Posts Tagged ‘FR’
My Method Explained. How To Build Up Your Own Retirement Plan In 3 Steps
Step 1: Pick the right company!
In the beginning of 2009 I finally realised that the continuous devaluation of fiat currencies like the US Dollar and the Euro was likely to go on the coming years. Both in the USA and in Europe money is being printed at alarming rates, yet the only thing you’re hearing lately is that we are all doing so well! Well, don’t believe it! All that money being printed has to go somewhere, and there you have your equity bull-market explained. I realised that true value could only be stored in silver and gold. How could I benefit from the enormous gold and silver bull-market that I was expecting. The largest leverage to gold and silver prices is always found in junior mining stock. I am a big admirer of Warren Buffet and believe in value investment. Using value investment principles and after months of research and reading piles of year-reports and books, I finally picked six companies. With all my saving money transferred to a on-line broker I bought shares of six companies.
Step 2: Take your profit, and gain “free” stock.
With prices of gold and silver soaring in 2010 just like I expected, many shares in my portfolio were exceeding 250% gains. So I sold about 40%-50% of all my shares in these companies getting back even more than the original investment. The remaining shares in these companies were now basically “free” shares. Since large corrections in gold and silver prices are likely each time after another record is shattered, I just waited for this correction, and used the money to GO BACK TO STEP 1!!! So far I picked five new companies to invest in, and am looking for one more to complete my second round of step 1. With prices of gold and silver prices rising for years to come I hope to repeat step-1 and step-2 many times. I now have created what I call step-3 companies.
Step 3: Wait, wait, wait
As you might have noticed I only sold about half the shares of the companies I picked. All the companies I picked mainly have developed from explorers to producers. I intend to NEVER SELL the shares I own. There might always be a exception in special circumstances however. Where will these companies be in 10, 20 or even 25 years from now. I strongly believe that all companies will continue to develop, mergers take overs etc. who knows…. But with governments making the same mistakes over and over again, the way up for gold and silver still is very long. In the years to come the new Goldcorp, Barrick or Rio Tinto will present its-self and I am certain that parts of my portfolio will be or be part of that company. It is very likely that companies in the portfolio will start paying dividends at a certain point (e.g. 5-15 years)
These step-3 companies are my retirement, my protection against inflation!
Can you prove this?
Well, step-1 and step-2 have been proven already. Step-3 only partially.
How did you do so far then?
Bought in 2009:
International Royalty Company: Got lucky on that one, made a 101% profit in a take-over battle just months after buying it. Sold all shares.
Avino Silver & Gold mines: bought @ US$0.63 : sold 40% of my shares @ US$2,57 (a 307% gain) creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.
First Majestic: bought @ CA$2.66 : sold 45% of my shares @ CA$10.88 (a 309% gain) creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.
Great Panther: bought @ CA$0.84 : sold 50% of my shares @ CA$2.75 (a 227% gain) creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.
Minera Andes: bought @ CA$0.72: sold of my shares @ CA$2.56 (a 255% gain) creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.
Silver Wheaton: bought @ US$9,95 and a second step-1 for Silver Wheaton @US14,95 in 2010. I sold 50% of all my Silver Wheaton shares @US$39.07 creating a step-3 company for my portfolio.
Bought in 2010:
Seabridge Gold: bought @ US$28.36 is still a step-1 company! We think it might take up to 3 or 4 years to reach step-2 but if investors discover the true value of this company it might come much sooner as well!
Rubicon Minerals: bought @ CA$3.49 today the stock closed @ CA$5.49 meaning a 57.3% gain. In between step-1 and step-2.
Copper Creek Gold (Highly Speculative!!): bought @ CA$0.075 today the stock closed @ CA$0.09 meaning a 20% gain. Still step-1, but highly speculative!
Excellon Recources: bought @ CA$0.99 today the stock closed @ CA$1.18 meaning a 19% gain. Still a step-1 company!
Brigus Gold: bought @ US$1.88 today the stock closed @ US$1.77 meaning a 5,9% loss. Very much a step-1 company!
What do I expect in 2011?
More volatility is likely to rule the commodity markets. Food prices will soar, the oil price will rise gradually as will the price of copper. For a gold rally we will have to wait till August again, then I see a spot price of about $1600-$1700 before the end of this year. Silver will outperform gold again in 2011. I expect the price of silver to be less volatile than the price of gold. When the gold rally in August commences again, silver will shoot up like a star! During the year I think the gold/silver ratio will decline gradually as a result of this. At the end of 2011 I expect the gold/silver ratio to be below 35. IF this happens, I will be able add some step-3 companies to my portfolio from the 2010 stock picks, and use the money at the next correction to buy new step-1 companies.
Alexander Aardema, CEO @ CashInfo.org
Disclaimer:
The information provided on or within this article, website or in documents available herein is for assistance only and is not intended to be and must not be taken alone as the basis for an investment decision. Each recipient of this information should make such investigations as it deems necessary to arrive at an independent evaluation of an investment in the securities offered hereby, and should consult its own legal counsel and financial, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to determine the consequences of such an investment.
First Majestic: Production up 72% to 6.53 million oz Ag in 2010; Exceeds Guidance by 9%
Clearly 2010 was a fantastic year for First Majestic. Just have a look at the development of the share price the last year. The 52-week trading range is CA$3.04-CA$15.30 The company got a NYSE listing as well under the ticker AG, very nice ticker by the way! We bough shares of First Majestic in September 2009 @ CA$2.66 Recently we sold 45% of our shares at a 309% profit! Using today’s opening of CA$13.49 we have a 407% gain on our remaining “free” shares.
When do you sell?
This sale had nothing to do with First Majestic, when a stock in our portfolio is exceeding 250% gains we sell about 40%-50% of our shares. This is just the method we use to create “free” shares for our portfolio. Once we have these free positions in our portfolio we intend to NEVER sell them, unless a share price is clearly much to high. It could mean years of waiting (e.g. 10-20 years!), but at a certain point the companies will no longer be junior explores. Many things can happen from mergers to take-overs new properties, etc. etc. The point is that it is very likely that some of these positions will start paying dividends at some point. We use the money from the successful sales to buy shares of new interesting companies. The goal is to do the same with these companies and thus building a very solid and ever growing portfolio. The best retirement plan ever!
