Ero Copper Corp.
(TSX: ERO, NYSE:
ERO) ("Ero" or the “Company”) is pleased to
provide an updated five-year operating outlook, reflecting the
Company's continued execution of ongoing strategic growth
initiatives, including the forecasted first production from the
Tucumã Operation in 2024 and first production utilizing the new
external shaft at the Caraíba Operations' Pilar Mine in 2027.
HIGHLIGHTS
On Track
to Deliver
Significant Near-Term
Growth
- Consolidated
copper production expected to increase by approximately 125% from
2022 levels to a range of 100,000 to 110,000 tonnes in 2025, higher
than the Company's previous 2025 production forecast of 92,000 to
102,000 tonnes1
- Gold production
on track to grow by approximately 40% from 2022 levels to a range
of 55,000 to 60,000 ounces per year beginning in 2024
Tucumã
Production Plan
Enhanced by
Infill Drilling
Program &
Stockpile Optimization
- Higher expected
mined copper grades at Tucumã during the first three years of
operation driven by positive grade reconciliation from recent
infill drilling
- Additional
increases to processed copper grades driven by stockpile
optimization associated with a planned increase in mining rates
during 2025 and 2026 as compared to the Company's five-year outlook
issued in 20221 (the "2022 5-Year Outlook")
Caraíba
Outlook Reflects
Success of
Project Honeypot
- The Caraíba
Operations' improved copper grade projections compared to the 2022
5- Year Outlook1 driven by the success of Project Honeypot
- The ongoing
integration of Project Honeypot into Caraíba's life-of-mine ("LOM")
production plan enabled the deferral of approximately $55 million2
of new external shaft-related capital from 2022 to subsequent
periods
Xavantina
Outlook Showcases
Ongoing Execution
of NX 60
Initiative
- Higher expected
gold grades compared to the 2022 5-Year Outlook1 demonstrate
continued value creation through investment in exploration and
underground infrastructure
- Matinha Vein on
track to begin production in H2 2023, ahead of original 2024
timeline
1 Please refer to the Company's press release
dated January 11, 2022.2 Assumes high-end of original 2022 growth
capital expenditure range of $125 to $140 million for the Caraíba
Operations as announced in the 2022 5-Year Outlook press release
dated January 11, 2022.
Commenting on the Company's updated five-year
outlook, David Strang, Chief Executive Officer, said "I am pleased
to share the results of our team's efforts across our portfolio to
continue elevating our mine plans and growth trajectory. The
cumulative impact is best reflected in the considerable improvement
to processed grades across our operations over the projection
period, which has helped to meaningfully mitigate the effects of
inflation on our unit operating costs.
"At the Tucumã Project, our production outlook
for 2025 has increased by over 15% due primarily to higher
anticipated mined grades in 2024 through 2026 based on recent
infill drilling. Furthermore, by increasing mining rates and
optimizing Tucumã's stockpile strategy in 2025 and 2026, our
outlook reflects an additional improvement in processed copper
grades over the same period, with production expected to peak at
over 55,000 tonnes at cash costs in-line with the Tucumã Project
Technical Report.
"Similarly, at our Caraíba Operations, the
success of Project Honeypot has driven higher anticipated processed
copper grades over the next three years, partially offsetting the
combined impact of inflation and changes in sales channel
allocations. Additionally, the deferral of the new external shaft
enabled us to shift approximately $55 million in capital originally
planned for 2022 to subsequent periods, smoothing our consolidated
capital profile over the projection period.
"Higher expected gold grades and sustained gold
production of 55,000 to 60,000 ounces at our Xavantina Operations
are a result of the success of our NX 60 initiative as well as
ongoing investments in exploration. With the Matinha Vein on track
to begin production earlier than originally planned, and with 25%
excess capacity remaining at the Xavantina mill, our team is
focused on regional exploration opportunities that we hope will be
able to offer additional production upside in the years ahead.
"As we progress through 2023, we have maintained
strong momentum on all of our strategic initiatives and look
forward to delivering the peer-leading growth reflected in our
updated five-year outlook."
5-YEAR OPERATING
OUTLOOK
The Company's updated five-year operating
outlook reflects the continued execution of several strategic
growth initiatives, including construction of the Tucumã Project as
well as progress on the Company's Pilar 3.0 and NX 60 initiatives
at its Caraíba and Xavantina Operations, respectively.
