Americas Gold & Silver Corp 6-K, filed Mar 17, 2022
Americas Gold & Silver Corp (USAS)
About this 6-K
Americas Gold & Silver Corp filed this 6-K on March 17, 2022.
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 2022
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.
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AMERICAS GOLD AND SILVER CORPORATION | ||||
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/s/ Peter McRae |
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Date: March 17, 2022 |
Peter McRae |
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Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs | ||||
-2-
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
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Audited Annual Financial Statements for year ending December 31, 2021 | |
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis for year ending December 31, 2021 | |
-3-
Exhibit 99.1
AMERICAS GOLD AND SILVER CORPORATION
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
(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, 2021 and 2020
CONTENTS
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Page |
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Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting |
2 |
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Independent Auditor’s Report |
3 |
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Consolidated Statements of Financial Position |
5 |
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Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss |
6 |
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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity |
7 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
8 |
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
9 – 39 |
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Page | 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.
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(Signed) Darren Blasutti |
(Signed) Warren Varga |
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President & Chief Executive Officer |
Chief Financial Officer |
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Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |
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March 17, 2022 |
Page | 2
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 and its subsidiaries (together, the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (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, 2021 and 2020, 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.
Substantial Doubt about the Company's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has reported net losses from operations, including inventory write-downs and impairment to property, plant, and equipment, and has stated that substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s evaluation of the conditions and events and management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
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.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PwC Tower, 18 York Street, Suite 2600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J oB2
T: +1 416 863 1133, F: +1 416 365 8215
PwC' refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership.
Page | 3
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, Ontario, Canada
March 17, 2022
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.
Page | 4
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation Consolidated statements of financial position (In thousands of U.S. dollars) |
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December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
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As at |
2021 |
2020 | ||||||
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Assets | ||||||||
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Current assets | ||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
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$ |
| ||||
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Trade and other receivables (Note 6) |
|
| ||||||
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Inventories (Note 7) |
|
| ||||||
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Prepaid expenses |
|
| ||||||
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$ |
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$ |
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Non-current assets | ||||||||
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Restricted cash |
|
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Inventories (Note 7) |
|
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Property, plant and equipment (Note 8) |
|
| ||||||
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Total assets |
$ |
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$ |
| ||||
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| ||||||||
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Liabilities | ||||||||
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Current liabilities | ||||||||
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Trade and other payables |
$ |
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$ |
| ||||
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Deferred revenue (Note 9) |
|
| ||||||
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Metals contract liability (Note 9) |
|
| ||||||
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Derivative instruments (Note 10 and 11) |
|
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Loan payable (Note 13) |
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Glencore pre-payment facility (Note 14) |
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Promissory note (Note 12) |
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Government loan (Note 15) |
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Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
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Other long-term liabilities |
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Deferred revenue (Note 9) |
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Metals contract liability (Note 9) |
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Sandstorm convertible debenture (Note 10) |
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RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 11) |
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Promissory note (Note 12) |
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Government loan (Note 15) |
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Post-employment benefit obligations (Note 16) |
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Decommissioning provision (Note 17) |
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Deferred tax liabilities (Note 24) |
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Total liabilities |
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Equity | ||||||||
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Share capital (Note 18) |
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Equity reserve |
|
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Foreign currency translation reserve |
|
| ||||||
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Deficit |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
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Attributable to shareholders of the Company |
|
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Non-controlling interests (Note 20) |
|
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Total equity |
$ |
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$ |
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Total liabilities and equity |
$ |
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$ |
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Going concern (Note 2), Contingencies (Note 29)
APPROVED BY THE BOARD
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(Signed) Brad Kipp |
(Signed) Gordon Pridham |
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Director |
Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Page | 5
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation Consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts) |
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2021 |
2020 | |||||||
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| ||||||||
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Revenue (Note 21) |
$ |
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$ |
| ||||
|
| ||||||||
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Cost of sales (Note 22) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
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Depletion and amortization (Note 8) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Care and maintenance costs |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
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Corporate general and administrative (Note 23) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
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Transaction costs |
|
( |
) | |||||
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Exploration costs |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
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Accretion on decommissioning provision |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
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Interest and financing expense |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
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Foreign exchange gain |
|
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Gain on disposal of assets |
|
| ||||||
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Impairment to property, plant and equipment (Note 8) |
( |
) |
| |||||
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Loss on metals contract liability (Note 9) |
( |
) |
| |||||
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Other gain (loss) on derivatives (Note 10, 11, 13 and 26) |
|
( |
) | |||||
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Loss before income taxes |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
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Income tax recovery (Note 24) |
|
| ||||||
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Net loss |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
|
| ||||||||
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Attributable to: | ||||||||
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Shareholders of the Company |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
|
Non-controlling interests (Note 20) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Net loss |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
|
| ||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||
|
Items that will not be reclassified to net loss | ||||||||
|
Actuarial gain (loss) on post-employment benefit obligations |
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) | |||
|
Deferred income taxes |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net loss | ||||||||
|
Foreign currency translation reserve |
( |
) |
| |||||
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
( |
) | |||||
|
Comprehensive loss |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
|
| ||||||||
|
Attributable to: | ||||||||
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Shareholders of the Company |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
|
Non-controlling interests (Note 20) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Comprehensive loss |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
|
| ||||||||
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Loss per share attributable to shareholders of the Company | ||||||||
|
Basic and diluted |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
| ||||||||
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | ||||||||
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Basic and diluted (Note 19) |
|
| ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Page | 6
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation Consolidated statements of changes in equity For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts in thousands of units) |
|
Attributable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Foreign |
to | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Share capital |
currency |
shareholders |
Non- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Common |
Preferred |
Equity |
translation |
of the |
controlling |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount |
reserve |
reserve |
Deficit |
Company |
interests |
equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance at January 1, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net loss for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Contribution from non-controlling interests (Note 20) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
At-the-market offering (Note 18) |
|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
January bought deal public offering (Note 18) |
|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sandstorm private placement (Note 18) |
|
|
- |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Conversion of Sandstorm convertible debenture (Note 10) |
|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Conversion option of RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 11) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Retraction of RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 11) |
|
|
- |
- |
( |
) |
- |
- |
|
- |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Amendment of RoyCap convertible debenture (Note 11) |
|
|
- |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Common shares issued |
|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Share-based payments |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Exercise of options |
|
|
- |
- |
( |
) |
- |
- |
|
- |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance at January 1, 2020 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net loss for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Contribution from non-controlling interests (Note 20) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Acquisition of San Felipe property (Note 8) |
|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
At-the-market offering (Note 18) |
|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
May bought deal public offering (Note 18) |
|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
September bought deal public offering (Note 18) |
|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Warrants issued on financing transaction costs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Share-based payments |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
- |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Conversion of preferred shares |
|
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Exercise of options and deferred share units |
|
|
- |
- |
( |
) |
- |
- |
|
- |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Page | 7
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation Consolidated statements of cash flows For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (In thousands of U.S. dollars) |
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
Cash flow generated from (used in) | ||||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Operating activities | ||||||||
|
Net loss for the year |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
|
Adjustments for the following items: | ||||||||
|
Depletion and amortization |
|
| ||||||
|
Income tax 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 |
|
| ||||||
|
Cash payments to bond on decommissioning costs |
|
( |
) | |||||
|
Net charges on post-employment benefit obligations |
( |
) |
| |||||
|
Inventory write-downs |
|
| ||||||
|
Impairment to property, plant and equipment |
|
| ||||||
|
Loss on metals contract liability |
|
| ||||||
|
Other loss (gain) on derivatives |
( |
) |
| |||||
|
( |
) |
( |
) | |||||
|
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 |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Financing from RoyCap convertible debenture |
|
| ||||||
|
At-the-market offerings |
|
| ||||||
|
Bought deal public offerings |
|
| ||||||
|
Sandstorm private placement |
|
| ||||||
|
Loan payable |
( |
) |
| |||||
|
Government loan |
|
| ||||||
|
Promissory note |
|
| ||||||
|
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants |
|
| ||||||
|
Contribution from non-controlling interests |
|
| ||||||
|
Net cash generated from financing activities |
|
| ||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash |
( |
) |
| |||||
|
Decreased 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.
Page | 8
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(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, 2021 were approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors of the Company on March 17, 2022.
The Company has been closely monitoring developments in the COVID-19 outbreak declared as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Preventive measures to ensure the safety of the Company’s workforce and local communities have been implemented and there have been no outbreaks of COVID-19 at any of the Company’s operations to date. All of the Company’s mining and corporate operations continue to operate while the Company continues to manage and respond to COVID-19 to mitigate and minimize potential impacts of this global pandemic, in addition to other uncertainties, such as the price of commodities and cash flow positive production from the Cosalá Operations.
2.Basis of presentation and going concern
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.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assume that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations as they come due for the foreseeable future. The Company had a working capital deficit of $
The Company was progressing the Relief Canyon Mine to full production after declaring commercial production on January 11, 2021, however operational performance has been inconsistent since that time. Differences observed between the modelled (planned) and mined (actual) ore tonnage and carbonaceous material identified in the early phases of the mine plan resulted in significantly lower than previously expected cash flows and gold production at the Relief Canyon Mine, which was placed under temporary mining suspension effective August 13, 2021. The Company has also restarted production at the Cosalá Operations following the signing of a reopening agreement with the Mexican government on July 6, 2021.
Continuance as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, obtain adequate equity or debt financing, or, alternatively, dispose of its non-core properties on an advantageous basis, among other things. During 2020 and 2021, the Company was successful in raising funds through equity offerings, debt arrangements, convertible debentures, and registered a shelf prospectus in January 2021. The Company issued an aggregate of $
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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As a result, several material uncertainties cast substantial doubt upon the going concern assumption, including cash flow positive production at the Cosalá Operations, and ability to raise additional funds as necessary to fund operations and meet obligations as they come due.
These consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments to carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported expenses and consolidated statement of financial position classification that would be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Such adjustments could be material.
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 100%, the Company recognizes non-controlling interests. All intercompany transactions and balances, income and expenses have been eliminated.
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 controls 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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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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:
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Identify the enforceable contract with the customer
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Identify the separate performance obligations in the contract from transferring the distinct good or service
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Determine the transaction price for consideration of transferring the good or service
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Allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations identified
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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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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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, net of incidental revenues, 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.
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:
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Mining interests –
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Plant and equipment –
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Corporate office equipment –
Residual values, method of amortization and useful lives of the assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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(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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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(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.
(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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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(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 and revenue recognition begins 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 production at the Cosalá Operations and impact on operations
The Company had negative operating cash flows in 2021 and a working capital deficit at year-end while mining operations in Cosalá was halted by an illegal blockade (see Note 2). The ability to achieve cash flow positive production at the Cosalá Operations, allowing the Company to generate sufficient operating cash flows, is a significant judgment in these financial statements with respect to the Company’s liquidity and the $
5.Changes in accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements
The following are future changes in accounting policies not yet effective as at December 31, 2021:
(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 is assessing the impact of the amendments on the consolidated financial statements and have adopted the standard effective January 1, 2022.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
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For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
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(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
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6.Trade and other receivables
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December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
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2020 | |||||||
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Trade receivables |
$ |
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$ |
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Value added taxes receivable |
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Other receivables |
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$ |
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$ |
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7.Inventories
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December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
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2021 |
2020 | |||||||
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Concentrates |
$ |
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$ |
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In-circuit work in progress |
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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.
Effective January 11, 2021, the Relief Canyon Mine declared commercial production resulting in the transfer of $
The amount of inventories recognized in cost of sales was $
Page | 19
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(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, 2020 |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||||||||||
|
Asset additions |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
Change in decommissioning provision |
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
Asset additions |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
Change in decommissioning provision |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
Reclassification |
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
and depletion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance at January 1, 2020 |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | |||||||
|
Depreciation/depletion for the year |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | |||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | |||||||||||||
|
Depreciation/depletion for the year |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | |||||||||||||
|
Impairment for the year |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | |||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Carrying value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
at December 31, 2020 |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||||||||||
|
at December 31, 2021 |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||||||||||
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 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 carrying amount of the cash-generating unit and an impairment to 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 March 31, 2021 include estimation of production profile and reserves from its life-of-mine plan, operating and capital costs to extract the reserves, discount rate of
Page | 20
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
The carrying amounts of mineral interests, plant and equipment, and right-of-use lease assets from the Relief Canyon Mine after impairments is approximately $
The Company recognized an impairment loss of $
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. (“Santacruz”), 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 $
9.Precious metals delivery and purchase agreement
On April 3, 2019, the Company entered into a $25 million precious metals delivery and purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (“Sandstorm”) for the construction and development of the Relief Canyon Mine. The Purchase Agreement consists of a combination of fixed and variable deliveries from the Relief Canyon Mine. The Purchase Agreement has a repurchase option for the Company exercisable at any time to reduce the variable deliveries to Sandstorm from
The Company recorded the advances received on precious metals delivery, net of transaction costs, as deferred revenue and will 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. The Company determined the amortization of deferred revenue on a per unit basis to be equal to the expected total deliveries of gold ounces over the term of the precious metals delivery and purchase agreements.