First Majestic News Release:
First Majestic Silver Corp. (“First Majestic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that production in 2010 reached 7,024,055 equivalent ounces of silver, representing a 62% increase over 2009 from 4,337,103 equivalent ounces of silver.
The equivalent silver production for 2010 consisted of 6,529,325 ounces of silver, representing a 72% increase from the prior year, 6,404,227 pounds of lead, representing a 3% decrease from the previous year, and 2,152 ounces of gold, representing a decrease of 19% compared to the previous year. Total silver production as a percentage of total production amounted to 93% making First Majestic the purest silver company in the world.
Company guidance released on January 11, 2010 stated, “Production is expected to exceed 6.0 million ounces of silver in 2010″ which was in fact exceeded by a strong 9%. As a result of the current expansion underway at the La Parrilla Silver Mine and other operational improvements at the La Encantada and San Martin Silver Mines, production is anticipated to exceed 7.5 million ounces of silver in 2011.
In addition to further increases in production expected for 2011, the Company is also expanding its exploration budget. The current 2011 budget calls for 47,800 metres of drilling over the Company’s five core projects for a total expenditure of US$7,137,500. This exploration program compares to the total of 17,322 metres drilled in 2010, and total expenditures equalling US$1,897,280. It is further anticipated that new updated NI 43-101 Technical Reports will be released on each project in late 2011 or early 2012.
With respect to the fourth quarter, total ore processed at the Company’s three operating silver mines, the La Encantada Silver Mine, the La Parrilla Silver Mine and the San Martin Silver Mine, amounted to 467,175 tonnes milled in the quarter representing an 8% increase over the previous quarter. The overall average silver head grade in the quarter for the three mines decreased slightly from the previous quarter to an overall head grade of 207 g/t of silver. The combined recoveries of silver also decreased slightly from 58% to 57%. This was due to the much larger La Encantada operation as it is primarily reprocessing old tailings. As the mix of ore from the mine increases throughout 2011, these recoveries are also expected to improve.
The Company developed 6,288 metres underground in the fourth quarter, compared to 6,207 metres of underground development completed in the previous quarter. The total annual underground development for 2010 totalled 22,658 metres. Development has been focused on increasing the Reserve and Resource preparation ratios at the three operating mines. Due to the expanding production levels anticipated in 2011 and 2012, the Company’s development budget is being increased to US$21,741,183 in 2011 from $12,335,119 in 2010.
Also, the diamond drilling programs totalled 6,104 metres of definition drilling in the quarter, for a 2010 annual total of 17,322 metres of drilling completed at the Company’s three mines. Drilling at the Company’s two development projects, the Del Toro Silver Mine and the Real de Catorce Silver Project is expected to commence in early 2011.
As a result of the efforts and work completed in 2010, some of the improvements and advances made during the year included:
At the La Encantada Silver Mine:
• The new 3,500 tpd cyanidation plant, which was inaugurated on November 19, 2009, reached full capacity at the end of the second quarter of 2010 and averaged 3,750 tpd in the fourth quarter.
• The new Buenos Aires ore body, which is being developed and prepared for production will allow the mine ore extraction to increase 1,500 tpd versus the current 1,000 tpd. This improvement will have a positive effect on head grades and recoveries.
• New areas of reserves and resources had been discovered and developed at the San Francisco vein and at the hanging wall of the 660 ore body.
• Consolidation of the electric generation into a single larger and more modern generation plant was completed during the year, allowing for the suspension of the operation of the much older generation plants which will result in substantial savings on parts, repairs and fuel efficiency.
• Two new induction furnaces began operation in December using the latest technology in smelting precipitates resulting in a much more efficient operation, lower costs and better quality silver doré bars.
At the La Parrilla Silver Mine:
• Development of a new ramp system was completed in the La Blanca mine which has now connected levels 9 and 10 of the Rosarios mine, improving logistics and which is expected to reduce costs due to the improved transportation of ore from the lower levels of the mine to surface.
• Completion of the engineering work for the current expansion program launched in December 2010. This expansion will result in the mill capacity reaching 1,600 tpd from the current 850 tpd and will effectively double the current output of the La Parrilla operation from approximately 1.5 million ounces to 3.0 million ounces of silver equivalent annually by the end of 2011.
At the San Martin Silver Mine:
• The discovery of the new San Pedro area in 2009 led to an extensive underground drilling program which continues today. This program is based on drilling systematic short holes into the foot wall of the Zuloaga vein. The result has been extremely favourable throughout 2010 with several discoveries of minable mineralization. These new discoveries have allowed for consistent throughput and improved economics at the operation and are expected to bring improved results into 2011.
• The previously announced discovery of a parallel structure to the main Zuloaga vein, the La Esperanza vein, discovered through surface geology was drilled in the last two quarters of 2010. Eight diamond drill holes were successfully completed, of which six intersected mineralization. The current program for 2011 is to drive a 500 metre ramp into the structure to open up and begin the development of a new potential resource.
At the Del Toro Silver Mine:
• In December 2009, the Environmental Impact Statement for a new flotation plant was approved by the SEMARNAT and the Change of Use of Land Permit was received in the first quarter of 2010.
• At the end of November 2010, the underground development at the Del Toro Silver Mine was reinitiated. The current objective is to prepare a new underground drilling station and to access the No. 3 Ore Body at depth. Once this is achieved by the middle of 2011, a large bulk sample can be collected for final metallurgical testing. This testing will allow for the final design of the new mill operation currently in the planning stage.
At the Real de Catorce Silver Project:
• During 2010 the Company evaluated and confirmed the geological data obtained as a result of the acquisition in late 2009 of this project. In November 2010, First Majestic successfully completed the purchase of the land underlying the Santa Ana Hacienda located within the Real de Catorce property, together with all associated buildings and infrastructure, the outstanding royalty and certain historic geological and proprietary mining information.
• Construction of a mining museum is planned to commence in early 2011 which is designed to clean the impressive underground working areas and restore the above ground buildings to a suitable condition in order to allow for tourist access. This new mining museum will bring needed employment to the area.