Collectively, these growth initiatives are expected to more than
double forecasted copper production to approximately 100,000 to
110,000 tonnes in 2025 and increase annual gold production by
approximately 40% to a range of 55,000 to 60,000 ounces beginning
in 2024.
Updated copper production estimates for the
Tucumã Project reflect higher expected mined grades in the first
three years of operation driven by positive grade reconciliation
from recent infill drilling. Higher anticipated mining rates and
stockpile optimization in 2025 and 2026 have driven additional
increases to projected processed copper grades over the same
period. As a result, the Company expects to produce an incremental
15,0003 tonnes of copper at Tucumã between 2025 and 2026 when
compared to the 2022 5-Year Outlook.
As previously announced, the Company's Pilar 3.0
initiative at its Caraíba Operations is comprised of three ongoing
projects that, together, are expected to enable the creation of a
two-mine system at the Pilar Mine capable of supporting sustained
annual ore production levels of 3.0 million tonnes per annum,
nearly double the 1.6 million tonnes of ore mined from the Pilar
Mine in 2022. The components of Pilar 3.0 include (i) Project
Honeypot, an engineering initiative focused on recovering
higher-grade material in the upper levels of the Pilar Mine, (ii)
an expansion of the Caraíba mill from 3.0 to 4.2 million tonnes of
annual throughput capacity, and (iii) construction of a new
external shaft to service the lower levels of the Pilar Mine,
including the Deepening Extension Zone.
In 2022, the success of Project Honeypot drove a
significant increase to the Caraíba Operations' estimated mineral
resources, mineral reserves and mine life, allowing the Company to
defer the delivery date of the new external shaft while maintaining
strong production volumes and operating margins4. As a result,
approximately $55 million2 of capital originally planned for 2022
on the new external shaft was shifted to subsequent periods.
At the Xavantina Operations, the NX 60
initiative is focused on achieving sustained annual gold production
levels of approximately 60,000 ounces, primarily through the
development of a second source of mill feed and utilization of
excess capacity at the Xavantina mill. Beginning in the second half
of 2023, production from the Santo Antônio Vein will be
supplemented by production from the Matinha Vein, increasing mill
utilization from approximately 60% to nearly 75% and bringing
anticipated annual gold production to a range of 55,000 to 60,000
ounces starting in 2024.
3 Based on the consolidated midpoints of
guidance for production at Tucumã in 2025 and 2026 in the updated
five-year outlook compared to the 2022 5-Year Outlook announced on
January 11, 2022.4 Please refer to the Company's press release
dated November 7, 2022.
Anticipated growth milestones over the projection period
include:
- Commencement of
production from the Matinha Vein at the Xavantina Operations in H2
2023
- Commissioning of the
Caraíba mill expansion from 3.0 to 4.2 million tonnes of annual
throughput capacity in Q4 2023
- Commencement of
production at Tucumã in H2 2024
- Delivery of the new
external shaft, enabling a two-mine system at the Pilar Mine, in
early 2027
COST AND
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
OUTLOOKS
The Company's cost and capital expenditure
outlooks reflect elevated price assumptions for key consumables,
including diesel, steel and cement, when compared to the 2022
5-Year Outlook, and assume a USD:BRL foreign exchange rate of 5.30.
Cost guidance assumes gold and silver prices averaging
approximately $1,750 per ounce and $22.00 per ounce, respectively,
over the projection period. For Caraíba and Tucumã, cost
projections also reflect higher treatment and refining charges,
in-line with increases seen in global copper treatment and refining
charge benchmarks since the 2022 5-Year Outlook.
At the Caraíba Operations, the Company is
projecting sales of copper concentrate to its domestic customer to
increase from 0% assumed in 2023 to 50% in 2024 and 2025 and 100%
thereafter. Changes related to the allocation and negotiated terms
of copper concentrate sales, including higher assumed treatment and
refining charges for both domestic and international sales, drove
an increase in Caraíba's cash costs compared to the 2022 5- Year
Outlook of approximately $0.45 in 2023, approximately $0.30 in 2024
and 2025, and approximately $0.15 in 2026.
