STARCORE INTERNATIONAL MINES LTD 6-K, filed Jul 29, 2022
STARCORE INTERNATIONAL MINES LTD. (SHVLF)
About this 6-K
STARCORE INTERNATIONAL MINES LTD filed this 6-K on July 29, 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 July, 2022
Commission File Number 000-50922
STARCORE INTERNATIONAL MINES LTD.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
Suite 750 – 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 3B6
(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 [X] 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): [ ]
EXHIBITS
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Exhibit No. |
Description |
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99.1 |
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99.2 |
Consolidated Financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2022. |
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99.3 |
Management Discussion & Analysis for the year ended April 30, 2022. |
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99.4 |
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99.5 |
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.
STARCORE INTERNATIONAL MINES LTD.
Date: July 29, 2022
By:
/s/ Gary Arca
Gary Arca
Chief Financial Officer
Form 52-109F1
Certification of Annual Filings
Full Certificate
I, Robert Eadie, Chief Executive Officer of Starcore International Mines Ltd., certify the following:
|
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the AIF, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the “annual filings”) of Starcore International Mines Ltd. (the “issuer”) for the financial year ended April 30, 2022. |
|
2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings. |
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3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings. |
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4. |
Responsibility: The issuer’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
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5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end |
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(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
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(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and |
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(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
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(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP. |
|
5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is Internal Control - Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
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5.2 |
N/A |
1
5.3N/A
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6. |
Evaluation: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have |
|
|
(a) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
|
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(b) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A |
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|
(i) |
our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
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(ii) |
we have not identified any material weakness relating to operations which existed at the financial year end. |
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7. |
Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on February 1, 2022 and ended on April 30, 2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR. |
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8. |
Reporting to the issuer’s auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuer’s auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer’s ICFR. |
Date: July 28, 2022
(sgd) “Robert Eadie”
Robert Eadie, Chief Executive Officer
2
Form 52-109F1
Certification of Annual Filings
Full Certificate
I, Gary Arca, Chief Financial Officer of Starcore International Mines Ltd., certify the following:
|
1. |
Review: I have reviewed the AIF, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the “annual filings”) of Starcore International Mines Ltd. (the “issuer”) for the financial year ended April 30, 2022. |
|
2. |
No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings. |
|
3. |
Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings. |
|
4. |
Responsibility: The issuer’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer. |
|
5. |
Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end |
|
|
(a) |
designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that |
|
|
(i) |
material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and |
|
|
(ii) |
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and |
|
|
(b) |
designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP. |
|
5.1 |
Control framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is Internal Control - Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. |
|
5.2 |
N/A |
1
5.3N/A
|
6. |
Evaluation: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have |
|
|
(a) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
|
|
(b) |
evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A |
|
|
(i) |
our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and |
|
|
(ii) |
we have not identified any material weakness relating to operations which existed at the financial year end. |
|
7. |
Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on February 1, 2022 and ended on April 30, 2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR. |
|
8. |
Reporting to the issuer’s auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuer’s auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer’s ICFR. |
Date: July 28, 2022
(sgd) “Gary Arca”
Gary Arca, Chief Financial Officer
2
July 29, 2022TSX: SAM
Starcore Reports Year End 2022 Results
Vancouver, B.C. – Starcore International Mines Ltd. (TSX: SAM) (“Starcore” or the “Company”) has filed the results for the year end dated April 30, 2022 for the Company and its mining operations in Queretaro, Mexico. The full version of the Company's Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis can be viewed on the Company's website at www.starcore.com, or SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All financial information is prepared in accordance with IFRS and all dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
“We report another strong year of earnings from mining operations of $5.3million and net income of $0.05 per share. In addition, we have accumulated over $8.8million in cash at April 30,2022, which does not account for the $1.2 million private placement completed this month which is slated for additional exploration on our properties,” reported Robert Eadie, Chief Executive Officer. “We will continue to expand our resources through exploration and acquisitions using our cash reserves and our experienced management and operational team in Mexico.”
Financial Highlights for the year ending April 30, 2022 (audited):
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• |
Cash on hand is $8.8 million and working capital of $9.1 million at April 30, 2022; |
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• |
Gold and silver sales of $25.7 million; |
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• |
Earnings from mining operations of $5.3 million; |
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• |
Net Income of $2.4 million, or $0.05 per share, including a $1.6 million gain on sale of royalties; |
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• |
EBITDA(1) of $4.8 million; |
The following table contains selected highlights from the Company’s audited consolidated statement of operations for the years ended April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2021:
|
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) (audited) |
|
Year Ended April 30, 2022 |
Year Ended April 30, 2021 |
|
Revenues |
|
$25,679 |
$26,799 |
|
Cost of Sales |
|
(20,373) |
(20,397) |
|
Earnings from mining operations |
|
5,306 |
6,402 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative Expenses |
|
(3,878) |
(3,843) |
|
Loss on Sale of Property |
|
(40) |
(1,116) |
|
Loss on investment |
|
(287) |
- |
|
Royalty sale |
|
1,600 |
- |
|
Income tax recovery (expense) - deferred |
|
(296) |
1,449 |
|
Net Income |
|
$ 2,405 |
$ 2,892 |
|
(i) Net Income per share – basic |
|
$0.05 |
$0.06 |
|
(ii) Net Income per share – diluted |
|
$0.05 |
$0.06 |
Suite 750 – 580 Hornby Street, Box 113, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3B6
Telephone: (604) 602-4935 Fax: (604) 602-4936 e-mail. info@starcore.com website: www.starcore.com
- 2 -
|
Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA(1) |
|
|
|
|
For the year ended April 30, |
2022 |
2021 |
|
|
Net income |
$2,405 |
$2,892 |
|
|
Loss on Toiyabe |
40 |
1,116 |
|
|
Unrealized loss on investment |
287 |
- |
|
|
Sale of royalties |
(1,600) |
- |
|
|
Income tax expense (recovery) |
296 |
(1,449) |
|
|
Interest |
- |
23 |
|
|
Depreciation and depletion |
3,413 |
4,359 |
|
|
EBITDA |
$4,841 |
$6,941 |
|
|
EBITDA MARGIN(2) |
18.9% |
25.9% |
|
|
(1) |
EBITDA (“Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization”) is a non-GAAP financial performance measure with no standard definition under IFRS. It is therefore possible that this measure could not be comparable with a similar measure of another Corporation. The Corporation uses this non-GAAP measure which can also be helpful to investors as it provides a result which can be compared with the Corporation’s market share price. |
|
(2) |
EBITDA MARGIN is a measurement of a company’s operating profitability calculated as EBITDA divided by total revenue. EBITDA MARGIN is a non-GAAP financial performance measure with no standard definition under IFRS. It is therefore possible that this measure could not be comparable with a similar measure of another Corporation. The Corporation uses this non-GAAP measure which can also be helpful to investors as it provides a result which can be compared with the Corporation’s market share price. |
Production Highlights for the year ended April 30, 2022:
|
|
• |
Equivalent gold production of 11,165 ounces; |
|
|
• |
Mine operating cash cost of US$1,239/EqOz; |
|
|
• |
All-in sustaining costs of US$1,601/EqOz. |
The following table is a summary of mine production statistics for the San Martin mine three and twelve months ended April 30, 2022 and for the previous year ended April 30, 2021:
|
|
|
Actual Results for |
||
|
|
Unit of measure |
3 months ended |
12 months ended |
12 months ended |
|
Mine Production of Gold in Dore |
thousand ounces |
2.6 |
10.0 |
10.5 |
|
Mine Production of Silver in Dore |
thousand ounces |
25.2 |
85.4 |
103.4 |
|
Gold equivalent ounces |
thousand ounces |
2.9 |
11.2 |
11.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver to Gold equivalency ratio |
|
78.2 |
75.0 |
78.3 |
|
Mine Gold grade |
grams/tonne |
1.65 |
1.58 |
1.63 |
|
Mine Silver grade |
grams/tonne |
27.2 |
23.0 |
24.7 |
|
Mine Gold recovery |
percent |
88.6% |
88.2% |
88.4% |
|
Mine Silver recovery |
percent |
52.3% |
51.4% |
57.0% |
|
Milled |
thousands of tonnes |
55.4 |
224.4 |
225.5 |
|
Mine operating cash cost per tonne milled |
US dollars/tonne |
65 |
62 |
55 |
|
Mine operating cash cost per equivalent ounce |
US dollars/ounce |
1,234 |
1,239 |
1,056 |
Salvador Garcia, P. Eng., a director of the Company and Chief Operating Officer, is the Company’s qualified person on the project as required under NI 43-101and has prepared the technical information contained in this press release.
About Starcore
Starcore International Mines is engaged in precious metals production with focus and experience in Mexico. This base of producing assets is complemented by exploration and development projects throughout North America. The Company is a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility and advocates value driven decisions that will increase long term shareholder value. You can find more information on the investor friendly website here: www.starcore.com.
- 3 -
,
ON BEHALF OF STARCORE INTERNATIONAL
MINES LTD.
Signed “Gary Arca”
Gary Arca, Chief Financial Officer and Director
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Telephone: (604) 602-4935 Investor Relations
Telephone: (604) 602-4935
The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed nor does it accept responsibility
for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2021
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Directors of
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Opinion on the consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Starcore International Mines Ltd. (the “Company”), as of April 30, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and changes in equity for the years ended April 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended April 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatements of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Assessment of impairment indicators of Mining interest, plant and equipment
As described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the carrying amount of the Company’s mining interest, plant and equipment was $29,820,000 as at April 30, 2022.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the assessment of impairment indicators of mining interest, plant and equipment is a critical audit matter are that there was judgment by management when assessing whether there were indicators of impairment for these capital assets, specifically related to assessing: (i) technological obsolescence of the mining interest, plant and equipment; (ii) significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors including changes in gold and silver prices; and iii) internal reporting regarding the economic performance of the mining interest, plant and equipment and comparison to historical operations. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures to evaluate audit evidence relating to the judgments made by management in their assessment of indicators of impairment that could give rise to the requirement to conduct a formal impairment test.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures include, among others:
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• |
evaluating management’s assessment of indicators of impairment; |
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|
• |
assessing the condition and potential obsolescence of the mining interest, plant and equipment; |
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|
• |
assessing significant changes in the expected operating costs, current period cash flow and operating income in comparison to historical operations; |
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|
• |
considering current and forecasted gold and silver prices through review of external market and industry data; |
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|
• |
assessing the completeness of external or internal factors that could be considered as indicators of impairment; and |
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• |
assessing the adequacy of the associated disclosures in the financial statements. |
Accounting for income taxes
As described in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements, the carrying amount of the Company’s deferred tax assets is $3,348,000 and deferred tax liabilities is $5,610,000.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the assessment of deferred tax assets and liabilities is a critical audit matter are that there was judgment by management when assessing: (i) material foreign and domestic tax provisions; and (ii) complex tax regulations relating to multiple jurisdictions. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures to evaluate audit evidence relating to the judgments made by management in their assessment of these elements.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures include, among others:
|
|
• |
evaluating the appropriateness and accuracy of the gross deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities by assessing significant changes by nature of the tax item; |
|
|
• |
utilizing personnel with specialized knowledge and skill in domestic and international tax to assist in analyzing management’s assessment of domestic and foreign tax laws and the application to the Company’s tax provision; and |
|
|
• |
assessing the adequacy of the associated disclosures in the financial statements. |
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.
