EX-99.6 7 exhibit99-6.htm MD&A FOR THE 3RD QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 Exhibit 99.6

Exhibit 99.6

 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except per share figures or otherwise stated)





Table of Contents

1. Core Business and Strategy 2
2. Highlights 2
3. Operating Performance 4
4. Financial Results 14
5. Liquidity and Capital Resources 16
6. Financial Instruments and Related Risks 19
7. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 22
8. Transactions with Related Parties 22
9. Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures 22
10. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 30
11. New Accounting Standards 31
12. Other MD&A Requirements 32
13. Outstanding Share Data 32
14. Risks and Uncertainties 33
15. Disclosure Controls and Procedures 34
16. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 34
17. Directors and Officers 34
Forward Looking Statements 35

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the significant factors that have affected Silvercorp Metals Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (“Silvercorp” or the “Company”) performance and such factors that may affect its future performance. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and the related notes contained therein. In addition, the following should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2016, the related MD&A, the Annual Information Form (available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com), and the annual report on Form 40-F. The Company reports its financial position, results of operations and cash flow in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). Silvercorp’s significant accounting policies are set out in Note 2 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, as well as Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2016. This MD&A refers to various non-IFRS measures, such as total and cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, all-in & all-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, cash flow from operations per share, and production costs per tonne. Non-IFRS measures do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. 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, in section 9 of this MD&A.

This MD&A is prepared as of February 1, 2017 and expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, unit cost, and production data, unless otherwise stated. Figures may not tie due to rounding.

1. Core Business and Strategy

Silvercorp Metals Inc. is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and mining of high-grade silver-related mineral properties in China. Silvercorp is the largest primary silver producer in China through the operation of several silver-lead-zinc mines at the Ying Mining District in Henan Province, China and its GC silver-lead-zinc project in Guangdong Province, China. The Company’s shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

2. Highlights

 

(a) Highlights for the three quarters ended December 31, 2016
  • Net income attributable to equity shareholders of $30.2 million, or $0.18 per share, up 284% compared with net income attributable to equity shareholders of $7.9 million or $0.05 per share in the prior year period;

  • Silver, lead and zinc metals sold up 28%, 32%, and 22%, respectively, from the prior year period, to approximately 5.2 million ounces silver, 56.1 million pounds lead, and 16.8 million pounds zinc.

  • Silver production for the three quarters has already surpassed the Fiscal 2017 annual production guidance by approximately 2%;

  • Sales of $129.4 million, up 46% compared to $88.5 million in the prior year period;

  • A 15%, 16%, and 15% increase in the head grades of silver, lead, and zinc compared to the prior year period;

  • A 13%, 13%, and 23% increase in the net realized selling prices of silver, lead, and zinc compared to the prior year period;

  • Gross margin improved to 54% from 34% in the prior year period;

  • Cash flows from operations of $75.6 million, an increase of $48.1 million compared to $27.5 million in the prior year period;

  • Cash production cost per tonne1 decreased by 14% to $59.26, from $69.12 in the prior year period;

____________________
1 Non-IFRS measure, see section 9 for reconciliation

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 2

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
  • Cash cost per ounce of silver1 , net of by-product credits, of negative $2.88, compared to $1.26 in the prior year period;

  • All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver1 , net of by-product credits, of $3.96, compared to $10.27 in the prior year period; and

  • Ended the period with $97.4 million in cash and short term investments, an increase of $35.4 million or 60% compared to $62.0 million as at March 31, 2016.

(b) Highlights for the third quarter Fiscal 2017

 

  • Net income attributable to equity shareholders of $13.1 million, or $0.08 per share, up 294% compared with net income attributable to equity shareholders of $3.3 million or $0.02 per share in the prior year quarter;

  • Silver, lead and zinc metals sold up 22%, 29%, and 21%, respectively, from the prior year quarter, to approximately 1.7 million ounces silver, 19.5 million pounds lead, and 5.7 million pounds zinc;

  • Sales of $47.8 million, up 64% compared to $29.1 million in the prior year quarter;

  • A 5%, 9%, and 15% increase in the head grades of silver, lead, and zinc compared to the prior year quarter;

  • A 15%, 52%, and 83% increase in the net realized selling prices of silver, lead, and zinc compared to the prior year quarter;

  • Gross margin improved to 58% from 33% in the prior year quarter ;

  • Cash flows from operations of $28.3 million, an increase of $18.7 million compared to $9.6 million in the prior year quarter;

  • Cash production cost per tonne of $60.51, down 8% compared with $65.59 in the prior year quarter;

  • Cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, of negative $5.48, compared to $0.90 in the prior year quarter; and

  • All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, of $1.87, compared to $7.72 in the prior year quarter.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 3

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

3. Operating Performance

The following table summarizes consolidated and each mining district’s operational information for the three months ended December 31, 2016:

  Three months ended December 31, 2016
  Ying Mining District1   GC2   Total  
             
Production Data            

Mine Data

           

Ore Mined (tonne)

171,303   81,481   252,784  

Ore Milled (tonne)

182,259   81,080   263,339  

 

           

+ Mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

80.53   38.90   67.12  

Cash mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

55.21   31.34   47.52  

Non cash mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

25.32   7.56   19.60  

 

           

+ Unit shipping costs($)

3.92   -   2.67  

 

           

+ Milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

11.03   15.50   12.40  

Cash milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

9.09   13.09   10.32  

Non cash milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

1.94   2.41   2.08  

 

           

+ Average Production Cost

           

Silver ($ per ounce)

5.41   5.68   5.67  

Gold ($ per ounce)

401   -   434  

Lead ($ per pound)

0.37   0.55   0.40  

Zinc ($ per pound)

0.32   0.49   0.35  

Other ($ per pound)

-   3.99   2.88  

 

           

+ Total production cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

(1.81 ) (8.45 ) (2.50 )

+ Total cash cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

(4.60 ) (13.11 ) (5.48 )

 

           

+ All-in sustaining cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

1.34   (6.12 ) 1.87  

+ All-in cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

1.46   (4.77 ) 2.12  

 

           

Recovery Rates

           

Silver (%)

95.1   75.4   92.8  

Lead (%)

96.7   85.5   95.4  

Zinc (%)

47.5   86.5   70.9  

 

           

Head Grades

           

Silver (gram/tonne)

303   89   237  

Lead (%)

4.8   1.4   3.7  

Zinc (%)

0.8   2.8   1.5  

 

           

Concentrate in stock

           

Lead concentrate (tonne)

4,656   10   4,666  

Zinc concentate (tonne)

670   29   699  
           
Sales Data            

Metal Sales

           

Silver (in thousands of ounces)

1,555   179   1,734  

Gold (in thousands of ounces)

0.7   -   0.7  

Lead (in thousands of pounds)

17,269   2,214   19,483  

Zinc (in thousands of pounds)

1,210   4,478   5,688  

Other (in thousands of pound)

-   28   28  

 

           

Metal Sales

           

Silver (in thousands of $)

21,664   1,746   23,410  

Gold (in thousands of $)

723   -   723  

Lead (in thousands of $)

16,658   2,085   18,743  

Zinc (in thousands of $)

995   3,775   4,770  

Other (in thousands of $)

-   192   192  
  40,040   7,798   47,838  

Average Selling Price, Net of Value Added Tax and Smelter Charges

           

Silver ($ per ounce)

13.93   9.75   13.50  

Gold ($ per ounce)

1,033   -   1,033  

Lead ($ per pound)

0.96   0.94   0.96  

Zinc ($ per pound)

0.82   0.84   0.84  

1 Ying Mining District includes mines: SGX, TLP, HPG,LM, BCG and HZG.
2 GC Silver recovery rate consists of 51.0% from lead concentrates and 24.4% from zinc concentrates.
2 GC Silver sold in zinc concentrates is subjected to higher smelter and refining charges which lower the net silver selling price.
+ Non-IFRS measures, see section 9 for reconciliation

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 4

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

The following table summarizes consolidated and each mining district’s operational information for the three months ended December 31, 2015:

  Three months ended December 31, 2015
  Ying Mining          
  District1   GC2   Total  
             
Production Data            

Mine Data

           

Ore Mined (tonne)

152,230   71,288   223,518  

Ore Milled (tonne)

151,035   71,593   222,628  

 

+ Mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

78.91   46.52   68.58  

Cash mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

55.63   38.22   50.08  

Non cash mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

23.28   8.30   18.50  

 

+ Unit shipping costs($)

3.99   -   2.72  

 

+ Milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

14.15   17.30   15.16  

Cash milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

11.67   15.16   12.79  

Non cash milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

2.48   2.14   2.37  

 

+ Average Production Cost

           

Silver ($ per ounce)

7.28   9.32   7.91  

Gold ($ per ounce)

453   747   508  

Lead ($ per pound)

0.38   0.59   0.42  

Zinc ($ per pound)

0.33   0.44   0.31  

Other ($ per pound)

-   0.01   0.01  

 

+ Total production cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

4.43   8.86   5.08  

+ Total cash cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

0.25   4.62   0.90  

 

+ All-in sustaining cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

6.62   9.80   7.72  

+ All-in cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

8.62   10.31   9.50  

 

Recovery Rates

           

Silver (%)

95.4   80.2   90.5  

Lead (%)

96.6   88.3   94.0  

Zinc (%)

50.2   81.2   60.2  

 

Head Grades

           

Silver (gram/tonne)

287   97   226  

Lead (%)

4.1   1.9   3.4  

Zinc (%)

0.8   2.6   1.3  

 

Concentrate in stock

           

Lead concentrate (tonne)

2,931   194   3,125  

Zinc concentate (tonne)

240   174   414  
 
Sales Data            

Metal Sales

           

Silver (in thousands of ounces)

1,216   210   1,426  

Gold (in thousands of ounces)

0.5   -   0.5  

Lead (in thousands of pounds)

12,107   3,021   15,128  

Zinc (in thousands of pounds)

1,168   3,525   4,693  

Other (in thousands of pound)

-   12,373   12,373  

 

Metal Sales

           

Silver (in thousands of $)

14,770   2,014   16,784  

Gold (in thousands of $)

379   20   399  

Lead (in thousands of $)

7,738   1,818   9,556  

Zinc (in thousands of $)

572   1,602   2,174  

Other (in thousands of $)

-   168   168  
  23,459   5,622   29,081  

Average Selling Price, Net of Value Added Tax and Smelter Charges

           

Silver ($ per ounce)

12.14   9.58   11.76  

Gold ($ per ounce)

756   768   756  

Lead ($ per pound)

0.64   0.60   0.63  

Zinc ($ per pound)

0.49   0.45   0.46  

1 Ying Mining District includes mines : SGX, TLP, HPG,LM, BCG and HZG.
2 GC Silver recovery rate consists of 63.4% from lead concentrates and 16.8% from zinc concentrates.
2 GC Silver sold in zinc concentrates is subjected to higher s melter a nd refining charges which lower the net silver selling price.
+ Non-IFRS measures, see section 9 for reconciliation

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 5

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

The following table summarizes consolidated and each mining district’s operational information for the nine months ended December 31, 2016:

  Nine months ended December 31, 2016
  Ying Mining          
  District1   GC2   Consolidated  
             
Production Data            

Mine Data

           

Ore Mined (tonne)

524,005   220,522   744,527  

Ore Milled (tonne)

530,160   220,767   750,927  

 

           

+ Mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

78.46   39.05   66.79  

Cash mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

52.18   31.04   45.92  

Non cash mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

26.28   8.01   20.87  

 

           

+ Unit shipping costs($)

3.86   -   2.72  

 

           

+ Milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

11.35   16.47   12.86  

Cash milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

9.31   13.76   10.62  

Non cash milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

2.04   2.71   2.24  

 

           

+ Average Production Cost

           

Silver ($ per ounce)

5.97   6.76   6.28  

Gold ($ per ounce)

437   -   471  

Lead ($ per pound)

0.33   0.49   0.35  

Zinc ($ per pound)

0.29   0.47   0.32  

Other ($ per pound)

-   0.02   0.02  

 

           

+ Total production cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

0.46   (2.32 ) 0.18  

+ Total cash cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

(2.43 ) (6.96 ) (2.88 )

