EX-99 4 fortuna3rdquartermda.htm MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Fortuna Management Discussion and Analysis





[fortuna3rdquartermda001.jpg]



MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


FOR THE



THIRD QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011





As at November 8, 2011





(Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated)









FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the third quarter ended September 30, 2011

(Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated)




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the significant factors that have affected Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (“Fortuna” or the “Company”) performance and such factors that may affect its future performance. For a comprehensive understanding of Fortuna’s financial condition and results of operations, this MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and the related notes contained therein. The Company reports its financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) IFRS framework. In addition, the following should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2010, the related MD&A, and Fortuna’s Annual Information Form (available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com). This MD&A refers to various non-IFRS measures, such as cash cost per tonne of processed ore, cash cost per ounce of payable silver, adjusted net income (loss), cash generated by operating activities before changes in working capital, used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance and ability to generate cash and are widely reported in the silver mining industry as benchmarks for performance. Cash costs are presented as they represent an industry standard method of comparing certain costs on a per unit basis. The Company believes that certain investors use these non-IFRS measures to evaluate the Company’s performance. Non-IFRS measures do not have standardized meaning.  Accordingly, non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. To facilitate a better understanding of these measures as calculated by the Company, we have provided detailed descriptions and reconciliations where applicable.


This document contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the cautionary language under the heading “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information”.


Business of the Company


Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (the “Company”) is a mining company focused on producing silver and base metals and developing silver projects in Latin America. The Company’s principal assets are the Caylloma Polymetallic Mine in southern Peru and the San Jose Silver-Gold Mine in southern Mexico.  


Recent Developments and 2011 Highlights


Financial Results


During the third quarter of 2011, the Company generated a net income of $10.31 million (2010: loss $0.77 million) on operating income of $14.89 million (2010: $1.03 million) and sales of $32.08 million (2010: $17.88 million).  


Silver ounces produced during the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 were 660,749 (2010: 474,489) ounces, 39% above the same period in the prior year.  Gold ounces produced during the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 were 1,525 (2010: 631) ounces, 142% above same period in the prior year.


Silver comprised 70% (2010: 47%) of revenue and the realized silver price was $35.16 (2010: $16.94) per ounce. San Jose contributed to our consolidated revenue stream for the first time as it went into commercial operations on September 1, 2011.   The Company sold, up to the end of the quarter, 21% in value of San Jose´s September commercial production.   Cash cost per ounce, net of by-product credits, was $1.45 (2010: negative $3.05). Refer to cash cost per silver ounce and cash cost per tonne (non-IFRS measures) for reconciliation of cash cost to the cost of sales.


Cash generated by operating activities before changes in working capital, income taxes, and interest income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 totalled $18.21 million, up from $7.73 million in 2010.


San Jose Mine (refer to Sedar.com for release dated October 24, 2011


Commercial production was declared at San Jose on September 1, 2011.  The operation is processing ore at a rate of 1,000tpd with ore being sourced from production blocks K, L and M. Recovery and grade of the concentrate are within eighty percent of design parameters.  The start-up of operations has been without major difficulties and management expects full design parameters will be achieved gradually over the coming months as the process continues to be fine tuned at the plant.  Average head grades achieved in commercial production are 123 g/t silver and 1.25 g/t gold in the quarter come from low grade development stock piles fed to the mill.


Corporate Highlights


New York Stock Exchange Listing (“NYSE”) (refer to Sedar.com for releases dated August 29, 2011 and September 15, 2011)


On August 29, 2011, the Company announced it has submitted an application for listing the Company’s common stock on the NYSE.  “As we continue to expand our mining operations, this application marks an important strategic step for Fortuna.  A listing on the NYSE will help raise our profile as an up-and-coming producer of silver and other metals and showcase our solid growth record,” said Jorge A. Ganoza, Fortuna President, CEO and Director.


On September 15, 2011, the Company was approved to list its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on September 19, 2011 under the trading symbol “FSM”.  Jorge A. Ganoza, Fortuna President, CEO and Director, stated:  “As a growing multinational mining corporation, Fortuna’s size and market capitalization have increased significantly.  It is the right time for the Company to take this step and we believe our shareholders will benefit from listing on the NYSE, one of the world’s premier securities markets.  The Company looks forward to the opportunity to broaden its investor base as our business continues to expand.”


Property Option Agreement


The Company entered  into an option agreement, effective July 20, 2011,  to acquire 100% interest in the Don Mario property, with Consorcio Empresarial Agmin S.A.C.(“AGMIN”). Under the terms of the mining assignment and option to purchase mineral rights agreement (“agreement”), the Company is required to make the following payments:


1.

$0.20 million on signing the agreement;

2.

$0.30 million after 12 months from signing the agreement;

3.

$0.50 million after 24 months from signing the agreement; and,

4.

$2.00 million after 36 months from signing the agreement.


Under the terms of the agreement, once the option is exercised and a NI 43-101 is prepared and published, if the pre-feasibility study indicates that the property contains more than five million silver equivalent ounces, the Company would further pay AGMIN, one dollar for each additional resource and reserves indicated in the pre-feasibility report. The Company has the option to buy-out the additional pay-out for a further $3.0 million, subject to certain conditions.  The Company has paid $0.20 million on signing the agreement.


First-Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)


Note 19 to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements, along with further discussions below, provides more detail on our key Canadian GAAP to IFRS differences; our accounting policy decisions and IFRS 1, First-Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, optional exemptions for significant or potentially significant areas that have had an impact on our financial statements on transition to IFRS or may have an impact in future periods.


Information for 2009 is presented in accordance with Canadian GAAP and was not required to be restated to IFRS.


Quarterly Information


The following table provides information for the eight fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2011:


    

Quarters ended

   

Expressed in $000's, except per share data*/**

30-Sep-11

30-Jun-11

31-Mar-11

31-Dec-10

30-Sep-10

30-Jun-10

31-Mar-10

31-Dec-09

Sales

32,080

24,267

21,673

23,589

17,882

14,421

17,376

16,356

Operating income

14,886

10,665

8,077

8,031

1,030

9,629

9,038

5,563

Income before taxes

14,948

10,754

8,190

8,033

780

9,666

9,034

3,189

Income (loss)

10,309

6,197

4,782

4,333

(773)

6,719

5,724

1,037

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

0.08

0.05

0.04

0.04

(0.01)

0.06

0.06

0.01

         

Total assets

269,850

253,028

242,548

233,870

180,376

175,445

169,565

139,738

         

Leases and long term liabilities

2,873

2,988

3,384

3,166

2,653

1,384

1,306

1,454

         

* Figures for 2011 and 2010 expressed under IFRS

      

** Figures for 2009 expressed under Canadian GAAP

      


In Q3 2011, the Company achieved record sales of $32.08 million, up from Q2 2011 of $24.27 million, attributable mainly to 31% higher silver sold, including the contribution from the commencement of commercial production at the San Jose mine, along with a strong silver price environment. Sales from San Jose comprised only 21% of its commercial production for the period.  Operating income in Q3 2011 increased by 40% to $14.89 million compared to Q2 2011 primarily as a result of higher sales and lower selling, general and administrative expenses in Q3 2011 of $5.01 million (Q2 2011 $5.33 million) offset by higher cost of sales of $12.27 million (Q2 2011 $9.42 million), higher exploration and evaluation costs of $0.44 million (Q2 2011 $0.32 million), and a lower gain on commodity contracts of $0.50 million (Q2 2011 gain $1.44 million).  



