
Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. (TSX-V: MTA) (NYSE American: MTA) announces its operating and financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. For complete details of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, please see the Company’s filings on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or EDGAR (www.sec.gov). Shareholders are encouraged to visit the Company’s website at www.metallaroyalty.com.
Brett Heath, President, and CEO of Metalla, commented, “In the third quarter of 2023 we announced the largest transaction in the Company’s history, to merge with Nova Royalty, creating one of the most robust growth portfolios in the royalty sector. Financially, we saw strong production led by El Realito and expect to meet or exceed the upper range of guidance for the year. The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, and we look forward to building the combined company into an intermediate royalty company that will deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the subsequent period up to the date of this news release, the Company:
NOVA ROYALTY ACQUISITION
On September 7, 2023, the Company entered into an arrangement agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed, subject to certain terms and conditions, to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Nova. Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, Nova shareholders will receive 0.36 of a Metalla Common Share for each Nova common share held prior to the Nova Transaction (other than with respect to holders of Nova common shares exercising dissent rights). In accordance with the Arrangement Agreement, each Nova restricted share unit will vest into a Nova common share at the close of the Nova Transaction and will be exchanged for 0.36 of a Metalla Common Share, and each Nova stock option will be replaced with a fully vested replacement option. All replacement options will be adjusted as per the terms of the Arrangement Agreement and be exercisable into Metalla Common Shares.
Based on the assumptions set out above, upon completion of the Nova Transaction, the Company expects that existing Metalla and Nova shareholders would own approximately 60.41% and 39.59% of the combined company, respectively, on a fully diluted basis. The Nova Transaction is subject to approval at a special meeting of Nova shareholders which is scheduled for November 27, 2023. Additionally, the Nova Transaction is also subject to certain approvals of the British Columbia Supreme Court, the TSX-V, the NYSE, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and third-party approvals, and other customary conditions.
Nova Royalty
Nova is a royalty and streaming company that is focused on acquiring copper royalties and as at the date of this press release, has a portfolio of 23 royalties including the following key royalties:
Beedie Capital Strategic Partnership
Beedie has agreed, concurrent with closing of the Nova Transaction, to:
Equity Placement
Beedie entered into a subscription agreement to complete a C$15.0 million equity placement in Metalla, pursuant to which it agreed, subject to certain conditions, to subscribe for 2.8 million subscription receipts of Metalla, at a price of C$5.29 per Subscription Receipt, which was the closing price of the Metalla Common Shares on the TSX-Venture Exchange on September 7, 2023, the day prior to the announcement of the Nova Transaction. Beedie completed funding of the Equity Placement into escrow on October 23, 2023. Upon closing of the Nova Transaction, and subject to certain customary conversion conditions for a transaction of this nature, each Subscription Receipt will convert into one Metalla Common Share, without payment of additional consideration or further action and the subscription funds will be released to the Company from escrow. The Company expects that the proceeds of the Equity Placement will be used for the future acquisition of royalties and streams, and general and administrative expenses.
Metalla Convertible Loan
Metalla and Beedie have entered into an amended and restated convertible loan facility agreement to amend and restate the Beedie Loan Facility dated July 28, 2020, between Metalla and Beedie. The A&R Loan Facility will be effective as of the closing of the Nova Transaction, provided that certain conditions have been satisfied. Pursuant to the A&R Loan Facility, the parties agreed to:
Nova Convertible Loan
As per the A&R Loan Facility and as discussed above, concurrent with closing of the Nova Transaction, Metalla will draw down on the A&R Loan Facility and pay out and discharge all obligations under the Nova Loan Facility, which will be terminated concurrently.
ASSET UPDATES
Below are updates during the three months ended September 30, 2023, and subsequent period to certain of the Company’s assets, based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:
La Encantada
On October 12, 2023, First Majestic Silver Corp. announced production of 94 ounces of gold and 0.6 Moz of silver from La Encantada in the third quarter of 2023. On July 20, 2023, First Majestic provided 2023 guidance in the range of 3.1 – 3.3 Moz silver.
Metalla received 99 GEOs from La Encantada for the third quarter of 2023.
Metalla holds a 100% GVR royalty on gold produced at the La Encantada mine limited to 1.0 Koz annually.
El Realito
On October 25, 2023, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. reported that gold production from La India totaled 22,269 oz gold for the third quarter of 2023. As reported by Agnico on July 26, 2023, an investigation is ongoing for additional sulphide mineralization with a plan to drill 4,000 meters at the Chipriona target which is northwest and adjacent to El Realito royalty boundary.
Metalla received 398 GEOs from El Realito for the third quarter of 2023.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the El Realito deposit which is subject to a 1.0% buyback right for $4.0 million.
Wharf Royalty
On November 8, 2023, Coeur Mining Inc. reported third quarter production of 22.7 Koz gold and updated the full year guidance for Wharf to 88 – 95 Koz gold. Exploration efforts in 2023 will focus on geological modelling and planning for 2024.
Metalla received 192 GEOs from Wharf for the third quarter of 2023.
Metalla holds a 1.0% GVR royalty on the Wharf mine.
New Luika Silver Stream
On October 23, 2023, Shanta Gold Limited reported that it produced 18.3 Koz of gold and 27.2 Koz of silver at NLGM in Tanzania in the third quarter of 2023. Shanta also reiterated their guidance of 66 – 72 Koz of gold from NLGM in 2023.
Metalla holds a 15% interest in Silverback, whose sole business is receipt and distribution of a 100% silver stream on NLGM at an ongoing cost of 10% of the spot silver price.
Côté-Gosselin
On October 23, 2023, IAMGOLD Corporation reported that it had completed 90.6% of the construction at the Côté Gold Project. IAMGOLD also announced the completion of another successful drill campaign at Gosselin and reported additional results. IAMGOLD stated that recent drilling at Gosselin provides evidence that the 5 Moz gold Gosselin deposit is approaching similar dimensions to the adjacent 14 Moz gold Côté deposit. IAMGOLD expects to incorporate recent drill results into an updated resource estimate for Gosselin in the IAMGOLD year end Mineral Resources disclosure. In addition, IAMGOLD continues to advance technical studies on Gosselin, including metallurgical testing, mining, and infrastructure studies to review alternatives to optimize the possible inclusion of the Gosselin deposit into a future Côté Gold life-of-mine plan. Significant intervals from the Gosselin drilling program include:
Metalla holds a 1.35% NSR royalty that covers less than 10% of the Côté Reserves and Resources estimate and covers all of the 5 Moz gold Gosselin Resource estimate.
Endeavor
On October 16, 2023, Polymetals Resources Inc released a robust mine restart study at Endeavor. Polymetals declared an initial 10-year mine life producing 9.8 Moz silver, 210 kt zinc and 62 kt lead over life of mine with first concentrate production targeted for H2-2024. The study produced A$201 million in pre-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate and an internal rate of return of 91%, with expenditures estimated to be A$23.7 million.
In addition, Polymetals released an updated ore Reserve estimate at Endeavor where Proven and Probable Reserves totaled 14 Moz silver, 226 kt zinc and 100 kt lead at grades of 78 g/t, 4.04% and 1.79%, respectively.
Metalla holds a 4.0% NSR royalty on all lead, zinc and silver produced from Endeavor.
Amalgamated Kirkland Property
On October 25, 2023, Agnico announced that it is evaluating the opportunity to process near surface and Amalgamated Kirkland ore at the LaRonde complex. Average annual production from the near surface deposit and AK deposit could be between 20 Koz and 40 Koz of gold, commencing in 2024. The results of an internal evaluation on the AK deposit will be reported in the first half of 2024.
Metalla holds a 0.45% NSR royalty on the Amalgamated Kirkland property.
Fifteen Mile Stream
On October 10, 2023, St. Barbara Limited reported results of an updated pre-feasibility study for Fifteen Mile Stream as a standalone project via the relocation of the Touquoy processing plant. The PFS proposes an eleven-year mine life producing an average of 55-60 Koz per annum at a cash cost of $992/oz. The PFS results include strong project economics including a post-tax net present value at 5% of C$174 million and post-tax internal rate of return of 20.3%, from a capital outlay of C$182 million. As part of the PFS, an updated Proven and Probable Reserve estimate was declared, including the 149 deposit, with a total of 618 Koz at 1 g/t gold and a total Measured and Indicated Resource estimate of 739 Koz at 1 g/t gold and a total Inferred Resource estimate of 98 Koz at 1.3 g/t gold. St. Barbara will focus on the preparation of an updated environmental and social impact assessment for the new project design and stated that development could begin as early as FY2026.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Fifteen Mile Stream project, and 3.0% NSR royalty on the Plenty and Seloam Brook deposits.
Tocantinzinho
On September 12, 2023, G Mining Ventures reported that the Tocantinzinho project is 51% complete and remains on track for commercial production in H2-2024. G Mining also reported that the project remains on budget and is fully funded through completion and ramp-up to commercial production.
Metalla holds a 0.75% GVR Royalty on Tocantinzinho.
La Guitarra
On November 1, 2023, Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd reported an updated resource estimate at the La Guitarra silver-gold mine where Indicated Resources totaled 27.2 Moz AgEq at 220 g/t AgEq and Inferred Resources totaled 20.2 Moz AgEq at 153 g/t AgEq. Sierra Madre plan to release a mine restart study on the La Guitarra mine in Q1 2024.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR Royalty on La Guitarra, subject to a 1.0% buy back for $2.0 million.
Fosterville
On August 25, 2023, Agnico reported that gold production from Fosterville for the third quarter of 2023 totalled 59.8 Koz gold. Drilling during the quarter targeted the Lower Phoenix where a key target called the Cardinal fault, a hanging wall splay of the Swan structure, returned a highlight intercept of 10.8 g/t gold over 10 meters including 96.4 g/t over 0.4 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.5% GVR royalty on the northern and southern extensions of the Fosterville mining license and other areas in the land package.
Wasamac
On October 26, 2023, Agnico reported that during the quarter, it further advanced internal studies to assess potential production opportunities at Wasamac along with alternative processing scenarios at either LaRonde or the Canadian Malartic mill. Agnico also stated that it was updating studies that were previously completed at Wasamac and believes it has the potential to be a low-cost mine with annual production of 150 – 200 Koz of gold with moderate capital outlays and initial production commencing in 2029. The results of the Wasamac internal evaluation will be reported through the first half of 2024.
Metalla holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Wasamac project subject to a buy back of 0.5% for C$7.5 million.
Lama
On November 2, 2023, Barrick reported that a geological review of results received from drilling in the first quarter of 2023 was ongoing to generate new drill targets for the fourth quarter of 2023. Total exploration, evaluation and project expenses for the whole Pascua-Lama project totaled $5 million for the third quarter of 2023.
Metalla holds a 2.5%-3.75% GP royalty on gold and a 0.25%-3.0% NSR royalty on all other metals (other than gold and silver) at Lama.
Castle Mountain
On October 31, 2023, Equinox Gold Corp. reported that 8,411 meters of exploration drilling was completed during the quarter to infill drill at the South Overburden and JSLA dumps. In addition, a surface exploration program of geological mapping and channel sampling was ongoing with the primary goal to sample previously identified mineralization exposed on surface such that data can be used in future Mineral Resource estimation. The mine permitting amendment plan was submitted to the lead county and BLM agencies which reviewed the plan for completeness in early 2023. Work on the preliminary draft Environmental Impact Statement will occur throughout 2024. A total of $4.4 million was spent on Phase 2 permitting and optimization for the quarter.
Metalla holds a 5.0% NSR royalty on the South Domes area of the Castle Mountain mine.
La Parrilla
On August 14, 2023, Silver Storm Mining Ltd. reported an updated resource estimate for the La Parrilla silver mine complex. Total Indicated Resources were 5.19 Moz at 263 g/t AgEq and Inferred Resources totaled 10.3 Moz at 256 g/t AgEq. On November 2, 2023, Silver Storm extended mineralization beyond the mineral resources with highlight intercepts of 206 g/t AgEq over 5.2 meters, 414 g/t AgEq over 0.8 meters and 225 g/t AgEq over 1.5 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on La Parrilla.
Akasaba West
On October 26, 2023, Agnico announced that the Akasaba West project remained on schedule through the third quarter with achievement of commercial production expected to occur in the first quarter of 2024.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Akasaba West project subject to a 210 Koz gold exemption.
Beaufor
On November 3, 2023, Monarch Mining Corporation announced that one of its creditors, that is owed C$10.1 million, had provided notice of its intention to exercise certain rights in respect of the security for its loan, with the loan secured by all assets of Monarch. The Beaufor mine was put on care and maintenance in September 2022, and Monarch’s financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023, released on September 28, 2023, noted a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt upon Monarch’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company considered the serving of notice by one of its creditors, and the disclosure by Monarch about its ability to continue as a going concern, as indicators of impairment on Beaufor and fully impaired the royalty to $Nil, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Beaufor mine, and while it has written down the royalty to $Nil for accounting purposes, it will continue to monitor the project, and if the project is restarted or sold to an entity with a plan to restart mining and processing activities, the Company will do a further analysis to see if any part of the impairment can be reversed in the future.
Montclerg
On September 6, 2023, GFG Resources Inc. reported the deepest high-grade lower footwall intercept at the Montclerg gold project yielding 10.21 g/t gold over 2.7 meters Additional holes included highlight intercepts of 0.92 g/t gold over 33 meters and 5.78 g/t gold over 1.1 meters.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Montclerg property.
Camflo
On October 26, 2023, Agnico reported that the next phase of exploration drilling began at the Camflo property. On June 20, 2023, Agnico reported that it completed more than 14,000 meters of drilling, which marks the first exploration drill program since the 1.6 Moz past-producing deposit was closed in 1992. Significant results reported over multiple zones include 1.5 g/t gold over 81 meters, 3.3 g/t gold over 38.7 meters, 3.2 g/t gold over 16.2 meters, 3.7 g/t gold over 7.1 meters, and 1.6 g/t gold over 20.3 meters. The second phase of exploration drilling at Camflo will test for potential lateral extensions of mineralization and infill known zones. Agnico believes the mineralization could be mined via an open-pit and processed at the Canadian Malartic Mill, 4 Km away.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Camflo mine, located ~4km northeast of the Canadian Malartic operation.
Green Springs
On August 17, 2023, and September 6, 2023, Contact Gold Corp announced the results from step out drilling at Green Springs. Highlight intercepts from the X-ray zone include 1.9 g/t gold over 25.91 meters, 1.41 g/t gold over 12.19 meters and 0.86 g/t gold over 35.05 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Green Springs project.
Tower Mountain
On June 12, 2023, Thunder Gold reported they expanded the footprint at Tower Mountain adding 565 hectares from Metalla. On May 15, 2023, Thunder Gold reported final results from the 4,000-meter phase one drilling program at Tower Mountain with significant results of 0.59 g/t gold over 36.3 meters, 0.53 g/t gold over 24.5 meters and 0.56 g/t gold over 10.5 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Tower Mountain property.
Detour DNA
On July 26, 2023, Agnico reported a drill hole two kilometers west of the open pit mineral reserves with a highlight of 2.8 g/t gold over 14.4 meters, further demonstrating continuity of mineralization along the Detour horizon past the area identified for underground mining potential.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Detour DNA property which is approximately 7 km west of the Detour West reserve pit margin.
QUALIFIED PERSON
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, geologist M.Sc., member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and a director of Metalla. Mr. Beaudry is a QP as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
ABOUT METALLA
Metalla is a precious metals royalty and streaming company. Metalla provides shareholders with leveraged precious metal exposure through a diversified and growing portfolio of royalties and streams. Our strong foundation of current and future cash-generating asset base, combined with an experienced team gives Metalla a path to become one of the leading gold and silver companies for the next commodities cycle.
Figure 1: Gosselin Composite Longitudinal Section (CNW Group/Metalla Royalty and Streaming Ltd.)
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