Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX-V: SCZ) (OTCQB: SCZMF) (FSE: 1SZ)  reports its financial and operating results for the year ended December 31, 2024. The full version of the audited financial statements for FY 2024, which includes a restatement of comparative 2023 consolidated financial statements, and accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis, can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.santacruzsilver.com or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated.

FY 2024 Highlights

• Revenues of $283 million a 13% increase year-over-year.
• Gross Profit of $57 million, a 1670% increase year-over-year.
• Net Income of $165 million, a 1594% increase year-over-year.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $53 million, a 200% increase year-over-year.
• Cash and cash equivalents of $36 million, a 622% increase year-over-year.
• Working Capital was $46 million at the end of FY 2024.
• Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold of $21.90, a 16% increase year-over-year.
• AISC per silver equivalent ounce sold of $26.01, a 15% increase year-over-year.
• Silver Equivalent Ounces produced of 18,651,701, a 1% decrease year-over-year.

Arturo Préstamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, commented, “FY 2024 was a transformative year for the Company, driven by our strong financial and operational results. Santacruz achieved a 13% increase in revenue and a 200% rise in adjusted EBITDA, supported by operational improvements and a favorable silver price environment. These achievements strengthened the Company’s balance sheet which allowed us to end the year with $36 million in cash, a 622% increase. In addition, we significantly worked on enhancing shareholder value while maintaining a disciplined operational focus and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.”

Mr. Préstamo continued, ” In preparation for the audit, the accounting team identified a series of non-cash errors booked during the tenure of the former CFO. These non-cash errors caused a significant number of related adjusting entries in the current and prior years creating additional audit work and therefore the subsequent delay in filing the financial statements. Santacruz’s competitive edge lies in the quality and efficiency of our core Bolivian and Mexican mining assets and the flexibility of our San Lucas ore sourcing model, which enables swift adaptation to market conditions and maximizes the benefits of our leverage to rising metal prices. With this solid foundation and an experienced management team, we are well-positioned to enter a new phase of sustainable growth while continuing to deliver value to our shareholders.”

Selected consolidated financial and operating information for FY 2024 and the financial year ended December 31, 2023 (restated) are presented below. All financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and all dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars, except per unit amounts, unless otherwise indicated.

2024 Annual Highlights

Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced

In FY 2024, the Company processed 1,955,905 tonnes of ore, producing 18,651,701 silver equivalent ounces. This total includes 6,718,381 ounces of silver and 94,399 tonnes of zinc. Full Q4 and FY 2024 production results were released in a news release dated January 30, 2025.

2024 YTD vs 2023 YTD

Compared to 2023, the tonnes of processed material increased by 4%. The increase was driven by increases in tonnes milled from the San Lucas Group 9%, Porco 7% and Zimapan 10% operations that were offset by decreases in Bolivar (3%) and Caballo Blanco Group’s (13%) operations. The 13% decrease in Caballo Blanco Group is due to the results of the Reserva mine being reported in the San Lucas Group starting in Q3 2024. This highlights the stability and diversification of the Company’s asset base, enabling us to offset declines in production at certain operations with increased production from others. This strategic balance is essential for maintaining overall production stability and ensuring consistent performance across our operations.

Cash Cost of Production per Tonne

2024 YTD vs 2023 YTD

The Company’s cash cost of production per tonne increased to $103.35 in 2024 from $93.10 in 2023 (restated), primarily due to the expected impact of higher ore purchases from small-scale miners at San Lucas. As a margin-based business, San Lucas adjusts its acquisition costs in line with metal prices, which rose during the period. These higher costs are fully offset by proportional increases in revenue, thereby preserving income margins and ensuring no negative impact on the Company’s financial performance. Additionally, the increase reflects minor operational cost upticks across the portfolio, consistent with normal variability in mining activities.

Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold

2024 YTD vs 2023 YTD

Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold rose to $21.90 in 2024 from $18.96 in 2023 (restated). This increase is largely attributable to the same factors that impacted production costs, namely higher ore purchase costs at San Lucas due to stronger silver pricing. Additionally, this metric includes transportation and other site-level costs, which remained relatively stable year-over-year and had a limited impact on the overall increase.

All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce Sold

2024 YTD vs 2023 YTD

All-in sustaining cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold increased to $26.01 in 2024, compared to $22.69 in 2023. This increase is largely attributable to the same factors that impacted production costs, namely higher ore purchase costs at San Lucas due to stronger silver pricing and strategic one-time capital expenditures across key assets. In 2024, the Company leveraged improved revenues and cash flow to make significant investments in its operations, most notably at the Zimapán mine and milling facility. These investments delivered tangible results, including higher output and improved concentrate quality. In Bolivia, capital investments were also advanced, focusing on cost reduction and enhanced metallurgical recovery, particularly of silver. These initiatives are expected to yield benefits starting in 2025.

Qualified Person

Garth Kirkham P.Geo. an independent consultant to the Company, is a qualified person under NI 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information contained within this news release.

About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Latin America. The Bolivian operations are comprised of the Bolivar, Porco and the Caballo Blanco Group, which consists of the Tres Amigos and Colquechaquita mines. The Soracaya exploration project and San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business are also in Bolivia. The Zimapan mine is in Mexico.