 

           

+ All-in sustaining cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

3.11   (1.29 ) 3.96  

+ All-in cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

3.81   (0.63 ) 4.65  

 

           

Recovery Rates

           

Silver (%)

95.4   76.2   93.2  

Lead (%)

96.4   86.3   95.2  

Zinc (%)

46.0   86.3   68.0  

 

           

Head Grades

           

Silver (gram/tonne)

305   94   243  

Lead (%)

4.7   1.5   3.7  

Zinc (%)

1.0   2.9   1.5  

Concentrate in stock

           

Lead concentrate (tonne)

4,656   10   4,666  

Zinc concentate (tonne)

670   29   699  

 

           
Sales Data            

Metal Sales

           

Silver (in thousands of ounces)

4,675   511   5,186  

Gold (in thousands of ounces)

2.6   -   2.6  

Lead (in thousands of pounds)

49,898   6,237   56,135  

Zinc (in thousands of pounds)

4,815   11,991   16,806  

Other (in thousands of pounds)

-   8,579   8,579  

 

           

Metal Sales

           

Silver (in thousands of $)

65,953   5,268   71,221  

Gold (in thousands of $)

2,682   -   2,682  

Lead (in thousands of $)

38,723   4,656   43,379  

Zinc (in thousands of $)

3,308   8,514   11,822  

Other (in thousands of $)

-   303   303  
  110,666   18,741   129,407  

Average Selling Price, Net of Value Added Tax and Smelter Charges

           

Silver ($ per ounce)

14.11   10.31   13.73  

Gold ($ per ounce)

1,032   -   1,032  

Lead ($ per pound)

0.78   0.75   0.77  

Zinc ($ per pound)

0.69   0.71   0.70  

1 Ying Mining District includes mines: SGX, TLP, HPG,LM, BCG and HZG.
2 GC Silver recovery rate consists of 54.2% from lead concentrates and 22.0% from zinc concentrates.
2 GC Silver sold in zinc concentrates is subjected to higher smelter and refining charges which lowers the net silver selling price.
+ Non-IFRS measures, see section 9 for reconciliation

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 6

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

The following table summarizes consolidated and each mining district’s operational information for the nine months ended December 31, 2015:

  Nine months ended December 31, 2015
  Ying Mining          
  District1   GC2   Total  
             
Production Data            

Mine Data

           

Ore Mined (tonne)

490,351   207,561   697,912  

Ore Milled (tonne)

488,248   206,738   694,986  

 

+ Mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

80.15   49.33   70.98  

Cash mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

58.25   41.13   53.16  

Non cash mining cost per tonne of ore mined ($)

21.90   8.20   17.82  

 

           

+ Unit shipping costs($)

4.10   -   2.88  

 

           

+ Milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

14.40   17.72   15.39  

Cash milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

12.06   15.49   13.08  

Non cash milling cost per tonne of ore milled ($)

2.34   2.23   2.31  

 

           

+ Average Production Cost

           

Silver ($ per ounce)

7.63   8.98   8.08  

Gold ($ per ounce)

487   717   529  

Lead ($ per pound)

0.42   0.60   0.45  

Zinc ($ per pound)

0.36   0.51   0.38  

Other ($ per pound)

-   0.01   0.01  

 

           

+ Total production cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

4.50   7.11   4.83  

+ Total cash cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

1.03   2.78   1.26  

 

           

+ All-in sustaining cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

8.52   10.54   10.27  

+ All-in cost per ounce of Silver, net of by-product credits ($)

10.08   11.05   11.69  

 

           

Recovery Rates

           

Silver (%)

95.0   78.3   90.0  

Lead (%)

95.4   88.5   93.4  

Zinc (%)

53.3   82.4   61.9  

 

           

Head Grades

           

Silver (gram/tonne)

260   97   212  

Lead (%)

3.8   1.6   3.2  

Zinc (%)

0.8   2.5   1.3  

 

           

Concentrate in stock

           

Lead concentrate (tonne)

2,931   194   3,125  

Zinc concentate (tonne)

240   174   414  
             
Sales Data            

Metal Sales

           

Silver (in thousands of ounces)

3,538   519   4,057  

Gold (in thousands of ounces)

2.0   0.1   2.1  

Lead (in thousands of pounds)

35,563   7,072   42,635  

Zinc (in thousands of pounds)

3,999   9,726   13,725  

Other (in thousands of pound)

-   38,905   38,905  
             

Metal Sales

           

Silver (in thousands of $)

44,293   5,121   49,414  

Gold (in thousands of $)

1,609   43   1,652  

Lead (in thousands of $)

24,429   4,630   29,059  

Zinc (in thousands of $)

2,347   5,498   7,845  

Other (in thousands of $)

-   544   544  
  72,678   15,836   88,514  

Average Selling Price, Net of Value Added Tax and Smelter Charges

           

Silver ($ per ounce)

12.52   9.87   12.18  

Gold ($ per ounce)

799   789   798  

Lead ($ per pound)

0.69   0.65   0.68  

Zinc ($ per pound)

0.59   0.57   0.57  

1 Ying Mining District includes mines : SGX, TLP, HPG,LM, BCG and HZG.
2 GC Silver recovery rate consists of 57.56% from lead concentrates a nd 20.72% from zinc concentrates.
2 GC Silvers old in zinc concentrates is s ubjected to higher s melter and refi ning charges which l ower the net silver selling price.
+ Non-IFRS measures, sees ection 9 for reconciliation

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 7

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

(a) Mine and Milling Production

For the three months ended December 31, 2016 (“Q3 Fiscal 2017”), on a consolidated basis, the Company mined 252,784 tonnes of ore, up 13% compared to 223,518 tonnes in the three months ended December 31, 2015 (“Q3 Fiscal 2016”). The increase in ore mined was mainly due to a 13% increase in the ore mined at the Ying Mining District and a 14% increase in the ore mined at the GC Mine. Correspondingly, ore milled increased by 18% to 263,339 tonnes of ore compared to 222,628 tonnes in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, on a consolidated basis, the Company mined 744,527 tonnes of ore, a 7% increase compared to 697,912 tonnes in the same prior year period. In the same comparative period, ore milled increased by 8% to 750,927 tonnes ore compared to 694,986 tonnes.

(b) Metal Sales

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, the Company sold approximately 1.7 million ounces of silver, 19.5 million pounds of lead, and 5.7 million pounds of zinc, up 22%, 29% and 21%, respectively, compared to 1.4 million ounces of silver, 15.1 million pounds of lead, and 4.7 million pounds of zinc in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The increase of metals sold, on a consolidated basis, was mainly due to: i) a 5%, 9%, and 15% increase in the head grades of silver, lead and zinc, resulting largely from the ongoing dilution control measures and operation management improvements; and ii) a 18% increase of ore milled. In addition, as at the end of Q3 Fiscal 2017, Ying Mining District held 4,656 tonnes of silver-lead concentrate inventories, and the estimated metals contained in silver-lead concentrate were approximately 0.5 million ounces of silver and 5.3 million pounds of lead, compared to 2,931 tonnes of lead concentrate inventories containing approximately 0.3 million ounces of silver and 3.0 million pounds of lead held at December 31, 2015.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, on a consolidated basis, the Company sold approximately 5.2 million ounces of silver, 56.1 million pounds of lead, and 16.8 million pounds of zinc, up 28%, 32% and 22% compared to the same prior year period.

The significant improvement in the head grades of silver, lead and zinc and improved cost structures since the December quarter of 2015 can be attributed in part to an internal “Enterprise Blog” system in the management of Mine Production and Safety Information which the Company has implemented since August 2015.

(c) Mining and Milling Costs

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, the consolidated total mining cost and cash mining cost were $67.12 and $47.52 per tonne, a decrease of 2% and 5% as compared to $68.58 and $50.08 per tonne, respectively, in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The decrease in cash mining cost is mainly due to: i) a 22% decrease in per tonne mining preparation costs; and ii) a 2% decrease in per tonne mining contractor’s cost.

The consolidated total milling cost and cash milling cost in Q3 Fiscal 2017 were $12.40 and $10.32 per tonne, a decrease of 18% and 19%, respectively, compared to $15.16 and $12.79 per tonne, respectively, in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The decrease in cash milling costs is mainly due to: i) a 10% reduction on per tonne utility costs; ii) a 8% decrease in per tonne raw material and maintenance costs; and iii) the exclusion of mineral resource tax from milling costs. Prior to June 30, 2016, mineral resource tax was levied at RMB¥13.0 per tonne of ore milled and included as part of milling costs. Effective July 1, 2016, the mineral resource tax has been changed to a levy based on a certain percentage of sales, and therefore such tax is excluded from milling costs but expensed directly and included in government fee and other taxes.

Correspondingly, the consolidated cash production cost per tonne of ore processed in Q3 Fiscal 2017 decreased by 8% to $60.51 from $65.59 in Q3 Fiscal 2016, while the consolidated per tonne total production costs decreased by 5% to $82.19 from $86.47 in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the consolidated total mining cost and cash mining cost

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 8

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

were $66.79 and $45.92 per tonne, a decrease of 6% and 14% as compared to $70.98 and $53.16 per tonne, respectively, in same prior year period. The consolidated total milling cost and cash milling cost were $12.86 and $10.62 per tonne, a decrease of 16% and 19%, respectively, compared to $15.39 and $13.08 per tonne in the same prior year period.

Correspondingly, the consolidated cash production cost per tonne of ore processed for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 decreased by 14% to $59.26 from $69.12 in the same prior year period, while the consolidated per tonne total production costs decreased by 8% to $82.37 from $89.25 in the same prior year period.

(d) Total and Cash Cost per Ounce of Silver, Net of By-Product Credits

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, the consolidated total production cost and cash cost per ounce of silver, net of byproduct credits, were negative $2.50 and negative $5.48 compared to $5.08 and $0.90, respectively, in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The overall decrease in cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, is mainly due to lower per tonne cash production costs as discussed above and a 99% increase in by-product credits, arising from more lead and zinc sold as well as higher lead and zinc prices. Sales from lead and zinc accounted for 49% of the total sales in the current quarter and amounted to $23.5 million, an increase of $11.8 million, compared to $11.7 million in prior year quarter.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the consolidated total production cost and cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, were $0.18 and negative $2.88 compared to $4.83 and $1.26 in the same prior year period.

(e) All-in Sustaining Cost per Ounce of Silver, Net of By-Product Credits

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, the consolidated all-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, was $1.87 compared to $7.72 in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The decrease is mainly due to the lower per tonne cash production costs and the increase of by-products credits as discussed above, offset by a $1.3 million increase in sustaining capital expenditures.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the consolidated all-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, was $3.96 compared to $10.27 in the same prior year period.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 9

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

(f) Operation Review

 

(i) Ying Mining District

The Ying Mining District consists of several mines, including SGX, HPG, TLP, LM, BCG and HZG mines, and is the Company’s primary source of production.