Results of Operations


Consolidated Metal Production from Commercial Production


 

QUARTERLY RESULTS

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

Consolidated Metal Production

Consolidated  

Consolidated

Consolidated

Consolidated

Silver (Oz)*

660,749

474,489

1,572,852

1,424,620

Gold (Oz)*

1,525

631

2,764

1,822

Lead (000's lb)

4,960

5,149

15,281

16,035

Zinc (000's lb)

5,815

6,789

17,737

19,978

Copper (000's lb)

0

1,093

36

3,609

* Caylloma: Silver in lead and copper concentrates; San Jose: Silver in silver gold concentrates


The Company´s silver production in Q3 2011 was 39% higher than in the same period for 2010 as a result of higher silver production from Caylloma of 18% and the contribution from San Jose for its first month under commercial operations.  Gold production for the quarter ended Q3 2011 was mainly a result of the commencement of commercial operations at San Jose.


Caylloma Mine Production


Mine Production

QUARTERLY RESULTS

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

Caylloma

Caylloma

Caylloma

Caylloma

    

Tonnes milled

115,574

112,886

332,503

322,400

Average tons milled per day

1,270

1,268

1,250

1,221

Silver*

    

Grade (g/t)

185.55

154.56

168.64

159.15

Recovery %*

81.22

84.59

81.66

86.36

Production (Oz)*

559,959

474,489

1,472,062

1,424,620

Gold

    

Grade (g/t)

0.35

0.36

0.37

0.39

Recovery %*

43.06

48.51

45.95

44.62

Production (Oz)*

563

631

1,802

1,822

Lead

    

Grade (%)

2.11

2.27

2.25

2.47

Recovery %

92.25

91.07

92.76

91.39

Production (000's lb)

4,960

5,149

15,281

16,035

Zinc

    

Grade (%)

2.58

3.10

2.75

3.18

Recovery %

88.34

87.90

88.06

88.38

Production (000's lb)

5,815

6,789

17,737

19,978

Copper

Production (000's lb)

0

1,093

36

3,609

Unit Costs

    

Production cash cost (US$/oz ag)**

(0.18)

(3.05)

(3.21)

(5.71)

Production cash cost (US$/tonne)

69.96

61.22

65.24

57.03

Unit Net Smelter Return (US$/tonne)

241.43

142.20

227.94

154.68

* Caylloma: Silver in lead and copper concentrates; San Jose: Silver in silver gold concentrates

 ** Net of by-product credits


Summary of Q3 2011 Caylloma Mine Production Results:


•

Silver production of 559,959 ounces, an 18% increase over Q3 2010;

•

Gold production of 563 ounces, an 11% decrease over Q3 2010;

•

Lead production of 4,960 (‘000’s) pounds, a 4% decrease over Q3 2010;

•

Zinc production of 5,815 (‘000’s) pounds, a 14% decrease over Q3 2010; and,

•

Cash cost per silver ounce, net of by-product credits, negative $0.18 (refer to cash cost per silver ounce and cash cost per tonne (non-IFRS measures) for reconciliation of cash cost to the cost of sales).


Silver production at Caylloma for the three quarters was 1,472,062 ounces with mill feed being sourced from the Animas, Bateas and Soledad veins.  The increase in silver production for the quarter compared to the same period last year is mainly explained by higher silver head grades offset by lower metallurgical recovery rates. Higher grades are a result of an increase in mill feed contribution from the high silver grade ore shoot on level 6 in Animas vein and bonanza ore from Bateas vein.  Metallurgical recoveries are within budget although lower when compared to previous quarters as a result of the oxidized material coming from level 6 in Animas vein.  Metallurgical tests are being conducted at Caylloma to improve recoveries given the presence of this oxidized material.


In January 2011, production of copper-silver concentrate was discontinued at Caylloma due to a material deterioration in treatment and refining smelter charges with respect to 2010. The Company is monitoring market conditions to evaluate restarting the circuit.  Copper accounted for 4% of sales in 2010 (2009: 1%).    


The new high-grade silver ore shoots that were discovered through the extension of exploration and development drifts from current production areas on the 10th and 12th levels of the Bateas Vein (see press release of April 14, 2011) entered into production in late June.  The exploration drift continues towards the northeast exploring for additional high-grade ore shoots.  

In July 2011, the Company received the approval of the environmental impact study for the construction of a new tailings dam.  The construction of the project involves two stages: the first stage is scheduled for conclusion in November 2011; the second stage is scheduled to commence in April 2012 and to be concluded in November of the same year.  This new tailings site provides holding capacity for 17 years of mine operations at current throughput rate.


Cash cost per payable ounce of silver, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, was negative $0.18 net of by-product credits compared to negative $3.05 in 2010. The change was mainly attributable to higher cash costs per tonne and refining charges. Refer to cash cost per silver ounce and cash cost per tonne (non-IFRS measures) for reconciliation of cash cost to the cost of sales.


For the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, the cash cost per tonne of processed ore was $69.96 (2010: $61.22).  Starting in the third quarter of 2010 our Peruvian operations have experienced increased cost pressures on labor, contractor tariffs, and industry related services.  We expect these cost pressures to persist moderately throughout 2011.  Cash cost is a non-IFRS measure, refer to cash cost per silver ounce and cash cost per tonne (non-IFRS measures) for reconciliation of cash cost to the cost of sales.


San Jose Mine Production***

Mine Production

QUARTERLY RESULTS

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

Three months ended

September 30,

Nine months ended

September 30,

2011

2011

San Jose

San Jose

  

Tonnes milled

28,525

28,525

Average tons milled per day

951

951

Silver*

  

Grade (g/t)

123.93

123.93

Recovery %*

88.68

88.68

Production (Oz)*

100,790

100,790

Gold

  

Grade (g/t)

1.25

1.25

Recovery %*

83.62

83.58

Production (Oz)*

962

962

Unit Costs

  

Production cash cost (US$/oz ag)**

10.71

10.71

Production cash cost (US$/tonne)

61.70

61.70

Unit Net Smelter Return (US$/tonne)

147.33

147.33

* Caylloma: Silver in lead and copper concentrates; San Jose: Silver in silver gold concentrates

** Net of by-product credits

***From commercial production. Commercial production commenced on September 1, 2011.


Summary of Q3 2011 San Jose Mine Production Results:


•

Silver production of 100,790 ounces;

•

Gold production of 962 ounces; and,

•

Cash cost per silver ounce, net of by-product credits, $10.71 (refer to cash cost per silver ounce and cash cost per tonne (non-IFRS measures) for reconciliation of cash cost to the cost of sales).


Mine production is currently taking place above level 1,400 on blocks K, L, and M with  production targets being met according to plan.  As of the end of October, the plant is processing ore at an average throughput of 1,000 tpd.  As of the end of September the main ramp reached the 1,350 meter elevation where production blocks A and B will be prepared.  Preparation of block A will commence at the end of October 2011, ahead of schedule to meet the production ramp-up plan to 1,500 tpd by the fourth quarter of 2013.  


The grade and tonnage in these production areas is consistent with the resource model.


As of September 30, 2011 the mine had built an ore stockpile of 53,900 tonnes grading 133 g/t Ag and 1.1 g/t Au.


Metallurgical recovery has been steadily improving and for the month of October is already within 95% of design parameters.  Concentrate grade is already at planned levels for the current head grades and is expected to reach the design parameter as grade increases towards the end of the year.