Vancouver, CanadaChartered Professional Accountants
July 28, 2022
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
April 30, |
April 30, |
|
As at |
|
2022 |
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$8,818 |
$4,392 |
|
Amounts receivable (note 5) |
|
1,580 |
1,170 |
|
Inventory (note 6) |
|
1,535 |
1,781 |
|
Prepaid expenses and advances |
|
472 |
367 |
|
Investment (note 7) |
|
492 |
779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets |
|
12,897 |
8,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current |
|
|
|
|
Mining interest, plant and equipment (note 8) |
|
29,820 |
29,404 |
|
Right-of-use assets (note 10) |
|
894 |
979 |
|
Exploration and evaluation assets (note 9) |
|
5,082 |
4,088 |
|
Reclamation deposits |
|
- |
165 |
|
Deferred tax assets (note 19) |
|
3,348 |
3,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Non-Current Assets |
|
39,144 |
37,982 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$52,041 |
$46,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
|
$3,126 |
$2,213 |
|
Current portion of lease liability (note 10) |
|
636 |
447 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
3,762 |
2,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current |
|
|
|
|
Rehabilitation and closure cost provision (note 12) |
|
2,353 |
1,952 |
|
Lease liability (note 10) |
|
262 |
500 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities (note 19) |
|
5,610 |
5,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Non-Current Liabilities |
|
8,225 |
7,531 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
$11,987 |
$10,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
April 30, |
April 30, |
|
As at |
|
2022 |
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital (note 13) |
|
$50,725 |
$50,725 |
|
Equity reserve |
|
11,349 |
11,349 |
|
Foreign currency translation reserve |
|
2,185 |
816 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
(24,205) |
(26,610) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Equity |
|
40,054 |
36,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Equity |
|
$52,041 |
$46,471 |
Subsequent Events (notes 9 and 20)
Commitments (note 15)
Approved by the Directors:
“Robert Eadie” Director“Gary Arca” Director
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
Mined ore |
$25,679 |
$26,799 |
$24,820 |
|
Total Revenues (note 18) |
25,679 |
26,799 |
24,820 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Sales |
|
|
|
|
Mined ore |
(16,960) |
(16,038) |
(19,150) |
|
Depreciation and depletion (notes 8 and 10) |
(3,413) |
(4,359) |
(3,686) |
|
Total Cost of Sales |
(20,373) |
(20,397) |
(22,836) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from mining operations |
5,306 |
6,402 |
1,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing costs (note 11) |
(181) |
(148) |
(554) |
|
Foreign exchange |
85 |
(697) |
(369) |
|
Management fees and salaries (note 15) |
(1,271) |
(1,283) |
(1,151) |
|
Office and administration |
(913) |
(598) |
(942) |
|
Professional and consulting fees (note 15) |
(835) |
(738) |
(1,000) |
|
Pre-exploration costs |
(31) |
(47) |
- |
|
Shareholder relations |
(644) |
(220) |
(297) |
|
Transfer agent and regulatory fees |
(88) |
(112) |
(83) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) before taxes and other losses |
1,428 |
2,559 |
(2,412) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income / (Losses) |
|
|
|
|
Loss on sale of Toiyabe (note 9) |
(40) |
(1,116) |
- |
|
Unrealized loss on investment (note 7) |
(287) |
- |
- |
|
1,600 |
- |
- |
|
|
Impairment of Mining Interest, Plant and Equipment (note 8) |
- |
- |
(39) |
|
Total Other Income/ (Losses) |
1,273 |
(1,116) |
(39) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) before taxes |
2,701 |
1,443 |
(2,451) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax recovery/ (expense) (note 19) |
|
|
|
|
Deferred |
(296) |
1,449 |
(1,178) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,405 |
2,892 |
(3,629) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation differences |
1,369 |
(3,916) |
1,897 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive earnings/ (loss) for the year |
$3,774 |
$(1,024) |
$(1,732) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share (Note 17) |
$0.05 |
$0.06 |
$(0.07) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (Note 17) |
$0.05 |
$0.06 |
$(0.07) |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by |
|
|
|
|
Operating activities |
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) for the year |
$2,405 |
$2,892 |
$(3,629) |
|
Items not involving cash: |
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and depletion (note 8) |
3,470 |
4,456 |
3,836 |
|
Discount on long-term debt (note 11) |
- |
15 |
115 |
|
Interest on long-term debt (note 11) |
- |
23 |
349 |
|
Income tax recovery |
296 |
(1,449) |
1,178 |
|
Sale of royalty (note 9) |
(1,600) |
- |
- |
|
Lease accretion (note 10) |
81 |
106 |
89 |
|
40 |
1,116 |
- |
|
|
Sale of Altiplano (note 8) |
- |
- |
39 |
|
Rehabilitation and closure cost accretion (note 12) |
160 |
85 |
72 |
|
Share-based payments (note 13) |
140 |
72 |
44 |
|
Unrealized loss on investment (note 7) |
287 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash generated by operating activities before working capital changes |
5,279 |
7,316 |
2,093 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in non-cash working capital items |
|
|
|
|
Amounts receivable |
(450) |
629 |
1,022 |
|
Inventory |
183 |
(332) |
(216) |
|
Prepaid expenses and advances |
(118) |
(115) |
86 |
|
Trade and other payables |
939 |
230 |
(246) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash inflow from operating activities |
5,833 |
7,728 |
2,739 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities |
|
|
|
|
Loan payment (note 11) |
- |
(2,999) |
(1,411) |
|
Interest paid (note 11) |
- |
(235) |
(514) |
|
Lease payments (note 10) |
(611) |
(724) |
(524) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash outflow from financing activities |
(611) |
(3,958) |
(2,449) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities |
|
|
|
|
Investment in exploration and evaluation assets (note 9) |
(905) |
(298) |
(427) |
|
Purchase of mining interest, plant and equipment (note 8) |
(1,846) |
(1,277) |
(2,687) |
|
Sale of royalty (note 9) |
1,600 |
- |
- |
|
Proceeds from sale of Altiplano (note 8) |
- |
269 |
1,836 |
|
Cash on sale of Toiyabe (note 9) |
- |
187 |
- |
|
Cash received from reclamation deposit |
134 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash outflow from investing activities |
(1,017) |
(1,119) |
(1,278) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase (decrease) in cash |
4,205 |
2,651 |
(988) |
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash |
221 |
(364) |
544 |
|
Cash, beginning of year |
4,392 |
2,105 |
2,549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, end of year |
$8,818 |
$4,392 |
$2,105 |
|
Non-cash transactions for year ended April 30, 2022: a)The Company accrued $nil (2021 –$ nil; 2020 - $303) in equipment purchased through Trade payables. b)Capitalized $195 (2021 - $871; 2020 - $nil) in asset retirement obligations to Mining Interests. c)Capitalized $518 in Right of use assets and $440 in lease liabilities (less deposit of $78) (2021/2020 - $nil). d)The Company paid $nil (2021 –$ nil; 2020 - $nil) in taxes. |
|||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
7
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended April 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020
(in thousands of Canadian dollars except for number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Currency |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
Share |
Equity |
Translation |
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding |
Capital |
Reserve |
Reserve |
Deficit |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2019 |
49,646,851 |
$50,725 |
$11,349 |
$2,835 |
$(25,873) |
$39,036 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation differences |
- |
- |
- |
1,897 |
- |
1,897 |
|
|
Loss for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(3,629) |
(3,629) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2020 |
49,646,851 |
50,725 |
11,349 |
4,732 |
(29,502) |
37,304 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation differences |
- |
- |
- |
(3,916) |
- |
(3,916) |
|
|
Earnings for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,892 |
2,892 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2021 |
49,646,851 |
50,725 |
11,349 |
816 |
(26,610) |
36,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation differences |
- |
- |
- |
1,369 |
- |
1,369 |
|
|
Earnings for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,405 |
2,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2022 |
49,646,851 |
$50,725 |
$11,349 |
$2,185 |
$(24,205) |
$40,054 |
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
8
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
1. |
Corporate information |
Starcore International Mines Ltd. is the parent company of its consolidated group (the “Company” or “Starcore”) and was incorporated in Canada with its head office located at Suite 750 – 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B6.
Starcore is engaged in exploring, extracting and processing gold and silver through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Compañia Minera Peña de Bernal, S.A. de C.V. (“Bernal”), which owns the San Martin mine in Queretaro, Mexico. In May of 2020, the Company completed the sale of Altiplano GoldSilver S.A. de C.V (“Altiplano”), which owns the gold and silver concentrate processing plant in Matehuala, Mexico (see note 8).
The Company is also engaged in acquiring mining related operating assets and exploration assets in North America directly and through corporate acquisitions. In management’s judgment, the Company has adequate working capital and cash for the upcoming twelve months. See Note 20- Subsequent Event- Private Placement.
|
|
2. |
Basis of preparation |
|
|
a) |
Statement of compliance |
These consolidated financial statements for the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on July 27, 2022.
|
|
b) |
Basis of measurement |
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except certain financial instruments, which are measured at fair value, as explained in the Company’s accounting policies discussed in note 3. These financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting except for cash flow information. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is also the parent company’s functional currency, and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in compliance with IFRS requires management to make certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment of complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 4.
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries, which are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from the entity’s activities. Subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial results of the Company from the effective date of acquisition up to the effective date of disposal or loss of control. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Bernal, along with various other subsidiaries, carry out their operations in Mexico, U.S.A. and in Canada.
All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated, in full, on consolidation.
9
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies |
The accounting policies set out below were applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated.
|
|
a) |
Foreign Currency Translation |
The functional currency of Starcore, the parent, is the Canadian dollar (“CAD”) and the functional currency of its subsidiaries is the United States dollar (“USD”) (collectively “Functional Currency”). Foreign currency accounts are translated into the Functional Currency as follows:
|
|
• |
At the transaction date, each asset, liability, revenue and expense denominated in a foreign currency is translated into the Functional Currency by the use of the exchange rate in effect at that date. At the period end date, unsettled monetary assets and liabilities are translated into the Functional Currency by using the exchange rate in effect at the period end. |
Foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in net earnings and presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in accordance with the nature of the transactions to which the foreign currency gains and losses relate, except for foreign exchange gains and losses from translating investments and marketable securities which are recognized in other comprehensive income as part of the total change in fair values of the securities. Unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on cash balances denominated in foreign currencies are disclosed separately in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
|
|
b) |
Foreign Operations |
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations with Functional Currencies differing from the presentation currency, including fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated to CAD at exchange rates in effect at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations with Functional Currencies differing from the presentation currency are translated into CAD at the year-to-date average exchange rates.
The Company’s foreign currency differences are recognised and presented in other comprehensive income as a foreign currency translation reserve (“Foreign Currency Translation Reserve”), a component of equity. When a foreign operation is disposed of such that control, significant influence or joint control is lost, the cumulative amount in the translation reserve related to that foreign operation is reclassified to profit or loss as part of the gain or loss on disposal.
|
|
c) |
Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions and other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. At April 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no cash equivalents.
10
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies – (cont’d) |
|
|
d) |
Revenue Recognition |
Revenue from the sale of metals is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the buyer, it is probable that economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company, the sale price can be measured reliably, the Company has no significant continuing involvement and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Revenues from metal sales are subject to adjustment upon final settlement of metal prices, weights, and assays as of a date that may be up to two weeks after the shipment date. The Company records adjustments to revenues monthly based on quoted forward prices for the expected settlement period. Adjustments for weights and assays are recorded when results are determinable or on final settlement. Accounts receivable for metal sales are therefore measured at fair value.
|
|
e) |
Inventory |
Finished goods and work-in-process are measured at the lower of average cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and long-term metal prices less estimated future costs to convert the inventories into saleable form and estimated costs to sell.
Ore extracted from the mines is processed into finished goods (gold and by-products in doré). Costs are included in work-in-process inventory based on current costs incurred up to the point prior to the refining process, including applicable depreciation and depletion of mining interests, and removed at the average cost per recoverable ounce of gold. The average costs of finished goods represent the average costs of work-in-process inventories incurred prior to the refining process, plus applicable refining costs.
Supplies are measured at average cost. In the event that the net realizable value of the finished product, the production of which the supplies are held for use in, is lower than the expected cost of the finished product, the supplies are written down to net realizable value. Replacement costs of supplies are generally used as the best estimate of net realizable value. The costs of inventories sold during the year are presented in the Company’s profit and loss.
|
|
f) |
Mining Interest, Plant and Equipment |
Mining interests represent capitalized expenditures related to the development of mining properties and related plant and equipment.
Recognition and Measurement
On initial recognition, equipment is valued at cost, being the purchase price and directly attributable cost of acquisition or construction required to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary to be capable of operating in the manner intended by the Company, including appropriate borrowing costs and the estimated present value of any future unavoidable costs of dismantling and removing items. The corresponding liability is recognized within provisions.
11
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies – (cont’d) |
|
|
f) |
Mining Interest, Plant and Equipment – (cont’d) |
Recognition and Measurement – (cont’d)
Mining expenditures incurred either to develop new ore bodies or to develop mine areas in advance of current production are capitalized. Mine development costs incurred to maintain current production are included in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Exploration costs relating to the current mine in production are expensed to net income as incurred due to the immediate exploitation of these areas or an immediate determination that they are not exploitable.
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition and preparation for use, are capitalized. Capitalization of borrowing costs begins when expenditures are incurred and activities are undertaken to prepare the asset for its intended use. The amount of borrowing costs capitalized cannot exceed the actual amount of borrowing costs incurred during the period. All other borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.
The capitalization of borrowing costs is discontinued when substantially all of the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use or sale are complete. Capitalized borrowing costs are amortized over the useful life of the related asset.
Major Maintenance and Repairs
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the Company’s profit or loss during the financial year in which they are incurred.
Subsequent Costs
The cost of replacing part of an item of equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Company and its costs can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of equipment are recognized in the Company’s profit or loss as incurred.
Leased Equipment
Leases are recognized as a right-to-use asset with a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for use. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and the finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.
Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the Company would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions.
12
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies – (cont’d) |
|
|
f) |
Mining Interest, Plant and Equipment – (cont’d) |
Depreciation and Impairment
Mining interest, plant and equipment are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation, less any accumulated impairment losses, with the exception of land which is not depreciated. Depletion of mine properties is charged on a unit-of-production basis over proven and probable reserves and resources expected to be converted to reserves. Currently the depletion base is approximately 10 years of expected production. Depreciation of plant and equipment and corporate office equipment, vehicles, software and leaseholds is calculated using the straight-line method, based on the lesser of economic life of the asset and the expected life of mine of approximately 10 years. Where components of an asset have different useful lives, depreciation is calculated on each separate part. Depreciation commences when an asset is available for use. At the end of each calendar year estimates of proven and probable gold reserves and a portion of resources expected to be converted to reserves are updated and the calculations of amortization of mining interest, plant and equipment is prospectively revised.
The Company reviews and evaluates its mining interests, plant and equipment for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if the recoverable value of a cash generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the assets. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the greater of the cash generating unit’s fair value less cost to sell or its value in use versus its carrying value. In assessing value in use, future cash flows are estimated based on expected future production, commodity prices, operating costs and capital costs discounted to their present value.
Mining interests, plant and equipment that have been impaired in prior periods are tested for possible reversal of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the impairment has reversed. If the impairment has reversed, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount but not beyond the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in the prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
|
|
g) |
Rehabilitation and Closure Cost Provision |
The Company records a provision for the estimated future costs of rehabilitation and closure of operating and inactive mines and development projects, which are discounted to net present value using the risk- free interest rates applicable to the future cash outflows. Estimates of future costs represent management’s best estimates which incorporate assumptions on the effects of inflation, movements in foreign exchange rates and the effects of country and other specific risks associated with the related liabilities. The provision for the Company’s rehabilitation and closure cost obligations is accreted over time to reflect the unwinding of the discount with the accretion expense included in finance costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The provision for rehabilitation and closure cost obligations is re-measured at the end of each reporting period for changes in estimates and circumstances. Changes in estimates and circumstances include changes in legal or regulatory requirements, increased obligations arising from additional mining and exploration activities, changes to cost estimates and changes to risk free interest rates.
