Americas Gold & Silver Corp 6-K, filed Mar 15, 2023
Americas Gold & Silver Corp (USAS)
About this 6-K
Americas Gold & Silver Corp filed this 6-K on March 15, 2023.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of March 2023
Commission File Number
| (Translation of registrant’s name into English) |
| |
| (Address of principal executive offices) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F
Form 20-F ☐ Form 40-F ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
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): ☐
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
SIGNATURE
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.
| AMERICAS GOLD AND SILVER CORPORATION | |
| /s/ Peter McRae | |
| Peter McRae | |
| Date: March 15, 2023 | Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs |
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| 99.1 | Audited Annual Financial Statements for year ending December 31, 2022 | |
| 99.2 | Management’s Discussion and Analysis for year ending December 31, 2022 | |
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document | |
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
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Exhibit 99.1
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AMERICAS GOLD AND SILVER CORPORATION
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
December 31, 2022 and 2021
CONTENTS
| P a g e | 1 |
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management and are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board as outlined in Part I of the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Handbook. Other information contained in this document has also been prepared by management and is consistent with the data contained in the consolidated financial statements. A system of internal control has been developed and is maintained by management to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and financial information is accurate and reliable.
The Board of Directors approves the financial statements and ensures that management discharges its financial reporting responsibilities. The Board’s review is accomplished principally through the audit committee, which is composed of non-executive directors. The audit committee meets periodically with management and the auditors to review financial reporting and control matters.
The consolidated financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and their report outlines the scope of their examination and gives their opinion on the consolidated financial statements.
| (Signed) Darren Blasutti | (Signed) Warren Varga |
| President & Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer |
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
March 15, 2023
| P a g e | 2 |
Independent Auditor’s Report
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31,2022 and 2021 and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended 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 of these consolidated financial statements 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 misstatement of the consolidated 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.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Canada
March 15, 2023
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PwC Tower, 18 York Street, Suite 2600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 0B2
T: +1 416 863 1133, F: +1 416 365 8215
“PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership.
| P a g e | 3 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Consolidated statements of financial position
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| As at | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Trade and other receivables (Note 6) | ||||||||
| Inventories (Note 7) | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| Inventories (Note 7) | - | |||||||
| Property, plant and equipment (Note 8) | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | $ | ||||||
| Metals contract liability (Note 9) | ||||||||
| Derivative instruments (Note 10) | ||||||||
| Glencore pre-payment facility (Note 11) | - | |||||||
| Promissory note (Note 12) | ||||||||
| Government loan (Note 13) | ||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | ||||||||
| Metals contract liability (Note 9) | ||||||||
| RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 10) | ||||||||
| Post-employment benefit obligations (Note 14) | ||||||||
| Decommissioning provision (Note 15) | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities (Note 22) | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Share capital (Note 16) | ||||||||
| Equity reserve | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation reserve | ||||||||
| Deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Attributable to shareholders of the Company | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interests (Note 18) | ||||||||
| Total equity | $ | $ | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | $ | ||||||
Contingencies (Note 27), Subsequent events (Note 28)
APPROVED BY THE BOARD
| (Signed) Brad Kipp | (Signed) Gordon Pridham |
| Director | Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| P a g e | 4 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)
| 2022 | 2021Revised(1) | |||||||
| Revenue (Note 19) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cost of sales (Note 20) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Depletion and amortization (Note 8) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Care and maintenance costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Corporate general and administrative (Note 21) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Exploration costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accretion on decommissioning provision | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Interest and financing expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Impairment to property, plant and equipment (Note 8) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Loss on metals contract liability (Note 9) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other gain on derivatives (Note 10 and 24) | ||||||||
| Gain on government loan forgiveness (Note 13) | ||||||||
| Loss before income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Income tax recovery (expense) (Note 22) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Attributable to: | ||||||||
| Shareholders of the Company | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Non-controlling interests (Note 18) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Other comprehensive income | ||||||||
| Items that will not be reclassified to net loss | ||||||||
| Actuarial gain on post-employment benefit obligations | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net loss | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation reserve | ( | ) | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income | ||||||||
| Comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Attributable to: | ||||||||
| Shareholders of the Company | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Non-controlling interests (Note 18) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Loss per share attributable to shareholders of the Company | ||||||||
| ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | ||||||||
| (1) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| P a g e | 5 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts in thousands of units)
| Foreign | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share capital | currency | Attributable to | Non- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common | Equity | translation | shareholders of | controlling | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | reserve | reserve | Deficit | the Company | interests | equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the year | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income for the year | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution from non-controlling interests (Note 18) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At-the-market offering (Note 16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sandstorm private placements (Note 16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retraction of RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 10) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amendment of RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 10) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payments | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the year | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution from non-controlling interests (Note 18) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At-the-market offering (Note 16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January bought deal public offering (Note 16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sandstorm private placement (Note 16) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of Sandstorm convertible debenture | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion option of RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 10) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retraction of RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 10) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amendment of RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common shares issued | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payments | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of options | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| P a g e | 6 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Consolidated statements of cash flows
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Cash flow generated from (used in) | ||||||||
| Operating activities | ||||||||
| Net loss for the year | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments for the following items: | ||||||||
| Depletion and amortization | ||||||||
| Income tax expense (recovery) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accretion and decommissioning costs | ||||||||
| Share-based payments | ||||||||
| Provision on other long-term liabilities | - | |||||||
| Deferred costs on convertible debenture | - | |||||||
| Deferred revenue | ( | ) | ||||||
| Interest and financing expense (income) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net charges on post-employment benefit obligations | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventory write-downs | ||||||||
| Impairment to property, plant and equipment | ||||||||
| Loss on metals contract liability | ||||||||
| Other gain on derivatives | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Gain on government loan forgiveness | ( | ) | - | |||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items: | ||||||||
| Trade and other receivables | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Inventories | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Trade and other payables | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Investing activities | ||||||||
| Expenditures on property, plant and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Development costs on Relief Canyon Mine | - | ( | ) | |||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Financing activities | ||||||||
| Repayments to Glencore pre-payment facility | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Lease payments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Repayments to promissory note | ( | ) | ||||||
| At-the-market offerings | ||||||||
| January bought deal public offering | - | |||||||
| Sandstorm private placements | ||||||||
| Financing from RoyCap convertible debenture | ||||||||
| Metals contract liability | ( | ) | - | |||||
| Loan payable | - | ( | ) | |||||
| Proceeds from exercise of options | - | |||||||
| Contribution from non-controlling interests | ||||||||
| Net cash generated from financing activities | ||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents consist of: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Interest paid during the year | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| P a g e | 7 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
1. Corporate information
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on May 12, 1998 and conducts mining exploration, development and production in the Americas. The address of the Company’s registered office is 145 King Street West, Suite 2870, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 1J8. The Company’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “USA” and on the New York Stock Exchange American under the symbol “USAS”.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022 were approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors of the Company on March 15, 2023.
2. Basis of presentation
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) which the Canadian Accounting Standards Board has approved for incorporation into Part I of the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Handbook. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost method, except for certain financial instruments measured at fair value. In preparing these financial statements, management has considered all available information about the future, which is at least, but not limited to, twelve months from year-end. Significant accounting judgments and estimates used by management in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are presented in Note 4.
3. Summary of significant accounting policies
The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are as follows:
a. Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements incorporate
the financial statements of the Company and the entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries, including special purpose entities).
Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so
as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements
from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Where the Company’s interest in a subsidiary is less than
The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Company elects on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis whether to measure non-controlling interest at its fair value, or at its proportionate share of the recognized amount of identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
Special Purpose Entities (“SPE’s”) as defined by the IASB in SIC 12 Consolidation–Special Purpose Entities are entities which are created to accomplish a narrow and well-defined objective (e.g. to provide services to the operating entity). SPE’s are subject to consolidation when there is an indication that the other entity controls the SPE. The Company has determined that it controlled certain SPE’s relating to service companies at its Mexican operations (4246136 Canada Inc., Servicios Especializados en Minas S.A. de C.V., Triturados Mineros del Noroeste S.A. de C.V. and Servicios Generales en Mineria S.A. de C.V.) and the accounts of those SPE’s are consolidated with those of the Company.
| P a g e | 8 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
b. Segment reporting
An operating segment is a component of the Company that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Company’s other components. Determination of operating segments are based on the reports reviewed by the chief operating decision makers that are used to make strategic decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and performance assessment, and for which discrete financial information is available. Unallocated items not directly attributable to a segment comprise mainly of corporate assets and head office expenses.
c. Presentation currency and functional currency
The Company’s presentation currency is the U.S. dollar (“USD”). The functional currency of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar (“CAD”), and the functional currency of its U.S. and Mexican subsidiaries and SPE’s is the USD. The consolidated financial statements of the Company are translated into the presentation currency. Assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate at period end, and income, expenses and cash flow items are translated using the rate that approximates the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions (the average rate for the period). All resulting exchange differences are recorded in the foreign currency translation reserve.
d. Foreign currency translations
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the entities’ functional currency at the exchange rate at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are translated at the rate in effect at the statement of financial position date, and non-monetary items at historic exchange rates at each transaction date. Revenue and expense items are translated at average exchange rates of the reporting period. Gains and losses on translation are charged to the statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
e. Revenue recognition
The Company applies the following five-step approach in recognizing revenue from contracts with customers:
| ● | Identify the enforceable contract with the customer. | |
| ● | Identify the separate performance obligations in the contract from transferring the distinct good or service. | |
| ● | Determine the transaction price for consideration of transferring the good or service. | |
| ● | Allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations identified. | |
| ● | Recognize revenue when each separate performance obligation is satisfied. |
The Company recognizes revenue through entering into concentrate sales contracts with customers with the performance obligation of delivering its concentrate production in exchange for consideration valued initially under provisional pricing arrangements. Revenue from sales is recorded at the time of delivery based on forward prices for the expected date of final settlement. The final sale prices are determined by quoted market prices in a period subsequent to the date of sale.
Subsequent variations in metal prices are recognized as embedded derivative pricing adjustments at fair value from contracts with customers.
The Company recognizes deferred revenue from advanced consideration received for fixed and variable precious metals deliveries over a specified period. Deferred revenue is recognized into revenue as performance obligations to metals delivery are satisfied over the term of the delivery contract.
The Company recognizes revenue when control of finished gold and silver, shipped in doré form, has transferred to the customer. The sale price is fixed on the date of sale primarily based on the gold and silver spot price in the London spot market.
| P a g e | 9 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
f. Defined benefit plans
The cost of defined benefit plans is determined using the projected unit credit method. The related pension liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets.
Actuarial valuations for defined benefit plans are carried out annually. The discount rate applied in arriving at the present value of the pension liability represents the yield on high quality corporate bonds denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.
Actuarial gains and losses arise from the difference between the actual long-term rate of return on plan assets for a period and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for that period, or from changes in actuarial assumptions used to determine the accrued benefit obligation. Actuarial gains and losses arising in the year are recognized in full in the period in which they occur, in other comprehensive income and retained earnings without recycling to the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss in subsequent periods.
Current service cost, the recognized element of any past service cost, interest expense arising on the pension liability and the expected return on plan assets are recognized in the same line items in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss as the related compensation cost.
The values attributed to plan liabilities are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent qualified actuaries. Service costs arising from plan amendments are recognized immediately.
g. Share-based payments
The Company’s stock option plan allows its employees (including directors and officers) and non-employees to acquire shares of the Company. Accordingly, the fair value of the option is either charged to operations or capitalized to exploration or development expenditures, depending on the accounting for the optionee’s other compensation, with a corresponding increase in equity reserve.
The costs of equity-settled transactions with employees are measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they are granted using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model.
The costs of equity-settled transactions are recognized, together with a corresponding increase in equity reserve, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (the “vesting date”). The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date up to the vesting date reflects the Company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized as at the beginning and end of that period and the corresponding amount is represented in equity reserve. No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest.
Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the expense as if the terms had not been modified. An additional expense is recognized for any modification which increases the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at the date of modification.
h. Income taxes
Income tax comprises of current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income (loss) or directly in equity, in which case the income tax is also recognized directly in other comprehensive income (loss) or equity, respectively.
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries operate and generate taxable profit. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.
| P a g e | 10 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Deferred income tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the consolidated statement of financial position date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses to the extent it is probable future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized.
The Company did not recognize any deferred income taxes relating to its investments in subsidiaries.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company has the legal right and intent to offset.
i. Earnings/loss per share
Basic earnings/loss per share is calculated by dividing the net earnings/loss for the period attributable to equity owners of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings/loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for dilutive instruments. The number of shares included with respect to options, warrants and similar instruments is computed using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method, which assumes that outstanding stock options and warrants with an average exercise price below the market price of the underlying shares, are exercised and the assumed proceeds are used to repurchase common shares of the Company at the average market price of the common shares for the period. The Company’s potentially dilutive common shares comprise stock options granted to employees, and warrants.
j. Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in the Company’s net assets that results from transactions, events and circumstances from sources other than the Company’s shareholders and includes items that would not normally be included in net earnings such as foreign currency gains or losses related to the Company’s net investment in foreign operations and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities net of tax. The Company’s comprehensive income (loss), components of other comprehensive income (loss) and cumulative translation adjustments are presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of changes in equity.
k. Inventories
Concentrates, ore stockpile, and spare parts and supplies are valued at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value. Cost for concentrates and ore stockpile includes all direct costs incurred in production including direct labour and materials, freight, depreciation and amortization and directly attributable overhead costs determined on a weighted average basis for the Mexican operations and first in, first out method for the U.S. operations. Cost for spare parts and supplies are determined using the first in, first out method. Net realizable value is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and future metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert inventories into saleable form.
Any write-downs of inventory to net realizable value are recorded as cost of sales. If there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories, the previous write-downs to net realizable value are reversed to the extent that the related inventory has not been sold.
Ore stockpile represents ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Costs added to ore stockpile are valued based on current mining cost per tonne incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore and are removed at the average cost per tonne. Ore stockpile is verified by periodic surveys.
| P a g e | 11 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Materials and supplies inventory are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, where cost is determined using the first-in-first-out method. Any provision for obsolescence is determined by reference to specific items of stock. A regular review is undertaken to determine the extent of any provision for obsolescence by comparing those items to their net realizable value. If carrying value exceeds net realizable value, a write-down is recognized.
Finished goods, in-circuit work in progress, and ore on leach pads are valued at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value. Cost for in-circuit work in progress and ore on leach pads includes all direct costs incurred in production including direct labour and materials, freight, depreciation and amortization and directly attributable overhead costs determined on a first in, first out method. Net realizable value is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and future metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert inventories into saleable form.
l. Investments
An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint arrangement. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies.
Investments in companies over which the Company exercises neither control nor significant influence and are designated as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income. Related unrealized gains (losses) are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and are never reclassified to profit or loss.
m. Property, plant and equipment
| (i) | Producing mining interests |
Producing mining interests are carried at cost less accumulated depletion and amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Following the completion of commissioning, the costs related to the mining interests are depleted and charged to operations on the unit of production method as a proportion of estimated recoverable mineral reserves.
Completion of the commissioning is deemed to have occurred when major mine and processing plant components are completed, operating results are being achieved consistently for a period of time and that there are indicators that these operational results, including mill capacity and recovery, will be sustainable in the future.
Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are ready for their intended use.
| (ii) | Non-producing mining interests |
The Company follows the method of accounting for its non-producing mining interests whereby all costs relating to the acquisition and development are deferred and capitalized by property until the property to which they directly relate is placed into production, sold, discontinued or subject to a condition of impairment. Exploration expenses not related to placing the property into production are expensed as incurred.
In the event that a mining interest is placed into production, capitalization of costs ceases, the costs are transferred to producing mining interests and the mining interest is depleted on a unit of production basis. The recoverability of amounts is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability of the Company to finance the development of the properties, and on the future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof.
| (iii) | Plant and equipment |
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate assets (major components) of property, plant and equipment.
| P a g e | 12 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
The cost of replacing a part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within that part will flow to the Company, and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. Repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss during the period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:
| ● | Mining interests – | |
| ● | Plant and equipment – | |
| ● | Corporate office equipment – |
Residual values, method of amortization and useful lives of the assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate.
| (iv) | Impairment and reversal of impairment |
The Company reviews and evaluates the carrying values of its property, plant and equipment to determine whether there is an indication of impairment or reversal of impairment. For exploration and evaluation assets, indication includes but is not limited to expiration of the right to explore, substantive expenditure in the specific area is neither budgeted nor planned, and if the entity has decided to discontinue exploration activity in the specific area.
When the carrying value of assets exceeds the recoverable amount, the carrying value of the assets is reduced to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use of the asset. To achieve this, the recoverable amount is the higher of value in use (being the net present value of expected pre-tax future cash flows of the relevant asset) and fair value less costs to dispose the asset.
If, after the Company has previously recognized an impairment loss, circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of the impaired assets is greater than the carrying amount, the Company reverses the impairment loss by the amount the revised fair value exceeds its carrying amount, to a maximum of the previous impairment loss. In no case shall the revised carrying amount exceed the original carrying amount, after depreciation or amortization, that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognized.
| (v) | Care and maintenance |
The Company may elect to place its mining operations in care and maintenance if continued operation is no longer economically feasible due to change in circumstances. During care and maintenance, depreciable property, plant and equipment continue to be depreciated over their useful lives.
n. Decommissioning provision
The Company recognizes contractual, statutory and legal obligations associated with retirement of mining properties when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the assets. Initially, the decommissioning provision is recognized at its fair value in the period in which it is incurred. Upon initial recognition of the liability, the corresponding decommissioning provision is added to the carrying amount of that asset and the cost is amortized as an expense over the economic life of the related asset. Following the initial recognition of the decommissioning provision, the periodic unwinding of the discount is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss and adjusted for changes to the amount or timing of the underlying cash flows to settle the obligation.
| P a g e | 13 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
o. Financial instruments
The Company classifies and measures its financial instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss as they arise. Unless restrictive criteria regarding the objective and contractual cash flows of the instrument are met then classification and measurement are at either amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income.
Cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables are classified and measured as financial assets at amortized cost. Embedded derivatives arising from subsequent adjustments in provisional sales revenue are classified and measured as financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss. Trade and other payables are classified and measured as financial liabilities at amortized cost. Loans receivable are classified and measured as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and loans payable are classified as financial liabilities initially at fair value through profit or loss and subsequently carried at amortized cost. Investment in equity instruments are classified and measured as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income.
Loans from the government are accounted for as a loan payable until forgiveness is reasonably assured and the loan is derecognized through the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.
p. Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset and amortized over the expected useful life of that asset. Other borrowing costs not directly attributable to a qualifying asset are expensed in the period incurred.
q. Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) that has arisen as a result of a past event and it is probable that a future outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, provided that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense.
r. Related party transactions
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence, and related parties may be individuals or corporate entities. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. Related party transactions that are in the normal course of business and have commercial substance are measured at the exchange amount.
s. Restricted cash
Restricted cash includes cash that has been pledged for reclamation and closure activities which are not available for immediate disbursement.
4. Significant accounting judgments and estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The areas which require management to make significant judgments, estimates and assumptions in determining carrying values include, but are not limited to:
| (i) | Reserves and resources |
Proven and probable reserves are the economically mineable parts of the Company’s measured and indicated mineral resources. The Company estimates its proven and probable reserves and measured and indicated and inferred mineral resources based on information compiled by appropriately qualified persons. The information relating to the geological data on the size, depth and shape of the ore bodies requires complex geological judgments to interpret the data. The estimation of future cash flows related to proven and probable 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, grade and recovery of the ore bodies.
| P a g e | 14 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Changes in the proven and probable reserves or measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources estimates may impact the carrying value of mining properties and equipment, depletion and amortization, impairment assessments and the timing of decommissioning provisions.
| (ii) | Depletion and amortization |
Mining properties are depleted using the unit-of-production method over a period not to exceed the estimated life of the ore body based on estimated recoverable reserves.
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated, net of residual value over their estimated useful life but do not exceed the related estimated life of the mine based on estimated recoverable mineral reserves.
The calculation of the units of production rate, and therefore the annual depletion and amortization expense, could be materially affected by changes in the underlying estimates. Changes in estimates can be the result of actual future production differing from current forecasts of future production and expansion of mineral reserves through exploration activities.
| (iii) | Decommissioning provision |
The Company assesses its decommissioning provision on an annual basis or when new material information becomes available. Mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. In general, these laws and regulations are continually changing and the Company has made, and intends to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations. Accounting for decommissioning provision requires management to make estimates of the time and future costs the Company will incur to complete the rehabilitation work required to comply with existing laws and regulations at each mining operation. Also, future changes to environmental laws and regulations could increase the extent of rehabilitation work required to be performed by the Company. Increases in future costs could materially impact the amounts charged to operations for decommissioning provision. The provision represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future decommissioning provision. The actual future expenditures may differ from the amounts currently provided.
| (iv) | Share-based payments |
The amount expensed for share-based compensation is based on the application of a recognized option valuation formula, which is highly dependent on, among other things, the expected volatility of the Company’s registered shares, estimated forfeitures, and the expected life of the options. The Company uses an expected volatility rate for its shares based on past stock trading data, adjusted for future expectations, and actual volatility may be significantly different.
The resulting value calculated is not necessarily the value that the holder of the option could receive in an arm’s length transaction, given that there is no market for the options and they are not transferable. It is management’s view that the value derived is highly subjective and dependent entirely upon the input assumptions made.
| P a g e | 15 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
| (v) | Income taxes |
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires an estimate of income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The process involves an estimate of the Company’s current tax exposure and an assessment of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depletion and amortization, for tax and accounting purposes, and when they might reverse.
These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position.
An assessment is also made to determine the likelihood that the Company’s future tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. To the extent that recovery is not considered likely, the related tax benefits are not recognized.
Judgment is required to continually assess changing tax interpretations, regulations and legislation, to ensure liabilities are complete and to ensure assets, net of valuation allowances, are realizable. The impact of different interpretations and applications could be material.
| (vi) | Assessment of impairment and reversal of impairment indicators |
The Company applies judgment in assessing whether indicators of impairment or reversal of impairment exist for a cash generating unit which would require impairment testing. Internal and external sources such as changes in use of an asset, capital and production forecasts, commodity prices, quantities of reserves and resources, and changes in market, economic, and legal environment are used by management in determining whether there are any indicators.
The Company determines recoverable amount based on the after-tax discounted cash flows from a cash generating unit’s life-of-mine cash flow projection which incorporates management’s best estimates of commodity prices, future capital requirements and production costs along with geological assumptions and judgments made in estimating the size, grade and recovery of the ore bodies. Absent a life-of-mine cash flow projection, a market approach of comparable companies is used to determine recoverable amount of in-situ ounces from the cash generating unit.
| (vii) | Commercial production |
The determination of timing on which a mining property enters into commercial production is a significant judgment since capitalization of development costs ceases upon declaration of commercial production. As a mining property is constructed, development costs incurred are capitalized while pre-production costs and revenues are capitalized and accumulated into such development costs. Commercial production is declared once the mining property is available for its intended use on a commercial scale as defined by management. Revenue recognition, cost of sales, and depletion of the mining property begins when commercial production has been achieved, and are recognized into the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.
| (viii) | Cash flows from ongoing production and impact on operations |
The Company had negative operating cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2022 with a working capital deficit as at December 31, 2022. The ability to maintain cash flow positive production through meeting production targets at the Cosalá Operations, and through implementing the Galena Recapitalization Plan, including the completion and commissioning of the Galena hoist which is expected to increase hoisting capacity, allowing the Company to generate sufficient operating cash flows, while facing market fluctuations in commodity prices and inflationary pressures, and maintaining access to capital markets, are significant judgments in these consolidated financial statements with respect to the Company’s liquidity. Should the Company experience lower commodity prices and negative operating cash flows in future periods, the Company may need to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities which funding cannot be assured.
| P a g e | 16 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
5. Changes in accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements
The following are changes in accounting policies effective as of January 1, 2022:
| (i) | Property, plant and equipment |
Amendments to IAS 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment
– Proceeds before Intended Use - The standard is amended to prohibit deducting from the cost of property, plant and equipment any
proceeds from selling items produced while bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating
in the manner intended by management. Instead, the Company recognizes the proceeds from selling such items, and the cost of producing
those items, in profit or loss. The amendments to IAS 16 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022, with
early adoption permitted. The amendments apply retrospectively only to property, plant and equipment that are brought to the location
and condition necessary for them to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management on or after the beginning of the earliest
period presented in the financial statements in which the Company first applies the amendments. The Company adopted the standard effective
January 1, 2022 and retrospectively recognized $
6. Trade and other receivables
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Trade receivables | $ | $ | ||||||
| Value added taxes receivable | ||||||||
| Other receivables | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
Value added taxes was in a net payable position
of $
Other receivables include $
7. Inventories
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Concentrates | $ | $ | ||||||
| Finished goods | ||||||||
| In-circuit work in progress | ||||||||
| Ore on leach pads | ||||||||
| Ore stockpiles | ||||||||
| Spare parts and supplies | ||||||||
| Long-term ore on leach pads | ||||||||
| Long-term ore stockpiles | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
Long-term ore on leach pads and ore stockpiles represent inventories expected to convert into saleable form beyond one year.
The amount of inventories recognized in cost of
sales was $
| P a g e | 17 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
8. Property, plant and equipment
| Mining | Non-producing | Plant and | Right-of-use | Corporate office | ||||||||||||||||||||
| interests | properties | equipment | lease assets | equipment | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Asset additions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in decommissioning provision | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset additions | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in decommissioning provision | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and depletion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2021 | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Depreciation/depletion for the year | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment for the year | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation/depletion for the year | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment for the year | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Carrying value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Effective January 11, 2021, the Relief Canyon
Mine declared commercial production which the Company defined as operating at an average of
Non-current assets are tested for impairment or impairment reversals when events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Impairment indicators were identified during the
three-month period ended September 30, 2022 caused by market capitalization decline during the period. The Company assessed the recoverability
of the $
Fair value models are considered to be Level 3
within the fair value hierarchy. Key assumptions used in Relief Canyon Mine’s fair value model as at September 30, 2022 include
estimation of total enterprise value and contained gold equivalent ounces of publicly traded companies based on observable market data.
Total enterprise value was derived from market capitalization adjusted for a control premium while excluding cash and cash equivalents
and book value of other non-mining assets and discounting for production delays. An increase and decrease in market capitalization of
| P a g e | 18 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Impairment indicators were identified during the
three-month period ended March 31, 2021 from gold production of the Relief Canyon Mine due to differences observed between the modelled
(planned) and mined (actual) ore tonnage and carbonaceous material identified in the early phases of the mine plan. The Company assessed
the recoverability of the $
Fair value models are considered to be Level 3
within the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying amounts of mineral interests, plant
and equipment, and right-of-use lease assets from the Relief Canyon Mine is approximately $
The Company recognized an impairment loss of $0.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 related to damaged equipment from the Cosalá Operations. No other impairment or impairment reversal were identified for each of the Company's cash-generating unit, including non-producing properties and properties placed under care and maintenance as at December 31, 2022.
On March 2, 2017, the Company entered into an
option acquisition agreement with Impulsora Minera Santacruz S.A. de C.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.,
to acquire an existing option with Minera Hochschild Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“Hochschild”) for the right to acquire a
The amount of borrowing costs capitalized as property,
plant and equipment was during the year ended December 31, 2022 (2021: $
9. Precious metals delivery and purchase agreement
On April 3, 2019, the Company entered into a $
The Company recorded the advances received on precious metals delivery, net of transaction costs, as deferred revenue and would recognize the amounts in revenue as performance obligations to metals delivery are satisfied over the term of the metals delivery and purchase agreements. The advances received on precious metals delivery is expected to reduce to nil through deliveries of the Company’s own production to Sandstorm.
| P a g e | 19 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
As at December 31, 2021, the Company derecognized
the outstanding carrying value of deferred revenue, net of transaction costs, and recognized the fixed and variable deliveries of precious
metals as a financial liability measured at fair value through profit or loss as the Company expects that metal deliveries to Sandstorm
may no longer be satisfied through internal gold production alone. The fair value of the metals contract liability was determined using
forward commodity pricing curves at the end of the fiscal 2021 reporting period resulting in $
The following are components of deferred revenue and metals contract liability:
| Advances received, April 3, 2019 | $ | |||
| Recognition of revenue | ( | ) | ||
| Deferred revenue | ||||
| Deferred transaction costs | ( | ) | ||
| Accretion on significant financing component | ||||
| Net deferred revenue | ||||
| Interest and financing expense | ||||
| Loss on metals contract liability | ||||
| Net metals contract liability, December 31, 2021 | ||||
| Delivery of metals produced | ( | ) | ||
| Delivery of metals purchased | ( | ) | ||
| Revaluation of metals contract liability | ||||
| Net metals contract liability, December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Current portion | $ | |||
| Non-current portion | ||||
| $ |
10. RoyCap convertible debenture
On April 28, 2021, the Company issued a $
The RoyCap Convertible Debenture is redeemable at the Company’s option to prepay the principal amount subject to payment of a redemption premium of 30% during the first year, 20% during the second year, and 10% during the third year prior to maturity (the “Redemption Option”), is retractable at RoyCap’s option at a cumulative $0.3 million CAD per month starting in the second month from inception where the Company may settle the retraction amount through either cash or issuance of the Company’s common shares determined by dividing 95% of the 20 day volume weighted average price of the Company’s common shares (the “Retraction Option”), and convertible at RoyCap’s option into the Company’s common shares at a conversion price of $3.35 CAD (the “Conversion Option”).
On inception, the RoyCap Convertible Debenture,
which may be settled through a fixed amount of the Company’s own equity instruments, was treated as a compound financial instrument
with the principal portion classified as a liability component and the Conversion Option as an equity component. The initial fair value
of the principal portion was determined using a market interest rate for an equivalent non-convertible instrument at the issue date. The
principal portion is subsequently recognized on an amortized cost basis until extinguished on conversion or maturity. The remainder of
the proceeds were allocated to the Conversion Option as equity. A net derivative liability of $
| P a g e | 20 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
On November 12, 2021, the Company amended the
RoyCap Convertible Debenture by increasing the principal balance by $
On October 20, 2022, the Company amended the RoyCap
Convertible Debenture by increasing the principal balance by $
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the principal
amount of the RoyCap Convertible Debenture was reduced by $
The Company recognized a gain of $
11. Glencore pre-payment facility
On January 29, 2017, the Company entered into
a pre-payment facility for $
12. Promissory note
On December 15, 2020, the Company issued a $
| P a g e | 21 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
13. Government loan
On May 11, 2020, the Company received approximately
$
14. Post-employment benefit obligations
The Company maintains two non-contributory defined
benefit pension plans covering substantially all employees at its U.S. operating subsidiary, U.S. Silver – Idaho, Inc. One plan
covers salaried employees and one plan covers hourly employees. Benefits for the salaried plan are based on salary and years of service.
Hourly plan benefits are based on negotiated benefits and years of service. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute annually
the minimum amount prescribed, as specified by applicable regulations. The expected average service life of the active plan participants
as at December 31, 2022 is approximately
The amounts recognized in the consolidated statements financial position are as follows:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Present value of funded obligations | ||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets | ||||||||
| Deficit of funded plans | $ | $ | ||||||
The movements in the defined benefit obligations are as follows:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Obligations, beginning of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| Current service costs | ||||||||
| Interest costs | ||||||||
| Benefits paid | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Actuarial gain | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Obligations, end of year | $ | $ | ||||||
The movements in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Assets, beginning of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| Return on assets | ||||||||
| Actuarial gain (loss) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Employer contributions | ||||||||
| Benefits paid | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Assets, end of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| P a g e | 22 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
The amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss are as follows:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Current service costs, interest costs, and return on assets included in cost of sales | $ | $ | ||||||
The principal actuarial assumptions are as follows:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Discount rate (expense) | % | % | ||||||
| Discount rate (year end disclosures) | % | % | ||||||
| Future salary increases (salaried plan only) | % | % | ||||||
A 1% decrease in discount rate would have resulted
in approximately $
Plan assets are fully comprised of pooled or mutual
funds. The expected return on plan assets at
Expected contributions to pension benefit plans
for the year ended December 31, 2023 are approximately $
15. Decommissioning provision
The decommissioning provision consists of land rehabilitation, demolition of buildings and mine facilities, and related costs. Although the ultimate amount of the decommissioning provision is uncertain, the fair value of these obligations is based on information currently available, including closure plans and the Company’s interpretation of current regulatory requirements.
Fair value is determined based on the net present value of future cash expenditures upon reclamation and closure. Reclamation and closure costs are capitalized into property, plant and equipment depending on the nature of the asset related to the obligation and amortized over the life of the related asset.
The decommissioning provision relates to reclamation
and closure costs of the Company’s Cosalá Operations, Galena Complex, and Relief Canyon Mine. The decommissioning provision
is estimated at an undiscounted amount of $
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Provisions, beginning of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| Decommissioning costs and change in estimates | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accretion on decommissioning provision | ||||||||
| Provisions, end of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| P a g e | 23 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
16. Share capital
On January 29, 2021, the Company completed a bought
deal public offering of
On May 17, 2021, the Company entered into an at-the-market
offering agreement (the “May 2021 ATM Agreement”) where the Company may at its discretion
and from time-to-time during the term of the May 2021 ATM Agreement, sell in the United States,
through its agent, such number of common shares of the Company as would result in aggregate gross proceeds of up to $
On October 21, 2021, the Company closed a non-brokered
private placement with Sandstorm for gross proceeds of $
On March 24, 2022, the Company closed a non-brokered
private placement with Sandstorm for gross proceeds of $
On June 24, 2022, the Company closed a non-brokered
private placement with Sandstorm for gross proceeds of $
On September 23, 2022, the Company closed a non-brokered
private placement with Sandstorm for gross proceeds of $
On December 19, 2022, the Company closed a
non-brokered private placement with Sandstorm for gross proceeds of $
a. Authorized
Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common and preferred shares.
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Issued | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| (2021: ) preferred shares | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
Each non-voting preferred share is convertible, at the holder’s option, without payment of any additional consideration by the holder thereof, initially on a one-to-one basis into common shares, subject to adjustment, and in accordance with the terms of the non-voting preferred shares.
| P a g e | 24 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
b. Stock option plan
The number of shares reserved for issuance under
the Company’s stock option plan is limited to
A summary of changes in the Company’s outstanding stock options is presented below:
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||
| average | average | |||||||||||||||
| exercise | exercise | |||||||||||||||
| Number | price | Number | price | |||||||||||||
| (thousands) | CAD | (thousands) | CAD | |||||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of year | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Expired | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Balance, end of year | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes information on stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2022:
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| average | Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||||
| remaining | average | average | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise | contractual | exercise | exercise | |||||||||||||||||||
| price | life | Outstanding | price | Exercisable | price | |||||||||||||||||
| CAD | (years) | (thousands) | CAD | (thousands) | CAD | |||||||||||||||||
| $0.01 to $1.00 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $1.01 to $2.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $3.01 to $4.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| P a g e | 25 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
c. Share-based payments
The weighted average fair value at grant date
of the Company’s stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2022 was $
The Company used the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to estimate fair value using the following weighted-average assumptions:
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Expected stock price volatility (1) | % | % | ||||||
| Risk free interest rate | % | % | ||||||
| Expected life | | | ||||||
| Expected forfeiture rate | % | % | ||||||
| Expected dividend yield | % | % | ||||||
| Share-based payments included in cost of sales | $ | $ | ||||||
| Share-based payments included in general and administrative expenses | ||||||||
| Total share-based payments | $ | $ | ||||||
| (1) |
d. Warrants
The warrants that are issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2022 are as follows:
| Number of | Exercise | Issuance | Expiry | |||||||
| warrants | price (CAD) | date | date | |||||||
e. Restricted share units:
The Company has a Restricted Share Unit Plan under
which eligible directors, officers and key employees of the Company are entitled to receive awards of restricted share units. Each restricted
share unit is equivalent in value to the fair market value of a common share of the Company on the date of grant with the value of each
cash settled award charged to compensation expense over the period of vesting. At each reporting date, the compensation expense and associated
liability (which is included in trade and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position) are adjusted
to reflect changes in market value. As at December 31, 2022, (2021:
f. Deferred share units:
The Company has a Deferred Share Unit Plan under
which eligible directors of the Company receive awards of deferred share units on a quarterly basis as payment for
| P a g e | 26 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
17. Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Basic weighted average number of shares | ||||||||
| Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants | ||||||||
| Diluted weighted average number of shares | ||||||||
Diluted weighted average number of common shares
for the year ended December 31, 2022 excludes anti-dilutive preferred shares (2021: ),
18. Non-controlling interests
The Company entered into a joint venture agreement
with Mr. Eric Sprott effective October 1, 2019 for
The Company recognized non-controlling interests
of $
| P a g e | 27 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
19. Revenue
The following is a disaggregation of revenue categorized by commodities sold:
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Gold | ||||||||
| Sales revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Derivative pricing adjustments | ||||||||
| Silver | ||||||||
| Sales revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Derivative pricing adjustments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Zinc | ||||||||
| Sales revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Derivative pricing adjustments | ||||||||
| Lead | ||||||||
| Sales revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Derivative pricing adjustments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Other by-products | ||||||||
| Sales revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Derivative pricing adjustments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Total sales revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Total derivative pricing adjustments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Gross revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Proceeds before intended use | ||||||||
| Treatment and selling costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
The amount of gold sales revenue recognized from
deferred revenue (see Note 9) was during the year ended December 31, 2022 (2021: $
Derivative pricing adjustments represent subsequent variations in revenue recognized as an embedded derivative from contracts with customers and are accounted for as financial instruments (see Note 24).
Proceeds before intended use represents gold and silver sales revenue recognized from the Relief Canyon Mine prior to its declaration of commercial production during fiscal 2021 (see Note 5).
| P a g e | 28 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
20. Cost of sales
Cost of sales is costs that directly relate to production at the mine operating segments and excludes depletion and amortization. The following are components of cost of sales:
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Salaries and employee benefits | $ | $ | ||||||
| Contract services on site | ||||||||
| Raw materials and consumables | ||||||||
| Utilities | ||||||||
| Other costs | ||||||||
| Costs before intended use | ||||||||
| Employee retention credit | ( | ) | ||||||
| Changes in inventories | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Inventory write-downs | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
Employee retention credit consists of refundable tax credits from the Galena Complex through the Employee Retention Credit under the U.S. CARES Act net of transaction costs.
21. Corporate general and administrative expenses
Corporate general and administrative expenses are costs incurred at corporate and other segments that do not directly relate to production. The following are components of corporate general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Salaries and employee benefits | $ | $ | ||||||
| Directors’ fees | ||||||||
| Share-based payments | ||||||||
| Professional fees | ||||||||
| Office and general | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
22. Income taxes
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Current income tax expense | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deferred income tax recovery | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense (recovery) | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| P a g e | 29 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
The Company’s effective rate of income tax
differs from the statutory rate of
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Loss before income taxes | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Statutory rate | % | % | ||||||
| Tax recovery at statutory rate | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Mexican mining royalty | ||||||||
| Impact of foreign tax rates | ||||||||
| Non-deductible expenses | ||||||||
| Losses not recognized | ||||||||
| Income tax recovery | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||
The Company’s net deferred tax liability relates to the Mexican mining royalty and arises principally from the following:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||
| Provisions and reserves | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
Deferred income taxes have not been recognized in respect of the following deductible temporary differences, as management does not consider their utilization to be probable for the foreseeable future:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Inventories | $ | $ | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||||||||
| Mexican tax losses (expiring in 2025 - 2031) | ||||||||
| Canadian tax losses (expiring in 2034 - 2042) | ||||||||
| U.S. tax losses (expiring in 2025 - 2037) | ||||||||
| U.S. tax losses (no expiry) | ||||||||
| Provisions and other | ||||||||
| Deferred Mexican mining royalty | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
23. Key management transactions
Remuneration to directors and key management who have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and continuing the activities of the Company:
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Salaries and employee benefits | $ | $ | ||||||
| Directors’ fees | ||||||||
| Share-based payments | ||||||||
| P a g e | 30 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
24. Financial risk management
a. Financial risk factors
The Company’s risk exposures and the impact on its financial instruments are summarized below:
| (i) | Credit Risk |
Credit risk is the risk of loss associated with
a counterparty’s inability to fulfill its payment obligations. The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash
and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables. The credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is limited because the Company invests
its cash in deposits with well-capitalized financial institutions with strong credit ratings in Canada and the United States. Under current
concentrate offtake agreements, risk on trade receivables related to concentrate sales is managed by receiving payments for
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s exposure
to credit risk with respect to trade receivables amounts to $
| (ii) | Liquidity risk |
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they arise. The Company’s approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due. The Company’s liquidity requirements are met through a variety of sources, including cash, cash generated from operations, credit facilities and debt and equity capital markets. The Company’s trade payables have contractual maturities of less than 30 days and are subject to normal trade terms.
The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities and provisions on an undiscounted basis:
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than | Over 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1 year | 2-3 years | 4-5 years | years | ||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Promissory note | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on promissory note | ||||||||||||||||||||
| RoyCap convertible debenture | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on RoyCap convertible debenture | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Government loan | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals contract liability | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Projected pension contributions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Decommissioning provision | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| P a g e | 31 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Minimum lease payments in respect to lease liabilities are included in trade and other payables and other long-term liabilities as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than | Over 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1 year | 2-3 years | 4-5 years | years | ||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | $ | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes the continuity
of the Company’s total lease liabilities discounted using an incremental borrowing rate ranging from
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Lease liabilities, beginning of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| Additions | ||||||||
| Lease principal payments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Lease interest payments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accretion on lease liabilities | ||||||||
| Lease liabilities, end of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| (iii) | Market risk |
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three types of risk: interest rate risk, currency risk and price risk.
| (1) | Interest rate risk |
The Company is subject to interest rate
risk of the 3 months U.S. LIBOR rate plus
| (2) | Currency risk |
As at December 31, 2022, the Company is exposed to foreign currency risk through financial assets and liabilities denominated in CAD and Mexican pesos (“MXN”):
Financial instruments that may impact the Company’s net loss or other comprehensive loss due to currency fluctuations include CAD and MXN denominated assets and liabilities which are included in the following table:
| As at December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| CAD | MXN | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Trade and other receivables | ||||||||
| Trade and other payables | ||||||||
| P a g e | 32 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
As at December 31, 2022, the CAD/USD
and MXN/USD exchange rates were
| CAD/USD | MXN/USD | |||||||
| Exchange rate | Exchange rate | |||||||
| +/-10% | +/-10% | |||||||
| Approximate impact on: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | $ | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
The Company may, from time to time, employ derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
As at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company does not have any non-hedge foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company did not settle any non-hedge foreign exchange forward contracts.
Price risk
Price risk is the risk that the fair
value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from
interest rate risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual financial instrument or its
issuer, or factors affecting all similar financial instruments in the market. As at December 31, 2022, the Company had certain amounts
related to the sales of concentrates that have only been provisionally priced. A ±
As at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company does not have any non-hedge commodity forward contracts outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company did not settle any non-hedge commodity forward contracts.
Net amount of gain or loss on derivative instruments
from non-hedge foreign exchange and commodity forward contracts recognized through profit or loss during the year ended December 31, 2022
was (2021: ). Total amount of gain or loss on derivative instruments including those recognized through profit or loss from the
Company’s convertible debentures and loan payable during the year ended December 31, 2022 was a gain of $
b. Fair values
The fair value of cash, restricted cash, trade and other receivables, and other financial assets and liabilities listed below approximate their carrying amounts mainly due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
The methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair value of financial assets and liabilities are as follows:
| ● | Cash and cash equivalents: The fair value of cash equivalents is valued using quoted market prices in active markets. The Company’s cash equivalents consist of money market accounts held at financial institutions which have original maturities of less than 90 days. | |
| ● | Trade and other receivables: The fair value of trade receivables from silver sales contracts that contain provisional pricing terms is determined using the appropriate quoted forward price from the exchange that is the principal active market for the particular metal. As such, there is an embedded derivative feature within trade receivables. | |
| ● | Metals contract liability: Fixed and variable deliveries of precious metals are classified and measured as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss determined using forward commodity pricing curves at end of the reporting period. | |
| ● | Convertible debentures and promissory note: The principal portion of the convertible debentures and promissory note are initially measured at fair value and subsequently carried at amortized cost. | |
| ● | Embedded derivatives: Revenues from the sale of metals produced from silver sales contracts since the commencement of commercial production are based on provisional prices at the time of shipment. Variations between the price recorded at the time of sale and the actual final price received from the customer are caused by changes in market prices for metals sold and result in an embedded derivative in revenues and accounts receivable. |
| P a g e | 33 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
| ● | Derivatives: The Company uses derivative and non-derivative instruments to manage financial risks, including commodity, interest rate, and foreign exchange risks. The use of derivative contracts is governed by documented risk management policies and approved limits. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. The fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments and at market prices at the valuation date. |
The fair value hierarchy establishes three levels to classify the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value:
| ● | Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. | |
| ● | Level 2 inputs are quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rate and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, forward pricing curves used to value currency and commodity contracts and volatility measurements used to value option contracts), or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data or other means. | |
| ● | Level 3 inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity). |
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Level 1 | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| Level 2 | ||||||||
| Trade and other receivables | ||||||||
| Derivative instruments | ||||||||
| Metals contract liability | ||||||||
| Amortized cost | ||||||||
| Glencore pre-payment facility | ||||||||
| Promissory note | ||||||||
| Government loan | ||||||||
| RoyCap convertible debenture | ||||||||
25. Segmented and geographic information, and major customers
a. Segmented information
The Company’s operations comprise of four reporting segments engaged in acquisition, exploration, development and exploration of mineral resource properties in Mexico and the United States. Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the chief operating decision makers that are used to make strategic decisions.
b. Geographic information
All revenues from sales of concentrates for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were earned in Mexico and the United States. The following segmented information is presented as at and during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Cosalá Operations segment operates in Mexico while the Galena Complex and Relief Canyon segments operate in the United States.
| P a g e | 34 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
| As at December 31, 2022 | As at December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cosalá Operations | Galena Complex | Relief Canyon | Corporate and Other | Total | Cosalá Operations | Galena Complex | Relief Canyon | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other receivables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Glencore pre-payment facility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals contract liability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RoyCap convertible debenture | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Promissory note | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government loan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Post-employment benefit obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Decommissioning provision | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2022 | Year ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cosalá Operations | Galena Complex | Relief Canyon | Corporate and Other | Total | Cosalá Operations | Galena Complex | Relief Canyon | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depletion and amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Care and maintenance costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion on decommissioning provision | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and financing expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment to property, plant and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on metals contract liability | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gain on derivatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on government loan forgiveness | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax recovery (expense) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) for the year | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
c. Major customers
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company
sold concentrates and finished goods to two major customers accounting for
| P a g e | 35 |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
26. Capital management
Capital is defined as equity. The Company’s objectives when managing its capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern and to maximize the value for its shareholders.
The Company’s activities have been funded so far through debt and equity financing based on cash needs, and through operations. The Company typically sells its shares by way of private placement. There were no changes in these objectives, policies and processes used to manage capital during the year.
The Company manages its capital structure and determines its capital requirements in light of the changing economic conditions and the risk characteristics of its assets. To reach its objectives the Company may have to maintain or adjust its capital structure by issuing new share capital or new debt.
