Hudbay Delivers Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results and Provides Annual Guidance

In this article:
Hudbay Minerals Inc.Hudbay Minerals Inc.
Hudbay Minerals Inc.

TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hudbay Minerals Inc. (“Hudbay” or the “company”) (TSX, NYSE: HBM) today released its fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results, and announced 2024 annual production and cost guidance. All amounts are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. All production and cost amounts reflect the Copper Mountain mine on a 100% basis, with Hudbay owning a 75% interest in the mine.

Delivering Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year Operating and Financial Results

  • Achieved record quarterly and annual revenue of $602.2 million and $1,690.0 million, respectively, with strong consolidated copper production of 45,450 tonnes and record consolidated gold production of 112,776 ounces in the fourth quarter from continued higher grades at the Pampacancha deposit in Peru and the Lalor mine in Manitoba and the contributions of the newly acquired Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia.

  • Delivered a significant increase in operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital to $246.5 million in the fourth quarter, a 35% increase compared to $182.0 million in the third quarter, which was meaningfully higher than prior quarters.

  • Achieved 2023 consolidated production guidance for all metals. Full year 2023 copper production of 131,691 tonnes, gold production of 310,429 ounces and silver production of 3,575,234 ounces increased by 26%, 41% and 13%, respectively, compared to 2022.

  • Consolidated 2023 cash costi and sustaining cash costi were better than expected and significantly outperformed the 2023 guidance range. Full year 2023 consolidated cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, were $0.80 and $1.72, respectively, increasing by 7% and 17%, respectively, compared to 2022.

  • Consolidated cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, in the fourth quarter, were $0.16 and $1.09, respectively, improving by 85% and 42%, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2023.

  • Peru operations benefited from continued higher grades at the Pampacancha satellite pit, resulting in 33,207 tonnes of copper production and 49,418 ounces of gold production in the fourth quarter. Full year copper production was within 2023 guidance ranges while gold production exceeded the top end of guidance. Peru cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, in the fourth quarter improved to $0.54, and full year cash costs significantly improved over 2022 levels and achieved the low end of the 2023 annual cost guidance range.

  • Manitoba operations produced 59,863 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter, a quarterly record as higher gold and copper grade zones were mined at Lalor and the New Britannia mill processed significantly higher amounts of gold ore. Full year gold production was well within the 2023 guidance range and exceeded recent expectations of being positioned at the lower end of the range. Manitoba cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product creditsi, was $434 during the fourth quarter and full year cash costs were within the 2023 annual guidance range.

  • British Columbia operations produced 8,508 tonnes of copper at a cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, of $2.67 in the fourth quarter. Full year production and cash costs were within Hudbay's post-acquisition guidance ranges. Operational stabilization plans continue to be implemented at the Copper Mountain mine with a focus on opening additional mining faces, optimizing ore feed to the plant and improving plant reliability.

  • Fourth quarter net earnings and earnings per share were $33.5 million and $0.10, respectively. After adjusting for a non-cash loss of $34.0 million related to a quarterly revaluation of a closed site environmental reclamation provision and a non-cash revaluation loss of $9.0 million related to the gold prepayment liability, among other items, fourth quarter adjusted earningsi per share were $0.20.

  • Cash and cash equivalents increased by $4.6 million to $249.8 million during the fourth quarter due to strong operating cash flows bolstered by higher copper and gold prices and sales volumes enabling a $94.5 million reduction in net debti during the quarter.

Strong Operating Performance Driving Free Cash Flow Generation with Continued Financial Discipline

  • Executed on planned higher production levels and achieved continued operating and capital cost efficiencies to generate significant free cash flow in the fourth quarter.

  • Achieved adjusted EBITDAi of $274.4 million in the fourth quarter, the highest quarterly level over the last five years and a 44% increase from the previous recent high in the third quarter of 2023.

  • Completed $90 million in debt repayments during the fourth quarter with a $30 million net reduction in the company’s revolving credit facility balance and a $59.7 million redemption of the remaining Copper Mountain bonds, well ahead of the 2026 maturity to increase financial flexibility and lower financing costs. Deleveraging efforts continued into the first quarter of 2024 with an additional $10 million repayment of the company’s revolving credit facility balance in January 2024.

  • Increased cash and total liquidity by $34.1 million to $573.7 million compared to the end of the third quarter. Net debti reduced to approximately $1,038 million during the fourth quarter, which together with higher levels of adjusted EBITDA, improved the net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratioi to 1.6x compared to 2.0x at the end of 2022.

  • Delivered annual discretionary spending reduction targets for 2023 with lower growth capital and exploration expenditures compared to 2022. As a result of a continued focus on discretionary spending reductions, total capital expenditures for 2023 (excluding Copper Mountain) of approximately $243 million were $57 million lower than original guidance levels, a further decrease from the $30 million in reductions announced in the third quarter.

Executing on Growth Initiatives

  • Post-acquisition plans to stabilize the Copper Mountain operations are underway with a focus on mining fleet ramp-up activities, accelerated stripping and increasing mill reliability. Achieved the targeted $10 million in annualized corporate synergies as of January 2024.

  • Released a NI 43-101 technical report for the Copper Mountain mine in December 2023, which contemplates average annual copper production of 46,500 tonnes in the first five years, 45,000 tonnes in the first ten years and 37,000 tonnes over the 21-year mine life. Average cash costs and sustaining cash costs over the mine life are expected to be $1.84 and $2.53 per pound of copperi, respectively. Several opportunities to further increase production, improve costs and extend mine life are being evaluated for future mine plans.

  • Achieved record copper recoveries of 87.4% at the Constancia mill in the fourth quarter of 2023 as a result of the successful completion of the recovery improvement program in the second quarter, on time and on budget.

  • Achieved higher copper recoveries above 90% and gold recoveries above 65% at the Stall mill in the second half of 2023 because of the successful ramp up of the Stall mill recovery improvement project in the second quarter, on time and on budget.

  • The New Britannia mill achieved record throughput levels averaging 1,650 tonnes per day in 2023 and 1,800 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter, exceeding its original design capacity of 1,500 tonnes per day due to the successful implementation of process improvement initiatives.

  • Commenced largest annual exploration program in Snow Lake consisting of geophysical surveys and drill campaigns testing the newly acquired Cook Lake claims, former Rockcliff properties and near-mine exploration at Lalor.

  • Advancing a development and exploration drift at the 1901 deposit in Snow Lake, located within 1,000 metres from the underground ramp access to the Lalor mine, with a focus on confirming the optimal mining method for the base metal and gold lenses and converting the inferred mineral resources in the gold lenses to mineral reserves.

  • Continuing to evaluate the Flin Flon tailings reprocessing opportunity through advancing metallurgical test work studies and analyzing metallurgical technologies.

"We had a strong end to the year with increased copper production, record gold production and record financial performance in the fourth quarter, resulting in the successful achievement of our annual guidance metrics,” said Peter Kukielski, President and Chief Executive Officer. “2023 was a year of execution and delivery as we realized the higher grades in Peru, achieved record gold production in Manitoba and enhanced our operating base with the addition of the Copper Mountain mine. We continued to demonstrate financial discipline in 2023 through reduced discretionary spending to drive free cash flow generation and debt reduction. These 2023 achievements are a testament to our outstanding team, which continues to deliver the plan while always operating safely and efficiently. Our commitment to continued financial discipline, together with our resilient operating platform, will allow us to prudently advance and unlock value from our leading organic pipeline of brownfield expansion and greenfield exploration and development opportunities.”

2024 Annual Guidance and Outlook

  • Consolidated copper production is forecast to increase by 19% to 156,500 tonnesii in 2024, compared to 2023, with continued higher grades in Peru and a full year of British Columbia production.

  • Consolidated gold production is forecast to decrease slightly to 291,000 ouncesii in 2024, compared to 2023, due to higher than planned gold grades being mined in Peru in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a deferral of high grade gold zones in Peru to 2025. Total gold production in Peru over the 2023 to 2025 period is expected to be higher than previous guidance levelsii.

  • Consolidated cash cost, net of by-product creditsi, in 2024 is expected to be within a range of $1.05 and $1.25 per pound of copper, higher than 2023 as a result of lower gold by-product credits and a full year of contributions from British Columbia.

  • Total capital expenditures are expected to be $335 million in 2024, reflecting lower expenditures in Peru, Manitoba and Arizona, offset by higher expenditures in British Columbia associated with accelerated stripping to access higher grades and a reclassification of costs from operating to capitalized stripping versus the recent technical report.

  • Exploration expenditures are expected to increase in 2024 as the company executes its largest-ever exploration program in the Snow Lake region, which is being partially funded by a critical minerals premium flow-through financing that was completed in the fourth quarter.

  • Continued focus on reducing discretionary spending in 2024 with total growth capital expenditures 23% lower than 2023.

Summary of Fourth Quarter Results

Consolidated copper production in the fourth quarter of 2023 was 45,450 tonnes, an 8% increase from the third quarter of 2023, while consolidated gold production was 112,776 ounces, an 11% increase, and consolidated silver production was 1,197,082 ounces, a 13% increase. The increases in production were primarily due to continued high recoveries in Peru and Manitoba, mining of the high copper and gold grade zones at the Pampacancha deposit and higher gold and copper grade zones at Lalor, record throughput at the New Britannia gold mill, and incremental production from the Copper Mountain mine. Consolidated zinc production in the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased compared to the prior quarter primarily due to lower base metals throughput and lower zinc grades at Lalor, as planned.

Cash generated from operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 50% to $228.5 million compared to $151.9 million in the third quarter of 2023. Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital was a record $246.5 million, reflecting an increase of $64.5 million compared to the third quarter. The increase in operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital was primarily the result of higher copper and gold sales volumes from mining the high copper and gold grade zones of the Pampacancha deposit and higher gold and copper grade zones at Lalor and higher copper and gold metal prices.

Net earnings and earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2023 were $33.5 million and $0.10, respectively, compared to net earnings and earnings per share of $45.5 million and $0.13, respectively in the third quarter. The results were positively impacted by higher copper, gold and silver sales volumes as well as higher copper, gold and silver realized prices. This was partially offset by a non-cash loss of $34.0 million related to the quarterly revaluation of the environmental reclamation provision at closed sites and a non-cash revaluation loss of $9.0 million related to the gold prepayment liability.

Adjusted net earningsi and adjusted net earnings per sharei in the fourth quarter of 2023 were $71.3 million and $0.20 per share, respectively, after adjusting for the non-cash loss related to the revaluation of the company’s environmental provision and the revaluation loss on the gold prepayment liability, among other items. This compares to adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share of $24.4 million, and $0.07 in the prior quarter. Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDAi was $274.4 million, an increase of 44% compared to $190.7 million in the third quarter of 2023.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, was $0.16, compared to $1.10 in the third quarter. Consolidated sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, was $1.09 in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $1.89 in the third quarter. The significant decrease in both was the result of higher copper production and higher by-product credits, partially offset by higher mining, milling and G&A costs from incorporating Copper Mountain.

Consolidated all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, was $1.31 in the fourth quarter of 2023, lower than $2.04 in the third quarter, due to the same reasons outlined above as well as lower corporate selling and administrative expenses.

As at December 31, 2023, total liquidity increased to $573.7 million, including $249.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as well as undrawn availability of $323.9 million under the company’s revolving credit facilities. Net debt declined by $94.5 million to $1,037.7 million as at December 31, 2023. During the quarter, Hudbay redeemed, in full, the remaining $59.7 million of outstanding Copper Mountain bonds and reduced the net balance drawn under the revolving credit facilities by $30 million. Based on continued free cash flow generation in the fourth quarter of 2023, the company continues to make progress on the deleveraging targets set out in the “3-P” plan for sanctioning Copper World. Current liquidity combined with cash flow from operations is expected to be sufficient to meet liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.

Summary of Full Year Results

Hudbay achieved its 2023 consolidated production guidance for all metals. On a business unit stand-alone basis, Peru exceeded the top end of the gold production guidance range, Manitoba exceeded the top end of the copper production guidance range and Copper Mountain exceeded the top end of the silver production guidance range for the portion of 2023 since acquisition. Consolidated copper, gold and silver production for the full year 2023 increased by 26%, 41% and 13%, respectively, compared to 2022 with the acquisition of Copper Mountain as well as higher throughput and recoveries in Peru and Manitoba and higher overall copper, gold and silver grades.

Consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, in 2023 was $0.80, compared to $0.86 in 2022, and achieved the low end of the 2023 annual cost guidance range. This decrease was mainly the result of higher copper production and higher by-product credits, partially offset by higher mining and milling costs from incorporating Copper Mountain. Consolidated sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, was $1.72 in 2023, compared to $2.07 in 2022, outperforming 2023 guidance expectations. This decrease was driven by the above reasons as well as the lower cash sustaining capital expenditures. Consolidated all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, was $1.92 in 2023, lower than $2.26 in 2022, due to the same reasons outlined above partially offset by higher corporate selling and administrative expenses.

Cash generated from operating activities decreased to $476.9 million in 2023 from $487.8 million in 2022 primarily due to a $189.2 million decrease in non-cash working capital caused by timing and changes in provisionally priced receivables and an increase in inventory. Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital increased to $570.0 million from $391.7 million in 2022. The increase in operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital was primarily the result of higher copper and gold sales volumes and higher gold prices, partially offset by lower zinc sales volumes, lower copper and zinc metal prices and higher treatment and refining charges. Zinc sales volumes were lower than the prior year due to the planned closure of the 777 mine in June 2022.

Net earnings and earnings per share for 2023 were $69.5 million and $0.22, respectively, compared to 2022 net earnings and earnings per share of $70.4 million and $0.27, respectively. Full year 2023 net earnings were impacted by $21.4 million in non-cash mark-to-market losses arising from the revaluation of the gold prepayment liability, investments and share-based compensation, partially offset by a non-cash gain of $11.4 million related to the revaluation of the Flin Flon environmental reclamation provision. The prior period results benefited from a non-cash $133.5 million revaluation gain for the Flin Flon environmental reclamation provision, partially offset by a $95.0 million pre-tax impairment loss related to the previous stand-alone development plan for the Rosemont deposit. Full year 2023 adjusted EBITDAi was $647.8 million, an increase of 36% compared to $475.9 million in 2022.