Blended Copper
C1 Cash Cost
Outlook($ per pound of copper produced)
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ffc37a2-8050-4395-b6de-4d974ec20e9d
Capital
Expenditure
Outlook5($ in millions)
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f22de8f7-3930-4af4-b5d2-675b5abfcefe
5 Capital expenditure guidance for 2023 includes
exploration expenditures of $31 to $40 million. Exploration
expenditures beyond 2023 will be dependent on exploration success,
and as a result, have not been assumed for 2024 or later.
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
Production Guidance |
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (tonnes) |
|
|
|
|
|
Caraíba Operations |
44,000 - 47,000 |
45,000 - 50,000 |
45,000 - 50,000 |
45,000 - 50,000 |
45,000 - 50,000 |
Tucumã Project |
— |
20,000 - 30,000 |
55,000 - 60,000 |
45,000 - 50,000 |
30,000 - 35,000 |
Total Copper |
44,000 - 47,000 |
65,000 - 80,000 |
100,000 - 110,000 |
90,000 - 100,000 |
75,000 - 85,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold (ounces) |
|
|
|
|
|
Xavantina Operations |
50,000 - 53,000 |
55,000 - 60,000 |
55,000 - 60,000 |
55,000 - 60,000 |
55,000 - 60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost Guidance |
|
|
|
|
|
Copper C1 Cash Cost ($/lb) |
Caraíba Operations |
$1.40 - $1.60 |
$1.25 - $1.45 |
$1.40 - $1.60 |
$1.30 - $1.50 |
$1.10 - $1.30 |
Tucumã Project |
— |
$0.90 - $1.20 |
$0.80 - $1.00 |
$1.05 - $1.25 |
$1.10 - $1.30 |
Blended C1 Cash Cost ($/lb) |
$1.40 - $1.60 |
$1.15 - $1.35 |
$1.05 - $1.25 |
$1.20 - $1.40 |
$1.10 - $1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold C1 Cash Cost ($/oz) |
$475 - $575 |
$500 - $600 |
$500 - $600 |
$500 - $600 |
$500 - $600 |
Gold AISC ($/oz) |
$725 - $825 |
$650 - $750 |
$600 - $700 |
$600 - $700 |
$600 - $700 |
|
|
Capital Expenditure
Guidance ($ in
millions) |
Caraíba Operations |
Growth |
$80 - $90 |
$75 - $85 |
$60 - $70 |
$45 - $55 |
$10 - $20 |
Sustaining |
$65 - $75 |
$65 - $75 |
$65 - $75 |
$65 - $75 |
$65 - $75 |
Exploration |
$22 - $27 |
future exploration expenditures dependent on exploration
success |
Total |
$167 - $192 |
$140 - $160 |
$125 - $145 |
$110 - $130 |
$75 - $95 |
Tucumã Project |
Growth |
$150 - $165 |
$80 - $90 |
— |
— |
— |
Sustaining |
— |
$5 - $10 |
$15 - $25 |
$15 - $25 |
$25 - $35 |
Exploration |
$0 - $1 |
future exploration expenditures dependent on exploration
success |
Total |
$150 - $166 |
$85 - $100 |
$15 - $25 |
$15 - $25 |
$25 - $35 |
Xavantina Operations |
Growth |
$4 - $5 |
$4 - $5 |
$0 - $1 |
$0 - $1 |
$0 - $1 |
Sustaining |
$12 - $14 |
$8 - $10 |
$5 - $7 |
$5 - $7 |
$5 - $7 |
Exploration |
$6 - $7 |
future exploration expenditures dependent on exploration
success |
Total |
$22 - $26 |
$12 - $15 |
$5 - $8 |
$5 - $8 |
$5 - $8 |
Other Exploration Projects |
$3 - $5 |
future exploration expenditures dependent on exploration
success |
|
Total |
Growth |
$234 - $260 |
$159 - $180 |
$60 - $71 |
$45 - $56 |
$10 - $21 |
Sustaining |
$77 - $89 |
$78 - $95 |
$85 - $107 |
$85 - $107 |
$95 - $117 |
Exploration |
$31 - $40 |
future exploration expenditures dependent on exploration
success |
Total |
$342 - $389 |
$237 - $275 |
$145 - $178 |
$130 - $163 |
$105 - $138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: Guidance is based on certain estimates and
assumptions, including but not limited to, mineral reserve
estimates, grade and continuity of interpreted geological
formations and metallurgical performance. Please refer to the
Company's SEDAR and EDGAR filings, including the Company's Annual
Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2022 and dated
March 7, 2023 (the "AIF") , for complete risk factors. C1 Cash
Costs and AISC are non-IFRS measures. For more information on the
Caraíba Operations, Xavantina Operations and Tucumã Project, please
refer to the respective technical report. Please see the Notes
section of this press release for additional information.