13
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies – (cont’d) |
g)Rehabilitation and Closure Cost Provision – (cont’d)
Rehabilitation and closure cost obligations relating to operating mines and development projects are initially recorded with a corresponding increase to the carrying amounts of related mining properties. Changes to the obligations are also accounted for as changes in the carrying amounts of related mining properties, except where a reduction in the obligation is greater than the capitalized rehabilitation and closure costs, in which case, the capitalized rehabilitation and closure costs is reduced to nil and the remaining adjustment is included in production costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Rehabilitation and closure cost obligations related to inactive mines are included in production costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) on initial recognition and subsequently when re-measured.
|
|
h) |
Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures |
Once the legal right to explore a property has been acquired, costs directly related to exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) expenditures are recognized and capitalized, in addition to the acquisition costs. These direct expenditures include such costs as materials used, surveying and sampling costs, drilling costs, payments made to contractors, geologists, consultants, and depreciation on plant and equipment during the exploration phase. Costs not directly attributable to E&E activities, including general and administrative overhead costs, are expensed in the period in which they occur.
When a project is determined to no longer have commercially viable prospects to the Company, E&E expenditures in respect of that project are deemed to be impaired. As a result, those E&E expenditures, in excess of estimated recoveries, are written off to the Company’s profit or loss.
The Company assesses E&E assets for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an asset may exceed its recoverable amount.
Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the mineral resource has been determined, the property is considered to be a mine under development and is classified as “mines under construction”. E&E assets are tested for impairment before the assets are transferred to development properties.
Any incidental revenues earned in connection with exploration activities are applied as a reduction to capitalized exploration costs.
|
|
i) |
Financial Instruments |
Recognition
The Company recognizes a financial asset or financial liability on the statement of financial position when it becomes party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. Financial assets are initially measured at fair value and are derecognized either when the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or when cash flows expire. Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value and are derecognized when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired.
A write-off of a financial asset (or a portion thereof) constitutes a derecognition event. Write-off occurs when the Company has no reasonable expectations of recovering the contractual cash flows on a financial asset.
14
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies – (cont’d) |
|
|
i) |
Financial Instruments – (cont’d) |
All of the Company’s financial instruments are classified into one of the following categories based upon the purpose for which the instrument was acquired or issued. All transactions related to financial instruments are recorded on a trade date basis. The Company’s accounting policy for each category is as follows:
Classification and Measurement
The Company determines the classification of its financial instruments at initial recognition. Financial assets are classified according to the following measurement categories:
|
|
i) |
those to be measured subsequently at fair value, either through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) or through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”); and, |
|
|
ii) |
those to be measured subsequently at amortized cost. |
The classification and measurement of financial assets after initial recognition at fair value depends on the business model for managing the financial asset and the contractual terms of the cash flows. Financial assets that are held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows, and that have contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal outstanding, are generally measured at amortized cost at each subsequent reporting period. All other financial assets are measured at their fair values at each subsequent reporting period, with any changes recorded through profit or loss or through other comprehensive income (which designation is made as an irrevocable election at the time of recognition).
After initial recognition at fair value, financial liabilities are classified and measured at either:
|
|
i) |
amortized cost; or |
|
|
ii) |
FVTPL, if the Company has made an irrevocable election at the time of recognition, or when required (for items such as instruments held for trading or derivatives) |
The Company reclassifies financial assets when and only when its business model for managing those assets changes. Financial liabilities are not reclassified.
Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issuance of a financial asset or financial liability classified as subsequently measured at amortized cost are included in the fair value of the instrument on initial recognition. Transaction costs for financial assets and financial liabilities classified at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in profit or loss.
The Company’s financial assets consist of cash and investments , which are classified and measured at FVTPL, with realized and unrealized gains or losses related to changes in fair value reported in profit or loss, and amounts receivable, which is classified at amortized cost. The Company’s financial liabilities consist of trade and other payables which are classified and measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense is reported in profit or loss.
Impairment
The Company assesses all information available, including on a forward-looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with any financial assets carried at amortized cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. To assess whether there is a significant increase in credit risk, the Company compares the risk of a default occurring on the asset as at the reporting date with the risk of default as at the date of initial recognition based on all information available, and reasonable and supportive forward-looking information.
15
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies – (cont’d) |
|
|
i) |
Financial Instruments – (cont’d) |
Fair value hierarchy
Financial instruments recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets must be classified into one of the three following fair value hierarchy levels:
Level 1 – measurement based on quoted prices (unadjusted observed in active markets) for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – measurement based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability;
Level 3 – measurement based on inputs that are not observable (supported by little or no market activity) for the asset or liability.
|
|
j) |
Income Taxes |
Current tax and deferred taxes are recognized in the Company’s profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to a business combination or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive loss/income.
Current income taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes payable or receivable on taxable income or loss for the current year and any adjustment to income taxes payable in respect of previous years. Current income taxes are determined using tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the period end date.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized where the carrying amount of an asset or liability differs from its tax base, except for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill and temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.
Recognition of deferred tax assets for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences is restricted to those instances where it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deferred tax asset can be utilised. At the end of each reporting period, the Company reassesses unrecognized deferred tax assets. The Company recognizes a previously unrecognized deferred tax asset to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
|
|
k) |
Share Capital |
Financial instruments issued by the Company are classified as equity, only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of a financial liability or asset. The Company’s common shares, share warrants and share options are classified as equity instruments.
Incremental costs, directly attributable to the issue of new shares, warrants or options, are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from proceeds.
16
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies – (cont’d) |
|
|
l) |
Profit or Loss per Share |
Basic profit or loss per share is computed by dividing the Company’s profit or loss applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the relevant period.
Diluted profit or loss per share is computed by dividing the Company’s profit or loss applicable to common shares, by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive instruments were converted at the beginning of the period.
|
|
m) |
Share-based Payments |
Where equity-settled share options are awarded to employees or non-employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to the Company’s profit or loss over the vesting period. The number of equity instruments expected to vest at each reporting date, are taken into account so that the cumulative amount recognized over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Non-vesting conditions and market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether these vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition or where a non-vesting condition is not satisfied.
Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modifications, is charged to the Company’s profit or loss over the remaining vesting period.
Where equity instruments are granted to employees, they are recorded at the fair value of the equity instrument granted at the grant date. The grant date fair value is recognized in the Company’s profit or loss over the vesting period, described as the period during which all the vesting conditions are to be satisfied.
Where equity instruments are granted to non-employees, they are recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received in the Company’s profit or loss, unless they are related to the issuance of shares. Amounts related to the issuance of shares are recorded as a reduction of share capital.
When the value of goods or services received in exchange for the share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the fair value is measured by use of a valuation model. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. All equity-settled share based payments are reflected in equity reserve, until exercised. Upon exercise, shares are issued from treasury and the amount reflected in equity reserve is credited to share capital, adjusted for any consideration paid.
Where a grant of options is cancelled or settled during the vesting period, excluding forfeitures when vesting conditions are not satisfied, the Company immediately accounts for the cancellation as an acceleration of vesting and immediately recognizes the amount that otherwise would have been recognized for services received over the remainder of the vesting period.
Any payment made to the employee on the cancellation is accounted for as the repurchase of an equity interest except to the extent that the payment exceeds the fair value of the equity instrument granted, measured at the repurchase date. Any such excess is recognized as an expense.
17
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
3. |
Summary of significant accounting policies – (cont’d) |
|
|
m) |
Share-based Payments – (cont’d) |
Where vesting conditions are not satisfied and options are forfeited, the Company reverses the fair value amount of the unvested options which had been recognized over the vesting period.
|
|
n) |
New and Revised Accounting Standards |
The following accounting standards have been issued or amended but are not yet effective. The Company has not early adopted these new and amended standards. The Company continues to evaluate the new standards but currently no material impact is expected as a result of the adoptions of these new and amended standards:
|
|
• |
IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” |
|
|
• |
IAS 16 “Property, Plant and Equipment” |
The Company makes estimates and assumptions about the future that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
The effect of a change in accounting estimate is recognized prospectively by including it in the Company’s profit or loss in the period of the change, if it affects that period only, or in the period of the change and future periods, if the change affects both.
Information about critical estimates and judgments in applying accounting policies that have the most significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated financial statements within the next financial year are discussed below:
Estimates
|
|
a) |
Economic Recoverability and Profitability of Future Economic Benefits of Mining Interests |
Management has determined that mining interests, evaluation, development and related costs incurred which have been capitalized are economically recoverable. Management uses several criteria in its assessments of economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefit including geologic and metallurgic information, history of conversion of mineral deposits to proven and probable reserves, scoping and feasibility studies, accessible facilities, existing permits and life of mine plans.
|
|
b) |
Units of Production Depletion and Depreciation |
|
|
Estimated recoverable reserves are used in determining the depreciation of mine specific assets. This results in depreciation charges proportional to the depletion of the anticipated remaining life of mine production. Each item’s life, which is assessed annually, has regard to both its physical life limitations and to present assessments of economically recoverable reserves of the mine property at which the asset is located. These calculations require the use of estimates and assumption, including the amount of recoverable reserves and estimate of future capital expenditure. Changes are accounted for prospectively. |
18
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
4. |
Critical accounting estimates and judgments – (cont’d) |
Estimates – (cont’d)
|
|
c) |
Rehabilitation Provisions |
Rehabilitation provisions have been created based on the Company’s internal estimates. Assumptions, based on the current economic environment, have been made which management believes are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the future liability. These estimates take into account any material changes to the assumptions that occur when reviewed regularly by management. Estimates are reviewed annually and are based on current regulatory requirements. Significant changes in estimates of contamination, restoration standards and techniques will result in changes to provisions from period to period. Actual rehabilitation costs will ultimately depend on future market prices for the rehabilitation costs, which will reflect the market condition at the time that the rehabilitation costs are actually incurred. The final cost of the currently recognized rehabilitation provision may be higher or lower than currently provided.
The inflation rate applied to estimated future rehabilitation and closure costs is 7.65% and the discount rate currently applied in the calculation of the net present value of the provision is 10% (note 12).
|
|
d) |
Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resource Estimates |
Mineral reserves are estimates of the amount of ore that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s mining properties. The Company estimates its mineral reserve and mineral resources based on information compiled by Qualified Persons as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 Standards for Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Such information includes geological data on the size, depth and shape of the mineral deposit, and requires complex geological judgments to interpret the data. The estimation of recoverable reserves is based upon factors such as estimates of commodity prices, future capital requirements, and production costs along with geological assumptions and judgments made in estimating the size and grade that comprise the mineral reserves. Changes in the mining reserve or mineral resource estimates may impact the carrying value of mineral properties and deferred development costs, property, plant and equipment, provision for site reclamation and closure, recognition of deferred income tax assets and depreciation and amortization charges.
Judgments
|
|
a) |
Impairments |
The Company assesses its mining interest, plant and equipment and exploration and evaluation assets annually to determine whether any indication of impairment exists. Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made, which is considered to be the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. These assessments require the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices, discount rates, future capital requirements, exploration potential and operating performance.
19
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
4. |
Critical accounting estimates and judgments – (cont’d) |
Judgments – (cont’d)
|
|
b) |
Income Taxes |
Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company recognizes liabilities and contingencies for anticipated tax audit issues based on the Company’s current understanding of tax law. For matters where it is probable that an adjustment will be made, the Company records its best estimate of the tax liability including the related interest and penalties in the current tax provision. Management believes they have adequately provided for the probable outcome of these matters; however, the final outcome may result in a materially different outcome than the amount included in the tax liabilities.
In addition, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets relating to tax losses carried forward to the extent there are sufficient taxable temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) relating to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity against which the unused tax losses can be utilized. However, utilization of the tax losses also depends on the ability of the taxable entity to satisfy certain tests at the time the losses are recuperated.
|
|
5. |
Amounts receivable |
|
|
April 30, 2022 |
April 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Taxes receivable |
$1,113 |
$660 |
|
Trades receivable |
315 |
380 |
|
Other |
152 |
130 |
|
|
$1,580 |
$1,170 |
|
|
6. |
Inventory |
|
|
April 30, 2022 |
April 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying value of inventory: |
|
|
|
Doré |
$353 |
$889 |
|
Goods in transit |
42 |
- |
|
Work-in-process |
80 |
85 |
|
Stockpile |
14 |
49 |
|
Supplies |
1,046 |
758 |
|
|
$1,535 |
$1,781 |
|
|
7. |
Investment |
Marketable securities at April 30, 2022 consists of a FVTPL investment in Westward Gold Inc. (formerly IM Exploration Inc.) (“WG”). At April 30, 2022, the Company held 4,100,000 common shares valued at $0.12 for $492 representing a $287 unrealized loss from the original cost, valued at $779 at April 30, 2021. The fair value of WG has been determined by reference to published price quotations in an active market.
While the Company will seek to maximize the proceeds it receives from the sale of its WG Shares, there is no assurance as to the timing of disposition or the amount that will be realized.
20
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
Mining Interest |
Plant and Equipment Mining |
Corporate Office Equipment |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2020 |
$72,776 |
$26,603 |
$725 |
$100,104 |
|
Increase in ARO provision (note 12) |
871 |
- |
- |
871 |
|
Additions |
491 |
483 |
- |
974 |
|
Effect of foreign exchange |
(8,637) |
(3,129) |
- |
(11,766) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2021 |
65,501 |
23,957 |
725 |
90,183 |
|
Increase in ARO provision (note 12) |
195 |
- |
- |
195 |
|
Additions |
621 |
1,210 |
15 |
1,846 |
|
Effect of foreign exchange |
3,117 |
1,251 |
- |
4,368 |
|
Balance, April 30, 2022 |
$69,434 |
$26,418 |
$740 |
$96,592 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2020 |
$(47,124) |
$(16,987) |
$(691) |
$(64,802) |
|
Depreciation for the year |
(1,188) |
(2,532) |
(17) |
(3,737) |
|
Effect of foreign exchange |
5,648 |
2,112 |
- |
7,760 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2021 |
(42,664) |
(17,407) |
(708) |
(60,779) |
|
Depreciation for the year |
(1,063) |
(1,750) |
(10) |
(2,823) |
|
Effect of foreign exchange |
(2,298) |
(872) |
- |
(3,170) |
|
Balance, April 30, 2022 |
$(46,025) |
$(20,029) |
$(718) |
$(66,772) |
|
Carrying amounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2021 |
$22,837 |
$6,550 |
$17 |
$29,404 |
|
Balance, April 30, 2022 |
$23,409 |
$6,389 |
$22 |
$29,820 |
San Martin
The Company’s mining interest, plant and equipment pertain to gold and silver extraction and processing through its San Martin mine.
