Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO) (NYSE: ERO) is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fourth quarter copper production was 11,760 tonnes, bringing full-year copper production to 43,857 tonnes
• Copper C1 cash costs^(*) for the quarter and year were $1.75 and $1.80, respectively. Including the benefit of realized gains on designated foreign exchange hedges, fourth quarter and full-year copper C1 cash costs^(*) were $1.59 and $1.68, respectively
• Fourth quarter gold production was 16,867 ounces, contributing to record full-year gold production of 59,222 ounces
• Gold C1 cash costs^(*) for the quarter and year were $413 and $422, respectively. All-in Sustaining Costs^(*) for the same periods were $991 and $957, respectively
• Fourth quarter and full-year financial results reflect the continued execution of the Company’s growth initiatives, including completion of the NX60 initiative, which resulted in record full-year operating margins at the Xavantina Operations
  • Net income attributable to the owners of the Company for the quarter and year were $36.5 million and $92.8 million, respectively, or $0.37 and $0.98, respectively, per share on a diluted basis
  • Adjusted net income attributable to the owners of the Company^(*) for the quarter and year were $20.7 million and $82.8 million, respectively, or $0.21 and $0.87, respectively, per share on a diluted basis
  • Fourth quarter and full-year adjusted EBITDA^(*) were $50.3 million and $183.5 million, respectively

^(*) These are non-IFRS measures and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Please refer to the Company’s discussion of Non-IFRS measures in its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures section at the end of this press release.

• The Company achieved significant milestones across its organic growth projects
  • Construction of the Tucumã Project progressed significantly, reaching over 90% physical completion as of February 2024. With production of copper concentrate on schedule to commence in H2 2024, the Company’s transition from construction to commissioning is underway. The total direct project capital estimate remains unchanged at approximately $310 million
  • The Caraíba mill expansion, which is expected to increase mill throughput capacity from 3.2 to 4.2 million tonnes per annum, was completed in December 2023 with design capacity achieved by year-end
  • Following the completion of surface infrastructure, the main shaft sinking phase for the Pilar Mine’s new external shaft commenced as planned in December 2023. The new external shaft component of the Pilar 3.0 initiative is fully contracted, and projected capital expenditures are within budget

• During the quarter, amid an uncertain macroeconomic climate, the Company’s management team prudently elected to fortify its balance sheet with a bought deal equity financing. Net proceeds from the transaction of $104.3 million contributed to available liquidity at year-end of $261.7 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $111.7 million and $150.0 million of undrawn availability under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility
• The Company is reaffirming its 2024 production, operating cost, and capital expenditure guidance

“2023 was a cornerstone year in advancing our growth strategy,” stated David Strang, Chief Executive Officer. “Our investments over the past few years position us well for the future at both the Xavantina Operations, where we successfully completed the NX60 initiative, and at the Caraíba Operations with the completion of our mill expansion and the excellent progress made on the new external shaft for the Pilar Mine.”

“However, the most significant transformation in our consolidated production profile and cash flows is projected to begin in the second half of this year when production is scheduled to commence at the Tucumã Project. With physical completion at over 90% and capital expenditures on the project starting to wind down, we are approaching an exciting inflection point when we expect to see these investments begin to yield strong shareholder returns.”

FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2023 REVIEW

• Mining & Milling Operations
  • The Caraíba Operations processed 3.2 million tonnes of ore grading 1.49% copper, producing 43,857 tonnes of copper in concentrate for the year after metallurgical recoveries of 91.4%
    • Higher mill throughput volumes and processed copper grades during the fourth quarter resulted in copper production of 11,760 tonnes in concentrate, representing an increase of 9.2% compared to the third quarter
    • Full-year mill throughput volumes increased 12.8%, partially offsetting the impact of a planned decrease in mined and processed copper grades compared to 2022
  • The Xavantina Operations processed 136,002 tonnes of ore grading 15.13 grams per tonne, producing a record 59,222 ounces of gold in 2023 after metallurgical recoveries of 89.5%
    • Fourth quarter processed gold grades continued to exceed expectations, averaging 17.18 grams per tonne and resulting in production of 16,867 ounces for the quarter
    • The successful completion of the NX60 initiative contributed to increases in processed gold grades and gold production of 98.8% and 38.8%, respectively, compared to 2022

