Ero Copper Corp 6-K, filed May 9, 2022
Ero Copper Corp. (ERO)
6-K
2022-05-09
For: 2022-03-31
View Original
Added on
April 10, 2026
About this 6-K
Ero Copper Corp filed this 6-K on May 9, 2022.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of May 2022
Commission File Number 001-40459
ERO COPPER CORP.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
625 Howe Street, Suite 1050
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2T6
Canada
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F ☐ Form 40-F ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1).
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7).
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| ERO Copper Corp. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Deepk Hundal | |||||||
| Name: Deepk Hundal | ||||||||
| Title: SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | ||||||||
Date: May 9, 2022 | ||||||||
Exhibit Index
| Exhibit Number | Description of Document | |||||||
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2022
1050 – 625 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 2T6
Phone: 604-449-9244 | Website: www.erocopper.com | Email: info@erocopper.com
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) has been prepared as at May 9, 2022 and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Ero Copper Corp. (“Ero”, the “Company”, or “we”) as at, and for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and related notes thereto, which are prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 34, Interim Financial Reporting as permitted by the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”). All references in this MD&A to “Q1 2022” and “Q1 2021” are to the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively. As well, this MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company’s December 31, 2021 audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A. All dollar amounts are expressed in United States (“US”) dollars and tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise indicated. References to “$”, “US$”, “dollars”, or “USD” are to US dollars, references to “C$” are to Canadian dollars, and references to “R$” or “BRL” are to Brazilian Reais.
This MD&A refers to various alternative performance (Non-IFRS) measures, including C1 cash cost of copper produced (per lb), C1 cash cost of gold produced (per ounce), all-in sustaining cost (“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 attributable to owners of the Company, Net (Cash) Debt, Working Capital and Available Liquidity. Please refer to the section titled "Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures" within this MD&A for a discussion of non-IFRS measures.
This MD&A contains “forward‐looking statements” that are subject to risk factors set out in a cautionary note contained at the end of this MD&A. The Company cannot assure investors that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All information contained in this MD&A is current and has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) as of May 9, 2022, unless otherwise stated.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Ero Copper Corp is a 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, Mineração Caraíba S.A. ("MCSA"), 100% owner of the MCSA Mining Complex, which is comprised of operations located in the Curaçá Valley, Bahia State, Brazil, where the Company currently mines copper from the Pilar and Vermelhos underground mines and the Surubim open pit mine, and the Boa Esperança development project, an IOCG-type copper project located in Pará, Brazil. The Company also owns 97.6% of NX Gold S.A. ("NX Gold") which owns the NX Gold Mine, an operating gold and silver mine located in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Additional information on the Company and its operations, including technical reports on the MCSA Mining Complex, Boa Esperança and NX Gold properties, 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”.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 1
HIGHLIGHTS
| 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copper (MCSA Operations) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ore Processed (tonnes) | 596,230 | 646,319 | 597,594 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grade (% Cu) | 1.78 | 2.01 | 2.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Production (tonnes) | 9,784 | 11,918 | 12,638 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Production (lbs) | 21,569,971 | 26,274,572 | 27,862,608 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Sold in Concentrate (tonnes) | 10,045 | 12,393 | 12,469 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Sold in Concentrate (lbs) | 22,144,954 | 27,320,802 | 27,488,413 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C1 Cash Cost of Cu Produced (per lb)(1) | $ | 1.31 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 0.49 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold (NX Gold Operations) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ore Processed (tonnes) | 49,990 | 47,159 | 37,613 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Au Production (oz) | 8,796 | 8,544 | 9,451 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized Au price (per oz)(1)(2) | $ | 1,924 | $ | 1,784 | $ | 1,797 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C1 Cash Cost of Au Produced (per oz)(1) | $ | 638 | $ | 582 | $ | 487 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AISC of Au produced (per oz)(1) | $ | 1,092 | $ | 910 | $ | 643 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial information ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 108.9 | $ | 134.9 | $ | 122.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 61.0 | 84.4 | 82.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA(1) | 78.1 | 80.7 | 55.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 62.4 | 86.8 | 86.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow from operations | 44.0 | 66.7 | 62.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 52.5 | 60.2 | 32.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to owners of the Company | 52.1 | 59.8 | 31.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Per share (Basic) | 0.58 | 0.67 | 0.36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Per share (Diluted) | 0.57 | 0.65 | 0.34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company(1) | 33.0 | 59.7 | 56.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Per share (Basic) | 0.37 | 0.67 | 0.64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Per share (Diluted) | 0.36 | 0.65 | 0.61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | 465.5 | 130.1 | 84.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Working capital(1) | 443.7 | 86.0 | 63.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net (cash) debt(1) | (54.4) | (70.9) | 74.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Please refer to the section titled "Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures" within this MD&A.
(2) Realized Au price includes the effect of ounces sold under the stream arrangement with Royal Gold. See "Realized Gold Price" section of "Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures" for detail.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 2
Q1 2022 Highlights
Solid Q1 2022 operating and financial performance continues to drive balance sheet strength, supporting key growth projects
•The MCSA Mining Complex processed 596,230 tonnes of ore grading 1.78% copper, producing 9,784 tonnes of copper in concentrate during the quarter after metallurgical recoveries of 92.2%.
•While elevated copper grades and lower tonnes mined and processed were expected during the first quarter, production volumes were adversely impacted by employee absenteeism due to COVID-19 and the seasonal influenza virus. Copper production during the first quarter is expected to be the lowest of the year with higher copper production anticipated over the remaining quarters.
•The NX Gold Mine processed 49,990 tonnes grading 5.93 grams per tonne during the first quarter, producing 8,796 ounces of gold after metallurgical recoveries of 92.3% and 6,042 ounces of silver produced as by-product.
•C1 cash costs during the quarter were $1.31 per pound of copper produced at the MCSA Mining Complex (see Non-IFRS Measures).
•At the NX Gold Mine, C1 cash costs and AISC during the quarter were $638 and $1,092, respectively, per ounce of gold produced (see Non-IFRS Measures).
•Strong cash flows from operations of $44.0 million during the quarter offset capital expenditures related to advancing the Company's key growth projects. Combined with net proceeds of approximately $392.0 million from the Company's issuance of $400 million of senior unsecured notes due 2030, less the repayment of approximately $50 million in outstanding borrowings under the Company's senior secured revolving credit facility, available liquidity at the end of the period was a record $540.5 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $365.5 million, short-term investments of $100.0 million, and $75.0 million of undrawn availability under the Company's senior revolving credit facility.
Reaffirming full-year production, operating cost and capital expenditure guidance for 2022
•The Company is guiding to the high-end of its reaffirmed 2022 copper production guidance range of 43,000 to 46,000 tonnes. Increased copper production is expected to result from higher mining rates at the Pilar Mine relative to the first quarter as well as improved grades due to planned stope sequencing and mining of an initial stope within the "Project Honeypot" zone (as described below). Higher mined and processed volumes from the Surubim Mine are also expected to contribute to higher copper production volumes through the balance of the year.
•Full-year gold production of 39,000 to 42,000 ounces is being reaffirmed with higher gold production expected through the balance of the year due to planned mine scheduling.
•Unit operating costs during the first quarter were affected by inflation in the cost of key consumables and impacted by the strengthening of the BRL versus the US dollar. While unit costs are expected to benefit through the remainder of the year from higher copper and gold production, based upon the influence of first quarter operating costs, the Company is currently guiding to the higher end of its operating cost guidance ranges for the year.
Progress on key organic growth projects driving the Company closer to transformational growth
•At the MCSA Mining Complex, construction of the new external shaft in support of the "Pilar 3.0" initiative continued to progress during the quarter while efforts on ancillary related projects delivered important milestones. The Pilar 3.0 initiative is a key growth project aimed at creating a two-mine system within the Pilar Mine through the completion of a new, larger external shaft. Together, the existing and new shaft currently under construction are expected to increase total hoisting capacity of
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 3
the Pilar Mine to approximately 5.7 million tonnes per annum, an increase of over 60% compared to current hoisting capacity of 3.5 million tonnes per annum, offering flexibility for future mine expansions.
◦Construction of the new external shaft continues to progress on schedule and on budget with excavation for the head-frame and two winder foundations completed during the first quarter.
◦Expansion of the Caraíba Mill to 4.2 million tonnes per annum is underway with a third ball mill ordered during the period for which commissioning is expected in Q2 2023.
◦Significant progress has been made in defining opportunities in the upper levels of the Pilar Mine that have the potential to add near-term value through an initiative known as "Project Honeypot". This engineering initiative is focused on recovering high-grade stopes, ribs and sill pillars left behind by previous operators during the late 1990s due to the under-capitalized nature of operations at the time. The first Project Honeypot stope (RC03) is approximately 130,000 tonnes grading approximately 4.00% copper and is expected to commence mining in Q2 2022.
◦The second and final phase of the Cooling Project was completed subsequent to quarter-end at the Pilar Mine with hand-over to operations occurring at the end of April 2022. The Cooling Project is expected to support expansions at depth and has the potential to drive meaningful operating efficiencies.
•The Company's Board of Directors approved the construction of the Boa Esperança Project in February 2022. Important advances on key workstreams during the first quarter included:
◦Execution of the critical-path power transmission line contract;
◦Mobilization of the first earth works package, including new access road construction and road upgrades;
◦Completion of Gap Zone and condemnation drilling; and
◦Market tendering for key contracts completed subsequent to quarter-end. Contractor and supplier selections remain ongoing.
The Company's 2022 exploration objectives were meaningfully advanced during the first quarter
•Drilling at the MCSA Mining Complex during the first quarter focused on three areas including (i) resource conversion within the upper levels of the Pilar Mine, (ii) testing structural controls within the Vermelhos Mine, and (iii) testing regional targets across the Curaçá Valley.
◦Within the upper levels of the Pilar Mine, drilling of the P1P2 zone continues to confirm an important accumulation of mineralization within a structural trap suggesting continuity of high-grade mineralized zones. Results from P1P2, as well as ongoing drilling in support of Project Honeypot, are demonstrating high potential within the upper levels of the Pilar Mine.
◦Drilling at the Vermelhos Mine continues to focus on testing structural controls targeting high-grade copper mineralization beneath the existing mine workings.
◦Regional drilling is currently focused on testing and defining new mineralized systems throughout the Curaçá Valley.
•Drilling of the Boa Esperança Gap Zone concluded during the period and demonstrated continuity of mineralization within the Gap Zone. With condemnation and geotechnical drilling also completed during the first quarter, exploration throughout the remainder of the year at Boa Esperança is expected to focus on near-surface extensions of mineralization beyond the pit limits and testing potential for high-grade underground extensions of mineralization.
•At the NX Gold Mine, exploration during the first quarter was focused on testing extensions of the Matinha and Santo Antônio veins at depth as well as drilling high-priority regional targets.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 4
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Mineração Caraíba S.A. (Vale do Curaçá):
| Copper (MCSA Operations) | 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ore processed (tonnes) | 596,230 | 646,319 | 597,594 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grade (% Cu) | 1.78 | 2.01 | 2.30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recovery (%) | 92.2 | 92.7 | 92.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Production (tonnes) | 9,784 | 11,918 | 12,638 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Production (lbs) | 21,569,971 | 26,274,572 | 27,862,608 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Concentrate grade (% Cu) | 33.1 | 33.2 | 34.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Concentrate sales (tonnes) | 29,206 | 35,996 | 36,353 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Sold in concentrate (tonnes) | 10,045 | 12,393 | 12,469 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Sold in concentrate (lbs) | 22,144,954 | 27,320,802 | 27,488,413 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 cash cost of copper produced (per lb) | $ | 1.31 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 0.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company’s MCSA Mining Complex delivered solid operating performance in Q1 2022, producing 9,784 tonnes of copper. Grades processed during the period of 1.78% were above full-year copper grade guidance of 1.60% due to planned mine sequencing. Although tonnes mined and processed were expected to be lower during the first quarter, production volumes were adversely impacted by employee absenteeism due to COVID-19 and the seasonal influenza virus.
Mined ore production in Q1 2022 included:
•Pilar: 303,622 tonnes grading 1.65% copper (vs. 293,627 tonnes grading 1.97% copper in Q4 2021)
•Vermelhos: 209,062 tonnes grading 2.05% copper (vs. 226,054 tonnes grading 2.94% copper in Q4 2021)
•Surubim: 104,657 tonnes grading 0.78% copper (vs. 129,885 tonnes grading 0.72% copper in Q4 2021)
Contributions from the three mines resulted in total ore mined during the period of 617,341 tonnes grading 1.64% copper (as compared to 649,566 tonnes grading 2.01% copper in Q4 2021). During Q1 2022, 596,230 tonnes of ore grading 1.78% copper were processed, resulting in production of 9,784 tonnes of copper after average metallurgical recoveries of 92.2%.
Copper production in Q1 2022 is expected to be the lowest of the year with higher copper production volumes expected in the remaining quarters of 2022. Increased copper production is expected to result from higher mining rates at the Pilar Mine relative to the first quarter as well as improved grades due to planned stope sequencing and the initiation of mining a stope within "Project Honeypot". The Project Honeypot initiative is focused on defining opportunities in the upper levels of the Pilar Mine that have the potential to add near-term value through the recovery of high-grade stopes, ribs and sill pillars left behind by previous operators during the late 1990s due to the under-capitalized nature of operations at the time. The first Project Honeypot stope (RC03) is estimated to be approximately 130,000 tonnes grading approximately 4.00% copper and is expected to commence mining in Q2 2022. Higher mined and processed volumes from the Surubim Mine are also expected to contribute to higher copper production volumes through the balance of the year. As a result, the Company is currently guiding to the high-end of its full-year copper production guidance range.
C1 cash costs per pound of copper produced during Q1 2022 averaged $1.31 (see Non-IFRS Measures), above full-year cost guidance of $1.05 to $1.15 per pound of copper produced, primarily due to Q1 2022 having the lowest expected production volumes of the year. A stronger BRL, which strengthened from approximately 5.65 BRL per US dollar at the beginning of the year to approximately 4.75 BRL per US dollar by the end of the first
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 5
quarter, and inflation of key consumables adversely impacted the Company's cost performance during the quarter. While unit costs are expected to benefit through the balance of the year from increased copper production volumes, based upon the influence of first quarter operating costs, the Company is currently guiding to the higher end of its full-year copper C1 cash cost guidance range.