Mr. Neumeyer stated, “2010 has been an impressive year for First Majestic on all counts. Not only did our silver production increase by over 70%, the silver price performed very well and the Company’s shares became the third best performing stock on the S&P/TSX index registering a gain of over 240% year over year. We were also successful in listing our shares on the NYSE. Management is committed to staying focused on increasing production and we’re reviewing plans to continue to grow our production substantially over the next three years. Congratulations go out to our entire team in Canada and Mexico.”
First Majestic is a producing silver company focused in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing its business plan to become a senior silver producer through the development of its existing assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional assets that contribute to achieving its corporate growth objectives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
“signed”
Keith Neumeyer,
President & CEO
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of First Majestic Silver Corp. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of silver and other metals, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, hedging practices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of First Majestic Silver Corp. to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the integration of acquisitions; risks related to international operations; risks related to joint venture operations; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of current reclamation activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled “Description of the Business – Risk Factors” in First Majestic Silver Corp.’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2009, available on www.sedar.com, and Form 40-F on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Although First Majestic Silver Corp. has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. First Majestic Silver Corp. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
First Majestic to List on the New York Stock Exchange
Today First Majestic has announced it will get a listing on the NYSE. The company will reach new investors and benefit from a deeper liquidity. We bought shares of First Majestic in September 2009 @ CA$2.66 using yesterday’s close of CA$13.43 this means a 404,8% gain.
First Majestic News Release:
First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX:FR) (NYSE:AG) (the “Company” or “First Majestic”) is pleased to announce that its common shares have been authorized for listing on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The Company expects the shares to begin trading on the NYSE on December 15, 2010 under the trading symbol “AG”. The Company will retain its primary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “FR”.
“We’re pleased to welcome First Majestic Silver Corp, a leading Canadian miner, to the NYSE,” said Scott Cutler, EVP and Co-Head of U.S. Listings and Cash Execution, NYSE Euronext. “First Majestic is a welcome extension to our fast-growing roster of Canadian mining companies. The Company and its shareholders will benefit from the deep liquidity and global visibility offered to Canadian companies cross-listed on the NYSE.”
“First Majestic’s increased exposure from this upcoming NYSE listing is a result of management’s continued focus to bring additional value to our broadening shareholder base,” said Keith Neumeyer, President and CEO of the Company. “We look forward to introducing First Majestic to a wider audience of investors as our profile is expanded internationally.”
First Majestic is a producing silver company focused in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing its business plan to become a senior silver producer through the development of its existing assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional assets that contribute to achieving its corporate growth objectives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
“signed”
Keith Neumeyer,
President & CEO
This press release includes certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results and future plans and objectives of First Majestic Silver Corp. are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
First Majestic: La Parrilla Expansion to 1,600 tonnes!
First Majestic achieved significant production ramp up throughout 2010 at their La Encantada project after a successful expansion. Today the company announced a similar upgrade for their La Parrilla project. The budget for this operation is US$27.3 million. All the required capital will be funded internally by cash flows. Completion will be in phases starting with the land clearing and preparation (already started, December 1) and finishing with the expansion of the cyanidation circuit early in the first quarter of 2012.
This day was a beautiful day for silver, the highest price since 1980 was reached and finally breaking through the $30.00 mark. First Majestic gained 6.68% just today. We bought First Majestic in September 2009 @ CAD$2.66 it closed @ CAD$13.58 today, that means a whopping 410% gain! We sold 35% of our shares in First Majestic today to take profit. We will use the capital in the next big correction. We are following many interesting companies at the moment and are almost ready to announce a new stock pick! We will take this “additional time” at all-time highs to continue to read year reports, news releases, websites, geological reports and make sure to pick the next First Majestic when the in inevitable correction comes. We will probably wait till gold goes back to about $1385 again, for silver a pull-back to $29 might be a interesting moment to step in.
First Majestic News Release:
First Majestic Silver Corp. is pleased to announce the expansion of its 100% owned La Parrilla Silver Mine, located in Durango, Mexico has commenced. The extremely successful completion of the expansion of the Company’s La Encantada Silver Mine has allowed management to focus its efforts on the Company’s next major expansion project with ground breaking that started on December 1st, 2010.
During the past three years the La Parrilla mine has undergone extensive development to prepare the mine for higher production levels. During the past six months this expansion plan has been assessed and defined to optimize the La Parrilla operation into the future. Once this construction project is completed, the La Parrilla mine will be operating at twice current levels. This expansion will result in the mill capacity reaching 1,600 tpd from the current 850 tpd and will effectively double the current output of the La Parrilla operation from approximately 1.5 million ounces to 3.0 million ounces of silver equivalent annually.
The following activities have been achieved to date:
- Engineering and design work has been completed for the expansion of the processing plant including a new and larger crushing area, the addition of a third ball mill and the increase of capacity of both the flotation and cyanidation circuits. Each circuit’s capacity is currently 425 tpd and once the expansion is completed, each circuit will continue to run in parallel but at the higher rate of 800 tpd for a total capacity of 1,600 tpd.
- Engineering plans for the Rosarios/La Rosa, San Marcos, Quebradillas and Vacas mines have been defined and scheduled, including the planning of development and preparation of required production areas, planning and scheduling the construction of a new production shaft for the Rosarios mine, and all other required mine infrastructure to achieve the expanded production levels.
- All final documentation required for the Environmental Impact Statement and the ‘Change of use of Land’ have been submitted to the SEMARNAT (the government environmental authorities) office in Durango, with final approvals expected prior to year end.
Timelines for the Construction Project:
- Land clearing and preparation activities commenced on December 1st, 2010
- Construction of the new crushing area will begin in January 2011. A new third ball mill has already been purchased and is on site and is expected to be ready for installation by June 2011.
- The expansion of the flotation circuit is planned for completion by the end of July 2011. This new circuit will produce both a lead and zinc concentrate. A full year of production at 800 tpd is expected to produce 5,673,096 pounds of lead and 5,236,704 pounds of zinc. In flotation, the silver will report to the lead concentrate which is expected to contain 1,429,991 ounces of silver annually.