Consolidated Financial Condition ($000s)

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Cash and cash equivalents

 

249,794

245,217

225,665

Total long-term debt

 

1,287,536

1,377,443

1,184,162

Net debt1

 

1,037,742

1,132,226

958,497

Working capital2

 

135,913

128,463

76,534

Total assets

 

5,312,634

5,250,596

4,325,943

Equity3

 

2,096,811

2,044,684

1,571,809

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA1,4

 

1.6

2.3

2.0

1 Net debt and net debit to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release.
2 Working capital is determined as total current assets less total current liabilities as defined under IFRS and disclosed on the consolidated financial statements.
3 Equity attributable to owners of the company.
4 Net debt to adjusted EBITDA for the 12 month period.

Consolidated Financial Performance

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Revenue

$000s

602,189

480,456

321,196

Cost of sales

$000s

405,433

374,057

251,520

Earnings (loss) before tax

$000s

80,982

84,149

(14,287)

Earnings (loss)

$000s

33,528

45,490

(17,441)

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

$/share

0.10

0.13

(0.07)

Adjusted earnings per share1

$/share

0.20

0.07

0.01

Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital

$ millions

246.5

182.0

109.1

Adjusted EBITDA1

$ millions

274.4

190.7

124.7

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Revenue

$000s

 

1,690,030

1,461,440

Cost of sales

$000s

 

1,297,469

1,184,552

Earnings before tax

$000s

 

151,830

95,815

Earnings

$000s

 

69,543

70,382

Basic and diluted earnings per share

$/share

 

0.22

0.27

Adjusted earnings per share1

$/share

 

0.23

0.10

Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital

$ millions

 

570.0

391.7

Adjusted EBITDA1

$ millions

 

647.8

475.9

1 Adjusted (loss) earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” section.


Consolidated Production and Cost Performance5

Three Months Ended

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Contained metal in concentrate and doré produced1

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

45,450

41,964

29,305

Gold

ounces

112,776

101,417

53,920

Silver

ounces

1,197,082

1,063,032

795,015

Zinc

tonnes

5,747

10,291

6,326

Molybdenum

tonnes

397

466

344

Payable metal sold

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

44,006

39,371

25,415

Gold2

ounces

104,840

74,799

47,256

Silver2

ounces

1,048,877

748,955

559,306

Zinc3

tonnes

7,385

7,125

8,230

Molybdenum

tonnes

468

426

421

Consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced4

 

 

 

Cash cost

 $/lb

0.16

1.10

1.08

Sustaining cash cost

 $/lb

1.09

1.89

2.21

All-in sustaining cash cost

$/lb

1.31

2.04

2.41

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Contained metal in concentrate and doré produced1

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

 

131,691

104,173

Gold

ounces

 

310,429

219,700

Silver

ounces

 

3,575,234

3,161,294

Zinc

tonnes

 

34,642

55,381

Molybdenum

tonnes

 

1,566

1,377

Payable metal sold

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

 

124,996

94,473

Gold2

ounces

 

276,893

213,415

Silver2

ounces

 

3,145,166

2,978,485

Zinc3

tonnes

 

28,779

59,043

Molybdenum

tonnes

 

1,462

1,352

Consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced4

 

 

 

Cash cost

 $/lb

 

0.80

0.86

Sustaining cash cost

 $/lb

 

1.72

2.07

All-in sustaining cash cost

$/lb

 

1.92

2.26

1 Includes production results from the Copper Mountain mine following the June 20, 2023 acquisition completion date. Production results from the Copper Mountain mine represents the period from June 20, 2023 acquisition completion date through to the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. Includes 100% of Copper Mountain mine production. Hudbay owns 75% of the Copper Mountain mine. As Copper Mountain was acquired on June 20, 2023, there were no comparative 2022 figures.

2 Includes total payable gold and silver in concentrate and in doré sold.

3 Metal reported in concentrate is prior to deductions associated with smelter contract terms.

4 For the three months ended December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, this metric includes payable zinc in concentrate sold. For the three months ended December 31, 2022, this metric also included refined zinc metal and payable zinc in concentrate sold. For the year ended December 31, 2023, this metric includes payable zinc in concentrate sold. For the year ended December 31, 2022, this metric also included payable refined zinc metal sold.

5 Cash cost, sustaining cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” section of this news release.

 

Peru Operations Review

Peru Operations

Three Months Ended

Year Ended

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Constancia ore mined1

tonnes

973,176

1,242,198

5,614,918

9,265,954

25,840,435

Copper

 %

0.30

0.30

0.40

0.32

0.35

Gold

g/tonne

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

Silver

g/tonne

2.26

2.91

3.48

2.53

3.40

Molybdenum

%

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

Pampacancha ore mined

tonnes

5,556,613

5,894,013

3,771,629

14,756,416

8,319,250

Copper

%

0.56

0.53

0.37

0.51

0.33

Gold

g/tonne

0.32

0.30

0.29

0.33

0.29

Silver

g/tonne

4.84

4.22

3.84

4.28

4.06

Molybdenum

%

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.01

Total ore mined

tonnes

6,529,789

7,136,211

9,386,547

24,022,370

34,159,685

Strip ratio2

 

1.26

1.36

0.97

1.51

1.13

Ore milled

tonnes

7,939,044

7,895,109

7,795,735

30,720,929

30,522,294

Copper

 %

0.48

0.43

0.41

0.39

0.34

Gold

g/tonne

0.25

0.21

0.12

0.16

0.09

Silver

g/tonne

4.20

3.75

3.93

3.62

3.58

Molybdenum

%

0.01

0.02

0.01

0.01

0.01

Copper recovery

%

87.4

85.2

85.1

84.2

85.0

Gold recovery

%

77.6

74.8

69.6

71.8

63.6

Silver recovery

%

78.0

73.2

66.5

70.0

65.7

Molybdenum recovery

%

33.6

37.2

37.7

35.8

34.8

Contained metal in concentrate

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

33,207

29,081

27,047

100,487

89,395

Gold

ounces

49,418

40,596

20,860

114,218

58,229

Silver

ounces

836,208

697,211

655,257

2,505,229

2,309,352

Molybdenum

tonnes

397

466

344

1,566

1,377

Payable metal sold

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

31,200

27,490

23,789

96,213

79,805

Gold

ounces

38,114

32,757

15,116

97,176

49,968

Silver

ounces

703,679

460,001

411,129

2,227,419

2,045,678

Molybdenum

tonnes

468

426

421

1,462

1,352

Combined unit operating cost3,4,5

$/tonne

12.24

12.20

13.64

12.47

12.78

Cash cost5

$/lb

0.54

0.83

1.34

1.07

1.58

Sustaining cash cost5

$/lb

1.21

1.51

2.09

1.81

2.35

1 Reported tonnes and grade for ore mined are estimates based on mine plan assumptions and may not reconcile fully to ore milled.
2 Strip ratio is calculated as waste mined divided by ore mined.
3 Reflects combined mine, mill and general and administrative ("G&A") costs per tonne of ore milled. Reflects the deduction of expected capitalized stripping costs.
4 Excludes approximately $0.7 million, or $0.09 per tonne, of COVID-related costs during the three months ended December 31, 2022 and $5.2 million or $0.17 per tonne, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
5 Combined unit costs, cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” section of this news release.

 

 

 

 

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Peru operations produced 33,207 tonnes of copper, 49,418 ounces of gold, 836,208 ounces of silver and 397 tonnes of molybdenum. Fourth quarter 2023 production of copper, gold and silver increased 14%, 22% and 20%, respectively, over the third quarter with continued higher copper and precious metal grades, higher recoveries and higher throughput. Peru’s full year 2023 production of copper, gold, silver and molybdenum was 12%, 96%, 8% and 14% higher, respectively, than 2022 for the same reasons outlined above. Copper production was in line with the company’s annual guidance range, whereas silver and molybdenum production were near the upper end and gold production exceeded the top end of the annual guidance range by 6%.

Total ore mined in the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased by 9% compared to the third quarter due to continued phase five stripping activities at Constancia and a significant increase in Pampacancha mining activity which entails a higher amount of stripping. The decrease in total mined ore was in line with the mine plan, with ore stockpiles supplementing mill feed during the quarter. Ore mined from Pampacancha during the fourth quarter was 5.6 million tonnes, at average grades of 0.56% copper and 0.32 grams per tonne gold.

Ore milled during the fourth quarter of 2023 was consistent with the prior quarter. Milled copper and gold grades increased by 12% and 19%, respectively, in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter due to continued contribution of higher grade copper and gold ore from Pampacancha.

Recoveries of copper, gold and silver during the fourth quarter of 2023 were 87.4%, 77.6% and 78.0%, respectively, with recoveries of all metals improving quarter over quarter, in line with metallurgical models. The Constancia mill achieved record copper recoveries as a result of the successful completion of the recovery improvement program in the second quarter of 2023, as planned, ahead of the start of the period of significantly higher grades from the Pampacancha pit. The program scope was to increase copper recoveries by 2% by increasing the rougher mass, and the mill continues to achieve the targeted higher copper recoveries. Copper recoveries in the fourth quarter also benefited from higher overall head grades and lower contaminants.

Ore mined during 2023 was 30% lower than 2022 due to the same factors as the quarterly variance as well as increased stockpile processing early in 2023 to ration fuel during the protests and civil unrest experienced in Peru. Copper recoveries in 2023 were 1% lower than 2022 due to higher levels of contaminants in processed stockpile ore during the first half of 2023. Gold and silver recoveries in 2023 were 13% and 7% higher, respectively, than 2022 due to increased processing of higher grade Pampacancha ore.

Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costsi in the fourth quarter were slightly higher than the third quarter primarily due to the costs associated with the scheduled semi-annual plant maintenance shutdown. Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costsi for the full year 2023 were 2% lower than 2022 primarily due to lower mining costs as a result of lower ore mined and higher capitalized stripping.

Peru’s cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, in the fourth quarter of 2023 was $0.54, a decrease of 35% compared to the third quarter due to higher by-product credits mainly from gold, higher capitalized stripping and higher copper production. This was partially offset by higher profit-sharing expenses and higher treatment, refining and freight costs. Cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, in 2023 was $1.07, a 32% reduction from 2022, and achieved the lower end of the cost guidance range due to the same factors noted above.

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, for the fourth quarter and for the year ended 2023 were 20% and 23% lower, respectively, than the third quarter and the prior year primarily due to the same factors affecting cash cost noted above and lower sustaining capital expenditures. Total annual sustaining capital expenditures in Peru were $27.9 million lower than the original guidance, exceeding the $10 million previously reduced target, primarily a result of lower capitalized stripping costs.

Manitoba Operations Review

Manitoba Operations

Three Months Ended

Year Ended

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Lalor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore mined

tonnes

372,384

367,491

369,453

1,526,729

1,516,203

Gold

g/tonne

5.92

5.08

4.00

4.74

4.00

Copper

%

1.04

1.02

0.73

0.86

0.73

Zinc

%

2.20

3.31

2.17

3.00

3.14

Silver

g/tonne

28.92

27.80

19.37

24.51

21.96

New Britannia

 

 

 

 

 

Ore milled

tonnes

165,038

146,927

141,142

596,912

542,269

Gold

g/tonne

8.03

6.93

6.11

6.76

6.28

Copper

%

1.46

1.22

0.91

1.03

0.81

Zinc

%

0.85

0.90

0.67

0.84

0.80

Silver

g/tonne

27.97

23.88

22.09

25.11

20.97

Gold recovery - concentrate

%

58.1

64.7

56.6

60.0

60.3

Copper recovery - concentrate

%

91.6

97.4

89.3

93.3

90.7

Silver recovery - concentrate

%

61.0

63.2

55.4

60.7

60.6

Stall Concentrator

 

 

 

 

 

Ore milled

tonnes

228,799

255,516

204,350

965,567

968,638

Gold

g/tonne

4.22

3.70

2.50

3.45

2.86

Copper

%

0.73

0.77

0.61

0.74

0.71

Zinc

%

3.20

4.88

3.43

4.36

4.70

Silver

g/tonne

28.63

28.82

19.24

24.19

22.81

Gold recovery

%

67.5

67.8

62.4

64.8

58.0

Copper recovery

%

92.0

93.9

89.0

90.4

87.2

Zinc recovery

%

78.5

82.6

90.1

82.2

86.6

Silver recovery

%

61.8

64.9

56.6

61.4

56.8

Total contained metal in concentrate and doré1

 

 

Gold

ounces

59,863

56,213

33,060

187,363

161,471

Copper

tonnes

3,735

3,580

2,258

12,154

14,778

Zinc

tonnes

5,747

10,291

6,326

34,642

55,381

Silver

ounces

255,579

264,752

139,758

851,723

851,942

Total payable metal sold

 

 

 

 

 

Gold2

ounces

63,635

36,713

32,140

171,297

163,447

Copper

tonnes

3,687

2,925

1,626

10,708

14,668

Zinc3

tonnes

7,385

7,125

9,230

28,779

59,043

Silver2

ounces

246,757

197,952

148,177

728,304

932,807

Combined unit operating cost4,5

C$/tonne

216

217

241

217

195

Gold cash cost5

$/oz

434

670

922

727

297

Gold sustaining cash cost5

$/oz

788

939

1,795

1,077

1,091

1 Doré includes sludge, slag and carbon fines in three months ended December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023.
2 Includes total payable precious metals in concentrate and doré sold.
3 Includes refined zinc metal and payable zinc in concentrate sold.
4 Reflects combined mine, mill and G&A costs per tonne of ore milled.
5 Combined unit operating cost, cash cost and sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” section of this news release.