Sale of Altiplano Facility
In August, 2015, the Company acquired Cortez Gold Corp. in an all-share transaction completed pursuant to a court approved Plan of Arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), which owned Altiplano and its facility, a third party gold and silver concentrate processing plant in Matehuala, Mexico. The Company accepted an offer on July 5, 2019, to sell 100% of the shares of Altiplano for US$1.6 million payable in quarterly installments to May 31, 2020 (full payment received). As a result, the Company recorded an impairment of $4,804 to the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) during the year ended April 30, 2019, and $39 expensed to Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the year ending April 30, 2020.
21
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
9. |
Exploration and evaluation assets |
Toiyabe, U.S.A
The Company had the rights to a 100% undivided interest in the Toiyabe Gold Project (“Toiyabe”), subject to a 3% net smelter revenue royalty (“NSR”), located in Lander County, Nevada, United States of America. During the year ended April 30, 2021, the Company entered into a binding agreement with WG for the assignment of the Company’s option to acquire a 100% interest in Toiyabe from the optionor. The Company transferred all of its rights and WG assumed all property claim and maintenance payments and all obligations under the current option agreement with the optionor. As consideration for the transfer of the Company’s option to acquire Toiyabe, WG made payments of US$150,000 in cash and 4,100,000 common shares in the capital of WG. The WG shares were valued at fair market value at date of issue of $0.19 per share (see note 7) and were subject to a contractual escrow period of twelve (12) months following the date of issuance, with 25% being released every three (3) months from closing of the Transaction (75% has been released with an additional 25% released subsequent to April 30, 2022).
The consideration received in cash and shares was valued at $966 and, as a result, the Company recorded a loss on Toiyabe of $1,116, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ending April 30, 2021. During the year ended April 30, 2022, the Company realized a loss of $40 attributable to the disposal of a reclamation bond associated with Toiyabe.
|
|
b) |
Creston Moly (“Creston”) properties |
The Company has acquired the rights to the following exploration properties:
|
|
i) |
El Creston Project, Mexico |
The Company acquired a 100% interest in mineral claims known as the El Creston molybdenum property located northeast of Hermosillo, State of Sonora, Mexico, which has completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the property based on zones of porphyry-style molybdenum (“Mo”)/copper (“Cu”) mineralization. The mineral concessions are subject to a 3% net profits interest.
During the year ended April 30, 2022, the Company acquired additional claims from Minera Teocuitla SA de CV of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The Teocuitla claims are located in Opodepe, Sonora, Mexico beside the El Creston claim in the northwest part of the El Creston property.
|
|
ii) |
Ajax Project, Canada |
The Company acquired a 100% interest in mineral claims known as the Ajax molybdenum property located in B.C.
|
|
iii) |
Scottie Claims Royalty, Canada |
The Company acquired a 3% NSR in the Scottie gold claims located in B.C. During the year ended April 30, 2022, the Company sold its 3% NSR to Scottie Resources Corp. for $1,600. As the Scottie gold claims had a net book value of $nil, the full amount is shown as a gain on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended April 30, 2022.
22
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
9. |
Exploration and evaluation assets – (cont’d) |
|
|
AJC |
Creston Properties |
AJAX Properties |
Total |
|
Acquisition costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2020 |
$36 |
$2,001 |
$- |
$2,037 |
|
Property disposition |
(36) |
- |
- |
(36) |
|
Balance, April 30, 2021 and April 30, 2022 |
$- |
$2,001 |
- |
$2,001 |
|
Exploration costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2020 |
$2,008 |
$1,931 |
$- |
$3,939 |
|
Maintenance |
38 |
260 |
- |
298 |
|
Property disposition |
(2,046) |
- |
- |
(2,046) |
|
Foreign exchange |
- |
(104) |
- |
(104) |
|
Balance, April 30, 2021 |
- |
2,087 |
- |
2,087 |
|
Maintenance |
- |
491 |
- |
491 |
|
- |
353 |
- |
353 |
|
|
- |
89 |
61 |
150 |
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2022 |
$- |
$3,020 |
61 |
$3,081 |
|
Total Exploration and evaluation assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2021 |
$- |
$4,088 |
$- |
$4,088 |
|
Balance, April 30, 2022 |
$- |
$5,021 |
$61 |
$5,082 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities have been measured by discounting future lease payments at the incremental borrowing rate of 8% per annum and represents the Company's best estimate of the rate of interest that it would expect to pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in the current economic environment. The Company recognized lease liabilities in relation its head office in Canada and machinery in Mexico. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the lease liabilities and assets:
|
|
Starcore |
Bernal |
Total |
|
Opening balance, April 30, 2020 |
$269 |
$1,431 |
$1,700 |
|
Lease accretion |
20 |
85 |
105 |
|
Payments |
(66) |
(658) |
(724) |
|
Foreign exchange |
- |
(134) |
(134) |
|
Lease liabilities, April 30, 2021 |
223 |
724 |
947 |
|
Lease accretion |
16 |
65 |
81 |
|
Lease additions |
- |
440 |
440 |
|
Payments |
(66) |
(545) |
(611) |
|
Foreign exchange |
- |
41 |
41 |
|
Lease liabilities, April 30, 2022 |
$173 |
$725 |
$898 |
|
|
April 30, 2022 |
April 30, 2021 |
|
Current |
$636 |
$447 |
|
Non-Current |
$262 |
$500 |
|
Total |
$898 |
$947 |
23
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
10. |
Leases – (cont’d) |
|
|
Office |
Mining Equipment |
Total |
|
Lease asset, April 30, 2020 |
$260 |
$1,584 |
$1,844 |
|
Amortization |
(52) |
(667) |
(719) |
|
Foreign exchange |
- |
(146) |
(146) |
|
Lease asset, April 30, 2021 |
208 |
771 |
979 |
|
Amortization |
(52) |
(595) |
(647) |
|
Additions |
- |
518 |
518 |
|
Foreign exchange |
- |
44 |
44 |
|
Lease asset, April 30, 2022 |
$156 |
$738 |
$894 |
|
|
11. |
Loans payable |
On June 10, 2020, the Company repaid secured bonds, due June 17, 2020, in the aggregate principal amount of $3,000 (the “Bonds”) less structuring and finder’s fees of $60 cash and $171 attributed to finders warrants, totaling $231, plus outstanding interest calculated at 8% per annum, for a total payment of $3,234.
|
|
Principal |
Interest |
Discount |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2020 |
$2,999 |
$212 |
$(15) |
$3,196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount |
- |
- |
15 |
15 |
|
Loan repayment |
(2,999) |
- |
- |
(2,999) |
|
Interest paid on bond |
- |
(235) |
- |
(235) |
|
Interest accrual |
- |
23 |
- |
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 30, 2021 and April 30, 2022 |
$- |
$- |
$- |
$- |
The Company’s financing costs for the year ended April 30, 2022, 2021, and 2020 as reported on its Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) can be summarized as follows:
24
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
12. |
Rehabilitation and closure cost provision |
The Company’s asset retirement obligations consist of reclamation and closure costs for the mine. At April 30, 2022, the present value of obligations is estimated at $2,353 (April 30, 2021 - $1,952) based on expected undiscounted cash-flows at the end of the mine life of $2,652 (April 30, 2021 - $2,545), which is calculated annually over 5 to 10 years. Such liability was determined using a discount rate of 10% (April 30, 2021 – 8%) and an inflation rate of 7.65% (April 30, 2021 – 3.5%).
Significant reclamation and closure activities include land rehabilitation, demolition of buildings and mine facilities, closing portals to underground mining areas and other costs. Changes to the reclamation and closure cost balance during the period are as follows:
|
|
April 30, 2022 |
April 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year |
$1,952 |
$1,014 |
|
Accretion expense |
160 |
85 |
|
Increase in provision |
195 |
871 |
|
Foreign exchange fluctuation |
46 |
(18) |
|
|
|
|
|
$2,353 |
$1,952 |
|
|
13. |
Share capital |
|
|
a) |
Common shares |
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares, issuable in series.
The holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company and to receive dividends, which may be declared from time-to-time. All shares are ranked equally with regard to the Company’s residual assets. During the year ended April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2021, the Company did not issue any common shares.
A summary of the Company’s outstanding share purchase warrants at April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2021 and the changes during the year ended is presented below:
|
|
Number of warrants |
Weighted average exercise price |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at April 30, 2020 and April 30, 2021 |
3,250,000 |
$0.21 |
|
Expired |
(3,250,000) |
0.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at April 30, 2022 |
- |
- |
During the year ending April 30, 2022, no new warrants were issued and 3,250,000 warrants expired unexercised.
|
|
c) |
Share-based payments |
The Company, in accordance with the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), was previously authorized to grant options to directors, officers, and employees to acquire up to 20% of the amount of stock outstanding. In January 2014, the Company’s shareholders voted to cancel the Company’s option plan and, as a result, the Company’s Board of Directors have not grant further options and there were no options outstanding, for the years ending April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2021.
25
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
13. |
Share capital – (cont’d) |
Effective August 1, 2016, The Board of Directors approved the adoption of a Restricted Share Unit and Deferred Share Unit Plan (the “RSU/DSU Plan”). Although the RSU/DSU Plan is share-based, all vested RSUs and DSUs will be settled in cash. No common shares will be issued. The Company may issue no more than the equivalent of 20% of its issued and outstanding common shares as RSU/DSU share incentives.
RSU
The RSU plan is for eligible members of the Board of Directors, eligible employees and eligible contractors. The RSUs vest over a period of three years from the date of grant, vesting as to one-third each year from date of grant. In addition to the vesting period, the Company has also set Performance Conditions that will accompany vested RSUs. The Performance Conditions to be met are established by the Board at the time of grant of the RSU. RSUs that are permitted to be carried over to the succeeding years shall expire no later than the third calendar year after the year in which the RSUs have been granted and will be terminated to the extent the performance objectives or other vesting criteria have not been met. The RSU share plan transactions during the year were as follows:
|
|
Units |
|
Outstanding at April 30, 2020 |
330,000 |
|
Expired |
(220,000) |
|
Exercised |
(110,000) |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at April 30, 2021 |
- |
|
Granted |
1,655,000 |
|
Outstanding at April 30, 2022 |
1,655,000 |
1,655,000 RSU’s were granted in the year ended April 30, 2022. The RSU’s have been valued at fair value of $0.21 per share as at April 30, 2022, and the total fair value of this liability is recorded at $53 (April 30, 2021 - $nil) under Trades and Other Payables on the Statements of Financial Position.
DSU
The Company introduced a DSU plan for eligible directors. The DSUs are paid in full in the form of a lump sum payment no later than December 31st of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year of termination of service. DSU Awards going forward will vest on each anniversary date of the grant over a period of 3 years. The DSU share plan transactions during the period were as follows:
|
|
Units |
|
Outstanding at April 30, 2020 Exercised |
1,010,000 (210,000) |
|
Outstanding at April 30, 2021 |
800,000 |
|
Granted |
1,725,000 |
|
Outstanding at April 30, 2022 |
2,525,000 |
Based on the fair value at April 30, 2022 of $0.21 (2021 - $0.24) per share, the Company has recorded a liability of $279 (April 30, 2021 - $192) under Trades and Other Payable on the Statement of Financial Position. 1,725,000 DSU’s were granted in the current year ended April 30, 2022. During the prior year end April 30, 2021, 210,000 DSU’s were exercised at $0.31 for $65.
During the year ended April 30, 2022, a total of $140 (2021 - $72; 2020 - $44) was recorded in the statement of profit and loss as share-based payments, included in management fees, wages and consulting.
26
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
14. |
Financial instruments |
All significant financial assets, financial liabilities and equity instruments of the Company are either recognized or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements together with other information relevant for making a reasonable assessment of future cash flows, interest rate risk and credit risk. Cash and investments are carried at fair value. There are no material differences between the carrying values and the fair values of any other financial assets or liabilities due to their short term nature. In the normal course of business, the Company’s assets, liabilities and future transactions are impacted by various market risks, including currency risks associated with inventory, revenues, cost of sales, capital expenditures, interest earned on cash and the interest rate risk associated with floating rate debt.
|
|
a) |
Currency risk |
Currency risk is the risk to the Company's earnings that arises from fluctuations of foreign exchange rates and the degree of volatility of these rates. The Company does not use derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk.
A 10% increase or decrease in the US dollar exchange may increase or decrease comprehensive income (loss) by approximately $1,293. A 10% increase or decrease in the MXN$ exchange rate will decrease or increase comprehensive income (loss) by approximately $546.
|
|
b) |
Interest rate risk |
The Company’s cash earns interest at variable interest rates. While fluctuations in market rates do not have a material impact on the fair value of the Company’s cash flows, future cash flows may be affected by interest rate fluctuations. The Company is not significantly exposed to interest rate fluctuations and interest rate risk consists of two components:
|
|
i) |
To the extent that payments made or received on the Company’s monetary assets and liabilities are affected by changes in the prevailing market interest rates, the Company is exposed to interest rate cash flow risk. |
|
|
ii) |
To the extent that changes in prevailing market interest rates differ from the interest rates in the Company’s monetary assets and liabilities, the Company is exposed to interest rate price risk. |
|
|
c) |
Credit risk |
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is with respect to its cash and account receivable, the balance of which at April 30, 2022 is $10,398 (April 30, 2021 - $5,562).