5-YEAR
PRODUCTION PLAN
The Company's updated five-year operating
outlook is based on the five-year production plan provided below.
Tonnes and grade are based on current mine plan assumptions and
represent the midpoint of performance expectations with a range of
+/- 10%.
|
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2025 |
|
2026 |
|
2027 |
Caraíba
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilar Mine |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes (kt) |
|
1,900 |
|
2,450 |
|
2,750 |
|
2,900 |
|
3,100 |
Grade (% Cu) |
|
1.60% |
|
1.45% |
|
1.45% |
|
1.35% |
|
1.35% |
Vermelhos Mine |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes (kt) |
|
850 |
|
850 |
|
850 |
|
800 |
|
800 |
Grade (% Cu) |
|
1.75% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.10% |
|
1.20% |
|
1.10% |
Surubim Mine |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes (kt) |
|
550 |
|
600 |
|
500 |
|
600 |
|
1,000 |
Grade (% Cu) |
|
0.70% |
|
0.55% |
|
0.50% |
|
0.65% |
|
1.00% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Processing Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes (kt) |
|
3,300 |
|
3,900 |
|
4,100 |
|
4,200 |
|
4,200 |
Grade (% Cu) |
|
1.50% |
|
1.30% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
Recovery Rate |
|
91.5% |
|
92.0% |
|
92.0% |
|
92.0% |
|
92.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recovered Copper (tonnes) |
|
44,000 - 47,000 |
|
45,000 - 50,000 |
|
45,000 - 50,000 |
|
45,000 - 50,000 |
|
45,000 - 50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tucumã
Project |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes (kt) |
|
— |
|
2,300 |
|
4,800 |
|
5,000 |
|
3,700 |
Grade (% Cu) |
|
— |
|
1.35% |
|
1.30% |
|
1.10% |
|
0.85% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Processing Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes (kt) |
|
— |
|
2,200 |
|
4,000 |
|
4,000 |
|
4,000 |
Grade (% Cu) |
|
— |
|
1.35% |
|
1.50% |
|
1.25% |
|
0.85% |
Recovery Rate |
|
— |
|
93.0% |
|
93.0% |
|
93.0% |
|
92.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recovered Copper (tonnes) |
|
— |
|
20,000 - 30,000 |
|
55,000 - 60,000 |
|
45,000 - 50,000 |
|
30,000 - 35,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Recovered Copper (tonnes) |
|
44,000 - 47,000 |
|
65,000 - 80,000 |
|
100,000 - 110,000 |
|
90,000 - 100,000 |
|
75,000 - 85,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xavantina
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes (kt) |
|
175 |
|
220 |
|
220 |
|
220 |
|
220 |
Grade (gpt Au) |
|
10.00 |
|
9.00 |
|
9.00 |
|
8.75 |
|
8.50 |
Recover Rate |
|
92.0% |
|
92.0% |
|
92.0% |
|
92.0% |
|
92.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recovered Gold (ounces) |
|
50,000 - 53,000 |
|
55,000 - 60,000 |
|
55,000 - 60,000 |
|
55,000 - 60,000 |
|
55,000 - 60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: Guidance is based on certain estimates and
assumptions, including but not limited to, mineral reserve
estimates, grade and continuity of interpreted geological
formations and metallurgical performance. Please refer to the
Company's SEDAR and EDGAR filings, including the AIF, for complete
risk factors. For more information on the Caraíba Operations,
Xavantina Operations and Tucumã Project, please refer to the
respective technical report. Please see the Notes section of this
press release for additional information.