• Organic Growth Projects
  • The Company continued to make significant construction progress at its Tucumã Project, achieving over 90% physical completion as of February 2024. With production of copper concentrate on schedule to commence in H2 2024, the Company’s transition from construction to commissioning is underway. Key milestones include:
    • Site fully energized in January 2024 following commissioning of the main substation and completion of the 16-kilometer power line tie-in with the national grid
    • Pre-stripping activities continue to track ahead of schedule with approximately 25,000 tonnes of sulphide ore stockpiled for process plant commissioning as at the end of February 2024
    • Mechanical completion and sub-component commissioning (lubrication, hydraulic, electrical, instrumentation and automation systems) continues to progress on schedule
    • Dry commissioning of the crushing circuit, encompassing the primary and secondary crushers as well as screening and conveyance systems, was completed in February 2024, approximately one month ahead of schedule
    • The total direct project capital estimate remains approximately $310 million
    • To date, the Tucumã Project has recorded no lost-time injuries with over three million hours of work completed since 2022
  • At the Caraíba Operations, the Company made important advancements on its Pilar 3.0 initiative during the quarter. This initiative aims to transform the Pilar Mine into a two-mine system capable of sustaining annual ore production levels of approximately 3.0 million tonnes
    • The Caraíba mill expansion, which is expected to increase mill throughput capacity from 3.2 to 4.2 million tonnes per annum, was successfully completed in December 2023 with design capacity achieved by year-end
    • Following the completion of the head-frame, winders and supporting surface infrastructure, the main shaft sinking phase for the Pilar Mine’s new external shaft commenced as planned in December 2023. The new external shaft component of the Pilar 3.0 initiative is fully contracted, and projected capital expenditures are within budget
  • The Xavantina Operations’ NX60 initiative was successfully completed in 2023. As a result, the Company achieved record gold production for the year and expects to sustain annual gold production levels of 55,000 to 60,000 ounces moving forward

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

^{(1) EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss) attributable to owners of the Company, adjusted net income (loss) per share attributable to owners of the Company, net (cash) debt, working capital, copper C1 cash cost, copper C1 cash cost including foreign exchange hedges, gold C1 cash cost and gold AISC are non-IFRS measures. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Please refer to the Company’s discussion of Non-IFRS measures in its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures section at the end of this press release.
(2) Copper C1 cash cost including foreign exchange hedges (per lb) in Q4 2023 and Fiscal 2023 were $1.59 and $1.68, respectively, compared to $1.59 in Q4 2022 and $1.67 in Fiscal 2022.}

2024 PRODUCTION AND COST GUIDANCE^(*)

The Company’s 2024 production guidance reflects the ongoing execution of its organic growth strategy, including the successful completion of the Xavantina Operations’ NX60 initiative as well as the anticipated completion of the Tucumã Project, which remains on track to commence production in H2 2024. As a result, the Company expects to deliver consolidated copper production of 59,000 to 72,000 tonnes in concentrate and gold production of 55,000 to 60,000 ounces.

The Company’s 2024 copper C1 cash cost guidance on a consolidated basis is $1.50 to $1.75. This range incorporates several key updates relative to previous 2024 C1 cash cost projections, including a revised copper C1 cash cost calculation methodology, as detailed in the Company’s press release dated February 21, 2024.

At the Xavantina Operations, the gold C1 cash cost guidance range of $550 to $650 reflects improved fixed cost efficiencies driven by higher expected gold production, partially offsetting the impact of planned decreases to mined and processed gold grades. The gold AISC guidance range for 2024 is $1,050 to $1,150.