Cash cost per payable ounce of silver, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, was $10.71 net of by-product credits.  The high cash cost is mainly explained by the low head grades for the month of September.  Refer to cash cost per silver ounce and cash cost per tonne (non-IFRS measures) for reconciliation of cash cost to the cost of sales.


Caylloma Mine Concentrates


Mine Concentrates

QUARTERLY RESULTS

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

Caylloma

Caylloma

Caylloma

Caylloma

    

Zinc

    

Opening Inventory (t)

771

648

258

369

Production (t)

5,118

5,830

15,605

16,824

Sales (t)

5,601

5,950

15,571

16,670

Adjustment (t)

-15

13

-20

17

Closing Inventory (t)

273

540

273

540

Zn in concentrate (%)

51.54

52.83

51.56

53.86

Lead

    

Opening Inventory (t)

471

525

191

408

Production (t)

4,059

3,626

12,168

11,186

Sales (t)

4,311

3,751

12,170

11,197

Adjustment (t)

13

4

44

7

Closing Inventory (t)

232

404

232

404

Ag in concentrate (g/t)

4,291

1,490

3,658

1,436

Pb in concentrate (%)

55.43

64.40

56.97

65.02

Copper

    

Opening Inventory (t)

4

66

29

46

Production (t)

0

496

80

1,637

Sales (t)

0

520

104

1,653

Adjustment (t)

0

1

-1

14

Closing Inventory (t)

4

44

4

44

Ag in concentrate (g/t)

0

18,866

15,876

17,258

Cu in concentrate (%)

0.00

22.87

20.23

22.50



San Jose Mine Concentrates*


 

QUARTERLY RESULTS

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

 

Three months ended

September 30,

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

2011

2011

 

San Jose

San Jose

Mine Concentrates

  

Silver Gold

  

Production (t)

681

681

Sales (t)

143

143

Closing Inventory (t)

538

538

Ag in concentrate (g/t)

4,604

4,604

Au in concentrate (g/t)

44

44

*Commercial production commenced on September 1, 2011.


Financial Results


During the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 the Company generated net income of $10.31 million (2010: loss $0.77 million) on operating income of $14.89 million (2010: $1.03 million).  The increase in net income is mainly attributable to higher mine operating income of $19.81 million (2010: $8.74 million) and a gain on commodity contracts of $0.50 million (2010: loss $3.18 million) offset by income taxes of $4.64 million (2010: $1.55 million).  The improved operating results were driven by higher silver prices and quantities of metal sold.


During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 the Company generated net income of $21.29 million (2010: $11.67 million) on operating income of $33.63 million (2010: $19.70 million).  The increase in net income is mainly attributable to higher mine operating income of $47.71 million (2010: $25.11 million) offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses of $13.97 million (2010: $6.40 million), exploration and evaluation costs of $1.11 million (2010: $0.35 million), income taxes of $12.60 million (2010: $7.81 million), offset by lower gain on commodity contracts of $0.92 million (2010: $1.46 million).


Sales for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 increased by 79% to $32.08 million (2010: $17.88 million) compared to the same quarter a year ago. Recorded sales were comprised of $31.34 million of provisional sales plus $0.33 million of mark-to-market (value of provisional sales is adjusted over time as final commodity prices are set in a period subsequent to the date of sale based on a specific quotational period, either one or three months after delivery at the option of the customer, or one month after delivery) plus $0.41 million of final adjustments in Q3 2011. The sales increase, compared to Q3 2010, is a mainly a result of higher realized prices for silver, gold, lead, and zinc of 108%, 28%, 23%, and 25%, respectively, and higher silver, gold, and lead metal sold of 23%, 26%, and 1%, respectively.  Sales for San Jose for the period comprised only 21% of its commercial production. Build up inventory for September at San Jose is valued at $3.29 million at average selling prices.


For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, sales increased by 57% to $78.02 million (2010: $49.68 million), compared to last year.  The increase is mainly a result of higher realized prices for silver, gold, lead,  zinc, and copper of 104%, 25%, 20%, 16%, and 7%,  respectively, in spite of lower metal sold for lead, zinc, and copper of 4%, 11% and 94%, respectively.


Caylloma and San Jose Mine Metal Sold and Prices

Mine Metal Sold and Prices

QUARTERLY RESULTS

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2011

2011

Caylloma

San Jose

Caylloma

San Jose

    

Silver

Sales (Oz)*

577,902

20,189

1,456,915

20,189

Net Realized Price (US$/Oz)**

35.28

31.70

33.12

31.70

Gold

    

Sales (Oz)*

569

182

1,841

182

Net Realized Price (US$/Oz)**

1,154.00

1,278.19

1,073.31

1,278.19

Lead

    

Sales (000's lb)*

5,295

-

15,300

-

Net Realized Price (US$/lb)**

0.89

-

0.92

-

Zinc

    

Sales (000's lb)*

6,352

-

17,711

-

Net Realized Price (US$/lb)**

0.67

-

0.69

-

Copper

    

Sales (000's lb)*

-

-

52

-

Net Realized Price (US$/lb)**

-

-

2.65

-

* Contained metal in concentrate. The current and subsequent period may include final settlement quantity adjustments from prior periods.

** Calculated based on contained metals and after deductions, treatment, and refining charges.

Treatment charges are allocated to the base metals in Caylloma and to gold in San Jose.

Net realized prices are based on provisional sales and are calculated before governmental royalties.


Mine Metal Sold and Prices

QUARTERLY RESULTS

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

Three months ended

September 30,

Nine months ended

September 30,

2010

2010

Caylloma

Caylloma

  

Silver

  

Sales (Oz)*

487,408

1,400,252

Net Realized Price (US$/Oz)**

16.94

16.23

Gold

  

Sales (Oz)*

597

1,715

Net Realized Price (US$/Oz)**

924.01

877.73

Lead

  

Sales (000's lb)*

5,261

15,856

Net Realized Price (US$/lb)**

0.72

0.77

Zinc

  

Sales (000's lb)*

6,927

19,819

Net Realized Price (US$/lb)**

0.54

0.59

Copper

  

Sales (000's lb)*

260

800

Net Realized Price (US$/lb)**

2.55

2.47

* Contained metal in concentrate. The current and subsequent period may include final settlement quantity adjustments from prior periods.

** Calculated based on contained metals and after deductions, treatment, and refining charges.

Treatment charges are allocated to the base metals in Caylloma and to gold in San Jose.

Net realized prices are based on provisional sales and are calculated before governmental royalties.


Cost of sales, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, increased by 34% to $12.27 million (2010: $9.15 million) compared to last year.  The increase is primarily attributable to a 12% higher unit production cash costs and increased throughput from both San Jose and Caylloma of 28%. Refer to Caylloma Mine Production for discussion on cash cost per tonne of treated ore.


For the for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, cost of sales increased by 23% to $30.31 million (2010: $24.57 million) compared to last year.  The increase is primarily attributable to a 14% higher unit production cash costs and increased throughput of 12%.


Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 14% for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, to $5.01 million (2010: $4.41 million).  The increase is primarily attributable to a 23% increase in corporate general and administrative expenses to $2.53 million (2010: $2.05 million) mainly as a result of the NYSE listing and higher salaries related to the growth of the company.  The $0.20 million increase in the Mexican subsidiary is a result of the commencement of commercial production in Q3 2011.