Interest expense of $
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. Fair value of the metals contract liability was determined using forward commodity pricing curves at end of the reporting period resulting in $
The following are components of deferred revenue and metals contract liability:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
Advances received |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
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 |
$ |
|
| |||||
|
Current portion |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Non-current portion |
|
| ||||||
|
$ |
40,905 |
$ |
23,322 | |||||
Page | 21
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
10.Sandstorm convertible debenture
On April 3, 2019, the Company issued a $
The Sandstorm Convertible Debenture was convertible into common shares of the Company at Sandstorm’s option at a conversion price of $
The initial fair value of the principal portion of the Sandstorm Convertible Debenture 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 are allocated to the conversion option.
On February 1, 2021, Sandstorm converted $
Interest expense of
11.RoyCap convertible debenture
On April 28, 2021, the Company issued a $
Page | 22
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
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 $
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the principal amount of the RoyCap Convertible Debenture was reduced by $
On November 12, 2021, the Company amended the RoyCap Convertible Debenture by increasing the principal balance by $
The Company recognized a loss of $
12.Promissory note
On December 15, 2020, the Company issued a $
13.Loan payable
On January 16, 2020, the Company entered into a $
On July 31, 2020, the Company amended the $5 million precious metals delivery and purchase agreement with Macquarie to a secured loan payable settled through monthly fixed cash payments totaling $
Financing expense of nil was capitalized as borrowing costs to property, plant and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with the Loan Payable (2020: $
Page | 23
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
14.Glencore pre-payment facility
On January 29, 2017, the Company entered into a pre-payment facility for $
15.Government loan
On May 11, 2020, the Company received approximately $
16.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, 2021 is approximately
The amounts recognized in the consolidated statements financial position are as follows:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Obligations, beginning of year |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Current service costs |
|
| ||||||
|
Interest costs |
|
| ||||||
|
Benefits paid |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Actuarial loss (gain) |
( |
) |
| |||||
|
Obligations, end of year |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
Page | 24
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
The movements in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Assets, beginning of year |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Return on assets |
|
| ||||||
|
Actuarial gain |
|
| ||||||
|
Employer contributions |
|
| ||||||
|
Benefits paid |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Assets, end of year |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
The amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss are as follows:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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, 2022 are approximately $
17.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 $
Page | 25
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Provisions, beginning of year |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Decommissioning costs and change in estimates |
|
| ||||||
|
Accretion on decommissioning provision |
|
| ||||||
|
Provisions, end of year |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
18.Share capital
On April 16, 2020, the Company closed an at-the-market offering agreement (the “February 2020 ATM Agreement”) for gross proceeds of $
On May 13, 2020, the Company completed a bought deal public offering of
On September 4, 2020, the Company completed a bought deal public offering of
On July 9, 2020, the Company completed the outstanding option acquisition agreement to acquire a
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 $
Page | 26
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
a.Authorized
Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common and preferred shares.
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Issued | ||||||||
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
|
|
| ||||||
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||
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.
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:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||||||||||
|
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 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
| ||||||||||
Page | 27
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
The following table summarizes information on stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2021:
|
Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
average |
Weighted |
Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||
|
remaining |
average |
average | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Exercise |
contractual |
exercise |
exercise | |||||||||||||||||
|
price |
life |
Outstanding |
price |
Exercisable |
price | |||||||||||||||
|
CAD |
(years) |
(thousands) |
CAD |
(thousands) |
CAD | |||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
| |||||||||||||
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
| |||||||||||||||
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, 2021 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, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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, 2021 are as follows:
|
Number of |
Exercise |
Issuance |
Expiry | |||
|
warrants |
price (CAD) |
date |
date | |||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
Page | 28
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
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, 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
19.Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding
|
Year ended |
Year ended | |||||||
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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, 2021 excludes
20.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 $
Page | 29
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
21.Revenue
The following is a disaggregation of revenue categorized by commodities sold:
|
Year ended |
Year ended | |||||||
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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 |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Treatment and selling costs |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||
The amount of gold sales revenue recognized from deferred revenue (see Note 9) was $
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 26).
22.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, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Salaries and employee benefits |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Contract services on site |
|
| ||||||
|
Raw materials and consumables |
|
| ||||||
|
Utilities |
|
| ||||||
|
Other costs |
|
| ||||||
|
Changes in inventories |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Inventory write-downs |
|
| ||||||
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||
Page | 30
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
23.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, 2021 and 2020:
|
Year ended |
Year ended | |||||||
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Salaries and employee benefits |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Directors’ fees |
|
| ||||||
|
Share-based payments |
|
| ||||||
|
Professional fees |
|
| ||||||
|
Office and general |
|
| ||||||
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||
The Company recognized a reduction of approximately $
24.Income taxes
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
|
Year ended |
Year ended | |||||||
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Current income tax expense |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Deferred income tax recovery |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||
|
Income tax recovery |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
The Company’s effective rate of income tax differs from the statutory rate of 26.5% as follows:
|
Year ended |
Year ended | |||||||
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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 |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||
Page | 31
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
The Company’s net deferred tax asset relates to the U.S. alternative minimum tax credits available:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Alternative minimum tax credits |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Provisions and reserves |
|
| ||||||
|
Net operating losses |
|
| ||||||
|
Total deferred tax assets |
|
| ||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
( |
) | |||||
|
Net deferred tax assets |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
The Company’s net deferred tax liability relates to the Mexican mining royalty and arises principally from the following:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Mexican tax losses (expiring in 2023 - 2031) |
|
| ||||||
|
Canadian tax losses (expiring in 2034 - 2041) |
|
| ||||||
|
U.S. tax losses (expiring in 2025 - 2037) |
|
| ||||||
|
U.S. tax losses (no expiry) |
|
| ||||||
|
Provisions and other |
|
| ||||||
|
Deferred Mexican mining royalty |
|
| ||||||
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||
Page | 32
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
25.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, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Salaries and benefits |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Directors’ fees |
|
| ||||||
|
Share-based payments |
|
| ||||||
26.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 85% to 100% of the estimated value of the concentrate within one month following the time of shipment.
As of December 31, 2021, 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. See Note 2 for discussion of the Company’s basis of presentation and going concern.
Page | 33
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities and provisions on an undiscounted basis:
|
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Less than |
Over 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Total |
1 year |
2-3 years |
4-5 years |
years | ||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Trade and other payables |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||||||||
|
Glencore pre-payment facility |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| |||||||||||
Minimum lease payments in respect to lease liabilities are included in trade and other payables and other long-term liabilities as follows:
|
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
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 5% to 11% applied during the year:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
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 the interest rate risk of U.S. LIBOR rate plus
Page | 34
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
(2)Currency risk
As at December 31, 2021, 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, 2021 | ||||||||
|
CAD |
MXN | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
| ||||||
|
Trade and other payables |
|
| ||||||
As at December 31, 2021, 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 loss |
( |
) |
| |||||
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, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company does not have any non-hedge foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company did not settle any non-hedge foreign exchange forward contracts (2020: settled non-hedge foreign exchange forward contracts to buy
(3)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, 2021, the Company had certain amounts related to the sales of concentrates that have only been provisionally priced. A ±10% fluctuation in silver, zinc, lead, and gold prices would affect trade receivables by approximately $
As at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company does not have any non-hedge commodity forward contracts outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company did not settle any non-hedge commodity forward contracts (2020: settled non-hedge commodity forward contracts for approximately
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, 2021 was nil (2020: nil). 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, 2021 was a gain of $
Page | 35
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
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, promissory note, and loan payable: The principal portion of the convertible debentures, promissory note, and loan payable 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.
•
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).
Page | 36
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Level 1 | ||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
|
Restricted cash |
|
| ||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Level 2 | ||||||||
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
| ||||||
|
Derivative instruments |
|
| ||||||
|
Metals contract liability |
|
| ||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Amortized cost | ||||||||
|
Loan payable |
|
| ||||||
|
Glencore pre-payment facility |
|
| ||||||
|
Promissory note |
|
| ||||||
|
Government loan |
|
| ||||||
|
Sandstorm convertible debenture |
|
| ||||||
|
RoyCap convertible debenture |
|
| ||||||
27.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, 2021 and 2020 were earned in Mexico and the United States. The following segmented information is presented as at and during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The Cosalá Operations segment operates in Mexico while the Galena Complex and Relief Canyon segments operate in the United States.
Page | 37
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
|
As at December 31, 2021 |
As at December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Loan payable |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Glencore pre-payment facility |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Metals contract liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sandstorm convertible debenture |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RoyCap convertible debenture |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Promissory note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Government loan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Post-employment benefit obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Decommissioning provision |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total liabilities |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Year ended December 31, 2021 |
Year ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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 |
|
|
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
|
|
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Transaction costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Exploration costs |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Accretion on decommissioning provision |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Interest and financing income (expense) |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Foreign exchange gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Gain on disposal of assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Impairment to property, plant and equipment |
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Loss on metals contract liability |
|
|
|
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other gain (loss) on derivatives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Loss before income taxes |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Income tax recovery (expense) |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net loss for the year |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||||||||||
c.Major customers
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold concentrates and finished goods to two major customers (2020: one major customer) accounting for
28.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.
Page | 38
|
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation |
|
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
|
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
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, 2021, and 2020, the Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
The following summarizes the Company’s capital structure:
|
December 31, |
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 | |||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company |
$ |
|
$ |
| ||||
29.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 $
In July 2021, the Company has been served with a statement of claim that was 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 seeks damages of $
against it is unfounded and without merit, and it intends to vigorously defend the proceeding.
Page | 39
AMERICAS GOLD AND SILVER CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
DATED MARCH 17, 2022
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents
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, 2021
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 the MD&A shall have the meaning ascribed to such term elsewhere in the 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 for completion of the testing work and receipt of the results thereof at Relief Canyon; the timing for resumption of mining operations at Relief Canyon and if and when determined achieving ramp-up to full operations at Relief Canyon; 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; statements regarding the Galena Complex Recapitalization Plan, including with respect to underground development improvements, equipment procurement and the high-grade extension exploration drilling program and expected results thereof; material uncertainties that may impact the Company’s liquidity in the short term; the effects of COVID-19; the Company’s review of pension valuation; 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; the timing and possible outcomes of pending disputes or litigation; negotiations or regulatory investigations; exchange rate fluctuations; cyclical or seasonal aspects of our business; our dividend policy; capital expenditures; the Company’s ability to operate the Relief Canyon mine; the resumption of mining and processing operations at the Company's Cosalá Operations and return to full production following the resolution of the illegal blockade, 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; 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; the proposed class action lawsuit against the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, 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, 2021
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 related to changing global economic conditions, which may affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition including the market reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic; actual and potential risks and uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of COVID-19, the severity of the disease and the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and issues relating to its resurgence and/or the emergence of new strains of COVID-19, including potential material adverse effects on the Company’s business, operations and financial performance; actions that have been and may be taken by governmental authorities to contain COVID-19 or to treat its impact on the Company’s business; the actual and potential negative impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and financial markets; the Company is dependent on the success of the San Rafael project as well as its Cosalá Operations, the Galena Complex and the Relief Canyon mine, 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; 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; the Company may engage in hedging activities; 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 the 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, 2021
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. Our 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 significantly from the requirements of the SEC that are applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Any mineral reserves and mineral resources reported by the Company in accordance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as such under SEC standards. Accordingly, information in this MD&A that describes the Company's mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates may not be comparable with 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, 2021, including the Company’s financial condition and future prospects. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion is dated March 17, 2022 and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 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, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 as well as comments on plans for the future.
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 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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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.
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 in Sinaloa, Mexico, 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 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 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 operates the 100%-owned, Relief Canyon mine 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 conveyor 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 has recently restarted the Cosalá Operations following the signing of an accord with the SNM and witnessed by the Mexican Ministries of Economy, Interior and Labour on July 6, 2021. 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 and the Relief Canyon area.