The Company’s updated cost guidance for 2024 assumes a foreign exchange rate of 5.00 BRL per USD, a gold price of $1,900 per ounce and a silver price of $23.00 per ounce.

^{*  Guidance is based on certain estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to, mineral reserve estimates, grade and continuity of interpreted geological formations and metallurgical performance. Please refer to the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form and Management of Risks and Uncertainties in the MD&A for complete risk factors.
(1) Please refer to the section titled “Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures” within the MD&A.}

2024 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE GUIDANCE^(*)

2024 capital expenditures are expected to decrease to a range of $299 to $349 million due to the anticipated completion of the Tucumã Project, which is on track to commence production in the H2 2024. As a result, capital spend is expected to be weighted towards H1 2024.

The Company’s capital expenditure guidance includes an estimated $30 to $40 million allocated to consolidated exploration programs. This allocation includes approximately $20 million designated for drilling activities at the Caraíba Operations, including expenditures related to the Curaçá Valley nickel exploration program. Additionally, the Company has budgeted approximately $6 million for the first phase of work at the Furnas Project.

Capital expenditure guidance assumes an exchange rate of 5.10 USD:BRL for the Tucumã Project based on designated foreign exchange hedges with a weighted average ceiling and floor of 5.10 and 5.23 USD:BRL, respectively. All other capital expenditures assume an exchange rate of 5.00 USD:BRL. Figures presented below are in USD millions.

^{(*) Guidance is based on certain estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to, mineral reserve estimates, grade and continuity of interpreted geological formations and metallurgical performance. Please refer to the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form and Management of Risks and Uncertainties in the MD&A for complete risk factors.}

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures

Financial results of the Company are presented in accordance with IFRS. The Company utilizes certain alternative performance (non-IFRS) measures to monitor its performance, including copper C1 cash cost, copper C1 cash cost including foreign exchange hedges, gold C1 cash cost, gold AISC, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company, adjusted net income per share, net (cash) debt, working capital and available liquidity. These performance measures have no standardized meaning prescribed within generally accepted accounting principles under IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining companies. These non-IFRS measures are intended to provide supplemental information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

For additional details please refer to the Company’s discussion of non-IFRS and other performance measures in its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Copper C1 cash cost and copper C1 cash cost including foreign exchange hedges

The following table provides a reconciliation of copper C1 cash cost to cost of production, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.

Gold C1 cash cost and gold AISC

The following table provides a reconciliation of gold C1 cash cost and gold AISC to cost of production, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA

The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.

^{Note: In 2023 Q3, EBITDA has been updated to incorporate the adjustment of finance income. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for comparative periods have been updated accordingly.}

Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company and Adjusted net income per share attributable to owners of the Company

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the Company and Adjusted EPS to net income attributable to the owners of the Company, its most directly comparable IFRS measure.

Net (Cash) Debt

The following table provides a calculation of net (cash) debt based on amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as at the periods presented.

Working Capital and Available Liquidity

The following table provides a calculation for these based on amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as at the periods presented.

ABOUT ERO COPPER CORP

Ero is a high-margin, high-growth, low carbon-intensity copper producer with operations in Brazil and corporate headquarters in Vancouver, B.C. The Company’s primary asset is a 99.6% interest in the Brazilian copper mining company, Mineração Caraíba S.A. 100% owner of the Company’s Caraíba Operations (formerly known as the MCSA Mining Complex), which are located in the Curaçá Valley, Bahia State, Brazil and include the Pilar and Vermelhos underground mines and the Surubim open pit mine, and the Tucumã Project (formerly known as Boa Esperança), an IOCG-type copper project located in Pará, Brazil. The Company also owns 97.6% of NX Gold S.A. (“NX Gold”) which owns the Xavantina Operations (formerly known as the NX Gold Mine), comprised of an operating gold and silver mine located in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Additional information on the Company and its operations, including technical reports on the Caraíba Operations, Xavantina Operations and Tucumã Project, can be found on the Company’s website (www.erocopper.com), on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov).