AR Argonaut Gold Inc

TORONTO, March 1, 2022 /CNW/ - Argonaut Gold Inc. (TSX: AR) (the "Company", "Argonaut Gold" or "Argonaut") is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.  For 2021, the Company reports record annual production of 244,156 gold equivalent ounces² ("GEO" or "GEOs"), record annual revenue of $436.9 million and record annual cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital and other items of $124.9 million, net income of $26.5 million or earnings per basic share of $0.09 and adjusted net income³ of $57.1 million or adjusted earnings per basic share³ of $0.19.  For the fourth quarter 2021, the Company reports production of 61,926 GEOs, revenue of $102.9 million, cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital and other items of $18.3 million, net loss of $37.3 million or loss per share of $0.12, and adjusted net income³ of $10.2 million or adjusted earning per basic share³ of $0.03.  All dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise specified (C$ refers to Canadian dollars). 

Dan Symons, Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations stated: "2022 was a solid year operationally, as we achieved record annual production, which led to record annual revenue and record annual cash flow.  We achieved above our production guidance at La Colorada, near the top of production guidance at El Castillo and San Agustin and near the mid-point of our production guidance at Florida Canyon.  On a consolidated basis, we achieved near the mid-point of our cost guidance.  At the Magino construction project, we continue to make good progress and remain on schedule.  We anticipate having secured the required financing, primarily in the form of debt financing, by the second quarter of 2022 to fund the remainder of the Magino construction capital."

The table below outlines the Company's performance compared to 2021 guidance. Capital guidance was revised concurrent with the publication of second quarter 2021 results on August 10, 2021 and Magino construction capital was revised in the December 14, 2021 press release.  Full year 2021 capital is reported as incurred capital.

Key operating and financial statistics for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 are outlined in the following table:

2021 and Recent Company Highlights:

• Corporate Highlights:
• • Full year 2021:
  • • Record annual production of 244,156 GEOs.
    • Record annual revenue of $437 million.
    • Record annual cash flow before changes in working capital and other items of $125 million.
    • Year-over-year lost time injury frequency rate ("LTIFR") reduction of 7%.
  • Fourth quarter 2021:
  • • Acquired key mineral concessions surrounding the San Agustin mine for $5.75 million that more than quadruples the mineral tenure in the San Agustin district (see press release dated October 12, 2021).
    • Strengthened the management team in Mexico with the appointment of Alfredo Phillips as Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Country Manager. In this role, Mr. Phillips will be responsible for leading government relations and ESG strategy and execution in Mexico.
    • Departure of President and CEO, Pete Dougherty, and engagement of Korn Ferry, a leading executive recruitment firm, to conduct an immediate search for a replacement.
  • Subsequent to year end 2021:
  • • Announced the promotion of Lowe Billingsley to Chief Operating Officer.
    • Launched a C$45 million flow through equity financing to fund 2022 eligible Canadian Development Expenditures and Canadian Exploration Expenditures at Magino.
• Social and Environmental Responsibility
• • Received nationally awarded Environmental Socially Responsible Company recognition for the 10th consecutive year for its Mexican operations.
  • Installation of solar panels to power pumps for water wells for a school in the community near San Agustin.
  • Donation of school and craft supplies to children and youth in the community near El Castillo.
  • Sponsored the Minnovacion event in the municipality of La Colorada, which included an innovative collaboration with a well known local photographer showcasing the La Colorada mine in contrast to dancers in a project called "Contrastes", an exhibit inaugurated by the Governor of Sonora.
  • Assisted in road repairs for the local community church in Cerro del Gallo.
  • Continued meetings and monthly updates for the Magino construction project with the Indigenous community leaders.
• El Castillo
• • Production of 48,861 GEOs for the year, an increase of 6% compared to 2020.
• San Agustin
• • Production of 74,116 GEOs for the year, an increase of 16% compared to 2020.
  • Declared initial sulphide inferred Mineral Resource, which has the potential to extend mine life by six to ten years with further drilling and metallurgical work.
  • Zero lost time accidents in 2021.
• La Colorada
• • Production of 66,964 GEOs for the year, an increase of 44% compared to 2020.
  • Reduction in cash cost per gold ounce sold of 22% in 2021 compared to 2020 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).
  • Discovered high-grade gold mineralization below the El Crestón pit.
  • Year-over-year 68% reduction in LTIFR annual rate.
• Florida Canyon
• • Production of 54,215 GEOs for the year.
  • Received Air Quality permit modification and installed new conveying and stacking system.
• Magino
• • Construction
  • • Commenced construction and provided monthly newsletter updates detailing construction highlights. Major milestones included:
    • • Placed orders on long lead time components;
      • Logged project area;
      • Constructed camp facilities;
      • Made significant progress at process facility site;
      • Made significant progress at Tailings Management Facility;
      • Commenced open pit mining to generate waste rock;
      • Made significant progress at Water Quality Control Pond;
      • Commenced fish habitat work; and
      • Continued operational readiness preparation.
    • During the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021, Argonaut incurred $65.6 million and $236.8 million in capital costs, respectively, related to construction of the Magino project. Of this amount incurred, the majority was for securing long lead time components for the mineral processing plant and for site development, camp construction and earthworks.
  • Exploration
  • • Continue to discover high-grade gold mineralization in six distinct zones below and adjacent to the planned pit: Elbow, Central, Scotland, #42, Sandy and South.
  • Announced updated technical report results (see press release dated February 14, 2022).

Financial Results – Fourth Quarter 2021
Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $102.9 million, an increase from $100.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2020.  During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company sold 55,094 gold ounces at an average realized price per ounce of $1,799, compared to 51,497 gold ounces sold at an average realized price per ounce of $1,882 during the same period of 2020.  Gold ounces sold for the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 7% compared to the same period in 2020 primarily due to increases in gold ounces produced at all four mines, including higher gold grades at El Castillo, La Colorada and Florida Canyon. 

Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $37.3 million or loss per share of $0.12, compared with net income of $18.0 million or earnings per basic share of $0.07 for the fourth quarter of 2020 due to a non-cash impairment of mineral properties, plant and equipment of $64.9 million, primarily due to non-cash impairments of $57.5 million related to the Florida Canyon mine and $7.3 million related to the Ana Paula project.

Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $10.2 million or $0.03 per basic share, a decrease from adjusted net income of $18.6 million or $0.06 per basic share for the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily due to higher operating costs and a lower realized gold price. (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measure" section).

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital and other items totaled $18.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2021, a decrease from $39.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily due to higher operating costs and a lower realized gold price.

Financial Results – 2021
Argonaut achieved record annual revenue for 2021 of $436.9 million, an increase from $319.7 million in 2020.  During 2021, gold ounces sold totaled 233,349 at an average realized price per ounce of $1,791, compared to 172,024 gold ounces sold at an average realized price per ounce of $1,789 during 2020.  Gold ounces sold for 2021 increased compared to the same period in 2020 primarily due to the addition of the gold ounces sold from the Florida Canyon mine (acquired July 1, 2020), higher gold grade at the La Colorada mine, increases in gold ounces produced at the Mexican mines due to the temporary suspension in mining activities during the second quarter of 2020 at the onset of the global pandemic.

Net income for 2021 was $26.5 million or earnings of $0.09 per basic share, an increase from net income of $14.2 million or $0.06 per basic for 2020, representing an 87% increase in net income primarily as a result of increased GEOs sold. 

Adjusted net income for 2021 was $57.1 million or $0.19 per basic share, an increase from adjusted net income of $44.6 million or $0.19 per basic share for 2020, representing an 41% increase in adjusted net income primarily as a result of increased GEOs sold (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital and other items totaled $124.9 million during 2021, an increase from $95.0 million in 2020, primarily due to a 35% increase in GEOs sold.

Operational Results – Fourth Quarter 2021
During the fourth quarter 2021, the Company achieved production of 61,926 GEOs at a cash cost of $1,172 per gold ounce sold and all-in sustaining cost of $1,514 per gold ounce sold compared to 56,985 GEOs at a cash cost of $913 per gold ounce sold and an all-in sustaining cost of $1,200 per gold ounce sold ("AISC") during the fourth quarter 2020 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).  The 9% increase in GEO production was primarily related to higher gold grades processed at El Castillo, La Colorada and Florida Canyon.  Higher costs were primarily related to a year-to-date production adjustment at Florida Canyon (discussed further in the Florida Canyon operating statistics section) and inflationary pressures on consumables and reagents.  

FOURTH QUARTER 2021 EL CASTILLO COMPLEX OPERATING STATISTICS

Summary of Production Results at the El Castillo Complex

During the fourth quarter of 2021, the El Castillo Complex produced 3% fewer GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 33% higher than during the fourth quarter of 2020 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).  GEO production at the El Castillo mine was relatively in line with the same period in 2020.  GEO production at the San Agustin mine was 4% lower, primarily due to a 3% decrease in gold grade processed compared to the same period in 2020.  Cash cost per gold ounce sold were higher, primarily due to a higher mobile maintenance costs and higher strip ratio at El Castillo and inflationary pressures on key consumables and reagents.

During 2021, the El Castillo Complex produced 12% more GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 19% higher than during 2020 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).  GEO production at the El Castillo mine was 6% higher and costs were 16% higher than 2020 due to an 11% increase in total tonnes mined, a 9% increase in ore tonnes loaded to the leach pads and higher recoveries, offset by a 28% reduction in gold grade.  GEO production at the San Agustin mine was 16% higher and costs were 17% higher than 2020 due to a 16% increase in total tonnes mined, a 19% increase in ore tonnes loaded to the leach pads and higher recoveries, offset by a 6% reduction in gold grade.

FOURTH QUARTER 2021 LA COLORADA OPERATING STATISTICS

Summary of Production Results at La Colorada
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the La Colorada mine produced 20% more GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 15% more than during the fourth quarter of 2020 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).  Higher GEO production was primarily due to a 20% increase in gold grade processed compared to the same period in 2020.  Higher costs were primarily related to a lower tax credit on diesel consumption and inflationary pressures on key consumables and reagents, partially offset by the higher grade processed and a 10% reduction in strip ratio.

During 2021, the La Colorada mine produced 44% more GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 22% lower than 2020 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).  Higher GEO production was primarily due to a 47% increase in gold grade and a 34% reduction in strip ratio, partially offset by lower recoveries. 

FOURTH QUARTER 2021 FLORIDA CANYON OPERATING STATISTICS

Summary of Production Results at Florida Canyon
As Argonaut did not own nor operate the Florida Canyon mine until July 1, 2020, it is only making comparisons between the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 periods and is not making comparisons between the full year 2021 and 2020 periods in the table above. 

During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Florida Canyon mine produced 27% more GEOs at a cash cost per gold ounce sold 33% higher than during the fourth quarter of 2020 (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).  Higher GEO production was primarily related to the production adjustment in December 2021 (discussed below).  Higher costs are primarily related to a year-to-date production adjustment (discussed below) and inflationary pressures on key consumable and reagents.

Florida Canyon, similar to other heap leach mines, calculates its daily production based on samples taken from the effluent at the bottom of the leach pads.  These samples are used to estimate the monthly produced ounces.  For El Castillo, San Agustin and La Colorada, this information is then reconciled with other known information, including inventory and sales, to obtain the adjusted production number reported at the end of each month.  Florida Canyon did not previously have this process in place, but has adopted it as of the fourth quarter 2021.  As this reconciliation was not calculated monthly throughout 2021, the full 2021 adjustment to produced gold ounces was recognized during the fourth quarter of 2021.  As a result of the adjustment, additional costs were recognized in the fourth quarter of 2021 that would have been recognized in prior quarters of 2021.  Since the number of gold ounces sold does not change, the cash cost per gold ounce sold was affected (This is a Non-IFRS Measure. Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).  The resulting higher costs appear abnormal for the quarter, but when compared to the full year 2021, appear reasonable and consistent with expectations.  

2022 Production and Cost Guidance
Argonaut anticipates it will produce between 200,000 and 230,000 GEOs during 2022 at a cash cost of between $1,100 and $1,190 per gold ounce sold and an AISC of between $1,415 and $1,525 per gold ounce sold (see "Non-IFRS Measures" section).  The Company also anticipates higher cash taxes will impact cash flow in 2022, particularly during the first quarter of 2022 when most of the final tax payments for 2021 are made, as a result of Argonaut's highly profitable operations in 2021 combined with the exhaustion of net operating losses at its Mexican subsidiaries.

2022 GEO Production and Cost Guidance

Lower GEO production and higher AISC in 2022 are primarily driven by lower expected GEO production at La Colorada due to a higher strip ratio and lower grade and recovery, as mining transitions from the El Crestón pit to the Veta Madre pit.  Lower GEO production and higher cost at El Castillo is primarily related to processing less oxide ore and more transition and sulphide ore as El Castillo anticipates entering into its final full year of mining operations.  Costs are also impacted by higher costs for consumables and reagents across all operations due to the current inflationary environment. 

