Orosur Mining Regulatory News (OMI)

11 Apr 2013 07:00

Orosur Mining Inc (‘OMI’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX: OMI) (AIM: OMI), the South American focused gold producer and explorer, today announces its results for the third quarter ending 28 February 2013.

Further to the announcement of 8 March, the Company reiterates that production for the quarter was 18,401 ounces (making 47,822 ounces for the three quarters ended 28 February 2013) and Orosur remains on track to achieve its forecast production target of 63,000 to 68,000 ounces for the full year. The Arenal Deeps ramp has been completed, with ore production targeted for April when development for the initial mining levels is complete.

On April, 9 the Company issued a progress report on its exploration at the Anillo and Pantanillo projects in Chile.

Operating and Financial Summary

Key Results Summary				3 months ended 28th February				9 Months Ended28th February
				2013		2012		2013		2012
Operating Results
Gold produced		Ounces		18,401		13,668		47,822		38,072
Cash cost2		$US/oz		999		1,104		1,093		1,020
Average price received		$US/oz		1,653		1,691		1,646		1,674
Financial Results
Revenue		$US ‘000s		30,033		26,013		80,535		68,024
Net income for the period after tax		$US ‘000s		3,494		4,954		6,995		11,931
Cash flow from operations3		$US ‘000s		8,029		6,808		16,552		17,031
Cash at the end of the period		$US ‘000s		5,156		15,381		5,156		15,381
Total debt at the end of the period		$US ‘000s		9,437		6,376		9,437		6,376

1Results are based on IFRS and expressed in US dollars

2Operating cash cost is total cost excluding royalties and capital tax on production assets

3Before non-cash working capital movements

Ignacio Salazar, Interim Managing Director, commented:

“In this quarter, the Company has completed the ramp at Arenal Deeps, production and costs have been brought in line with expectations, we have identified high priority drill targets at Anillo to start drilling in May and have been re-evaluating Quebrada Pantanillo as a high sulfidation gold system to improve the economics of the project. All of this is in line with our strategy to optimise returns to shareholders”.

Financial Performance

Cash flow from operations for the quarter was US$ 8.0 million and $US 16.6 million for the year to date, compared to US$ 6.8 million and $US 17.0 million for the corresponding quarter and year to date of the prior financial year The Company’s cash balance at 28th February 2013 of US$ 5.2 million compared to $US 3.8 million at 30th November 2012 and $US 11.4 million at 31 May 2012. This is in line with expectations. The Company has US$ 6.5 million of committed but unutilized lines of credit available and it is not planning to use them within the current plans of developments and gold price assumptions.

Production and Costs

Production for the quarter increased by 34.6 per cent year on year to 18,401 ounces (Q3 2012: 13,668 ounces). 47,822 ounces were produced during the three quarters (3Qs 2012: 38,071 ounces), an increase of 25.6 per cent. Cash operating costs for the quarter were $US 999 per ounce compared to $US 1,104 during the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Year to date, costs are $ 1,093 per ounce compared to $ 1,020 in the prior year. Production and cash costs have been improving and are in line with expectations this quarter despite having encountered some operational issues in the open pits which are not yet completely resolved: The grade of ore mined from the Crucera pit during the quarter improved due to a more appropriate mining approach and improved ore control practices. The reconciliation of ounces produced from open pits compared to reserve models showed both positive and negative variances to plan during the quarter. To reduce this variability an experienced geologist has been recruited to fill the vacant mine geology superintendent position. Increased focus is being put on in-pit mapping, geological modeling and additional infill drilling where necessary in order to improve reconciliations and provide increased certainty on reserves. Lower than planned availability of the large open pit fleet was experienced during the quarter. A number of initiatives have been taken to improve performance. The maintenance department has been restructured and commencement of the San Gregorio open pit expansion project delayed to allow time for major component changes to be completed. These initiatives have already started to show improvements. The Company also plans to purchase a new excavator for the large fleet in the first quarter of 2013/14 to improve productivity. Development of the ramp at Arenal Deeps was completed during the quarter, with ore production targeted for April when level development for the initial mining levels is complete. The production forecast for the full year remains on track to be in the range of 63,000 to 68,000 ounces. A stronger production from Arenal in the final quarter as development will transition from waste to ore and higher grade Arenal ore is the key to reach this target.

Exploration Chile

Anillo – successful completion of CSAMT (Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magneto Telluric) survey, to pinpoint the location of sub-vertical silica-bearing structures which may host economic gold-silver mineralization. The Company will commence drill testing the highest priority targets in May, 2013. Pantanillo - new geological mapping and sampling has confirmed the evidence of a high sulfidation gold system under a steam heated zone at Quebrada Pantanillo. Additional activities over the last 6 months have been focused on the evaluation of new, potentially higher grade, exploration targets that lie outside of the existing mineral resource. This potential high sulfidation gold system is located approximately 4 kilometres East-Southeast of Pantanillo Norte where the Company has defined a maiden National Instrument 43-101 measured and indicated mineral resource of 47 million tonnes at 0.69 grams of gold per tonne for 1.05 Million ounces of gold. The Company is currently evaluating the next summer campaign including geophysics and drilling at the new areas is expected to start in November 2013.