The operational results at the Ying Mining District for the past five quarters, and for the nine month periods ending December 31, 2015 and 2016, are summarized in the table below:

Operational results - Ying Mining District                            
  Q3 2017   Q2 2017   Q1 2017   Q4 2016   Q3 2016     Nine Months ended December 31,
  December 31, 2016   September 30, 2016   June 30, 2016   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015     2016   2015  
Ore Mined (tonne) 171,303   179,194   173,508   99,415   152,230   524,005   490,351  
Ore Milled (tonne) 182,259   180,154   167,747   99,203   151,035   530,160   488,248  
Head Grades                            

Silver (gram/tonne)

303   302   308   310   287   305   260  

Lead (%)

4.8   4.9   4.4   4.0   4.1   4.7   3.8  

Zinc (%)

0.8   1.1   1.1   0.9   0.8   1.0   0.8  
Recoveries                            

Silver (%)

95.1   95.5   95.7   95.0   95.4   95.4   95.0  

Lead (%)

96.7   96.3   96.4   96.3   96.6   96.4   95.4  

Zinc (%)

47.5   42.9   48.4   57.6   50.2   46.0   53.3  
Metal Sales                            

Silver (in thousands of ounce)

1,555   1,630   1,490   857   1,216   4,675   3,538  

Gold (in thousands of ounce)

0.7   1.0   0.9   0.3   0.5   2.6   2.0  

Lead (in thousands of pound)

17,269   17,768   14,861   7,379   12,107   49,898   35,563  

Zinc (in thousands of pound)

1,210   1,785   1,820   999   1,168   4,815   3,999  
Cash mining cost ($ per tonne) 55.21   49.13   52.33   54.63   55.63   52.18   58.25  
Total mining cost ($ per tonne) 80.53   76.30   78.64   83.24   78.91   78.46   80.15  
Cash milling cost ($ per tonne) 9.09   8.85   10.07   13.70   11.67   9.31   12.06  
Total milling cost ($ per tonne) 11.03   10.86   12.25   17.38   14.15   11.35   14.40  
Cash production cost ($ per tonne) 68.22   61.79   66.27   71.90   71.29   65.35   74.41  
                             
Cash cost per ounce of silver ($) (4.60 ) (2.68 ) 0.12   2.83   0.25   (2.43 ) 1.03  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver ($) 1.34   2.33   5.80   8.92   6.62   3.11   8.52  

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, the total ore mined at the Ying Mining District was 171,303 tonnes, an increase of 13% compared to total ore production of 152,230 tonnes in Q3 Fiscal 2016. Total ore milled in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was 182,259 tonnes, an increase of 21% compared to 151,035 tonnes in Q3 Fiscal 2016. Silver and lead head grades improved by 6% and 16%, respectively, to 303 grams per tonne (“g/t”) for silver and 4.8% for lead from 287 g/t for silver and 4.1% for lead, respectively, in Q3 Fiscal 2016, resulting largely from the ongoing dilution control and operation management improvements. Head grade for zinc was 0.8%, comparable to 0.8% in the prior year quarter.

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, the Ying Mining District sold approximately 1.6 million ounces of silver, 700 ounces of gold, 17.3 million pounds of lead, and 1.2 million pounds of zinc, up 28%, 33%, 43%, and 4% respectively, compared to 1.2 million ounces of silver, 500 ounces of gold, 12.1 million pounds of lead, and 1.2 million pounds of zinc in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The increase in metals sold is mainly due to the improved head grades achieved and higher ore production in the quarter. In addition, as at the end of Q3 Fiscal 2017, Ying Mining District held 4,656 tonnes of silver-lead concentrate inventories, and the estimated metals contained in silver-lead concentrate were approximately 0.5 million ounces of silver and 5.3 million pounds of lead.

Total and cash mining costs per tonne in Q3 Fiscal 2017 were $80.53 and $55.21, respectively, compared to $78.91 and $55.63, respectively, in Q3 Fiscal 2016. Cash milling costs in Q3 Fiscal 2017 were $9.09 compared to $11.67 in Q3 Fiscal 2016 with the decrease mainly due to: i) a 15% reduction in per tonne utility costs; ii) a 4% decrease in per tonne labour costs; and iii) the exclusion of mineral resource tax from milling costs. Prior to June 30, 2016, mineral resource tax was levied at RMB¥13.0 per tonne of ore milled and included as part of milling costs. Effective July 1, 2016, mineral resource tax was changed to a levy based on a certain percentage of sales, and therefore such tax is excluded from milling costs but expensed directly and included in government fee and other taxes.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 10

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

Correspondingly, cash production cost per tonne of ore processed at the Ying Mining District was $68.22, a decrease of 4% compared to $71.29 in Q3 Fiscal 2016 as a result of the decrease in both per tonne cash mining and milling costs.

Cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the Ying Mining District, was negative $4.60 in Q3 Fiscal 2017 compared to $0.25 in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The decrease was mainly due to: i) lower per tonne cash production costs as discussed above; and, ii) a 111% increase in by-product credits arising from 43% and 4% increases in lead and zinc sold and 50% and 67% increases in net realized lead and zinc selling prices. Sales from lead and zinc accounted for 44% of the total sales at the Ying Mining District in the current quarter, and amounted to $17.7 million, an increase of $9.4 million, compared to $8.3 million in prior year quarter.

All in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the Ying Mining District in Q3 2017 was $1.34 per ounce of silver compared to $6.62 in Q2 Fiscal 2016. The decrease was mainly due to the lower per tonne cash production cost and the increase in by-product credits as discussed above, offset by a $1.2 million increase in sustaining capital expenditures.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the total ore mined at the Ying Mining District was 524,005 tonnes, up 7% compared to 490,351 tonnes in the same prior year period. Correspondingly, total ore milled was 530,160 tonnes, up 9% compared to 488,248 tonnes. Average head grades were 305 g/t for silver, 4.7% for lead, and 1.0% for zinc compared to 260 g/t for silver, 3.8% for lead, and 0.8% for zinc, respectively.

During the same time periods, the Ying Mining District sold approximately 4.7 million ounces of silver, 2,600 ounces of gold, 49.9 million pounds of lead, and 4.8 million pounds of zinc, compared to 3.5 million ounces of silver, 2,000 ounces of gold, 35.6 million pounds of lead, and 4.0 million pounds of zinc in prior year period.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the cash mining costs at the Ying Mining District was $52.18 per tonne, a decrease of 10% compared to $58.25 per tonne in the same prior year period. The cash milling cost was $9.31 per tonne, a decrease of 23% compared to $12.06 in the same prior year period.

Cash cost per ounce of silver and all in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the Ying Mining District, for the nine months ended December 31, 2016, were negative $2.43 and $3.11 respectively, compared to $1.03 and $8.52 in the same prior year period.

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, approximately 36,756 meters (“m”) of underground diamond drilling (Q3 Fiscal 2016 – 21,223 m) and 4,900 m of preparation tunnelling (Q3 Fiscal 2016 – 4,231 m) were completed and expensed as mining preparation costs at the Ying Mining District. In addition, approximately 17,823 m of horizontal tunnel, raise, and declines (Q3 Fiscal 2016 – 13,893 m) were completed and capitalized. Total capitalized exploration and development expenditures in Q3 Fiscal 2017 for the Ying Mining District were $5.7 million compared to $4.6 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, approximately 71,794 m of underground diamond drilling (same prior year period – 60,435 m) and 15,069 m of preparation tunnelling (same prior year period – 16,460 m) were completed and expensed as mining preparation costs at the Ying Mining District. In addition, approximately 50,500 m of horizontal tunnel, raise, and declines (same prior year period – 49,452 m) were completed and capitalized. Total capitalized exploration and development expenditures for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 for the Ying Mining District were $15.4 million compared to $16.4 million in same prior year period. The Company also paid $1.3 million to renew the mining permit for TLP and LM mine and $8.7 million to retire the mineral right fee payable the Company accrued in prior years for the mining permit for the SGX mine.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 11

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

(ii) GC Mine

The operational results of GC Mine for the past five quarters, and for the nine month periods ending December 31, 2015 and 2016, are summarized in the table below:

Operational results - GC Mine Q3 2017   Q2 2017   Q1 2017   Q4 2016   Q3 2016     Nine Months ended December 31,
  December 31, 2016   September 30, 2016   June 30, 2016   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015     2016   2015  
Ore Mined (tonne) 81,481   74,692   64,349   50,014   71,288     220,522   207,561  
Ore Milled (tonne) 81,080   76,100   63,587   50,124   71,593     220,767   206,738  
Head Grades                              

Silver (gram/tonne)

89   96   99   92   97     94   97  

Lead (%)

1.4   1.6   1.5   2.0   1.9     1.5   1.6  

Zinc (%)

2.8   2.8   2.9   2.7   2.6     2.9   2.5  
Recovery Rates                              

Silver (%)

75.4   76.2   76.8   79.1   80.2     76.2   78.3  

Lead (%)

85.5   86.6   86.9   84.9   88.3     86.3   88.5  

Zinc (%)

86.5   86.4   85.8   82.6   81.2     86.3   82.4  
Metal Sales                              

Silver (in thousands of ounce)

179   183   149   118   210     511   519  

Lead (in thousands of pound)

2,214   2,163   1,860   1,970   3,021     6,237   7,072  

Zinc (in thousands of pound)

4,478   4,106   3,407   2,576   3,525     11,991   9,726  
Cash mining cost ($ per tonne) 31.34   28.61   33.50   26.24   38.22     31.04   41.13  
Total mining cost ($ per tonne) 38.90   36.78   41.91   34.76   46.52     39.05   49.33  
Cash milling cost ($ per tonne) 13.09   12.94   15.60   16.99   15.16     13.76   15.49  
Total milling cost ($ per tonne) 15.50   15.57   18.81   20.67   17.30     16.47   17.72  
Cash production cost ($ per tonne) 44.43   41.55   49.10   43.23   53.38     44.80   56.62  
                               
Cash cost per ounce of silver ($) (13.11 ) (6.39 ) (0.28 ) (2.24 ) 4.62     (6.96 ) 2.78  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver ($) (6.12 ) (1.49 ) 4.76   1.19   9.80     (1.29 ) 10.54  

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, the Company mined 81,481 tonnes of ore at the GC Mine, an increase of 14% compared to 71,288 tonnes in Q3 Fiscal 2016. Total ore milled at the GC Mine in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was 81,080 tonnes, an increase of 13% compared to 71,593 tonnes in Q3 Fiscal 2016. Head grades were 89 g/t for silver, 1.4% for lead and 2.8% for zinc, compared to 97 g/t for silver, 1.9% for lead and 2.6% for zinc in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

The total mining cost and cash mining cost were $38.90 and $31.34, respectively, compared to $46.52 and $38.22 in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The decrease of cash mining costs arose mainly because approximately 29% of the ore was by-product ore from exploration tunnelling or extracted from previously mined stopes for which direct mining costs were paid in prior periods and the only cost involved was to ship the ore to the mill. The cash milling cost per tonne was $13.09, compared to $15.16 in Q3 Fiscal 2016, with the decrease mainly due to the exclusion of mineral resource tax from milling costs as discussed above.

Correspondingly, cash production cost per tonne of ore processed at the GC Mine was $44.43, a decrease of 17% compared to $53.38 in Q3 Fiscal 2016 as a result of the decrease in both per tonne cash mining and milling cost.

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, the GC Mine sold approximately 4.5 million pounds of zinc, an increase of 27%, compared to 3.5 million pounds of zinc in the prior year quarter as a result of the 11% increase in zinc head grade and higher output. Silver and lead sold at the GC Mine decreased by 15% and 27% to approximately 0.2 million ounces of silver and 2.2 million pounds of lead, respectively, compared to 0.2 million ounces of silver and 3.0 million pounds of lead sold in Q3 Fiscal 2016, with the decrease mainly due to lower head grades and recovery rates.

Cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the GC Mine, was negative $13.11 in Q3 Fiscal 2017 compared to $4.62 in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The decrease was mainly due to: i) lower per tonne cash production costs as discussed above; and, ii) a 68% increase in by-product credits, mainly arising from more zinc sold and higher lead and zinc prices. Sales from lead and zinc accounted for 75% of the total sales at the GC Mine in the current quarter, and amounted to $5.9 million, an increase of $2.4 million, compared to $3.4 million in the prior year quarter.

All in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the GC Mine in Q3 2017 was negative $6.12, compared to $9.80 in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The decrease was mainly due to: i) lower per

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 12

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

tonne cash production costs and the increase of by-product credits as discussed; and, ii) a $0.2 million decrease in sustaining capital expenditures.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the total ore mined at the GC Mine was 220,522 tonnes, an increase of 6% compared to 207,561 tonnes in the same prior year period. Correspondingly, total ore milled was 220,767 tonnes, an increase of 7% compared to 206,738 milled in the same prior year period. Average head grades were 94 g/t for silver, 1.5% for lead, and 2.9% for zinc compared to 97 g/t for silver, 1.6% for lead, and 2.5% for zinc, respectively.

During the same time periods, the GC Mine sold approximately 0.5 million ounces of silver, 6.2 million pounds of lead, and 12.0 million pounds of zinc, compared to 0.5 million ounces of silver, 7.1 million pounds of lead, and 9.7 million pounds of zinc in the same prior year period.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the cash mining costs at the GC Mine was $31.04 per tonne, a decrease of 25% compared to $41.13 per tonne in the same prior year period. The cash milling cost was $13.76 per tonne, a decrease of 11% compared to $15.49 in the same prior year period.