NOTES
Alternative
Performance (Non-IFRS)
Measures
The Company utilizes certain alternative
performance (non-IFRS) measures to monitor its performance,
including C1 cash cost of copper produced (per lb), C1 cash cost of
gold produced (per ounce), AISC of gold produced (per ounce),
realized gold price (per ounce), EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted
net income attributable to owners of the Company, adjusted net
income per share, net (cash) debt, working capital and available
liquidity. These performance measures have no standardized meaning
prescribed within generally accepted accounting principles under
IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other mining companies. These
non-IFRS measures are intended to provide supplemental information
and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
C1 Cash
Cost of Copper
Produced (per
lb)
C1 cash cost of copper produced (per lb) is a
non-IFRS performance measure used by the Company to manage and
evaluate the operating performance of its copper mining segment and
is calculated as C1 cash costs divided by total pounds of copper
produced during the period. C1 cash costs includes total cost of
production, transportation, treatment and refining charges, and
certain tax credits relating to sales invoiced to the Company's
Brazilian customer on sales, net of by-product credits and
incentive payments. C1 cash cost of copper produced per pound is
widely reported in the mining industry as benchmarks for
performance but does not have a standardized meaning and is
disclosed in supplement to IFRS measures.
C1 Cash
Cost of Gold
produced (per
ounce) and AISC
of Gold produced
(per ounce)
C1 cash cost of gold produced (per ounce) is a
non-IFRS performance measure used by the Company to manage and
evaluate the operating performance of its gold mining segment and
is calculated as C1 cash costs divided by total ounces of gold
produced during the period. C1 cash cost includes total cost of
production, net of by-product credits and incentive payments. C1
cash cost of gold produced per ounce is widely reported in the
mining industry as benchmarks for performance but does not have a
standardized meaning and is disclosed in supplemental to IFRS
measures.
AISC of gold produced (per ounce) is an
extension of C1 cash cost of gold produced (per ounce) discussed
above and is also a key performance measure used by management to
evaluate operating performance of its gold mining segment. AISC of
gold produced (per ounce) is calculated as AISC divided by total
ounces of gold produced during the period. AISC includes C1 cash
costs, site general and administrative costs, accretion of mine
closure and rehabilitation provision, sustaining capital
expenditures, sustaining leases, and royalties and production
taxes. AISC of gold produced (per ounce) is widely reported in the
mining industry as benchmarks for performance but does not have a
standardized meaning and is disclosed in supplement to IFRS
measures.
SCIENTIFIC AND
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The disclosure of scientific and technical
information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by
Cid Gonçalves Monteiro Filho, SME RM (04317974), MAIG (No. 8444),
MAusIMM (No. 3219148) and Resource Manager of the Company, who is a
“qualified person” within the meanings of NI 43-101.
For additional information on the Caraíba
Operations, please refer to the report prepared in accordance with
National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects (“NI 43-101”) and entitled “2022 Mineral Resources and
Mineral Reserves of the Caraíba Operations, Curaçá Valley, Bahia,
Brazil”, dated December 22, 2022 with an effective date of
September 30, 2022, prepared by Porfirio Cabaleiro Rodrigues, FAIG,
Bernardo Horta de Cerqueira Viana, FAIG, Fábio Valério Câmara
Xavier, MAIG and Ednie Rafael Moreira de Carvalho Fernandes, MAIG
all of GE21 Consultoria Mineral Ltda. (“GE21”), Dr. Beck Nader,
FAIG of BNA Mining Solutions (“BNA”) and Alejandro Sepulveda,
Registered Member (#0293) (Chilean Mining Commission) of NCL
Ingeniería y Construcción SpA (“NCL”) (the “Caraíba Operations
Technical Report”). Each a “qualified person” and “independent” of
the Company within the meanings of NI 43-101.
For additional information on the Xavantina
Operations, please refer to the Company's press release dated March
28, 2023 and, where applicable, the report prepared in accordance
with NI 43-101 and entitled “Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve
Estimate of the NX Gold Mine, Nova Xavantina”, dated January 8,
2021 with an effective date of September 30, 2020, prepared by
Porfirio Cabaleiro Rodrigues, FAIG, Leonardo de Moraes Soares,
MAIG, Bernardo Horta de Cerqueira Viana, FAIG, and Paulo Roberto
Bergmann, FAusIMM, each of GE21 and a “qualified person” and
“independent” of the Company within the meanings of NI 43-101 (the
“Xavantina Operations Technical Report”).