Exploration Uruguay Brownfield

During the first half of 2012/13, 44 drill holes equal to 4,530 meters were completed at the Mahoma project (approximately 400 kilometres from the San Gregorio mine). This included 1,560 metres of diamond drilling and 2,970 metres of reverse circulation drilling (of which 1,830 meters were for pre-collars). Assay results received for the final 9 holes during the quarter are shown in the table below.

An NI-43-101 compliant resource is planned to be announced over the next two months with the final report expected to be lodged subsequently. Following the completion of this resource estimate, the Company anticipates the commencement of a mining feasibility study which assumes ore being trucked to the San Gregorio operation for processing.

The table below shows only the holes which had mineralized intercepts.

HoleNumber		frommeters		tometers		intervalmeters		Au g/t
MHDD047		54.6		57.6		3.0		2.9
MHDD050		23		25		2.0		2.16
MHDD050		99.5		100		0.5		11.1
MHDD051		60.2		61.75		1.55		2.38
MHDD052		85.5		86		0.5		26.0
MHDD053		40		41		1.0		10.70
MHDD053		45		48		3		4.44
MHDD057		79		81.8		2.8		2.63

* intercepts consider a cut-off grade of 2.0 g/t and may include up-to 2 meters of below the cut-off grade

At Sobresaliente (6 kilometers from the mine), 14 holes for 1,444 meters of drilling were completed during the quarter with the objective of expanding resources and reserves. Drilling confirmed the existence of good grades and widths beneath the currently planned pit at Sobresaliente north. Drilling intercepts are reported in the following table.

The table below shows only the holes which had mineralized intercepts.

HoleNumber		frommeters		tometers		intervalmeters		Au g/t
SSRC107		49		60		11		1.13
SSRC109		11		13		2		1.71
SSRC109		72		88		16		2.58
SSRC110		71		96		25		1.69
SSRC111		58		74		16		4.26

* intercepts consider a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t and may include up-to 2 meters of below the cut-off grade

At Argentinita (29 kilometers from the mine), 11 holes for 2,087 meters were drilled during the quarter to investigate the potential to expand underground resources. The partial (not all intercepts tested) results of 7 out of the 11 holes below show the potential for extensions to mineralization, and follow-up drilling will be required to define resources in these zones.

The table below shows only the holes which had mineralized intercepts.

Hole Number		frommeters		tometers		intervalmeters		Au g/t
ARGRC13-426		168		178		10		2.38
ARGRC13-428		104		105		1.0		3.15
ARGRC13-428		113		115		3.0		2.34
ARGRC13-430		107		110		3.0		2.55
ARGRC13-431		119		121		3.0		2.53
ARGRC13-433		128		131		3.0		1.44
ARGRC13-434		142		145		3.0		2.42

* intercepts consider a cut-off grade of 1.0 g/t and may include up-to 2 meters of below the cut-off grade

Exploration Uruguay Greenfield

Nine projects are currently under review as part of the Company´s greenfield exploration program in Uruguay. Geological mapping, sampling and shallow RAB drilling was carried out in areas with gold mineralization in quartz veins within granitic rock and shear zones in basement rocks, 732 rock and soil samples were sent to the lab and evaluation of these projects is ongoing.

ENDS

Qualified Person's Statement

The information presented in this press release has been reviewed by Walter Muehlebach, GM Exploration of OMI and is considered to be in compliance with NI 43-101 reporting guidelines. Mr Muehlebach is a graduate in Geology of the Universidad Católica del Norte (Chile) and a member of the Chilean Comisión Calificadora de Competencias en Recursos y Reservas Mineras, and has 23 years of experience in the field of mineral exploration.

About Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. is a fully integrated gold producer and exploration company focused on identifying and developing gold projects in Latin America. The Company operates the only producing gold mine in Uruguay (San Gregorio), and has assembled an exploration portfolio of high quality assets in Uruguay and Chile. The Company is quoted in Canada (OMI.TO) and London (OMI).

Forward Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release, including any information as to the future financial or operating performance of the Company, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the "safe harbour" provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation success of exploration activities; permitting time lines; the failure of plant; equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents; labour disputes; requirements for additional capital title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Orosur Mining Inc.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated
		Note Ref.		As at February 28, 2013 ($)		As at May 31, 2012 ($)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents				5,156		11,461
Accounts receivables and other assets		3		4,014		4,734
Inventories		4		17,562		17,110
Total current assets				26,732		33,305
Property plant and equipment and development costs		5		62,626		58,737
Exploration and evaluation costs		6		33,284		26,872
Deferred income tax assets		11		5,706		3,642
Restricted cash				351		231
Total non-current assets				101,967		89,482
Total Assets				128,699		122,787
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Trade payables and other accrued liabilities		3		14,650		18,868
Financial debt		16		2,936		3,418
Derivative financial instruments		13		0		41
Total current liabilities				17,586		22,327
Financial debt				6,501		2,805
Environmental rehabilitation provisions		7		4,924		5,091
Total non-current liabilities				11,425		7,896
Total liabilities				29,011		30,223
Capital stock		8		55,153		55,074
Warrants				276		276
Contributed surplus				5,474		5,424
Retained earnings				38,785		31,790
Total shareholders’ equity				99,688		92,564
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity				128,699		122,787

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors

“David Fowler”

Director

“Ignacio Salazar”

Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer

Orosur Mining Inc.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive income
Thousands of United States Dollars, except for earnings per share amounts
		Note Ref.		Three months ended February 28,				Nine months ended February 28,
				2013 ($)		2012 ($)		2013 ($)		2012 ($)
Sales				30,033		26,013		80,535		68,024
Cost of sales		18		(24,809)		(19,619)		(68,612)		(50,210)
Gross profit				5,224		6,394		11,923		17,814
Corporate and administrative expense				(925)		(1,233)		(3,525)		(3,762)
Exploration expenses				(180)		(947)		(596)		(1,669)
Other income				7		0		398		631
Finance cost		17		(146)		(71)		(393)		(161)
Finance income		17		(2)		(28)		5		(11)
Derivative gain		13		0		0		41		0
Net foreign exchange (loss) gain				(125)		124		(463)		262
Profit before income tax				3,853		4,239		7,390		13,104
Recovery (provision) for income taxes		11		(359)		715		(395)		(1,173)
Total income and comprehensive income for the period				3,494		4,954		6,995		11,931
Earnings per common share
Basic		15		0.05		0.06		0.09		0.15
Diluted		15		0.05		0.06		0.09		0.15

Orosur Mining Inc.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated
		Three monthsended February 28,				Nine monthsended February 28,
		2013 ($)		2012 ($)		2013 ($)		2012 ($)
Net inflow (outflow) of cash related to the following activities
Cash flow from Operating activities
Net income for the period		3,494		4,954		6,995		11,931
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:
Depreciation		5,123		2,128		12,186		6,118
Fair value of derivatives		0		0		(41)		0
Accretion of asset retirement obligation		19		13		57		39
Deferred income tax assets		(481)		(393)		(2,064)		(770)
Stock based compensation		0		41		59		257
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment		(3)		0		(517)		(562)
Others		(123)		65		(123)		18
Subtotal		8,029		6,808		16,552		17,031
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivables and other assets		809		(817)		(180)		(513)
Inventories		809		1,479		(452)		1,333
Trade payables and other accrued liabilities		(1,640)		2,507		(4,218)		5,577
Net cash generated from operating activities		8,007		9,977		11,702		23,428
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of share options		0		0		70		20
Proceeds from the issue of shares in a private placement		0		0		0		12,360
Loans received		4,620		556		8,193		5,636
Loans payment		(4,672)		(15)		(4,693)		(42)
Net cash from financing activities		(52)		541		3,570		17,974
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and development costs		(4,605)		(8,574)		(16,357)		(28,117)
Loans collected (granted)		0		100		900		(900)
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets		17		0		959		1,366
Exploration and evaluation expenditure assets		(1,956)		(3,717)		(7,079)		(12,548)
Net cash used in investing activities		(6,544)		(12,191)		(21,577)		(40,199)
Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1,411		(1,673)		(6,305)		1,203
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period		3,745		17,054		11,461		14,178
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period		5,156		15,381		5,156		15,381

Orosur Mining Inc.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated
		Three months ended February 28,				Nine months ended February 28,
		2013 ($)		2012 ($)		2013 ($)		2012 ($)
Capital stock
Balance at beginning of period		55,153		55,048		55,074		42,692
Private placement net of share issuance costs		0		0		0		12,085
Finder’s fee for Talca acquisition		0		0		0		250
Exercise of stock options		0		0		70		21
Transfer from contributed surplus		0		0		9		0
Balance at end of period		55,153		55,048		55,153		55,048
Broker Warrants
Balance at beginning of period		276		276		276		0
Commission on private placement		0		0		0		276
Balance at end of period		276		276		276		276
Contributed surplus
Balance at beginning of period		5,474		5,352		5,424		5,138
Transfer to capital stock		0		0		(9)		(2)
Employee stock based compensation recognized		0		41		59		257
Balance at end of period		5,474		5,393		5,474		5,393
Retained earnings
Balance at beginning of period		35,291		37,570		31,790		30,593
Net income for the period		3,494		4,954		6,995		11,931
Balance at end of period		38,785		42,524		38,785		42,524
Shareholders’ equity at end of period		99,688		103,241		99,688		103,241

For further information, please contact:Orosur Mining IncIgnacio Salazar, Interim Managing Director, + 562 9246800ignacio.salazar@orosur.caTony Shearer, Chairmantony@tonyshearer.comorCanaccord Genuity Limited (Nominated Adviser & Broker)Andrew Chubb/Ross Allister, +44 (0) 20 7523 8000

Copyright Business Wire 2013