At this stage of its development, it is the policy of the Company to preserve cash to fund its operations and complete its capital projects and not to pay dividends. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, the Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
The following summarizes the Company’s capital structure:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company | $ | $ | ||||||
27. Contingencies
Due to the size, complexity and nature of the Company’s operations, various legal and tax matters arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such items when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
In November 2010, the Company received a reassessment
from the Mexican tax authorities related to its Mexican subsidiary, Minera Cosalá, for the year ended December 31, 2007. The tax
authorities disallowed the deduction of transactions with certain suppliers for an amount of approximately $
28. Subsequent events
On
December 12, 2022, the Company amended its existing offtake agreement with Ocean Partners USA, Inc. (“Ocean”) of lead concentrates
produced from the Galena Complex for a pre-payment facility of $
On February 26, 2023, the Company amended its Purchase Agreement with Sandstorm for the right to increase its advance payment up to $11.0 million or $2.75 million per calendar quarter during fiscal 2023. The advance is repaid through fixed deliveries of gold commencing within the 12-month period from November 2025 to October 2026. The first calendar quarter advance of $2.75 million was drawn in full early March 2023.
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Exhibit 99.2
AMERICAS GOLD AND SILVER CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
DATED MARCH 15, 2023
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents
| Forward-Looking Statements | 1 |
| Cautionary Note to Investors in the United States Regarding Resources and Reserves | 3 |
| Management’s Discussion and Analysis | 3 |
| Overview | 3 |
| Recent Developments and Operational Discussion | 5 |
| Results of Operations | 13 |
| Selected Annual Financial Information | 15 |
| Summary of Quarterly Results | 16 |
| Liquidity | 17 |
| Capital Resources | 18 |
| Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements | 19 |
| Transactions with Related Parties | 19 |
| Risk Factors | 19 |
| Accounting Standards and Pronouncements | 43 |
| Financial Instruments | 46 |
| Capital Structure | 46 |
| Controls and Procedures | 46 |
| Technical Information | 46 |
| Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures | 47 |
Unless otherwise indicated, in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis all references to “dollar” or the use of the symbol “$” are to the United States of America dollar and all references to “C$” are to the Canadian dollar. Additionally, percentage changes in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis are based on dollar amounts before rounding.
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (the “Company” or “Americas Gold and Silver”) that are not current or historical factual statements may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). These forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting the Company’s securityholders and prospective investors in understanding management’s views regarding those future outcomes and may not be appropriate for other purposes. When used in this MD&A, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “seek”, “propose”, “estimate”, “expect”, and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements are forward-looking because they are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions. It is important to know that: (i) unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements in this MD&A describe expectations as at the date hereof; and (ii) actual results and events could differ materially from those expressed or implied. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this “Forward-Looking Statements” section of this MD&A shall have the meaning ascribed to such term elsewhere in this MD&A.
Specific forward-looking statements in this MD&A include, but are not limited to: any objectives, expectations, intentions, plans, results, levels of activity, goals or achievements; estimates of mineral reserves and resources; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the impairment of mining interests and non-producing properties; the timing and amount of estimated future production, production guidance, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of development; the success of exploration and development activities; the Company’s testing work (and receipt of the results thereof), production, development plans and performance expectations at the Relief Canyon mine and its ability to operate, finance, develop and operate Relief Canyon, including the timing and conclusions of the technical studies, data compilation and analysis occurring at Relief Canyon and the potential for reassessment of the remaining carrying value of the Relief Canyon asset; statements regarding the Galena Complex Recapitalization Plan, including with respect to underground development improvements, equipment procurement and the high-grade Phase II extension exploration drilling program and expected results thereof and completion of the Galena hoist project on its expected schedule and updated budget, and the realization of the anticipated benefits therefrom; Company’s Cosalá Operations, including expected production levels; the ability of the Company to target higher-grade silver ores at the Cosalá Operations; statements relating to the future financial condition, assets, liabilities (contingent or otherwise), business, operations or prospects of the Company; material uncertainties that may impact the Company’s liquidity in the short term; changes in accounting policies not yet in effect; permitting timelines; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; labour relations, employee recruitment and retention, and pension funding and valuation; the timing and possible outcomes of pending disputes or litigation; negotiations or regulatory investigations; exchange rate fluctuations; cyclical or seasonal aspects of the Company’s business; the Company’s dividend policy; the suspension of certain operating metrics such as cash costs and all-in sustaining costs for the Galena Complex and Relief Canyon; the liquidity of the Company’s common shares; and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Inherent in the forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company’s business or in its industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Some of the risks and other factors (some of which are beyond Americas Gold and Silver’s control) that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information contained in this MD&A include, but are not limited to: risks associated with market fluctuations in commodity prices; risks associated with generally elevated inflation; risks related to changing global economic conditions and market volatility, risks relating to geopolitical instability, political unrest, war, and other global conflicts may result in adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, including volatility in financial markets, adverse changes in trade policies, inflation, supply chain disruptions, any or all of which may affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition; the Company’s dependence on the success of its Cosalá Operations, including the San Rafael project, the Galena Complex and the Relief Canyon mines, which are exposed to operational risks and other risks, including certain development and exploration related risks, as applicable; risks related to mineral reserves and mineral resources, development and production and the Company’s ability to sustain or increase present production; risks related to global financial and economic conditions; risks related to government regulation and environmental compliance; risks related to mining property claims and titles, and surface rights and access; risks related to labour relations, disputes and/or disruptions, employee recruitment and retention and pension funding and valuation; some of the Company’s material properties are located in Mexico and are subject to changes in political and economic conditions and regulations in that country; risks related to the Company’s relationship with the communities where it operates; risks related to actions by certain non-governmental organizations; substantially all of the Company’s assets are located outside of Canada, which could impact the enforcement of civil liabilities obtained in Canadian and U.S. courts; risks related to currency fluctuations that may adversely affect the financial condition of the Company; the Company may need additional capital in the future and may be unable to obtain it or to obtain it on favourable terms; risks associated with the Company’s outstanding debt and its ability to make scheduled payments of interest and principal thereon; risks associated with any hedging activities of the Company; risks associated with the Company’s business objectives; risks relating to mining and exploration activities and future mining operations; operational risks and hazards inherent in the mining industry; risks related to competition in the mining industry; risks relating to negative operating cash flows; risks relating to the possibility that the Company’s working capital requirements may be higher than anticipated and/or its revenue may be lower than anticipated over relevant periods; and risks relating to climate change and the legislation governing it.
The list above is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Investors and others should carefully consider these and other factors and not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A represent the Company’s views only as of the date such statements were made. Forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are based on management’s plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions as at the time such statements were made and the assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions may change. Although forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are based on what management considers to be reasonable assumptions based on information currently available to it, there can be no assurances that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further in this MD&A. The Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the actual results or developments may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available, as a result of future events or for any other reason, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Cautionary Note to Investors in the United States Regarding Resources and Reserves
This MD&A has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The Company’s mineral reserves and mineral resources have been calculated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities. These standards differ from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that are applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Accordingly, information in this MD&A that describes the Company’s mineral reserves and mineral resources may not be comparable to information made public by United States companies subject to the SEC’s reporting and disclosure requirements.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
This MD&A of the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation constitutes management’s review of the Company’s financial and operating performance for the year ended December 31, 2022, including the Company’s financial condition and future prospects. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion is dated March 15, 2023 and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The Company prepared its latest financial statements in U.S. dollars and all amounts in this MD&A are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated. These documents along with additional information relating to the Company including the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company’s website at www.americas-gold.com. The content of the Company’s website and information accessible through the website do not form part of this MD&A.
In this report, the management of the Company presents operating highlights for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 as well as comments on plans for the future. Throughout this MD&A, consolidated production results and consolidated operating metrics are based on the attributable ownership percentage of each operating segment.
The Company has included certain non-GAAP and other financial measures, which the Company believes, that together with measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar non-GAAP and other financial performance employed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Reconciliations and descriptions can be found under “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”.
This MD&A contains statements about the Company’s future or expected financial condition, results of operations and business. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above for more information on forward-looking statements.
Overview
The Company is a precious metals producer with two operations in the world’s leading silver mining regions: the Galena Complex in Idaho, USA and the Cosalá Operations in Sinaloa, Mexico, and is advancing technical studies at the Relief Canyon mine (“Relief Canyon”) in Nevada, USA following a suspension of mining activities in August 2021.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
In Idaho, USA, the Company operates the 60% owned producing Galena Complex (40% owned by Mr. Eric Sprott (“Sprott”)) whose primary assets are the operating Galena mine, the Coeur mine, and the contiguous Caladay development project in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District of the northern Idaho Silver Valley. The Galena Complex has recorded production of over 230 million ounces of silver along with associated by-product metals of copper and lead over a production history of more than sixty years. The Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Sprott effective October 1, 2019 for a 40% non-controlling interest of the Galena Complex with an initial contribution of $15 million to fund capital improvements. The goal of the joint venture agreement is to position the Galena Complex to significantly grow resources, increase production, and reduce operating costs at the mine (the “Recapitalization Plan”).
In Sinaloa, Mexico, the Company operates the 100%-owned Cosalá Operations, which includes the San Rafael silver-zinc-lead mine (“San Rafael”), after declaring commercial production in December 2017. Prior to that time, it operated the Nuestra Señora silver-zinc-copper-lead mine after commissioning the Los Braceros processing facility and declaring commercial production in January 2009. The Cosalá area land holdings also host several other known precious metals and polymetallic deposits, past-producing mines, and development projects including the Zone 120 silver-copper deposit and the El Cajón silver-copper deposit. These properties are located in close proximity to the Los Braceros processing plant. The Company restarted the Cosalá Operations in Q4-2021 following the signing of an accord with the SNM Union and witnessed by the Mexican Ministries of Economy, Interior and Labour on July 6, 2021. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the San Felipe development project in Sonora, Mexico, which it acquired on October 8, 2020.
In Nevada, USA, the Company is advancing technical studies at the 100%-owned, Relief Canyon located in Pershing County. The mine poured its first gold in February 2020 and declared commercial production in January 2021. Operations were suspended in August 2021 in order to resolve technical challenges related to the metallurgical characteristics of the deposit. The past-producing mine includes three historic open-pit mines, a newly-constructed crusher, ore conveying system, leach pads, and a refurbished heap-leach processing facility. The landholdings at Relief Canyon and the surrounding area cover over 11,700 hectares, providing the Company the potential to expand the Relief Canyon deposit and to explore for new discoveries close to existing processing infrastructure.
The Company’s mission is to profitably expand its precious metals production through the development of its own projects and consolidation of complementary projects. The Company is also focused on extending the mine life of its current assets through exploration and charting a path to profitability at the Galena Complex with the Recapitalization Plan, as well as resolving technical challenges at Relief Canyon. The Company will continue exploring and evaluating prospective areas accessible from existing infrastructure and the surface at the Galena Complex, and early-stage targets with an emphasis on the Cosalá District.
The Company’s management and Board of Directors (the “Board”) are comprised of senior mining executives who have extensive experience identifying, acquiring, developing, financing, and operating precious metals deposits globally. The Company’s principal and registered office is located at 145 King Street West, Suite 2870, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 1J8. The Company is a reporting issuer in each of the provinces of Canada, and is listed on the TSX trading under the symbol “USA” and on the NYSE American trading under the symbol “USAS”.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Recent Developments and Operational Discussion
Highlights
| ● | Revenue of $85.0 million for 2022 representing an increase of $40 million in revenue due to the restart of the Cosalá Operations. | |
| ● | A net loss of $45.2 million for 2022, or an attributable loss of $0.23 per share representing a decrease in net loss of $115.4 million compared to 20211, primarily due to the write-downs to inventory at Relief Canyon for $23.0 million and the impairment to property, plant and equipment for $55.6 million recognized in Q1-2021. |
| ● | Adjusted net loss2 of $27.7 million in 2022 decreased by $9.3 million from $37.0 million in 2021, after adjusting for certain one-time, non-reoccurring items, primarily related to the Relief Canyon mine. |
| ● | Net income from the Cosalá Operations and Galena Complex operating segments increased by $15.3 million (+100%) in 2022 in aggregate compared to 2021. |
| ● | Consolidated attributable production of approximately 5.3 million ounces of silver equivalent2, including 1.3 million ounces of silver, 39.3 million pounds of zinc and 24.6 million pounds of lead, exceeding the silver equivalent guidance range of 4.8 to 5.2 million ounces. |
| ● | Cost of sales of $9.89/oz silver equivalent produced2, cash costs of $0.77/oz silver produced2 and all-in sustaining costs of $9.64/oz silver produced2 during the year. Cash cost was lower than the guidance range of $4.00 to $5.00 per silver ounce. |
| ● | The Cosalá Operations had a strong year of production after restarting operations following the 2020/2021 illegal blockade with approximately 636,000 ounces of silver, 39.3 million pounds of zinc, and 15.3 million pounds of lead produced, and all-in sustaining costs of negative $11.26/oz silver produced2 during 2022. |
| ● | Galena’s Recapitalization Plan is proceeding well with the Galena Complex 2022 production increasing to approximately 1,120,000 ounces or 11% higher year-over-year silver production compared to 2021 production despite lower than anticipated silver production in Q3-2022. |
| ● | The Company successfully installed the major components of the Galena hoist prior to year-end. Shaft repair will start following completion of electrical work and commissioning. The Galena hoist is expected to be fully operational in Q2-2023. |
| ● | The Company’s updated mineral resource estimate was reported in late Q3-2022 with increased proven and probable silver mineral reserves at the Galena Complex by 26% from 16.6 million silver ounces to 20.9 million silver ounces year-over-year on a 100% basis. Measured and indicated silver mineral resources increased by 20% from 64.2 million silver ounces to 77.3 million silver ounces year-over-year on a 100% basis. |
| ● | Net cash used in operating activities2 improved by $49.7 million to $1.2 million during 2022 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $50.9 million during 2021. |
| ● | The Company had a cash and cash equivalents balance of $2.0 million and working capital2 deficit of $16.7 million as at December 31, 2022. |
The Company had a successful year with a full year of production at both operations following the restart of the Cosalá Operations and further advancing the Galena Recapitalization Plan, including the hoist replacement project and continuing exploration. However, fiscal 2022 continued to be challenging due to the decrease in precious and base metals prices as investors adjusted capital flows and allocations in response to the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, increases in global interest rates, and heightened recession expectations, among other macroeconomic events. The average monthly market price of silver decreased by 17% to $21.71 per ounce from a high of $26.18 per ounce in March 2022, reaching a low of $17.77 per ounce in September 2022. The market prices of both zinc and lead also decreased significantly this year: zinc decreased from over $2/lb in March 2022 to $1.23/lb in October 2022 (39% decrease), and lead prices decreased from over $1.10/lb in February 2022 to $0.80/lb in September 2022 (27% decrease). The Company is dependant on precious and base metal prices for profitability and liquidity.
| 1 | Certain fiscal 2021 amounts were adjusted through changes in accounting policies. See “Accounting Standards and Pronouncements” section for further information. |
| 2 | This is a supplementary or non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Cosalá Operations
The Cosalá Operations had a successful year in fiscal 2022 as production increased significantly following the resolution of the illegal blockade. The operations reopened in September 2021 with commercial production re-established in December 2021. The Cosalá Operations produced approximately 636,000 ounces of silver, 39.3 million pounds of zinc and 15.3 million pounds of lead in 2022. The Los Braceros processing plant treated 585,270 tonnes with the milling rate averaging approximately 1,600 tonnes per day during 2022. Cash costs and all-in sustaining costs were negative $19.03 per silver ounce and negative $11.26 per silver ounce, respectively, benefitting from strong zinc and lead production and base metal prices.
Production during 2022 initially focused on maximizing near-term free cash flow by mining high-grade zinc areas of the Main Zone which were fully developed prior to the illegal blockade. The Company continued to focus on mining the higher-grade zinc and lower-grade silver areas of the Main Zone to maximize revenue generated from the Cosalá Operations during the year. As a result, base metal production exceeded the upper end of the 2022 guidance range while silver production was slightly below the bottom end of the range. The second half of the fourth quarter saw higher silver production as the mining rate increased in the higher-grade silver Upper Zone. The Company expects to see higher average silver grades throughout fiscal 2023 as the ore from the high-grade Upper Zone is blended more consistently with Main Zone ore.
Galena Recapitalization Plan
The Recapitalization Plan at the Galena Complex is continuing to progress with year-over-year silver production increasing in 2022 compared to 2021. Production in 2022 was 1,119,925 ounces of silver and 1,810,664 ounces of silver equivalent compared with 1,012,582 ounces of silver and 1,751,676 ounces of silver equivalent in 2021, a year-over-year increase of 11% and 3%, respectively. This improvement was due to the refurbishment and purchase of underground mobile equipment, capital investments (machinery and development), and mine-wide rehabilitation, including the 5500 Level loading pocket, which allows ore and waste to be skipped from this level.
Lead production for the year was within guidance while silver production was slightly below the lower end of the guidance range due to the weaker than expected production in late Q3-2022 due to poor quality of cemented backfill which required remedial work in the effected stopes and areas. Silver production in December 2022 was the highest of any month during the calendar year as the operation began accessing higher grade silver stopes including a new area on the 3700 Level which is expected to continue in 2023.
The Company successfully installed the major components of the Galena hoist prior to year-end. Shaft repair will commence following completion of electrical work and commissioning. Once it becomes fully operational, the Galena hoist will increase hoisting capacity at the Galena Complex, support plans to increase production and improve operational flexibility. Cash costs per ounce at the Galena Complex are also anticipated to decrease with the completion of the Galena replacement hoist as the benefits of scaling economies on the existing cost base with higher grade silver ore are realized.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Galena Exploration Update
The Phase II drill program at the Galena Complex began in late August 2021. Phase II exploration has completed approximately 19,000 meters of drilling with a focus on delineating deeper exploration targets and upgrading inferred mineral resources. The initial focus was to test the recently discovered Silver Vein extension below the 5500 Level, the deepest level of the mine. To-date, the Silver Vein extension has been delineated to over 400 ft below the 5500 Level. As part of the 5500 Level drilling of the Silver Vein extension, the Company successfully intersected the high grade 185 Vein approximately 800 ft below the 5500 Level. Key intercepts from the Silver Vein extension and the 185 Vein include:
| o | 55-196: 780 g/t silver and 1.1% copper (890 g/t AgEq3) over 1.5 m4 |
| o | 55-199: 1,405 g/t silver and 1.5% copper (1,561 g/t AgEq) over 1.8 m |
| o | 55-200: 1,593 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 0.9% copper (1,690 g/t AgEq) over 0.7 m |
including: 3,220 g/t silver, 0.4% lead and 1.7% copper (3,410 g/t AgEq) over 0.2 m
| o | 55-216: 4,010 g/t silver and 3.9% copper (4,420 g/t AgEq) over 1.2 m |
| o | 55-217: 1,460 g/t silver and 1.3% copper (1,594 g/t AgEq) over 1.7 m |
including: 9,600 g/t silver and 8.8% copper (10,500 g/t AgEq) over 0.2 m
| o | 55-217: 4,120 g/t silver and 3.1% copper (4,440 g/t AgEq) over 0.3 m |
| o | 55-217: 1,745 g/t silver, 7.8% lead and 0.8% copper (2,111 g/t AgEq) over 0.8 m |
In addition to deep exploration drilling, the Company has focused on in-fill drilling to upgrade inferred mineral resources adjacent to current production areas to the measured and indicated categories. The Company’s most recent mineral resource update released in September 2022 increased proven and probable silver mineral reserves at the Galena Complex by 26% from 16.6 million silver ounces to 20.9 million silver ounces year-over-year on a 100% basis. Measured and indicated silver mineral resources increased by 20% from 64.2 million silver ounces to 77.3 million silver ounces year-over-year on a 100% basis. Refer to the Company’s September 13, 2022 press release for its mineral reserve and mineral resource statement as at June 30, 2022.
A full table of the Company’s latest drill results can be found at:
https://americas-gold.com/site/assets/files/4297/dr20220623.pdf.
The
Company’s latest consolidated mineral reserve and mineral resource statement can be found at:
https://americas-gold.com/site/assets/files/5151/reserves20230112.pdf.
Information contained on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference herein and should not be considered part of this MD&A.
Relief Canyon Update
The Company is continuing efforts to resolve metallurgical challenges experienced at Relief Canyon. Relief Canyon suspended mining operations as of August 13, 2021 with approval by the Board of Directors. The Company continues leaching operations and working to improve recovery through ongoing technical studies and metallurgical test programs. These technical studies have not yet identified an economical path to resuming near-term production. The Company will reassess the status of the operation as the results of these efforts (and others) become available and the results are evaluated.
The Company determined an impairment indicator existed at the end of Q3-2022 due to the decrease in its market capitalization below its consolidated net assets value. Management believes this decrease in market capitalization was primarily the result of the noted decrease in precious metal prices, company valuations, and market capital flows among other factors. The Company performed an assessment of all its cash-generating units and identified an impairment charge on its Relief Canyon property, plant and equipment carrying value of $13.4 million. The valuation was determined through the fair value of the contained gold equivalent ounces at Relief Canyon based on a market approach of comparable companies, primarily in the feasibility, construction, and production stage of mining.
The Company will continue to monitor the carrying value of its CGUs. Further decreases or increases affecting impairment indicators may result in additional charges or a recovery of previous charges.
| 3 | AgEq for drilling results only were calculated using metal prices of $20.00/oz silver, $3.00/lb copper and $1.05/lb lead and equivalent metallurgical recoveries were assumed for all metals (silver, lead and copper). Otherwise throughout this MD&A, silver equivalent production was calculated based on all metals production at average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period. |
| 4 | Meters represent “True Width” which is calculated for significant intercepts only and based on orientation axis of core across the estimated dip of the vein. |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Other Items During 2022
In July 2021, the Company was served with a statement of claim filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to commence a proposed class action lawsuit against the Company and its Chief Executive Officer (the “Action”). Pursuant to the Action, the representative plaintiff sought damages of C$130 million in relation to the Company’s public disclosure concerning its Relief Canyon. The Company believed that the complaint against it was unfounded and without merit. In November 2022, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice dismissed the Action concluding that the plaintiff failed to present credible evidence to establish a reasonable possibility that the Action will be resolved in the plaintiff’s favour. As there will not be an appeal, the decision brought this proposed class action to an end.
On May 17, 2021, the Company announced it had entered into an at-the-market offering agreement (the “ATM Agreement”) with H.C. Wainwright & Co. LLC, acting as the lead agent, and Roth Capital Partners, LLC, as agent, pursuant to which the Company established an at-the-market equity program for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to $50.0 million. As of March 15, 2023, approximately 44.1 million common shares were sold pursuant to the ATM Agreement with an average price per common share of approximately $1.01 for gross proceeds of approximately $44.4 million. This agreement expired on February 28, 2023.
During fiscal 2022, the Company closed quarterly non-brokered private placements with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (“Sandstorm”) for total gross proceeds of $9.9 million through issuance of approximately 15.2 million of the Company’s common shares priced at approximately C$0.85 per share on average.
On April 29, 2021, the Company issued a secured convertible debenture to Royal Capital Management Corp. (“RoyCap”) due April 28, 2024 (the “RoyCap Convertible Debenture”) for total of C$18.8 million with interest payable at 8% per annum, among other terms. The debenture principal was reduced through various retractions to C$12.0 million up to October 2022. On October 20, 2022, the RoyCap Convertible Debenture was amended by increasing the principal balance by C$7.0 million to a total of C$19.0 million outstanding with interest payable at 9.5% per annum, repayable at the Company’s option prior to maturity subject to payment of a redemption premium, and convertible into common shares of the Company at the holder’s option at a conversion price of C$1.00. The RoyCap Convertible Debenture’s outstanding balance was further reduced to C$17.7 million as of March 15, 2023, through additional retractions of C$1.3 million settled through issuance of approximately 2.2 million of the Company’s common shares.
On December 12, 2022, the Company amended its existing offtake agreement with Ocean Partners USA, Inc. (“Ocean”) of lead concentrates produced from the Galena Complex for a pre-payment facility of $3.0 million to fund general working capital at the Galena Complex (“Ocean Facility”). The Ocean Facility was drawn in full in February 2023 with an initial term of three years at an interest of U.S. SOFR rate plus 6.95% per annum. Principal on the Ocean Facility is repaid through monthly installments deductible from concentrate deliveries or paid in cash and can be redrawn on a revolving basis.