Exploration activities at the MCSA Mining Complex during the quarter focused on three areas including (i) resource conversion within the upper levels of the Pilar Mine, (ii) testing structural controls within the Vermelhos Mine, and (iii) testing regional targets across the Curaçá Valley. As previously noted, drilling of the P1P2 zone, located within the upper levels of the Pilar Mine, continues to confirm an important accumulation of mineralization defined by a structural trap commonly indicative of thick, high-grade mineralized zones. Results from P1P2, as well as ongoing drilling in support of Project Honeypot, are expected to be incorporated into future mine planning efforts related to the Company's Pilar 3.0 initiative.
Drilling at the Vermelhos Mine during the period focused on testing structural controls targeting high-grade copper mineralization beneath the existing mine workings. The structural controls being tested at the Vermelhos Mine are synonymous with the structural controls identified at the Pilar Mine that have led to the discovery of high-grade mineralized zones. Regional drilling continues to focus on testing and defining new mineralized systems throughout the Curaçá Valley.
NX Gold S.A.
| Gold (NX Gold Operations) | 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ore mined (tonnes) | 49,990 | 47,159 | 37,774 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ore processed (tonnes) | 49,990 | 47,159 | 37,613 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Head grade (grams per tonne Au) | 5.93 | 6.24 | 8.26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recovery (%)(1) | 92.3 | 90.3 | 94.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold ounces produced (oz) | 8,796 | 8,544 | 9,451 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Silver ounces produced (oz) | 6,042 | 5,859 | 5,794 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold sold (oz) | 8,013 | 7,779 | 10,020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Silver sold (oz) | 5,489 | 5,938 | 6,171 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized gold price (per oz)(2) | $ | 1,924 | $ | 1,784 | $ | 1,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 cash cost of gold produced (per oz) | $ | 638 | $ | 582 | $ | 487 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AISC of gold produced (per oz) | $ | 1,092 | $ | 910 | $ | 643 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) NX Gold metallurgical recoveries during H1 2021 included gold recovered through the Company’s “Zero Loss” campaign, including reprocessed mill and foundry scrap, and therefore may not be representative of metallurgical recoveries from mined ore during the period.
(2) Realized Au price includes the effect of ounces sold under the stream arrangement with Royal Gold. See "Realized Gold Price" section of "Non-IFRS Measures" for detail.
At the NX Gold Mine, production during Q1 2022 totaled 8,796 ounces of gold and 6,042 ounces of silver (as by-product) from total mill feed of 49,990 tonnes grading 5.93 grams per tonne gold after metallurgical recoveries of 92.3% during the period. Higher gold production is expected in the remaining three quarters of the year due to higher anticipated gold grades related to mine sequencing.
C1 cash costs and AISC at the NX Gold Mine during the period were $638 and $1,092, respectively, per ounce of gold produced (see Non-IFRS Measures). Costs during the quarter were impacted by inflation of key consumables and a strengthening of the BRL. While unit costs are expected to benefit from higher anticipated
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 6
gold grades and increases in gold production through the balance of the year, based upon the influence of first quarter operating costs, the Company is currently guiding to the higher end of its full-year gold C1 cash cost and AISC guidance ranges.
The NX Gold Mine's new paste-fill plant, which completed commissioning in Q4 2021, entered operation in January 2022. The paste-fill plant is expected to improve overhand cut and fill mining operations and enhance pillar recovery throughout the mine.
Exploration activities at the NX Gold Mine during the quarter were focused primarily on testing extensions of the Matinha and Santo Antônio veins at depth as well as drilling high-priority regional targets throughout the NX Gold land package.
2022 Guidance
The Company is reaffirming its full-year production, cost and capital expenditure guidance as detailed in the tables below. At the MCSA Mining Complex, the Company is guiding to the high-end of its full-year copper production guidance range. Increased copper production is expected to result from higher mining rates at the Pilar Mine relative to the first quarter as well as improved grades due to planned stope sequencing and mining of an initial stope within the Project Honeypot zone. Higher mined and processed volumes from the Surubim Mine are also expected to contribute to higher copper production volumes through the balance of the year.
Unit operating costs during the first quarter were affected by inflation in the cost of key consumables and impacted by the strengthening of the BRL versus the US dollar. While unit costs are expected to benefit through the remainder of the year from higher copper and gold production, based upon the influence of first quarter operating costs, the Company is currently guiding to the higher end of its operating cost guidance ranges for the year.
2022 Production and Cost Guidance
The Company's cost guidance for 2022 assumes a USD:BRL foreign exchange rate of 5.30, a gold price of $1,725 per ounce and a silver price of $20.00 per ounce.
| MCSA Mining Complex | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Copper Production (tonnes) | 43,000 - 46,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
C1 Cash Cost Guidance (US$/lb)(1) | $1.05 - $1.15 | |||||||||||||||||||
| NX Gold Mine | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Au Production (ounces) | 39,000 - 42,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
C1 Cash Cost Guidance (US$/oz)(1) | $500 - $600 | |||||||||||||||||||
All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) Guidance (US$/oz)(1) | $925 - $1,025 | |||||||||||||||||||
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, 2021 (the "AIF") for complete risk factors.
(1) C1 cash costs of copper produced (per lb), C1 cash costs of gold produced (per ounce), and AISC are non-IFRS measures – Please refer to the section titled "Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures" within this MD&A for a discussion of non-IFRS measures. 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 AIF and Management of Risks and Uncertainties in this MD&A for complete risk factors.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 7
2022 Capital Expenditure Guidance
The Company's capital expenditure guidance for 2022 assumes a USD:BRL foreign exchange rate of 5.30 and has been presented below in USD millions.
| MCSA Mining Complex | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $125 - $140 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | $80 - $90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $25 - $30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, MCSA Mining Complex | $230 - $260 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boa Esperança Project | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $70 - $80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | $0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $5 - $6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, Boa Esperança Project | $75 - $86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NX Gold Mine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $0 - $1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | $16 - $18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $9 - $10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, NX Gold Mine | $25 - $29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $195 - $221 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | $96 - $108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $39 - $46 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, Company | $330 - $375 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 8
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS
The following table provides a summary of the financial results of the Company for Q1 2022 and Q1 2021. Tabular amounts are in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts.
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| Notes | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 1 | $ | 108,911 | $ | 122,543 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 2 | (47,912) | (39,734) | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 60,999 | 82,809 | |||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 3 | (11,213) | (8,501) | ||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | (1,990) | (2,346) | |||||||||||||||
Income before the undernoted | 47,796 | 71,962 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance income | 713 | 970 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance expense | 4 | (5,496) | (3,770) | ||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 5 | 18,709 | (28,625) | ||||||||||||||
Other expenses | (630) | (651) | |||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 61,092 | 39,886 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Current | (3,059) | (7,090) | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred | (5,547) | (739) | |||||||||||||||
| 6 | (8,606) | (7,829) | |||||||||||||||
Net income for the period | $ | 52,486 | $ | 32,057 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive gain (loss) | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) | 7 | 85,934 | (24,359) | ||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 138,420 | $ | 7,698 | |||||||||||||
Net income per share attributable to owners of the Company | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.58 | $ | 0.36 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.57 | $ | 0.34 | |||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 90,238,008 | 88,064,312 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 92,050,104 | 92,902,306 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 365,465 | $ | 84,574 | |||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,165,997 | $ | 506,128 | |||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | $ | 528,127 | $ | 193,720 | |||||||||||||
Notes:
1. Revenues from copper sales in Q1 2022 was $93.7 million (Q1 2021 - $104.8 million), which included the sale of 22.1 million lbs of copper as compared to 27.5 million lbs of copper in Q1 2021. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributed to lower production and sales volume partially offset by higher realized prices.
Revenues from gold sales in Q1 2022 was $15.2 million (Q1 2021 - $17.8 million), which included the sale of 8,013 ounces of gold at a realized price of $1,924 per ounce, compared to 10,020 ounces of gold at a realized price of $1,797 per ounce for Q1 2021. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to lower production and sales volume than in the comparative quarter, partially offset by higher realized prices.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 9
2. Cost of sales for Q1 2022 from copper sales was $40.5 million (Q1 2021 - $32.8 million) which primarily comprised of $9.5 million (Q1 2021 - $9.8 million) in depreciation and depletion, $9.6 million (Q1 2021 - $7.4 million) in salaries and benefits, $7.0 million (Q1 2021 - $4.8 million) in materials and consumables, $5.0 million (Q1 2021 - $3.8 million) in maintenance costs, $4.8 million (Q1 2021 - $3.8 million) in contracted services, $2.6 million (Q1 2021 - $1.9 million) in utilities and $1.9 million (Q1 2021 - $1.3 million) in sales expenses. The increase in cost of sales in Q1 2022 as compared to Q1 2021 was primarily attributable to overall inflationary pressure on costs and a strengthening of the BRL, in which majority of costs were incurred, against the USD, and increases in salaries and benefits as a result of contracting temporary labour during the height of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza in the early part of the quarter to ensure operating efficiency.
Cost of sales for Q1 2022 from gold sales was $7.4 million (Q1 2021 - $6.9 million) which primarily comprised of $1.9 million (Q1 2021 - $1.7 million) in depreciation and depletion, $1.3 million (Q1 2021 - $1.3 million) in contracted services, $1.9 million (Q1 2021 - $1.6 million) in salaries and benefits, $1.2 million (Q1 2021 - $1.0 million) in materials and consumables, $0.5 million (Q1 2021 - $0.6 million) in utilities, and $0.5 million (Q1 2021 - $0.5 million) in maintenance costs. The increase in cost of sales in Q1 2022 as compared to Q1 2021 is primarily attributable to overall inflationary pressure on costs and a strengthening of the BRL.
3. General and administrative expenses for Q1 2022 was primarily comprised of $5.1 million (Q1 2021 - $5.4 million) in salaries and consulting fees, $2.9 million (Q1 2021 - $1.5 million) in office and administration expenses, $1.6 million (Q1 2021 - $0.5 million) in incentive payments, $0.5 million (Q1 2021 - $0.4 million) in accounting and legal costs, and $1.0 million (Q1 2021 - $0.7 million) in other costs. The increase in general and administrative expenses was attributed to an increase in administrative activities to support overall growth in operations and a strengthening of the BRL.
4. Finance expense for Q1 2022 was $5.5 million (Q1 2021 - $3.8 million) and is primarily comprised of interest on loans and borrowings of $5.1 million (Q1 2021 - $1.7 million), accretion of deferred revenue of $0.9 million (Q1 2021 - $nil), accretion of the asset retirement obligations of $0.5 million (Q1 2021 - $0.2 million), commitment fees of $0.5 million (Q1 2021 - $0.1 million), and other finance expense of $0.4 million (Q1 2021 - $1.7 million), net of $1.1 million (Q1 2021 - $nil) in interest capitalized to projects in progress and $0.9 million gain (Q1 2021 - $0.0 million gain) on interest rate swap derivatives. The overall increase in finance expense in Q1 2022 as compared to Q1 2021 is primarily attributable to overall higher debt levels with the issuance of Senior Notes in February 2022.
5. Foreign exchange gain for Q1 2022 was $18.7 million (Q1 2021 - $28.6 million loss). This amount is primarily comprised of foreign exchange gain on unrealized derivative contracts of $24.7 million (Q1 2021 - $17.0 million loss), foreign exchange gain on USD denominated debt of $11.3 million (Q1 2021 - $7.8 million loss) in MCSA for which the functional currency is the BRL, partially offset by a realized foreign exchange loss on derivative contracts of $4.6 million (Q1 2021 - $5.7 million loss) and other foreign exchange losses of $12.7 million (Q1 2021 - $1.9 million gains). The foreign exchange gains were primarily a result of a strengthening of BRL against USD in Q1 2022 as compared to the prior quarter. The foreign exchange gains on unrealized derivative contracts are a result of mark-to-market calculations at period end and may not represent the amount that will ultimately be realized, which will depend on future changes to the USD/BRL foreign exchange rates.
6. In Q1 2022, the Company recognized $8.6 million in income tax expense (Q1 2021 - $7.8 million expense), primarily as a result of an increase in income before income taxes.
7. The foreign currency translation gain is a result of a strengthening of the BRL against the USD during Q1 2022, which strengthened from approximately 5.65 BRL per US dollar at the beginning of the year to approximately 4.75 BRL per US dollar by the end of the first quarter, when translating the net assets of the Company’s Brazilian subsidiaries to USD for presentation in the Company’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 10
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following table presents selected financial information for each of the most recent eight quarters. Tabular amounts are in millions of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts.
Mar. 31,(1) | Dec. 31,(2) | Sep. 30,(3) | Jun. 30,(4) | Mar. 31, | Dec. 31,(5) | Sep. 30, | Jun. 30,(6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected Financial Information | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 108.9 | $ | 134.9 | $ | 111.8 | $ | 120.7 | $ | 122.5 | $ | 91.2 | $ | 94.3 | $ | 70.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales | $ | (47.9) | $ | (50.5) | $ | (43.8) | $ | (37.0) | $ | (39.7) | $ | (34.7) | $ | (33.3) | $ | (31.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | $ | 61.0 | $ | 84.4 | $ | 68.0 | $ | 83.7 | $ | 82.8 | $ | 58.3 | $ | 59.6 | $ | 39.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income for period | $ | 52.5 | $ | 60.2 | $ | 26.4 | $ | 84.0 | $ | 32.1 | $ | 66.3 | $ | 31.4 | $ | 7.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income per share attributable to the owners of the Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Basic | $ | 0.58 | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.09 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Diluted | $ | 0.57 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.89 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.71 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Basic | 90,238,008 | 89,637,768 | 88,449,567 | 88,251,995 | 88,064,312 | 87,321,832 | 86,448,318 | 85,933,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Diluted | 92,050,104 | 91,727,452 | 93,255,615 | 93,314,274 | 92,902,306 | 92,642,103 | 91,961,897 | 91,428,969 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes:
1.During Q1 2022, the Company recognized net income of $52.5 million compared to $60.2 million in the preceding quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $23.4 million decrease in gross profit as a result of reduced copper and gold sales volume, and overall inflationary pressure on cost of sales. Production and throughput for the quarter was adversely impacted by employee absenteeism due to COVID-19 and the seasonal influenza virus. The decrease in gross profit was partially offset by foreign exchange gains driven by the strengthening of the BRL against the USD in the quarter, which resulted in $18.7 million of foreign exchange gains compared to $4.4 million of foreign exchange losses in the preceding quarter.