- The expansion of the cyanidation circuit will follow in the second half of 2011 with the replacement and expansion of eight leach tanks and the construction of four additional leach tanks. Several new technologies will also be utilized; similar to those adopted in the Company’s recently completed La Encantada operation. These items will include; new clarification filters, new induction furnaces and new filter presses for the tailings in order to recover and re-use solution and to save on water consumption. In addition, the plan includes new systems for automation of feeding processes for chemicals and reagents.
- Inauguration of this newly expanded cyanidation circuit is expected to take place early in the first quarter of 2012. Once completed, this larger 800 tpd cyanidation circuit will produce an additional 899,792 ounces of silver in the form of silver Doré bars annually.
The total capital budget for this expansion is US$27.3 million, consisting of: US$17.7 million for plant equipment and construction costs; US$2.6 million for additions to the underground fleet; US$3.8 million for underground mine development and US$3.2 million for infrastructure including a new power line and substation. All required capital for this expansion project will be funded internally from cash flows.
The internal rate of return (IRR) on this investment is expected to be 126% considering a price of silver of US$20.00 per ounce and lead and zinc prices of US$1.00 per pound.
Once in full operation at the newly expanded rate of 1,600 tpd, the La Parrilla Silver Mine will produce 3.0 million silver equivalent ounces annually consisting of 2.3 million ounces silver and 0.7 million ounces of silver equivalents in the form of lead and zinc. The expected Total Cash Costs are anticipated to be US$5.50 per ounce of silver.
First Majestic is a producing silver company focused in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing its business plan to become a senior silver producer through the development of its existing assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional assets that contribute to achieving its corporate growth objectives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
“Signed”
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
This press release includes certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results and future plans and objectives of First Majestic Silver Corp. are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
First Majestic: Real de Catorce Land Acquisition
Just yesterday we were talking about the great cash position of First Majestic. We think they have used their money wisely in completing this acquisition, and will continue to watch this company closely.
First Majestic Press Release:
First Majestic Completes Acquisition of Surface Rights, Royalties and Infrastructure at Real de Catorce Silver Project
VANCOUVER, November 10, 2010 – First Majestic Silver Corp. (“First Majestic”) (TSX: FR) is pleased to announce the closing today of the acquisition of all the real estate interests including the original mill and infrastructure and underlying royalties and bonuses which were associated with the Real de Catorce Silver Project in San Luis Potosi State, Mexico.
The total purchase price of US$3,000,000 consists of US$1,500,000 cash and the issuance of US$1,500,000 in common shares of First Majestic equalling 152,798 shares at a deemed price of $9.91 per share based on the volume weighted average of the past five days trading. The package includes title to all of the land underlying the Santa Ana Hacienda located within the Real de Catorce property, together with all associated buildings and certain historic geological and proprietary mining information relating to the project.
The Real de Catorce Silver Mine which was acquired in November 2009, had been subject to a 3% net smelter royalty (“3% NSR”), of which 1.75% could be acquired for a total price of US$1.75 million, if paid prior to March 15, 2014, otherwise the total purchase price would increase to US$2.1 million. In addition, the previous owner (Normabec) had agreed to acquire the surface rights, the buildings located thereon which cover the location of the previous mining operations, and all technical and geological information, in consideration for a single payment of US$1.2 million to be made by December 2010. The Company was also obligated upon commencement of commercial production, to pay an additional US$200,000 to the previous owner.
The acquisition by the Company today replaces the above mentioned total cash payments of between $3.15 and $3.4,with a total purchase price of US$3.0 million in cash and shares, and removes entirely any future NSR on the Real de Catorce project.
The Company is currently evaluating its alternatives for future production in the area, including the evaluation of past exploration works in order to plan for future underground development, mining and processing plant alternatives. In the meantime, the Company is planning to rehabilitate the Santa Ana Hacienda for the purpose of opening a mining museum to help the community create new jobs and increase the economic opportunities in the area.
The shares issued in this agreement will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issuance under applicable Canadian securities laws.
First Majestic is a producing silver company focused in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing its business plan to become a senior silver producer through the development of its existing assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional assets that contribute to achieving its corporate growth objectives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
“signed”
Keith Neumeyer,
President & CEO
First Majestic: Another Record Quarter of Earnings and Cash Flows
The number one winner in our portfolio so far is announcing yet another record quarter! We are proud to have First Majestic in our portfolio. Bought in September 2009 @ CAD$2,66 this means a 343.2% gain! Using today’s intra-day’s high of CAD$ 11,79 ; At the moment of this post down to CAD$ 10,17 (largely the result of the lower silver intra-day, not a surprise…); We will keep First Majestic in our portfolio, and are confident that their strong management will keep us giving these wonderful results. The fact that the company is now debt free, and has a lot of cash on hand, means they are probably silently shopping around to see if there is a silver junior they can take over. This company makes us hope this gold/silver correction of today continuous into the week, so we might consider to announce a buy alert for this company, and buy some more stock for ourselves.
First Majestic Press Release:
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP. (FR-T) (the “Company” or “First Majestic”) is pleased to announce the unaudited financial results for the Company’s third quarter ending September 30, 2010. The full version of the financial statements and the management’s discussion and analysis can be viewed on the Company’s web site at www.firstmajestic.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Third Quarter 2010 Highlights ($CAD) | Change from Q3-2009 | |
Gross Revenue | $36.1 million | Up 114% |
Net Revenue | $33.5 million | Up 144% |
Mine Operating Earnings | $16.9 million | Up 307% |
Net Income after Taxes | $10.3 million | Up 458% |
Cash Flow Per Share (non-GAAP measure) | $0.17 per share | Up 279% |
Earnings Per Share – basic | $0.11 per share | Up 450% |
Silver Ounces Produced (excluding equivalent ounces of gold and lead) | 1,823,370 ounces Ag | Up 95% |
Silver Equivalent Production | 1,920,498 eq. oz. | Up 76% |
Silver Equivalent Ounces Sold | 1,869,393 eq. oz. | Up 84% |
Total Cash Costs per Ounce | US$ 7.42 | Down 14% |
Direct Cash Costs per Ounce | US$ 5.79 | Up 4% |
Average Revenue per Ounce sold | US$ 18.57 | Up 23% |
Cash and Cash Equivalents (as at Sept 30 th) | $25.5 million | Up $19.6 million |
Results of Operations
Consolidated gross revenue (prior to smelting & refining charges, and metal deductions) for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 increased 114% to $36.1 million (US$34.7 million) compared to $16.8 million (US$15.4 million) for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, for an increase of $19.2 million. Compared to the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, consolidated gross revenue increased by $4.3 million or 13%. The increase in revenues in the third quarter of 2010 is primarily attributable to a 15% increase in silver ounces sold compared to the previous quarter. The increase in ounces sold is due to increased production from the plant at the La Encantada Silver Mine as well as from improving operating levels at the La Parrilla Silver Mine which combined to contribute a 95% increase in silver production when compared to the third quarter of 2009.