On February 26, 2023, the Company amended its existing metals delivery agreement with Sandstorm for the right to increase its advance payment up to $11.0 million or $2.75 million per calendar quarter during fiscal 2023. The advance is repaid through fixed deliveries of gold commencing within the 12-month period from November 2025 to October 2026. The first calendar quarter advance of $2.75 million was drawn in full early March 2023.
| 8 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
2023 Guidance and 2024 Outlook
| 2023 Guidance1 | 2024 Outlook1 | |||||||
| Silver Production (oz) | 2.2 - 2.6 Moz | 3.5 - 4 Moz | ||||||
| Zinc Production (lb) | 33 - 37 Mlb | 23 - 27 Mlb | ||||||
| Lead Production (lb) | 22 - 26 Mlb | 18 - 22 Mlb | ||||||
| Copper Production (lb) | - | 1.5 - 2 Mlb | ||||||
| Silver Equivalent Production (oz) | 5.5 - 6 Moz | 6.5 - 7 Moz | ||||||
| Cash Costs/Ag Oz Production ($/oz) | $8.00 - $9.00/oz | |||||||
| Capital Expenditures - Sustaining ($) | $9 - $10 M | |||||||
| Capital Expenditures - Discretionary ($) | $3 - $4 M | |||||||
| Exploration Drilling - Discretionary ($) | $3 - $4 M |
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, guidance for 2023 and outlook for 2024 was based on production of the Cosalá Operations at 100% and the Galena Complex at 60% (40% owned by Sprott), and silver equivalent production for guidance and outlook was calculated based on $22.00/oz silver, $1.45/lb zinc, $1.00/lb lead, and $3.75/lb copper. |
The Company expects to continue to increase metal production in 2023. Consolidated attributable silver equivalent production for 2023 is anticipated to be between 5.5 to 6 million ounces which compares favourably with 2022 production of 5.3 million silver equivalent ounces.
Silver production from the Cosalá Operations in 2023 is forecast to be between 1.2 to 1.4 million ounces, benefitting from more production from the higher-grade silver areas in the Upper Zone of the San Rafael mine. Zinc production from the Cosalá Operations is expected to be approximately 33 to 37 million pounds while lead production is expected to be 11 to 13 million pounds. The Cosalá Operations produced 636,246 ounces of silver, 39.3 million pounds of zinc, and 15.3 million pounds of lead in 2022.
Attributable silver production to the Company from the Galena Complex (60% owned by Americas Gold and Silver) in 2023 is expected to be between 1 to 1.2 million silver ounces benefitting from a full year of production from higher grade ore on the 3700 Level. Attributable lead production is expected to be between 11 to 13 million pounds. The Galena Complex attributable production for 2022 was 671,955 ounces of silver and 9.3 million pounds of lead.
Consolidated cash cost per ounce for 2023 is expected to range between $8.00 to $9.00 per silver ounce assuming zinc and lead prices of $1.45/lb and $1.00/lb, respectively. Expected cash cost per silver ounce in 2023 are higher than actual 2022 cash cost per silver ounce as realized zinc and lead prices in 2022 were higher than the forecasted prices the Company is assuming for 2023.
Anticipated consolidated capital expenditures for the Company in 2023 of $15 to $18 million are related to completion of the Galena hoist as well as increased development and sustaining capital at the Cosalá Operations.
The Company anticipates consolidated silver equivalent production to further increase in 2024 benefitting from a full year of the increased hoisting capacity following the completion of the Galena hoist and higher silver contribution from the Cosalá Operations. Consolidated silver equivalent production for 2024 is expected to range between 6.5 to 7 million ounces.
| 9 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Consolidated Results and Developments
| Fiscal
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 20215,6 | |||||||
| Revenue ($ M) | $ | 85.0 | $ | 45.0 | ||||
| Silver Produced (oz)1 | 1,308,201 | 61,001 | ||||||
| Zinc Produced (lb)1 | 39,319,795 | 4,164,185 | ||||||
| Lead Produced (lb)1 | 24,606,674 | 1,672,806 | ||||||
| Total Silver Equivalent Produced ($/oz)1,2 | 5,253,847 | 433,456 | ||||||
| Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz)1,3,4 | $ | 9.89 | $ | 7.47 | ||||
| Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)1,3,4 | $ | 0.77 | $ | (18.53 | ) | |||
| All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)1,3,4 | $ | 9.64 | $ | (14.67 | ) | |||
| Net Loss ($ M) | $ | (45.2 | ) | $ | (160.6 | ) | ||
| Comprehensive Loss ($ M) | $ | (38.6 | ) | $ | (159.8 | ) | ||
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, consolidated production results and consolidated operating metrics are based on the attributable ownership percentage of each operating segment (100% Cosalá Operations and 60% Galena Complex). |
| 2 | Throughout this MD&A, silver equivalent production was calculated based on all metals production at average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period. |
| 3 | This is a supplementary or non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 4 | Cost per ounce measurements during fiscal 2021 were based on operating results starting from December 1, 2021 following return to nameplate production of the Cosalá Operations. Throughout this MD&A, all other production results from the Cosalá Operations during fiscal 2021 were determined based on total production during the year. |
| 5 | Consolidated production results exclude the Galena Complex after Q3-2019 due to the Recapitalization Plan, and are nil from Q2-2020 to Q3-2021 due to the Cosalá Operations being placed under care and maintenance effective February 2020 as a result of the illegal blockade. |
| 6 | Certain fiscal 2021 amounts were adjusted through changes in accounting policies. See “Accounting Standards and Pronouncements” section for further information. |
Consolidated operating results from 2022 were significantly improved compared to 2021 due to the restart of mining operations at the Cosalá Operations in Q4-2021 and return to full production thereafter following the removal of the illegal blockade.
Revenue increased by $40.0 million or 89% to $85.0 million in 2022 from $45.0 million during 2021. The increase in revenue was primarily due to the restarted Cosalá Operations with increased silver, zinc, and lead production, offset by decrease in silver and lead revenue at the Galena Complex from lower realized metal prices during the year. The average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices5 decreased by 13%, 3%, and 1%, respectively from 2021 to 2022. The average realized silver price of $21.69/oz. for 2022 (2021 – $24.87/oz.) is comparable to the average London silver spot price of $21.75/oz. for 2022 (2021 – $25.17/oz.).
The Company recorded a net loss of $45.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a net loss of $160.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in net loss was primarily attributable to the Relief Canyon impairment charges in fiscal 2021, higher net revenue from restart of the Cosalá Operations, lower cost of sales, lower care and maintenance costs, lower interest and financing expense, lower loss on fair value of metals contract liability, and gain on government loan forgiveness, offset in part by higher depletion and amortization, higher foreign exchange loss, lower gain on derivatives, and higher income tax expense. The Company significantly reduced the consolidated monthly spend with the Relief Canyon mining suspension that contributed to the prior year’s net loss. These variances are further discussed in the following sections.
| 5 | These are supplementary or non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 10 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Cosalá Operations
| Fiscal
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 20214 | |||||||
| Tonnes Milled | 585,270 | 59,191 | ||||||
| Silver Grade (g/t) | 56 | 56 | ||||||
| Zinc Grade (%) | 3.86 | 4.09 | ||||||
| Lead Grade (%) | 1.63 | 1.88 | ||||||
| Silver Recovery (%) | 60.9 | 57.7 | ||||||
| Zinc Recovery (%) | 78.9 | 78.1 | ||||||
| Lead Recovery (%) | 72.8 | 68.3 | ||||||
| Silver Produced (oz) | 636,246 | 61,001 | ||||||
| Zinc Produced (lb) | 39,319,795 | 4,164,185 | ||||||
| Lead Produced (lb) | 15,318,779 | 1,672,806 | ||||||
| Total Silver Equivalent Produced ($/oz)1,2 | 4,167,449 | 433,456 | ||||||
| Silver Sold (oz) | 607,498 | 59,897 | ||||||
| Zinc Sold (lb) | 38,063,861 | 3,721,943 | ||||||
| Lead Sold (lb) | 15,071,390 | 1,683,233 | ||||||
| Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3 | $ | 8.01 | $ | 7.47 | ||||
| Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3 | $ | (19.03 | ) | $ | (18.53 | ) | ||
| All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3 | $ | (11.26 | ) | $ | (14.67 | ) | ||
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, silver equivalent production was calculated based on all metals production at average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period. |
| 2 | This is a supplementary or non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 3 | Cost per ounce measurements during fiscal 2021 were based on operating results starting from December 1, 2021 following return to nameplate production of the Cosalá Operations. Throughout this MD&A, all other production results from the Cosalá Operations during fiscal 2021 were determined based on total production during the year. |
| 4 | Production results are nil for the Cosalá Operations from Q2-2020 to Q3-2021 due to it being placed under care and maintenance effective February 2020 as a result of the illegal blockade. |
The Cosalá Operations had a successful year in fiscal 2022 as production increased significantly following the resolution of the illegal blockade. The operations reopened in September 2021 with commercial production re-established in December 2021. The Cosalá Operations produced approximately 636,000 ounces of silver, 39.3 million pounds of zinc and 15.3 million pounds of lead in 2022. The Los Braceros processing plant treated 585,270 tonnes with the milling rate averaging approximately 1,600 tonnes per day during 2022. Cash costs and all-in sustaining costs were negative $19.03 per silver ounce and negative $11.26 per silver ounce, respectively, benefitting from strong zinc and lead production and base metal prices.
Production during 2022 initially focused on maximizing near-term free cash flow by mining high-grade zinc areas of the Main Zone which were fully developed prior to the illegal blockade. The Company continued to focus on mining the higher-grade zinc and lower-grade silver areas of the Main Zone to maximize revenue generated from the Cosalá Operations during the year. As a result, base metal production exceeded the upper end of the 2022 guidance range while silver production was slightly below the bottom end of the range. The second half of the fourth quarter saw higher silver production as the mining rate increased in the higher-grade silver Upper Zone. The Company expects to see higher average silver grades throughout fiscal 2023 as the ore from the high-grade Upper Zone is blended more consistently with Main Zone ore.
| 11 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Galena Complex
| Fiscal
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 20213 | |||||||
| Tonnes Milled | 109,246 | 119,975 | ||||||
| Silver Grade (g/t) | 328 | 271 | ||||||
| Lead Grade (%) | 6.75 | 7.59 | ||||||
| Silver Recovery (%) | 97.3 | 96.8 | ||||||
| Lead Recovery (%) | 95.2 | 93.3 | ||||||
| Silver Produced (oz) | 1,119,925 | 1,012,582 | ||||||
| Lead Produced (lb) | 15,479,825 | 18,724,139 | ||||||
| Total Silver Equivalent Produced ($/oz)1,2 | 1,810,664 | 1,751,676 | ||||||
| Silver Sold (oz) | 1,107,812 | 1,029,030 | ||||||
| Lead Sold (lb) | 15,563,193 | 19,172,490 | ||||||
| Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz)2 | $ | 17.10 | - | |||||
| Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2 | $ | 19.51 | - | |||||
| All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2 | $ | 29.42 | - | |||||
| All-In Sustaining Costs with Galena | ||||||||
| Recapitalization Plan/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2 | $ | 35.32 | - | |||||
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, silver equivalent production was calculated based on all metals production at average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period. |
| 2 | This is a supplementary or non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 3 | Disclosure of certain operating metrics were suspended during the Galena Recapitalization Plan implementation. |
The Company announced a strategic joint venture agreement with Sprott in September 2019 to recapitalize the mining operations at the Galena Complex. The goal of the joint venture is to position the Galena Complex to significantly grow resources, increase production, and reduce operating costs at the mine. The strategic 60/40 joint venture has allowed the Company to take positive action: to advance development, modernize infrastructure, purchase new mining equipment, and define and expand silver resources.
Lead production for the year was within guidance while silver production was slightly below the lower end of the guidance range due to weaker than expected production in late Q3-2022 due to poor quality of cemented backfill which required remedial work in the effected stopes and areas. Silver production in December 2022 was the highest of any month during the calendar year as the operation began accessing higher grade silver stopes including a new area on the 3700 Level which is expected to continue in 2023.
As previously noted, the Company successfully installed the major components of the Galena hoist prior to year-end. Shaft repair will start following completion of electrical work and commissioning. Once it becomes fully operational, the Galena hoist will increase hoisting capacity at the Galena Complex, support plans to increase production and improve operational flexibility. Cash costs per ounce at the Galena Complex are also anticipated to decrease with the completion of the Galena replacement hoist as the benefits of scaling economies on the existing cost base with higher grade silver ore are realized.
Relief Canyon
As a result of consolidated capital allocation decisions, Relief Canyon suspended mining operations as of August 13, 2021, with the approval by the Board of Directors, while it continues leaching operations and ongoing technical studies. During 2022, gold production was 2,188 ounces and silver production was 5,172 ounces from continuing leaching operations with 1,954 ounces of gold and 4,605 ounces of silver delivered and sold, respectively.
| 12 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Results of Operations
Analysis of the year ended December 31, 2022 vs. the year ended December 31, 2021
The Company recorded a net loss of $45.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a net loss of $160.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in net loss was primarily attributable to the Relief Canyon impairment recognized in fiscal 2021, higher net revenue ($40.0 million), lower cost of sales ($12.7 million), lower care and maintenance costs ($8.2 million), lower interest and financing expense ($3.1 million), lower loss on fair value of metals contract liability ($20.1 million), and gain on government loan forgiveness ($4.3 million), offset in part by higher depletion and amortization ($5.5 million), higher foreign exchange loss ($3.9 million), and higher income tax expense ($5.3 million), each of which are described in more detail below.
Revenue increased by $40.0 million to $85.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 from $45.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to $47.9 million in revenue from the Cosalá Operations in 2022 due to the restart of operations, less a $3.5 million decrease in silver and lead revenue at the Galena Complex from lower realized metal prices during the year, and less a $4.4 million decrease in gold and silver revenue due to the suspension of mining operations at Relief Canyon.
Cost of sales decreased by $12.7 million to $72.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 from $84.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to a $42.0 million decrease in cost of sales from inventory write-downs at Relief Canyon, offset by a $29.8 million increase in cost of sales from the Cosalá Operations in 2022 due to the restart of operations.
Depletion and amortization increased by $5.5 million to $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 from $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to a $5.7 million increase in depletion and amortization from the Cosalá Operations in 2022 following the restart of operations.
Care and maintenance costs decreased by $8.2 million to $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 from $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to a $7.3 million decrease in care and maintenance costs from the Cosalá Operations in 2022.
Interest and financing expense decreased by $3.1 million mainly due to non-cash interest and financing income recognized from amending the RoyCap Convertible Debenture during the year.
Foreign exchange loss increased by $3.9 million to a $3.5 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 from a $0.4 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2021 mainly due to material changes in foreign exchange rates during the year impacting valuation of non-functional currency instruments from the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries.
Impairment to property, plant and equipment of $56.0 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily as a result of changes to Relief Canyon’s expected gold production, impairing the recovery of its net asset carrying amount, compared to impairment of $13.4 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022 to Relief Canyon due to declining market capitalization during the year.
Loss on fair value of metals contract liability of $20.8 million was recorded on December 31, 2021 as the Company’s metal deliveries to Sandstorm was no longer satisfied through internal gold production. Loss of $0.7 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the change in fair value of the Company’s metals contract liability to Sandstorm during the year, primarily due to the increase in gold price forward curve compared to prior periods.
| 13 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Gain on government loan forgiveness of $4.3 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022 as forgiveness of the Company’s loan through the Paycheck Protection Program from the U.S. CARES Act was confirmed during the period.
Income tax expense increased by $5.3 million primarily due to income and mining taxes accrued from the Cosalá Operations after the restart of operations during the year.
Analysis of the three months ended December 31, 2022 vs. the three months ended December 31, 2021
The Company recorded a net loss of $11.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 compared to a net loss of $32.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in net loss was primarily attributable to higher net revenue ($6.1 million), lower care and maintenance costs ($2.3 million), lower interest and financing expense ($3.5 million), and lower loss on fair value of metals contract liability ($17.3 million), offset in part by higher cost of sales ($4.8 million), and higher income tax expense ($2.5 million), each of which are described in more detail below.
Revenue increased by $6.1 million to $20.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 from $14.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to $7.3 million in revenue from the Cosalá Operations in 2022 due to the restart of operations, less a $1.0 million decrease in gold and silver revenue due to the suspension of mining operations at Relief Canyon.
Cost of sales increased by $4.8 million to $19.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 from $14.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to a $5.1 million increase in cost of sales mainly from leach pad net realizable value write-downs at Relief Canyon recognized during the period.
Care and maintenance costs decreased by $2.3 million to $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 from $3.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to a $1.1 million decrease in care and maintenance costs from the Cosalá Operations and Relief Canyon, respectively, during the period.
Interest and financing expense decreased by $3.5 million mainly due to non-cash interest and financing income recognized from amending the RoyCap Convertible Debenture during the period.
Loss on fair value of metals contract liability of $20.8 million was recorded on December 31, 2021 as the Company’s metal deliveries to Sandstorm was no longer satisfied through internal gold production resulting in a mark-to-market loss during that period. A loss of $3.5 million was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2022 due to the change in fair value of the Company’s metals contract liability to Sandstorm during the period, primarily due to the increase in gold price forward curve compared to prior periods.
Income tax expense increased by $2.5 million primarily due to income and mining taxes accrued from the Cosalá Operations during the period.
| 14 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Selected Annual Financial Information
| Fiscal Year Ended December 31 | 2022 | 20211,5 | 20201 | |||||||||
| Revenues ($ M) | $ | 85.0 | $ | 45.0 | $ | 27.9 | ||||||
| Net Loss ($ M) | (45.2 | ) | (160.6 | ) | (30.1 | ) | ||||||
| Comprehensive Loss ($ M) | (38.6 | ) | (159.8 | ) | (33.2 | ) | ||||||
| Net Loss per Common Share - Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.23 | ) | $ | (1.11 | ) | $ | (0.24 | ) | |||
| Silver Produced (oz) | 1,308,201 | 61,001 | 39,117 | |||||||||
| Zinc Produced (lbs) | 39,319,795 | 4,164,185 | 3,221,744 | |||||||||
| Lead Produced (lbs) | 24,606,674 | 1,672,806 | 1,203,720 | |||||||||
| Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3,4 | $ | 9.89 | $ | 7.47 | $ | 7.19 | ||||||
| Cash Cost/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3,4 | $ | 0.77 | $ | (18.53 | ) | $ | (11.32 | ) | ||||
| All-In Sustaining Cost/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3,4 | $ | 9.64 | $ | (14.67 | ) | $ | (0.83 | ) | ||||
| Cash ($ M) | $ | 2.0 | $ | 2.9 | $ | 4.7 | ||||||
| Receivables ($ M) | 11.6 | 8.2 | 5.1 | |||||||||
| Inventories ($ M) | 8.8 | 17.9 | 9.4 | |||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment ($ M) | $ | 161.3 | $ | 177.9 | $ | 259.3 | ||||||
| Current Assets ($ M) | $ | 25.4 | $ | 23.5 | $ | 20.1 | ||||||
| Current Liabilities ($ M) | 42.1 | 45.6 | 39.0 | |||||||||
| Working Capital ($ M) | (16.7 | ) | (22.1 | ) | (18.9 | ) | ||||||
| Total Assets ($ M) | $ | 190.8 | $ | 213.4 | $ | 284.8 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities ($ M) | 92.2 | 109.6 | 103.6 | |||||||||
| Total Equity ($ M) | 98.6 | 103.8 | 181.2 |
| 1 | Consolidated production results exclude the Galena Complex after Q3-2019 due to the Recapitalization Plan, and are nil from Q2-2020 to Q3-2021 due to the Cosalá Operations being placed under care and maintenance effective February 2020 as a result of the illegal blockade. |
| 2 | Throughout this MD&A, consolidated production results and consolidated operating metrics are based on the attributable ownership percentage of each operating segment (100% Cosalá Operations and 60% Galena Complex). |
| 3 | Cost per ounce measurements during fiscal 2021 were based on operating results starting from December 1, 2021 following return to nameplate production of the Cosalá Operations. Throughout this MD&A, all other production results from the Cosalá Operations during fiscal 2021 were determined based on total production during the year. |
| 4 | This is a supplementary or non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 5 | Certain fiscal 2021 amounts were adjusted through changes in accounting policies. See “Accounting Standards and Pronouncements” section for further information. |
| 15 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Summary of Quarterly Results
The following table presents a summary of the consolidated operating results for each of the most recent eight quarters ending with December 31, 2022.
| Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 20211,5 | 20211,5 | 20211,5 | 20211,5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue ($ M) | $ | 20.3 | $ | 18.3 | $ | 20.0 | $ | 26.4 | $ | 14.2 | $ | 10.9 | $ | 9.5 | $ | 10.4 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss ($ M) | (11.0 | ) | (24.6 | ) | (9.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (32.4 | ) | (18.6 | ) | (17.8 | ) | (91.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Income (Loss) ($ M) | (14.3 | ) | (20.1 | ) | (7.0 | ) | 2.8 | (34.9 | ) | (19.1 | ) | (18.7 | ) | (87.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Silver Produced (oz)2 | 377,353 | 331,304 | 299,228 | 300,316 | 61,001 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Zinc Produced (lb)2 | 10,369,679 | 9,434,924 | 9,941,949 | 9,573,243 | 4,164,185 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lead Produced (lb)2 | 5,926,134 | 5,865,288 | 6,447,775 | 6,367,477 | 1,672,806 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3,4 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 10.33 | $ | 9.76 | $ | 10.26 | $ | 7.47 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3,4 | $ | 3.62 | $ | 10.01 | $ | (2.72 | ) | $ | (9.55 | ) | $ | (18.53 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3,4 | $ | 14.89 | $ | 18.66 | $ | 5.37 | $ | (2.67 | ) | $ | (14.67 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Current Assets (qtr. end) ($ M) | $ | 25.4 | $ | 19.3 | $ | 29.1 | $ | 29.0 | $ | 23.5 | $ | 28.3 | $ | 29.4 | $ | 27.7 | ||||||||||||||||
| Current Liabilities (qtr. end) ($ M) | 42.1 | 36.0 | 38.1 | 33.5 | 45.6 | 38.2 | 39.0 | 27.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Working Capital (qtr. end) ($ M) | (16.7 | ) | (16.7 | ) | (9.0 | ) | (4.5 | ) | (22.1 | ) | (9.9 | ) | (9.6 | ) | (0.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets (qtr. end) ($ M) | $ | 190.8 | $ | 186.5 | $ | 209.4 | $ | 215.8 | $ | 213.4 | $ | 205.5 | $ | 207.7 | $ | 207.0 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities (qtr. end) ($ M) | 92.2 | 81.0 | 90.2 | 93.7 | 109.6 | 80.8 | 83.3 | 73.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Equity (qtr. end) ($ M) | 98.6 | 105.5 | 119.2 | 122.1 | 103.8 | 124.7 | 124.4 | 133.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Production results are nil for the Cosalá Operations from Q2-2020 to Q3-2021 due to it being placed under care and maintenance effective February 2020 as a result of the illegal blockade and exclude the Galena Complex due to suspension of certain operating metrics during the Galena Recapitalization Plan implementation. |
| 2 | Throughout this MD&A, consolidated production results and consolidated operating metrics are based on the attributable ownership percentage of each operating segment (100% Cosalá Operations and 60% Galena Complex). |
| 3 | Costs per ounce measurements during Q4-2021 were based on operating results starting from December 1, 2021 following return to nameplate production of the Cosalá Operations. Throughout this MD&A, all other production results from the Cosalá Operations during Q4-2021 were determined based on total production during the period. |
| 4 | This is a supplementary or non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 5 | Certain fiscal 2021 amounts were adjusted through changes in accounting policies. See “Accounting Standards and Pronouncements” section for further information. |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Liquidity
The change in cash since December 31, 2021 can be summarized as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars):
| Opening cash balance as at December 31, 2021 | $ | 2.9 | ||
| Cash generated from operations | 0.8 | |||
| Expenditures on property, plant and equipment | (19.6 | ) | ||
| Repayments to Glencore pre-payment facility | (1.5 | ) | ||
| Lease payments | (3.4 | ) | ||
| Repayments to promissory note | (2.5 | ) | ||
| At-the-market offering | 10.1 | |||
| Sandstorm private placements | 9.8 | |||
| Financing from RoyCap convertible debenture | 5.1 | |||
| Delivery of metals purchased | (7.4 | ) | ||
| Contribution from non-controlling interests | 7.2 | |||
| Increase in trade and other receivables | (3.3 | ) | ||
| Change in inventories | (2.6 | ) | ||
| Change in prepaid expenses | (0.6 | ) | ||
| Change in trade and other payables | 4.6 | |||
| Change in foreign exchange rates | 2.4 | |||
| Closing cash balance as at December 31, 2022 | $ | 2.0 |
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance decreased from $2.9 million to $2.0 million since December 31, 2021 with a working capital deficit of $16.2 million (improved from a deficit of $22.1 million in 2021) mainly due to cash used in operations, expenditures of property, plant and equipment (including the Galena hoist project), lease payments, repayment of the Glencore pre-payment facility, repayments to the existing promissory note, and delivery of metals to Sandstorm. This decrease was offset by net proceeds received from the at-the-market offering, Sandstorm private placements, and financing from the RoyCap Convertible Debenture in 2022. Current liabilities as at December 31, 2022 were $42.1 million which is $3.5 million lower than at December 31, 2021, principally due to repayments on the outstanding Glencore pre-payment facility, and forgiveness of the U.S. CARES Act government loan.
The Company operates in a cyclical industry where cash flow has historically been correlated to market prices for commodities. The Company’s cash flow is dependent upon its ability to achieve profitable operations, obtain adequate equity or debt financing, or, alternatively, dispose of its non-core properties on an advantageous basis to fund its near-term operations, development and exploration plans, while meeting production targets at current commodity price levels. Management evaluates viable financing alternatives to ensure sufficient liquidity including debt instruments, concentrate offtake agreements, sale of non-core assets, private equity financing, sale of royalties on its properties, metal prepayment and streaming arrangements, and the issuance of equity. Despite increases in the market price of silver, zinc and lead during the end of 2022, several material uncertainties may impact the Company’s liquidity in the short term, such as: the price of commodities, general inflationary pressures, cash flow positive production at both the Company’s operating mines, the Galena Complex Recapitalization Plan, the timing of the hoist installation and the expected increase in hoisting capacity. The Company believes that it has sufficient access to capital and cash flow to fund its 2023 operations, development, and exploration plans while meeting production targets (other than production in respect of suspension of mining operations at Relief Canyon) at current commodity price levels. In the longer term, as the Cosalá Operations sustain full production, the Galena hoist project is finalized on the currently anticipated timing and budget and the Galena Complex is optimized on our current plans, and the outlook for silver, zinc, copper, and lead prices remains positive, the Company believes that cash flow will be sufficient to fund ongoing operations. However, additional impairments to the carrying value of the Company’s mining interests and property and equipment may also be required depending on ongoing technical studies at Relief Canyon, or if precious and/or base metal prices decrease from their current levels.
The Company’s liquidity has improved since December 31, 2021 with the restart of the Cosalá Operations and continuing operational improvements at the Galena Complex in the current metal price environment. As a result, the Company’s going concern note disclosure that was present in its December 31, 2021 financial statements was removed due to the improvements in operating cash flow, working capital, net income, and metal production, among other factors. However, the ability to maintain cash flow positive production at the Cosalá Operations through meeting production targets and at the Galena Complex through implementing the Galena Recapitalization Plan, allowing the Company to generate sufficient operating cash flows while facing market fluctuations in commodity prices and inflationary pressures, are significant judgments in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements with respect to the Company’s liquidity. Should the Company experience negative operating cash flows in future periods, the Company may need to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities.
| 17 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, trade receivables, restricted cash, trade and other payables, and other long-term liabilities. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying values, unless otherwise noted. The Company is not exposed to significant interest or credit risk arising from financial instruments. The majority of the funds of the Company are held in accounts at major banks in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
On May 11, 2020, the Company received approximately $4.5 million in loan through the Paycheck Protection Program from the U.S. CARES Act to assist with payroll and other expenses at the Galena Complex during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company received confirmation via letter dated March 31, 2022 from the U.S. Small Business Administration that $4.3 million of the loan has been forgiven thus far. The Company has filed an appeal under the Paycheck Protection Program for the remaining $0.2 million of the loan and is awaiting details on timing of repayment of the amount.
The Company received confirmation via letter dated December 26, 2022 from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that $3.5 million in refunds was approved through the Employee Retention Credit from the U.S. CARES Act to assist with payroll and other expenses at the Galena Complex during the COVID-19 pandemic. The refunds were received in January of 2023 with another $1.8 million in refunds currently pending review for approval from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Post-Employment Benefit Obligations
The Company’s liquidity has been, and will continue to be, impacted by pension funding commitments as required by the terms of the defined benefit pension plans offered to both its hourly and salaried workers at the Galena Complex (see Note 14 in the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2022). Both pension plans are under-funded due to actuarial losses incurred from market conditions and changes in discount rates; the Company intends to fund to the minimum levels required by applicable law. The Company currently estimates total annual funding requirements for both Galena Complex pension plans to be approximately $0.9 million per year for each of the next 5 years (excluding fiscal 2022 funding requirements paid in January 2023). Effects from market volatility and interest rates may impact long term annual funding commitments.
The Company evaluates the pension funding status on an annual basis in order to update all material information in its assessment, including updated mortality rates, investment performance, discount rates, contribution status among other information. The pension valuation was remeasured at the end of fiscal 2022 and adjusted by approximately $4.6 million as a result of significant market volatility and increases to interest rates set by central banks and governments globally. The Company expects to continue to review the pension valuation quarterly.
Capital Resources
The Company’s cash flow is dependent on delivery of its metal concentrates to market. The Company’s contracts with the concentrate purchasers provide for provisional payments based on timing of concentrate deliveries. The Company has not had any problems collecting payments from concentrate purchasers in a reliable and timely manner and expects no such difficulties in the foreseeable future. However, this cash flow is dependent on continued mine production which can be subject to interruption for various reasons including fluctuations in metal prices and concentrate shipment difficulties, and, in the case of Relief Canyon, the suspension of mining operations. Additionally, unforeseen cessation in the counterparty’s capabilities could severely impact the Company’s capital resources.
The Company made capital expenditures of $19.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 (2021: $14.1 million). Money was spent on purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly associated with the Galena Complex Recapitalization Plan.
| 18 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The following table sets out the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022:
| Less than | Over 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1 year | 2-3 years | 4-5 years | years | ||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | 27,060 | $ | 27,060 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Promissory note | 2,500 | 2,500 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Interest on promissory note | 35 | 35 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| RoyCap convertible debenture | 13,069 | - | 13,069 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Interest on RoyCap convertible debenture | 1,652 | 1,241 | 411 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Government loan | 222 | 222 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Metals contract liability | 30,989 | 11,324 | 19,665 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Projected pension contributions | 5,316 | 840 | 1,695 | 1,819 | 962 | |||||||||||||||
| Decommissioning provision | 19,915 | - | - | - | 19,915 | |||||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,815 | - | 737 | 517 | 561 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 102,573 | $ | 43,222 | $ | 35,577 | $ | 2,336 | $ | 21,438 | ||||||||||
| 1 – | Minimum lease payments in respect to lease liabilities are included in trade and other payables and other long-term liabilities. Further details available in Note 24 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022. |
| 2 – | Certain of these estimates are dependent on market conditions and assumed rates of return on assets. Therefore, the estimated obligation of the Company may vary over time. |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of the date of this filing, the Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company including, without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources that have not previously been discussed.
Transactions with Related Parties
There were no related party transactions for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Risk Factors
The business of the Company is subject to a substantial number of risks and uncertainties. In addition to considering the information disclosed in the forward-looking statements, financial statements and the other publicly filed documentation regarding the Company available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company’s website at www.americas-gold.com, the reader should carefully consider each of, and the cumulative effect of, the following risk factors. Any of these risk elements could have material adverse effects on the business of the Company. See Note 24 – Financial risk management of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Additional risks and uncertainties not known to the Company or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, properties or prospects.
| 19 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company’s production estimates may not be achieved as mining and exploration activities and future mining operations are, and will be, subject to operational risks and hazards inherent in the mining industry.
The Company currently has two production-level mines: the Galena Complex in Idaho, U.S.A. and the Cosalá Operations in Sinaloa, Mexico, and is advancing technical studies at Relief Canyon in Nevada, U.S.A. following a suspension of mining activities in August 2021 after it had reached commercial production in early 2021. The Galena Complex is currently undergoing a Recapitalization Plan that commenced in October 2019. No assurance can be given that the intended or expected production estimates will be achieved by the Company’s operating mines or in respect of any future mining operations in which the Company owns or may acquire interests. Failure to meet such production estimates could have a material effect on the Company’s future cash flows, financial performance and financial position. Production estimates are dependent on, among other things, the accuracy of mineral reserve estimates, the accuracy of assumptions regarding ore grades and recovery rates, ground conditions and physical characteristics of ores, such as hardness and the presence or absence of particular metallurgical characteristics and the accuracy of estimated rates and costs of mining and processing. Actual production may vary from its estimates for a variety of other reasons, including:
| ● | actual ore mined varying from estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution and metallurgical and other characteristics; |
| ● | short-term operating factors such as the need for sequential development of ore bodies and the processing of new or different ore grades from those planned; |
| ● | mine failures, slope and underground rock failures or equipment failures; |
| ● | industrial accidents; |
| ● | natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, droughts, rockslides and earthquakes; |
| ● | encountering unusual or unexpected geological conditions; |
| ● | changes in power costs and potential power shortages; |
| ● | shortages of principal supplies needed for operation, including explosives, fuels, chemical reagents, water, equipment parts and lubricants; |
| ● | labour shortages, loss of key personnel or strikes or other related interruptions to normal operations; |
| ● | pandemics or national or global health crises; |
| ● | acts of terrorism, civil disobedience and protests; and |
| ● | restrictions or regulations imposed by government agencies or other changes in the regulatory environments. |
Such occurrences could result in damage to mineral properties, interruptions in production, injury or death to persons, damage to property, monetary losses and legal liabilities. These factors may cause a mineral deposit that has been mined profitably in the past to become unprofitable, forcing production to cease. Each of these factors also applies to sites not yet in production. It is not unusual in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems during the start-up or ramp-up phases to full production and operations. Depending on the price of gold, silver or other metals, it may be determined to be impractical to commence or, if commenced, to continue commercial production at a particular site.
Production at Relief Canyon has been suspended since August 13, 2021. While the Company was successful in meeting several important commissioning targets, including initial construction capital, and planned mining and crushing rates, the ramp-up at Relief Canyon was challenging since the first poured gold in February 2020. During this period, the Company and its consultants performed extensive analyses and implemented a number of procedural changes to address the start-up challenges typical of a heap leach operation. As part of this analysis, the Company identified naturally occurring carbonaceous material within the Relief Canyon pit. The identification of this material was not recognized in the feasibility study. During the first phase of mining (Phase 1 of 5), several adverse impacts affected the operation including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the failure of the Company’s radial stacker. Offsetting these challenges was the definition of the gold mineralized zones through blasthole sampling which reconciled reasonably to the block model. However, during Phase 1, an unknown quantity of the carbonaceous material was crushed, stacked, and disseminated onto the leach pad resulting in lower than expected recovery of the placed gold ore.
| 20 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Following realization of this adverse material, the Company developed and implemented a more comprehensive ore control procedure to minimize the impact the carbonaceous material could have on leach pad performance. Phase 2 mining demonstrated a more structurally complex area than initially interpreted, caused by additional faults and folds. Gold mineralization is strongly influenced by structural controls. The impact of the structural complexity, combined with the increased mining selectivity to reject carbonaceous material, decreased ore availability. The Company continues leaching operations and working to improve recovery and operations through ongoing technical studies and metallurgical test programs. These technical studies have not yet identified an economical path to resuming near-term production.
As a result of the differences observed between the modelled (planned) and mined (actual) ore tonnage and the carbonaceous material identified in the early phases of the mine plan, an impairment charge of $55.6 million has been taken in during 2021, reducing the carrying value of the Relief Canyon mineral interest and plant and equipment. An additional reduction of $24.8 million was taken to inventory as a result of the decreased recovery expected from crushed gold ounces placed on the leach pad. During 2022, the Company further determined an impairment indicator existed at the end of the third quarter of 2022 due to the decrease in its market capitalization below its consolidated net assets value. Management believed this decrease in market capitalization was primarily the result of a decrease in precious metal prices, company valuations, and market capital flows, among other factors. The Company performed an assessment of all its cash-generating units and identified an impairment charge on its Relief Canyon property, plant and equipment carrying value of $13.4 million. The valuation was determined through the fair value of the contained gold equivalent ounces at Relief Canyon based on a market approach of comparable companies, primarily in the feasibility, construction, and production stage of mining.
The Company is committed to continuing efforts to resolve these metallurgical challenges at Relief Canyon as noted above. The Company plans to continue leaching operations and working to improve recovery and operations through an extensive audit of drilling, sampling, ore control, and modelling, implementing internal QA/QC programs, and metallurgy testing program on carbonaceous material. The suspension on mining operations may be extended, in full or in part, until the Company identifies an economical path to resuming production.
There can be no assurance that significant costs will not be required in order to achieve full production capacity, that the Company will identify an economical path to resuming production at Relief Canyon, that the Company will be able to improve the operational and financial performance of its assets or that the Company will be profitable or realize net cash flows in the future, or that if it is profitable or realizes net cash flows, that it will continue to do so in the future. The Company’s operating expenses and capital expenditures may increase in subsequent years as costs increase for the personnel, contract mining, consumables, equipment and consultants associated with advancing its exploration, development and production activities. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company’s estimates and expectations regarding the number of ounces of gold stacked on the Relief Canyon leach pad or regarding the ultimate recoverability and monetization of such ounces will prove to be correct in the near term or at all.
In addition, the Company’s Cosalá Operations were previously subject to an illegal blockade which began in January 2020 and continued until the Company signed an agreement with the Mexican Ministries of Economy, Interior and Labour along with union representatives committing to a reopening at the Cosalá Operations. Following this, the Company began recalling its workers as of September 11, 2021 and commenced reopening the operation as of September 13, 2021 as the employees arrived on site. The Cosala Operations returned to full production following its restart and ramp-up in Q4-2021. However, there can be no assurances that the that the Company will receive and continue to receive the level of support from the Mexican government with respect to the long-term stability of the Cosalá Operations or the ability to maintain such support in the near- and long-term. As a result, Company may experience further labour disputes, work stoppages, illegal blockades or other disruptions in production that could materially adversely affect its operations and results. We believe that the Company’s continuing efforts to build lasting and constructive relationships with the Mexican government, host communities, its workforce and key stakeholders ,and the significant local economic development initiatives the Company supports both directly and indirectly, will result in maintaining and building trust with local communities and more local citizens benefiting economically which will continue to support our Cosalá Operations. However, there is no assurance that the Company’s efforts will effectively mitigate such risk.
| 21 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Uncertainty in the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources
Mineral reserves and mineral resources are estimates only and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved, that the indicated level of recovery will be realized or that mineral reserves can be mined or processed profitably. Mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, geotechnical factors, marketing and other risks and relevant issues. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources, including many factors beyond the Company’s control. Such estimation is a subjective process, and the accuracy of any mineral reserve or mineral resource estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, the nature of the ore body and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation. These estimates may require adjustments or downward revisions based upon further exploration or development work, drilling or actual production experience.
Fluctuations in gold and silver prices, results of drilling, metallurgical testing and production, the evaluation of mine plans after the date of any estimate, permitting requirements or unforeseen technical or operational difficulties may require revision of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates. Prolonged declines in the market price of metals may render mineral reserves and mineral resources containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomical to recover and could materially reduce the Company’s mineral reserves and mineral resources. Mineral resource estimates for properties that have not commenced production or at deposits that have not yet been exploited are based, in most instances, on limited drill hole information, which is not necessarily indicative of conditions between and around the drill holes. There may also be outliers in the representative samples that may disproportionally skew the estimates. Accordingly, such mineral resource estimates may require revision as more geologic and drilling information becomes available and as actual production experience is gained. Should reductions in mineral resources or mineral reserves occur, the Company may be required to take a material write-down of its investment in mining properties, reduce the carrying value of one or more of its assets or delay or discontinue production or the development of new projects, resulting in reduced net income or increased net losses and reduced cash flow. Mineral resources and mineral reserves should not be interpreted as assurances of mine life or of the profitability of current or future operations. In addition, the estimates of mineral resources, mineral reserves and economic projections rely in part on third-party reports and investigations. There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation and estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves and corresponding grades being mined and, as a result, the volume and grade of reserves mined and processed and recovery rates may not be the same as currently anticipated. Any material reductions in estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, or of the Company’s ability to extract these mineral reserves and mineral resources, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s projects, results of operations and financial condition.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have a greater degree of uncertainty as to their existence and feasibility. There is no assurance that mineral resources will be upgraded to proven or probable mineral reserves.
Mineral Reserves and Resources, Development and Production
The estimation of ore reserves is imprecise and depends upon a number of subjective factors. Estimated ore reserves or production guidance may not be realized in actual production. The Company’s operating results may be negatively affected by inaccurate estimates. Reserve estimates are a function of geological and engineering analyses that require the Company to make assumptions about production costs and the market price of gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead. Reserve estimation is based on available data, which may be incomplete, and subject to engineering and geological interpretation, judgment and experience. Market price fluctuations of metals, as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates may render ore reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic and may ultimately result in a restatement of reserves. Moreover, short-term operating factors relating to the ore reserves, such as the need for orderly development of the ore bodies and the processing of new or different ore grades may cause a mining operation to be unprofitable in any particular accounting period. Should the Company encounter mineralization or geologic formations at any of its mines different from those predicted, adjustments of reserve estimates might occur, which could alter mining plans. Either of these alternatives may adversely affect the Company’s actual production and operating results.
| 22 | P a g e |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The mineral reserve and resource estimates contained or incorporated are only estimates and no assurance can be given that any particular level of recovery of minerals will be realized or that an identified reserve or resource will qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically exploited. The Company relies on laboratory-based recovery models and historical performance of its processing plant to project estimated ultimate recoveries by ore type at optimal grind sizes. Actual recoveries in a commercial mining operation may exceed or fall short of projected laboratory test results. In addition, the grade of mineralization ultimately mined may differ from the one indicated by the drilling results and the difference may be material. There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale operations and there can be no assurance that historical performance of the process plant will continue in the future. Material changes, inaccuracies or reductions in proven and probable reserves or resource estimates, grades, waste-to-ore ratios or recovery rates could have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s future operations, cash flows, earnings, results of operations, financial condition and the economic viability of projects. The estimated proven and probable reserves and resources described herein should not be interpreted as assurances of mine life or of the profitability of future operations.
The Company has engaged internal and expert independent technical consultants to advise it on, among other things, mineral resources and reserves, geotechnical, metallurgy and project engineering. The Company believes that these experts are competent and that they have carried out their work in accordance with all internationally recognized industry standards. If, however, the work conducted by, and the mineral resource and reserve estimates of these experts are ultimately found to be incorrect or inadequate in any material respect, such events could materially and adversely affect the Company’s future operations, cash flows, earnings, results of operations, financial condition and the economic viability of its projects.
The Company’s ability to sustain or increase present production levels depends in part on successful exploration and development of new ore bodies and/or expansion of existing mining operations. Forecasts of future production are estimates based on interpretation and assumptions and actual production may be less than estimated. Mineral exploration involves many risks and is frequently unproductive. If mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years until production is possible, during which time the economic viability of the project may change. Substantial expenditures are required to establish ore reserves, extract metals from ores and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. The economic feasibility of any development project is based upon, among other things, estimates of the size and grade of ore reserves, proximity to infrastructures and other resources (such as water and power), metallurgical recoveries, production rates and capital and operating costs of such development projects, and metals prices. Development projects are also subject to the completion of positive technical and economic studies, issuance of necessary permits and receipt of adequate financing, which may be difficult to obtain on terms reasonably acceptable to the Company.
The Company’s future gold, silver, zinc, lead, and copper production may decline as a result of an exhaustion of reserves and possible closure of work areas. It is the Company’s business strategy to conduct silver exploration activities at the Company’s existing mining operations as well as at new exploration projects, and to acquire other mining properties and businesses or reserves that possess mineable ore reserves and are expected to become operational in the near future. However, the Company can provide no assurance that its future production will not decline. Accordingly, the Company’s revenues from the sale of concentrates may decline, which may have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.
Inflationary pressure and global supply chain delays may negatively impact the Company’s operations
The geographic areas and markets in which the Company operates have been experiencing and continue to experience elevated inflationary pressures. During 2022, the Company has experienced, among other things, higher machinery, raw material and equipment costs, as well as wage pressures in some markets. Inflationary pressures on the Company are expected to continue through 2023 and potentially further, and such pressures could be exacerbated by global supply chain shortages and delays and increased input costs. Inflationary price increases and related pressures that are not offset by commodity price increases and operational efficiencies may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and profitability.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Impairment
On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and evaluates its mining interests for indicators of impairment or impairment reversals. Impairment assessments are conducted at the level of cash-generating units (“CGU”). At the end of the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $13.4 million in relation to Relief Canyon as a result of a decrease in the Company’s market capitalization below its consolidated net assets value. This decrease in market capitalization was the result of the decrease in precious metal prices and market capital flows among other factors. The Company performed an assessment of all its CGUs and identified an impairment charge on its Relief Canyon property, plant and equipment carrying value of $13.4 million. The valuation was determined through the fair value of the contained gold equivalent ounces at Relief Canyon based on a market approach of comparable companies, primarily in the feasibility, construction, and production stage of mining. In addition, previously the Company recorded a total impairment of $55.6 million at the end of the first quarter of 2021 in relation to Relief Canyon as a result of changes to Relief Canyon’s expected gold production.
CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Each operating mine, development and exploration project represents a separate CGU. If an indication of impairment exists, the recoverable amount of the CGU is estimated. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the CGU is in excess of its recoverable amount. The assessment for impairment is subjective and requires management to make significant judgments and assumptions in respect of a number of factors, including estimates of production levels, operating costs and capital expenditures reflected in the Company’s life-of-mine plans, the value of in situ ounces, exploration potential and land holdings, as well as economic factors beyond management’s control, such as precious metals prices, discount rates, foreign exchange rates, and observable net asset value multiples. It is possible that the actual fair value could be significantly different than those estimates. In addition, should management’s estimate of the future not reflect actual events, further impairment charges may materialize, and the timing and amount of such impairment charges is difficult to predict.
The Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 contain going concern disclosure.
The Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 contain disclosure related to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise additional capital, achieve sustainable revenues and profitable operations, and obtain the necessary financing to meet obligations and repay liabilities when they become due. No assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in achieving these goals. If the Company is unable to achieve these goals, its ability to carry out and implement planned business objectives and strategies will be significantly delayed, limited or may not occur. The Company’s financial statements do not include adjustments to amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. There are no guarantees that access to equity and debt capital from public and private markets in Canada or the U.S. will be available to the Company.
Risks associated with market fluctuations in commodity prices
The majority of the Company’s revenue is derived from the sale of silver, zinc and lead contained in concentrates. Fluctuations in the prices of silver, zinc, and lead represent one of the most significant factors affecting the Company’s results of operations and profitability. If the Company experiences low prices for these commodities, it may result in decreased revenues and decreased net income, or losses, and may negatively affect the Company’s business.
The market price for silver, zinc and lead continues to be volatile and is influenced by a number of factors, including, among others, levels of supply and demand, global or regional consumptive patterns, sales by government holders, metal stock levels maintained by producers and others, increased production due to new mine developments, improved mining and production methods, speculative trading activities, inventory carrying costs, availability and costs of metal substitutes, international economic and political conditions, interest rates and the relative exchange rate of the U.S. dollar with other major currencies. The aggregate effect of such factors (all of which are beyond the control of the Company) is impossible to predict with any degree of accuracy, and as such, the Company can provide no assurances that it can effectively manage such factors.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
In addition, the price of silver, for example, has on occasion been subject to very rapid short-term changes due to speculative activities. Fluctuations in silver and other commodity prices may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, or results of operations. The world market price of commodities has fluctuated during the last several years. Declining market prices for silver and other metals, in general, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and profitability. If the market price of silver and other commodities falls significantly from its current levels, the operation of the Company’s properties may be rendered uneconomic and such operation and exploitation may be suspended or delayed. In addition to adversely affecting the Company’s reserve estimates and its financial condition, declining commodity prices can impact operations by requiring a reassessment of the feasibility of a particular project. Such a reassessment may be the result of a management decision or may be required under financing arrangements related to a particular project. Even if the project is ultimately determined to be economically viable, the need to conduct such a reassessment may cause substantial delays or may interrupt operations until the reassessment can be completed.
In particular, if applicable commodity prices are depressed for a sustained period and net losses accumulate, the Company may be forced to suspend some or all of its mining operations until prices increase or record asset impairment write-downs. Any lost revenues continued or increased net losses, or asset impairment write-downs would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
The Company has a history of negative operating cash flow and may continue to experience negative operating cash flow
The Company has a recently experienced negative operating cash flow and may continue to experience negative operating cash flow. The Company had negative operating cash flow for recent past financial reporting periods. Such negative operating cash flows can be common for mining companies in the exploration and/or development stages in respect of material mineral properties, as is the case for the Company and its development of Relief Canyon to the achievement of commercial production. With commercial production having been declared at Relief Canyon the Company anticipates that it will soon generate positive net cash flow on a consolidated basis. However, to the extent that the Company has negative operating cash flow in future periods, the Company may need to allocate a portion of its cash reserves to fund such negative cash flow. The Company may also be required to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities. There can be no assurance that additional capital or other types of financing will be available if or when needed or that these financings will be on terms favourable to the Company if at all, or that the Company’s expectations regarding net cash flow in future period will prove to be accurate.
The Company’s working capital requirements may be higher than anticipated and/or its revenue may be lower than anticipated over relevant periods
The Company’s revenues over the 12 months from the date of this MD&A may be lower than anticipated. For instance, the Company’s ability to generate sales and realize revenues is dependent on the Company achieving its production goals, including doing so on its expected timelines.
Working capital requirements over the next 12 months may also be greater than the Company currently anticipates for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, the following: the ability of the Company to maintain production at expected levels; unanticipated capital requirements at the Galena Complex; operating costs at the Cosalá Operations; further delay or costs to achieve full production Relief Canyon; unanticipated increases in contract mining, production costs or other operating expenses; labour disputes; and catastrophic events such as weather events, as well as or public health crisises or pandemics and the related health and safety measures that may be instituted, particularly in the jurisdictions in which
the Company operates . Many of these factors are not within the Company’s control.
The Company expects to achieve net cash flow over the 12 months following the date of this MD&A, and this expectation is reliant on revenues, production results, metals prices and working capital requirements being in line with current expectations. The Company’s expectations regarding net cash flow are dependent on a number of assumptions and estimates, some of which are not in the Company’s control. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information”.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company may be subject to significant capital requirements and operating risks associated with its operations and its portfolio of growth projects
The Company must generate sufficient internal cash flows and/or be able to utilize available financing sources to finance its growth and sustaining capital requirements. The Company could be required to raise significant additional capital through the capital markets and/or incur significant borrowings to meet its capital requirements. These financing requirements could adversely affect the Company’s ability to access the capital markets in the future to meet any external financing requirements the Company might have. If there are significant delays in terms of when any exploration, development and/or expansion projects are completed and producing on a commercial and consistent scale, and/or their capital costs were to be significantly higher than estimated, these events could have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s results of operation, cash flow from operations and financial condition.
The Company expects that it may require additional financing in connection with the implementation of its business and strategic plans from time to time. The exploration and development of mineral properties and the ongoing operation of mines require a substantial amount of capital and will depend on the Company’s ability to obtain financing through joint ventures, debt financing, equity financing or other means. The Company may accordingly need further capital depending on exploration, development, production and operational results and market conditions, including the prices at which the Company sells its production, or in order to take advantage of further opportunities or acquisitions. The Company’s financial condition, general market conditions, volatile metals markets, volatile interest rates, a claim against the Company, a significant disruption to the Company’s business or operations or other factors may make it difficult to secure financing necessary for the development or expansion of mining activities or to take advantage of opportunities for acquisitions. Further, continuing volatility in the credit markets may affect the ability of the Company, or third parties it seeks to do business with, to access those markets.
There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining required financing as and when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. A failure to obtain additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of its projects and the possible loss of such properties. If the Company raises funding by issuing additional equity securities or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for equity securities, such financing may substantially dilute the interests of the shareholders of the Company and reduce the value of their investment. The Company has a limited history of earnings, has never paid a dividend, and does not anticipate paying dividends in the near future.
In addition, the Company’s mining operations and processing and related infrastructure facilities are subject to risks normally encountered in the mining and metals industry. Such risks include, without limitation, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, labour disputes, changes in laws, technical difficulties or failures, late delivery of supplies or equipment, unusual or unexpected geological formations or pressures, cave-ins, pit-wall failures, rock falls, unanticipated ground, grade or water conditions, flooding, periodic or extended interruptions due to the unavailability of materials and force majeure events. Such risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or producing facilities, personal injury, environmental damage, delays in mining or processing, losses and possible legal liability. Any prolonged downtime or shutdowns at the Company’s mining or processing operations could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to the Company or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, properties or prospects.
The Company’s dependence on the success of its Cosalá Operations, including the San Rafael mine and the Galena Complex which are exposed to operational risks and other risks, including certain development and exploration related risks
The principal mineral projects of the Company are the Galena Complex and its Cosalá Operations, including the San Rafael mine. The Company is primarily dependent upon the success of these properties as sources of future revenue and profits, and as opportunities for the growth and development of the Company. Commercial production and operations at the Galena Complex, and its Cosalá Operations, including the San Rafael mine, will require the commitment of resources for operating expenses and capital expenditures, which may increase subsequently as needed, and for consultants, personnel and equipment associated primarily with commercial production. In addition, the Company’s other mining operations, exploration and development will require the commitment of additional resources for operating expenses and capital expenditures, which may increase subsequently as needed, and for consultants, personnel and equipment associated with advancing exploration, development and commercial production. The amounts and timing of expenditures will depend on, among other things, the results of commercial production, the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants’ analysis and recommendations and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The success of construction projects and the start-up of new mines by the Company is subject to a number of factors including the availability and performance of engineering and construction contractors, mining contractors, suppliers and consultants, the receipt of required governmental approvals and permits in connection with the construction of mining facilities and the conduct of mining operations (including environmental permits), the successful completion and operation of ore passes, the adsorption/desorption/recovery plants and conveyors to move ore, among other operational elements. Any delay in the performance of any one or more of the contractors, suppliers, consultants or other persons on which the Company is dependent in connection with its construction activities, a delay in or failure to receive the required governmental approvals and permits in a timely manner or on reasonable terms, or a delay in or failure in connection with the completion and successful operation of the operational elements in connection with new mines could delay or prevent the construction and start-up of new mines as planned. There can be no assurance that current or future construction and start-up plans implemented by the Company will be successful, that the Company will be able to obtain sufficient funds to finance construction and start-up activities, that personnel and equipment will be available in a timely manner or on reasonable terms to successfully complete construction projects, that the Company will be able to obtain all necessary governmental approvals and permits or that the completion of the construction, the start-up costs and the ongoing operating costs associated with the development of new mines will not be significantly higher than anticipated by the Company. Any of the foregoing factors could adversely impact the operations and financial condition of the Company.
Substantial risks are associated with mining and milling operations. The Company’s commercial operations are subject to all the usual hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold, silver, zinc, lead and copper, including, among other things: unusual and unexpected geologic formations, inclement weather conditions, seismic activity, rock bursts, cave-ins, flooding and other conditions involved in the drilling and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, catastrophic damage to property or loss of life, labour disruptions, equipment failure or failure of retaining dams around tailings disposal areas which may result in environmental pollution and legal liability. The Company will take appropriate precautions as are applicable to similar mining operations and in accordance with general industry standards to help mitigate such risks. However, the Company can provide no assurances that its precautions will actually succeed in mitigating, or even reducing the scope of potential exposure to, such operational risks.
Substantial efforts and compliance with regulatory requirements are required to establish mineral reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal and, in the case of development properties, to develop and construct the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Shareholders cannot be assured that any reserves or mineralized material acquired or discovered will be in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Risks associated with outstanding debt
The Company’s ability to make scheduled payments of interest and principal on its outstanding indebtedness or refinance its debt obligations depends on its financial and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond its control. There can be no assurance that the Company will generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities to make its scheduled repayments of principal, interest, and any applicable premiums. The Company may be forced to pursue strategic alternatives such as reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets or operations, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance its indebtedness. No assurances can be made that the Company would be able to take any of these actions, that these actions would be successful, or that these actions would be permitted under the terms of existing or future debt agreements. If the Company cannot make scheduled payments on its debt, or comply with its covenants, it will be in default of such indebtedness and, as a result (i) holders of such debt could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, and (ii) the lenders under the credit facilities could terminate their commitments to lend the Company money and if no provision for payment is made, the lender may exercise its applicable security.
Government regulation and environmental compliance
The Company is subject to significant governmental regulations, and costs and delays related to such regulations may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
The Company’s mining activities are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing environmental protection, natural resources, prospecting, development, production, post-closure reclamation, taxes, labour standards and occupational health and safety laws and regulations including mine safety, toxic substances and other matters related to the Company’s business. The costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations could be substantial. Possible future laws and regulations, or more restrictive or false interpretations of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspensions of the Company’s operations and delays in the development of the Company’s properties. Moreover, governmental authorities and private parties may bring lawsuits based upon damage to property and injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health and safety impacts of the Company’s past and current operations, which could lead to the imposition of substantial fines, penalties and other civil and criminal sanctions. Substantial costs and liabilities, including for restoring the environment after the closure of mines, are inherent in the Company’s operations. The Company is often required to post surety bonds or cash collateral to secure its reclamation obligations and may be unable to obtain the required surety bonds or may not have the resources to provide cash collateral, and the bonds or collateral may not fully cover the cost of reclamation and any such shortfall could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition. Although the Company believes it is in substantial compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Company can give no assurance that any such law, regulation, enforcement or private claim will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
In the United States, some of the Company’s mining wastes are currently exempt to a limited extent from the extensive set of federal Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) regulations governing hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (the “RCRA”). If the exemption is altered and these wastes are designated as hazardous under the RCRA, the Company would be required to expend additional amounts on the handling of such wastes and may be required to make significant expenditures to construct or modify facilities for managing these wastes. In addition, releases of hazardous substances from a mining facility causing contamination in or damage to the environment may result in liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (the “CERCLA”). Under the CERCLA, the Company may be jointly and severally liable for contamination at or originating from its facilities. Liability under the CERCLA may require the Company to undertake extensive remedial clean-up action or to pay for the government’s clean-up efforts. It can also lead to liability to state and tribal governments for natural resource damages. Additional regulations or requirements are also imposed upon the Company’s operations in Idaho under the federal Clean Water Act (the “CWA”). Airborne emissions are subject to controls under air pollution statutes implementing the Clean Air Act in Idaho. Compliance with the CERCLA, the CWA and state environmental laws could entail significant costs, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company’s mining operations are subject to regulations promulgated by government agencies from time to time. Specifically, the Company’s activities at the Galena Complex and Relief Canyon are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and related regulations under applicable legislation and the Company’s activities at the Cosalá Operations projects are subject to regulation by SEMARNAT (defined below), the environmental protection agency of Mexico. Such regulations can result in citations and orders which can entail significant costs or production interruptions and have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations and profitability. SEMARNAT regulations require that an environmental impact statement, known in Mexico as MIA, be prepared by a third-party contractor for submittal to SEMARNAT. Studies required to support the MIA include a detailed analysis of the following areas: soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources and socio-economic impacts. The Company must also provide proof of local community support for a project to gain final approval of the MIA.
In the context of environmental permits, including the approval of reclamation plans, the Company must comply with standards and regulations, which involve significant costs and can entail significant delays. Such costs and delays could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is required to obtain or renew governmental permits for the operation and expansion of existing mining operations or for the development, construction and commencement of new mining operations. Obtaining or renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions, which often involves public hearings and costly undertakings. The duration and success of the Company’s efforts to obtain or renew permits are contingent upon many variables not within its control including the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority. The Company’s ability to obtain, maintain and renew permits and approvals and to successfully develop and operate mines may be adversely affected by real or perceived impacts associated with the Company’s activities or those of other mining companies that affect the environment, human health and safety. Interested parties including governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations or civic groups may seek to prevent issuance of permits and intervene in the process or pursue extensive appeal rights. Past or ongoing or alleged violations of laws or regulations involving obtaining or complying with permits could provide a basis to revoke existing permits, deny the issuance of additional permits, or commence a regulatory enforcement action, each of which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operations or financial condition. The Company may not be able to obtain or renew permits that are necessary to its operations, or the cost to obtain or renew permits may exceed what the Company believes it can recover from the property once in production. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the permitting process could delay the development or impede the operation of a mine, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and profitability.
Legislative and regulatory measures to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are in various phases of consideration. If adopted, such measures could increase the Company’s cost of environmental compliance and also delay or otherwise negatively affect efforts to obtain permits and other regulatory approvals with regard to existing and new facilities. Proposed measures could also result in increased cost of fuel and other consumables used at the Company’s operations. Climate change legislation or regulation may affect the Company’s customers and the market for the metals it produces with effects on prices that are not possible to predict. Adoption of these or similar new environmental regulations or more stringent application of existing regulations may materially increase the Company’s costs, threaten certain operating activities and constrain its expansion opportunities.
Some of the Company’s material properties are located in Mexico and are subject to changes in political and economic conditions and regulations in that country
Mexico has been subject to political instability, changes and uncertainties, which may cause changes to existing governmental regulations or their application affecting mineral exploration and mining activities. The Company’s operations and properties are subject to a variety of governmental regulations including, among others: regulations promulgated by the Mexican Department of Economy – Dirección General de Minas, Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”); the Mexican Mining Law; and the regulations of the Comisión Nacional del Aqua with respect to water rights, the Mexican Department of labour and the Mexican Department of the Interior. Mexican regulators have broad authority to shut down and/or levy fines against facilities that do not comply with regulations or standards. The Company’s mineral exploration and mining activities in Mexico may be adversely affected in varying degrees by changing government regulations relating to the mining industry or shifts in political conditions that increase the costs related to the Company’s activities or maintenance of its properties. Operations may also be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, income taxes, and expropriation of property, environmental legislation and mine safety. Mexico’s status as a developing country may make it more difficult than it was in the past for the Company to obtain any required financing for its projects. The Mexican government has conducted a highly publicized crackdown on the drug cartels, resulting in widespread violence and a loss of lives. There is no assurance that the Company’s operations will not be adversely impacted by such organizations.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company is uncertain if all necessary permits will be maintained on acceptable terms or in a timely manner. Future changes in applicable laws and regulations or changes in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation or improper application could negatively impact current operations or planned exploration and development activities on its Cosalá district properties, or in any other projects that the Company becomes involved with. Any failure (actual or alleged) to comply with applicable laws and regulations or to obtain or maintain permits, even if inadvertent, could result in the interruption of production, exploration and development operations or material fines, penalties, diminution of property rights including mining concessions or other liabilities.
Labour relations, employee recruitment, retention and pension funding
The Company may experience labour disputes, work stoppages or other disruptions in production that could adversely affect its operations. The Company is dependent on its workforce at its producing properties and mills. The Company endeavours to maintain good relations with its workforce in order to minimize the possibility of strikes, lock-outs and other stoppages at the site. Relations between the Company and its employees may be impacted by changes in labour relations which may be introduced by, among other things, employee groups, competing labour unions, or other groups using a labour related justification, and the relevant governmental authorities in whose jurisdictions the Company carries on business.
Many of the Company’s employees at its operations are represented by a labour union under a collective labour agreement. The Company may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate the collective labour agreement when it expires. In addition, the existing labour agreement may not prevent a strike or work stoppage at the Company’s facilities in the future, and any such work stoppage could have a material adverse effect on its earnings.
A subsidiary of the Company is party, with the United Steel Workers Union, to a collective bargaining agreement that covers substantially all of the hourly employees at the Galena Complex that was ratified by union membership at the Galena Complex and is effective from November 17, 2022 through November 16, 2025. A failure to come to an agreement after expiration of such agreement could impact the operations at the Galena Complex if there was a labour action that results in an interruption of operations.
The Cosalá Operations were subject to an illegal blockade which began in January 2020 and continued until the Company signed an agreement with the Mexican Ministries of Economy, Interior and Labour along with union representatives committing to a reopening at the Cosalá Operations. The Company has since resumed operations. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will receive and continue to receive the level of support from the Mexican government with respect to the long-term stability of the Cosalá Operations or the ability to maintain such support in the near- and long-term. As a result, Company may experience further labour disputes, work stoppages, illegal blockades or other disruptions in production that could materially adversely affect its operations and results.
We believe that the Company’s continuing efforts to build lasting and constructive relationships with the Mexican government, host communities, its workforce and key stakeholders, and the significant local economic development initiatives the Company supports both directly and indirectly, will result in maintaining and building trust with local communities and more local citizens benefiting economically which will continue to support the Cosalá Operations. However, there is no assurance that the Company’s efforts will effectively mitigate such risk.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company also hires its employees or consultants to assist it in conducting its operations in accordance with laws of the host country. The Company also purchases certain supplies and retains the services of various companies in the host country to meet its business plans. It may be difficult to find or hire qualified people in the mining industry who are situated in the host country or to obtain all the necessary services or expertise in the host country or to conduct operations on its projects at reasonable rates. If qualified people and services or expertise cannot be obtained in the host country, the Company may need to seek and obtain those services from people located outside the host country, which will require work permits and compliance with applicable laws and could result in delays and higher costs to the Company to conduct its operations. Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to the Company’s success.
The number of persons skilled in acquisition, exploration and development of mining properties is limited and competition for such persons is intense. As the Company’s business activity grows, the Company will require additional key executive, financial, operational, administrative and mining personnel. Although the Company believes that it will be successful in attracting, training and retaining qualified personnel, there can be no assurance of such success. The markets for qualified skilled workers and personnel being extremely competitive has been further constrained by the ongoing industrywide labour shortages, partly resulting from COVID-19 pandemic effects. The Company’s ability to meet its labour needs, while controlling labour costs, is subject to many external factors, including the competition for and availability of skilled personnel in our markets, unemployment levels within those markets, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage laws, health and other insurance costs and changes in employment and labour legislation or other workplace regulation. If the Company is not successful in attracting and training qualified personnel, the efficiency of its operations could be affected, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and profitability. The Company strongly depends on the business and technical expertise of its small group of management and key personnel. There is little possibility that this dependence will decrease in the near term. Key man life insurance is not in place on management and key personnel. If the services of the Company’s management and key personnel were lost, it could have a material adverse effect on future operations.
The volatility in the equity markets over the last several years and other financial impacts have affected the Company’s costs and liquidity through increased requirements to fund the Company’s defined benefit pension plans for its employees. There can be no assurance that financial markets will sufficiently recover in the future with the effect of causing a corresponding reduction in the Company’s future pension funding requirements. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that unforeseen changes in pensioner longevity, government regulation or other financial market uncertainties will not cause pension funding requirements to differ from the requirements projected by professional actuaries. The Company intends to continue to fund its pension plan for hourly and salary employees of the Company pursuant to all relevant regulatory requirements.
Community relations and social impact
The Company’s relationship with the communities where it operates is critical to ensuring the future success of project development and future operations. Globally, there is an increasing level of public concern relating to the perceived effect of mining activities on the environment and on communities impacted by such activities. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to appropriately manage community relations in a manner that will allow the Company to proceed with its plans to develop and operate its properties.
Certain non-governmental organizations, some of which oppose globalization and resource development, or have other interests, can be vocal critics of the mining industry and its practices. Actions by such organizations could adversely affect the Company’s reputation and financial condition and may impact its relationship with the communities in which it operates. These actions can relate not only to current activities but also historic mining activities by prior owners and could have a material, adverse effect on the Company. They may also file complaints with regulators and others. Such complaints, regardless of whether they have any substance or basis in fact or law, may have the effect of undermining the confidence of the public or a regulator and may adversely affect the Company.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Risks associated with transportation and storage of concentrate in Mexico
The doré and concentrates produced by the Company have significant value and are loaded onto road vehicles for transport or to seaports for export to foreign markets. The geographic location of the Company’s operations in Mexico and the United States, and air and trucking routes taken through the country to the refinery, smelters and ports for delivery, give rise to risks including doré or concentrate theft, roadblocks and terrorist attacks, losses caused by adverse weather conditions, delays in delivery of shipments, and environmental liabilities in the event of an accident or spill.
Mining property and title risks
Third parties may dispute the Company’s mining claims, which could result in losses affecting the Company’s business. The validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain and may be contested. Although the Company has attempted to acquire satisfactory title to undeveloped properties, the Company, in accordance with mining industry practice, does not generally obtain title opinions until a decision is made to develop a property. As a result, some titles, particularly titles to undeveloped properties, may be defective. Defective title to any of the Company’s mining claims could result in litigation, insurance claims, and potential losses affecting the Company’s business.
The validity of mining or exploration titles or claims, which constitute most of the Company’s property holdings, can be uncertain and may be contested. No assurance can be given that applicable governments will not revoke or significantly alter the conditions of the applicable exploration and mining titles or claims and that such exploration and mining titles or claims, will not be challenged or impugned by third parties. The Company has not conducted surveys of all the claims in which it holds direct or indirect interests and therefore, the precise area and location of such claims may be in doubt. The Company’s properties may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements or transfers, native land claims or undetected title defects.
Speculative nature of exploration and development
The Company’s future growth and productivity will depend, in part, on the ability to identify and acquire additional commercially mineable mineral rights, and on the costs and results of continued exploration and potential development programs. Exploration for minerals and the development of mineral properties is speculative and involves significant uncertainties and financial risks that even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and technical knowledge may not eliminate. While the discovery of an ore body may result in substantial rewards, few properties which are explored prove to return the discovery of a commercially mineable deposit and/or are ultimately developed into producing mines. As at the date hereof, some of the Company’s projects are preliminary in nature and mineral resource estimates include inferred mineral resources, which are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Major expenses may be required to properly evaluate the prospectivity of an exploration property, to develop new ore bodies and to estimate mineral resources and establish mineral reserves. There is no assurance that the Company’s deposits are commercially mineable, nor can there be any certainty that the Company’s exploration, development and production activities will be commercially successful.
Unauthorized mining
The mining industry in Mexico is subject to incursions by illegal miners who gain unauthorized access to mines to steal mineralized material mainly by manual mining methods. Such incursions could result in both a significant financial loss to the Company and a material impact to the Company’s operations. In addition to the risk of losses and disruptions, these illegal miners pose a safety and security risk. The Company has taken security measures at its sites to address this issue and ensure the safety and security of its employees, contractors and assets. These incursions and illegal mining activities can potentially compromise underground structures, equipment and operations, which may lead to production stoppages and impact the Company’s ability to meet production goals.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Global financial and economic conditions
The re-emergence of a global financial crisis or recession or reduced economic activity in the United States, Mexico, Canada, China, India and other industrialized or developing countries, or disruption of key sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, may have a significant effect on the Company’s results of operations or may limit its ability to raise capital through credit and equity markets. The prices of the metals that the Company produces are affected by a number of factors, and it is unknown how these factors may be impacted by a global financial event or development impacting major industrial or developing countries. Additionally, global economic conditions may cause a long-term decrease in asset values. If such global volatility and market uncertainty were to continue, the Company’s operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.
Natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises and other disruptions or dislocations
Upon the occurrence of a natural disaster, or upon an incident of war, riot or civil unrest, the impacted country may not efficiently and quickly recover from such event, which could have a materially adverse effect on the Company. Terrorist attacks, public health crises including epidemics, pandemics or outbreaks of new infectious disease or viruses, and related events can result in volatility and disruption to global supply chains, operations, mobility of people and the financial markets, which could affect interest rates, credit ratings, credit risk, inflation, business, financial conditions, results of operations and other factors relevant to the Company.
Surface rights and access
The Company has reached various agreements for surface rights and access with certain local groups, including members of ejidos, for mining exploitation activities, including open pit mining, in the surroundings of the Cosalá Operations. In addition, the Company has formal ongoing agreements for surface access to all ejidos on which its exploration activities are being performed. These agreements are valid and are regularly reviewed in terms of the appropriate level of compensation for the level of work being carried out.
For future activities, the Company will need to negotiate with ejido and non-ejido members, as a group and individually, to reach agreements for additional access and surface rights. Negotiations with ejidos membership or other interested groups can become time-consuming if demands for compensation become unreasonable. There can be no guarantee that the Company will be able to negotiate satisfactory agreements with any such existing members for such access and surface rights, and therefore it may be unable to carry out planned mining activities. In addition, in circumstances where access is denied, or no agreement can be reached, the Company may need to rely on the assistance of local officials or the courts in such jurisdiction, the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with any certainty. The inability of the Company to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights could materially and adversely affect the timing, cost or overall ability of the Company to operate or develop any mineral deposits it may locate. See “Labour relations, employee recruitment, retention and pension funding” for further information.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company is subject to currency fluctuations that may adversely affect the financial position of the Company
One of the Company’s primary operations, the Cosalá Operations, is located in Mexico and many of its expenditures and obligations are denominated in Mexican pesos. Other operations are located in the United States and expenditures related to those operations are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company maintains its principal office and raises its equity financings in Canada, maintains cash accounts in both U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars and Mexican pesos and has monetary assets and liabilities in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars and Mexican pesos. For its financial reporting, the Company’s presentation currency is the U.S. dollar. As such, the Company’s results of operations are subject to foreign currency fluctuation risks and such fluctuations may adversely affect the financial position and results of the Company. The Company may, from time to time, employ derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Risks associated with Americas Gold and Silver’s various financial instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, other payables, derivative assets and liabilities, and other financial instruments may be held from time to time. These financial instruments are exposed to numerous risks, including, among others, liquidity risk, currency risk, equity price risk, interest rate risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. Many of these risks are outside the Company’s control. There is no assurance that the Company will realize the carrying value of any of its financial instruments.
The Company may engage in hedging activities
From time to time, the Company may use certain derivative products to hedge or manage the risks associated with changes in the prices of zinc, lead, and the Mexican Peso. The use of derivative instruments involves certain inherent risks including, among other things: (i) credit risk – the risk of an unexpected loss arising if a counterparty with which the Company has entered into transactions fails to meet its contractual obligations; (ii) market liquidity risk – the risk that the Company has entered into a derivative position that cannot be closed out quickly, by either liquidating such derivative instrument or by establishing an offsetting position; (iii) unrealized mark-to-market risk – the risk that, in respect of certain derivative products, an adverse change in market prices for commodities, currencies or interest rates will result in the Company incurring an unrealized mark-to-market loss in respect of such derivative products.
There is no assurance that any hedging program or transactions which may be adopted or utilized by the Company designed to reduce the risk associated with changes price will be successful. Although hedging may protect the Company from an adverse price change, it may also prevent the Company from benefiting fully from a positive price change.
The Company may require significant capital expenditures
Substantial capital expenditures will be required to maintain, develop and to continue with exploration at the Company properties. In order to explore and develop these projects and properties, the Company may be required to expend significant amounts for, among other things, geological, geochemical and geophysical analysis, drilling, assaying, and, if warranted, mining and infrastructure feasibility studies.
The Company may not benefit from any of these investments if it is unable to identify commercially exploitable mineralized material. If successful in identifying reserves, it will require significant additional capital to construct facilities necessary to extract recoverable metal from those reserves.
The ability of the Company to achieve sufficient cash flows from internal sources and obtain necessary funding depends upon a number of factors, including the state of the worldwide economy and the price of silver, zinc, lead and copper. The Company may not be successful in achieving sufficient cash flows from internal sources and obtaining the required financing for these or other purposes on terms that are favourable to it or at all, in which case its ability to continue operating may be adversely affected. Failure to achieve sufficient cash flows and obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration or potential development.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Risks associated with the Company’s business objectives
The Company’s strategy to create shareholder value through the acquisition, exploration, advancement and development of its mineral properties will be subject to substantive risk. While the Company may seek to acquire additional mineral properties that are consistent with its business objectives, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify suitable additional mineral properties or, if it does identify suitable properties, that it will have sufficient financial resources to acquire such properties or that such properties will be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. Any partnership or joint venture agreements with respect to mineral properties that the Company enters into will be subject to the typical risks associated with such agreements, including disagreement on how to develop, operate or finance a property and contractual and legal remedies of the Company’s partners in the event of such disagreement.
Risks associated with the Company’s strategic joint venture at its Galena Complex
In September 2019, the Company entered into the Galena Joint Venture with Mr. Eric Sprott at its Galena Complex. The Galena Joint Venture is subject to the risks normally associated with the conduct of joint ventures. These risks may include, but are not limited to: (i) disagreements between joint venture partners on how to develop and operate mines efficiently; (ii) that joint venture partners may at any time have economic or business interests or goals that are, or become, inconsistent with another joint venture partner’s business interests or goals; (iii) an inability of joint venture partners to meet their obligations to the joint venture or third parties; (iv) the possibility that a joint venture partner might become bankrupt; (v) the possibility that a joint venture partner may not be able to sell its interest in the joint venture; or (vi) litigation arising between joint venture partners regarding joint venture matters. The existence or occurrence of one or more of the foregoing circumstances and events could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s profitability, future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.
Competition in the mining industry
Competition in the mining sector is intense. Mines have limited lives and as a result, the Company may in the future seek to replace and expand its reserves through the acquisition of new properties. In addition, there is a limited supply of desirable mineral lands available in areas where the Company would consider conducting exploration and/or production activities. Because the Company faces strong competition for new properties from other mining companies, some of which have greater financial resources than it does, the Company may be unable to acquire attractive new mining properties on terms that it considers acceptable. Competition in the mining business for limited sources of capital could adversely affect the Company’s ability to acquire and develop suitable mines, developmental projects, producing companies, or properties having significant exploration potential. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company’s acquisition and exploration plans will yield new mineral reserves to replace or expand current mineral reserves.
Concentrate sales risks
The Company currently sells its concentrates under offtake contracts with a limited number of counterparties. Based on past practice, and the quality of its concentrates, the Company expects to be able to renew these contracts or find alternative purchasers for its concentrates, however there can be no assurance that the existing contracts will be renewed or replaced on reasonable terms.
The Company frequently sells its concentrates on the basis of receiving a sales advance when the concentrates are delivered, with the advance based on market prices of metals at the time of the advance. Final settlement of the sale is then made later, based on prevailing metals prices at that time. In an environment of volatile metal prices, this can lead to negative cash adjustments, with amounts owing to the purchaser, and such amounts could potentially be substantial. In volatile metal markets, the Company may elect to fix the price of a concentrate sale at the time of initial delivery.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Certain risks related to the ownership of the Company’s common shares
In recent years, the securities markets in the United States and Canada have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies, including mineral resource and mining companies and particularly those considered development stage companies, have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. There can be no assurance that continual severe fluctuations in price will not occur.
The Company’s common shares are currently listed on the TSX and the NYSE American. There can be no assurance that an active market for the common shares will be sustained. If an active or liquid market for the common shares fails to be sustained, the prices at which such common shares trade may be adversely affected. Whether or not the common shares will trade at lower prices depends on many factors, including the liquidity of the common shares, prevailing interest rates and the markets for similar securities, general economic conditions and the Company’s financial condition, historic financial performance and future prospects.
Additionally, the exercise of stock options and warrants already issued by the Company, the issuance of additional equity securities or convertible debt securities and the repayment of debt through the issuance of additional equity securities in the future could result in dilution in the equity interests of holders of common shares.
The Company may also issue and sell additional securities of the Company to finance its operations or future acquisitions. The Company cannot predict the size of future issuances of securities of the Company or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of securities will have on the market price of any securities of the Company that are issued and outstanding from time to time. Sales or issuances of substantial amounts of securities of the Company, or the perception that such sales or issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for the securities of the Company that are issued and outstanding from time to time. With any additional sale or issuance of securities of the Company, holders will suffer dilution with respect to voting power and may experience dilution in the Company’s earnings per share. Moreover, the Company’s recent offerings of common shares may create a perceived risk of dilution resulting in downward pressure on the price of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares, which could contribute to progressive declines in the prices of such securities.
Absolute assurance on financial statements
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting policies and methods prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards. In the preparation of financial statements, management may need to rely upon assumptions, make estimates or use their best judgment in determining the financial condition of the Company. In order to have a reasonable level of assurance that financial transactions are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use and transactions are properly recorded and reported, the Company has implemented and continues to analyze its internal control systems for financial reporting. Although the Company believes that its financial reports and financial statements are prepared with reasonable safeguards to ensure reliability, the Company cannot provide absolute assurance in that regard.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company is a Canadian company and this could have an impact on enforcement of civil liabilities obtained under U.S. securities laws
The Company is a corporation existing under the laws of Canada and its registered and head office is in Canada. Most of the Company’s directors and officers are residents of Canada or otherwise reside outside of the United States, and a substantial portion of their assets, and a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult to serve process on the Company or such other persons, to effect service of process within the United States on certain of the Company’s directors and officers or enforce judgments obtained in the United States courts against the Company or certain of the Company’s directors and officers based upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal securities laws or the securities laws of any state of the United States. Enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the United States federal or state securities laws may be affected adversely by these facts.
There is some doubt as to whether a judgment of a United States court based solely upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal or state securities laws would be enforceable in Canada against the Company or its directors and officers. There is also doubt as to whether an original action could be brought in Canada against the Company or its directors and officers to enforce liabilities based solely upon United States federal or state securities laws.
Uninsured or uninsurable risks
In the course of exploration, development and production of mineral properties, several risks and, in particular, unexpected or unusual geological or operating conditions, may occur. Such risks and hazards may include adverse environmental conditions, industrial accidents, labour disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, catastrophic equipment failures, changes in the regulatory environment, and natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes. Such occurrences could result in damage to mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage to the Company’s properties or the properties of others, delays in mining, monetary losses, and possible legal liability.
Although the Company will maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as it considers reasonable, its insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with a mining company’s operations. Furthermore, the Company may decide not to take out insurance against such risks as a result of high premiums or other reasons. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Should such aforementioned liabilities arise, they could have a material adverse effect on the results of the Company’s operations, cash flow, financial condition, and business, they could reduce or eliminate any future profitability, and they could result in an increase in costs and a decline in value of the common shares.
As of the date of this MD&A, the Company is not insured against environmental risks. Insurance against environmental risks (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from exploration and production) has not been generally available to companies within the industry. Without such insurance, and if the Company becomes subject to environmental liabilities, the payment of such liabilities would reduce or eliminate its available funds or could exceed the funds the Company has to pay such liabilities and result in bankruptcy. Should the Company be unable to fund fully the remedial cost of an environmental problem, it might be required to enter into interim compliance measures pending completion of the required remedy.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company’s information technology systems may be vulnerable to disruption which could place its systems at risk from data loss, operational failure, or compromise of confidential information
The Company relies on various information technology systems, and on third party developers and contractors, in connection with operations, including production, equipment operation and financial support systems. While the Company regularly obtains and develops solutions to monitor the security of its systems, it remains vulnerable to disruption, damage or failure from a variety of sources, including errors by employees or contractors, computer viruses, cyber-attacks including phishing, ransomware, and similar malware, misappropriation of data by outside parties, and various other threats. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or sabotage systems are under continuous and rapid evolution, which may deter efforts to detect disruption of data and systems in advance. Breaches and unauthorized access carry the potential to cause losses of production, operational delays, equipment failure that could cause other risks to be realized, inaccurate recordkeeping, or disclosure of confidential information, any of which could result in financial losses and regulatory or legal exposure and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.
Accessibility and reliability of existing local infrastructure
The Company’s mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to some degree, on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important considerations, which affect capital and operating costs. The lack of availability on acceptable terms or the delay in the availability of any one or more of these items could prevent or delay exploitation or development of the Company’s projects. If adequate infrastructure is not available in a timely manner, the exploitation or development of the Company’s projects may not be commenced or completed on a timely basis, if at all. In addition, the resulting operations may not achieve the anticipated production volume, or the construction costs and ongoing operating costs associated with the exploitation and/or development of the Company’s advanced projects will be higher than anticipated. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect the Company’s operations and profitability.
Risks and uncertainties related to the repatriation of funds from foreign subsidiaries
The Company expects to generate cash flow and profits at its foreign subsidiaries and may need to repatriate funds from those subsidiaries to fulfill its business plans, in particular in relation to ongoing expenditures at its exploration and development assets. The Company may not be able to repatriate funds or may incur tax payments or other costs when doing so, as a result of a change in applicable law or tax requirements at local subsidiary levels or at the parent level, which costs could be substantial.
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (United States) and the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) and anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or other commercial advantage. The Company’s policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws, which often carry substantial penalties. The Company operates in jurisdictions that have experienced governmental and private sector corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with certain local customs and practices. There can be no assurance that the Company’s internal control policies and procedures will always protect it from reckless or other inappropriate acts committed by the Company’s affiliates, employees or agents. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reputation, as well as business, financial position and results of operations and could cause the market value of the Company’s common shares to decline.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Tax considerations
Mexico
Corporate profits in Mexico are taxed only by the Federal Government. Previously, there were two federal taxes in Mexico that applied to the Company’s operations in Mexico: corporate income tax and a Flat Rate Business Tax (“IETU”). Mexican corporate income tax was calculated based on gross revenue less deductions for all refining and smelting charges, direct operating costs, all head office general and administrative costs, and depreciation deductions as applicable at a corporate income tax rate in Mexico of 30%. The IETU was a cash-based minimum tax that applies in addition to the corporate income tax. The tax was applicable to the taxpayer’s net income from the (i) sale of goods; (ii) performance of independent services; and (iii) lease of goods at the rate of 16.5% during 2008, 17% during 2009, 17.5% during 2010, 2011 and 2013.
In late 2013, a new income Tax Law was enacted in Mexico (“Mexican Tax Reform”) which became effective January 1, 2014. Key provisions of the Mexican Tax Reform that may affect the Company consist of:
| ● | New 7.5% mining royalty. This royalty is deductible for tax purposes and is calculated as 7.5% of a royalty base which is computed as taxable revenues (except interest and inflationary adjustments), less allowable deductions for income tax purposes (except interest, inflationary adjustment, depreciation and mining fees), less prospecting and exploration expenses for the year; |
| ● | New environmental duty of 0.5% of gross income arising from the sale of gold and silver; |
| ● | Corporate income tax rate to remain at 30%, eliminating the scheduled reduction to 29% in 2014 and to 28% in 2015; |
| ● | Elimination of the IETU; |
| ● | Elimination of the option for depreciation of capital assets on an accelerated basis; |
| ● | Elimination of 100% deduction on exploration expenses for locating and quantifying new deposits in pre-operating periods. These exploration costs will be amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years; and |
| ● | Reduction of deductibility for various employee fringe benefits; and imposes a 10% withholding tax on dividends distributed to resident individuals or foreign residents (including foreign corporations). According to the Mexico-Canada tax treaty, this dividend withholding tax rate may be reduced to 5%. |
United States
Changes to U.S. tax laws (which changes may have retroactive application) could adversely affect Americas Gold and Silver or holders of Americas Gold and Silver common shares. In recent years, many changes to U.S. federal income tax laws have been proposed and made, and additional changes to U.S. federal income tax laws are likely to continue to occur in the future.
The U.S. Congress is currently considering numerous items of legislation which may be enacted prospectively or with retroactive effect, which legislation could adversely impact Americas Gold and Silver’s financial performance and the value of Americas Gold and Silver’s common shares. Additionally, states in which Americas Gold and Silver operates or owns assets may impose new or increased taxes. If enacted, most of the proposals would be effective for the current or later years. The proposed legislation remains subject to change, and its impact on Americas Gold and Silver and holders of Americas Gold and Silver’s common shares is uncertain.
In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes provisions that will impact the U.S. federal income taxation of corporations. Among other items, this legislation includes provisions that will impose a minimum tax on the book income of certain large corporations and an excise tax on certain corporate stock repurchases that would be imposed on the corporation repurchasing such stock. It is unclear how this legislation will be implemented by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Americas Gold and Silver cannot predict how this legislation or any future changes in tax laws might affect Americas Gold and Silver or holders of Americas Gold and Silver’s common shares.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
U.S. holders of Americas Gold and Silver common shares should be aware that Americas Gold and Silver believes it was not classified as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for its most recently completed tax year, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, Americas Gold and Silver expects that it will not be a PFIC for the current tax year. Americas Gold and Silver has not made any determination as to its PFIC status for future tax years. No opinion of legal counsel or ruling from the IRS concerning the status of Americas Gold and Silver as a PFIC has been obtained or is currently planned to be requested. PFIC classification is fundamentally factual in nature, generally cannot be determined until the close of the tax year in question, and is determined annually. Consequently, there can be no assurance that Americas Gold and Silver will not become a PFIC for any tax year during which U.S. holders own Americas Gold and Silver shares.
If Americas Gold and Silver is a PFIC for any year during a U.S. holder’s holding period, then such U.S. holder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of Americas Gold and Silver common shares, or any “excess distribution” received on its Americas Gold and Silver common shares, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distribution, unless the U.S. holder makes a timely and effective “qualified electing fund” election (“QEF Election”) or a “mark-to-market” election with respect to its Americas Gold and Silver common shares. A U.S. holder who makes a QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of Americas Gold and Silver’s net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which Americas Gold and Silver is a PFIC, whether or not Americas Gold and Silver distributes any amounts to its shareholders. However, U.S. holders should be aware that there can be no assurance that Americas Gold and Silver will satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF, or that Americas Gold and Silver will supply U.S. holders with information that such U.S. holders require to report under the QEF Election rules, in the event that Americas Gold and Silver is a PFIC and a U.S. holder wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. holders may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Americas Gold and Silver common shares. A U.S. holder who makes a mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the Americas Gold and Silver common shares over the taxpayer’s basis therein. Each U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Americas Gold and Silver common shares.
There is a risk that Americas Gold and Silver will be classified as a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Americas Gold and Silver will generally be classified as a CFC if more than 50% of the Company’s outstanding shares, measured by reference to voting power or value, are owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) by “U.S. Shareholders.” For this purpose, a “U.S. Shareholder” is any U.S. person that owns directly, indirectly or by attribution, 10% or more of the voting power or value of Americas Gold and Silver’s outstanding shares. If Americas Gold and Silver is classified as a CFC, a U.S. Shareholder may be subject to U.S. income taxation at ordinary income tax rates on all or a portion of Americas Gold and Silver’s undistributed earnings and profits attributable to “subpart F income” and may also be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates on any gain realized on a sale of common shares, to the extent of Americas Gold and Silver’s current and accumulated earnings and profits attributable to such shares. The CFC rules are complex and U.S. Shareholders of Americas Gold and Silver’s common shares are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the CFC rules to them in their particular circumstances.
Climate change
Extreme weather events (for example, prolonged drought, or the increased frequency and intensity of storms) have the potential to disrupt the Company’s operations and the transportation routes that the Company uses. The Company’s ability to conduct mining operations depends upon access to the volumes of water that are necessary to operate its mines and processing facilities. Changes in weather patterns and extreme weather events, either due to normal variances in weather or due to global climate change, could adversely impact the Company’s ability to secure the necessary volumes of water to operate its facilities.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
For example, the Cosalá Operations and Galena Complex have in the past experienced damage from flooding during periods of excessive rain. Increased precipitation, either due to normal variances in weather or due to global climate change, could result in flooding that may adversely impact mining operations and could damage the Company’s facilities, plant and operating equipment ath the Company’s properties. Accordingly, extreme weather events and climate change may increase the costs of operations and may disrupt operating activities, either of which would adversely impact the profitability of the Company.
Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating and capital costs which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business
The production of metals concentrates is an energy-intensive undertaking that results in a significant carbon footprint. The Company utilizes electricity, diesel fuel, and gasoline to directly or indirectly to produce metal.
A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to the potential impacts of climate change that are viewed as the result of emissions from the combustion of carbon-based fuels. At the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Paris in 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted which was intended to govern emission reductions beyond 2020. The Paris Agreement went into effect in November 2016 when countries that produce at least 55% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions ratified the agreement. While there are no immediate impacts to business from the Paris Agreement, the goal of limiting global warming to “well below 2ºC” will be taken up at national levels.
Some of the countries in which the Company operates have implemented, and are developing, laws and regulations related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2009, the United States EPA issued an endangerment finding under the U.S. Clean Air Act that current and projected concentrations of certain mixed greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare. Additionally, the United States and China signed a bilateral agreement in November 2014 that committed the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an additional 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by the year 2025. The EPA in August 2015 issued final rules for the Clean Power Plan under Section 111 (d) of the Clean Air Act designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at electric utilities in line with reductions planned for the compliance with the Paris Agreement. On June 19, 2019, the EPA as part of a regulatory review repealed the Clean Power Plan and replaced it with the Affordable Clean Energy rule which eliminates most of the emission reduction standards included in the Clean Power Plan. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated the Affordable Clean Energy rule and remanded to the Environmental Protection Agency for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.
Legislation and increased regulation and requirements regarding climate change could impose increased costs on the Company and its venture partners and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations.
Additional reporting requirements may apply if Americas Gold and Silver loses its status as a “Foreign Private Issuer” under the U.S. Exchange Act
Americas Gold and Silver is currently considered a “foreign private issuer” under the rules of the SEC. However, it may lose its “foreign private issuer” status at future assessment dates. In order to maintain its current status as a foreign private issuer, 50% or more of the Company’s common shares must be directly or indirectly owned of record by non-residents of the United States unless the Company also satisfies one of the additional requirements necessary to preserve this status. The Company may in the future lose its foreign private issuer status if a majority of the common shares are owned of record in the United States and the Company fails to meet the additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
As a foreign private issuer, Americas Gold and Silver is subject to the reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”) applicable to foreign private issuers. Americas Gold and Silver is required to file its annual report on Form 40-F with the SEC at the time it files its annual information form with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities. In addition, Americas Gold and Silver must furnish reports on Form 6-K to the SEC regarding certain information required to be publicly disclosed by Americas Gold and Silver in Canada or filed with the TSX and which was made public by the TSX, or regarding information distributed or required to be distributed by Americas Gold and Silver to its shareholders. Moreover, although Americas Gold and Silver is required to comply with Canadian disclosure requirements, in some circumstances Americas Gold and Silver is not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as United States companies that have securities registered under the U.S. Exchange Act. Americas Gold and Silver is permitted to file financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by International Accounting Standards Board, and therefore does not file financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as do United States companies that file reports with the SEC. Furthermore, Americas Gold and Silver is not required to comply with the United States proxy rules or with Regulation FD, which addresses certain restrictions on the selective disclosure of material information, although it must comply with Canadian disclosure requirements. In addition, among other matters, Americas Gold and Silver’s officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the U.S. Exchange Act and the rules under the U.S. Exchange Act with respect to their purchases and sales of Americas Gold and Silver common shares. Therefore, the Company’s securityholders may not know on as timely a basis when its officers, directors and principal shareholders purchase or sell securities of the Company as the reporting periods under the corresponding Canadian insider reporting requirements are longer. Americas Gold and Silver also presents information regarding mineral resources and reserves in accordance with NI 43-101 rather than the requirements of the SEC applicable to domestic United States reporting companies.
If Americas Gold and Silver loses its status as a foreign private issuer, it will no longer be exempt from such rules and, among other things, will be required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the content and in the form required as if it were a United States domestic company, and will incur additional costs to make such filings. The regulatory and compliance costs to the Company under United States federal securities laws as a United States domestic issuer may be significantly more than the costs the Company incurs as a Canadian foreign private issuer eligible to use the multijurisdictional disclosure system. Additionally, if the Company ceases to be a foreign private issuer or loses its eligibility to file its annual report on Form 40-F pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system, then the Company will be subject to the SEC rules regarding mineral resources and reserves, which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101.
Americas Gold and Silver is an “emerging growth company” and Americas Gold and Silver cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make Americas Gold and Silver common shares less attractive to investors
Americas Gold and Silver is an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”). Americas Gold and Silver will continue to qualify as an “emerging growth company” until the earliest to occur of: (a) the last day of the fiscal year during which Americas Gold and Silver has total annual gross revenues of US$1.235 billion or more; (b) the last day of the fiscal year of Americas Gold and Silver following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities of Americas Gold and Silver pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; (c) the date on which Americas Gold and Silver has, during the previous 3-year period, issued more than US$1,000,000,000 in non-convertible debt; or (d) the date on which Americas Gold and Silver is deemed to be a ‘large accelerated filer’ under the U.S. Exchange Act.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
For so long as Americas Gold and Silver continues to qualify as an emerging growth company, it will be exempt from certain requirements applicable to other reporting companies that are not emerging growth companies, including the requirement to include an auditor attestation report relating to internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in its annual reports filed under the U.S. Exchange Act, even if it does not qualify as a “smaller reporting company”. In addition, section 103(a)(3) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has been amended by the JOBS Act to provide that, among other things, auditors of an emerging growth company are exempt from any rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the registrant (auditor discussion and analysis).
Any United States domestic issuer that is an emerging growth company is able to avail itself of the reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in periodic reports and proxy statements, and to not present to its stockholders a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation, obtain approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved, or present the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and such issuer’s financial performance. As a foreign private issuer, Americas Gold and Silver is not subject to such requirements and will not become subject to such requirements even if Americas Gold and Silver ceases to be an emerging growth company, unless Americas Gold and Silver also ceases to be a “foreign private issuer”.
Conflicts of interest
Certain of the Company’s directors and officers also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development, and consequently there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to have interests that conflict with the Company’s interests. Situations may arise in connection with potential investments where the other interests of the Company’s directors conflict with its interests. As such, conflicts of interest may arise that may influence these persons in evaluating possible acquisitions or in generally acting on the Company’s behalf, as they may pursue opportunities that would then be unavailable to the Company. In the event that the Company’s directors are subject to conflicts of interest, there may be a material adverse effect on its business.
Accounting Standards and Pronouncements
Accounting standards issued and applied
The following are changes in accounting policies effective as at January 1, 2022:
(i) Property, plant and equipment
Amendments to IAS 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use - The standard is amended to prohibit deducting from the cost of property, plant and equipment any proceeds from selling items produced while bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Instead, the Company recognizes the proceeds from selling such items, and the cost of producing those items, in profit or loss. The amendments to IAS 16 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The amendments apply retrospectively only to property, plant and equipment that are brought to the location and condition necessary for them to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management on or after the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which the Company first applies the amendments. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2022 and retrospectively recognized $0.2 million in proceeds and costs related to sales from Relief Canyon prior to its declaration of commercial production during fiscal 2021.
Significant accounting judgments and estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The areas which require management to make significant judgments, estimates and assumptions in determining carrying values include, but are not limited to:
(i) Reserves and resources
Proven and probable reserves are the economically mineable parts of the Company’s measured and indicated mineral resources. The Company estimates its proven and probable reserves and measured and indicated and inferred mineral resources based on information compiled by appropriately qualified persons. The information relating to the geological data on the size, depth and shape of the ore bodies requires complex geological judgments to interpret the data. The estimation of future cash flows related to proven and probable 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, grade and recovery of the ore bodies.
Changes in the proven and probable reserves or measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources estimates may impact the carrying value of mining properties and equipment, depletion and amortization, impairment assessments and the timing of decommissioning provisions.
(ii) Depletion and amortization
Mining properties are depleted using the unit-of-production method over a period not to exceed the estimated life of the ore body based on estimated recoverable reserves.
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated, net of residual value over their estimated useful life but do not exceed the related estimated life of the mine based on estimated recoverable mineral reserves.
The calculation of the units of production rate, and therefore the annual depletion and amortization expense, could be materially affected by changes in the underlying estimates. Changes in estimates can be the result of actual future production differing from current forecasts of future production and expansion of mineral reserves through exploration activities.
(iii) Decommissioning provision
The Company assesses its decommissioning provision on an annual basis or when new material information becomes available. Mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. In general, these laws and regulations are continually changing and the Company has made, and intends to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations. Accounting for decommissioning provision requires management to make estimates of the time and future costs the Company will incur to complete the rehabilitation work required to comply with existing laws and regulations at each mining operation. Also, future changes to environmental laws and regulations could increase the extent of rehabilitation work required to be performed by the Company. Increases in future costs could materially impact the amounts charged to operations for decommissioning provision. The provision represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future decommissioning provision. The actual future expenditures may differ from the amounts currently provided.
(iv) Share-based payments
The amount expensed for share-based compensation is based on the application of a recognized option valuation formula, which is highly dependent on, among other things, the expected volatility of the Company’s registered shares, estimated forfeitures, and the expected life of the options. The Company uses an expected volatility rate for its shares based on past stock trading data, adjusted for future expectations, and actual volatility may be significantly different.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The resulting value calculated is not necessarily the value that the holder of the option could receive in an arm’s length transaction, given that there is no market for the options and they are not transferable. It is management’s view that the value derived is highly subjective and dependent entirely upon the input assumptions made.
(v) Income taxes
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires an estimate of income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The process involves an estimate of the Company’s current tax exposure and an assessment of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depletion and amortization, for tax and accounting purposes, and when they might reverse.
These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position.
An assessment is also made to determine the likelihood that the Company’s future tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. To the extent that recovery is not considered likely, the related tax benefits are not recognized.
Judgment is required to continually assess changing tax interpretations, regulations and legislation, to ensure liabilities are complete and to ensure assets, net of valuation allowances, are realizable. The impact of different interpretations and applications could be material.
(vi) Assessment of impairment and reversal of impairment indicators
The Company applies judgment in assessing whether indicators of impairment or reversal of impairment exist for a cash generating unit which would require impairment testing. Internal and external sources such as changes in use of an asset, capital and production forecasts, commodity prices, quantities of reserves and resources, and changes in market, economic, and legal environment are used by management in determining whether there are any indicators.
The Company determines recoverable amount based on the after-tax discounted cash flows from a cash generating unit’s life-of-mine cash flow projection which incorporates management’s best estimates of commodity prices, future capital requirements and production costs along with geological assumptions and judgments made in estimating the size, grade and recovery of the ore bodies. Absent a life-of-mine cash flow projection, a market approach of comparable companies is used to determine recoverable amount of in-situ ounces from the cash generating unit.
(vii) Commercial production
The determination of timing on which a mining property enters into commercial production is a significant judgment since capitalization of development costs ceases upon declaration of commercial production. As a mining property is constructed, development costs incurred are capitalized while pre-production costs and revenues are capitalized and accumulated into such development costs. Commercial production is declared once the mining property is available for its intended use on a commercial scale as defined by management. Revenue recognition, cost of sales, and depletion of the mining property begins when commercial production has been achieved, and are recognized into the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
(viii) Cash flows from ongoing production and impact on operations
The Company had negative operating cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2022 with a working capital deficit as at December 31, 2022. The ability to maintain cash flow positive production through meeting production targets at the Cosalá Operations, and through implementing the Galena Recapitalization Plan, including the completion and commissioning of the Galena hoist which is expected to increase hoisting capacity, allowing the Company to generate sufficient operating cash flows, while facing market fluctuations in commodity prices and inflationary pressures, and maintaining access to capital markets, are significant judgments in these consolidated financial statements with respect to the Company’s liquidity. Should the Company experience lower commodity prices and negative operating cash flows in future periods, the Company may need to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities which funding cannot be assured.
Financial Instruments
The Company may, from time to time, employ derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
As at December 31, 2022, the Company does not have any non-hedge foreign exchange or commodity forward contracts outstanding.
Capital Structure
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common and preferred shares, where each common share provides the holder with one vote while preferred shares are non-voting. As at December 31, 2022, there were 204,455,721 common shares and nil preferred shares issued and outstanding.
As at March 15, 2023, there were 209,004,009 common shares and nil preferred shares issued and outstanding, and 16,390,000 options outstanding which are exchangeable in common shares of the Company. The number of common shares issuable on the exercise of warrants is 1,275,792.
Controls and Procedures
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) and internal controls over financial reporting (“ICFR”), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings (“NI 52-109”).
The Company’s DC&P are designed to ensure that all important information about the Company, including operating and financial activities, is communicated fully, accurately and in a timely way and that they provide the Company with assurance that the financial reporting is accurate.
ICFR means a process by or under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.
As at December 31, 2022, the Company’s CEO and CFO have certified that DC&P and ICFR are effective and that during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company did not make any material changes in the ICFR that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s ICFR.
The internal controls are not expected to prevent and detect all misstatements due to error or fraud.
Technical Information
The scientific and technical information relating to the operation of the Company’s material operating mining properties contained herein has been reviewed and approved by Daren Dell, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr. Dell is a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI 43-101.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
The Company’s current Annual Information Form and the NI 43-101 Technical Reports for its other material mineral properties, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, contain further details regarding mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, classification and reporting parameters, key assumptions and associated risks for each of the Company’s material mineral properties, including a breakdown by category.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial and other measures to supplement the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which are presented in accordance with IFRS, including the following:
| ● | adjusted net loss; |
| ● | average realized silver, zinc and lead prices; |
| ● | cost of sales/Ag Eq oz produced; |
| ● | cash costs/Ag oz produced; |
| ● | all-in sustaining costs/Ag oz produced; |
| ● | net cash generated from operating activities; |
| ● | working capital; and |
| ● | silver equivalent production (Ag Eq). |
Management uses these measures, together with measures determined in accordance with IFRS, internally to better assess performance trends and understands that a number of investors, and others who follow the Company’s performance, also assess performance in this manner. These non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. Management’s determination of the components of non-GAAP financial measures and other financial measures are evaluated on a periodic basis influenced by new items and transactions, a review of investor uses and new regulations as applicable. Any changes to the measures are duly noted and retrospectively applied as applicable. Subtotals and per unit measures may not calculate based on amounts presented in the following tables due to rounding.
Adjusted Net Loss
The Company uses the financial measure “adjusted net loss” because it understands that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s profitability. The presentation of adjusted net loss is not meant to be a substitute for the net loss presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measure.
Adjusted net loss is net loss with certain non-cash items backed-out (i.e. impairment to property, plant and equipment, write-downs to inventory, and loss related to the fair value of financial instruments).
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Loss
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Consolidated net loss ('000) | $ | 45,187 | $ | 160,576 | ||||
| Less impairment to property, plant and equipment from Relief Canyon ('000) | (13,440 | ) | (55,623 | ) | ||||
| Less Relief inventory write-downs from lowering expected gold recoveries ('000) | - | (24,780 | ) | |||||
| Less Relief inventory write-downs to net realizable value ('000) | (7,658 | ) | (15,127 | ) | ||||
| Less loss on metals contract liability ('000) | (657 | ) | (20,780 | ) | ||||
| Less care and maintenance costs from Cosalá Operations ('000) | - | (7,309 | ) | |||||
| Add gain on government loan forgiveness ('000) | 4,277 | - | ||||||
| Adjusted net loss ('000) | $ | 27,709 | $ | 36,957 | ||||
Average Realized Silver, Zinc and Lead Prices
The Company uses the financial measures “average realized silver price”, “average realized zinc price” and “average realized lead price” because it understands that in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s performance vis-à-vis average market prices of metals for the period. The presentation of average realized metal prices is not meant to be a substitute for the revenue information presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measure.
Average realized metal prices represent the sale price of the underlying metal excluding unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses on provisional pricing and concentrate treatment and refining charges. Average realized silver, zinc and lead prices are calculated as the revenue related to each of the metals sold, e.g. revenue from sales of silver divided by the quantity of ounces sold.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
| Reconciliation of Average Realized Silver, Zinc and Lead Prices |
| 2022 | 20211 | |||||||
| Gross silver sales revenue (‘000) | $ | 37,084 | $ | 27,438 | ||||
| Payable metals and fixed pricing adjustments (‘000) | 127 | (64 | ) | |||||
| Payable silver sales revenue (‘000) | $ | 37,211 | $ | 27,374 | ||||
| Divided by silver sold (oz) | 1,715,310 | 1,100,715 | ||||||
| Average realized silver price ($/oz) | $ | 21.69 | $ | 24.87 | ||||
| 2022 | 20211 | |||||||
| Gross zinc sales revenue (‘000) | $ | 59,262 | $ | 5,973 | ||||
| Payable metals and fixed pricing adjustments (‘000) | (196 | ) | (34 | ) | ||||
| Payable zinc sales revenue (‘000) | $ | 59,066 | $ | 5,939 | ||||
| Divided by zinc sold (lb) | 38,063,861 | 3,721,943 | ||||||
| Average realized zinc price ($/lb) | $ | 1.55 | $ | 1.60 | ||||
| 2022 | 20211 | |||||||
| Gross lead sales revenue (‘000) | $ | 29,731 | $ | 20,617 | ||||
| Payable metals and fixed pricing adjustments (‘000) | (28 | ) | (115 | ) | ||||
| Payable lead sales revenue (‘000) | $ | 29,703 | $ | 20,502 | ||||
| Divided by lead sold (lb) | 30,634,583 | 20,855,723 | ||||||
| Average realized lead price ($/lb) | $ | 0.97 | $ | 0.98 |
| 1 | Production results are nil for the Cosalá Operations from Q2-2020 to Q3-2021 due to it being placed under care and maintenance effective February 2020 as a result of the illegal blockade. |
Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced
The Company uses the financial measure “Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced” because it understands that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s underlying cost of operations. Silver equivalent production are based on all metals production at average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period, except as otherwise noted.
| Reconciliation of Consolidated Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced1 |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 64,340 | $ | 3,605 | ||||
| Less cost of sales during illegal blockade (‘000) | - | (1,071 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 64,340 | $ | 2,534 | ||||
| Less non-controlling interests portion (‘000) | (12,388 | ) | - | |||||
| Attributable cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 51,952 | $ | 2,534 | ||||
| Divided by silver equivalent produced (oz) | 5,253,847 | 339,449 | ||||||
| Cost of sales/Ag Eq oz produced ($/oz) | $ | 9.89 | $ | 7.47 |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
| Reconciliation of Cosalá Operations Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 33,371 | $ | 3,605 | ||||
| Less cost of sales during illegal blockade (‘000) | - | (1,071 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 33,371 | $ | 2,534 | ||||
| Divided by silver equivalent produced (oz) | 4,167,449 | 339,449 | ||||||
| Cost of sales/Ag Eq oz produced ($/oz) | $ | 8.01 | $ | 7.47 |
| Reconciliation of Galena Complex Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 30,969 | - | |||||
| Divided by silver equivalent produced (oz) | 1,810,664 | - | ||||||
| Cost of sales/Ag Eq oz produced ($/oz) | $ | 17.10 | - |
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, consolidated production results and consolidated operating metrics are based on the attributable ownership percentage of each operating segment (100% Cosalá Operations and 60% Galena Complex). |
| 2 | Production results are nil for the Cosalá Operations from Q2-2020 to Q3-2021 due to it being placed under care and maintenance effective February 2020 as a result of the illegal blockade and exclude the Galena Complex due to suspension of certain operating metrics during the Galena Recapitalization Plan implementation. |
| 3 | Cost per ounce measurements during fiscal 2021 were based on operating results starting from December 1, 2021 following return to nameplate production of the Cosalá Operations. Throughout this MD&A, all other production results from the Cosalá Operations during fiscal 2021 were determined based on total production during the year. |
Cash Costs and Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced
The Company uses the financial measures “Cash Costs” and “Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced” in accordance with measures widely reported in the silver mining industry as a benchmark for performance measurement and because it understands that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s underlying cash costs of operations.
Cash costs are determined on a mine-by-mine basis and include mine site operating costs such as: mining, processing, administration, production taxes and royalties which are not based on sales or taxable income calculations. Non-cash costs consist of: non-cash related charges to cost of sales including inventory movements, write-downs to net realizable value of concentrates, ore stockpiles, and spare parts and supplies, and employee profit share accruals.
| Reconciliation of Consolidated Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced1 |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 64,340 | $ | 3,605 | ||||
| Less cost of sales during illegal blockade (‘000) | - | (1,071 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 64,340 | $ | 2,534 | ||||
| Less non-controlling interests portion (‘000) | (12,388 | ) | - | |||||
| Attributable cost of sales (‘000) | 51,952 | 2,534 | ||||||
| Non-cash costs (‘000) | (1,723 | ) | 160 | |||||
| Direct mining costs (‘000) | $ | 50,229 | $ | 2,694 | ||||
| Smelting, refining and royalty expenses (‘000) | 24,050 | 1,857 | ||||||
| Less by-product credits (‘000) | (73,274 | ) | (5,406 | ) | ||||
| Cash costs (‘000) | $ | 1,005 | $ | (855 | ) | |||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 1,308,201 | 46,128 | ||||||
| Cash costs/Ag oz produced ($/oz) | $ | 0.77 | $ | (18.53 | ) |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
| Reconciliation of Cosalá Operations Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 33,371 | $ | 3,605 | ||||
| Less cost of sales during illegal blockade (‘000) | - | (1,071 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 33,371 | $ | 2,534 | ||||
| Non-cash costs (‘000) | (1,348 | ) | 160 | |||||
| Direct mining costs (‘000) | $ | 32,023 | $ | 2,694 | ||||
| Smelting, refining and royalty expenses (‘000) | 20,580 | 1,857 | ||||||
| Less by-product credits (‘000) | (64,710 | ) | (5,406 | ) | ||||
| Cash costs (‘000) | $ | (12,107 | ) | $ | (855 | ) | ||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 636,246 | 46,128 | ||||||
| Cash costs/Ag oz produced ($/oz) | $ | (19.03 | ) | $ | (18.53 | ) |
| Reconciliation of Galena Complex Cash Costs/Ag Oz Produced |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cost of sales (‘000) | $ | 30,969 | - | |||||
| Non-cash costs (‘000) | (625 | ) | - | |||||
| Direct mining costs (‘000) | $ | 30,344 | - | |||||
| Smelting, refining and royalty expenses (‘000) | 5,784 | - | ||||||
| Less by-product credits (‘000) | (14,274 | ) | - | |||||
| Cash costs (‘000) | $ | 21,854 | - | |||||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 1,119,925 | - | ||||||
| Cash costs/Ag oz produced ($/oz) | $ | 19.51 | - |
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, consolidated production results and consolidated operating metrics are based on the attributable ownership percentage of each operating segment (100% Cosalá Operations and 60% Galena Complex). |
| 2 | Production results are nil for the Cosalá Operations from Q2-2020 to Q3-2021 due to it being placed under care and maintenance effective February 2020 as a result of the illegal blockade and exclude the Galena Complex due to suspension of certain operating metrics during the Galena Recapitalization Plan implementation. |
| 3 | Cost per ounce measurements during fiscal 2021 were based on operating results starting from December 1, 2021 following return to nameplate production of the Cosalá Operations. Throughout this MD&A, all other production results from the Cosalá Operations during fiscal 2021 were determined based on total production during the year. |
All-In Sustaining Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced
The Company uses the financial measures “All-In Sustaining Costs” and “All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced” in accordance with measures widely reported in the silver mining industry as a benchmark for performance measurement and because it understands that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s total costs of producing silver from operations.
All-in sustaining costs is cash costs plus all development, capital expenditures, and exploration spending, excluding costs related to the Galena Recapitalization Plan implementation.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
| Reconciliation of Consolidated All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced1 |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cash costs (‘000) | $ | 1,005 | $ | (855 | ) | |||
| Capital expenditures (‘000) | 9,031 | 120 | ||||||
| Exploration costs (‘000) | 2,569 | 58 | ||||||
| All-in sustaining costs (‘000) | $ | 12,605 | $ | (677 | ) | |||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 1,308,201 | 46,128 | ||||||
| All-in sustaining costs/Ag oz produced ($/oz) | $ | 9.64 | $ | (14.67 | ) |
| Reconciliation of Cosalá Operations All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cash costs (‘000) | $ | (12,107 | ) | $ | (855 | ) | ||
| Capital expenditures (‘000) | 3,649 | 120 | ||||||
| Exploration costs (‘000) | 1,296 | 58 | ||||||
| All-in sustaining costs (‘000) | $ | (7,162 | ) | $ | (677 | ) | ||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 636,246 | 46,128 | ||||||
| All-in sustaining costs/Ag oz produced ($/oz) | $ | (11.26 | ) | $ | (14.67 | ) |
| Reconciliation of Galena Complex All-In Sustaining Costs/Ag Oz Produced |
| 2022 | 20212,3 | |||||||
| Cash costs (‘000) | $ | 21,854 | - | |||||
| Capital expenditures (‘000) | 8,970 | - | ||||||
| Exploration costs (‘000) | 2,122 | - | ||||||
| All-in sustaining costs (‘000) | $ | 32,946 | - | |||||
| Galena Complex Recapitalization Plan costs (‘000) | 6,608 | - | ||||||
| All-in sustaining costs with Galena Recapitalization Plan (‘000) | $ | 39,554 | - | |||||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 1,119,925 | - | ||||||
| All-in sustaining costs/Ag oz produced ($/oz) | $ | 29.42 | - | |||||
| All-in sustaining costs with Galena Recapitalization Plan/Ag oz produced ($/oz) | $ | 35.32 | - |
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, consolidated production results and consolidated operating metrics are based on the attributable ownership percentage of each operating segment (100% Cosalá Operations and 60% Galena Complex). |
| 2 | Production results are nil for the Cosalá Operations from Q2-2020 to Q3-2021 due to it being placed under care and maintenance effective February 2020 as a result of the illegal blockade and exclude the Galena Complex due to suspension of certain operating metrics during the Galena Recapitalization Plan implementation. |
| 3 | Cost per ounce measurements during fiscal 2021 were based on operating results starting from December 1, 2021 following return to nameplate production of the Cosalá Operations. Throughout this MD&A, all other production results from the Cosalá Operations during fiscal 2021 were determined based on total production during the year. |
Net Cash Generated from Operating Activities
The Company uses the financial measure “net cash generated from operating activities” because it understands that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s liquidity, operational efficiency, and short-term financial health.
This is a financial measure disclosed in the Company’s statements of cash flows determined as cash generated from operating activities, after changes in non-cash working capital items.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2022
| Reconciliation of Net Cash Generated from Operating Activities |
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Cash generated from (used in) operating activities (‘000) | $ | 839 | $ | (26,915 | ) | |||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items (‘000) | (2,018 | ) | (24,030 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in operating activities (‘000) | $ | (1,179 | ) | $ | (50,945 | ) | ||
Working Capital
The Company uses the financial measure “working capital” because it understands that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s liquidity, operational efficiency, and short-term financial health.
Working capital is the excess of current assets over current liabilities.
| Reconciliation of Working Capital |
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Current Assets (‘000) | $ | 25,381 | $ | 23,543 | ||||
| Less current liabilities (‘000) | (42,097 | ) | (45,659 | ) | ||||
| Working capital (‘000) | $ | (16,716 | ) | $ | (22,116 | ) | ||
Supplementary Financial Measures
The Company references certain supplementary financial measures that are not defined terms under IFRS to assess performance because it believes they provide useful supplemental information to investors.
Silver Equivalent Production
References to silver equivalent production are based on all metals production at average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period, except as otherwise noted.
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