The Manitoba operations produced a record 59,863 ounces of gold during the fourth quarter of 2023, along with 3,735 tonnes of copper, 5,747 tonnes of zinc and 255,579 ounces of silver. Production of gold and copper increased by 6% and 4%, respectively, in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, while production of silver and zinc decreased by 3% and 44%, respectively. This was due to mining of higher grade gold zones with a focus on higher quality ore production and higher recoveries at the New Britannia and Stall mills. Despite significantly higher metal production in the fourth quarter, 2023 production of copper and zinc was lower by 18% and 37%, respectively, than in 2022, mainly due to the loss of production from the closure of the 777 mine in June 2022 and lower comparative zinc grades. Production of gold in 2023 was 16% higher than in 2022 while silver production was unchanged year-over-year. The production of all metals achieved 2023 production guidance, while copper exceeded the top end of 2023 annual guidance range.

In Manitoba, the company continues to focus on improvement initiatives aimed at supporting higher production levels, minimizing dilution and enhancing metal recoveries at the Snow Lake operations. A significant focus continues to be placed on improving the quality of ore production at Lalor mine, employing techniques such as stope redesigns, grade control practices prior to blasting, assaying blasthole cuttings and implementing mine design adjustments to mitigate dilution. These proactive measures have successfully reduced the inclusion of waste rock in the mining cycle and increased gold, copper, and silver grades during the fourth quarter.

Optimization of development drift size has led to a 15% reduction in waste volume and an 18% decrease in unit development costs in 2023 compared to 2022. Higher shaft availability has led to efficient ore hoisting and has eliminated the need for trucking ore to surface, resulting in a 5% increase in tonnes hoisted in 2023 compared to 2022. Despite encountering some production challenges in deeper mining areas due to longer haul distances, smaller stope dimensions, and lower ore bulk density, the team is actively pursuing initiatives to continue to bolster efficiency and further enhance mucking productivity.

Additionally, the company advanced optimization initiatives at New Britannia mill to achieve higher throughput rates by prioritizing process improvements and seamlessly integrating additional gold ore feed from the Lalor mine. This reallocation of ore has led to reduced feed to Stall mill, prompting a careful evaluation of lower tonnage set points to optimize plant operations. The team has also started exploring opportunities to share maintenance services with New Britannia during shutdown periods which, if successful, would reduce overall contractor requirements.

At Lalor, Hudbay achieved higher development advance rates during the fourth quarter compared to prior quarters of 2023. A comprehensive review of the long-range mine plan for zone 40 has led to significantly reduced future capital development needs by transitioning to a more selective mining method, thereby enhancing the reserve grade for this mining front. Lalor ore mined during the fourth quarter increased by 1% compared to the third quarter. Notably, gold grades were 5.92 grams per tonne in the quarter, a 17% increase from the third quarter.

Total ore mined at the Manitoba operations in 2023 was 24% lower than in 2022 mainly due to the planned closure of the 777 mine in June 2022. However, total ore mined at Lalor in 2023 was 1% higher than in 2022. Gold, copper and silver grades mined at Lalor during 2023 were 19%, 18% and 12% higher than in 2022, reflecting the successful execution of the strategic mine plan. Zinc grades mined at Lalor for the full year 2023 were 4% lower compared to the same period in 2022, consistent with the mine plan.

The Stall mill processed slightly less ore in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter, due to more ore being sent to New Britannia as the mill exceeded design throughput. After the commissioning of the Stall mill recovery improvement project in the second quarter of 2023, the operations continue to focus on optimizing circuits to achieve targeted recoveries by reducing primary grind size, refining the flotation circuit balance and mass pull and reagent selection. These adjustments have proven highly effective, resulting in notably higher recoveries for copper above 90% in the second half of 2023. In addition, the Stall mill achieved its targeted gold recovery levels of 67.5% in the fourth quarter, bringing the 2023 annual recovery to 64.8%, compared to 58.0% in 2022.

Process improvement initiatives at New Britannia have been successfully implemented with minimal capital outlays, enabling the company to reach progressively higher production targets during the fourth quarter. The New Britannia mill averaged approximately 1,800 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter, approximately 12% above average levels in the third quarter of 2023.

Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costsi in the fourth quarter of 2023 slightly decreased compared to the third quarter reflecting lower overall costs partially offset by lower total ore milled. Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costs for the full year 2023 were C$217 per tonne reflecting the standalone cost structure of the Snow Lake operations in 2023 after the closure of the Flin Flon operations in June 2022.

Manitoba’s cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product creditsi, has trended lower throughout 2023, averaging $434 in the fourth quarter. Cash costs were significantly lower in the fourth quarter, with higher by-product credits and higher gold production, in accordance with the mine plan. Full year 2023 cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product creditsi, was $727, which was higher than 2022 costs primarily due to significantly lower by-product credits partially offset by lower overall costs due to the closure of the 777 mine in June 2022 and higher gold production. Full year 2023 cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product creditsi, was within annual guidance range.

Sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product creditsi, for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $788, a decrease of 16% compared to the third quarter due to the same factors affecting cash cost combined with lower sustaining capital expenditures. Total annual sustaining capital expenditures in Manitoba are $19 million lower than the original 2023 guidance levels of $75 million primarily a result of lower capital development costs realized at Lalor as the team focuses on cost efficiencies. Sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product creditsi, in 2023 was $1,077, a decrease of 1% from 2022, primarily due to the same factors affecting fourth quarter sustaining cash cost noted above.

British Columbia Operations Review

British Columbia Operations5

Three Months Ended

Year Ended5

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2023

Ore mined1

tonnes

2,627,398

3,792,568

6,975,389

Waste mined

tonnes

14,032,093

11,233,917

26,634,805

Strip ratio2

 

5.34

2.96

3.82

Ore milled

tonnes

3,261,891

3,158,006

6,862,152

Copper

%

0.33

0.36

0.35

Gold

g/tonne

0.06

0.08

0.07

Silver

g/tonne

1.36

1.40

1.36

Copper recovery

%

78.8

80.9

79.69

Gold recovery

%

54.1

56.1

55.88

Silver recovery

%

73.8

71.3

72.96

Total contained metal in concentrate

 

 

Copper

tonnes

8,508

9,303

19,050

Gold

ounces

3,495

4,608

8,848

Silver

ounces

105,295

101,069

218,282

Total payable metal sold

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

9,119

8,956

18,075

Gold

ounces

3,091

5,329

8,420

Silver

ounces

98,441

91,002

189,443

Combined unit operating cost3,4

C$/tonne

20.90

24.88

21.38

Cash cost4

$/lb

2.67

2.67

2.50

Sustaining cash cost4

$/lb

3.93

3.39

3.41

1 Reported tonnes and grade for ore mined are estimates based on mine plan assumptions and may not reconcile fully to ore milled.

2 Strip ratio is calculated as waste mined divided by ore mined.

3 Reflects combined mine, mill and G&A costs per tonne of ore milled. Reflects the deduction of expected capitalized stripping costs.

4 Combined unit operating cost, cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” section of this news release.
5 Includes 100% of Copper Mountain mine production, Hudbay owns 75% of Copper Mountain mine. As Copper Mountain was acquired on June 20, 2023, there were no comparative 2022 figures. Year ended December 31, 2023 results from the date of acquisition, June 20, 2023, through to the end of the fourth quarter of 2023.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the British Columbia operations produced 9,119 tonnes of copper, 3,091 ounces of gold and 98,441 ounces of silver. Hudbay achieved the post-acquisition 2023 production guidance for copper and gold and exceeded the post-acquisition guidance for silver.

Total ore mined at Copper Mountain in the fourth quarter of 2023 was 2.6 million tonnes, less than initially planned but production was supplemented with stockpile rehandle of 1.5 million tonnes. The mine operations team has initiated a fleet production ramp up plan to capture the full value of idle capital equipment at the Copper Mountain site. This plan entailed remobilization of the mining fleet from 14 trucks to 28 trucks by the end of 2023, allowing for increased waste removal during the fourth quarter. The company continues to focus on hiring additional haul truck drivers, and a fully trained complement of truck drivers are expected to be in place in the first half of 2024. The utilization of the full truck fleet enabled additional 2023 pre-stripping to access higher head grades.

Benefitting from stabilization initiatives within the comminution circuit, the mill processed 3.3 million tonnes of ore during the fourth quarter reflecting average mill availability of 86.7%, a 3% increase versus the third quarter of 2023. The initiatives included, but were not limited to, changes in screen sizes, a reduction in grinding media loading rates and a change in semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill operational strategy. The SAG mill throughput in the fourth quarter has been impacted by lower freshwater availability for processing, higher coarse feed from stockpiled ore and reduced reliability of the crushing circuit, driven principally by significant interruptions caused by the removal of scrap metal from the material handling system as the mining progresses through areas of historical underground workings.

Maintenance practices to improve mill availability continue to be a key pillar of the company’s stabilization initiatives. These include the implementation of improved maintenance management processes planned for the first half of 2024 and a change in the maintenance organizational structure which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2023. Beyond maintenance practices, material handling and transportation in the comminution circuit, particularly in the winter months, have a significant impact on mill performance. Work has begun to analyze the trade-off among the various alternatives to further enhance mill performance.

Milled copper grades during the fourth quarter of 2023 averaged 0.33%, an 8% reduction from the third quarter, but were significantly higher than the reserve grade of 0.25%. Copper recoveries of 78.8% were lower than the third quarter of 2023 due to volumetric restriction in the regrind circuit limiting the rougher circuit performance. Following a period of investigation, changes to the flotation operational strategy that mirror the company’s successful processes at Constancia were implemented, including reagent selection and dose modification, reactivation and reprogramming of expert controls and circuit configuration changes. The benefits of these operational strategy improvements are expected to start to be realized in the second half of 2024.

Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costsi in the fourth quarter of 2023 were C$20.90 per tonne milled, 3% below the third quarter. Combined unit operating costs are expected to decrease over time as the company continues to implement stabilization and optimization initiatives at Copper Mountain.

British Columbia’s cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, in the fourth quarter of 2023 were $2.67 and $3.93, respectively. Cash costs were within the post-acquisition guidance range.

Advancing Copper Mountain Mine Stabilization Plans

Since completing the acquisition of Copper Mountain on June 20, 2023, Hudbay has been focused on advancing stabilization plans, including opening up the mine by adding additional mining faces and re-mobilizing idle haul trucks, optimizing the ore feed to the plant and implementing plant improvement initiatives.

On December 5, 2023, the company released its first NI 43-101 technical report in respect of the 75%-owned Copper Mountain mine. As detailed in the technical report, the mine plan contemplates average annual copper production of 46,500 tonnes in the first five years, 45,000 tonnes in the first ten years and 37,000 tonnes over the 21-year mine life. Average cash costs and sustaining cash costs per pound of copper produced, net of by-product creditsi, over the mine life are expected to be $1.84 and $2.53, respectively. The updated mine plan represents an approximate 90% increase in average annual copper production and an approximate 50% decrease in cash costs over the first 10 years compared to 2022.

Hudbay's stabilization plans are focused on improving reliability and driving sustainable long-term value:

  • Increased mining activities - Commenced a fleet ramp-up plan to remobilize idle haul trucks. The plan entails remobilization of the mining fleet from 14 trucks to 28 trucks by the end of 2023. A fully trained complement of truck drivers is expected to be in place in the first half of 2024. Once the fleet ramp up plan is complete, the company expects to have improved flexibility in the Copper Mountain mine with additional mining faces.

  • Accelerated stripping to access higher grades Hudbay has commenced a campaign of accelerated stripping over the next three years to enable access to higher grade ore and to mitigate the substantially reduced stripping undertaken by Copper Mountain over the four years prior to completion of the acquisition. The accelerated stripping program is expected to improve operating efficiencies and lower unit operating costs.

  • Improved mill throughput and recoveries - Hudbay’s mine plan assumes a mill ramp up to its nominal capacity of 45,000 tonnes per day in 2025. An expansion to the permitted capacity of 50,000 tonnes per day is planned in 2027. The mine plan assumes approximately $23 million in growth capital spending over 2025 and 2026 in connection with the mill expansion. Hudbay intends to improve mill recoveries with a more consistent ore feed grade, changes to the flotation reagents and replacement of key pumps.

  • Operating efficiencies and corporate synergies - Hudbay's stabilization plans are expected to generate more than $20 million in annual operating efficiencies over the next three years, compared to Copper Mountain's performance in 2022, through improvements in copper recovery, higher throughput rates and lower combined unit operating costs. In addition, Hudbay has realized the targeted $10 million in annual corporate synergies and is on track to exceed the target.

  • Ensure stabilization of near-term cash flows – Recently entered into copper hedging contracts representing approximately 25% of expected Copper Mountain production in 2024 as a prudent measure to secure cash flows during the stabilization period.

The mine plan is based on a revised resource model and was constructed using consistent methods applied at the Constancia, Copper World and Mason deposits. The mineral reserve estimates total 367 million tonnes at a copper grade of 0.25% and a gold grade of 0.12 grams per tonne, supporting a 21-year mine life. An additional 140 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources at 0.21% copper and 0.10 grams per tonne gold and 370 million tonnes of inferred resources at 0.25% copper and 0.13 grams per tonne gold, exclusive of mineral reserves, provide significant upside potential for reserve conversion and extending mine life. Infill drilling is planned for 2024 to target reserve conversion.

There are several opportunities to further increase production, improve costs and extend mine life for Copper Mountain. While these opportunities have not been considered in the technical report as they are not yet at the level of required engineering, the company is advancing studies to evaluate the potential for these to be reflected in future mine plans.

Please see “Qualified Person and NI 43-101” for further details regarding the technical and scientific information included in the technical report.

Delivered Brownfield Capital Projects On Time and On Budget

The Constancia mill achieved record copper recoveries of 87.4% in the fourth quarter primarily as a result of the successful completion of the recovery improvement program in the second quarter of 2023, as planned, ahead of the start of significantly higher grades being mined from the Pampacancha pit in the second half of 2023. The program scope was to increase copper recoveries by 2% by increasing the rougher mass, and the mill continues to achieve the targeted higher copper recoveries.