2.During Q4 2021, the Company recognized net income of $60.2 million compared to $26.4 million in the preceding quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to a $16.4 million increase in gross profit as a result of increased copper sales volume, as well as a $15.2 million decrease in foreign exchange losses as the BRL depreciation against the USD was relatively less than the preceding quarter.
3.During Q3 2021, the Company recognized net income of $26.4 million compared to $84.0 million in the preceding quarter, a decrease of $58.7 million primarily due to volatility in foreign exchange gains or losses driven by the weakening of the BRL against the USD in the quarter, resulting in $19.6 million of foreign exchange losses compared to foreign exchange gains of $30.7 million in the preceding quarter.
4.During Q2 2021, the Company recognized $30.7 million in foreign exchange gains. This amount is primarily comprised of foreign exchange gain on unrealized derivative contracts of $29.9 million, foreign exchange gain on USD denominated debt of $10.0 million in MCSA for which the functional currency is the BRL, partially offset by realized foreign exchange loss on derivative contracts of $6.0 million, and other foreign exchange losses of $3.2 million. The foreign exchange gains were primarily a result of a strengthening of BRL against USD in Q2 2021 as compared to the prior quarter. The foreign exchange gains on unrealized derivative contracts are a result of mark-to-market calculations at period end and may not represent the amount that will ultimately be realized, which will depend on future changes to the USD/BRL foreign exchange rates.
5.During Q4 2020, the Company recognized $27.1 million in foreign exchange gains. The foreign exchange gains were primarily comprised of foreign exchange gain on unrealized derivative contracts of $27.7 million and a foreign exchange gain on USD denominated debt of $7.7 million in MCSA for which the functional currency is the BRL, partially offset by a realized foreign exchange loss on derivative contracts of $7.8 million and other foreign losses of $0.4 million. The foreign exchange gains were primarily a result of a strengthening of BRL against USD in Q4 2020. The foreign exchange gains on unrealized derivative contracts are a result of mark-to-market calculations at period end and may not represent the amount that will ultimately be realized, which will depend on future changes to the USD/BRL foreign exchange rates.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 11
During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized a recovery of $8.9 million in net income related to value added taxes. The recovery was recognized as a result of a study conducted to revisit certain tax positions which concluded that it is probable that additional tax credits are available to be used to offset a variety of taxes.
6.During Q2 2020, the Company had an overall net income of $7.7 million, despite $16.3 million in foreign exchange losses. The foreign exchange losses were comprised of a foreign exchange loss on unrealized derivative contracts of $8.5 million, a foreign exchange loss on realized derivative contracts of $4.4 million, and a foreign exchange loss on USD denominated debt of $3.0 million in MCSA for which the functional currency is the BRL. As with the preceding quarter, the foreign exchange losses were unusually high this quarter due to volatility in the foreign exchange rates between the USD and BRL resulting from the worldwide instability in currency rates as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Liquidity
As at March 31, 2022, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $365.5 million which were primarily comprised of cash held with reputable financial institutions and are invested in highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of three months or less. The funds are not exposed to liquidity risk and there are no restrictions on the ability of the Company to use these funds to meet its obligations.
Cash and cash equivalents have increased by $235.3 million since December 31, 2021. The Company’s cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities during 2022 are summarized as follows:
•Cash from financing activities of $342.1 million including:
◦$392.0 million of net proceeds from the issuance of $400.0 million in senior unsecured notes;
◦$4.1 million of proceeds from equipment financings;
net of:
◦$51.2 million of repayment in Senior Credit Facility.
•Cash from operating activities of $44.0 million, primarily consists of:
◦$78.1 million of EBITDA (see Non-IFRS Measures);
◦$3.2 million of additional advances from the NX Gold Precious Metal Purchase Agreement;
net of:
◦$24.7 million of unrealized gain on foreign exchange hedges;
◦$4.6 million of derivative contract settlements; and
◦$2.6 million of income taxes paid.
Partially offset by:
•Cash used in investing activities of $155.2 million, including:
◦$100.2 million in short-term investments;
◦$45.6 million of additions to mineral property, plant and equipment; and
◦$9.5 million of additions to exploration and evaluation assets.
In February 2022, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. The Company received net proceeds of $392.0 million after transaction costs of $8.0 million. The senior notes mature on February 15, 2030 and bear annual interest at 6.5%, payable semi-annually in February and August of each year.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 12
As at March 31, 2022, the Company had working capital of $443.7 million and available liquidity of $540.5 million.
Capital Resources
The Company’s primary sources of capital are comprised of cash from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand and short-term investments. The Company continuously monitors its liquidity position and capital structure and, based on changes in operations and economic conditions, may adjust such structure by issuing new common shares or new debt as necessary. Taking into consideration cash flow from existing operations, management believes that the Company has sufficient working capital and financial resources to maintain its planned operations and activities for the foreseeable future.
At March 31, 2022, the Company had available liquidity of $540.5 million, including $365.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, $100.0 million in short-term investments and $75.0 million of undrawn availability under its senior secured revolving credit facility ("Senior Credit Facility").
The Senior Credit Facility with a syndicate of Canadian financial institutions has a maturity date of March 31, 2025 and include an accordion feature to increase limit to $100.0 million. The Senior Credit Facility bears interest on a sliding scale at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% to 4.25% depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Commitment fees for any undrawn portion of the Senior Credit Facility are on a sliding scale between 0.56% to 1.06%.
The Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants. As of the date of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements, the Company is in compliance with these covenants. The loan agreements also contain covenants that could restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries, MCSA, Ero Gold, and NX Gold S.A., to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness needed to fund its respective operations, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments, create liens, sell or transfer assets or enter into transactions with affiliates. There are no other restrictions or externally imposed capital requirements of the Company.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The Company has a precious metals purchase agreement with Royal Gold whereby the Company is obligated to sell a portion of its gold production from the NX gold mine at contract prices.
MANAGEMENT OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Company thoroughly examines the various financial instruments and risks to which it is exposed and assesses the impact and likelihood of those risks. These risks may include credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, commodity price risk and interest rate risk. Where material, these risks are reviewed and monitored by the Board.
COVID-19 Pandemic risk
COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact on the volatility of commodity prices and USD/BRL exchange rates, and governmental actions to contain COVID-19 and mutations thereto may impact our ability to transport or market our concentrate or cause disruptions in our supply chains or interruption of production. A material spread of COVID-19 and mutations thereto in jurisdictions where we operate could impact our ability to staff operations. A reduction in production or other COVID-19 related impacts, including but not limited to, low copper prices could cause a significant reduction in profitability of ongoing operations.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 13
New waves of COVID-19 and mutations thereto could cause temporary closure of businesses in regions that are significantly impacted by the health crises, or cause governments to take or continue to take preventative measures such as imposing entry restrictions at or the closure of points of entry, including ports and borders.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Company’s receivables from customers. The carrying amount of the financial assets below represents the maximum credit risk exposure as at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 365,465 | $ | 130,129 | |||||||
| Short-term investments | 100,018 | — | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 25,923 | 30,704 | |||||||||
| Deposits and other non-current assets | 4,529 | 1,295 | |||||||||
| $ | 495,935 | $ | 162,128 | ||||||||
The Company invests cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with financial institutions that are financially sound based on their credit rating. The Company’s exposure to credit risk associated with accounts receivable is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. The Company currently has five significant customers, all of which have no history of credit default with the Company. The Company has not incurred credit losses during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 nor recognized a provision for credit losses.
Foreign exchange currency risk
The Company’s subsidiaries in Brazil are exposed to exchange risks related to the US dollars and Euros. In order to minimize currency mismatches, the Company monitors its cash flow projections considering future sales expectations indexed to US dollar variation in relation to the cash requirement to settle the existing financings.
The Company's exposure to foreign exchange currency risk at 2022 relates to $11.0 million (December 31, 2021 – $7.8 million) in loans and borrowings of MCSA denominated in US dollars and Euros. In addition, the Company is also exposed to foreign exchange currency risk at March 31, 2022 on $59.1 million due to an intercompany loan balance (December 31, 2021 - $63.8 million) which has contractual repayment terms. Strengthening (weakening) in the Brazilian Real against the US dollar at March 31, 2022 by 10% and 20%, would have increased (decreased) pre-tax net income by $6.8 million and $13.6 million, respectively (March 31, 2021 – $6.2 million and $16.9 million). Strengthening (weakening) in the Brazilian Real against the Euro at March 31, 2022 by 10% and 20% would have increased (decreased) pre-tax net income by $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively (March 31, 2021 – $0.1 million and $0.3 million). This analysis is based on the foreign currency exchange variation rate that the Company considered to be reasonably possible at the end of the
The Company may use derivatives, including forward contracts, collars and swap contracts, to manage market risks. At March 31, 2022, the Company has entered into foreign exchange collar contracts at zero cost for notional amounts of $133.8 million (December 31, 2021 - notional amount of $179.5 million) with an average floor rate of 4.30 BRL to US Dollar and an average cap rate of 4.85 BRL to US Dollar. The maturity dates of these contracts are from April 27, 2022 to December 28, 2022 and are financially settled on a net basis. The fair value of these contracts at March 31, 2022 was a liability of $5.2 million, (December 31, 2021 - $28.7 million) which is
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 14
included in Derivatives in the statement of financial position. The fair value of these forward contracts as at March 31, 2022 was determined using an option pricing model with the following assumptions: discount rate of 2.74% - 9.02%, foreign exchange rate of approximately 4.78—5.12, and volatility of 18.32% - 19.22%.
The change in fair value of foreign exchange collar contracts was a gain of $24.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 (a loss of $17.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021) and has been recognized in foreign exchange gain (loss). In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized a realized loss of $4.6 million (realized loss of $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021) related to the settlement of foreign currency forward collar contracts.
Interest rate risk
The Company is principally exposed to the variation in interest rates on loans and borrowings with variable rates of interest. Management reduces interest rate risk exposure by entering into loans and borrowings with fixed rates of interest or by entering into derivative instruments that fix the ultimate interest rate paid.
The Company is principally exposed to interest rate risk through Brazilian Real denominated bank loans of $3.9 million. Based on the Company’s net exposure at March 31, 2022, a 1% change in the variable rates would not materially impact its pre-tax annual net income.
Price risk
The Company may use derivatives, including forward contracts, collars and swap contracts, to manage commodity price risks. At March 31, 2022, the Company has provisionally priced sales that are exposed to commodity price changes. Based on the Company’s net exposure at March 31, 2022, a 10% change in the price of copper would have an impact of $1.2 million on pre-tax net income.
For a discussion of additional risks applicable to the Company and its business and operations, including risks related to the Company’s foreign operations, the environment and legal proceedings, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s AIF.
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As at March 31, 2022, the Company had no material off-balance sheet arrangements.
Outstanding Share Data
As of May 9, 2022, the Company had 90,493,046 common shares issued and outstanding.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 15
ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES
Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, events or actions, actual results may differ from these estimates.
The Company’s significant accounting policies and accounting estimates are contained in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. Certain of these policies, such as deferred revenue, capitalization and depreciation of property, plant and equipment and mining interests, derivative instruments, mine reclamation and closure costs, decommissioning liabilities provisions and income taxes involve critical accounting estimates because they require management of the Company to make subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and because of the likelihood that materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Management continuously reviews its estimates, judgments and assumptions on an ongoing basis using the most current information available. Revisions to estimates are recognized prospectively.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 16
Capital Expenditures
The following table presents capital expenditures at the Company’s operations.
| 2022 - Q1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MCSA Mining Complex | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $ | 14,457 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | 19,537 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | 6,157 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, MCSA Mining Complex | $ | 40,151 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boa Esperança Project | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | 5,457 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | 1,574 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, Boa Esperança Project | $ | 7,031 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NX Gold Mine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | 813 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | 2,272 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | 3,037 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, NX Gold Mine | $ | 6,122 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | 2,750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, Corporate and Other | $ | 2,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | 20,727 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | 21,809 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | 13,518 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, Consolidated | $ | 56,054 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 17
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. The tables below provide reconciliations of these non-IFRS measures to the most directly comparable IFRS measures as contained in the Company’s financial statements.
Unless otherwise noted, the non-IFRS measures presented below have been calculated on a consistent basis for the periods presented.
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.
