Hudbay Minerals Inc. (TSX: HBM) (NYSE: HBM) today released its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results, and announced 2025 annual production and cost guidance. All amounts are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. All production and cost amounts reflect the Copper Mountain mine on a 100% basis, with Hudbay owning a 75% interest in the mine.

“Hudbay delivered record financial performance and a transformed balance sheet in 2024, driven by the achievement of consolidated production guidance for all metals with gold production significantly exceeding the top end of the guidance range and the outperformance of our twice-improved consolidated cash cost guidance,” said Peter Kukielski, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our enhanced operating platform achieved steady copper production, record high gold production and industry-leading cost performance, generating record annual free cash flows in 2024. The free cash flow generation and the successful equity offering in May have contributed to the significant $512 million reduction in net debt in 2024 and the transformation of our balance sheet to be in the lowest leverage position of our peers. This has put us in an excellent position to reinvest in our portfolio of high-return growth projects to unlock significant near-term and long-term value for our stakeholders. Our near-term brownfield growth projects include attractive mill improvement projects in British Columbia and Peru, which are expected to increase mill throughput levels starting in 2026. Our Copper World project in Arizona is now fully permitted and we look forward to prudently advancing this high-quality copper development project towards a construction sanctioning decision in 2026, and once in production, Copper World is expected to increase our consolidated copper production by more than 50% from current levels.”

Delivered Record Annual Results, Led by Record Gold Production from Manitoba Operations and Record Revenues; 2024 Consolidated Production and Cost Guidance Achieved

• Achieved record annual revenue of $2,021.2 million and record annual adjusted EBITDAⁱ of $822.5 million.
• Enhanced operating platform achieved 2024 consolidated production guidance for all metals with record gold production exceeding the top end of the 2024 guidance range. Full year consolidated copper production of 137,943 tonnes, gold production of 332,240 ounces and silver production of 3,983,851 ounces increased by 5%, 7% and 11% respectively, compared to full year 2023.
• Significantly outperformed the twice-improved 2024 consolidated cash cost guidance. Strong cost control and meaningful exposure to gold by-product credits resulted in better-than-expected consolidated 2024 cash costⁱ and sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, of $0.46 and $1.62, respectively, an improvement of 43% and 6%, respectively, compared to 2023.
• Peru full year copper production was within the 2024 guidance range while gold production exceeded the top end of guidance as additional gold benches were prioritized in the fourth quarter. Peru full year cash costs of $1.18 per pound outperformed the 2024 annual guidance range.
• Manitoba full year gold production of 214,225 ounces exceeded the top end of the 2024 guidance range of 170,000 to 200,000 ounces. Manitoba full year cash costs of $606 per ounce outperformed the lower end of 2024 annual guidance range of $700 to $900 per ounce.
• British Columbia full year copper production was below the low end of the 2024 guidance range, as expected, while full year gold production was in line with the 2024 annual guidance range. Copper production was lower than the guidance range as a result of lower grades in stockpiled ore and lower throughput during the ramp-up of stabilization and optimization efforts throughout the year. British Columbia continues to advance mill optimization initiatives with the goal to achieve higher mill throughput in 2025.
• Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments increased by $332.0 million to $581.8 million during 2024 due to a successful equity offering and strong operating cash flows bolstered by higher copper and gold prices, which enabled a $512.0 million reduction in net debtⁱ during 2024.

Delivered Strong Fourth Quarter Operating and Financial Results 

• Fourth quarter consolidated copper production of 43,262 tonnes was in line with quarterly production cadence expectations and increased 38% from the third quarter of 2024. Consolidated gold production of 94,161 ounces significantly exceeded expectations and represented an increase of 6% from the strong levels achieved in the third quarter of 2024.
• Strong operating cost performance with consolidated cash costⁱ and sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, in the fourth quarter of 2024 of $0.45 and $1.37, respectively, representing another quarter of industry-leading cost performance.
• Peru operations continued to benefit from strong and consistent mill throughput, achieving averages of approximately 87,000 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter, despite a planned semi-annual mill maintenance shutdown. The on-time completion of the Pampacancha stripping program contributed to higher grade ore during the fourth quarter. Peru operations produced 33,988 tonnes of copper and 38,079 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter of 2024, in line with quarterly cadence expectations. Peru cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, was $1.00 in the fourth quarter, demonstrating continued strong cost performance.
• Manitoba operations produced 51,438 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter of 2024, significantly exceeding management’s expectations in both production and efficiency. Manitoba cash costⁱ per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, was $607 during the fourth quarter, reflecting better-than-expected operating performance and continued strong operating cost margins.
• British Columbia operations produced 5,927 tonnes of copper at a cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, of $3.00 in the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting reduced mill throughput versus the third quarter of 2024 as a result of ramp-up periods following mill maintenance shutdowns during the quarter.Achieved revenue of $584.9 million and operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital of $231.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 20% and 24% increase, respectively, from the third quarter of 2024. Strong financial results were driven by higher realized gold prices as well as strong copper production in Peru, while delivering on higher grades, throughput and cost control initiatives across all business units.
• Achieved revenue of $584.9 million and operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital of $231.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 20% and 24% increase, respectively, from the third quarter of 2024. Strong financial results were driven by higher realized gold prices as well as strong copper production in Peru, while delivering on higher grades, throughput and cost control initiatives across all business units.
• Fourth quarter net earnings attributable to owners and earnings per share attributable to owners were $21.2 million and $0.05, respectively. After adjusting for items on a pre-tax basis such as a non-cash $17.4 million foreign exchange loss, a $14.1 million write-down of PP&E, a $10.3 million mark-to-market revaluation gain on various instruments such as unrealized strategic copper hedges, investments and share-based compensation, and a non-cash loss of $2.5 million related to a quarterly revaluation of closed site environmental reclamation provision, among other items, fourth quarter adjusted earningsⁱ per share attributable to owners was $0.18.
• Adjusted EBITDAⁱ was $257.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, a 25% increase compared to the third quarter of 2024.
• Financial results in the fourth quarter would have been even higher if excess copper inventory in Peru at the end of December 2024 was sold. A total of approximately 30,000 wet metric tonnes of copper concentrate was unsold at the end of December, compared to normal levels of 15,000 wet metric tonnes. The excess copper concentrate inventory in Peru is expected to be sold in the first quarter of 2025.

Achieved Significant Debt Reduction and Transformed Balance Sheet 

• Hudbay’s unique copper and gold diversification in Peru and Canada provides exposure to higher copper and gold prices and attractive free cash flow generation.
• While the majority of revenues continue to be derived from copper production, gold represented an increasing portion of total revenues at 35% in 2024 compared to 29% in 2023, which was driven by high gold prices and record gold production in Manitoba.
• Impressive operating cash flow and free cash flow generation in 2024 reflects continued strong copper and gold production in Peru and higher gold production from Manitoba following the full repayment of the gold prepayment liability in August 2024, as well as operating cash flow contributions from British Columbia.
• Strong operating cash flow generation and the net proceeds from the equity offering in May 2024 allowed the company to significantly deleverage and transform the balance sheet with $245 million of combined debt repayments and gold prepayment liability reductions in 2024.
• Further reduced net debtⁱ to $525.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing the fourth consecutive quarter of lower net debt as a result of deleveraging efforts and capitalizing on strong operating cash flow generation.
• Record annual adjusted EBITDAⁱ of $822.5 million in 2024 was a substantial increase from $647.8 million in 2023.
• The increase in cash and reduction in long-term debt significantly reduced the company’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratioⁱ to 0.6x at the end of 2024 compared to 1.6x at the end of 2023, well within the targeted 1.2x net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio outlined in the three prerequisites plan (the “3-P plan”) for advancing Copper World, and transforming Hudbay from one of the highest leverage positions to the lowest leverage position among industry peers.
• In November 2024, further improved long-term balance sheet resilience with a proactive three-year extension of the company’s senior secured revolving credit facilities from October 2025 to November 2028. The extended credit facilities provide increased financial flexibility to accretively maintain the 4.50% coupon 2026 senior unsecured notes outstanding to maturity and advance Copper World towards a sanctioning decision in accordance with the 3-P plan. The $450 million revolving credit facilities include an improved pricing grid reflecting the enhanced financial position of Hudbay and feature an opportunity to increase the facility by an additional $150 million at Hudbay’s discretion during the four-year tenor, providing additional financial flexibility.
• Total liquidity substantially increased by 76% to $1,007.8 million at the end of 2024 from $573.7 million at the end of 2023.

Advancing Growth Initiatives to Further Enhance Copper and Gold Exposure

• Received all major permits required for the development and operation of Copper World with the receipt of the Air Quality Permit in January 2025 and the Aquifer Protection Permit in August 2024. Copper World is now the highest grade and lowest capital intensity fully permitted copper project in the Americas.
• Continuing to progress the 3-P plan for Copper World in 2025 with definitive feasibility study activities and minority joint venture partner process underway.
• The successful completion of the planned stripping program at Pampacancha in September unlocked significantly higher copper and gold grades in the fourth quarter of 2024, which together with maintaining strong operating performance at Constancia has generated meaningful free cash flow in Peru.
• The New Britannia mill continued to exceed throughput expectations, driving continued strong gold production and free cash flow generation in Manitoba. The New Britannia mill achieved throughput levels of approximately 2,020 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter, exceeding its original design capacity of 1,500 tonnes per day and its 2024 budgeted capacity of 1,800 tonnes per day due to the successful implementation of process improvement initiatives and effective preventative maintenance measures. After three years of operations, a post-project review of the New Britannia refurbishment investment has increased the unlevered IRR to 36% from 19% at project sanction in 2020.
• Hudbay has successfully implemented post-acquisition plans to stabilize the Copper Mountain operations through mining fleet ramp-up activities and increased mill reliability and performance. Efforts are now focused on optimizing the operations in 2025 through execution of the planned accelerated stripping program and mill throughput improvement projects.
• Drill permitting for highly prospective Maria Reyna and Caballito properties near Constancia continues to advance through the multi-step regulatory process with the conclusion of the process expected in 2025.
• The development of an access drift to the 1901 deposit in Snow Lake is progressing well and first ore mining is expected in the second quarter of 2025 to enable confirmation of the optimal mining method for the deposit. Underground step-out drilling to-date has intersected copper-gold mineralization and additional drilling is planned for 2025. The development of an adjacent haulage drift has been initiated to de-risk planned full production in 2027.
• Large 2024 exploration program in Snow Lake continued testing targets near Lalor and regional satellite properties throughout the winter months with encouraging results. 2025 exploration plans include a large geophysics program and follow-up drilling at Lalor Northwest located 400 metres from Lalor’s underground infrastructure, along with the testing of a deep geophysical target at the Cook Lake North property.
• Continuing to advance Flin Flon tailings reprocessing opportunities through metallurgical test work and early economic evaluation to assess the possibility of producing critical minerals and precious metals while reducing the environmental footprint.

2025 Guidance Reflects Stable Copper and Gold Production at Industry-leading Margins

• Consolidated copper production of 133,000 tonnes, based on the midpoint of the 2025 guidance range, is expected to remain stable with 2024 levels, reflecting higher expected production in British Columbia as mill throughput optimization plans are implemented, offset by a lower portion of ore feed from the high-grade Pampacancha satellite deposit in Peru.
• Consolidated gold production of 277,750 ounces, based on the midpoint of the 2025 guidance range, is expected to be lower than 2024 production, reflecting a lower portion of ore feed from Pampacancha in 2025 and the accelerated mining of high-grade gold benches in late 2024, partially offset by continued strong gold production in Manitoba.
• Consolidated cash costⁱ, net of by-product credits, in 2025 is expected to be within $0.80 to $1.00 per pound as the company continues to focus on maintaining strong cost control across the business, driving industry-leading margins.
• Total sustaining capital expenditures are expected to be $365 million in 2025, reflecting some deferrals from 2024 and higher sustaining spending at the operations.
• Total growth capital expenditures are expected to be $205 million in 2025 as Hudbay reinvests in several high-return growth projects in 2025 to deliver increased copper exposure. This includes $55 million for mill throughput improvement projects in British Columbia, $25 million for mill throughput improvement projects in Peru and $65 million for Copper World de-risking activities and feasibility studies.
• Exploration expenditures are expected to total $40 million in 2025 as the company continues to execute the large multi-year exploration program in the Snow Lake region, which continues to be partially funded by critical minerals premium flow-through financing that was completed in the fourth quarter.

Summary of Fourth Quarter Results

Consolidated copper production of 43,262 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2024 was in line with quarterly production cadence and represented a significant increase of 38% from the third quarter of 2024. Consolidated gold production of 94,161 ounces significantly exceeded expectations and represented an increase of 6% from the third quarter of 2024. Consolidated silver production was 1,311,658 ounces in the quarter, a 33% increase from the third quarter of 2024, while consolidated zinc production was 8,385 tonnes, in line with the prior quarter. The increase in production was primarily due to higher grades in Peru and continued strong gold production in Manitoba.

Cash generated from operating activities of $238.1 million increased by $91.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2024. Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital was $231.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting an increase of $45.2 million from the third quarter of 2024. This increase reflects higher copper and gold sales volumes driven by higher grades in Peru and continued strong gold production in Manitoba.

Net earnings attributable to owners in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $21.2 million, or $0.05 per share, compared to $49.8 million, or $0.13 per share in the third quarter of 2024. The fourth quarter of 2024 was impacted by various non-cash charges for foreign exchange losses, write-offs of previously capitalized PP&E and revaluation of share-based compensation due to a higher share price.

Adjusted net earnings attributable to ownersⁱ and adjusted net earnings per share attributable to ownersⁱ were $70.3 million and $0.18 per share, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2024, after adjusting for items on a pre-tax basis such as a non-cash $17.4 million foreign exchange loss, a $14.1 million write-down of PP&E, a $10.3 million mark-to-market revaluation gain on various instruments such as unrealized strategic copper hedges, investments and stock based compensation, and a non-cash loss of $2.5 million related to a quarterly revaluation of a closed site environmental reclamation provision, among other items. This compares to adjusted net earnings attributable to ownersⁱ of $50.3 million, or $0.13 per share, in the third quarter of 2024.

In the fourth quarter, adjusted EBITDAⁱ was $257.3 million, a 25% increase compared to $206.2 million in the third quarter of 2024 as higher copper and gold grades led to increased sales volumes. Sales volumes would have been even higher in the fourth quarter of 2024 if excess copper concentrate in Peru was sold. Copper concentrate inventory levels totaled approximately 30,000 wet metric tonnes in Peru at the end of the quarter, higher than normal levels of 15,000 wet metric tonnes because of the strong production ramp-up late in the year. The excess copper concentrate in Peru is expected to be sold in the first quarter of 2025.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, consolidated cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, was $0.45 compared to $0.18 in the third quarter of 2024, as higher copper production more than offset higher mining, milling and general and administrative (“G&A”) costs in the fourth quarter, but by-product credits were lower on a per pound basis. Consolidated sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, was $1.37 in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $1.71 in the third quarter of 2024, with the decrease driven by strong cost control and lower sustaining capital expenditures in the fourth quarter.

Consolidated all-in sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, was $1.53 in the fourth quarter of 2024, lower than $1.95 in the third quarter of 2024 mainly due to the same reason outlined above as well as lower corporate G&A and regional cost in the fourth quarter.

As at December 31, 2024, total liquidity was $1,007.8 million, including $541.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, $40.0 million in short-term investments as well as undrawn availability of $426.0 million under the company’s revolving credit facilities. Net debtⁱdeclined to $525.7 million at the end of 2024 compared to $1,037.7 million at the end of 2023.

Summary of Full Year Results

Hudbay achieved its 2024 consolidated production guidance for all metals and significantly exceeded the 2024 production guidance for gold. On a business unit stand-alone basis, Peru exceeded the top end of the gold production guidance and achieved the guidance ranges for all other metals. Manitoba exceeded the top end of the gold and copper guidance ranges and achieved the guidance ranges for all other metals. In British Columbia, production of gold was within the guidance range, whereas copper production was below the low end of guidance range as a result of lower grades in stockpiled ore and reduced throughput during the mill stabilization period.

Consolidated copper, gold and silver production for the full year 2024 increased by 5%, 7% and 11%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to the incremental production from Copper Mountain and higher throughput and operating performance in Manitoba.

Cash generated from operating activities increased to $666.2 million in 2024 from $476.9 million in 2023. Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital increased to a record $691.1 million in 2024 from $570.0 million in 2023. The increase in operating cash flow before changes in working capital was primarily the result of higher metal prices and gold sales volumes, as well as the incremental contribution margin from the Copper Mountain mine. This was partially offset by a significant increase in cash taxes paid of $132.5 million in 2024, compared to $54.8 million in 2023, mainly at the Peru operations.

Net earnings attributable to owners for 2024 was $76.7 million, or $0.20 per share, compared to $66.4 million, or $0.22 per share, in 2023. Full year 2024 net earnings were positively impacted by increases in sales volumes and higher realized prices for all metals partially offset by various non-cash charges related to foreign exchange losses, write-offs of previously capitalized PP&E, mark-to-market revaluation losses on various instruments such as unrealized strategic copper hedges, investments and share-based compensation and higher mining and income tax expenses.

Adjusted net earnings attributable to ownersⁱ and adjusted net earnings per share attributable to ownersⁱ for 2024 were $181.4 million and $0.48 per share, respectively, after adjusting for items on a pre-tax basis such as a $27.4 million write-down of PP&E, a $27.1 million mark-to-market revaluation loss on various instruments such as the gold prepayment liability, unrealized strategic copper and gold hedges, investments and stock based compensation, a non-cash $21.0 million foreign exchange loss and a non-cash gain of $3.5 million related to the revaluation of a closed site environmental reclamation provision, among other items. This compares to adjusted net earnings attributable to ownersⁱ and net earnings per share attributable to ownersⁱ of $69.0 million and $0.23 per share in 2023.

Adjusted EBITDAⁱ was $822.5 million in 2024, a 27% increase compared to $647.8 million in 2023. The increase is the result of higher realized metal prices and higher sales volumes during the year.

Consolidated cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, was $0.46, compared to $0.80 in 2023, which outperformed the twice-improved 2024 annual cost guidance. The improvement was mainly the result of higher copper production and higher gold by-product credits, partially offset by higher mining, milling and G&A costs. Consolidated sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, of $1.62 in 2024 decreased from $1.72 in 2023 due to the same reasons outlined above partially offset by higher cash sustaining capital expenditures.

Consolidated all-in sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, was $1.88 in 2024, slightly lower than $1.92 in 2023 as a result of the same reasons outlined above, partially offset by higher corporate selling and administrative costs primarily due to a revaluation of share-based compensation associated with a higher share price.

 Peru Operations Review

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Peru operations produced 33,988 tonnes of copper, 38,079 ounces of gold, 969,502 ounces of silver and 195 tonnes of molybdenum. Production of copper, gold and silver significantly increased by 60%, 87% and 50%, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2024. This significant increase was a result of higher grades from Pampacancha as the planned stripping program was successfully completed in the third quarter, as well as a larger portion of ore mill feed coming from Pampacancha.

Full year copper, silver and molybdenum production in 2024 achieved the annual guidance ranges, and gold production exceeded the upper end of the guidance range by 6%. Full year production of copper, gold and molybdenum in 2024 was 99,001 tonnes, 98,226 ounces, and 1,323 tonnes, respectively, representing a decrease of 1%, 14% and 16%, respectively, from 2023 primarily due to lower grades since more material was mined from Constancia and reclaimed from the stockpile compared with the prior year, partially offset by higher throughput. Production of silver was 2,708,262 ounces, representing an increase of 8% from the comparative 2023 period due to higher silver grades from Pampacancha.

Total ore mined in the fourth quarter of 2024 increased 71% compared to the third quarter of 2024, in line with the mine plan as the team completed the planned stripping program at Pampacancha in late September. Ore mined from Pampacancha increased to 4.0 million tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2024 following the stripping program to enable access to higher copper and gold grade ore of 0.63% and 0.38 grams per tonne, respectively. Full year ore mined in 2024 was slightly higher than 2023 despite periods of intensive stripping in 2024, primarily as a result of the effective use of mobile equipment and higher fleet availability.

Peru operations continued to benefit from strong and consistent mill throughput in 2024, averaging approximately 87,000 tonnes processed per day in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024. Ore milled during the fourth quarter of 2024 was 2% lower than the third quarter, mainly due to a planned semi-annual mill maintenance shutdown in the fourth quarter. Milled copper, gold and silver grades increased by 50%, 82% and 43%, respectively, in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter of 2024, as a result of the higher-grade ore feed from Pampacancha. Milled gold grades were better than expected as additional gold benches in the Pampacancha pit were mined during the fourth quarter of 2024, ahead of schedule.

The Constancia mill achieved record copper recoveries of 88% in the fourth quarter of 2024, higher than the previous record of 87% achieved in the fourth quarter of 2023. Recoveries of gold and silver during the fourth quarter of 2024 were 73% and 71%, respectively, representing an increase of 8% and 7%, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2024 and remained in line with the metallurgical models for the ore types that were being processed.

Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costⁱ in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $15.25 per tonne, 19% higher than the third quarter primarily due to higher mining and milling costs and higher G&A costs including profit sharing, in addition to lower tonnes processed with the planned semi-annual mill maintenance shutdown in the fourth quarter. Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costs for the full year were $12.91 per tonne, compared to $12.47 per tonne in 2023, as higher mining and G&A costs were partially offset by higher throughput and slightly lower milling costs.

Cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.00, a 44% decrease compared to $1.80 in the third quarter of 2024 as a result of higher copper production and higher by-product credits, partially offset by higher mining, milling and G&A costs. Full year 2024 cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, of $1.18 better than expected and outperformed the low end of the cost guidance range by 6%.

Sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, was $1.48 in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 47% decrease compared to $2.78 in the third quarter as a result of similar factors affecting cash cost and lower sustaining capital expenditures. On a full year basis, sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-products credits, was $1.86, marginally above $1.81 in 2023, due to the same reasons described for the cash cost variance over the full year period.

Approximately 30,000 wet metric tonnes of copper concentrate in Peru were unsold as of December 31, 2024, which is approximately 15,000 wet metric tonnes above normal levels and resulted from the strong production ramp-up that occurred late in the quarter. The excess copper concentrate is expected to be sold in the first quarter of 2025.

The company continues to evaluate opportunities to further increase mill throughput after the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines approved a regulatory change in June 2024 to allow mining companies in Peru to increase throughput by up to 10% above permitted levels.

Manitoba Operations Review

The Snow Lake operations continued to deliver strong operational performance during the fourth quarter of 2024, exceeding expectations in both production and efficiency. Record annual gold production of 214,225 ounces in 2024 was achieved through a combination of higher metallurgical recoveries at the New Britannia and Stall mills, despite processing lower gold grades year-over-year, and the strategic allocation of more gold ore feed to the New Britannia mill. This success reflects the positive impact of ongoing continuous improvement initiatives.

The Manitoba operations produced 51,438 ounces of gold, 3,347 tonnes of copper, 8,385 tonnes of zinc and 283,223 ounces of silver during the fourth quarter of 2024. Compared to the third quarter of 2024, zinc and silver increased by 4% and 1%, respectively, while production of gold and copper declined by 18% and 2%, respectively, from the record levels achieved in the third quarter. For the full year 2024, production of gold, copper and silver increased by 14%, 3% and 17%, respectively, compared to 2023 mainly due to higher production from gold and copper-gold zones and better than expected gold grades. Zinc production in 2024 decreased by 4%, aligned with forecasted production and the strategy to mine more gold ore at Lalor. Full year 2024 gold and copper production both exceeded the upper end of the guidance range by 7% and 4%, respectively. Zinc production was in line with the annual guidance range, whereas silver production was at the top end of guidance range.

The Lalor mine achieved strong production results in the fourth quarter, achieving an average of 4,600 tonnes per day, marking the highest quarterly ore production in 2024. Total ore mined in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 3% higher than the third quarter of 2024, and total ore mined in the full year 2024 was 7% higher than the prior year. The operations saw significant improvements in ore production and precious metal grade quality throughout 2024. These changes align with improvements in mining techniques, most notably in longhole muck fragmentation, and anticipated higher grade precious metal sequences. Gold grades of 4.61 grams per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 4.68 grams per tonne in the full year 2024 were better than expected.

The New Britannia mill had another quarter of exceptional performance with the mill operating consistently above nameplate capacity, achieving an average throughput of approximately 2,020 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter of 2024. Plant availability remained strong, supported by ongoing low-capital projects aimed at further increasing throughput while maintaining targeted gold recoveries of 90%. New Britannia recoveries of gold and silver in the fourth quarter of 2024 were 90% and 80%, respectively, consistent with the prior quarter. Copper recovery in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 91%, slightly lower than the copper recoveries in the third quarter of 2024 with lower copper grade feed directed to New Britannia. Full year 2024 total ore milled at New Britannia was 20% higher than 2023, reflecting the consistently strong performance throughout 2024 as a result of continuous improvement efforts.

At the Stall mill, there was a slight reduction in throughput as more ore was diverted to New Britannia. Benefits from recent recovery improvement programs continue to be realized with gold recoveries exceeding prior year figures. The lower throughput at Stall is aligned with the company’s strategy to allocate more Lalor ore feed to New Britannia, as noted above. The Stall mill achieved gold recoveries of 70% in the fourth quarter, reflecting benefits from recent recovery improvement programs, and consistent with the third quarter of 2024.

Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costⁱ was C$233 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2024 and C$226 per tonne in the full year 2024, which increased by 4% compared to 2023. The marginal increase in operating costs year-over-year was largely the result of more tonnes being processed at New Britannia compared to Stall which operates at a lower cost per unit.

Manitoba’s cash costⁱ per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $607, an increase compared to the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to lower gold production and higher profit sharing costs but remained better than expected as a result of continued operating efficiencies and focus on strong cost control. Cash costⁱ per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, for the full year 2024 was $606 per ounce, a 17% decrease from 2023 primarily due to higher gold production and by-product credits, partially offset by higher mining, milling and G&A costs resulting from higher employee profit sharing costs.

Sustaining cash costⁱ per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $908, an increase from the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to the same factors affecting cash cost and higher sustaining capital costs during the quarter. Annual sustaining cash costⁱ per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, was $868 per ounce in 2024, a decrease of 19% from 2023 primarily due to the same factors affecting cash cost, together with lower sustaining capital expenditures compared to the prior year.

Progress on the 1901 deposit continued via the exploration drift and the recently started haulage drift, which achieved high advance rates in the fourth quarter of 2024, laying the groundwork to support full production from the 1901 deposit by 2027. With the drifts performing well, mining of first ore is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.

The Manitoba business unit continues to prioritize strong relationships with Indigenous communities. Several meetings with Indigenous Nations were held to discuss future exploration and geophysical programs within their Traditional Territories. To date, Hudbay has received letters of support for geophysical programs, and positive progress is being made in negotiating exploration agreements. In February 2025, Hudbay signed its first-ever exploration agreement with the Kiciwapa Cree Nation.

British Columbia Operations Review

Since acquiring Copper Mountain in June 2023, Hudbay has been focused on advancing operational stabilization plans, including opening up the mine by re-activating the full mining fleet, adding additional haul trucks, adding additional mining faces, optimizing the ore feed to the plant and implementing plant improvement initiatives that mirror Hudbay’s successful processes at Constancia. These stabilization plans have successfully increased the total tonnes moved and resulted in stronger mill performance as demonstrated by high mill availability of 92% and copper recoveries of 82% in 2024, compared to 85% and 80%, respectively, in 2023.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the British Columbia operations produced 5,927 tonnes of copper, 4,644 ounces of gold and 58,933 ounces of silver. Copper and gold production declined by 12% and 26% respectively, while silver production increased 5% compared to the third quarter of 2024, impacted by lower mill throughput as a result of planned and unplanned maintenance shutdowns. For the full year 2024, production of copper, gold and silver was 26,406 tonnes, 19,789 ounces and 280,499 ounces, respectively. Full year 2024 gold production was in line with the annual guidance range, whereas copper and silver production were below the guidance ranges for each metal primarily as a result of lower grades in stockpiled ore and lower throughput during the ramp-up of stabilization and optimization efforts throughout the year.

Total ore mined at Copper Mountain in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 2.4 million tonnes, a decrease of 23% compared to the third quarter of 2024 as ore stockpiles were utilized as ore feed to the mill while the mine operation team increased waste stripping activities. Total material moved of 21.4 million tonnes in the quarter, continues to be at elevated levels with the execution of the three-year accelerated stripping program to access higher head grades. The focus in the fourth quarter of 2024 was on mining efficiencies and operator recruitment to effectively utilize the available haul truck fleet. As a result, total material moved is expected to increase in 2025 as per the mine plan.

The mill processed 2.9 million and 12.7 million tonnes of ore during the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2024, respectively. Ore processed in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 14% lower than the third quarter of 2024, limited by both planned and unplanned maintenance in the fourth quarter as well as elevated clay material impacting the secondary crushing circuit. In the fourth quarter of 2024, a number of initiatives were advanced to address these issues and other identified constraints to improve throughput to targeted levels. Several mill initiatives have been implemented in 2024, including, recovery improvements, reprogramming the mill expert system, installation of advanced semi-autogenous grinding control instrumentation, redesigned SAG liner package and updated operational procedures intended to remove magnetite from the pebble stream. Progressive improvements are expected to continue through 2025.

Milled copper grades during the fourth quarter of 2024 were higher than the third quarter of 2024 but were impacted by the operation continuing to draw on lower grade stockpiled ore. Copper recoveries of 79.5% were slightly lower than the prior quarter, impacted by the ramp-up periods following the planned and unplanned maintenance shutdowns. Full year 2024 copper recoveries of 82.4% were higher than 2023 and exceeded the mine plan expectations, despite processing lower grades, as the operations improved the regrind circuit constraint and implemented the flotation operational strategy improvements, including reagent selection and dose modification.

Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costⁱ in the fourth quarter of 2024 was C$23.22 per tonne milled, higher than in the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to lower ore milled as a result of the previously mentioned planned and unplanned maintenance activities. For the full year 2024, combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costⁱ was C$20.39 per tonne milled, an improvement from C$21.38 per tonne milled in the second half of 2023.

Cash costⁱ and sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, in the fourth quarter of 2024 were $3.00 and $5.76, respectively, higher than the third quarter of 2024 largely due to lower copper production and higher mining and milling costs. Full year cash costⁱ and sustaining cash costⁱ per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, was $2.74 and $5.29, respectively in 2024. Full year cash cost was above the higher end of the cost guidance range driven by lower copper production as mentioned above.

At Copper Mountain in 2025, efforts will be focused on optimizing the operation. Mining activities will continue to execute the three-year accelerated stripping program intended to bring higher grade ore into the mine plan. In January, the company completed feasibility engineering to debottleneck and increase the nominal plant capacity to its permitted capacity of 50,000 tonnes per day earlier than contemplated in the most recent technical report. Further details on 2025 plans are outlined in the annual guidance section below.

Significant Debt Reduction and Transformed Balance Sheet 

The company took several prudent measures in 2024 to significantly improve the strength of the balance sheet and improve financial flexibility, including a total of $245 million of combined debt repayments and gold prepayment liability reductions:

• In May 2024, Hudbay completed a successful equity offering issuing common shares for gross proceeds of $402.5 million, resulting in net proceeds of $386.2 million after transaction costs.
• Repurchased and retired a total of $82.6 million of senior unsecured notes during the year.
• Repaid $100 million of prior drawdowns under the revolving credit facilities during the year.
• Fully repaid the gold prepay facility, with $62.3 million in gold deliveries in 2024 and the final payment completed in August.
• In November, the company proactively extended its senior secured revolving credit facilities by three years from October 2025 to November 2028 and negotiated the flexibility to leave the 4.50% 2026 senior unsecured notes outstanding to maturity as Copper World advances towards a sanctioning decision in accordance with the 3-P plan. The newly extended $450 million revolving credit facilities include an improved pricing grid reflecting the enhanced financial position of Hudbay and feature an opportunity to increase the facility by an additional $150 million at its discretion during the four-year tenor, providing additional financial flexibility.

Hudbay has successfully delivered six consecutive quarters of meaningful free cash flow generation as a result of recent brownfield investments, continuous operational improvement efforts and steady cost control across the business. As a result of the continued cash flow generation and the deleveraging efforts, the company has substantially reduced net debt to $525.7 million as of December 31, 2024, as compared to $1,037.7 million at the end of 2023. The net debt reduction, together with higher levels of adjusted EBITDAⁱ over the last twelve months, has significantly improved the company’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratioⁱ to 0.6x compared to 1.6x at the end of 2023.

Copper World Permitting Completed 

On January 2, 2025, Hudbay received the Air Quality Permit for the Copper World project from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”). The issuance of this permit is a significant milestone in the advancement of the project as it is the final major permit required for the development and operation of Copper World. Copper World is expected to produce 85,000 tonnes of copper per year over an initial 20-year mine life.

Hudbay has now received all three key state permits required for Copper World development and operation:

• Mined Land Reclamation Plan – Completed – the Mined Land Reclamation Plan was initially approved by the Arizona State Mine Inspector in October 2021 and was subsequently amended and approved to reflect a larger private land project footprint. This approval was challenged in state court, but the challenge was dismissed in May 2023.
• Aquifer Protection Permit – Completed – the Aquifer Protection Permit was received on August 29, 2024 from the ADEQ following a robust process that included detailed analysis by the agency and Hudbay, along with a public comment period that was completed in the second quarter of 2024.
• Air Quality Permit – Completed – the Air Quality Permit was received on January 2, 2025 from the ADEQ following a similarly robust process, including a public comment period that concluded in the third quarter of 2024. An administrative appeal was filed by certain opponents in late January, as expected, and the company is confident the permit will be upheld, similar to the project’s other state-level permits.

Hudbay received the Aquifer Protection Permit and Air Quality Permit on schedule after a thorough public consultation process, and it is pleased with the level of local support it has received. The company looks forward to providing significant benefits for the community and local economy in Arizona. Once in production, Copper World is expected to be a meaningful copper producer in the U.S. domestic copper supply chain, which will be required to help secure growing U.S. metal demand related to increased manufacturing capacity, infrastructure development, increased energy independence, domestic battery supply chain and strengthening the nation’s security.

Now that the major permits for Copper World have been received, Hudbay commenced a minority joint venture partner process early in 2025. It is anticipated that any minority joint venture partner would participate in the funding of definitive feasibility study activities in 2025 as well as in the final project design and construction for Copper World.

The sanctioning of Copper World is not expected until 2026 based on current estimated timelines.

Bolstering Technical Capabilities

As Hudbay advances its numerous brownfield and greenfield growth opportunities within its portfolio, the company has enhanced the senior management team with additional technical expertise and expanded the U.S. team to build bench strength and establish key leadership positions.

Hudbay’s Senior Vice President of the U.S. Business Unit, Javier Del Rio, has been focusing his time solely on leading the Copper World project, leveraging his project development and operational expertise as the former head of Hudbay’s South America Business Unit where he oversaw the development and operation of the company’s flagship Constancia mine in Peru. In addition, Warren Flannery, Hudbay’s Vice President of Business Planning and Reclamation, relocated to Arizona in September 2024 to take on the role of Vice President of Copper World. In his new role, Mr. Flannery is leading the operational readiness of Copper World as the company advances through definitive feasibility study activities in 2025.

Adding to the U.S. expertise, in August 2024, Hudbay hired Robert Comer as Executive Director, External Affairs & Legal in Arizona. As an experienced attorney, Mr. Comer brings more than 30 years of U.S. permitting and mining law expertise. During his career, Mr. Comer has held senior leadership positions with businesses and the federal government and has successfully advanced numerous resource projects, including through environmental and land use compliance, defending permits through litigation, NEPA permitting and government relations. He is a significant asset to Copper World as Hudbay continues to advance towards a sanctioning decision in 2026.

After receiving all key permits and with feasibility study activities underway, in February 2025, Hudbay added to its U.S. team’s project development expertise with the appointment of Kim Hackney as Project Director of Copper World. Mr. Hackney is a project professional with over 40 years of extensive experience in the mining industry having held several roles in project and construction management, including managing owners teams, EPCM projects and self-perform projects. He is recognized in the industry for bringing projects online within budget and on schedule, and his in-depth expertise includes global base and precious metals projects located in North, Central and South America, Canada, Africa, Australia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan.

Hudbay also appointed John O’Shaughnessy as Vice President, Business Development in February 2025 to provide expert oversight and strategic leadership of the global mine planning process. Mr. O’Shaughnessy has 25 years of mining expertise, including numerous progressive engineering, operational and leadership roles at Vale’s mining operations in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. He was most recently the North Atlantic Lead for Vale’s Base Metals division where he led and deployed strategic initiatives for the North Atlantic region. His broad technical expertise further augments Hudbay’s technical bench strength.

Hudbay Celebrates Major Milestone with Millionth Ounce of Gold Recovered from Lalor Mine

At the end of 2024, Hudbay surpassed a total of one million ounces of gold produced at the Lalor mine in Snow Lake, Manitoba. This milestone reinforces the significant value the company has unlocked by combining its exploration expertise, processing infrastructure and operating efficiency to maximize gold production at the Snow Lake operations. In 2024, the Snow Lake operations achieved record annual gold production, exceeding the top end of the gold production guidance range with 214,225 ounces produced.

With approximately two million ounces of contained gold in current mineral reserve estimates and another 1.4 million ounces of contained gold in inferred mineral resources, Hudbay expects to continue to unlock significant value in Snow Lake and looks forward to further growing the mineral resource base through regional exploration as it continues to execute one of the largest exploration programs in Snow Lake operating history.

Exploration Update

Large Exploration Drill Program Continues in Snow Lake

In 2024, Hudbay completed the largest exploration program in its history with the goal of extending known mineralization near the Lalor deposit to further extend mine life as well as to find a new anchor deposit within trucking distance of the Snow Lake processing infrastructure. The 2024 program included the largest geophysical program in Hudbay’s history in Snow Lake, with surface electromagnetic surveys detecting targets at more than 1,000 metres below surface and covering a 25 square-kilometre area including the Cook Lake claims that had been previously untested by modern deep geophysics.

At Lalor Northwest, follow-up drilling in the second half of 2024 confirmed the potential for a new gold-copper discovery located approximately 400 metres from the existing Lalor underground infrastructure. Several new intersections have helped establish the geometry of this new discovery, and we plan to continue to drill Lalor Northwest in 2025.

At the regional Rail property, which was acquired through the Rockcliff acquisition in 2023, the 2024 drill program yielded new intersections of high-grade copper-gold mineralization. These results will be combined with historical drilling results on the property to update the geological model and assess its economic potential.

2024 drilling at the 1901 deposit from the exploration drift targeted down plunge extensions of the ore body. Five step-out holes were drilled beyond the known extent of the mineralization and all five holes have intersected visible copper-gold mineralization. Additional planned drilling at 1901 in 2025 is expected to confirm and potentially extend the orebody geometry and to convert inferred mineral resources in the gold lenses to mineral reserves.

Hudbay continues to test a very strong deep geophysical anomaly located at Cook Lake North, approximately six kilometres from Lalor with drilling activities continuing throughout the winter season.

Signed Exploration Agreement with First Nations in Manitoba

In February 2025, Hudbay signed its first-ever exploration agreement with the Kiciwapa Cree Nation, reflecting the Company’s commitment to meaningful collaboration as the company explores for new mineral resources in the Snow Lake and Flin Flon regions.

Advancing Engineering Work for Flin Flon Tailings Reprocessing

• Zinc Plant Tailings – Metallurgical test work continues following positive results from the initial confirmatory drill program completed in 2024 in the section of the tailings facility that was utilized by the zinc plant for 25 years. The results confirmed the grades of precious metals and critical minerals previously estimated from historical zinc plant records. An early economic study to evaluate the opportunity to reprocess the zinc plant tailings has confirmed the potential for a technically viable reprocessing alternative, and further engineering work is underway.
• Mill Tailings – The company continues to advance metallurgical test work on the opportunity to reprocess Flin Flon mill tailings where 100 million tonnes of tailings were deposited over 90 years. An early economic study on the mill tailings is planned.

Maria Reyna and Caballito Drill Permits Expected in 2025

Hudbay controls a large, contiguous block of mineral rights with the potential to host mineral deposits in close proximity to the Constancia processing facility, including the past producing Caballito property and the highly prospective Maria Reyna property. The Company commenced early exploration activities at Maria Reyna and Caballito after completing a surface rights exploration agreement with the community of Uchucarcco in August 2022. As part of the drill permitting process, environmental impact assessment applications were submitted for the Maria Reyna property in November 2023 and for the Caballito property in April 2024. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) for Maria Reyna was approved by the government in June 2024 and the Caballito EIA was approved in September 2024. This represents one of several steps in the drill permitting process, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

New Britannia Demonstrates Successful Capital Allocation to Maximize Risk-adjusted Returns

Hudbay has a proven track record of prudently allocating capital to generate the highest risk-adjusted returns as the company executes its growth strategy and advances its world-class asset portfolio. As an example of this success, the company has completed a post-project review of the brownfield investment in the New Britannia mill refurbishment project in 2020 and 2021.

Hudbay acquired the New Britannia mill in 2015 for $12 million as a potential gold processing solution for the high-grade Lalor gold and copper-gold ores by providing additional processing capacity at the Snow Lake operations and allowing the company to achieve higher gold recoveries of approximately 90%, compared to 55% at the existing mill. After completing several economic studies, the refurbishment project construction commenced in early 2020 with an initial capital cost of $115 million and an estimated unlevered IRR of 19%. The initial capital investment was funded by a $115 million low-cost gold prepay facility entered into in May 2020. Project construction was completed on time with mill ramp-up and commissioning achieved in the fourth quarter of 2021. The mill was refurbished with a nameplate design capacity of 1,500 tonnes per day, and has been consistently exceeding performance expectations, achieving throughput levels of 1,650 tonnes per day in 2023 and reaching record throughput levels of over 2,000 tonnes per day in 2024. The project payback was achieved after 2.5 years, and in August 2024, the gold prepay facility was fully repaid, which has increased exposure to the current high gold price environment and further improved cash flows. After three years of operations, the unlevered IRR for the New Britannia gold mill refurbishment project has now increased to 36% after adjusting for the higher production rates, stronger gold prices and current capital and operating costs.

2025 Guidance Reflects Stable Copper and Gold Production, Leading Margins and the Advancement of Many High-return Growth Opportunities

Hudbay’s key objectives for 2025 are to:

• Deliver strong copper and gold production levels from diversified operating platform;
• Maintain strong operating cost performance, achieving industry-leading margins;
• Generate strong cash flow to further enhance Hudbay’s financial position to reinvest in high-return brownfield projects and unlock industry-leading copper growth pipeline;
• Maintain focus on financial discipline with stringent capital allocation criteria to guide discretionary spending and generate strong returns on invested capital;
• Maintain record performance at the New Britannia mill and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the Snow Lake operations;
• Implement mill optimization projects at Copper Mountain to drive improved operating performance;
• Evaluate the potential to increase mill throughput at Constancia with the installation of a pebble crusher;
• Advance the Copper World project through definitive feasibility studies and the remaining elements of the 3-P plan required for sanctioning, including a potential joint venture partnership;
• Drill the 1901 deposit from the new underground access drift to test for gold and copper extensions and upgrade resources;
• Advance plans to drill the prospective Maria Reyna and Caballito properties near Constancia;
• Execute extensive exploration program on the large land package in Snow Lake to target new discoveries to utilize excess capacity at the Stall mill and further enhance production;
• Advance economic studies for the reprocessing of Flin Flon tailings;
• Explore for new discoveries within trucking distance of the Flin Flon processing facilities as part of the exploration partnership with Marubeni;
• Continue to identify and evaluate opportunities to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and update corporate targets based on further studies and the Copper Mountain acquisition;
• Assess growth opportunities that meet the company’s stringent strategic criteria and allocate capital to pursue those opportunities that create sustainable value for the company and its stakeholders; and
• As always, continue to operate safely and sustainably, aligned with Hudbay’s purpose to ensure that the company’s activities have a positive impact on its people, its communities and its planet.

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

Production Guidance

On a consolidated basis, Hudbay successfully achieved its 2024 production guidance for all metals. On a business unit stand-alone basis, Peru exceeded the top end of the gold production guidance range and achieved the guidance ranges for all other metals. Manitoba exceeded the top end of the gold and copper production guidance ranges and achieved the guidance ranges for all other metals. In British Columbia, copper production was below the low end of the guidance range as a result of lower grades in stockpiled ore and reduced throughput during the mill stabilization period, while gold production was within the guidance range.

In 2025, consolidated copper production is forecasted to remain stable with 2024 levels at 133,000 tonnesⁱⁱ. This is a result of slightly lower grades in Peru with a lower portion of ore feed from Pampacancha as it depletes at the end of 2025, offset by higher expected production in British Columbia as a result of mill throughput ramp-up throughout the year and higher expected grades from the accelerated stripping schedule. Consolidated gold production in 2025 is expected to decrease by 16% to 277,750 ouncesⁱⁱ due to the accelerated mining of high-grade gold benches at Pampacancha in 2024 and a focus on high grade gold zones at Lalor in 2024, which resulted in both Peru and Manitoba exceeding the top end of the 2024 gold production guidance ranges.

In Peru, 2025 copper production is expected to be 88,500 tonnesⁱⁱ, a decrease of 11% from 2024 with less mill ore feed coming from Pampacancha in 2025. Gold production is expected to be 54,500 ouncesⁱⁱ, lower than 2024 levels as additional high grade gold benches were mined in late 2024, ahead of schedule, resulting in gold production exceeding 2024 guidance levels. The Pampacancha deposit is now expected to be depleted in early December 2025 as opposed to October 2025, as the mine plan has smoothed Pampacancha production throughout the year. Total mill ore feed from Pampacancha is expected to be approximately 25% in 2025, lower than the typical one-third in prior years as Pampacancha approaches depletion. Peru’s 2025 production guidance reflects a period of higher stripping activities at Pampacancha from January until April, as well as regularly scheduled semi-annual mill maintenance shutdowns at Constancia during the second and fourth quarters of 2025.

In Manitoba, 2025 gold production is anticipated to be 200,000 ouncesⁱⁱ, a decrease of 7% from the record levels achieved in 2024. The impressive operating performance is expected to continue into 2025, resulting in new 2025 gold production guidance to be 8% higher than the previous 2025 guidance of 185,000 ouncesⁱⁱ. The production guidance anticipates Lalor operating at 4,500 tonnes per day supplemented by 45,000 tonnes of ore feed from the 1901 deposit in 2025 as the company confirms the optimal mining method. New Britannia mill throughput is expected to continue to exceed expectations and operate at 2,000 tonnes per day in 2025, far exceeding its original design capacity of 1,500 tonnes per day. Zinc production for 2025 is expected to be 24,000 tonnesⁱⁱ, a 28% decline from 2024 due to a lower grade base metal mining sequence at Lalor.

In British Columbia, 2025 copper production is expected to be 34,500 tonnesⁱⁱ, a 31% increase from 2024 as a result of mill throughput ramp-up in the second half of the year from several mill initiatives, including the planned conversion of the third ball mill to a second SAG mill, and higher grades from the accelerated stripping schedule. The mill throughput ramp-up reflects the first half of 2025 at similar throughput levels seen in 2024 with a significant increase in throughput in the second half of 2025 concurrent with the completion of second SAG mill project, ramping up towards 50,000 tonnes per day in 2026.

The company will release updated three-year production outlook together with its annual mineral reserve and resource update in March 2025.

Cash Cost Guidance

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

Consolidated cash cost in 2025 is expected to be within $0.80 to $1.00 per pound of copper, net of by-product credits, as the company continues to focus on maintaining strong cost control across the business, driving industry-leading margins. Sustaining cash cost in 2025 is expected to be within $2.25 to $2.65 per pound of copper, net of by-product credits, reflecting slightly lower copper production, lower by-product credits and higher sustaining capital expenditures compared to 2024.

Copper cash cost in Peru is expected to be between $1.35 to $1.65 per pound in 2025, reflecting steady unit operating cost performance, offset by lower copper production and by-product credits compared to 2024.

Gold cash cost in Manitoba is expected to be between $650 to $850 per ounce in 2025, an increase compared to 2024 as a result of lower by-product credits and slightly lower gold production but remains at industry-low levels driving strong margins compared to current gold prices.

Copper cash cost in British Columbia is expected to be between $2.45 to $3.45 per pound in 2025, an increase from 2024 due to higher mining costs related to more material moved as the company executes the planned accelerated stripping program and higher milling costs as it implements the mill improvement projects this year, partially offset by higher copper production.

Capital Expenditure Guidance

2024 total capital expenditures were $10 million lower than the full year guidance of $360 million as lower growth capital and certain sustaining capital deferrals were partially offset by higher sustaining capital in British Columbia.

2025 total capital expenditures are expected to be $580 million, reflecting an increase in growth capital spend as the company reinvests in several high-return growth projects as well as higher sustaining capital at the operations, including some deferrals from 2024, as discussed below.

Peru 2025 sustaining capital expenditures are expected to increase to $170 million as a result of higher capitalized stripping, mine equipment purchases and capital deferrals from 2024. Peru 2025 growth capital expenditures of $25 million in 2025 relates primarily to the installation of a pebble crusher to increase mill throughput starting in 2026 and other mill optimization initiatives.

Manitoba 2025 sustaining capital expenditures are expected to increase to $60 million primarily as a result of additional underground capitalized development costs. Manitoba 2025 growth capital spending of $15 million relates to the development of the exploration and haulage drifts at the 1901 deposit. The 1901 growth expenditures will be partially funded by $5 million in proceeds from a Canadian Development Expense premium flow-through financing in December 2024. Manitoba spending guidance excludes approximately $15 million of annual care and maintenance costs related to the Flin Flon facilities in 2025, which are expected to be recorded as other operating expenses.

British Columbia 2025 sustaining capital expenditures are expected to remain consistent with 2024 at $50 million for mine and mill equipment capital. In addition, Hudbay expects to spend approximately $85 million for capitalized stripping costs in 2025 related to continued accelerated stripping as part of the three-year stabilization and optimization plan at Copper Mountain. British Columbia 2025 growth capital spending of $75 million includes approximately $55 million for the conversion of the third ball mill to a second SAG mill to increase throughput rates starting in the second half of 2025 and ramping up to 50,000 tonnes per day in 2026.

Arizona 2025 growth capital spending of $90 million includes approximately $65 million in costs related to de-risking activities and definitive feasibility studies for Copper World and approximately $25 million of typical annual holding costs.

Exploration Guidance

2025 exploration expenditures are expected to total $40 million, in line with 2024 exploration spending as the company continues to execute a multi-year extensive geophysics and drilling program in Snow Lake to extend mine life and explore for new discoveries, as described below.

In Manitoba, 2025 exploration activities will focus on completing the largest geophysics program in Hudbay’s history, including 800 kilometres of ground electromagnetic surveys and an extensive airborne geophysics survey. The company plans to complete underground and surface drilling at Lalor to increase mineral resource and reserve estimates, including follow-up drilling at the new Lalor Northwest discovery. Underground drilling is planned for 1901 from the new exploration drift to upgrade and expand the mineral reserve and resource estimates. In addition, Hudbay plans to continue drilling activities at several regional targets in 2025, including the Cook Lake properties, following up on encouraging results in 2024. A portion of the 2025 Manitoba exploration program will be funded by $7 million in proceeds from a critical minerals premium flow-through financing completed in December 2024. Hudbay issued 476,200 Canadian Exploration Expense flow-through common shares at a price of C$22.05 per share, representing a premium of approximately 65%.

In Peru, 2025 exploration activities will continue to focus on final permitting and drill preparation for the Maria Reyna and Caballito properties near Constancia.

Board Chair Transition

Effective January 1, 2025, Stephen A. Lang stepped down as Chair of Hudbay’s Board of Directors due to health reasons. David S. Smith, current independent director, has been appointed Chair of the Board. Mr. Lang, who was appointed Chair in October 2019, will remain on the Board as an independent director. Mr. Smith joined the Board as an independent director in May 2019, bringing nearly 40 years of financial and executive leadership experience in the mining sector. Mr. Smith is a corporate director who has had a career on both the finance and the supply sides of the mining business, with extensive international experience in the acquisition, sale, development, financing and operations of base and precious metal operations.

Dividend Declared 

A semi-annual dividend of C$0.01 per share was declared on February 18, 2025. The dividend will be paid out on March 21, 2025 to shareholders of record as of close of business on March 4, 2025.

Website Links

Hudbay: www.hudbay.com

Management’s Discussion and Analysis:

 https://www.hudbayminerals.com/MDA225

Financial Statements:

 https://www.hudbayminerals.com/FS225

Conference Call and Webcast 

Qualified Person and NI 43-101

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

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

Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures

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

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

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

Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) Reconciliation

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

Net Debt Reconciliation

Copper Cash Cost Reconciliation

Sustaining and All-in Sustaining Cash Cost Reconciliation

Gold Cash Cost and Sustaining Cash Cost Reconciliation