Cash of $1,105 (April 30, 2021 - $901) are held at a Mexican financial institution, cash of $5,490 (April 30, 2021 – $2,317) is held in US dollars at Canadian financial institutions and the remainder of $2,223 (April 30, 2021 - $1,174) are held at chartered Canadian financial institutions; the Company is exposed to the risks of those financial institutions. The taxes receivable are comprised of Mexican VAT taxes receivable of $1,085 (April 30, 2021 - $619) and GST receivable of $28 (April 30, 2021 - $41), which are subject to review by the respective tax authority. Trade receivables include $315 due from one customer.
27
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
14. |
Financial instruments – (cont’d) |
|
|
d) |
Liquidity risk |
Liquidity risk arises from the excess of financial obligations over available financial assets due at any point in time. The Company’s objective in managing liquidity risk is to maintain sufficient readily available reserves in order to meet its liquidity requirements. The Company accomplishes this by achieving profitable operations and maintaining sufficient cash reserves. As at April 30, 2022, the Company was holding cash of $8,818 (April 30, 2021- $4,392).
|
Obligations due within twelve months of April 30, |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 and beyond |
|
Trade and other payables |
$3,126 |
$- |
$- |
$ - |
|
Reclamation and closure obligations |
$- |
$- |
$- |
$3,011 |
|
Leases liability |
$497 |
$230 |
$135 |
$6 |
The Company’s trade and other payables are due in the short term. Long-term obligations include the Company’s reclamation and closure cost obligations, other long-term liabilities and deferred income taxes. Management believes that profits generated from the mine and periodic financing will be sufficient to meet its financial obligations.
|
|
e) |
Commodity risk |
Mineral prices and marketability fluctuate and any decline in mineral prices may have a negative effect on the Company. Mineral prices, particularly gold and silver prices, have fluctuated widely in recent years. The marketability and price of minerals which may be produced and sold by the Company will be affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company. These other factors include delivery uncertainties related to the proximity of its resources to processing facilities and extensive government regulations related to price, taxes, royalties, allowable production land tenure, the import and export of minerals and many other aspects of the mining business. Declines in mineral prices may have a negative effect on the Company. A 10% decrease or increase in metal prices may result in a decrease or increase of $2,568 in revenue.
|
|
15. |
Commitments and related party transactions |
Except as disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements, the Company has the following commitments outstanding at April 30, 2022:
|
|
a) |
The Company has a land rental commitment with respect to the land at the mine site, for $132 per year which is currently being renegotiated. The Company also has ongoing concession commitments on the mine site and on exploration and evaluation assets of approximately $700 per year. |
|
|
b) |
The Company has management contracts to officers and directors totaling $600 and US$315 per year, payable monthly, expiring in April 2024 and US$400 per year until December 2023. The Company paid the following amounts to key management personnel, consisting of the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, the chief operating office and directors in the years: |
|
For the year ended April 30, |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
|
$1,141 |
$1,012 |
$838 |
||
|
Legal fees -Professional Fees |
18 |
13 |
23 |
|
|
Directors fees -Salaries |
54 |
62 |
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$1,213 |
$1,087 |
$933 |
|
The Company also accrued $87 (2021 - $167; 2020 - $21) for DSU’s for directors and $40 (2021 - $(7); 2020 - $17) for RSU’s which are not included above.
28
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
16. |
Capital disclosures |
The Company’s objective when managing capital is to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. The Company considers the items included in the consolidated statements of changes in equity as capital. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may issue new shares through private placements, sell assets to reduce debt or return capital to shareholders. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements and there were no changes to the capital management in the year ended April 30, 2022.
|
|
17. |
Earnings per share |
The Company calculates the basic and diluted income per common share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period and the diluted income per share assumes that the outstanding vested stock options and share purchase warrants had been exercised at the beginning of the year. As at April 30, 2022 and 2021, all warrants outstanding were excluded in the dilutive weighted average shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive. The denominator for the calculation of income per share, being the weighted average number of common shares, is calculated as follows:
|
For the years ended April 30, |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,646,851 |
49,646,851 |
49,646,851 |
|
|
Effect of dilutive warrants and options |
- |
2,250,000 |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted weighted average common shares |
49,646,851 |
51,896,851 |
49,646,851 |
|
|
18. |
Segmented information |
During the year ended April 30, 2022, the Company earned all of its revenues from one customer. As at April 30, 2022, the Company does not consider itself to be economically dependent on this customer as transactions with this party can be easily replaced by transactions with other parties on similar terms and conditions. The balance owing from this customer on April 30, 2022 was $315 (April 30, 2021 - $380). The Company operates in one segment, the revenue is from gold and silver mining generated in Mexico.
The Company operates in three reportable geographical and one operating segment. Selected financial information by geographical segment is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 30, 2022 |
Mexico |
Canada |
USA |
Total |
|
Exploration & evaluation assets |
$5,021 |
$61 |
$- |
$5,082 |
|
Right of use assets |
738 |
156 |
- |
894 |
|
Mining interest, plant and equipment |
29,798 |
22 |
- |
29,820 |
|
Deferred tax asset |
279 |
3,069 |
- |
3,348 |
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 30, 2021 |
Mexico |
Canada |
USA |
Total |
|
Exploration & evaluation assets |
$4,088 |
$- |
$- |
$4,088 |
|
Right of use assets |
771 |
208 |
- |
979 |
|
Mining interest, plant and equipment |
29,387 |
17 |
- |
29,404 |
|
Reclamation bonds |
- |
- |
165 |
165 |
|
Deferred tax asset |
434 |
2,912 |
- |
3,346 |
29
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
19. |
Income taxes |
Current and deferred income tax expenses differ from the amount that would result from applying the Canadian statutory income tax rates to the Company’s earnings before income taxes. This difference is reconciled as follows:
|
For the year ended April 30, |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
$2,701 |
$1,443 |
$(2,451) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (recovery) at statutory rate |
729 |
390 |
(662) |
|
Difference from higher statutory tax rates on earnings of foreign subsidiaries |
33 |
(74) |
822 |
|
Losses expired |
- |
(305) |
742 |
|
Permanent Difference |
- |
- |
60 |
|
Effect of Mexican mining royalty tax (SMD) on deferred income tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Recognition of previously unrecognized non-capital loss carry forward and other deductible tax benefits |
(524) |
(1,406) |
689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax (recovery) expense |
$296 |
$(1,449) |
$1,178 |
The significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
|
|
April 30, 2022 |
April 30, 2021 |
|
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities): |
|
|
|
Mining interest, plant and equipment |
$(6,116) |
$(5,891) |
|
Payments to defer |
(63) |
(56) |
|
Insurance |
(7) |
(7) |
|
Reclamation and closure costs provision |
976 |
719 |
|
Exploration assets |
(550) |
1,549 |
|
Expenses reserve |
323 |
132 |
|
Pension-fund reserve |
124 |
88 |
|
Deferred mining tax |
(1,025) |
(968) |
|
Non-capital losses and other deductible tax benefits |
4,251 |
2,437 |
|
Plant and equipment |
109 |
345 |
|
Other |
(284) |
(81) |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income tax liabilities, net |
$(2,262) |
$(1,733) |
|
|
|
|
The Non-Capital losses are set to expire between 2026 and 2042 while the remaining loss carry forwards have no set expiry date. In accordance with Mexican tax law, Bernal is subject to income tax. Income tax is computed taking into consideration the taxable and deductible effects of inflation, such as depreciation calculated on restated asset values. Taxable income is increased or reduced by the effects of inflation on certain monetary assets and liabilities through an inflationary component.
30
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)
April 30, 2022
|
|
19. |
Income taxes – (cont’d) |
Mexico Tax Reform
During December 2013, the 2014 Tax Reform (the “Tax Reform”) was published in Mexico’s official gazette with changes taking effect January 1, 2014. The Tax Reform included the implementation of a 7.5% Special Mining Duty (“SMD”) and a 0.5% Extraordinary Mining Duty (“EMD”). The Company has taken the position that SMD is an income tax under IAS 12 Income tax, as it is calculated based on a form of earnings before income tax less certain specified costs. The EMD is a calculation based on gross revenue and is therefore not considered an income tax. Both the SMD and EMD will be deductible for income tax purposes.
Management is currently disputing the SMD, in a joint action lawsuit with other Mexican mining companies, with the applicable Mexican government authority. Management believes that the SMD is unconstitutional and should be overturned. In accordance with IFRS reporting standards, however, the estimated effect of the SMD has been accrued to the current and deferred income tax provisions as stated above. Should the Company be successful in overturning the SMD, in whole or in part, the accrued tax liabilities stated above will be reversed to recovery of income taxes in the applicable period.
|
|
20. |
Subsequent event |
Private Placement
Subsequent to April 30, 2022, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement for $1,200,000 upon the issuance of 6,000,000 units (the “Units”) at a price of $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (the “Warrants”), each whole Warrant exercisable for a period of four years from the date of issue to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 per share, provided that, if after the expiry of all resale restrictions, the closing price of the Company’s shares is equal to or greater than $0.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may, by notice to the Warrant holders reduce the remaining exercise period of the Warrants to not less than 30 days following the date of such notice.
The Company paid $48,000 as a finder’s fee for the portion of the financing attributable to the finder’s efforts. All of the securities issued pursuant to this private placement will have a hold period expiring four months plus one day after the closing date.
31
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
For the year ended April 30, 2022
Directors and Officers as at July 27, 2022:
Directors:
|
Pierre Alarie Gary Arca |
|
Robert Eadie |
|
Jordan Estra Salvador Garcia |
|
Tanya Lutzke |
|
Federico Villaseñor
|
Officers:
|
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer– Robert Eadie President – Pierre Alarie Chief Operating Officer - Salvador Garcia |
|
Chief Financial Officer – Gary Arca |
|
Corporate Secretary – Cory Kent |
|
|
Contact Name:Gary Arca
Contact e-mail address:garca@starcore.com
TSX Symbol:SAM
Suite 750 – 580 Hornby Street, Box 113, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3B6
Telephone: (604) 602-4935 Fax: (604) 602-4936 e-mail. info@starcore.com website: www.starcore.com
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 2
Form 51-102-F1
STARCORE INTERNATIONAL MINES LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
For the year ended April 30, 2022
|
1. |
Date of This Report |
This MD&A is prepared as of July 27, 2022.
This Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Starcore International Mines Ltd. (“Starcore”, or the “Company”) for the year ended April 30, 2022.
Monetary amounts throughout this MD&A are shown in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated.
This MD&A includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. Such statements and information include without limitation: statements regarding timing and amounts of capital expenditures and other assumptions; estimates of future reserves, resources, mineral production and sales; estimates of mine life; estimates of future mining costs, cash costs, mine site costs; estimates of future capital expenditures and other cash needs, and expectations as to the funding thereof; statements and information as to the projected development of certain ore deposits, including estimates of exploration, development and production and other capital costs, and estimates of the timing of such exploration, development and production or decisions with respect to such exploration, development and production; estimates of reserves and resources, and statements and information regarding anticipated future exploration; the anticipated timing of events with respect to the Company’s minesite and; statements and information regarding the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources. Such statements and information reflect the Company’s views as at the date of this document and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Many factors, known and unknown could cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements and information. Such risks include, but are not limited to: the volatility of prices of gold and other metals; uncertainty of mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral grades and mineral recovery estimates; uncertainty of future production, capital expenditures, and other costs; currency fluctuations; financing of additional capital requirements; cost of exploration and development programs; mining risks, risks associated with foreign operations; risks related to title issues; governmental and environmental regulation; and the volatility of the Company’s stock price. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
|
2. |
|
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 3
|
Overall Performance |
Description of Business
Starcore is engaged in exploring, extracting and processing gold and silver through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Compañia Minera Peña de Bernal, S.A. de C.V. (“Bernal”), which owns the San Martin mine in Queretaro, Mexico. The Company is a public reporting issuer on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”). The Company is also engaged in acquiring mining related operating assets and exploration assets in North America directly and through corporate acquisitions. The Company has interests in properties which are exclusively located in Mexico and Canada.
Recent Events
Scottie Resources Acquires 3% NSR in Summit Lake
Starcore and Scottie Resources Corp. (“Scottie”) are pleased to announce that Scottie has acquired the 3% net smelter royalty interest (“NSR”) attached to the Summit Lake Property in the Skeena Mining Division of British Columbia. Tenajon Resources Corp., Starcore’s wholly-owned subsidiary, held the 3% NSR in and to certain located mineral claims and crown granted mineral claims comprising the Summit Lake Property, over which Scottie has an option to purchase a 100% interest.
Scottie acquired the NSR from Starcore’s subsidiary in consideration of $1.6 million. The Summit Lake claims are contiguous with the Scottie Gold Mine property and are within the prolific Golden Triangle of Northern British Columbia.
Starcore Private Placement
Subsequent to April 30, 2022, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement for $1,200,000 upon the issuance of 6,000,000 units (the “Units”) at a price of $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (the “Warrants”), each whole Warrant exercisable for a period of four years from the date of issue to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 per share, provided that, if after the expiry of all resale restrictions, the closing price of the Company’s shares is equal to or greater than $0.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may, by notice to the Warrant holders reduce the remaining exercise period of the Warrants to not less than 30 days following the date of such notice.
The proceeds of the private placement will be used for geophysical surveys to be conducted at the Company’s projects in Sonora and Queretaro, Mexico. Certain insiders, namely the Company’s CEO and CFO, participated in the private placement. Information required by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 “Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions” will be included in a material change report to be filed by the Company under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company will pay $48,000 as a finder’s fee for the portion of the financing attributable to the finder’s efforts. All of the securities issued pursuant to this private placement will have a hold period expiring four months plus one day after the closing date.
Starcore Announces US$2 Million Exploration Program for 2022
Starcore is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved a US$2 million exploration budget for its most prolific projects.