As Argonaut is currently evaluating several viable financing options to fund the remainder of the Magino construction project, it intends to provide full year 2022 capital guidance after financing is in place.  The largest component of the projected 2022 capital spend will be the Magino construction project where Argonaut forecasts it will invest approximately $340 million (C$424 million) during 2022.  In the event that financing is not available promptly and upon acceptable terms, the Company may need to amend or adjust its plans for construction of the Magino project.

Argonaut Gold Fourth Quarter and Year Ended 2021 Operational and Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast:

The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 operating and financial results at 9:00 am EST on March 2, 2022.

Q4 and Year Ended 2021 Conference Call Information

Q4 and Year Ended 2021 Conference Call Replay

The conference call and replay will be available from 12:00 pm EST on March 2, 2022 until 11:59 pm EST on March 9, 2022.    

Non-IFRS Measures
The Company has included certain non-IFRS measures including "Cash cost per gold ounce sold", "All-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold", "Adjusted net income", "Adjusted earnings per share – basic" and "Net cash" 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 production costs less silver sales divided by gold ounces sold.  All-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold is equal to production costs less silver sales plus general and administrative, exploration, accretion and other expenses and sustaining capital expenditures divided by gold ounces sold.  Adjusted net income is equal to net income less foreign exchange impacts on deferred income taxes, foreign exchange (gains) losses, non-cash impairment write down (reversal) of work-in-process inventory, non-cash impairment write down (reversal) of mineral, properties, plant and equipment, unrealized (gains) losses on commodity derivatives and care and maintenance expenses.  Adjusted earnings per share – basic is equal to adjusted net income divided by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Net cash is calculated as the sum of the cash and cash equivalents balance net of debt as at the statement of financial position date.  The Company believes that these measures provide investors with an alternative view to evaluate the performance of the Company. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized 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 under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures" in the management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for full disclosure on non-IFRS measures.  The disclosure under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures" in the MD&A is incorporated by reference herein.  The MD&A is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 and associated MD&A, for the same period, which are available from the Company's website, www.argonautgold.com, in the "Investors" section under "Financial Filings", and under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Argonaut Gold. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to statements with respect to: the Magino construction capital estimate; the ability to finance additional construction costs on terms acceptable to Argonaut; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; the impact of inflation on costs of exploration, development and production; estimated production and mine life of the various mineral projects of Argonaut; timing of approval for modifications to existing permits; permitting and legal processes in relation to mining permitting and approval; the benefits of the development potential of the properties of Argonaut; the future price of gold, copper, and silver; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; success of exploration activities; the impact of COVID-19, the response of governments to COVID-19 and the effectiveness of such responses; 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", "should" or "will" occur. 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 the availability and changing terms of financing, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in inflation, risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; 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, the impact of COVID-19 and the impact and effectiveness of governmental responses to COVID-19, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Argonaut's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Argonaut cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Argonaut believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

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 document.

Qualified Person, Technical Information and Mineral Properties Reports
Technical information included in this release was supervised and approved by Brian Arkell, Argonaut's Vice President, Exploration and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.  For further information on the Company's material properties, please see the reports as listed below on the Company's website or on www.sedar.com:

The key assumptions, parameters and methods used in the Magino technical report are described in the press release dated February 14, 2022.  These will be further described in the full technical report being prepared for the Magino Project pursuant to NI 43-101 and will be available on www.sedar.com under Argonaut's issuer profile within 45 days from the February 14, 2022 press release announcement.  The Company is not aware of any known legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resources or Mineral Reserves beyond those contemplated in the prior technical report for Magino, as will be updated in the report to be filed.

About Argonaut Gold

Argonaut Gold is a Canadian gold company engaged in exploration, mine development and production.  Its primary assets are the El Castillo mine and San Agustin mine, which together form the El Castillo Complex in Durango, Mexico, the La Colorada mine in Sonora, Mexico and the Florida Canyon mine in Nevada, USA.  The Company also holds the construction stage Magino project, the advanced exploration stage Cerro del Gallo project and several other exploration stage projects, all of which are located in North America. 

Argonaut Gold Inc.
Dan Symons
Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Phone:  416-915-3107
Email: dan.symons@argonautgold.com 

SOURCE Argonaut Gold Inc.