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 the jurisdictions of all 10 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, 2021
Recent Developments and Operational Discussion
Highlights
| ● | Revenue of $44.8 million and net loss of $160.6 million for 2021 or a loss of ($1.11) per share. Net loss for the year included impairment to property, plant and equipment, write-downs to inventory as a result of changes to Relief Canyon’s expected gold recovery and production, Relief Canyon inventory write-downs to net realizable value, a loss related to the fair value of the metals contract liability, and care and maintenance costs at the Cosalá Operations. Excluding these adjustments, the adjusted net loss1 for the year was $37.0 million. |
| ● | Phase 1 drilling of Galena’s Recapitalization Plan is complete, increasing proven and probable silver mineral reserve at the Galena Complex by 38% from 12.0 million silver ounces to 16.6 million silver ounces year-over-year on a 100% basis. The Phase 2 drill program began in late August 2021 with the initial focus on expanding the recently discovered Silver Vein extension at depth from an eastern drill station on the 5500 Level as well as definition drilling on the 4900 Level. |
| ● | Galena’s Recapitalization Plan is proceeding well with the Galena Complex experiencing 9% higher year-over-year silver production in 2021 compared to 2020. |
| ● | The Cosalá Operations resumed commercial production in December 2021 after reaching an agreement with union representatives and certain Mexican ministries in July 2021 and recalling workers in September 2021. The Los Braceros mill ramped up to nameplate production in December 2021. Concentrate shipments resumed with a return to revenue and cash flow generation in Q4-2021 and continuing into fiscal 2022. |
| ● | On August 13, 2021, the Company and the Board of Directors temporarily suspended mining operations at Relief Canyon while it continues leaching operations and ongoing technical studies in order to prioritize capital for the Cosalá Operations re-opening and the Galena hoist replacement. |
| ● | Consolidated operating metrics from 2021 were generally not comparable to 2020 due to the illegal blockade at the Cosalá Operations, suspension of operating metrics during the Galena Recapitalization Plan implementation, and the temporary suspension of mining operations at Relief Canyon. |
| ● | The Company had a cash and cash equivalents balance of $2.9 million and working capital2 deficit of $22.1 million as at December 31, 2021. |
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to disrupt global health and the economy in 2021 and has created an indeterminate period of volatility in the markets in which the Company operates. The Company has been closely monitoring on-going developments of COVID-19, declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, and continues to mitigate risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the Company’s projects, operations, business, supply chain, and most importantly the health and safety of its employees. Preventive measures to ensure the safety of the Company’s workforce and local communities were implemented. There have been no significant outbreaks of COVID-19 that have impacted the Company’s ability to operate at any of the Company’s operations to date.
Galena Recapitalization Plan
In September 2019, the Company entered into a 60/40 joint venture with Sprott to recapitalize the Galena Complex. The joint venture and capital investment by Sprott allowed for redevelopment of the mine in order to optimize exploitation of Galena’s existing resources, improve operational performance, and prepare the Complex for future profitability. The Company and Sprott believe there are substantially more silver resources to be discovered at better grades along extensions of existing veins and at depth; a portion of the invested capital was earmarked to explore significant historical veins at depth below current working levels.
| 1 | This is a non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 2 | This is a 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, 2021
The Recapitalization Plan at the Galena Complex is continuing to proceed with year-over-year production increasing in 2021 compared to 2020. Production in 2021 was 1,012,582 ounces of silver and 18,724,139 pounds of lead compared with 929,324 ounces of silver and 19,236,933 pounds of lead in 2020, a year-over-year increase of over 9% silver and decrease of 3% lead, respectively. This improvement coincided with 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. The Company also completed the purchase of a replacement hoist for the Galena hoist in Q3-2021 and is advancing engineering work to prepare for its commissioning by Q4-2022. Further underground development improvements, additional equipment procurements, and an exploration drilling program designed to target high-grade extensions of historic veins below current workings will benefit the operation longer term by discovering additional high-grade silver resources further improving mining efficiency and lowering cash costs. During the Recapitalization Plan, the Company continues to exclude cost figures from its quarterly disclosure.
Galena Exploration Update
The Company has completed the Phase 1 drilling program as part of the Galena Complex Recapitalization Plan. The Company’s most recent mineral resource update, which was released in September 2021, increased proven and probable silver mineral reserve at the Galena Complex by 38% from 12.0 million silver ounces to 16.6 million silver ounces year-over-year on a 100% basis. Measured and indicated silver mineral resource increased by 72% from 37.3 million silver ounces to 64.2 million silver ounces year-over-year on a 100% basis. Inferred silver mineral resource increased by 36% from 78.6 million silver ounces to 106.5 million silver ounces year-over-year on a 100% basis.
The Company’s latest consolidated mineral reserve and mineral resource statement can be found at: https://americas-gold.com/site/assets/files/5151/reserves20210908.pdf. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and should not be considered part of this MD&A.
The Phase 2 drill program at the Galena Complex began in late August 2021. The initial focus is to test the recently discovered Silver Vein extension to 800 feet below the 5500 Level. In addition, continued definition drilling from the 4900 Level to expand mineral reserves and increase mineral resources adjacent to current production areas is part of the Phase 2 plan. To date, the Silver Vein extension has been delineated to approximately 350 ft below the 5500 Level. Drilling continued at depth until the end of 2021 and continues into 2022.
Phase 1 drilling highlighted the Silver Vein extension’s potential below the 5500 level, particularly where both grade and width often increase near intersections with other structures and veins, including the 220 Vein. Mining of the Silver Vein extension resumed in late November 2021 and continued into 2022. This program is expected to increase silver production and profitability of the operation before the installation and commercialization of the new hoist installation is completed in Q4-2022.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Drill highlights from Q4-2021 include the following:
| ● | 5500 Level: | |||
| o | 55-190: | 1,707 g/t silver and 1.6% copper (1,873 g/t AgEq3) over 1.5 m4 | ||
| o | 55-193: | 1,208 g/t silver and 1.4% copper (1,347 g/t AgEq) over 2.1 m | ||
| including: | 3,290 g/t silver and 3.0% copper (3,600 g/t AgEq) over 0.6 m | |||
| o | 55-195: | 1,456 g/t silver and 1.4% copper (1,603 g/t AgEq) over 1.7 m | ||
| o | 55-197: | 1,250 g/t silver and 1.4% copper (1,390 g/t AgEq) over 0.5 m | ||
| and: | 1,015 g/t silver and 1.2% copper (1,137 g/t AgEq) over 0.5 m | |||
| o | 55-198: | 1,560 g/t silver and 1.2% copper (1,573 g/t AgEq) over 1.6 m | ||
| and: | 1,073 g/t silver, 15.2% lead and 0.5% copper (1,674 g/t AgEq) over 3.5 m | |||
| o | 55-222: | 1,377 g/t silver and 1.6% copper (1,536 g/t AgEq) over 0.9 m | ||
| and: | 1,603 g/t silver and 1.6% copper (1,799 g/t AgEq) over 1.6 m | |||
| and: | 2,391 g/t silver and 2.2% copper (2,617 g/t AgEq) over 2.2 m | |||
| ● | 4900 Level: | |||
| o | 49-556: | 997 g/t silver, 0.9% copper and 0.3% lead (1,099 g/t AgEq) over 1.1 m | ||
| o | 49-566: | 393 g/t silver and 19.8% lead (1,109 g/t AgEq) over 0.6 m | ||
| and: | 1,184 g/t silver, 0.8% copper and 2.3% lead (1,351 g/t AgEq) over 1.2 m | |||
| and: | 413 g/t silver and 16.9% lead (1,030 g/t AgEq) over 3.9 m | |||
| o | 49-590: | 551 g/t silver and 18.5% lead (1,231 g/t AgEq) over 1.5 m | ||
| o | 49-595: | 508 g/t silver and 32.0% lead (1,663 g/t AgEq) over 0.9 m | ||
| and: | 333 g/t silver and 18.6% lead (1,005 g/t AgEq) over 6.6 m | |||
A full table of the drill results can be found at:
https://americas-gold.com/site/assets/files/4297/dr20211104.pdf. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and should not be considered part of this MD&A.
Cosalá Operations: COVID-19 and Illegal Blockade
In February 2020, the Company announced an illegal blockade had been put in place at the Cosalá Operations by a group of self-interested individuals including a small minority of the Company’s hourly workforce. As a result, the Cosalá Operations were put on care and maintenance pending the permanent removal of the blockade. Since that time, management made all possible efforts with the affected workers and the Mexican government to remove the illegal blockade in a safe and timely manner. These efforts were prolonged by the temporary closure of Mexican government offices due to COVID-19.
From December 2020, a number of meetings and discussions took place between the Company and the senior members of the Mexican federal government. On July 6, 2021, 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 agreement contemplated immediate right to possession of the property with joint inspections coordinated by the Ministry of Labour, to allow for the restart of operations in a safe and sustainable manner. The Company jointly inspected the facilities with the union representatives and Ministry of Labour inspectors. Both the mine and the mill were in good condition. A restart plan was developed by local management and reviewed by the corporate office. The Ministry of Labour reviewed the restart plan and, having already validated the safety conditions at the facilities, put the Company in a position to recall employees immediately. The Company began recalling its workers as of September 11, 2021 and commenced reopening the operation as of September 13, 2021.
Production from the San Rafael mine increased during Q4-2021 as the normal mining cycle was re-established. The Los Braceros processing plant was fed with a combination of over 20,000 tonnes of existing stockpiled ore and new production from the mine. The milling rate ramped up in tandem with mine production averaging approximately 1,700 tonnes per day during December 2021 and continuing into year-to-date fiscal 2022. During Q4-2021, the Cosalá Operations produced approximately 61,000 ounces of silver, 4.2 million pounds of zinc and 1.7 million pounds of lead.
| 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 gold spot prices, and 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, 2021
Initial production will focus 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. Over the course of the next six months, the mine will continue development and start production from the Upper Zone, which carries silver grades approximately 5-6 times higher than the Main Zone.
Relief Canyon Update
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 gold pour 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 review, 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. During early operations, an unknown quantity of ore contaminated with carbonaceous material was crushed and stacked onto the leach pad resulting in lower-than-expected recovery of the placed gold ore. Following realization of this adverse condition, the Company implemented additional measures to the ore control procedure to minimize the impact the carbonaceous material could have on leach pad performance. Additional efforts focussed on improving mining selectivity.
Phase 2 mining, which commenced in late Q4-2020, has revealed 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 in 2021.
As a result of these challenges, the Company began two small run-of-mine test pads in Q1-2021 to evaluate the possibility of simplifying the flowsheet by by-passing the crushing and conveying circuits. Results were encouraging and the operation transitioned to this method of ore placement.
Additional improvements in the predictive ability of the resource model are progressing with incorporation of the latest geological detail from recent pit mapping as well as new data from an extensive re-assaying program of over 14,000 historic exploration pulp samples. Management also initiated several metallurgical test work programs to investigate ore treatment options, including passivation of carbonaceous material, bioleaching, and carbon-in-leach processing among others with encouraging preliminary results. Current metallurgical testing contemplates three phases, including bench, large column tests, and test heaps with each phase dependent on positive results from prior phases. As this test program progresses, findings will be incorporated into a revised comprehensive mine plan with updated operating and capital cost estimates. Results of these testing phases will be received throughout the year and continue into fiscal 2023.
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 was taken 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. As further test work is ongoing, future results may cause a reassessment of the remaining carrying value and cause a subsequent recovery or increase to the impairment.
The Company is committed to continuing efforts to resolve the metallurgical challenges at Relief Canyon as noted above. However, the Company’s capital resources have been directed toward reopening the Cosalá Operations and completing the Galena hoist replacement project, among other priorities. As a result of these capital allocation decisions, Relief Canyon temporarily 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 and operations through an extensive audit of drilling, sampling, ore control, and modelling, implementing internal QA/QC programs, and metallurgical test program. The ore most recently placed as run-of-mine continues to produce gold with estimated recovery exceeding 60% to-date. These efforts are expected to continue in H1-2022. The Company will reassess the status of the operation as the results of these efforts (and others) become available and the results are assessed.
| 8 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
A record of decision for the Phase 2 Environmental Impact Study (“EIS”) was published by the Bureau of Land Management on October 4, 2021. This decision will allow the Company to deepen the existing pit below the water table and expand waste rock storage facilities, heap leach pads, process ponds, and groundwater dewatering infrastructure. As a result, Relief Canyon is a fully permitted, fully constructed mine operating in Nevada.