For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 118% to $13.97 million (2010: $6.40 million).  The increase is primarily attributable to share-based payments of $3.59 million in 2011 compared to a net recovery of $1.18 million in 2010, a $1.86 million increase in corporate general and administrative expenses mainly as a result of the NYSE listing and higher salaries related to the growth of the company, and a $0.20 million increase in the Mexican subsidiary as a result of the commencement of commercial production in Q3 2011.


    

Expressed in $ millions

  

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

  

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

Corporate general and administrative expenses

$

2.53

$

2.05

$

7.07

$

5.21

Foreign exchange

 

(0.09)

 

0.06

 

0.03

 

0.04

Share-based payments

 

1.21

 

1.26

 

3.59

 

(1.18)

Peruvian subsidiary

 

0.94

 

1.04

 

2.54

 

2.33

Workers' participation

 

0.22

 

-

 

0.54

 

-

Mexican subsidiary

 

0.20

 

-

 

0.20

 

-

 

$

5.01

$

4.41

$

13.97

$

6.40


Exploration and evaluation costs, for the third quarter of September 30, 2011, increased to $0.44 million (2010: $0.10 million) as the Company pursues its exploration program.


Net gain on commodity contract, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, was $0.50 million (2010: loss $3.18 million).  The gain is related to short term contracts used to fix the final settlement price on metal contained in concentrate delivered throughout the period and explained by the rise in silver and base metal prices between June and September 2011. The Company does not use hedge accounting.


Interest income, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, increased by 29% to $0.20 million (2010: $0.15 million).  The increase in interest income is primarily attributable to marginally higher interest rates applied to higher cash and cash equivalents.


Interest expense, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, decreased by 67% to $0.14 million (2010: $0.40 million) compared to a year ago. The decrease is primarily attributable to the one time commitment fee in 2010 for the credit facility with the Bank of Nova Scotia.


Income taxes, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, increased by 199% to $4.64 million (2010: $1.55 million) due to higher income recorded at Bateas offset by an income tax recovery recorded at Cuzcatlan.  


For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, income taxes increased by 61% to $12.60 million (2010: $7.81 million) due to higher income recorded at Bateas offset by an income tax recovery recorded at Cuzcatlan compared to the prior year.  Income tax provision is comprised of $12.69 million of current income tax expense and $0.09 million of deferred income tax recovery mainly related to our Peruvian and Mexican operations.


Cash cost per silver ounce and cash cost per tonne (non-IFRS measures)


Cash cost per ounce and cash cost per tonne are key performance measures that management uses to monitor performance. In addition, cash costs are presented as they represent an industry standard method of comparing certain costs on a per unit basis. Management believes that certain investors use these non-IFRS measures to evaluate the Company’s performance. These performance measures have no meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies.


The following table presents a reconciliation of cash costs per tonne of processed ore and cash cost per ounce of payable silver to the cost of sales in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.


Consolidated Mine Cash Cost

Expressed in $'000's

Expressed in $'000's

 


Q3 2011

YTD

Q3 2011

Q3 2010

YTD

Q3 2010

Cost of sales 2, 3

12,269

30,311

9,145

24,572

Add / (Subtract)

    

Change in concentrate inventory


1,168

1,727

(156)

(10)

Depletion and depreciation in concentrate inventory


(403)

(574)

34

(119)

Workers participation


(1,132)

(2,705)

(459)

(1,439)

Depletion and depreciation 2


(2,056)

(5,308)

(1,653)

(4,616)

Cash cost


9,846

23,451

6,911

18,388

     

Total processed ore (tonnes)


144,099

361,028

112,886

322,399

     

Cash cost per tonne of processed ore ($/t)

68.33

64.96

61.22

57.03

Cash cost



9,846

23,451

6,911

18,388

Add / (Subtract)

    

By-product credits 1


(9,932)

(28,979)

(8,672)

(27, 281)

Refining charges


994

2,045

385

1,166

Cash cost applicable per payable ounce


908

(3,483)

(1,376)

(7,727)

Payable silver ounces


625,696

1,492,193

450,764

1,353,389

     

Cash cost per ounce of payable silver ($/oz)

1.45

(2.33)

(3.05)

(5.71)

1 By-product credits as included in the provisional liquidation

2 2010 and 2011 figures in accordance with IFRS

3 includes depletion, depreciation, distribution, community relations, and workers participation






Caylloma Mine Cash Cost

Expressed in $'000's

Expressed in $'000's

 


Q3 2011

YTD

Q3 2011

Q3 2010

YTD

Q3 2010

Cost of sales 2, 3


11,480

29,522

9,145

24,572

Add / (Subtract)

    

Change in concentrate inventory


(445)

114

(156)

(10)

Depletion and depreciation in concentrate inventory


86

(85)

34

(119)

Workers participation


(1,132)

(2,705)

(459)

(1,439)

Depletion and depreciation 2


(1,903)

(5,155)

(1,653)

(4,616)

Cash cost


8,086

21,691

6,911

18,388

Total processed ore (tonnes)


115,574

332,503

112,886

322,399

     

Cash cost per tonne of processed ore ($/t)

69.96

65.24

61.22

57.03

Cash cost


8,086

21,691

6,911

18,388

Add / (Subtract)

    

By-product credits 1


(8,820)

(27,867)

(8,672)

(27, 281)

Refining charges


638

1,689

385

1,166

Cash cost applicable per payable ounce


(96)

(4,487)

(1,376)

(7,727)

     

Payable silver ounces


531,961

1,398,458

450,764

1,353,389

     

Cash cost per ounce of payable silver ($/oz)

(0.18)

(3.21)

(3.05)

(5.71)

1 By-product credits as included in the provisional liquidation

2 2010 and 2011 figures in accordance with IFRS

3 includes depletion, depreciation, distribution, community relations, and workers participation



San Jose Mine Cash Cost

 

Expressed in $'000's

Q3 2011

YTD

Q3 2011

Cost of sales 2, 3

789

789

Add / (Subtract)

  

Change in concentrate inventory

1,613

1,613

Depletion and depreciation in concentrate inventory

(489)

(489)

Depletion and depreciation 2,

(153)

(153)

Cash cost

1,760

1,760

Total processed ore (tonnes)

28,525

28,525

   

Cash cost per tonne of processed ore ($/t)

61.70

61.70

Cash cost

1,760

1,760

Add / (Subtract)

  

By-product credits 1

(1,112)

(1,112)

Refining charges

356

356

Cash cost applicable per payable ounce

1,004

1,004

Payable silver ounces

93,735

93,735

   

Cash cost per ounce of payable silver ($/oz)

10.71

10.71

1 By-product credits as included in the provisional liquidation

2 2010 and 2011 figures in accordance with IFRS

3 includes depletion, depreciation, distribution, community relations, and workers participation

Commercial production commenced on September 1, 2011.


Liquidity and Capital Resources   


The Company’s cash and cash equivalents as at September 30, 2011 totalled $60.53 million, and short term investments totalled $2.20 million. Working capital amounted to $70.22 million.

 

During the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, cash generated by operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital items, income taxes paid, and net interest income received was $18.21 million (2010: $7.73 million).  Changes in non-cash working capital items amounted to $6.94 million (2010: $0.03 million), and income taxes paid and net interest income received amounted to $2.92 million (2010: $1.07 million), resulting in net cash provided by operating activities of $8.35 million (2010: $6.63 million).