After the commissioning of the Stall mill recovery improvement project in the second quarter of 2023, subsequent optimization activities proved highly effective, resulting in notably higher recoveries for copper above 90% and gold above 65% in the second half of 2023. Specifically, the Stall mill achieved its targeted gold recovery levels of 67.5% in the third and fourth quarters, compared to 60% in the second quarter.

The total growth capital expenditures in 2023 associated with the completion of these recovery improvement projects were in line with the company's guidance of $25 million.

The New Britannia mill has consistently achieved higher throughput levels, averaging 1,650 tonnes per day in 2023 and approximately 1,800 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter, significantly exceeding its original design capacity of 1,500 tonnes per day. The company has successfully implemented process improvement initiatives that required minimal capital outlays in pursuit of higher output that aligns with increased gold production from the Lalor mine.

Generating Free Cash Flow with Increased Production and Continued Financial Discipline

Hudbay delivered a second successive quarter of positive free cash flow during the fourth quarter of 2023 as it executed the plan for higher copper and gold production from Pampacancha and higher gold production at Lalor, both driven by higher grades. The company continues to expect to see strong production levels throughout 2024 from sustained higher grades in Peru and Manitoba, along with additional production from the recently acquired Copper Mountain mine.

During the fourth quarter, Hudbay completed $30 million in net repayments on its revolving credit facilities and redeemed, in full, the remaining $59.7 million of Copper Mountain’s bonds from treasury. The company also recommenced deliveries under the gold forward sale and prepay agreement in October 2023, further reducing the outstanding gold prepayment liability, and the company is on schedule to fully repay the gold prepay facility by August 2024. Despite these debt repayments, the company increased cash and cash equivalents to $249.8 million and reduced overall net debt to $1,037.7 million as at December 31, 2023, compared to $245.2 million and $1,132.2 million, respectively, as at September 30, 2023. The $94.5 million decline in net debt, together with higher levels of adjusted EBITDA1 in the fourth quarter, have improved the net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratioi to 1.6x compared to 2.0x at the end of 2022. Subsequent to quarter-end, the company continued its deleveraging efforts with an additional $10 million repayment on its revolving credit facilities.

During the fourth quarter, Hudbay continued to take steps to ensure free cash flow generation and continued financial discipline into 2024 and 2025. To this end, the company entered into forward sales contracts at Copper Mountain for a total of 3,600 tonnes of 2024 copper production over the twelve-month period from May 2024 to April 2025 at an average price of $3.93 per pound as well as a zero-cost collars for 6,000 tonnes of copper production over the twelve-month period from May 2024 to April 2025 at an average floor price of $3.83 per pound and an average cap price of $4.03 per pound. As at December 31, 2023, 7.9 million pounds of copper forwards and 13.2 million pounds of copper collars were outstanding.

Hudbay successfully delivered on its annual discretionary spending reduction targets for 2023. As a result of continued financial discipline and capital cost efficiencies achieved, total capital expenditures of approximately $243 million for Peru, Manitoba and Arizona in 2023 were approximately $57 million lower than the original guidance levels, a further decrease from the $30 million reduction announced in the third quarter, representing a 19% reduction from the original 2023 total capital expenditure guidance of $300 million.

Senior Management Team Appointments

In November 2023, Hudbay promoted Luis Santivañez to Vice President, South America. Mr. Santivañez joined Hudbay in Peru in 2018 and was promoted to General Manager of the South America operations in 2022. Mr. Santivañez has over 20 years of experience at global mining companies working across Peru, Central America and Australia. Under his leadership, the Constancia operations have delivered a successful ramp up at Pampacancha, navigated through a period of politically driven social unrest in Peru and further enhanced the company's partnerships with the local communities.

In January 2024, Hudbay appointed John Ritter as Vice President, British Columbia Business Unit. Mr. Ritter brings a diverse background with over 30 years of experience in technical, operational and senior leader...ship roles at global mining companies. He was most recently the General Manager of the New Afton mine in B.C and has strong ties with the local community near the Copper Mountain mine. His focus on operational excellence and value-creating improvements will be instrumental as he leads the stabilization and optimization plans at the Copper Mountain mine.

Advancing Permitting at Copper World

The first key state permit required for Copper World, the Mined Land Reclamation Plan, was initially approved by the Arizona State Mine Inspector in October 2021 and was subsequently amended to reflect a larger private land project footprint. This approval was challenged in state court, but the challenge was dismissed in May 2023 as having no basis. In late 2022, Hudbay submitted the applications for an Aquifer Protection Permit and an Air Quality Permit to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The company expects to receive these two outstanding state permits in 2024.

Hudbay intends to initiate a minority joint venture process prior to commencing a definitive feasibility study, which will allow the joint venture partner to participate in the final Copper World project design and the funding of definitive feasibility study activities. The opportunity to sanction Copper World is not expected until late 2025 based on current estimated timelines. The decision to sanction Copper World will ultimately be evaluated against other competing investment opportunities as part of Hudbay’s capital allocation process.

Hudbay released results of the de-risked and enhanced Copper World pre-feasibility study for Phase I in September 2023, which demonstrated a simplified mine plan with an extended 20-year mine life requiring only state and local permits, an after-tax net present value (8%) of $1.1 billion and a 19% internal rate of return at a copper price of $3.75 per pound. Average annual copper production over the first ten years is expected to be approximately 92,000 tonnes at cash costs and sustaining cash costs per pound of copperi of $1.53 and $1.95, respectively. Copper World is one of the highest-grade open pit copper projects in the Americasiii with proven and probable mineral reserves of 385 million tonnes at 0.54% copper.

Snow Lake Exploration

Hudbay continues to compile results from ongoing infill drilling at Lalor, which will be incorporated into the next annual mineral reserve and resource estimate update expected to be announced in March 2024.

The planned 2024 exploration program is Hudbay’s largest Snow Lake program in the company’s history and it is currently underway with plans to continue testing the deep extensions of the gold and copper zones at Lalor and complete follow up drilling at the Lalor Northwest target. The 2024 program will also explore the newly acquired Cook Lake claims and the former Rockcliff claims located within trucking distance of the existing Snow Lake processing infrastructure. As previously disclosed, both the Cook Lake and former Rockcliff claims were acquired by the company as part of transactions completed in 2023. A majority of the Cook Lake and former Rockcliff claims have been untested by modern deep geophysics, which was the discovery method for the Lalor deposit. Hudbay’s 2024 exploration program includes a large geophysics program consisting of surface electromagnetic surveys using cutting-edge techniques that enable the team to detect targets at depths of almost 1,000 metres below surface. The company is exploring its newly expanded land package in hopes of finding a new anchor deposit to maximize and extend the life of the Snow Lake operations beyond 2038.

The company also expects to advance a development and exploration drift at the 1901 deposit located within 1,000 metres of the haulage ramp to Lalor. The program is expected to take place over 2024 and 2025 with the development of an access drift, drill platforms and diamond drilling to further confirm the optimal mining method to extract the base metal and gold lenses and to convert the inferred mineral resources in the gold lenses to mineral reserves.

Advancing Metallurgical Test Work for the Flin Flon Tailings Reprocessing Opportunity

Hudbay identified the opportunity to reprocess Flin Flon tailings, with initial confirmatory drilling completed in 2022 indicating higher zinc, copper and silver grades than predicted from historical mill records while confirming the historical gold grade. In 2023, Hudbay advanced metallurgical test work and evaluated metallurgical technologies, including the signing of a test work co-operation agreement with Cobalt Blue Holdings (“COB”) examining the use of COB technology to treat Flin Flon tailings. Initial results from preliminary roasting test work were encouraging in converting more than 90% of pyrite into pyrrhotite and elemental sulphur. Final test work results will support the development of an overall flowsheet. Hudbay expects to continue these metallurgical activities throughout 2024 as it assesses the economic viability of the various metallurgical technologies.

Peru Exploration Update

The company continues to execute a limited drill program and technical evaluations at the Constancia deposit to confirm the economic viability of adding an additional mining phase to the current mine plan that would convert a portion of the mineral resources to mineral reserves. The results from this drill program and technical and economic evaluations are expected to be incorporated in the annual mineral reserve and resource estimate update in March 2024.

Hudbay controls a large, contiguous block of mineral rights with the potential to host satellite mineral deposits in close proximity to the Constancia processing facility, including the past producing Caballito property and the highly prospective Maria Reyna property. The company commenced early exploration activities at Maria Reyna and Caballito after completing a surface rights exploration agreement with the community of Uchucarcco in August 2022. A drill permit application was submitted for the Maria Reyna property in November 2023, and a similar application for the Caballito property is planned for the first half of 2024. In parallel, Hudbay continues to advance community engagement activities. Surface mapping and geochemical sampling confirm that both Caballito and Maria Reyna host sulfide and oxide rich copper mineralization in skarns, hydrothermal breccias and large porphyry intrusive bodies.

Progressing Towards Climate Change Commitments

In December 2022, Hudbay announced its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions by 2050 and the adoption of interim 2030 GHG reduction targets to support this commitment. While the company’s operations are well-positioned in the lower half of the global GHG emissions curve for copper operations, Hudbay recognizes its role in mitigating climate change and that copper and the metals Hudbay produces play an important role in the world’s transition to a greener future. Hudbay’s GHG emissions reduction plan includes pursuing a 50% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from existing operations by 2030 and achieving net zero total emissions by 2050.

In 2023, the company made significant progress towards its climate change goals, including:

  • Peru Renewable Power Supply Agreement - During the first quarter of 2023, Hudbay signed a new 10-year power purchase agreement with ENGIE Energía Perú for access to a 100% renewable energy supply to Constancia. The agreement will come into effect in January 2026 following the conclusion of Constancia's existing power supply agreement. Total Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions company-wide at Hudbay’s current operations are expected to decline by 40% during the life of the contract, positioning the company well to achieve its 50% reduction target by 2030.

  • Electric Shovel at Copper Mountain - In September 2023, Hudbay commissioned a new Komatsu PC8000 electric shovel at the Copper Mountain mine, which reduces carbon intensity by displacing existing diesel shovel production.

  • Renewable Diesel at Copper Mountain - In 2023, Hudbay tested the use of renewable diesel in two of its non-trolley assist haul trucks at Copper Mountain in an effort to further reduce GHG emissions. The test results were promising and the company subsequently entered into renewable diesel contracts for approximately 80% of the expected fuel to be purchased in 2024.

  • Electric Scooptram at Lalor - In the first quarter of 2023, Hudbay initiated the trial of an electric Epiroc scooptram ST14 SG at the Lalor mine, which reduces carbon intensity by lowering emissions and reduces the temperature in the lower areas of the mine to improve ventilation. The trial was successful and, in the third quarter, a second electric scooptram was added to the fleet.

2024 Key Objectives and Annual Guidance

Hudbay’s key objectives for 2024 are to:

  • Enhance Hudbay’s position to deliver its leading copper growth pipeline;

  • Deliver copper production growth and maintain strong gold production from its diversified operating platform to generate strong cash flow;

  • Execute stabilization plan at Copper Mountain to drive improved operating performance and achieve operating synergies;

  • Maintain continued focus on financial discipline as the company progresses towards achieving deleveraging targets by managing discretionary spending and generating strong returns on invested capital;

  • Evaluate the viability of an additional mining phase at Constancia that could convert a portion of mineral resources to mineral reserves;

  • Evaluate opportunities to utilize excess capacity at the Stall mill in Snow Lake to enhance production and achieve greater economies of scale;

  • Progress de-risking of the Copper World project through final state permitting activities and a potential joint venture partnership to prudently advance the three pre-requisites plan required for sanctioning;

  • Execute the large exploration program on the expanded land package in Snow Lake to target new discoveries;

  • Advance plans to drill the prospective Maria Reyna and Caballito properties near Constancia;

  • Assess economic viability of various metallurgical technologies for the reprocessing of Flin Flon tailings;

  • Advance exploration partnership with Marubeni to explore for new discoveries within trucking distance of the Flin Flon processing facilities;

  • Continue to identify and evaluate opportunities to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the company’s climate change commitments and global decarbonization goals;

  • Assess growth opportunities that meet Hudbay’s stringent strategic criteria and allocate capital to pursue those opportunities that create sustainable value for the company and its stakeholders; and

  • As always, continue to operate safely and sustainably, aligned with Hudbay’s purpose to ensure that the company’s activities have a positive impact on its people, its communities and its planet.

Hudbay’s annual production and operating cost guidance, along with its annual capital and exploration expenditure forecasts are discussed in detail below.
Production Guidance

Contained Metal in Concentrate and Doré1

2024 Guidance

Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2023

2023 Guidance

Peru

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

98,000 - 120,000

100,487

91,000 - 116,000

Gold

ounces

76,000 - 93,000

114,218

83,000 - 108,000

Silver

ounces

2,500,000 - 3,000,000

2,505,229

2,210,000 - 2,650,000

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,250 - 1,500

1,566

1,300 - 1,600

 

 

 

 

 

Manitoba

 

 

 

 

Gold

ounces

170,000 - 200,000

187,363

175,000 - 205,000

Zinc

tonnes

27,000 - 35,000

34,642

28,000 - 36,000

Copper

tonnes

9,000 - 12,000

12,154

9,000 - 12,000

Silver

ounces

750,000 - 1,000,000

851,723

750,000 - 1,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

British Columbia

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

30,000 - 44,000

19,050

18,500 - 20,500

Gold

ounces

17,000 - 26,000

8,848

8,000 - 10,000

Silver

ounces

300,000 - 455,000

218,282

190,000 - 210,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Copper

tonnes

137,000 - 176,000

131,691

118,500 - 148,500

Gold

ounces

263,000 - 319,000

310,429

266,000 - 323,000

Zinc

tonnes

27,000 - 35,000

34,642

28,000 - 36,000

Silver

ounces

3,550,000 - 4,455,000

3,575,234

3,150,000 - 3,860,000

Molybdenum

tonnes

1,250 - 1,500

1,566

1,300 - 1,600

1 Metal reported in concentrate and doré is prior to refining losses or deductions associated with smelter terms.

 

On a consolidated basis, Hudbay successfully achieved 2023 production guidance for all metals. On a business unit stand-alone basis, Peru exceeded the top end of the gold production guidance range, Manitoba exceeded the top end of the copper production guidance range, while British Columbia exceeded the top end of the silver production guidance range for the portion of 2023 since the acquisition of the Copper Mountain mine.