Cash cost per ounce of silver and all in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the GC Mine, for the nine months ended December 31, 2016, were negative $6.96 and negative $1.29 respectively, compared to $2.78 and $10.54 in the same prior year period.

In Q3 Fiscal 2017, approximately 3,935 m of underground diamond drilling (Q3 Fiscal 2016 – 4,202 m) and 4,640 m of tunnelling (Q3 Fiscal 2016 – 4,111 m) were completed and expensed as mining preparation costs at the GC Mine. In addition, approximately 554 m of horizontal tunnel, raise, and declines (Q3 Fiscal 2016 – 731 m) were completed and capitalized. Total capitalized exploration and development expenditures in Q3 Fiscal 2017 for the GC Mine were $0.5 million compared to $0.3 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, approximately 9,489 m of underground diamond drilling (same prior year period – 18,500 m) and 11,976 m of tunnelling (same prior year period –11,847 m) were completed and expensed as mining preparation costs at the GC Mine. In addition, approximately 1,685 m of horizontal tunnel, raise, and declines (same prior year period – 1,239 m) were completed and capitalized. Total capitalized exploration and development expenditures were $0.9 million compared to $0.8 million in the same prior year period.

(iii) BYP Mine

BYP mine has been placed on care and maintenance since August 2014 in consideration of the required capital upgrades to sustain its ongoing production and the market environment. The Company is reviewing alternatives for this project.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 13

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

4. Financial Results

The tables below set out selected quarterly results for the past eight quarters:

    Dec 31, 2016     Sep 30, 2016     Jun 30, 2016     Mar 31, 2016  
Sales   $47,838     $46,298     $35,271     $19,426  
Gross Profit   27,738     26,789     15,744     $6,193  
Expenses and foreigh exchange   (5,916 )   (5,673 )   (6,203 )   (7,189 )
Other Items   169     827     (221 )   (219 )
Net (loss) income   16,638     16,006     6,520     (727 )
Net (loss) income, attributable to the shareholders of the Company   13,115     12,378     4,674     (1,520 )
Basic (loss) earnings per share   0.08     0.07     0.03     (0.01 )
Diluted (loss) earnings per share   0.08     0.07     0.03     (0.01 )
Cash dividend declared   1,585     -     -     -  
Cash dividended declared per share (CAD)   0.01     -     -     -  
    Dec 31, 2015     Sep 30, 2015     Jun 30, 2015     Mar 31, 2015  
Sales   $29,081     $27,213     $32,220     $20,269  
Gross Profit   $9,538     8,828     11,456     5,224  
Expenses and foreigh exchange   3,981     (4,770 )   (7,280 )   (2,223 )
Other Items   (189 )   451     (151 )   (92 )
Net Income (Loss)   3,916     2,979     3,771     (130,070 )
Net income (Loss), attributable to the shareholders of the Company   3,326     2,234     2,296     (118,549 )
Basic earnings (loss) per share   0.02     0.01     0.01     (0.69 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   0.02     0.01     0.01     (0.69 )
Cash dividend declared   -     -     685     674  
Cash dividended declared per share (CAD)   -     -     0.005     0.005  

Financial results including sales, gross profit, net income, basic earnings per share, and diluted earnings per share are heavily influenced by changes in commodity prices, particularly, the silver and lead prices.

Net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was $13.1 million, or $0.08 per share, up 294% compared to $3.3 million, or $0.02 per share in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

In the current quarter, the Company’s financial results were mainly impacted by the following: i) improved head grades yielded higher silver, lead, zinc sales, up 5%, 9% and 15%, respectively; ii) a 8% decrease in total production costs per tonne of ore processed; and iii) the increase of metals prices, as the realized selling price for silver, lead, and zinc increased by 15%, 52% and 83%, respectively, compared to the same prior year quarter.

Net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company for nine months ended December 31, 2016 was $30.2 million, or $0.18 per share, up 284% compared to $7.9 million, or $0.05 per share in the same prior year period.

Sales in Q3 Fiscal 2017 were $47.8 million, up 64% compared to $29.1 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016. Silver and gold sales represented $23.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, while base metals represented $23.7 million of total sales in this quarter compared to silver, gold and base metals of $16.8 million, $0.4 million, and $11.9 million, respectively, in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

For nine months ended December 31, 2016, sales were $129.4 million, up 46% from $88.5 million in the same prior year period. Silver and gold sales represented $71.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively, while base metals represented $55.5 million of total sales in the current period compared to silver, gold and base metals of $49.4 million, $1.7 million, and $37.4 million, respectively, in the same prior year period.

Fluctuations in sales revenue are mainly dependent on metal production and the realized metal price. The net realized selling price is calculated using Shanghai Metal Exchange (“SME”) prices, less smelter charges and recovery, and a value added tax (“VAT”) at a rate of 17% (VAT is not applied to gold sales).

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 14

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s net realized selling prices in Q3 Fiscal 2017, including a comparison with London Metal Exchange (“LME”) prices:

    Silver (in US$/ounce)   Gold (in US$/ounce)   Lead (in US$/pound)   Zinc (in US$/pound)
    Q3 2017   Q3 2016     Q3 2017   Q3 2016     Q3 2017   Q3 2016     Q3 2017   Q3 2016  
Net realized selling prices $ 13.50 $ 11.76   $ 1,033 $ 756   $ 0.96 $ 0.63   $ 0.84 $ 0.46  
Add back: Value added taxes   2.30   2.00     -   -     0.16   0.11     0.14   0.08  
Add back: Smelter charges and recovery   2.83   2.07     229   350     0.09   0.19     0.43   0.41  
SME $ 18.63 $ 15.83   $ 1,262 $ 1,106   $ 1.22 $ 0.93   $ 1.41 $ 0.95  
LME $ 17.35 $ 14.99   $ 1,229 $ 1,105   $ 0.98 $ 0.76   $ 1.14 $ 0.73  

Cost of sales in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was $20.1 million compared to $19.5 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The cost of sales included $14.9 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - $13.5 million) cash costs and $5.2 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - $6.0 million) depreciation, amortization and depletion charges. The increase of cash cost of sales was mainly due to the increase of metals sold offset by an 8% decrease in cash production costs per tonne of ore processed. The total per tonne ore production cost was $82.19 in Q3 Fiscal 2017, a decrease of 5%, from $86.47 in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, cost of sales was $59.1 million (cash cost - $43.3 million) compared to $58.7 million (cash cost - $44.2 million) in the same prior year period. The decrease of cash cost of sales was mainly due to a 14% decrease in per tonne cash production costs while the increase of cost of sales is mainly due to more metals sold. The total per tonne ore production costs was $82.37 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016, an 8% decrease compared to $89.25 in prior year period.

Gross profit margin in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was 58% compared to 33% in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The improvement of gross profit margin was mainly due to: i) a 5%, 9%, and 15% increase in the head grades of silver, lead, and zinc; ii) a 5% decrease in per tonne ore production costs; and iii) the increase of metal prices. Ying Mining District’s gross profit margin was 61% compared to a 40% gross profit margin in the same prior year quarter, while GC Mine’s profit margin was 42% compared to a 3% gross profit margin in Q3 Fiscal 2016.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, gross profit margin was 54% compared to 34% in the same prior year period.

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses in Q3 Fiscal 2017 were $4.0 million compared to $3.1 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016. For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, G&A expenses were $12.5 million compared to $13.4 million in the same prior year period. Items included in general and administrative expenses in Q3 Fiscal 2017 and for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:

(i)     

Amortization and depreciation of $0.3 million and $1.0 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - $0.4 million, nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $1.2 million);

 

 
(ii)     

Office and administrative expenses of $1.4 million and $4.1 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - $0.7 million, nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $4.6 million);

 

 
(iii)     

Salaries and benefits of $1.8 million and $5.3 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - $2.1 million, nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $5.7 million);

 

 
(iv)     

Stock based compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.7 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - $0.2 million, nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $0.7 million); and

 

 
(v)     

Professional fees of $0.2 million and $1.5 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - a recovery of $0.3 million, nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $1.1 million).

Government fees and other taxes in Q3 Fiscal 2017 and nine months ended December 31, 2016 were $2.4 million and $5.9 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - $1.6 million, nine months ended December 31, 2015 -$4.8 million). Government fees include mineral resource compensation fees and environmental

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 15

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

protection fees paid to the state and local Chinese government agencies. Other taxes were composed of mineral resources tax, surtax on value-added tax, business tax, land usage levy, stamp duty, and other miscellaneous levies, duties and taxes imposed by the state and local Chinese governments. Although government fees and other taxes vary period over period, they normally range from 4% to 5% of total sales.

Foreign exchange gain in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was $0.4 million (nine months ended December 31, 2016 - $0.5 million) compared to $0.7 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016 (nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $2.1 million). The foreign exchange gain or loss is mainly driven by the fluctuations of the RMB and US dollar against the functional currency of the entities.

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was $0.4 million (nine months ended December 31, 2016 - $0.5 million) compared to $0.1 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016 (nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $0.1 million). The loss is related to the disposal of obsolete equipment.

Loss on disposal of a subsidiary in Q3 Fiscal 2017 and nine months ended December 31, 2016 were $nil compared to $460 in the same respective comparative periods. In November 2015, Songxian Gold Mining Co., Ltd., a 77.5% indirect owned subsidiary of the Company, disposed its 51% equity interest in Rongtai Mining Co., Ltd (“Rongtai”) for $11 (RMB ¥70) and resulting a loss of $460. Rongtai did not have any core assets other than its working capitals and equipment.

Share of gain or loss in an associate in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was a loss of $0.1 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - a gain of $0.1 million), representing the Company’s equity pickup in New Pacific Holdings Corp. (“NUX”). The Company recorded on the statement of income its proportionate share of NUX’s net gain or loss, as the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policies of NUX.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, share of gain in an associate was $0.2 million compared to the gain of $0.2 million in the same prior year period.

Impairment loss in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was $nil (Q3 Fiscal 2016 - $nil) while the impairment loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 was $0.2 million (same prior year period - $nil). In Q1 Fiscal 2017, the Company wrote off its 13.4% ownership interest in the RZY project and recorded an impairment charge of $181 against its carrying value. The RZY project is an exploration stage silver-lead-zinc project located in Qinghai Province, China, but has been put on care and maintenance for a prolonged period since October 2013 and there was no formal plan on restoring the project.

Finance income in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was $0.6 million compared to $0.5 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016. For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, finance income was $1.6 million compared to $1.1 million in the same prior year period. The Company invests in high yield short-term investments as well as long-term corporate bonds.

Finance costs in Q3 Fiscal 2017 were $0.2 million compared to $0.3 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016. For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, finance costs were $0.7 million compared to $0.8 million in the same prior year period. The finance costs mainly relate to the unwinding of discount of environmental rehabilitations provision and the interest on the mine right fee payable and the bank loan.

Income tax expense in Q3 Fiscal 2017 was $5.4 million compared to $1.5 in Q3 Fiscal 2016. The income tax expense recorded in Q3 Fiscal 2017 included current income tax expense of $4.7 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 – $0.5) and deferred income tax expense of $0.6 million (Q3 Fiscal 2016 – $1.0).

For the nine months ended December 31, 2017, income tax expense was $14.1 million (same prior year period - $3.2 million), which included current income tax expense of $10.3 million (same prior year period - $0.8) and deferred income tax expenses of $3.7 million (same prior year period - $2.4 million).

5. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as at December 31, 2016 were $97.4 million,

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 16

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

an increase of $35.4 million or 60% compared to $62.0 million cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as at March 31, 2016.

Working capital as at December 31, 2016 was $64.4 million.

Cash flows provided by operating activities in Q3 Fiscal 2017 were $28.3 million or $0.17 per share compared to $9.6 million or $0.06 per share in Q3 Fiscal 2016. Before changes in non-cash operating working capital, cash flows provided by operating activities were $26.4 million, an increase of $13.9 million or 111%, compared to $12.5 million in Q3 Fiscal 2016 as a result of the improvement of operating earnings.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, cash flows provided by operating activities were $75.6 million or $0.44 per share compared to $27.5 million or $0.16 per share in the same prior year period. Before changes in non-cash operating working capital, cash flows provided by operating activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 were $66.9 million, an increase of $35.9 million or 116%, compared to $31.0 million in the same prior year period.