Net sales revenue (after smelting and refining charges and metals deductions) for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 was $33.5 million, an increase of 144% compared to $13.7 million for the third quarter of 2009. Net sales revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 increased by 16% compared to $29.0 million in the second quarter of 2010. Smelting and refining charges and metal deductions decreased to 7% of gross revenue in the third quarter of 2010 compared to 19%of gross revenue in the third quarter of 2009, due to a shift in the production mix toward silver doré which is a benefit from the new cyanidation plant at La Encantada. Average smelting charges for doré in the third quarter of 2010 were US$0.39 per silver ounce as compared to US$3.84 per silver ounce for concentrates.
Net income after taxes was $10.3 million in the third quarter of 2010 resulting in basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) of $0.11, compared to a net income in the third quarter of 2009 of $1.8 million or an EPS of $0.02. Net income for the third quarter of 2010 was after taking a non-cash future income tax provision of $3.5 million or $0.04 per share and a foreign exchange loss (due to a stronger Peso) which increased by $1.0 million or $0.01 per share over the previous quarter, when net income after taxes was $8.9 million and basic EPS was $0.10.
Mine operating earnings for the third quarter of 2010 increased by 307% to $16.9 million, compared to mine operating earnings of $4.1 million for the third quarter of 2009, and are associated with an increase in net revenue during the third quarter of 2010. When compared to the second quarter of 2010, mine operating earnings increased by 29% from $13.1 million to $16.9 million.
Operating income increased by 617%, or $11.8 million, to $13.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, from $1.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, due to the 84% increase in ounces sold and the 23% increase in average US$ revenue per ounce of silver sold. When compared to the second quarter of 2010, operating income increased by 38% from $10.0 million to $13.8 million.
Production of silver, excluding any equivalents from gold, lead or zinc, increased 95% compared to the third quarter of 2009. The Company produced 1,823,370 ounces of silver in the current quarter, 1,538,798 ounces of silver in prior quarter and 935,996 ounces in the third quarter of 2009. In the current quarter, 95% of First Majestic’s revenue resulted from the sale of pure silver making it the purest silver producer relative to its peers.
Total silver equivalents production for the third quarter of 2010 increased 76% from the same quarter of the prior year and 16% from the prior quarter to 1,920,498 ounces of silver equivalents consisting of 1,823,370 ounces of silver, 323 ounces of gold, 1,248,086 pounds of lead and 228,517 pounds of zinc. This compares to the 1,089,481 ounces of silver equivalents produced in the third quarter of 2009, which consisted of 935,996 ounces of silver, 732 ounces of gold, 1,690,354 pounds of lead, and 8,913 pounds of zinc and compares with production in the previous quarter of 1,656,165 ounces of silver equivalents consisting of 1,538,798 ounces of silver, 541 ounces of gold and 1,494,548 pounds of lead.
In the third quarter of 2010, the Company sold 1,869,393 ounces of silver equivalent at an average price of $19.30 per ounce (US$18.57) compared to 1,018,417 ounces in the third quarter of 2009 at an average price of $16.54 per ounce (US$15.07), representing an increase of 84% in shipments over the same quarter in 2009 and a 15% increase over the preceding quarter. The average trading price for silver in the third quarter was US$18.96.
The new La Encantada cyanidation plant achieved average throughput of 3,477 tonnes per day in the third quarter compared to 2,900 tonnes per day in the second quarter. The La Encantada plant produces silver doré bars which are 93-97% silver with small amounts of lead, gold and other metals making up the balance of the contents in these bars. The economic differences between doré and concentrate production are significant and are beginning to reflect in improved financial numbers. The economics of switching from concentrate production to doré production resulted in a 56% savings of smelting and refining costs per silver ounce for consolidated operations in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the third quarter of 2009.
Total cash costs per ounce (including smelting, refining, metal deductions, transportation and other selling costs, and byproduct credits, which is a non-GAAP measure) for the third quarter of 2010 was US$7.42 per ounce of silver compared to US$8.64 per ounce of silver in the third quarter of 2009 and US$8.20 per ounce in the second quarter of 2010. The cost decrease was attributed to reduced smelting & refining costs (US$1.34 per ounce this quarter versus US$3.08 per ounce for the same quarter last year) related to the converting the production at La Encantada plant to doré production instead of concentrate production.
On a year to date basis, the Company’s cash position has increased by $19.6 million to $25.5 million at the end of the third quarter, and working capital increased by $19.3 million to $24.1 million over the same period. The Company achieved these increases while also investing $11.6 million in plant and equipment and $10.0 million in its mineral properties. In addition, in September and October the Company repaid in advance 100% of the $4.1 million balance of the FIFOMI loans outstanding leaving the Company debt free, excluding the small prepayment facility and capital leases.
In Summary
First Majestic has delivered another quarter of strong operating results thanks to the additional production, earnings and cash flow from operations including the new plant at the La Encantada Silver Mine, which have also come at a time when there’s been a significant increase in the price of silver, which combined, have had an extremely positive impact on the Company’s balance sheet on a year to date basis.
“These are clearly very exciting times in the silver commodity markets and a very exciting time for the Company to be reaping the rewards of over six years of hard work, and which have delivered increased capacities into a very buoyant market. We will continue to focus on the fundamentals of minimizing cash costs and increasing production as we grow First Majestic into a senior silver producer” commented Keith Neumeyer, President and CEO of First Majestic.