Consolidated Operations
Consolidated operating results from 2021 were generally not comparable to 2020 due to the illegal blockade at the Cosalá Operations, the Recapitalization Plan at the Galena Complex, and the development, commercial production and temporary suspension of mining operations at Relief Canyon. Consolidated revenue increased by $16.9 million during 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to increased silver production and realized lead prices at the Galena Complex during the year, revenue from the restarted Cosalá Operations, and revenue from Relief Canyon with commercial production.
Other Items During Fiscal 2021
On January 29, 2021, the Company completed a bought deal public offering of 10,253,128 common shares at a price of C$3.31 per common share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $26.7 million (C$33.94 million), which included the partial exercise by the underwriters of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to the underwriters for the offering. The net proceeds were used for working capital purposes at Relief Canyon, development and exploration at the Galena Complex, care and maintenance at the Cosalá Operations, debt repayments, and working capital and other general corporate purposes, as further detailed in the chart below.
The following table includes a reconciliation of the manner in which the net proceeds from the bought deal offering were used by the Company through 2021 compared to the disclosure in the Company’s short form prospectus dated January 26, 2021 (the “January 2021 Prospectus”).
| Disclosure in the January 2021 Prospectus | Use of Proceeds | |||
| The Company intends to use the net proceeds as follows: | The net proceeds have been used as follows: | |||
| Use of Proceeds | Amount (C$ million) |
- approximately C$17.9 million on working capital purposes at Relief Canyon to proceed towards full production; - approximately C$3.2 million on development and exploration at the Galena Complex; - approximately C$2.2 million on care and maintenance at the Cosalá Operations; - approximately C$0.8 million on general corporate and administrative expenses; - approximately C$3.3 million on repayment of outstanding debt obligations; and - approximately C$0.9 million on working capital purposes. | ||
| Working capital purposes at Relief Canyon to proceed towards full production | 7.9 | |||
| Development and exploration at the Galena Complex | 4.0 | |||
| Care and maintenance at the Cosalá Operations | 2.2 | |||
| General corporate and administrative expenses | 1.6 | |||
| Repayment of outstanding debt obligations | 9.3 | |||
| Working capital purposes | 3.3 | |||
| TOTAL | 28.3 | |||
| 9 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
The primary differences between the anticipated use of proceeds disclosed in the January 2021 Prospectus and the actual application of proceeds are as follows: approximately C$6.0 million of the net proceeds initially allocated to repayment of outstanding debt obligations were re-allocated for working capital purposes at Relief Canyon to proceed towards full production, as repayment terms of outstanding debt obligations were amended to extend beyond March 31, 2021; and approximately C$2.4 million of the net proceeds initially allocated to working capital purposes were re-allocated for working capital purposes at Relief Canyon to proceed towards full production.
On February 1, 2021, Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (“Sandstorm”) converted $5 million of the principal amount of the Company’s $10 million outstanding convertible debenture into an aggregate of 2,336,448 common shares at a conversion price of $2.14. On March 3, 2021, Sandstorm converted the remaining $5 million principal amount of the outstanding convertible debenture into an aggregate of 2,336,448 common shares at the same conversion price.
On March 2, 2021, the Company amended its remaining loan payable with Macquarie to be settled through monthly fixed cash payments totaling $2.9 million payable over a 6-month period commencing March 2021, among other terms. This obligation was repaid during fiscal 2021.
On April 29, 2021, the Company issued a C$12.5 million secured convertible debenture to Royal Capital Management Corp. (“RoyCap”) due April 28, 2024 (the “2024 Convertible Debenture”) with interest payable at 8% 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$3.35. The 2024 Convertible Debenture is secured by the Company’s interest in the Galena Complex and by shares of one of the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries. The net proceeds raised from the 2024 Convertible Debenture were used in connection with capital requirements relating to the reopening of the Cosalá Operations, repayment of shorter-term debt obligations, the ramp-up at Relief Canyon and for working capital purposes.
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. During 2021, the Company sold approximately 27.3 million common shares pursuant to the ATM Agreement with an average price per common share of approximately $1.15 for gross proceeds of approximately $31.4 million. As of March 17, 2022, it has sold approximately 39.5 million common shares pursuant to the ATM Agreement with an average price per common share of approximately $1.06 for gross proceeds of approximately $42.0 million.
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 seeks damages of C$130 million in relation to the Company’s public disclosure concerning its Relief Canyon mine. Although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome, the Company believes that the complaint against it is unfounded and without merit and intends to vigorously defend the proceeding.
On October 21, 2021, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement with Sandstorm for gross proceeds of $2.5 million through issuance of approximately 3.3 million of the Company’s common shares priced at approximately C$0.94 per share. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes including the reopening of the Cosalá Operations and Recapitalization Plan.
On November 12, 2021, the Company amended its existing 2024 Convertible Debenture by increasing the principal balance by C$6.3 million to a total principal balance of C$18.8 million, in addition to amending its conversion price of C$3.35 to C$1.48 (based on a 35% premium to the 5-day VWAP), and the terms to its Retraction Option from a retraction of C$0.3 million cumulative per month to a retraction of C$0.45 million cumulative per month. All other material terms of the 2024 Convertible Debenture remain unchanged. The net proceeds raised will be used for the previously-stated purposes relating to the reopening of the Cosalá Operations and working capital purposes. During 2021, the 2024 Convertible Debenture was reduced to C$17.9 million through partial retractions by RoyCap for C$0.9 million settled through issuance of approximately 0.8 million of the Company’s common shares. As at March 17, 2022, the 2024 Convertible Debenture was further reduced to C$16.8 million through partial retractions by RoyCap for C$1.1 million settled through issuance of approximately 1.1 million of the Company’s common shares.
| 10 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
2022 Guidance, and 2023 and 2024 Outlook
| 2022 Guidance1 | 2023 Outlook1 | 2024 Outlook1 | ||||||||||
| Silver Production (oz) | 1.4 - 1.8 Moz | 2.4 - 2.8 Moz | 3.4 - 3.8 Moz | |||||||||
| Zinc Production (lbs) | 36 - 40 Mlbs | 31 - 35 Mlbs | 33 - 37 Mlbs | |||||||||
| Lead Production (lbs) | 22 - 26 Mlbs | 21 - 25 Mlbs | 22 - 26 Mlbs | |||||||||
| Silver Equivalent Production (oz) | 4.8 - 5.2 Moz | 5.6 - 6 Moz | 7 - 7.4 Moz | |||||||||
| Cash Cost/Ag Oz Production ($/oz) | $4.00 - $5.00/oz | |||||||||||
| Capital Expenditures - Sustaining ($) | $12 - $14 M | |||||||||||
| Capital Expenditures - Growth ($) | $6 - $7 M | |||||||||||
| Exploration Drilling ($) | $2.5 - $3 M | |||||||||||
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, guidance for 2022 and outlook for 2023 and 2024 is 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, $1.30/lb zinc and $0.95/lb lead. |
The Company expects to significantly increase metals production in 2022 following the resolution of the illegal blockade at the Cosalá Operations and continued recapitalization at the Galena Complex. Consolidated silver equivalent production (100% Cosalá Operations / 60% Galena Complex) for 2022 is anticipated to be 4.8 to 5.2 million ounces. This represents a year-over-year increase in silver equivalent production of approximately 240%.
Silver production from the Cosalá Operations in 2022 is forecast to be between 0.7 to 0.9 million ounces. The Cosalá Operations are expected to increase silver production through 2022 benefitting from higher-grade silver areas in the Upper Zone of the San Rafael mine in the second half of 2022. Zinc production from the Cosalá Operations is expected to be approximately 36 to 40 million pounds while lead production is expected to be 13 to 15 million pounds.
Attributable silver production to the Company from the Galena Complex (60% owned by Americas Gold) in 2022 is expected to be between 0.7 to 0.9 million silver ounces. Attributable lead production is expected to be between 9 to 11 million pounds. The Company expects to complete commissioning of the Galena hoist in Q4-2022.
Consolidated cash cost per ounce for 2022 is expected to range between $4.00 to $5.00 per attributable silver ounce at the noted prices of zinc and lead. The Company expects cash costs to be lower if current spot prices for zinc and lead persist at approximately $1.70/lb and $1.05/lb, respectively.
Anticipated consolidated capital expenditures for the Company in 2022 of $18 to $21 million are related to the installation of the Galena hoist and associated engineering for the Galena shaft, increased development capital and sustaining capital at the Cosalá Operations.
The Company anticipates consolidated silver equivalent production to further increase in 2023 and 2024 as the Galena hoist installation is completed in the second half of 2022 and the Cosalá Operations fully benefit from higher-grade silver areas in the Upper Zone. Consolidated silver equivalent production for 2023 is expected to range between 5.5 to 6 million ounces increasing to 7 to 7.3 million ounces in 2024. Consolidated silver equivalent production outlook for 2024 would represent an approximate 375% increase in production compared with 2021.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Consolidated Results and Developments
Consolidated operating results from 2021 were generally not comparable to 2020 due to the illegal blockade at the Cosalá Operations, the suspension of certain operating metrics for the Galena Complex until the Recapitalization Plan is substantially completed, and the development, commercial production and temporary suspension of mining operations at Relief Canyon. Specifically, the Cosalá Operations had no production until Q4-2021, when mining operations were restarted. The consolidated silver and silver equivalent production5 during 2021 increased by approximately 12% and 29%, respectively, compared to 2020.
Revenue increased by $16.9 million or 61% from $27.9 million during 2020 to $44.8 million during 2021. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the Company’s share of silver and lead revenue at the Galena Complex from increased silver production and realized lead prices during the year, plus revenue from the restarted Cosalá Operations in Q4-2021, and revenue from Relief Canyon following the declaration of commercial production and continuing leaching operations in Q3-2021. Net loss was $160.6 million for 2021, an increase of $130.5 million from 2020. The increase in net loss was primarily attributable to impairment to property, plant and equipment, loss on fair value of metals contract liability, higher cost of sales, higher depletion and amortization, higher care and maintenance costs, and higher interest and financing expense, offset in part by higher net revenue. With the temporary suspension of mining at Relief Canyon, the Company has significantly reduced the monthly spend at the mine moving forward that contributed to the annual loss. These variances are further discussed in the following sections.
The average realized silver price6 increased by 21% from 2020 to 2021 with average realized zinc and lead prices7 increasing by 48% and 16%, respectively, during the same period. The average realized silver price of $24.87/oz. for 2021 (2020 – $20.61/oz.) is comparable to the average London silver spot price of $25.17/oz. for 2021 (2020 – $20.51/oz.).
| 5 | This is a supplementary financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 6 | This is a non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 7 | These are non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 12 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Galena Complex
| Fiscal Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Tonnes Milled | 119,975 | 128,673 | ||||||
| Silver Grade (g/t) | 271 | 234 | ||||||
| Lead Grade (%) | 7.59 | 7.32 | ||||||
| Silver Recovery (%) | 96.8 | 96.1 | ||||||
| Lead Recovery (%) | 93.3 | 92.6 | ||||||
| Silver Produced (oz) | 1,012,582 | 929,324 | ||||||
| Lead Produced (lbs) | 18,724,139 | 19,236,933 | ||||||
| Total Gold Equivalent Produced ($/oz)1,3 | 14,045 | 10,853 | ||||||
| Total Silver Equivalent Produced ($/oz)2,3 | 1,751,676 | 1,711,410 | ||||||
| Silver Sold (oz) | 1,029,030 | 898,276 | ||||||
| Lead Sold (lbs) | 19,172,490 | 18,550,181 | ||||||
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, gold equivalent production was calculated based on gold and silver production at average gold spot prices and average realized silver prices during each respective period and excludes base metal production. |
| 2 | Throughout this MD&A, silver equivalent production was calculated based on all metals production at average gold spot prices, and average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period. |
| 3 | This is a supplementary financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
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 explore to define and expand silver resources. The Company has suspended disclosure of certain operating metrics such as cash costs, and all-in sustaining costs for the Galena Complex until the Recapitalization Plan is substantially completed.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Cosalá Operations
| Fiscal Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Tonnes Milled | 59,191 | 43,253 | ||||||
| Silver Grade (g/t) | 56 | 48 | ||||||
| Zinc Grade (%) | 4.09 | 4.26 | ||||||
| Lead Grade (%) | 1.88 | 1.70 | ||||||
| Silver Recovery (%) | 57.7 | 58.7 | ||||||
| Zinc Recovery (%) | 78.1 | 79.3 | ||||||
| Lead Recovery (%) | 68.3 | 74.3 | ||||||
| Silver Produced (oz) | 61,001 | 39,117 | ||||||
| Zinc Produced (lbs) | 4,164,185 | 3,221,744 | ||||||
| Lead Produced (lbs) | 1,672,806 | 1,203,720 | ||||||
| Total Gold Equivalent Produced ($/oz)1,4 | 763 | 420 | ||||||
| Total Silver Equivalent Produced ($/oz)2,4 | 433,456 | 308,435 | ||||||
| Silver Sold (oz) | 59,897 | 34,693 | ||||||
| Zinc Sold (lbs) | 3,721,943 | 3,083,663 | ||||||
| Lead Sold (lbs) | 1,683,233 | 988,828 | ||||||
| Adjusted Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz)3,4 | $ | 7.47 | $ | 7.19 | ||||
| Cash Cost/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)3,4 | $ | (18.53 | ) | $ | (11.32 | ) | ||
| All-In Sustaining Cost/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)3,4 | $ | (14.67 | ) | $ | (0.83 | ) | ||
| 1 | Throughout this MD&A, gold equivalent production was calculated based on gold and silver production at average gold spot prices and average realized silver prices during each respective period and excludes base metal production. |
| 2 | Throughout this MD&A, silver equivalent production was calculated based on all metals production at average gold spot prices, and average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period. |
| 3 | Cost per ounce measurements during fiscal 2021 were based on operating results starting from December 1, 2021 following the 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 non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
In February 2020, the Company announced an illegal blockade was put in place at the Cosalá Operations by a group of individuals including a small minority of the Company’s hourly workforce. As a result, the Cosalá Operations was put on care and maintenance. On July 6, 2021, the Company signed an agreement with the Mexican Ministries of Economy, Interior and Labour along with union representatives committing to a reopening of the Cosalá Operations. The Company began recalling its workers and commenced reopening the operation in September 2021 as the employees arrived on site. The San Rafael mine and Los Braceros mill ramped up to nameplate production averaging approximately 1,700 tonnes per day during December 2021. Concentrate shipments have resumed with a return to revenue and cash flow generation in Q4-2021 and has continued into year-to-date fiscal 2022. See “Recent Developments and Operational Discussion – Cosalá Operations: COVID-19 and Illegal Blockade” for further information.
Relief Canyon
During 2021, Relief Canyon mined 583,804 tonnes of ore, stacked 598,323 tonnes of ore, and produced 5,617 gold equivalent production or 441,483 silver equivalent production, subsequent to the Company’s commercial production declaration at Relief Canyon effective January 11, 2021. Gold production was 5,467 ounces and silver production was 10,737 ounces with 5,762 ounces of gold and 11,788 ounces of silver sold. As a result of consolidated capital allocation decisions, Relief Canyon temporarily suspended mining operations as of August 13, 2021, with the approval by the Board of Directors, while it continues leaching operations and ongoing metallurgical test work.
| 14 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Analysis of the year ended December 31, 2021 vs. the year ended December 31, 2020
The Company recorded a net loss of $160.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a net loss of $30.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net loss was primarily attributable to impairment to property, plant and equipment ($56.0 million), loss on fair value of metals contract liability ($20.8 million), higher cost of sales ($53.3 million), higher depletion and amortization ($7.8 million), higher care and maintenance costs ($6.8 million), and higher interest and financing expense ($4.6 million), offset in part by higher net revenue ($16.9 million), each of which are described in more detail below.
Revenue increased by $16.9 million from $27.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to an $8.5 million increase in silver and lead revenue at the Galena Complex from increased production and realized metal prices during the year, $4.1 million increase in revenue from the restarted Cosalá Operations in Q4-2021, and $4.4 million in revenue from Relief Canyon after commercial production was declared in January 2021.
Cost of sales increased by $53.3 million from $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $84.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 mainly as a result of valuation adjustments of $39.9 million consisting of $15.1 million write-down to net realizable value of inventories to adjust to most recent spot prices, and $24.8 million write-down from lowered expected gold recoveries of existing ore on Relief Canyon leach pads, in addition to cost of sales of $9.7 million incurred from Relief Canyon during the period subsequent to declaring commercial production in January 2021.
Depletion and amortization increased by $7.8 million from $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was due to $7.2 million in depletion and amortization after Relief Canyon declared commercial production in January 2021, plus a $1.2 million increase from the Galena Complex due to increased production.
Care and maintenance costs increased by $6.8 million as the Cosalá Operations were determined to be on care and maintenance since the end of January 2020 as the majority of the ongoing carrying costs have been classified as care and maintenance costs as opposed to cost of sales until Q4-2021 with the restart of mining operations, in addition to $4.4 million of care and maintenance costs incurred from Relief Canyon subsequent to temporarily suspending mining operations in mid August 2021.
Interest and financing expense increased by $4.6 million mainly due to borrowing costs expensed to interest and financing expense plus non-cash interest and financing expense recognized from the accounting of the 2024 Convertible Debenture during the year. Prior year’s borrowing costs were capitalized as Relief Canyon development costs prior to its commercial production declaration in fiscal 2021.
Impairment to property, plant and equipment of $56.0 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the Relief Canyon impairment.
Loss on fair value of metals contract liability of $20.8 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2021 as the Company expects that metal deliveries to Sandstorm may no longer be satisfied through internal gold production.
Analysis of the three months ended December 31, 2021 vs. the three months ended December 31, 2020
The Company recorded a net loss of $32.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021 compared to a net loss of $9.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net loss was primarily attributable to loss on fair value of metals contract liability ($20.8 million), higher cost of sales ($7.6 million), higher depletion and amortization ($2.1 million), and higher care and maintenance costs ($1.8 million), offset in part by higher net revenue ($5.6 million), and lower loss on derivative instruments ($2.4 million), each of which are described in more detail below.
| 15 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Revenue increased by $5.6 million from $8.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 to $14.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due $5.5 million in revenue from the restarted Cosalá Operations in Q4-2021, plus $1.0 million in revenue from Relief Canyon after commercial production was declared in January 2021.
Cost of sales increased by $7.6 million from $6.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 to $14.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021 mainly as a result cost of sales of $2.5 million incurred from Cosalá Operations due to restart of mining operations in Q4-2021, cost of sales of $2.2 million incurred from Relief Canyon during the period subsequent to declaring commercial production in January 2021, plus valuation adjustments of $0.9 million consisting of write-down to net realizable value of inventories to adjust to most recent spot prices.
Depletion and amortization increased by $2.1 million from $2.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 to $4.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The increase was due to $1.7 million in depletion and amortization from Relief Canyon with commercial production declared in January 2021, plus a $0.4 million increase from the Cosalá Operations due to restart of mining operations in Q4-2021.
Care and maintenance costs increased by $1.8 million mainly as a result of care and maintenance costs incurred from Relief Canyon subsequent to temporarily suspending mining operations in mid August 2021.
Loss on fair value of metals contract liability of $20.8 million was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2021 as the Company expects that metal deliveries to Sandstorm may no longer be satisfied through internal gold production.
Loss on derivative instruments decreased by $2.4 million mainly due to a change in fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments from outstanding convertible debentures during the period.
| 16 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Selected Annual Financial Information
| Fiscal Year Ended December 31 | 20211 | 20201 | 20191 | |||||||||
| Revenues ($ M) | $ | 44.8 | $ | 27.9 | $ | 58.4 | ||||||
| Net Loss ($ M) | (160.6 | ) | (30.1 | ) | (34.2 | ) | ||||||
| Comprehensive Loss ($ M) | (159.8 | ) | (33.2 | ) | (35.1 | ) | ||||||
| Net Loss per Common Share - Basic and Diluted | $ | (1.11 | ) | $ | (0.24 | ) | $ | (0.46 | ) | |||
| Silver Produced (oz) | 61,001 | 39,117 | 1,163,618 | |||||||||
| Zinc Produced (lbs) | 4,164,185 | 3,221,744 | 43,314,002 | |||||||||
| Lead Produced (lbs) | 1,672,806 | 1,203,720 | 26,193,098 | |||||||||
| Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz)2 | $ | 7.47 | $ | 7.19 | $ | 8.43 | ||||||
| Cash Cost/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3 | $ | (18.53 | ) | $ | (11.32 | ) | $ | 4.61 | ||||
| All-In Sustaining Cost/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3 | $ | (14.67 | ) | $ | (0.83 | ) | $ | 12.71 | ||||
| Cash ($ M) | $ | 2.9 | $ | 4.7 | $ | 20.0 | ||||||
| Receivables ($ M) | 8.2 | 5.1 | 5.3 | |||||||||
| Inventories ($ M) | 17.9 | 9.4 | 8.5 | |||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment ($ M) | $ | 177.9 | $ | 259.3 | $ | 190.4 | ||||||
| Current Assets ($ M) | $ | 23.5 | $ | 20.1 | $ | 34.9 | ||||||
| Current Liabilities ($ M) | 45.6 | 39.0 | 34.8 | |||||||||
| Working Capital ($ M) | (22.1 | ) | (18.9 | ) | 0.1 | |||||||
| Total Assets ($ M) | $ | 213.4 | $ | 284.8 | $ | 231.0 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities ($ M) | 109.6 | 103.6 | 92.0 | |||||||||
| Total Equity ($ M) | 103.8 | 181.2 | 139.0 | |||||||||
| 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 | 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. |
| 3 | This is a non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 17 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
The following table presents a summary of the consolidated operating results for each of the most recent eight quarters ending with December 31, 2021.
| Q4 20211 | Q3 20211 | Q2 20211 | Q1 20211 | Q4 20201 | Q3 20201 | Q2 20201 | Q1 20201 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues ($ M) | $ | 14.2 | $ | 10.9 | $ | 9.5 | $ | 10.2 | $ | 8.7 | $ | 7.3 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 7.3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss ($ M) | (32.4 | ) | (18.6 | ) | (17.8 | ) | (91.8 | ) | (9.0 | ) | (6.2 | ) | (10.8 | ) | (4.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Loss ($ M) | (34.9 | ) | (19.1 | ) | (18.7 | ) | (87.1 | ) | (9.6 | ) | (5.7 | ) | (10.8 | ) | (7.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Silver Produced (oz) | 61,001 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 39,117 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Zinc Produced (lbs) | 4,164,185 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3,221,744 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lead Produced (lbs) | 1,672,806 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,203,720 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz)2 | $ | 7.47 | - | - | - | - | - | - | $ | 7.19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Cost/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3 | $ | (18.53 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | - | $ | (11.32 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All-In Sustaining Cost/Ag Oz Produced ($/oz)2,3 | $ | (14.67 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | - | $ | (0.83 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Assets (qtr. end) ($ M) | $ | 23.5 | $ | 28.3 | $ | 29.4 | $ | 27.7 | $ | 20.1 | $ | 36.0 | $ | 28.4 | $ | 26.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Current Liabilities (qtr. end) ($ M) | 45.6 | 38.2 | 39.0 | 27.9 | 39.0 | 34.6 | 34.1 | 34.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Working Capital (qtr. end) ($ M) | (22.1 | ) | (9.9 | ) | (9.6 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (18.9 | ) | 1.4 | (5.7 | ) | (7.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets (qtr. end) ($ M) | $ | 213.4 | $ | 205.5 | $ | 207.7 | $ | 207.0 | $ | 284.8 | $ | 279.6 | $ | 258.1 | $ | 242.6 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities (qtr. end) ($ M) | 109.6 | 80.8 | 83.3 | 73.8 | 103.6 | 96.4 | 98.0 | 94.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Equity (qtr. end) ($ M) | 103.8 | 124.7 | 124.4 | 133.2 | 181.2 | 183.2 | 160.1 | 148.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | 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. |
| 3 | This is a non-GAAP financial measure or ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section for further information. |
| 18 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
The change in cash and cash equivalents since December 31, 2020 can be summarized as follows:
| Opening cash balance as at December 31, 2020 | $ | 4.7 | ||
| Cash used in operations | (26.9 | ) | ||
| Expenditures on property, plant and equipment | (12.7 | ) | ||
| Relief Canyon development costs | (1.4 | ) | ||
| Repayments to Glencore pre-payment facility | (1.4 | ) | ||
| Lease payments | (3.2 | ) | ||
| Financing from RoyCap convertible debenture | 14.9 | |||
| At-the-market offering | 30.2 | |||
| Bought deal public offering | 25.0 | |||
| Sandstorm private placement | 2.4 | |||
| Loan payable | (6.1 | ) | ||
| Proceeds from exercise of options | 0.2 | |||
| Contribution from non-controlling interests | 1.4 | |||
| Increase in trade and other receivables | (3.1 | ) | ||
| Change in inventories | (19.9 | ) | ||
| Change in prepaid expenses | (0.2 | ) | ||
| Change in trade and other payables | (0.8 | ) | ||
| Change in foreign exchange rates | (0.2 | ) | ||
| Closing cash balance as at December 31, 2021 | $ | 2.9 |
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance decreased from $4.7 million to $2.9 million with a working capital deficit of $22.1 million mainly due to cash used in operations, development costs and working capital at Relief Canyon, expenditures of property, plant and equipment at the Galena Complex, lease payments, and repayments on the outstanding Glencore pre-payment facility and Macquarie loan payable. This decrease was offset by net proceeds received from the January bought deal public offering, financing from the 2024 Convertible Debenture, and the at-the-market offering commenced in May. Current liabilities as at December 31, 2021 were $45.6 million which is $6.6 million higher than at December 31, 2020, principally due to the loss on fair value of metals contract liability.
The Company operates in a cyclical industry where cash flow has historically been correlated to market prices for commodities. Several material uncertainties cast significant doubt upon the going concern assumption, including cash flow positive production and related positive cash flows at the Cosalá Operations, and ability to raise additional funds as necessary to fund operations and meet obligations as they come due. The Company’s cash flow is dependent upon its ability to achieve profitable operations, to continue to progress to 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 significant recent increases in the market price of gold and silver, several material uncertainties may impact the Company’s liquidity in the short term, such as: the price of commodities, cash flow positive production and related positive cash flows at the Cosalá Operations, the Galena Complex Recapitalization Plan, and COVID-19. At December 31, 2021, the Company does not have sufficient liquidity on hand to fund its expected operations for the next twelve months and will require further financing to meet its financial obligations and execute on its planned operations. The Company raised aggregate gross proceeds of C$18.8 million during 2021 in connection with the issuance of the 2024 Convertible Debenture and commenced a U.S. only at-the-market equity offering of up to $50 million on the NYSE American in May 2021 with gross proceeds of approximately $31.4 million raised in 2021. In the longer term, as the Cosalá Operations attain full production, the Galena Complex is optimized, and the outlook for gold, 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 both precious and base metal prices decrease from their current levels.
| 19 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 applied for forgiveness under the Act during Q2-2021 and expects to receive notification before the end of Q2-2022.
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 16 in the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2021). 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 $0.5 million per year for each of the next 5 years (excluding fiscal 2021 funding requirements paid in January 2022). Effects from COVID-19 adds significant volatility to market conditions and changes in discount rates which may impact long term annual funding requirements.
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 2021 and adjusted by approximately $2.5 million as a result of significant market fluctuations from market recovery related to COVID-19 and lowering of interest rates by central banks and governments globally. The Company expects to review the pension valuation quarterly should the effects to the economy from the pandemic continue.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
The Company’s cash flow is dependent on delivery of its metal concentrates, including doré bars, 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 temporary suspension of mining operations to prioritize capital allocation to the restart of the Cosalá Operations. Additionally, unforeseen cessation in the counterparty’s capabilities could severely impact the Company’s capital resources.
The Company made capital expenditures of $14.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 (2020: $70.5 million), of which $1.4 million was spent towards the achievement of commercial production at Relief Canyon, drilling, and development costs, while $12.7 million was spent on purchase of property, plant and equipment mostly towards the Galena Complex Recapitalization Plan.
The following table sets out the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021:
| Less than | Over 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1 year | 2-3 years | 4-5 years | years | ||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | 20,576 | $ | 20,576 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Glencore pre-payment facility | 1,451 | 1,451 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Promissory note | 5,000 | 5,000 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Interest on promissory note | 159 | 159 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| RoyCap convertible debenture | 14,080 | - | 14,080 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Interest on RoyCap convertible debenture | 2,620 | 1,126 | 1,494 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Government loan | 4,499 | 4,499 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Metals contract liability | 41,319 | 11,971 | 21,884 | 7,464 | - | |||||||||||||||
| Projected pension contributions | 3,506 | 612 | 1,065 | 1,185 | 644 | |||||||||||||||
| Decommissioning provision | 17,396 | - | - | - | 17,396 | |||||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,543 | - | 536 | 471 | 536 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 112,149 | $ | 45,394 | $ | 39,059 | $ | 9,120 | $ | 18,576 | ||||||||||
| 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 26 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. |
| 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, 2021.
| 21 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and EDGAR profile on www.edgar.com, the reader should carefully consider each of, and the cumulative effect of, the following factors. Any of these risk elements could have material adverse effects on the business of the Company. See note 26 – Financial risk management of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.
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 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 three production-level mines: Relief Canyon in Nevada, U.S.A., the Galena Complex in Idaho, U.S.A. and the Cosalá Operations in Sinaloa, Mexico. Relief Canyon, where mining is temporarily suspended, was acquired by the Company in April 2019 in connection with the Pershing Gold Transaction , the Galena Complex is currently undergoing a Recapitalization Plan that commenced in October 2019 and the Cosalá Operations where the Company began recalling its workers as of September 11, 2021 and commenced reopening the operation as of September 13, 2021 and expects to be returned to full capacity by the end of Q4-2021 following the Company entering into an agreement on July 6, 2021 with the Mexican Ministries of Economy, Interior and Labour along with union representatives committing to a reopening of the Cosalá Operations and the return to full uninterrupted operations. 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; | |
| ● | issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or other pandemics or national or global health crises; | |
| ● | 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 or strikes or other related interruptions to normal operations; | |
| ● | acts of terrorism, civil disobedience and protests; and | |
| ● | restrictions or regulations imposed by government agencies or other changes in the regulatory environments. |
| 22 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 and to operations that are to be expanded. 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 is currently temporarily suspended. 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 radical 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 thecarbonaceous material was crushed, stacked, and disseminated onto the leach pad resulting in lower than expected recovery of the placed gold ore.
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. Additional efforts focused on improving mining selectivity including the use of a hydraulic excavator operating on split (10 foot) benches when required. Phase 2 mining, which commenced in late Q4-2020/early Q1-2021, 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 in Q1-2021 and into Q2-2021. As a result of these challenges, the Company began two small run-of-mine test pads in Q1-2021 to evaluate the possibility of simplifying the flowsheet by by-passing the crushing and conveying circuits. Results were encouraging and the operation transitioned to this method of ore placement to further demonstrate its applicability with haul trucks delivering the ore directly from the pit to the leach pad.
Additional improvements of the resource model are progressing with incorporation of the latest geological detail from recent pit mapping as well as new data from an extensive re-assaying program of over 10,000 historic exploration pulp samples. Completion of this data compilation and analysis is targeted for early 2022.
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. As further test work is ongoing, future results may cause a reassessment of the remaining carrying value and cause a subsequent recovery or an increase to the impairment.
| 23 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
The Company is committed to continuing efforts to resolve these metallurgical challenges at Relief Canyon as noted above. However, the Company is in the process of reopening the Cosalá Operations and is currently prioritizing its capital resources to the restart. As a result of these capital allocation decisions, Relief Canyon has temporarily suspended mining operations as of August 13, 2021. During this time, the Company will 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, while the Company completes its assessment.
There can be no assurance that significant costs will not be required in the near future in order to achieve full production capacity, the expected timing and/or results of the conclusions of the data compilation and analysis, the Company’s ability 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 leach pad or regarding the ultimate recoverability and monetization of such ounces will prove to be correct in the near term or at all.
Risks Related to the Resumption of Operations and Ramp-up to Full Production
The re-opening and resumption of mining and processing operations at the Cosalá Operations, including expected production levels and ramp-up to full production at the Cosalá Operations will be subject to a number of inherent risks. It is not unusual in the mining industry for the restart of mining operations to experience unexpected problems during the early stages of the restart and ramp-up to full production, including failure of equipment, machinery, or other processes to perform as designed or intended, insufficient ore stockpile or grade, and failure to deliver adequate tonnes of ore, any of which could result in delays, slowdowns or suspensions and require more capital than anticipated, including capital costs required in connection with the resumption of mining and processing operations at the Cosalá Operations. Further, the Cosalá Operations were subject to an illegal blockade which began in February 2020 and continued until while 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 agreement contemplates immediate right to possession of the property with joint inspections coordinated by the Ministry of Labour, so that the mine can restart operations in a safe and sustainable manner. 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 Company has addressed over 95% of the recommendations from the Ministry of Labour report. Outstanding items are longer-term, caused by the 19-month illegal blockade, and administrative. 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 and the return to production, including ramp-up to full production. However, there is no assurance that the Company’s efforts will effectively mitigate such risk. In addition, estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources and anticipated costs, including, without limitation, operating expenses, cash costs and all-in sustaining costs, anticipated mine life, projected production, anticipated production rates and other projected economic and operating parameters may not be realized, and the level of future metal prices needed to ensure commercial viability may deteriorate. Consequently, there is a risk that the Cosalá Operations may encounter or continue to encounter problems or be subject to delays or suspensions during the early stages of the restart of mining operations and the Company’s efforts to ramp-up production at Cosalá Operations to expected full production, which may or have other material adverse consequences for the Company, including its operating results, cash flow and financial condition.
| 24 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Risks Related to Relief Canyon’s Early Years of Production
The Company temporarily suspended mining operations at Relief Canyon on August 13, 2021, and needs to assess and determine when such mining operations will be resumed. The Company has continued leaching operations and ongoing metallurgical test work at Relief Canyon during the temporary suspension of mining operations. The first few years of production from the Relief Canyon Mine will be subject to a number of inherent risks. It is not unusual in the mining industry for new mining operations to experience unexpected problems during the early stages of the production phase and ramp-up to full production, including failure of equipment, machinery, the processing circuit or other processes to perform as designed or intended, insufficient ore stockpile or grade, and failure to deliver adequate tonnes of ore, any of which could result in delays, slowdowns or suspensions and require more capital than anticipated. In addition, estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources and anticipated costs, including, without limitation, operating expenses, cash costs and all-in sustaining costs, anticipated mine life, projected production, anticipated production rates and other projected economic and operating parameters may not be realized, and the level of future metal prices needed to ensure commercial viability may deteriorate. Consequently, there is a risk that Relief Canyon may encounter or continue to encounter problems or be subject to delays or suspensions during the early stages of the production phase and the Company’s efforts to ramp-up production at Relief Canyon to expected full production, which may or have other material adverse consequences for the Company, including its operating results, cash flow and financial condition.
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 gold (or applicable by-product metal prices) 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 and widely-spaced 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.
| 25 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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.
Impairment
On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and evaluates its mining interests for indicators of impairment or impairment reversals. At the end of the first quarter of 2021, a total impairment of $55.6 million was recorded in relation to Relief Canyon as a result of changes to Relief Canyon’s expected gold production. Impairment assessments are conducted at the level of cash-generating units (“CGU”). A 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 condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 contain going concern disclosure.
The Company’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 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. These circumstances cast substantial doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and ultimately on the appropriateness of the use of the accounting principles applicable to a going concern. 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.
There is no certainty regarding the net proceeds to the Company from the ATM Offering.
There is no certainty that the full $50,000,000 will be raised under the ATM Offering. Under any offering the agents have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to sell the securities when and to the extent requested by the Company, but the Company is not required to request the sale of the maximum amount offered or any amount and, if the Company requests a sale, the agent or agents are not obligated to purchase any securities that are not sold. As a result, such offering is expected to be made on a commercially reasonable efforts basis with no minimum, and only as requested by the Company, the Company may raise substantially less than the maximum total offering amount or nothing at all.
| 26 | Page |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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. Furthermore, as at February 2020, the Company’s Relief Canyon mine experienced its first gold pour. With commercial production having been achieved at Relief Canyon in early January 2021, the Company’s only remaining significant milestone at Relief Canyon is the achievement of full production. The Company currently anticipates that full production will be reached at Relief Canyon in 2021, which would result in an increase in the Company’s precious metals revenue. Fluctuations in the prices of gold, 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 gold, 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.
In addition, the prices of gold and silver, for example, have on occasion been subject to very rapid short-term changes due to speculative activities. Fluctuations in gold, 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. In particular, the price of gold has fluctuated widely in recent years, and consistently low prices for gold could have a negative impact on the profitability of the Company’s mine at Relief Canyon and could result in significantly greater losses for the Company, due to the high cost associated with the operations setup at the Relief Canyon mine. Declining market prices for gold, 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 gold, 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 until the price increases, and 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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 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 and in light of the ongoing shutdown of operations at its Cosalá Operations due to the illegal blockade. 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. Relief Canyon achieved commercial production in January 2021 and is currently ramping up to full production. The Company’s actual production at Relief Canyon, the price realized on sales of gold, and revenues from such sales, may be lower than anticipated. Moreover, 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: delays in achieving full production Relief Canyon; the costs to achieve full production at Relief Canyon, the ability of the Company to maintain production at expected levels, or operating costs at Relief Canyon may be higher than expected; unanticipated capital requirements at the Galena Complex; costs relating to maintaining the Cosalá Operations on care and maintenance are higher than anticipated; the Company may be able to re-open the Cosalá Operations and resume mining activities at the mine, and costs relating to such re-opening and resumption of mining activities may be higher than the care and maintenance costs would have been; unanticipated increases in contract mining, production costs or other operating expenses; labour disputes; and catastrophic events such as weather events or public health crisis, or a resurgence or worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related health and safety measures that may be instituted, particularly in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Many of these factors, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19, 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, 2021
The Company May Be Subject to Significant Capital Requirements and Operating Risks Associated With its Expanded Operations and its Expanded 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 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. 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. 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.
COVID-19 Pandemic Has Previously Negatively Impacted and May in the Future Negatively Affect the Company’s Business, Operations and Financial Performance
In March 2020, COVID-19 was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Since December 2019, COVID-19 has spread globally with a high concentration of cases in certain regions in which the Company conducts its business operations and sells its products, including the United States, Canada and Mexico. The spread of COVID-19 and resulting tight government controls and travel bans implemented around the world, such as declarations of states of emergency, business closures, manufacturing restrictions and a prolonged period of travel, commercial and/or other similar restrictions and limitations, have caused disruption to global supply chains and economic activity, and the market has entered a period of significantly increased volatility. Volatility and disruptions in the supply and demand for gold, silver, zinc, and lead, global supply chains and financial markets, as well as declining trade and market sentiment and reduced mobility of people, all of which could affect commodity prices, interest rates, credit ratings, credit risk, share prices and inflation.
To date, there have been a large number of temporary business closures, quarantines and a general reduction in consumer activity in a number of countries including Canada, the United States, Mexico and China. In March, the Government of Mexico issued a national COVID-19 related decree for the temporary suspension of all non-essential businesses in the country, including all mining operations, until the end of May 2020, which applied to the Company’s Cosalá Operations. At the end of May 2020, the Government of Mexico declared mining an essential activity and mining operations were generally permitted to resume. However, there can be no assurance that a similar decree will not be issued in the future, that mining activities will continue to be deemed an essential business or that mining activities will not otherwise be suspended in the future if COVID-19 continues to persist or there is a resurgence globally or in any jurisdiction in which the Company’s operations are located. In December 2020, a number of key personnel at Relief Canyon were determined to have COVID-19, and the Company instituted isolation and containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus. At Relief Canyon, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions previously limited the Company’s ability to promptly troubleshoot ramp-up issues and were a factor in delaying the achievement of commercial production.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
The spread of COVID-19 has previously had and is currently having an adverse impact on the global economy, the severity and duration of which are difficult to predict, and has adversely affected and is expected that it may have further adverse effects on our financial performance, as well as the availability of certain key personnel and our ability to successfully execute our operations and business strategies and initiatives. While the restrictions and limitations noted above may be relaxed or rolled back if and when COVID-19 abates, the actions may be reinstated as the pandemic continues to evolve and in response to actual or potential resurgences and/or the emergence of new strains of COVID-19. The scope and timing of any such reinstatements are difficult to predict and may materially affect the Company’s business, operations and financial condition, and the market price of its common shares or other securities of the Company. The risks to the Company of such public health crises also include, but are not limited to, certain impacts, restrictions and limitations on activities which may result in delays in bringing Relief Canyon to full ramp-up of operations on the expected timeline, potential for the impairment of the Company’s assets or write-downs in respect of the Company’s material properties, or any part thereof, as a result of prolonged delays, limitations or restrictions on activities at the Company’s properties due to the COVID-19 pandemic and issues relating to its resurgence and/or the emergence of new strains of COVID-19, risks to employee health and safety and their availability to conduct the Company’s operations, a slowdown or temporary suspension of, or other material limitations or restrictions on, the Company’s activities and operations in geographic locations impacted by an outbreak, including in Nevada, Idaho, Mexico and other jurisdictions in which the Company operates, increased costs, including those related to labour and fuel and any additional capital being required related to bringing Relief Canyon to full ramp-up of operations, the current temporary suspension of operations at the Cosalá Operations, the related recommencement of such operations, as applicable, and bringing such operations into full production, and our Recapitalization Plan for the Galena Complex, regulatory changes, political or economic instabilities, civil unrest, the availability of industry experts and personnel. At this point, the full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will or may impact the Company remains uncertain and these factors are beyond the Company’s control. See “Recent Developments and Operational Discussion – COVID-19 Pandemic.”
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues to Create Significant Uncertainty in the Global Economy and for the Company’s Business, Operations and Financial Performance
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health and economic conditions throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and globally. The global spread of COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, complex and rapidly evolving, with governments, public institutions and other organizations imposing or recommending, and businesses and individuals implementing, restrictions on various activities or other actions to combat its spread, such as travel restrictions and bans, social distancing, quarantine or shelter-in-place directives, limitations on the size of gatherings, closures of non-essential businesses. These restrictions have disrupted and may continue to disrupt economic activity, resulting in reduced commercial and consumer confidence and spending, increased unemployment, closure or restricted operating conditions for businesses, volatility in the global economy, instability in the credit and financial markets, labor shortages, regulatory recommendations to provide relief for impacted consumers, and disruption in supply chains.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Company’s business, operations, and financial performance is highly uncertain and will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including, but not limited to, the severity, extent and duration of the pandemic or any resurgences and the emergence of new strains of COVID-19 in the future, including any economic recession resulting from the pandemic, the development of effective vaccines and treatments, and the continued governmental, business and individual actions taken in response to the pandemic. Impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to continue to pose risks to the Company’s business for the foreseeable future, may heighten many of the risks and uncertainties identified herein, and could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, operations or financial performance in a manner that is difficult to predict.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
The Company Is Dependent on the Success of the Relief Canyon Mine, the Galena Complex, and the San Rafael Project at Its Cosalá Operations, which Are All Exposed to Operational Risks
The principal mineral projects of the Company are the Relief Canyon mine, the Galena Complex, and the San Rafael project at its Cosalá Operations. The Company achieved commercial production at the Relief Canyon mine in Pershing County, Nevada on January 11, 2020 and is still in the operational ramp-up phase leading up to full production capacity, which is expected to occur in 2021. 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 Relief Canyon mine, the Galena Complex, and the San Rafael Project at its Cosalá Operations 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.
Prior to the Company’s completion of the Pershing Gold Transaction, and the subsequent completion of construction and first gold pour at the Relief Canyon mine, the company did not have any gold producing operations. 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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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.
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 three production-level mines: Relief Canyon in Nevada, U.S.A., the Galena Complex in Idaho, U.S.A. and the Cosalá Operations in Sinaloa, Mexico. Relief Canyon was acquired by the Company in April 2019 in connection with the Pershing Gold Transaction and achieved commercial production on January 11, 2020, the Galena Complex is currently undergoing a Recapitalization Plan that commenced in October 2019 and Cosalá Operations are not currently in operations due to an illegal blockade at the site. 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; | |
| ● | issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or other pandemics or national or global health crises; | |
| ● | 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 or strikes; | |
| ● | acts of terrorism, civil disobedience and protests; and | |
| ● | restrictions or regulations imposed by government agencies or other changes in the regulatory environments. |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 and to operations that are to be expanded. 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.
The Company recently achieved commercial production at Relief Canyon; however, it is still in the operational ramp-up phase leading up to full production capacity, which is expected to occur in mid-May 2021. There can be no assurance that significant costs will not be required in the near future in order to achieve full production capacity 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 leach pad or regarding the ultimate recoverability and monetization of such ounces will prove to be correct in the near term or at all.
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, 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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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.
Financing Risks
Should financing be sought in the future, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to obtain adequate funding or that the terms of such financing will be favourable. In the event that cash flow from operations is insufficient, 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. The Company has a limited history of earnings, has never paid a dividend, and does not anticipate paying dividends in the near future.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 a loss of lives. There is no assurance that our 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, 2021
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 failure 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 material 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.
On February 3, 2020, the Company announced that a group of individuals had illegally blockaded access to facilities at the Cosalá Operations and as a result of such illegal blockade there has been a temporary halt to mining and processing operations which continues; however, the Company has filed the applicable legal motions including criminal actions and engaged with the Government of Mexico at the state and federal levels to uphold the rule of law and safely remove the illegal blockade to ensure the security of the operations. While the Company believes that the cause for this illegal blockade is not fundamentally a labour matter, the Company always respects all aspects of Mexican labour law. The Company hopes to resolve this dispute in a timely fashion but there is no certainty of when the blockade will be removed and when operations can recommence.
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 effective August 29, 2019 and runs until August 28, 2022. 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 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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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. 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.
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 sea ports 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, road blocks 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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 incursion 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 while in possession. 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.
Global Financial and Economic Conditions
The re-emergence of a global financial crisis or recession or reduced economic activity in the United States, China, India and other industrialized or developing countries (including, for example, due to the impact brought by, and the duration of, COVID-19), 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 developments 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. See “Risk Factors – The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues To Create Significant Uncertainty in the Global Economy and for the Company’s Business, Operations and Financial Performance”.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 (including, most recently, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)), 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 ejidos, for mining exploitation activities, including open pit mining, in the project area of Cosalá Norte and the surroundings of the Cosalá Operations. In addition, the Company has formal ongoing agreements for surface access with all ejidos on whose land its exploration activities are being performed. These agreements are valid for several years 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 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.
The Company Is Subject to Currency Fluctuations that May Adversely Affect the Financial Position of the Company
One of the Company’s primary operations is located in Mexico and many of its expenditures and obligations are denominated in Mexican pesos. The Company maintains its principal office and raises its equity financings in Canada, maintains cash accounts in both U.S. dollars and Canadian dollars and has monetary assets and liabilities in Canadian dollars and Mexican pesos. 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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 of prices 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 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 gold, 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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
The Company’s Future Results Will Suffer if it Does Not Effectively Manage its Expanded Operations Following the Pershing Gold Transaction
The size of the Company’s business and operations increased significantly following completion of the Pershing Gold Transaction, in which it also acquired the Relief Canyon mine. The Company’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to manage this expanded business and operations, which will pose substantial challenges for management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations, managing the ramp-up phase to full production and associated increased costs and complexity. There can be no assurances that the Company will be successful as it expands its operations.
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, 2021
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 and the issuance of additional equity securities or convertible debt 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, 2021
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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law and significantly revised the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, among other things, reduces the backup withholding tax rate from 28% to 24% and contains significant changes to corporate taxation, including reduction of the corporate tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, limitation of the tax deduction for interest expense to 30% of adjusted earnings (except for certain small businesses), implementation of a “base erosion anti-abuse tax” which requires U.S. corporations to make an alternative determination of taxable income without regard to tax deductions for certain payments to affiliates, taxation of certain non-U.S. corporations’ earnings considered to be “global intangible low taxed income” repeal of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) for corporations and changes to a taxpayer’s ability to either utilize or refund the AMT credits previously generated, revision in the attribution rules relating to shareholders of certain “controlled foreign corporations”, limitation of the deduction for net operating losses to 80% of current year taxable income and elimination of net operating loss carrybacks, one-time taxation of offshore earnings at reduced rates regardless of whether they are repatriated, elimination of U.S. tax on foreign earnings (subject to certain important exceptions), immediate deductions for certain new investments instead of deductions for depreciation expense over time, and modification or elimination of many business deductions and credits. Notwithstanding the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate, the overall impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is uncertain, and the Company’s business and financial condition could be adversely affected. The impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on holders of the Company’s common shares is also uncertain and could be adverse. For example, recent changes in federal income tax law resulting in additional taxes owed by U.S. shareholders related to “controlled foreign corporations” may discourage U.S. investors from owning or acquiring (directly, indirectly or constructively) 10% or greater of outstanding Americas Gold and Silver common shares, which other shareholders may have viewed as beneficial or may otherwise negatively impact the trading price of Americas Gold and Silver common shares. Americas Gold and Silver is unable to predict what U.S. federal tax law may be proposed or enacted in the future or what effect such changes would have on Americas Gold and Silver’s business, but such changes, to the extent they are brought into tax legislation, regulations, policies or practices, could affect Americas Gold and Silver’s effective tax rates in the future where it has operations and have an adverse effect on its overall tax rate in the future, along with increasing the complexity, burden and cost of tax compliance. Shareholders are urged to consult with their own legal and tax advisors with respect to this legislation and the potential tax consequences of investing in or holding Americas Gold and Silver common shares.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which included certain changes in tax law intended to stimulate the U.S. economy in light of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, including temporary beneficial changes to the treatment of net operating losses, interest deductibility limitations and payroll tax matters.