Cash flows used in investing activities were $24.4 million in Q3 Fiscal 2017, comprising mainly of payments of $8.7 million to retire the mineral right fee payable the Company incurred in prior years for the mining permit of SGX mine, $6.2 million for capital mineral exploration and development expenditures, $1.4 million for plant and equipment, $0.8 million for other investments, $1.8 million for reclamation deposit, and $5.5 million for short term investments. In Q3 Fiscal 2016, cash used investing activities were $7.6 million, comprising of payments of $1.3 million capital mineral exploration and development expenditures, $2.6 million plant and equipment, $0.2 million short-term investment, and an instalment of $4.1 million to the mineral right fee payable for the mining permit of SGX mine, offset by $0.2 million proceeds on disposals of plant and equipment and $0.4 million proceeds on disposal of other investments.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, cash flows used in investing activities were $44.5 million, comprising mainly of payments of $8.7 million to retire the mineral right fee payable the Company incurred in prior years for the mining permit of SGX mine, $1.3 million to renew the mining permit for TLP and LM mine, $15.4 million for capital mineral exploration and development expenditures, $4.6 million for plant and equipment, $0.8 million for other investments, $2.2 million reclamation deposit, and $11.5 million for short term investments. For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, cash used in investing activities were $13.6 million, mainly comprising of payments of $10.1 million of capital mineral exploration and development expenditures, $5.6 million for plant and equipment, an instalment of $4.1 million to the mineral right fee payable for the mining permit of SGX mine, offset by $0.2 million proceeds on disposals of plant and equipment, $0.4 million proceeds on disposal of other investments, and $5.5 million net proceeds from short-term investments.

Cash flows used in financing activities in Q3 Fiscal 2017 were $1.4 million, comprising mainly of $1.6 million cash dividends to equity shareholders of the Company offset by $0.2 million cash from the issuance of common shares of the Company arising from exercised stock options. In Q3 Fiscal 2016, $3.7 million cash was used in financing activities, including a $1.6 million temporally advance to a non-controlling shareholder, $1.7 million distributions to non-controlling shareholders, and $0.4 million used for the share buyback.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, cash flow used in financing activities were $2.6 million, comprising mainly of $1.5 million cash distributed to non-controlling shareholders and $1.6 million cash dividends to equity shareholders of the Company, offset by $0.5 million cash from the issuance of the common shares of the Company arising from exercised stock options. In the same prior year period, cash used in financing activities were $6.3 million, including a $1.6 million temporally advance to a non-controlling shareholder, $1.7 million distributions to non-controlling shareholders, $1.3 million cash dividends to the equity shareholders of the Company, and $1.7 million used for the share buyback.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 17

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

Contractual commitments and contingencies not disclosed elsewhere in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis are as follows:

    Total     Less than 1 year     1-5 years     After 5 years  
Operating leases $ 3,972   $ 379   $ 3,079   $ 514  
Commitments $ 6,418   $ -   $ -   $ 6,418  

As of December 31, 2016, the Company has two office rental agreements totaling $3,972 for the next seven years and commitments of $6,418 related to the GC property. During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred rental expenses of $93 and $393, respectively (three and nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $144 and $479, respectively), which were included in office and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of income.

Although the Company has taken steps to verify title to properties in which it has an interest, these procedures do not guarantee the Company's title. Property title may be subject to, among other things, unregistered prior agreements or transfers and may be affected by undetected defects.

Due to the size, complexity and nature of the Company’s operations, the Company is subject to various claims, legal and tax matters arise in the ordinary course of business. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved unfavorably to the Company. The Company accrues for such items when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company and its legal counsel evaluate the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought. Major legal proceedings against the Company are summarized as follows:

  • An action commenced pursuant to the Class Proceedings Act (Ontario) against the Company and certain of its senior officers and expert advisors was initiated in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on May 21, 2013 relating to claims for misrepresentation, at common law and pursuant to secondary market civil liability provisions under the Securities Act (Ontario) (the “Mask Action”).
    The lead plaintiff is John Mask and the amount claimed as special damages or general damages, not including claims for costs and interest, is $80 million or such other sum the court finds appropriate in the event this action is certified and judgment pronounced at trial. Two other class action lawsuits have been filed against the Company and certain of its senior officers and expert advisors in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice pursuant to the Class Proceedings Act (Ontario) on September 11, 2013 and in the British Columbia Supreme Court pursuant to the Class Proceedings Act (British Columbia) on September 9, 2013. The Company understands that, as between the three actions, only the Mask Action is proceeding at this time. On October 22, 2015 the Ontario Superior Court of Justice denied Mr. Mask leave to proceed with a class action and awarded costs in favour of Silvercorp. An appeal with the Court of Appeal for Ontario was denied on August 24, 2016 with further costs awarded in favour of Silvercorp. On October 23, 2016 Mr. Mask filed an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. Subsequent to year end Mask discontinued the leave to appeal motion.

  • On August 19, 2014, an action was commenced against the Company in the Supreme Court of British Columbia seeking an unspecified amount of damages for a claim of false imprisonment and defamation (the “Huang Action”). The case is currently scheduled for a 60 day jury trial, commencing February 2018. The Company believes that there is no merit to the allegations and intends to pursue a vigorous defence.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 18

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
  • During the year ended March 31, 2016, an action was initiated by Luoyang Mining Group Co., Ltd. (“Luoyang Mining”) against Henan Found seeking payment of $1.6 million (RMB10.0 million) plus interest related to the acquisition agreements Henan Found entered into in August 2012 to acquire the XHP Mine. The $1.6 million has been included into the accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial position of the Company. Henan Found did not make the final payment as certain commercial conditions were not fulfilled by Luoyang Mining. In April 2016, Henan Found filed a counter claim in Luoyang People’s Court against Luoyang Mining to have the original acquisition agreements nullified and is seeking repayment of the amount paid to date of $9.7 million (RMB62.8 million) plus compensation of direct loss of $2.5 million (RMB16.5 million) arising from XHP mine. The carrying value of XHP mine was impaired to $nil in fiscal year 2015.

  • During the year ended March 31, 2016, SX Gold, a 100% owned subsidiary of Henan Found, commenced a legal action against Luoyang HA Mining Co. Ltd. (“HA Mining”) to seek payment of $4.0 million (RMB26.0 million) plus interest related to a share transfer agreement that SX Gold entered into with HA Mining in September 2013. Pursuant to the agreement, SX Gold was to transfer all shares it held in Songxian Zhongxin Mining Co. Ltd. to HA Mining for $11.8 million (RMB76.0 million). SX Gold fulfilled its responsibilities and the title of the shares was transferred to HA Mining, who paid $7.8 million (RMB50.0 million). The remaining $4.0 million (RMB26.0 million) was unpaid. In April 2016, HA Mining filed a counter claim for $2.2 million (RMB14.0 million). On June 17, 2016, the court issued an order in favor of SX Gold. The court order demands HA Mining to pay $3.4 million (RMB22.75 million) to SX Gold. On July 1, 2016, HA Mining filed an appeal to the court order. This case is currently under appeal. The outstanding receivable amount of $4.0 million (RMB26.0 million) was written off in prior years.

Available sources of funding

The Company does not have unlimited resources and its future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, among others, cash flow from operations. To the extent that its existing resources and the funds generated by future income are insufficient to fund the Company’s operations, the Company may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financing. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, the percentage ownership of current shareholders will be reduced and such equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the holders of the Company’s common stock. No assurance can be given that additional financing will be available or that, if available, can be obtained on terms favourable to the Company and its shareholders. If adequate funds are not available, the Company may be required to delay, limit or eliminate some or all of its proposed operations. The Company believes it has sufficient capital to meet its cash needs for the next 12 months, including the costs of compliance with continuing reporting requirements.

6. Financial Instruments and Related Risks

The Company manages its exposure to financial risks, including liquidity risk, foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and equity price risk in accordance with its risk management framework. 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.

(a) Fair value

The Company classifies its fair value measurements within a fair value hierarchy, which reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements as defined in IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures (“IFRS 7”).

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 19

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value level on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016 that are not otherwise disclosed. As required by IFRS 7, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

    Fair value as at December 31,2016  
Recurring measurements   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Financial assets                        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 66,974   $ -   $ -   $ 66,974  
Investments in publicly traded companies   1,026     -     -     1,026  
Luoyang Yongning Smelting Co. Ltd.(1)   -     -     -     -  
Jinduicheng Xise (Canada) Co. Ltd.(1)   -     -     -     -  
(1) Level 3 financial instruments                        
             
    Fair value as at March 31, 2016  
Recurring measurements   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Financial assets                        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 41,963   $ -   $ -   $ 41,963  
Investments in publicly traded companies   287     -     -     287  
Luoyang Yongning Smelting Co. Ltd.(1)   -     -     -     -  
Jinduicheng Xise (Canada) Co. Ltd.(1)   -     -     -     -  
(1) Level 3 financial instruments                        

The fair value of other financial instruments excluded from the table above approximates their carrying amounts as of December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016, respectively.

(b) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its short term business requirements. The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and its expansion plans.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum payments. The following summarizes the remaining contractual maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities.

          December 31,2016           March 31, 2016  
    Within a year     2-3 years     4-5 years     Total     Total  
Mine right fee payable $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ 9,766  
Bank loan   4,317     -     -     4,317     4,657  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   32,741     -     -     32,741     27,457  
  $ 37,058   $ -   $ -   $ 37,058   $ 41,880  

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 20

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

(c) Foreign exchange risk

The Company reports its financial statements in US dollars. The functional currency of the head office, Canadian subsidiaries and all intermediate holding companies is CAD and the functional currency of all Chinese subsidiaries is RMB. The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when the Company undertakes transactions and holds assets and liabilities in currencies other than its functional currencies.

The Company currently does not engage in foreign exchange currency hedging. The Company's exposure to currency risk affect net income is summarized as follow:

    December 31, 2016     March 31, 2016  
Financial assets denominated in U.S. Dollars $ 23,554   $ 24,968  
Financial assets denominated in Chinese RMB $ 6,979   $ 35,521  

As at December 31, 2016, with other variables unchanged, a 10% strengthening (weakening) of the RMB against the CAD would have increased (decreased) net income by approximately $0.7 million.

As at December 31, 2016, with other variables unchanged, a 10% strengthening (weakening) of the CAD against the USD would have decreased (increased) net income by approximately $2.4 million.

(d) Interest rate risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash equivalents, short term investments, bank loan and outstanding mine right fee payable. As at December 31, 2016, all of its interest-bearing cash equivalents and short term investments earn interest at market rates that are fixed to maturity or at variable interest rate with terms of less than one year. The Company monitors its exposure to changes in interest rates on cash equivalents and short term investments. Due to the short term nature of the financial instruments, fluctuations in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the Company’s after-tax net income.

(e) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. The Company is exposed to credit risk primarily associated to accounts receivable, due from related parties, cash and cash equivalents and short term investments. The carrying amount of assets included on the balance sheet represents the maximum credit exposure.

The Company undertakes credit evaluations on counterparties as necessary and has monitoring processes intended to mitigate credit risks. The Company has trade receivables from time to time from its major customers primarily in China engaged in the mining and milling of base and polymetallic metals. The historical level of customer default is zero and aging of trade receivables are no more than 180 days, and, as a result, the credit risk associated with trade receivables from customers as at December 31 , 2016 is considered to be immaterial. There were no amounts in receivables which were past due at December 31, 2016 (at March 31, 2016 - $nil) for which no provision is recognized.

(f) Equity price risk

The Company holds certain marketable securities that will fluctuate in value as a result of trading on Canadian financial markets. As the Company’s marketable securities holding are mainly in mining companies, the value will also fluctuate based on commodity prices. Based upon the Company’s portfolio at December 31, 2016, a 10% increase (decrease) in the market price of the securities held, ignoring any foreign currency effects would have resulted in an increase (decrease) to comprehensive income of approximately $1million.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 21

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

7. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

8. Transactions with Related Parties

Related party transactions not disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements are as follows:

Due from related parties   December 31, 2016     March 31, 2016  
NUX (a) $ 38   $ 13  
Henan Non-ferrous Geology Bureau (b)   50     90  
  $ 88   $ 103  
             
Due to related parties   December 31, 2016     March 31, 2016  
Parkside Management Ltd. (c) $ -   $ 179  

 

(a)     

According to a services and administrative costs reallocation agreement between the Company and NUX, the Company recovers costs for services rendered to NUX and expenses incurred on behalf of NUX. During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, the Company recovered $46 and $139, respectively (three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 - $40 and $177, respectively) from NUX for services rendered and expenses incurred on behalf of NUX. The costs recovered from NUX were recorded as a direct reduction of general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

 

 
(b)     

Henan Non-ferrous Geology Bureau (“Henan Geology Bureau”) is the 22.5% equity interest holder of Henan Found. During the nine months ended December 31, 2016, Henan Found declared and paid dividends of $1,460 (nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $1,282) to Henan Geology Bureau.

 

 
(c)     

Parkside Management Limited is a private consulting services company controlled by a director of the Company. For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company paid consulting fees of $250 and $250, respectively to Parkside Management Ltd (for three and nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $nil).

 

 
(d)     

The Company rents a Beijing office from a relative of a director and officer of the Company for $21 (RMB ¥130,746) per month. For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, total rents were $63 and $189, respectively (three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 - $63 and $189, respectively).

 

 
(e)     

Henan Xinhui Mining Co., Ltd. (“Henan Xinhui”) is a 20% equity interest holder of Henan Huawei. During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, Henan Huawei did not declare and pay any dividends to Henan Xinhui (for three and nine months ended December 31, 2015 - $651 and $651, respectively).

Transactions with related parties are made on terms agreed upon by the two parties. The balances with related parties are unsecured, non-interest bearing, and due on demand.

9. Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures

The following alternative performance measures are used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance of the Company’s mines and are widely reported in the silver mining industry as benchmarks for performance, but do not have standardized meaning. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 22

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. To facilitate a better understanding of these measures, the following tables provides the reconciliation of these measures to the financial statements for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

(a) Cash and Total Cost per Ounce of Silver

The Company assesses this measure in a manner that isolates the impacts of silver production volumes, the by-product credits, and operating costs fluctuations. The Company believes these measures provide investors and analysts with useful information about the Company’s underlying cash costs of operations and the impact of by-product credits on the Company’s cost structure, operating profitability and ability to generate cash flows. The Company includes by-product credits from lead, zinc and gold, as the Company considers these metals are incidental to the silver production process and as a result, the cost to produce the silver is reduced. Cash and total costs on a by-product basis are calculated by deducting by-product lead, zinc and gold sales revenues from the Company’s cash and total cost of sales, respectively. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and total cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Three months ended December 31, 2016
      Ying Mining              
      District     GC     Total  
Cost of sales A $ 15,560   $ 4,540   $ 20,100  
Amortization and depletion     (4,344 )   (834 )   (5,178 )

Total cash cost

B   11,216     3,706     14,922  
By-product sales                    

Gold

    (723 )   -     (723 )

Lead

    (16,658 )   (2,085 )   (18,743 )

Zinc

    (995 )   (3,775 )   (4,770 )

Other

    -     (192 )   (192 )
Total by-product sales C   (18,376 )   (6,052 )   (24,428 )
Silver ounces sold ('000s) D   1,555     179     1,734  
Total production cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits (A+C)/D $ (1.81 ) $ (8.45 ) $ (2.50 )
Total cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits (B+C)/D $ (4.60 ) $ (13.11 ) $ (5.48 )
                     
By-product credits per ounce of silver                    

Gold

  $ (0.46 ) $ -   $ (0.42 )

Lead

    (10.71 )   (11.65 )   (10.81 )

Zinc

    (0.64 )   (21.09 )   (2.75 )

Other

    -     (1.07 )   (0.11 )
Total by-product credits per ounce of silver   $ (11.81 ) $ (33.81 ) $ (14.09 )

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 23

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

Three months ended December 31, 2015
      Ying Mining              
      District     GC     Total  
Cost of sales A $ 14,072   $ 5,471   $ 19,543  
Amortization and depletion     (5,074 )   (891 )   (5,965 )

Total cash cost

B   8,998     4,580     13,578  
By-product sales                    

Gold

    (379 )   (20 )   (399 )

Lead

    (7,738 )   (1,818 )   (9,556 )

Zinc

    (572 )   (1,602 )   (2,174 )

Other

    -     (168 )   (168 )
Total by-product sales C   (8,689 )   (3,608 )   (12,297 )
Silver ounces sold ('000s) D   1,216     210     1,426  
Total production cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits (A+C)/D $ 4.43   $ 8.86   $ 5.08  
Total cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits (B+C)/D $ 0.25   $ 4.62   $ 0.90  
                     
By-product credits per ounce of silver                    

Gold

  $ (0.31 ) $ (0.10 ) $ (0.28 )

Lead

    (6.36 )   (8.65 )   (6.70 )

Zinc

    (0.47 )   (7.62 )   (1.52 )

Other

    -     (0.80 )   (0.12 )
Total by-product credits per ounce of silver   $ (7.15 ) $ (17.16 ) $ (8.62 )
                     
Nine months ended December 31, 2016
      Ying Mining              
      District     GC     Total  
Cost of sales A $ 46,851   $ 12,285   $ 59,136  
Amortization and depletion     (13,491 )   (2,370 )   (15,861 )

Total cash cost

B   33,360     9,915     43,275  
By-product sales                    

Gold

    (2,682 )   -     (2,682 )

Lead

    (38,723 )   (4,656 )   (43,379 )

Zinc

    (3,308 )   (8,514 )   (11,822 )

Other

    -     (303 )   (303 )
Total by-product sales C   (44,713 )   (13,473 )   (58,186 )
Silver ounces sold ('000s) D   4,675     511     5,186  
Total production cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits (A+C)/D $ 0.46   $ (2.32 ) $ 0.18  
Total cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits (B+C)/D $ (2.43 ) $ (6.96 ) $ (2.88 )
                     
By-product credits per ounce of silver                    

Gold

  $ (0.57 ) $ -   $ (0.52 )

Lead

    (8.28 )   (9.11 )   (8.36 )

Zinc

    (0.71 )   (16.66 )   (2.28 )

Other

    -     (0.59 )   (0.06 )
Total by-product credits per ounce of silver   $ (9.56 ) $ (26.36 ) $ (11.22 )

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 24

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

Nine months ended December 31, 2015
      Ying Mining              
      District     GC     Total  
Cost of sales A $ 44,289   $ 14,403   $ 58,692  
Amortization and depletion     (12,243 )   (2,245 )   (14,488 )

Total cash cost

B   32,046     12,158     44,204  
By-product sales                    

Gold

    (1,609 )   (43 )   (1,652 )

Lead

    (24,429 )   (4,630 )   (29,059 )

Zinc

    (2,347 )   (5,498 )   (7,845 )

Other

    -     (544 )   (544 )
Total by-product sales C   (28,385 )   (10,715 )   (39,100 )
Silver ounces sold ('000s) D   3,538     519     4,057  
Total production cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits (A+C)/D $ 4.50   $ 7.11   $ 4.83  
Total cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits (B+C)/D $ 1.03   $ 2.78   $ 1.26  
                     
By-product credits per ounce of silver                    

Gold

  $ (0.45 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.41 )

Lead

    (6.90 )   (8.92 )   (7.16 )

Zinc

    (0.66 )   (10.59 )   (1.93 )

Other

    -     (1.05 )   (0.13 )
Total by-product credits per ounce of silver   $ (8.02 ) $ (20.65 ) $ (9.64 )

 

(b) All-in & All-in Sustaining Cost per Ounce of Silver

All-in sustaining cost (“AISC”) per ounce and all-in cost (“AIC”) per ounce of silver are non-IFRS measures calculated based on guidance developed by the World Gold Council in an effort to provide a comparable standard within the precious metal industry. The measures do not have standardized meaning and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance to IFRS. These measures are used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance at each of the Company’s mining units and consolidated group, and are widely reported in the silver mining industry as a benchmark for performance.

AISC is an extension of the “cash cost” metric and provides a comprehensive measure of the Company’s operating performance and ability to generate cash flows. AISC is based on the Company’s cash production costs, net of by-product sales, and further include corporate general and administrative expense, government fee and other taxes, reclamation cost accretion, and sustaining capital expenditures. The Company believes that this measure represents the total sustainable costs of producing silver from current operations.

AIC further extends the AISC metric by including non-sustaining expenditures, mainly investment capital expenditures, which are deemed expansionary in nature that result in an increase in asset life, expanded mineral resources and reserves, or higher capacity and productivity.

The following tables provide a detailed reconciliation of these measures for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

      Ying Mining                 Developing            
Three month ended December 31, 2016     District     BYP     GC     Projects   Corporate     Total  
Cost of sales (as reported)   $ 15,560   $ -   $ 4,540   $ - $ -   $ 20,100  
Depreciation, amortization and depletion     (4,344 )   -     (834 )   -   -     (5,178 )
By-products credits     (18,376 )   -     (6,052 )   -   -     (24,428 )
Total cash cost, net of by-product credits     (7,160 )   -     (2,346 )   -   -     (9,506 )
General & administrative     1,202     455     455     81   1,757     3,950  
Amorization included in general & adminnistrative     (101 )   (92 )   (49 )   -   (43 )   (285 )
Government fees and other taxes     1,905     -     505         (1 )   2,410  
Reclamation accretion     85     9     6     2   -     102  
Sustaining capital     6,155     71     334     -   5     6,565  
All-in sustaining cost, net of by-product credits A $ 2,086   $ 443   $ (1,095 ) $ 84 $ 1,718   $ 3,236  
Non-sustaining expenditures     190     -     242     -   -     432  
All-in cost, net of by-product credits B $ 2,276   $ 443   $ (853 ) $ 84 $ 1,718   $ 3,668  
Ounces of silver sold C   1,555     -     179     -   -     1,734  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits A/C $ 1.34   $ -   $ (6.12 ) $ - $ -   $ 1.87  
                                   
All-in cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits B/C $ 1.46   $ -   $ (4.77 ) $ - $ -   $ 2.12  

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 25

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

      Ying Mining                 Developing            
Three months ended December 31, 2015     District     BYP     GC     Projects   Corporate     Total  
Cost of sales (as reported)   $ 14,072   $ -   $ 5,471   $ - $ -   $ 19,543  
Depreciation, amortization and depletion     (5,074 )   -     (891 )   -   -     (5,965 )
By-products credits     (8,689 )   -     (3,608 )   -   -     (12,297 )
Total cash cost, net of by-product credits     309     -     972     -   -     1,281  
General & administrative     1,464     160     624     130   762     3,140  
Amorization included in general & adminnistrative     (162 )   (112 )   (66 )   154   (204 )   (390 )
Government fees and other taxes     1,385     -     169     1   2     1,557  
Reclamation accretion     104     9     8     2   -     123  
Sustaining capital     4,950     -     354     -   2     5,306  
All-in sustaining cost, net of by-product credits A $ 8,050   $ 57   $ 2,061   $ 287 $ 562   $ 11,017  
Non-sustaining expenditures     2,426     -     107     -   -     2,533  
All-in cost, net of by-product credits B $ 10,476   $ 57   $ 2,168   $ 287 $ 562   $ 13,550  
Ounces of silver sold C   1,216     -     210     -   -     1,426  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits A/C $ 6.62   $ -   $ 9.80   $ - $ -   $ 7.72  
                                     
All-in cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits B/C $ 8.62   $ -   $ 10.31   $ - $ -   $ 9.50  

 