First Majestic is a producing silver company focused in México and is aggressively pursuing its business plan of becoming a senior silver producer through the development of its existing mineral property assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional mineral assets which contribute to the Company achieving its aggressive corporate growth objectives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website atwww.firstmajestic.com or call our toll free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
“signed”
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
This press release includes certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results and future plans and objectives of First Majestic Silver Corp. are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Source:
Copyright © 2010 FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP. (TSX: FR) All rights reserved. For more information visit our website at http://www.firstmajestic.com/ or send email to investor@firstmajestic.com .
First Majestic Press Release: Another New Record for Silver Production; 1,823,370 oz Silver Produced in Q3
First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX:FR)(OTCQX:FRMSF)(FRANKFURT:FMV)(WKN:A0LHKJ) -
Highlights
- Silver production increases by 18% from previous quarter to a quarterly record of 1,823,370 ounces
- Total equivalent silver production equalled 1,920,498 ounces for the quarter
- Total silver production amounted to 95% of total equivalent silver production
- Total processed ore in the quarter increased by 7% from previous quarter to a record 434,221 tonnes
First Majestic Silver Corp. (“First Majestic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that production in the third quarter ending September 30, 2010 increased to a new Company record of 1,920,498 equivalent ounces of silver representing a 16% increase over the previous quarter and a 76% increase over the third quarter of 2009.
The total equivalent silver production for the quarter consisted of: 1,823,370 ounces of silver, representing an 18% increase from the previous quarter; 1,248,086 pounds of lead representing a 16% decrease from the previous quarter; and 377 ounces of gold representing a decrease of 36% compared to the previous quarter. Total silver production compared to the third quarter of 2009 increased by 95%.
The total ore processed during the quarter at the Company’s three operating silver mines, the La Encantada Silver Mine, the La Parrilla Silver Mine and the San Martin Silver Mine, amounted to a new record of 434,221 tonnes milled in the quarter representing a 7% increase over the previous quarter.
Production Details Table: |
Quarter Ended September 30, 2010 |
Quarter Ended June 30, 2010 |
% Change +/- | |
Total silver ounces produced | 1,823,370 | 1,538,798 | 18% |
Total equivalent silver ounces produced | 1,920,498 | 1,656,165 | 16% |
Total ore processed/tonnes milled | 434,221 | 404,350 | 7% |
Total pounds of lead produced | 1,248,086 | 1,494,548 | -16% |
Total gold ounces produced | 377 | 593 | -36% |
Other Developments
The Company’s underground development in the third quarter consisted of 6,207 metres, compared to 5,063 metres completed in the previous quarter. Diamond drilling activity in the quarter consisted of 7,819 metres compared with 3,090 metres completed in the previous quarter. The expanded drilling program consisted of definition drilling to assist in mining activity and resource upgrading and exploration at the Company’s three mines.
Now that the La Encantada mill expansion has effectively achieved full capacity, the Company’s focus for the next 15 months will be: 1) expanding the Company’s La Parrilla operation, 2) concluding a final decision on size and timing of a new mill construction at the Company’s Del Toro Silver Mine, and 3) expanding the NI 43-101 compliant Reserves / Resources at each of the Company’s five projects (La Encantada Silver Mine, La Parrilla Silver Mine, San Martin Silver Mine, Del Toro Silver Mine and the Real de Catorce Silver Project).
At the La Encantada Silver Mine:
- The new 3,500 tpd cyanidation mill achieved full production during the quarter. Average throughput reached 3,477 tpd for a total of 295,328 tonnes (dry metric tonnes) compared to 2,908 tpd for the second quarter. Full capacity is based on a 330 day work year (85 days for the third quarter) which equates to 297,500 tonnes which confirms the mill is running at 99% of capacity.
- Cost efficiencies are expected to improve compared to the second quarter as throughput has reached capacity in the third quarter.
- In July, the main access to the mine from Muzquiz, Coahuila, was interrupted by Hurricane Alex. With cooperation with other mining companies in the area, efforts were combined to re-open roads. The interruption was short lived with minimal delays in transportation of supplies. Further work is underway to improve the local infrastructure to prevent future interruptions.
- Now that the throughput in the mill has reached capacity, the focus in the fourth quarter will be to refine operations in the areas of recoveries, smelting and other areas which are expected to improve costs and efficiencies going forward.
At the La Parrilla Silver Mine:
- Further to the July 8, 2010 news release discussing the plan to expand the La Parrilla operation; final engineering design and planning is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter. Permitting is expected in the first quarter of 2011, with groundbreaking commencing immediately afterwards. The current plan is to expand this operation to 1,600 tpd from its current capacity of 850 tpd, effectively doubling production from current levels by the end of 2011. Once final plans are completed, the Company will announce further details.
- During the quarter the Company acquired, through staking, an additional 16,630 hectares of land which created a contiguous land block of 69,867 hectares surrounding the La Parrilla mining operations. Several large geological anomalies are now contained within First Majestic’s land holdings. Geophysical regional exploration and mapping is currently being carried out in order to define a broad diamond drill program scheduled for 2011.
At the San Martin Mine:
- The 2010 surface diamond drilling exploration program commenced in the second quarter. The La Esperanza vein, which runs parallel to the main Zuloaga vein, was discovered and sampled in mid 2009. The sampling returned high anomalous values of silver on surface resulting in this discovery becoming a high priority target. To date, seven holes with 2,757 metres have been completed with good results. Grades ranging from 100 g/t to greater than one kilo (1,000 g/t) have been intersected. The drilling program will continue during the fourth quarter and will be evaluated for continuation into 2011.
At the Del Toro Silver Mine:
- Development was reinitiated during the month of September 2010. The current 1,000 metre ramp development is planned to contact the third ore body at a depth of approximately 300 metres (see news release dated October 28, 2008). The objective is to collect a bulk sample of approximately 5,000 tonnes and running this sample through the La Parrilla mill for metallurgical test work. This testing will allow the fine tuning and design of the final flow chart for a new flotation plant anticipated to commence construction in 2011. Bulk sampling and development will also determine the most optimal mine exploitation method. As indicated in previous news releases all permits for the construction of a new plant at Del Toro have been approved.
Mr. Keith Neumeyer, President and CEO stated: “First Majestic’s operations are exceeding budgeted levels. This is a real testament to the efforts of our management and staff at all levels of our business. It’s nice to see First Majestic shine as it continues to break new records.”
Ramon Davila, Ing., M.Sc., Chief Operating Officer for First Majestic, is the Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101 who reviewed this news release and oversees the mining operations.
First Majestic is a producing silver company focused in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing its business plan to become a senior silver producer through the development of its existing assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional assets that contribute to achieving its corporate growth objectives.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
Press Release: Record Earnings and Cash Flows. Purest Silver Producer with 93% of Revenue from Silver Production
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP. (FR-T) (the “Company” or “First Majestic”) is pleased to announce the unaudited financial results for the Company’s second quarter ending June 30, 2010. The full version of the financial statements and the management discussion and analysis can be viewed on the Company’s web site at www.firstmajestic.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Second Quarter 2010 Highlights ($CAD)
|
Change from Q2-2009
|
|
Gross Revenue |
$31.8 million
|
Up 102%
|
Net Revenue |
$29.0 million
|
Up 122%
|
Mine Operating Earnings |
$13.1 million
|
Up 679%
|
Net Income after taxes |
$8.9 million
|
Up 757%
|
Earnings Per Share — basic |
$0.10 per share
|
Up 900%
|
Cash Flow Per Share (non-GAAP measure) |
$0.14 per share
|
Up 1300%
|
Silver Ounces Produced (excluding equivalent ounces of gold and lead) |
1,538,798 ounces Ag
|
Up 86%
|
Silver Equivalent Production |
1,656,165 eq. oz.
|
Up 73%
|
Silver Equivalent Ounces Sold |
1,623,844 eq. oz.
|
Up 51%
|
Total Cash Costs per ounce |
US$ 8.20
|
Down 10%
|
Direct Cash Costs per ounce |
US$ 6.16
|
Down 2%
|
Average Revenue per ounce sold |
US$ 18.68
|
Up 48%
|
Results of Operations
Consolidated gross revenue (prior to smelting and refining charges and metal deductions) for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 was $31.8 million (US$30.3 million) compared to $15.8 million (US$13.5 million) for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 for an increase of $16.0 million or 102%. Compared to the first quarter ended March 31, 2010, consolidated gross revenue increased by $9.9 million or 45%. The increase in revenues in the second quarter of 2010 is primarily attributable to a 25% increase in silver ounces sold compared to the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. The increase in ounces sold are due to the launch of the new cyanidation plant at the La Encantada Silver Mine and the improving operating levels at the La Parrilla Silver Mine which combined, contribute a 86% increase in silver production compared to the second quarter of 2009.
In the second quarter of 2010, the Company sold 1,623,844 ounces of silver equivalent at an average price of US$18.68 per ounce compared to 1,073,129 ounces in the second quarter of 2009 at an average price of US$12.60 per ounce, representing an increase of 51% in shipments over the same quarter in 2009 and a 25% increase over the first quarter of 2010. In the first quarter of 2010, the Company sold 1,298,659 ounces of silver equivalents at an average price of US$16.23 per ounce.
Production of silver, excluding any equivalents from gold or lead, increased by 9% over the prior quarter and 86% compared to the second quarter of 2009. The Company produced 1,538,798 ounces of silver in the current quarter, 1,409,825 ounces of silver in the first quarter of 2010 (commercial and non-commercial production), and 827,720 ounces in the second quarter of 2009. In the second quarter of 2010, 93% of First Majestic’s revenue resulted from the sale of pure silver making the Company the purest silver producer relative to its peers.
The new plant at La Encantada achieved commercial production on April 1, 2010. The design of the new plant allows for the production of silver doré bars which are generally 93-97% silver with small amounts of lead, gold and other metals making up the balance of the contents of these bars. During the second quarter, furnaces were installed allowing for the discontinuation of concentrate production. The economic differences are significant and are beginning to reflect in the financial numbers. Management completed a review of the economics of lead production and concluded that, due to the relatively small amount of lead produced historically and the current lead prices, ore was more valuable if processed directly through cyanidation rather than being floated, and thus the flotation circuit was shut down in June 2010. As a result of the discontinuation of flotation, concentrate production decreased in the second quarter and lead as a byproduct decreased by 41% to 1,494,548 pounds. The economics of switching from concentrate production to doré production resulted in a savings for La Encantada of approximately US$2.61 per ounce in the second quarter of 2010 and a savings of $1.10 per ounce for consolidated operations. The new La Encantada cyanidation plant achieved average throughput of approximately 2,900 tonnes per day in the second quarter. This average throughput is expected to increase in the third quarter.
Total commercial production for the second quarter of 2010 increased by 22% compared to the first quarter of 2010. Total production (commercial and non-commercial) for the second quarter of 2010 increased 2% from the prior quarter and 73% from the same quarter of the prior year to 1,656,165 ounces of silver equivalents consisting of 1,538,798 ounces of silver, 541 ounces of gold and 1,494,548 pounds of lead. This compares to the 957,936 ounces of silver equivalents produced in the second quarter of 2009, which consisted of 827,720 ounces of silver, 746 ounces of gold, 1,493,162 pounds of lead, and compares with production in the first quarter of 1,619,403 ounces of silver equivalents consisting of 1,409,825 ounces of silver, 857 ounces of gold and 2,542,071 pounds of lead.
Net sales revenue (after smelting and refining charges, metals deductions, transportation and other selling costs) for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 was $29.0 million, an increase of 122% compared to $13.0 million for the second quarter of 2009. Net sales revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 increased by 59% compared to $18.2 million in the first quarter of 2010. Smelting and refining charges and metal deductions decreased to 9% of gross revenue in the second quarter of 2010 compared to 17% of gross revenue in the second quarter of 2009, due to a shift in the production mix toward silver doré which is a major benefit from the new cyanidation plant at La Encantada.