In 2024, consolidated copper production is forecast to increase to 156,500 tonnesii, an increase of approximately 19% compared to 2023 actual production levels. This growth is a result of continued higher grade ore from Pampacancha in Peru and continued higher recoveries in both Peru and Manitoba, as well as the contribution from a full year of production at the Copper Mountain mine. Consolidated gold production in 2024 is expected to slightly decline to 291,000 ouncesii, due to a smoothing of Pampacancha high grade gold zones over the 2023 to 2025 period, as described further below.

2024 copper production in Peru is expected to increase by 8% from 2023 levels to 109,000 tonnesii. Mill ore feed throughout 2024 is expected to revert back to the typical one-third from Pampacancha and two-thirds from Constancia, unlike 2023 when a majority of the ore feed was from Pampacancha in the second half of the year. Gold production is expected to be 84,500 ouncesii, lower than 2023 levels due a smoothing of Pampacancha high grade gold zones over the 2023 to 2025 period as additional high grade areas were mined in 2023 ahead of schedule, resulting in gold production exceeding 2023 guidance levels, and other high grade areas were deferred to 2025. Total gold production in Peru over the 2023 to 2025 period is expected to be higher than previous guidance levelsii. The Pampacancha deposit is now expected to be depleted in the third quarter of 2025, as opposed to mid-2025 previously. Peru’s 2024 production guidance reflects periods of higher stripping activities in the Pampacancha pit in the second and third quarters, as well as regularly scheduled semi-annual mill maintenance shutdowns at Constancia during the second and fourth quarters of 2024.

In Manitoba, 2024 gold production is anticipated to be 185,000 ouncesii, consistent with 2023 production as the company expects the high gold grades and recoveries to continue into 2024. The production guidance anticipates Lalor operating at 4,500 tonnes per day and an increase in New Britannia mill throughput to 1,800 tonnes per day given the mill has been consistently operating above its 1,500 tonnes per day nameplate capacity. Zinc production for 2024 is expected to be 31,000 tonnesii, a 10% year-over-year decline as certain high grade zinc areas were shifted to 2023 and the Lalor mine continues to prioritize higher gold and copper grade zones in 2024. Manitoba’s production guidance reflects a scheduled maintenance period at the Lalor mine during the third quarter of 2024.

In British Columbia, 2024 copper production is expected to be 37,000 tonnesii, in line with the technical report for Copper Mountain issued in December 2023.

Hudbay will release its updated three-year production outlook together with its annual mineral reserve and resource update in March 2024.

Cash Cost Guidance

Copper remains the primary revenue contributor on a consolidated basis, and therefore, consolidated cost guidance has been presented as cash cost per pound of copper produced. The company has also provided cash cost guidance for each of its operations based on their respective primary metal contributors.

Cash cost1

 

2024 Guidance

Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2023

2023 Guidance

Peru cash cost per pound of copper2

$/lb

1.25 - 1.60

1.07

1.05 - 1.30

Manitoba cash cost per ounce of gold3

$/oz

 700 - 900

727

500 - 800

British Columbia cash cost per pound of copper2

$/lb

2.00 - 2.50

2.50

2.40 - 2.85

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated cash cost per pound of copper

$/lb

1.05 - 1.25

0.80

0.80 - 1.10

Consolidated sustaining cash cost per pound of copper

$/lb

2.00 - 2.45

1.72

1.80 - 2.25

1 Cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, and cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” section of this news release.
2 Peru and British Columbia cash cost per pound of copper contained in concentrate assumes by-product credits are calculated using the gold and silver deferred revenue drawdown rates in effect on December 31, 2023 for the streamed ounces in Peru and the following commodity prices: $1,900 per ounce gold, $23.00 per ounce silver, $18.00 per pound molybdenum, $1.15 per pound zinc and an exchange rate of 1.35 C$/US$.
3 Manitoba cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, contained in concentrate and doré assumes by-product credits are calculated using the following commodity prices: $1.15 per pound zinc, $23.00 per ounce silver, $3.75 per pound copper and an exchange rate of 1.35 C$/US$.

Copper cash cost in Peru is expected to increase to $1.25 to $1.60 per pound in 2024 versus 2023 primarily due to lower by-product credits and higher mining costs associated with lower capitalized stripping, partially offset by higher copper production.

Gold cash cost in Manitoba is expected to increase by 10%ii in 2024 compared to 2023 as a result of lower zinc and copper by-product credits and higher mining costs associated with less capitalized development costs.

Copper cash cost in British Columbia is expected to decrease by 10%ii in 2024 compared to 2023 and is expected to be significantly lower than the $2.69 per pound cash cost contemplated in the December 2023 technical report due to a reclassification of a portion of mining costs from operating expenses to capitalized costs. This is a result of a change from contractor mining to owner-operating mining as a more cost-effective approach for the additional required stripping, and the elimination of mining low-grade ore to stockpile in 2024 which increases the strip ratio and allocation of mining costs to capitalized stripping. In addition, the 2024 costs reflect a decrease in the discretionary tonnes moved with total material moved in 2024 now expected to be 97 million tonnes compared to 104 million tonnes in the technical report.

Consolidated copper cash cost and consolidated sustaining cash cost in 2024 are both expected to be higher than 2023 results due to lower by-product credits and a full year of contributions from British Columbia.

Capital Expenditure Guidance

Capital Expenditures
(in $ millions)

2024 Guidance4

Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2023

2023 Revised Guidance5

2023 Original Guidance

Sustaining capital1

 

 

 

 

Peru2

130.0

132.1

150.0

160.0

Manitoba

55.0

55.8

60.0

75.0

British Columbia – sustaining capital

35.0

30.22

33.02

-

British Columbia – capitalized stripping2

70.0

Total sustaining capital

290.0

218.1

243.0

235.0

Growth capital

 

 

 

 

Peru

2.0

12.1

10.0

10.0

Manitoba3

10.0

13.5

15.0

15.0

British Columbia

5.0

1.2

2.0

-

Arizona

20.0

21.3

25.0

30.0

Total growth capital

37.0

48.1

52.0

55.0

Capitalized exploration

8.0

7.8

10.0

10.0

Total capital expenditures

335.0

274.0

305.0

300.0

Note: Excludes capitalized costs not considered to be sustaining or growth capital expenditures.
1 Sustaining capital guidance excludes right-of-use lease additions and additions as a result of equipment financing arrangements.
2 Includes capitalized stripping costs.
3 Partially funded by approximately $3 million in Canadian Development Expense flow-through financing proceeds.
4 Capital expenditures are converted into U.S. dollars using an exchange rate of 1.35 C$/US$.
5 Capital expenditure guidance reflects revised guidance issued with third quarter results, including lower anticipated capital spend in Manitoba and Peru, and new British Columbia guidance.

 

2023 total capital expenditures, excluding British Columbia, were $57 million, lower than original guidance expectations as a result of the discretionary capital reductions across the business. British Columbia capital expenditures were in line with Hudbay’s 2023 guidance levels.

Total capital expenditures are expected to be $335 million for 2024. Hudbay expects to continue to reduce discretionary spending with year-over-year capital reductions in Peru and Manitoba, while spending in British Columbia will be focused on stabilization initiatives and accelerated stripping activities. Discretionary growth spending and capitalized exploration are expected to remain at low levels in 2024 and reflect a 20% decrease from 2023.

Peru’s sustaining capital expenditures in 2024 are expected to decrease to $130 million primarily as a result of lower capitalized stripping. Peru’s growth capital spending of $2 million in 2024 relates to continued mill recovery improvements in the molybdenum and copper circuits.

Manitoba’s sustaining capital expenditures in 2024 are expected to be consistent with the lower 2023 spending, primarily due to a continued focus on streamlining costs and less mine capital development with increased post pillar mining. Manitoba’s growth capital spending of $10 million in 2024 relates to the advancement of a development and exploration drift at the 1901 deposit to confirm the optimal mining method for the base metal and gold lenses and converting the inferred mineral resources in the gold lenses to mineral reserves. The 1901 growth expenditures will be partially funded by $3 million in proceeds from a Canadian Development Expense flow-through financing in December 2023.

Manitoba spending guidance excludes approximately $15 million of annual care and maintenance costs related to the Flin Flon facilities in 2024, which are expected to be recorded as other operating expenses. The 2024 Flin Flon care and maintenance costs are 25% lower than prior annual costs as a result of several cost efficiencies achieved and identified to-date.

In British Columbia, sustaining capital expenditures in 2024 are expected to be $35 million for equipment and building capital. In addition, the company expects to spend approximately $70 million for capitalized stripping costs in 2024 as it executes an accelerated stripping campaign as part of Hudbay’s stabilization plan. The 2024 sustaining capital costs include a reclassification of mining costs from operating expenses to capitalized costs when compared to the December 2023 Copper Mountain technical report. This is a result of a change from contractor mining to owner-operating mining as a more cost-effective approach for the additional required stripping, as well as the elimination of mining low-grade ore to stockpile in 2024 which increases the strip ratio and allocation of mining costs to capitalized stripping despite lowering the overall tonnes moved. This change lowers the cost per tonne moved and in turn the expected cash costs for British Columbia in 2024, as noted above, but the total aggregate operating and capital costs for 2024 are expected to be in line with the December 2023 technical report.

Arizona growth capital spending of $20 million includes annual carrying and permitting costs for the Copper World and Mason projects for 2024.

Exploration Guidance

Exploration Expenditures
(in $ millions)

2024 Guidance

Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2023

2023 Guidance

Peru1

17.0

15.2

15.0

Manitoba2

23.0

10.4

15.0

British Columbia

2.0

3.9

Arizona and other

1.0

2.4

Total exploration expenditures

43.0

31.9

30.0

Capitalized spending

(8.0)

(7.8)

(10.0)

Total exploration expense

35.0

24.1

20.0

1 2023 exploration guidance excludes $5 million of non-cash amortization of community agreements for exploration properties.
2 Partially funded by approximately $11 million in Canadian Exploration Expense flow-through financing proceeds.

Total expected exploration expenditures of $43 million in 2024 are 35% higher than 2023 spending primarily due to an extensive drilling program underway in Snow Lake, Manitoba. The company’s 2024 exploration activities are focused on areas with high potential for new discovery and mineral reserve and resource expansion.

In Peru, 2024 exploration activities will continue to focus on permitting and drill preparation for the Maria Reyna and Caballito properties near Constancia. In Manitoba, the company has initiated the largest exploration program in its history in Snow Lake focused on testing the deep extensions of the gold and copper zones at Lalor, the Lalor Northwest target, the newly acquired Cook Lake claims and the former Rockcliff properties. The company intends to complete geophysical surveys on the new land package in the Snow Lake area to generate additional targets with plans to start drilling those targets later in 2024. A portion of the 2024 Manitoba exploration program will be funded by $11 million in proceeds from a critical minerals premium flow-through financing completed in December 2023. Hudbay issued 1,310,000 Canadian Exploration Expense (“CEE”) flow-through common shares (“Flow-Through Common Shares”) of the company, at a price of C$11.50 per CEE Flow-Through Common Share, representing a premium of approximately 85%.

Dividend Declared

A semi-annual dividend of C$0.01 per share was declared on February 22, 2024. The dividend will be paid out on March 22, 2024 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2024.

Website Links

Hudbay:

www.hudbay.com

Management’s Discussion and Analysis:

https://www.hudbayminerals.com/MDA0224

Financial Statements:

https://www.hudbayminerals.com/FS0224

Conference Call and Webcast

Date:

Friday, February 23, 2024

Time:

11:00 a.m. ET

Webcast:

www.hudbay.com

Dial in:

1-416-764-8650 or 1-888-664-6383
RapidConnect

 

 

Qualified Person and NI 43-101

The technical and scientific information in this news release related to the company’s material mineral projects has been approved by Olivier Tavchandjian, P. Geo, Senior Vice President, Exploration and Technical Services. Mr. Tavchandjian is a qualified person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).

For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and resources at Hudbay's material properties, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates of scientific and technical information may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please see the technical reports for the company’s material properties as filed by Hudbay on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures

Adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per share, adjusted EBITDA, net debt, cash cost, sustaining and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, cash cost and sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, combined unit costs and ratios based on these measures are non-IFRS performance measures. These measures do not have a meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS and are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.

Management believes adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share provides an alternate measure of the company’s performance for the current period and gives insight into its expected performance in future periods. These measures are used internally by the company to evaluate the performance of its underlying operations and to assist with its planning and forecasting of future operating results. As such, the company believes these measures are useful to investors in assessing the company’s underlying performance. Hudbay provides adjusted EBITDA to help users analyze the company’s results and to provide additional information about its ongoing cash generating potential in order to assess its capacity to service and repay debt, carry out investments and cover working capital needs. Net debt is shown because it is a performance measure used by the company to assess its financial position. Net debt to adjusted EBITDA is shown because it is a performance measure used by the company to assess its financial leverage and debt capacity. Cash cost, sustaining and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced are shown because the company believes they help investors and management assess the performance of its operations, including the margin generated by the operations and the company. Cash cost and sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced are shown because the company believes they help investors and management assess the performance of its Manitoba operations. Combined unit cost is shown because Hudbay believes it helps investors and management assess the company’s cost structure and margins that are not impacted by variability in by-product commodity prices.

The following tables provide detailed reconciliations to the most comparable IFRS measures.

Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) Reconciliation

 

Three Months Ended

(in $ millions)

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Profit (loss) for the period

33.5

 

45.5

 

(17.4

)

Tax expense

47.5

 

38.7

 

3.1

 

Profit (loss) before tax

81.0

 

84.2

 

(14.3

)

Adjusting items:

 

 

 

Mark-to-market adjustments 1

12.7

 

1.3

 

10.7

 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

4.2

 

(0.6

)

0.2

 

Inventory adjustments

1.4

 

 

 

Premium paid on redemption of notes

2.2

 

 

 

Re-evaluation adjustment - environmental provision3

34.0

 

(32.4

)

13.5

 

Acquisition related costs

 

0.1

 

 

Evaluation expenses

 

 

0.1

 

Insurance recovery

(4.2

)

 

 

Value-added-tax recovery

(3.9

)

 

 

Write off fair value of the Copper Mountain Bonds

(1.0

)

 

 

Restructuring charges 2

0.6

 

2.3

 

1.0

 

Loss on disposal of investments

 

 

0.5

 

Post-employment plan curtailment

 

 

(2.4

)

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment and non-current assets

6.6

 

 

0.4

 

Changes in other provisions (non-capital) 4

 

 

5.8

 

Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes

134.1

 

54.9

 

15.5

 

Tax expense

(47.5

)

(38.7

)

(3.1

)

Tax impact on adjusting items

(14.8

)

8.2

 

(9.8

)

Adjusted net earnings

71.3

 

24.4

 

2.6

 

Adjusted net earnings ($/share)

0.20

 

0.07

 

0.01

 

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (millions)

349.1

 

346.7

 

262.0

 

1 Includes changes in fair value of the gold prepayment liability, Canadian junior mining investments, other financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss and share-based compensation expenses.
2 Includes closure cost for the Flin Flon operations in 2022 and restructuring charges for British Columbia in 2023.
3 Changes from movements to environmental reclamation provisions are primarily related to the Flin Flon operations, which were fully depreciated as of June 30, 2022, as well as other Manitoba and British Columbia non-operating sites.
4 Includes changes in other provisions related to corporate restructuring costs and costs which do not pertain to operations.

 

Year Ended

(in $ millions)

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Profit for the period

69.5

 

70.4

 

Tax expense

82.3

 

25.4

 

Profit before tax

151.8

 

95.8

 

Adjusting items:

 

 

Mark-to-market adjustments 1

21.4

 

3.0

 

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

5.3

 

(5.4

)

Inventory adjustments

2.3

 

3.6

 

Variable consideration adjustment - stream revenue and accretion

(5.0

)

(1.9

)

Premium paid on redemption of notes

2.2

 

 

Impairment - Arizona

 

95.0

 

Re-evaluation adjustment - environmental provision3

(11.4

)

(133.5

)

Acquisition related costs

6.9

 

 

Evaluation expenses

 

7.9

 

Insurance recovery

(4.2

)

(5.7

)

Value-added-tax recovery

(3.9

)

 

Write off fair value of the Copper Mountain Bonds

(1.0

)

 

Restructuring charges 2

2.9

 

10.6

 

Loss on disposal of investments

0.7

 

3.6

 

Post-employment plan curtailment

 

(2.4

)

Loss (gain) on disposal of plant and equipment and non-current assets

7.4

 

(6.3

)

Changes in other provisions (non-capital) 4

 

5.8

 

Adjusted earnings before income taxes

175.4

 

70.1

 

Tax expense

(82.3

)

(25.4

)

Tax impact on adjusting items

(20.6

)

(18.3

)

Adjusted net earnings

72.5

 

26.4

 

Adjusted net earnings ($/share)

0.23

 

0.10

 

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (millions)

310.8

 

261.9

 

1 Includes changes in fair value of the gold prepayment liability, Canadian junior mining investments, other financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss and share-based compensation expenses.
2 Includes closure cost for the Flin Flon operations and restructuring charges for British Columbia in 2023.
3 Changes from movements to environmental reclamation provisions are primarily related to the Flin Flon operations, which were fully depreciated as of June 30, 2023, as well as other Manitoba and British Columbia non-operating sites.
4 Includes changes in other provisions related to corporate restructuring costs and costs which do not pertain to operations.

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

 

Three Months Ended

(in $ millions)

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Profit (loss) for the period

33.5

 

45.5

 

(17.4

)

Add back:

 

 

 

Tax expense (recovery)

47.5

 

38.7

 

3.1

 

Net finance expense

48.9

 

30.9

 

36.7

 

Other expenses

10.6

 

8.9

 

18.5

 

Depreciation and amortization

121.9

 

113.8

 

79.4

 

Amortization of deferred revenue and variable consideration adjustment

(26.5

)

(16.8

)

(10.4

)

 

235.9

 

221.0

 

109.9

 

Adjusting items (pre-tax):

 

 

 

Re-evaluation adjustment - environmental provision

34.0

 

(32.4

)

13.5

 

Inventory adjustments

1.4

 

 

 

Post-employment plan curtailment

 

 

(2.4

)

Share-based compensation expense 1

3.1

 

2.1

 

3.7

 

Adjusted EBITDA

274.4

 

190.7

 

124.7

 

1 Share-based compensation expenses reflected in cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.

 

Year Ended

(in $ millions)

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Profit (loss) for the period

69.5

 

70.4

 

Add back:

 

 

Tax expense

82.3

 

25.4

 

Net finance expense

145.3

 

118.5

 

Other expenses

38.2

 

32.6

 

Depreciation and amortization

391.7

 

337.6

 

Amortization of deferred revenue and variable consideration adjustment

(77.3

)

(73.2

)

 

649.8

 

511.3

 

Adjusting items (pre-tax):

 

 

Impairment losses

 

95.0

 

Re-evaluation adjustment - environmental provision

(11.4

)

(133.5

)

Inventory adjustments

2.3

 

3.6

 

Post-employment plan curtailment

 

(2.4

)

Share-based compensation expenses 1

7.1

 

1.9

 

Adjusted EBITDA

647.8

 

475.9

 

1 Share-based compensation expenses reflected in cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.
Net Debt Reconciliation

(in $ thousands)

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Total long-term debt

1,287,536

1,377,443

1,184,162

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

249,794

245,217

225,665

Net debt

1,037,742

1,132,226

958,497

(in $ millions, except net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio)

 

 

 

Net debt

1,037.7

1,132.2

958.5

Adjusted EBITDA (12 month period)

647.8

498.5

475.9

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA

1.6

2.3

2.0


Trailing Adjusted EBITDA

Three Months Ended

LTM1

(in $ millions)

Sep. 30, 2023

Jun. 30, 2023

Mar. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Profit (loss) for the period

45.5

 

(14.9

)

5.4

 

(17.4

)

18.6

 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

Tax expense (recovery)

38.7

 

(15.8

)

12.0

 

3.1

 

38.0

 

Net finance expense

30.9

 

30.5

 

35.0

 

36.7

 

133.1

 

Other expenses

8.9

 

13.9

 

5.0

 

18.5

 

46.3

 

Depreciation and amortization

113.8

 

88.7

 

67.4

 

79.4

 

349.3

 

Amortization of deferred revenue and variable consideration adjustment

(16.8

)

(18.1

)

(15.9

)

(10.4

)

(61.2

)

Adjusting items (pre-tax):

 

 

 

 

 

Re-evaluation adjustment - environmental provision

(32.4

)

(4.7

)

(8.2

)

13.5

 

(31.8

)

Inventory adjustments

-

 

0.9

 

-

 

-

 

0.9

 

Post-employment plan curtailment

-

 

-

 

-

 

(2.4

)

(2.4

)

Share-based compensation expenses2

2.1

 

0.7

 

1.2

 

3.7

 

7.7

 

Adjusted EBITDA

190.7

 

81.2

 

101.9

 

124.7

 

498.5

 

1 LTM (last twelve months) as of September 30, 2023.
2 Share-based compensation expense reflected in cost of sales and administrative expenses.

Copper Cash Cost Reconciliation

Consolidated

Three Months Ended

Net pounds of copper produced1

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Peru

73,209

64,112

59,628

British Columbia2

18,755

20,510

Manitoba

8,234

7,893

4,978

Net pounds of copper produced

100,198

92,515

64,606


Consolidated

Year Ended

Net pounds of copper produced1

 

 

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Peru

221,536

197,082

British Columbia2

41,995

Manitoba

26,795

32,580

Net pounds of copper produced

290,326

229,662

1 Contained copper in concentrate.
2 Includes 100% of Copper Mountain mine production, Hudbay owns 75% of Copper Mountain mine. As Copper Mountain was acquired on June 20, 2023, there were no comparative 2022 figures.

Consolidated

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Mining

89,587

 

0.89

 

104,547

 

1.13

 

79,759

 

1.23

 

Milling

90,763

 

0.91

 

88,021

 

0.95

 

65,591

 

1.02

 

G&A

38,937

 

0.39

 

36,107

 

0.39

 

21,269

 

0.33

 

Onsite costs

219,287

 

2.19

 

228,675

 

2.47

 

166,619

 

2.58

 

Treatment & refining

35,665

 

0.36

 

32,882

 

0.36

 

19,968

 

0.31

 

Freight & other

32,273

 

0.32

 

26,853

 

0.29

 

22,055

 

0.34

 

Cash cost, before by-product credits

287,225

 

2.87

 

288,410

 

3.12

 

208,642

 

3.23

 

By-product credits

(271,738

)

(2.71

)

(187,023

)

(2.02

)

(138,990

)

(2.15

)

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

15,487

 

0.16

 

101,387

 

1.10

 

69,652

 

1.08

 


Consolidated

Year Ended

 

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Cash cost per pound of copper produced

 

 

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Mining

 

 

332,007

 

1.14

 

330,250

 

1.44

 

Milling

 

 

309,692

 

1.07

 

269,055

 

1.17

 

Refining (zinc)

 

 

 

 

32,755

 

0.14

 

G&A

 

 

122,574

 

0.42

 

125,454

 

0.55

 

Onsite costs

 

 

764,273

 

2.63

 

757,514

 

3.30

 

Treatment & refining

 

 

113,712

 

0.39

 

68,936

 

0.29

 

Freight & other

 

 

94,668

 

0.33

 

79,815

 

0.35

 

Cash cost, before by-product credits

 

 

972,653

 

3.35

 

906,265

 

3.94

 

By-product credits

 

 

(741,288

)

(2.55

)

(708,334

)

(3.08

)

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

 

 

231,365

 

0.80

 

197,931

 

0.86

 


Consolidated

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb1

$000s

$/lb1

$000s

$/lb1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zinc

18,474

 

0.18

17,099

 

0.18

24,744

 

0.38

Gold3

216,178

 

2.16

129,954

 

1.41

76,336

 

1.18

Silver3

22,698

 

0.23

16,724

 

0.18

9,592

 

0.15

Molybdenum & other

14,388

 

0.14

23,246

 

0.25

28,318

 

0.44

Total by-product credits

271,738

 

2.71

187,023

 

2.02

138,990

 

2.15

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

15,487

 

 

101,387

 

 

69,652

 

 

By-product credits

271,738

 

 

187,023

 

 

138,990

 

 

Treatment and refining charges

(35,665

)

 

(32,882

)

 

(19,968

)

 

Share-based compensation expense

301

 

 

149

 

 

490

 

 

Inventory adjustments

1,402

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

Post employment plan curtailment

 

 

 

 

(2,384

)

 

Change in product inventory

29,326

 

 

3,374

 

 

(16,425

)

 

Royalties

1,032

 

 

1,253

 

 

1,750

 

 

Depreciation and amortization4

121,812

 

 

113,753

 

 

79,408

 

 

Cost of sales5

405,433

 

 

374,057

 

 

251,520

 

 

1 Per pound of copper produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per consolidated financial statements, amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements. Variable consideration adjustments are cumulative adjustments to gold and silver stream deferred revenue primarily associated with the net change in mineral reserves and resources or amendments to the mine plan that would change the total expected deliverable ounces under the precious metal streaming arrangement. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 the variable consideration adjustments amounted to nil.
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements excluding impairment adjustments.

Consolidated

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb1

$000s

$/lb1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

Zinc

74,842

 

0.26

224,043

 

0.98

Gold3

525,637

 

1.80

353,478

 

1.53

Silver3

68,701

 

0.24

62,252

 

0.27

Molybdenum & other

72,108

 

0.25

68,561

 

0.30

Total by-product credits

741,288

 

2.55

708,334

 

3.08

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

231,365

 

 

197,931

 

 

By-product credits

741,288

 

 

708,334

 

 

Treatment and refining charges

(113,712

)

 

(68,936

)

 

Share-based compensation expense

589

 

 

420

 

 

Inventory adjustments

2,308

 

 

3,553

 

 

Post employment plan curtailment

 

 

(2,384

)

 

Change in product inventory

38,405

 

 

(3,125

)

 

Royalties

5,569

 

 

11,144

 

 

Depreciation and amortization4

391,657

 

 

337,615

 

 

Cost of sales5

1,297,469

 

 

1,184,552

 

 

1 Per pound of copper produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per consolidated financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements. Variable consideration adjustments are cumulative adjustments to gold and silver stream deferred revenue primarily associated with the net change in mineral reserves and resources or amendments to the mine plan that would change the total expected deliverable ounces under the precious metal streaming arrangement. For the year ended December 31, 2023 the variable consideration adjustments amounted income of $4,885 (year ended December 31, 2022 - income of $959)
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Peru

Three Months Ended

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Net pounds of copper produced1

73,209

64,112

59,628

1 Contained copper in concentrate.

Peru

Year Ended

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Net pounds of copper produced1

221,536

197,082

1 Contained copper in concentrate.

Peru

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Mining

30,336

 

0.41

 

33,875

 

0.53

 

41,647

 

0.70

 

Milling

50,199

 

0.69

 

46,996

 

0.73

 

50,723

 

0.85

 

G&A

24,909

 

0.34

 

20,912

 

0.33

 

14,817

 

0.25

 

Onsite costs

105,444

 

1.44

 

101,783

 

1.59

 

107,187

 

1.80

 

Treatment & refining

19,626

 

0.27

 

19,143

 

0.30

 

11,962

 

0.20

 

Freight & other

20,854

 

0.28

 

17,040

 

0.26

 

15,607

 

0.26

 

Cash cost, before by-product credits

145,924

 

1.99

 

137,966

 

2.15

 

134,756

 

2.26

 

By-product credits

(106,227

)

(1.45

)

(84,793

)

(1.32

)

(54,563

)

(0.92

)

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

39,697

 

0.54

 

53,173

 

0.83

 

80,193

 

1.34

 


Peru

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Mining

122,651

 

0.55

 

137,546

 

0.70

 

Milling

198,062

 

0.90

 

195,152

 

0.99

 

G&A

77,154

 

0.35

 

63,015

 

0.32

 

Onsite costs

397,867

 

1.80

 

395,713

 

2.01

 

Treatment & refining

66,469

 

0.30

 

39,587

 

0.20

 

Freight & other

62,745

 

0.28

 

50,284

 

0.25

 

Cash cost, before by-product credits

527,081

 

2.38

 

485,584

 

2.46

 

By-product credits

(289,112

)

(1.31

)

(173,488

)

(0.88

)

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

237,969

 

1.07

 

312,096

 

1.58

 


Peru

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb1

$000s

$/lb1

$000s

$/lb1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold3

77,517

 

1.05

51,459

 

0.80

19,934

 

0.33

Silver3

14,322

 

0.20

10,088

 

0.16

7,025

 

0.12

Molybdenum

14,388

 

0.20

23,246

 

0.36

27,604

 

0.47

Total by-product credits

106,227

 

1.45

84,793

 

1.32

54,563

 

0.92

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

39,697

 

 

53,173

 

 

80,193

 

 

By-product credits

106,227

 

 

84,793

 

 

54,563

 

 

Treatment and refining charges

(19,626

)

 

(19,143

)

 

(11,962

)

 

Share-based compensation expenses

85

 

 

45

 

 

95

 

 

Change in product inventory

8,048

 

 

4,137

 

 

(15,685

)

 

Royalties

1,456

 

 

1,015

 

 

1,656

 

 

Depreciation and amortization4

85,722

 

 

80,625

 

 

58,256

 

 

Cost of sales5

221,609

 

 

204,645

 

 

167,116

 

 

1 Per pound of copper produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per consolidated financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements.

