz CAPEX <$600 LOM Cash Cost Favorable Jurisdictional Risk Potential Hidden Value Drivers Fully Funded through Operational Cash Flow & Warrants Engaged Leadership – Proven track record Future >12 million ozs M&I Resource 4 Mines 500k Ozs/year 8 TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 8 Argonaut – Production Funding Growth Production Growth +500k ozs. 500 400 Magino 300 San Antonio 220- 250k ozs. 200 La Colorada 150-180k ozs. El Castillo 101-103k ozs. 100 0 2012 Expansion New Mine San Antonio New Mine - Magino Sources of Funding (US$mm) $700 $564 $600 $500 $419 $400 $290 Argonaut expects to have sufficient cash to fund the development of Magino, avoiding shareholder dilution $145 $130 $130 $300 $204 $200 $162 $100 $114 -- $85 $85 $42 $42 $47 Argonaut End of Year Cash + Dilutive Instruments Prodigy End of Year Cash Argonaut 2013E FCF Argonaut 2014E FCF Argonaut 2015E FCF Source: Equity Research. Note: Free cash flow estimates based on average broker estimates for operating cash flow and capital expenditures between 2012 and 2015 at broker estimated gold prices TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 9 9 Prodigy - Magino’s Flexibility Dec 2011 PEA Prodigy’s flagship asset is the Magino gold project (40 km northwest of Wawa, Ontario) On December 22, 2011, Prodigy released an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”): Pre-tax NPV of C$939 mm and pre-tax IRR of 36% LOM average gold production of 249k oz per year over 11 year mine life at cash costs of US$461/oz LOM production of 2.6 million ounces at 1.15 g/t Total development capital expenditures of C$404 mm with LOM sustaining capital expenditures of C$145 mm 20,000 tpd mill achieving 95% recoveries Resource Flexibility Tremendous grade flexibility without the loss of significant ounces Mine development that balances returns with scale Multiple development scenarios have been evaluated by Argonaut management in assessing the merits of this transaction Pre-feasibility study (2013 target) which will explore the development of Magino, focusing on a higher grade, lower scaled operation balancing returns for the project Project funding through Argonaut cash flow Indicated Resource Inferred Resource Cutoff Grade Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces (g/t) (000's) (g/t) (k oz) (000's) (g/t) (k oz) 0.35 Magino Project Mineral Resource Estimate 67,555 1.00 2,176 54,242 0.99 Current Indicated Resource 1,721 Inferred Resource Cutoff Grade Tonnes Grade Ounces Tonnes Grade Ounces (g/t) (000's) (g/t) (k oz) (000's) (g/t) (k oz) 0.35 223,480 0.87 6,251 13,809 0.80 355 0.40 199,897 0.92 5,913 11,920 0.87 333 0.50 159,681 1.04 5,339 9,021 1.00 290 0.60 128,135 1.16 4,779 7,006 1.13 255 0.70 102,970 1.29 4,271 5,430 1.27 222 1.00 55,306 1.69 3,005 2,795 1.71 154 Source: Prodigy SEDAR Company Filings as described on the slide “About Prodigy” Note: The December 2011 PEA is shown here for comparative purposes only, readers should note that the current technical report states as the new resource estimate is significantly different from the existing one, the mine plan and process disclosure in the PEA is no longer current (US$1,200/oz gold price and 0.93 USD:CAD exchange ratio) The December 2011 PEA is shown here for comparative purposes only, readers should note that the current technical report states as the new resource estimate is significantly different from the existing one, the mine plan and process disclosure in the PEA is no longer current; Prodigy is currently working on prefeasibility study which will supersede previous technical reports 10 TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 10 Transaction Rationale Argonaut Shareholders Prodigy Shareholders Multi-million ounce deposit with tremendous grade flexibility Significant premium of 54% to Prodigy based on both companies 20-day VWAPs as at October 12, 2012 Growth beyond Argonaut's existing organic growth profile Provides Prodigy shareholders with exposure to current production and strong gold price environment, and continued growth Entry into another of the world's most supportive mining jurisdictions Substantially decreases the financing risk for Magino Significantly accretive to all of Argonaut's per share metrics Leverages Argonaut's highly experienced and successful management team to develop Magino Once full production is achieved, expects to reach goal of 300 - 500k oz per year of production and enter the ranks of intermediate producers TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 Argonaut's shares provide improved trading liquidity for Prodigy shareholders 11 11 Potential Hidden Value Drivers Gold Production 300-500,000 ozs / year El Castillo Sulphide Mineralization Preliminary met work encouraging New test results to be released in Q4 (Resource of 1.5 mm ozs contained in 30-50 meters of drilling underneath pit) La Colorada Exploration Upside Veta Madre drilling Underground Exploration Magino (Historical records show 3 mm ozs. recovered underground) San Antonio San Antonio Exploration Potential La Colorada El Castillo TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com Prodigy / Magino Heap Leach Potential Underground Potential Cutoff Flexibility November 14, 2012 12 12 Upcoming News December 6th – Special Meeting to Q4 2012 approve merger El Castillo Sulphide study update Q1 2013 La Colorada updated resource 13 TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 13 The Difference Value Beyond Gold Leverage to Gold >6 million ozs M&I Resource growing to over 12 million ozs De-risked with low CAPEX and Operating Cost <$100/oz CAPEX <$600 LOM Cash Cost Favorable Jurisdictional Risk Potential Hidden Value Drivers Fully Funded thru Operational Cash Flow & Warrants Engaged Leadership – Proven track record 14 TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 14 About The Companies About Argonaut Gold Argonaut Gold is a Canadian gold company engaged in exploration, mine development and production activities. Its primary assets are the production-stage El Castillo Mine in the State of Durango, Mexico, the La Colorada Mine in the State of Sonora, Mexico, the advanced exploration stage San Antonio project in the State of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and several exploration stage projects, all of which are located in Mexico. Creating Value Beyond Gold Mineral Reserves Castillo - Oxide Castillo - Transition Sub Total Proven - Oxide & Transition Castillo – Oxide Castillo – Transition Sub Total Probable - Oxide & Transition Total Proven and Probable Reserves Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources (Including P&P Reserves) Castillo - Oxide in Pit Castillo - Oxide in Pit Castillo - Oxide in Pit Castillo - Transition in Pit Castillo - Transition in Pit Castillo - Tranistion in Pit Total Castillo Oxide and Transition in Pit Total Castillo Oxide and Transition in Pit Total Castillo Oxide and Transition in Pit Castillo Sulphide (Global) Castillo Sulphide (Global) Total Castillo Sulphide (Global) San Antonio, Las Colinas - Oxide & Transition San Antonio, Las Colinas - Sulphide San Antonio, Los Planes - Oxide & Transition San Antonio, Los Planes - Oxide & Transition San Antonio, Los Planes - Sulphide San Antonio, Los Planes - Sulphide San Antonio, Intermediate - Oxide & Transition San Antonio, Intermediate - Sulphide All San Antonio Deposits - Oxide & Transition All San Antonio Deposits - Sulphide Total San Antonio Deposits - Oxide / Transition / Sulphide La Colorada, Gran Central - La Colorada La Colorada, Gran Central - La Colorada La Colorada, El Creston Deposit La Colorada, El Creston Deposit La Colorada, Veta Madre La Colorada, Veta Madre La Colorada, ROM Pad Total La Colorada Deposits La Fortuna La Fortuna Total La Fortuna Inferred Mineral Resources San Antonio La Colorada Total Inferred Resources Total Measured and Indicated Resources TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com Resource Category Tonnes Proven Proven 84,470,000 19,180,000 104,650,000 772,000 73,000 844,000 105,495,000 0.36 0.37 0.36 0.33 0.35 0.33 0.36 994,000 228,000 1,222,000 8,000 1,000 9,000 1,231,000 Measured Indicated M&I Measured Indicated M&I Measured Indicated M&I Measured Indicated M&I Indicated Indicated Measured Indicated Measured Indicated Indicated Indicated M&I M&I M&I Indicated Inferred Indicated Inferred Indicated Inferred Indicated M&I Measured Indicated M&I 114,300,000 4,900,000 119,200,000 44,600,000 1,900,000 46,500,000 158,900,000 6,800,000 165,700,000 70,600 91,200 161,800,000 1,910,000 8,103 12,351,000 8,408,000 6,649,000 22,065,000 643,000 4,961,000 23,312,000 41,778,000 65,089,000 29,915,053 2,500,000 14,438,662 2,199,713 2,900,000 8,799 2,700,000 50,000,000 1,538,000 3,287,000 4,800,000 0.293 0.293 0.331 0.295 0.278 0.294 0.322 0.289 0.32 0.328 0.272 0.296 0.62 0.69 0.76 0.67 1.17 0.92 0.39 0.77 0.71 0.90 0.83 0.724 1.204 0.618 0.88 0.491 0.665 0.429 0.664 2.956 1.533 1.98 1,220,100 45,700 1,268,000 423,200 17,100 439,900 1,645,300 62,900 1,704,700 744,800 797,500 1,540,000 38,000 179,000 303,000 181,000 250 653,000 8,000 123,000 530,000 1,205,000 1,735,000 696,336 95,149 286,658 62,703 46,261 200 38,000 1,067,255 Inferred Inferred 6,215,000 4,700,000 10,915,000 447,389,000 0.34 1.04 67,000 158,000 225,000 6,354,955 Probable Probable Au Grade (g/t) Ounces Ag Grade (g/t) Ounces The technical information contained in this document has been prepared under supervision of, and reviewed and approved by Mr. Thomas H. Burkhart, Argonaut’s Vice President of Exploration, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101″). For further information on the Company’s properties please see the reports as listed below on the Company’s website or on www.sedar.com: El Castillo Mine La Colorada Property San Antonio Gold Project La Fortuna Property NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources and Reserves, Argonaut Gold Inc., El Castillo Mine, Durango State, Mexico dated November 6, 2010 NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment La Colorada Project, Sonora, Mexico dated December 30, 2011 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate on the San Antonio Gold Project, Baja California Sur, Mexico dated June 30, 2011 La Fortuna, Durango, Mexico, Technical Report dated October 21, 2008 The preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorizes as mineral reserves, and that there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resource will be converted into mineral reserves 5.1 8.4 12.1 13.3 3.3 2.4 36.5 8.7 4,905,135 661,000 5,635,385 943,734 307,155 700 3,200,000 14,047,675 10.6 1,605,000 1,605,000 14,047,675 308,000 About Prodigy Prodigy is currently evaluating the development of the Magino mine gold project in Ontario as an open-pit mining opportunity with the potential for deeper, higher grade gold production. The Magino project contains Indicated gold resources of 6,250,990 ounces grading 0.87 g/t gold (223.5 million tonnes), and 355,190 ounces of Inferred gold resources grading 0.80 g/t gold (13.8 million tonnes) at a cut-off grade of 0.35 g/t gold. For more information please refer to the “Technical Report on the Magino Property, Wawa, Ontario dated October 4, 2012 available on SEDAR or Prodigy’s website. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resource will be converted into mineral reserves. November 14, 2012 15 15 For Additional Information www.argonautgold.com Nichole Cowles Investor Relations Manager Argonaut Gold Inc. 9604 Prototype Ct. Reno, NV 89521 Ph.: 775-284-4422 ext. 101 Cell.: 775-240-4172 Fax: 775-284-4426 16 TSX:AR TSX:AR.WT ArgonautGold.com November 14, 2012 16