For additional information on the Tucumã
Project, please refer to the report prepared in accordance with NI
43-101 and entitled “Boa Esperança Project NI 43-101 Technical
Report on Feasibility Study Update”, dated November 12, 2021 with
an effective date of August 31, 2021, prepared by Kevin Murray, P.
Eng., Erin L. Patterson, P.E. and Scott C. Elfen, P.E. all of
Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. (or its affiliate Ausenco
Engineering USA South Inc. in the case of Ms. Patterson), Carlos
Guzmán, FAusIMM RM CMC of NCL and Emerson Ricardo Re, MSc, MBA,
MAusIMM (CP) (No. 305892), Registered Member (No. 0138) (Chilean
Mining Commission) and Resource Manager of the Company on the date
of the report (now of HCM Consultoria Geologica Eireli (“HCM”))
(the “Tucumã Project Technical Report”). Each of Kevin Murray, P.
Eng., Erin L. Patterson, P.E. and Scott C. Elfen, P.E., Carlos
Guzmán, FAusIMM RM CMC and Emerson Ricardo Re, MAusIMM (CP), is a
“qualified person” of the Company within the meanings of NI 43-101.
Each of Kevin Murray, P. Eng., Erin L. Patterson, P.E. and Scott C.
Elfen, P.E., and Carlos Guzmán, FAusIMM RM CMC are “independent” of
the Company within the meaning of NI 43-101. Emerson Ricardo Re,
MAusIMM (CP), as Resource Manager of the Company (on the date of
the report and now of HCM), was not “independent” of the Company on
the date of the report, within the meaning of NI 43-101.
Each such technical report is available for
review on the Company's website at www.erocopper.com and under the
Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and EDGAR at
www.sec.gov.
ABOUT ERO
COPPER CORP
Ero Copper Corp is a high-margin, high-growth,
clean copper producer with operations in Brazil and corporate
headquarters in Vancouver, B.C. The Company's primary asset is a
99.6% interest in the Brazilian copper mining company, MCSA, 100%
owner of the Company's Caraíba Operations (formerly known as the
MCSA Mining Complex), which are located in the Curaçá Valley, Bahia
State, Brazil and include the Pilar and Vermelhos underground mines
and the Surubim open pit mine, and the Tucumã Project (formerly
known as Boa Esperança), an IOCG-type copper project located in
Pará, Brazil. The Company also owns 97.6% of NX Gold S.A. which
owns the Xavantina Operations (formerly known as the NX Gold Mine),
namely comprised of an operating gold and silver mine located in
Mato Grosso, Brazil. Additional information on the Company and its
operations, including technical reports on the Caraíba Operations,
Xavantina Operations and Tucumã Project, can be found on the
Company's website (www.erocopper.com), on SEDAR (www.sedar.com),
and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov). The Company’s shares are publicly
traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol “ERO”.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION, PLEASE
CONTACT
Courtney Lynn, VP, Corporate Development & Investor
Relations(604) 335-7504info@erocopper.com
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
AND STATEMENTS
This press release contains “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking
information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”).
Forward-looking statements include statements that use
forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “could”, “would”,
“will”, “should”, “intend”, “target”, “plan”, “expect”, “budget”,
“estimate”, “forecast”, “schedule”, “anticipate”, “believe”,
“continue”, “potential”, “view” or the negative or grammatical
variation thereof or other variations thereof or comparable
terminology. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not
limited to, statements with respect to the Company's expected
production, operating costs and capital expenditures at the Caraíba
Operations, the Tucumã Project and the Xavantina Operations;
estimated completion dates for certain milestones, including
commencement of production at the Tucumã Project, commencement of
production from the Matinha Vein at the Xavantina Operations, and
completion of the projects that comprise the Pilar 3.0 initiative,
including the Caraíba mill expansion and construction of the new
external shaft to access the Deepening Extension Zone; the ability
of the Company to realize benefits associated with Project
Honeypot; the ability of the Company to sell future copper
concentrate production to its domestic customer; and any other
statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future
plans, intentions, levels of activity, results, performance or
achievements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a
variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that could cause actual results, actions, events, conditions,
performance or achievements to materially differ from those
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including,
without limitation, risks discussed in this press release and in
the AIF under the heading “Risk Factors”. The risks discussed in
this press release and in the AIF are not exhaustive of the factors
that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors
that could cause actual results, actions, events, conditions,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those
contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors
that cause results, actions, events, conditions, performance or
achievements to differ from those anticipated, estimated or
intended.
Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee
of future performance. 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. Forward-looking statements involve
statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and the
Company’s actual results, achievements or other future events or
conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the
forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties
and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to
herein and in the AIF under the heading “Risk Factors”.
The Company’s forward-looking statements are
based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of
management on the date the statements are made, many of which may
be difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control. In
connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this
press release and in the AIF, the Company has made certain
assumptions about, among other things: continued effectiveness of
the measures taken by the Company to mitigate the possible impact
of COVID-19 on its workforce and operations; favourable equity and
debt capital markets; the ability to raise any necessary additional
capital on reasonable terms to advance the production, development
and exploration of the Company’s properties and assets; future
prices of copper, gold and other metal prices; the timing and
results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of any
mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; the geology of the
Caraíba Operations, the Xavantina Operations and the Tucumã Project
being as described in the respective technical report for each
property; production costs; the accuracy of budgeted exploration,
development and construction costs and expenditures; the price of
other commodities such as fuel; future currency exchange rates and
interest rates; operating conditions being favourable such that the
Company is able to operate in a safe, efficient and effective
manner; work force continuing to remain healthy in the face of
prevailing epidemics, pandemics or other health risks (including
COVID-19), political and regulatory stability; the receipt of
governmental, regulatory and third party approvals, licenses and
permits on favourable terms; obtaining required renewals for
existing approvals, licenses and permits on favourable terms;
requirements under applicable laws; sustained labour stability;
stability in financial and capital goods markets; availability of
equipment; positive relations with local groups and the Company’s
ability to meet its obligations under its agreements with such
groups; and satisfying the terms and conditions of the Company’s
current loan arrangements. Although the Company believes that the
assumptions inherent in forward-looking statements are reasonable
as of the date of this press release, these assumptions are subject
to significant business, social, economic, political, regulatory,
competitive and other risks and uncertainties, contingencies and
other factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions,
results, performance or achievements to be materially different
from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company
cautions that the foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
Other events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ
materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or
implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release. 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.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are
made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims
any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of new information, future events or results or
otherwise, except as and to the extent required by applicable
securities laws.
CAUTIONARY NOTES REGARDING MINERAL RESOURCE AND
MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES
Unless otherwise indicated, all reserve and
resource estimates included in this press release and the documents
incorporated by reference herein have been prepared in accordance
with Ni 43-101 and the CIM Standards. NI 43-101 is a rule developed
by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes
standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific
and technical information concerning mineral projects. Canadian
standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the
requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”), and reserve and resource information
included herein may not be comparable to similar information
disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, this press release and the
documents incorporated by reference herein use the terms “measured
resources,” “indicated resources” and “inferred resources” as
defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards.
Further to recent amendments, mineral property
disclosure requirements in the United States (the “U.S. Rules”) are
governed by subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, which differ from the CIM Standards. As a
foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the
SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the
“MJDS”), Ero is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral
properties under the U.S. Rules and will continue to provide
disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. If Ero ceases to
be a foreign private issuer or loses its eligibility to file its
annual report on Form 40-F pursuant to the MJDS, then Ero will be
subject to the U.S. Rules, which differ from the requirements of NI
43-101 and the CIM Standards.
Pursuant to the new U.S. Rules, the SEC
recognizes estimates of “measured mineral resources”, “indicated
mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources.” In addition,
the definitions of “proven mineral reserves” and “probable mineral
reserves” under the U.S. Rules are now “substantially similar” to
the corresponding standards under NI 43-101. Mineralization
described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as
to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been
characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are
cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources,
indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that Ero
reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further,
“inferred mineral resources” have a greater amount of uncertainty
as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally
or economically. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of
“inferred mineral resources” may not form the basis of feasibility
or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above
terms under the U.S. Rules are “substantially similar” to the
standards under NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, there are differences
in the definitions under the U.S. Rules and CIM Standards.
Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral
resources that Ero may report as “proven mineral reserves”,
“probable mineral reserves”, “measured mineral resources”,
“indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources”
under NI 43-101 would be the same had Ero prepared the reserve or
resource estimates under the standards adopted under the U.S.
Rules.
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