Peru

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb1

$000s

$/lb1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

Gold3

169,915

 

0.77

68,630

 

0.35

Silver3

47,328

 

0.21

41,671

 

0.21

Molybdenum

71,869

 

0.33

63,187

 

0.32

Total by-product credits

289,112

 

1.31

173,488

 

0.88

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

237,969

 

 

312,096

 

 

By-product credits

289,112

 

 

173,488

 

 

Treatment and refining charges

(66,469

)

 

(39,587

)

 

Inventory adjustments

 

 

(558

)

 

Share-based compensation expenses

145

 

 

77

 

 

Change in product inventory

28,128

 

 

(31,348

)

 

Royalties

5,615

 

 

5,367

 

 

Depreciation and amortization4

275,647

 

 

211,043

 

 

Cost of sales5

770,147

 

 

630,578

 

 

1 Per pound of copper produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per consolidated financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

British Columbia

Three Months Ended

Year Ended

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2023

Net pounds of copper produced1

18,755

20,510

41,995

1 Contained copper in concentrate.

British Columbia

Three Months Ended

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2023

Cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Mining

19,015

 

1.01

 

29,251

 

1.43

 

48,266

 

1.15

 

Milling

25,218

 

1.35

 

24,102

 

1.17

 

49,320

 

1.17

 

G&A

5,643

 

0.30

 

5,050

 

0.25

 

10,693

 

0.25

 

Onsite costs

49,876

 

2.66

 

58,403

 

2.85

 

108,279

 

2.57

 

Treatment & refining

4,850

 

0.26

 

4,905

 

0.24

 

9,755

 

0.23

 

Freight & other

4,654

 

0.25

 

3,693

 

0.18

 

8,347

 

0.20

 

Cash cost, before by-product credits

59,380

 

3.17

 

67,001

 

3.27

 

126,381

 

3.00

 

By-product credits

(9,286

)

(0.50

)

(12,234

)

(0.60

)

(21,520

)

(0.51

)

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

50,094

 

2.67

 

54,767

 

2.67

 

104,861

 

2.49

 


British Columbia

Three Months Ended

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2023

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold

6,876

 

0.37

10,120

 

0.50

16,996

 

0.40

Silver

2,410

 

0.13

2,114

 

0.10

4,524

 

0.11

Total by-product credits

9,286

 

0.50

12,234

 

0.60

21,520

 

0.51

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

50,094

 

 

54,767

 

 

104,861

 

 

By-product credits

9,286

 

 

12,234

 

 

21,520

 

 

Treatment and refining charges

(4,850

)

 

(4,905

)

 

(9,755

)

 

Change in product inventory

8,469

 

 

3

 

 

8,472

 

 

Royalties

(424

)

 

237

 

 

(187

)

 

Depreciation and amortization3

5,489

 

 

6,255

 

 

11,744

 

 

Cost of sales4

68,064

 

 

68,591

 

 

136,655

 

 

1 Per pound of copper produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per consolidated financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
4 As per consolidated financial statements.

Sustaining and All-in Sustaining Cash Cost Reconciliation

Consolidated

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

All-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

 $000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

15,487

0.15

101,387

1.10

69,652

1.08

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

87,609

0.88

72,193

0.78

60,002

0.92

Capitalized exploration

5,150

0.05

11,500

0.18

Royalties

1,032

0.01

1,253

0.01

1,750

0.03

Sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits

109,278

1.09

174,833

1.89

142,904

2.21

Corporate selling and administrative expenses & regional costs

12,727

0.13

10,971

0.12

11,876

0.19

Accretion and amortization of decommissioning and community agreements1

8,967

0.09

3,309

0.03

722

0.01

All-in sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits

130,972

1.31

189,113

2.04

155,502

2.41

Reconciliation to property, plant and equipment additions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

53,680

 

77,454

 

76,933

 

Capitalized stripping net additions

41,221

 

21,762

 

15,169

 

Total accrued capital additions

94,901

 

99,216

 

92,102

 

Less other non-sustaining capital costs2

19,945

 

37,968

 

41,850

 

Total sustaining capital costs

74,956

 

61,248

 

50,252

 

Capitalized lease cash payments - operating sites

8,708

 

7,199

 

5,848

 

Community agreement cash payments

2,274

 

1,953

 

2,854

 

Accretion and amortization of decommissioning and restoration obligations3

1,671

 

1,793

 

1,048

 

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

87,679

 

72,193

 

60,002

 

1 Includes accretion of decommissioning relating to non-productive sites, and accretion and amortization of current community agreements.
2 Other non-sustaining capital costs include Arizona capitalized costs, capitalized interest, capitalized exploration and growth capital expenditures.
3 Includes amortization of decommissioning and restoration PP&E assets and accretion of decommissioning and restoration liabilities related to producing sites.

Consolidated

Year Ended

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

All-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

231,365

0.80

197,931

0.86

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

255,924

0.88

255,725

1.11

Capitalized exploration

5,150

0.02

11,500

0.05

Royalties

5,569

0.02

11,144

0.05

Sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits

498,008

1.72

476,300

2.07

Corporate selling and administrative expenses & regional costs

43,516

0.14

38,799

0.17

Accretion and amortization of decommissioning and community agreements1

16,036

0.06

4,416

0.02

All-in sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits

557,560

1.92

519,515

2.26

Reconciliation to property, plant and equipment additions:

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

212,261

 

259,281

 

Capitalized stripping net additions

111,607

 

89,262

 

Total accrued capital additions

323,868

 

348,543

 

Less other non-sustaining capital costs2

105,767

 

147,749

 

Total sustaining capital costs

218,101

 

200,794

 

Capitalized lease cash payments - operating sites

24,983

 

33,271

 

Community agreement cash payments

6,706

 

9,486

 

Accretion and amortization of decommissioning and restoration obligations3

6,165

 

12,174

 

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

255,994

 

255,725

 

1 Includes accretion of decommissioning relating to non-productive sites, and accretion and amortization of current community agreements.
2 Other non-sustaining capital costs include Arizona capitalized costs, capitalized interest, capitalized exploration and growth capital expenditures.
3 Includes amortization of decommissioning and restoration PP&E assets and accretion of decommissioning and restoration liabilities related to producing sites.

Peru

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

39,697

0.54

53,173

0.83

80,193

1.34

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

42,351

0.58

42,607

0.66

31,240

0.53

Capitalized exploration1

5,150

0.07

11,500

0.19

Royalties

1,456

0.02

1,015

0.02

1,656

0.03

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

88,654

1.21

96,795

1.51

124,589

2.09

1 Only includes exploration costs incurred for locations near to existing mine operations.

Peru

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

237,969

1.07

312,096

1.58

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

151,947

0.69

133,313

0.68

Capitalized exploration1

5,150

0.02

11,500

0.06

Royalties

5,615

0.03

5,367

0.03

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

400,681

1.81

462,276

2.35

1 Only includes exploration costs incurred for locations near to existing mine operations.

British Columbia

Three Months Ended

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2023

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

$000s

$/lb

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

50,094

 

2.67

 

54,767

2.67

104,861

 

2.49

Royalties

(424

)

(0.02

)

237

0.01

(187

)

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

24,063

 

1.28

 

14,487

0.71

38,550

 

0.92

Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced

73,733

 

3.93

 

69,491

3.39

143,224

 

3.41

Gold Cash Cost and Sustaining Cash Cost Reconciliation

Manitoba


Three Months Ended

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Net ounces of gold produced1

59,863

56,213

33,060

1 Contained gold in concentrate and doré.

Manitoba

Year Ended

(in thousands)

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Net ounces of gold produced1

187,363

161,471

1 Contained gold in concentrate and doré.

Manitoba

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Cash cost per ounce of gold produced

$000s

$/oz

$000s

$/oz

$000s

$/oz

Mining

40,236

 

673

 

41,421

 

737

 

38,112

 

1,153

 

Milling

15,346

 

256

 

16,923

 

301

 

14,868

 

450

 

Refining (Zinc)

 

 

 

 

 

 

G&A

8,385

 

140

 

10,145

 

180

 

6,452

 

195

 

Onsite costs

63,967

 

1,069

 

68,489

 

1,218

 

59,432

 

1,798

 

Treatment & refining

11,189

 

186

 

8,834

 

157

 

8,006

 

242

 

Freight & other

6,765

 

113

 

6,120

 

109

 

6,448

 

195

 

Cash cost, before by-product credits

81,921

 

1,368

 

83,443

 

1,484

 

73,886

 

2,235

 

By-product credits

(55,928

)

(934

)

(45,779

)

(814

)

(43,407

)

(1,313

)

Gold cash cost, net of by-product credits

25,993

 

434

 

37,664

 

670

 

30,479

 

922

 


Manitoba

 Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Cash cost per ounce of gold produced

$000s

$/oz

$000s

$/oz

Mining

161,090

 

860

 

192,704

 

1,193

 

Milling

62,310

 

333

 

73,903

 

458

 

Refining (zinc)

 

 

32,755

 

203

 

G&A

34,727

 

185

 

62,439

 

387

 

Onsite costs

258,127

 

1,378

 

361,801

 

2,241

 

Treatment & refining

37,488

 

200

 

29,349

 

181

 

Freight & other

23,576

 

126

 

29,531

 

183

 

Cash cost, before by-product credits

319,191

 

1,704

 

420,681

 

2,605

 

By-product credits

(183,056

)

(977

)

(372,783

)

(2,308

)

Gold cash cost, net of by-product credits

136,135

 

727

 

47,898

 

297

 


Manitoba

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/oz1

$000s

$/oz1

$000s

$/oz1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

31,489

 

526

24,158

 

430

15,382

 

465

Zinc

18,473

 

308

17,099

 

304

24,744

 

748

Silver3

5,966

 

100

4,522

 

80

2,567

 

78

Other

 

 

714

 

22

Total by-product credits

55,928

 

934

45,779

 

814

43,407

 

1,313

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

25,993

 

 

37,664

 

 

30,479

 

 

By-product credits

55,928

 

 

45,779

 

 

43,407

 

 

Treatment and refining charges

(11,189

)

 

(8,834

)

 

(8,006

)

 

Inventory adjustments

1,402

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

Share-based compensation expenses

216

 

 

104

 

 

395

 

 

Past service curtailment

 

 

 

 

(2,384

)

 

Change in product inventory

12,809

 

 

(766

)

 

(740

)

 

Royalties

 

 

1

 

 

94

 

 

Depreciation and amortization4

30,601

 

 

26,873

 

 

21,152

 

 

Cost of sales5

115,760

 

 

100,821

 

 

84,404

 

 

1 Per ounce of gold produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per consolidated financial statements, amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Manitoba

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Supplementary cash cost information

$000s

$/oz1

$000s

$/oz1

By-product credits2:

 

 

 

 

Copper

91,126

 

487

122,785

 

760

Zinc

74,842

 

399

224,043

 

1,388

Silver3

16,849

 

90

20,581

 

127

Other

239

 

1

5,374

 

33

Total by-product credits

183,056

 

977

372,783

 

2,308

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

 

Cash cost, net of by-product credits

136,135

 

 

47,898

 

 

By-product credits

183,056

 

 

372,783

 

 

Treatment and refining charges

(37,488

)

 

(29,349

)

 

Inventory adjustments

2,308

 

 

4,111

 

 

Share-based compensation expenses

444

 

 

343

 

 

Past service curtailment

 

 

(2,384

)

 

Change in product inventory

1,805

 

 

28,223

 

 

Royalties

141

 

 

5,777

 

 

Depreciation and amortization4

104,266

 

 

126,572

 

 

Cost of sales5

390,667

 

 

553,974

 

 

1 Per ounce of gold produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per consolidated financial statements, amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Manitoba

Three Months Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Sustaining cash cost per pound of gold produced

$000s

$/oz

$000s

$/oz

$000s

$/oz

Gold cash cost, net of by-product credits

25,993

434

37,664

670

30,479

922

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

21,195

354

15,100

269

28,762

870

Royalties

1

94

3

Sustaining cash cost per pound of gold produced

47,188

788

52,765

939

59,335

1,795


Manitoba

Year Ended

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Sustaining cash cost per pound of gold produced