The following table provides a reconciliation of C1 cash cost of copper produced per pound to cost of production, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
| Reconciliation: | 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of production | $ | 29,163 | $ | 30,016 | $ | 21,802 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Add (less): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation costs & other | 1,869 | 1,998 | 975 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treatment, refining, and other | 2,046 | 2,645 | 779 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By-product credits | (4,812) | (6,250) | (6,200) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incentive payments | (904) | (3,482) | (813) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in inventory | 577 | 654 | (2,668) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange translation and other | 386 | (293) | (153) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 cash costs | $ | 28,325 | $ | 25,288 | $ | 13,722 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 18
| 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mining | $ | 20,126 | $ | 18,560 | $ | 11,869 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing | 6,447 | 6,365 | 4,010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indirect | 4,518 | 3,968 | 3,264 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production costs | 31,091 | 28,893 | 19,143 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By-product credits | (4,812) | (6,250) | (6,200) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treatment, refining and other | 2,046 | 2,645 | 779 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 cash costs | $ | 28,325 | $ | 25,288 | $ | 13,722 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs per pound | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payable copper produced (lb, 000) | 21,570 | 26,275 | 27,863 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mining | $ | 0.93 | $ | 0.71 | $ | 0.43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indirect | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By-product credits | $ | (0.22) | $ | (0.24) | $ | (0.22) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treatment, refining and other | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.10 | $ | 0.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 cash costs of copper produced (per lb) | $ | 1.31 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 0.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
The following table provides a reconciliation of C1 cash cost of gold produced per ounce and AISC of gold produced per ounce to cost of production, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 19
Reconciliation: | 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of production | $ | 5,392 | $ | 4,737 | $ | 5,084 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Add (less): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incentive payments | (585) | (150) | (283) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in inventory | 727 | (16) | (127) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By-product credits | (124) | (128) | (148) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange translation and other | 206 | 533 | 81 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 cash costs | $ | 5,616 | $ | 4,976 | $ | 4,607 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site general and administrative | 559 | 699 | 307 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion of mine closure and rehabilitation provision | 112 | 42 | (49) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining capital expenditure | 2,296 | 736 | 485 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining leases | 822 | 1,083 | 462 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royalties and production taxes | 204 | 235 | 269 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AISC | $ | 9,609 | $ | 7,771 | $ | 6,081 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mining | $ | 3,218 | $ | 2,403 | $ | 2,263 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing | 1,698 | 1,843 | 1,680 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indirect | 824 | 858 | 812 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production costs | 5,740 | 5,104 | 4,755 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By-product credits | (124) | (128) | (148) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 cash costs | $ | 5,616 | $ | 4,976 | $ | 4,607 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site general and administrative | 559 | 699 | 307 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion of mine closure and rehabilitation provision | 112 | 42 | (49) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining capital expenditure | 2,296 | 736 | 485 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining leases | 822 | 1,083 | 462 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royalties and production taxes | 204 | 235 | 269 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AISC | $ | 9,609 | $ | 7,771 | $ | 6,081 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs per ounce | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payable gold produced (ounces) | 8,796 | 8,544 | 9,451 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mining | $ | 366 | $ | 281 | $ | 239 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing | $ | 193 | $ | 216 | $ | 178 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indirect | $ | 94 | $ | 100 | $ | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By-product credits | $ | (15) | $ | (15) | $ | (16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C1 cash costs of gold produced (per ounce) | $ | 638 | $ | 582 | $ | 487 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AISC of gold produced (per ounce) | $ | 1,092 | $ | 910 | $ | 643 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized Gold Price (per ounce)
Realized Gold Price (per ounce) is a non-IFRS ratio that is calculated as gross gold revenue divided by ounces of gold sold during the period. Management believes measuring Realized Gold Price (per ounce) enables investors to better understand performance based on the realized gold sales in each reporting period. The following table
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 20
provides a calculation of Realized Gold Price (per ounce) and a reconciliation to gold segment revenues, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
| (in '000s except for ounces and price per ounce) | 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NX Gold revenue | $ | 15,215 | $ | 14,924 | $ | 17,781 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| less: by-product credits | (124) | (128) | (148) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold revenue, net | $ | 15,091 | $ | 14,796 | $ | 17,633 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| add: royalty taxes | 204 | 174 | 271 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| add: smelting and refining charges | 92 | 49 | 58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| add: metal discounts | 33 | 33 | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold revenue, gross | $ | 15,420 | $ | 15,052 | $ | 18,002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - spot (cash) | $ | 11,259 | $ | 11,649 | $ | 18,002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - stream (cash) | $ | 803 | $ | 682 | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - stream (amortization of deferred revenue) | $ | 3,358 | $ | 2,721 | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gold ounces sold | 8,013 | 8,437 | 10,020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - spot | 5,863 | 6,517 | 10,020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - stream | 2,150 | 1,920 | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized gold price (per ounce) | $ | 1,924 | $ | 1,784 | $ | 1,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - spot | $ | 1,920 | $ | 1,787 | $ | 1,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - stream (cash + amort. of deferred revenue) | $ | 1,935 | $ | 1,772 | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - cash (spot cash + stream cash) | $ | 1,505 | $ | 1,462 | $ | 1,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS performance measures used by management to evaluate its debt service capacity and performance of its operations. EBITDA represents earnings before finance expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA before the pre-tax effect of adjustments for non-cash and/or non-recurring items required in determination of EBITDA under its revolving credit facility for covenant calculation purposes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
Reconciliation: | 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 52,486 | $ | 60,212 | $ | 32,057 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance expense | 5,496 | 2,296 | 3,770 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 8,606 | 4,528 | 7,829 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization and depreciation | 11,504 | 13,675 | 11,511 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 78,092 | $ | 80,711 | $ | 55,167 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (18,709) | 4,419 | 28,625 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share based compensation | 1,990 | 981 | 2,346 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incremental COVID-19 costs | 1,004 | 669 | 556 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 62,377 | $ | 86,780 | $ | 86,694 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 21
Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company and Adjusted net income per share attributable to owners of the Company
“Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company” is net income attributed to shareholders as reported, adjusted for certain types of transactions that, in management's judgment, are not indicative of our normal operating activities or do not necessarily occur on a recurring basis. “Adjusted net income per share attributable to owners of the Company” (“Adjusted EPS”) is calculated as "adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company" divided by weighted average number of outstanding common shares in the period. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and certain investor and analysts use these supplemental non-IFRS performance measures to evaluate the normalized performance of the Company. The presentation of Adjusted EPS is not meant to substitute the net income (loss) per share attributable to owners of the Company (“EPS”) presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather it should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measures.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company and Adjusted EPS to net income attributable to the owners of the Company, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
Reconciliation: | 2022 - Q1 | 2021 - Q4 | 2021 - Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income as reported attributable to the owners of the Company | $ | 52,107 | $ | 59,804 | $ | 31,749 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share based compensation | 1,990 | 981 | 2,346 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on USD denominated balances in MCSA | (1,337) | 1,642 | 7,800 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on foreign exchange derivative contracts | (24,615) | (3,125) | 16,872 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incremental COVID-19 costs | 998 | 664 | 556 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivative contracts | — | (714) | (415) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax effect on the above adjustments | 3,808 | 477 | (2,573) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company | $ | 32,951 | $ | 59,729 | $ | 56,335 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 90,238,008 | 89,637,768 | 88,064,312 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 92,050,104 | 91,727,452 | 92,902,306 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net (Cash) Debt
Net (cash) debt is a performance measure used by the Company to assess its financial position and ability to pay down its debt. Net (cash) debt is determined based on cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, net of loans and borrowings as reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements. The following table provides a calculation of net (cash) debt based on amounts presented in the Company’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements as at the periods presented.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 22
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion of loans and borrowings | $ | 8,740 | $ | 4,344 | $ | 5,971 | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term portion of loans and borrowings | 402,345 | 54,906 | 153,090 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | (365,465) | (130,129) | (84,574) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | (100,018) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (cash) debt | $ | (54,398) | $ | (70,879) | $ | 74,487 | |||||||||||||||||
Working Capital and Available Liquidity
Working capital is calculated as current assets less current liabilities as reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements. The Company uses working capital as a measure of the Company’s short-term financial health and ability to meet its current obligations using its current assets. Available liquidity is calculated as the sum of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and the undrawn amount available on its revolving credit facilities. The Company uses this information to evaluate the liquid assets available. The following table provides a calculation for these based on amounts presented in the Company’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements as at the periods presented.
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | $ | 546,439 | $ | 208,686 | $ | 150,770 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less: Current liabilities | (102,743) | (122,660) | (87,309) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Working capital | $ | 443,696 | $ | 86,026 | $ | 63,461 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 365,465 | 130,129 | 84,574 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 100,018 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Available undrawn revolving credit facilities | 75,000 | 100,000 | 10,600 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Available liquidity | $ | 540,483 | $ | 230,129 | $ | 95,174 | |||||||||||||||||
Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management, with the participation of the CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) and internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) using Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") as its internal control framework.
The Company’s DC&P are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information related to the Company is identified and communicated on a timely basis.
The Company’s ICFR is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Any system of ICFR, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations and cannot provide absolute assurance that all misstatements and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. The Company’s ICFR is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.
There were no changes in the Company’s DC&P and ICFR that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, ICFR during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 23
NOTE REGARDING SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Unless otherwise indicated, scientific and technical information in this MD&A relating to Ero’s properties (“Technical Information”) is based on information contained in the following:
The report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and entitled “2020 Updated Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Statements of Mineração Caraíba’s Vale do Curaçá Mineral Assets, Curaçá Valley”, dated January 14, 2021 with an effective date of October 1, 2020, prepared by Porfirio Cabaleiro Rodrigues, MAIG, Bernardo Horta de Cerqueira Viana, MAIG, Paulo Roberto Bergmann, FAusIMM, Fábio Valério Câmara Xavier, MAIG, Dr. Augusto Ferreira Mendonça, RM SME, all of GE21 Consultoria Mineral Ltda. (“GE21”), and Dr. Beck (Alizeibek) Nader, FAIG, of BNA Mining Solutions, and each a “qualified person” and “independent” of the Company within the meanings of NI 43-101 (the “MCSA Mining Complex Technical Report”).
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, MAIG, Leonardo de Moraes Soares, MAIG, Bernardo Horta de Cerqueira Viana, MAIG, 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 “NX Gold Technical Report”).
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 Ingeniería y Construcción SpA and Ricardo Emerson Re, MSc, MBA, MAusIMM (CP) (No. 305892), Registered Member (No. 0138) (Chilean Mining Commission), of HCM Consultoria Geologica Eireli
(the “Boa Esperança Technical Report”).
Reference should be made to the full text of the MCSA Mining Complex Technical Report, the NX Gold Technical Report and the Boa Esperança Technical Report, each of which 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.
The disclosure of Technical Information in this MD&A was reviewed and approved by Emerson Ricardo Re, MSc, MBA, MAusIMM (CP) (No. 305892), Registered Member (No. 0138) (Chilean Mining Commission), of HCM Consultoria Geologica Eireli. Mr. Emerson is a “qualified person” within the meanings of NI 43-101.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This MD&A 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 guidance and/or outlook on future production, costs and capital expenditures; development plans, costs, timelines, ability to finance and/or approvals for, as well as benefits, production and/or performance expected by, growth projects including development of the Deepening Extension Zone, construction of the new external shaft, and expansion of mill processing capacity, and construction of the Boa Esperança mine; the
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 24
Company’s expectations, strategies, and plans for the MCSA Mining Complex, the NX Gold Property and the Boa Esperança Property, including, but not limited to, the Company’s planned exploration, development and production activities; the expected impact of Project Honeypot on future mine plans and production; and the significance and timing of any particular exploration program or result and the Company’s expectations for current and future exploration plans, the Company’s mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; targeting additional mineral resources and expansion of deposits; estimated completion dates for certain milestones; the impacts of COVID-19 on the Company’s business and operations; the timing, receipt and maintenance of necessary approvals, licenses and permits from applicable governments, regulators or third parties; expectations regarding consumption, demand and future price of copper, gold and other metals; future financial or operating performance and condition of the Company and its business, operations and properties, including expectations regarding liquidity, capital structure, competitive position and payment of dividends; expectations regarding future currency exchange rates; 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 MD&A and in the AIF under the heading “Risk Factors”. The risks discussed in this MD&A 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 involves 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 MD&A, 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 MCSA Mining Complex, the NX Gold Property and the Boa Esperança Property being as described in the MCSA Mining Complex Technical Report, the NX Gold Technical Report and the Boa Esperança Technical Report, respectively; 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;
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 25
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 MD&A, 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 MD&A.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this MD&A 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 Reserve Estimates
In accordance with applicable Canadian securities regulatory requirements, all mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates of the Company disclosed in this MD&A have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and are classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (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. NI 43-101 differs significantly from the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) generally applicable to U.S. companies. For example, the terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve”, “probable mineral reserve”, “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in NI 43-101. These definitions differ from the definitions in the disclosure requirements promulgated by the SEC. Accordingly, information contained in this MD&A may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies reporting pursuant to SEC disclosure requirements.
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Pursuant to the CIM Standards, mineral resources have a higher degree of uncertainty than mineral reserves as to their existence as well as their economic and legal feasibility. Inferred mineral resources, when compared with measured or indicated mineral resources, have the least certainty as to their existence, and it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will be upgraded to an indicated or measured mineral resource as a result of continued exploration. Pursuant to NI 43-101, inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of any economic analysis. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral resource exists, will ever be converted into a mineral reserve, or is or will ever be economically or legally mineable or recovered.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information about Ero and its business activities, including the AIF, is available under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov.