During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, cash generated by operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital items, income taxes paid, and net interest income received was $41.05 million (2010: $20.76 million). Changes in non-cash working capital items amounted to $1.74 million (2010: $0.32 million), and income taxes paid and net interest income received amounted to $11.11 million (2010: $5.49 million), resulting in net cash provided by operating activities of $28.20 million (2010: $15.59 million).


Cash generated by operating activities before changes in working capital, income taxes, and interest income is calculated as follows (expressed in ‘000’s):


 

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

Notes

2011

2010

2011

2010

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income before income taxes and interest

$      14,886

$        1,030

 $      33,628

$      19,697

Items not involving cash

    

Depletion and depreciation

2,151

1,690

5,478

4,680

Share-based payments (recovery)

1,204

1,263

3,208

(1,177)

Unrealized (gain) loss on commodity contracts

(18)

3,721

(1,204)

(2,597)

(Gain) loss on disposal of mineral properties, property, plant and

equipment

(22)

14

(75)

121

Accrued interest on loans receivable and payable

5

7

17

36

 

18,206

7,725

41,052

20,760


Cash consumed by the Company, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, in investing activities totalled $10.56 million (2010: $11.39 million) with $26.32 million (2010: $11.13 million) for mineral properties, property, plant and equipment, $7.57 million (2010: advances $4.80 million) for net receipts on deposits on long term assets, $8.55 million net redemptions (2010: purchases $5.76 million) of short term investments, receipts of VAT of $0.40 million (2010: $1.22 million), and proceeds on disposal of mineral properties, property, plant, and equipment of $0.04 million (2010: $nil).  


Cash consumed by the Company, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, in investing activities totalled $38.21 million (2010: $33.30 million) with $60.43 million (2010: $22.34 million) for mineral properties, property, plant and equipment, $4.20 million (2010: advances $4.80 million) for net receipts on deposits on long term assets, $18.78 million net redemptions (2010: purchases $4.38 million) of short term investments, receipts of VAT of $0.80 million (2010: $1.79 million), and proceeds on disposal of mineral properties, property, plant, and equipment of $0.04 million (2010: $0.01 million).  The total investment in San Jose amounted to $40.69 million.


During the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, cash provided by financing activities totalled $0.63 million (2010: $0.01 million) includes repayment of finance lease obligations of $0.32 million (2010: $0.37 million), offset by cash provided by net proceeds on the issuance of common shares of $0.95 million (2010: $0.38 million).


During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, cash provided by financing activities totalled $0.53 million (2010: $31.01 million), repayment of finance lease obligations of $0.88 million (2010: $0.92 million), offset by cash provided by net proceeds on the issuance of common shares of $1.41 million (2010: $31.93 million).


In 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with the Bank of Nova Scotia for a $20 million senior secured revolving credit facility (“credit facility”) to be refinanced or repaid on or within two and one-half years or before December 2012. The credit facility is secured by a first ranking lien on Bateas and its assets and bears interest and fees at prevailing market rates. No funds were drawn from this credit facility during the period.


The Company has raised funds from two prospectus financings.  The details of the expected use of proceeds and actual use of proceeds are discussed below.


Prospectus February 18, 2010 Closed March 2, 2010

 

Prospectus December 17, 2010 Closed December 23, 2010

 

San Jose Project Financing

  

San Jose Project Financing**

 

Expressed in CAD $ millions

  

Expressed in CAD $ millions

 

Expected Use

of Proceeds*

Actual Use

of

Proceeds**



Variance

  

Expected Use

of Proceeds*

Actual Use

of

Proceeds**

Variance

Mine development

$             6.7

$             6.4

$              0.3

 

Planned expansion

$          14.5

$            -

$          14.5

Processing plant

16.6

20.5

(3.9)


Exploration programs

5.5

-

5.5

Tailings dam

1.9

4.3

(2.4)


Working Capital

17.7

-

17.7

Water and Infrastructure

3.0

2.9

0.1



   

Energy supply

-

2.5

(2.5)



   

Construction management

-

1.9

(1.9)



   

Total

$           28.2

$           38.5

$          (10.3)

 

Total

$          37.7

$            -

$          37.7

*excludes over-allotment

    

*excludes over-allotment

**US CAD FX rate at 1.0

    

** funds to be utilized post development


Management believes the Company’s cash position, along with its ongoing operations, in Caylloma and San Jose, and the credit facility, is sufficient to support the Company’s operating and capital requirements on an ongoing basis. Actual funding requirements may vary from those planned due to further acquisition opportunities. Management believes it will be able to raise equity capital or access debt facilities as required in both the short and long term, but it recognizes the uncertainty attached thereto.


Contractual Obligations


The Company expects the following maturities of its financial liabilities (including interest), finance leases, and other contractual commitments:


 

Expressed in $ millions

 

Expected payments due by period as at September 30, 2011

 

Less than 1

year


1 - 3 years

4 -5 years

After

5 years

Total

Trade and other payables

$           18.19

$             -

$            -

$              -

$         18.19

Due to related parties

0.03

-

-

-

0.03

Derivatives

0.03

-

-

-

0.03

Income tax payable

5.25

-

-

-

5.25

Long term liability

1.76

2.88

-

-

4.64

Operating leases

0.54

0.83

0.69

0.23

2.29

Decomissioning and restoration liability

0.96

1.02

0.84

2.22

5.04

 

26.76

4.73

1.53

2.45

35.47

  






As at September 30, 2011, capital commitments not disclosed elsewhere in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements include the development of the San Jose property located in Mexico of which $2.49 million forecasted to be expended within one year.

Guarantees and Indemnifications (expressed in $’000’s)


The Company may provide guarantees and indemnifications in conjunction with transactions in the normal course of operations. These are recorded as liabilities when reasonable estimates of the obligations can be made. Indemnifications that the Company has provided include obligation to indemnify:


*

directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries for potential liability while acting as a director or officer of the Company, together with various expenses associated with defending and settling such suits or actions due to association with the Company;

*

certain vendors of acquired company for obligations that may or may not have been known at the date of the transaction.


The Caylloma mine closure plan was approved in November 2009 with total closure costs of $3,587 of which $1,756 is subject to annual collateral in the form of a letter of guarantee, to be awarded each year in increments of $146 over 12 years based on the estimated life of the mine.  


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., a third party, has established a bank letter of guarantee on behalf of Bateas in favor of the Peruvian mining regulatory agency in compliance with local regulation associated with the approved Bateas’ mine closure plan, for the sum of $293.  This bank letter of guarantee expires 360 days from December 2010.  


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., has also established bank letters of guarantee totalling $54 to provide an annual guarantee associated with an office lease contract and truck rentals.  These bank letters of guarantee were renewed in June 2011 with expiry 360 days to June 2012.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or commitments that are expected to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that is material to investors, other than those disclosed in this MD&A and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes, other than operating leases.


Derivatives


 

Expressed in $ millions

 

September 30, 2011

December 31, 2010

 

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

Lead forward contracts

$        0.15

$              -

$             -

$         0.01

Zinc forward contracts

-

0.03

-

0.01

Silver forward contracts

0.95

-

-

0.11

Total

$        1.10

$        0.03

$             -

$         0.13

Net

$        1.07

  

$         0.13

     


The Company enters into forward commodity contracts as well as put and call option commodity arrangements to secure a minimum price level on part of its zinc and lead metal production.  As at the end of the period no such contracts are outstanding.    


Additionally, the Company enters regularly into short term forward and option contracts to fix the final settlement price of metal delivered in concentrates, where the final settlement price is yet to be set at a future quotational period according to contract terms.  The forward sale and option contracts are settled against the arithmetic average of metal spot prices over the month in which the contract matures.  No initial premium associated with these trades has been paid. 