$000s

$/oz

$000s

$/oz

Gold cash cost, net of by-product credits

136,135

727

47,898

297

Cash sustaining capital expenditures

65,427

349

122,412

758

Royalties

141

1

5,777

36

Sustaining cash cost per pound of gold produced

201,703

1,077

176,087

1,091


Combined Unit Cost Reconciliation

Peru

Three Months Ended

(in thousands except ore tonnes milled and unit cost per tonne)

Combined unit cost per tonne processed

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Mining

30,336

 

33,875

 

41,647

 

Milling

50,199

 

46,996

 

50,723

 

G&A1

24,909

 

20,912

 

14,817

 

Other G&A2

(8,303

)

(5,440

)

(152

)

 

97,141

 

96,343

 

107,035

 

Less: Covid related costs

 

 

689

 

Unit cost

97,141

 

96,343

 

106,346

 

Tonnes ore milled

7,939

 

7,895

 

7,796

 

Combined unit cost per tonne

12.24

 

12.20

 

13.64

 

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

Unit cost

97,141

 

96,343

 

106,346

 

Freight & other

20,854

 

17,040

 

15,607

 

Covid related costs

 

 

689

 

Other G&A

8,303

 

5,440

 

152

 

Share-based compensation expenses

85

 

45

 

95

 

Change in product inventory

8,048

 

4,137

 

(15,685

)

Royalties

1,456

 

1,015

 

1,656

 

Depreciation and amortization

85,722

 

80,625

 

58,256

 

Cost of sales3

221,609

 

204,645

 

167,116

 

1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.
2 Other G&A primarily includes profit sharing costs.
3 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Peru

 

Year Ended

(in thousands except ore tonnes milled and unit cost per tonne)

Combined unit cost per tonne processed

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Mining

 

122,651

 

137,546

 

Milling

 

198,062

 

195,152

 

G&A1

 

77,154

 

63,015

 

Other G&A2

 

(14,824

)

(414

)

 

 

383,043

 

395,299

 

Less: Covid related costs

 

 

5,214

 

Unit cost

 

383,043

 

390,085

 

Tonnes ore milled

 

30,721

 

30,522

 

Combined unit cost per tonne

 

12.47

 

12.78

 

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

Unit cost

 

383,043

 

390,085

 

Freight & other

 

62,745

 

50,284

 

Covid related costs

 

 

5,214

 

Other G&A

 

14,824

 

414

 

Share-based compensation expenses

 

145

 

77

 

Inventory adjustments

 

 

(558

)

Change in product inventory

 

28,128

 

(31,348

)

Royalties

 

5,615

 

5,367

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

275,647

 

211,043

 

Cost of sales3

 

770,147

 

630,578

 

1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.
2 Other G&A primarily includes profit sharing costs.
3 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

British Columbia

Three Months Ended

Year Ended

(in thousands except unit cost per tonne)

Combined unit cost per tonne processed

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2023

Mining

19,015

 

29,251

48,266

 

Milling

25,218

 

24,102

49,320

 

G&A1

5,643

 

5,050

10,693

 

Unit cost

49,876

 

58,403

108,279

 

USD/CAD implicit exchange rate

1.37

 

1.35

1.36

 

Unit cost - C$

68,168

 

78,566

146,734

 

Tonnes ore milled

3,262

 

3,158

6,862

 

Combined unit cost per tonne - C$

20.90

 

24.88

21.38

 

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

Unit cost

49,876

 

58,403

108,279

 

Freight & other

4,654

 

3,693

8,347

 

Change in product inventory

8,469

 

3

8,472

 

Royalties

(424

)

237

(187

)

Depreciation and amortization

5,489

 

6,255

11,744

 

Cost of sales2

68,064

 

68,591

136,655

 

1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above
2 Other G&A primarily includes profit sharing costs.
3 As per consolidated financial statements.

Manitoba

Three Months Ended

(in thousands except tonnes ore milled and unit cost per tonne)

Combined unit cost per tonne processed

Dec. 31, 2023

Sep. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Mining

40,236

 

41,421

 

38,112

 

Milling

15,346

 

16,923

 

14,868

 

G&A1

8,385

 

10,145

 

6,452

 

Less: Other G&A related to profit sharing costs

(1,522

)

(3,308

)

1,939

 

Unit cost

62,445

 

65,181

 

61,371

 

USD/CAD implicit exchange rate

1.36

 

1.34

 

1.36

 

Unit cost - C$

85,013

 

87,363

 

83,363

 

Tonnes ore milled

393,837

 

402,443

 

345,492

 

Combined unit cost per tonne - C$

216

 

217

 

241

 

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

Unit cost

62,445

 

65,181

 

61,371

 

Freight & other

6,765

 

6,120

 

6,448

 

Other G&A related to profit sharing

1,522

 

3,308

 

(1,939

)

Share-based compensation expenses

216

 

104

 

395

 

Inventory adjustments

1,402

 

 

7

 

Past service pension/Curtailment

 

 

(2,384

)

Change in product inventory

12,809

 

(766

)

(740

)

Royalties

 

1

 

94

 

Depreciation and amortization

30,601

 

26,873

 

21,152

 

Cost of sales2

115,760

 

100,821

 

84,404

 

1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.
2 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Manitoba

 

Year Ended

(in thousands except tonnes ore milled and unit cost per tonne)

Combined unit cost per tonne processed

 

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Mining

 

161,090

 

192,704

 

Milling

 

62,310

 

73,903

 

G&A1

 

34,727

 

62,439

 

Less: G&A allocated to zinc metal production and other areas

 

 

(6,523

)

Less: Other G&A related to profit sharing costs

 

(6,650

)

(20,075

)

Unit cost

 

251,477

 

302,448

 

USD/CAD implicit exchange rate

 

1.35

 

1.30

 

Unit cost - C$

 

339,229

 

391,782

 

Tonnes ore milled

 

1,562,479

 

2,008,251

 

Combined unit cost per tonne - C$

 

217

 

195

 

Reconciliation to IFRS:

 

 

 

Unit cost

 

251,477

 

302,448

 

Freight & other

 

23,576

 

29,531

 

Refined zinc

 

 

32,755

 

G&A allocated to zinc metal production

 

 

6,523

 

Other G&A related to profit sharing

 

6,650

 

20,075

 

Share-based compensation expenses

 

444

 

343

 

Inventory adjustments

 

2,308

 

4,111

 

Past service pension/Curtailment

 

 

(2,384

)

Change in product inventory

 

1,805

 

28,223

 

Royalties

 

141

 

5,777

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

104,266

 

126,572

 

Cost of sales2

 

390,667

 

553,974

 

1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.
2 As per IFRS consolidated financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “budget”, “guidance”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “strategy”, “target”, “intends”, “objective”, “goal”, “understands”, “anticipates” and “believes” (and variations of these or similar words) and statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” “occur” or “be achieved” or “will be taken” (and variations of these or similar expressions). All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by this cautionary note.

Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the company’s production, cost and capital and exploration expenditure guidance, expectations regarding reductions in discretionary spending and capital expenditures, the ability of the company to stabilize and optimize the Copper Mountain mine operation and achieve operating synergies, the fleet production ramp up plan and the accelerated stripping strategies at the Copper Mountain site, the ability of the company to complete business integration activities at the Copper Mountain mine, the estimated timelines and pre-requisites for sanctioning the Copper World project and the pursuit of a potential minority joint venture partner, expectations regarding the permitting requirements for the Copper World project (including expected timing for receipt of such applicable permits), the expected benefits of Manitoba growth initiatives, including the advancement of the development and exploration drift at the 1901 deposit; the anticipated use of proceeds from the flow-through financing completed during the fourth quarter of 2023, the company’s future deleveraging strategies and the company’s ability to deleverage and repay debt as needed, expectations regarding the company’s cash balance and liquidity, the company’s ability to increase the mining rate at Lalor, the anticipated benefits from completing the Stall recovery improvement program, expectations regarding the ability to conduct exploration work and execute on exploration programs on its properties and to advance related drill plans, including the advancement of the exploration program at Maria Reyna and Caballito, the ability to continue mining higher-grade ore in the Pampacancha pit and the company’s expectations resulting therefrom, expectations regarding the ability for the company to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the company’s evaluation and assessment of opportunities to reprocess tailings using various metallurgical technologies, expectations regarding the prospective nature of the Maria Reyna and Caballito properties, the anticipated impact of brownfield and greenfield growth projects on the company’s performance, anticipated expansion opportunities and extension of mine life in Snow Lake and the ability for Hudbay to find a new anchor deposit near the company’s Snow Lake operations, anticipated future drill programs and exploration activities and any results expected therefrom, anticipated mine plans, anticipated metals prices and the anticipated sensitivity of the company’s financial performance to metals prices, events that may affect its operations and development projects, anticipated cash flows from operations and related liquidity requirements, the anticipated effect of external factors on revenue, such as commodity prices, estimation of mineral reserves and resources, mine life projections, reclamation costs, economic outlook, government regulation of mining operations, and business and acquisition strategies. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

The material factors or assumptions that Hudbay has identified and were applied in drawing conclusions or making forecasts or projections set out in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to:

  • the ability to achieve production, cost and capital and exploration expenditure guidance;

  • the ability to achieve discretionary spending reductions without impacting operations;

  • no significant interruptions to operations due to social or political unrest in the regions Hudbay operates, including the navigation of the complex political and social environment in Peru;

  • no interruptions to the company’s plans for advancing the Copper World project, including with respect to timely receipt of applicable permits;

  • the ability for the company to successfully complete the integration and optimization of the Copper Mountain operations, achieve operating synergies and develop and maintain good relations with key stakeholders;

  • the ability to execute on its exploration plans, including the potential ramp up of exploration in respect of the Maria Reyna and Caballito properties;

  • the ability to advance related drill plans;

  • the success of mining, processing, exploration and development activities;

  • the scheduled maintenance and availability of the company’s processing facilities;

  • the accuracy of geological, mining and metallurgical estimates;

  • anticipated metals prices and the costs of production;

  • the supply and demand for metals the company produces;

  • the supply and availability of all forms of energy and fuels at reasonable prices;

  • no significant unanticipated operational or technical difficulties;

  • the execution of the company’s business and growth strategies, including the success of its strategic investments and initiatives;

  • the availability of additional financing, if needed;

  • the company’s ability to deleverage and repay debt as needed;

  • the ability to complete project targets on time and on budget and other events that may affect the company’s ability to develop its projects;

  • the timing and receipt of various regulatory and governmental approvals;

  • the availability of personnel for the company’s exploration, development and operational projects and ongoing employee relations;

  • maintaining good relations with the employees at the company’s operations;

  • maintaining good relations with the labour unions that represent certain of the company’s employees in Manitoba and Peru;

  • maintaining good relations with the communities in which the company operates, including the neighbouring Indigenous communities and local governments;

  • no significant unanticipated challenges with stakeholders at the company’s various projects;

  • no significant unanticipated events or changes relating to regulatory, environmental, health and safety matters;

  • no contests over title to the company’s properties, including as a result of rights or claimed rights of Indigenous peoples or challenges to the validity of the company’s unpatented mining claims;

  • the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation and no significant unanticipated litigation;

  • certain tax matters, including, but not limited to current tax laws and regulations, changes in taxation policies and the refund of certain value added taxes from the Canadian and Peruvian governments; and

  • no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets (including commodity prices and foreign exchange rates).

The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to, risks related to the ongoing business integration of Copper Mountain and the process for designing, implementing and maintaining effective internal controls for Copper Mountain, the failure to effectively complete the integration and optimization of the Copper Mountain operations or to achieve anticipated operating synergies, political and social risks in the regions Hudbay operates, including the navigation of the complex political and social environment in Peru, risks generally associated with the mining industry and the current geopolitical environment, including future commodity prices, currency and interest rate fluctuations, energy and consumable prices, supply chain constraints and general cost escalation in the current inflationary environment, risks related to the renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements with the labour unions representing certain of our employees in Manitoba and Peru, uncertainties related to the development and operation of the company’s projects, the risk of an indicator of impairment or impairment reversal relating to a material mineral property, risks related to the Copper World project, including in relation to permitting, project delivery and financing risks, risks related to the Lalor mine plan, including the ability to convert inferred mineral resource estimates to higher confidence categories, dependence on key personnel and employee and union relations, risks related to political or social instability, unrest or change, risks in respect of Indigenous and community relations, rights and title claims, operational risks and hazards, including the cost of maintaining and upgrading the company's tailings management facilities and any unanticipated environmental, industrial and geological events and developments and the inability to insure against all risks, failure of plant, equipment, processes, transportation and other infrastructure to operate as anticipated, compliance with government and environmental regulations, including permitting requirements and anti-bribery legislation, depletion of the company’s reserves, volatile financial markets and interest rates that may affect the company’s ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, the failure to obtain required approvals or clearances from government authorities on a timely basis, uncertainties related to the geology, continuity, grade and estimates of mineral reserves and resources, and the potential for variations in grade and recovery rates, uncertain costs of reclamation activities, the company’s ability to comply with its pension and other post-retirement obligations, the company’s ability to abide by the covenants in its debt instruments and other material contracts, tax refunds, hedging transactions, as well as the risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the company’s most recent Annual Information Form and under the heading “Financial Risk Management” in the company’s most recent management’s discussion and analysis, each of which is available on the company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and the company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov.

Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Hudbay does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Note to United States Investors

This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which may differ materially from the requirements of United States securities laws applicable to U.S. issuers.

About Hudbay

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States.

Hudbay’s operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbay’s growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona (United States), the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: “We care about our people, our communities and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives and create better futures for communities.” Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

For further information, please contact:

Candace Brûlé
Vice President, Investor Relations

(416) 814-4387
investor.relations@hudbay.com

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i Adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share; adjusted EBITDA; cash cost, sustaining cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits; cash cost and sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits; combined unit costs, net debt and any ratios based on these measures are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures” section of this news release.
ii Calculated using the mid-point of the guidance range.
iii Sourced from S&P Global, August 2023.


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