      Ying Mining                 Developing            
Nine months ended December 31, 2016     District     BYP     GC     Projects   Corporate     Total  
Cost of sales (as reported)   $ 46,851   $ -   $ 12,285   $ - $ -   $ 59,136  
Depreciation, amortization and depletion     (13,491 )   -     (2,370 )   -   -     (15,861 )
By-products credits     (44,713 )   -     (13,473 )   -   -     (58,186 )
Total cash cost, net of by-product credits     (11,353 )   -     (3,558 )   -   -     (14,911 )
General & administrative     4,106     905     1,417     180   5,854     12,462  
Amorization included in general & adminnistrative     (366 )   (291 )   (161 )   -   (133 )   (951 )
Government fees and other taxes     4,957     -     878     2   29     5,866  
Reclamation accretion     260     24     19     7   -     310  
Sustaining capital     16,932     76     747     -   7     17,762  
All-in sustaining cost, net of by-product credits A $ 14,536   $ 714   $ (658 ) $ 189 $ 5,757   $ 20,538  
Non-sustaining expenditures     3,260     -     336     -   -     3,596  
All-in cost, net of by-product credits B $ 17,796   $ 714   $ (322 ) $ 189 $ 5,757   $ 24,134  
Ounces of silver sold C   4,675     -     511     -   -     5,186  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits A/C $ 3.11   $ -   $ (1.29 ) $ - $ -   $ 3.96  
                                     
All-in cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits B/C $ 3.81   $ -   $ (0.63 ) $ - $ -   $ 4.65  

 

      Ying Mining                 Developing            
Nine months ended December 31, 2015     District     BYP     GC     Projects   Corporate     Total  
Cost of sales (as reported)   $ 44,289   $ -   $ 14,403   $ - $ -   $ 58,692  
Depreciation, amortization and depletion     (12,243 )   -     (2,245 )   -   -   $ (14,488 )
By-products credits     (28,385 )   -     (10,715 )   -   -   $ (39,100 )
Total cash cost, net of by-product credits     3,661     -     1,443     -   -     5,104  
General & administrative     5,057     673     1,667     375   5,619     13,391  
Amorization included in general & adminnistrative     (499 )   (346 )   (195 )   -   (204 )   (1,244 )
One-time severance charges included in general & administrative   -     -     -     -   (322 )   (322 )
Government fees and other taxes     4,121     1     601     6   24     4,753  
Reclamation accretion     312     28     24     7   -     371  
Sustaining capital     17,504     154     1,931     -   7     19,596  
All-in sustaining cost, net of by-product credits A $ 30,156   $ 510   $ 5,471   $ 388 $ 5,124   $ 41,649  
Non-sustaining expenditures     5,523     -     265     -   -     5,788  
All-in cost, net of by-product credits B $ 35,679   $ 510   $ 5,736   $ 388 $ 5,124   $ 47,437  
Ounces of silver sold C   3,538     -     519     -   -     4,057  
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits A/C $ 8.52   $ -   $ 10.54   $ - $ -   $ 10.27  
                                     
All-in cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits B/C $ 10.08   $ -   $ 11.05   $ - $ -   $ 11.69  

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 26

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

(c) Average Production Cost

The Company assesses average production cost as the total production cost on a co-product basis. This is calculated by allocating the Company’s total cost of sales to each co-product based on the ratio of actual sales volumes multiplied by realized sales prices. The following table provides a reconciliation of average production cost for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Three months ended December 31, 2016
      Ying Mining          
      District   GC   Total  
Cost of sales A $ 15,560 $ 4,540 $ 20,100  
Metals revenue ( in thousands of US$)                

Silver

B   21,664   1,746   23,410  

Gold

C   723   -   723  

Lead

D   16,658   2,085   18,743  

Zinc

E   995   3,775   4,770  

Other

F   -   192   192  
  G   40,040   7,798   47,838  
Metals sold                

Silver (in thousands of ounces)

H   1,555   179   1,734  

Gold (in thousands of ounces)

I   0.7   -   0.7  

Lead (in thousands of pounds)

J   17,269   2,214   19,483  

Zinc (in thousands of pounds)

K   1,210   4,478   5,688  

Other (in thousands of pounds)

L   -   28   28  
Average production cost ($/unit)                

Silver

B/G*A/H $ 5.41 $ 5.68 $ 5.67  

Gold

C/G*A/I $ 401 $ - $ 434  

Lead

D/G*A/J $ 0.37 $ 0.55 $ 0.40  

Zinc

E/G*A/K $ 0.32 $ 0.49 $ 0.35  

Other

F/G*A/L $ - $ 3.99 $ 2.88  

 

Three months ended December 31, 2015
      Ying Mining          
      District   GC   Total  
Cost of sales A $ 14,072 $ 5,471 $ 19,543  
Metals revenue ( in thousands of US$)                

Silver

B   14,770   2,014   16,784  

Gold

C   379   20   399  

Lead

D   7,738   1,818   9,556  

Zinc

E   572   1,602   2,174  

Other

F   -   168   168  
  G   23,459   5,622   29,081  
Metals sold                

Silver (in thousands of ounces)

H   1,216   210   1,426  

Gold (in thousands of ounces)

I   0.5   -   0.5  

Lead (in thousands of pounds)

J   12,107   3,021   15,128  

Zinc (in thousands of pounds)

K   1,168   3,525   4,693  

Other (in thousands of pounds)

L   -   12,373   12,373  
Average production cost ($/unit)                

Silver

B/G*A/H $ 7.28 $ 9.32 $ 7.91  

Gold

C/G*A/I $ 453 $ 747 $ 508  

Lead

D/G*A/J $ 0.38 $ 0.59 $ 0.42  

Zinc

E/G*A/K $ 0.33 $ 0.44 $ 0.31  

Other

F/G*A/L $ - $ 0.01 $ 0.01  

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 27

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

Nine months ended December 31, 2016
      Ying Mining          
      District   GC   Total  
Cost of sales A $ 46,851 $ 12,285 $ 59,136  
Metals revenue ( in thousands of US$)                

Silver

B   65,953   5,268   71,221  

Gold

C   2,682   -   2,682  

Lead

D   38,723   4,656   43,379  

Zinc

E   3,308   8,514   11,822  

Other

F   -   303   303  
  G   110,666   18,741   129,407  
Metals sold                

Silver (in thousands of ounces)

H   4,675   511   5,186  

Gold (in thousands of ounces)

I   2.6   -   2.6  

Lead (in thousands of pounds)

J   49,898   6,237   56,135  

Zinc (in thousands of pounds)

K   4,815   11,991   16,806  

Other (in thousands of pounds)

L   -   8,579   8,579  
Average production cost ($/unit)                

Silver

B/G*A/H $ 5.97 $ 6.76 $ 6.28  

Gold

C/G*A/I $ 437 $ - $ 471  

Lead

D/G*A/J $ 0.33 $ 0.49 $ 0.35  

Zinc

E/G*A/K $ 0.29 $ 0.47 $ 0.32  

Other

F/G*A/L $ - $ 0.02 $ 0.02  

 

Nine months ended December 31, 2015
      Ying Mining          
      District   GC   Total  
Cost of sales A $ 44,289 $ 14,403 $ 58,692  
Metals revenue ( in thousands of US$)                

Silver

B   44,293   5,121   49,414  

Gold

C   1,609   43   1,652  

Lead

D   24,429   4,630   29,059  

Zinc

E   2,347   5,498   7,845  

Other

F   -   544   544  
  G   72,678   15,836   88,514  
Metals sold                

Silver (in thousands of ounces)

H   3,538   519   4,057  

Gold (in thousands of ounces)

I   2.0   0.1   2.1  

Lead (in thousands of pounds)

J   35,563   7,072   42,635  

Zinc (in thousands of pounds)

K   3,999   9,726   13,725  

Other (in thousands of pounds)

L   -   38,905   38,905  
Average production cost ($/unit)                

Silver

B/G*A/H $ 7.63 $ 8.98 $ 8.08  

Gold

C/G*A/I $ 487 $ 717 $ 529  

Lead

D/G*A/J $ 0.42 $ 0.60 $ 0.45  

Zinc

E/G*A/K $ 0.36 $ 0.51 $ 0.38  

Other

F/G*A/L $ - $ 0.01 $ 0.01  

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 28

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

(d) Per Tonne Production Costs

 

Three months ended December 31, 2016     Ying Mining                    
      District     GC     Other     Consolidated  
Cost of sales   $ 15,560     4,540   $ -   $ 20,100  
Less: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Beginning     (5,982 )   (208 )   (840 )   (7,030 )
Add: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Ending     6,648     89     805     7,542  
Adjustment for foreign exchange movement     260     5     35     300  
Total production costs   $ 16,486   $ 4,426   $ -   $ 20,912  

Non-cash mining costs

A   4,338     616     -     4,954  

Non-cash milling costs

B   353     195     -     548  
Total non-cash production costs   $ 4,691   $ 811   $ -   $ 5,502  

Cash mining costs

C   9,458     2,554     -     12,012  

Shipping costs

D   680     -     -     680  

Cash milling costs

E   1,657     1,061     -     2,718  
Total cash production costs   $ 11,795   $ 3,615   $ -   $ 15,410  

Ore mined ('000s)

F   171.303     81.481     -     252.784  

Ore shipped ('000s)

G   173.521     81.481     -     255.002  

Ore milled ('000s)

H   182.259     81.080     -     263.339  
Per tonne Production costs                          

Non-cash mining costs ($/tonne)

I=A/F   25.32     7.56     -     19.60  

Non-cash milling costs ($/tonne)

J=B/H   1.94     2.41     -     2.08  
Non-cash production costs ($/tonne) K=I+J $ 27.26   $ 9.97   $ -   $ 21.68  

Cash mining costs ($/tonne)

L=C/F   55.21     31.34     -     47.52  

Shipping costs ($/tonne)

M=D/G   3.92     -     -     2.67  

Cash milling costs ($/tonne)

N=E/H   9.09     13.09     -     10.32  
Cash production costs ($/tonne) 0=L+M+N $ 68.22   $ 44.43   $ -   $ 60.51  
Total production costs ($/tonne) P=K+O $ 95.48   $ 54.40   $ -   $ 82.19  

 

Three months ended December 31, 2015     Ying Mining                    
      District     GC     Other     Consolidated  
Cost of sales   $ 14,072     5,471   $ -   $ 19,543  
Less: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Beginning     (4,452 )   (1,310 )   (881 )   (6,643 )
Add: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Ending     4,596     366     863     5,825  
Adjustment for foreign exchange movement     542     28     18     588  
Total production costs   $ 14,758   $ 4,555   $ -   $ 19,313  

Non-cash mining costs

A   3,544     592     -     4,136  

Non-cash milling costs

B   375     153     -     528  
Total non-cash production costs   $ 3,919   $ 745   $ -   $ 4,664  

Cash mining costs

C   8,469     2,725     -     11,194  

Shipping costs

D   607     -     -     607  

Cash milling costs

E   1,763     1,085     -     2,848  
Total cash production costs   $ 10,839   $ 3,810   $ -   $ 14,649  

Ore mined ('000s)

F   152.230     71.288     -     223.518  

Ore shipped ('000s)

G   152.230     71.288     -     223.518  

Ore milled ('000s)

H   151.035     71.593     -     222.628  
Per tonne Production costs                          

Non-cash mining costs ($/tonne)

I=A/F   23.28     8.30     -     18.50  

Non-cash milling costs ($/tonne)

J=B/H   2.48     2.14     -     2.37  
Non-cash production costs ($/tonne) K=I+J $ 25.76   $ 10.44   $ -   $ 20.88  

Cash mining costs ($/tonne)

L=C/F   55.63     38.22     -     50.08  

Shipping costs ($/tonne)

M=D/G   3.99     -     -     2.72  

Cash milling costs ($/tonne)

N=E/H   11.67     15.16     -     12.79  
Cash production costs ($/tonne) 0=L+M+N $ 71.29   $ 53.38   $ -   $ 65.59  
Total production costs ($/tonne) P=K+O $ 97.05   $ 63.82   $ -   $ 86.47  

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 29

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

Nine months ended December 31, 2016     Ying Mining                    
      District     GC     Other     Consolidated  
Cost of sales   $ 46,851   $ 12,285   $ -   $ 59,136  
Less: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Beginning     (4,729 )   (135 )   (869 )   (5,733 )
Add: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Ending     6,648     89     805     7,542  
Adjustment for foreign exchange movement     393     10     64     467  
Total production costs   $ 49,163   $ 12,249   $ -   $ 61,412  