Firstly, Starcore has budgeted US$500,000 for El Creston, an advanced moly project located in Opodepe, Sonora Mexico, where Starcore will inject US$500,000 for studies to confirm the presence of a copper porphyry at depth. The program will include surveys, geophysical studies of magnetometry, and the development of new geological models from existing drillhole data.
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 4
Fig 1) Zoom Model Lowell & Guilbert, 1970, representing geologic model of El Creston Porphyry Mo-Cu, and the open potential deep HB.
(HB: Hydrothermal Breccia; IB; intrusive Breccia).
Secondly, a budget of US$1 million has been allocated for the San Martin Mine concession with the following objectives:
a. To search for the extension of the San Martin Breccia in the southwest and eastern part of the mine
Fig 2) Geological Model San Martin Breccias, representing Eastern and Southern part of the deposit.
b. To confirm the geological potential of the north part of the concessions in the areas of Cerro Azul (North Area)
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 5
Fig 3) Claim Map representing Cerro Azul Area.
Lastly, the balance of the exploration budget of US$500,000 will be allocated towards new opportunities where Starcore has been invited to participate in potential joint ventures, such as the gold and silver project called California located in Durango, Mexico, a concession of 3, 211 hectares, which is part of the mineralization trend of the San Dimas District.
Fig 4) California claim - a new target of Starcore International Mines
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 6
Salvador Garcia, B. Eng., a director of the Company and Chief Operating Officer, is the Company’s qualified person on the projects as required under NI 43-101and has prepared the technical information contained above.
Financial Highlights for the period ended April 30, 2022:
|
|
• |
Cash and short-term investments on hand is $8.8 million at April 30, 2022 compared to $4.4 million at April 30, 2021; |
|
|
• |
Gold and silver sales of $25.7 million for the year ended April 30, 2022 compared to $26.8 million for the year ended April 30, 2021; |
|
|
• |
Earnings from mining operations of $5.3 million for the year ended April 30, 2022 compared to earnings of $6.4 million for the year ended April 30, 2021; |
|
|
• |
Earnings of $2.4 million for the year ended April 30, 2022 compared to earnings of $2.9 million for year ended April 30, 2021, including a gain of $1.6 million on sale of royalties; |
|
|
• |
Equivalent gold production of 11,165 ounces in the year ended April 30, 2022 compared to production of 11,797 ounces in the year ended April 30, 2021; |
|
|
• |
Mine operating cash cost is US$1,239/EqOz for the year ended April 30, 2022 compared to cost of US$1,056/EqOz for the year ended April 30, 2021; |
|
|
• |
All-in sustaining costs of US$1,601/EqOz for the year ended April 30, 2022, compared to costs of US$1,380/EqOz for the year ended April 30, 2021; |
|
|
• |
EBITDA(1) of $4,841 for the year ended April 30, 2022 compared to $6,941 for the year ended April 30, 2021. |
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 7
|
Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA(1) |
|
|
|
For the year ended April 30, |
2022 |
2021 |
|
Net income (loss) |
$2,405 |
$2,892 |
|
Loss on Toiyabe |
40 |
1,116 |
|
Unrealized loss on investment |
287 |
- |
|
Sale of royalties |
(1,600) |
- |
|
Income tax expense (recovery) |
296 |
(1,449) |
|
Interest |
- |
23 |
|
Depreciation and depletion |
3,413 |
4,359 |
|
EBITDA |
$4,841 |
$6,941 |
|
EBITDA MARGIN(2) |
18.9% |
25.9% |
(1) EBITDA (“Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization”) is a non-GAAP financial performance measure with no standard definition under IFRS. It is therefore possible that this measure could not be comparable with a similar measure of another Corporation. The Corporation uses this non-GAAP measure which can also be helpful to investors as it provides a result which can be compared with the Corporation market share price.
(2) EBITDA MARGIN is a measurement of a company’s operating profitability calculated as EBITDA divided by total revenue. EBITDA MARGIN is a non-GAAP financial performance measure with no standard definition under IFRS. It is therefore possible that this measure could not be comparable with a similar measure of another Corporation. The Corporation uses this non-GAAP measure which can also be helpful to investors as it provides a result which can be compared with the Corporation market share price.
|
3. |
Selected Annual Information |
The highlights of financial data for the Company for the three most recently completed financial years are as follows:
|
Twelve Months Ended |
April 30, 2022 |
April 30, 2021 |
April 30, 2020 |
|||
|
Revenues |
$25,679 |
$26,799 |
$24,820 |
|||
|
Cost of Sales |
(20,373) |
(20,397) |
(22,836) |
|||
|
Earnings from mining operations |
5,306 |
6,402 |
1,984 |
|||
|
Administrative Expenses |
(3,878) |
(3,843) |
(4,396) |
|||
|
Loss on Toiyabe |
(40) |
(1,116) |
- |
|||
|
Loss on investment |
(287) |
- |
- |
|||
|
Royalty sale |
1,600 |
- |
- |
|||
|
Write off Altiplano |
- |
- |
(39) |
|||
|
Income tax (expense)/ recovery |
(296) |
1,449 |
(1,178) |
|||
|
Total income/ (loss) |
|
|
|
|||
|
(i) Total income/ (loss) |
$2,405 |
$2,892 |
$(3,629) |
|||
|
(ii) Income/ (loss) per share – basic |
$0.05 |
$0.06 |
$(0.07) |
|||
|
(iii) Income/ (loss) per share – diluted |
$0.05 |
$0.06 |
$(0.07) |
|||
|
Total assets |
$52,041 |
$46,471 |
$54,413 |
|||
|
Total long-term liabilities |
$8,225 |
$7,531 |
$10,855 |
|||
|
4. |
Results of Operations |
Discussion of Acquisitions, Operations and Financial Condition
The following should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes attached thereto for the year ended April 30, 2022.
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 8
4.1San Martín Mine, Queretaro, Mexico
The San Martin Mine, located approximately 50 km east of the City of Queretaro, State of Queretaro, Mexico, consists of mining concessions covering 13,077 hectares and includes seven underground mining units and four units under exploration. Luismin (now “Goldcorp Mexico”) operated the mine from 1993 to January, 2007, when it was purchased by the Company. The Company expects to continue to operate the mine based on the current expected conversion of known resources, and exploration is able to maintain proven and probable reserves replacing those mined with new reserves, such that the total resource remains relatively constant from year to year.
Starcore has staked additional claims near its principal producing gold property, the San Martin gold mine, in Querétaro, Mexico. The geology department has completed a staking initiative that includes new claims to the west of the current mineral rights of the San Martin mine on private property, that holds exploration and development upside.
Reserves
The Company completed a Resource estimate “RESERVES AND RESOURCES IN THE SAN MARTIN MINE, MEXICO AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2019”, as filed on December 2, 2019, prepared by Erme Enriquez. (the “Technical Report”), which is also available on the Company website www.starcore.com.
All assumptions are listed at the bottom of the reserve and resource table.
1. Reserve cut-off grades are based on a 1.66 g/t gold equivalent.
2. Metallurgical Recoveries of 88% gold and 55% silver.
3. Minimum mining widths of 1.5 meters.
4. Dilution factor of 20%.
5. Gold equivalents based on a 1:81 gold:silver ratio.
6. Price assumptions of $1300 per ounce for gold and $16 per ounce for silver.
7. Mineral resources are estimated exclusive of and in addition to mineral reserves.
Erme Enriquez C.P.G., BSc., MSc., is an independent consultant to the Company. He is a qualified person on the project as required under NI 43-101 and has prepared this technical information.
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 9
Production
The following table is a summary of mine production statistics for the San Martin mine for the three months and year ended April 30, 2022 and for the previous year ended April 30, 2021:
|
(Unaudited) |
Unit of measure |
Actual results |
Actual results |
Actual results |
|
3 months ended |
12 months ended |
12 months ended |
||
|
30-Apr-22 |
30-Apr-22 |
30-Apr-21 |
||
|
Mine production of gold in dore |
thousand ounces |
2.6 |
10.0 |
10.5 |
|
Mine production of silver in dore |
thousand ounces |
25.2 |
85.4 |
103.4 |
|
Total mine production – equivalent ounces |
thousand ounces |
2.9 |
11.2 |
11.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver to Gold equivalency ratio |
|
78.2 |
75.0 |
78.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine Gold grade |
grams/tonne |
1.65 |
1.58 |
1.63 |
|
Mine Silver grade |
grams/tonne |
27.2 |
23.0 |
24.7 |
|
Mine Gold recovery |
percent |
88.6% |
88.2% |
88.4% |
|
Mine Silver recovery |
percent |
52.3% |
51.4% |
57.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Milled |
thousands of tonnes |
55.4 |
224.4 |
225.5 |
|
Mine development, preparation and exploration |
meters |
1,770 |
7,474 |
7,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mine operating cash cost per tonne milled |
US dollars/tonne |
65 |
62 |
55 |
|
Mine operating cash cost per equivalent ounce |
US dollars/ounces |
1,234 |
1,239 |
1,056 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of employees/contractors at minesite |
|
253 |
253 |
244 |
During the quarter ended April 30, 2022, the mill operated at a rate of approximately 622 (April 30, 2021: 589) milled tonnes/day. Gold and silver grades during the quarter ending April 30, 2022 were 1.65 g/t and 27.2 g/t, respectively, compared to the prior year quarter ended April 30, 2021 comparable grades of 1.52 g/t and 24.6 g/t, respectively. Overall equivalent gold production from the mine during the year ending April 30, 2022 of 11,165 equivalent ounces was lower than the prior year’s production of 11,797 due to higher ore grades and recovery and tonnes processed during the prior period. Overall development meters have increased slightly in the current year, to 7,474 meters, compared to 7,426 meters in the prior year ended April 30, 2021. The development has been consistent with the current calendar period production tonnage budgeted.
Production cash costs of the mine for the year ended April 30, 2022 were higher at US$1,239/EqOz compared to US$1,056/EqOz in the prior comparable period ending April 30, 2021 due mainly to lower metal production and higher per ton costs in the current year. Overall cost per tonne averaged US$62/t, compared to US$55/t in the prior year due mainly to higher input costs for labour, electricity and fuel in the current year coupled with higher development costs per meter and to a less favourable exchange rate. The mine plan has been developed to ensure the mine is properly developed and mined so as to ensure a constant supply of ore in accordance with currently planned production capacity and ore grades. Changes to the plan that may involve production and capital investment are continually being assessed by management. Currently, the Company is continuing underground exploration in order to identify higher grade ore zones and has allocated an adequate budget to support year-long exploration.
During the quarter ended April 30, 2022, the Company incurred approximately US$711 in mine capital expenditures, which includes mine development drifting and drilling, machinery and equipment leases and purchases, and construction and tailings dam remediation, compared to US$345 in the prior comparable quarter ending April 30, 2021.
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 10
4.2 Property Activity
San Martin properties – Queretaro, Mexico
The San Martin mine properties are comprised of mining concessions covering 13,077 hectares. In addition to the ongoing mine exploration and development that is currently being performed in development of the mine, management is continually assessing the potential for further exploration and development of the San Martin properties and continually modifying the exploration budget accordingly.
The mine operates two underground and one surface drill rigs to provide information to assist with mine planning in addition to exploration, with the intent of increasing the reserves and resources on the property, and the Company is budgeting targets of approximately 10,000 metres of underground development and exploration drilling in calendar 2022.
The mine exploration is mainly focused in two areas:
|
|
- |
The first one being the northwest area of the mine, which is a continuation of the high grade oreshoot that has been the main source in determining the life of the mine. We are currently exploring this zone along with the manto identified from prior holes according to geological interpretation; and, |
|
|
- |
The second area is in the eastern part of the mine where we have identified 4 positive holes. Similar to the northwest zone, we are developing a drift to reach these holes and, at the same time, we are developing to get position for the next drilling station to continue the exploration of this zone. |
“This quarter’s production was higher than previous quarters, but more importantly, we have achieved more stable production due to the consolidation of the exploration carried out during the year resulting in new higher-grade reserves” stated Salvador Garcia, Chief Operating Officer of the Company. “This has further entrenched our main objective of producing profitable ounces in all areas of the mine.” An important contributor to the good results this quarter was the unexplored area of the San Martin vein, mentioned in the Q3 Production Results press release of February 17, 2022. Preparation and development of this vein during this quarter allowed us to commence exploitation which found that the ore grade was better than we expected. Further development is ongoing. “Another important area of the mine is the east part of the mine where we drilled positive holes last year. The development to this area has finally been completed to begin the preparation and exploitation of the vein”, further commented Salvador Garcia.
| San Martin Production Q4 2022 Q3 2022Q/Q Change YTD 2022YTD 2021Y/Y Change Ore Milled (Tonnes)55,37856,712 -2%224,438225,504 0%Gold Equivalent Ounces2,9002,58812%11,16511,797 -5%Gold Grade (Grams/Ton)1.651.4613%1.581.63 -3%Silver Grade (Grams/Ton)27.1521.1328%22.9924.71 -7%Gold Recovery (%)88.6488.071%88.2288.39 0%Silver Recovery (%)52.2645.8314%51.3756.09 -10%Gold: Silver Ratio78.2377.9275.0478.28
|
|
|
|
|
Salvador Garcia, Chief Operating Officer, is the Company’s qualified person under NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure on the San Martin Mine disclosed in this MD&A.