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 tax year ended December 31, 2020, 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. 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 Transaction and the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Americas Gold and Silver common shares.
There is a risk that we will be classified as a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We will generally be classified as a CFC if more than 50% of our 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 of our outstanding shares. If we are 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 our 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 our current and accumulated earnings and profits attributable to such shares. The CFC rules are complex and U.S. Shareholders of our common shares are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the CFC rules to them in their particular circumstances.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Proposed Changes to Nevada Tax Legislation Applicable to the Company’s Properties
Recently, the Nevada Legislature during its 32nd Special Session passed joint resolutions AJR 1, AJR 2 and SJR 1 (the “Proposed Resolutions”) regarding the taxation of mines and minerals in Nevada, where the Company’s Relief Canyon project is located. Two of the Proposed Resolutions, AJR 1 and SJR 1, seek to repeal the current net proceeds of minerals tax and replace it with a tax of 7.75% applicable to the gross proceeds of mines and minerals. The third Proposed Resolution, AJR 2, would amend the current net proceeds of minerals tax rate cap of 5% and increase the tax rate cap to 12%. Any of the Proposed Resolutions would require an amendment to the Nevada Constitution, and under Section 1 of Article 16 of the Nevada Constitution, a majority of both the Nevada Assembly and Nevada Senate must pass any proposed amendments, which occurred in respect of the Proposed Resolutions during the 32nd Special Session. The Proposed Resolutions will now be submitted for a second vote by the Nevada Legislature during its next legislative session, which is currently scheduled to begin on February 1, 2021. Any form of the Proposed Resolutions that is passed during the next Nevada legislative session will then be submitted to the people of Nevada for a vote to ratify such form of Proposed Resolutions during the immediately subsequent general election, which would be held in late 2022.
Similar legislative amendments were previously proposed in Nevada in 2014, but were ultimately not adopted or enacted. The Company and its advisors are evaluating these recent Proposed Resolutions and their potential impact on the Company and its operations, including the Relief Canyon property. There can be no guarantee that the Proposed Resolutions will be adopted or enacted as proposed or at all, and as such the definitive impact on the Company of such changes in tax legislation remains uncertain at this time.
The ratification of any of the Proposed Resolutions in their current form would result in an increase to the cost of mining in the State of Nevada. These Proposed Resolutions and other changes to legislation and regulation in the United States, as well as similar changes in other jurisdictions may indicate an increasing risk for companies operating in the mining industry to be subject to increasing taxes. If the Proposed Resolutions are enacted, the Company’s activities, cash flows, and financial results may be adversely impacted by these and other changes.
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.
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 gold and silver 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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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. That rule is now the subject of challenges in the courts.
Legislation and increased regulation and requirements regarding climate change could impose increased costs on us, our venture partners and our suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations.
Relief Canyon / the Galena Complex / the Cosalá Operations has/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.
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.
As a foreign private issuer, Americas Gold and Silver is subject to the reporting requirements under 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 U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the U.S. Exchange Act. Americas Gold and Silver is permitted to file financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and therefore does not file financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as do U.S. companies that file reports with the SEC. Furthermore, Americas Gold and Silver is not required to comply with the U.S. 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 U.S. reporting companies.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 U.S. company, and will incur additional costs to make such filings. The regulatory and compliance costs to the Company under U.S. federal securities laws as a U.S. 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$1.07 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 U.S. Securities Act; (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.
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 U.S. 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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
Accounting standards issued but not yet applied
The following are future changes in accounting policies not yet effective as at December 31, 2021:
| (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 is assessing the impact of the amendments on the consolidated financial statements and have adopted the standard effective January 1, 2022.
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.
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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
| (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.
| (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.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 and revenue recognition begins 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 production at the Cosalá Operations and impact on operations |
The Company had negative operating cash flows in 2021 and a working capital deficit at year-end while mining operations in Cosalá was halted by an illegal blockade. The ability to achieve cash flow positive production at the Cosalá Operations, allowing the Company to generate sufficient operating cash flows, is a significant judgment in these financial statements with respect to the Company’s liquidity and the $60.3 million carrying value of the Cosalá Operations segment. Should the Company experience negative operating cash flows in future periods or experience further stoppage to mining operations, the Company may need to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities.
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, 2021, the Company does not have any non-hedge foreign exchange or commodity forward contracts outstanding.
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, 2021, there were 165,145,187 common shares and nil preferred shares issued and outstanding.
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
As at March 17, 2022, there were 178,423,358 common shares and nil preferred shares issued and outstanding, and 15,733,957 options outstanding which are exchangeable in common shares of the Company. The number of common shares issuable on the exercise of warrants is 4,218,822.
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, 2021, the Company’s CEO and CFO have certified that DC&P and ICFR are effective and that during the year ended December 31, 2021, 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.
The scientific and technical information relating to the operation of the Company’s material operating mining properties and relating to mineral reserves contained herein has been reviewed and approved by Daren Dell, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer of the Company. The scientific and technical information relating to mineral resources and exploration contained herein has been reviewed and approved by Niel de Bruin, Director of Geology of the Company. Each of Messrs. Dell and de Bruin are “qualified persons” for the purposes of NI 43-101.
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; |
| ● | adjusted cost of sales/Ag Eq oz produced; |
| ● | cash cost/Ag oz produced; |
| ● | all-in sustaining cost/Ag oz produced; |
| ● | working capital; |
| ● | gold equivalent production; and |
| ● | silver equivalent production (Ag Eq). |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net loss (’000) | $ | 160,576 | $ | 30,066 | ||||
| Less impairment to property, plant and equipment from Relief Canyon (’000) | (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) | (15,127 | ) | - | |||||
| Less loss on metals contract liability (’000) | (20,780 | ) | - | |||||
| Less care and maintenance costs from Cosalá Operations (’000) | (7,309 | ) | (5,501 | ) | ||||
| Adjusted net loss (’000) | $ | 36,957 | $ | 24,565 | ||||
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, 2021
| Reconciliation of Average Realized Silver, Zinc and Lead Prices | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Gross silver sales revenue ('000) | $ | 27,438 | $ | 19,212 | ||||
| Payable metals and fixed pricing adjustments ('000) | (64 | ) | 16 | |||||
| Payable silver sales revenue ('000) | $ | 27,374 | $ | 19,228 | ||||
| Divided by silver sold (oz) | 1,100,715 | 932,969 | ||||||
| Average realized silver price ($/oz) | $ | 24.87 | $ | 20.61 | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Gross zinc sales revenue ('000) | $ | 5,973 | $ | 3,078 | ||||
| Payable metals and fixed pricing adjustments ('000) | (34 | ) | 236 | |||||
| Payable zinc sales revenue ('000) | $ | 5,939 | $ | 3,314 | ||||
| Divided by zinc sold (lb) | 3,721,943 | 3,083,663 | ||||||
| Average realized zinc price ($/lb) | $ | 1.60 | $ | 1.07 | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Gross lead sales revenue ('000) | $ | 20,617 | $ | 16,142 | ||||
| Payable metals and fixed pricing adjustments ('000) | (115 | ) | 347 | |||||
| Payable lead sales revenue ('000) | $ | 20,502 | $ | 16,489 | ||||
| Divided by lead sold (lb) | 20,855,723 | 19,539,009 | ||||||
| Average realized lead price ($/lb) | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.84 | ||||
Adjusted Cost of Sales and Adjusted Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced
The Company uses the financial measure “adjusted cost of sales” 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. The presentation of adjusted cost of sales is not meant to be a substitute for the cost of sales presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measure.
Adjusted cost of sales is determined on a mine-by-mine basis, 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. For 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.
| 1 | Production results 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 | 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. |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
| Reconciliation of Cosalá Operations Adjusted Cost of Sales and Adjusted Cost of Sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced | ||||||||
| 20211,2 | 20201 | |||||||
| Cost of sales (’000) | $ | 3,605 | $ | 1,816 | ||||
| Less cost of sales during illegal blockade (’000) | (1,071 | ) | 401 | |||||
| Adjusted cost of sales (’000) | $ | 2,534 | $ | 2,217 | ||||
| Divided by silver equivalent produced (oz) | 339,449 | 308,435 | ||||||
| Adjusted cost of sales/Ag Eq Oz Produced ($/oz) | $ | 7.47 | $ | 7.19 | ||||
| 1 | Production results 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 | 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 Cost and Cash Cost/Ag Oz Produced
The Company uses the financial measures “Cash Cost” and “Cash Cost/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 and write-downs to net realizable value of concentrates, ore stockpiles, and spare parts and supplies.
| Reconciliation of Consolidated Cash Cost and Cash Cost per Ounce | ||||||||
| 20211,2 | 20201 | |||||||
| Cost of sales from Galena Complex ('000) | $ | 31,367 | $ | 29,423 | ||||
| Adjusted cost of sales from Cosalá Operations ('000) | 2,534 | 2,217 | ||||||
| Non-cash costs (’000)3 | (88 | ) | 405 | |||||
| Direct mining costs (’000) | $ | 33,813 | $ | 32,045 | ||||
| Smelting, refining and royalty expenses (’000) | 8,696 | 7,448 | ||||||
| Less by-product credits (’000) | (22,896 | ) | (19,171 | ) | ||||
| Total cash costs (’000) | $ | 19,613 | $ | 20,322 | ||||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 1,058,710 | 968,441 | ||||||
| Silver cash costs ($/oz) | $ | 18.53 | $ | 20.98 | ||||
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
| Reconciliation of Cosalá Operations Cash Cost and Cash Cost per Ounce | ||||||||
| 20211,2 | 20201 | |||||||
| Adjusted cost of sales (’000) | $ | 2,534 | $ | 2,217 | ||||
| Non-cash costs (’000)3 | 160 | (166 | ) | |||||
| Direct mining costs (’000) | $ | 2,694 | $ | 2,051 | ||||
| Smelting, refining and royalty expenses (’000) | 1,857 | 1,621 | ||||||
| Less by-product credits (’000) | (5,406 | ) | (4,115 | ) | ||||
| Total cash costs (’000) | $ | (855 | ) | $ | (443 | ) | ||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 46,128 | 39,117 | ||||||
| Silver cash costs ($/oz) | $ | (18.53 | ) | $ | (11.32 | ) | ||
| 1 | Production results 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 | 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. |
| 3 | Non-cash costs consist of non-cash related charges to cost of sales including inventory movements and write-downs to net realizable value of concentrates, ore stockpiles, and spare parts and supplies. |
All-In Sustaining Cost and All-In Sustaining Cost/Ag Oz Produced
The Company uses the financial measures “All-In Sustaining Cost” and “All-In Sustaining Cost/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 gold from operations.
All-in sustaining cost is the cash cost plus all development, capital expenditures, and exploration spending.
| Reconciliation of Cosalá Operations All-In Sustaining Cost per Ounce | ||||||||
| 20211,2 | 20201 | |||||||
| Total cash costs (’000) | $ | (855 | ) | $ | (443 | ) | ||
| Capital expenditures (’000) | 120 | 157 | ||||||
| Exploration costs (’000) | 58 | 254 | ||||||
| Total all-in sustaining costs (’000) | $ | (677 | ) | $ | (32 | ) | ||
| Divided by silver produced (oz) | 46,128 | 39,117 | ||||||
| Silver all-in sustaining costs ($/oz) | $ | (14.67 | ) | $ | (0.83 | ) | ||
| 1 | Production results 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 | 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. |
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Americas Gold and Silver Corporation
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2021
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 | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Current Assets (’000) | $ | 23,543 | $ | 20,076 | ||||
| Less current liabilities (’000) | (45,659 | ) | (39,044 | ) | ||||
| Working capital (’000) | $ | (22,116 | ) | $ | (18,968 | ) | ||
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.
Gold Equivalent Production and Silver Equivalent Production
References to gold equivalent production are based on gold and silver production at average gold spot prices and average silver realized prices during each respective period, and references to silver equivalent production are based on all metals production at average gold spot prices, and average realized silver, zinc, and lead prices during each respective period, except as otherwise noted.
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Exhibit 99.3
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form F-10 (File No. 333-229512 and 333-240504) of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation of our report dated March 17, 2022, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation, which appears in this Form 6-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
March 17, 2022
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.