Related Party Transactions


Refer to Note 9 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months periods ended September 30, 2011.


Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability directly, or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions.  Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control, related parties may be individuals or corporate entities.  A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties.


Significant Accounting Judgments and Estimates


The preparation of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these judgments and estimates. The condensed interim consolidated financial statements include judgments and estimates which, by their nature, are uncertain. The impacts of such judgments and estimates are pervasive throughout the condensed interim consolidated financial statements, and may require accounting adjustments based on future occurrences.  Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised and the revision affects both current and future periods. Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of judgments and estimates that management has made at the statement of financial position date, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following:


i.

Critical Judgments


•

The analysis of the functional currency for each entity of the Company.  In concluding that the United States dollar (“US$), with the exception of the parent entity and certain holding companies which have a Canadian dollar (“CAD$”) functional currency, management considered the currency that mainly influences the cost of providing goods and services in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates.  As no single currency was clearly dominant the Company also considered secondary indicators including the currency in which funds from financing activities are denominated and the currency in which funds are retained.

•

In concluding when commercial production has been achieved, the Company considered the following factors:

•

all major capital expenditures to bring the mine to the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management have been completed;

•

the mine or mill is operating within eighty percent of design capacity;

•

metallurgical recoveries are achieved within eighty percent of projections; and,

•

the ability to sustain ongoing production of ore at a steady or increasing level.


ii.

Estimates


•

The recoverability of amounts receivable which are included in the consolidated statements of financial position;

•

the estimation of assay grades of metal concentrates sold in the determination of the carrying value of accounts receivable which are included in the consolidated statements of financial position and included as sales in the consolidated statements of income;

•

the carrying value of the short term investments and the recoverability of the carrying value which are included in the consolidated statements of financial position;

•

the determination of net realizable value of inventories on the consolidated statements of financial position;

•

the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment which are included in the consolidated statements of financial position and the related depreciation included in the consolidated statements of income;

•

the determination of mineral reserve, carrying amount of mineral properties, and depletion of mineral properties included in the consolidated statements of financial position and the related depletion included in the consolidated statements of income;

•

the determination of the fair value of financial instruments and derivatives included in the consolidated statements of financial position;

•

the fair value estimation of share-based awards included in the consolidated statements of financial position and the inputs used in accounting for share-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of income;

•

the provision for income taxes which is included in the consolidation statements of income and composition of deferred income tax asset and liabilities included in the consolidated statement of financial position;

•

the inputs used in determining the net present value of the liability for provisions related to decommissioning and restoration included in the consolidated statements of financial position;

•

the inputs used in determining the various commitments and contingencies accrued in the consolidated statements of financial position; and,

•

the assessment of indications of impairment of each mineral properties and related determination of the net realizable value and write-down of those properties where applicable.


Financial Instruments and Related Risks


The Company’s financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest risk, and price risk. The Company’s Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk management framework and reviews the Company’s policies on an ongoing basis.  Refer to Note 15 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the Company’s Annual Information Form filed on Sedar.


Changes in Accounting Policies including Initial Adoption


The following standards and amendments to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for the Company’s annual accounting periods beginning January 1, 2012, or later:


i)

New Accounting Standards Impacting on or after January 1, 2012


IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures (Amendment)

The amendment, effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2011, with early application permitted, requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures relating to transfers of financial assets, where: financial assets are derecognized in their entirety, but where the entity has a continuing involvement in them; financial assets that are not derecognized in their entirety.


IAS 12 Income Taxes (Amendment)

IAS 12 Income Taxes, amendments regarding Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets introduces an exception to the existing principle for the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities arising on investment property measured at fair value, and the requirement that deferred tax on non-depreciable assets measured using the revaluation model in IAS 16 should always be measured on a sale basis.  The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2012.


ii)

New Accounting Standards Impacting on or after July 1, 2012


IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (Amendment)

The amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements require companies preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRSs to group together items within OCI that may be reclassified to the profit or loss section of the income statement. The amendments retain the 'one or two statement' approach at the option of the entity and only revise the way other comprehensive income is presented: requiring separate subtotals for those elements which may be 'recycled' (e.g. cash-flow hedging, foreign currency translation), and those elements that will not (e.g. fair value through OCI items under IFRS 9).  In addition, the tax associated with items presented before tax to be shown separately for each of the two groups of OCI items (without changing the option to present items of OCI either before tax or net of tax).

 

The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2012.


iii)

New Accounting Standards Impacting on or after January 1, 2013


IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements replaces the portion of IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements that addresses the accounting for consolidated financial statements, and SIC12 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities.  IFRS 10 establishes principles for the presentation and preparation of consolidated financial statements when an entity controls one or more entities.  This standard (i) requires a parent entity (an entity that controls one or more other entities) to present consolidated financial statements; (ii) defines the principle of control, and establishes control as a basis for consolidation; (iii) sets out how to apply the principle of control whether an investor controls an investee and therefore must consolidate the investee; and (iv) sets out the accounting requirements for the preparation of consolidated financial statements.  


IFRS 10 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted.  IFRS 10 may be adopted to an earlier accounting period, but in doing so, an entity must disclose the fact that it has early adopted the standard and apply IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements (as amended in 2011), IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (as amended in 2011).


IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements

IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 Interest in Joint Ventures and SIC-13 Jointly-Controlled Entities – Non-Monetary Contributions by Venturers.  This standard establishes the core principle that a party to a joint arrangement determines the type of joint arrangement in which it is involved by assessing its rights and obligations and accounts for those rights and obligations in accordance with that type of joint arrangement (joint operations or joint ventures).  This standard is effective for annual periods on or after January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted.


IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities

IFRS 12 combines the disclosure requirements for an entity’s interest in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and structured entities into one comprehensive disclosure standard.  This standard requires the disclosure of information that enable users of financial statements to evaluate the nature of, and risks associated with, its interest in other entities and the effects of those interests on its financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  This standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted, and entities are permitted to incorporate any of the new disclosures into their financial statements before that date.


IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement provides guidance on how to measure fair value, but does not change when fair value is required or permitted under IFRS. IFRS 13 defines fair value, sets out a single IFRS framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. IFRS 13 applies when another IFRS requires or permits fair value measurements or disclosures about fair value measurements (and measurements, such as fair value less costs to sell, based on fair value or disclosures about those measurements), except for: share-based payment transactions within the scope of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment; leasing transactions with the scope of IAS 17 Leases; measurements that have some similarities to fair value that are not fair value, such as net realizable value in IAS 2 Inventories; or value in use IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.  This standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted.


IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements

IAS 27 has the objective of setting standards to be applied in accounting for investments in subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities, and associates when an entity elects, or is required by local regulations, to present separate (non-consolidated) financial statements. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted. This standard will not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.


IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

IAS 28 prescribes the accounting for investments in associates and to set the requirements for the application of the equity method when accounting for investments in associates and joint ventures.  This standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted.


The Company anticipates that the application of these standards, amendments and interpretations will not have a material impact on the results and financial position of the Company.


iv)

New Accounting Standards Impacting on or after January 1, 2015


IFRS 9 Financial Instruments - Classification and Measurement

On 12 November 2009, the IASB issued IFRS 9 Financial Instruments as the first step in its project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes two primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized cost and fair value. The basis of classification depends on an entity’s business model and the contractual cash flow of the financial asset. Classification is made at the time the financial asset is initially recognized, namely when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.