Ero Copper Corp. March 31, 2022 MD&A | Page 26
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
| Table of Contents | ||
| CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity | |||||
| NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||
| General | |||||
| Note 1. Nature of Operations | |||||
| Note 2. Basis of Preparation | |||||
| Note 3. Segment Disclosure | |||||
| Statements of Financial Position | |||||
| Note 4. Inventories | |||||
| Note 5. Other Current Assets | |||||
| Note 6. Mineral, Property, Plant and Equipment | |||||
| Note 7. Exploration and Evaluation Assets | |||||
| Note 8. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | |||||
| Note 9. Loans and Borrowings | |||||
| Note 10. Deferred Revenue | |||||
| Note 11. Other Non-current Liabilities | |||||
| Note 12. Share Capital | |||||
| Statements of Earnings | |||||
| Note 13. Revenue | |||||
| Note 14. Cost of Sales | |||||
| Note 15. General and Administrative Expenses | |||||
| Note 16. Finance Expense | |||||
| Note 17. Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss) | |||||
| Other Items | |||||
| Note 18. Financial Instruments | |||||
| Note 19. Capital Management | |||||
| Note 20. Supplemental Cash Flow Information | |||||
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position | ||
| (Unaudited, Amounts in thousands of US Dollars) | ||
| Notes | March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||
| Current | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 365,465 | $ | 130,129 | |||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 100,018 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 25,923 | 30,704 | |||||||||||||||
| Inventories | 4 | 33,728 | 26,019 | ||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | 5 | 21,305 | 21,834 | ||||||||||||||
| 546,439 | 208,686 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-Current | |||||||||||||||||
| Mineral, property, plant and equipment | 6 | 604,482 | 445,428 | ||||||||||||||
| Exploration and evaluation assets | 7 | 8,669 | 32,038 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax assets | — | 2,315 | |||||||||||||||
| Deposits and other non-current assets | 6,407 | 1,295 | |||||||||||||||
| 619,558 | 481,076 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 1,165,997 | $ | 689,762 | |||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES | |||||||||||||||||
| Current | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 8 | $ | 67,561 | $ | 66,546 | ||||||||||||
| Current portion of loans and borrowings | 9 | 8,740 | 4,344 | ||||||||||||||
| Current portion of deferred revenue | 10 | 12,530 | 10,511 | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes payable | 3,215 | 7,191 | |||||||||||||||
| Current portion of derivatives | 18 | 5,237 | 29,357 | ||||||||||||||
| Current portion of lease liabilities | 5,460 | 4,711 | |||||||||||||||
| 102,743 | 122,660 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-Current | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans and borrowings | 9 | 402,345 | 54,906 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred revenue | 10 | 82,410 | 83,711 | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for rehabilitation and closure costs | 22,563 | 19,037 | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities | 4,777 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | 18 | — | 366 | ||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 2,501 | 2,399 | |||||||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 11 | 13,531 | 11,193 | ||||||||||||||
| 528,127 | 171,612 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | 630,870 | 294,272 | |||||||||||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||
| Share capital | 12 | 133,787 | 133,072 | ||||||||||||||
| Equity reserves | (8,968) | (94,910) | |||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 407,002 | 354,895 | |||||||||||||||
| Equity attributable to owners of the Company | 531,821 | 393,057 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 3,306 | 2,433 | |||||||||||||||
| 535,127 | 395,490 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Equity | $ | 1,165,997 | $ | 689,762 | |||||||||||||
Commitments (Notes 7 and 10); | ||||||||||||||||||||
| APPROVED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| "David Strang" | , CEO and Director | "Matthew Wubs" | , Director | |||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements Page 1
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income | ||
| (Unaudited, Amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 13 | $ | 108,911 | $ | 122,543 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 14 | (47,912) | (39,734) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 60,999 | 82,809 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 15 | (11,213) | (8,501) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 12 (e) | (1,990) | (2,346) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before the undernoted | 47,796 | 71,962 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance income | 713 | 970 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance expense | 16 | (5,496) | (3,770) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 17 | 18,709 | (28,625) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other expenses | (630) | (651) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 61,092 | 39,886 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | (3,059) | (7,090) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred | (5,547) | (739) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (8,606) | (7,829) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income for the period | $ | 52,486 | $ | 32,057 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive gain (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) | 85,934 | (24,359) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 138,420 | $ | 7,698 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Owners of the Company | 52,107 | 31,749 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 379 | 308 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 52,486 | $ | 32,057 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Owners of the Company | 137,489 | 7,487 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 931 | 211 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 138,420 | $ | 7,698 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income per share attributable to owners of the Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 12 (f) | $ | 0.58 | $ | 0.36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 12 (f) | $ | 0.57 | $ | 0.34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 12 (f) | 90,238,008 | 88,064,312 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 12 (f) | 92,050,104 | 92,902,306 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements Page 2
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow | ||
| (Unaudited, Amounts in thousands of US Dollars) | ||
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income for the period | $ | 52,486 | $ | 32,057 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization and depreciation | 11,504 | 11,511 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 8,606 | 7,829 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred revenue | 13 | (3,358) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 12 (e) | 1,990 | 2,346 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance income | (713) | (970) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance expenses | 16 | 5,496 | 3,770 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | (19,006) | 28,625 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,046 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items | 20 | (9,687) | (16,760) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 48,364 | 68,415 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advance from NX Gold PMPA | 10 | 3,207 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative contract settlements | 17 | (4,567) | (5,711) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision settlements | (416) | (352) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income taxes paid | (2,602) | (240) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 43,986 | 62,112 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flows used in Investing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions to mineral property, plant and equipment | (45,563) | (25,873) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions to exploration and evaluation assets | (9,501) | (464) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other investments | (100,184) | 126 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (155,248) | (26,211) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flows (used in) / from Financing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liability payments | (1,684) | (1,085) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New loans and borrowings, net of finance costs | 396,121 | 630 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and borrowings repaid | (51,190) | (7,662) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest paid on loans and borrowings | (606) | (1,921) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other finance expenses paid | (898) | (1,013) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants | 404 | 1,116 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 342,147 | (9,935) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 4,451 | (3,900) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 235,336 | 22,066 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period | 130,129 | 62,508 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period | $ | 365,465 | $ | 84,574 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Supplemental cash flow information (note 20)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements Page 3
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity | ||
| (Unaudited, Amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
| Share Capital | Equity Reserves | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes | Number of shares | Amount | Contributed Surplus | Foreign Exchange | Retained Earnings | Total | Non-controlling interest | Total equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2020 | 87,879,261 | $ | 126,152 | $ | 15,637 | $ | (82,928) | $ | 153,842 | $ | 212,703 | $ | 1,372 | $ | 214,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income for the period | — | — | — | — | 31,749 | 31,749 | 308 | 32,057 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss for the period | — | — | — | (24,262) | — | (24,262) | (97) | (24,359) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period | — | — | — | (24,262) | 31,749 | 7,487 | 211 | 7,698 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of options and warrants | 272,648 | 1,524 | (408) | — | — | 1,116 | — | 1,116 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 12 (e) | — | — | 2,141 | — | — | 2,141 | — | 2,141 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to non-controlling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | 69 | 69 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2021 | 88,151,909 | $ | 127,676 | $ | 17,370 | $ | (107,190) | $ | 185,591 | $ | 223,447 | $ | 1,652 | $ | 225,099 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 | 90,204,378 | $ | 133,072 | $ | 12,173 | $ | (107,083) | $ | 354,895 | $ | 393,057 | $ | 2,433 | $ | 395,490 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income for the period | — | — | — | — | 52,107 | 52,107 | 379 | 52,486 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income for the period | — | — | — | 85,382 | — | 85,382 | 552 | 85,934 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the period | — | — | — | 85,382 | 52,107 | 137,489 | 931 | 138,420 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of options and warrants | 158,334 | 715 | (311) | — | — | 404 | — | 404 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 12 (e) | — | — | 871 | — | — | 871 | — | 871 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to non-controlling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | (58) | (58) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2022 | 90,362,712 | $ | 133,787 | $ | 12,733 | $ | (21,701) | $ | 407,002 | $ | 531,821 | $ | 3,306 | $ | 535,127 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements Page 4
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
1. Nature of Operations
Ero Copper Corp. (“Ero" or the "Company") was incorporated on May 16, 2016 under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and maintains its head office at Suite 1050, 625 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T6. The Company’s shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ERO”.
The Company’s principal asset is its 99.6% ownership interest in Mineração Caraíba S.A. (“MCSA”). The Company also currently owns a 97.6% ownership interest in NX Gold S.A. (“NX Gold”) indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ero Gold Corp. (“Ero Gold”).
MCSA is a Brazilian company which holds a 100% interest in the MCSA Mining Complex and the Boa Esperança Project. MCSA’s predominant activity is the production and sale of copper concentrate from the MCSA Mining Complex, located in Bahia, Brazil, with gold and silver produced and sold as by-products. The Boa Esperança Project, consists of a mineral concession covering an area of 4,034 hectares (“ha”), is a located within the municipality of Tucumã in the southeastern part of the state of Pará, Brazil. In February 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the construction of the Boa Esperança Project.
NX Gold is a Brazilian gold mining company focused on the production and sale of gold as its main product and silver as its by-product. NX Gold wholly owns a 31,096 ha property, located approximately 18 kilometers west of the town of Nova Aventine, in southeastern Mato Grosso State, Brazil, consisting of a single mining concession covering an area of 620 ha, where all gold mining and processing activities occur.
2. Basis of Preparation
(a) Statement of Compliance
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 34, Interim Financial Reporting and follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the Company’s most recent annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not include all of the information required for full consolidated annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended December 31, 2021, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) on May 9, 2022.
(b) Use of Estimates and Judgments
In preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial statements, management has made judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the Company’s accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ. Significant judgments made by management in applying the Company’s accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied in the most recent annual audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(c) Future Changes in Accounting Policies Not Yet Effective as of March 31, 2022
The following amendment to accounting standards has been issued but not yet adopted in the financial statements:
•In September 2019, the IASB issued first phase amendments IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Hedging, and IFRS 7 Financial Instrument Disclosures to address the financial reporting impact of the reform on interest rate benchmarks, such as the discontinuance of the interbank
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 5
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
offered rates. Phase 2 of the Interest Rate Benchmark Reform refers to a global reform of interest rate benchmarks, which includes the replacement of some interbank offered rates (“LIBOR”) with alternative benchmark rates. Phase 2 amendments require the effective interest rate to be adjusted when accounting for changes in the basis for determining the contractual cash flows of financial assets and liabilities that relate directly to this reform rather than applying modification accounting. In addition, the Phase 2 amendments require disclosures to assist users in understanding the effect of the reform on the Company’s financial instruments and risk management strategy.
At March 31, 2022, Company had a $75.0 million undrawn senior secured revolving credit facility which bears interest on a sliding scale at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% to 4.25% depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. There is currently no specific timeline on when the use of LIBOR will cease, but the switch to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) is not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
•In May 2021, the IASB issued Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction which amended IAS 12, Income Taxes ("IAS 12"). The amendments narrowed the scope of the recognition exemption in IAS 12, relating to the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, so that it no longer applies to transactions that, on initial recognition, give rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences such as leases and reclamation and closure cost provisions. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 to transactions that occur on or after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. Earlier application is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
3. Segment Disclosure
Operating segments are determined by the way information is reported and used by the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") to review operating performance. The Company’s reporting segments include its two operating mines in Brazil, MCSA and NX Gold, and its corporate head office in Canada. The Company monitors the operating results of its operating segments independently for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment.
Significant information relating to the Company's reportable segments is summarized in the tables below:
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 6
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
Three months ended March 31, 2022 | MCSA (Brazil) | NX Gold (Brazil) | Corporate (Canada) | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 93,696 | $ | 15,215 | $ | — | $ | 108,911 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of production | (29,163) | (5,392) | — | (34,555) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and depletion | (9,532) | (1,879) | — | (11,411) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales expense | (1,851) | (95) | — | (1,946) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | (40,546) | (7,366) | — | (47,912) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 53,150 | 7,849 | — | 60,999 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | (6,201) | (842) | (4,170) | (11,213) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | (1,990) | (1,990) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance income | 152 | 458 | 103 | 713 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance expenses | (1,932) | (1,023) | (2,541) | (5,496) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 18,490 | 228 | (9) | 18,709 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (expenses) income | (758) | 128 | — | (630) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes | 62,901 | 6,798 | (8,607) | 61,092 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Current tax expense | (2,328) | (414) | (316) | (3,058) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax expense | (5,427) | (120) | — | (5,547) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 55,146 | $ | 6,264 | $ | (8,923) | $ | 52,487 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | $ | 152,713 | $ | 37,799 | $ | 355,927 | 546,439 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current | 559,315 | 58,046 | 2,197 | 619,558 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 712,028 | $ | 95,845 | $ | 358,124 | $ | 1,165,997 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | 101,990 | $ | 109,945 | $ | 418,934 | 630,869 | |||||||||||||||||||
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, MCSA earned revenues from three customers (March 31, 2021 - two) while NX Gold earned revenues from two customers (March 31, 2021 - one).
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 7
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
Three months ended March 31, 2021 | MCSA (Brazil) | NX Gold (Brazil) | Corporate (Canada) | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 104,762 | $ | 17,781 | $ | — | $ | 122,543 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of production | (21,802) | (5,084) | — | (26,886) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and depletion | (9,766) | (1,708) | — | (11,474) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales expenses | (1,262) | (112) | — | (1,374) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | (32,830) | (6,904) | — | (39,734) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 71,932 | 10,877 | — | 82,809 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | (4,219) | (464) | (3,818) | (8,501) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | (2,346) | (2,346) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance income | 43 | 75 | 852 | 970 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance expenses | (2,314) | (148) | (1,308) | (3,770) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange (loss) gain | (28,165) | (537) | 77 | (28,625) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other expenses | (491) | (160) | — | (651) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes | 36,786 | 9,643 | (6,543) | 39,886 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Current tax expense | (3,361) | (1,233) | (2,496) | (7,090) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax expense | (726) | (13) | — | (739) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 32,699 | $ | 8,397 | $ | (9,039) | $ | 32,057 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | $ | 97,235 | $ | 33,775 | $ | 19,760 | 150,770 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current | 324,597 | 27,741 | 3,020 | 355,358 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 421,832 | $ | 61,516 | $ | 22,780 | $ | 506,128 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | 101,885 | $ | 18,473 | $ | 160,671 | 281,029 | |||||||||||||||||||
4. Inventories
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Supplies and consumables | $ | 23,498 | $ | 19,144 | |||||||
| Stockpiles | 3,060 | 2,880 | |||||||||
| Work in progress | 2,264 | 1,658 | |||||||||
| Finished goods | 4,906 | 2,337 | |||||||||
| $ | 33,728 | $ | 26,019 | ||||||||
5. Other Current Assets
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Advances to suppliers | $ | 1,050 | $ | 402 | |||||||
| Prepaid expenses | 5,404 | 5,865 | |||||||||
| Advances to employees | 715 | 458 | |||||||||
| Value added taxes recoverable | 14,136 | 15,109 | |||||||||
| $ | 21,305 | $ | 21,834 | ||||||||
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 8
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
6. Mineral, Property, Plant and Equipment
| Buildings | Mining Equipment(1) | Mineral Properties(2) | Projects in Progress(3) | Equipment & Other Assets | Mine Closure Costs | Right-of-Use Assets | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 | 18,352 | 124,775 | 394,017 | 19,190 | 20,307 | 12,010 | 17,298 | 605,949 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | 80 | 5,064 | 7,781 | 28,798 | 6,929 | — | 1,359 | 50,011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized of borrowing costs | — | — | — | 1,125 | — | — | — | 1,125 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals | — | (1,320) | — | (417) | — | — | (42) | (1,779) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers | 1,545 | 1,925 | 13,950 | 25,042 | (3,894) | — | — | 38,568 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange | 3,438 | 22,809 | 72,427 | 3,850 | 3,792 | 2,137 | 3,060 | 111,513 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2022 | $ | 23,415 | $ | 153,253 | $ | 488,175 | $ | 77,588 | $ | 27,134 | $ | 14,147 | $ | 21,675 | $ | 805,387 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 | (4,428) | (25,943) | (109,889) | — | (5,733) | (4,040) | (10,488) | (160,521) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | (249) | (3,090) | (6,253) | — | (180) | (133) | (1,599) | (11,504) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals | — | 642 | — | — | 68 | — | 23 | 733 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange | (815) | (4,875) | (20,233) | — | (948) | (733) | (2,009) | (29,613) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2022 | $ | (5,492) | $ | (33,266) | $ | (136,375) | $ | — | $ | (6,793) | $ | (4,906) | $ | (14,073) | $ | (200,905) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net book value, December 31, 2021 | $ | 13,924 | $ | 98,832 | $ | 284,128 | $ | 19,190 | $ | 14,574 | $ | 7,970 | $ | 6,810 | $ | 445,428 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net book value, March 31, 2022 | $ | 17,923 | $ | 119,987 | $ | 351,800 | $ | 77,588 | $ | 20,341 | $ | 9,241 | $ | 7,602 | $ | 604,482 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Certain equipment has been provided as security for the equipment finance loans.