Creston Moly
On February 19, 2015, the Company acquired all of the shares of Creston Moly from Deloitte Restructuring Inc. in its capacity as trustee in bankruptcy of Mercator Minerals Ltd. at a purchase price of CDN $2 Million. In June, 2011, Mercator Minerals Ltd. (“Mercator”), a TSX listed company, acquired Creston Moly in a cash and shares deal valuing Creston Moly at approximately $194 million. BMO Capital Markets, financial advisor to Creston Moly and its Board, provided a fairness opinion to the effect that the consideration (of $194 million) was fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 11
Creston Moly.1 The most significant asset in this acquisition was the El Creston project in Sonora, Mexico which had been advanced to a completed Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"). Creston Moly is a British Columbia company that owns, through its subsidiaries, a 100% interest in the following properties:
El Creston Project, Sonora, Mexico2
The El Creston molybdenum property is located in the State of Sonora, Mexico, 175 kilometres south of the US Border and 145 kilometers northeast of the city of Hermosillo. In 2010, a PEA was prepared on the property based on zones of porphyry-style molybdenum (“Mo”)/Copper (“Cu”) mineralization by an independent consulting firm. The result of this study indicated that the El Creston molybdenum-copper deposit had a US $561.9million net present value after tax (using an 8% discount rate). The internal rate of return (after tax) was calculated to be 22.3% and a capital cost payback was calculated to be four years. Other highlights of the report include:
|
|
• |
Large moly-copper deposit in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Total Measured and Indicated Resources of 215 million tonnes grading 0.071% Mo and 0.06% Cu, containing 336 Mlbs Mo and 281 Mlbs Cu. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability; |
|
|
• |
Initial Capital cost: US$655.9million with payback of 4 years, based on metal prices of $15/lb Mo and $2.60/lb Cu. Metal recoveries were estimated at 88% for Mo and 84% for Cu; |
|
|
• |
Low Operating Cost: operating cost of $US4.12/lb Mo, net of copper credits, 0.84:1 waste to ore strip ratio within an optimized pit containing an additional 7.6 million tonnes of Inferred Resources responsible for $20M of the NPV; |
|
|
• |
Excellent infrastructure: Road accessible with a 230kV power grid within 50 km; |
|
|
• |
Apart from the PEA, recommendations have been made to test known mineralization below the current pit-limiting “Creston Fault” where results such as drill hole EC08-54 returned 241.4m at 0.083% Mo and 0.059% Cu to a depth of 495m in the Red Hill Deep zone. |
David Visagie, P.Geo., an independent consultant, is the Company’s qualified person under NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure on the El Creston Project disclosed in this report.
Ajax, British Columbia, Canada3
Ajax Molybdenum Property is comprised of 11,718 hectares and is located 13 km north of Alice Arm, British Columbia. The Ajax Property, one of North America's largest undeveloped molybdenum deposits occupying a surface area of approximately 600 by 650 metres, is a world class primary molybdenum property in the advanced stage of exploration.
Recent work performed
|
Starcore announced the results of an eight-day prospecting, soil and rock chip sampling program completed at its Ajax Property located 15 km north of Kitsault in northwestern B.C.’s well-known mineralized belt, the “Golden Triangle”. The property, measuring 1718.65 hectares in size, was acquired by Starcore in 2015 through its purchase of Creston Moly Corp. and its subsidiary Tenajon Resources Corp. The property hosts the very large Ajax porphyry molybdenum occurrence that has been tested by 48 drill holes, beginning in the mid 1960’s. During Starcore’s September, 2021 limited field program, |
|
|
1 |
The information in this report relating to the acquisition of Creston Moly by Mercator has been drawn from documents filed under the Creston Moly Corp. issuer profile on SEDAR, more specifically: Creston’s Management Information Circular dated May 9, 2011 and filed on SEDAR on May 16, 2011, and Creston’s news release of June 6, 2011 as filed on SEDAR on June 7, 2011. |
|
2 |
The technical information in this MD&A relating to the El Creston Project is based on the technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment, El Creston Project, Opodepe, Sonora, Mexico”, dated December 16, 2010, filed under the Creston Moly Corp. issuer profile on SEDAR.. Information regarding the effective date of the mineral resources, key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resources, and known risks that materially affect the mineral resources can be found in the technical report. The PEA provides information on El Creston that is historical and the Company cannot guarantee the accuracy of the data presented therein. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on the historical data or its implications that have been derived from third-party sources. The PEA is referenced herein solely for historic context and background. |
|
3 |
Technical information in this report relating to the Ajax Project is based on the NI 43-101 Resource Estimate Press Release entitled “Tenajon Announces 75% Increase in Indicated Molybdenum Resources at Ajax Project”, dated May 15, 2008 and the technical report entitled “Update of Resource Estimation, Ajax Property, Alice Arm, British Columbia”, dated April 18, 2007, both of which are filed under the Tenajon Resources Corp. issuer profile on SEDAR. |
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 12
|
rock and soil sampling have revealed the potential for precious and base metal potential beyond the limits of the known molybdenum mineralization. |
Three rock samples collected from mineralization exposed in old pits along the south spine of Mt. McGuire, about 1.3 km from the known molybdenum mineralization, assayed up to 4.1 grams per tonne (g/t) silver, 0.23% copper, over limit for analysis method (greater than 100 g/t) tungsten and 794 g/t cobalt. In addition, two quartz veins sampled downslope from these pits assayed over limit (greater than 100 g/t) silver and over limit (greater than 1%) lead and zinc and over limit (greater than 0.2%) bismuth. These samples have been resubmitted to the lab for analyses using an ore grade methodology. Mineralization sampled in the vicinity of a documented BC MINFILE occurrence Ida, northeast of Mt. McGuire peak, assayed over limit (greater than 100 g/t) tungsten, 1.1 g/t silver and anomalous molybdenum and copper.
Soil sampling during the 2021 fieldwork identified two areas to the southwest of the known molybdenum mineralization. The North Anomaly, as defined by the 50 ppm molybdenum in soil contour, is 300 metres (m) long by 500 m wide. It trends westerly and is open along strike to the east and west. The South Anomaly is a 700 m long and open up to 500 m wide, east-west trend of anomalous gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, cobalt and arsenic in-soil values.
Starcore is planning additional fieldwork for 2022 to further explore the potential of the higher level porphyry mineralization discovered in 2021.
Ian Webster P.Geo. is the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, who has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this release.
Opodepe Project, Sonora State, Mexico
The Company announced the start of DDH exploration on its MEZTLI 4 and TEOCUITLA claims located in Opodepe, Sonora, Mexico (see Fig.1). This first stage explores five different veins that were discovered after more than eight months of geological works with more than 2000 samples taken (see Fig. 2). As reported in its news release of August 17, 2021, the Opodepe project represents a three-dimensional prospect for Starcore with possibilities as a moly deposit, or as a property with gold showings, and thirdly as a project with the potential for copper porphyry at depth. These concessions of 11,364 hectares (the MEZTLI 4 claims) have never been explored for precious metals. With the acquisition of 3,087 hectares northwest of the MEZTLI 4 claims (the TEOCUITLA concessions), Starcore now has a total of 14,451 hectares to explore, with five veins identified thus far for the initial stage of drilling.
Fig. 1 OPODEPE PROJECT LOCATION
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 13
Fig. 2 MAP SHOWING THE 5 VEINS TO BE EXPLORED FIRST STAGE
|
# Targets |
Target |
Claim |
Recognized surface length (mt) |
Economic length (mt) Surface |
Economic width (mt) Surface |
Au g/t |
Ag g/t |
|
1 |
Mana System |
Meztli 4 |
2100 |
300 |
1.07 |
0.52 |
250 |
|
2 |
Karla System NW |
1815 |
280 |
0.53 |
3.52 |
13 |
|
|
3 |
Nom |
520 |
200 |
0.55 |
4.19 |
43 |
|
|
4 |
El Guerigo |
1800 |
110 |
0.98 |
0.11 |
162 |
|
|
5 |
San Gerónimo |
196 |
100 |
0.40 |
0.40 |
120 |
|
|
6 |
Midas Vein |
New claims acquired |
580 |
190 |
0.73 |
0.20 |
160 |
|
7 |
La Aurora - La Espinada Vein |
old Dumps |
0.21 |
241 |
|||
|
8 |
La Última |
Old mining non visited |
|||||
|
9 |
El Oro |
Other claim |
500 |
70 |
0.53 |
10.30 |
5 |
Fig. 3 TABLE OF ASSAYS LAB RESULTS
Salvador Garcia, B. Eng., a director of the Company and Chief Operating Officer, is the Company’s qualified person on the project as required under NI 43-101 and has prepared the technical information contained above.
Scottie Claims Royalty, Canada
Pursuant to the acquisition of Tenajon as part of the Creston Moly acquisition above, the Company acquired a 3% NSR in the Scottie gold claims located in B.C. During the year ended April 30, 2022, the Company sold its 3% NSR to Scottie Resources Corp. for $1,600. As the NSR was not allocated a value on purchase of Creston, the full amount is shown as a gain on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended April 30, 2022.
Toiyabe, Nevada, USA
The Company had the rights to a 100% undivided interest in the Toiyabe Gold Project (“Toiyabe”), subject to a 3% net smelter revenue royalty (“NSR”), consisting of 165 mining claims located in Lander County, Nevada, United States of America. During the year ended April 30, 2021, the Company entered into a binding agreement with Westward Gold Inc. (formerly IM Exploration Inc.) (“WG”) for the assignment of the Company’s option to acquire a 100% interest in Toiyabe from the Optionor. The Company has transferred all of its rights and WG will assumed all property claim and maintenance
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 14
payments and all obligations under the current option agreement with Optionor. As consideration for the transfer of the Company’s option to acquire Toiyabe, WG made a cash payment of US$150,000 and issued the Company 4,100,000 common shares in the capital of WG which were received by our escrow agent and valued at fair market value at date of issue of $0.19 per share subject to a contractual escrow period of twelve (12) months following the date of issuance, with 25% being released every three (3) months from closing of the Transaction ( All of the shares have been released).
Impairment of Mining Interest
In determining the recoverable amounts of the Company’s mining interests, the Company’s management makes estimates of the discounted future cash flows expected to be derived from the Company’s mining properties, costs to sell the mining properties and the appropriate discount rate. The projected cash flows are significantly affected by changes in assumptions about gold’s selling price, future capital expenditures, changes in the amount of recoverable reserves, resources, and exploration potential, production cost estimates, discount rates and exchange rates.
|
4.3 |
Results of Operations |
The Company recorded earnings for the year ended April 30, 2022 of $2,010 compared with $2,892 for the comparative year ended April 30, 2021. The details of the Company’s operating results and related revenues and expenses are as follows:
|
2022 |
2021 |
Variance |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
Mined ore |
$25,679 |
$26,799 |
$(1,120) |
|
Cost of Sales |
|
|
|
|
Mined ore |
(16,960) |
(16,038) |
(922) |
|
Depreciation and depletion |
(3,413) |
(4,359) |
946 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Cost of Sales |
(20,373) |
(20,397) |
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from mining operations |
5,306 |
6,402 |
(1,096) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing costs (net) |
(181) |
(148) |
(33) |
|
Foreign exchange gain/ (loss) |
85 |
(697) |
782 |
|
Management and director fees and salaries |
(1,271) |
(1,283) |
12 |
|
Office and administration |
(913) |
(598) |
(315) |
|
Professional and consulting fees |
(835) |
(738) |
(97) |
|
Pre-exploration costs |
(31) |
(47) |
16 |
|
Shareholder relations |
(644) |
(220) |
(424) |
|
Transfer agent and regulatory fees |
(88) |
(112) |
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before taxes and other losses |
1,428 |
2,559 |
(1,131) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other gains/ (losses) |
|
|
|
|
Unrealized loss on investment |
(287) |
- |
(287) |
|
Royalty sales - Tenajon |
1,600 |
- |
1,600 |
|
Loss on Toiyabe |
- |
(1,116) |
1,116 |
|
Loss on sale of exploration property |
(40) |
- |
(40) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
|
|
Deferred recovery |
(296) |
1,449 |
(1,745) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings for the year |
$2,405 |
$2,892 |
$(487) |
Overall, revenue from mining operations decreased by $1,120 for the year ended April 30, 2022 compared to the comparative year ended April 30, 2021, due mainly to lower metal production from a combination of lower ore grade and recovery in the current year compared to the prior comparable year.
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 15
Sales of metals for mining operations for the year ended April 30, 2022 approximated 9,846 ounces of gold and 86,919 ounces of silver sold at average prices in the year of US$1,838 and US$24.52 per ounce, respectively. This is a decrease in sale of gold and silver ounces when compared to the prior comparable year ended April 30, 2021 where sales of metal approximated 10,161 ounces of gold and 94,218 ounces of silver, sold at lower average prices of US$1,825 per ounce for gold and higher average prices of US$25.38 per ounce for silver.
The total cost of sales above includes non-cash expenses for depreciation and depletion of $3,413 compared to $4,359 in the prior comparable year ending April 30, 2021, which is calculated based on the units of production from the mine over the expected mine production as a denominator. This calculation is based solely on the San Martin mine proven and probable reserves and a percentage of inferred resources in accordance with the Company’s policy of recognizing the value of expected Resources which will be converted to Proven and Probable Reserves, as assessed by management. The decrease is largely due to higher amortization costs in the prior year of the leases on mobile equipment in accordance with the change to IFRS 16, and the higher production tonnage calculated over the total resource in the prior year.
For the year ending April 30, 2022, the Company had gross profit of $5,306 from mine operations compared to gross profit of $6,402 for the year ended April 30, 2021. The lower gross profit was due to lower production of metal resulting from, as stated previously, the lower tonnes processed, the lower grades and recovery for metal and the higher mine operating costs per tonne during this year.