IFRS 9 amends some of the requirements of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures including added

disclosures about investments in equity instruments measured at fair value in OCI, and guidance on financial liabilities and de-recognition of financial instruments. IFRS 9 must be applied starting January 1, 2013 with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting IFRS 9.


On July 22, 2011, the IASB agreed to defer the mandatory effective date to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015 with early application still permitted.


Other Data


Additional information related to the Company is available for viewing at www.sedar.com and the Company’s website at www.fortunasilver.com.


As at November 8, 2011, there are 481,465 DSU outstanding with a fair value of $3,256 and 374,788 (RSU outstanding with a fair value of $12,164 (2010: $131).


Share Position and Outstanding Warrants and Options


The Company’s outstanding share position as at November 8, 2011 is 123,599,221 common shares. In addition, a total of 5,222,789 incentive stock options are currently outstanding as follows:


Type of Security

No. of Shares

Exercise Price (CAD$)

Expiry Date

Incentive Stock Options:

1,792,289

$4.46

June 8, 2014

 

240,000

$1.35

February 5, 2016

 

200,000

$2.29

March 30, 2016

 

60,000

$1.75

May 8, 2016

 

200,000

$1.75

May 22, 2016

 

2,500

$0.85

July 5, 2016

 

225,000

$1.55

July 5, 2016

 

475,000

$1.66

July 10, 2016

 

225,000

$1.61

September 13, 2016

 

60,000

$0.85

January 11, 2017

 

520,000

$2.22

January 11, 2017

 

38,000

$0.85

June 27, 2017

 

25,000

$0.85

October 24, 2017

 

250,000

$2.52

February 5, 2018

 

470,000

$0.85

October 5, 2018

 

240,000

$0.85

November 5, 2018

 

200,000

$0.83

July 6, 2019

TOTAL OUTSTANDING OPTIONS

5,222,789

  


International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)


Effective January 1, 2011, Canadian publicly listed entities were required to prepare their financial statements in accordance with IFRS. Due to the requirement to present comparative financial information, the effective transition date is January 1, 2010.   Refer to Note 2 a) and 19 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months periods ended September 30, 2011.


Our IFRS conversion team identified three phases to our conversion: Scoping and Diagnostics, Analysis and Development, and Implementation and Review.


We have now completed our IFRS conversion project through implementation. Review and post-implementation will continue in future periods, as outlined below.


The following outlines our transition project, IFRS transitional impacts and the on-going impact of IFRS on our financial results.


Transitional Financial Impact


Equity Impact


As a result of the policy choices we have selected and the changes we were required to make under IFRS, we have recorded a reduction in our equity of approximately $1.29 million as at September 30, 2010. The table below outlines adjustments to our equity on adoption of IFRS on September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2010 for comparative purposes.


  

September 30,

December 31,

Expressed in $ millions

Notes

2010

2010

Shareholders' Equity, Canadian GAAP

 

$       154.54

$       206.01

Adjustments:

   

Effect of foreign exchange on inventory, deposits on long term assets, and mineral properties, property, plant and equipment

19 a)

(3.24)

(5.34)

Deferred income tax adjustments

19 b)

2.04

1.94

Transfer of accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings (deficit)

19 c)

2.90

2.90

Reset accumulated other comprehensive income to zero

19 c)

(2.90)

(2.90)

Adjustment to revise provisions

19 d)

(0.31)

(0.25)

Adjustment for depletion on mineral properties related to provisons

19 d)

0.22

0.23

Total IFRS adjustments to Shareholders' Equity

  

(1.29)

(3.42)

Shareholders' Equity, IFRS

  

$      153.25

$      202.59


Note: There may be differences due to rounding of decimal places


A reconciliation of our comprehensive income under Canadian GAAP and IFRS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and a discussion of the impact of IFRS on our cash flows are provided below.


Comprehensive Income Impact


As a result of the policy choices we have selected and the changes we were required to make under IFRS, we have also recorded an increase in our net income of approximately $1.8 million and $2.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. We have recorded a decrease in our total comprehensive income of approximately $0.8 million and $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.


The following is a summary of the adjustments to comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 under IFRS (all of which are outlined in the notes to our condensed interim consolidated financial statements):


  

Three months ended September 30, 2010

Nine months ended September 30, 2010



expressed in $ millions



Notes


CAD GAAP

Effect of

Transition

to IFRS



IFRS


CAD GAAP

Effect of

Transition

to IFRS



IFRS

Income (loss) for the period

   

$       (2.5)

$        1.8

$     (0.7)

$        8.7

$        2.9

$     11.6

Other comprehensive income (loss)

       

Transfer of unrealized loss to a realized loss upon reduction

of net investment, net of taxes


19 c)


1.4


(1.4)


-


2.0


(2.0)


-

Unrealized gain on translation of functional

currency to reporting currency


19 a)


1.9


(1.2)


0.7


1.7


(1.0)


0.7

Other comprehensive income

   

$       3.4

$       (2.6)

$       0.8

3.7

(3.0)

0.7

Total comprehensive income for the period

   

$       0.8

$       (0.8)

$           -

$      12.5

$      (0.1)

$     12.4

Note: There may be differences due to rounding of decimal places


Cash Flow Impact


The adoption of IFRS has had no material impact on the net cash flows of the Company.  The changes made to the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income has resulted in reclassifications of various amounts on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, however there is no net impact on cash and cash equivalents.


Financial Statement Presentation Changes


The transition to IFRS has resulted in financial statement presentation changes in our financial statements, most significantly on the consolidated statement of income.  The changes to the balance sheet relate mainly to the combining of mineral properties, property, plant and equipment and renaming of asset retirement obligations to provisions; future income tax liability to deferred income tax liabilities; and contributed surplus to share option and warrant reserve.


The following is a summary of the significant changes to our consolidated statement of income:


•

expenses by function and nature – our statement of income presents expenses by function.  Accordingly, depreciation, depletion, and accretion are no longer presented as a separate line item on the statement of income but depreciation and depletion are included in cost of sales. Unwinding of discount is included in interest expense;

•

government royalties to sales from selling, general and administrative expenses;

•

distribution costs to cost of sales from selling, general and administrative expenses;

•

community relation costs to cost of sales from selling, general and administrative expenses;

•

other income and expenses from interest and other income and expenses to selling, general and administrative expenses;

•

exploration and evaluation costs moved from selling, general and administrative expenses;

•

interest expense includes interest on debt financing and unwinding of discount; and,

•

current workers participation from income tax to cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses.


The above changes are reclassifications within our statement of income so there is no net impact to our income as a result of these changes.


Control Activities


For all changes to policies and procedures that have been identified, the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures has been assessed and any changes have been implemented. In addition, controls over the IFRS changeover process have been implemented, as necessary. We have identified and implemented the required accounting process changes that resulted from the application of IFRS accounting policies and these changes were not significant. We have completed the design, implementation and documentation of the internal controls over accounting process changes resulting from the application of IFRS accounting policies. We applied our existing control framework to the IFRS changeover process. All accounting policy changes and transitional financial position impacts were subject to review by senior management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.


Business Activities and Key Performance Measures


We have assessed the impact of the IFRS transition project on our financial covenants and key ratios. The transition did not significantly impact our covenants and key ratios that have an equity component.