Non-cash mining costs

A   13,770     1,767     -     15,537  

Non-cash milling costs

B   1,081     599     -     1,680  
Total non-cash production costs   $ 14,851   $ 2,366   $ -   $ 17,217  

Cash mining costs

C   27,341     6,846     -     34,187  

Shipping costs

D   2,033     -     -     2,033  

Cash milling costs

E   4,938     3,037     -     7,975  
Total cash production costs   $ 34,312   $ 9,883   $ -   $ 44,195  

Ore mined ('000s)

F   524.005     220.522     -     744.527  

Ore shipped ('000s)

G   526.049     220.522     -     746.571  

Ore milled ('000s)

H   530.160     220.767     -     750.927  
Per tonne Production costs                          

Non-cash mining costs ($/tonne)

I=A/F   26.28     8.01     -     20.87  

Non-cash milling costs ($/tonne)

J=B/H   2.04     2.71     -     2.24  
Non-cash production costs ($/tonne) K=I+J $ 28.32   $ 10.72   $ -   $ 23.11  

Cash mining costs ($/tonne)

L=C/F   52.18     31.04     -     45.92  

Shipping costs ($/tonne)

M=D/G   3.86     -     -     2.72  

Cash milling costs ($/tonne)

N=E/H   9.31     13.76     -     10.62  
Cash production costs ($/tonne) 0=L+M+N $ 65.35   $ 44.80   $ -   $ 59.26  
Total production costs ($/tonne) P=K+O $ 93.67   $ 55.52   $ -   $ 82.37  

 

Nine months ended December 31, 2015     Ying Mining                    
      District     GC     Other     Consolidated  
Cost of sales   $ 44,289   $ 14,403   $ -   $ 58,692  
Less: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Beginning     (1,195 )   (926 )   (904 )   (3,025 )
Add: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Ending     4,596     366     863     5,825  
Adjustment for foreign exchange movement     653     59     41     753  
Total production costs   $ 48,343   $ 13,902   $ -   $ 62,245  

Non-cash mining costs

A   10,739     1,702     -     12,441  

Non-cash milling costs

B   1,143     461     -     1,604  
Total non-cash production costs   $ 11,882   $ 2,163   $ -   $ 14,045  

Cash mining costs

C   28,562     8,537     -     37,099  

Shipping costs

D   2,010     -     -     2,010  

Cash milling costs

E   5,889     3,202     -     9,091  
Total cash production costs   $ 36,461   $ 11,739   $ -   $ 48,200  

Ore mined ('000s)

F   490.351     207.561     -     697.912  

Ore shipped ('000s)

G   490.351     207.561     -     697.912  

Ore milled ('000s)

H   488.248     206.738     -     694.986  
Per tonne Production costs                          

Non-cash mining costs ($/tonne)

I=A/F   21.90     8.20     -     17.82  

Non-cash milling costs ($/tonne)

J=B/H   2.34     2.23     -     2.31  
Non-cash production costs ($/tonne) K=I+J $ 24.24   $ 10.43   $ -   $ 20.13  

Cash mining costs ($/tonne)

L=C/F   58.25     41.13     -     53.16  

Shipping costs ($/tonne)

M=D/G   4.10     -     -     2.88  

Cash milling costs ($/tonne)

N=E/H   12.06     15.49     -     13.08  
Cash production costs ($/tonne) 0=L+M+N $ 74.41   $ 56.62   $ -   $ 69.12  
Total production costs ($/tonne) P=K+O $ 98.65   $ 67.05   $ -   $ 89.25  

 

10. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements. These critical accounting estimates represent management estimates that are uncertain and any changes in these estimates could materially impact the Company’s financial statements. Management continuously reviews its estimates and assumptions using the most current information available. The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates are described in Note 2 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and ended September 30, 2016, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements as of and ended March 31, 2016.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 30

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

(i) Ore reserve and mineral resource estimates

Ore reserves are estimates of the amount of ore that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s mining properties. The Company estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on information compiled by appropriately qualified persons relating to the geological and technical data on the size, depth, shape and grade of the ore body and suitable production techniques and recovery rates. Such an analysis requires complex engineering and geological judgements to interpret the data. The estimation of recoverable reserves is based upon factors such as estimates of foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, future capital requirements, and production costs along with engineering and geological assumptions and judgements made in estimating the size and grade of the ore body.

The Company estimates ore reserves in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects”, issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators. There are numerous assumptions including:

  • Future production estimates – which include proved and probable reserves, resource estimates and committed expansions;

  • Expected future commodity prices, based on current market price, forward prices and the Company’s assessment of the long-term average price; and

  • Future cash costs of production, capital expenditure and rehabilitation obligations.

As the economic assumptions used may change and as additional geological information is produced during the operation of a mine, estimates of reserves may change. Such changes may impact the Company’s reported financial position and results which include:

  • The carrying value of mineral rights and properties and plant and equipment may be affected due to changes in estimated future cash flows;

  • Depreciation and depletion charges in net income may change where such charges are determined using the units of production method, or where the useful life of the related assets change; and

  • The recognition and carrying value of deferred income tax assets may change due to changes in the judgements regarding the existence of such assets and in estimates of the likely recovery of such assets.

(ii) Impairment of assets

Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made, which is considered to be the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. These assessments require the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices (considering current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), discount rates, operating costs, future capital requirements, closure and rehabilitation costs, exploration potential, reserves and operating performance (which includes production and sales volumes). These estimates and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty. Therefore, there is a possibility that changes in circumstances will impact these projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets and/or cash generating units. Fair value is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. Fair value for mineral assets is generally determined as the present value of estimated future cash flows arising from the continued use of the asset, which includes estimates such as the cost of future expansion plans and eventual disposal, using assumptions that an independent market participant may take into account. Cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

11. New Accounting Standards

IFRS 15 – Revenue from contracts with customers, the standard on revenue from contacts with customers was issued in September 2015 and may be effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 for public entities with early adoption permitted. Entities have the option of

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 31

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt the guidance. The Company is assessing the impact of this standard.

IAS 7 - Statement of Cash Flows has been revised to incorporate amendments issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") in January 2016. The amendments require entities to provide disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of this standard.

IAS 12 - Income Taxes has been revised to incorporate amendments issued by the IASB in January 2016. The amendments clarify how to account for deferred tax assets related to debt instruments measured at fair value. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of this standard.

IFRS 16 - Leases was issued by the IASB and will replace Leases (“IAS 17”). IFRS 16 requires most leases to be reported on a company’s balance sheet as assets and liabilities. IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with early application permitted for companies that also apply IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new standard.

12. Other MD&A Requirements

Additional information relating to the Company:

(a)     

may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com;

 

 
(b)     

may be found at the Company’s web-site www.silvercorpmetals.com;

 

 
(c)     

may be found in the Company’s Annual Information Form; and,

 

 
(d)     

is also provided in the Company’s annual audited consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2016.

 

 

13. Outstanding Share Data

As at the date of this MD&A, the following securities were outstanding:

(a)     

Share Capital

Authorized - unlimited number of common shares without par value

Issued and outstanding – 167,307,320 common shares with a recorded value of $231.6 million

Shares subject to escrow or pooling agreements - $nil.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 32

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

(b) Options

As at the date of this report, the outstanding options comprise the following:

Number of Options Exercise Price (CAD$) Expiry Date
296,000 6.69 3/5/2017
141,000 6.53 6/17/2017
180,000 5.35 8/8/2017
184,000 5.40 12/3/2017
143,000 4.34 9/18/2019
177,250 3.91 3/7/2018
1,000,000 3.63 2/18/2020
182,125 3.25 6/2/2018
275,187 3.41 9/12/2018
139,187 2.98 1/21/2019
398,250 1.75 5/29/2019
257,202 1.76 10/14/2019
1,550,098 1.43 6/2/2020
3,528,088 0.66 12/30/2018
8,451,387    

 

14. Risks and Uncertainties

The Company is exposed to many risks in conducting its business, including but not limit to: metal price risk as the Company derives its revenue from the sale of silver, lead, zinc, and gold; credit risk in the normal course of dealing with other companies and financial institutions; foreign exchange risk as the Company reports its financial statements in USD whereas the Company operates in jurisdictions that utilize other currencies; equity price risk and interest rate risk as the Company has investments in marketable securities that are traded in the open market or earn interest at market rates that are fixed to maturity or at variable interest rates; inherent risk of uncertainties in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources; political risks; and environmental risk.

Management and the Board of Directors continuously assess risks that the Company is exposed to, and attempt to mitigate these risks where practical through a range of risk management strategies.

These and other risks are described in the Company’s Annual Information Form and NI 43-101 technical reports, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; Form 40-F; Audited Consolidated Financial Statements; and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended March 31, 2016. Readers are encouraged to refer to these documents for a more detailed description of some of the risks and uncertainties inherent to Silvercorp’s business.

Due to the recent volatility in metal prices, readers are especially encouraged to understand the significant impact of metal prices on the Company’s operations.

  • Metal Price Risk

The Company’s sales price for lead and zinc pounds is fixed against the Shanghai Metals Exchange, while gold ounces are fixed against the Shanghai Gold Exchange and silver ounces are fixed against the Shanghai White Platinum & Silver Exchange. These metal prices traditionally move in tandem with and at marginally higher prices than those quoted on the North American and European market places. The Company’s revenues are expected to be in large part derived from the mining and sale of silver, lead, zinc, and gold contained in metal concentrates. The prices of those commodities has fluctuated widely, particularly in recent years, and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control including international and regional economic and political conditions, expectations of inflation; currency exchange fluctuations; interest rates; global or regional supply and demand for jewellery and

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 33

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

industrial products containing silver and other metals; sale of silver and other metals by central banks and other holders, speculators and producers of silver and other metals; availability and costs of metal substitutes; and increased production due to new mine developments and improved mining and production methods. The price of base and precious metals may have a significant influence on the market price of the Company’s shares and the value of the properties. The effect of these factors on the price of base and precious metals, and therefore the viability of the Company’s exploration projects, cannot be accurately predicted.

If silver and other metals prices were to decline significantly or for an extended period of time, the Company may be unable to continue operations, develop the properties or fulfil obligations under agreements with the Company’s joint venture partners or under its permits or licenses.

15. Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate to allow for timely decision about public disclosure.

Management, including the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as at December 31, 2016, as defined in the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian Securities Administration. The evaluation included documentation review, enquiries and other procedures considered by management to be appropriate in the circumstances. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in annual filings, interim filings, and other reports we filed or submitted under United States and Canadian securities legislation was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in those rules.

16. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

17. Directors and Officers

As at the date of this report, the Company’s Directors and Officers are as follows:

Directors Officers
   
Dr. Rui Feng, Director, Chairman Rui Feng, Chief Executive Officer
   
Yikang Liu, Director Derek Liu, Chief Financial Officer
   
Paul Simpson, Director Lorne Waldman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary & General Counsel
 
David Kong, Director Alex Zhang, Vice President, Exploration
   
Malcolm Swallow, Director Luke Liu, Vice President, China Operations
   
  Gordon Neal, Vice President, Corporate Development

Mr. Alex Zhang, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of the Company, is a Qualified Person for Silvercorp under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and given consent to the technical information contained in this MD&A.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 34

 





SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

Forward Looking Statements

Certain of the statements and information in this MD&A constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. 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:

  • the price of silver and other metals;

  • estimates of the Company’s revenues and capital expenditures;

  • estimated ore production and grades from the Company’s mines in the Ying Mining District; and;

  • timing of receipt of permits and regulatory approvals.

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, risks relating to,

  • fluctuating commodity prices;

  • fluctuating currency exchange rates;

  • increasing labour costs;

  • exploration and development programs;

  • feasibility and engineering reports;

  • permits and licenses;

  • operations and political conditions;

  • regulatory environment in China and Canada;

  • environmental risks; and

  • risks and hazards of mining operations.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in this MD&A under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” and elsewhere. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

The Company’s forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this MD&A, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management’s assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 35