Other Items
Changes in other items for the year ended April 30, 2022, resulted in the following significant changes from the year ended April 30, 2021:
|
|
• |
Management fees and salaries decreased by $12 despite the addition of the president in the 4th quarter due to previous reductions in salaries and lower share based compensation costs; |
|
|
• |
Foreign exchange gain increased by $782 for the year ended April 30, 2022. The increase relates primarily to the fluctuations of the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar in relation to the US dollar, the functional currency of the mining operations, and may be realized or unrealized at the year end; |
|
|
• |
Professional and consulting fees increased by $97 to $835 for the year ended April 30, 2022. Professional fees relate primarily to charges in relations to legal, tax and audit fees and increased mainly due to the sale of Scottie NSR and the acquisition of the Opodepe Project; |
|
|
• |
Shareholder relations increased by $424 in the current year due to an increase in marketing expenses associated with European markets; |
|
|
• |
Deferred Income Tax (“DIT”) expense increased by $1,745 due mainly to the difference in asset base of the underlying amounts that determine the temporary differences from year to year and utilization of losses in the current year against taxable income. |
All-in Sustaining Costs
In conjunction with a non-GAAP initiative being undertaken within the gold mining industry, the Company has adopted an “all-in sustaining cash cost” (“AISC”) non-GAAP performance measure that the Company believes more fully defines the total costs associated with producing gold; however this performance measure has no standardized meaning. As the measure seeks to reflect the full cost of equivalent gold production from current mining operations, new project capital is not included in the calculation. This measure includes San Martin mining operations coupled with related capital costs. Accordingly it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company reports this measure on a sales basis based solely on sales of metal from the San Martin mining operations:
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 16
|
(In Canadian Dollars unless indicated) |
Sustaining Costs (in 000’s) |
Sustaining Costs Per Ounce (in $/oz) |
||
|
For the year ended April 30, |
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of sales cash costs1 |
$16,960 |
$16,038 |
$1,540 |
$1,398 |
|
Total corporate and administration cash costs1,2 |
3,803 |
2,902 |
346 |
253 |
|
Foreign exchange (gain)/loss |
85 |
697 |
7 |
61 |
|
Reclamation and closure accretion |
160 |
85 |
15 |
7 |
|
Sustaining capital expenditures and exploration |
1,097 |
974 |
100 |
85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-in sustaining cash costs |
22,105 |
20,696 |
2,008 |
1,804 |
|
Foreign exchange adjustment |
(4,479) |
(4,866) |
(407) |
(424) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-in sustaining USD cash costs |
$17,626 |
$15,830 |
$1,601 |
$1,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equivalent ounces sold |
11,006 |
11,471 |
|
|
1 Excludes non-cash depletion and depreciation of $3,340 from cost of sales and from corporate and administration costs for the year ended April 30, 2022 (April 30, 2021: $4,456).
2 Includes share-based compensation of $140 for the year ended April 30, 2022 (April 30, 2021: $72).
The AISC of US$1,601/EqOz is higher than the prior year comparable amount of US$1,380/EqOz due mainly to the lower metal production resulting from lower production tonnage processing lower grade ore and realizing lower recoveries which increased per ounce costs. Overall mine costs were also higher averaging US$62/t, compared to US$55/t in the prior year due mainly to higher input costs for labour, electricity and fuel in the current year coupled with higher development costs per meter and to a less favourable exchange rate.
Cash Flows
Cash inflow from operating activities was $5,833 during the year ended April 30, 2022, compared to a cash inflow of $7,728 for the comparative year ended April 30, 2021. Cash flows from operating activities were determined by removing non-cash expenses from the earnings and adjusting for non-cash working capital amounts. Financing activities resulted in an outflow of $611 (April 30, 2021: $3,958) due to lease payments. Cash outflow from investing activities was $1,017 due to the Company spending $1,846 on investment in mining interest, plant and equipment, $905 on investment in exploration and evaluation assets, offset by proceeds from sale of royalty of $1,600 and reclamation deposits being return to the Company of $134. Overall cash increased during the year ended April 30, 2022 by $4,205.
Investor Relations Activities
During the year ended April 30, 2022, the Company responded directly to investor inquiries.
Financings, Principal Purposes & Milestones
Subsequent to April 30, 2022, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement for $1,200,000 upon the issuance of 6,000,000 units (the “Units”) at a price of $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (the “Warrants”), each whole Warrant exercisable for a period of four years from the date of issue to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 per share, provided that, if after the expiry of all resale restrictions, the closing price of the Company’s shares is equal to or greater than $0.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may, by notice to the Warrant holders reduce the remaining exercise period of the Warrants to not less than 30 days following the date of such notice.
The Company will pay $48,000 as a finder’s fee for the portion of the financing attributable to the finder’s efforts. All of the securities issued pursuant to this private placement will have a hold period expiring four months plus one day after the closing date.
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 17
|
5. |
Summary of Quarterly Results |
The following is a summary of the Company’s financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters:
|
Q4 30-Apr-22 |
Q3 31-Jan-22 |
Q2 31-Oct-21 |
Q1 31-Jul-21 |
|
|
Total Revenue |
$7,459 |
$5,387 |
$6,672 |
$6,161 |
|
Earnings from mining operations |
$1,956 |
$420 |
$1,366 |
$1,564 |
|
Earnings (loss) for period |
$2,179 |
$(391) |
$(318) |
$935 |
|
Per share – basic and diluted |
$0.05 |
$(0.01) |
$0.00 |
$0.02 |
|
Q4 30-Apr-21 |
Q3 31-Jan-21 |
Q2 31-Oct-20 |
Q1 31-Jul-20 |
|
|
Total Revenue |
$5,123 |
$6,614 |
$6,972 |
$8,090 |
|
Earnings from mining operations |
$15 |
$1,236 |
$2,225 |
$2,926 |
|
Earnings (loss) for period |
$(875) |
$651 |
$1,452 |
$1,663 |
|
Per share – basic and diluted |
$(0.02) |
$0.01 |
$0.03 |
$0.03 |
Discussion
The Company reports earnings of $2,179 for the quarter ending April 30, 2022 compared to a loss of $875 in the comparative quarter ended April 30, 2021. For more detailed discussion on the quarterly production results and financial results for the quarter ended April 30, 2022, please refer to Sections 4.1 and 4.3 under “Results of Operations”.
|
6. |
Liquidity and Commitments |
The Company expects to continue to receive income and cash flows from the mining operations at San Martin (section 4.1). Management expects that this will result in sufficient working capital and liquidity for the Company for the next twelve months.
As at April 30, 2022, the Company had the following commitments:
The Company has a land rental commitment with respect to the land at the mine site, for $132 per year which is currently being renegotiated. The Company also has ongoing concession commitments on the mine site and on exploration and evaluation assets of approximately $700 per year.
a)The Company has a land rental commitment with respect to the land at the mine site, for $132 per year which is currently being renegotiated. The Company also has ongoing concession commitments on the mine site and on exploration and evaluation assets of approximately $700 per year.
|
|
b) |
The Company has management contracts to officers and directors totaling $600 and US$315 per year, payable monthly, expiring in April 2024 and US$400 per year until December 2023. The Company paid the following amounts to key management personnel, consisting of the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, the chief operating office and directors in the years: |
|
For the year ended April 30, |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
|
$1,141 |
$1,012 |
$838 |
||
|
Legal fees -Professional Fees |
18 |
13 |
23 |
|
|
Directors fees -Salaries |
54 |
62 |
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$1,213 |
$1,087 |
$933 |
|
The Company also accrued $87 in DSU for directors and $40 for management fees which are not included above.
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 18
|
7. |
Capital Resources |
The capital resources of the Company are the mining interests, plant and equipment, with an amortized historical cost of $29,820 as at April 30, 2022. The Company is committed to further expenditures of capital required to maintain and to further develop the San Martin mine which management believes will be funded directly from the operating cash flows of the mine.
|
8. |
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements |
The Company has no off-balance sheet transactions.
|
9. |
Transactions with Related Parties |
N/A
|
10. |
Fourth Quarter |
Due to mine operating activity of the San Martin mine discussed throughout this MD&A and as detailed in Section 4.1, the operations and activities are similar to previous quarters, which are discussed in Section 4.3 – Results of Operations.
|
11. |
Proposed Transactions |
N/A
|
12. |
Critical Accounting Estimates |
The Company makes estimates and assumptions about the future that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
The effect of a change in accounting estimate is recognized prospectively by including it in the Company’s profit or loss in the period of the change, if it affects that period only, or in the period of the change and future periods, if it affects both.
Information about critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated financial statements within the current financial period are discussed below:
|
|
a) |
Economic Recoverability and Profitability of Future Economic Benefits of Mining Interests |
Management has determined that mining interests, evaluation, development and related costs incurred which have been capitalized are economically recoverable. Management uses several criteria in its assessments of economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefit including geologic and metallurgic information, history of conversion of mineral deposits to proven and probable reserves, scoping and feasibility studies, accessible facilities, existing permits and life of mine plans.
b)Rehabilitation Provisions
Rehabilitation provisions have been created based on the Company’s internal estimates. Assumptions, based on the current economic environment, have been made which management believes are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the future liability. These estimates take into account any material changes to the assumptions that occur when reviewed regularly by management. Estimates are reviewed annually and are based on current regulatory requirements. Significant changes in estimates of contamination, restoration standards and techniques will result in changes to provisions from period to period.
Actual rehabilitation costs will ultimately depend on future market prices for the rehabilitation costs, which will reflect the market condition at the time that the rehabilitation costs are actually incurred. The final cost of the currently recognized rehabilitation provision may be higher or lower than currently provided. The inflation rate applied to
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 19
estimated future rehabilitation and closure costs is 7.65% (April 30, 2021: 3.5%) and the discount rate currently applied in the calculation of the net present value of the provision is 10% (April 30, 2021: 8%).
c)Impairments
The Company assesses its mining interest, plant and equipment assets annually to determine whether any indication of impairment exists. Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made, which is considered to be the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. These assessments require the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices, discount rates, future capital requirements, exploration potential and operating performance.
d)Income Taxes
Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company recognizes liabilities and contingencies for anticipated tax audit issues based on the Company’s current understanding of tax law. For matters where it is probable that an adjustment will be made, the Company records its best estimate of the tax liability including the related interest and penalties in the current tax provision. Management believes they have adequately provided for the probable outcome of these matters; however, the final outcome may result in a materially different outcome than the amount included in the tax liabilities.
In addition, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets relating to tax losses carried forward to the extent there are sufficient taxable temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) relating to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity against which the unused tax losses can be utilized. However, utilization of the tax losses also depends on the ability of the taxable entity to satisfy certain tests at the time the losses are recuperated.
e)Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resource Estimates
Mineral reserves are estimates of the amount of ore that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s mining properties. The Company estimates its mineral reserve and mineral resources based on information compiled by Qualified Persons as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 Standards for Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Such information includes geological data on the size, depth and shape of the mineral deposit, and requires complex geological judgments to interpret the data. The estimation of recoverable reserves is based upon factors such as estimates of commodity prices, future capital requirements, and production costs along with geological assumptions and judgments made in estimating the size and grade that comprise the mineral reserves. Changes in the mining reserve or mineral resource estimates may impact the carrying value of mineral properties and deferred development costs, property, plant and equipment, provision for site reclamation and closure, recognition of deferred income tax assets and depreciation and amortization charges.
f)Units of Production Depletion and Depreciation
Estimated recoverable reserves are used in determining the depreciation of mine specific assets. This results in depreciation charges proportional to the depletion of the anticipated remaining life of mine production. Each item’s life, which is assessed annually, has regard to both its physical life limitations and to present assessments of economically recoverable reserves of the mine property at which the asset is located. These calculations require the use of estimates and assumption, including the amount of recoverable reserves and estimate of future capital expenditure. Changes are accounted for prospectively.
|
13. |
Changes in Accounting Policies |
N/A
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 20
|
14. |
Financial and Other Instruments |
All significant financial assets, financial liabilities and equity instruments of the Company are either recognized or disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements together with other information relevant for making a reasonable assessment of future cash flows, interest rate risk and credit risk. Where practicable the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities have been determined and disclosed; otherwise only available information pertinent to fair value has been disclosed.
In the normal course of business, the Company’s assets, liabilities and forecasted transactions are impacted by various market risks, including currency risks associated with inventory, revenues, cost of sales, capital expenditures, interest earned on cash and the interest rate risk associated with floating rate debt.
Currency risk is the risk to the Company's earnings that arises from fluctuations of foreign exchange rates and the degree of volatility of these rates. The primary currency the Company exposed to is the United States dollar which is also the functional currency of the San Martin Mine. The Company does not use derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk. At April 30, 2022 the Company had the following financial assets and liabilities denominated in CDN and denominated in Mexican Pesos:
|
In ‘000 of |
CAD$ |
MXN$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
$2,224 |
MP 16,406 |
|
Other working capital amounts – net |
$(321) |
MP (11,288) |
At April 30, 2022, US dollar amounts were converted at a rate of $1.2843 Canadian dollars to $1 US dollar and MP were converted at a rate of MP20.3997 to $1 US Dollar.
|
15.1 |
Disclosure of Outstanding Share Capital as at July 27, 2022 |
|
|
Number |
Book Value |
|
Common Shares |
55,646,851 |
$51,925 |
There are no options outstanding nor any granted subsequent to April 30, 2022.
On March 7, 2022, 250,000 warrants exercisable at $0.30 per share expired unexercised. There are currently no outstanding warrants except as stated below pursuant to the private placement Units.
Subsequent to April 30, 2022, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement for $1,200,000 upon the issuance of 6,000,000 units (the “Units”) at a price of $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (the “Warrants”), each whole Warrant exercisable for a period of four years from the date of issue to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 per share, provided that, if after the expiry of all resale restrictions, the closing price of the Company’s shares is equal to or greater than $0.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may, by notice to the Warrant holders reduce the remaining exercise period of the Warrants to not less than 30 days following the date of such notice.
|
15.2 |
Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon the results of that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports it files is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the appropriate time periods and forms.
Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision of the Chief Financial Officer, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
Starcore International Mines Ltd.
MD&A
April 30, 2022
Page 21
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of audited consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. The Company’s controls include policies and procedures that:
|
|
• |
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; |
|
|
• |
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS; and |
|
|
• |
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the annual consolidated financial statements or interim financial statements. |
There has been no material change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s year ended April 30, 2022.
Limitations of Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believe that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the control. The design of any systems of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.