We have also reviewed the impact of the IFRS transition project on our compensation arrangements. We have identified compensation arrangements that are calculated based on indicators in our financial statements. We are continuing to work with our Human Resources department to ensure that all compensation arrangements incorporate indicators from our financial statements prepared under IFRS in accordance with our compensation policies.


Information Technology and Systems


The IFRS transition project did not have a significant impact on our information systems for the convergence periods. We also do not expect significant changes in the post-convergence periods.


Review


The post-implementation phase will involve continuous monitoring of changes in IFRS in future periods. We note that the standard-setting bodies that determine IFRS have significant ongoing projects that could impact the IFRS accounting policies that we have selected. In particular, we expect that there may be additional new or revised IFRSs or IFRICs in relation to consolidation, joint ventures, financial instruments, hedge accounting, discontinued operations, leases, employee benefits, revenue recognition and stripping costs in the production phase of a surface mine. We also note that the International Accounting Standards Board is currently working on an extractive industries project, which could significantly impact our financial statements primarily in the areas of capitalization of exploration costs and disclosures. We have processes in place to ensure that potential changes are monitored and evaluated. The impact of any new IFRSs and IFRIC Interpretations will be evaluated as they are drafted and published.


Other Risks and Uncertainties


There have been no major changes from the reported risks factors outlined in the Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2011.


Controls and Procedures


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of September 30, 2011, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Based on the results of this evaluation the CEO and the CFO have concluded that such disclosure controls are sufficiently effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Company is made known to management and disclosed in accordance with the applicable securities laws.


Internal Control over Financial Reporting


The Company’s management, with the participation of its CEO and CFO, are responsible for establishing a system of internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability and integrity of the Company’s financial information and the preparation of its financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.


The Company’s management, including its CEO and CFO, believe that due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis.  Also, projection of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.


There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.


Outlook


For 2011, Fortuna’s consolidated production guidance is 2.4 million ounces of silver, 7,530 ounces of gold plus approximately 38.4 million pounds of combined lead and zinc production.  For the first two quarters of 2011, silver production at its Caylloma mine in Peru was 912,102 ounces, with 10.3 million pounds of lead and 11.9 million pounds of zinc as by products.  For 2012, the Company anticipates an increase in production to 3.7 million ounces of silver, 18,041 ounces of gold and approximately 39.8 million pounds of combined lead and zinc production.

San Jose is expected to produce 520,000 ounces of silver and 4,600 ounces of gold in 2011, and 1.7 million ounces of silver and 15,000 ounces of gold in 2012 at an estimated cash cost per silver ounce of US$5.04, net of by-products.


We now look forward to continue delivering production growth through the expansion of San Jose to 1,500 tonnes per day by third quarter of 2013.  In addition, we are scoping production expansion of our Caylloma mine for 2012.” said Jorge A. Ganoza, Fortuna President, CEO and Director.


The updated outlook is based on the mineral reserves reported in the Company’s release dated April 12, 2011.


2011 - 2019 San Jose Mine Plan (refer to release dated June 1, 2011)


The increase of the start-up production rate from 750 tpd to 1,000 tpd at San Jose has been made possible by recent underground development accessing approximately 255,000 tonnes of resources above level 1400, the first production level. The updated mine plan allows for an increase in the production and treatment rate to 1,500 tpd  by the third quarter of 2013, two and a half years ahead of the prefeasibility study released in April 2010.  


San Jose Mine’s Production Schedule Breakdown

 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Tonnes (milled)

120,000

360,000

422,300

540,000

540,000

540,000

540,000

540,000

168,719

3,771,019

Ag grade (g/t)

153

169

185

196

204

211

233

215

196

202

Au grade (g/t)

1.32

1.47

1.51

1.47

1.51

1.57

1.79

1.76

1.59

1.58

Ag recovery (%)

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

Au recovery (%)

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

Ag production (oz)

520,613

1,726,134

2,206,967

2,993,336

3,120,446

3,228,191

3,553,770

3,286,027

933,358

21,568,842

Au production (oz)

4,584

15,326

18,429

23,004

23,607

24,579

27,987

27,527

7,771

172,815


San Jose Mine Projected Operating Cost and Life of Mine Capital Expenditure

 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total Cash Cost per Tonne (US$/t)

51

50

45

43

44

43

43

43

56

CAPEX (US$M)

5.7

13.4

21.4

13.1

8.4

6.9

7.0

5.9

5.8


Consolidated Production Forecast for the Period 2011 - 2015 (refer to release dated June 1, 2011)


 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Silver (million oz)

2.4

3.7

4.1

4.9

4.9

Gold (oz)

7,368

18,041

21,143

25,948

27,083

Zinc (lbs)

22,387,109

23,227,528

21,934,455

22,559,726

19,745,217

Lead (lbs)

16,011,069

16,615,757

15,863,412

16,152,207

14,196,226


Planned silver and gold production expansion over the next 24 months


With the start of commercial operations at the San Jose mine in September, the Company is on a path to deliver sustained quarterly production growth to the planned annual rate of 4.9 million ounces of silver and 26,000 ounces of gold by Q4 2013.  In addition the Company is conducting an optimization study at the Caylloma mine.  This study is based on the 4 million tonnes of reserves, and the results, expected for Q1 2012, could lead to production expansions beyond the current 1,270 tpd.  


Mining tax in Peru


Effective October 1, 2011, the Peruvian Government approved a change in the tax law for the mining sector which consists of a progressive royalty scheme based on operating margins.  Management expects that the impact on taxes paid by its Peruvian subsidiary under the current metal price environment will be between 2 and 3 added percentage points.



Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information


Certain statements contained in this MD&A and any documents incorporated by reference into this MD&A constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategies”, “targets”, “goals”, “forecasts”, “objectives”, “budgets”, “schedules”, “potential” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things:

•

estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed;

•

timing of the completion of construction activities at the Company’s properties and their completion on budget;

•

production rates at the Company’s properties;

•

cash cost estimates;

•

timing to achieve full production capacity at the Company’s properties;

•

timing for completion of infrastructure upgrades related to the Company’s properties;

•

timing for delivery of materials and equipment for the Company’s properties; and

•

the sufficiency of the Company’s cash position and its ability to raise equity capital or access debt facilities.


Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, social, political and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The estimates and assumptions of the Company contained or incorporated by reference in this MD&A which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, (1) that all required third party contractual, regulatory and governmental approvals to the Offer will be obtained for the development, construction and production of its properties, (2) there being no significant disruptions affecting operations, whether due to labour disruptions, supply disruptions, power disruptions, damage to equipment or otherwise; (3) permitting, development, expansion and power supply proceeding on a basis consistent with the Company’s current expectations; (4) currency exchange rates being approximately consistent with current levels; (5) certain price assumptions for silver, lead, zinc and copper; (6) prices for and availability of natural gas, fuel oil, electricity, parts and equipment and other key supplies remaining consistent with current levels; (7) production forecasts meeting expectations; (8) the accuracy of the Company’s current mineral resource and reserve estimates; (9) labour and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with the Company’s current expectations; and (10) assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation.


In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, Mexico, the United States, Peru or other countries in which the Company does or may carry on business; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses; fluctuations in silver, lead, zinc and copper prices; title matters; uncertainties and risks related to carrying on business in foreign countries; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; currency exchange rate fluctuations; competition; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Risks and Uncertainties section in the MD&A and in the Risk Factors section in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com.


Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this MD&A. There can be no assurance that forward looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.