The Company generated net income of $8.9 million in the second quarter of 2010, or earnings per common share (“EPS”) of $0.10 compared to a net income in the second quarter of 2009 of $1.0 million or EPS of $0.01. Net income for the second quarter of 2010 included non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and an income tax provision of $1.4 million. In the first quarter of 2010, net income was $3.0 million resulting in EPS of $0.03. If the revenues and expenses of the new plant were deemed commercial in the first quarter (recorded as income rather than capital) an additional $2.3 million of capitalized profits would have increased EPS in the first quarter to $0.06.
Direct cash costs per ounce of silver (a non-GAAP measure) for the second quarter of 2010 were US$6.16, compared to US$6.31 per ounce of silver in the second quarter of 2009 and US$4.94 per ounce of silver in the first quarter of 2010. The cost increase was attributed to an increase in the peso relative to the US dollar, as well as an increase in electricity and diesel costs compared to previous quarters.
Total cash costs per ounce (including smelting, refining, metal deductions, transportation and other selling costs, and by-product credits, which is a non-GAAP measure) for the second quarter of 2010 was US$8.20 per ounce of silver compared to US$9.15 per ounce of silver in the second quarter of 2009 and US$8.11 per ounce in the first quarter of 2010.
Mine operating earnings for the second quarter of 2010 increased by 679% to $13.1 million compared to mine operating earnings of $1.7 million for the second quarter of 2009 and are associated with an increase in net revenue during the second quarter of 2010. When compared to the first quarter of 2010, mine operating earnings increased by 78% from $7.4 million.
Operating income increased by 907%, or $11.2 million, to $10.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, from an operating loss of $1.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, due to the 51% increase in ounces sold and the 51% increase in average US$ revenue per ounce of silver sold. When compared to the first quarter of 2010, operating income increased by 114% from $4.7 million.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, the Company invested $2.6 million in its mineral properties and a further $3.0 million in additions to plant and equipment on a cash basis. This compares to $3.2 million invested in its mineral properties and a further $5.9 million in additions to plant and equipment on a cash basis in the second quarter ended June 30, 2009. When compared to the first quarter of 2010, the Company invested $3.4 million in its mineral properties and a further $1.4 million in additions to plant and equipment on a cash basis.
In Summary
First Majestic has experienced its first quarter of operating results incorporating the additional production, earnings and cashflow from the operations of its new plant at the La Encantada Silver Mine and, as expected, the results are clearly record breaking. The increased production of silver, reduced smelting and refining costs and firm silver prices are combining to provide the Company a quantum increase in earnings and cashflow for this past quarter.
“We would like to thank everyone who assisted in the construction, financing and launching of the impressive La Encantada processing plant and look forward to continued improvements in costs and output as we further increase our daily throughput and improve our operational efficiencies” commented Keith Neumeyer, President and CEO of First Majestic. “Management looks forward to continued improvements in production, earnings and cashflow as the La Encantada operation matures over the coming quarters”.
First Majestic is a producing silver company focused in México and is aggressively pursuing its business plan of becoming a senior silver producer through the development of its existing mineral property assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional mineral assets which contribute to the Company achieving its aggressive corporate growth objectives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
“signed”
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
First Majestic Press Release – New Record for Silver Production; Produces 1,538,798 oz Silver in last quarter
First Majestic Silver Corp. (“First Majestic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that production in the second quarter ending June 30, 2010 increased to a new company record of 1,651,411 equivalent ounces of silver representing a 2% increase over the previous quarter and a 72% increase over the second quarter of 2009.
The total equivalent silver production for the quarter consisted of 1,538,798 ounces of silver, representing a 9% increase from the previous quarter, 1,494,532 pounds of lead representing a 41% decrease from the previous quarter, and 541 ounces of gold representing a decrease of 37% compared to the previous quarter. Total silver production from operations have increased by 86% when compared with the second quarter of 2009.
The total ore processed during the quarter at the Company’s three operating silver mines, the La Encantada Silver Mine, the La Parrilla Silver Mine and the San Martin Silver Mine, amounted to a new record 404,349 tonnes milled in the quarter representing a 20% increase over the previous quarter.
Other Developments
The Company’s underground development in the second quarter consisted of 5,063 metres, compared to 5,100 metres completed in the previous quarter. There was 3,090 meters of diamond drilling completed in the quarter which consisted of definition drilling to assist in mining activity, resource upgrading and exploration at the Company’s three mines.
At the La Encantada Silver Mine:
The new 3,500 tpd cyanidation mill achieved commercial production effective April 1, 2010. Starting this quarter, all revenues and associated operating costs will be treated as commercial production rather than being capitalized, as was the case in the first quarter.
Average throughput in the new cyanidation plant averaged 2,908 tpd in the second quarter.
With the cyanidation plant operating at close to capacity a decision was made to suspend production of lead concentrate through the flotation circuit and focus on silver Doré production only, thereby dramatically reducing smelting and refining costs.
As throughput reaches capacity in the third quarter and other efficiencies are achieved, higher production levels are anticipated.
At the La Parrilla Silver Mine:
The completion of a new three kilometre ramp at the Quebradillas mining area in the first quarter is now having a positive impact on current production levels.
Due to a large high grade ore body that was discovered in 2006, this large sulphide area will allow for the eventual expansion of the La Parrilla mill which is now in the planning stages.
This mill expansion will allow for the production of zinc concentrates in addition to the lead concentrate and Doré bars currently being produced.
At the San Martin Mine:
The 2010 drilling exploration program from surface commenced in the second quarter. The La Esperanza vein which was discovered and sampled in mid 2009 and runs parallel to the main Zuloaga vein returned high anomalous values of silver on surface and is a high priority target for San Martin.
Mr. Keith Neumeyer, President and CEO had the following to say about the recent production results: “First Majestic continues to break new records and we are extremely pleased with the second quarter results. Our operational team continues to demonstrate that they are committed to increasing efficiencies to achieve our production goal of 6.35 million silver equivalent ounces in 2010.”
Ramon Davila, Ing., Chief Operating Officer for First Majestic, is the Qualified Person who reviewed this news release and oversaw the mining operations.
First Majestic is a producing silver company focused in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing its business plan to become a senior silver producer through the development of its existing assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional assets that contribute to achieving its corporate growth objectives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
“SIGNED”
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
To see the table and read this press statement on the First Majestic website click here