(2) Mineral properties include $85.6 million (2021 - $67.1 million) of development costs which are not currently being depreciated.
(3) In February 2022, the Board approved the construction of the Boa Esperança Project. As a result, $38.6 million of exploration and evaluation assets were reclassified to Mineral, Property and Plant and Equipment during the period.
Page 9
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
7. Exploration and Evaluation Assets
In February 2022, the Board approved the construction of the Boa Esperança Project located in Tucumã, State of Pará, Brazil. Accordingly, $38.6 million of costs related to the project was reclassified from Exploration and Evaluation Assets to Mineral, Property, Plant and Equipment during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company also paid $2.8 million in relation to two property option agreements. In order for the Company to acquire 100% of these properties, the Company will be required to incur $7.2 million in exploration costs before the end of 2023 and, depending on results of these exploration programs, further option payments to complete the acquisitions is required. In the event that the Company exercise its option to acquire 100% interest in these properties, the optioners are expected to retain net smelter royalties between 0.5% to 1.5%.
8. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Trade suppliers | $ | 26,702 | $ | 24,012 | |||||||
| Payroll and labour related liabilities | 24,606 | 26,248 | |||||||||
| Value added tax and other tax payable | 9,418 | 9,664 | |||||||||
| Other accrued liabilities | 6,836 | 6,622 | |||||||||
| $ | 67,562 | $ | 66,546 | ||||||||
9. Loans and Borrowings
| Carrying value, including accrued interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Denomination | Security | Time to Maturity | Coupon rate | Principal to be repaid | March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior Note | USD | Unsecured | 94 months | 6.5% | $ | 400,000 | $ | 396,209 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior credit facility | USD | Secured | 39 months | LIBOR + 2.25% - 4.25% | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 48,303 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment finance loans | USD | Secured | 5 - 48 months | 5.00% - 7.95% | 9,000 | 9,049 | 5,805 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment finance loans | EURO | Secured | 6 - 54 months | 5.50% - 7.00% | 1,932 | 1,939 | 2,005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank loan (MCSA) | BRL R$ | Unsecured | 56 months | CDI + 0.50% | 3,867 | 3,888 | 3,137 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 414,799 | $ | 411,085 | $ | 59,250 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion | $ | 8,740 | $ | 4,344 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current portion | $ | 402,345 | $ | 54,906 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 10
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
The movements in loans and borrowings during the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 are comprised of the following:
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 59,250 | $ | 168,102 | |||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net | 392,006 | — | |||||||||
| Proceeds from new equipment finance loans | 4,115 | 4,826 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from new lines of credit | — | 645 | |||||||||
| Principal and interest payments | (51,796) | (117,404) | |||||||||
| Interest costs, including interest capitalized | 5,076 | 5,177 | |||||||||
| Reclassification of deferred transaction costs | 1,878 | — | |||||||||
| Foreign exchange | 556 | (2,096) | |||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 411,085 | $ | 59,250 | |||||||
(a) Senior Notes
In February 2022, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes (the “Senior Notes”). The Company received net proceeds of $392.0 million after transaction costs of $8.0 million. The Senior Notes mature on February 15, 2030 and bear annual interest at 6.5%, payable semi-annually in February and August of each year.
MCSA has provided a guarantee of the Senior Notes on a senior unsecured basis. The Senior Notes are direct, senior obligations of the Company and MCSA, and are not secured by any mortgage, pledge or charge.
The Senior Notes are subject to the following early redemption options by the Company:
•On or after February 15, 2025, the Company has the option, in whole or in part, to redeem the Senior Notes at a price ranging from 103.25% to 100% of the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, with the rate decreasing based on the length of time the Notes are outstanding;
•Before February 15, 2025, the Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at 100% of the principal amount plus a “make whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption; and
•At any time before February 15, 2025, the Company may redeem up to 40% of the original principal amount of the Senior Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.50% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of changes of control triggering events, each holder of the Senior Notes will have the right to cause the Company to repurchase some or all of its Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the repurchase date.
The Company incurred transaction costs of $7.8 million related to the issue of the Senior notes. The Senior Notes are recognized as financial liabilities, net of unamortized transaction costs, and measured at amortized cost using an effective interest rate of 6.7%.
(b) Senior Credit Facility
At December 31, 2021, the Company had a $150.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility ("Senior Credit Facility") with a syndicate of Canadian financial institutions with a maturity date of March 31, 2025. The Senior Credit Facility bears interest on a sliding scale at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% to 4.25% depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Commitment fees for any undrawn portion of the Senior Credit Facility are on a sliding scale between 0.56% to 1.06%.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company paid off the remaining $50.0 million balance on its Senior Credit Facility and terminated its interest rate swap contracts for nominal consideration. The Senior Credit Facility was further amended to reduce its limit from $150.0 million to $75.0 million, with an accordion option to increase the limit to $100.0 million at the election of the Company.
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 11
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
The Senior Credit Facility is secured by the shares of MCSA, NX Gold and Ero Gold. The Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants. As March 31, 2022, the Company is in compliance with these covenants.
10. Deferred Revenue
In August 2021, the Company completed the closing of a precious metals purchase agreement (the “NX Gold PMPA”) with Royal Gold in relation to gold production from the NX Gold mine. The Company received upfront cash consideration of $100.0 million for the purchase of 25% of an equivalent amount of gold to be produced from the NX Gold mine until 93,000 ounces of gold have been delivered and thereafter decreasing to 10% of gold produced over the remaining life of the mine. The contract will be settled by the Company delivering gold to Royal Gold. Royal Gold will make ongoing payments equal to 20% of the then prevailing spot gold price for each ounce of gold delivered until 49,000 ounces of gold have been received and 40% of the prevailing spot gold price for each ounce of gold delivered thereafter. Additional advances may be made by Royal Gold based on the Company achieving certain milestones as set out in the NX Gold PMPA.
The movements in deferred revenue during the years ended March 31, 2022 are comprised of the following:
| March 31, 2022 | |||||||||||
Gold ounces delivered(1) | 2,150 | ||||||||||
| Gold ounces delivered - cumulative | 7,323 | ||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 94,222 | |||||||||
Advances received(2) | 3,207 | ||||||||||
| Accretion expense | 869 | ||||||||||
Amortization of deferred revenue(3) | (3,358) | ||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 94,940 | |||||||||
| Current portion | $ | 12,530 | |||||||||
| Non-current portion | $ | 82,410 | |||||||||
(1) During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company delivered 2,150 ounces of gold to Royal Gold for average consideration of $373 per ounce.
(2) During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company received $1.7 million in Resource Growth Advance and $1.5 million in Exploration Advance, which were recognized as deferred revenue during the period.
(3) Amortization of deferred revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2022 includes $0.3 million for change in estimate in relation to additional advances received and the related change in life-of-mine production ounces.
As part of the NX Gold PMPA, the Company pledged its equity interest in Ero Gold and NX Gold to Royal Gold as collateral and provided unsecured limited recourse guarantees from Ero and NX Gold.
11. Other Non-current Liabilities
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
Cash-settled equity awards (Note 12(b) and (c)) | $ | 3,470 | $ | 2,524 | |||||||
| Value added tax and other taxes payable | 1,037 | 861 | |||||||||
| Withholding and taxes payable | 3,065 | 2,935 | |||||||||
| Provision for legal and tax matters | 2,779 | 2,331 | |||||||||
| Other liabilities | 3,180 | 2,542 | |||||||||
| $ | 13,531 | $ | 11,193 | ||||||||
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 12
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
12. Share Capital
As at March 31, 2022, the Company’s authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par value. As at March 31, 2022, 90,362,712 common shares were outstanding.
(a) Options
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company granted 21,562 (three months ended March 31, 2021 - 50,000) options to employees of the Company at weighted average exercise price of $12.64 per share (three months ended March 31, 2021 - $19.44) with a term to expiry of five years. These stock options vest in three equal installments on each annual anniversary date from the date of grant. The total fair value of these options on the grant date was $0.1 million (three months ended March 31, 2021 - $0.3 million), which is recognized over the vesting period. The weighted average share price on the date of exercise for options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $14.10 (three months ended March 31, 2021 - $17.56). A continuity of the issued and outstanding options is as follows:
| Number of Stock Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||||||||||
Outstanding stock options, December 31, 2021 | 4,202,389 | $ | 8.98 | ||||||||
| Issued | 21,562 | 12.64 | |||||||||
| Exercised | (158,334) | 2.57 | |||||||||
Outstanding stock options, March 31, 2022 | 4,065,617 | $ | 9.38 | ||||||||
As at March 31, 2022, the following stock options were outstanding:
| Weighted Average Exercise Prices | Number of Stock Options | Vested and Exercisable Number of Stock Options | Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years | |||||||||||||||||
$1.87 to $10.00 CAD | 2,683,329 | 2,683,329 | 1.13 | |||||||||||||||||
$10.01 to $20.00 CAD | 772,367 | 270,787 | 3.73 | |||||||||||||||||
$20.01 to $24.45 CAD | 609,921 | 376,191 | 2.85 | |||||||||||||||||
$9.38 USD | 4,065,617 | 3,330,307 | 1.88 | |||||||||||||||||
In determining the weighted average exercise price of all outstanding options in the tables above and below, the CAD prices were converted to USD at the March 31, 2022 exchange rate of 1.2496.
The fair value of options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2022 was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average inputs used in the measurement of fair values at grant date of the options are the following:
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Expected term (years) | 3.0 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||
| Forfeiture rate | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Volatility | 55 | % | 54 | % | ||||||||||
| Dividend yield | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | 1.55 | % | 0.77 | % | ||||||||||
| Weighted-average fair value per option | $ | 5.08 | $ | 6.32 | ||||||||||
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 13
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
(b) Performance Share Unit Plan
The Company has a performance share unit ("PSU") plan pursuant to which the Compensation Committee may grant PSUs to any director, officer, employee, or consultant of the Company or its subsidiaries. At the time of grant of PSUs, the Compensation Committee, may establish performance conditions for the vesting of the PSUs. The performance conditions may be graduated such that different percentages (which may be greater or lower than 100%) of the PSUs in a grant become vested depending on the satisfaction of one or more performance conditions. Performance conditions may include terms or conditions relating to: (i) the market price of the common shares; (ii) the return to holders of common shares, with or without reference to other comparable companies; (iii) the financial performance or results of the Company or its subsidiaries; (iv) the achievement of performance conditions or other performance criteria relating to the Company or its subsidiaries; (v) any other terms and conditions the Compensation Committee may in its sole discretion determine with respect to vesting or the acceleration of vesting; and (vi) the vesting date of the PSUs. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, subsequent to the grant of a PSU, waive any such performance condition or determine that it has been satisfied subject to applicable law, as well as determine the settlement of PSUs in shares or in cash. Each PSU entitles the holder thereof to receive one common share, or its equivalent cash value, on the redemption date selected by the Compensation Committee.
The continuity of PSUs issued and outstanding is as follows:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Outstanding balance, beginning of period | 793,043 | 437,463 | |||||||||
| Issued | 23,911 | 290,298 | |||||||||
| Cancelled | (1,005) | — | |||||||||
Outstanding balance, end of period | 815,949 | 727,761 | |||||||||
These PSUs will vest three years from the date of grant by the Compensation Committee and the number of PSUs that will vest may range from 0% to 200% of the number granted, subject to the satisfaction of certain market and non-market performance conditions. Each vested PSU entitles the holder thereof to receive on or about the applicable date of vesting of such share unit (i) one common share; (ii) a cash amount equal to the fair market value of one common share as at the applicable date of vesting; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii), as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. The Company has elected to settle its PSUs in cash and, therefore, PSUs are classified as liabilities.
For PSUs with non-market performance conditions, the fair value of the share units granted was initially recognized at the fair value using the share price at the date of grant, and subsequently remeasured at fair value on each balance sheet date. For PSUs with market performance conditions, the fair value was determined using a Geometric Brownian Motion model.
As at March 31, 2022, the fair value of the PSU liability was $7.0 million (December 31, 2021 - $5.8 million).
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 14
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
(c) Deferred Share Unit Plan
The Deferred Share Unit ("DSU") plan was established by the Board as a component of compensation for the Company's independent directors. Only independent directors are eligible to participate and to receive DSUs under the DSU Plan. DSUs may be awarded by the Board from time to time to provide independent directors with appropriate equity-based compensation for the services they render to the Company and may be subject to terms and conditions with respect to vesting of such DSUs. In addition, independent directors may elect to receive a portion or all of their respective annual cash remuneration in the form of DSUs, which will be fully vested upon such grant. The number of DSUs to be awarded to a participant under the DSU Plan is determined by dividing the portion of that participant’s annual cash remuneration by the fair market value of a common share on the last day of the quarter in which such portion of the annual cash remuneration was earned. Pursuant to the DSU Plan, DSUs may only be settled by way of cash payment. A participant is not entitled to payment in respect of the DSUs until his or her death, retirement or removal from the Board. The settlement amount of each DSU is based on the fair market value of a common share on the DSU redemption date multiplied by the number of DSUs being redeemed.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, 4,665 DSUs (three months ended March 31, 2021 - 3,325) were granted to independent directors. At March 31, 2022, 135,750 DSUs (December 31, 2021 - 131,085) are issued and outstanding.
As at March 31, 2022, the fair value of the DSU liability was $2.0 million (December 31, 2021 - $2.0 million) which has been recognized in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
(d) Restricted Share Unit Plan
The Company has a restricted share unit ("RSU") plan pursuant to which the Compensation Committee may grant share units to any officer, employee, or consultant of the Company or its subsidiaries. RSUs issued under the plan entitles the holder thereof to receive one common share, without payment of additional consideration, on the redemption date selected by the Compensation Committee following the date of vesting of such share unit, which will be within 30 days of the date of vesting, or at a later deferred date, subject to certain exception and restrictions. RSUs granted will vest in three equal installments on each anniversary date from the date of grant. The fair value of these restricted share units is determined on the date of grant using the market price of the Company’s shares.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, 16,737 RSUs (three months ended March 31, 2021 - nil) were granted. At March 31, 2022, 187,843 RSUs (December 31, 2021 - 171,106) are issued and outstanding.
(e) Share-based compensation
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | $ | 481 | $ | 746 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Performance share unit plan | 1,147 | 1,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred share unit plan | (28) | 200 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted share unit plan | 390 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation(1) | $ | 1,990 | $ | 2,346 | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recorded $0.9 million (three months ended March 31, 2021 - $2.1 million) of share-based compensation in contributed surplus, and the remaining share-based compensation was recorded in liabilities.
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 15
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
(f) Net Income per Share
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 90,238,008 | 88,064,312 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effects of: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrants | — | 1,454,146 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | 1,630,576 | 2,292,206 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share units | 181,520 | 1,091,642 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding(1) | 92,050,104 | 92,902,306 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to owners of the Company | $ | 52,107 | $ | 31,749 | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic net income per share | 0.58 | 0.36 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted net income per share | 0.57 | 0.34 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2022 excluded 1,270,142 (three months ended March 31, 2021 - 966,190) stock options that were anti-dilutive.
13. Revenue
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copper | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales within Brazil | $ | 20,224 | $ | 40,343 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Export sales | 71,772 | 63,139 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments on provisionally priced sales(1) | 1,700 | 1,280 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 93,696 | 104,762 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Export sales | 11,857 | 17,781 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred revenue(2) | 3,358 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 15,215 | $ | 17,781 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 108,911 | $ | 122,543 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Under the terms of the Company’s contract with its Brazilian domestic customer, sales are provisionally priced on the date of sale based on the previous month’s average copper price and subsequently settled based on the average copper price in the month of shipment. Provisionally priced sales to the Company's international customer are settled with a final sales price between one to four months after shipment takes place and, therefore, are exposed to commodity price changes.
(2) During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company delivered 2,150 ounces of gold under a precious metals purchase agreement with Royal Gold (note 10) for average cash consideration of $373 per ounce and recognized $3.4 million in amortization of deferred revenue.
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 16
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
14. Cost of Sales
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Materials | $ | 8,125 | $ | 5,857 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and benefits | 11,495 | 8,954 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and depletion | 11,411 | 11,474 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Contracted services | 6,170 | 5,171 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance costs | 5,484 | 4,280 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Utilities | 3,121 | 2,473 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales expense | 1,946 | 1,374 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other costs | 160 | 151 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 47,912 | $ | 39,734 | ||||||||||||||||||||
15. General and Administrative Expenses
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting and legal | $ | 472 | $ | 366 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization and depreciation | 93 | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Office and administration | 2,900 | 1,528 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and consulting fees | 5,100 | 5,413 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Incentive payments | 1,612 | 491 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,036 | 666 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 11,213 | $ | 8,501 | ||||||||||||||||||||
16. Finance Expense
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on loans and borrowings(1) | $ | 3,951 | $ | 1,679 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on interest rate swap derivatives | (897) | (38) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion of deferred revenue | 869 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion of mine closures and rehabilitation provisions | 542 | 227 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitment fees | 522 | 142 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | 154 | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other finance expenses | 355 | 1,699 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 5,496 | $ | 3,770 | ||||||||||||||||||||
17. Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)
The following foreign exchange gains (losses) arise as a result of balances and transactions in the Company’s Brazilian subsidiaries that are denominated in currencies other than the Brazilian Reals (BRL$), which is their functional currency.
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 17
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) on USD denominated debt in Brazil | $ | 11,279 | $ | (7,831) | |||||||||||||||||||
Realized foreign exchange loss on derivative contracts (note 18) | (4,567) | (5,711) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on derivative contracts (note 18) | 24,714 | (16,951) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) on other financial assets and liabilities | (12,717) | 1,868 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 18,709 | $ | (28,625) | ||||||||||||||||||||
18. Financial Instruments
Fair value
Fair values of financial assets and liabilities are determined based on available market information and valuation methodologies appropriate to each situation. Judgments are required in the interpretation of the market data to produce the most appropriate fair value estimates. The use of different market information and/or evaluation methodologies may have a material effect on the fair value amounts.
As at March 31, 2022, derivatives were measured at fair value based on Level 2 inputs.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short terms to maturity or market rates of interest used to discount amounts. At March 31, 2022, the carrying value of loans and borrowings, including accrued interest, was $411.1 million while the face value is approximately $414.8 million. The contractual interest rates on these loans and borrowings are a close approximation of market rates of interest at March 31, 2022 (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy) and as such the face value approximates the fair value.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Company’s receivables from customers. The carrying amount of the financial assets below represents the maximum credit risk exposure as at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 365,465 | $ | 130,129 | |||||||
| Short-term investments | 100,018 | — | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 25,923 | 30,704 | |||||||||
| Deposits and other non-current assets | 4,529 | 1,295 | |||||||||
| $ | 495,935 | $ | 162,128 | ||||||||
The Company invests cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with financial institutions that are financially sound based on their credit rating. The Company’s exposure to credit risk associated with accounts receivable is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. The Company currently has five significant customers, all of which have no history of credit default with the Company. The Company has not incurred credit losses during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 nor recognized a provision for credit losses.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk associated with the difficulties that the Company may have meeting the obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled with cash payments or with another financial asset. The Company's approach to liquidity management is to ensure as much as possible that sufficient liquidity exists to meet their maturity obligations on the
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 18
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
expiration dates, under normal and stressful conditions, without causing unacceptable losses or with risk of undermining the normal operation of the Company.
The table below shows the Company's maturity of non-derivative financial liabilities on March 31, 2022:
| Non-derivative financial liabilities | Carrying value | Contractual cash flows | Up to 12 months | 1 - 2 years | 3 - 5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and borrowings (including interest) | $ | 411,085 | $ | 625,573 | $ | 33,003 | $ | 30,260 | $ | 84,311 | $ | 477,999 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 67,561 | 67,561 | 67,561 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 6,650 | 16,721 | 336 | 7,077 | 8,656 | 652 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leases | 7,961 | 6,131 | 5,093 | 508 | 530 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 493,257 | $ | 715,986 | $ | 105,993 | $ | 37,845 | $ | 93,497 | $ | 478,651 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company also has derivative financial liabilities for foreign exchange and contracts whose notional amounts and maturity information is disclosed below under foreign exchange currency risk and interest rate risk.
Market risk
Market risk is the risk of loss that may arise from changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and commodity prices. The purpose of market risk management is to manage and control exposures to market risks, within acceptable parameters, while optimizing return.
The Company may use derivatives, including forward contracts and swap contracts, to manage market risks.
(i) Foreign exchange currency risk
The Company’s subsidiaries in Brazil are exposed to exchange risks related to the US dollars and Euros. In order to minimize currency mismatches, the Company monitors its cash flow projections considering future sales expectations indexed to US dollar variation in relation to the cash requirement to settle the existing financings.
The Company's exposure to foreign exchange currency risk at March 31, 2022 relates to $11.0 million (December 31, 2021 – $7.8 million) in loans and borrowings of MCSA denominated in US dollars and Euros. In addition, the Company is also exposed to foreign exchange currency risk at March 31, 2022 on $59.1 million due to an intercompany loan balance (December 31, 2021 - $63.8 million) which has contractual repayment terms. Strengthening (weakening) in the Brazilian Real against the US dollar at March 31, 2022 by 10% and 20%, would have increased (decreased) pre-tax net income by $6.8 million and $13.6 million, respectively (March 31, 2021 – $6.2 million and $16.9 million). Strengthening (weakening) in the Brazilian Real against the Euro at March 31, 2022 by 10% and 20%, would have increased (decreased) pre-tax net income by $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively (March 31, 2021 – $0.1 million and $0.3 million). This analysis is based on the foreign currency exchange variation rate that the Company considered to be reasonably possible at the end of the period. The analysis assumes that all other variables, especially interest rates, are held constant.
The Company may use derivatives, including forward contracts, collars and swap contracts, to manage market risks. At March 31, 2022, the Company has entered into foreign exchange collar contracts at zero cost for notional amounts of $133.8 million (December 31, 2021 - notional amount of $179.5 million) with an average floor rate of 4.30 BRL to US Dollar and an average cap rate of 4.85 BRL to US Dollar. The maturity dates of these contracts are from April 27, 2022 to December 28, 2022 and are financially settled on a net basis. The fair value of these contracts at March 31, 2022 was a liability of $5.2 million, (December 31, 2021 - $28.7 million) which is included in Derivatives in the statement of financial position. The fair value of these forward contracts as at March 31, 2022 was determined using an option pricing model with the following assumptions: discount rate of 2.74% - 9.02%, foreign exchange rate of approximately 4.78—5.12, and volatility of 18.32% - 19.22%.
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 19
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
The change in fair value of foreign exchange collar contracts was a gain of $24.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 (a loss of $17.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021) and has been recognized in foreign exchange gain (loss). In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized a realized loss of $4.6 million (realized loss of $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021) related to the settlement of foreign currency forward collar contracts.
(ii) Interest rate risk
The Company is principally exposed to the variation in interest rates on loans and borrowings with variable rates of interest. Management reduces interest rate risk exposure by entering into loans and borrowings with fixed rates of interest or by entering into derivative instruments that fix the ultimate interest rate paid.
The Company is principally exposed to interest rate risk through Brazilian Real denominated bank loans of $3.9 million. Based on the Company’s net exposure at March 31, 2022, a 1% change in the variable rates would not materially impact its pre-tax annual net income.
(iii) Price risk
The Company may use derivatives, including forward contracts, collars and swap contracts, to manage commodity price risks. At March 31, 2022, the Company has provisionally priced sales that are exposed to commodity price changes (note 13). Based on the Company’s net exposure at March 31, 2022, a 10% change in the price of copper would have an impact of $1.2 million on pre-tax net income.
19. Capital Management
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue the development and production of its mine properties and to maintain a flexible capital structure for its projects for the benefit of its stakeholders.
The Company's capital consists of items included in shareholders’ equity, debt facilities net of cash and cash equivalents.
Management reviews the capital structure on a regular basis to ensure that the above-noted objectives are met. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it considering changes in the economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may attempt to issue new loans and borrowings, common shares, or acquire or dispose of assets.
Certain loan agreements contain operating and financial covenants that could restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiary, MCSA, to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness needed to fund its respective operations, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments, create liens, sell or transfer assets or enter into transactions with affiliates. There are no other restrictions or externally imposed capital requirements of the Company.
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 20
| Ero Copper Corp. | ||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | ||
| (Unaudited, Tabular amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) | ||
20. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in non-cash working capital items: | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | $ | 7,802 | $ | (12,189) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | (2,395) | 1,287 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 1,633 | 4,961 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (16,727) | (10,819) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | (9,687) | $ | (16,760) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in mineral, property, plant and equipment from change in estimates for provision for rehabilitation and closure costs | $ | — | $ | 227 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Additions to property, plant and equipment by leases | 1,355 | 2,481 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Non-cash increase in accounts payable in relation to capital expenditures | 3,111 | 575 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Notes to Financial Statements | Page 21
 | TSX: ERO | ||||
| NYSE: ERO | |||||
May 9, 2022
Ero Copper reports first quarter 2022 operating and financial results
(all amounts in US dollars, unless otherwise noted)
Vancouver, British Columbia – Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO, NYSE: ERO) (“Ero” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Management will host a conference call tomorrow, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss the results. Dial-in details for the call can be found near the end of this press release.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Copper production of 9,784 tonnes at C1 cash costs(*) of $1.31 per pound of copper produced;
•Gold production of 8,796 ounces at C1 cash costs(*) and All-in Sustaining Costs ("AISC")(*) of $638 and $1,092, respectively, per ounce of gold produced;
•Strong net income attributable to the owners of the Company of $52.1 million ($0.57 per share on a diluted basis), adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company(*) of $33.0 million ($0.36 per share on a diluted basis), and adjusted EBITDA(*) of $62.4 million;
•Quarterly cash flows from operations of $44.0 million offset capital expenditures related to advancing the Company's key growth projects. Combined with net proceeds of approximately $392.0 million from the Company's issuance of $400 million of senior unsecured notes due 2030, less the repayment of approximately $50 million in outstanding borrowings under the Company's senior secured revolving credit facility, available liquidity at the end of the period was a record $540.5 million;
•Reaffirming 2022 production, operating cost and capital expenditure guidance:
◦Full-year copper production currently expected to be at the high-end of the guidance range;
◦Based upon the impact of inflation and exchange rate volatility in the first quarter, the Company is currently guiding to the higher end of its 2022 operating cost ranges; and,
◦Capital projects remain on schedule and on budget.
•Advanced the Company's organic growth strategy through the execution of several critical milestones during the period including:
◦Bolstered balance sheet with the issuance of $400 million senior unsecured notes offering;
◦Received approval from the Company's Board of Directors to construct Boa Esperança and subsequently executed the critical-path power transmission line contract; and,
◦Secured several long-lead items related to the new external shaft and mill expansion at the MCSA Mining Complex.
1 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
“Our vision of high-return organic growth took several critical steps forward during the first quarter," said David Strang, Chief Executive Officer. "Following the announcement of our strategy to double copper production by 2025, we successfully bolstered our liquidity position to support the execution of these growth plans and received Board approval to construct the Boa Esperança Project. During the period, we made significant progress at the MCSA Mining Complex on our Pilar 3.0 initiative, which included securing key long-lead items such as the third ball mill and shaft winder, advancing shaft construction and new surface installations, and completing the installation of our Cooling Project. Successful execution of these initiatives is expected to allow us to increase mining and processing capacity to accommodate significantly higher planned throughput in the years ahead.
"Despite these significant positive developments, the first quarter was not without challenges. In addition to an underlying strengthening of the Brazilian Real during the first quarter, our operating costs faced the same inflationary headwinds experienced globally across all industries. While many of the challenges related to costs are externally driven, we are focused on continuing to improve our operating efficiencies through existing programs and by investing in new technologies applicable across all areas of our business. At the same time, we are taking a cautious approach and currently guiding to the higher end of our full-year operating cost guidance ranges.
"Highlighting our pursuit of continuous improvement, we commenced an engineering initiative last year, known as Project Honeypot, that is already delivering significant near-term value for our operations. Through this initiative our engineering teams, supported by our geology and exploration group, have developed a comprehensive program to identify and recover high-grade stopes at the Pilar Mine that were left behind by previous operators decades ago. While the addition of Project Honeypot stopes to the mine plan are expected to be gradual, we anticipate a positive impact on mined copper grades commencing in the second quarter of 2022. These contributions are expected to drive higher copper production through the remainder of the year and, as a result, we are currently guiding to the high-end of our full-year production guidance range."
*Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company, Adjusted net income per share attributable to owners of the Company, C1 cash cost per pound of copper produced, C1 cash cost per ounce of gold produced and All-in Sustaining Costs (“AISC”) per ounce of gold produced are non-IFRS measures – see the Notes section of this press release for additional information. C1 cash cost per pound of copper produced are net of by-product credits from metal produced at the MCSA Mining Complex. AISC per ounce of gold produced are net of by-product credits from metal produced at the NX Gold Mine.
2 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
FIRST QUARTER REVIEW
•Mining & Milling Operations
◦The MCSA Mining Complex processed 596,230 tonnes of ore grading 1.78% copper, producing 9,784 tonnes of copper in concentrate during the quarter after metallurgical recoveries of 92.2%.
◦The NX Gold Mine processed 49,990 tonnes grading 5.93 grams per tonne, producing 8,796 ounces of gold after metallurgical recoveries of 92.3% and 6,042 ounces of silver as a by-product.
•Organic Growth Projects
◦At the MCSA Mining Complex, construction of the new external shaft in support of the "Pilar 3.0" initiative continued to progress during the quarter while efforts on ancillary related projects delivered important milestones. Together, the existing and new shaft currently under construction are expected to increase total hoisting capacity of the Pilar Mine to approximately 5.7 million tonnes per annum, an increase of over 60% compared to current hoisting capacity of 3.5 million tonnes per annum, offering flexibility for future mine expansions.
–Construction of the new external shaft continues to progress on schedule and on budget with excavation for the head-frame and two winder foundations completed during the first quarter.
–Expansion of the Caraíba Mill to 4.2 million tonnes per annum is underway with a third ball mill ordered during the period for which commissioning is expected in Q2 2023.
–Significant progress has been made in defining opportunities in the upper levels of the Pilar Mine that have the potential to add near-term value through an initiative known as "Project Honeypot". This engineering initiative is focused on recovering high-grade stopes, ribs and sill pillars left behind by previous operators during the late 1990s due to the under-capitalized nature of operations at the time. The first Project Honeypot stope (RC03) is approximately 130,000 tonnes grading approximately 4.00% copper and is expected to commence mining in Q2 2022.
–The second and final phase of the Cooling Project was completed subsequent to quarter-end at the Pilar Mine with hand-over to operations occurring at the end of April 2022. The Cooling Project is expected to support expansions at depth and has the potential to drive meaningful operating efficiencies.
◦Important advances on key workstreams at Boa Esperança included:
–Execution of the critical-path power transmission line contract;
–Mobilization of the first earth works package, including new access road construction and road upgrades;
–Completion of Gap Zone and condemnation drilling; and,
–Market tendering for key contracts completed subsequent to quarter-end. Contractor and supplier selections remain ongoing.
3 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
3 months ended Mar. 31, 2022 | 3 months ended Dec. 31, 2021 | 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Highlights | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copper (MCSA Operations) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ore Processed (tonnes) | 596,230 | 646,319 | 597,594 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grade (% Cu) | 1.78 | 2.01 | 2.30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Production (tonnes) | 9,784 | 11,918 | 12,638 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Production (000 lbs) | 21,570 | 26,275 | 27,863 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Sold in Concentrate (tonnes) | 10,045 | 12,393 | 12,469 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cu Sold in Concentrate (000 lbs) | 22,145 | 27,321 | 27,488 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C1 cash cost of Cu produced (per lb)(1) | $ | 1.31 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 0.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold (NX Gold Operations) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Au Production (oz) | 8,796 | 8,544 | 9,451 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C1 cash cost of Au Produced (per oz)(1) | $ | 638 | $ | 582 | $ | 487 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AISC of Au produced (per oz)(1) | $ | 1,092 | $ | 910 | $ | 643 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Highlights ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 108.9 | $ | 134.9 | $ | 122.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 61.0 | 84.4 | 82.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA(1) | 78.1 | 80.7 | 55.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 62.4 | 86.8 | 86.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow from operations | 44.0 | 66.7 | 62.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 52.5 | 60.2 | 32.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to owners of the Company | 52.1 | 59.8 | 31.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share (basic) | 0.58 | 0.67 | 0.36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share (diluted) | 0.57 | 0.65 | 0.34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company(1) | 33.0 | 59.7 | 56.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share (basic) | 0.37 | 0.67 | 0.64 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share (diluted) | 0.36 | 0.65 | 0.61 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments | 465.5 | 130.1 | 84.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Working capital(1) | 443.7 | 86.0 | 63.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net debt(1) | (54.4) | (70.9) | 74.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to owners of the Company, Adjusted net income (loss) per share attributable to owners of the Company, Net Debt, Working Capital, C1 cash cost of copper produced (per lb), C1 cash cost of gold produced (per ounce) and AISC of gold produced (per ounce) are non-IFRS measures – see the Notes section of this press release for a discussion on non-IFRS Measures.
4 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
ADJUSTED EBITDA & NET INCOME (LOSS) RECONCILIATION
| ($ in thousands) | 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 62,377 | ||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on USD denominated balances in MCSA | 11,279 | |||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on derivative contracts | 24,714 | |||||||
Realized foreign exchange loss on derivative contracts | (4,567) | |||||||
Share based compensation and other | (14,707) | |||||||
Incremental costs in response to COVID-19 pandemic | (1,004) | |||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 78,092 | ||||||
| Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company | $ | 32,951 | ||||||
| Adjustments for non-cash items (attributable to owners of the Company): | ||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on USD denominated debt in MCSA | 1,337 | |||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on derivative contracts, net of tax | 24,615 | |||||||
Share based compensation | (1,990) | |||||||
Incremental costs in response to COVID-19 pandemic | (998) | |||||||
| Reported net income attributable to owners of the Company | $ | 55,915 | ||||||
2022 GUIDANCE(*)
The Company is reaffirming its full-year production, cost and capital expenditure guidance as detailed in the tables below. At the MCSA Mining Complex, the Company is guiding to the high-end of its full-year copper production guidance range. Increased copper production is expected to result from higher mining rates at the Pilar Mine relative to the first quarter as well as improved grades due to planned stope sequencing and mining of an initial stope within the Project Honeypot zone. Higher mined and processed volumes from the Surubim Mine are also expected to contribute to higher copper production volumes through the balance of the year.
Unit operating costs during the first quarter were affected by inflation in the cost of key consumables and impacted by the strengthening of the BRL versus the US dollar. While unit costs are expected to benefit through the remainder of the year from higher copper and gold production, based upon the influence of first quarter operating costs, the Company is currently guiding to the higher end of its full-year operating cost guidance ranges.
5 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
2022 PRODUCTION AND COST GUIDANCE(*)
The Company's cost guidance for 2022 assumes a USD:BRL foreign exchange rate of 5.30, a gold price of $1,725 per ounce and a silver price of $20.00 per ounce.
MCSA Mining Complex | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copper Production (tonnes) | 43,000 - 46,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C1 Cash Cost Guidance (US$/lb)(1) | $1.05 - $1.15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NX Gold Mine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold Production (ounces) | 39,000 - 42,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C1 Cash Cost Guidance (US$/oz)(1) | $500 - $600 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) Guidance (US$/oz)(1) | $925 - $1,025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) C1 Cash Costs and AISC are a non-IFRS measure - see the Notes section of this press release for additional information.
2022 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE GUIDANCE(*)
The Company's capital expenditure guidance for 2022 assumes a USD:BRL foreign exchange rate of 5.30 and has been presented below in USD millions.
| MCSA Mining Complex | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $125 - $140 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | $80 - $90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $25 - $30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, MCSA Mining Complex | $230 - $260 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boa Esperança Project | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $70 - $80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | $0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $5 - $6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, Boa Esperança Project | $75 - $86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NX Gold Mine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $0 - $1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | $16 - $18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $9 - $10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, NX Gold Mine | $25 - $29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | $195 - $221 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sustaining | $96 - $108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | $39 - $46 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total, Company | $330 - $375 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) 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 most recent Annual Information Form, for complete risk factors.
6 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
The Company will hold a conference call on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 11:30 am Eastern time (8:30 am Pacific time) to discuss these results.
| Date: | Tuesday, May 10, 2022 | ||||
| Time: | 11:30 am Eastern time (8:30 am Pacific time) | ||||
| Dial in: | North America: 1-800-319-4610, International: +1-604-638-5340 please dial in 5-10 minutes prior and ask to join the call | ||||
| Replay: | North America: 1-800-319-6413, International: +1-604-638-9010 | ||||
| Replay Passcode: | 8813 | ||||
NOTES
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)
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
7 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
performance but does not have a standardized meaning and is disclosed in supplemental to IFRS measures.
All-in Sustaining Cost of gold produced (per ounce)
All-in sustaining cost 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.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS performance measures used by management to evaluate its debt service capacity and performance of its operations. EBITDA represents earnings before finance expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA before the pre-tax effect of adjustments for non-cash and/or non-recurring items required in determination of EBITDA under its revolving credit facility for covenant calculation purposes.
Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company and Adjusted net income per share attributable to owners of the Company
“Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company” is net income attributed to shareholders as reported, adjusted for certain types of transactions that, in management's judgment, are not indicative of our normal operating activities or do not necessarily occur on a recurring basis. “Adjusted net income per share attributable to owners of the Company” (“Adjusted EPS”) is calculated as "adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company" divided by weighted average number of outstanding common shares in the period. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and certain investor and analysts use these supplemental non-IFRS performance measures to evaluate the normalized performance of the Company. The presentation of Adjusted EPS is not meant to substitute the net income (loss) per share attributable to owners of the Company (“EPS”) presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather it should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measures.
Net (Cash) Debt
Net (cash) debt is a performance measure used by the Company to assess its financial position and ability to pay down its debt. Net (cash) debt is determined based on cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, net of loans and borrowings as reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
8 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
Working capital and Available liquidity
Working capital is calculated as current assets less current liabilities as reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements. The Company uses working capital as a measure of the Company’s short-term financial health and ability to meet its current obligations using its current assets. Available liquidity is calculated as the sum of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and the undrawn amount available on its revolving credit facilities. The Company uses this information to evaluate the liquid assets available.
ABOUT ERO COPPER CORP
Ero Copper Corp is a 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, Mineração Caraíba S.A. ("MCSA"), 100% owner of the MCSA Mining Complex, which is comprised of operations located in the Curaçá Valley, Bahia State, Brazil, where the Company currently mines copper from the Pilar and Vermelhos underground mines and the Surubim open pit mine, and the Boa Esperança development project, an IOCG-type copper project located in Pará, Brazil. The Company also owns 97.6% of NX Gold S.A. ("NX Gold") which owns the NX Gold Mine, an operating gold and silver mine located in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Additional information on the Company and its operations, including technical reports on the MCSA Mining Complex, Boa Esperança and NX Gold properties, can be found on the Company's website (www.erocopper.com), on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov).
9 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||
TSX: ERO | |||||
NYSE: ERO | |||||
| ERO COPPER CORP. | |||||
/s/ David Strang | For further information contact: | ||||
| David Strang, CEO | Courtney Lynn, VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations | ||||
| (604) 335-7504 | |||||
| info@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. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's guidance and/or outlook on future production, costs and capital expenditures; development plans, costs, timelines, ability to finance and/or approvals for, as well as benefits, production and/or performance expected by, growth projects including development of the Deepening Extension Zone, construction of the new external shaft, and expansion of mill processing capacity, and construction of the Boa Esperança mine; the Company’s expectations, strategies, and plans for the MCSA Mining Complex, the NX Gold Property and the Boa Esperança Property, including, but not limited to, the Company’s planned exploration, development and production activities; the expected impact of Project Honeypot on future mine plans and production; and the significance and timing of any particular exploration program or result and the Company’s expectations for current and future exploration plans.
Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this press release including, without limitation, assumptions about: 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 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 MCSA Mining Complex, NX Gold Property and the Boa Esperança Property being as described in the technical reports for these properties; production costs; the accuracy of budgeted exploration and development 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 conditions 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 and critical supplies, spare parts and consumables; 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. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, the assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, social, economic, political, regulatory, competitive, global health, 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. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.
Furthermore, such forward-looking statements involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation the risk factors listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.
The Company cautions that the foregoing lists of important assumptions and factors are 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 herein. 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
In accordance with applicable Canadian securities regulatory requirements, all mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates of the Company disclosed in this press release have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and are classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (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. NI 43-101 differs significantly from the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) generally applicable to U.S. companies. For example, the terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve”, “probable mineral reserve”, “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in NI 43-101. These definitions differ from the definitions in the disclosure requirements promulgated by the SEC. Accordingly, information contained in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies reporting pursuant to SEC disclosure requirements.
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Pursuant to the CIM Standards, mineral resources have a higher degree of uncertainty than mineral reserves as to their existence as well as their economic and legal feasibility. Inferred mineral resources, when compared with measured or indicated mineral resources, have the least certainty as to their existence, and it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will be upgraded to an indicated or measured mineral resource as a result of continued exploration. Pursuant to NI 43-101, inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of any economic analysis. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral resource exists, will ever be converted into a mineral reserve, or is or will ever be economically or legally mineable or recovered.
10 | Ero Copper Corp | ||||
625 Howe Street | Suite 1050 | Vancouver | BC | V6C 2T6 | Canada | |||||